Alcohol-induced pathology.

The classical symptom formation of alcoholism is identified along with the main causes of death in a representative cohort of U.S. alcoholics. New findings in alcoholism studies pertaining to allergenic and hypoglycemic pathways are discussed. The failure of current treatment modes based on a behavioral disease model of alcoholism is noted. The evidence for a new model of alcoholism as an inherited predisposition for metabolic/enzymatic dysfunction is presented, along with the potential for a new treatment protocol based on that model.

Follow-up of a cohort of alcoholic patients through 12 months of comprehensive biobehavioral treatment.

One hundred and eleven socially stable alcoholic patients were subjected to a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment protocol based on a biobehavioral model of alcoholism. Physical pathology, malnutrition, and toxicity were prevalent throughout the sample. After a period of inpatient care, subjects were treated for a period of 12 months with a combination of medical, nutritional, behavioral, and psychological support and care. At the end of the study period, 91 subjects (81.9%) remained in treatment contact. Sixty seven subjects (60.4%) were abstinent and physically stable at the 12-month date. Elevations of three scales of the MMPI were significantly predictive of treatment outcome.

Traumatic cyst of the jaws: report of 30 cases.

A clinicopathologic study was made on 30 cases of the traumatic bone cyst of the jaws, and these observations were recorded. --The lesion is one of skeletal-wide distribution, but in the jaws it occurs most frequently in the posterior portions of the mandible. --The majority of cases are not associated with trauma, and the lesion is most commonly detected in routine radiographs. --The median age of this series of patients was 20 years, and the majority of patients in this series white men. --Histologically extravasated red blood cells, degenerating fibromyxomatous tissue both inside and outside of bone, hemorrhagic membranes, and other changes consistent with degenerative processes were observed. --The origin of the traumatic bone cyst was not determined in this study, but histologic evidence pointed toward a degenerative process that also could not be adequately explained; therefore, the more general term solitary bone cyst is suggested for use. --Treatment of the solitary bone cyst consists essentially of exposing the lesion and mild curetting to produce a clot formation that will subsequently organize and fill in with new bone.

Findings in 1,724 buccal smears from dentists.

No changes were found in the epithelial cells from the buccal mucosa of dentists with the use of the light microscope, electron microscope, or electron probe that could be correlated with mercury exposure under the conditions of this test. In a normal population it can be expected that at least 0.01% of the population will show class 2 atypical smears. Patients with class 2 smears have fewer highly matured epithelial cells (tendency toward keratinization) of the buccal mucosa and hence a thinner epithelium.

Thermal conductivities of some novel nonlinear optical materials.

Results of thermal conductivity measurements are reported for several of the more recently developed nonlinear optical crystals. New or substantially revised values of thermal conductivity were obtained in six materials. Notable thermal conductivities measured were those for AgGaS(2) [0.014 W/(cm K) and 0.015 W/(cm K)], AgGaSe(2) [0.010 W/(cm K) and 0.011 W/(cm K)], beta barium borate [0.016 W/(cm K) and 0.012 W/(cm K)], and ZnGeP(2) [0.36 W/(cm K) and 0.35 W/(cm K)], with values quoted for directions respectively parallel and perpendicular to the optic axis for each material. These new data provide necessary input for the design of high-power optical frequency converters.

Overcoming resistance to family planning.

PIP: If family planning is to improve the emotional and physical health of the family, spacing, age of mother, parity, and past clinical history are some of the factors to be considered. Lowest incidence of maternal mortality, perinatal mortality, and prematurity occurs in women between 20 and 30. Moderate intervals between birth, (1-2 years) seemed to be associated with lower stillbirth rates. High parity, history of abortion, previous premature birth or neonatal death, are some factors which increase maternal risk. Contraindications to pregnancy include endocrine diseases, chronic neurologic disease, collagen and infectious disease, and malnutrition. Preliminary study indicates abortion rates would decline if family planning were more widely practiced.^ieng