Stimulation of fungal spore germination and inhibition of sporulation in fungal vegetative thalli by fatty acids and their volatile peroxidation products

As little as 200 parts per billion of 2,4-hexadienal in aerial solution stimulated germination of Alternaria alternata conidiospores in soil-imposed stasis. This compound, as well as trans-2-hexene-1-ol, and palmitic acid, stimulated germination of Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi conidiospores. Other 5- to 10-carbon aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, as well as some 16- to 18-carbon aldehydes and fatty acids, stimulated germination of these spores at 10- or 100-fold higher concentrations. Chlamydospores of F. solanif. sp. pisi were stimulated to germinate by heptanal, octanal, nonanal,trans,trans-2,4-nonadienal, decanal, and undecanal at 20 000 or 20 0000 parts per billion in air, but not by any compound at lower concentrations. Compounds similar to those stimulating germination of conidiospores or chlamydospores inhibited sporulation of vegetative A. alternata thalli at concentrations as low as 800 parts per billion.

Adult respiratory distress syndrome

Many causes for the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been reported, all with common pathologic, pathophysiologic and biochemical end results. The final common pathway may involve changes in lung content of a critical enzyme, superoxide dismutase, or alterations in surfactant metabolism, or both. The early assumption that the disorder is partially due to oxygen toxicity from inspired oxygen concentrations greater than 60 percent is consistent with findings of recent biochemical studies. Although the lung normally maintains its alveoli dry, during ARDS increased permeability of small pulmonary vessels results in primary pulmonary edema, in contrast to edema from increased vascular pressure. These data have been obtained mainly in animals; whether they apply to humans with ARDS is not certain. Tissue oxygenation is improved by increasing end-expiratory pressure in an animal model of ARDS, more effectively during spontaneous breathing than during mechanical ventilation. During spontaneous breathing, adverse ventilatory effects were caused by stimulation of pulmonary reflexes.

Asbestos exposure and related neoplasia. The 28 year experience of a major urban hospital

In a retrospective study of 49 cases of asbestosis, a steady increase in the frequency of diagnosis of asbestosis and asbestos-related neoplasia is documented from a major urban hospital since 1960. Although in the majority of cases the subjects were exposed to asbestos in a neighboring shipyard, in 20 per cent of the cases, asbestos exposure was in industries not related to shipbuilding, reflecting its widespread use. This selective population of patients with asbestosis more often than not had an associated neoplasm. The most likely accompanying tumor was pleural mesothelioma, and among cell types of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma was notably frequent.

Stimulation of fungal spore germination by volatiles from aged seeds

Alaska pea seeds were stored asceptically or with inoculum of Aspergillus ruber, a pathogenic storage fungus, under conditions which induce rapid seed deterioration and permit infection of seeds by A. ruber (30 °C and 92% relative humidity). Volatiles from germinating aged seeds stimulated germination of conidiospores of Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi and Alternaria alternata and chlamydospores of F. solani f. sp. pisi, all in soil-induced stasis, much more than volatiles from unaged seeds. Volatiles from A. ruber - infected seeds were more stimulatory than from comparably aged noninfected seeds when planted in sand, but this effect was not seen when the seeds were planted in soil. Oospores of Pythium ultimum were not stimulated to germinate by volatiles from any seeds. Aged and infected seeds produced up to 24 times more carbonyl compounds than unaged seeds, presumably as a consequence of lipid peroxidation.

Histocompatibility of polyvinyl acetate, an ingredient of chewing gum

The histocompatibility of polyvinyl acetate (PVA), an ingredient of chewing gum, was evaluated from both a direct irritant (toxic reaction) and an allergic (antigen-antibody) standpoint. Subcutaneous injections in rats and topical application of hamster pouches were utilized. Polyvinyl acetate was shown to cause a moderate to severe inflammatory reaction when injected subcutaneously, which peaked at day 7 and was minimal at day 42. The histologic appearance of the hamster cheek pouch was not significantly altered by the PVA. Although PVA has been used as a plasticizer in chewing gum, it was not possible to induce any histologic changes in tissues which resembled the specific changes present in atypical gingivostomatitis (plasma-cell gingivostomatitis).