Gallbladder examinations: a comparison between sonography and radiography

For the past 50 years, oral cholecystography has been the standard study of radiographic evaluation of the gallbladder with a 98% accuracy level. In the last few years, ultrasound has achieved a similar degree of accuracy; this newer imaging modality has been predicted by some experts to soon become the initial procedure for gallbladder evaluation. It is essential to become aware of the advantages and disadvantages of both oral cholecystography and abdominal ultrasound to be able to use both of them to the best diagnostic advantage.

A simple method for the handling and orientation of small specimens for electron microscopy

Cyanoacrylic glue (Eastman 910) was used to affix small pieces of nasal scrapings to lens paper immediately before fixation in the glutaraldehyde. The lens paper not only served to hold specimens together so that they were not lost during tissue processing, but also functioned as a 'landmark' for the specimens, so that specimens could be oriented in a specific manner during embedding and subsequent sectioning.

Hyperbilirubinemia in Inuit neonates

A prospective study was undertaken to determine if Inuit and Caucasian neonates have different patterns of physiologic jaundice. Daily blood samples obtained by heel pricks of Inuit and Caucasian neonates born at the Churchill (Man.) Health Centre were assayed for the total serum bilirubin concentration. The mean peak bilirubin level in the Inuit group was significantly higher than that in the Caucasian group (8.76 v. 6.04 mg/dl [150 v. 103 mumol/l]) and occurred later (on day 3 rather than day 2). Of the Caucasian neonates, those who were breast-fed in hospital had a significantly higher (P less than 0.05) mean peak bilirubin level than those who were not, and among all the neonates who were not breast-fed in hospital the Inuit had a significantly higher mean peak bilirubin level than the Caucasians (7.98 v. 3.64 mg/dl [136 v. 62 mumol/l]). These findings indicate that factors other than breastfeeding, some of which may be genetic, are responsible for the higher and later peak in the serum bilirubin concentration in Inuit neonates.

Atopy and cystic fibrosis. A study of CF sibling pairs and their families

We have investigated the prevalence of atopy within families of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and compared its frequence in CF patients, their parents and their non-CF siblings. By studying families with two CF patients it was also possible to evaluate the factors influencing the development of atopy in one CF patient relative to the other patient within the same family. A significant correlation with age (P less than 0.001) for skin test positivity to common allergens within CF sibling pairs was observed. In 14/18 families studied, only the older CF patient was atopic. The presence of atopy in CF patients was independent of the atopic status of their parents.

Human ectocervical and endocervical epithelial cells in culture: a comparative ultrastructural study

Primary and subcultured epithelial cells obtained from the human ectocervix and endocervix were compared by light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopic techniques. In culture, both cell types were consistently free of surface-associated fibronectin as revealed by immunofluorescent studies. Ectocervical cell colonies exhibited a stratified appearance, where as endocervical epithelial cells grew in a single layer with smooth overlapping of adjacent cells. In addition, the surfaces as well as the cytoplasmic organellar structures of both cell types showed many characteristic features related to the epithelium of their origin. These features were retained with the aging of the cells and were seen also in subcultures. These cultures should permit observation of the effects of steroids, as well as viral and chemical carcinogens, on the ultrastructural integrity of the epithelial cells.

A thermographic study of heat distribution during ultra-speed cavity preparation

Thermography was employed to determine the pattern of heat generation, distribution and dissipation during ultra-high speed cavity preparation. Results indicate an increase in intrapulpal temperature during cutting procedures. No significant differences in the cooling effectiveness between air-water spray and air alone were found. Thermography appears to be an effective research tool for determining thermal changes.