Ketone bodies in fish skin mucus as an indicator of starvation: a preliminary report

The detection of starvation is a major problem in fish husbandry. Too often the discovery of starving animals is not made until pathogenic organisms are about to overcome the weakened animals. A simple test, using a commercial plastic strip with a reagent area that changes colour in the presence of starvation-induced ketones, was applied to this problem in the mullet, Mugil cephalus. The strip identified ketones in the fish skin mucus, and demonstrated its value in detecting starvation in fishes.     

Use of tranquilizers in diseases of the skin; a preliminary report

Tranquilizing agents such as chlorpromazine and reserpine were used in various diseases of the skin in which the psychogenic factors were considered important etiologic agents. While a tranquilizing effect was obtained in the majority of instances, the side reactions and variation in response were so great as to render these agents unsatisfactory for routine use as tranquilizers. Meprobamate (marketed under the trade names Miltown and Equanil) was then used on a group of dermatologic patients with more consistent tranquilizing effect and comparatively little unpleasant side reactions. It is felt that further study of the use of meprobamate as a tranquilizing agent in dermatology is worth while.     

Non-fertility in cows with an abnormal indole metabolism and disturbed carbohydrate composition in the cervical mucus: a preliminary report

Cervical mucus samples of the cow appear to provide information on the probability of becoming pregnant. In six 'repeat breeders' a strong indole metabolism was found in the cervix. When luteal tissue was decreasing and follicles increasing, compounds were found indicating possible exfoliation of the endometrium, which in dogs is a normal process in late metoestrus. Exfoliation of the endometrium was actually demonstrated in two cows after slaughter. It can delay the onset of oestrus for several days and can disturb implantation of an embryo. The carbohydrate composition of the cervical mucus was also different from that in normal cows. Treatment with PMSG and PGF resulted only twice in the formation of glucuronic acid and sorbitol, which are seemingly necessary for the receipt of spermatozoa. A disturbed carbohydrate composition and an abnormal indole metabolism, which is easily detectable in the cervical mucus, may prevent or disturb fertilization in cows.     

A new technique for skin grafting in avascular areas: a preliminary report.

A 3 X 3 cm, buried, split-skin graft will survive on an avascular bed if it is temporarily covered with a skin flap. Four cases of secondary ear reconstruction are presented, in which this technique was effectively used.     

Skeletal biology of the Taino: a preliminary report

Preliminary data on the skeletal biology of 78 Taino skeletons belonging to Juan Dolio, an archaeological site of the Maguana province, 80 Km. east of S. Domingo, are presented. The minimum number of individuals, sex, age, stature, and morphologic and morphometric characters were determined. Dental wear and pathology of cranial and post-cranial bones were also recorded.     

Plant use in three Pre-Pottery Neolithic sites of the northern and eastern Fertile Crescent: a preliminary report

The beginnings of agriculture throughout the Fertile Crescent are still not completely understood, particularly at the eastern end of the Fertile Crescent in the area of modern Iran. Archaeobotanical samples from Epipalaeolithic/PPNA Körtik Tepe in southeastern Turkey and from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic sites of Chogha Golan and East Chia Sabz in south western Iran were studied in order to define the status of cultivation at these sites. Preliminary results show the presence of abundant wild progenitor species of crops at the Iranian sites before 10600 cal. b.p., and very few wild progenitor species at Körtik Tepe dated to 11700–11250 cal. b.p. The Iranian sites also indicate size increase of wild barley grain across a sequence of 400 years through either cultivation or changing moisture conditions.     

基于土地利用空间格局的区域生态系统健康评价——以舟山岛为例

土地利用空间格局是影响区域生态系统健康状态的重要因素。构建适用于舟山岛生态系统健康诊断的"活力-组织结构-恢复力-生态系统服务功能"评价指标体系,其活力以植被相对密度指数表征、组织结构以蔓延度等4个景观格局指数表征。选择镇、乡或街道等行政区作为评价单元,以遥感数据和土地利用调查数据为基础,采用G IS和RS技术,提取舟山岛17个乡镇1970-2005年间5个时期的土地利用空间格局和指标信息,采用综合参数评价模型对研究区生态系统健康进行时空动态评价。研究结果表明:(1)35 a来舟山岛生态系统健康整体状况呈下降趋势,相对较好的区域面积下降了18%,相对一般的下降了8%,而相对较差的上升了26%;(2)城市化、滩涂围垦与沿海工业的发展是舟山岛生态系统健康状态下降的主要原因。     

Twenty years of percutaneous treatments for cystic echinococcosis: a preliminary assessment of their use and safety

Image-guided percutaneous treatments for echinococcal cysts were introduced in the mid-eighties. Today they represent a third therapeutic option, after surgery and benzimidazole derivatives. Two types of percutaneous treatments are available, based on the destruction of the germinal layer or the evacuation of the endocyst. To assess the extent of their use and their safety, a Medline search of the literature on this subject was performed. The number of cysts treated, their anatomical sites, the complications and, length of follow-up (when available), were all examined. The results show that percutaneous treatments for cystic echinococcosis are safe and efficacious in selected anatomical sites, provided basic safety issues are correctly addressed. However, before drawing final conclusions, a more detailed analysis of the literature is needed. Percutaneous treatments could be simplified and made more effective if a scolecidal agent could be found that melts the entire endocyst without causing harm to the biliary epithelium.     

Cytology of desmoplastic medulloblastoma in imprint smears: a report of 2 cases

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic medulloblastoma is a rare subtype of medulloblastoma with astroglial differentiation. The cytomorphologic features in intraoperative imprint smears from 2 cases of desmoplastic medulloblastoma are described. CASE REPORTS: A 22-year-old man and 27-year-old woman with a cerebellar tumor underwent craniotomy and tumor resection. The imprint cytologic smears contained cellular zones and nodular hypocellular areas containing astroglial and oligodendrogliallike elements. The cytology was misinterpreted as glial tumors, while the final histologic diagnosis in both cases were desmoplastic medulloblastoma. CONCLUSION: Desmoplastic medulloblastoma shows distinctive cytology in intraoperative smears. However, the occurrence of this rare type in adults and the presence of astroglial elements in imprint smears may cause a cytologic misinterpretation as gliomas.