Preparation and some properties of stable and carbon-14 and tritium-labeled short-chain aliphatic hydroxamic acids

A simple and safe procedure has been described for the preparation of short-chain aliphatic hydroxamic acids in quantities as large as 1 mole and as small as 0.01 mole. The procedure is equally suitable for the preparation of isotopically labeled hydroxamates, as has been demonstrated in the case of 1-¹⁴C-acetohydroxamic acid and ³H-acetohydroxamic acid. Some physical and chemical characteristics, including infrared spectra of formo-, aceto-, propiono-, and isobutyro-hydroxamic acids prepared by this method have been described.     

The Management of Abdominal Injuries in the Presence of Head Injury

When head and blunt abdominal injuries are combined, the head injury is often afforded too much attention and the abdominal injury too little, especially when the patient is unconscious. If mismanaged, the abdominal injury is often the more serious threat to life. Except for extradural hemorrhage, neurosurgical intervention, when indicated, can be delayed until the patient has been thoroughly evaluated for the presence of extra cranial injuries with higher therapeutic priority.Abdominal examination of the unconscious or uncooperative patient is difficult. Tenderness as a sign of abdominal injury cannot be elicited. Abdominal rigidity (in the absence of rigid extremities), a silent abdomen, shock, and extreme restlessness may indicate intra-abdominal changes. Abdominal paracentesis is a valuable diagnostic aid, and the finding of blood, bile-stained fluid, intestinal contents or air is an indication for immediate laparotomy. Once all injuries are known, priorities for treatment can be assigned. Often head and abdominal injuries can be treated concomitantly.     

The origin and structure of the secondary coat of the egg of Drosophila melanogaster

Summary The techniques of light and electron microscopy have been employed in a study of the protective coverings of the egg of Drosophila melanogaster. Data obtained during this investigation suggest the involvement of the follicle cells, in the production of one of these coverings and justify its classification as a secondary coat. The secondary coat of D. melanogaster is highly organized and has been divided into three Zones (I, II, IIII). The follicle cells enveloping the oocyte exhibit two phases of secretory activity each involving hypertrophy of the Golgi complex and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the production of protein and polysaccharide components. The first phase concerns the elaboration of the material which gives rise to the homogeneous lamina referred to as Zone I. The second results in the release of an electron dense component which becomes organized into two laminae separated by struts or pillars; this construction is referred to as Zone II. At the completion of this secretory phase, the follicle cells assume a squamous morphology and a third Zone, composed of a homogeneous substance, appears between the follicle cells and Zone II.This investigation was supported by grant GM-08776 to one of us (EA) from the National Institutes of Health, United States Public Health Service.     

Xylene Poisoning: A Report on One Fatal Case and Two Cases of Recovery after Prolonged Unconsciousness

Three cases of xylene poisoning occurred after prolonged inhalation of paint fumes. Analysis showed that xylene comprised more than 90% of the solvent in the paint, the total solvent comprising 34% of the paint by weight. One patient was dead on admission, while the other two recovered after at least 15 hours'' loss of consciousness. Both patients had transient liver cell damage, and one temporary impairment of renal function.     

Efficiency and the Public's Health

The Governor''s Survey on Efficiency and Cost Control, established by Governor Reagan''s executive order, was a non-profit, bipartisan, privately financed management analysis of State administration conducted by private citizens, including physicians, during 1967 for the purpose of achieving improvement in administrative procedure and operating economies in State government.State employees and appointed department heads offered many valuable suggestions and cooperated fully with the survey team.Two hundred recommendations were submitted to the Governor for improvement in the Departments of Public Health and Mental Hygiene, the Office of Health Care Services and the organizations under the Secretary of Human Relations.The recommendations for the health-related administrative units concerned reorganization and consolidation of departments and units, improvement in administrative and operating methods and improvement of services. Annual savings of several hundred million dollars could result.None of the recommendations were for reduction in services and none concerned individual employees or appointees.Assistance in and support for the implementation of the recommendations will be needed from legislators, responsible citizens and organizations interested in efficient and economical government.