Evaluation of chemically sensitive patients

An increasing number of patients have been presenting with multiple symptoms they attribute to low-level chemical exposures, ie, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Although some studies have evaluated such patients, the selection criteria has not been rigorously defined. The present study is the first to use a relatively rigorous definition of MCS to select patients for study. Comprehensive evaluation of medical, psychiatric, neuropsychological, and immunological status of a series of MCS patients is presented. In contrast to previous studies, patients in this study did not have a history of psychiatric disorder. However, some patients were currently depressed. Neuropsychological assessment did not reveal any abnormalities with the exception of one test of verbal memory for which performance was consistently poor relative to the normative sample. No significant immunological abnormalities were noted.

The study of cancer in minorities

Data inventories provide a concise reference base for researchers. The authors created a set of reference volumes listing databases used for studying cancer in New Jersey minorities. The process followed can be adapted for other disease outcomes or other regions.

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome

A possible variant of occupational asthma is induced by acute exposure to high concentrations of nonsensitizing respiratory irritants. This entity is referred to as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. A case is presented in which the patient developed this syndrome secondary to exposure to a floor sealant. A portable peak expiratory flow meter was used to assess and document work-related airway reactivity changes.

Mechanism of the dipsogenic action of tetradecapeptide renin substrate

The mechanism of the dipsogenic action of synthetic tetradecapeptide renin substrate (TDP) was studied in rats with chronically implanted lateral ventricular cannulae. All hormones and drugs were injected via the ventricular cannulae. The dipsogenic action of TDP was unaffected by the renin inhibitor pepstatin but was markedly reduced by the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor SQ 20881. Homogenates of rat brain readily formed angiotensin II from TDP in vitro and this was likewise unaffected by pepstatin but was reduced or abolished by SQ 20881 or by chelating agents. Natural renin substrate did not cause drinking and did not generate angiotensin II when incubated with brain homogenates. These results demonstrate that rat brain converting enzyme can generate angiotensin II from TDP and that this effect is responsible for the dipsogenic action of TDP.