Bilateral absolute phakolytic glaucoma. A clinical and ultrasonographic case study

We describe an unusual case of absolute bilateral phakolytic glaucoma. On admission for cataract surgery the 75-year-old patient was found to be totally blind, no light perception in either eye. The ocular tensions were about 75 mmHg in both eyes, corneas hazy, the fundi could not be seen. The swollen lens of the right eye had slightly subluxated downwards. In the left eye the ultrasound showed a luxated swollen lens in the vitreous space. The ultrasound also revealed totally excavated optic discs. This patient had been on the waiting list for 8 months. Information of the stage of the cataracts of patients on the waiting lists for operation is of paramount importance in the prevention of lens induced problems which may lead to irreversible visual deterioration.     

Mortality and lead exposure: a retrospective cohort study of Swedish smelter workers

The study is based on the work histories and mortality data for 3832 male workers first employed before 1967 at a copper smelter in northern Sweden and followed up from 1950 to 1981. From the 3832 workers a lead cohort consisting of 437 workers employed for at least three years at sites with considerable lead exposure during 1950-74 was selected. These workers had regularly had blood lead measurements performed since 1950. Based on the cumulative blood lead dose 1950-74 and peak blood lead values, the cohort was subdivided into high mean, low mean, high peak, and low peak groups. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for the six groups using general and local reference populations. The original cohort of 3832 workers showed considerable excess of deaths for total mortality, malignant neoplasms especially lung and stomach cancer, ischaemic heart diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases when compared with the general population. In the lead cohort where the workers had been subjected to a considerable lead exposure only the raised SMR for lung cancer was sustained (SMR = 162; not significant). No significant differences were found between high lead and low lead exposed smelter workers.     

Facial asymmetry and unstable occlusion due to poliomyelitis. Report of a case

A case, referred to the Department of Stomatognathic Physiology, G?teborg, with an unstable occlusion is presented. There was a facial asymmetry and the bony morphology differed markedly between the sides. No EMG activity in the masticatory muscles could be detected on the left side. It was diagnosed as a probable sequela to poliomyelitis in the childhood. The impact of altered muscle function on the bony structures and dentition is discussed.     

Comparative characteristics of voluntary and semivoluntary methods of the alcoholization of rats

Water and ethanol consumption, blood and urine ethanol concentrations were measured in male rats aged 1.5 to 8 months. The animals had ethanol solutions (5-25%) and water as alternate fluid (two-bottle choice) or a 10% ethanol solution as a sole water source. In both cases, the rats did not exceed 7 g/kg of ethanol consumption per day. From 10 a.m. to 16 p.m. the blood ethanol concentration was no more than 0.1 g/l. Ethanol excretion with urine did not go beyond 0.1% of the daily dose. Ethanol consumption was increased by 1-2 g/kg a day if saccharin (0.125%) and sodium chloride (1%) were added to ethanol solution. In this case the withdrawal signs developed after ethanol consumption cessation.