Platelet-associated IgG, IgM, and C3 in paediatric infectious disease

Elevated amounts of platelet-associated serum proteins (PASP) can be detected in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and are considered to be of patho-aetiological importance especially in the case of acute ITP, that commonly follows acute febrile illnesses. Using a micro-enzyme-linked immunoassay we examined PASP (IgG, IgM, and C3) in 120 paediatric patients with acute fever caused by viral (n = 45), bacterial (n = 48), or non-detectable agents (n = 27) and compared those values to the levels of PASP of an own paediatric control group (n = 21). Two of the patients presented mild temporary thrombocytopenia without clinical signs in the course of their infectious disease. While having normal platelet counts, the majority of our patients (69.2%) however, showed increased levels of PASP (IgG, IgM, C3; single or combined). Significant differences of PASP levels by discrimination of viral and bacterial diseases could not be demonstrated. Elevated platelet-associated complement was of special interest, because - in the absence of low platelet counts due to platelet-specific antibodies - it must be regarded as an indicator for immune complexes (IC) binding to thrombocyte surface IgG Fc-receptors. Thus we suggest that platelets play a considerable role in the elimination of circulating IC.     

SOME ANATOMICAL DATA RELATED TO THE TRANSNASO- SPHENOIDAL RESECTION OF PITUITARY FOSSA TUMORS

Since the beginning of this century, trans- naso-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary fossa tumors has been widely used clinically. It has more merits than other operative approaches used before. In China it has been adopted by both ENT doctors and neurosurgeons since 1959.1 In order to afford some relevant anatomical data, we measured 137 adult sagittal plane skulls with distinct landmarks.     

Loss, stress and readjustment: the structure of coping with bereavement and disability

On the basis of recent developments in the study of readjustment, a comprehensive formal theoretical framework was suggested, predicting the factors enhancing and impeding readjustment after a traumatic irrevocable loss (bereavement and disability) and empirically supported. Empirical investigation and application of multivariate techniques of data analysis revealed an identical structure of the content universe of readjustment for three groups: war widows, bereaved parents and disabled army veterans. The structure ascertained the hypothesized predominance of individual resources--and particularly those which facilitate affective interaction relationship--as well as of primary groups' emotional support in enhancing readjustment, compared to the limited efficacy of formal rehabilitation agencies. In the realm of instrumental coping assistance, data ascertained the efficacy of 'resource enhancing' support (e.g. vocational training) in advancing readjustment. Data also ascertained that the weight of individual resources and primary group support in facilitating readjustment is greater than the effect of the severity of the disability, and plays a greater role in readjustment than lapse of time since the loss. The significance of the study is in the development and empirical verification of a formal comprehensive and testable framework of readjustment to change following a traumatic loss. Though the universal validity of the framework needs further proof, there seems to be sufficient basis for assuming such validity until empirically verified. It is suggested to view this study as a first step toward a general model of readjustment. The study seems particularly contributing to the body of knowledge in the realm of stress and coping in light of the difficulties in arriving at a valid empirical verification of the stressful life events leads to coping leads to homeostasis relationship.     

Tracking errors related to cardiac cycle: a new approach

One-dimensional manual tracking was investigated in relation to cardiac activity. The task of the subjects was, by means of a joy-stick, to maintain a spotlight between two vertical lines moving horizontally across an oscilloscope screen. Error incidence was time-locked with respect to the cardiac cycle. Error rate was higher for faster (2-s trial periods) than for slower (3-s trial periods) target movement. Using linear-ramp and sinusoidal movements, it was demonstrated that error incidence is associated with positive and negative cardiac acceleration.