Standardized evaluation of techniques for measuring the spectral compression of the myoelectric signal.

A digital algorithm was designed to produce band-limited noise with adjustable median frequency and amplitude. This algorithm produces test signals with spectral characteristics typical of those of the surface myoelectric signals encountered in muscle fatigue studies. These synthesized signals provide the basis for standardized evaluation of the performance of various techniques which monitor the spectral compression of the myoelectric signal during muscle fatigue.

Stereoscopic depth discrimination in the visual cortex: neurons ideally suited as disparity detectors.

The possibility has been explored that a subset of physiologically identifiable cells in the visual cortex is especially suited for the processing of stereoscopic depth information. First, characteristics of a disparity detector that would be useful for such processing were outlined. Then, a method was devised by which detailed binocular response data were obtained from cortical cells.

[Spontaneous rupture of the stomach. Presentation of a case and review of the literature].

The spontaneous rupture of the stomach is a rare but fatal condition. A clinical case is reported and pathophysiologic features, clinical manifestations as well as treatment are discussed.

[Use of pulsed expansion in lengthening of tubed cutaneous flaps. Experimental study].

The Authors describe an intermittent pulsed pressure methodic applied to bipedicle tubed flaps prepared on the back of the rabbit. Clinical, thermographic, and histological data have demonstrated the safety of the flaps and a microvascular bed increase larger than in inexpanded ones.

[Anatomo-surgical study on a new technique of nephropexy].

The Authors carried an autoptic study on ten cadavers in order to clarify and if necessary modify some aspects of the nephropexy technique which was modified and improved by them. Two main conclusions are reported. First, the approach is better obtained by a prolonged incision to the twelfth rib.

[Diverticula of the cecum. Our experience].

On the basis of their experience in right colonic emergencies, the Authors report two cases of diverticular disease presenting with acute abdomen. Pointing out the difficulty of a correct pre- and intraoperative diagnosis, different surgical procedures are analysed.

[Cholestasis caused by ulcerative Vater's papillitis in a child with AIDS].

A case of cholestasis induced by ulcerative papillitis in an 11 month-old boy with AIDS is described. Resolution of cholestasis has been achieved with medical therapy. The authors underline the necessity of repeated endoscopic follow-up to evaluate the risk of secondary papillary stenosis, a complication usually observed in adults.

[Primary malignant neoplasms of the liver. Contribution of echography to the preoperative diagnosis].

Primary malignant hepatic tumors are relatively common and the possibility of radical surgical treatment in the initial stages has modified our clinical approach therefore stressing the validity of a correct screening and follow-up of this pathology. The Authors present their clinical experience in the field enriched by the use of ultrasonography and conclude that this represents a highly effective diagnostic technique whereas it is less reliable in the determination of the nature of the lesion.

[Hamartomatous polyps of Brunner's gland. Presentation of 2 cases. Review of the literature].

Two uncommon cases of Brunner gland hyperplasia are reported. Both presented clinical symptoms simulating gastrointestinal disease caused by hyperacidity. In conjunction with clinical statistics, diagnosis based on aetiology was only formulated after a double-contrast radiological exam of the g-i tract.

[Surgical proposals concerning omental mesh graft. Experimental studies].

In general surgery, the advantages deriving from the utilisation of omental graft are attributable to the ease with which it takes, its regenerating potential and the modulator action on tissue repair. Personal experience regarding the peritoneization and covering of surgical liver surfaces is reported and the use in various sectors of surgery of omental mesh graft is recommended.

[Supplemental proposal in the surgical treatment of liver injury. Experimental studies].

Liver resections pose a great variety of problems, not least repair of the cut. The various reconstruction modalities are reviewed and personal experience in twenty rats submitted to surgical removal of the median lobe of the liver with cover of the sectioned surface by means of omental mesh autograft is reported. The results were flattering for the absence of significant complications and for the haematological and haematochemical data obtained which confirm low easily the graft takes, its regenerative potential and the modulator action of peritoneal repair processes.

Xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme systems in test fish. III. Comparative studies of liver cytosolic glutathione S-transferases.

The reduced glutathione (GSH)-conjugating capacities of the livers of trout, carp, zebra fish, guppy, and bluegill have been evaluated with several substrates preferentially metabolized by the major GSH-transferase isozymes. Carp and zebra fish lack GSH-transferase activity with 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane. Guppy is characterized by the highest activities with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and the absence of activity toward trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one.

Gastric pepsin and acid secretion during total parenteral nutrition and constant-rate enteral nutrition in infancy.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and constant rate enteral nutrition (CREN) are widely used: their effects on gastric function, especially pepsin secretion, are unknown. Basal and pentagastrin-stimulated pepsin (BPO, MPO) and acid (BAO, MAO) secretions were measured in three groups of infants: controls (14 infants fed normally), TPN groups (seven infants on TPN), CREN groups (14 infants on CREN). The MAO and MPO of the TPN group were significantly lower than controls (p less than 0.

A new assay for choline-containing phospholipids in amniotic fluid by an enzyme sensor.

A new rapid and direct method for the determination of choline-containing phospholipids in the amniotic fluid is proposed. The determination is performed by an amperometric-enzymatic method. The correlation with an enzymatic-spectrophotometric method, already published, is also considered.

[Intraluminal diverticulum of the duodenum].

A case of intraluminal duodenal diverticulum associated with partial situs inversus in a 15 year-old girl is reported. Etiopathogenicity is discussed. The pathological characteristics explain that surgery associated with upper digestive endoscopy had to be performed and why endoscopic excision was not possible in this case.

[Home-coming diarrhea. Presentation of a clinical case].

The Homing Diarrhea, described by Duhamel and Rey in 1980, represents a gastrointestinal disease which affects children of emigrants coming back from a trip to their country of origin and may become so serious to cause death secondary to dehydration or septicemia. The poor nutritional conditions at the beginning of the trip (secondary to low socioeconomic situation) and the onset of acute enteritis during the travel, caused by Salmonella or Shigella, E. Coli, Campylobacter, Myceti, Giardia Lamblia, Rotavirus, are considered the main and triggering factors of the homing diarrhea.

Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme systems in test fish. I. Comparative studies of liver microsomal monooxygenases.

All monooxygenase activities assayed in guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and red killifish (Oryzias latipes) were 7-10 times higher than those measured in trout (Salmo gairdneri), carp (Cyprinus carpio), and golden orfe (Leuciscus idus). Cytochrome P-450 was 3 times higher in the former fish than in all the other species. Zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio) 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) ethylmorphine N-demethylase (EMND) were not greatly different from those of the former group.

Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme systems in test fish--II. The ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) liver.

The oxidative demethylation of the model substrate ethylmorphine has been characterized for the first time in the liver of a fish (Poecilia reticulata). The enzyme showed maximal activity at 35 degrees C and pH values higher than 8. The values of Km and Vmax for the reaction were 0.

[Endoscopic study in the diagnosis of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the colon in childhood].

Colonic lymphoid hyperplasia has been diagnosed in 10 children, aged from 11 months to 12 years, with heterogeneous clinical symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea and constipation. The Authors underline the value of endoscopy in the diagnosis of colonic lymphoid hyperplasia which also permitted to exclude other colonic diseases often misdiagnosed by double contrast barium enema (familial polyposis, lymphoid polyps, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis). In This study the Authors discuss the probable etiopathogenetic mechanisms and the prognosis of colonic lymphoid hyperplasia: it should be considered as a benign conditions reflecting a non-specific response to different stimuli.

Thin-layer chromatography of the MBTH derivatives of some aliphatic aldehydes.

A rapid, simple method for resolution and detection of mixtures of aliphatic aldehyde by thin-layer chromatography of their MBTH derivatives is proposed. Less than 1 mg l . levels of each aldehyde in the original aqueous solution can be detected.