Group desensitization for heterogeneous phobias

This brief note outlines modifications in group desensitization procedures which make possible the simultaneous desensitization of individuals with heterogeneous anxieties or phobias.     

Rubella screening and immunization of health care personnel: critical appraisal of a voluntary program

At our health care center 1161 personnel and students were offered rubella antibody testing. Ninety-two percent were serologically screened or had been previously immunized or previously proven seropositive. Males were more likely to refuse serologic screening than females (p less than 0.01). Sixteen percent of the seroscreened individuals were found seronegative to rubella. Eighty-five percent of seronegative women less than or equal to 24 years old accepted immunization, as compared to 62% of older females and 55% of all males (p less than 0.01). The total cost of the program was over $11,000. Literature and data review failed to support an increased risk of rubella transmission and/or major consequences to pregnant patients in the health care setting as compared to the community. Voluntary rubella immunization is well received by seronegative young women. Programs for immunization of other health care personnel are unlikely to decrease the number of cases of congenital rubella, are costly, and are not well accepted. Education and immunization of all young susceptible women remain the best methods to substantially decrease the incidence of congenital rubella in a cost-effective manner in the near future.     

稀土元素对植物的激素样作用

目的：探讨稀土元素在植物细胞工程中的应用及其作用机制。方法：以药用植物大黄的愈伤组织为研究对象，研究不同浓度的稀土元素EU3+对愈伤组织生长的影响。结果：低浓度稀土元素EU3+促进愈伤组织生长，高浓度则抑制生长；稀土元素EU3+对大黄愈伤组织的促进作用可被钙调蛋白的拮抗剂抑制。结论：稀土元素有类似植物激素的作用，其作用机制可能与钙调蛋白有关。     

Clinical evaluation of new AMS GSC Plus Card

The AutoMicrobic System GSC Plus Card was compared to a broth microdilution reference method. Of 1660 minimum inhibitory concentration pairs, 86.1% were within 1 log₂ dilution range. A total of 89.2% of the GSC Plus results agreed qualitatively (susceptible, moderately susceptible, resistant). If chloramphenicol data are excluded, agreement is 88.8% and 89.9%, respectively. A total of only 0.90% results were very major or major discrepancies. This is significantly fewer major discrepancies than reported with other systems.     

Multiple simultaneous and sequential estrogen receptor values in patients with breast cancer

Fifty-nine women had multiple estrogen receptor assays done, either simultaneously or sequentially. Eighty-six percent of the patients who had multiple synchronous estrogen receptor assays from various metastatic sites showed no significant discrepancy in estrogen receptor values. When estrogen receptor assays were done sequentially without intervening therapy, 83.5 percent of the patients maintained their initial positivity or negativity. However, when the second estrogen receptor determination was preceded by either chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, 33 percent of the patients had a significant discrepancy in estrogen receptor values. The most common discrepancy was estrogen receptor-positive tumors becoming estrogen receptor-negative, although a small number of patients were found whose receptor values became more positive after hormonal ablation.     

Experience with Virocult as a viral collection and transportation system

Virocult was used as a supplemental viral collection and transportation system. It compared favorably with tryptose phosphate broth in maintaining clinically important viruses. Advantages of Virocult over tryptose phosphate broth are commercial availability; extended shelf life at ambient temperature; and ease of use.     

Respiratory obstruction in the newborn associated with increased volume and opacification of the hemithorax

Respiratory obstruction in the newborn can be associated with retained fetal pulmonary fluid if the obstruction was present in utero. The chest roentgenogram demonstrates increased volume and radiopacity of the affected lung. Two patients in respiratory distress with these roentgenographic manifestations are presented. The diagnostic approach to this problem is discussed.     

Utilization of intravenous dihydroxypropyl theophylline (dyphylline) in an aminophylline-sensitive patient,and its pharmacokinetic comparison with theophylline

The pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of intravenously administered 7-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) theophylline (dyphylline), were studied in a 37-yr-old asthmatic woman with ethylene diamine sensitivity who manifested intolerance to intravenous aminophylline on three separate occasions. In this subject, intravenously administered dyphylline was tolerated very well and was effective in the subsequent management of acute bronchospastic episodes. Dyphylline was significantly concentrated in the urine. This, coupled with its rapid clearance, suggests potential clinical application in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Though aminophylline sensitivity is rare, ethylene diamine sensitivity should be considered in untoward reactions to this drug.