Exploratory activity: genetic analysis of its modification by scopolamine and amphetamine

Short-term exploratory activity was found to be significantly higher in C57BL/6By than in BALB/cBy inbred mice. Scopolamine reversed the activity levels in these strains. Basal exploratory activity levels and the effects of scopolamine on this behavioral measure assessed in these two strains, their reciprocal F₁ hybrids, their recombinant inbred strains and three C57BL/6 congenic lines permitted characterization of a gene exerting a major effect on short-term exploratory activity [Exa, linked to H(w26), chromosome 4 (LG VIII)] and of a gene modulating the effects of scopolamine in this behavior, [Sco, linked to H-2, chromosome 17 (LG IX)]. Amphetamine exerted opposite effects in relation to those exerted by scopolamine on activity and its action was found to be determined by a polygenic system.     

Properties of a filamentous virus of the honey bee (Apis mellifera)

An ellipsoidal particle, measuring 450 x 150 nm, from honey bees comprises a nucleocapsid measuring 3000 x 40 nm, containing double-stranded DNA with a molecular weight of approximately 12 x 10(6), which is coiled within a membrane. The buoyant densities in CsCl of the whole particle, nucleocapsid, DNA and DNA with ethidium bromide are 1.28, 1.36, 1.71 and 1.61 g/ml, respectively. The particle contains about 12 proteins, with molecular weights ranging from 13,000 to 70,000, which are distributed approximately equally between the membrane and the nucleocapsid.     

The utility of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale profile analysis with prisoners

Determined the efficacy of profile analysis with a prison population (63 white, 63 black) of the Petersburg Federal Correctional Institution as Ss. By use of Veldman's Hierarchical Profile Analysis, five distinctive WAIS profile types were derived empirically for each racial group. Analyses of covariance that controlled for full-scale IQ differences revealed significant differences among the profile types within each race in terms of Stanford Achievement Test scores and MMPI T-scores. Further, partial correlations indepepdent of full-scale IQ revealed significant relationships between some of the profile types and the commission of rule infractions while incarcerated. These findings are interpreted as supportive of profile analysis with inmate populations. However, it is suggested that further research be effected to cross-validate these findings.     

Prolonged vitamin C supplementation and recovery from eccentric exercise

We have previously shown that vitamin C supplementation affects recovery from an unaccustomed bout of demanding exercise, with the most pronounced effect being that on plasma interleukin-6 concentration. However, because of the proposed role of interleukin-6 in the regulation of metabolism, it was unclear whether this represented a reduced response to muscle damage or some form of interaction with the metabolic demands of the activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the same form of supplementation on a bout of exercise that initiated similar muscle damage but had a low metabolic cost. Fourteen male subjects were allocated to either a placebo (P) or a vitamin C (VC) group. The VC group consumed 200 mg of ascorbic acid twice a day for 14 days prior to a bout of exercise and for the 3 days after exercise. The P group consumed identical capsules that contained 200 mg lactose. Subjects performed 30 min of downhill running at a gradient of –18% and recovery was monitored for up to 3 days after exercise. Plasma VC concentrations in the VC group increased following supplementation. Nevertheless, downhill running provoked a similar increase in circulating markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase activity and myoglobin concentration) and muscle soreness in P and VC groups. Similarly, although downhill running increased plasma interleukin-6, there was no effect from VC supplementation. These results suggest that vitamin C supplementation does not affect interleukin-6 concentrations following eccentric exercise that has a low metabolic component.     

Immunoglobulin M antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of St. Louis encephalitis

Sera from patients with St. Louis encephalitis were tested with an immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody capture enzyme immunoassay (MAC ELISA). The assay used five reagents: antihuman IgM, test serum, sucrose-acetone-extracted mouse brain antigen, broadly cross-reactive flavivirus monoclonal antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase, and substrate (p-nitrophenyl phosphate). MAC ELISA endpoint titers correlated (r = 0.893) with the absorbance value of a 1:100 dilution of patient serum. Significant (fourfold or greater) changes in the endpoint titers between paired sera corresponded to a critical ratio (ratio of absorbance values at the 1:100 dilution) of greater than or equal to 1.3. IgM antibodies were detected in 71% of patients bled at 0 to 3 days after the onset of illness, in 99% bled at 4 to 21 days, and in 91% bled at 22 to 67 days. Thereafter, the IgM seropositivity rate declined; however, 29% of sera were still positive at 115 to 251 days after the onset of illness. MAC ELISA titers were significantly correlated with hemagglutination inhibition (r = 0.258) and neutralization (r = 0.711) titers. Because IgM antibodies appeared early and waned rapidly, a diagnosis was made on the basis of a decrease in titer more often by MAC ELISA than by hemagglutination inhibition, complement fixation, or neutralization tests. IgM antibodies generally showed a high degree of specificity; heterologous cross-reactions were, however, present in 4 of 14 sera examined. The MAC ELISA is useful for the rapid, early diagnosis of St. Louis encephalitis.     

The Ljubljana IUDS: further observations on surface morphology

Twelve IUDs that had been worn from 8 years 10 months to 24 years were examined by SEM. Photomicrographs of selected samples are shown, and a discussion of the nature of the surface encrustations is provided. The authors are of the opinion that surface encrustations are generic to different types of IUDs and that their clinical significance is presently unknown.

---

Resumen Doce DIU que fueron usados de 8 años 10 meses a 24 años, se examinaron por microscopio de barrido. Se muestran microfotografías de especímenes seleccionados y se especula sobre la naturaleza de las incrustaciones en la superficie. Los autores son de opinión que las incrustaciones en la superficie son comunes para los distintos tipos de DIU y que actualmente se desconoce su significado clínico.

---

Résumé Douze stérilets qui ont été utilisés pendant une période allant de 8 ans et 10 mois à 24 ans ont fait object 'dun examen sous microscope électronique. Des microphotographies de spécimens sélectionnés illustrent ce document. Après avoir examiné la nature des incrustations superficielles, les auterus en ont tiré la conclusion que les différents types de stérilets présentent tous les mêmes incrustations dont on ne connaît pas encore la signification clinique.

---

---

Presented at the 3rd International Meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Contraception, Bordeaux, France, September, 1985     

Direct comparison of reproducibility and reliability in quantitative assessments of burn scar properties

IntroductionDetermining the efficacy of anti-scar technologies can be difficult as qualitative, subjective assessments are often utilized instead of systematic, objective measures. Perceptions regarding the reliability of instruments for quantitative measurements along with their high cost and increased data collection time may discourage their use, leading to use of scar scales which are relatively quick and low-cost. To directly evaluate the reliability of instruments for quantitative measurements of scar properties, instruments and two qualitative scales were compared by assessing a variety of cutaneous scars.MethodsScar height and surface texture were evaluated using a 3D scanner and a mold/cast technique. Scar color was evaluated by using a spectroscopy-based tool, the Mexameter®, and digital photography with image analysis. Scar biomechanics were evaluated using the BTC-2000?, Dermal Torque Meter (DTM®), and ballistometer®. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were used to qualitatively evaluate the same scar properties. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine inter- and intra-user reliability (poor, moderate, good, excellent) with all instruments and the kappa reliability statistic was used to asses inter-user reliability (poor, fair, moderate, good, very good) for VSS and POSAS. Time for measurement collection and after collection analysis was also recorded.ResultsThe Mexameter® was the most reliable method for evaluating erythema and pigmentation compared to digital photography and image processing, POSAS and VSS. Digital photography and analysis was more reliable than POSAS and VSS. Assessment of scar height was significantly more reliable when using a 3D scanner versus VSS and POSAS. The 3D scanner and mold-cast techniques also offered an additional benefit of providing an absolute value of scar height relative to the surrounding tissue. Intra-user reliability for all mechanical tests was moderate to good. Inter-user reliability was greater when using the BTC-2000? and ballistometer® versus the DTM®. All quantitative measurements took less than 90 s for collection, with the exception of the mold/cast technique.ConclusionNon-invasive instruments allow scar properties to be quantitatively assessed with high sensitivity and as a function of time and/or treatment without the need for biopsy collection. Overall, the reliability of scar assessments was significantly improved when quantitative instruments were utilized versus scar scales. Quantitative assessment of color and biomechanics were swift, requiring less than 90 s per measurement while assessments of texture and height required additional analysis time after collection. With proper training of clinical staff and well-defined protocols for measurement collection, reliable, quantitative assessments of scar properties can be collected with little disruption to the clinical workflow.