Three-phase fluidization: Some knowledge gaps

The most recent review by østergaard — on the fluid mechanics of three-phase fluidized beds — is updated and broadened, and the more manifest knowledge gaps are identified. A systematic classification of the various modes of three-phase fluidization is presented in order to provide some perspective on the research which has been done and on that which has yet to be done.     

Usefulness of chromosome examination in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions

To determine whether chromosome analysis could facilitate the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions, we examined chromosomes in effusions from 104 unselected patients. An effusion was regarded as malignant if at least three of 30 metaphase cells were hyperdiploid or contained a marker chromosome. Results were compared with standard cytologic diagnoses. All 22 benign effusions were diagnosed correctly by cytologic examination, but one nosed correctly by cytologic examination, but one (acute rheumatoid lung disease) was misclassified as positive by chromosome criteria. Of the 82 malignant effusions, 53 (65 per cent) were diagnosed correctly by cytologic tests, as compared with 58 (71 per cent) by chromosome analysis (P greater than 0.2). Among patients with malignant neoplasms, 13 had leukemia or lymphoma; only four of these (31 per cent) were diagnosed by cytologic tests as compared with 11 (85 per cent) by chromosome analysis (P less than 0.01). The combination of standard cytologic and chromosome analyses correctly identified 83 per cent of the neoplasms, a result significantly better than that with either technic alone (P less than 0.01).     

A case of veno-occlusive disease of the liver in Britain associated with herbal tea consumption

Veno-occlusive disease of the liver with clinical and pathological features similar to those of the condition occurring in the Caribbean is described in a young woman resident in Britain. The diagnosis was made from liver biopsies and hepatic venography and was confirmed at necropsy. Small amounts of pyrroliziding alkaloids were recovered from a sample of mate (Paraguay) tea, owned by the patient, to which she was addicted. It seems probable that the consumption of large amounts of this tea over a period of years was the cause of the hepatic disease.     

Creeping flow relative to permeable spheres

The several possible solutions to the problem of creeping flow relative to an isolated permeable sphere are discussed and compared quantitatively. The most satisfactory solutions is that based upon Brinkman's extension of Darcy's Law. This solution is generalized, using Happel's free-surface model, to cover the practically important problem of flow relative to a swarm of permeable spheres. A physically realistic and mathematically consistent expression for the hydrodynamic resistance experienced by a typical sphere within such a system is derived. This expression is then used to predict the settling rate and the overall permeability of the swarm.     

Colitis cystica profunda

Colitis cystica profunda is a benign disease of the colon. Its importance lies in differentiating it from mucus-producing adenocarcinoma. It has rarely been described in the surgical literature. A review of records of patients seen at the Mayo Clinic produced 66 clinical cases of localized colitis cystica profunda, and in 21 patients the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Follow-up, which was available in all patients, ranged from 2 months to 29 years, with a mean follow-up of more than 8 years. The data suggest that local excision is the preferred initial therapy.     

Hemodynamic responses to stellate ganglion stimulation in mongrels and greyhounds

A comparison of the effects of left stellate ganglion stimulation (SGS) on central and aortic hemodynamics has been made in chloralose-anesthetized mongrel (M), and greyhound (GH) dogs. Measurements of aortic pressure and flow, and left ventricular pressure were made during stimulation of the decentralized left SG at different frequencies from 0 to 20 Hz. The increases in aortic pressure and flow with SGS were larger in the GH, especially for low frequencies of stimulation. Stroke volume was increased with SGS in the GH at all stimulation rates, whereas in the M it was unchanged. A greater decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure with SGS was found in the GH. These results suggest that differences exist in both the intrinsic and extrinsic control of cardiac output in the greyhound dog compared to the mongrel. These differences may be in part responsible for the elevated arterial blood pressure in the greyhound compared to the mongrel.     

Myelolipoma of the adrenal gland

We report the 14th case of myelolipoma of the adrenal gland. Recommendations for appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic methods are made. Myelolipoma of the adrenal gland is a rare non-functioning tumor composed of lipoid and hematopoietic elements. The most consistent complaint is abdominal pain caused by hemorrhage within the tumor. We identified an association with obesity and hypertension. Ultrasound combined with computed tomography is useful in diagnosis. With expanded use of these studies, myelolipoma will be recognized more frequently. Definitive diagnosis and treatment are accomplished by simple excision; radical surgery is unnecessary.