Extravasation of plasma proteins in brain trauma

The cellular distribution of extravasated plasma proteins in cortical contusions was studied with an immunoperoxidase method using polyclonal antibodies against human plasma albumin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 2-macroglobulin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, transferrin, hemopexin, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, fibronectin and immunoglobulin G. The material consisted of 24 human autopsy brains with a primary diagnosis of cerebral contusion due to blunt trauma. The time interval between injury and death ranged between minutes and 7 years. Immediately after the trauma, a complete breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) occurred with hemorrhage and extravasation of all types of plasma proteins. This was followed by spreading of edema fluid within the extracellular space in and around the wound. Uptake of extravasated protein by glial cells began on the 3rd day followed by proliferation of reactive astrocytes whose ample cytoplasm appeared to serve as a reservior for the extravasated plasma proteins. Within the reactive astrocytes, plasma proteins and S-100 protein had a similar and diffuse distribution in the immunostained sections. The plasma proteins once incorporated into the glial cells remained unchanged for several years with little sign of degradation. It is suggested that the extravasated plasma proteins subsequent to uptake and processing by the glial cells, may serve some important physiological function in wound healing.     

The electoral college and the rational vote

We have shown first, that if the electoral college was abolished the theoretically measured power of voters would increase and second, that in presidential elections the measure of voting power used does in fact have a highly significant impact on the decision as to whether or not to vote. Thus, the analysis predicts that the abolition of the electoral college would have a significant impact on voter participation. From a policy viewpoint, if we view participation in elections as desirable, this could be used as an argument in favor of direct election of the president. From a scientific viewpoint, we are able to make a strong and unambiguous prediction about the results of a (possible) future event from theoretical considerations. If the electoral college should be abolished, it will be possible to test our predictions. In addition, we have provided a further test of the rational behavior view of electoral participation and have shown that this model applies to presidential elections. Finally, we have shown that the theoretical measure of voting power does predict actual behavior.     

Saleem Shah

This article describes the important ways in which Saleem Shah contributed to the improvement of delivery of forensic mental health services in state mental health systems throughout the nation. In addition, it describes his impact on the development of forensic mental health law, policy, and services internationally, especially in China and the former Soviet Union.     

The effects of future climatic changes on international water resources: the Colorado River,the United States,and Mexico

International water resources have been a source of contention in many parts of the world over the last few decades and such conflicts may grow in frequency and severity as future climatic changes alter the quantity or quality of limited water resources. Indeed, some future climatic changes appear inevitable due to growing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other trace gases. Unless mechanisms for incorporating climatic changes into water agreements can be worked out, these changes may provoke further frictions and conflicts. One region with a history of political conflict over shared water resources is the Colorado River Basin in the United States and Mexico. While past disagreements over water have mostly been resolved, future climatic changes that adversely affect the existing hydrologic regime of the basin cannot be discounted. This paper examines the possibility that future long-term climatic changes may exacerbate shortages in the Colorado River. Political conflicts and tensions that arise from reductions in water supply in both the United States and Mexico are evaluated and discussed, together with recommendations for incorporating the issue of climatic change into existing international treaties and agreements.     

Further evaluation of immunocytochemical staining in the diagnosis of early myocardial ischaemic/hypoxic damage

The pattern of immunocytochemical staining with antibodies to caeruloplasmin, myosin, myoglobin and C-reactive protein seen in myocardium taken from deaths with macroscopic evidence of myocardial infarction and/or significant coronary artery atherosclerosis and from deaths with neither of these lesions has been correlated with H&E, PTAH and HBFP staining of myocardium and circumstances of each death indicative of antemortem hypoxia and/or ischaemia. Loss of staining with these antibodies correlated well with fuchsinorrhagia and both techniques are more sensitive than H&E and PTAH staining in the detection of early ischaemic/hypoxic damage to myocardium. However, their sensitivity is such that they appear to detect agonal changes and, therefore, cannot be used for specific diagnosis of early myocardial infarction.     

Comparative study of the sensitivity and specificity of the zinc and acid phosphatase spot tests for the detection of seminal stains

The sensitivity and specificity of a zinc spot test for the detection of semen were compared with those of an acid phosphatase detection method. As screening techniques both tests were found to be very sensitive, but the zinc test was more specific and was more reliable in older and especially in deteriorated specimens. It is concluded that the zinc spot test deserves at least the same place as the acid phosphatase test in the primary investigation of suspected semen stains and might well be the test of choice in older and poorly preserved stains.