Altered electrodermal responsivity associated with clinical pain

We used certain physiologic maneuvers to perturb the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in an attempt to detect a link between the ANS and pain. In the unperturbed state, we found no difference in the electrodermal response among normal controls, preoperative patients (increased stress without pain) and postoperative patients (increased stress and pain). The electrodermal response elicited by autonomic maneuvers was significantly attenuated in postoperative patients but not in preoperative patients or in normal control subjects.     

Human factors and folk models

This paper presents a discussion of the susceptibility of human factors to the use of folk models. The case of automation-induced complacency is used as a guiding example to illustrate how folk models (1) substitute one label for another rather than decomposing a large construct into more measurable specifics; (2) are immune to falsification and so resist the most important scientific quality check; and (3) easily get overgeneralised to situations they were never meant to speak about. We then discuss the link between models and measurements, where the model constrains what can be measured by describing what is essential performance, and where the models parameters become the basis for specifying the measurements. We propose that one way forward for human factors is to de-emphasize the focus on inferred and uncertain states of the mind, and shift to characteristics of human performance instead.     

Tissue reactions induced by Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata

In Biomphalaria glabrata with a strong natural resistance, Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts are rapidly encapsulated by granulocytes and killed, mainly by the strong phagocytic activity of the cells. Irradiated Echinostoma paraensei sporocysts seem able to suppress the function of the granulocytes. Tissue reactions in snails with self-cure demonstrate: involvement of two types of cells, granulocytes and hyalinocyte-like cells; formation of amoeba-fibrous capsules; limited tendency of granulocytes to become attracted to the parasites; a slow process of parasite destruction; and a possible involvement of humoral factors. It seems that there is partial suppression of the granulocyte function in smails with self-cure.     

The significance of immunological investigations during radiotherapy for breast cancer (author's transl)

The immune profile was controlled in 50 patients with breast cancer over a period of 5 years. No useful method for early detection, prognosis or exacerbation of disease could be developed from these findings for routine clinical work.