[An outbreak of rubella with a cinema as source].

An outbreak of rubella occurred in four primary schools at jiu-bao town Yuhang county from twentieth Dec. 1989 to twelfth Feb. 1990. Attack rate was 37.46%. The patients had typical clinical features, and its prognosis was good. Average latent period was 17.8 days. The outbreak was suggested to related to a cinema, the first generation of 196 cases had the history of going to the movies. There was no case among those who had not gone to the same cinema at the same period. The highest attack rate was 56.97% in a primary school. The highest attack rate of age group was at 10-15 year group (48.40%), the rubella IgM positive rate at 2-5 days and 6-20 days were 52.63% and 76.66% respectively. 30 days later, no positive result was found.


[Evaluation of long-term efficacy on plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine].

From April 1986 to May 1990, 265 pupils aged 5 to 9 years in Xian suburbs were studied to evaluate long-term efficacy of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine made in China. Anti-HBs titers in vaccine group reached the highest at twelfth month after the first injection and decreased afterwards. The positive rate of anti-HBs decreased slow, but geometric mean titers of anti-HBs fell sharply. Compared with placebo group, the differences were all significant. The peak anti-HBs titers and the response time positively correlated with the persistence of anti-HBs. 4 years observation showed that protection rate of hepatitis B vaccine against HBV infection was 80%. Protection rate was 100% if HBsAg was only considered.


[An investigation of sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis in some districts of inner Mongolia autonomous region].

Three hundreds and twelve sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis were diagnosed among 163,013 lame children under 12 years of age. The prevalence of paralytic poliomyelitis was 1.91%. The result showed that although the morbidity of poliomyelitis has greatly decreased since the programme on immunization against polio were introduced, there were still a number of unreported cases. Of the cases diagnosed, ninety-three per cent were those who were unvaccinated and were mostly infected in the first four years of life.


[Epidemiological study on mycoplasmas colonization and infection in the female genital tract].

1309 cervical or vaginal specimens from females in various physiological periods and women with multiple sexual partners were examined for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis from Feb. to May, 1990. Significantly, low carriage rates of U.urealyticum were found in the neonatal (28.57%), puerperium (26.51%) and postmenopause (30.00%) groups, whereas, pregnant women (more than 36 weeks) showed the highest incidence (73.20%). The recovery rate of U. urealyticum in girls with no history of sexual contact was significantly lower (38.30%) than that in married nonpregnant women (48.98%) and women with multiple sexual partners (71.74%). The incidence rate of the genital mycoplasmas was significantly affected by the type of contraception, the number of sexual partners, socioeconomic states, degree of cultural traditional, as well as hormonal status. Possible modes of transmission of genital mycoplasmas were also discussed.


[Influenza surveillance].

From 1982 to June 1990, seven influenza A (H3N2) epidemics and four influenza A (H1N1) epidemics occurred in Shanghai, and several new variants of influenza virus were isolated. During that period, influenza A (H3N2) and influenza A (H1N1) appeared alternatively while each lasted for one to two years. The epidemic peak of influenza usually was seen from July to August and late winter to early spring. The subtype which appears in July and August usually starting in late winter and early spring in Shanghai causes epidemics in the northern regions of China and some other countries in the northern hemisphere. If minor epidemics occur only in July and August, further antigenic changes may cause moderate epidemics in late winter and next early spring. Information supplied for prediction of influenza epidemics and timely preparation of new vaccines may lead to better control of influenza.


Freeze-fracture studies of salivary glands.

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy was employed to study the general morphology, membrane fusion during exocytosis, intercellular junctions in adult and developing salivary glands, and morphological changes of intercellular junctions in secretory stimulation and neoplastic disorders. Intramembranous particles distributed on plasma membranes and organelle-membranes were determined on the basis of particle density per unit. Relationship between distribution and density of particles and functions of membranes and organelles was discussed. Fused membranes took the form of smooth areas of intramembranous particles free on the PF face in the submandibular acinar cells induced by isoproterenol stimulation. The sequence of membrane fusion during secretion was discussed from these freeze-fracture observations. Tight junctions which limited solute diffusion between adjacent cells formed continuous belts around the juxtaluminal region of plasma membrane. Their permeability function was regulated by the number and the geometrical pattern of the tight-junctional strands. The junction appeared late during gestational life, and its development and morphology correlated with the establishment of electrochemical tightness. Similarity in the location and morphology between developmental and neoplastic conditions might indicate reflect the function and degree of cytodifferentiation in salivary gland. Gap junctions were detected as clusters of particles, representing voltage-regulated intercellular channels connecting adjacent cells. The junctions were developmentally regulated, and their size and frequency correlated with the functional activity and with cytodifferentiation in neoplastic disorders. Desmosomes, which appeared as round or elongated clusters of particles, provided the mechanical stability necessary to maintain the organization of acini and ducts.


Analysis of cell surface antigens of Campylobacter rectus.

Campylobacter rectus is one of the predominant bacteria in the lesions of human periodontitis. The surface antigens of the bacterium contain several components which may play significant roles in colonization and pathogenesis. A high-molecular-weight protein was selectively isolated from the cell surface of C. rectus by acid extraction and purified by DEAE Sepharose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that the extracted protein was 150 kDa. The protein was not found in Campylobacter curvus ATCC 35224 or Wolinella succinogenes ATCC 29543. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was extracted from various C. rectus strains by the hot phenol-water method. SDS-PAGE patterns revealed that C. rectus LPS was the smooth type in nature. Monoclonal antibodies against C. rectus were generated by the fusion of SP2/0 myeloma cells with splenocytes from BALB/c mice immunized with whole cells of C. rectus ATCC 33238 strain. An Immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody reacted with the high-molecular-weight proteins from 4 of 9 C. rectus strains, indicating that the 150 kDa protein exhibits antigenic heterogeneity. Immunoelectron microscopic study revealed that the monoclonal antibody recognized the S-layer of C. rectus cells. An IgM monoclonal antibody reacted with LPSs from C. rectus strains at molecular weights between approximately 20.0 kDa and 24.0 kDa. The monoclonal antibody did not react with any other LPSs from C. curvus ATCC 35224 or W. succinogenes ATCC 29543. The reactivities of this monoclonal antibody indicate that it recognizes an O-specific side chain epitope of C. rectus LPS. Sera from patients with adult periodontitis showed strong reactivity with the 150 kDa protein antigen and LPS from C. rectus strains. As determined by immunoblotting analysis, sera from periodontally healthy individuals, however, showed little or no reactivity. The levels of serum IgG antibodies of patients with periodontitis to the protein antigen and LPS were statistically significantly higher than those of periodontally healthy individuals, as assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


Comparison of spatial resolution between tomographic images and ghosts in rotational panoramic radiography: the effect of the first slit width.

Rotational panoramic radiography projects the object placed within the focal trough as tomographic images with minimal distortion. However, even if an object is within the focal trough, the sharpness of the image is affected by the position of the object, the difference in the relative speed of the X-ray source against the film and the difference in the direction of rotation. In this study, spatial resolutions of ghosts and tomographic images were compared. Ghosts, as well as tomographic images, were obtained from the object placed in the focal trough. The effects of the width of the first slit, a major parameter affecting image quality, were the primary concern in this study. With regard to ghosts, the influence of the position of object, in terms of central, buccal and lingual regions the focal trough, was also analyzed. The target of analysis was the mandibular ramus region. An Orthopantomograph OP5, a conventional panoramic apparatus, was used. An X-ray test chart, X-ray beams, and H-D curve were prepared for calculation of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), and the slit method using the Fourier transforms was applied. When the width of the first slit was changed displacement of MTF curves was most remarkable for the superimposed tomographic image which was scanned 10 mm posterior to the X-axis connecting the right and left lateral rotation centers. For reduction of the spatial resolution of ghosts, it was found effective to use a wider slit and place the object at a position lingual to the central plane.


A study of the internal structure of the Japanese mandible.

The thickness of the substantia compacta and the volume and width of the trabecular bone of the substantia spongiosa were investigated by soft X-ray photographs made of thin sections of many kinds of dentulous and edentulous mandibles. The results were: 1) The thickness of substantia compacta is especially thick on the lingual side in the incisor region and thickest in the molar region in all materials. At the base of mandible, the thickness is essentially the same in all regions, but, the thickness of dentulous materials is greater than of edentulous ones. 2) On the upper part, the volume of trabecular bone is less in the premolar region in both edentulous and dentulous material than in other regions, however, there is relative more in edentulous than in dentulous. In the central part, there is almost the same amount of trabecular bone in the dentulous and edentulous material. 3) The width of the trabecular bone in the substantia spongiosa is greater in the incisor region than in other regions in all materials. In the upper and central part, it is smaller in the premolar region in both edentulous and dentulous material but, it increases in the molar region in the edentulous materials.


[Alteration in resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine after cessation of chloroquine medication for twelve years].

In view of the fact the resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine occurred extensively in Hainan, a decision was made in 1979 that the use of chloroquine should be quit in the whole province. A longitudinal survey on chloroquine-sensitivity of P. falciparum was carried out during 1981-1991 to observe the variation in resistance of the parasite after the cessation of the chloroquine medication for every 2-3 years. A tendency of progressive decline of resistance was revealed. By using in vitro test, the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum dropped from 97.9% in 1981 to 60.9% in 1991 (P < 0.001). The mean dosage of chloroquine for complete inhibition of schizont formation declined from 10.46 pmol/microliters in 1981 to 3.02 pmol/microliters in 1991 (P < 0.001). The percentage of population requiring larger dosage (6.4 pmol/microliters to completely inhibit schizont formation declined from 83.3% in 1981 to 17.4% in 1991 (P < 0.001); whereas those requiring small dosage (1.6 pmol/microliters), increased from 4.2% in 1981 to 60.8% in 1991 (P < 0.001). In in vivo test, the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum decreased from 84.2% in 1981 to 40% in 1991 (P < 0.001). The proportion of RII plus RIII cases of the total resistant cases dropped from 59.4% in 1981 to 37.5% in 1991 (0.02 > P > 0.01).


[Studies on the strain differences of Schistosoma japonicum in the mainland of China. XI. Enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot analysis].

Antigens prepared from S. japonicum adult worms of different isolates i. e. Anhui, Hubei, Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan by origin were analyzed by enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) probed with rabbit anti-snail antibody (Figs 1,2). Anti-sera against Oncomelania h. hupensis from Anhui, Hubei, Yunnan and Sichuan localities were prepared separately and used in the tests. The EITB patterns were similar in S. j. isolates of Anhui and Hubei, and it was also the case among S. j. isolates of Yunnan and Sichuan except Yunnan female worms with a marked band of 84 kDa but it was almost invisible in EITB pattern of Sichuan female worms. Like Yunnan isolate, female worms of Guangxi isolate also showed marked 84 kDa bands. The EITB pattern of male worms from Guangxi isolate showed 2 main bands of mw > 130 kDa against anti-Anhui snail anti-serum, which corresponded with the male worms of Anhui isolate whereas the color of the bands was darker and denser in the former isolates, and these bands can not be seen in the male worms from isolates of Yunnan and Sichuan. Based on the above mentioned results in connection with the information about the susceptibility between different isolates of schistosomes and their snail hosts which we have reported before, some preliminary analysis and discussion were made.


[Studies on the establishment of malarial animal model of short-term relapse. II. The phenomenon of sustained special ring form parasitemia in Plasmodium cynomolgi infection].

Our previous report that the EE merozites of Plasmodium cynomolgi from Vietnam continuously released from the liver to the blood circulation was further demonstrated in this report. Monkeys were given pyronaridine 24 mg/kg.d x 6 after being inoculated intravenously with 32 x 10(5) sporzoites of P. cynomolgi. Thick blood film examination was conducted two times daily till the day when trophozoites were detected. Under the residual action of blood schizontocied, a special ring form parasitemia at low patasite-density was detected for more than 30 days. As the ring forms of P. cynomolgi were demonstrated to be susceptible to pyronaridine in our previous experiments, it might be inferred that these ring forms derived from EE merozites released not for once but continuously for 30 days or longer.


[Field observation on the population fluctuation of Oncomelania snail at low density in plain region].

Field observation on the population fluctuation of Oncomelana snail at low density was carried out in the ditches and rivers in Wuxi, Ludong and Lugao counties (or city) from 1987 to 1990. The results showed that the environment of the observed places is an important factor in the population fluctuation of the snails at low density. When the environment is appropriate, even one pair of the snails may multiply to a large population. Results of successive observation for 3 years on 1, 5 and 10 pairs of snails within nylon cages in ditches showed that the density of the snails increased by 171.5, 69.5 and 28.4 folds respectively and the population of the snails increased by 354, 135 and 75 folds respectively. The population in 2 of the observed ditches with one pair of snails each even multiply by 543 and 426.5 folds. While in natural field condition, the population fluctuation of residual snails varied in different places. In one ditch it multiplied by 34.7 folds, but in another river the population almost unchanged. No natural elimination of snails could be found in all observed places. It was suggested that the snail surveillance should be conducted persistently and any snail once be found, it should be timely eradicated.


[Study on the effect of bromoacetamide upon the development of snail eggs].

This paper deals with the influence of bromoacetamide on the development of snail eggs, its effect on inducing diapause of snail eggs at different developmental stages (blastula, gastrula, trochophore and veliger) both at different concentrations of bromoacetamide at the same time and at same concentration at different times. Besides, the oviposition of the snails and the eggs within snails have also been studied. The results are as follows: 1. When the snail eggs were immersed in bromoacetamide at concentrations of 0.034ppm-0.067ppm, deformation of snail eggs appeared from unicellular to gastrula stages, but it was not observed after the trochophore-veliger stages. When the eggs at different stages were separately immersed in bromoacetamide, they were all found deformed. The molluscicidal concentration for inducing deformation of eggs was higher at the trochophore-veliger and metamophotic stages than that at the blastula and gastrula stages (Figs. 1-5). 2. After immersed in bromoacetamide solution, the development of the snail eggs were obviously retarded. The effects varied with different concentrations. Within the same exposure time, the higher the bromoacetamide concentration, the higher the diapause rate. 3. The longer the immersion time, the lower concentration was needed to delay the development and the lower hatching rate was for the eggs at the same or different stages. 4. After treatment with bromoacetamide, the average number of eggs laid by a female snail was reduced. 5. By using 3H-labeled bromoacetamide, it was found that the radioactivity of 3H-labeled bromoacetamide per hundred snail eggs was raised along with the increasing of the molluscicide concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Leishmaniasis in Karamay. XI. The development of cutaneous leishmaniasis in monkey and man experimentally infected with Leishmania from Karamay big gerbil].

A monkey (Macaca rhesus) was inoculated subcutaneously with 2 Leishmania isolates (MRHC/CN/88/KXG-2 and MRHO/CN/90/KXG-56) from Karamay big gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) into the forehead and cheek, 36 days later ulceration with a diameter of 0.2cm occurred at 2 sites. The lesions persisted for 60 and 95 days respectively and then healed spontaneously. However, Leishmania could be detected from the dermal tissue for more than one year. When MRHO/CN/88/KXG-2 isolate was inoculated into the forearm or ear of the monkey, no ulceration but swelling was revealed at the sites of inoculation. Leishmania was found to be latent in the subcutaneous tissue of the forearm for more than 103 days. The monkey was dissected one year after inoculation, no evidence of visceral involvement was noted. Another isolate (MRHO/CN/87/KXG-12) was inoculated subcutaneously into the forearm of 2 healthy volunteers. One of them developed cutaneous leishmaniasis. An ulcer with a diameter of 0.4cm and a nodule as large as 0.9 x 1.5cm around the ulcer occurred at the inoculation site 128 days later. Leishmania parasites were found harboring in macrophages of the dermis and in the epithelial cells of hair follicles. The results indicate that Leishmania parasite of the Karamay big gerbils is pathogenic to monkey and man, in addition to the fact that human cutaneous leishmaniasis and gerbil's Leishmania co-exist in Karamay, it seems that big gerbil is a potential reservoir of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in this area.


[DNA probe for identification of sibling species of Anopheles sinensis and Anopheles anthropophagus].

Genomic DNA libraries of Anopheles sinensis and Anopheles anthropophagus were constructed. The positive clones suitable for discrimination sibling species of An. sinensis and An. anthropophagus were screened and a clone from An. sinensis DNA library was selected and the insert DNA was used as a DNA probe to test dot blot of genomic DNA from An. sinensis and An. anthropophagus. The results showed that the DNA probe hybridized with all stages of An. sinensis DNA, but had very weak hybridization signal with An. anthropophagus DNA. The probe was very sensitive and could detect as little as 7.5ng An. sinensis which represents approximately one-150th part of the total DNA from single mosquito. The results demonstrated that the DNA probe reported here could be used to distinguish species of An.sinensis from An. anthropophagus.


[Serological epidemiologic surveillance on filariasis by ELISA].

In 1984-1990 longitudinal or sectional serological surveillance on filariasis by ELISA with Brugia malayi adult antigen was carried out in 6 villages, Yuhang County, Zhejiang Province, where malayan filariasis had been under control. During that period the microfilaraemia rate of inhabitants had been declining continuously till nil, the positive rate and mean optical density (OD) value in ELISA for positive inhabitants concurrently declined year by year, especially for children under age of 10. By the 5th year after control both the positive rate and mean OD value were close to those of healthy persons living in nonendemic areas of filariasis, no positivity was found in children. In the meantime, ELISA was used to detect serum antibodies in members of a family who were infected with bancroftian filariasis and inhabitants living around them in 1990. Positive rate of ELISA was higher in these inhabitants (8.33%) than in healthy persons (2.53%), and positive ones were detected from children under age of 10. The results suggest that the detection of antifilarial antibody by using ELISA is an effective method for the surveillance of filariasis.


[In vitro liver microsomal metabolism of antimalarial primaquine].

The profile of the major metabolites of primaquine produced by in vitro liver microsomal metabolism was investigated with silica gel thin-layer and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The results indicated that the liver microsomal metabolism could simultaneously produce both 5-OH PQ (quinoline ring oxidation product) and CPQ (side-chain oxidative deamination product). However, the quantitative comparative study of microsomal metabolism showed that the production of 5-OH PQ was far much higher than that of CPQ.


[Clinical observation on efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of intestinal nematode infections].

A total of 166 cases were divided into 3 groups: group A comprised 55, group B 54 and group C 57 cases. Group A received ivermectin 0.1 mg/kg orally at a single dose, the cure rates were 100%, 3.8% and 50% for ascaris, hookworm and trichuris, infections respectively: group B received ivermectin 0.2 mg/kg orally at a single dose, the corresponding cure rates were 95.5%, 11.8% and 76.5% respectively; group C received pyrantel pamoate 10 mg/kg orally at a single dose, the corresponding cure rates were 95.5%, 29.6% and 31.6% respectively. Although the cure rates were very low for hookworm infection in both group A and B, however, a number of adult worms of Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus were expelled aster medication; It indicates that ivermectin has some effects on these two species of human hookworm. Side effects were mild and transient in all groups.


[Distinguishing Anopheles dirus of Hainan Province by gas chromatography of cuticular hydrocarbons].

In order to identify the members of Anopheles dirus complex of Hainan Province an analysis of relative content of cuticular saturated n-paraffins of Anopheles dirus collected from different localities and in different months in Hainan Province was performed by using gas chromatography. The difference among the cuticular hydrocarbons n-paraffins components was statistically insignificant. The values of stepwise cluster analysis (Q model) were very close for all the collected populations. These data suggested that there might be one species of Anopheles virus complex which was further confirmed by the similarities between blood preference, seasonal variation, and nocturnal activity.


[Hybridization experiments using Anopheles minimus from Guangxi and Yunnan].

Hybridization experiments were conducted by forced mating between Anopheles minimus from Guangxi (G) and Yunnan (Y). F1 hybrid females were all fertile with normally developed ovaries. (Y female x G male) F1 males were all sterile, with abnormally enlarged testes. (G female x Y male) F1 males, though fertile, showed somewhat atrophic testes, and when they were back crossed with parental females, the latter produced eggs with very low hatching rate. Ovarian nurse cell polytene chromosomes from F1 hybrid females showed partial asynapsis in X chromosome as well as in autosonles, asynapsis at 38 zone in 3L being the most constant. It was obvious that there was definite, though partial, reproductive isolation between An minimus from Guangxi and that from Yunnan. Whether they are sibling species remains to be further investigated (Figs. 1-8).


[Studies on the antimalarial action of gelatin capsule of Artemisia annua].

The pharmacological and clinical effects of gelatin capsule of Artemisia annua (GCAA) were investigated. The results revealed that the LD50 was 162.5 +/- 10.1g (crude drug)/kg and ED50 was 11.9 +/- 2.4g (crude drug) for clearance of parasitemia in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei therapeutic index being 13.6, which was 3.5 times more than that of artemisinin. The cure rate of COEA for Plasmodium berghei and P. vivax infections was 100%, as well as just like that of the extract tablets of Artemisia annua and chloroquine. This formulation was found to be better than chloroquine in fever subsidence and disappearance of malarial symptoms, while the recrudescence rate was still high, the latter could be inhibited by increasing therapeutic course or daily dosing time or by combination with primaquine.


[Immunohistochemical localization and histochemical observation of antigens in Pagumogonimus skrjabini].

Using immunohistochemical method, the antigens were shown to be mainly located in the cecum, tegument, esophagus, pharynx, excretory bladder, uterus and oral sucker of Pagumogonimus skrjabini. Histochemical analyses showed that antigens contained enzymes such as acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Other chemical substances, for example, alkaline protein, basic protein, glycogen and acid mucopolysaccharides were also detected in the antigens of P. skrjabini.


[Further observation on the ultrastructure of the sporocyst of Schistosoma japonicum].

A further observation was conducted on the ultrastructure of mother sporocyst (Ms) daughter sporocyst in the brood chamber (b-Ds), migrating daughter sporocyst (mi-Ds) and daughter sporocyst in the liver tissue (1-Ds) of Oncomelania hupensis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. There are 5 points worthy of mention here, namely: 1. A special structure, microvilli polymerizing cisterna, is found on the tegument of 52-day-old Ms branche in all directions and a tubule-like structure is connected to the matrix of the tegument. The significance of this structure may be dealt with the metabolism and transport of the parasite. 2. The tegumental spines appear on 52-day-old Ms. 3. The function of multilaminated vesicle in the tegument of 1-Ds may be associated with the turning over of the surface coat of the larvae and the compatibility between parasite and molluscan host. 4. Abundant alpha-glycogen granules and mitochondria appear in the cytoplasm of parenchyma cell of brood chamber of Ms and Ds. It is proposed that the parenchymal cells not only served as the filling material, but also serve as the nursing cells for the regulation of asexual reproduction of the sporocysts. 5. The orientation of muscle fibers of the head of the mi-Ds and narrow node region of 1-Ds shows a well development of the inner longitudinal fibers adjacent to the outer circular muscle layer. They run anteroposteriorly or vertically from the dorsal to the ventral. The pattern of muscle fibers may account for the activity of these regions of the parasite. (Figs 1-8).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Observation on ultrastructure of sterile cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in mice].

The fine structure of sterile cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in mice was studied by TEM. The cyst wall consists of laminated layer and germinal membrane. At ultrastructural level, the laminated layer contains microfibrillate matrix and irregularly shaped electron-dense granules. The germinal membrane comprise of tegument and cell region. Plasmalemma invagination resembling the "pinocytotic vesicle" are seen between the microtriches of the tegument, and mitochondria are seen in the basal portion of the tegument. In the cell region, there are tegumental cells, muscle cells, and glycogen-containing cells. "Nucleolar channel system" can be observed in some of the glycogen-containing cells.


[Preliminary observation of infectivity of isolated alveolar hydatid after cryopreservation].

Alveolar hydatids of Echinococcus multilocularis obtained from the peritoneal cavity of mice were subject to freezing at -10 degrees C and -30 degrees C respectively. After 130-200 days' storage, the alveolar hydatids were transferred into the mouse peritoneal cavity for viability and infectivity testing. It was found that the alveolar hydatids stored at -10 degrees C were more severely damaged than those stored at -30 degrees C. The viability of the isolated alveococcus lasted half a year at -30 degrees C.


[Observations on the long-term immune effect on healthy children of inoculating HB vaccine and the effect of a booster dose].

This article reported the results of inoculating HB vaccine made in China into healthy children of O-1-2-month programme, under sero-epidemiological observation for 5 years. They showed that the highest peak of immunization was reached in the sixth month and then gradually diminished with the lapse of time until the 5th year when 74.1% of the immunized still had > or = 10 mIU/ml. That meant a good protective effect. Time of keeping anti-HBs had a direct bearing on the value of the highest period. According to the statistics it was told that. It took 6 years and 8 months for anti-HBs to fall below 10 mIU/ml. In the fifth year a booster lose was given with good response. An elevation of 12.1 times the previous immunizing level was observed, showing that a booster dose after 5 years of first dose of immunization was appropriate.


[Aflatoxins and primary liver cancer--a population based case-control study].

A case-control study of primary liver cancer (PLC) was conducted in 1989 at Fusui County, Guangxi Province. There were 99 PLC cases and 99 age-sex-residence matched controls. There were no difference of age, sex, race, cultural, level, marital status and annual income distribution (P > 0.05). The mean dietary AFB1 intakes of cases and controls were 117.72 + 105.68 mg/d, the mean outputs of AFM1 were 22.56 and 21.62 ng per morning urine respectively. The mean sera aflatoxin-albumin adducts in both groups were 24.96 and 18.72 pg per mg albumin respectively. These indicators were of no statistical significance. Conditional Logistic regression showed that HBV infection (OR = 5.33), drinking pond-ditch water (OR = 3.70), family history of PLC (OR = 2.88), and total alcohol intakes (OR = 1.002) were statistically significant as risk factors (P > 0.05) rather than aflatoxins. This may be due to the fact that the samples selected in hyperendemic area both took high quantities of aflatoxin.


[Lead concentrations in urine correlated with cytogenetic damages in workers exposed to lead].

The lead concentrations in urine and the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of 84 printers exposed to lead were investigated. The results demonstrated that the lead concentrations in urine of printers were higher than normal subjects. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges increased significantly with the rise of lead concentrations in urine, showing a linear correlation. The regression equations were Y = 1.31 + 9.07 X and Y = 4.24 + 14.91 X respectively. Therefore, the genetic condition of workers who have high lead concentrations in urine should be attended to and appropriate protective measures should be under-taken.


[Effects of benzene on lipid peroxidation and the activity of relevant enzymes in human].

Lipid peroxidation and the activity of relevant enzymes in workers exposed to benzene were measured. The results indicated that the content of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) increased while the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) decreased. The above changes were statistically significant as compared with the control group when the concentration of air benzene in the working environment was 50.21 mg/m3 and became more obvious with the increase of the concentration of air benzene. These changes occurred earlier, and more sensitively reflected the effect of benzene on human beings than changes of leukocyte and platelet counts.


[Investigation on the immune function of coke-oven workers in a gas factory].

This paper reports a study on the immune function of coke-oven workers in a gas factory. The results of immunological examination for coke oven workers exposed to pollutants from coal combustion showed that contents of lysozyme in the saliva, total complement and IgG, IgA in serum and T lymphocytes transformation activity in peripheral blood were all significantly lower than those in the control population. After the workers had separated themselves from heavy air pollution environment for 3 years, only the contents of lysozyme were higher than before, the other immune functions did not return to normal.


[Study on the response index of population--the prevalence degree of pneumoconiosis].

Comparison and analysis of the relationship between the prevalence and factors associated with CWP in five collieries, showed that the prevalence rate only reflected the rate of CWP in population and not the category construction of CWP; so, in certain circumstances, it is not suitable to estimate the risk of CWP in different collieries. A new index, the prevalence degree suggested by the authors, is a compound measure of risk of both the prevalence rate and the category construction of pneumoconiosis for population; so, it can reflect the risk of pneumoconiosis comprehensively and sensitively.


[Studies on ozone toxicity and its environmental health criterion].

The effects of ozone in low concentrations on animals and human beings were studied. The animal observations included biochemical tests, cellular analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood, lung morphological observations by TEM and SEM. The human observations included pulmonary function test, behavior function test, etc. Through three years of study certain sensitivity indices and different threshold concentrations of ozone action have been found, and an environmental health criterion for ozone has been proposed, namely, the average concentration in one hour should not exceed 0.1 mg/m3.


[The assay of beta-endorphin in some main foodstuff].

The levels of beta-endorphin in autumn foodstuff of Shanghai local residents were determined with RIA. The results showed that the contents of -endorphins in aquatic products such as fish and prawn, etc. were higher than those in fowls. Certain foodstuff showed an increase of endorphin content after cooking. The content of beta-endorphin in egg was very small. The presence of beta-endorphins in foodstuff may be harmful to infants, small children and patients with increased gastrointestinal permeability.


[Observations on the airborne fungi and their relationship to asthmatic patients in Shenyang Maluwan area].

From July 1990 to June, observations were made of the type and amount of fungi present in the air, in the Maluwan District of Shenyang City, using dish-exposure and slide-exposure as method of detection. 954 colonies of fungi were isolated with dish-exposure, consisting of 47 species; and 11,033 fungi spores were collected with the slide-exposure. Skin tests were made using 13 species of fungi allergen for 114 cases of asthmatic patients, the positive rate was 73.7%. A special desensitization therapy was given to 103 cases of asthmatic patients, the total effective rate was 86.4%, while antiasthma drugs gave an effective rate of 41.1% (P < 0.01).


[Research of disinfecting effect of SH-series (the equipment for secondary treatment of hospital sewage)].

In order to examine the effect of using SH-series (i.e. The equipment for secondary treatment of hospital sewage) in treating sewage, we have been engaged in a series of testing-study. The results were as follows: The pollution of organic matter and microbes in hospital sewage was very serious. Both kinds of pollution were considered, when we plan our scheme of conducting hospital sewage treatment. The temperature of water was raised to 23.7-24.2 degrees C and the value of pH 7.4-7.8, the hospital sewage was treated for 60 minutes through the SH-series equipment with increased oxygenation and digestion the coliform group increased rapidly in geometrical progression. The reducing rate of the major organic matter pollution index was 69-89%. After having gone further through the SH-series treatment (Disinfecting and oblique-tubes sedimentation) sewage containing intestinal pathogens and tubercle bacilli reach the index comparable with GBJ48-83 (trial edition) "The standard". "The Disinfecting contacting time" was 1/4.5-1/2.2 of "The Standard", its "Residual chlorine" was 105-110% of "The standard".


Dentine hypersensitivity: its prevalence, aetiology and clinical management.

Dentine hypersensitivity can be a frustrating condition to treat. The most common form of treatment is use of a desensitizing dentifrice, but for many patients this may provide only partial pain relief and recurrence is common. Recent research has provided several important findings which may serve as a basis for refining the approach to dentine hypersensitivity management, and for improving the success of treatment. This paper reviews the research and outlines a management system which transfers readily to clinical practice.


A rationale for use of bases with amalgam restorations.

New lining materials has been developed from calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide-eugenol and glass ionomers. This provides the dental practitioner with a wide choice of materials to use for protection of the pulpodentinal complex. In this paper their characteristics are reviewed and recommendations are made for their use.


Repair of cleft lip and palate: 1. Surgical techniques.

Studies in Sri Lanka have demonstrated that in the absence of surgery, growth of the facial skeleton is normal. In developed countries, however, it is considered unacceptable to leave a child with an unrepaired cleft. The aim of surgery being to produce a near normal face. Part 1 provides an overview of the surgical repair of clefts and outline the general principles, as well as the most common surgical procedures. Part 2 will evaluate the surgical techniques and discuss the clinical research methodology involved.


Prosthetic practice in the National Health Service: 2. Partial dentures.

This two-part series on the making of dentures in the National Health Service includes useful practical advice for the general practitioner. Part 1 discussed complete denture, whilst part 2 covers partial dentures.


As part of the student elective, the author organized a small research project into Government Dental Services in Sarawak, East Malaysia. The resulting article gives an insight into dentistry in this country.


Consent and the handicapped patient.

Changes in the care of handicapped people has resulted in them being more evenly distributed within the community. This increases the likelihood that they, or their carers, will seek treatment from general dental practitioners. It is, therefore, important to be aware of the regulations and forms involved in consent of a handicapped patient.


Nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia.

This case study reports on the management of a woman suffering from thrombocytopenic purpura who was referred to the periodontal clinic with gingival swelling and bleeding. This condition was related to nifedipine therapy for hypertension.


Advances in fixed appliance design and use: 1. Brackets and archwires.

Many new developments in design and materials have made it easier for orthodontists to produce good result with fixed appliances in a shorter time. Orthodontic treatment has also become more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for patients. This is the first of two papers which are intended to provide an update on fixed appliance design and use, so patients can be informed of relevant advances before they are referred to a specialist for orthodontic advice. Part 1 discusses the developments in brackets and archwires. Part 2 will cover recent advances in ligatures and elastomeric ties, intra-oral auxiliaries, adhesives, products to assist oral hygiene and prevention during fixed appliance treatment, and new methods of debonding.


Matrices: their development and in clinical practice.

Recent developments in amalgam alloys composite resin materials have highlighted the importance of meticulous restoration placement by the dentist. This paper discusses the selection and use of the matrix which is significant in both the quality and longevity of the final restoration.


Home bleaching.

In recent years the bleaching of teeth has become very popular. Bleaching regimes are based on the liberation of hydrogen peroxide at the tooth surface. The use of the bleaching products available in the UK as prescribed by a general dental practitioner appears to be valuable in the treatment of discoloured teeth if supervised by the practitioner, although a number of products have been released directly to patients. There is concern that these products are bought and used by patients without any professional supervision.


Update on periodontology: 3. Initial preparation.

Over the last two decades there have been many changes in the basic concepts of periodontology, which have had profound effects on clinical practice. The aim of this series is to highlight the main areas of change to assist the busy GDP in staying up-to-date. Part 1 discussed current concepts in the histopathology of periodontal disease and part 2 looked at the problems of diagnosis. Part 3 will now examine the central role of plaque control in periodontics.


Gingival Kaposi's Sarcoma: the first indication of HIV infection.

This article presents a case of gingival Kaposi's sarcoma that initially mimicked an acute periodontal infection, but was the first clinical sign of HIV infection in a 38-year-old male homosexual patient. The clinical features and treatment of oral Kaposi's sarcoma are discussed and the variable histopathology of the lesion is demonstrated.


Dental care for elderly people with a handicap.

In the elderly population there is an increased incidence of impairment and disability, but these only become a handicap if the dental services fail to take them into consideration. This paper identifies the barriers and how they can be overcome.


Communication, body language and dental anxiety.

Fear of dental treatment is commonplace in dental surgeries, and with more demands being made upon the dental team's already limited time, occupational stress has become more prevalent. Dentists should examine the various aspects of communication which will forewarn them of potentially difficult clinical situations, so that they can minimize the patient's anxiety and their own stress.


Post-cure heat treatments for composites: properties and fractography.

Two commercial and four experimental composites were subjected to post-cure heat treatments of 10 min and 3 h duration immediately after light-curing. Fracture toughness, flexural modulus, microhardness and degree of conversion (FTIR) were evaluated 24 h later. The results showed that post-cure heat treatments at 120 degrees C of short or long duration can be used to produce significant improvements in the degree of cure and the mechanical properties of dental composites used as inlays. A 10 min heat treatment was as effective as a 3 h treatment in enhancing properties and degree of cure. In addition, a 3 h heat treatment carried out 7 days after the initial light-curing was capable of improving properties and cure to almost the same extent as the immediate heat treatments. The improvement in properties, in conjunction with the fractography, indicate a toughening of the filled resin matrix and possibly an improved filler/matrix adhesion in the microfills. The changes appear to be predominantly the result of an increase in degree of cure.


A new light-activated adhesive cavity liner: an in vitro bond strength and microleakage study.

A new formulation of a light-activated calcium hydroxide-based cavity liner was developed for this study. Its shear bond strength and marginal microleakage in a Class V cavity preparation were compared to those of commercially available light-activated liners and conventional glass ionomer liners: GC Lining Cement (GC), Ketac-Bond (ESPE), Time Line (Caulk), Vitrabond (3M), XR lonomer (Kerr), and Zionomer (DenMat). The new formulation had significantly higher shear bond strength to dentin than the commercially available materials. Its microleakage along gingival (cemento-dentin) walls was statistically equivalent to one of the other materials and significantly better than all the others.


Post-irradiation polymerization of different anterior and posterior visible light-activated resin composites.

The Knoop hardness number was measured for bottom and top surfaces of 2 mm thick specimens of different anterior and posterior visible light-cured composites. The variables for this study included various exposure times and a series of time intervals from immediately after curing up to 72 h. Post-irradiation microhardness at the bottom and top surfaces increased rapidly over the first hour, was slower during 24 h and showed no further increase after 24 h. Increasing exposure time resulted in higher microhardness values at both surfaces. Magnitudes of change were larger for the bottom surface. Exposure times longer than those recommended by the manufacturers were needed, especially for the anterior microfilled composites, to achieve adequately photo-activated resin that had an optimum bottom/top surface microhardness of 80-90%. Maximum hardness values were found to be dependent on the volumetric fraction but not on the average inorganic filler size. The post-irradiation increase in hardness value was independent of composite parameters and is probably commensurate with polymerization kinetics.


Protection hypothesis for composite wear.

Significant occlusal wear occurs on posterior composite restorations in areas without direct contact with opponent teeth (contact-free wear) in addition to wear at the contacts. Recent research has indicated that all occlusal posterior composite surfaces wear, and those surfaces show decreasing wear rates over time. This provides more evidence for an earlier theory proposed by Jørgensen et al. (1979) that composite contact-free wear is a function of access and attrition caused by small particles in the food bolus. This hypothesis is now called the "protection theory" or "protection hypothesis" for wear. Macroscopic protection or "sheltering" from wear is provided by cavity preparation walls. Microscopic protection against resin matrix wear is provided by filler particles that are close together. Clinical evidence supporting the protection hypothesis comes from recently confirmed low wear rates for microfill and hybrid composites. The objective of this work was to calculate the minimum inter-particle spacing required for microscopic protection (wear resistance) for composites based on assumptions of packing fractions (0.68) with small particles (0.02 microns radius) for dispersed versus agglomerated conditions. An inter-particle spacing (IPS) of < 0.10 microns was assumed to afford wear protection. The results are that only 1.5-6.0 volume percentage microfiller is theoretically required to generate an IPS of 0.1 micron for composite microscopic protection. However, microfiller particles are suspected to agglomerate into clusters. Modified calculations for that effect indicate that at least 35% filler is required to provide microscopic protection. This effect explains much of the 3 to 5 year clinical research results for microfills and hybrids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


A classification of dental composites according to their morphological and mechanical characteristics.

The on-going search for a biologically acceptable restorative material has brought a confusing variety of composites on the dental market. In the present study, commercially available composites are categorized as a function of their mean particle size, filler distribution, filler content, Young's modulus, surface roughness, compressive strength, surface hardness, and filler morphology. Out of this information, it can be concluded that the materials of choice for restoring posterior cavities at present are the Ultrafine Compact-Filled Composites because their intrinsic surface roughness, Young's modulus and, indirectly, their filler content, compressive strength, and surface hardness are comparable to the same properties of enamel and dentin. The Ultrafine Midway-Filled Composites seem to be very satisfactory materials for anterior use.


The effect of ion strengthening time/temperature kinetics on the flexural strength of feldspathic porcelains.

The kinetics of ion exchange strengthening of three feldspathic porcelains were investigated. Data describing the effects of treatment time and temperature on flexural strength were produced. The temperature effect results support the hypothesis that the opposing phenomena of diffusion and relaxation control residual stress. The time effect results suggest that Fick's Law of diffusion and diffusional creep control flexural strength. Mechanisms were proposed. These findings suggest that precise control of temperature is more critical than control of time in this process of ion strengthening. Further investigations on the ion strengthening of low-fusing porcelains should be carried out.


Effect of phenolic compounds on the polymerization of methyl methacrylate.

The inhibitory effects of six phenolic compounds and two analogues on the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) by azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBM) were examined. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the induction period (IP) and initial rate of polymerization (IRP). The IP values (minutes) decreased in the order: eugenol > thymol > hydroquinone > cresol > guaiacol > phenol >>> safrole > methol. The IRP values of all compounds tested ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 percent per minute, except for hydroquinone (0.2 percent per minute). Phenolic compounds inhibited the polymerization of MMA by scavenging radicals, and eugenol was the most potent inhibitor.


Effect of tooth storage and cavity cleansing on cervical gap formation in Class II glass-ionomer/composite restorations.

Class II cavities with the cervical margin just below the C-E junction and with two cervical retention grooves were prepared in intact human premolars, 31 cavities in teeth stored frozen and 29 cavities in teeth stored in 1% chloramine solution. The teeth from both storage conditions were assigned to two groups; in one group, the cavities were cleaned with a water spray, in the other group, with a cleaner containing 0.2% EDTA and 1% NaF. All cavities were lined with Vitrebond and restored with P50. Cervical contraction gaps were disclosed by a fluorescent resin penetration technique. The length and width of each gap were analysed. A contraction gap was revealed in 17 of the 31 cavities in teeth stored frozen (54.8%) and in 22 of the 29 restorations in the teeth stored in chloramine (75.8%). The width of the gap was significantly greater in teeth stored in chloramine (p = 0.0004). No statistical difference in gap formation was found between cavities cleaned with water or with the detergent containing 0.2% EDTA and sodium fluoride. Since the cavity cleansing procedure was not a significant factor in gap formation, apparently removing the superficial smear layer with the cavity cleaner does not impair the bonding of Vitrebond to the dentin. However, gap formation appeared to be significantly affected by the storage conditions of the extracted teeth. It is suggested that teeth to be used in bond strength and leakage experiments should be stored frozen rather than stored in 1% chloramine solution.


Load dependency and reliability of microhardness measurements on acid-etched enamel surfaces.

The load dependency of hardness measurements was investigated on sound and demineralized enamel samples. For all samples investigated, the Knoop hardness number (KHN) varied as a function of the applied load. Higher loads enhanced indenter penetration into the test surface. The variation in KHN values observed in demineralized enamel, both surface-softened and surface-etched, was explained by a decrease in porosity as a function of depth. The reading error for indentations made on surface enamel etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 30 s was found to be slightly elevated compared to indentations made on a polished sound enamel surface. It was concluded that the surface microhardness technique can be used for the longitudinal investigation of etched surface enamel.


In vitro vibrational wear under small displacements of dental materials opposed to annealed chromium-steel counterbodies.

In vitro vibrational wear tests were performed on 17 composites and one amalgam with human enamel as a reference. The specimens were fixed on a computer-controlled X-Y translation table that generated an oscillatory movement under small displacements. The dental material specimens were in permanent contact with an annealed chromium-steel counterbody. The tests were performed in ambient air of normal humidity at room temperature under non-lubricated sliding conditions. The friction between the counterbody and each of the various materials was measured on-line. After completion of the tests, the wear volumes were determined by contactless profilometry, and the wear pattern was studied with SEM. The simple vibrational test used in this study allowed a fast classification of different dental materials in terms of the relative wear on either the specimen or the counterbody material. The ratio of the wear volume of the counterbody versus the wear volume of the dental material specimen was used to accurately classify the materials according to their in vitro wear behavior, especially when this ratio was related to the total wear volume of the dental material specimen and the counterbody. From an analysis of the wear behavior of the both contacting materials, it became obvious that neither the wear of the dental materials nor of the chromium-steel counterbody appears to correlate with either the inorganic filler hardness, the intrinsic surface roughness, the surface hardness or the Young's modulus of the dental materials.


Synthesis and polymerization of new expanding dental monomers.

The objective of this work was to develop polymeric materials that expand slightly upon polymerization and that could potentially be used as matrix resins for dental composites. A series of stereoisomeric alicyclic spiroorthocarbonates (SOC's) that expand when polymerized were synthesized. Three of these SOC racemates were analyzed: cis/cis-, cis/trans- and trans/trans-2,3,8,9-di(tetramethylene)-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.5] undecane. The degrees of expansion, approximately 3.9% and 3.5%, for the cis/cis and trans/trans, were determined by measuring the specific volume of the monomers and polymers in dilute solutions. This method of determining densities and subsequent calculated expansion or shrinkage was validated by duplicating the reported shrinkage of 4-tert-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, styrene, and methyl methacrylate. Based on these data and spectral data obtained using other analytical techniques, these stereoisomeric alicyclic SOC's appear to have potential as nonshrinking polymer or copolymer matrices for dental composites.


Effect of water-soluble photoinitiator on the adhesion between composite and tooth substrate.

The effectiveness of a water-soluble photoinitiator in a dentin primer was examined by measuring the tensile bond strength between the composite and tooth substrate treated with the primer. The water-soluble photoinitiator, 2-hydroxy-3-(3,4 dimethyl-9-oxo-9H-thioxanthen-2-yloxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-1- propanaminium chloride (QTX) was dissolved into an aqueous solution of methoxy-nonaethyleneglycol monomethacrylate (M9G) or poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone (PNVP), and these aqueous solutions were used as primers. The combination of 0.5 M EDTA pretreatment and 1% QTX -35% PNVP aqueous solution priming produced the highest bond strength. A mixture of dentin fractures and interfacial failure between the dentin and the resin was observed in the test specimen. This dentin priming combination was also effective in improving the bond strength to enamel pretreated with EDTA.


Surface properties and castability of elastomeric impression materials after plasma cleaning.

The wettability of impression materials is an important requirement for accurate reproduction of intraoral structures. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of plasma cleaning on critical surface tension and die stone castability of five silicone impression materials. Critical surface tension was calculated using a contact angle analysis according to Zisman (1964), before and after plasma cleaning. Die stone casts were produced from impressions of a master die and the area extension of the reproduction was measured planimetrically. The results showed a general increase in the critical surface tension and in the polar force component of the composite free energy for materials treated with plasma cleaning. An improvement in castability of all materials was also noted.


Environmental hazard evaluation of amalgam scrap.

Amalgam scrap was subjected to two different Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extraction procedures to determine if it presents an environmental hazard. The results indicate that concentrations of mercury and silver in the extracts do not exceed the EPA's maximum allowable concentrations. It was concluded that amalgam scrap is not a hazardous solid waste. Proper handling of amalgam scrap disposal by recycling is, however, highly recommended.


Evaluation of new methods for composite repair.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of air abrasion (sandblasting), hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching, and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for composite repair. Five different composites (three hybrids, one small-particle, and one microfill) were used to test the effects of different compositions and particle sizes. A phosphonate resin bonding agent was used for all repair procedures. In general, air abrasion provided the strongest repairs, approximately 60% of cohesive strength. The effect of HF varied with different composites, either improving or reducing the repair strength. APF gave the lowest interfacial bond strengths for all composites except the microfill.


Effect of admixed indium on properties of a dispersed-phase high-copper dental amalgam.

A new dental amalgam alloy containing admixed indium is available for clinical use. The purpose of this study was to conduct a full range of laboratory tests on two alloys containing differing amounts of admixed indium and on a similar alloy that did not contain indium. Results showed that less mercury was required to mix the alloys containing indium since admixed indium promotes wetting of the alloy. Back-scattered electron images showed the Ag-Hg matrix to be in good apposition to the Ag-Sn particles and to the Ag-Cu eutectic spheres, and there was no evidence of unreacted indium. The alloys containing admixed indium demonstrated improved resistance to creep and very little dimensional change upon setting. The early compressive strength was low for the alloys containing indium, but compressive strengths were significantly higher than those of the alloy without indium at 24 h and 7 d. Some improvement in resistance to marginal leakage and to corrosion was shown for the alloys containing indium.


Shear bond strengths of ten dentin adhesive systems.

This in vitro study tested the shear bond strengths of nine third-generation dentin bonding systems. All of these systems had higher bond strengths than the control, a second-generation agent. Amalgambond and All-Bond had the strongest bonds to dentin, 23.3 +/- 5.7 and 19.3 +/- 5.6 MPa, respectively. Clearfil Photo Bond and Prisma Universal Bond 3 had intermediate bond strengths (approximately 13 MPa). Gluma, PowerBond, Scotchbond 2, Tenure, and XR-Bond all had mean shear bond strengths of less than 8 MPa.


[The economic consequences of breaches of hygienic standards].

Economic detriment due to the main occupational diseases diagnosed in 1990 forms a sum of 2.58 billion roubles. Careful assess of economic losses concerning only a deficiency in supply due to an increased morbidity of workers gave a total amount of 20 billion roubles a year in prices of 1987. Privilege pensions connected with hazardous working conditions and based on lists N1 and 2 are considered as an occult legalization of the hygienic norms breaking. Contents of the lists trend to expand. By the end of 1987 the privilege pensions payments covered 6.6 billion roubles, but in 1991 that sum reached 7.3 billion roubles.


[The physiological mechanisms of the adaptation of metal workers to exposure to elevated convection and combined radiant and convection heat].

Metallurgists exposed to exceeding amounts of radiant heat and convection heat combined with the radiant one demonstrate such general physiologic adaptational mechanisms as: reflectory tachycardia, intensive sweating, heat conducting to the skin surface of the body, abruptly increased minute respiratory volume and possible filtrative sweating. Furthermore heavy physical work induced the extremely abrupt tachycardia, the increased systolic and pulse pressure, systolic and cardiac output, total ventilation per minute. The recommendations were suggested to prevent overheating in workers.


[Temporary work incapacity in the workers of the heat-treatment shops of the metallurgical industry due to diseases of the digestive system].

Transitory disablement in 5886 workers engaged for the whole year into heat treating metallurgy was compared during 5 years (1981-1985) with that in 291 workers engaged into repairing mechanical occupations so as to reveal metallurgical occupational factors influencing on gastrointestinal morbidity. Metallurgical occupational hazards harm the health status in workers engaged into heat-treating metallurgy, induce the gastrointestinal disorders, which are demonstrated by the elevated transitory disablement. The workers engaged into heat treating metallurgy showed higher gastrointestinal morbidity rate than those engaged into repairing mechanical work.


[Occupational morbidity in the workers of metallurgical enterprises].

Occupational morbidity was analysed in workers of 15 metallurgical enterprises according to the enterprise profile, worker's age, sex, length of service and occupation. The analysed data are represented in the article, the measures are recommended so as to reduce the occupational morbidity.


[Respiratory disease morbidity in workers in ferrovanadium production].

Links between the occupational factors of iron-vanadium production and respiratory morbidity in workers are revealed in the article. The work conditions of such occupational groups as preparatory workers (preparing and splitting of a furnace charge, slag grinding), roast workers, hydro- and electric metallurgy employees are evaluated by hygienic methods. Structure, relative risk and the standardized risk of respiratory diseases formation were shown in different occupational and age groups.


[The metabolic interaction of cobalt and silver in the body during their combined action].

Mixtures of cobalt and silver in ratio (0.2:0.4), (0.2:0.2) and (0.2:0.1) mg/kg were once administrated intraperitoneally and intratracheally to white rats. Metabolism of the metals was studied. Combined exposure to metals appeared to influence greatly on their toxicokinetics. The co-action between metals appears during their absorption into the blood--the elevated peritoneal absorption of cobalt depresses that of silver. The reverse relationship is demonstrated during the intratracheal insertion. Such peculiarities of co-action exist during the further stages of metabolism.


[Individual protection aids for saving people during a fire].

All existing individual protective means can not be applied to the life saving and the mall evacuation of people from fire due to their technical complexity and inadequate protective efficiency. The research work carried out by the authors served to produce a crucially new type of physiologically acceptable individual protective means against burning products and high environmental temperature.


[The effect of working conditions on the physiological functions of operators engaged in natural gas recovery in Uzbekistan].

Work conditions and professional activities were examined in 39 gas extracting complex operators at the age of 30-45, exposed to high environmental temperatures during more than 3 years. It became particularly evident that the observed changes of functional status in the operators were due to fatigue caused by occupational factors and professional peculiarities. Measures are suggested to normalize the hygienic parameters of the working environment and organize the work.


[The possibility of using computed tomography in the diagnosis of silicosis and silicotuberculosis].

Potentials of computed tomography application to occupational pulmonology are not identified yet, hence it has a limited utility in this sphere. Computed tomography combined with roentgenologic methods serves to specify the origin and size of affected mediastinal nodes, to distinguish between silicotic and silicotuberculotic affects and nodules. Additional data are required.


[Photometric and chromatographic methods of measuring the concentration of acelysin in the air of a work area].

Two methods were applied to evaluation of acelysine level. Spectrophotometric one was based on reaction with p-nitrophenyldiasonium and evaluation of the product optic density at 510 nm. The second was chromatography in thin layer, where a mixture of n-butanol, formic acid and water was used as an eluent and 0.2% ninhydrin solution in butanol and 3 ml of ice acetic acid (60-70 degrees C) served as a developer. Both methods are supposed to evaluate acelysine level in the air of working area, when a half of MAC and admixtures are present.


[The spectrophotometric determination of vinylimidazole and benzvinylimidazole in the air of a work area].

A spectrophotometric method of vinyl-imidazole and benzo-vinyl-imidazole detection in the air of working area is worked out. The method is based on the vinyl oxidation into formaldehyde and the detection of latter by reaction with sodium bichromotropate. The optic density is measured at 580 nm.


[The establishment of the MPEL for impulse noise].

A total of 328 blacksmiths was examined so as to obtain and analyse the physical parameters of noise exposure for its hygienic evaluation and norm setting. The noise parameters were found to vary according to different criteria if underassessed by means of existing standard 3223-85. Comparative study of hearing loss in the blacksmiths according to a standard 1999 revealed a hyperaggressiveness of impulsive noise in close connection with both noise level and length of service. Impulsive noise was recommended to be evaluated according to the peak level and quantity of impulses, but the basement of MAL is possible with the help of standard pattern while the criteria as length of service, quantile of population and the grade of hearing loss are chosen.


[The working conditions during the prototype commercial operation of continuous-output equipment in KATEK coal stripping and sanitary improvement measures].

Work conditions were analysed in workers engaged into realization of the new coal extracting line technology producing 5250 m3 of coal per hr in KATEK open-cast mine. Hygienic standards appeared to be followed mainly on the constant working places and in the mining machine cabs, but noise dust parameters were not evaluated in the transloaders, microclimate parameters of excavator and transloaders were not assessed during the cold season. High concentration of dust appear in the air due to mining machines cleaning with the pumped air. Workers engaged into the coal transportation and its intermediate storage appeared to work in more hazardous conditions. Sanitary measures are suggested.


Colloidal bismuth subcitrate in non-ulcer dyspepsia.

The effect of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (De-Nol) on symptoms, Helicobacter pylori status and histological features was studied in 35 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Pain (34 cases) and gas bloat (18) were the predominant symptoms. H pylori was present in 26 (74.3%) patients. Gastritis and duodenitis were present in 29 of 32 and 22 of 31 cases respectively in whom biopsies were available. Relief in symptoms after treatment was seen in 29 (82.8%) cases. Improvement in gastritis and duodenitis was noted in 60.8% and 58.8% respectively; over 70% of H pylori positive patients cleared the organism. These changes did not correlate with the relief in symptoms. We conclude that colloidal bismuth subcitrate is effective in the short term treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia. It also clears H pylori infection and results in improvement of histological features.


MURCS association--a review of 7 cases.

MURCS association (Mullerian hypoplasia/aplasia, renal agenesis and cervicothoracic somite dysplasia) is emerging as the second most frequent cause of primary amenorrhoea after Turner syndrome. Seven cases have been described and analysed. All cases had absence of uterus and tubes 85% had cervical spine abnormalities such as vertebral fusion, hypoplasia of vertebrae or butterfly vertebrae and short stature and 28% had renal agenesis or ectopy. The latter finding is in contrast to the reports in world literature where the frequency of renal agenesis is higher. There was no familial incidence in these seven cases lending credence to the belief that the association is essentially sporadic.


Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in diabetic foot.

To study the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic diabetic foot lesions, a prospective controlled study was undertaken. Thirty diabetics with chronic foot lesions were randomised to study group (conventional management and 4 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and control group (conventional management). The patients were assessed for average hospital stay, control of infection and wound healing. The control of infection spread was quicker. Positive cultures decreased from initial 19 to 3 in study group as against from 16 to 12 in the control group. (p < 0.05). This difference was most pronounced for Escherichia coli. Also, the need for major amputation was significantly less in the study group (n = 2) as against the control group (n = 7) (p < 0.05). The average hospital stay was not affected. We conclude that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be safely used and is beneficial as an adjuvant therapy in chronic diabetic foot lesions.


Role of ultrasonography in early pregnancy complications.

Two hundred patients in the first trimester of pregnancy presenting with complications were evaluated both clinically and by ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic interpretations were classified as either confirmatory, diagnostic or misleading based on their correlation with the clinical diagnosis. It was observed that in 51% cases sonography was confirmatory, in 41% diagnostic and in 8% misleading. Used judiciously, ultrasonography provides a reliable aid in management of early pregnancy complications.


Changes in thyroid hormones in surgical trauma.

A prospective study of 20 patients who underwent elective surgery, is presented reporting the effect of surgical trauma on circulating thyroid hormone levels. Although no increase in the serum T4 levels was observed following surgery, serum T3 values were found to decrease and serum rT3 values were found to increase in the post-operative period, representing activation of an alternate pathway in the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Since trauma induces a hypermetabolic state due to hypersecretion of cortisol, alterations in thyroid hormone levels were concluded to represent an appropriate response in trauma to counter the effects of trauma-induced cortisol hypersecretion.


Experience with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for head and neck reconstruction in a general surgical unit.

The pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap or its modification was used in 19 cases after resectional surgery for malignancy of the oral cavity with minimal morbidity and no mortality. The resection as well as reconstruction was done by the same team consisting only of general surgeons. The final functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a hardy flap and can be performed with relative ease even by those not specialised in plastic surgery. This makes it an important tool for a general surgeon practicing in a country like India with its high incidence of head and neck malignancy.


Effect of ipratropium bromide in bronchial asthma.

The effect of inhalation of ipratropium bromide was evaluated in 20 patients with bronchial asthma. It was observed that there was no significant improvement in the forced vital capacity and the forced expired volume in one second, while there was significant improvement in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured at 9 pm, after inhalation of 2 puffs of ipratropium bromide aerosol (0.02mg/puff) three to four times a day for 2 weeks. Since PEFR is a measure of large airway function and cholinergic mechanisms are primarily involved for airflow obstruction at large airways, improvement in PEFR by ipratropium bromide highlights its role as a useful bronchodilator in patients in whom vagal reflexes are responsible for the provocation of bronchoconstriction.


Congenital leukemia--organ involvement in six autopsy cases.

Six cases of congenital leukemia were encountered in pediatric autopsies carried out over a period of 7 years. The postmortem findings of these cases were analysed and presented along with antemortem peripheral and bone marrow smear. All the cases were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia. Gross changes were observed in lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys. Histological abnormalities were detected in these organs as well as the heart, pancreas and intestine. Lymph node follicles were well preserved in all. The thymus showed a normal lobular pattern with interstitial infiltrate. Bone marrow showed myeloid blast cells with depletion of the erythroid and megakaryocytic cells.


Female circumcision: a risk factor in postpartum haemorrhage.

A major postpartum haemorrhage occurred in a patient with a previous history of female circumcision. Following assisted vaginal delivery 6 litre blood loss occurred as a result of tears to the vagina and perineum. The tears were sutured, followed by insertion of vaginal packs. Replacement fluid therapy was given. To reduce the incidence of tears and accompanying haemorrhage, it is advisable to perform two episiotomies viz. anterior and midline posterior or mediolateral.


Melanocytoma of the optic disc.

Melanocytoma of the optic disc is a benign lesion. We report here a patient with melanocytoma who presented with gradual diminution of vision. On examination the left eye fundus showed a mass uniformly dark black in colour, on the optic disc occupying the superotemporal quadrant. The mass completely obscured the fluorescence on fluorescein angiography and was thus differentiated from malignant melanoma.


Pathological rupture of malarial spleen.

Two cases of spontaneous rupture of malarial spleen are reported here. One of them was a male who was on chloroquine for an acute attack of malaria. While on therapy, he complained of pain in left hypochondrium followed by palpitations. The other patient was a female who was admitted for continuous dull aching pain and fever. In both the patients, exploratory laparotomy revealed an enlarged spleen with tear. Splenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed dilated congested sinusoid with follicular atrophy, and RBCs with malarial parasites. The post-operative course was smooth in both patients.


Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult.

Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head was detected on X-ray in a patient following a vehicular accident. Such a dislocation without an associated fracture is extremely rare in adults. Immobilization of the elbow in full pronation and 90 degrees flexion for 4 weeks normalized the position of the head of the radius.


Laser in the management of stenosing oropharyngeal scleroma.

We present here our experience of laser for the management of stenosed oropharyngeal scleroma. The diagnosis of scleroma was made 14 years ago and the patient underwent repeated procedures like dilatation, diathermy excision of adhesions and cryosurgery during this period. He attended our out-patient department with complaints of dysphagia and difficulty in breathing, progressing to stridor. On examination, severe oropharyngeal stenosis due to cicatrization extending between the base of the tongue and the post-pharyngeal wall was seen. Using CO2 laser, cicatrix was released by making radial cuts and the oropharyngeal opening was widened. No tracheostomy was needed; no blood loss occurred and the patient was discharged on the next day.


Facial nerve involvement in pseudotumor cerebri.

A woman with history of bifrontal headache, vomiting and loss of vision was diagnosed as a case of pseudotumor cerebri based on clinical and MRI findings. Bilateral abducens and facial nerve palsies were detected. Pseudotumor cerebri in this patient was not associated with any other illness or related to drug therapy. Treatment was given to lower the raised intracranial pressure to which the patient responded.


[Toxicology in legal medicine].

The purpose of toxicology in legal medicine is to determine the presence of chemicals effecting the human body in biological samples and to interpret the concentrations of chemicals. Analytical methods and medico-legal interpretations of the results of poisoning cases were discussed. 1. "Yusho," PCB poisoning "Yusho" was determined to be PCB poisoning by the detection of PCB in Rice-oil used by a "Yusho" family. My toxicological works were based on the study of "Yusho," which taught me the importance of the collaboration between faculties, the moral of the co-worker, and the PCB contamination in the laboratory. 2. Drugs In order to interpret the concentration of bromvalerylurea in blood, a very sensitive method was developed using a Florisil mini-column for cleaning up, and ECD-GC for analysis. GC/MS is used to determine the concentrations of other drugs in biological samples as well. 3. Pesticides In the first case of fatal ethyl parathion poisoning, only ethyl parathion in the stomach contents was analyzed by ECD-GC, and the cause of death was determined to be ethyl parathion poisoning. In the second case, parathion in the blood, brain, and stomach contents was analyzed. Both cases, however, were not reported in detail in the journal. Joint study on pesticides with the Division of Emergency Medicine is carrying on now. 4. Thinner Male rats were exposed to toluene vapor in pure oxygen, air, and 10%-O2 air. Anesthetic death from thinner vapor was confirmed. It seems that inhalation of toluene in a hypoxic atmosphere, such as from a plastic bag, is very dangerous.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Asymmetric crying facies: the cardiofacial syndrome.

A 5 1/2 month old female child presented with cyanosis and recurrent respiratory infection. Asymmetric facies was noticed on crying. On investigation an ostium secundum atrial septal defect with right partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection and severe pulmonary hypertension was detected. The association of asymmetric crying facies with congenital cardiac anomalies, known as cardiofacial syndrome, is presented here to highlight the use of this clinical sign as a marker to congenital anomalies.


[Medical education reviewed by legal consultation of civil affairs].

I pointed out the following medical problems based on my own research and investigations of civil proceedings relating to accidents. 1. Pay little attention to the circumstances of the accident 2. Too much emphasis on laboratory investigations for medical diagnoses 3. Unsuitable medication or medical examination 4. Money-making medical care and treatment 5. Poor mental care 6. Unsuitable or incorrect descriptions of the medical conditions of the subject 7. Lack of moral sense 8. Lack of ability to guide the co-medical staff Pre and post graduate medical education must be improved and as forensic pathologists we have to participate in finding a solution for these problems. Now is the time to reform the medical system and the cost of medical examination, treatment and consultation.


Nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinoma.

The rarity of adrenocortical carcinoma prompted us to report a case who came with a history of swelling in the left flank associated with pain, weakness and loss of appetite. Ultrasonography revealed a left retroperitoneal mass which was removed by radical surgery along with the left kidney and spleen. On histopathological examination, a diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma was made. (Hough criteria score 2.97). The cells of the tumor were arranged in closely packed columns and cords supported by fibrovascular stroma. There was no evidence of metastasis.


Leiomyoblastoma of the stomach.

A case of gastric leiomyoblastoma in a 37 year old male is presented. The patient presented with 3 episodes of melaena requiring blood transfusion on one occasion. There was no associated haematemesis, abdominal pain, obstruction or a palpable lump. The tumor was sessile and completely intraluminal with superficial ulceration displaying distinctive histologic features. Seven years after partial gastrectomy the patient has remained asymptomatic.


[Molecular biological studies on teeth inquests].

This paper deals with the following three areas: 1. Age estimation of tooth based on the racemization of component amino acids On the age estimation of a subject's tooth, the whole dentin prepared from the central vertical section showed a correlation coefficient of more than 0.99. The soluble peptide extracted from the dentin provided the highest correlation compared with the total content of amino acids or insoluble collagens, suggesting its usefulness as a component for estimating the age. The racemization rate was the highest for Asp, followed by Glu and Ala in order. As to the site from which a test dentin is sampled, the ratio of Asp from the lingual section was higher than its counterpart from the labial section. It is also noteworthy that the dentin from deciduous teeth was as useful as the permanent teeth for estimating the age of juvenile. 2. DNA typing analysis using tooth as specimen The pulp in a dried tooth is removed, from which DNA in extracted for DNA fingerprinting with the Y-specific probe. The sex determination was possible using a tooth that had been extracted up to 21 months before. Furthermore, a 30-cycle repetition of PCR enabled to accurately determine the sex from the DNA specimen that was considerably degraded as well as from freshly sampled DNA. 3. Inspection by dentists The dental and roentgenographic records provided by the families allowed rapid personal identification in major disasters, traffic accidents, fires etc.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Forensic autopsy--anatomical diagnosis of asphyxial death].

In hospital cases, since a clinical history is usually present and the cause of death suspected, the chief duty of the pathologist is to describe and study the pathologic conditions revealed by his dissection. In medicolegal cases, the forensic pathologist must determine the cause of death and the circumstances of death, without any clinical history or clue to guide him except the lesion of trauma or disease which he discovers post mortem. The recognition of asphyxia as a cause of death at autopsy is occasionally difficult and requires considerable care, skill and understanding based on experience of the forensic pathologist. When a mechanical asphyxial death is suspected, the following method is a convenient routine procedure in our laboratory. 1. External Examination A systematic and careful examination of the external feature is made. 2. Internal Examination A "U" shaped incision is the most satisfactory method to inspect the internal tissues of neck in situ. 3. Laboratory Investigation The tissue examined routinely under the microscope are cervical lymph node, tongue, carotid body, lung, cortex of brain and skin. The heart's blood is collected to examine the fibrinolytic factors and thyroid hormones.


[What histology is normal and abnormal in the liver?].

Normal and abnormal morphologies of the liver were histopathologically reviewed. Characteristic structure and specialized functions of the liver, and the age and life style of the patients should be taken into consideration of the evaluation of abnormal liver morphologies. The latter were generally classified into pathologic changes, nonspecific and non-significant findings, agonal changes and postmortem changes. Pathologic changes were subdivided into several categories according to their pathogenesis and etiologies. While postmortem changes lack of vital reaction, apoptosis, a programmed cell death, is also lacking inflammatory reaction. These findings should be comprehensively analyzed in the pathologic evaluation.


Medicolegal diagnosis of asphyxia--cerebral blood flow and brain oxygen tension.

Over the last several years, using rabbit models the authors analyzed cerebral blood flow (CBF), the brain oxygen tension (PtO2) and other physiological parameters during asphyxiation as means of achieving a practical diagnosis of asphyxiation. The author reports here on the effects of compression of the carotid arteries and obstruction of the airway leading to hypoxia, based on an analysis of CBF and PtO2 during hanging. Immediately after hanging, the CBF dropped but then rose suddenly. After several minutes, it dropped along with blood pressure. The PtO2 continued to decrease until the time of irreversible apnea. These findings suggest the effects of compression of the carotid arteries and the airway occlusion. After death, these results were confirmed with the injection-molded resin specimens of the airway and by the angiograph. But the closure of the vertebral arteries was not produced by the hanging.


The course of respiration and circulation in death due to various types of asphyxia.

To investigate the course of respiration and circulation in death due to various types of asphyxia, dogs were asphyxiated by a method simulating typical hanging, by plastic-bag suffocation, by breathing pure nitrogen and low concentration of oxygen. Intrathoracic pressure, blood pressure in the femoral artery, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram were registered and were compared with the course in death due to obstructive asphyxia.


Application of hemoglobin analysis by CO-oximeter to medico-legal practice with special reference to diagnosis of asphyxia.

Hemoglobin analysis by CO-oximeter is more easily and rapidly available method than other spectrophotometric or GC methods. In the present study, the possibility of diagnosis of asphyxia by CO-oximeter was examined experimentally using rabbits. When measured value of oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) was lower than about 20% and that of deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) was, on the other hand, higher than about 80%, being accompanied by low measured values of both methemoglobin (MetHb) and CO-hemoglobin (COHb) (< 5%), asphyxia should be firstly considered as the cause of death. To the corpses found at the scene of fire, three chief factors causing death such as burns, suffocation due to oxygen deficiency and intoxication by poisonous gases may have occurred simultaneously, and through measuring the values of O2Hb, COHb, MetHb and HHb, the main lethal factor could be selected out among these three factors above and the cause of death could be examined much more closely. Because of easy and rapid analysis, it could be considered that CO-oximeter was useful for forensic practices and police activities.


Fire death and hypoxic death.

Participation of hypoxic hypoxia in low COHb (Carboxyhemoglobin) concentrations frequently observed in fire victims was examined using rats and rabbits exposed to low-O2 and CO gas mixtures. Rats exposed to the most hypoxic gas mixture (O2 3%-CO 0.3%) died with COHb value below 40%. Rabbits also died with a low COHb concentration under this condition, but the COHb concentration was not below 50%. From the literature as well as the findings obtained in the present experiment, hypoxic hypoxia did not appear to be a main factor causing death at low COHb concentrations.


Re-evaluation of death by asphyxia based on cerebral blood flow (VII)--on the information on electric potentials obtained from deep electroencephalographic electrodes.

The author presents electroencephalographic patterns (a physiological parameter of the brain function observed at rapid and fatal drowning of rabbits), cerebral blood flow (CBF) which support the physiological activities of the brain, and the relationship between systemic respiration and circulation with special reference to changes in the electrical potentials detected by deep electroencephalographic electrodes. The possibility of diagnosis of fatal drowning is examined, based on the results.


Studies on asphyxia: morphological research for the aid of diagnosis of asphyxia using light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemical methods.

The lattice-form structure and/or tubular myelin can be found in the debris-like structure which is the pinkish substance in the alveolar space in the Hematoxylin & Eosin stained sections. These findings were obtained by using rats in the air containing oxygen of 5% or mixing and/or contaminating each of methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and freon gases. The immunohistochemical detection using the monoclonal mouse antibody against human pulmonary surfactant (PS) apoprotein is of highly useful. The positive reaction products observed in the alveolar space indicate the localization of the tubular myelin. The data suggest that the PS appears when the inhaled air contains oxygen in low concentration. The immunohistochemical method using the antibody against human PS apoprotein is worth applying for the diagnosis of oxygen deficiency including the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of the new born. We conclude that the appearance of the positive reaction products suggests that, at least, the air did not come in contact with the surface of alveoli, which leads us to the diagnosis of death was from oxygen deficiency, even if we are at the stage when the mode of death is undetermined.


Pathological approaches to SIDS. I. Special emphasis on the histopathological differences between SIDS and asphyxia.

Histopathological observation was performed to clarify pathological differences of the lung between SIDS and asphyxia. In regard to pulmonary edema, there was no significant difference between SIDS and asphyxia. Occurrences of microemboli in the pulmonary vessels in cases of SIDS showing aspiration of gastric content into the lung, asphyxia and drowning were significantly high, compared with that of SIDS cases without aspiration.


Diagnosis of asphyxia on the sudden infant death--prone sleeping position and vomit aspiration.

An inevitable conclusion of studies in the Netherlands, Great Britain, the United States and Japan is that sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is intimately linked to the prone sleeping position of infants. But this cause of death cannot be explained by the conventional view of SIDS. Although asphyxia would be the most plausible explanation, the cause of death in the majority of SIDS-related deaths in Japan are ruled as SIDS, primarily because administrative autopsies in this country are delayed and the diagnosis is most often made from an external examination only. This lack of autopsy reports also hampers research in this area. Moreover, even where autopsies have been conducted, because of the lack of clear criteria for diagnosis, inconsistent rulings are rendered depending on the judgment of the presiding pathologist. Given these considerations, we undertook to examine the diagnostic criteria for death by asphyxiation among infants sleeping in the prone position, and the problems associated with such a diagnosis.


An evaluation of analyzed data of hemoglobin derivatives by CO-Oximeter in medico-legal autopsy.

We examined blood samples of autopsy cases by a CO-Oximeter and evaluated the data for investigation of death including asphyxia. When sampling methods were examined, oxyhemoglobin (O2-Hb) concentrations increased, and reduced hemoglobin (R-Hb) concentrations decreased, by the contact of the blood with the air, while carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) and methemoglobin (Met-Hb) concentrations appeared to be unchanged. The CO-Hb concentrations in the left heart blood were higher than those of the right. In the cases of death due to cold exposure, O2-Hb concentrations of the left heart blood were prominently higher than those of the right. In the cases of death in house fires and the asphyxiated, O2-Hb concentrations were extremely low (below 10%) in both of the left and right heart blood.


Efficient methods for production of monoclonal antibodies for forensic applications.

To simplify the labor-intensive process of making hybridomas, we fused popliteal lymph node cells, used an autoclavable serum-free culture medium throughout, and cloned hybridomas with human blood cell feeders. To make the best possible use of the serum-free medium, we adapted mouse myeloma cells to it. Using as little as 0.2 ml of human blood per culture plate, we successfully cloned hybridomas and established a hybrid cell line producing anti-peroxidase antibody. Our protocol affords a considerable saving on time, labor, and cost, and hopefully will encourage the forensic scientist to undertake the production of monoclonal antibodies.


Application of commercially available monoclonal blood grouping reagents to detection of antigens in forensic materials.

Commercial monoclonal reagents for ABO blood grouping were examined for their characteristics in forensic application. In the absorption-elution tests, the monoclonal reagents showed various reactivities, which were generally weaker than polyclonal ones. False negative reactions were observed in the tests for A antigens in some cases of aged or thin bloodstains and hair samples. Each monoclonal reagent showed a limited reactivity to the stains of animal blood. The monoclonal reagents were comparable to polyclonal ones in the absorption characteristics with bloodstains. They showed various reactivities with salivas. In the immunostaining, each of anti-A and anti-B reagent showed a similar staining property against the group antigens of the red cells, vascular endothelia, and various epithelia including the mucous cells of salivary glands.


Blood grouping of minute samples using monoclonal anti-A,B antibody.

The availability of a monoclonal anti-A,B antibody (AB-E6E2) for blood grouping of blood and saliva stains was investigated. The antibody, which was reacted with A, B and AB antigens but not with O antigen, was produced from BALB/c mouse-mouse hybridoma raised to group AB red blood cells. AB-E6E2 had heat-elutability enough to detect ABO antigens in blood and saliva stains by absorption-elution test, whereas it had extremely weak double combining potency in mixed agglutination test. Application of elution-ELISA method will enable the detection of smaller amount of ABH antigens. The antibody, therefore, would be useful to segregate group O minute samples from the other blood group ones.


A novel method for blood group typing with the aid of monoclonal antibody immobilized dyed microspheres.

A novel and simple method for blood group typing has been developed. The procedure involves the use of type-specific monoclonal antibodies covalently linked to dyed microspheres of polyglycidyl methacrylate. The presence of ABH and Lewis blood group antigens in saliva and plasma could be determined easily and specifically with respective monoclonal antibodies bound to dyed microspheres. The present method could also be applicable for the determination of the presence of invisible antigens for the forensic and diagnostic purpose with visible agglutination reaction.


Monoclonal antibodies against haptens.

Four kinds of monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) specific to paraquat, diquat, methamphetamine (MA) and melatonin (MT) were produced. 1-Methyl,1'-hexanoic acid-4,4'-bi-pyridinium, 4-amino-D,L-phenylalanine-diazo-coupled diquat, p-amino-methamphetamine as haptens were synthesized and coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) directly or to BSA via glutaraldehyde, and an antigen of MT was prepared by binding MT to BSA with the Mannich reaction. These immunogens of BSA conjugates were immunized i.p. to BALB/C mice. Usable moAbs were established 4 to 6 months after the first immunization. Amounts of paraquat, diquat, MA and MT causing a 50% of inhibition by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay with one of the most specific moAbs from each hapten were 1.1 ng, 0.67 nmol, 10.0 ng and 1.4 ng, respectively.