The organic acid environmental capacity of mangrove ecosystem in Dongzhai harbor, Hainan, China.

To establish a method for studying the organic acid environmental capacity of mangrove ecosystems, high-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the organic acid detoxification agent; Using different cultivation methods to determine the toxicity threshold of organic acids on mangrove plants; Calculate the environmental capacity of organic acids by combining the toxicity threshold of organic acids with the volume of water in the study area. The results showed the range of toxicity thresholds of organic acids to 25.29-30 mg/L would have an inhibitory effect on the development of mangrove plant hypocotyls; The organic acid environmental capacity of Dongzhai harbor Mangrove Wetland Protection Area is 7.76 × 10^4 kg/d ~ 8.73 × 10^4 kg/d, while the estimated organic acid emissions from shrimp ponds around Dongzhai harbor are 7.06 × 10^3 kg/d ~ 7.83 × 10^3 kg/d. Therefore, the organic acid emissions from shrimp ponds around Dongzhai harbor are within the carrying range of the mangrove wetland ecosystem in Dongzhai harbor.

[A clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on carotid artery atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral nattokinase (NK) in the reduction of common carotid artery intimal medial thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid artery plaque size and in lowering blood lipids, and to explore the underlying mechanism of actions of NK and its potential clinical use. Methods: All enrolled patients were from the Out-Patient Clinic of the Department of TCM at the 3(rd) Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Using randomised picking method, all patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups, NK and Statin (ST) group. NK Group-patients were given NK at a daily dose of 6 000 FU and ST Group-patients were treated with statin (simvastatin 20 mg) daily. The treatment course was 26 weeks. CCA-IMT, carotid plaque size and blood lipid profile of the patients were measured before and after treatment. Results: A total of 82 patients were enrolled in the study and 76 patients (NK 39, ST 37) completed the study. Following the treatments for 26 weeks, there was a significant reduction in CCA-IMT and carotid plaque size in both groups compared with the baseline before treatment. The carotid plaque size and CCA-IMT reduced from(0.25±0.12)cm(2) to (0.16±0.10)cm(2) and from (1.13±0.12)mm to (1.01±0.11)mm, repectively. The reduction in the NK group was significantly profound (P<0.01, 36.6% reduction in plaque size in NK group versus 11.5% change in ST group). Both treatments reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG). While the reduction in both groups was shown to be statistically significant (P<0.01), the reduction of TC, LDL-C and TG in ST group was significantly greater (P<0.05). In addition, NK significantly increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.05), in contrast, HDL-C in the ST group did not change. The lipid lowering effect observed in the NK group was not correlated to the reduction of CCA-IMT and carotid artery plaque size (r=0.35, P=0.09). Conclusions: Our findings from this pioneer clinical study suggests that daily NK supplementation is an effective way to manage the progression of atherosclerosis and potentially may be a better alternative to statins which are commonly used to reduce atherosclerosis and further to prevent cardiovascular attack and stroke in patients. The mechanism underlying the reduction of carotid atherosclerosis by NK may be independent from its lipid-lowering effect, which is different from that of statins.

Targeting the glucose-regulated protein-78 abrogates Pten-null driven AKT activation and endometrioid tumorigenesis.

Rates of the most common gynecologic cancer, endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC), continue to rise, mirroring the global epidemic of obesity, a well-known EAC risk factor. Thus, identifying novel molecular targets to prevent and/or mitigate EAC is imperative. The prevalent Type 1 EAC commonly harbors loss of the tumor suppressor, Pten, leading to AKT activation. The major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, GRP78, is a potent pro-survival protein to maintain ER homeostasis, and as a cell surface protein, is known to regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. To determine whether targeting GRP78 could suppress EAC development, we created a conditional knockout mouse model using progesterone receptor-Cre-recombinase to achieve Pten and Grp78 (cPten(f/f)Grp78(f/f)) deletion in the endometrial epithelium. Mice with a single Pten (cPten(f/f)) deletion developed well-differentiated EAC by 4 weeks. In contrast, no cPten(f/f)Grp78(f/f) mice developed EAC, even after more than 8 months of observation. Histologic examination of uteri from cPten(f/f)Grp78(f/f) mice also revealed no complex atypical hyperplasia, a well-established EAC precursor. These histologic observations among the cPten(f/f)Grp78(f/f) murine uteri also corresponded to abrogation of AKT activation within the endometrium. We further observed that GRP78 co-localized with activated AKT on the surface of EAC, thus providing an opportunity for therapeutic targeting. Consistent with previous findings that cell surface GRP78 is an upstream regulator of PI3K/AKT signaling, we show here that in vivo short-term systemic treatment with a highly specific monoclonal antibody against GRP78 suppressed AKT activation and increased apoptosis in the cPten(f/f) tumors. Collectively, these findings present GRP78-targeting therapy as an efficacious therapeutic option for EAC.

Clinical challenges presented by three simultaneous solid tumors.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous tumors are rare, and their management can be challenging. The simultaneous presentation of cervical carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and appendiceal carcinoma has not been previously described. CASE: A 57-year-old woman presented with cervical cancer. During her workup, she was diagnosed with mucinous appendiceal carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. One year following surgery, she remains without evidence of disease and with continually improving nutritional status. CONCLUSION: When simultaneous tumors are diagnosed, optimal care requires the creative expertise of a multidisciplinary team. Standard sequential therapies may be problematic in patients undergoing major surgery to treat another primary tumor, and sequential treatment delays rather than combining therapies can jeopardize cure. Treatment planning should utilize a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.

Vaginal hysterectomy as primary treatment of endometrial cancer in medically compromised women.

OBJECTIVE: To study the survival, rates and patterns of recurrence, and perioperative morbidity in medically compromised women with endometrial cancer treated by primary vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with endometrial cancer treated initially by vaginal hysterectomy between 1977 and 1999 were identified at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. Data were retrieved from hospital and office records. Statistical analysis, including Kaplan-Meier methods, was performed and the disease-specific survival rates were estimated. This study has 80% power to demonstrate a greater than 20% improvement in 5-year survival over historical controls. RESULTS: Fifty-one women with uterine carcinoma clinically confined to the uterus underwent primary vaginal hysterectomy with (n = 26) or without (n = 25) salpingo-oophorectomy. Eighty-four percent were obese with a body mass index greater than 27. Additional risk factors for surgical complications included hypertension (57%), diabetes mellitus (27%), and cardiovascular disease (18%). One-third of patients had three or more risk factors. Surgical morbidity included one episode of acute hemorrhage necessitating transfusion and abdominal exploration. Blood transfusions were given to four additional patients. There were no perioperative deaths. Five women recurred and expired at a median of 13 months (range 3--53 months) after surgery. The 3- and 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 91.4% and 88.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Vaginal hysterectomy for the initial treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer is associated with a high rate of cure and minimal morbidity. Thus, it may be considered a reasonable alternative to the abdominal approach in medically compromised women.

[Clinical value of induced sputum test in monitoring airway inflammation in asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of induced sputum test in monitoring airway inflammation in asthmatic patients. METHODS: The induced sputum test was done in 12 normal subjects and 21 asthmatic subjects; The levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), eosinophil cation protein (ECP), malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and induced sputum in all subjects were measured. RESULTS: The levels of IL-8, ECP, MDA in plasma and induced sputum in unstable asthmatic patients were significantly higher than those in stable asthmatic (P < 0.01), in which the levels of IL-8, ECP, MDA in both plasma and induced sputum were significantly higher than those in normal subjects(P < 0.05); In all asthmatic patients, the levels of IL-8, ECP, MDA in induced sputum were significantly higher than those in plasma. CONCLUSION: The levels of IL-8, ECP, MDA in induced sputum could be used for monitoring airway inflammation in asthmatic patients.

Outcomes of extremely low-birth-weight infants between 500 and 750 g.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe morbidity, mortality, and developmental outcomes among extremely low-birth-weight infants (500-750 g). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included 167 live-born infants born at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center between January 1990 and December 1995. RESULTS: Mortality rates were 86% among infants <600 g and 44% among those > or =600 g, and the rate decreased with increasing gestational age. The absence of chorioamnionitis (P =.01) and the use of antepartum corticosteroids (P <.0001) or neonatal surfactant (P =.0001) were associated with survival. Sixty-four percent of studied infants had respiratory distress syndrome, and 17% had grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage. Among the 63 survivors 57% were tested at 30 months of corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Mild or significant delays were seen on the mental development index in 68% of these cases and on the psychomotor development index in 58% of cases. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality rates and the rate of developmental delay among infants with birth weights between 500 and 750 g were significant.

Elimination of public funding of prenatal care for undocumented immigrants in California: a cost/benefit analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the perinatal outcomes and costs of undocumented women with and without prenatal care and inferred the impact of denial of prenatal benefits to undocumented immigrants in California. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the delivery records of a cohort of 970 undocumented immigrants. The effects of prenatal care on low birth weight and prematurity were evaluated by means of logistic regression. The difference in the costs of postnatal care between neonates with and without prenatal care was compared with the cost of prenatal care. This ratio was extrapolated to calculate the net cost to the state. Long-term morbidity costs were also considered. RESULTS: Nearly 10% of undocumented women had no prenatal care. These women were nearly 4 times as likely to be delivered of low birth weight infants (relative risk, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.03-7.05) and >7 times as likely to be delivered of premature infants (relative risk, 7.4; 95% confidence interval, 4.35-12.59) as were undocumented women who had prenatal care. The cost of postnatal care for a neonate without prenatal care was $2341 more initially and $3247 more when incremental long-term morbidity cost was added than that for a neonate with prenatal care. For every dollar cut from prenatal care we expect an increase of $3. 33 in the cost of postnatal care and $4.63 in incremental long-term cost. Elimination of publicly funded prenatal care for undocumented women could save the state $58 million in direct prenatal care costs but could cost taxpayers as much as $194 million more in postnatal care, resulting in a net cost of $136 million initially and $211 million in long-term costs. CONCLUSIONS: Elimination of public funding of prenatal care for undocumented immigrants in California could substantially increase low birth weight, prematurity, and postnatal costs.

Presenilin-1 P264L knock-in mutation: differential effects on abeta production, amyloid deposition, and neuronal vulnerability.

The pathogenic mechanism linking presenilin-1 (PS-1) gene mutations to familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is uncertain, but has been proposed to include increased neuronal sensitivity to degeneration and enhanced amyloidogenic processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP). We investigated this issue by using gene targeting with the Cre-lox system to introduce an FAD-linked P264L mutation into the endogenous mouse PS-1 gene, an approach that maintains normal regulatory controls over expression. Primary cortical neurons derived from PS-1 homozygous mutant knock-in mice exhibit basal neurodegeneration similar to their PS-1 wild-type counterparts. Staurosporine and Abeta1-42 induce apoptosis, and neither the dose dependence nor maximal extent of cell death is altered by the PS-1 knock-in mutation. Similarly, glutamate-induced neuronal necrosis is unaffected by the PS-1P264L mutation. The lack of effect of the PS-1P264L mutation is confirmed by measures of basal- and toxin-induced caspase and calpain activation, biochemical indices of apoptotic and necrotic signaling, respectively. To analyze the influence of the PS-1P264L knock-in mutation on APP processing and the development of AD-type neuropathology, we created mouse lines carrying mutations in both PS-1 and APP. In contrast to the lack of effect on neuronal vulnerability, cortical neurons cultured from PS-1P264L homozygous mutant mice secrete Abeta42 at an increased rate, whereas secretion of Abeta40 is reduced. Moreover, the PS-1 knock-in mutation selectively increases Abeta42 levels in the mouse brain and accelerates the onset of amyloid deposition and its attendant reactive gliosis, even as a single mutant allele. We conclude that expression of an FAD-linked mutant PS-1 at normal levels does not generally increase cortical neuronal sensitivity to degeneration. Instead, enhanced amyloidogenic processing of APP likely is critical to the pathogenesis of PS-1-linked FAD.

Hindlimb motor neurons require Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase for maintenance of neuromuscular junctions.

The role of oxidative damage in neurodegenerative disease was investigated in mice lacking cytoplasmic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), created by deletion of the SOD1 gene (SOD1(-/-)). SOD1(-/-) mice developed a chronic peripheral hindlimb axonopathy. Mild denervation of muscle was detected at 2 months, and behavioral and physiological motor deficits were present at 5-7 months of age. Ventral root axons were shrunken but were normal in number. The somatosensory system in SOD1(-/-) mice was mildly affected. SOD1(-/-) mice expressing Cu/Zn SOD only in brain and spinal cord were generated using transgenic mice expressing mouse SOD1 driven by the neuron-specific synapsin promoter. Neuron-specific expression of Cu/Zn SOD in SOD1(-/-) mice rescued motor neurons from the neuropathy. Therefore, Cu/Zn SOD is not required for normal motor neuron survival, but is necessary for the maintenance of normal neuromuscular junctions by hindlimb motor neurons.

Evaluation of a linked service model of care for HIV-positive, homeless, and at-risk youths.

Two instruments were used to evaluate an agency's type and availability of services for HIV-positive and at-risk adolescents, and to assess opinions concerning healthcare referral patterns. These instruments were administered to representatives of 22 agencies from 10 categories of healthcare services. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used to model ratings of interagency knowledge, referral patterns, and general satisfaction with services. We found that no agencies offered youth services for inpatient adolescent-specific mental health treatment or short-term residential drug treatment; however, few offered long-term residential substance abuse detoxification services (5%), outpatient drug maintenance (5%), HIV-specific inpatient services (9%), intensive day treatment for substance abusers (9%), HIV home care (14%), HIV hospice care (14%), inpatient medical services (14%), short-term shelters (14%), long-term housing (18%), HIV-specific clinical trials (18%), and dental services (23%). Barriers to expanding care included lack of funding, transportation, and lack of awareness among youths about services. A multidimensional scaling analysis identified a tight service cluster of two community health centers and the largest public hospital serving poor communities of color, as well as a relatively tight cluster of three service agencies located on the Boston Common serving homeless youths. A third service cluster consisted of two university-affiliated medical centers and one community health center. In conclusion, we found that many critical services for HIV-positive youths are relatively scarce. Multidimensional scaling provides a visual presentation of the relationships of network sites. This evaluation of services indicates a need for increased, accessible youth-oriented HIV services and suggests that linkages across the three distinct clusters of service providers should be solidified. These methodologies can be used to develop a generic model describing the stages of linkage formation in HIV care service networks.

The associations of suicide attempts in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Suicide completion has increased in the United States among 15- to 24-year-olds from 4.5 per 100 000 (1950) to 13.2 per 100 000 (1990). Suicide attempts have been found to be associated with depression, substance use, overall number of life stressors, gender, and impulsive behaviors. We hypothesized that suicide attempt is associated with many other health risk behaviors. DESIGN: To evaluate this hypothesis, we analyzed the data from the 1993 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey from a representative sample of students in grades 9 through 12 in public and private high schools. We examined the relationships between ever attempting suicide and engaging in other health risk or problem behaviors (eg, sexual activity, substance use, violence, and seat belt nonuse). RESULTS: The 3054 students were distributed among the 9th to 12th grades; 50.7% were female, 77.7% white, 6.7% black, 5.9% Hispanic, 4. 6% Asian, .8% Native American, and 4.4% other; and the mean age was 16 +/- 1.2 years. Based on logistic regression analysis, ever attempting suicide was associated with physical fights in the past 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3[95% confidence interval (CI), 1. 22-1.44]), regular cigarette use in the past 30 days (2.0[1.41-2. 97]), female gender (3.2[2.21-4.71]), lack of seat belt use (1.3[1. 21-1.34]), gun carrying in the past 30 days (1.4[1.12-1.70]), substance use before last sexual activity (1.4[1.09-1.84]), Native American or other (2.4[1.21-4.71]), and lifetime use of other drugs (1.2[1.04-1.40]). The full model correctly assigned 92% of the youth. There were small differences in models for males, females, and sexually active youth. Same gender sexual experiences for sexually active youth did not significantly improve the model (partial r = .0, OR = .87 [95% CI, .33-2.30]) and fewer (88%) of the youth were correctly assigned by the model. CONCLUSIONS: Ever attempting suicide is associated with other problem behaviors. This research proposes an empirical model of the relationship between suicide attempts and other health risk behaviors. Identifying which adolescents are at risk for suicide attempts from the presence of accompanying risk behaviors will help clinicians to evaluate suicide risk when other problem behaviors are identified, thus enabling the design of possible prevention strategies.

[Current status of HIV infection in Yunnan Province of China].

In cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine and Yunnan Province Provincial Office for AIDS Control and Prevention, we studied the current status of HIV infection intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and other high risk groups in Yunnan province of China. As of the end of 1995, 1,807 HIV cases were officially reported (Positive rate was 0.6%), of which 1,278 (77.9%) were IVDUs, and 24 were their spouses. The majority of cases were found among the Dai minority male farmers near Ruili which borders on Myammar, but HIV also appears to be spreading among the Han people. HIV antibody positive rates among commercial sex workers, pregnant women and blood donors were 0.2%, 0.07% and 0.04%, respectively. A system for surveillance of HIV has been developed, but preventive strategies to cope with HIV epidemic are not sufficient. As HIV/AIDS is now a global issue, (1) the integration and coordination of such preventive strategies in cooperation with community health workers, (2) general health education for condom use promotion and (3) care of psychological vulnerable person such as IVDUs, should be developed.

PIP: In cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine and the Yunnan Provincial Office for AIDS Control and Prevention, the authors studied the current status of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and other high-risk groups in Yunnan province, China. As of the end of 1995, 1807 HIV cases had been officially reported (positive rate was 0.6%), of which 1278 (77.9 %) were IVDUs and 24 were their spouses. The majority of cases were found among the Dai minority male farmers near Ruili, which borders on Myanmar, but HIV also appears to be spreading among the Han people. HIV antibody positive rates among commercial sex workers, pregnant women, and blood donors were 0.2%, 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively. A system for surveillance of HIV has been developed, but preventive strategies to cope with the HIV epidemic are not sufficient. As HIV/AIDS is now a global issue, the integration and coordination of such preventive strategies in cooperation with community health workers, general health education for condom use promotion, and care of psychologically vulnerable people such as IVDUs should be developed.

Enhancing effects of interleukin 2-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells on subsequent B cell differentiation.

Despite an extensive literature dealing with IL2-induced cytolytic activity, noncytotoxicity-related effects of IL2 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or T cell function have received less attention. We have focused on the effects of irradiated, IL2-activated PBMC (PBMC*rIL2) on anti-CD3- and formalin-fixed heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus-induced polyclonal B cell differentiation in secondary cultures. PBMC*rIL2 act directly on B cells and cross major histocompatibility complex barriers to augment polyclonal B cell differentiation as measured by plaque-forming cell (PFC) generation. These effects are preferentially mediated by T (both CD4+ and CD8+) cells, and physical contact between effector PBMC*rIL2 and target B cells is not absolutely required for enhanced PFC generation. PBMC*rIL2 must be present for the initial 24 hr of the secondary cultures, indicating that some soluble B cell differentiation factor rapidly released by PBMC*rIL2 mediates the PFC-enhancing effect. Of IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, only IFN-gamma mRNA is appreciably and reproducibly increased in irradiated, IL2-activated T cells (T cells*rIL2). Nevertheless, exogenous rIFN-gamma cannot mimic and anti-IFN antibodies cannot block the PFC-enhancing effects of T cells*rIL2, indicating that some unidentified soluble factor(s) apart from or in addition to IFN-gamma is involved. IL2-induced effects on T cell noncytolytic function may help explain certain observed immune anomalies in IL2-treated patients, and a better understanding of the IL2-induced effects on T cell noncytolytic function may have ramifications for autoimmune diseases such as SLE.

Phase II trial of edatrexate in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The methotrexate analogue edatrexate (10-ethyl-10-deaza-aminopterin, or 10-EDAM) has demonstrated greater activity than methotrexate has against murine tumors and human tumor xenografts. Phase II trials of edatrexate have already demonstrated its activity against breast, lung, and head and neck carcinomas. A phase II trial of edatrexate was conducted in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with previously untreated unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled on the study. Edatrexate, 80 mg/m2 weekly for 5 weeks, was administered intravenously. The treatment course was repeated every 6 weeks. Tumor response was evaluated by computerized tomographic scan after 2 courses. RESULTS: No complete or partial responses were observed in this trial. Two minor responses, each lasting less than 12 weeks, were observed. Twelve patients had elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels at entry into the study; 4 of the 12 patients experienced a > or = 25% decrease in the level of this tumor marker; 3 of the 4 had a > 50% reduction in AFP level. Grade 3 and 4 toxic effects were granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, oral mucositis, skin reactions, fatigue, anorexia, and diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Edatrexate administered at this dose and schedule appears to have little therapeutic efficacy against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

[The surgical treatment of partial atrioventricular canal defect].

This paper reports 11 cases of partial atrioventricular canal defect in our hospital. It also discusses the diagnosis of complication prevention and treatment with patient and the disposal during operation term, emphasizes that once definite diagnosis has been made, operation must be taken as soon as possible. Skillfully grasp surgery anatomy and exact suture techniques is the key to avoid conduction damage.

[Alveolar echinococcosis in China: current data]. / L'échinococcose alvéolaire en Chine: données actuelles.

Very few information about alveolar echinococcosis in China is available outside the country. The aim of the authors is to give some precisions about the human cases and the infection in the natural animal hosts. It occurs in 3 distinct foci which comprise poor and remote rural areas. Approximately, 420 cases of human disease have been detected, and the most intense focus is Ningxia province in central China. In all areas, the adult tapeworm is frequently found in V. vulpes, V. corsac, and in the domestic dog. The intermediate hosts differ from an area to the others. Their infection rate is high in the central and the northern foci. More researches are needed for improving our knowledge about the epidemiology of the disease. But the actual major requirement is to apply control measures as health education and medical information.

[Surgical treatment of ruptured aneurysm of aortic sinuses and ventricular septal defect. Report of 7 patients].

From Dec. 1985 to Oct. 1988, 7 patients with ruptured aneurysm of the aortic sinus and VSD were treated surgically. The aneurysm of the right coronary sinus of Valsalva was ruptured into the right ventricle in 6 patients and that of the non-coronary sinus into the right atrium in another one. All patients survived and murmurs disappeared. Chest X-ray examination 6-18 months after operation showed a normal cardiac-thoracic ratio. The patients resumed their daily activities.

The effect of a fish oil enriched diet on oxygen toxicity and lipid peroxidation in mice.

Mice were fed a chow diet or diets enriched in fish oil, sunflower oil or beef tallow for 3 weeks. Fatty acid analysis was carried out in samples of plasma, brain and lungs from these animals and large changes were found in plasma and lungs with relatively small dietary-induced changes in brain tissue. Bleeding times were increased very significantly in the fish oil group, and slightly increased in the sunflower oil group. Endogenous lipid peroxidation (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) was unchanged in lung and brain, but lung tissue from fish oil fed mice produced more lipid peroxides in vitro during incubation at 37 degrees than those of other dietary groups. Mice fed the four different diets were exposed to hyperbaric oxygen at 618, 585 and 515 kPa and convulsive activity and lung damage was recorded. No dietary-induced alterations in susceptibility to oxygen toxicity were found.