High-Precision Half-Life Measurements for the Superallowed ß

Precision measurements of superallowed Fermi ß-decay transitions, particularly for the lightest superallowed emitters ^{10}C and ^{14}O, set stringent limits on possible scalar current contributions to the weak interaction. In the present work, a discrepancy between recent measurements of the ^{10}C half-life is addressed through two high-precision half-life measurements, via γ-ray photopeak and ß counting, that yield consistent results for the ^{10}C half-life of T_{1/2}=19.2969±0.0074 s and T_{1/2}=19.3009±0.0017 s, respectively. The latter is the most precise superallowed ß-decay half-life measurement reported to date and the first to achieve a relative precision below 10^{-4}. A fit to the world superallowed ß-decay data including the ^{10}C half-life measurements reported here yields b_{F}=-0.0018±0.0021 (68% C.L.) for the Fierz interference term and C_{S}/C_{V}=+0.0009±0.0011 for the ratio of the weak scalar to vector couplings assuming left-handed neutrinos.

Production cross-sections of 181-186Re isotopes from proton bombardment of natural tungsten.

Cross-sections for the production of (181)Re, (182m)Re, (182g)Re, (183)Re, (184)Re, and (186)Re from proton bombardment of natural tungsten have been measured using the stacked foil technique for proton energies up to 17.6 MeV. Results are compared with the theoretical excitation functions as calculated by the EMPIRE II code (version 2.19) and experimental literature values. Results are in strong agreement with some of the previously reported literature as well at theoretical calculations for multiple reactions providing for more reliable estimates for the (186)W(p,n)(186)Re reaction.

High altitude pulmonary edema and exercise at 4,400 meters on Mount McKinley. Effect of expiratory positive airway pressure.

Breathing against positive expiratory pressure has been used to improve gas exchange in many forms of pulmonary edema, and forced expiration against resistance during exercise has been advocated for climbing at high altitude as a method to optimize performance. To evaluate the effect of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) on climbers with high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and on exercise at high altitude, we studied four climbers with HAPE at rest and 13 healthy climbers during exercise on a bicycle ergometer at 4400 m. We measured minute ventilation (VI, L/min), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2 percent), end-tidal carbon dioxide (PACO2, mm Hg), respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) during the last minute of a five minute interval at rest in the climbers with HAPE, and at rest, 300, and 600 kpm/minute workloads on a bicycle ergometer in the healthy subjects. The HAPE subjects demonstrated an increased SaO2 percent, no change in HR or VI, and a decrease in RR on EPAP as compared to control. In normal subjects, SaO2 percent, VI, and heart rate were significantly higher on EPAP 10 cm H2O than 0 cm H2O control (p less than 0.01, 0.01, and 0.05, respectively). The RR and PaCO2 were not significantly different. In summary, EPAP improves gas exchange in HAPE subjects at rest. The EPAP in normal subjects at high altitude resulted in a higher SaO2 percent at the expense of a higher VI and higher HR. These results suggest that the work of breathing is higher and the stroke volume lower on EPAP. The positive pressure mask may be an effective temporizing measure for victims of HAPE who cannot immediately go to a lower altitude.

Abnormal control of ventilation in high-altitude pulmonary edema.

We wished to determine the role of hypoxic chemosensitivity in high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) by studying persons when ill and upon recovery. We studied seven males with HAPE and seventeen controls at 4,400 m on Mt. McKinley. We measured ventilatory responses to both O2 breathing and progressive poikilocapnic hypoxia. Hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) was described by the slope relating minute ventilation to percent arterial O2 saturation (delta VE/delta SaO2%). HAPE subjects were quite hypoxemic (SaO2% 59 +/- 6 vs. 85 +/- 1, P less than 0.01) and showed a high-frequency, low-tidal-volume pattern of breathing. O2 decreased ventilation in controls (-20%, P less than 0.01) but not in HAPE subjects. The HAPE group had low HVR values (0.15 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.54 +/- 0.08, P less than 0.01), although six controls had values in the same range. The three HAPE subjects with the lowest HVR values were the most hypoxemic and had a paradoxical increase in ventilation when breathing O2. We conclude that a low HVR plays a permissive rather than causative role in the pathogenesis of HAPE and that the combination of extreme hypoxemia and low HVR may result in hypoxic depression of ventilation.

The lung at high altitude: bronchoalveolar lavage in acute mountain sickness and pulmonary edema.

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a severe form of altitude illness that can occur in young healthy individuals, is a noncardiogenic form of edema that is associated with high concentrations of proteins and cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (Schoene et al., J. Am. Med. Assoc. 256: 63-69, 1986). We hypothesized that acute mountain sickness (AMS) in which gas exchange is impaired to a milder degree is a precursor to HAPE. We therefore performed BAL with 0.89% NaCl by fiberoptic bronchoscopy in eight subjects at 4,400 m (barometric pressure = 440 Torr) on Mt. McKinley to evaluate the cellular and biochemical responses of the lung at high altitude. The subjects included one healthy control (arterial O2 saturation = 83%), three climbers with HAPE (mean arterial O2 saturation = 55.0 +/- 5.0%), and four with AMS (arterial O2 saturation = 70.0 +/- 2.4%). Cell counts and differentials were done immediately on the BAL fluid, and the remainder was frozen for protein and biochemical analysis to be performed later. The results of this and of the earlier study mentioned above showed that the total leukocyte count (X10(5)/ml) in BAL fluid was 3.5 +/- 2.0 for HAPE, 0.9 +/- 4.0 for AMS, and 0.7 +/- 0.6 for controls, with predominantly alveolar macrophages in HAPE. The total protein concentration (mg/dl) was 616.0 +/- 3.3 for HAPE, 10.4 +/- 8.3 for AMS, and 12.0 +/- 3.4 for controls, with both large- (immunoglobulin M) and small- (albumin) molecular-weight proteins present in HAPE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dislocation of the knee with lateral dislocation of the patella. A report of four cases.

In a group of 25 patients with traumatic dislocation of the knee, four, all of whom had similar ligament and medial soft-tissue injuries, also had associated lateral patellar dislocation. In all four reconstruction was delayed because of their other serious injuries. Having encountered the combination of knee dislocation and lateral patellar dislocation in 16% of our patients, we believe that it may be less rare than is commonly believed. We think that it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion of possible patellar dislocation when medial structures have been severely damaged. Early recognition and immobilisation in extension can prevent fixed lateral dislocation of the patella.

Fatal group A streptococcal infection with toxic shock syndrome: complicating minor orthopedic trauma.

Since 1987, reports have appeared of a streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in various clinical settings. None have appeared in the orthopaedic literature. Between 1989 and 1991 at our institution three patients with relatively minor orthopaedic injuries or procedures died of group A streptococcal infections complicated by toxic shock syndrome. The manifestations of this syndrome included rapid progression of systemic sepsis, necrotizing soft-tissue infections, acute renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and coagulopathy. All three patients died despite aggressive resuscitative measures and surgical debridement. Optimal treatment of this life-threatening process requires early recognition, aggressive surgical debridement, appropriate antibiotic management, and intensive care unit support.

Iliosacral screw fixation: early complications of the percutaneous technique.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the early complications related to the percutaneous placement of iliosacral screws for the operative treatment of displaced posterior pelvic ring disruptions. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive. SETTING: Level-one trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred seventy-seven consecutive patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. One hundred two male and seventy-five female patients ranging in age from eleven to seventy-eight years (mean, thirty-two years). INTERVENTIONS: Operative procedures were performed urgently according to the patient's clinical condition. Anterior pelvic reductions and fixations were performed by using internal and external fixation techniques. Accurate closed or open reductions of the posterior pelvic ring disruptions were accomplished by using a variety of surgical techniques dependent on the specific pattern of pelvic ring disruption. Closed manipulative reductions of the posterior pelvic ring were attempted for all patients. Open reductions were necessary in those patients with unacceptable closed manipulative reductions as assessed fluoroscopically at the time of operation (more than one centimeter in any field of fluoroscopic imaging). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plain inlet and outlet radiographs were obtained postoperatively at six weeks, three months, and twelve months. A pelvic computed tomography scan was performed postoperatively to assess fracture or dislocation reduction and the implant safety. Annual follow-up pelvic radiographs were obtained. Residual pelvic deformities were quantified based on these imaging modalities. RESULTS: There were no posterior pelvic infections. Minimal blood loss was associated with this technique. Complications occurred due to inadequate imaging, surgeon error, and fixation failure. Fluoroscopic imaging was inadequate due to obesity or abdominal contrast in eighteen patients. Five screws were misplaced due to surgeon error. One misplaced screw produced a transient L5 neuropraxia. Fixation failures related to either crandiocerebral trauma, delayed union, noncomplicance, and a deep anterior pelvic polymicrobial infection secondary to a urethral tear occurred in seven patients. There were two sacral nonunions that required debridement, bone grafting, and repeat fixation prior to healing. CONCLUSIONS: Iliosacral screw fixation of the posterior pelvis is difficult. The surgeon must understand the variability of sacral anatomy. Quality triplanar fluoroscopic imaging of the accurately reduced posterior pelvic ring should allow for safe iliosacral screw insertions. Anticipated noncompliant patients or those with craniocerebral trauma may need supplementary posterior pelvic fixation. Low rates of infection, blood loss, and nonunion can be expected.

Lateral approach to the humeral shaft: an alternative approach for fracture treatment.

Indications for operative treatment of fractures of the shaft of the humerus have been well described. Anterolateral and posterior surgical approaches are generally preferred for fractures of the proximal/middle thirds and distal third of the humerus, respectively. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. We present an alternative, "lateral" approach to the humeral shaft. This approach allows supine positioning of the multiply injured patient and visualization of the radial nerve throughout the extent of the incision, and requires no muscle splitting.

Somatosensory evoked potential monitoring during closed humeral nailing: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring of the radial and median nerves in preventing iatrogenic nerve injury during closed, locked intramedullary (IM) nailing of the humerus. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Pacific Northwest Level One trauma center and Southern California military medical center. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients with indications for surgical stabilization of fractures of the humeral diaphysis and either unknown neurologic status of the affected limb or anticipated difficult reduction maneuvers due to fracture complexity or displacement. INTERVENTION: Closed, antegrade or retrograde locked IM nailing of the humerus was attempted while intraoperative monitoring of the radial and median nerves with SSEP was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Intraoperative radial and median nerve SSEP changes during closed fracture manipulation, guide rod insertion, reaming, and humeral nail placement. RESULTS: Baseline recordings were obtained in twelve of thirteen patients for both the radial and median nerves. An absence of radial nerve signal in one patient with a closed head injury prompted an open procedure, revealing entrapment of the radial nerve in the fracture. Intraoperative SSEP changes were observed in two of the twelve remaining patients during fracture manipulation and distal interlocking. The signal amplitude returned after discontinuation of manipulation and traction, and alteration of the interlocking maneuver. No neurologic deficits were noted in these two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative radial nerve SSEP monitoring appears to reliably reflect the status of the radial nerve in those patients with a humerus fracture. In three of eleven patients, intraoperative signal changes prompted a change in surgical plan. In no patient did there appear to be evidence of iatrogenic nerve injury.

Abduction stress and AP weightbearing radiography of purely ligamentous injury in the tarsometatarsal joint.

Twenty volunteers (40 feet) with no prior foot injury underwent standardized abduction stress and standing AP radiographs. Subsequently, the Lisfranc and dorsal tarsometatarsal ligaments in nine feet from cadavers were sectioned in a varying sequential manner, and interval standardized radiographs of abduction stress and AP simulated weightbearing were obtained. On abduction stress radiographs in 39 of 40 feet of volunteers and nine of nine feet of cadavers before sectioning, a line tangential to the medial aspect of the navicular and medial cuneiform (medial column line) intersected the base of the first metatarsal. Combining the sectioning of the Lisfranc and dorsal tarsometatarsal ligaments produced a disruption of the medial column line in all feet from cadavers. Disruption of this medial column line may be a simple and valuable diagnostic tool for determining significant ligamentous injury to the tarsometatarsal interval.

Levels of high energy phosphate in the dorsal skin of the foot in normal and diabetic adults: the role of 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and direct quantification with high pressure liquid chromatography.

Determining viability of tissues and wound-healing potential in diabetic patients remains a significant challenge. Current methods for preoperative assessment of wound-healing potential (pressures in the ankle, temperature of tissues, transcutaneous measurements of oxygen, and systemic nutritional status) are indirect, in that they characterize the delivery of oxygen or other nutrients to the cells. A noninvasive means to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr), the fundamental high energy phosphate substrates of oxidative energy-metabolism in the skin, has been devised by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The signal-to-noise ratio of bioenergetic metabolites in the skin was 86% lower in five patients with diabetes who had ischemia of the lower extremity compared with five control subjects (P < 0.0001), suggesting that the concentration of high energy metabolites in diabetic patients was reduced. The ratio of ATP/phosphocreatine (PCr) in patients with diabetes was also significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.01). Chewing a single piece of nicotine gum reduced the measured concentrations of ATP and PCr in control subjects by an average of 18% and by an average of 75% in subjects with diabetes. To verify these results in a second experiment, skin was harvested from the surgical wound sites in eight patients with diabetes undergoing elective amputation, eight patients with diabetes undergoing elective foot surgery, and ten age-matched control (nondiabetic) patients undergoing elective foot surgery. Analysis of ATP and PCr using high pressure liquid chromatography corroborated MRS findings, showing a significant reduction in ATP and PCr in diabetic skin. Depression of metabolites was more severe in the patients with diabetes undergoing amputation than in the ones undergoing elective surgery. Results demonstrate depression of metabolites in the skin of patients with diabetes and suggest that MRS with 31p may be useful in characterizing metabolites in the skin.

Dexamethasone for prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness.

We wished to determine in a field study the effectiveness of dexamethasone for prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Prevention Trial: We transported 15 subjects from sea level to 4,400 m (PB = 400 mm Hg) on Denali (Mt. McKinley) by means of a 1-h helicopter flight. In a randomized, double-blind fashion we gave eight subjects a placebo and seven subjects 2 mg dexamethasone orally every 6 h, starting 1 h before take-off. The entire placebo group and five of the dexamethasone group developed AMS within 5 h, and became progressively more ill until 12 h when the trial was terminated. We concluded that 2 mg of dexamethasone every 6 h did not prevent AMS in active soldiers rapidly transported to high altitude. Treatment Trial: We treated 11 of those with moderate to severe AMS (symptom score 4.5 +/- 0.7, range 3 to 11) with 4 mg of dexamethasone every 6 h orally or intramuscularly for 24 h. All were markedly improved at 12 h (symptom score 1.0 +/- 0.3, p less than 0.001, range 0 to 3), but symptoms increased after the drug was discontinued at 24 h (symptom score = 2.4 +/- 0.5). We conclude that dexamethasone in a dosage of 4 mg PO or IM every 6 h is an effective treatment for AMS, but that illness may recur with abrupt discontinuation of the drug.

Comments on this issue of Alaska Medicine--from then (1960) until now (1993).

The drugs used in frostbite injury care are: Plasma volume expanders (low molecular weight dextran); vasodilating agents (tolazoline hydrochloride); hypotensive agents (guanethidine monosulfate, reserpine); hemorrheologic agents (oxpentifylline); calcium blocking agents (nifedipine); sympatholytic agents (phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride); anticoagulating agents (heparin); thrombolytic enzymes (streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator--TPA); an industrial solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide--DMSO); anti-inflammatory agents such as nonsteroidal drugs, and acetylsalicylic acid, Ibuprofen. As yet, no clear treatment policy has been determined for preventing injury secondary to the formation of oxygen free radicals, damaging neutrophils or reperfusion injury. The role of oxygen free radical scavengers and factors causing reperfusion injury is unclear at this date. Since that first reported series of 51 patients in 1960-61, 1,282 patients have been seen. Of that number, 1,026 had a diagnosis of frostbite; 151 were diagnosed as hypothermia; and 105 diagnosed as immersion injury.

Body composition testing of athletes in the field using bioelectric impedance analysis.

Bioelectric impedance analysis was performed as part of the field testing of seventeen athletes competing in the 1990 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The purpose was to measure initial body composition and the changes that occurred during this extended performance period under Arctic conditions. Four women and thirteen men aged 26-53 years were tested to measure changes in their lean body weight, total body water, total body fat and percent body water. Study results record average body fat losses of 2.14 kg in the male and 1.02 kg in the female racers. Total body water and lean body mass remained stable, while an increase in body water percentage (men: 4.31%, women: 2.78%) was recorded. Though questions remain, bioelectric impedance analysis demonstrates potential for use in future field research projects.