A rapid air titration method for determining SO2 concentration in inhalation chambers

A rapid air titration method for determining SO2 concentration in inhalation chambers has been validated using the pararosaniline-formaldehyde (PRA) method of West and Gaeke. This air-titration (iodate) method is an adaptation of iodometric methods using a starch indicator. Potassium iodate and an excess of potassium iodide are used in the reaction. Sampling is completed in ten minutes or less and concentration is calculated by use of a simple formula. Linear equations were derived over the range of concentrations from 0.5 to 100 ppm SO2 for uncorrected iodate bubbler results, data corrected for tandem bubbler concentrations and data corrected for mean iodate bubbler efficiency. Linear correlation with the PRA method over this range was 0.999 for all three sets of data.     

Behavioral versus insight-oriented marital therapy: effects on individual and interspousal functioning

This study compared the effects of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) and insight-oriented marital therapy (IOMT) on both interspousal and intrapersonal functioning in a controlled outcome study. A total of 79 couples seeking treatment for relationship distress were randomly assigned to BMT, IOMT, or a treatment-on-demand (TOD) waiting-list control group. Results indicated the significance in individual and relationship functioning. Both treatment approaches produced significant effects from intake to termination that were substantially maintained at the 6-month follow-up. Behavioral and insight-oriented therapies resulted in significant improvements in self-reports of global marital accord and, to a lesser extent, in the reduction of overall psychological distress and in the enhancement of self-concept, with no significant differences between treatment conditions. The magnitude of these effects in comparison with those reported in previous marital outcome studies and in more general psychotherapy research is discussed, and possible mechanisms for the equivalence of these technically divergent treatment approaches are explored.     

Urological manifestations of the popliteal pterygium syndrome

We report a case of the popliteal pterygium syndrome resulting in abnormalities of the external genitalia and testicular ectopia. Management included bilateral orchiopexy and complex genitoplasty. Pterygia represent errors in development that manifest as webs across joints and can result in anomalies of the external genitalia. The genitourinary aspects of the popliteal pterygium syndrome and their management are discussed.     

Visual function in prolactinoma patients treated with bromocriptine

Ten patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinoma) and visual dysfunction were treated primarily with bromocriptine. Nine patients had improvement of visual field or acuity associated with computed tomography (CT) evidence of a decrease in tumor size and reduction of serum prolactin level (SPL). Visual improvement usually began within days of commencing bromocriptine therapy. One patient with initial improvement had a worsening of visual fields at 11 months despite a normal SPL and a stable CT appearance of tumor size. This patient and the single patient without visual improvement underwent trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy (TSH), but neither patient had postoperative visual improvement. Two other patients underwent TSH for nonvisual reasons. The remaining six patients have maintained excellent visual function at last follow-up (average of 18 months on bromocriptine therapy). This study shows that bromocriptine is an effective short- and long-term therapy for most patients with visual dysfunction due to prolactinoma.     

Effects of Maternal Drinking on Neonate State Regulation

Sleep-awake state distribution during inter-feed intervals over a 24-hour period on the third day of life was investigated by means of a continuous non-intrusive bassinet sleep monitor. 31 infants were studied: 14 born to mothers who drank heavily throughout pregnancy (group A), eight whose mothers modified their heavy drinking (group B) and nine whose mothers never were heavy drinkers (group C). Over the 24-hour period, group A infants slept less than those in group B. In comparison with group C, group A infants had a larger proportion of quiet sleep episodes interrupted by awake or unclassified epochs, and were more restless, with more frequent major body movements. These pilot observations suggest that heavy maternal consumption of alcohol, when continued throughout pregnancy, is associated with a disturbance of sleep-awake state distribution. Successful therapy of heavy drinking during pregnancy may improve the physiological competence of the newborn to regulate sleep-awake states and facilitate interaction between mother and infant.