Detection of rheumatoid arthritis by evaluation of normalized variances of fluorescence time correlation functions.

Fluorescence imaging using the dye indocyanine green as a contrast agent was investigated in a prospective clinical study for the detection of rheumatoid arthritis. Normalized variances of correlated time series of fluorescence intensities describing the bolus kinetics of the contrast agent in certain regions of interest were analyzed to differentiate healthy from inflamed finger joints. These values are determined using a robust, parameter-free algorithm.

Hormonally sensitive esterase activity in the mouse uterus results from uptake of plasma esterase.

Mouse uterine homogenates contain an estrogen-sensitive serine esterase (hydrolase II). In immature animals, hydrolase II levels increase rapidly after the administration of estradiol. However, stimulation of de novo synthesis in the uterus has not been demonstrated.

Sterilization of infant formula.

A survey of 237 pediatricians currently practicing in Connecticut revealed that 97 (41%) recommend routine sterilization of infant formula for a mean of 4.4 months. Eight bottles of proprietary formula were prepared in a controlled manner: four utilizing the "terminal heating method" of sterilization and four utilizing the "clean method" without sterilization.

The child with a 'simple' febrile seizure. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

Febrile seizures are a common pediatric problem, yet there is a great deal of disagreement about the appropriate diagnostic evaluation of a child with this disorder. We reviewed the routine diagnostic tests performed on 100 consecutive children admitted with their first "simple" febrile seizure. The studies performed included lumbar puncture, measurement of blood glucose, serum calcium, serum electrolytes, and BUN levels, blood cell count, urinalysis, skull roentgenograms, and EEG.