Friction, capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in dry atopic and normal skin

The biophysical properties of non-eczematous skin at three locations in atopics and non-atopics were characterized using non-invasive physical methods. Skin friction was measured with a newly developed sliding friction instrument, the degree of hydration with a capacitance meter (Corneometer CM 820), and the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was determined using an Evaporimeter EP1. The areas examined (dorsum of the hand, volar forearm and lower back) showed lower values of friction and capacitance in the atopic patients than did corresponding sites in the normal controls. In most areas a significant correlation between friction and capacitance was found. The TEWL was increased in atopic skin, but TEWL seems to correlate neither to friction nor to capacitance.     

House officers in general medicine: their perception of educational value of rotation components

Summary: As curriculum planners in general medicine residency training programmes we were concerned about house officers' anecdotal reports that hospital work requirements often overshadow individual learning goals. After each of five rotations, we asked residents to identify the educational 'usefulness' of certain rotation components which can be included in three categories; team members, work-related activities and educational events. Of 165 surveys distributed, 127 (77%) were returned. Data were analysed by residency year and by all years combined. The mean overall perception of learning was 3.9 out of a possible 5 points suggesting that residents do find some learning value. Results suggest that different residency years vary as to the significance of specific educational components. The importance of faculty/resident relationships to residents' perceptions of learning value was highlighted in particular.     

Electrode Configurations for a Respiratory Impedance Measurement Suitable for Rate Responsive Pacing

A rate responsive cardiac pacemaker will benefit the patient only if the input parameter is a reliable indicator of exercise, Part of the reliability is dependent upon selection of the best physiological parameter and part is dependent upon the measurement technique. Twenty-six patients have been studied in order to ascertain the best measurement configuration for an intravascular impedance respiratory monitor. Four electrode configurations have been examined at rest and during exercise. The results have been compared using measures of sensitivity and specificity. The ideal configuration requires that a current field be established between the right ventricular blood and the pacemaker case. And, that voltage sensing be done between an electrode in the SVC and the pacemaker case.     

An In Vitro Model for the Expansion of Vγ9δ2 T Lymphocytes During Development

The 7/γ/δTlymphocytes represent a minority of T lymphocytes in human peripheral blood. Although there have been reports of reactivity against (myco-) bacterial antigens and heat shock proteins, their function and antigen specificity remain ill defined. The biological role of γ/δ T cells has been related to functions within the 'first line of defense'. Similar to γ/δ T lymphocytes in the T-cell compartment, CD5 positive B cells represent a small subset of B lymphocytes, which is thought to be involved in the maintenance of natural immunity and autoimmunity. We provide evidence for the cooperation of γ/δ T cells and CD5 positive B cells in the proliferative response of γ/δ T cells to bacterial antigens. Our data indicate a strong proliferation of Vγ9δ2 T cells in response to gram-negative bacteria, which is dependent upon the presence of CD5 positive B-CLL or activated normal B lymphocytes. The selective stimulation of the Vγ9δ2 subpopulation by gram-negative bacteria is also confirmed by analysis of different γ/δ T-cell clones. The interaction of γ/δ T cells with activated B cells and gram-negative bacteria may prove to be a useful model similar to the expansion of the Vγ9δ2 subpopulation during development. In addition, our in vitro system should provide new insights in the interaction of CLL B cells with the immune system and the antigens recognized by γ/δ T cells.     

Mouse Liver Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms and Relevance

Symposium Overview: Mouse Liver Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms andRelevance. GOODMAN, J. I., WARD, J. M., POPP, J. A., KALUNIG,J. E., AND FOX, T. R. (1991). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 17, 651–665.     

ENDOMETRIOSIS OF THE SIGMOID COLON AND RECTUM

Endometriosis is a common disease of women which occasionally causes serious symptoms in virtue of involvement of the distal large intestine. Two cases are reported, illustrating opposite ends of the spectrum of this disorder, one presenting with a complete large-bowel obstruction, and the other with periodical per-rectal bleeding. Endometriosis in these locations can closely mimic carcinoma, and from a consideration of our cases and the literature, those features which might help to distinguish one from the other are discussed. The treatment of endometriosis itself is briefly outlined. Either to avoid unnecessarily radical surgery, or to plan appropriate specific treatment at the time of surgery for the colorectal lesion, a preoperative diagnosis is desirable, but it Is unlikely unless the clinician is aware of this unusual form of endometriosis.     

Increased Activity of Some Folic Acid Enzyme Systems in Infectious Mononucleosis

Increased levels of activity for the formate activating enzyme and N⁵,N¹⁰-methylene FH₄ dehydrogenase have been found in the leukocytes from patients with infectious mononucleosis; in addition dihydrofolic reductase, anenzyme not found in mature circulating leukocytes, has been detected in infectious mononucleosis cells. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity isless in infectious mononucleosis leukocytes than in normal leukocytes.

These findings are similar to the results obtained in acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia and indicate that the leukocytes seen in infectious mononucleosis have the enzymatic apparatus associated with synthesis of DNA.

Submitted on November 6, 1961 Accepted on January 12, 1962