Behavioral spectral sensitivities of different retinal areas in pigeons

The spectral sensitivity of the red and the yellow retinal fields of head-fixed pigeons was separately measured for wavelengths between 340 and 640 nm by a behavioral perimetric technique. Within this spectral range the mean spectral sensitivity of both fields was found to be maximal at 584 nm and minimal at the lower ultraviolet wavelengths. Differences in sensitivity were found, however, at shorter wavelengths, with the yellow field being more sensitive than the red at wavelengths below 500 nm and especially in the ultraviolet spectral range. These sensitivity differences are discussed in relation to other functional differences between the pigeon's retinal fields.     

Modulation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil functions by α1acid glycoprotein

₁-Acid glycoprotein (₁-AGP), a naturally occurring human plasma protein and acute-phase reactant, was extracted by a two-step procedure from sera collected from four healthy men. Its activity was testedin vitro on human polymorphonuclear (PMN) functions (migration, aggregation, O ₂ ^– generation). ₁,-AGP was not chemoattractant but inhibited the PMN response to the chemoattractant formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine without affecting spontaneous migration (Boyden and agarose methods of assessment). At concentrations between 0.15 and 0.45 mg/ml, ₁AGP exerted an aggregating effect with a maximal effective concentration of 0.3 mg/ml. ₁-AGP inhibited superoxide generation by PMNs stimulated either by opsonized zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate. This inhibition varied according to the intensity of the stimulation. At low stimulus concentrations, a dose-dependent inhibition of membrane-associated PMN responsiveness to soluble or particulate stimuli was observed. These findings suggest that ₁-AGP may be able to prevent PMN activation in the course of inflammatory processesin vivo.     

Laparoscopic versus Open Approach for Aortobifemoral Bypass for Severe Aorto-iliac Occlusive Disease – A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial

ObjectivesTo investigate differences between open and laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease on postoperative morbidity and mortality.DesignA multicentre randomised controlled trial.MethodsBetween January 2007 and November 2009, 28 patients with severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (TASC II C or D) were randomised between laparoscopic and open approach at one community hospital and one university hospital (TASC = Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus on the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease).ResultsThe operation time was longer for the laparoscopic approach (mean 4 h 19 min (2 h 00 min to 6 h 20 min) vs. 3 h 30 min (1 h 42 min to 5 h 11 min); p = 0.101)). Nevertheless, postoperative recovery and in-hospital stay were significantly shorter after laparoscopic surgery. Also oral intake could be restarted earlier (mean 20 h 34 min (6 h 00 min to 26 h 55 min) vs. 43 h 43 min (19 h 40 min to 77 h 30 min); p = 0.00014)) as well as postoperative mobilisation (walking) (mean 46 h 15 min (16 h 07 min to 112 h 40 min) vs. mean 94 h 14 min (66 h 10 min to 127 h 23 min); p = 0.00016)). Length of hospitalisation was shorter (mean 5.5 days (2.5–15) vs. mean 13.0 days (7–45); p = 0.0095)). Visual pain scores and visual discomfort scores were both lower after laparoscopic surgery. Also return to normal daily activities was achieved earlier. There were no major complications in both groups.ConclusionLaparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease is a safe procedure with a significant decrease in postoperative morbidity and in-hospital stay and earlier recovery.