Cell Squeezing Research Articles

Cell wall development in the berries of two grapevines

The cell wall content of the berries of grape cultivars ‘Barbera’ and ‘Freisa’ was examined and analyzed during their growth and ripening from July to October. The build-up of cell wall material was much faster in ‘Barbera’ than in ‘Freisa’, and ended 2 weeks before completion of commercial maturity, while in ‘Freisa’ it progressed at a lower rate, but continued up to picking-time. The two most important groups of cell wall polysaccharides were insoluble pectins and hemicellulose. Their behaviour appeared to be always complementary. Cell number per berry apparently decreased steadily in both cultivars, more rapidly in ‘Freisa’ than in ‘Barbera’. The reason for this is not certain, but appears to be due either to cell fusion or to cell squeezing. The average number of cells per berry in both cultivars was of the same order of magnitude, and in agreement with the findings of other authors.

Thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusion.

The technique, indications, and complications of diagnostic thoracoscopy are described. Two hundred and eight explorations have been performed in our service in the last seven years. From 137 pleural malignancies we have obtained an unequivocal positive biopsy in 129 (94%) with a minimum number of complications and no mortality. From our experience we conclude that thoracoscopy, when porperly performed, is diagnostic in most pleural conditions.

A new type of diaphragm blood pump

The construction of a diaphragm pump with the following characteristics is described: (1) compoletely linear flow throughout the pump, including the valves; (2) no change of the blood-flow direction; (3) controlled valves allow a flow independent of the resistance in the external circuit; (4) small filling volume of about 10 ml; (5) squeezing of the blood cells is reduced to a minimum; (6) minimal damage to the blood compared with other types of pumps; (7) possibility to change all parameters independently of each other; (8) continuous checking possibilities of the pumping process.