Gradual Decrease In Frequency Research Articles

CLINICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

The retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oncology, Hameed Latif Hospital, JPMC & GINUM, from January 2020 to January 2023 to assess the shift in the prognosis of MBC over time in the real-life clinical setting. Patients were divided into groups based on disease diagnosis (Group I: January 2020-January 2021 and Group II: January 2022-January 2023) and disease presentation (de novo vs. recurrent), and the correlation between prognostic factors and survival was assessed. A total of 781 patients were included in the study, 240 in Group I and 541 in Group II. There were 484 (61.9%) HR+, 210 (26.8%) HER2+, and 86 (11.01%) TN cases. 412 (53%) had recurrent disease, with a gradual increase in frequency (P <0.001). Incidence of HR+ disease (56%) was significantly higher than HER2+(20%) and TN subtypes (12%)(P<0.001). 375 (48%) had dnMBC, consisting of 52% with HR+ disease, 29% withHER2+ and 5.8% having TNMBC. Despite a gradual decrease in frequency, de novo disease was most common in the HER2+ subtype (62% in Group I vs. 49% in Group II, P = 0.007). A higher number of subjects with HR+ disease had chemotherapy in Group I compared to Group II (P=0.01), while endocrine therapy (ET) was more common in Group II (n = 238, 44%) compared to Group I (n = 118; 38.4%) (P=0.14). There were significant variations among pathological subtypes; HR+ was 18.0 months, HER2+ was 17.0 months, and TNBC was 10 months ( P< 0.001). The median OS among all patients after a follow-up of 36 months was 50.0 (47.0-54.0) months. TN group had the worst OS of 27 months (P<0.001). The impact of modern treatment approaches in Group I vs. Group II (52 vs. 52 months) was insignificant. Advancement in the treatment is associated with improved prognosis of MBC, particularly for luminal B-HER2+. TNBC has the worst prognosis and is the most challenging to treat. The findings of this study will provide insight into disease patterns and survival, which can be valuable for improving outcomes through the use of novel treatment.

Density spectrum array and difficult to diagnose seizure activity.

We present a case with non-convulsive status (NCSE) in which density spectrum array (DSA) illustrated "three little seizures." The conventional EEG was not useful. However, DSA revealed three seizures lasting for 30-40 seconds with a gradual decrease in frequency, along with the temporal frequency change. The present case highlights the usefulness of DSA in detecting NCSE, particularly in cases where there is no typical rhythmic and periodic pattern.

Acquisition of consonant clusters and remediation of cluster reduction in Egyptian children

BackgroundConsonant clusters are a feature of many world languages. The acquisition of consonant clusters is one of the latest occurring aspects of speech acquisition in normally developing children. Difficulty producing consonant clusters has been found to contribute to high levels of unintelligibility in children with phonological impairment.This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that was applied on 150 typically developing (TD) Egyptian Arabic children, with an age range of 30 to 48 months, using the Egyptian Monosyllabic Consonant Cluster Test (EMCCT). The children were divided into 3 groups, each group with an age range of 6 months. The objective was to determine the age of suppression of cluster reduction and to evaluate two different phonological therapies (minimal contrast and auditory bombardment) in children who have not acquired consonant clusters (less than 90% correct production).ResultsAge of suppression of cluster reduction in Egyptian children was found to be between 3 years 6 months and 4 years. There was a gradual decrease in frequency of occurrence of cluster reduction from 74% (2 years 6 months–3 years) to 46% (3 years–3 years 6 months) to 10% (3 years 6 months–4 years). There was significant statistical association between consonant clusters of obstruents + sonorants (stops + sonorants and fricatives + sonorants) between the different age groups (p value < 0.001). Both techniques of therapy showed significant improvement of post-therapy score. There was no significant difference between total intervention duration in both techniques; however, there was significant association between cumulative intervention intensity and minimal contrast therapy (p value < 0.001).ConclusionThe Egyptian Monosyllabic Consonant Cluster Test (EMCCT) is a valid and reliable assessment tool for identification of percentage of occurrence of cluster reduction process. Both minimal contrast and auditory bombardment approaches are applicable for cluster reduction remediation.

Age-sex structure of drought-driven African elephant (Loxodonta africana) mortality in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Age and sex determination of 101 lower jaws from drought-driven savanna elephant mortalities was done in Hwange National Park (HNP) using the Age Reference Line (ARL) method. We recorded an overall higher number of female elephant death compared to males. The age at death was skewed towards the young and very old individuals, with an overall gradual decrease in frequency into prime cohorts. Female elephant mortalities were more prevalent in young animals, nursing, and very old individuals. A similar mortality trend was observed for male elephants below the age of 22 years. We did not record any elephant between the age of 45–52.5 years for both sexes. We support the notion that the overall distribution of the female's mortality prevalence compared to males is aligned to and influenced by the social and developmental behaviour of savanna elephants. Our findings suggest a natural selection process at play, facilitated by resource limitation during the period of drought. This study provides evidence for the need to get back to the basic ecological principles and understanding of natural ecological processes in the conservation of key species. Although elephant mortalities due to drought represent a small proportion of the entire population in the study area, more work needs to be done to investigate the influence of drought, novel infections and anthropogenic drivers as they have potential to affect savanna elephant populations in the long term.

Temporal changes of lung computed tomography findings pulmonary COVID-19 infection

ObjectivesCOVID-19 infection demonstrates characteristic findings in chest CT. The optimal timing of repeated CT scans still needs to be clarified, and the optimal time to assess imaging clearance in COVID-19 is still unknown. It is crucial to have a roadmap of the imaging course of COVID-19 pneumonia to develop guidelines for prompt diagnosis of pulmonary complications, especially fibrosis, at the earliest stage. PurposeTo assess the temporal changes of chest CT findings in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and evaluate the rate of a complete resolution and determine the patients are at excessive risk for residual parenchymal abnormalities. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 48 patients with real-time polymerase chain reaction–confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to three academic hospitals. These patients underwent at least one initial chest CT before or after admission and at least one follow-up CT scan four weeks or more after the onset of the symptoms. All chest CTs were categorized according to time of performance into four groups, including the first week, second week, third-fourth week, and more than 28 days. Lung involvement was categorized as predominantly alveolar (ground-glass opacity and consolidation), organizing pneumonia, and reticular patterns. The severity of involvement was also evaluated by the reader. ResultsForty-eight patients and a total of 130 chest CT scans were evaluated. The alveolar pattern showed a gradual decrease in frequency from 91% in the first week to 9% after the fourth week of the disease but the organizing pneumonia pattern gradually increased with disease progression and the frequency of reticular pattern increased significantly after third week. Complete resolution of CT findings was seen in 17 patients (13.1%) and was significantly more prevalent in patients of younger age (p value<0.001) and with lower initial CT severity scores (p value=0.048). CT severity scores in the second week were significantly higher in ICU admitted patients (p value=0.003). ConclusionThere are temporal patterns of lung abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The predominant CT pattern was alveolar infiltrate in the first and second weeks of the disease, replaced with an organizing pneumonia pattern in the third and fourth weeks. Progression of lung involvement was correlated with ICU admission due to the highest CT severity score in the second and third weeks of presentation but not in the first week in patients who were admitted at ICU. Complete CT resolution was significantly more common in patients of younger age and lower initial CT severity scores.

LGMD: EP.195 The most common CAPN3 disease causing variant in north-eastern Europe population or controversial coincidence

CAPN3 gene intronic variant c.1746-20C>G has a relatively high frequency for the disease-causing mutation. It shows a gradual decrease in frequency from the North to South and from the East to West in Europe, having the lowest AF 0.002 in southern European populations, and the highest AF 0.018 in Latvia. GnomAD also reports two homozygous c.1746-20C>G individuals, and two more homozygous individuals identified in his study from BioBank. At least in one homozygous individual CPK level was normal, and the person was classified as healthy. Our study group included calpainopathy patients (n=20) from the Latvia, Lithuania and Myo-Seq project with identified CAPN3 c.1746-20C>G variant in trans position with another CAPN3 disease causing variants. Data was collected retrospectively. Western blot (n=2) and RNA studies (n=4) were done. In all families the CAPN3 c.1746-20C>G variant is found in the biallelic combination, and it segregated with the disease. The second alleles were: c.550delA, p.Arg49Cys, p.Glu234Arg, p.Ser215Pro, p.Gly445Arg, c.598_612del and c.1333G>A. Some of them recently were reported as of having possible autosomal dominant transmission. Family members carriers for those mutations were unaffected. Reduced labeling for Calpain-3 was observed in Western blot analysis, also it coincides with data from the previous publications by Nascimbeni et al. 2010. RNA studies in all of analyzed persons showed some level of abnormal splicing concerning intron 13. We have been able to identify isoforms with complete intron 13 inclusion, and several low yield isoforms with partial intron 13 inclusion in both 5’and 3’end. We can argue that low yield results could be artefacts, or conversely, that it could be caused by nonsense mediated decay of abnormal isoforms. If CAPN3 gene intronic variant c.1746-20C>G is a risk allele for calpainopathy, that would be one of the most common CAPN3 variant in those populations.

Probable dynamic triggering of phreatic eruption in the Tatun volcano group of Taiwan

On 16 March 2014 (UTC), a small phreatic eruption occurred in the Tatun volcano group (TVG) of Taiwan, although it was not reported until analysis of both seismic and acoustic data revealed that the source was in the vicinity of the Hsiaoyukeng fumarole. A replay of the acoustic data accelerated ∼60-fold reveals that the gradual decrease in frequency that was recorded produces a volcanic whistle, similar to the jet of steam released from a heating kettle. The phreatic eruption may have been dynamically triggered by a M6.7 earthquake in Chile. A similar phenomenon occurred on 5 January 2015, when a phreatic eruption was recorded in the TVG immediately after the generation of dynamic seismic waves by an M5.0 earthquake in Japan. This is the first scientific report of a phreatic eruption detected in the TVG, indicating that these volcanoes are still active. As a result, it is important to monitor their volcanic activity and identify volcanic reservoirs beneath the TVG to mitigate future possible volcanic impact.

Aconite poisoning with arrhythmia and shock

A 55-year-old male presented with history of nausea, vomiting, palpitation paresthesis and profuse sweating in emergency department 2h after ingestion of “Bachnaag” (Aconite) root. Examination revealed shock with irregular pulses. Initial ECG showed frequent multifocal ventricular ectopics (VE), which later turned to short runs of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Immediate gastric lavage was done and activated charcoal given. Patient was treated with fluid resuscitation without any improvement in blood pressure. Patient was started on nor-adrenaline infusion with gradual recovery from hypotension over a period of 6h, but support was continued for 48h. Amiodarone was started to control ventricular excitability, which persisted over 72h with gradual decrease in frequency of VT and VE. Patient was discharged with normal sinus rhythm on oral amiodarone on 5th day of hospitalization. On follow-up after 2 weeks patient was totally asymptomatic and amiodarone was stopped.

FLORÍSTICA E ESTRUTURA DE FLORESTAS TROPICAIS SAZONALMENTE SECAS

Neste estudo, objetivou-se caracterizar florística e estruturalmente a comunidade arbórea em uma área de encosta, Caatinga arbórea e em área ecotónal com cerrado no Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu, Norte de Minas Gerais, buscando testar as seguintes hipóteses: 1- Existem diferenciações florísticas entre os ambientes; 2- Todos os ambientes apresentam as mesmas características quanto à estrutura. Foram confeccionados diagrama de Venn e histogramas de frequência da distribuição de indivíduos por classes de diâmetro. Foi feita a análise de Espécies Indicadoras e foram calculados os parâmetros fitossociológicos clássicos. Foram encontradas 305 espécies, distribuídas em 173 gêneros e 48 famílias. Sendo que, na encosta, foram encontradas 166 espécies, na Caatinga arbórea foram encontradas 204 espécies e na área ecotonal foram encontradas 155 espécies. Muitas espécies foram exclusivas a cada ambiente, sendo 54 à encosta, 65 à Caatinga arbórea e 35 ao ecótono. Apenas 69 espécies foram comuns aos três ambientes. Foram amostrados 1391 indivíduos, resultando em uma estimativa de 1340,62, 1765 e 1280 indivíduos.ha-1 na encosta, Caatinga arbórea e ecótono, respectivamente. A área basal em m2.ha-1 foi 47,64, 30,05 e 23,29, respectivamente. Já, o índice de diversidade de Shannon foi 3,49, 3,74 e 3,61 nats.indivíduo-1, e a equabilidade de Pielou foi de 0,80, 0,84 e 0,85. Com relação à distribuição dos indivíduos em classes de diâmetro, a Caatinga arbórea e encosta apresentaram um mesmo padrão, com uma diminuição gradual do número de indivíduos. Já, o ambiente ecotonal apresentou uma distribuição tendendo a normal.

Daratumumab, a CD38 Monoclonal Antibody in Patients with Multiple Myeloma - Data From a Dose-Escalation Phase I/II Study

AbstractAbstract 73 BackgroundDaratumumab (HuMax™-CD38) is a human CD38 monoclonal antibody with broad-spectrum killing activity and effectively mediates killing of CD38-expressing tumor cells via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In this present ongoing first-in-human (FIH) dose-escalation study of daratumumab in pts with multiple myeloma (MM) (ClinicalTrials.gov CT00574288), the safety profile has been acceptable and preliminary efficacy data have already been published1,2. Here we present data from the dose escalation part of the study. ObjectivesThe primary objective was to establish the safety profile. The secondary objectives were to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), assessment of efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity – Anti-Drug-Antibodies (ADA). MethodsPts ≥18 years and diagnosed with MM requiring systemic therapy and considered relapsed or refractory to at least two different prior lines of therapy and ineligible for ASCT were enrolled. The study was based on a 3+3 dose-escalation design. Daratumumab was administered over a 9-week period consisting of 2 pre- and 7 full doses. The doses ranged from 0.005 mg/kg to 24 mg/kg. Prednisolone/methylprednisolone was administered to prevent infusion related events (IREs) in a maximum dose equivalent to 27mg dexamethasone per week. Daratumumab plasma concentrations were measured by ELISA. Evaluation of efficacy data was according to IMGW guidelines3. A bridging ElectroChemiLuminesence (ELC) method on the MesoScale Discovery platform was used to detect ADA responses in pts to daratumumab.The results presented are based on data analyzed before database lock. ResultsData from 32 pts including 2 pts in the ongoing 24mg/kg cohort were collected until now. Median age was 61 years (42–76). The median number of prior treatment lines was: 6.3 (2–12).PK analysis showed plasma peak levels as expected, but relatively rapid clearance at low dose levels. The clearance rate decreased with increasing dose suggesting an effect of target binding on the PK. At doses ≥ 4 mg/kg, daratumumab trough levels were consistent ≥ 10 μg/ml and observed PK values approximately estimated PK values (Figure 1).Preliminary efficacy evaluation in this abstract was based on best response to paraprotein as reflected by change in serum or urine M-component or free light chains (FLC) according to IMGW guidelines3. For groups ≤ 2 mg/kg, 4/20 pts achieved a reduction in paraprotein (12%, 14%, 19%, 55%); in the 4 mg/kg group, 3/3 pts had a reduction in paraprotein of 49%, 100%, and 64%, respectively. In the 8 mg/kg group, 2/3 pts had a reduction in paraprotein of 39%, and 100%, respectively whereas in the 16mg/kg cohort, 2/3 pts had a reduction in paraprotein of 50%, and 33%, respectively. A reduction of 80%-100% in the bone marrow plasma cells was seen in the 4 mg/kg group and onwards. No detectable ADA responses were found in the pts.No DLTs were reported in the 2, 4, 8 and 16mg/kg cohorts. The most common adverse events reported were infusion related events. The observed IREs occurred predominantly during the initial infusions, 10% of pts reported IREs during the pre-dose, 30% during the first full infusion with a gradual decrease in frequency after the 2nd full infusion. No dose relationship was observed. Most IREs had onset within 3–4 hours of infusion, two of the IREs were grade 3 and the remaining grade 1–2. Four IREs were SAEs; however, since implementation of steroids before all infusions and dilution of trial drug, no serious IREs were reported in the 4, 8 and 16mg/kg cohorts. ConclusionIn pts with relapsed or refractory MM treated with daratumumab, a marked reduction in paraprotein and bone marrow plasma cells was observed in the higher dose cohorts. This has not previously been demonstrated with a single-agent monoclonal antibody in MM. No unexpected buildup of daratumumab was seen and in pts treated with 4mg/kg and upwards the observed plasma concentrations were close to those predicted. No ADA responses were detected. The MTD was not yet established and the toxicity was manageable. All data available from part 1 will be presented at the meeting. [Display omitted] Disclosures:Plesner:Genmab: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lokhorst:Genmab: Consultancy. Lisby:Genmab: Employment. Richardson:Millenium Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abrupt vs. gradual destabilization at copying affects the subsequent evolution of graphic patterns accuracy at reproduction

Participants should trace graphic patterns with respect to a visual model (copying) and, after an interval of varying length (0, 10 and 20 s), reproduce the patterns from memory (reproduction). The 0°, 45°, 90°, 135° and 180° relative phase patterns were analyzed. At copying, the patterns were destabilized by manipulating movement frequency. The results revealed that absolute error and variability were higher when participants traced the patterns at a rapid rather than at a spontaneous movement frequency. Later, the effect of destabilization decayed resulting in accuracy improvement. After an abrupt change from rapid to spontaneous movement frequency at copying, the improvement in accuracy was manifested with the 0 s interval. After a gradual decrease in frequency, the improvement in accuracy appeared for the 10 and 20 s interval. The results indicate that the evolution of accuracy at reproduction was sensitive to how the destabilization was administered at copying.

The gold content of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits

Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits contain variable amounts of gold, both in terms of average grade and total gold content, with some VMS deposits hosting world-class gold mines with more than 100 t Au. Previous studies have identified gold-rich VMS as having an average gold grade, expressed in g/t, exceeding the total abundance of base metals, expressed in wt.%. However, statistically meaningful criteria for the identification of truly anomalous deposits have not been established. This paper presents a more extensive analysis of gold grades and tonnages of 513 VMS deposits worldwide, revealing a number of important features in the distribution of the data. A large proportion of deposits are characterized by a relatively low gold grade (<2 g/t), with a gradual decrease in frequency towards maximum gold grades, defining a log-normal distribution. In the analysis presented in this paper, the geometric mean and geometric standard deviation appear to be the simplest metric for identifying subclasses of VMS deposits based on gold grade, especially when comparing deposits within individual belts and districts. The geometric mean gold grade of 513 VMS deposits worldwide is 0.76 g/t; the geometric standard deviation is +2.70 g/t Au. In this analysis, deposits with more than 3.46 g/t Au (geometric mean plus one geometric standard deviation) are considered auriferous. The geometric mean gold content is 4.7 t Au, with a geometric standard deviation of +26.3 t Au. Deposits containing 31 t Au or more (geometric mean plus one geometric standard deviation) are also considered to be anomalous in terms of gold content, irrespective of the gold grade. Deposits with more than 3.46 g/t Au and 31 t Au are considered gold-rich VMS. A large proportion of the total gold hosted in VMS worldwide is found in a relatively small number of such deposits. The identification of these truly anomalous systems helps shed light on the geological parameters that control unusual enrichment of gold in VMS. At the district scale, the gold-rich deposits occupy a stratigraphic position and volcanic setting that commonly differs from other deposits of the district possibly due to a step change in the geodynamic and magmatic evolution of local volcanic complexes. The gold-rich VMS are commonly associated with transitional to calc-alkaline intermediate to felsic volcanic rocks, which may reflect a particularly fertile geodynamic setting and/or timing (e.g., early arc rifting or rifting front). At the deposit scale, uncommon alteration assemblages (e.g., advanced argillic, aluminous, strongly siliceous, or potassium feldspar alteration) and trace element signatures may be recognized (e.g., Au–Ag–As–Sb ± Bi–Hg–Te), suggesting a direct magmatic input in some systems.

Sonographic assessment of uterine and ovarian development in normal girls aged 1 to 12 years

To provide normal references of sonographic uterine and ovarian size in girls aged 1-12 years. Ninety-nine girls were enrolled in the study (mean age +/- SD, 6.9 +/- 2.4 years [range, 1-12 years]). Pubertal status was classified according to Tanner staging, whereas for height and weight assessment a standard stadiometer and weight scale were employed. All subjects underwent pelvic sonographic examination for the measurement of uterine length, volume, ratio of anteroposterior diameter at the fundus divided by the anteroposterior diameter at the cervix (fundal-cervical [F/C] ratio), and ovarian volume and morphology. A gradual increase with age was observed in all uterine and ovarian measurements. Cubic model analysis provided the best curve estimation for uterine length, uterine volume, and ovarian volume in relation to age. Uterine length, uterine volume, ovarian volume and F/C ratio were significantly correlated to both age and height. With respect to ovarian morphology, there was a gradual decrease in frequency of the homogeneous and the paucicystic appearances with increasing age. The macrocystic appearance was observed after the age of 6 years, and its frequency increased gradually with age. There is a continuous increase in size of internal female genitalia from early childhood until the onset of puberty. We have provided reference percentile charts of normal uterine length, uterine volume, and ovarian volume in girls aged 1-12 years.

Development of head movement propensity in 4–15 year old children in response to visual step stimuli

Head movement frequency of children in response to horizontal step stimulus is investigated. The aim is to determine if there is a correlation between the age of the child and the frequency of head movements made to visual step stimuli presented at a fixed distance. Also of importance is whether there is a period of rapid change in the frequency of head movements, and if so, what factors could be influencing this change. Seventy-three participants, between the ages of 4 and 15 years were requested to "look at a spot of light" in response to step stimuli which varied in size from 5 to 60 degrees. Eye and head movements were recorded with a video based eye tracker (EL-Mar 2020) equipped with a Flock of Birds head tracker. Frequency of head movements was calculated for each participant and averaged across participants for each age group. Average head movement frequency was then plotted as a function of age. The frequency and variability of head movements decreases as a function of age. This decrease is linear between the ages of 4 and 15 years (y = -1.465x + 22.58; R(2) = 0.4378; F = 26.48; P < 0.0001). More head movements are made in response to larger step sizes than to smaller ones for all ages. The gradual decrease in frequency of head movements in response to step stimuli suggests that a specific environmental event, such as reading, is not the cause of the decline. Improved efficiency of eye movements could be due to pre-programmed factors related to neurological development. Alternatively, cognitive factors may be involved. Children may actually learn that utilizing their head for gaze shifts is more energy and time consuming, than merely using the eyes alone.

Antitachyphylactic Effects of Progesterone and Oxytocin on Term Human Myometrial Contractile Activity In Vitro

To determine whether progesterone causes any changes in the action of oxytocin on the contractile activity of term human myometrium in vitro. Myometrial biopsies from 13 term pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery were immediately immersed in Hepes buffer or buffer containing 5 micrograms/mL progesterone. In the laboratory under a stereomicroscope, the specimens were dissected into 1 x 7.5-mm muscle strips. These were mounted into six tissue baths and superfused with Hepes buffer and buffer containing 5 micrograms/mL progesterone, 5 micrograms/mL progesterone plus 10 microU/mL oxytocin, 5 micrograms/mL progesterone plus 100 microU/mL oxytocin, 10 microU/mL oxytocin, and 100 microU/mL oxytocin. Isometric tension was recorded constantly for at least 3 hours. The frequency of myometrial contractions and tonus increased by superfusion with progesterone, progesterone plus oxytocin, and oxytocin alone compared to buffer. In addition, a gradual decrease in frequency was observed after 60 minutes of contractions with oxytocin alone, whereas progesterone plus oxytocin had no such decrease. The activity area of contractions was greater with 10 microU/mL oxytocin and decreased with progesterone, progesterone plus both concentrations of oxytocin, and 100 microU/mL oxytocin alone, compared to buffer. Progesterone stimulated the frequency of contractions and tonus of strips from the lower uterine segment of term human myometrium. A lasting increase in the frequency of contractions was observed with superfusion of progesterone plus oxytocin, suggesting that progesterone counteracted the reaction of tachyphylaxis to oxytocin.

Changing indications for penetrating keratoplasty, 1971-1990.

We report a retrospective analysis of the clinical indications for 3555 penetrating keratoplasties performed at our department between 1971 and 1990. The cases were distributed among 12 diagnostic categories. Regrafting was the most common indication overall, accounting for 1452 cases (40.8%). Other major indications were, in order of decreasing frequency, keratoconus (17%), scarring secondary to herpes simplex keratitis (11.7%), aphakic bullous keratopathy (5.9%) and interstitial keratitis (5%). Further analysis of the relative percentages in each category within each 5-year interval of the study period was carried out to identify any changes in incidence. Viral disease as an indication for penetrating keratoplasty has shown a gradual decrease in frequency, accounting for only 6.4% of the cases during the last 5-year period (1986-90) compared with 19.6% during the first 5 years (1971-75). This finding is consistent with the marked improvement in the recognition and medical treatment of herpes simplex keratitis. The increase in incidence of grafting for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in 1986-90 (6.7%) compared with 1981-85 (1.1%) correlates well with the dramatic increase in the number of cataract extractions with intraocular lens implantations performed during that period.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Evaluación briológica de los efectos de la contaminación atmosférica en la Ciudad de México&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Index of Atmospheric Purity (IAP) was used to make a preliminary evaluation of epiphytic moss response to atmospheric pollution in the urban area of Mexico City. Areal analysis indicates that there is a significant negative correlation (p &lt; 0.5) between IAP values and SO2, NO2, NOx, Pb and temperature values of -0.45, -0.90, -0.80, -0.80, -0.90. Significant positive correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between IAP values and O3, rainfall and relative atmospheric humidity with values of 0.70, 0.80, 0.90. Increase in atmospheric pollutants in Mexico City have promoted a gradual decrease in frequency and cover of epiphytic mosses even though some ecological factors may show the oposite effect.

An example of the possible clinical usefulness of topographic EEG displays.

This paper shows the brain maps of a patient before and during a seizure initiated by a focus within the right occipital area. The maps demonstrate an ictal transformation in the form of a gradual decrease in frequency of the ictal rhythms, seen also on the EEG traces. However, the maps also show the very distinct difference in the background activity between the left and right hemispheres, and also the possibility of independent foci of depressed activity within the right anterior and posterior temporal areas, the latter not at all evident on the EEG tracings. This case may serve as an example of useful data gathered on a patient by EEG topography, not made clear by a standard recording.

Colectomy with rectal mucosectomy and ileoanal anastomosis in young patients. Its use for ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis.

Twenty-five children and young adults underwent colectomy with rectal mucosectomy and ileoanal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis. Follow-up ranged from three to 35 months. A simpler and shorter modification of the operation was used in 12 patients. Balloon catheter dilations were performed in nine patients before closure of the ileostomy to begin enlargement of the neorectum; 24 patients underwent closure of their temporary ileostomy. All patients are alive and well and participate full time in school or work. Two patients had mechanical bowel obstruction; on critical retrospective review, one patient was found to have Crohn's disease that necessitated removal of the rectal cuff. The clinical result was considered excellent in 11 patients, good in seven, fair in three, and poor in three. A gradual decrease in frequency of stooling was observed as the neorectum enlarged during the first year postoperatively. All patients had very good anal sphincter tone with voluntary rectal continence. Although some soiling and leakage occurred, especially during sleeping, these complications decreased with time.

Fine-structure analysis of intercellular and intracellular mitochondrial diversity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Crosses were made between haploid wild-type and suppressive petite strains of bakers' yeast to obtain zygotes for analysis of mitochondrial heterogeneity. Wild-type x petite zygotes contained about 40% noncristate mitochondria when immediate mating mixtures were examined. The frequency of defective mitochondria had decreased to an average of 9.2% in 1-week-old zygote isolate cultures, and to 4.4% in slant cultures 1.5 years after initial zygote isolation. The latter value was not significantly different from values obtained with wild x wild zygotes of either age. The noncristate mitochondria were of two types: one lacking inner membrane invaginations or elaborations and the other containing concentrically arranged loops of inner membrane. The significance of these two types of respiration-deficient mitochondria is unknown. The gradual decrease in frequency of noncristate mitochondria, perhaps due to selection pressures in mixed chondriomes, was discussed as a further indication of the semiautonomous nature of the yeast organelle.