Axial diffusion of retinol in isolated frog rod outer segments following substantial bleaches of visual pigment

Partial bleaches of rhodopsin were made in either the proximal or distal halves of isolated Rana pipiens rod outer segments. The fluorescence of all-trans retinol was recorded 15, 60 and 120 min following 17% and 63% bleaches. Some of the retinol that formed remained immobilized in the bleached halves of the outer segments, while another portion was slowly mobilized and diffused along the cell axis.     

The ultrasonographic diagnosis of bleeding into a pancreatic pseudocyst

Bleeding into a pancreatic pseudocyst is a rare but life-threatening entity. Early diagnosis is crucial in its management. There are reports suggesting that computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and angiography could be the diagnostic maneuvers. In this report, we present a case of arterial bleeding into a pancreatic pseudocyst, which was diagnosed by the turbulent echo-currents seen in real-time ultrasonography.     

Frequent attendance at religious services and mortality over 28 years.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the long-term association between religious attendance and mortality to determine whether the association is explained by improvements in health practices and social connections for frequent attenders. METHODS: The association between frequent attendance and mortality over 28 years for 5286 Alameda Country Study respondents was examined. Logistic regression models analyzed associations between attendance and subsequent improvements in health practices and social connections. RESULTS: Frequent attenders had lower mortality rates than infrequent attenders (relative hazard [RH] = 0.64;95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.53,0.77). Results were stronger for females. Health adjustments had little impact, but adjustments for social connections and health practices reduced the relationship (RH = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.64, 0.93). During follow-up, frequent attenders were more likely to stop smoking, increase exercising, increase social contacts, and stay married. CONCLUSIONS: Lower mortality rates for frequent religious attenders are partly explained by improved health practices, increased social contacts, and more stable marriages occurring in conjunction with attendance. The mechanisms by which these changes occur have broad intervention implications.     

Test-retest reliability of audio-taped phallometric stimuli with adolescent sexual offenders

Twenty adolescent male sexual offenders were evaluated by penile plethysmography on two separate occasions. Stimuli consisted of 19, two-minute audiotaped cues. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated for 15 of the 19 audiotaped vignettes. The highest correlations were found for those sexual behaviors in which the adolescents had engaged.     

The role of morphogens in endochondral ossification

Summary The formation of bone occurs normally by one of two developmental processes: intramembranous or endochondral ossification. Endochondral ossification occurs in the morphogenesis of the limb buds and growth plates, and in the regeneration of bone following injury (fracture callus). Two classes of diffusible morphogen-like molecules (MLMs) involved in limb development are the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and retinoic acid (RA). These MLMs are associated, respectively, with the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) of the primitive limb bud. They function as potent regulators of pattern formation and are involved in tissue proliferation and differentiation. The presence of endochondral ossification in fracture callus suggests a role for MLMs in that process as well. To date, virtually nothing is known about the role of morphogens in the regeneration of bone (fracture healing). In this article, we review the current knowledge of MLMs in bone formation and propose a theory on their role in fracture healing. We hypothesize that MLMs involved in fracture healing may also express spatial and temporal information. A more complete understanding of the role of morphogens in both limb development and fracture healing is of major importance to practicing orthopedists and their patients.     

Response of lower esophageal contractility to changing concentrations of halothane or isoflurane: A multicenter study

A multiple-center study was performed to determine the relationship between lower esophageal contractility, clinical signs, and anesthetic concentration as expressed by minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). One hundred four American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I through III patients were exposed to isoflurane (with and without nitrous oxide) or halothane in concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 MAC. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were continuously monitored. Both the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous and provoked lower esophageal contractions were measured in situ by using a 24-F probe equipped with provoking and measuring balloons. Combined results demonstrated statistically significant correlations (P<0.001) between lower esophageal contractility and MAC. Spontaneous lower esophageal contractions decreased from 1.10±0.12 (SEM) contractions per minute (0.5 MAC) to 0.42±0.05 (1 MAC) to 0.18±0.05 (1.5 MAC). Provoked lower esophageal contractility values decreased from 45±4 mm Hg (0.5 MAC) to 29±3 (1 MAC) to 19±2 (1.5 MAC). Heart rate changes did not correlate with MAC, and systolic blood pressure correlated in only one of three centers. Intracenter and intercenter analyses failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between lower esophageal contractility and heart rate or systolic blood pressure. No intracenter differences in either amplitude or frequency of lower esophageal contractions were observed, despite differences in volatile agents, induction techniques and agents, patient populations, and duration of anesthesia. Our studies indicate that lower esophageal contractility may be an indicator of anesthetic depth as reflected by MAC, but further studies are needed to quantify the effects of surgical stimulus, intravenous anesthetics, vasodilators, anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic agonists, and the presence of a nasogastric tube.     

Osseous destruction and rupture of the extensor tendon caused by sarcoidosis of the finger.

We describe a woman with osseous destruction and rupture of the extensor tendon as a result of sarcoidosis in the left third finger with no evidence of systemic involvement. The tendon was repaired and she was successfully treated with prednisone.