Positive end-expiratory pressure modulates perfluorochemical evaporation from the lungs

To study the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level on perfluorochemical (PFC) elimination profiles (E(L)), 6 ml/kg of perflubron were instilled into healthy anesthetized rabbits. The ventilation strategy was to maintain constant minute ventilation (300 ml/kg/min) and mean airway pressure (7-8 cm H(2)O) while randomly changing the PEEP levels from 5 to 0, 1, 3, and 10 cm H(2)O, each for a period of 15 min. The PFC content in the expired gas was measured and the E(L) was calculated. There was a significant reduction in the E(L) when decreasing the PEEP levels from 5 to 0 cm H(2)O, but no differences were seen when the PEEP was increased from 5 to 10 cm H(2)O. The results indicate that PEEP levels influence PFC elimination profiles; therefore, the measurement of the E(L) and PEEP levels should be considered when optimizing supplemental PFCs during partial liquid ventilation.     

Anatomical variations of the internal jugular veins and their relationship to the carotid arteries: A CT evaluation

The right internal jugular vein (IJV) is a common vessel to obtain venous access. It is important to have a clear understanding of the anatomy of the IJV and its relationship to the common carotid arteries (CCA) to avoid inadvertent arterial puncture. This study aims to objectively evaluate the variations in the anatomy of IJV and its relation to the CCA. A total of 176 right and left IJV were retrospectively evaluated using CT imaging with the CentraRad Diagnostic Viewer Version 4.09.0190 (CDN Telemedicine Solutions, Wollongong, Australia). The data were recorded and analysed. The right IJV (80.5%) was more often larger than the left IJV. With reference to the CCA, 85.2% of the IJV were found in the lateral position, 12.5% anteriorly, 1.1% medially and 1.1% posteriorly. Seven IJV were found to be hypoplastic, and in one case this was seen bilaterally in both the right and left IJV. The maximum depth of IJV from the skin was 27.9 mm. More than half (69.5%) of the IJV were less than 1 mm from the carotids. Computed tomography is an excellent method to delineate the anatomy of IJV. Variations in the anatomy of the IJV and their correlation to the CCA are common.     

Mitochondrial complex I deficiency in a female with multiplex arthrogryposis congenita

A 10-year-old female with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is presented. Clinical, neurophysiologic, and histologic findings suggested a mild myopathy. The analysis of enzymatic activity in the homogenate and of mitochondrial function in saponin-permeabilized fibers from the muscle biopsy revealed an approximately twofold-decreased specific activity of the NADH:CoQ oxidoreductase (complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain) that was compensated for by an increased number of mitochondria. The complex I deficiency was also detected in cultivated skin fibroblasts of the patient. The observed defect of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita may be of pathogenetic relevance.     

Tumor markers in patients with advanced breast cancer as prognosticators: A preliminary study

Summary A retrospective study was performed on 69 breast cancer patients (stage II, N=18; advanced disease, N=51) in order to assess the prognostic value of circulating prolactin (PRL), CEA, CA 15-3, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) by RIA/IRMA. These markers were compared with short-term prognosis (two years). Significant difference was observed only for PRL (<20.0 ng/ml vs. >20.0 ng/ml), which provide an independent predictor of short-term prognosis in advanced breast cancer.     

Inactivation of Herpes Simplex Viruses by Nonionic Surfactants

Nonionic surface-active agents possessing ether or amide linkages between the hydrophillic and hydrophobic portions of the molecule rapidly inactivated the infectivity of herpes simplex viruses. The activity stemmed from the ability of nonionic surfactants to dissolve lipid-containing membranes. This was confirmed by observing surfactant destruction of mammalian cell plasma membranes and herpes simplex virus envelopes. Proprietary vaginal contraceptive formulations containing nonionic surfactants also inactivated herpes simplex virus infectivity. This observation suggests that nonionic surfactants in appropriate formulation could effectively prevent herpes simplex virus transmission.     

Dose-dependent antithrombotic effect of warfarin in rabbits

One-hundred and fifty-one rabbits, divided into controls and animals treated with varying daily doses of warfarin, were subjected to the stasis assay, and the amount of thrombosis quantitated after intravascular coagulation was initiated either by activated factor X or tissue thromboplastin. Following 8-10 days of warfarin administration, there was a significant dose-dependent decrease in the vitamin-K- dependent coagulation factors paralleled by an increase in the prothrombin time ratio. Whether thrombosis was initiated by activated factor X or tissue thromboplastin, there was, with increasing drug dose, a progressive increase in the inhibition of stasis thrombosis. This significant antithrombotic effect occurred even when the vitamin-K- dependent coagulation activities were at a mean value of 50%.