Estimation of breakthrough time on activated carbon fixed bed adsorbers for multicomponent organic solvent vapors

The estimation of breakthrough time for multicomponent organic solvent vapors on activated carbon fixed beds is significantly complicated and difficult. This paper describes a simple estimation method of breakthrough time for the first component (foremost breakthrough component) in two- or three-component organic solvent vapors on an activated carbon fixed bed. The breakthrough time for the first component was expressed by the harmonic mean value of the breakthrough times in each pure component. Estimated breakthrough times were compared with the experimental ones.     

Release of cortical catecholamines by visual stimulation requires activity in thalamocortical afferents of monkey and cat

Catecholamine (CA) release was measured in vivo in the monkey and cat visual cortices electrochemically. Stereate-modified, graphite-paste electrodes were used to monitor changes in norepinephrine and dopamine release. Micromolar changes in CA concentration were obtained by stimulation of the eye with nonspecific (strobe) or specific (oriented bars, radial gratings) stimuli. CA release depended on which eye was illuminated. Electrodes passed tangentially through the striate area recorded release following visual stimulation of one eye or the other in succession, and the shift in eye dominance occurred at about 500 microns intervals. The magnitude of CA release was highly correlated with the ocular dominance of neuronal activity measured with tungsten microelectrodes. Light-stimulated release was not recorded in monkey area V2, V4, or somatosensory area 1, but was recorded in cat V2, suggesting that the presence of LGN afferents is associated with CA release. Results are discussed in terms of the role of geniculate activity and the specific role of CAs in cortical information processing.     

Stupor and affective state: alleviation of psychomotor disturbances by lorazepam and recurrence of symptoms after Ro 15-1788

In a single patient suffering from a major depressive episode with melancholia (DSM-III), both severe psychomotor symptoms, such as stupor and mutism, and mood disturbances could be abolished completely and promptly by administration of the benzodiazepine lorazepam. Remission of symptoms was entirely and immediately reversed by the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788. These drug effects were constantly reproducible. Possible mechanisms of action and the influence of GABAergic neurotransmission on affective and psychomotor state are discussed.     

Hernia through the foramen of Winslow: a complication of cholecystectomy. A case report

In 151 years since first described, there have been 112 reported cases of hernia through the foramen of Winslow (HFW). All thus far have described HFW as a primary entity. The case reported appears to be unique with HFW as a surgical complication. HFW is the least common of internal hernias. The primary symptom is pain referred from the herniated organ and the hepatoduodenal ligament. An interesting sign is that the patient is found curled up or stooped over for pain relief. Anatomic factors implicated in HFW are an enlarged epiploic foramen, a floppy cecum and ascending colon, or abnormal length of small bowel mesentery. Tension on these structures causes pain with the torso extended. Distention of bowel in the lesser sac mimics gastric obstruction. Organs herniated are: small bowel (63%); cecum, ascending colon, and terminal ileum (30%); and transverse colon (7%). Of 25 cases reported since 1966, cecal herniation comprised two-thirds. The diagnosis may be made radiologically and the treatment is surgical. The case and a review of the literature are presented with attention to the anatomy. Also provided are the signs and symptoms of this interesting and perplexing diagnosis.     

Acute ureteral colic from an obstructing renal aspergilloma

Fungus balls of the renal collecting system are rarely of organisms other than Candida. A case of obstructing aspergilloma associated with acute ureteral colic is presented. The clinical features of this case are characteristic of renal aspergillomas in 10 additional cases described in the literature. Ten of the 11 patients were male. Each of the patients had an underlying disease that predisposed to fungal infection. Although all 11 patients were cured, diagnostic evaluation was often protracted as commoner causes of ureteral obstruction were excluded. Successful therapy required evacuation of the obstructing hyphal mass; open surgical procedures were necessary in five instances. Systemic amphotericin B should be reserved for patients with residual infection following removal of the fungus ball. This report emphasizes the need to consider aspergilloma in the differential diagnosis of acute ureteropelvic obstruction in the appropriate patient population.     

The mechanism of action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on tumor vascularity--study using a transparent chamber

Effects of human recombinant TNF on the tumor blood vessels and on the thrombus formation were investigated in relation to its mode of antitumor action against Meth-A sarcoma transplanted in BALB/c mice. The extent of the blood vessel lesion was evaluated by using transparent chamber placed in the mouse skin. Bleeding, hyperemia and congestion were observed at 1-2h, 4-6h and 24h after TNF (1 X 10(4)U/mouse) administration, respectively. In contrast, no histological changes in the normal blood vessels were observed microscopically following TNF injection. Thrombus formation was evoked in the tumor vessels 4h after TNF injection. However, when thrombus formation was prevented by heparin, no difference was observed among antitumor action of TNF against Meth-A fibrosarcoma necrotic response and the rate of complete cure. These results suggest that the direct effects of TNF causing lesions in the tumor blood vessels plays an important role in its antitumor action.     

Conservative open anterior acromioplasty

The records of 29 consecutive patients treated by a pure, open, anterior acromioplasty were reviewed retrospectively. Excluded from consideration were patients with the following pathologic diagnoses or histories: (1) previously attempted acromioplasty on the same shoulder; (2) intraoperatively confirmed rotator cuff tear; (3) any surgically treatable biceps tendon or acromioclavicular abnormality; (4) lost to follow-up study. Three different techniques were employed to perform the acromioplasties. The first technique required partial deltoid origin detachment with an osteotome. The second technique spared the deltoid origin, while again using an osteotome to perform the acromioplasty. The third technique also spared the deltoid origin but used a high-speed burr to perform the acromioplasty. Evaluated in terms of patient satisfaction, residual pain, length of convalescence, suboptimal results, and complications, the first technique proved to be the least effective. The second technique produced early, excellent results. The third technique, in which a burr was employed through an intact deltoid origin, was most effective; technically, the method was also relatively simple and reliable.