Isolation of human serum lipoproteins using a sedimentation method and the determination of their lipid composition]

A method for separation of human blood serum lipoproteins into 3 fractions (low- and high-density lipoproteins, subfractions 2 and 3) is described in detail. The method may be used to rapidly obtain information on the status of lipid metabolism in humans and animals. The results of lipid composition analysis of individual lipoprotein fractions are presented. These data were obtained in a series of experiments and EC-1052 computer-processed with the use of a COM applied program pack. Basing on the results of investigation of individual fractions' lipid composition, the authors make a conclusion on the characteristic features of each fraction, which in future may be helpful in the diagnosis of pathologic process and in detection of lipid metabolism disorders in the body.     

Means of improving the diagnosis of cancer of the large intestine

Problems of perfecting diagnosis of colorectal cancers are discussed with a view to identification of follow-up groups and improvement in methods for X-ray examination and subsequent diagnostic procedures. Double-contrast enema examination should be preferred in those at high risk for cancer of the large bowel. Follow-up groups were identified on the basis of risk factors. Patients' preparation for double-contrast enema including saline and contact purgatives, residue-free diet and hydration is described. The composition of a high-contrast barium suspension is given. The method of primary double-contrast enema, the required projections and other roentgenologic technicalities, which ensure the diagnostic value of the procedure are discussed. Complex syndrome-based roentgeno-endoscopic examination programs are suggested.     

An attempt to motivate internal medicine housestaff to obtain consent for autopsies

The impact that a 50-minute lecture on the value of the autopsy had on the subsequent obtaining of autopsies by housestaff training in internal medicine at a teaching hospital was examined in a prospective one-year clinical trial from mid-1987 to mid-1988. The group that attended the lecture (n = 27) did not subsequently obtain a greater mean number or frequency of permissions for autopsies than did the control group (n = 26), whose members did not attend, and did not indicate more frequently in the patients' charts that autopsies had been sought. In addition, in the total group of 53 housestaff, five (9.4%) did not write a pronunciation-of-death entry, and 26 (49%) did not obtain permission for a single autopsy during the study period. Future efforts to enhance the appreciation for the autopsy among physicians in training may need to use more sophisticated techniques than a lecture in order to increase housestaff motivation to obtain consent for autopsies.     

The status of the iridocorneal angle after the implantation of anterior chamber intraocular lenses with flexible supporting elements

The study was undertaken to examine the status of the iridocorneal angle (ICA) 1 to 4 years after implantation of anterior chamber intraocular lens with flexible supporting devices designed by M. L. Dvali. Correct implantation and gonioscopic monitoring wherein were found to provide reliable lens fixation, as a rule, in the area of the scleral spur and, occasionally, to the anterior part of the ciliary body, if the latter was broad. Additional fixation of the supporting devices was attained by delicate commissures at their small extent at the sites of iris contact, which were detected in the majority of cases. Strangulation of the iris or fixation in its periapical part occurred in small cases and were observed in the upper portion of ICA. Corneal epithelial contact with the supporting devices was revealed in 5.4% of cases, as well as in the upper part of ICA. Only in 1 out of 37 cases, the changes in the drainage area such as iris strangulation at a great extent were sufficient to impair its function and required additional surgical correction. The remaining eyes showed no abnormal intraocular fluid circulation. The visual acuity in 35 eyes was as great as 0.5 or more.     

Influence of polarization filtration on the information readout from pulsating blood vessels

Imaging photoplethysmography (IPPG) is a recently developed technique for noncontact assessment of cardiovascular function. However, its wide use is limited by low signal-to-noise ratio due to motion artifacts. The aim of this work is to estimate the polarization-filtration impact on discriminating artifacts in IPPG measurements. Experiments were carried out in-vivo by almost simultaneous illumination of subject’s palm with polarized and non-polarized light during video recording of 41 subjects. It was found that the light-polarization filtration efficiently reduces motion artifacts compared to the non-polarized illumination while the pulsation amplitude measured at the heartbeat frequency remains unaffected. The polarization filtration improves reliability of IPPG system in non-contact monitoring of subject’s heart rate and its variability.OCIS codes: (170.0170) Medical optics and biotechnology, (170.3880) Medical and biological imaging, (280.0280) Remote sensing and sensors, (170.3660) Light propagation in tissues     

An Automated System for Leukofiltration of Blood Components

Biomedical Engineering - An automated system for filtering blood transfusion media through special filters, monitoring and logging the filtration parameters, and processing filtration protocols is...