An improved method for the analysis of xenon-133 washin and washout curves

A method is described for analysis of xenon-133 washin and washout curves, in the presence of a slowly varying background. The method uses least-squares fitting of a single exponential together with a quadratic function to correct for the background. The method has been applied both to simulated data and to data from 25 patients. The accuracy in the relevant lung parameters was 5% over a wide range of the specific ventilation. A comparison is made with other methods in use to measure regional lung-function parameters. Our method produces reliable results even when specific ventilation is low, which can occur in patients with chronic airflow obstruction, where other methods may incur errors of more than 45%.     

Treatment of band keratopathy by excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy: surgical techniques and long term follow up

A series of 122 eyes with band keratopathy was treated by excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), with a mean follow up of over 12.3 months (range 3 to 60 months). A single photoablation zone was used to remove the opacity over the visual axis in smooth surfaced band deposition. In eyes with reduced vision, an improvement was reported in 88% and in a series of 66 eyes mean Snellen visual acuity increased significantly (p < 0.05, t = 2.27). A reduction in glare was reported in 88% and in a series of 17 patients, visual contrast sensitivity (p < 0.01) and measurements of disability glare (p < 0.01) improved postoperatively. The mean hyperopic shift in 32 eyes at 6 months was 1.4 D (range 0-4.25 D). Multiple overlapping ablation zones, with mechanical debulking of large calcium plaques, were used to smooth the irregular corneal surface in eyes with rough bands. Ocular discomfort was improved in 95%. Band keratopathy recurred in nine eyes (8%) within 2 to 30 months (mean 12 months) of surgery, with silicone oil responsible in five eyes. Reablation was necessary in three eyes and performed successfully in all cases. Excimer laser PTK is a safe and effective outpatient treatment for band keratopathy.     

Fetal or neonatal infection with attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus results in protective immunity against oral challenge with pathogenic SIVmac251

We have reported that infection of fetal or neonatal rhesus macaques with attenuated SIVmac1A11 results in transient viremia, anti-SIV antibody responses, weak or absent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses, and no clinical disease. In light of these results, we hypothesized that congenital infection with SIVmac1A11 produced immune tolerance to SIV. To test this hypothesis, at approximately 1 year of age, five rhesus macaques infected with SIVmac1A11 as fetuses (n = 3) or newborns (n = 2) and five naive juvenile rhesus macaques were challenged orally with pathogenic SIVmac251. The five naive animals became persistently viremic after oral SIVmac251 inoculation. In contrast, one of three monkeys inoculated with SIVmac1A11 in utero and one of two animals inoculated with SIVmac1A11 at birth were virus culture negative. Virus was isolated from PBMC of the other animals infected with SIVmac1A11 in utero or at birth. However, one animal had a substantially lower viral load than the control animals. These results suggest that SIV-specific immunity rather than tolerance results from congenital infection with attenuated SIVmac and that this immunity is sufficient to provide some protection from pathogenic virus challenge. These results also demonstrate that SIV can be transmitted orally in 6- to 17-month-old rhesus monkeys.     

Comprehensive dental treatment of healthy and chronically sick children under intubation general anaesthesia during a 5-year period

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the number of extractions and/or restorations placed in chronically sick children under intubation general anaesthesia and compare these findings with healthy children. SETTING: Two large paediatric dentistry units in Central London: a tertiary referral centre dealing with severe chronic sickness in children and an undergraduate dental school with a large commitment to special needs dentistry in children. DESIGN: Prospective comparison of treatment received for (a) chronically sick children and (b) dentally anxious (otherwise fit) children receiving intubation general anaesthesia during July 1991 to June 1996 inclusive. The statistical tests used were the Shapiro-Wilks test for normality and the Mann Whitney U test for non-parametric comparison of independent groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean total treatment tally (TTT)--the sum of extractions and restorations for each child presented as summary data. RESULTS: Different patterns of dental care were found between the healthy and chronically sick groups. For similar levels of disease, a significantly greater number of extractions were carried out for chronically sick children (P < 0.0001), and significantly fewer restorations (P < 0.0001). The number of pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns provided to sick children was significantly smaller than to healthy children (P < 0.0001). This paper discusses the influences of chronic ill health on dental treatment provided under general anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: The underlying medical disorder in chronically sick children significantly influences the pattern of treatment when this is provided under general anaesthesia.     

Serotonergic ergoline derivatives

Novel classes of 13- and 14-tertbutyl-ergoline derivatives were prepared, and characterised in vitro for their affinity for adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic binding sites. This study particularly examines the importance of the presence and the position of the tert-butyl group in conferring either significant 5-HT1A or 5-HT2 affinity and selectivity respectively.     

The Win1 mitotic regulator is a component of the fission yeast stress-activated Sty1 MAPK pathway

Women's anger experience has been poorly understood and insufficiently researched. Yet the emotion of anger is vitally important to women's physical and mental health, and to the quality of their relationships. This phenomenological study was undertaken as an expansion and extension of the Women's Anger Study, the first large survey of the genesis, manifestations and correlates of anger in American women. Although the earlier study contributed to understanding of anger, a deeper examination of the context and meanings of anger experience was sought. Twenty-nine Caucasian women ranging in age from 21 to 66 years were interviewed. Illustrative occupations ranged from homemaker, student, waitress to business executive, professor, and human service professional. Analysis involved thematizing by the researchers independently and within a multidisciplinary phenomenological research group. The thematic structure of women's anger involved a building over time of a confusing mixture of feelings (hurt, frustration, disillusionment) precipitated by a violation of the core values of the self. The precipitant of anger was unfair and/or disrespectful treatment or lack of reciprocity in relationships. When the anger was confined within self, the woman felt helpless and powerless. However, powerlessness was also evident when anger was externalized in an outburst. To the study participants, an angry outburst meant a loss of control rather than ability to achieve control. Women reported a sense of power when using anger to restore justice, respect, and relationship reciprocity. Clinicians can assist women to reflect on their core values and use the power of their anger effectively. Further studies are in progress to examine the relevance of these findings for women of other races and cultural contexts.     

Evolution of a full-thickness macular hole

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPCD) is a congenital kidney disease with severe prognosis. We present a male infant who was diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography. He died at two months of age in a septic stage. The genetic defect for ARPCD has been mapped to chromosomal region of 6p21-cen. This represents the first study from this region of the world. The linkage studies up to this date fall to show genetic heterogeneity.