Effects of nanomolar to submillimolar carteolol on noradrenaline release in the absence and presence of uptake1 and uptake2 blockers in guinea pig pulmonary arteries.

Effects of nanomolar to submillimolar carteolol, a non-selective beta-antagonist, on the evoked release at 1 Hz and the spontaneous release in the absence and presence of uptake1 and uptake2 blockers were studied in pulmonary arteries, isolated from guinea pigs, and then preloaded with [3H]noradrenaline. dl-Carteolol at 10(-8), 10(-7) and 10(-6) M applied at the increasing concentrations inhibited the evoked [3H]-release in untreated arteries and in desipramine and corticosterone-treated arteries. The spontaneous [3H]-release slightly but significantly increased or tended to increase in untreated arteries. dl-Carteolol at 10(-5) and 10(-4) M clearly and concentration-dependently increased the spontaneous [3H]-release in untreated and cocaine-treated arteries. This increase was markedly inhibited by further pretreatment with normetanephrine. The evoked [3H]-release was not altered by dl-carteolol at 10(-5) M, but increased at 10(-4) M. This increase was not modified by cocaine and by cocaine and normetanephrine. d-Carteolol at 10(-5) and 10(-4) M produced effects similar to those of dl-carteolol. Nanomolar to micromolar dl-carteolol inhibits the evoked [3H]-release, which supports our previous conclusion that this inhibition is due to blockade of tonically functioning presynaptic beta 2-adrenoceptors. Carteolol at the higher concentrations seems to become a substrate for an uptake2 mechanism and to produce an unknown sympathomimetic activity in guinea pig pulmonary arteries.


Methylprednisolone reduces the nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given either 6.5 or 8.5 mg/kg of iv cisplatin combined with three injections of sc methylprednisolone in doses of either 50, 100 or 250 mg/kg at -4, 0 and 4 h after the cisplatin injection. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were determined on day 5 following the cisplatin injection. The protective effects of methylprednisolone on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity were clearly demonstrated. Our preliminary results suggest that a much higher dose of cisplatin could be injected in cancer chemotherapy, if it was combined with methylprednisolone.


The effect of dietary changes and intentional weight loss on high density cholesterol levels in older adults.

The effect of a behaviorally-oriented program to reduce calories and increase physical activity on HDL cholesterol level was evaluated in overweight older adult subjects (n = 31). HDL cholesterol increased from 45.8 to 52.1 mg/dl (p < .0003), and total mean cholesterol increased from 238.0 to 249.5 mg/dl (p < .05). Body weight decreased from 175.0 lbs to 172.6 lbs (p < .03). Analysis of baseline and 40 week food frequency questionnaires indicated that the mean caloric intake had decreased from 1535 to 1303 kcal/day (p < .02), and total fat intake decreased by 9.8 gm/day (p < .01). Weight loss accounted for 13% of the variance in HDL cholesterol change (p < .05). Decreasing fat intake resulted in a smaller increase in HDL cholesterol (F, (1,29) = 5.91, p < .03). Our findings provide further support that a prudent approach to weight reduction can be beneficial in an older adult population.


Satisfaction of senior citizens in a nutrition education program with and without computer-assisted instruction.

This study assessed the receptiveness of senior citizens to the use of microcomputers in a nutrition education program at participating senior citizen subsidized housing sites. Participants in group A received the nutrition education program with computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Group B participants received the same nutrition education program, but without CAI. A validated Program Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered to assess overall satisfaction, satisfaction with the method of instruction, and satisfaction with the dietary analysis printout. Independent t-test analysis showed that group A was as satisfied as group B. The majority in group A indicated that learning to use the computer was not difficult and was "somewhat enjoyable" to "very enjoyable." These results indicated that senior citizens were receptive to CAI. Additionally, the use of the microcomputer with older adults was deemed possible for health-related educational programming. Appropriate modification of software was recommended to meet the physical limitations which occur with this age group.


Food habits and nutritional knowledge of Portuguese participants in an elderly nutrition program.

Massachusetts has the largest population of immigrant Portuguese in the United States, yet few elder service programs specifically designed to meet their needs exist. Therefore, a special nutrition program was developed in Somerville, Massachusetts to provide culturally appropriate lunches twice a week, followed by socialization activities. A survey of the participants showed that only 11% of respondents met recommended intake of dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables, as determined by the Basic Four Scoring System. The most frequently lacking food among the remaining participants were fruits and vegetables, followed by grains, as well as dairy products. The recommended protein intake was met by all but two respondents. The majority of respondents were able to identify a high sodium food, a food high in Vitamin C, a nutritionally balanced meal, and identified calcium as a necessary nutrient throughout the lifespan. Fewer respondents were able to identify foods high in protein, high in calories, and high in fiber, although their diets contained substantial amounts of these nutrients.


Multivariate analysis of dietary habits in 931 elderly Japanese males: smoking, food frequency and food preference.

To define the influence of smoking on dietary patterns and food preference in elderly Japanese, a mail survey was conducted on about 3000 subjects aged 65 years and older. A multivariate analysis of dietary frequency data regarding 15 food items on 931 male respondents suggested that frequency of intake of plant food, including vegetables and fruits, was lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. Another multivariate analysis of food preference data regarding 18 food items on the same subjects suggested that smoking decreased the desire for plant food.


Dietary changes reported by a random sample of elderly people.

A random sub-sample of 153 elderly people was followed up 18 months after a large-scale random dietary survey of adults aged 65 years and over residing in Adelaide, South Australia. The follow-up questionnaire examined self-reported dietary and weight change over the 18 month period since the original study. The same semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire as used in the initial survey was also repeated. Challenging the common stereotype of rigidity and resistance to change in elderly people, a high degree of dietary change was reported since the original study (67% of men and 68% of women reported a change in diet), particularly among the 65-69 year age group (78%). The most commonly reported changes were largely in accord with dietary guidelines. Commonly reported changes included less frequent intake of red meat, eggs, fried and fatty foods and more frequent intake of vegetables, chicken and fish, as well as changes towards use of polyunsaturated margarine, no longer eating the fat on meat and no longer presoaking vegetables in water before cooking. Of concern was a change in some subjects to a less frequent consumption of milk or other dairy products.


Positive effect of a nutrition instruction model on the dietary behavior of a selected group of elderly.

The effectiveness of the Nutrition Instruction Model to promote a positive change in the dietary behavior in a selected group of the elderly was tested. Subjects were one hundred and four adults, aged 65 and over, who were assigned to three groups. The experimental group received nutrition education based on the components of the model. The other two groups received nutrition education via the lecture approach or no intervention. The experimental subjects showed the greatest positive dietary behavior change. The study results suggest that the Nutrition Instruction Model may be effective in leading to dietary behavior change in the elderly.


Dietary aluminum and Alzheimer's disease.

Aluminum accumulation has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's Disease, a hallmark of which is decreased brain glucose metabolism. Dietary sources of aluminum include that which comes from the contact of food with aluminum cook ware, containers, foil, and utensils. Normal aluminum intake from all sources is estimated as 12-14 mg per day. We have evaluated brain glucose metabolism in the presence of physiologically achievable levels of aluminum, in the range 10(-15) to 10(-5) M. Our results indicate no effect of aluminum in the range tested. Thus the contact of food with aluminum cooking utensils cannot alone raise plasma aluminum concentrations to the millimolar levels required to decrease brain glucose metabolism. Non dietary pathophysiological mechanisms are operating which lead to the accumulation of tissue aluminum, since most of dietary aluminum is excreted by the kidney.


Tuberculosis prevention project.

This article reports the findings from a clinical study that examined the impact of health education and counseling on the decision of a patient infected with tuberculosis (TB) to complete a regimen of isoniazid (INH) chemoprophylaxis for 6 months to prevent TB. Forty patients were divided into two groups; both groups were administered a questionnaire to collect demographic data and medical history. One group received additional health education and counseling independent of clinic staff, and the other group only received health education and counseling from clinic staff. The proportion of patients in the first group who completed INH for 6 months (63.6%) was significantly greater than the proportion of patients in the second group (11.1%). These findings suggest that health education and counseling did make an impact on the decision of a patient infected with TB to conform with a rational choice when provided with information and a supportive relationship about the consequences of TB infection.


Risk factors for infection in the trauma patient.

The most common cause of late death following trauma is sepsis. The traumatized patient has a significant increased risk of infection. Transfusion, hypotension, and prolonged ventilatory support are predictive of septic complications. In addition, the trauma patient has a higher predisposition to pneumonia than nontrauma patients (18% versus 3% incidence of pneumonia, P < .001). Additional risk factors include the degree of nutrition status and the type of medications used during surgery. Immunologic depression may be an additional risk factor. There is mounting evidence that trauma can result in host defense abnormalities. To prevent the significant mortality caused by sepsis, close surveillance must be maintained, nutritional status must be optimal, and liberal use of antibiotics should be discouraged. Their use should be guided by appropriate cultures and sensitivities.


Drug resistance in malaria: a review of the west African situation.

Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria is an emerging problem in the West African subregion. While chloroquine remains an effective antimalarial agent in some countries of West Africa, the susceptibility patterns of P falciparum strains need to be assessed periodically. This article reviews the literature on chloroquine-resistant P falciparum malaria.


Cough requiring discontinuance of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in an urban inner-city population.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are increasingly used to control hypertension although cough, sometimes severe enough to require discontinuance, is a well-described side effect of these drugs. Manufacturers' labeling indicates that this side effect occurs with a much lower frequency than is reported in the literature. This article describes the incidence of cough as a side effect of ACE inhibitors in a small inner-city practice and presents two reports of patients who required discontinuance of ACE inhibitors for this symptom. It is suggested that, consistent with the recent literature, the incidence of this symptom is more frequent than suggested by manufacturers' labeling, at least in this population.


Psychiatric deinstitutionalization and its cultural insensitivity: consequences and recommendations for the future.

Despite the plethora of models and strategies for addressing issues that surround the chronically mentally ill, there remains a paucity of literature that addresses the specific implications of deinstitutionalization on racial minorities. Racial minorities comprise a significant number of the homeless, jailed, and geriatric mentally ill. History and current reality suggest the reasons why some chronically mentally ill blacks and their families have feared the impact of deinstitutionalization. This article examines the Ohio State Department of Mental Health's response to these issues as a possible prototype for statewide coordination for deinstitutionalization.


Leukocyte count and cardiovascular risk factors.

In view of the growing evidence for leukocyte count as an important cardiovascular risk factor, data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) were examined to determine the association of leukocyte count with a number of other cardiovascular risk factors. Complete data were available for 5586 persons. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed hemoglobin concentration and height in white male nonsmokers and hemoglobin, cigarettes/day, and pulse rate in white male smokers were associated with leukocyte count. In white female nonsmokers, age, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, height, and uric acid concentration were associated with leukocyte count. In white female smokers, hemoglobin, cigarettes/day, pulse rate, and height were associated with leukocyte count. However, associated variables explained only 8% of the variation in leukocyte count. Other measured risk factors were not associated with leukocyte count. Future analyses of leukocyte count and cardiovascular disease should control for hemoglobin concentration and pulse rate in addition to smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol.


Use of lithium in maintaining T-cell functions in persons with documented acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

This article presents two patients with human immunodeficiency virus who were treated with lithium and describes the possible effect the lithium may have had on their T-cell systems.


Mandibulofacial dysostosis (Treacher Collins syndrome): a case report.

Mandibulofacial dysostosis, also known as Treacher Collins syndrome, is a rare congenital anomaly that must be identified in infancy to prevent irrevocable developmental impairment. Information is sparse in the current medical literature concerning this rare syndrome. This article reports a case of Treacher Collins syndrome with the presence of a scarring alopecia and acne keloidalis nuchae, which are possibly coincidental symptoms, but have not been previously described clinically in this malady.


Suppurative sinusitis in critically ill patients: a case report and review of the literature.

Nosocomial sinusitis is occasionally overlooked as a source of sepsis in critically ill patients. Physical examination is usually unreliable and purulent nasal discharge is absent up to 73% of the time. Computed tomography scans of the sinuses and aspiration and culture of sinus fluid are the hallmark of diagnosis. Therapy consists of removal of tubes and packing, appropriate antibiotics, and drainage. Risk factors for nosocomial sinusitis include nasotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes, prior steroid and antibiotic therapy, and facial fractures. This article reports a case of suppurative sinusitis following prolonged intubation and reviews the literature.


High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in aborigines in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, the epidemiological status of HCV infection is similar to those observed in other areas of the world, with 1.0% prevalence among adult volunteer blood donors and high prevalences among the high risk groups, by the detection of anti-HCV with synthetic peptide antigens. However, unusually high prevalences, 35.1%, 15.8% and 14.2%, were observed among adult populations in three of the five aboriginal communities. No difference in sex specificity was noted. In 37 (75.0%) of the 48 anti-HCV-positive cases, HCV-RNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. None of such particular risk factors as tattooing, sexual promiscuity, operation, blood transfusion, nor intravenous drug abuse could be accounted for this high prevalence of HCV infection. No helpful supporting evidence for ethnic specificity was noted, either. Although a possible sexual transmission between spouses was observed, it is unlikely to be the main cause of the high prevalence in these aboriginal communities. We conclude that the unusually high prevalence of HCV infection observed in some aboriginal communities in Taiwan could be ascribed to poor anti-septic medical practice derived from insufficiency of medical personnel and facilities in these communities as compared with the other regions in Taiwan at the time before twenty years ago.


Epidemiological study of malaria in north Sulawesi, Indonesia by fluorescence and Giemsa staining.

An epidemiological study of malaria infection was conducted in the Likupang District, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, during August 2-15, 1991. In this study, 510 people of six villages, representing ages between 1 month to 84 years cooperated voluntarily. Blood smears stained with Giemsa and acridine orange (AO), revealed 33 and 83 malaria parasite positives respectively. This significant difference was due particularly to the fact that AO staining examined under either a daylight- or halogen-illuminated microscope equipped with interference filters was sensitive to detect low-density parasitemia in many subjects previously diagnosed negative by Giemsa staining in the field. The low malaria prevalence obtained by Giemsa staining may have been attributable to the lack of standard-quality diagnostic tools in the field or inadequate observation of the slides. In both staining methods, Plasmodium falciparum was found to be the predominant species, while the remainings were P. vivax or a mixture of both. Subjects infected with P. vivax revealed higher density of parasitemia and gametocytemia than those with P. falciparum.


Metallothioneins in spontaneously hypertensive rat liver.

The metallothionein (MT) synthesis was induced in the liver of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats through sc injections of CdCl2 for 3 and 6 days. The MT contents of the liver of these animals and of untreated rats from both groups were determined by gel filtration, HPLC, SDS/PAGE and amino acid analysis. The isoforms MT1 and MT2 were identified and their Cd, Zn and SH-group contents were determined. The SHR showed significantly higher values of MT than WKY rats in the untreated animals and on the 3rd day of the induction. On the 6th day, the MT levels in both groups were equal. The Cd and Zn contents followed the MT concentration in the homogenates. The possible relation between the arterial hypertension and the zinc and copper homeostasis is discussed.


Immune response to Echinococcus multilocularis infection in the mouse model: a review.

Echinococcus multilocularis is a cestode helminth which, along with E. granulosus, E. oligarthus and E. vogeli is a causative agent of hydatid disease in man. In the intermediate host (including man), cysts formed by the metacestode (larval stage) develop in the internal organs, causing functional impairment which often leads to the death of the host. In this review larval E. multilocularis infection in mice, the most popular experimental intermediate host, is examined, and the immune response to the organism is described in detail. Evidence is presented which suggests that cell-mediated immunity (CMI) plays a large role in suppression of larval growth. Congenitally athymic nude mice, and mice treated to remove thymocytes had high susceptibility to infection, while mice strains assessed as having high helper T lymphocyte function showed resistance to infection. The degree of antibody response shown by the host does not correlate with the susceptibility to E. multilocularis. Infection with E. multilocularis is accompanied by immunosuppression, manifested by inhibition of effector cell chemotaxis and receptor expression, suppressor macrophage and lymphocyte activity, decline in helper T-lymphocyte activity and immune-complex deposition.


The relationship between reduced glutathione level and glutathione S-transferase activity in sheep erythrocytes.

The relationship between reduced glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in erythrocytes was examined, using sheep erythrocytes, which have varying GSH concentrations, and dog erythrocytes with an inherited high concentration of GSH. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.529, p < 0.001) between the GSH level and GST activity in sheep erythrocytes. In dog erythrocytes, the GST activity in high-GSH cells was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that in normal-GSH cells. These results indicate that the activity of GST in erythrocytes is directly correlated with the intracellular GSH level.


Catarrhal proventriculitis associated with a filamentous organism in pet birds.

Catarrhal proventriculitis due to infection by an unidentified organism was diagnosed in 79 of 534 pet birds examined histologically. It was more prevalent in domestic birds (70 cases) than in imported ones (9 cases). A high incidence of the disease was encountered in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and it was occasionally found in finches (Poephila gouldiae gouldiae), parakeets (Psittacula Krameri manillensis), Amazona parrots (Amazona aestiva aestiva) and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). The agent was a large filamentous rod, and was stained positively with Gram, GMS and PAS methods. Histologically, it induced a mild to moderate exudative or proliferative inflammation in the proventriculus. All the cases had an erosion in the gizzard. Ultrastructurally, the organism had a eukaryotic nucleus and three cell-wall layers. Concurrent infections were very common, including adenoviruses (37 cases), giardiasis (31 cases), candidiasis (13 cases), papovaviruses (11 cases) and knemidocoptic mites (11 cases).


Development of mouse embryonic nuclei transferred to enucleated oocytes and zygotes.

The present study was conducted to examine the development of nuclear transplant embryos produced by transplanting nuclei to either oocytes or zygotes in the mouse. Metaphase II oocytes and one-cell zygotes were enucleated and fused with transferred nuclei from late two-, four- and eight-cell stage embryos. Enucleation of metaphase oocytes was achieved using the interference microscope without staining. Fusion and oocyte activation were performed by means of electric fields. Similar development rates to the blastocyst stage were obtained from enucleated oocytes (28.0%) and zygotes (30.9%) reconstituted with nuclei from late two-cell embryos. Cleavage and blastocoele formation of reconstituted embryos occurred at around the same time as observed in the control embryos, with some exceptions. After transfer to recipient females, live young were obtained from both reconstituted oocytes (9.1%) and zygotes (11.5%) that received a nucleus from late two-cell embryos. The results indicate that enucleated zygotes as well as oocytes can support development to term of nuclei introduced from late two-cell embryos in which activation of the embryonic genome has occurred, which may be a result of the reprogramming of the donor nucleus.


Histopathological survey of protozoa, helminths and acarids of imported and local psittacine and passerine birds in Japan.

A total of 534 psittacine and passerine birds consisting of 241 imported and 293 local birds were examined histologically. As a result, the following parasites were found: Giardia (86 cases), Knemido-coptes (26 cases), coccidia (10 cases), Ascaridia (6 cases), Cryptosporidium (5 cases), Sarcocystis (5 cases), tapeworm (4 cases), microfilaria (2 cases), Hexamita (1 case), and Spiroptera (1 case). High incidences of giardiasis and knemido-coptic infestation were detected in the local birds, but rarely in the imported birds. Giardial trophozoites were observed mainly in the duodenum of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Knemidocoptic mites burrowed into the epidermis producing proliferative dermatitis in 25 budgerigars and 1 African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). This ectoparasite often infested the skin around the cloaca. Coccidiosis was seen only in the small intestines of the finch (Poephila gouldiae gouldiae), African Grey Parrot, Rainbow lory (Trichoglossus haematodus), Indian Ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis) and peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Two parrots (Amazona aestiva aestiva and Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and two budgerigars had intestinal cryptosporidiosis. Conjunctivitis associated with cryptosporidial infection was seen in a lovebird. Sarcocystis cysts containing crescent-shaped bradyzoites were found not only in the thigh and breast but also in the heart and cloacal muscles. Other organisms such as Ascaridia, tapeworm, microfilaria, Hexamita, and Spiroptera were clinically less significant. However, infections such as Giardia and Cryptosporidim might have zoonotic implications.


Effect of radiographic landmark identification errors on the accuracy of three-dimensional reconstruction of the human spine.

In three-dimensional reconstruction of the human spine obtained from stereo-radiographic set-ups (two radiographs or more), it is extremely difficult to identify exactly the same landmarks on all radiographs. The effect of these identification errors was investigated with simulations made on points of known three-dimensional co-ordinates and compared with three-dimensional reconstructions of real spines obtained with the direct linear transformation algorithm. Results showed that radiographic identification errors of up to 2 mm were common, causing reconstruction errors of up to 5 mm. These reconstruction errors may be noticed in the form of geometrical inaccuracies in the graphical representation of three-dimensional reconstructions of the spine. Successive displacements were then imposed on image point co-ordinates to minimise the identification error and increase the reconstruction accuracy. The improvement on the three-dimensional reconstruction results was negligible. Three-dimensional reconstructions obtained from three radiographs were also investigated. They showed slightly more accurate reconstructions than those obtained from two radiographs. However, the increase of X-ray exposure on the patient may not be worthwhile.


Segmentation, modelling and reconstruction of arterial bifurcations in digital angiography.

The paper presents a method to model an arterial bifurcation from a pair of X-ray angiographic images. It is the initial step of a reconstruction process aiming at detecting and quantifying abnormal sites located on bifurcations. The method proposed consists of two steps. First, each image is independently segmented to extract the vessels in the images. The algorithm uses dynamic programming first to find the bifurcation centrelines from the original images, and secondly to extract vessel edges from the morphological gradient images, under a constraint of parallelism with the previously detected centrelines. Then, a three-dimensional bifurcation model is built by adapting cylinders around the three-dimensional bifurcation centrelines. These cylinders are obtained as a stack of binary orientable ellipses fitted to the projection densities in the corresponding cross-sections. Results obtained on simulated data, phantom and femoral bifurcations are displayed.


ECG data compression by corner detection.

An ECG sampled at a rate of 360, 500 samples s-1 or more produces a large amount of redundant data that are difficult to store and transmit. A process is therefore required to represent the signals with clinically acceptable fidelity and with the least code bits possible. In the paper, a real-time ECG data compressing algorithm, CORNER, is presented. CORNER is an efficient algorithm which locates significant samples and at the same time encodes the linear segments between them using linear interpolation. The samples selected include, but are not limited to, the samples that are significantly displaced from the encoded signal such that the allowed maximum error is limited to a constant epsilon which is specified by the users. The way in which CORNER computes the displacement of a sample from the encoded signal guarantees that the high activity regions are more accurately coded. The results are compared with those of the well known data compression algorithm, AZTEC, which is also a real-time algorithm. It is found that, under the same bit rate, a considerable improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and root mean square error (RMSerr) can be achieved by employing the proposed CORNER algorithm. An average value of SNR (RMSerr) of 27.0 dB (5.668) can be achieved even at an average bit rate of 0.79 bit sample-1 by employing CORNER, whereas the average value of SNR (RMSerr) achieved by AZTEC under the same bit rate is 16.60 dB (19.368).


New signal processing techniques for the decomposition of EMG signals.

This paper relates to the use of knowledge-based signal processing techniques in the decomposition of EMG signals. The aim of the research is to automatically decompose EMG signals recorded at force levels up to 20 per cent maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) into their constituent motor unit action potentials (MUAPS), and to display the MUAP shapes and firing times for the clinician. This requires the classification of nonoverlapping MUAPs and superimposed waveforms formed from overlapping MUAPs in the signal. Nonoverlapping MUAPs are classified using a statistical pattern-recognition method. The decomposition of superimposed waveforms uses a combination of procedural and knowledge-based methods. The decomposition method was tested on real and simulated EMG data recorded at force levels up to 20 per cent MVC. The different EMG signals contained up to six motor units (MUs). The new decomposition program classifies the total number of MUAP firings in an EMG signal with an accuracy always greater than 95 per cent. The decomposition program takes about 15s to classify all nonoverlapping MUAPs in EMG signal of length 1.0s and, on average, an extra 9s to classify each superimposed waveform.


Comparison of the histochemical and contractile properties of human triceps surae.

The purpose of the study was to compare the contractile properties determined from an electrically stimulated twitch with histochemically determined fibre type parameters of the human triceps surae. Muscle samples were obtained from the medial head of the gastrocnemius of ten male athletes. Ages ranged from 20 to 29 years. Muscle samples from the belly of the medial gastrocnemius muscle were obtained using the needle biopsy technique. The samples were treated histochemically for myosin ATPase to classify the fibres as either slow twitch (ST) or fast twitch (FT) and to determine fibre areas. Surface electrical stimulation was used to determine muscle twitch parameters. The contractile variables of the muscle twitch were latency (L), time to peak force (TPF), peak force (PF), half-contraction time (1/2 CT) and half-relaxation time (1/2 RT). Backward elimination procedures for dependent variables were used to determine which contractile properties best represented the histochemical profile of the muscles. Prediction formulas were developed for FT and ST percentages (R2 = 0.98, p < 0.001), relative area percentage (R2 = 0.87, p < 0.001), and ST area (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.01). It was concluded that the use of the electrotensiometer (ETM) protocol was a valid testing procedure when studying physiological relationships of histochemical properties in intact human skeletal muscle.


Theoretical analysis of the relationship between the ratio of ventricular systolic elastance to diastolic stiffness and stroke volume.

The maintenance of adequate blood circulation requires a sufficient ventricular contractility; in addition, to eject blood, the ventricles must first receive a sufficient volume, requiring a low diastolic stiffness. A simplified cardiovascular model was used to derive formulae for stroke volume (SV) as a function of atrial pressure and the ratio of ventricular end-systolic elastance to end-diastolic stiffness. A more complex cardiovascular model was used to assess the ability of the expressions to predict stroke volume under various steady-state conditions. The predicted SV correlated linearly with the model SV over a wide range of diastolic stiffnesses and systolic elastance. The formulae predict that with fixed right atrial pressure the SV is proportional to the ratio of end-systolic elastance to end-diastolic stiffness (GR) for the right ventricle, but relatively insensitive to the ratio (GL) for the left ventricle provided that GL is greater than GR. Model simulations confirmed this. When the right atrial pressure was not fixed increases in GR with fixed GL reduced the right atrial pressure with little change in SV. Similarly, varying GL with fixed GR produced little change in SV. The ratios highlight the importance of diastole to cardiac function.


Heart position and orientation in forward and inverse electrocardiography.

A study has been made of the influence of the position and orientation of the heart within the thorax on computed ECG waveforms (forward model) and on computed activation sequences (inverse model) in three normal cases. Results show that differences in heart position and orientation, associated with shifts relative to the precordium of the order of 0.5 cm, may result in amplitude differences or QRS waveforms of typically tenths or millivolts, which constitute part of the observed interindividual variability of the ECG. The inverse study shows that, in spite of similar errors in estimated heart position and orientation, stable solutions of the ventricular activation sequence can still be found. However, in the case where the heart is very close to precordial leads, the stability of the inverse solution is found to be intrinsically poor.


Test of four defibrillation dosing strategies using a two-dimensional finite-element model.

The most widely used defibrillation dosing strategy is that adopted by the American Heart Association in 1986. However, several alternative dosing strategies have been proposed to match delivered energy to the individual requirements of defibrillation subjects. In this study, two-dimensional finite element methods are used to investigate the performance of four of these dosing strategies applied to three thoracic models representative of men and women of different thoracic aspect ratios. From the resulting current density distributions, the relative effectiveness of the following dosing strategies are evaluated and compared: constant current; current proportional to body weight; constant energy; energy proportional to body weight. Our results show that the strategy of applying current proportional to subject body weight with a current dose of 0.58 A kg-1 was able to defibrillate all three subjects with only minimal overexposure of any one of them. None of the other dosing strategies examined could be made to successfully defibrillate all three subjects without significantly overexposing at least one.


In vitro performance test system for pulse oximeters.

An in vitro system was developed capable of testing the accuracy and reproducibility of pulse oximeter readings. The pulse oximeter probe receives signals through a pulsating blood cuvette. The development of the design of the cuvette is described. Using the final design (or 'model finger'), a comparison is made between readings from a Datex Satlite pulse oximeter (SpO2) and saturation values obtained by use of a multi-wavelength bench oximeter (SaO2). Linear regression analysis of the data gives SpO2 = 0.88 SaO2 + 11.2 (r = 0.979, p < 0.001).


Computer-controlled in vitro model of the human left heart.

The decision for surgical intervention in the treatment of stenosis and for regurgitation of the mitral valve demands an objective and quantitative evaluation of the severity of mitral valve disease. The availability of ultrasound techniques capable of analysing flow velocities across valves and to produce representative images of valve orifices has increased the interest in the hydraulics of cardiac valves. To isolate and study the determinants of transmitral flow, an in vitro model of the human left heart was built. From the model it is possible to differentiate the influence of the different determinants of left heart performance on transmitral flow: preload, compliance of the left atrium and ventricle, peripheral resistance (afterload) and heart rate. The mechanical part of the model consists of a reservoir connected to an elastic closed circuit (Latex pulmonary veins, left atrium, left ventricle and aortic arch) with replaceable mitral and aortic valves. The electronic part of the model drives and controls the hydraulic part, allowing the independent regulation and monitoring of left atrial and left ventricular pressures p, volumes V and 'pV-loops' throughout the cardiac cycle at different cardiac rhythms. Left atrial filling pressure and aortic resistance are variable in a controlled fashion. Echo-Doppler study of the mitral valve and the transmitral valve flow is possible both from an atrial and a ventricular window in the model. This technical note describes the model.


[Evaluation of usefulness of the PYR-Wellcome test for identifying microorganisms from the genus enterococcus].

The study was aimed at evaluation of usefulness of PYR-Wellcome test in bacteriological diagnostic. Results of identification of enterococcal strains by application of the above test were performed on 157 strains of Enterococcus spp., 15 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes and 12 of Streptococcus bovis. Application of test for PYR-ase production results in shortening of diagnostic procedure. Basing on morphological features, including type of hemolysis, lack of catalase production and presence in the bacterial cell of a peptidase hydrolyzing L-pirrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide, it is possible to classify with high probability the investigated microorganism to the Enterococcus spp. The Shortened procedure is satisfactory for routine identification of enterococcal strains in diagnostic laboratories.


[occurrence of mannose- resistant adhesins MRHA in E.Coli strains isolated from children with diarrhea].

The study was aimed at determination of the frequency of occurrence of mannose-resistant adhesins in E. coli strains isolated from children with diarrhoea. It was also of interest whether their presence is associated with the serological type or other virulence factors. The material used in this study consisted of 1022 strains of E. coli (EPEC, ETEC and EIEC) and 3431 isolates from sick children and 960 from healthy children (non-EPEC-ETEC-EIEC). Enterotoxigenicity and entero-invasiveness of strains was evaluated by biological tests performed on animals and in tissue culture. Production of MRHA adhesins was determined by the test of mannose-resistant active hemagglutination, and of colonization factors antigens CFA by application of agglutination and agar gel immunodiffusion tests. Most frequently MRHA adhesins were produced by ETEC strains-80% of strains. All of them appeared to be a colonization factor antigen CFA/I. EPEC strains produced various MRHA adhesins only by 12.6% of strains. Production of MRHA adhesins by EIEC strains was not detected. Frequency of occurrence of MRHA adhesins in E. coli strains which were non-EPEC-ETEC-EIEC was dependent from the isolation source. MRHA adhesins were most frequently found in strains isolated from sporadic cases of light diarrhoea in ambulatory treated children (49%), much less among isolates from children hospitalized because of severe diarrhoea (33%), and from healthy children in 9% of isolates only. These results may indicate the potential role of MRHA adhesins in pathogenesis of diarrhoea in children.


[A strain of Aeromonas veronii isolated from a patient suspected of cholera].

Investigations were carried on a strain isolated from patient hospitalized in Poland. The patient returned from Odessa, a region with cholera epidemic. The strain was suspected to be Vibrio cholerae, but it did not agglutinate in V. cholerae 01 serum. The aim of this study was establishment of taxonomical classification of this strain, in order to demonstrate whether it is a representative of the non-cholera vibrio group (not agglutinating) or another representative of the family Vibrionaceae. The strain was resistant to bile salts in TCBS medium and demonstrated several properties from a borderline of two Vibrio and Aeromonas species. Its properties were similar to the group of recently described pathogenic vibrio, but it did not require higher concentrations of NaCl in the medium and was resistant to the vibriostatic factor 0/129. These properties were considered as decisive in differentiation of Vibrio and Aeromonas. The strain was finally classified as Aeromonas veronii. It is a first case in Poland of isolation of A. veronii from the feces of patient with cholera-like symptoms. As newly described pathogenic species of genus Vibrio and Aeromonas were not isolated in Poland, we present schemes which may serve for beginning of this type of diagnostic investigations.


[The role of bacterial metabolism in transformation of non-mutagenic compounds into mutagens. I. Participation of Escherichia coli nitroreductase in creation of mutagens from non-mutagenic new pesticides].

Investigations concerned Escherichia coli nitroreductase in creation of mutagens from non-mutagenic pesticides-derivatives of urea. Three new compounds were studied: N-phenyl-N'-methylurea (IPO 4328), N-methyl,N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'phenylurea (IPO 2363), N-(2-hydroxyethyl), N-methyl-N'-(3,4 dichloroethyl) urea, and diurone-3-(3,4 dichlorophenyl)-1,1 dimethylurea. These compounds were incubated in anaerobic conditions with cells of E. coli K-12 (KF) strain and nitrate or nitrite. Using Ames test, mutagenicity of resulting metabolites was investigated. It was found that during incubation of herbicide IPO 4328 with cells of E. coli K-12 (KF) and nitrate, mutagenic product for strain of S. typhimurium TA 1537 is created. Very weak mutagenic metabolite for the same strain was appearing during incubation of herbicide IPO 2363 with cells of E. coli K-12 (KF) in presence of nitrite. Incubation of investigated compounds with E. coli K-12 (KF) cells alone did not result in appearance of mutagenic substances. Thus, role of Escherichia coli in creation of mutagenic compounds from non-mutagenic derivatives of urea consisted of nitrite from nitrate production with participation of nitroreductase, which afterwards in absence of bacteria or action of their enzymes reacted with investigated pesticides.


[Role of bacterial metabolism in transformation of non-mutagenic compounds into mutagens. II. Participation of bacteria producing urease in degradation of pesticides--urea derivatives].

Participation of bacteria producing urease: Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis in degradation of pesticides--urea derivatives, was investigated. Four new compounds were studies: N-/(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl/N'-(2-cyanoethyl)-urea (IPO 6584), N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'-ethylurea (PO 6236), N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(2-hydroxyethyl), N'-propyl-urea (IPO 6237), N-(2-hydroxyethyl), N-methyl-N'-(3,4 dichlorophenyl)-urea (IPO 3102), pesticide reference standard--thiram fungicide--tetramethyl-bis-thiocarbamyl disulfide, and rodenticide-alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU). Investigated compounds were incubated with cells of P. mirabilis 4508 ans S. epidermidis CCM 2448 and commercial preparation of urease from beans. Mutagenicity of resulting metabolites was then studies by the Ames test. All compounds were decomposed by bacteria used in this study, as well with beans urease with different activity. Reaction products did not exhibit mutagenic activity for test strains S. typhimurium his- TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102.


[Occurrence of species from Acinetobacter genus in clinical material and other sources].

The analysis regarded 304 strains of Acinetobacter genus isolated from various diagnostic materials, objects from hospital environment and from non-hospital sources (soil, water, various animals). Applying API ZONE system, five species were isolated: Acinetobacter juni, (18.42%), Acinetobacter baumanii (70.39%), Acinetobacter haemolyticus (5.59%), Acinetobacter lwoffii (4.6%) and Acinetobacter johnsonii (0.99%). Most frequently isolated species were present in purulent materials and in samples from respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Over 47% Acinetobacter species strains were present in clinical material as single aerobic bacteria.


[Occurrence of Clostridium difficile in the digestive system of dogs].

This study was aimed at seeking strains of Clostridium difficile in feces and investigation of influence of antibiotics application on frequency of isolation and detection of toxing in vivo produced by this microorganism. Samples of feces were obtained from experimental dogs consisting of two groups. To groups I belonged 150 healthy dogs. Group II consisted of samples of feces received from four dogs before and after application of various antibiotics. Clostridium difficile was not isolated from group I dogs. From dogs belonging to group II, 28 strains were isolated. Production of toxing and classification to serological groups of the isolated strains were performed. Presence of this microorganism in feces of dogs is evident only after multiple application of antibiotics. Results of these studies suggest that dogs may constitute a reservoir of Clostridium difficile.


[Problems encountered in identification of penicillin binding proteins with pneumococcus used as an example].

Whole cells or isolated membranes of Streptococcus pneumoniae were treated with labelled benzyl penicillin and the penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) were visualized by fluorography after SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The PBP profiles obtained for strains sensitive and resistant to penicillin strongly differed depending not only on the concentrations of acrylamide and bis-acrylamide used in the separating gel but also on the batch used (different manufacturers). The latter was also true for sodium dodecyl sulfate.


[Rapid preliminary diagnosis of anaerobic bacterial infections. I. Natural fluorescence of pus, purulent fluids and dressing under UV radiation].

For evaluation of usefulness of natural fluorescence of clinical materials in UV radiation as rapid diagnostic method of infections with anaerobes, 405 samples of pus, bloody-purulent fluids, blood, wound secretions, dressings and other materials were investigated. Occurrence of red-brick UV fluorescence of clinical materials was compared with results of culture aimed at isolation of non-sporeforming anaerobes from "B. melaninogenicus group (P. melaninogenica, P. intermedia and P. saccharolytics). Significant correlation red-brick fluorescence of clinical materials resulting from UV irradiation with presence in these materials of anaerobes such as P. melaninogenica, P. intermedia and P. asaccharolytics was detected. Investigation of clinical materials with application of fluorescence in UV radiation lasts only 1-2 minutes and together with preparation and microscopical inspection which is Gram-stained--only 15-20 min. Positive results of this test may constitute a basis for rapid, preliminary identification of the etiologic factor and for direction of chemotherapy in the early period of infection.


[Rapid preliminary diagnosis of anaerobic bacterial infections. II. Investigation of the presence of volatile and non-volatile fatty acids (C1-C6) in pus, purulent fluids and dressing by application of gas chromatography].

Studies were performed in the years 1986-1990 and dealing with 405 clinical materials originating from infections within the abdominal cavity, maxilla, reproductive organ, post-operative wounds as well as dressings, extremities, blood, bile and other types of material and usefulness of analysis by gas chromatography of presence of lower fatty acids in materials for rapid and preliminary diagnostics with strictly anaerobic bacteria was confirmed. Presence in chromatograms of isobutyric, butyric isovaleric, valeric, isocaproic and caproic acid, and partly of propionic acid, is a good indication of infection with strictly anaerobic bacteria. Moreover, presence of succinic acid may suggest presence of anaerobic infection, similarly as presence in chromatograms of three or more various lower fatty acids. Rapid, approximative diagnosis of anaerobic bacteria by application of gas chromatography is worth of broader application. Investigation of clinical material by this method lasts only 1-2 hours and obtained results my present a basis for preliminary diagnosis of the etiological factor and for direction of chemotherapy, which is very important in most early period of treatment of infections.


[Adherence in vitro of Candida albicans to cheek mucous membrane cells in children with immune disorders].

Evaluation regarded adherence of a strain of Candida albicans to epithelium of cheek mucous membrane, obtained from 31 children aged between one and 14 years with disturbance of immunity and from 10 healthy children. All children were tested immunologically by determination of total leukocytosis, granulocytosis, absolute lymphocytosis, active and total rosette tests, spontaneous and stimulated nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) tests and immunoglobulin A, G and M levels in serum. Adherence of C. albicans in vitro of epithelial cells of cheek mucous membrane was significantly higher in children with disturbance of immunity as compared with healthy control group (p < 0.001).


[Candida krusei in genital infections].

Frequency of appearance of Candida krusei in human reproductive tract, susceptibility of these microorganisms to drugs and their importance in pathogenesis of mycosis, were investigated. Strains C. krusei species constituted 6.7% of the total 1325 strains and 21.8% within other than C. albicans species yeast-like fungi. Vaginal mycosis caused by fungi from C. krusei species occurs in presence of Lactobacillus sp. and correct values of pH in vaginal contents, however changed leukocytosis in evident. Over 60% of patients with C. krusei infection were complaining that they feel disturbances within the reproductive tract. Investigation of susceptibility of C. krusei to drugs revealed highest activity of cotrimazine and pimaricin.


[The role of Candida kefyr (C. pseudotropicalis) in reproductive tract infections].

Frequency of appearance of C. kefyr strains, their diagnosis, susceptibility to drugs and importance in pathogenesis of reproductive tract mycoses were investigated. The investigated material consisted of 2717 strains, and there were 67 strains of C. kefyr isolated from vaginal mucous membrane. C. kefyr strains constituted 2.5% of total number of 2717 isolated strains and 8.2% within fungi other than C. albicans species. Vaginal mycosis caused by C. kefyr occurs in presence of Lactobacillus sp. and correct values of pH in vaginal contents, however changing leukocyte number was observed. Clinical symptoms and complaints regarding reproductive tract were present in 47.8% of patients with C. kefyr infections. Investigating susceptibility to antimycotic drugs, regardless of appointed method, low susceptibility of C. kefyr strains to amphotericin B was noted (79% resistant strains). Strain of C. kefyr were sensitive to all remaining drugs.


[Age specificity of the interaction of Bacillus cells with a liquid-gas interface].

The age specificity of the bacilli cells with liquid--gas interface was studied using flow cytofluorometry. This interactions is dependent on the position of the cell in the division cycle and not on the position of the cell in the DNA replication cycle.


[Dynamics of the interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage phimF81 and host bacteria].

The population interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulent bacteriophage phi mF81 with host bacterial cells were studied in dynamics under the conditions of continuous cultivation in the chemostat regime with glucose limitation. It was detected that a maintenance of the bacterium and its specific bacteriophage in the population was realized due to the successive appearance of bacterial mutants resistant to the phage and of phage mutants overcoming this resistance.


[Preservation of Pseudomonas putida bacteria at low temperatures].

We have found that the mode of cooling, composition of cryopreservation medium, original concentration of cells and storage temperature affect viability of Pseudomonas putida bacteria during low-temperature preservation. We have elaborated the conditions of preservation, providing for a high survival of bacteria, namely: one-stage cooling with the rates of 30, 40 degrees C/min or immersion into liquid nitrogen in the culturing medium with addition of sucrose, glycerol or dimexide in the concentration of 0.5 M; storage temperature is -80 degrees C divided by -196 degrees C.


[Survival of Escherichia coli cells during storage in suspensions of varying concentrations].

The presence of positive correlative connection between death rate of Escherichia coli M-17 cells and the density of their suspension have been estimated. It has been shown, that the accumulation in extracellular medium (ECM) of death-stimulating (DS) metabolites, the concentration of which was higher in the suspensions of higher densities, was the immediate cause of the acceleration of death in suspensions with densities higher than 1 x 10(9) cells/ml. DS metabolites could be removed from ECM by adsorption or dialysis, and, thus, they had comparably low molecular mass. The presence of DS metabolites led to the acceleration of death of test-cultures E. coli M-17. The filtrates of ECM of suspensions with density lower than 1 x 10(9) cells/ml did not accelerate the death rate of test-cultures, and, most probably, did not contain any DS-substances. It is supposed, that the role of DS-substances is the maintenance of optimal size of the population of bacteria. The low effective concentrations of these substances make it possible to consider that their functions are nothing but regulatory.


[Effect of exogenous ribonucleases on the propagation of Candida tropicalis yeast].

The effect of exogenic microbial and tissue RNAses on the reproduction of Candida tropicalis yeasts were studied. Catalytically active and inactive forms of ribonucleases were shown to stimulate yeast organism reproduction. Using immunochemical and radioisotopic methods, it was found that RNAses penetrated into yeast cell. The correlation between yeast cell penetration by exogenic enzymes and the physiological state of the cells was revealed. The activation of the chromatin associated RNAse-polymerase under the action of the catalytically active binase was observed in in vitro experiments. The mechanisms of the stimulatory effect of catalytically active and inactive RNAses on growth and reproduction of C. tropicalis are discussed.


[Penetration of pancreatic DNase into Candida tropicalis cells].

Permeability of Candida tropicalis cells for exogenic DNAse was studied by a cytochemical method. The enzyme were shown to penetrate yeast outer membrane and cell wall after a 20 minute incubation period when incubated together with cells at the beginning of the stationary phase.


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution from the aluminium industry.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the major air pollutants emitted by two aluminum reduction plants in Hungary, were measured in the emission dusts and in air particulates in nearby residential areas. There was a higher amount of PAHs in the emission dust of the plant operating with vertical stud anodes (plant "A") compared to the plant operating with horizontal stud anodes (plant "B"). PAHs in ambient air in the town, close to plant "A", were similar to the levels in emission dust, indicating a health hazard for the population. This is strengthened by the non-seasonal variation of benzo(a)pyrene content of ambient air in the town. Measurements of PAHs in the vicinity of the plant "B" and in a town 4 km away clearly showed a decrease in the concentration of the hazardous chemicals. Analysis of emission dusts from the power plant, close to plant "B", showed that 100-fold less PAHs are emitted compared with the plant. Although major technological changes cannot be made, improved emission control would be beneficial to the general population in that area.


[Occupational risks in the maintenance of pot-lining and anode firing furnaces].

A group of 66 pot-lining and anode furnace maintenance workers was examined, including 44 workers who had been exposed to these occupational hazards for more than one year. No occupational bronchial diseases were observed. Two cases of 1/0 grade silicosis and two cases of initial palmar aponeurosis retraction were reported. Seventeen cases (38.6%) of occupational hearing loss had been compensated or reported. Hearing loss exceeding the 2nd degree of the Merluzzi scale was observed in 11 workers. There were 13 cases of hearing loss (29.5%) according to ISO criteria, due to exposure levels calculated at 95/100 dB-A eq. Spirometry revealed only one worker with marked reduction in vital capacity. Urinary fluoride concentrations (1.37, S.D. = 0.63 pre-shift and 2.32, S.D. = 1.15 post shift) did not indicate any particular level of hazard. ECGs showed no significant alterations. Variance analysis and multiple regression techniques were used to study the relationship between respiratory volume, hearing capacity, age, duration of exposure and length of past exposure in the construction industry. A marked association was observed between age and hearing loss and a weaker association between duration of exposure and hearing loss.


Respiratory disorders in aluminium potroom workers.

Epidemiological studies of aluminum potroom workers have been in progress in Norway since 1986. The occurrence of work-related asthmatic symptoms and their determinants were studied. Work-related asthmatic symptoms and airflow limitation were closely associated with duration of potroom employment. A significant relationship between current fluoride exposure and work-related asthmatic symptoms was observed in a smaller, cross-sectional population where a detailed exposure classification was carried out. A similar association and also a dose-response gradient was found in a longitudinal study of new employees. The existence of occupational asthma in aluminium potroom workers was confirmed by characteristic patterns of repeated peak flow measurements supported by changes in methacholine responsiveness in workers with suspected work-related asthma. Current smoking as a risk factor for work-related asthmatic symptoms was observed both in cross-sectional and in longitudinal investigations. Similarly to current fluoride exposure, a dose-response gradient was demonstrated in the association between work-related asthmatic symptoms and current amount of tobacco smoked. Allergy was not shown to be a determinant of work-related asthmatic symptoms in any part of the investigation. A family history of asthma and previous occupational exposure may have had some influence on the risk of developing symptoms but the findings were inconsistent and probably of minor importance. Methacholine challenge seemed inappropriate for the screening of aluminium potroom workers in order to detect work-related asthmatic symptoms, but was closely correlated to the severity of symptoms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Follow-up of airway reactivity in potroom workers in relation to exposure.

Two groups of workers were studied: a) 24 workers with respiratory complaints--7 of whom were light and 4 borderline hyper-reactors--who continued to work on the electrolytic reduction of aluminium for up to two years; b) 30 workers with increased bronchial reactivity who ceased to work in potrooms for 3.7 years on average (range 2-11 years) because of respiratory complaints. Subjective respiratory complaints were recorded and a non specific bronchial reactivity test was performed one or two times during the follow-up period. A sustained level of airway reactivity was recorded in both groups of workers regardless of exposure conditions. In workers with dyspnoea and airway obstruction, bronchial reactivity did not worsen in spite of continued exposure. On the other hand cessation of exposure was not followed by normalization of bronchial reactivity. The potential role of atopy, smoking habits and length of previous exposure was analyzed. It appears that increased bronchial reactivity, once induced, has a tendency to persist. An improvement in subjective complaints may be expected after cessation of exposure.


Histamine provocation test: an effective pre-employment selection method for aluminium workers.

A descriptive study was made at a primary aluminium smelter to find evidence of the efficiency of the Histamine Provocation Test as part of a pre-employment examination. 174 cases of potroom asthma were divided into two groups. 157 cases were employed in the years 1970-1981. The second group consisted of 17 men who were employed after the introduction of the HPT in 1982. The urinary fluoride levels showed a lowering in exposure to fluorides during the last five years. Medical data collected at the pre-employment examination was compared between the two groups. There were significantly more smokers in the first group of 157 men. Bronchitis or asthma during childhood was mentioned by many men in the second group. It is concluded that the HPT played an important role in the attempt to reduce the incidence of potroom asthma, followed by greater attention to working conditions.


Eosinophil-related respiratory disease in aluminium workers.

We carried out a nested case-control study in an aluminium producing plant, using the results of pre-employment examination to identify workers with an increased risk of developing work-related obstructive respiratory symptoms. Cases (n=49) are those who had become unable to work because of work-related respiratory disease. They were compared with 49 matched controls. Pre-employment eosinophil count was strongly related to the occurrence of work-related obstructive respiratory disease. This finding is interesting in the light of a possible pathogenesis.


[Potroom asthma: irritative bronchospasm or due to sensitization?].

The incidence of occupational bronchial asthma (potroom asthma) among workers employed on electrolytic reduction of aluminium is between 0.4 and 4%. No precise etiological agent has been identified; irritating agents are usually blamed, especially fluoridric acid, dusts, and SO2. Nevertheless, some features of potroom asthma, such as the moderate prevalence, the latency period, the progressive increase in sensitivity with continuing exposure, the appearance of symptoms several hours after the beginning of the work shift, the persistence of symptoms and of aspecific bronchial hyperreactivity even after withdrawal from the working environment, suggest the possibility of occupational asthma due to sensitization. Knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanism has direct influence on prevention: in the case of asthma due to irritants it may be sufficient to comply with the TLV, while in the case of sensitization, even low levels of exposure can be sufficient to trigger off the symptoms of bronchial asthma.


[Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in the Italian primary aluminum industry].

The paper reports the results of a longitudinal study of 1478 workers in the primary aluminium industry in Italy (aluminium reduction with the pre-baked anode process) covering the prevalence and incidence of chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, and analysis of lung function deterioration over time (annual decline in FEV1) in relation to occupational exposure and individual non-occupational features. The incidence of respiratory symptoms of chronic cough and expectoration was significantly higher among electrolytic shop workers, in whom the annual decline in FEV1 was also significantly greater. In this group the incidence and prevalence of asthmatic manifestations was particularly high compared to casting and workshop workers. Asthmatic symptoms showed a short latency period related to exposure in potrooms and seems to be characterized by a marked deterioration in lung function over time even after withdrawal from exposure.


[Chronic bronchitis and respiratory function in those employed in primary aluminum production].

A study was carried out on a group of 323 workers of a primary aluminium production plant located in Porto Marghera (Italy) in order to assess the prevalence of chronic bronchitis and respiratory function alterations, compared with the general working population of the same industrial area. The results showed a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis (5.6% compared with 2.6%) and a greater reduction in vital capacity but only in the non-smokers (5.4% compared with 1.7%). The highest prevalence of chronic bronchitis (20%) and reduced vital capacity (27%) was observed in the rodding section. The frequency of bronchial obstruction was similar to that observed in potroom and casting workers.


[A retrospective assessment of 19 subjects compensated for the inhalation of aluminum powders (item 48, D.P.R. 482/75)].

A study was made of 19 male subjects, mean age 54.7, S.D. 7.5 years, exposed to risk of aluminium dust inhalation for 16, S.D. 9.7 years, awarded compensation by the local provincial branch of INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Occupational Accidents) in the period 1975-1988, as prescribed by item 48 of Presidential Decree 482/1975. The workers were divided into two groups on the basis of radiological signs of lung fibrosis (3 1/1 cases and 7 1/0 cases according to the ILO classification) or of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (9 cases). Careful examination of the work histories confirmed the previous observations of aluminium pneumoconiosis with moderate functional alterations in alumina production, potroom and casting workers.


[The occupational risks in a company producing aluminum alloy wheels].

An environmental hygiene study was carried out in a factory making aluminium alloy wheels via pressure moulding. Physical risk factors (noise and microclimate) and chemical risk factors (respirable dust, mineral oils, solvents, fluorides, formaldehyde, CO) were assessed. Analysis of the data showed that physical risk factors were prevalent, whereas chemical pollution was insignificant due to technical improvements made by the management in the course of several redesigns of the plants.


[The laryngeal status of the workers of 2 plants producing primary aluminum].

The paper reports the results of an indirect laryngoscopic investigation performed in the two-year period 1988-89 on 347 workers in two different primary aluminium production plants. A model is proposed for classification of the laryngeal state into 4 classes of increasing severity of clinical findings. An analysis was made of the statistical relationship between laryngeal class, occupational exposure, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and age. A multivariate analysis of the data was performed using the logistic regression test. Smoking and age were shown to have a statistically significant influence (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005 respectively) on the development of chronic laryngitis. No statistically significant difference was observed for alcohol consumption and in the comparison between workers and controls.


Biomedical aspects of aluminium.

About 2.5 mg of aluminium is absorbed daily with food; it then undergoes minimal absorption via the gastrointestinal tract (0.1%) and total excretion of the absorbed dose via the kidneys. The concentrations of aluminium in blood of non-exposed subjects with normal renal function are extremely low (1-3 micrograms/L). Until the beginning of the 1970's aluminium was considered to be of little toxicological interest, but in 1972 a neurological syndrome due to aluminium intoxication was described in dialysis patients in the UK and in 1973 Canadian research workers speculated on the role of aluminium in Alzheimer's disease (senile or presenile dementia), even though this does not at present have wide support. Al intoxication in dialysis patients can be prevented if the Al concentration in the dialysis solution is kept below 10 micrograms/L. No cases have been reported of systemic intoxication due to aluminium in occupationally exposed subjects. Al in plasma values of 5-15 micrograms/L have been reported in exposed workers, which are 10 times lower than the values observed in dialysis patients with encephalopathic symptoms. However, rare cases of occupational pulmonary fibrosis have been reported where an etiopathological role of aluminium was suspected. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that the alumina used in primary aluminium production lacks any fibrogenic potential.


Longitudinal study of workers of an aluminium die casting factory.

We conducted a 5-year longitudinal study on 76 workers of a high and medium aluminium alloy die-casting factory. As in a previous cross-sectional study conducted in 1986 and in accordance with the data in the literature, the 1990 follow-up study showed: a low prevalence of chronic bronchitis (as defined by the ECSC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms); normal mean functional values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%. We did not find any significant difference in the levels of lung function over the period of 1986-90. These results show that workers in the secondary aluminium industry are not exposed to a significant risk of chronic pulmonary disease.


[Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to aluminum].

The meaning and usefulness of biological indicators in the study of occupational exposure to aluminium (Al) was assessed on the basis of the most recently acquired knowledge on the toxicokinetics of aluminium absorbed by inhalation, results of environmental and biological investigations recently carried out in industrial sectors with low risk of aluminium absorption (refining, casting and pressure moulding covering a total of 8 plants and 119 workers) and the results of investigations on a group of welders exposed to Al concentrations between 5 and 10 mg/m3. It was confirmed that not only the environmental Al concentrations but also certain chemical and physical characteristics (particle size, allotropic state, solubility), simultaneous exposure to other dusts, and mode of exposure (existence of exposure peaks) play a significant role in lung absorption of Al. Urinary Al (AlU) may be considered as an indicator of "recent" exposure with biphase excretion kinetics influenced also by duration of exposure, whereas Al in serum (AlS) can probably furnish indications both on overall exposure and on body burden. In low-level Al exposure (below 0.5 mg/m3), these indicators (especially AlU) permit differentiation of the exposed groups from the general population without, however, any clear relationship with the various environmental Al concentrations. It was also seen that AlU increased with increasing work seniority and was more marked in certain processes, such as casting, and in the first few months or years of work.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Proposal of a dose-response relationship between aluminium welding fume exposure and effect on the central nervous system.

Exposure to high levels of aluminium can affect the human central nervous system. Abnormalities of psychomotor function have been observed among haemodialysis patients with mean aluminium concentrations in serum of about 60 micrograms/l. According to our own data this corresponds to a urinary level of about 330 micrograms Al/l in aluminium-exposed welders without kidney failure. This post-shift urinary level of aluminium is estimated to be attained after 40 years of exposure to a welding fumes at an environmental concentration of approximately 1.6 mg/m3 of aluminium. An increased prevalence of effects on the nervous system was observed among welders exposed to aluminium fumes for more than 13 years. This finding supports the concept of cumulative toxicity due to aluminium exposure. On the basis of these observation, we suggest that the level of aluminium in welding fumes should not exceed 1 mg/m3.


Evaluation of fluoride exposure in aluminium smelters: state of the art.

Measurements for assessment of exposure to fluoride in aluminium smelters were generally introduced about 15 years ago. A good correlation between fluoride levels in the urine and the concentration in the ambient air was found. The results of biological monitoring can be used to avoid the risk of the chronic effects of bone fluorosis. Mean values of numerous individual measurements give only the general situation in the plant concerned. For the identification of individuals with high exposure, the individual values must be considered. The urinary fluoride concentration is highly dependent on the urine rate. To obtain a measurement either from a long-term body burden or a short-term exposure the daily eliminations before work (pre-shift value) or immediately after a shift (post-shift value) must be known. Since the collection of 24-hour urine samples not feasible, it is necessary to correlate the fluoride elimination to the daily creatinine excretion, which amounts on the average to 1.8 g. The role of the HF regarding acute irritation of the respiratory tract is not yet fully clear. More information must be obtained by measuring peak values of short periods of time which are expected to be much higher and also more effective than the average values measured over a whole shift period. The suitable instruments for determination of peak values of HF are not yet available.


[The prevention of tumors in the aluminum industry].

Aluminium industry workers are exposed to various carcinogenic substances, the most important of which are asbestos and coal pitch and tar fumes. Primary prevention of cancer risk can be achieved either by eliminating the carcinogenic agent from the working environment, or by reducing the exposure levels or the number of exposed workers. In the aluminium industry the first type of approach is possible in the case of asbestos, which can be substituted with MMMF (man made mineral fibers), with the cancer risk thus passing from group 1 to group 2b of the IARC Classification. Complete abolition of exposure to pitch and coal-tar fumes is not feasible, but a reduction in risk can be achieved by using the pre-bake anode cell process instead of the Söderberg process, since the former reduces exposure of potroom workers to pitch and coal-tar fumes. A further reduction of exposure in pot-rooms can be achieved, as demonstrated by direct experience in an aluminium plant at Port Marghera (Province of Venice). Environmental monitoring performed from 1978 to 1989 showed a decrease in levels of total dust concentrations and thus of PAH and BaP concentrations as a result of a series of technical and/or organisational improvements. In biological monitoring, which can detect any skin absorption of the carcinogen, the concentrations of urinary hydroxypyrene confirmed low levels of exposure in the plant under study, excluding the pitch plant workers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Biomonitoring of genotoxic exposure of aluminium plant workers.

Humans are environmentally and occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH's are a class of tumorigenic compounds which act through metabolic transformation to chemically reactive forms, epoxides, which covalently bind to DNA forming DNA adducts. To evaluate the genotoxic effects of PAH's, air and urine samples were analyzed for PAH. Blood samples were analyzed for benzo(a)pyrene-diol-epoxide-DNA (BPDE-DNA) adducts. New methods for analyzing DNA adducts in lymphocytes have been used to study the genotoxic effects of human exposure to carcinogens. BPDE-DNA adducts in lymphocytes have been used as internal dosimeters of exposure to PAH's and several studies have been conducted. We measured BPDE-DNA adducts in aluminium plant workers with immuno-assay and physico-chemical methods. PAH-DNA adducts were detectable to a lesser extent in subjects working in an aluminium plant compared to subjects working in a coke oven plant.


Close association of peptidergic nerves with lymphocytes in canine and monkey ileal villi.

Intimate association of peptidergic nerves with lymphocytes of canine and monkey ileal villi was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. A swollen, presumably terminal, portion of nerves containing large cored vesicles and small clear vesicles was in direct contact with a lymphocyte. The apposing membranes of the nerve and lymphocyte were thickened and darkened, being separated by a narrow uniform space. The lymphocyte-associated nerves contained immunoreactivity for substance P(SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), localized in large-cored vessels. These result support the hypothesis that peptidergic nerves may play a regulatory role in mucosal immune responses.


[The urinary mutagenicity test in monitoring exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons in workers in the aluminum industry].

The sensitivity of 3 urinary mutagenicity tests was assayed: the plate test, the fluctuation test and the micropreincubation test, in order to assess their possible use in monitoring human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Urine samples from workers of an anode production plant exposed to coal tar and from psoriatic patients undergoing treatment with coal-tar ointments were tested for mutagenic activity on strain TA98 Salmonella typhimurium, in the presence of the microsome fraction and deconjugating enzymes. Parallelly, the urinary concentration of PAH metabolites or one of their trace metabolites, 1-hydroxypyrene, was determined. Increased levels of PAH metabolites were observed in the urine of anode production workers after a work shift compared with controls. Results of the plate test and the fluctuation test performed on urine of exposed subjects, both smokers and nonsmokers, showed mutagenicity values similar to the controls. Much higher 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations were found in the urine of psoriatic patients treated with coal tar than in post-shift urine of anode production workers. The urine of the former was also mutagenic in the 3 mutagenicity tests used. The minimum mean dose of PAH metabolites was calculated, expressed as quantity of 1-hydroxypyrene, that would give a mutagenic response in the 3 tests: the micropreincubation test was found to be about 100 times more sensitive than the plate test and about 30 times more sensitive than the fluctuation test. The theoretical minimum urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene detectable by each test was determined: the micropreincubation test was 15 times more sensitive than the plate test and 7 times more sensitive than the fluctuation test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


A three-dimensional observation of acid phosphatase-positive structures in rat testis by high voltage electron microscopy.

Using a fixative of low concentrated glutaraldehyde in PIPES, we examined three-dimensional structures of acid phosphatase (ACPase) activity in the cells of testes of normal adult and 30 min heat-treated rats by high voltage electron microscopy. There were less ACPase-positive structures in germ cells, but more in Sertoli cells, particularly in residual bodies, and also in macrophages lying between seminiferous tubules. Reaction products of ACPase were distributed in the trans-most cisternae of Golgi apparatus, many spherical lysosomes, and acrosomes. The elongated thread-like lysosomes (nematolysosomes) were absent on the testicular cells. After heat-treatment of rat testis, though ACPase-positive lysosomes increased in number, nematolysosomes were never seen in Sertoli cells and most of the other testicular cells; a number of rod-like lysosomes, however, emerged in macrophages. The results indicate that (1) Sertoli cells usually have more ACPase-positive lysosomal contents than germ cells; (2) Sertoli cells are less affected by stress which may largely hurt germ cells; (3) nematolysosome is not a ubiquitous structure in all the types of cells; and (4) the function of nematolysosomes in macrophages may involve in the disposition of disintegrated cells in rat testis.


Dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among primary aluminium workers.

Large amounts of PAH's are released in the electrode production departments of pre-bake cell aluminium reduction plants. Emission sources are mixing, shaping and baking of the anode (paste plant and bake oven) and pot relining operations. A study was performed to quantify the importance of dermal uptake of PAH's among exposed workers. Twenty workers in the anode production departments (paste plant (N = 8) and bake oven (N = 5)) and the pot relining department (N = 7) volunteered for the study. Monitoring was performed over a period of 5 consecutive days using personal air sampling, dermal contamination sampling and biological monitoring. Pyrene concentrations measured in the respirable air samples, ranged up to 320 micrograms/m3. Dermal contamination of pyrene was monitored at three skin sites (wrist, jaw/neck and groin) using exposure pads as pseudo-skin. The skin contamination with pyrene ranged up to 375 ng/cm2. Contamination of the groin skin site, although covered by work clothes ranged up to 106 ng/cm2. The concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene in pre and post-shift urine ranged up to 27 mumol/mol creatinine and showed an increase during the day and a decrease during the night. Pyrene in air and pyrene on the skin were tested for significance of correlation with urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in samples taken at several moments: end-of-shift, pre-shift next morning and weekly increase. The correlation coefficients between dermal contamination and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene were equal or higher than the correlation coefficient between pyrene air concentration and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene. The total skin contamination in exposed workers is estimated to be more than three times higher than the intake via the respiratory tract. The contribution of dermal exposure to the total PAH body burden of exposed workers therefore appears to be significant.


[Mortality in workers of a primary aluminum foundry in Portovesme in Sardinia].

The standard mortality rates (SMRs) were calculated for 1148 workers of a primary aluminium plant in Portovesme, Sardinia, hired between 1971, when production started, and 1980. Status (living or decreased) was ascertained as at 31 December 1990 and the relationship between observed and expected deaths with respective 95% confidence limits were calculated on the basis of age-specific regional rates for each calendar year of the follow-up. The SMR for all causes was 81 with confidence limits between 61 and 108 based on a total of 48 deaths. Mortality due to malignant neoplasms did not differ from the expected rate. The observed deaths due to lung cancer were decidedly less than the expected number (3 observed versus 4.7 expected). A significant excess of cancer of the pancreas was observed with special reference to anode production, based, however, on only 3 observed cases against 0.8 expected. In the absence of a more precise definition of the causes of death, of the environmental exposure levels and of the non-occupational confounding factors, and considering the young age of the cohort under study, it is at present doubtful whether the excess of cancer of the pancreas can be associated with work in the primary aluminium industry. The results should therefore be taken as preliminary, indicating that further studies are required.


Ultracytochemistry of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in adrenal gland.

The distribution of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity has been studied by a copper ferrocyanide method in the adrenal cortex cells of a rat. The site of the G6PDH activity was close to the ribosome between the round mitochondria of zonas fasciculata and reticularis.


Hospital and nursing home care for the elderly in an inner city health district.

This study reports process data on everyday life in an NHS hospital and two nursing homes for elderly people. The interviews revealed low expectations of respondents, although observational data confirmed the superior quality of life in the nursing homes. The responses of the elderly people, however, do illustrate the types of activity they would like to engage in to improve their quality of life.


A comparison of antihypertensive properties of captopril and enalapril after single and multiple oral administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Oral dose of enalapril or captopril moderately reduced the blood pressure of the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) but not those of normotensive rats. The single daily dose of captopril (30 mg/kg) produced antihypertensive response equivalent to enalapril (3 mg/kg). Chronic administration of these drugs for 2 weeks revealed that systolic blood pressure was reduced more by captopril than enalapril. We did not find differences in hypotensive activity between Enalapril IF and Renitec Merck as well as Captopril JZF Polfa and Capoten Squibb.


Influence of ethanol on the antiarrhythmic activity of verapamil.

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of ethanol on the antiarrhythmic activity of verapamil in the model of calcium arrhythmia in rats non-dependent and dependent on ethanol. The results of the experiment show that a combined, single administration of ethanol and verapamil attenuates in a statistically significant manner the antiarrhythmic effect of verapamil. Ethanol administered repeatedly together with verapamil does not diminish the antiarrhythmic activity of verapamil.


Interaction between ethanol and diltiazem in the model of barium arrhythmia in the rat.

The antiarrhythmic action of diltiazem in the model of barium arrhythmia was studied in rats non-dependent and dependent on ethanol. The results of our studies showed that single intragastric administration of ethanol jointly with diltiazem did not significantly attenuate the antiarrhythmic effect of diltiazem. Ethanol administered repeatedly and jointly with diltiazem influenced the antiarrhythmic action of diltiazem in different ways, depending on the used dose of diltiazem. After repeated joint administration of ethanol and diltiazem in a lower dose, attenuation of the antiarrhythmic effect of diltiazem was not observed. Repeated joint administration of ethanol and diltiazem in a higher dose attenuated the antiarrhythmic effect of diltiazem. Those experiments also showed that single administration of diltiazem did not significantly influence the ethanol level in the blood; however, when administered repeatedly, diltiazem reduced the concentration of ethanol in blood.


Influence of nifedipine on aortal cholesterol content, blood coagulation and elastin metabolism in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

Our studies showed that the nifedipine in daily doses of 30 mg/kg given to rabbits treated with a diet containing 1% cholesterol for 6 months, decreased cholesterol content in aorta homogenates, urine excretion of desmosines and prolonged partial thromboplastin time, while it did not alter serum lipids. These results may have some value for understanding of the antiatherogenic mechanism of nifedipine.


Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in gamma-irradiated mice.

Concentrations of amikacin in sera, investigated 24 h after irradiation with 9 Gy gamma-rays of mice, were monitored using TDX system (Abbott), based on the fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Pharmacokinetic parameters of disposition (distribution + elimination) of the drug were calculated from the obtained data. In irradiated mice fast and slow phases of amikacin disposition were noted. In contrary, in the non irradiated mice only one-fast phase of the drug disposition was observed. The dependence of the disposition parameters of the antibiotic to the postirradiation tubular dystrophia and vascular changes was discussed.


Synthesis and central pharmacological screening of new aminoalkoxy derivatives of coumarin and chromene.

Several 8-(2- and 3-aminoalkoxy) derivatives of coumarin and 5-(2- and 3-aminoalkoxy) derivatives of chromene have been synthesized. The strongest, although short-time neurodepressive activity was exhibited by 8-[3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]-7-methoxycoumarin hydrochloride 15.


Synthesis and preliminary pharmacological assessment of novel 9-alkylamino substituted pyrimidino-[2,1-f]-purines.

Two series of N9-alkylaminomethyl-, alkylpiperazino-, alkylpiperidino-substituted 1,3-dimethyl-(hexahydropyrimidino)- and (tetrahydropyrimidono)-[2,1-f]-purines were prepared and their physicochemical and pharmacological properties were described. The most active in central nervous system tests were the compounds with phenylpiperazinealkyl substituent i.e. 1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-9-[N1N4-(phenyl)-piperazinopropyl]-1, 3,6,7,8,9- hexahydropyrimidino-[2,1-f] purine 6a and its butyl and isobutyl homologs 9 and 12. The compounds depressed statistically significantly spontaneous locomotor and amphetamine activity and showed sedative, analgetic and hypothermizing properties.


New proctolin analogs modified in position 3 of peptide chain--synthesis and their biological evaluation.

Six proctolin analogs modified in position 3 of peptide chain such as Arg-Tyr-X-Pro-Thr where X = Gly (1), Val (2), Pro (3), Thr (4), Acp (1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid residue) (5), and Ach (1-aminocyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid residue) (6) were synthesized by liquid-phase method. Biological effects of the pentapeptides (1-6) were examined in cardiostimulatory test in vitro in respect to two insect species: American cockroach (Periplaneta americana L.) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). Results thus obtained pointed out that the presence of L-leucine in the position 3 of proctolin skeleton plays important role in its cardiotropic activity in insects.


[Treatment with rilmenidine 1 mg per day: time-lag to maximum response. A multicenter ambulatory study. Le Groupe Français d'étude Multicentrique d'Hyperium].

Forty-four placebo-resistant patients (mean age: 59.2 +/- 2.1 years; mean weight: 70.14 +/- 1.95 kg: mean supine diastolic pressure: 101.6 +/- 0.70 mmHg) were treated during 8 weeks (D0-D56) with a single 1 mg tablet of rilmenidine taken every morning. The patients were seen at intervals of 14 days until their diastolic pressure returned to a normal value of 90 mmHg. Once this goal was achieved, they were not seen again until D56. The actuarial survival curve enabled us to evaluate, at a given moment, the cumulative number of normalized patients and the accuracy of this evaluation (confidence interval). After two weeks of rilmenidine treatment, 66 percent of the patients were normalized. The cumulative proportion of normalized patients increased with time, from 80 percent at D28 to 85 percent at D42 and 98 percent at D56. Confidence intervals were relatively small. Although these results were much better than those obtained in previous studies of this drug, our study shows that blood pressure was rapidly normalized in the majority of hypertensive patients by a daily 1 mg dose of rilmenidine and that doubling this dosage after two weeks of treatment is not necessarily justified, since the percentage of normalized patients increases up to 98 percent after eight weeks of treatment. The small number of adverse effects and the good patient's compliance with treatment (evaluated by tablet counts and rilmenidine plasma level values) testify that this drug respects the quality of life.


Structure-activity relationship studies of CNS agents. Part VII. The effect of the imidazole fragment in 2-substituted 1-[3-(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]imidazoles on their interaction modes with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors.

The synthesis and the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor affinity of 2-substituted 1-[3-(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]-imidazoles (1-8) has been described. It has been shown that both the N-3 imidazole atom and the N-1 piperazine one should be considered as possible protonation centers under physiological conditions. It has been found that the folded conformations of 1-8 exist predominantly in solution. Moreover, three different modes of interaction of the analyzed compounds with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor sites have been proposed.


Ascorbic acid did not alter the content of conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde in organs of mice.

The aim of this study was to explore whether ip administration of ascorbic acid (AA) in a dose of 500 mg/kg, once a day for 3 following days, affected the content of lipid peroxidation products: malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) in organs of mice. Injection of AA caused 2.1-, 1.3- and 1.8-fold increase in the concentration of this vitamin in liver, spleen and lungs, respectively, while the content of MDA and CD in these organs did not differ from values found in animals treated with 0.9% NaCl. It suggests that in our animal model AA did not act as a prooxidant enhancing the lipid peroxidation in various tissues.


[Idiopathic hydrocele in adults. Cure by vaginal fenestration].

Among the treatments of idiopathic hydrocele cutting a window in the tunica vaginalis testis stands out as the choice treatment, the procedure being simple and the results of good quality. In the first stage, the two layers, visceral and parietal, of the tunica are folded separately to form the edges of the window. In the second stage the parietal layer of the window is attached to the dartos which remains united with the underlying subcutaneous layer, forming an excellent tract for lymph drainage. Thus, the anatomical and physiological objectives of the operation are reached: the testicular "cockpit" and the protective function of the tunica vaginalis are preserved. In a series of 83 patients operated upon and followed up for up to 5 years, 9 out of 10 were cured by this method without unwanted sequelae.


[Glycemic index of foods].

The glycaemic index of foods describes the hyperglycaemic effect of isolated foods. It is measured by the ratio of the area under the glycaemic curve observed after ingestion of a 50 gram carbohydrate dose of the tested food to the area observed after ingestion of the same amount of a reference food (white bread). The glycaemic index classification provides an approach of the diabetic diet based on the glucose response to foods. Widely accepted when applied to isolated foods, its clinical utility during mixed meals remains discussed. The improvement of the average metabolic control which can be expected from its use is modest. However, its major interest could be observed during snacks and meals in order to control precisely post-prandial glucose variations, in association with blood glucose self-monitoring. As it allows high sweet taste-low-glycaemic index-carbohydrate foods to be consumed, it could significantly improve the quality of life of diabetic patients.


[Non-discal sciatica secondary to a cystic lesion of the posterior longitudinal ligament. 10 cases].

Cyst of the longitudinal posterior ligament of the spine is a new entity described here on the basis of 10 cases. This is a lesion, perhaps of traumatic origin, which occurs in young, athletic subjects suffering from classical lumbosciatica. Computerized tomography showed an image resembling nucleus pulposus herniation. In one of our cases magnetic resonance imaging provided the preoperative diagnosis. Following surgery the outcome was favourable, with less postoperative complications than with discal herniation. The macroscopic and histological findings were the same in all cases, making the anatomico-pathological diagnosis easy.


[Association of stomach ulcer and Helicobacter pylori. Prognostic implications].

Helicobacter pylori is known to be responsible for most cases of chronic gastritis, but its role in the outcome of gastric ulcer is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection before and after treatment of gastric ulcer, the micro-organism being untreated. The trial involved 26 patients with an acute episode of gastric ulcer, who had undergone endoscopy with biopsy of the antrum, the fundus and the ulcer rim at the initial examination and then 6 weeks and 1 year after the diagnosis. At day 0, 25 acute ulcers were associated with chronic H. pylori gastritis; one patient had neither gastritis nor H. pylori infection. The H. pylori count correlated with the activity of chronic gastritis and with the extension of intestinal metaplasia; it was not modified by the healing of gastric ulcer observed in 24/26 patients on day 360. These results confirm the existence of a close association between H. pylori, chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer. It also suggests that H. pylori is not directly involved in the healing or recurrence of gastric ulcer.


[Tobacco, drug and narcotic abuse during pregnancy. Evaluation of in utero exposure by analysis of hair of the neonate].

Hair samples were collected at the time of delivery from 63 neonates whose mothers were known to be heroin (9 cases), nicotine (40 cases), benzodiazepines (11 cases), cocaine (2 cases) and amphetamine (1 case) users. In all cases, the corresponding drug was found in neonatal hair from the infants, with concentrations in the range 0.61-3.47 ng/mg (morphine), 0.15-11.80 ng/mg (nicotine), 3.36-17.55 ng/mg (diazepam), 0.78-31.83 ng/mg (oxazepam), 0.71-2.47 ng/mg (benzoylecgonine), and 1.21 ng/mg (amphetamine). A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was established between nicotine concentration in the hair of the neonates, and in the hair of their mother.