Faculty Bibliography

Asbestos fibers were tested for possible mutagenic activity using the Fluorescent Plus Giemsa (FPG) sister chromatid exchange (SCE) technique. Amosite, crocidolite, and chrysotile fibers were added to cell cultures at final concentrations of 10 and 100 micrograms/ml. Chrysotile completely inhibited cell growth at both concentrations; cells exposed to amosite and crocidolite proliferated but only at the lower concentration. Crocidolite significantly elevated the SCE rate and larger (greater than 5 mu) chromosomes were most sensitive. Amosite appeared to have a lesser effect on SCE frequency. Asbestos fibers are capable of disturbing cellular processes associated with chromosomal stability and effects vary with the asbestos type

A simple nonsurgical technique of obtaining fat samples by aspiration from the gluteal prominence was developed by Hirsh in 1960 and has been in use in our Nutrition Clinic at the Mount Sinai Hospital for several years. We have modified it for field use and the analysis of fat-soluble hydrocarbon residues. All the materials which will contain the fat sample to be analyzed are washed with acetone and pesticide residue-free hexane, and a 15 gauge needle and 33 cc syringe are sterilized. Aspiration of fat from the lateral gluteal prominence is accomplished under local xylocaine anesthetic. The anesthetic also serves as the vehicle into which the fat is broken by the shearing action of the 15 gauge needle. Fat particles are sucked into the syringe by a constant vacuum kept on the syringe during lateral movement of the needle under (and parallel to) the skin within the gluteal fat pad; 200--500 ml of fat can be obtained for hydrocarbon residue analysis. The only complications have been some mild hematomas at the site of the aspiration. The method avoids surgical biopsy and sutures and takes about 7--8 min

The threat of premature death in the fourth or fifth decades of life from cardiorespiratory failure in kyphoscoliosis is well known. Ten patients with severe kyphoscoliosis (curves greater than 100 degrees), who had survived into their seventh decade free of cardiorespiratory failure, were encountered over a four-year period. Pulmonary function studies on five patients showed impaired chest bellows function. Four patients died of acute respiratory failure at ages 65, 73, 79, and 85. These patients illustrate that severe deformity is not incompatible with a long and active life