Particle-sounding of the spatial structure of kinetic Alfvén waves

Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) are ubiquitous throughout the plasma universe. Although they are broadly believed to provide a potential approach for energy exchange between electromagnetic fields and plasma particles, neither the detail nor the efficiency of the interactions has been well-determined yet. The primary difficulty has been the paucity of knowledge of KAWs' spatial structure in observation. Here, we apply a particle-sounding technique to Magnetospheric Multiscale mission data to quantitatively determine the perpendicular wavelength of KAWs from ion gyrophase-distribution observations. Our results show that KAWs' perpendicular wavelength is statistically 2.4[Formula: see text] times proton thermal gyro-radius. This observation yields an upper bound of the energy the majority proton population can reach in coherent interactions with KAWs, that is, roughly 5.76 times proton perpendicular thermal energy. Therefore, the method and results shown here provide a basis for unraveling the effects of KAWs in dissipating energy and accelerating particles in a number of astrophysical systems, e.g., planetary magnetosphere, astrophysical shocks, stellar corona and wind, and the interstellar medium.

MMS observations of electron scale magnetic cavity embedded in proton scale magnetic cavity

Magnetic cavities (sometimes referred to as magnetic holes) at electron kinetic scale are thought to be one of the extremely small intermittent structures formed in magnetized turbulent plasmas, where the turbulence energy cascaded down to electron scale may finally be dissipated and consequently energize the electrons. However, the geometry and formation of these structures remain not definitively resolved. Here we discuss an electron scale magnetic cavity embedded in a proton scale magnetic cavity observed by the MMS spacecraft in the magnetosheath. By applying an innovative particle sounding technique, we directly depict the boundary of the electron scale magnetic cavity and uncover the geometry. We find that this structure is nearly circular with a radius of 10.0 km and its formation is due to the diamagnetic current. Investigation of the electron scale structure is only recently made possible by the high spatial and temporal resolution provided by MMS observations.

CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides augment and switch the immune responses of cattle to bovine herpesvirus-1 glycoprotein D

The adjuvanticity of a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide containing unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG ODN) was determined in cattle. Calves were immunized with a truncated secreted version of glycoprotein D (tgD) of bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1) formulated with alum, CpG ODN, or a combination of both. BHV-1 tgD formulated with CpG ODN or with alum and CpG ODN induced a stronger and more balanced immune response than tgD in alum. This level of immunity was of sufficient magnitude to minimize weight loss and significantly reduce the duration of virus shedding after intranasal viral challenge. Local tissue reactions generated by CpG ODN were very mild and transient, whereas reactions induced by alum or a combination of CpG ODN and alum were moderate in severity and duration. These data demonstrate that CpG ODN causes minimal injection site reactions and yet acts as an effective adjuvant in cattle.

Monocytes are required for optimum in vitro stimulation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells by non-methylated CpG motifs

Bacterial DNA and synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG motifs within certain flanking base pairs are recognized as a danger signal by the innate immune system of vertebrates. Using lymphocyte proliferative response (LPR) and IFN-gamma secretion assays, a panel of 38 ODN was screened for immunostimulatory activity on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ODN composed of a nuclease resistant phosphorothioate backbone and a leading 5'-TCGTCGTT-3' motif with two 5'-GTCGTT-3' motifs were highly stimulatory in both assays. Flow cytometric analysis and cell-specific surface marker labeling determined that B-cells (surface IgM(+)) were the primary cell population responding in the LPR assay. Depletion of T cells (CD3(+)) from the PBMC population did not affect IFN-gamma secretion or B-cell proliferation when cultured with CpG-ODN. However, depletion of monocytes (DH59B(+)) completely abrogated the ability of CpG-ODN to stimulate IFN-gamma secretion, and significantly reduced the B-cell proliferative response. These data establish the identity of an optimal immunostimulatory CpG motif for cattle and demonstrate that monocytes play a pivotal role in the ability of cell populations to respond to CpG-ODN. These data provide insight for future studies investigating the mechanism of CpG-ODN bioactivity and its application in novel vaccine formulations and immunotherapy.

Priming by DNA immunization augments T-cell responses induced by modified live bovine herpesvirus vaccine

DNA vaccines have several advantages over conventional vaccines. One of the most important characteristics is the presentation of antigen via both MHC class I and class II receptors. Although this generally results in strong T-cell responses, antibody production and protection achieved by DNA immunization are unfortunately not always adequate. In contrast, modified live virus (MLV) vaccines usually induce adequate antibody and moderate cellular responses, whereas killed vaccines tend to elicit weak immune responses in general. A DNA prime-MLV boost regimen should result in enhanced cellular immunity and possibly improved antibody production. To test this hypothesis, plasmids encoding bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) glycoproteins B and D were delivered by gene gun to the genital mucosa of cattle prior to immunization with modified live BHV-1 vaccine. The immune responses induced were compared to those of an MLV-vaccinated group and a negative control group. Although significantly enhanced T-cell responses were induced by priming with the DNA vaccine, there was no increase in antibody titres. Similar levels of protection were induced by the MLV vaccine alone and the DNA prime and MLV boost regimen, which suggests that there is no correlation between the induction of T-cell responses and protection from BHV-1 challenge.

Suppository-mediated DNA immunization induces mucosal immunity against bovine herpesvirus-1 in cattle

Mucosal surfaces are the primary sites for the transmission of infectious agents including viruses, so effective vaccines generally should induce mucosal immunity. Furthermore, noninvasive delivery is desirable because of the ease of application, the high degree of patient compliance, and the improved safety for patients and clinicians due to the elimination of needles. Unfortunately, most of the conventional vaccines are parenterally administered and result in systemic rather than mucosal immunity. Here we present the first report of mucosal immunity by noninvasive DNA immunization in a target species. As an approach to induce mucosal immunity against bovine herpesvirus-1, cows were immunized intravaginally with suppositories containing plasmid coding for glycoprotein D. Serum IgG, as well as IgA both in the serum and in the nasal fluids, were detected, which supports the contention of a common mucosal immune system. This level of immunity was of sufficient magnitude to minimize weight loss and significantly reduce the duration of virus shedding after intranasal viral challenge, which demonstrates the efficacy of suppository-based administration of DNA vaccines to target species. As this is a very practical method of delivery, it has great potential to be applied as vaccine or therapy in a variety of species.

CpG motif identification for veterinary and laboratory species demonstrates that sequence recognition is highly conserved

Oligodinucleotides containing CpG motifs stimulate vertebrate immune cells in vitro, have proven efficacy in murine disease models and are currently being tested in human clinical trials as therapies for cancer, allergy, and infectious disease. As there are no known immunostimulatory motifs for veterinary species, the potential of CpG DNA as a veterinary pharmaceutical has not been investigated. Here, optimal CpG motifs for seven veterinary and three laboratory species are described. The preferential recognition of a GTCGTT motif was strongly conserved across two vertebrate phyla, although a GACGTT motif was optimal for inbred strains of mice and rabbits. In a subsequent adjuvanticity trial, the in vitro screening methodology was validated in sheep, representing the first demonstration of CpG DNA efficacy in a veterinary species. These results should provide candidate immunostimulant and therapeutic drugs for veterinary use and enable the testing of CpG DNA in large animal models of human disease.

Effects of intradermally administered plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid on ovine popliteal lymph node morphology

In the last decade it has become apparent that bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is recognized as a "danger signal" by the mammalian immune system. To investigate this interaction, sheep were injected intradermally two centimeters distal to the lateral prominence of the fibular head with 400 microg of purified plasmid DNA. Over a 28-day period ultrasound measurements indicated a progressive increase in size of both plasmid and saline (controls) treated popliteal lymph nodes and at Day 30 macroscopic and histological measurements of the lymph nodes were determined. Compared with the contralateral control lymph nodes, plasmid exposed lymph nodes were heavier (2.8 +/- 0.1g vs. 2.0 +/- 0.6 g) and displayed prominent histological changes in the cortex and medulla. Average medullary cord thickness (114.2 +/- 25.2 microm) and the average distance across medullary sinuses (64.4 +/- 2.5 microm) were significantly greater after plasmid exposure relative to contralateral controls (62.7 +/- 14.9 microm and 36.5 +/- 1.0 microm, respectively). Total number of germinal centers (71.4 +/- 17.7) and the total area of germinal centers (4.0 +/- 1.3 mm(2)) within the cortex of popliteal lymph nodes exposed to plasmid were also significantly greater than the controls (40.4 +/- 11.4 and 1.6 +/- 0.5 mm(2), respectively). Our results demonstrate that a single exposure to plasmid DNA has long term effects on regional lymph node weight and morphology.

Recent advances in the use of DNA vaccines for the treatment of diseases of farmed animals

DNA-based vaccination constitutes one of the most recent approaches to vaccine development. This technology is in principle one of the most simple and yet versatile methods of inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses, as well as protection against a variety of infectious agents. However, although immune responses have been induced in a number of larger species, most information on the efficacy of DNA immunization has been generated in mice. In this review the information available to date about the use of DNA vaccines in farmed animals, including cattle, pigs and poultry, is presented. The areas that need specific attention in the future to bring this technology to the market are discussed, including the issues concerning delivery, safety, compatibility of plasmids in multivalent vaccines and the potential of using immune stimulants as part of a DNA vaccine.

A tale of two syndromes: ovarian hyperstimulation and abdominal compartment

Abdominal compartment syndrome complicated severe ovarian hyperstimulation in a 35 year old woman with multiple bowel resections due to Crohn's disease. Pain from ovarian enlargement necessitated hospital admission. Despite intravenous fluid administration and heparin prophylaxis, ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis developed. Treatment by intravenous heparin was complicated by repeated intra-ovarian bleeding, anaemia and acute renal failure requiring haemodialysis. Intra-abdominal pressures were elevated. After placement of an inferior vena caval filter and discontinuation of heparin, there was slow spontaneous recovery without surgery.

Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the vasculature

With conventional ultrasonography, the diagnostician must view a series of two-dimensional images in order to form a mental impression of the three-dimensional anatomy, an efficient and time consuming practice prone to operator variability, which may cause variable or even incorrect diagnoses. Also, a conventional two-dimensional ultrasound image represents a thin slice of the patients anatomy at a single location and orientation, which is difficult to reproduce at a later time. These factors make conventional ultrasonography non-optimal for prospective or follow-up studies. Our efforts have focused on overcoming these deficiencies by developing three-dimensional ultrasound imaging techniques that are capable of acquiring B-mode, colour Doppler and power Doppler images of the vasculature, by using a conventional ultrasound system to acquire a series of two-dimensional images and then mathematically reconstructing them into a single three-dimensional image, which may then be viewed interactively on an inexpensive desktop computer. We report here on two approaches: (1) free-hand scanning, in which a magnetic positioning device is attached to the ultrasound transducer to record the position and orientation of each two-dimensional image needed for the three-dimensional image reconstruction; and (2) mechanical scanning, in which a motor-driven assembly is used to translate the transducer linearly across the neck, yielding a set of uniformly-spaced parallel two-dimensional images.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma in Scotland: incidence, survival, and mortality, 1979-94. The Scottish Melanoma Group

OBJECTIVE

To determine the changing incidence of and mortality from cutaneous malignant melanoma in Scotland from 1979 to 1994.

DESIGN

Detailed registration of clinical and pathological features, surgical and other treatment, and follow up of all cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma diagnosed from 1979 to 1994 and registered with specialist database for Scotland.

SETTING

Scotland.

SUBJECTS

6288 patients with invasive primary cutaneous malignant melanoma diagnosed between 1 January 1979 and 31 December 1994.

RESULTS

The annual age standardised incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma rose significantly from 3.5 to 7.8 per 100,000 per year in men and from 6.8 to 12.3 per 100,000 per year in women (P < 0.001 for both). World standardised rates increased from 2.7 to 6.0 per 100,000 per year in men and 4.6 to 8.50 per 100,000 in women. The incidence of melanoma continued to increase significantly in men of all ages during the study, but the rate stabilised in women after 1986. Mortality from cutaneous malignant melanoma was 1.3 per million per annum in men in 1979, rising to 2.3 per million per annum in 1994 (P < 0.01); it was 2.4 per million per annum in women in 1979, falling to 1.9 per million per annum in 1994 (P = 0.09). The underlying mortality trends showed a continuing rise for men but a downward trend for women that was not significant (P = 0.09). In men, melanoma free survival was 69% at 5 years and 61% at 10 years; in women the corresponding rates were 82% and 75%. Younger patients had higher survival rates, which were not entirely explained by thinner tumours. Over the 15 year period, survival rates improved by 12% overall, only partly owing to thinner tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

In Scotland the incidence of melanoma in women has stabilised, while mortality associated with melanoma in women shows a downward trend.

Embolization of iliac artery aneurysms following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with a bifurcated graft

Six iliac artery aneurysms in four patients were percutaneously embolized. All patients had previous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using a bifurcation graft with distal anastomoses to external iliac arteries. The iliac aneurysms involved the oversewn common iliac arteries in all patients. Embolizations were performed via an ipsilateral common femoral arterial approach, with metal coil occlusion of aneurysm inflow and outflow. All aneurysms were successfully thrombosed. Follow-up colour flow Doppler examinations showed continued aneurysm thrombosis in all patients. One patient developed post procedure buttock claudication, which improved over time; there was no other procedure related morbidity. In conclusion, we describe a technique for percutaneous embolization of iliac aneurysms following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with a bifurcated graft. We have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this approach.

THE FREQUENCY OF VENOUS THROMBOSIS IN CEMENTED AND NON-CEMENTED HIP ARTHROPLASTY

We randomised 250 patients undergoing unilateral, elective hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis to receive either a cemented or a non-cemented Mallory Head prosthesis. Aspirin was used as prophylaxis against thromboembolism during the first half of the study and adjusted-dose warfarin during the second half. Postoperatively, all patients were asked to have bilateral venography and 80% agreed. All were evaluated clinically for pulmonary embolism.

There was no difference in the frequency of deep-venous thrombosis between the two groups (50% cemented v 47% non-cemented, p = 0.73; 95% CI of the difference −13.6% to 19.3%). Three of the 64 patients (5%) in whom venography had demonstrated isolated distal thrombi developed pulmonary emboli.

The frequency of venous thrombosis in cemented and non-cemented hip arthroplasty

We randomised 250 patients undergoing unilateral, elective hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis to receive either a cemented or a non-cemented Mallory Head prosthesis. Aspirin was used as prophylaxis against thromboembolism during the first half of the study and adjusted-dose warfarin during the second half. Postoperatively, all patients were asked to have bilateral venography and 80% agreed. All were evaluated clinically for pulmonary embolism. There was no difference in the frequency of deep-venous thrombosis between the two groups (50% cemented nu 47% non-cemented, p = 0.73; 95% CI of the difference -13.6% to 19.3%). Three of the 64 patients (5%) in whom venography had demonstrated isolated distal thrombi developed pulmonary emboli.

Miliary tuberculosis presenting as infection of a pacemaker pulse-generator pocket

A seventy year old woman had a permanent VVI pacemaker inserted in 1983 for complete heart block and presented ten years later with purulent discharge from the generator pocket. During a prolonged pyrexial illness, she developed renal and respiratory failure and her illness was complicated by recurrent ventricular fibrillation. The patient died on her 31st hospital day. Subsequent histological and microbiological investigation revealed widespread miliary tuberculosis which included involvement of myocardial tissue, great vessels and the pacemaker pocket. To our knowledge, this is the first reported occurrence of miliary tuberculosis involving a permanent pacemaker system. Furthermore, the granulomatous myocarditis which occurred as part of the miliary picture is a rare occurrence and possibly explains the recurrent ventricular fibrillation.

Renal insufficiency is a component of COACH syndrome

Two sisters, ages 23 years and 6 years, respectively, were found to have congenital ataxia, bilateral coloboma, mental retardation and abnormal liver function. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar vermis hypoplasia in the younger girl and liver biopsy showed hepatic fibrosis in the older sister. This combination of findings suggested a diagnosis of COACH syndrome which is characterized by hypoplasia of cerebellar vermis, oligophrenia, congenital ataxia, coloboma, and hepatic fibrosis. COACH syndrome is a newly recognized condition. So far, five cases have been reported from three sibships. We report two additional cases from one sibship and suggest that several other cases may already exist in literature that were not recognized as having COACH syndrome. The occurrence of multiple cases in single sibships suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. In addition to previously described findings typical of COACH syndrome, the older of our patients showed progressive renal insufficiency with fibrocystic changes on renal biopsy. Renal function has not been described consistently in previous reports of COACH syndrome but has been abnormal in all cases in which it has been investigated. We suggest that renal insufficiency should be considered a common manifestation of COACH syndrome.

The role of colour flow Doppler ultrasonography in the investigation of disease in the eye and orbit

Colour flow Doppler ultrasonography is a relatively new technique in which colour-encoded representations of flowing blood are imposed over a conventional grey-scale ultrasound image. This allows interrogation of a relatively large volume of tissue to determine the presence and direction of blood flow. The waveform tracings are then evaluated by means of conventional Doppler imaging. We demonstrate examples of normal vascular structures in the orbit and describe the application of this technique in the investigation of vascular disease, such as carotid-cavernous fistula and ischemic disease. The technique can also be used to evaluate ocular membranes and masses. Colour flow Doppler imaging promises to be an important advance in ophthalmic ultrasonography.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma, Scotland, 1979-89. The Scottish Melanoma Group

The Scottish Melanoma Group (SMG) was established in 1979 to assess mortality from and incidence, features, pathological data, and management of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Scotland. Incidence during the first five years and five-year survival have already been reported. We now have data about incidence and mortality over eleven years in relation to anatomical site and pathological types. From 1979 to 1989, 1354 male and 2459 female patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanomas were first diagnosed in Scottish residents. The incidence rate per 100,000 population per year has increased from 3.4 in 1979 to 7.1 in 1989 for men, and from 6.6 to 10.4 for women. The overall increase over eleven years is 82% (7.4% per year). The greatest rates of increase are seen in lesions of the superficial spreading histogenetic type, arising on the female leg and the male trunk. Following public education programmes started in 1985, the proportion of all melanomas less than 1.5 mm thick has shown a sustained and significant increase. Mortality data for 1661 patients for whom a minimum of five-year follow-up is available shows five-year survival of 71.6% overall (77.6% for women, 58.7% for men). The survival advantage for women persists when appropriate statistical adjustment is made for thickness, ulceration, and histogenetic type. These data are useful in designing public education programmes aimed at both primary and secondary prevention of melanoma and in auditing changes in trends that might result from such education.

Refraction effects associated with multiphoton ionization and ultrashort-pulse laser propagation in plasma waveguides

The problem of refraction of ultrashort, high-intensity laser pulses in underdense plasmas is discussed in the context of producing long plasma filaments by high f-number axial focusing of laser beams. For uniform gas targets, it is shown that refraction can clamp the intensity of the focused laser beam at a value near the threshold for multiphoton ionization. In order to make large volumes of underdense plasma with ultrashort pulses, it is necessary to preform a partially ionized filament with a suitable radial electron density profile. Such a structure can act as an indestructible waveguide for ultraintense, subpicosecond laser pulses. Indeed, highly ionized plasma represents the only practical optical material at wavelengths below 50 nm or at intensities above 10(13) W cm(-2).

Connective tissue naevi in a child with intra-uterine varicella infection

A child with connective tissue naevi is described. She was exposed in utero to maternal varicella and has evidence of congenital varicella infection. It is proposed that her cutaneous lesions are also a manifestation of this infection.

Prenatal diagnosis of a case of 46,XY,18p-/46,XY,18p+ mosaicism

A case of mosaicism involving structural abnormality of chromosome 18 found in cultured amniotic fluid is reported.

The potential of mice as animal models for antifilarial screening

Transplanted infections of Brugia pahangi and Dipetalonema viteae in male BALB/c and CDI mice were investigated as models for evaluating potential antifilarial compounds. The physiology and genetics of the above mouse strains are better defined than any of the rodent species currently used for primary in vivo screening, facilitating a more reproducible means for predicting the filaricidal activity of compounds. The recoveries of B. pahangi macrofilariae, implanted intraperitoneally were greater than or equal to 50% up to six weeks after implant in both CDI and BALB/c mice. The recoveries of D. viteae macrofilariae, implanted subcutaneously, were greater than 50% up to four weeks post implant but had fallen to less than 30% by six weeks. The survival of B. pahangi and D. viteae macrofilariae simultaneously implanted into mice mimicked that seen with the mono-infections, but significantly better recoveries were obtained from dual implanted CDI mice compared to the BALB/c mice when the numbers of macrofilariae implanted were varied. Standard antifilarials were evaluated against D. viteae and B. pahangi dual implanted into either CDI mice or gerbils. The mouse dual implant detected significant worm reductions against D. viteae, B. pahangi or both with all antifilarials tested except CGP 6140. Similarly under the test conditions CGP 6140 was not detected in the gerbil assay, but there were marked differences in the results obtained with the mice and gerbil models. The reasons for these differences are discussed.

Dipetalonema viteae and Brugia pahangi transplant infections in gerbils for use in antifilarial screening

Transplanted infections of Dipetalonema viteae and Brugia pahangi have been evaluated as tools for experimental chemotherapy. Attempts were made to establish these filariae in similar pharmacokinetic sites within the same host, so that direct comparisons of in vivo drug susceptibilities could be made. Unfortunately, it was not possible to establish B. pahangi in the subcutaneous tissues, the preferred site of D. viteae. Therefore, intraperitoneal B. pahangi and subcutaneously implanted D. viteae in gerbils were used for the study. D. viteae infections were significantly enhanced by concomitant infections with B. pahangi, while B. pahangi infection rates were unaffected by the presence of D. viteae. Experiments with amoscanate, CGP6140 and Mel W demonstrated the importance of employing both B. pahangi and D. viteae for antifilarial discovery work and the fundamental effect of parasite location on drug efficacy. D. viteae rapidly migrate from the peritoneal cavity of gerbils following implantation; twenty one hours after infection 73% of transplanted worms were found in the subcutaneous tissues. It was shown that the migration response could be used as a stringent parameter for demonstrating antifilarial activity. D. viteae were exposed to antifilarial drugs for 24 hours in vitro, washed and implanted into the peritoneal cavity of gerbils. At autopsy, 5 days later, 10(-8)M ivermectin and milbemycin D had prevented migration; CGP6140, amoscanate, suramin, flubendazole and furapyrimidone were also detected at less than 10(-6)M using this parameter. In all cases the migration response was more sensitive to drugs than parasite kill. Ivermectin's ability to inhibit worm migration through the tissues is discussed, with respect to the role of itinerant males in the reproductive cycle of Onchocerca volvulus.

S-100 protein: a prognostic indicator in cutaneous malignant melanoma?

A series of 215 cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma referred to a single department of clinical oncology between 1940 and 1969 was studied to assess the accuracy of the Breslow thickness and the role of S-100 protein in predicting the clinical prognosis. Histological examination of these tumours showed that although the Breslow thickness correlated well with prognosis, in a significant number of cases it did not reliably forecast clinical outcome. From this series, tissue from those patients who survived disease-free for more than 10 years and those who died within a year of diagnosis was stained immunohistochemically for S-100 protein. Contrary to the findings of earlier studies, strong staining for S-100 protein was associated with improved survival (P less than 0.001). A marked increase in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma was noted during the period of the study.

Seminoma of testis: the value of aggressive therapy, and risk of late bilateral involvement

The results of aggressive therapy for seminoma of the testis have improved dramatically during the past decade. A patient who eight months after orchidectomy had a pulmonary metastasis excised and who nine years later developed a seminoma in the contralateral testis is described. One consequence of the much longer survival time now attainable is that an increasing number of cases with metachronous testicular seminomas may be encountered in the future.

Malignant melanoma in Scotland 1979-1983

1318 cases of primary malignant melanoma of the skin first presenting in Scotland in the years 1979-83 and registered with the Scottish Melanoma Group are described. The annual age-adjusted incidence rate is 4.75 per 100 000 for females and 2.77 per 100 000 for males. Incidence rose by an annual average of 2.5% over the five-year period. The female: male ratio was 2:1, and 48.5% of all cases were of the superficial spreading histogenetic variety. Five-year survival rates for the patients registered in 1979 confirm the prognostic value of the tumour-thickness (Breslow) measurement. They were 93% for patients with tumours less than 1.5 mm thick (39% of patients), 67% for those with tumours 1.5-3.49 mm thick (30%), and 37% for those with tumours thicker than 3.5 mm (31%). This study shows that methods for early recognition of thin tumours should be encouraged.

Inhibition of contact sensitivity reactions to DNFB by topical cyclosporin application in the guinea-pig

Contact sensitivity skin reactions to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) were inhibited by twice daily topical application of cyclosporin (CsA, 2%) in normal guinea-pigs and in those with enhanced contact sensitivity reactions following pre-treatment with cyclophosphamide. In contrast to oral administration of CsA (25 mg/kg) for 4 days, topical application of the drug over the same period did not result in systemic absorption (as measured by radioimmunoassay) or in any evidence of nephrotoxicity.

An automated, high-capacity method for measuring jumping latencies on a hot-plate

A high-capacity automated apparatus for conducting analgetic screening in mice with an entirely objective endpoint is described. A thermostatically controlled hot-plate apparatus is interfaced with a minicomputer for recording jump latencies, which appear to reflect an affective component of pain. In a model experiment, morphine and naloxone were tested at four temperatures and at four times during the day. As expected, latencies were temperature-dependent, with no significant diurnal variation. The apparatus records latencies to both first and tenth jumps, providing a gross estimate of possible motor depressant effects. Morphine significantly increased latencies to first jump, but did not alter the time between first and tenth jumps, suggesting that motor depression did not occur.

The non-visualized gallbladder by ultrasonography implications and differential diagnosis

The findings in 42 consecutive patients in whom the gallbladder or its lumen were not visualized ultrasonographically were reviewed retrospectively for evidence of gallbladder disease. The series contains two groups of patients--the larger comprised 32 patients in whom the gallbladder was represented only by a dense echogenic focus, with acoustic shadowing, in the right upper quadrant, thought to be due to cholelithiasis in a small contracted gallbladder. The accuracy of this finding in predicting gallbladder disease was 96%. The smaller group consisted of eight patients in whom the gallbladder was not visualized. In seven patients with follow-up, the accuracy of this finding in predicting gallbladder disease was only 71%. Dense echoes in the right upper quadrant were not always due to cholelithiasis but to emphysematous cholecystitis in one patient, porcelain gallbladder in a second, and agenesis of the gallbladder in a third.