Activity of natural killer cells and granulocytes in peripheral blood and separated cells]

The natural killing of K 562 cells by whole blood from normal subjects was comparable with that shown by separated mononuclear cells. In order to establish the conditions for a reliable natural killer assay by using very small numbers of effector cells in whole blood, the isotope uptake of target cells was increased by a modified labelling method, which permitted the use of fewer target cells in the assay. The natural cytotoxicity of whole blood was augmented by interferon to the same extent as observed with separated mononuclear cells. The chemiluminescence of granulocytes in whole blood comparable with that of separated granulocytes. Taken together, these methods are considerably less tedious than the conventional methods, technique is also economical, and the results may reflect in vivo cytolytic processes much better.     

A study on personal information system using movable media for effective welfare services]

A data system which enables utilization of individual patient data by public health nurses, physicians and home helpers, is required both for the continuous and comprehensive monitoring of the various needs of the aged receiving care services at home in the local district and for facilitating welfare services. Therefore, an experimental and comprehensive system for public health, medical services and welfare was put into practice for district public health services for the aging society. The results of this trial system shows that this system is useful indeed for the welfare services, though it also has several problems.     

A device for measuring ionizing radiation dose field nonuniformity

Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Roentgenoradiology. Translated from Meditsinskaya Tekhnika, No. 2, pp. 6–8, March–April, 1992.     

Antral and duodenal motor responses to duodenal feeding in preterm and term infants.

In the fasting state, antral motor activity is similar in preterm and term infants, but the antral responses to feeding have not been compared in preterm and term infants. The purpose of this study was to use low-compliance, continuous perfusion manometry to compare antral and duodenal feeding responses in 13 preterm and nine term infants within the first 14 days of life. Confirming our previous studies, fasting antral motor activity was similar in preterm and term infants, but duodenal activity differed. Individual duodenal cluster activity was of shorter duration in preterm than in term infants (p less than 0.01). Motor activity in antrum and duodenum changed in both groups of infants in response to an intraduodenal milk infusion of 4 ml/kg/2 h; however, the nature of the change varied in the two regions. In term infants, the number of antral pressure waves, the duration of antral clusters, and the antral motility index decreased by one third or more during feeding when compared with fasting (all p less than 0.05). In contrast to the decrease in antral activity in response to feeding, the duodenal motility index and cluster activity increased significantly during feeding compared with fasting (both p less than 0.05). The divergent response of antral and duodenal motor activity in response to feedings was also seen in preterm infants. Antral pressure waves, the duration of antral clusters, and the antral motility index were decreased during feeding (all p less than 0.005 or less).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein in therapy with hematopoietic growth factors. A case report

Thrombosis of the internal jugular and subclavian vein is often caused by central venous catheters. We report on a 39-year-old patient suffering from clinically suspected thrombosis of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. Thrombosis was confirmed by B-mode-sonography. The development of thrombosis in this case as a consequence of a central venous catheter and of an additional continuous i.v. treatment with human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is discussed.     

A case of bilateral blepharospasm responsive to edrophonium]

A case of bilateral blepharospasm who registered the efficacy of edrophonium was reported. The case is a 49-year-old female. She had been in good health until January, 1991 when she complained of difficulty in opening her eyes while driving. Thereafter the condition progressed to such a degree that she was unable to experience a comfortable life. Her blinking rate did not changed. The symptoms were triggered by stress or some physical action, such as walking or driving. They were attenuated by taking a bath, sleep or sedation. The severity of the symptoms varied during the day and from day to day. Neurological examination revealed bilateral spasms of the orbicular oculi muscles, and occasionally of the orbicular oris muscles, sternocleidmastoid muscles and the perinasal regions. Neither orolingual dyskinesia nor other involuntary movements were detected. Surface electromyography (EMG) disclosed tonic discharges mainly from the orbicular oculi muscles. The abnormal spasm disappeared with the injection of edrophonium chloride. The test for the serum antiacetylcholine receptor antibody was negative and a repetitive stimulation EMG showed no waning phenomenon. No thymoma or thymus abnormalities were detected by pneumomediastinography. A needle EMG revealed neurogenic change in the distal portion of the limbs. A single fiber EMG showed elongation of the jitter value and the blocking phenomenon. Although distigmine bromide was ineffective against the spasm, pyridostigmine bromide and the local injection of botulinum toxin were very effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Direct percutaneous ureteral approach for the treatment of ureteral stenosis or obstruction.

Two cases are presented in which conventional approaches did not permit dilation of and stent placement in obstructed ureters. In patients with iatrogenic ureteral laceration or rigid ureteral kinking, direct percutaneous translumbar puncture may provide a safe alternative. The authors' technique is described.     

Determining risk status in a primary care setting.

Nurses working in primary health care settings often care for large numbers of clients in brief periods of time. Both clients and nurses express frustration toward the care provided in these circumstances. Development of a screening tool to identify high-risk clients could assist nurses in targeting interventions to these individuals; in turn, this has the potential for increasing nurse and client satisfaction. A general procedure for identifying persons at risk in primary health care settings is described. The procedure is illustrated with a specific population of clients--incarcerated women. Factors found important in assessing risk were social characteristics such as education, situational factors such as sentence length, and indicators of psychological distress such as depression. These broad categories may serve as a basis for the development of screening tools for a variety of populations.