Effect of salinity on growth, ion content, and cell wall chemistry in Atriplex prostrata (Chenopodiaceae).

Atriplex prostrata Boucher, a facultative halophyte, exhibits significant reduction in height and biomass and in the width of the cortex and vascular tissue under saline conditions. Therefore, the goal of this investigation was to determine the effect of salinity on plant growth as well as on the patterns of lignification, peroxidase activity, and extensin deposition. Biomass, leaf area, internode length, water potential, photosynthesis, transpiration, and ion content were measured. In addition, lignin, peroxidase, and extensin were, respectively, examined via phloroglucinol staining, peroxidase staining, and immunostaining with extensin antibody on tissue prints of free-hand stem sections. Length of internodes and leaf area significantly decreased with increased salinity, and net photosynthesis declined dramatically as well. There was a significant accumulation of Na+ in organs when plants were grown in saline solutions, while the concentration of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ decreased. The signals in tissue prints showed that soluble peroxidase and extensin accumulated in the first three internodes of A. prostrata grown under saline conditions. In contrast, lignification was reduced under saline growth conditions in the third and fourth internodes. These results indicate that extensin may replace lignin in providing mechanical support for cells, while stems remain in a juvenile stage because of growth retardation caused by salinity.

Effects of thermoperiod on recovery of seed germination of halophytes from saline conditions.

Recovery of seed germination from NaCl salinity of desert shrubs (Haloxylon recurvum and Suaeda fruticosa, and the herbs Zygophyllum simplex and Triglochin maritima was studied under various thermoperiods. The percentage of ungerminated seeds that recovered when they were transferred to distilled water varied significantly with variation in species and thermoperiods. Zygophyllum simplex had little recovery from all NaCl concentrations in all thermoperiods. Haloxylon recurvum, S. fruticosa, and T. maritima showed substantial recovery. Percentage recovery was highest in S. fruticosa, followed by T. maritima, and H. recurvum. Thermoperiodic effects varied with the species investigated. There was little thermoperodic effect on the percentage recovery of S. fruticosa, except in the higher salinity treatment at higher thermoperiods. Variation in thermoperiod appears to play an important role in recovery of germination of halophytes from salt stress when seeds are transferred to distilled water.

Pulmonary Lymphogranulomatosis.

The authors describe a case originally assumed to be pneumonia. As a consequence of unsuccessful antibiotic treatment surgical intervention took place. Then histological examination revealed pulmonary lymphogranulomatosis. The authors draw the attention to the responsibility of the GP-s and hospital doctors to include pulmonary lymphogranulomatosis in the range of suspected diseases if the symptoms are similar to those of the analysed case.

Generation of unidirectionally propagating action potentials using a monopolar electrode cuff.

Unidirectionally propagating action potentials, which can be used to implement transmission failure on peripheral nerve through "collision block," have been generated electrically on cat myelinated peripheral nerve using a monopolar electrode cuff with the conductor positioned closest to the "arrest" end of the cuff. A single cathode located at least 5 mm from the arrest end resulted in unidirectional propagation with minimal current and charge injection. The range of stimulus current values that produced unidirectional propagation increased with increases in longitudinal asymmetry of cathode placement over the range of asymmetries tested (1.7:1 to 7:1). The stimulus current pulse that minimized charge injection was quasitrapezoidal in shape with a plateau pulse width of approximately 350 microseconds and an exponential trailing phase having a fall time (90%-10%) of approximately 600 microseconds These parameters were found to be independent of cuff geometry. Arrest efficiency was not degraded using a cuff of sufficient internal diameter to prevent nerve compression in chronic implantation. The critical current density within the extracellular space of the electrode cuff required to produce conduction failure at the arrest end was estimated to be 0.47 +/- 0.08 mA/mm2.

Sleeve lobectomy: an alternative to pneumonectomy in the treatment of bronchial carcinoma.

In a 20-year period between 1960 and 1979, 3,438 resections were done for primary cancer of the lung, the standard operation being either lobectomy or pneumonectomy in more than 90% of the cases. In 261 cases (7.4%) sleeve lobectomy was performed as an alternative to pneumonectomy in order to conserve pulmonary function as far as possible, provided the operation assured as equally radical a removal of the tumor as pneumonectomy. Long-term results could be evaluated for 113 cases operated before 1974. Fifty-seven (50%) were alive at least 5 years after operation, the follow-up being 100%. The postoperative mortality was 7.3% (19 cases). Indications for sleeve resection as well as some aspects of anesthesia and surgical technique are discussed.

[Late results of resection therapy of carcinoma of lung in patients of a department of respiratory diseases of a district (author's transl)]. / Spätresultate der Resektionsbehandlung des Lungenkarzinoms im Krankengut einer Bezirkslungenabteilung.

A report is given of the anti-cancer activity of the chest department of the XIV. District of Budapest. From 1962 to 1977 932 cancer cases were admitted; 315 of whom could be operated, the rate of resection being 33.8%. Among persons under the age of 70 this figure has been 43.7%. No selection being practised on admission this material deserves special interest. It also seemed suitable to give an answer to the question whether mass X-ray surveys had any effect on the 5 years survival rate of the patient.

Detection and estimation of the degree of mitral regurgitation by range-gated pulsed doppler echocardiography.

Sensitivity and specificity of detection of mitral regurgitation was assessed by range-gated Doppler echocardiography. The degree of mitral regurgitation was also estimated by the depth and width of the regurgitant jet detected with Doppler and compared with that assessed by left ventriculography. Of 47 patients with an adequate Doppler study, 24 had no mitral regurgitation by ventriculography. All but one were also negative for mitral regurgitation by Doppler, for a specificity of 96%. Of 23 cases with mitral regurgitation documented by ventriculography, Doppler detected mitral regurgitation in 21, for a sensitivity of 92%. Two cases with mitral regurgitation undiagnosed by Doppler had mild mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle dysfunction. All cases with rheumatic mitral regurgitation were detected. The degree of mitral regurgitation estimated with Doppler had a high correlation with that determined by ventriculography (r = 0.88, p less than 0.01).

[Surgical management of stenosis of the trachea (author's transl)]. / Eingriffe wegen Trachealstenose.

16 cases of stenosis of the trachea treated by resection and anastomosis are reported. The essential features of the technique of anaesthesia and surgery are described. It is stressed that the best results are to be obtained from end to end anastomosis. Results are analysed according to indications. In 13 cases normal function could be restored, one case improved and two remained carriers of tracheostomy canuls. 12 further cases have undergone surgery for large retrosternal thyroids causing stenosis of the trachea. Details of indications, technique and results are analysed.