Some factors influencing the sensitivity of body temperature to activity in neonates

In adult humans, core temperature is influenced by activity; the sensitivity of core temperature to such effects shows a phase dependence and is also influenced by the environment and whether the individual is asleep or awake. We have investigated if similar effects are evident in neonates, in whom thermoregulation and the circadian rhythm of core temperature are not fully developed. Eleven full-term, healthy babies were studied singly (light 07:00-19:00) at 2 days of age and again 4 weeks after birth; between these times, they were tended routinely on a communal ward. On study days, 10-minute recordings were made of rectal and skin (abdominal) temperature, heart rate (HR), and behavioral state. Sensitivities of the temperatures to activity (“arousal”) were assessed throughout the 24h by measuring the gradient of (temperature/HR). Sensitivities measured at 01:00, 05:00, 09:00, 13:00,17:00, and 21:00 were used as dependent variables in stepwise regression and linear regression analyses, with “subjects” “light versus dark”, “behavioral state”, and “difference between time of measurement and the acrophase of the endogenous component of the temperature rhythm” (ignoring sign) as possible predictors. (Acrophases of the temperature rhythms had been estimated from 24h data purified using the behavioral state record.) Light versus dark acted as a significant predictor of the sensitivity of rectal temperature to arousal on day 2 and week 4, the sensitivity increasing in the light, and there was limited evidence for behavioral state acting as a predictor on day 2. Neither factor was a significant predictor when the sensitivity of the babies' skin temperatures to arousal was investigated. There was also some evidence that the difference between the time of measurement and the temperature acrophase acted as a predictor of sensitivity to arousal in both rectal (day 2) and skin (week 4) temperature, with larger differences decreasing the sensitivity. These results indicate that there are masking effects on body temperature due to arousal in neonates, the size of which depends on both internal and external factors. However, this sensitivity of temperature to arousal shows differences from the sensitivity of temperature to physical activity in both adult humans and adult mice. One possible explanation of this result is that temperature regulation and the circadian system are not fully developed in humans at this age. (Chronobiology International, 17(5), 679-692, 2000)     

Intratumour factors influencing the access of antibody to tumour cells

Summary The histological structure and biochemical composition of human tumours is very varied, as is the structure of the microvascular network. It can be expected, therefore, that the extravasation, diffusion and convection of macromolecules will vary between tumours — and also between areas in the same tumour. The major factors influencing the intratumour distribution of injected antibody are reviewed and an attempt made to identify the tumour types in which therapeutic antibody, with or without a cytotoxin, will distribute most effectively.     

Some factors influencing adoption of sheltered dogs

Abstract

In Italy the law forbids euthanizing shelter dogs unless they are severely ill or dangerous. This has created a problem: many dogs are housed for long periods of time in shelters. It is important to the welfare of these dogs for us to find methods to increase successful adoption rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different management factors such as the number of dogs in a pen, Temporary Adoption Programs (TAPs), and animal-owner-related characteristics on successful adoptions of kenneled dogs. The study included 763 dogs, 92 of whom were dogs showing behavioral problems. The age of the dogs upon arrival at the shelter was the most important determinant for length of stay, with younger dogs being adopted faster (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 150.27; df = 3; n = 733; p < 0.001). Dogs up to six months of age (n = 73) were adopted more quickly than older dogs (average length of stay: 1.4 vs. 6.4 months). The year of admittance was also significant since dogs who were admitted in a year in which more dogs were brought to the shelter spent more time in the shelter before being re-homed (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 96.18; df = 2; n = 733; p < 0.001). Dogs' gender had no effect on length of stay (Mann-Whitney, U = 64563; Z = 0.81; p = ns; n¹ = 389; n² = 344). Temporary Adoption Programs had a significant positive effect in reducing the return rate when the final adopter was the same person who had “temporarily” adopted the dog (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0063). Return rate was also associated with behavioral problems. Fearful dogs were returned more often than dogs with other problems (Fisher exact test, p = 0.029). It is concluded that, although young age is the most important factor leading to quick adoption, programs which include increased human interaction, and special training for dogs with behavioral problems, could aid in the successful re-homing of shelter dogs.     

Irregular antibody screening by Groupamatic at the Paris (C.N.T.S.) and Toulouse (C.R.T.S.) blood transfusion centers

We report here the experience of 3 years of irregular antibody automated screening with Groupamatic, that is to say of 661,511 samples tested in Paris and 269, 162 samples tested in Toulouse. The positive reactions in Paris were 16,296 (2.46%) out of which 2,021 irregular antibodies were identified (0.30%). The positive reactions in Toulouse were 8,266 (3.07%) out of which 2,138 irregular antibodies were identified (0,79%). The difference between the number of screened positive reactions and the identified one is due to false positive reactions (half of the cases) and to autoantibodies whose number is roughly the same than the number of identified alloantibodies. During the years 1970, 1971 and 1972, the irregular antibodies were systematically screened in Toulouse on all blood donors with a manual technique on opaline plate using enzyme treated red cell tests (papain). 7,147 positive reactions were detected, out of 240,080 tests (2.98%). 1,954 (0,81%) were alloantibodies and 1,529 (0.64%) autoantibodies; 3.455 were false positive reactions and 209 were non identified antibodies. These figures are superimposed with those obtained with Groupamatic during the following years, thus pointing out the interest of this equipment.