Inflation of 430-parsec bipolar radio bubbles in the Galactic Centre by an energetic event.

The Galactic Centre contains a supermassive black hole with a mass of four million Suns1 within an environment that differs markedly from that of the Galactic disk. Although the black hole is essentially quiescent in the broader context of active galactic nuclei, X-ray observations have provided evidence for energetic outbursts from its surroundings2. Also, although the levels of star formation in the Galactic Centre have been approximately constant over the past few hundred million years, there is evidence of increased short-duration bursts3, strongly influenced by the interaction of the black hole with the enhanced gas density present within the ring-like central molecular zone4 at Galactic longitude |l| < 0.7 degrees and latitude |b| < 0.2 degrees. The inner 200-parsec region is characterized by large amounts of warm molecular gas5, a high cosmic-ray ionization rate6, unusual gas chemistry, enhanced synchrotron emission7,8, and a multitude of radio-emitting magnetized filaments9, the origin of which has not been established. Here we report radio imaging that reveals a bipolar bubble structure, with an overall span of 1 degree by 3 degrees (140 parsecs × 430 parsecs), extending above and below the Galactic plane and apparently associated with the Galactic Centre. The structure is edge-brightened and bounded, with symmetry implying creation by an energetic event in the Galactic Centre. We estimate the age of the bubbles to be a few million years, with a total energy of 7 × 1052 ergs. We postulate that the progenitor event was a major contributor to the increased cosmic-ray density in the Galactic Centre, and is in turn the principal source of the relativistic particles required to power the synchrotron emission of the radio filaments within and in the vicinity of the bubble cavities.

[Role of the lymphocyte transformation test in the evaluation of metal sensitization]. / Rolle des Lymphozytentransformationstests zur Beurteilung einer Metallsensibilisierung.

BACKGROUND: The lymphocyte transformation test is used to determine T­cell sensitization, whereby its benefit has been controversially discussed in the past. OBJECTIVES: What role does the lymphocyte transformation test have in the detection of metal sensitization? METHODS: Based on the current literature and our own work, the state of knowledge regarding the lymphocyte transformation test is presented. RESULTS: In several studies, it was found that the lymphocyte transformation test, especially concerning metals, has sufficient specificity and sensitivity. Various modified test protocols that were more recently developed are also presented in this article. The lymphocyte transformation test is an assay which must be evaluated by the operating laboratories. CONCLUSIONS: To detect metal sensitization, the lymphocyte transformation test can be useful especially in situations in which exposure did not occur via the skin, but from inside the body (e. g. by metal implants).

[Multicenter study on the litholytic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid. 30 cases]. / Etude multicentrique sur l'effet litholytique de l'acide ursodésoxycholique. 30 cas.

In the context of a cooperative clinical trial carried out in the Cantons of Basel and Vaud, Switzerland, the litholytic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursochol) in a daily dose of 9 mg/kg was investigated in 42 patients with radiotransparent gallstones. The litholytic effect was evident in 22 (73%) of the 30 patients followed up for a maximum period of 1 year. Complete dissolution of gallstones was obtained in 40% of cases. In addition, ursodeoxycholic acid significantly reduced (p less than 0,001) the dyspeptic-painful symptoms and the number of biliary colics. Tolerance was excellent. In particular, no cases of diarrhea were observed.

The Lundh test: a review of its clinical use in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease.

The clinical value of the Lundh test in the diagnosis of pancreatic disorders was reviewed retrospectively for 139 patients with proven pancreatic disease (15 acute and 72 chronic pancreatitis, 51 carcinoma of the pancreas and one partial pancreatectomy). There was a good separation between patients with pancreatic disease and those with other gastrointestinal disorders who presented with similar symptoms. The test was most helpful in patients with chronic pancreatitis (diagnostic rate 89%, mean tryptic activity (MTA) less than 7 U), more particularly in those presenting with jaundice or steatorrhoea (100%) than pain (86%), but less successful (diagnostic rate 68%) in carcinoma of the pancreas (steatorrhoea 100%; jaundice 64%; pain 55%). Complete absence of bile from duodenal juice in jaundiced patients usually indicated pancreatic or hepatobiliary carcinoma. An abnormal but not diagnostic MTA (7 to less than 10 U) was seen in 7% of patients with chronic pancreatitis, 13% with carcinoma of the pancreas and 11% with non-pancreatic disorders and suggested the need for further pancreatic investigation. Cytological examination of duodenal juice increased the usefulness of the test. Although malignant cells were rarely seen, characteristic (degenerate) cells were found in 22 of 44 (50%) patients with, but only five of 85 (6%) without pancreatic disease, even when the MTA was normal. The Lundh test can be conveniently combined with a jejunal biopsy at the same intubation for the investigation of diarrhoea or steatorrhoea.

Popping and snorting volatile nitrites: a current fad for getting high.

In certain social circles a variety of volatile nitrites are being used extensively to expand creativity, stimulate music appreciation, promote a sense of abandon in dancing, and intensify sexual experience. Soon after amyl nitrite (the prototype of this group) became a prescription drug, legally produced substitutes appeared and were sold as room odorizers. Analyses of eight of these substitutes showed them to contain isomers of butyl or amyl alcohol and a corresponding nitrite. The authors describe the context of use of these products and their desired and adverse effects.

Attitudes towards euthanasia.

There are an infinite variety of attitudes to euthanasia, each individual response to the concept being influenced by many factors. Consequently there is a literature on the subject ranging from the popular article to papers in specialized journals. This study, however, has taken a well defined sample of people, inviting them to answer a questionnaire which was designed to elicit their attitudes to euthanasia in a way which could be analysed statistically. Nor surprisingly attitudes appeared to 'harden' as those answering the questionnaire grew more experienced in dealing with patients and also more professionally established. Thus it was found that of the seven groups questioned practising physicians showed more positive attitudes to euthanasia and their responses did not differ significantly from those of senior medical students. It is these groups which actually or potentially have to resolve the clinical dilemma posed by the dying patient.

Disaster at Buffalo Creek. Family and character change at Buffalo Creek.

Psychiatric evaluation teams used observations of family interaction and psychoanalytically oriented individual interviews to study the psychological aftereffects of the 1972 Buffalo Creek disaster, a tidal wave of sludge and black water released by the collapse of a slag waste dam. Traumatic neurotic reactions were found in 80% of the survivors. Underlying the clinical picture were unresolved grief, survivor shame, and feelings of impotent rage and hopelessness. These clinical findings had persisted for the two years since the flood, and a definite symptom complex labeled the "Buffalo Creek syndrome" was pervasive. The methods used by the survivors to cope with the overwhelming impact of the disaster--first-order defenses, undoing, psychological conservatism, and dehumanization--actually preserved their symptoms and caused disabling character changes.

The Lundh test in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease: a review of five years' experience.

An analysis of 523 Lundh tests performed on 492 patients over a five-year period has been made. The results suggest that the test is a simple, cheap, and reliable procedure for the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and is suitable for both specialized units and general hospitals. It is particularly useful in the differential diagnosis of patients with steatorrhoea or obstructive jaundice and can often distinguish between malignant and benign lesions, as well as indicating the site of the obstruction. It is of lesser value in the diagnosis of abdominal pain.