Expression and transmission of wild-type pigmentation in the skin of transgenic orange-colored variants of medaka (Oryzias latipes) bearing the gene for mouse tyrosinase.

Transgenic fish carrying a reconstructed mouse tyrosinase gene, mg-Tyrs-J, were produced by microinjecting the gene into the oocyte nucleus of an orange-colored variant of medaka (Oryzias latipes). Of 64 oocytes microinjected and subsequently inseminated, 13 embryos developed normally beyond hatching and three of them exhibited brown skin pigmentation in the adult as was commonly observed in the wild type of this species. Light and electron microscopic examination disclosed a ubiquitous distribution of typical melanophores in the skin of these transgenic fish. Judging from their population density and distribution pattern, it was presumed that melanogenesis in these fish was elicited in amelanotic melanophores that resided in the skin of the orange-colored fish of this variant. Immunofluorescence with use of the anti-mouse tyrosinase antiserum lacking reactivity to medaka tyrosinase clearly disclosed that the gene introduced was expressed in the melanophores of transgenic fish. Crosses of female transgenic fish and males from an orange-colored variant yielded offspring exhibiting wild-type or orange-colored pigmentation in a ratio of 1:1, thus implying that mg-Tyrs-J integrated into the medaka genome behaves like a dominant gene. Little melanogenesis was observed in xanthophores, leucophores and iridophores in transgenic fish, suggesting possible specificity in recognition of teleostean cell types (i.e., melanophores) by the regulatory region of the mouse tyrosinase gene.


Tyrosinase and the regulation of coat color changes in C3H-HeAvy mice.

Hair follicular tyrosinase activity was measured during hair growth in neonatal, pubertal, and adult C3H-HeAvy mice that show differences in coat color as a result of changes in the synthesis of eumelanin and pheomelanin. Tyrosinase activity increased during hair growth in all mice but higher levels were found at puberty, when the mice grow a dark, eumelanin coat of hair, than during early and adult life, when the hair follicular melanocytes produce mainly pheomelanin. This suggests that tyrosinase is more important for the synthesis of eumelanin than that of pheomelanin. The increased tyrosinase activity associated with eumelanogenesis in the pubertal mice could not be explained by enhanced transcription of the tyrosinase gene or enzyme synthesis and appeared to be the result of a post-translational activation. Such an activation of tyrosinase was lacking in the neonatal and adult mice; in the latter this was accompanied by a reduction in the glycosylation of tyrosinase and the proportion of enzyme associated with the melanosomal fraction. Our findings suggest that post-translational mechanisms are important control points in the regulation of tyrosinase and that differences in their level of activation are responsible for determining the patterns of melanogenesis in the C3H-HeAvy mice, but it is still not clear how these mechanisms are regulated. Although cyclic AMP increased tyrosinase synthesis it had no post-translation activating effect. The neonatal mice, unlike their pubertal and adult counterparts, also lacked dopachrome converting activity and TRP tyrosinase-related protein-1 expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Proliferation and neoplastic transformation of pigment cells in metallothionein/ret transgenic mice.

Although melanoma is a common human disease, there were few animal models in which melanoma developed at high incidence. To date, the Xiphophorus fish has been used as a model system to study melanoma formation. Studies on this fish showed the presence of a dominant oncogene, Tu, which encodes a transmembrane, tyrosine kinase of epidermal growth factor receptor type (Wittbrodt et al., Nature, 341:415-421, 1989). Recently, we succeeded in establishing novel transgenic mouse lines in which melanosis and melanocytic tumors developed stepwise by introducing another transmembrane tyrosine kinase oncogene, ret (Iwamoto et al., EMBO J., 10:3167-3175, 1991). In our transgenic mice, high levels of expression of the ret transgene induced proliferation and neoplastic transformation of melanin-producing cells. In addition, crossbreeding experiments between transgenic mice and Wv mice showed that the ret oncogene can also induce melanogenesis and melanocyte development in Wv/Wv mice.


Molecular cascades in UV-induced melanogenesis: a central role for melanotropins?

When human skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, a highly complex cascade of events ensues that culminates, among other things, in increased skin melanin content. From analyses at the tissue and cellular level, it has been shown that following exposure to UV light there is an increase in the number of active melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, and individual melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin. In addition, the rate of transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes is apparently increased, although the role of UV light in this process remains to be demonstrated. Recent biochemical evidence is reviewed on factors that regulate these processes. A plausible explanation for the effects of UV on pigmentation is that there are mechanisms in the skin for the orderly, regulated reception of UV signals that are then transduced to initiate the cascade. The signals involve both melanocytes and keratinocytes, and available evidence supports a model in which melanotropins and their receptors play a central role in the process.


Melanocyte-stimulating properties of arachidonic acid metabolites: possible role in postinflammatory pigmentation.

Normal human epidermal melanocytes became swollen and more dendritic with an increase in the amount of tyrosinase and immunoreactive b-locus protein when they were cultured for 2 days with the following arachidonic acid metabolites: prostaglandin (PG) D2, leukotriene (LT) B4, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4, thromboxane (TX) B2 and 12-hydroxy eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). The effect of LTC4 was particularly strong compared to that of PGE2, about which we have previously reported. On the other hand, PGE1, PGF2 alpha and 6-ketoPGF1 alpha did not show any significant stimulatory effect. These data suggest that arachidonate-derived chemical mediators, especially LTC4, may be responsible for the induction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin.


Complications of suction-assisted lipoplasty.

The potentially fatal, surgical, and aesthetic complications of suction-assisted lipoplasty are discussed in this article. Prevention through early detection and risk management will be emphasized.


Writing for publication: advice to potential authors.

If you have thought about writing for publication, then take the time to read this article! Plastic Surgical Nursing Editor Joyce Black, MSN, RNC, CPSN, will discuss each step of the process, including tips on generating a topic, writing the first draft, editing your work, and submitting to a journal. Advice to authors on submitting to Plastic Surgical Nursing will also be discussed.


Ventricular size and regional cerebral blood flow in schizophrenia: an attempted replication.

We attempted to replicate the finding of Berman et al. (1987) that frontal cortical blood flow correlated inversely with ventricular size in schizophrenia. Computed tomography and high-resolution 99m-Tc-HMPAO single photon emission computed tomography were performed in 25 right-handed chronic schizophrenic men engaged in a word-fluency task. Weak, nonstatistically significant inverse correlations were found between the ventricle-brain ratio (VBR) and frontal cortical blood flow. The VBR was significantly inversely correlated with the ratio of left to right medial frontal blood flow.


Uptake and utilization of [beta-11C]5-hydroxytryptophan in human brain studied by positron emission tomography.

The immediate precursor in the serotonin synthetic route, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), labeled with 11C in the beta position, has become available for studies using positron emission tomography (PET) to examine serotonin formation in human brain. Normalized uptake and intracerebral utilization of tracer amounts of [beta-11C]5-HTP were studied twice in six healthy male volunteers, three of them before and after pharmacological pretreatments. The kinetic model defines regional utilization as the relative regional radioactivity accumulation rate. Repeat studies showed good reproducibility. Pretreatments with benserazide, p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), and unlabeled 5-HTP all significantly increased uptake of [beta-11C]5-HTP. The utilization rates in both striatal and frontal cortex were higher than those in the surrounding brain, indicating that PET studies using [beta-11C]5-HTP as a ligand quantitate selective processes in the utilization of 5-HTP. We tentatively interpret uptake and utilization as a measure of brain serotonin turnover, the selectivity of which was shown by pharmacological interventions in vivo.


SPECT imaging of serotonin2 receptors in depression.

Changes of serotonin2 (5HT2) receptors have been described in depression, and long-term antidepressant treatment has been shown to decrease the number of 5HT2 receptors. In this study, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), with 2-123I-ketanserin as a ligand, was used to investigate 5HT2 receptors in vivo in the brain of depressed patients and normal volunteers. A higher uptake of the tracer was observed in the parietal cortex of the patients, and there was a right greater than left asymmetry in the infero-frontal region of the depressed subjects and not in that of the control subjects. These findings could indicate changes in 5HT2 receptors in major depression.


Consensus sequences at transcription start sites.

A new consensus sequence (A/G)CTGTTC is defined for the cap regions of a number of eukaryotic structural genes. This sequence is related to other elements involved in transcription initiation, including the CAAT and -35 motifs.


Diagnostic aspects, functional significance and therapy of simple renal cysts. A clinical, radiologic and experimental study.

Simple renal cysts and renal cell carcinomas constitute the majority of the renal masses disclosed by radiologic methods. The reliability of radiologic diagnosis was studied in patients with different renal mass lesions. Based on the experiences from the study, ultrasonography is recommended when a renal mass is discovered at urography. Computerized tomography and rarely angiography and percutaneous puncture for cytologic examination are necessary when all criteria of a simple renal cyst have not been fulfilled. Forty-one patients with renal cell carcinoma and additional renal masses in the same or contralateral kidney were studied. In 3 patients the radiologic methods were insufficient to establish a definite diagnosis of the additional renal mass occurring in the kidney contra-lateral to the renal cell carcinoma. Only explorative surgery established the true diagnosis. A method for estimating single kidney glomerular filtration rate by gamma camera renography using 99mTc-DTPA was studied. The accuracy and reproducibility was satisfactory when compared to the 51Cr-EDTA clearance reference method. The functional consequences of simple renal cysts and percutaneous puncture were studied by gamma camera renography before as well as after puncture and evacuation of the cysts. Signs of obstruction of the renal outflow were rarely seen. No other effect on renal function was found and percutaneous puncture with evacuation of the cysts did not improve renal function significantly. The therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous puncture and instillation of bismuth-phosphate was compared to percutaneous puncture alone and to the natural course of simple renal cysts. After 24 months there were no significant difference in size between cysts that were only punctured and those that had no intervention. The cysts that were treated with bismuth-phosphate disappeared or diminished with few exceptions. The effects of bismuth-phosphate on the renal parenchyma and renal outflow tract were investigated by microangiography and histopathology in an experimental study. A zone of connective tissue around the deposited bismuth-phosphate was seen and no effects on glomeruli or renal vessels were disclosed. It is concluded that the radiologic diagnosis of simple renal cysts is definite when all diagnostic criteria are fulfilled by ultrasonography or computerized tomography. Simple renal cysts have no effect on renal function. Therapeutic interventions because of simple renal cysts are not indicated in patients without outflow obstruction.


Recurrence of urethral stricture and late results after optical urethrotomy: comparison of strictures caused by toxic latex catheters and other causes.

During the years 1977-1985, 183 new urethral strictures were diagnosed and treated by optical urethrotomy. A sharp increase in the incidence of iatrogenic strictures was found in 1980-1981 which normalized after simultaneous changing of the resectoscope, lubricant and catheter type. In fact, an "epidemic" of urethral strictures associated with the use of indwelling latex catheters in cardiac operations was observed in Finland in those years. It is suggested that toxic latex catheters exacerbated the local mechanical injury caused by endoscopic surgery. The recurrence rate for our "epidemic" strictures was 54%, whereas in other cases it was 37% (p = 0.02), but there were no differences in the later course. The patients age, stricture site, postoperative period of catheter-drainage, length, diameter or multiplicity had no effect on the recurrence rate after the initial urethrotomy. Stricture recurrences occurred up to 8 years after the initial operation. Because of the chronic nature of the urethral stricture, a follow-up time of at least 10 years is needed before the final results of urethrotomy can be evaluated.


Micturition habits of older people. Voiding frequency and urine volumes.

A questionnaire study was carried out among elderly subjects (mean age 73.6 +/- 6.1 years (SD)) with a response rate of 74% (n = 1,115). It covered various aspects of health, symptoms and disease. 26% (n = 287) stated that they had two or more micturitions per night. A subgroup consisting of healthy older people, 39 men and 56 women with an average age of 73.9 +/- 4.9 years and 70.8 +/- 5.3 years, respectively, was studied concerning the distribution of diuresis and the frequency of voiding. The combined 24-hour diuresis (average for three 24-hour periods) was 1,400-1,600 ml, with a quotient between day and night of about 1, except the group with only one micturition at night (12 hours), where it was 1.8. The micturition volume between 08-20 h was less than between 20-08 h. The micturition volumes during both periods were significantly less with an increase in the number of voidings between 20-08 h. The quotient between the micturition volume 08-20 h and 20-08 h was strikingly constant (about 0.7). The finding of equally large urine volumes both day and night differs from that among younger adults in whom the diuresis is twice as large in the day as in the night.


Use of indomethacin in the prophylaxis of ureteral colic following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Ureteral obstruction leading to pain seems to be related to an increase of renal prostaglandins (PG). We designed a prospective double-blind, placebo controlled protocol for evaluating the effect of indomethacin, a PG-synthetase inhibitor, in the prophylaxis of ureteral colic following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Sixty patients undergoing ESWL were randomized into two groups, group 1 (study group) received 50 mg indomethacin capsule three times daily and group 2 (control group) received multiple-vitamin tablet three times daily. Twenty-four hours urine samples were collected before and three days after ESWL was performed for PGE2 (predominant renal PG) determination. Subjective pain after ESWL was recorded with pain score (0-10 degrees). Oral codein or pethidine injection were available for relieving pain following ESWL. The pain score, analgesic requirement and urinary PGE2 in pre- and post-ESWL were used to compare the two groups. The pain score was 4.00 +/- 0.25 and 3.00 +/- 0.25 in the control and study groups respectively; it had a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). In control group, 12 and 14 patients required 23 doses of codein and 18 doses of pethidine. In the study group, three and four patients required five doses of codein and eight doses of pethidine. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the control group, the mean pre- and post-ESWL urinary PGE2 was 305 +/- 65.8 and 474 +/- 101 micrograms/24-hr respectively. In the study group, the mean pre- and post-ESWL urinary PGE2 was 289 +/- 60.7 and 186 +/- 26.5 micrograms/24-hr respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Experience of 80 cases.

The clinical course and association with other urothelial carcinomas was studied in 80 patients with carcinoma of the renal pelvis. At the time of diagnosis macroscopic haematuria was the most common symptom. Urography and retrograde pyelography gave the most accurate diagnoses. Sixty-eight patients (85%) had transitional cell carcinomas, 39 had a history of another urothelial carcinoma either before or after the diagnosis of the renal tumour, usually in the urinary bladder. A previous urothelial carcinoma together with a small renal tumour were predictive of the subsequent development of another urothelial tumour. Regular cystoscopy is recommended during follow-up because of the short observed interval between the development of carcinoma of the renal pelvis and a subsequent urothelial malignancy. The overall five-year survival was 20%. Survival did not depend on the operation, but was significantly related to the extent of locoregional or distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. Patients with such renal tumours that were preceded by or associated with other urothelial carcinomas had a more favourable median survival (42 months) than patients whose renal tumour was their first urothelial carcinoma (19 months).


Skeletal metastases in 102 patients evaluated before surgery for renal cell carcinoma.

During a 3-year period a consecutive series of 102 patients were treated for renal cell carcinoma at one urological unit. Thirty-three patients (32.4%) had metastatic spread, but bone metastases were found in six patients only, i.e. 5.9% of the whole series and 18.2% of the patients with metastases preoperatively. The bone metastases had in all six patients given local symptoms first indicating radiography, and thereafter radionuclide scintigraphy of the entire skeleton. Bone scintigraphy performed merely by routine in 70 patients did not reveal one single case of bone metastasis. Only one patient had a solitary bone metastasis, and this metastasis was considered inoperable because of its location and size and the patient's age. The decision about nephrectomy was not in any case altered by the finding of bone metastases. Solitary bone metastasis must be diagnosed early since they may be radically removed. Routine scintigraphy of the skeleton in symptomless patients, however, has a low yield. Screening for skeletal metastases may therefore be best performed by careful physical examination and history-taking.


Multiple renal masses in patients with renal cell carcinoma: diagnostic pitfalls and surgical implications.

Additional renal masses were found in the same or contralateral kidney in 41 of 131 patients with renal cell carcinoma. In 35 of the patients the additional renal masses were simple renal cysts situated in the kidney contralateral to the renal cell carcinoma in 16 patients, in the same kidney in 11 and bilaterally in 8 patients. Four patients had bilateral renal cell carcinomas. One patient had polycystic kidney disease as well as renal cell carcinoma and another patient had a benign tumour in the contralateral kidney. In 3 of the 30 patients with additional renal masses in the kidney contralateral to the renal cell carcinoma the radiologic examinations were insufficient to exclude malignancy. Only explorative surgery could establish a true diagnosis of these masses.


Biochemical fingerprinting of urinary Escherichia coli causing recurrent infections in women with pyelonephritic renal scarring.

A biochemical fingerprinting system, especially designed for subtyping of Escherichia coli and suitable for screening large number of bacterial strains was used in a long-term follow-up study of 19 women with non-obstructive pyelonephritic renal scarring and recurrent urinary infections in order to examine whether recurrent infections mostly are relapses or reinfections in this group of patients. Seventy-six recurrent infections occurred during a 47-month follow-up (0.09 infections per observation month). The majority of the recurrences were reinfections (58/76, 76%) and 18 (24%) were relapses caused by E. coli. Approximately 50% of relapses and reinfections caused by E. coli were symptomatic while the majority of reinfections caused by other bacteria were asymptomatic (23/30, 77%). In one patient a relapse of E. coli infection occurred more than two years (745 days) after the initial infection. Reinfections may occur early (7 days) after cessation of antimicrobial therapy in this group of patients. Two patients had an episode of symptomatic bacteriuria 51 and 56 days after asymptomatic bacteriuria with the same E. coli strain was detected. Biochemical fingerprinting of the E. coli isolates revealed that they belong to a wide variety of biochemical phenotypes which indicates that they are not members of widespread uropathogenic clones.


Urinary excretion of citrate, glycosaminoglycans, magnesium and zinc in relation to age and sex in normal subjects and in patients who form calcium stones.

One hundred and ninety-seven healthy subjects and 104 patients with idiopathic calcium stone disease had their urinary excretion of citrate, glycosaminoglycans, magnesium, and zinc measured and the results correlated with sex and age. In normal subjects the daily excretion of citrate, magnesium, and zinc increased with age to a maximum during the fifth decade and remained relatively constant until the eighth decade when they decreased. The daily excretion of magnesium and zinc were higher in men than in women, which was attributed to the higher body weights of the men. The urinary excretion of citrate, magnesium, and zinc related to creatinine remained relatively constant with age in adult life; analyses of magnesium and zinc excretion rates divided by urine creatinine did not distinguish men from women. There was no significant difference between men and women for citrate excretion in 24 hour urine, but the citrate:creatinine ratio was significantly higher in women than men. The higher citrate excretion in women may explain the lower incidence of calcium stones in women. The highest glycosaminoglycan excretion rates were seen during the first two decades which is why children and teenagers are less prone to develop calcium stones in spite of high urinary calcium concentrations. Urinary citrate and magnesium excretion were lower, and glycosaminoglycan and zinc excretion were higher, in stone formers than in controls. It seems that a decreased excretion of citrate and magnesium together with an increased excretion of calcium, may contribute to the formation of calcium stones. The role of urinary glycosaminoglycans and zinc in the formation of calcium stones remains uncertain.


Decrease in renal function following decreased fibrinogen and raised fibrin degradation products in lupus nephritis with nephrotic syndrome.

To clarify the relationship between renal function and laboratory indicators of abnormal blood coagulation in lupus nephritis with nephrotic syndrome, we studied 28 patients with this disease over the 11 years. Follow-up tests included serial determination of plasma fibrinogen, serum fibrin degradation products (FDP), serum creatinine and endogenous creatinine clearance (Ccr) as well as other parameters. Either decreased fibrinogen, elevated FDP, or both were found in 13 cases. Taking as a criterion of decreased renal function an increase in serum creatinine above 0.2 mg/100 ml combined with a decrease in Ccr by more than 30% below the immediately preceding values, 11 of the above 13 patients showed a marked deterioration in renal function concurrently or within two weeks after the episodes of clotting disorder. Two other patients showed a less marked decrease in renal function. The 15 patients whose circulating fibrinogen and FDP remained normal did not show deterioration in renal function. The difference in renal function decrease between the groups with and without abnormal hemocoagulation indicators is significant. Our preliminary results indicate that when fibrinogen and FDP indicate intravascular hypercoagulation deterioration in renal function in patients with lupus nephritis is probable.


Long term morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation.

A cohort of 69 patients received a kidney transplant in the period 1963-1977. The mean observation time was 9.5 years. Accumulated follow-up time was 661.4 patients year. The mean (SE) 10-year survival was 55(5.9)%. Univariate analysis showed that female patients had poorer survival than male. Patients with a cadaveric donor had lower survival than those with a living donor. Also survival with different HLA-A,B match differed significantly. A multivariate analysis pinpointed nature of donor, cadaveric vs. living, as the sole independent predictor of mortality. Patients receiving a cadaveric kidney were on double (2.2) relative risk of mortality as compared to patients with a living donor. The major causes of death were infections during rejection treatment, and cardiovascular disease. Patients had low rates of morbidity. Our results showed satisfactory outcome of kidney transplantation.


Renal transplantations from the same kidney donor: outcome of diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Diabetic (DM) nephropathy is an indication of renal transplantation in 30% of all cases in our hospital. We assessed retrospectively the outcome of these diabetics (DM) in comparison with their non-diabetic (NDM) controls. Each diabetic (n = 24) had a control (n = 24) receiving a kidney from the same donor. There was no difference in the stage of uraemia preoperatively. Anaesthesia and fluid therapy were standardized. Peroperative hypotension occurred more often in diabetics (NS). All operating parameters including cold ischaemia were comparable. Kidney function started immediately in 14/24 in the DM group and 13/24 in the NDM group and was delayed in 10/24 and 11/24, respectively. One diabetic patient rejected the transplant as did two non-diabetic patients. Postoperatively diuretics could be discontinued more often in the DM than in the NDM group (p < 0.05). Antihypertensives had to be started in the NDM more often (NS) than in the DM group. In conclusion, the outcome of diabetic patients after renal transplantation was comparable to their NDM controls.


Effects of schistosomiasis on living kidney donors.

Twenty living kidney donors with schistosomiasis were compared with 20 uninfected donors for a mean follow-up period of 42 months (range 12-62). All patients with schistosomiasis had been treated preoperatively with antischistosomal chemotherapy. None of the donors developed any appreciable change in mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure during the follow-up period, though one infected and two uninfected donors had traces of protein in the urine. One uninfected donor developed microscopic haematuria. The two groups has similar reductions in renal function after unilateral nephrectomy. The response of the remaining kidneys to a combined infusion of dopamine and an amino acid preparation was similar in both groups. One infected and two uninfected donors were found to have developed mild hydroureter and hydronephrosis on excretory urography. Schistosomiasis did not significantly affect compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining kidney. We conclude that uncomplicated schistosomiasis in living kidney donors does not adversely affect either the function or the morphology of the remaining kidney, at least during an observation period of up to five years. Schistosomal infection does not seem to alter the adaptive changes in the remaining kidney, provided that the donor had functionally and morphologically intact kidneys and that the schistosomiasis was treated before kidney donation. Longer term evaluation is recommended, however, to confirm the validity of these observations.


Safety aspects and diagnostic findings of serial renal allograft biopsies, obtained by an automatic technique with a midsize needle.

Percutaneous biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure in evaluating the renal allograft with compromised function. Graft losses and haemorrhagic complication are major risks. To minimize these problems we used a midsize TruCut needle, controlled by an automatic firing device (Biopty-Cut), fixed to an ultrasound guidance system. Core biopsies of 1.2 x 20 mm were obtained from 1,421 kidney grafts. On 5 occasions a haemorrhagic complication that required prolonged hospitalization or intervention occurred. No grafts were lost as a consequence of the biopsy procedure. Typical histological morphological parameters found during allograft rejection has earlier been established. Using a protocol with 27 histological parameters this study confirms that recognized criteria for rejection can be relied upon even with this smaller needle. The results showed that the degree of oedema and lymphocytic infiltration of the interstitium and in the arterial wall discriminated best between rejecting grafts and non-rejection grafts.


Self-care assessment tool for spinal cord injured persons.

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid tool that assesses the cognitive and functional skills needed for self-care in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The Self-Care Assessment Tool (SCAT) assesses cognitive and functional skills in eight self-care areas: bathing/grooming, nutritional management, taking medications, mobility/transfers/safety, skin management, bladder management, bowel management and dressing. The tool was carefully developed and has demonstrated content validity. Interrater reliabilities for the cognitive, functional and total scores ranged from .69 to .94 (n = 10). Test-retest reliabilities for the cognitive, functional and total scores ranged from -.06 to .86 (n = 14, 16). Regarding predictive validity, R2 ranged from .61 to .90 for the cognitive, functional and total scores (n = 18). Although continued reliability and validity studies are needed, the SCAT has potential to measure patient rehabilitation outcomes, to evaluate nursing care approaches and to serve as a quality assurance indicator for nursing care.


The arduous road to recovery.

The transition from acute rehabilitation to life in the community represents a new experience for the person with a spinal cord injury (SCI). After returning home, the person is required to manage a range of new challenges created by the injury and its consequences. There is a paucity of information regarding the practical aspects of persons with SCI attaining educational goals and full-time employment. Considerations such as emotional/social adjustment, support systems, physical and attitudinal barriers, work disincentives, and health care needs must be addressed. This article illustrates how one person with quadriplegia overcame obstacles and barriers in his quest to obtain a college education and gainful employment. The experiences of a young man with quadriplegia, as well as a nursing perspective, are presented. Key aspects are identified and related to nursing practice. Stages of adult development, education, and practical considerations are also examined.


Orthodontic treatment of a Class II division 1 malocclusion exhibiting significant maxillary arch length deficiency: a case report.

The orthodontic correction of a Class II Division I malocclusion with significant maxillary arch length deficiency and a blocked-out maxillary cuspid is reported. The case was successfully completed on a non-extraction basis using extraoral cervical headgear anchorage and compressed coil springs to gain necessary maxillary arch length. No intermaxillary elastics or functional appliances were used. Favorable patient cooperation and facial growth were instrumental in achieving good results.


[Empirical approaches to epidemiology of the Middle Ages].

Diseases result from hazards and influences originating in one's environment and could be described in evolutionary terms as maladaptations. Variations in the pattern of diseases throughout times and places can therefore indicate variations in the living conditions of ancient populations. Palaeopathology is the only way of gathering empirical data suitable for the reconstruction of epidemiological developments in the past. In spite of an abundance of material from the middle ages, only 25 series turned out to fulfill two crucial prerequisites, a certain minimal sizes and a palaeopathological analysis. Still a statistical comparison of those palaeopathological analyses proved impossible, because in most cases only casuistic details were available. This deficiency results from a lack of concept within palaeopathology. The ecosystem theory offers a basis for the development of a far-reaching concept. Widely accepted paradigms are indispensable for a prolific interdisciplinary cooperation on the highly relevant and complex phenomenon disease. Working with a standardized concept palaeopathology will be able to contribute to the solution of questions central to both, social history and environmental archaeology.


[Approaches for identifying the functional application of Greek-Roman medical instruments].

Various approaches may be used in attempting to identify ancient medical instruments in cases where documentary or archaeological evidence fails to provide adequate information about their appearance or application, viz.: 1) the etymological approach, which is appropriate when only the instrument's name is known and when this indicates something about its form or function. 2) the philological approach, involving a Constitutio textus, the etymological analysis of the instrument's name and an examination of parallel references. This method is suitable in the case of instruments described in an ancient medical text whose meaning is not completely clear. 3) the philological-technical approach, which attempts an interpretation using the above philological approach supplemented by a consideration of the present-day function of a particular instrument or procedure. 4) the technical approach, which may be useful either when the existence of specific variants of an instrument has already been reliably established by means of appropriate technical terms or archaeological evidence and when the instrument is designated in the next in question only by some generic term, or alternatively when terminological specifications are lacking but the available archaeological evidence points to the existence of variants of an ancient instrument adapted for specific ends. For the purpose of illustration, the approaches described here will be applied to problem cases.


["Preformation and prediction" of the human sex. Wilhelm Weinberg's critique of Otto Schöner's "theory"].

In 1909 Otto Schöner, a district medical officer, claimed human sex to be determined by ovarian preformation and to be precisely predicted. Up to his death in 1940 Schöner denied not only the role of sex chromosomes, but chromosomes as carrier of heritage in general. His "theory" of sex preformation in the human ovary and sex prediction was published in renowned journals, e.g. "Zentralblatt für Gynäkologie" and "Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Gynäkologie". His statistics as well as the "theory" were criticized by Wilhelm Weinberg, a general practitioner, obstetrician and statistician. Weinberg's name has been firmly linked to a principle of population genetics by the eponym "Hardy-Weinberg-law". This paper is intended to give an extensive description of the controversy between Schöner and Weinberg.


[Microscopic anatomy from the viewpoint of the macroscopic anatomist: the Vienna anatomist Joseph Hyrtl and his microscopic injection specimen].

Mainly due to an intellectual opposition to microscopy the promising early investigations in this field had come to an untimely end resulting in a neglect of the microscope during the 18th century. In this situation micro-injected specimens were to become an important link on the way to the microscopical science of histology establishing in the first half of the 19th century. Starting without optical instrumentation on the solid grounds of visual experience injected vessels and ducts provided a pathway from well known macroscopical into unknown microscopical dimensions. Without changing their level of perception anatomists could look through a microscope with macroscopist's eyes. Under this aspect Joseph Hyrtl's specimens are not part of a systematic microscopic anatomy or histology but technically demanding preparations to study body morphology and function by comparative anatomy.


[Human abnormalities--their importance in the world view during antiquity and the early Middle Ages].

In consideration of the experience that also in our present day society the development of a handicapped baby is understood by some as the visible result of a morally guilty behaviour of the parents, the present study raises the question, whether the identification of physical appearance and moral attitude has been in a certain historical epoch the preferred approach in science for understanding the origin of human malformations. After the treatment of the teratological theories in greek medicine and aristotelian natural philosophy the question of the origin of human malformation is examined in Pliny's "Historia naturalis" and Augustine's "De civitate dei". A comparison between the theories presented shows that the moral interpretation of human malformation is an inevitable consequence of the augustinian theological thinking.


[The characteristics of chromosomal distribution and of the variability of the multiply repeating DNA fraction of the genome in Bos taurus L].

The uniform distribution of satellite DNA II and IV has been revealed using in situ hybridization and differential staining in centromeric regions of autosomes. The sex chromosomes have not found such nucleotide blocks. There is only minor satellite IV block inside Y chromosome short arm. The Y chromosome has got some (TG)n enriched blocks distributed also among other parts of genome and one copy of sequences like human ZFY gene. The high repetitive fraction of bovine genomic DNA have not revealed RFLP. However, the difference has been found by blot hybridization between genomic organization of satellite IV in cattle and yak chromosomal DNA. Non-Mendelian distribution of some such nucleotide blocks has been obtained for interspecies crosses of cattle and yak.


[The function of alloantigens in the animal organism].

Spread of alloantigens in the animal organism is shown. Alloantigens play a great role in cellular differentiation, intercellular interaction and regulation of immune response. The substances, the cell interacts with, are selected using restrictions, that exerts an influence on regulation of gene expression by feedback principle.


[Polyploidy and deviations in the gonadal morphology of tetraploid toads, Bufo danatensis (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae)].

Morphological features of gonads of diploid Bufo viridis and tetraploid B. danatensis from 15 localities of USSR (453 spec.) were investigated. Females with the rudimentary ovaries were found among polyploid toads from south Turkmenia. The toads from Tajikistan having the external features of males usually demonstrated a specific kind of lateral gynandromorphism: a single side testes and rudimentary ovaries (with the normal ovarioles). The observed facts are treated either as a result of hybridization of recent species or as a result of originality of genomes organization.


[The genetic aspects of phylogeny in the brown Carpathian cattle of Ukraine].

The results of studies of special features of the genetic structures of grey-brown Carpathian cattle in its ecological recess are presented. The immunogenetic resemblance and distance between related and unrelated breeds of grey-brown Carpathian cattle were calculated. It was found, that grey-brown Carpathian cattle were genetically most similar to Swiss (r = 0.9067) and unsimilar to Herefords (r = 0.7457). It was shown, that the grey-brown Carpathian cattle had unique traits of the genetic structures for B-system of erythrocyte antigens.


[The characteristics of the reproductive capacity of hybrids of banteng (Bos (Bibos) javanicus d'Alton) with the domestic cow (Bos (Bos) primigenius taurus)].

The hybrid progeny of F1 produced by crossing of banteng and domestic cow is characterized by absolute sterility of the male line and fertility of the female line. The crossbred males become fertile in further progenies while crossing cross-females with males of initial forms. Successful use of inter-subgenetic hybrids of banteng and domestic cow in selection work is hindered by pathological deviations in their genitals structure as well as frequent deaths of the embryos and foetus in hybrid cows at the different stages of embryogenesis. It is suggested that those deviations (both in cow and in bulls) are caused mainly by genetic and immunological factors and are determined to a greater extent by combination of parental couples.


[The effect of administration of non-soluble fungal glucan on the level of delayed skin hypersensitivity and phagocytic activity of leukocytes in the blood of calves].

The level of delayed skin hypersensitivity (DSH) was evaluated in vivo after dinitrofluorobenzene induction (3rd and 7th week of the experimental) while the level of phagocytic activity (FA) of blood leucocytes (in weekly intervals during six weeks of observation) was evaluated in calves (4.5 to 5.5 months of age) after administration of particular fungal glucane (from oyster mushroom) at a dose of 10 mg/kg live weight. In calves which were administered glucane (abbr. G), a significantly stronger cell-mediated immune response was recorded by means of DSH test in the 3rd week of observation, namely in comparison with its starting value (P < 0.01) and also with the value of control animals (P < 0.01; K group)-Tab. I. In the seventh week of the experiment there was not a statistical difference in the average values of DSH any more (Tab. I). But at that time 100 percent of calves showed a skin reaction above 6.5 mm (mean = 7.64 +/- 0.55) evoked by the used sensibilizer in the G group; this reaction was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in comparison with the value of DSH in a majority (80%) of calves of the K group (mean = 6.15 +/- 0.21)-Fig.1. The immunostimulating effect of the used glucane on the FA of blood leucocytes was less significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Chromosomal anomalies of human gametes and intrauterine selection. Research on female gametes].

The results of cytogenetical analysis of human oocytes are summarized. The chromosomal disorders in human gametes and in spontaneous abortions are comparatively analyzed.


[The cytogenetic indication of irradiation in persons exposed to the action of the factors in the Chernobyl accident].

363 men who have been working under conditions of additional irradiation in terms from few hours to some months were cytogenetically examined to define individual irradiation. In 111 men with the known dose of irradiation (5-140 cGy), the results of cytogenetic evaluation indicated, as a rule, a less intensive irradiation than physical dosimetry. This could be caused by elimination of chromosome aberrations, individual sensitivity, peculiar irradiation situation, or in some cases by incorrect evaluation of dose. In 252 men with the unknown dose of irradiation a tentative level was determined as based on frequency of metaphases with chromosome type aberrations. According to the study the absorbed dose was below 25 cGy in 209 cases, 26-50 cGy in 39 cases, and reached 51-90 cGy in 4 cases.


[The effect of administration of vitamin E on levels of serum immunoglobulins and levels of phagocytic activity].

The effect of peroral administration and parenteral implantation of vitamin E was followed as exerted on the concentration of total serum immunoglobulins and phagocytic activity of blood leucocytes in calves. Twelve calves at the age of maximally 14 days with the average live weight of 41.2 kg were included in an experiment with peroral administration; six of them were given Combinal E (Tocoferolum aceticum 40 mg in 1 ml) at a dose of 20 mg tocopherol acetate per kg live weight. Sixteen calves at the age of three months and with the average live weight of 112.6 kg were included in the second trial. The Erevit preparation was implanted intramuscularly to eight calves at the same dose as in the first experiment (Tocoferolum aceticum 300 mg in 1 ml solutions oleosae). The animals of control groups in both experiments were administered sunflower oil as a placebo, namely at the same amount as the above-mentioned preparations (no oil treatment for peroral administration, heat and pressure treatments of oil for intramuscular implantation). All the preparations lead to a significant increase in vitamin E concentrations in the blood plasma of calves in both experiments, the highest average level being recorded in 24 hours after administration (8.05, and/or 5.51 mumol/l; Tabs. I and IV). The level of total serum immunoglobulins was not influenced by vitamin E supplementation; this level remained below the physiological range of values in calves with peroral administration during the whole time of observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Relation of lactose levels in milk and indicators of mammary gland health in the first third of lactation].

A total of 662 bucket milk samples from cows of two breed groups were examined: red and white breed = Bohemian Pied cattle with different genetic proportions of Ayrshire and Red Holstein improvement breeds; black and white breed = Black and White Lowland breed and different degree of absorptive crossing with a genetic proportion of the Holstein breed. Samples of daily milk yields were taken in the first three months of lactation once a month within a year. A possibility of using lactose content as an auxiliary indicator for detection of the mammary gland secretion disorders in the initial lactation stage was evaluated. The average values of the different indicators and their variability are summarized in Tab. I showing also the significance in a statistical model of included effects. Lactose content (L) was 4.88 +/- 0.20%, chloride content (Cl-) 113.7 +/- 22.4 mg/100 ml, somatic cell (SC) count 474 +/- 805 thousand/ml, SC count log corresponds to the geometrical mean of 234 thousand/ml, titratable acidity (SH) 7.34 +/- 0.83 x 2.5 mmol/l, chloride-lactose ratio (ClL) 2.27 +/- 0.51, conductivity (gamma) 442.4 +/- 34.5 mS/m and mastitis test (MT-NK) 0.72 +/- 1.18. The efficiency of the used statistical model was highest for Cl- content (Tab. I, R2 = 0.41), and it was lowest for SC counts (R2 = 0.07), while it increased to the twofold value (R2 = 0.15) after logarithmic transformation of SC counts. The breed group exerted a significant effect on Cl-, SC, log SC, SH, ClL, gamma and MT-NK (Tab. I). The breed group of red and white cows (Tab. II) had higher component contents and better indicators of the udder health state (Cl-, SC, log SC, ClL, gamma and MT-NK). The month of lactation influenced significantly SC, log SC, SH and gamma (Tab. I). A decrease in SC counts with the accruing month of lactation was observed (Tab. II), the trend of gamma and SH was opposite. The effect of lactation number was found to be significant for L, SC, log SC, SH, ClL, gamma and MT-NK (Tab. I). A tendency of a gradual decrease with the lactation number was observed in these indicators: L, SH, proteins and solids-non-fat (Fig. 1), while Cl-, gamma and ClL showed an opposite tendency. The year season influenced significantly L, log SC, SH, ClL, gamma and MT-NK (Tab. I, Fig. 2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


[The clinico-genetic aspects of mental retardation related to the fragile-X chromosome].

This review deals with main problems of syndrome of X-fragile chromosome. The history of discovery and subsequent study of diseases as well as methods of examination, main clinical symptoms, methods of treatment and prophylaxis have been described. Some hypotheses, explaining complicated mechanism of fra-X syndrome inheritance are discussed. The recent achievements of molecular and genetic investigations of mental backwardness, associated with X-fragile chromosome are included in review.


[Functional liver disorder in relation to decreased titratable acidity of milk].

The internal environment of 17 dairy cows was observed by help of 23 variables of metabolic profile in blood and milk at lowered titratable acidity of milk (Tab. I) Average values of the observed variables were compared with reference values in a histogramme (Fig. 1). We calculated the statistical significance of differences of arithmetical means from reference average. Using correlation analysis we calculated the correlation coefficients for the observed variables. We represented the chosen correlation relations in correlogrammes (Fig. 2). We found significant correlation relations between AST and titratable acidity (degrees SH) (r = 0.791), AST and milk pH (r 0.617), AST and lactose (r = 0.69), AST and glucose (r = -0.56), blood pH and milk pH (r = -0.608), milk pH and lactose (r = -0.89). Mutual relations of titratable acidity with chosen variables of blood serum and milk were evaluated by help of regression coefficients, calculated for each parameter from the mathematical model (Fig. 3). The nearest relations were found for blood pH (regression coefficient /k/ kPH = -11.9), for AST (kAST = -3.1), for milk pH (k milk pH = -1.72) and for Mg (k Mg = -1.98). We also compared the recorded results of titratable acidity with theoretical values of titratable acidity calculated from the mathematical model (Tab. II). The differences between them were not statistically significant. It is evident from the results that the acid-base balance and functional liver condition influence the titratable acidity of milk.


[The interrelation of the antimutagenic action of mannitol to its effect on cellular metabolic processes].

The mannitol influence on mutagenesis of ionizing radiation and cyclophosphate has been studied in albino mongrel rats using the methods of genetic and biochemical analysis. N correlation is determined between antimutagenic action of this preparation and a decrease of malondialdehyde content in cells and free fractions of matrix lysosomes (beta-galactosidase; N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase) and firmly membrane-structurized microsomal (glucose-6-phosphatase) enzymes, whose level increases under the influence of mutagens. It is shown that, one of the way of antimutagenic actions of mannitol is connected with mutagenesis correction at the stage of origin of mutagenic products and their transport to chromosome DNA.


[Biochemical aspects of the toxic effects of Supermethrin and the histochemical activity of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase in subchronic poisoning in sheep].

Fifteen Slovak Merino sheep were included in the experiment. The animals weighing 21-28 kg were divided into three groups per five animals. In a six-week feeding experiment the animals of group I were given 50 mg supermethrin per kg live weight per day while those of group II received 200, and from week four of the experiment 300 mg supermethrin per kg live weight per day. During the experiment changes of aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2), acetylcholine esterase (EC 3.1.1.7), urea und creatinine levels in blood serum were observed. Six weeks after supermethrin treatment the sheep were slaughtered and histochemical evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2), acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and non-specific esterase (EC 3.1.1.1) was carried out in liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. In the course of the experiment changes of the enzymatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase observed in both experimental groups of sheep were similar to those seen in the control group of animals (Tab. I). As compared to the starting values, no significant changes in the activity of alanine aminotransferase were observed in group II of the experiment and in the controls. However, a significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase activity could be seen in the blood serum of sheep of group I (Tab. II). In both experimental groups of animals no significant changes in the acetylcholine esterase could be seen (Tab. III). As compared to the starting values, no significant changes were observed in creatinine levels of the control and the 1st experimental group of sheep (Tab. IV). In the sheep of the 2nd group a temporary significant decrease (p < 0.05) in creatinine levels was seen. The dynamics of urea levels was similar to starting values in all animals throughout the experiment Tab. V). In the control group of animals (Fig. 1) the high density of reaction product of alkaline phosphatase was determined in the microvilli of enterocytes of the small intestine. In the small intestine of the animals of both experimental groups, the activity of this enzyme was shown to be located in the same zone (Fig. 2). In all experimental animals in the parenchyma of the liver and kidney no significant changes could be observed. In both experimental and control animals the high activity of acid phosphatase was demonstrated to be located especially in the cytoplasma of enterocytes. The activity of non-specific esterase was located in the cytoplasma of enterocytes of the small intestine, in the intestinal crypts its activity was slight up to high.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


[The effect of bentazone manufactured in Czechoslovakia on the synthesis of bacterial proteins in the rumen of sheep].

The effect of the perorally ingested pesticide bentazone (195 mg.kg-1) of Czechoslovak origin on the amino acid composition of proteins of bacteria adhering to the ventral and dorsal ruminal wall investigated in six sheep. Proteosynthesis of adherent bacteria was studied by a modified and quantified elution method (elution of bacteria by an isotonic buffered solution at 4 degrees C). By the latter, a concentrate of undamaged bacteria a adhering to the sheep ruminal epithelium could be obtained. The yield of the method was estimated by scanning electrone microscopy and it was 93.3% (Legáth et al., 1990). The high correlation coefficient (r = 0.94, p < 0.01) suggested that in comparison with the control group of sheep, bentazone in the diet did not have a marked effect on the amount of amino acids in hydrolyzates of bacteria adhering to the dorsal and ventral ruminal epithelium. From the analysis of the single amino acids, it however follows that bentazone in the feeding ration caused significant changes in the concentrations of some amino acids in the proteins of bacteria adhering to the epithelium in the ventral and dorsal part of the rumen (p < 0.05) (Tab. I, II). In both topographico-anatomical parts of the rumen phenylalanine levels significantly increased whereas those of alanine and glycine decreased (Fig. 1). Pesticides can be one of the factors that negatively affect the biosynthetic processes in the rumen of ruminants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Arbovirus antibodies in wild game caught in Moravia].

The HIT method was used to examine blood serums of the game in Moravia (roebuck, red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar, brown hare) for the presence of antibodies to arboviruses of these groups: alphavirus (Sindbis-SIN), flavivirus (West Nile-WN), tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Bunyamwera (Tahyna-TAH, Calovo-CVO). Antibodies to all viruses were detected, and namely in these frequencies: SIN 0.9%, WN 16.9%, TAH 41.5%, CVO 23.1% and TBE 8.5%.


[The effect of monensin on performance and selected biochemical and hematological parameters in the blood of calves].

The aim of this study was to find out the influence of monensin, a ionophore antibiotic, on calf performance and selected physiological parameters. Monensin is a product of Streptomyces cinnamonensis. It has effects on all Gram-negative microbes, such as Escherichia coli, salmonellas, pseudomonads and vibria. It has a small effect on Gram-positive microbes. At the beginning of the experiment eight young crossbred bulls (C x N) at the age of three weeks were weighted and divided into two groups, experimental and control ones. Calves were kept in individual boxes and fed acidified whole milk (2 ml of 85% formic acid per 1 litre of milk). They had a free access to concentrates (COT), hay and drinking water. The calves received 3 lt. of whole milk twice a day until the age of eight weeks. 0.5 mg of monensin per 1 kg live weight were served orally to calves of the experimental group every day. Monensin was made by the Spofa Corporation, Prague. Daily intake of feed was recorded and the calves were weighted once a week. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein before the beginning of the experiment, and in the period from the fifth to the tenth week of age, always before morning feeding. The average daily live weight gain was 0.452 kg and 0.471 kg for the control and experimental group, respectively, during the milk feeding period, the index being 104.2 (Tab. I). Tab. II shows the average feed intake per 1 kg live weight gain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Dynamics of methemoglobin levels in the blood of calves in relation to the ingested quantity of nitrates and the transrenal transport of nitrates].

Changes of methaemoglobin levels were investigated in the blood of suckling calves. Transrenal passage of nitrates was determined in dependence on the ingested amount of nitrates. The experiments were conducted under defined husbandry conditions; no excessive nitrate and nitrite supplementation of the calves by feeds and water could be stated. Imitation of possible field conditions when mainly water, but feeds too, may contain higher nitrate and nitrite levels, was carried out by peroral administration of an aquaeous solution of KNO3 to calves. The administered dose was increased from one to 2, 5 and 10 g per animal and day, respectively, in weekly intervals. MtHb determination in the blood of experimental calves on day 1 and 5 of the administration of 1 g KNO3 revealed no significant values. On day 1 and 5 of the administration of 2, 5 and 10 g KNO3 per animal and day, respectively, a significant increase of MtHb levels in the blood of calves was observed 2 and 3 hours after administration, followed by a decrease 4 hours after administration. The maximum values of MtHb in the blood of experimental calves, observed 3 hours following application of the respective KNO3 dose, were within the tolerance limits of the reference values. In urine, 3 hours after the administration of 10 g of KNO3 a mean nitrate value of 941.40.


[Verification of the usefulness of Estrophan inj. Spofa in the control of reproductive parameters in sows after weaning of piglets].

Cloprostenol, a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue, used in the Czechoslovak preparation Oestrophan ing. Spofa was tested by a new nontraditional use. The effect of cloprostenol use on reproductive parameters of sows after piglet weaning was followed in a set of 456 experimental and 434 control sows. The effect of single intramuscular instillation of cloprostenol was tested in five partial observations: to multiparous sows at a dose of 175 micrograms on the day of weaning (experimental group no. 1), on day 1 after weaning (group no. 2), 500 micrograms on day 1 after weaning (group no.3), to primiparous sows at a dose of 500 microgram on day 1 after weaning (group no. 4). The treatment used in group no. 4 was also applied to 42 primiparous sows kept on a farm with regular occurrence of post-weaning anoestria of sows (experimental group no. 5). These parameters were evaluated: dynamics of oestrus onset within five, and/or ten, days after weaning, average length of the weaning--first insemination interval, conception rate after the first insemination in dependence on terminated deliveries and parameters of piglet litter. Cloprostenol application did not have a statistically significant effect on the evaluated reproductive parameters. The percentage of multiparous, and/or primiparous, sows in which the oestrus onset was not detected by the 10th day after weaning, did not show any large differences in the various experimental and control groups (17.09 vs. 16.55%, 23.53 vs. 32.56%, 13.66 vs. 18.13%, 29.54 vs. 30.30%; P > 0.05). On the farm with regular occurrence of post-weaning anoestria there were 73.81% of primiparous sows with oestrus onset after cloprostenol instillation and 71.43% primiparous sows without treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Seasonal dynamics of the occurrence of parasites in the digestive tract in poultry].

The extensity of digestive tract infection with different parasites in domestic fowl kept on large and small farms was diagnosed in individual months of the years 1986-1989. The obtained results were confronted with the values of average monthly temperatures and rainfall sums in individual months of the above-mentioned period. The numbers of birds examined in individual months of the years 1986-1989 were as follows: 105 to 234 from large farms and 32 to 112 from small farms. The numbers of examined chicks from small farms were lowest in winter, and on the other hand highest in summer. The numbers of examined fowl from large farms varied from month to month. Particularly Coccidia (average extensity 12.1%), scarcely Heterakis gallinae (0.2%) and Capillaria spp. (0.1%) were detected in birds kept on a large scale. The occurrence of Coccidia fluctuated from 5% in birds dissected in May, July and November to 22% in birds dissected in August. H. gallinae and Capillaria spp. occurred rarely, namely in the second half of the year after warm and rainy periods (Figs. 1 and 2). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic fowl kept on small farms is variable within the year while the change begins in summer and culminates in autumn after warm and rainy months. Only following the sporulation of larger numbers of oocysts, or the maturation of larger numbers of eggs or cysticercoids their pathogenicity can play a key role while their concentrations in the environment are increasing. Hence parasitoses begin to appear after the rise of temperatures and rainfall.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Use of monoclonal antibodies against human HLA II antigens for the detection of bovine B lymphocytes and macrophages].

The crossreactivity of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) (Tab. I) prepared against human HLA-DR and HLA-DP antigens was studied in various bovine cells: lymphocytes from lymph nodes and peripheral blood, adherent (B) and nonadherent (T) lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and platelets. In the immunofluorescence test, MoAbs Bra13, Bra14, Bra20, Bra22, Bra30, Bra70, HL-38 reacted with bovine B lymphocytes and monocytes, but not with other tested cells (Tab. III, IV). These antibodies, except Bra22, were positive with B lymphocytes in the complement dependent cytotoxic test (Tab. II). The similarity of the bovine antigens and HLA-DR antigens determined by used MoAbs was also proved by immunoblotting. Monoclonal antibodies Bra38 and BraFB6 did not react with the bovine cells and separated antigens. The epitope (HLA-DR) recognized by the antibody Bra38 is probably absent in cattle. The presence of HLA-DP analogue determined by the antibody BraFB6 has not been confirmed. The crossreactive MoAbs could be used for the detection of B lymphocytes and macrophages in veterinary immunology.


[Selected biogenic elements in the blood of hares (Lepus europaeus Pall.)].

Blood samples were collected through aortic punctures in hares coming from different agricultural regions. Base biogenic elements (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, chlorides) were determined in blood plasma not showing haemolysis. The values obtained in hares born and kept in captivity are presented for the purposes of comparison. Changes in element levels are described for different pollution load of ecosystems, from physiological aspects for more advanced stages of gravidity, for a higher lactation number and for young growth. The problems of qualitative fasting of hares can also be documented by mineral contents in blood plasma. The levels of some elements were evaluated for a group of adult male and female hares, and the youngs regardless of their sex until the disappearance of Stroh's outgrowth. The results were processed statistically and are summarized in tables (Tabs. 1-12) and they are compared with available literature.


[The optimization of bone repair in open comminuted fractures of the long bones].

Clinical and experimental researches were conducted to study the possibilities for enhancing the efficiency of treatment of open composite comminuted and crushed fractures of long bones with the help of repercussive action of electrets. The results of roentgenomorphometric, clinical and biomechanical researches have shown the efficiency of electrets that could shorten the healing time of the infected wounds, stop the inflammatory reaction and promote the repairing process of bones. The application of electrets using the repercussive methods in complex treatment of complicated open fractures in cases with multiorgan and concomitant injuries creates favourable conditions for the healing process. This method is simple, atraumatic and economical.


[The clinico-epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in young people].

The article describes an outbreak of brucellosis among the servicemen (age 19-32) which was caused by Br. melitensis. 13% of servicemen in the military unit went through this disease. This outbreak was caused by unsatisfactorily treated mutton of sheep which were affected with brucellosis. The illness had acute septic course. The appearance of the focuses of disease in locomotor system took place only when the infectious process had a rather long period (septicometastatic course). The acute septic form of brucellosis (minor and middle-gravity cases) was characterized by subfebrile and febrile body temperature, slight intoxication without considerable worsening of health or incapacitation. The application of the modern means of treatment, including immunotherapy, resulted in a rapid coping of the acute course of illness, but the complete recovery was not attained. The convalescents had multiple recidivating (secondary metastatic forms) of infectious process with affections of locomotor, genital, peripheral nervous systems with further development of residual signs.


[The prognosis of the professional fitness of sailors for action under extreme conditions].

The researches described in this article made it possible to substantiate a number of important professional qualities of seamen which are indispensable in extreme situations. Three professional categories, namely command duty officers, operators and specialists of the local posts were the matter of these researches. A combination of symptom complexes of individual qualities which predetermines a successful duty performance in extreme situations was disclosed. A complex of valid methods was substantiated for quantitative estimation of individual psychological qualities. On the basis of these symptom complexes the authors worked out the estimation criteria for prognostication of professional ability of seamen to act in extreme situations.


[The priority trends in fundamental biomedical research].

Priority trends should primarily include wide-scale aimed epidemiological investigation of the population health in different regions of Ukraine, determination of risk factors. This is genetic monitoring of the population, creation of national and regional registers of hereditary and congenital abnormalities. Progress in all medical domains will be promoted by investigations on the molecular and genetic levels. This is evidenced by world experience, achievements of th A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (Acad. Sci., Ukraine), Institute of Gerontology, Institute of Endocrinology, Institute of Occupational Health developing. New apparatus, materials and drugs, technology methods for medicine are developing in many Institutes of physico-technical and chemical specialties (Acad. Sci., Ukraine). This creates new possibilities in the diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of diseases.


[The prevention of HIV infection in the army and navy].

In the course of 5 years 121 foreign and 13 Soviet military servicemen showed HIV infection; seven of them (officers and warrant officers) are still in service. As distinct from WHO requirements symptomless virus carriers are also registered. Infected servicemen constitute 1.5% from the total number of infected in the country.


[The diagnostic problems of systemic diseases in an infectious disease clinic].

Results are reported of a study of 46 patients with systemic diseases: connective tissue, inflammatory granulomatous processes, lymphoid tissue lesions and blood diseases treated in the clinic of infections diseases. Difficulties and errors in their clinical diagnosis, and their causes are shown. It is emphasized that these patients are hospitalized in infections clinics and that the incidence of systemic diseases rises in conditions of radiation environment.


[Preclinical trials of polyplatillen, the antitumor activity of a complex platinum compound with DNA on a leukemia P388 model in a HEp-2 cell culture (1)].

The authors studied the antitumour activity of a new complex platinum compound (DDP-DNA) in mice with leukemia P-388 and in cell culture. DDP-DNA was introduced intraperitoneally 24 hours after inoculation of 2 x 10(6) tumour cells. It was established that by its antitumour activity DDP-DNA was not inferior then DDP. The antiproliferative activity of nontoxic doses of the preparation in cell culture has been shown.


[The results of a clinical trial of the new drug agent carbabenzpyride].

Analyzed were results of a clinical use of a new drug carbabanzpyrid in 57 patients as an analgetic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, interferonogenic drug. The drug proved effective in the complex treatment of several diseases, accompanied by fever, pain syndromes of different genesis and location, acute respiratory viral infections, active inflammatory processes of different etiology including bronchitis, pneumonia, active rheumatism, arthralgias, myalgias. The drug was of little efficacy in infections-allergic polyarthritis with a marked exudative component.


[The structural bases of the cardiotoxic action of the anti-tumor antibiotic carminomycin].

The authors substantiate morphological and structural-functional basis of the cardiotoxic effect of the antitumor anthracycline antibiotic carminomycin after its single intraperitoneal administration in maximum tolerable doses. Results indicate that the cause of development of cardiac failure after administration of carminomycin to experimental animals in the development of an alternative and plastic cardiac failure prevalence of type I.


[Experience in using an autovaccine in treating patients with chronic osteomyelitis].

Autovaccine immunization (AI) of 60 patients with chronic osteomyelitis resulted in 93% success (significant in 43%) in formerly failures both with surgical and medical treatment. The method of manufacturing the autovaccine is described, immunization schemes are given.


[The working conditions and health status of miners in Donets Basin coal mines].

Data are reported on working conditions of coal miners considering the main physical (dust, noise, vibration, microclimate) and chemical environmental professional factors and their prognosis up to the year 2005. The authors analyze professional morbidity (pneumoconiosis, dust-induced bronchitis, vibration disease, cochlear neuritis etc.) and diseases with temporary loss of the working capacity invalidity and mortality of miners. The relation between working conditions and health status of miners were analyzed.


[The current problems of dietary feeding (a review of the literature)].

Group dietary system is now a disputable problem in medicine. Ukraine shows a tendency in development of universal therapeutic diets with individualization of diets depending on the patient's condition, course of the disease, sex, age etc. Advancements of dietary feeding in the Ukraine should be based on scientific principles. This will promote efficient treatment of the patients.


[The differential diagnosis of ecological and professional lung diseases].

Ecological pulmonology appeared due to the technical revolution and increase of toxic substances entering the body through the upper respiratory tract to the lungs. In distinction from professional, ecological diseases are spread among the population in general and not only among those working in conditions of increased professional noxae.


[The ecological and hygienic aspects of the use of surface-active substances in oil-producing regions of Ukraine].

Use of surface-active substances (SAS) in the oil-extracting regions of the Ukraine should consider the fact that this is a rather small territory, densely populated, with environmental water and soil problems, significant contamination of several areas by pesticides, mineral fertilizers and complicated by the Chernobyl accidents sequels. SAS may influence the ecological-hygienic balance of the environment, they may enhance migration of many ingredients, increase their toxicity. The authors propose several measures aimed at improving the quality of preventive and actual state inspection over the oil enterprises.


[Changes in the low-molecular fractions of physiologically active substances in the tissues of the spleen, lymph nodes and blood serum of rats exposed to x-ray irradiation].

Acute radiation sickness (grades II-III) was induced in experiments on 135 adult rats by single total X-ray radiation (185.7 mCal/kg). A gel-chromatographic study showed that 40 days after irradiation the surviving animals showed a 2 times increase of substances with a molecular mass of 600-850 daltons in the homogenate of lymphoid organs. This possibly evidences their participation in restorative processes.


[The interrelation of the secretory activity of the myocardium with its hypertrophic characteristics in patients with ischemic heart disease].

Evaluation of the concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide, angiotensin P, renin activity in the blood of the coronary sinus and aorta in 18 patients with IHD and hypertrophy of the left ventricle during development of induced ischemia revealed that in left ventricular hypertrophy secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide by the myocardium is reduced. The level of this reduction depends on the kind of hypertrophy. Dilatation of the left ventricle cavity furthers exhaustion of the secretory function of the ischemic myocardium.


[The efficacy of immunomodulating preparations in treating patients with chronic cholestatic liver diseases].

A study of 102 patients with chronic cholestatic liver diseases revealed that levamisole, T + activin and thymalin possess an immunostimulating effect increasing the level of lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes, activate the functional activity of lymphocytes in patients with chronic cholestatic hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis. T = activin, thymalin produce a more pronounced normalization of the immune response by increasing the contents of T-lymphocytes and their subpopulations, elevating the functional activity of mononuclears, reducing the concentration of immunoglobulins, cyclic immune complexes. These changes favour controlling the immuno-inflammatory process in the liver, normalization of clinical manifestation of the disease.


[The effect of obzidan and isobarin on the lysosomal apparatus of the neutrophilic granulocytes and on hemostasis under stress factors].

Experiments on rabbits were carried out with the purpose of evaluating the participation of beta-adreno-blockader and sympatholytic agent in the reaction of liberation of lysosomal enzymes of peripheral blood neutrophilic granulocytes in response to the immobilization. It was established that the sympathetic nervous system (via alpha- and beta adrenoreceptors) produces an effect on reduction of the number of lysosomes and liberation of lysosomal enzymes that participate indirectly through factor XII in hemostasis regulation.


[A flow cytometric study of the effect of chemotherapy on the lymphocyte population composition in chronic lympholeukemia].

Results are described of a study of the population and subpopulation composition of lymphocytes in the course of use monochemotherapy (MTS) and polychemotherapy (PCT) in 60 patients with the tumorous form of B-cell chronic lympholeucosis using flow cytometric analysis. It was shown that cytostatic treatment in this form of hemoblastosis results in a reduction of the absolute number of B-lymphocytes due to reduction of general hemocytosis while the relative content of B-cells remained unchanged in MCT and is increased in PCT. A prolonged scheme of PCT is recommended for clinical use that possesses a distinct antitumour effect as compared with MCT and producing a significantly smaller immunosuppressive effect on the T-cell immune system that other schemes of cytostatic therapy.


[Differential diagnostic criteria in chronic myeloproliferative diseases].

A study of functional activity of segmentonuclear neutrophil granulocytes of the peripheral blood in 20 patients with subleukemic myelosis (SLM) and 20 patients with polycythemia vera (PV) revealed in the latter an increase of the functional activity of phagocytosis, oxygen-dependent metabolism and enzymatic activity were more pronounced than in SLM. Nonhomogeneity of morphological and cytochemical indices and patients with SLM and IP may be used as supplementary differential diagnostic criterion in SLM and IP.


[The use of lyophilized blood serum for determining the 3-HAA antigen in patients with precancerous diseases and cancer of the bladder].

3-OAK antigen was determined by immunodiffusion in agar by means of immune sera containing antibodies against 3-OAK. In patients with cancer of the urinary bladder the percentage of detecting 3-OAK-Ag in the native serum was 76.9 while in lyophilized it was 41.9. In patients with pretumorous diseases (leukoplakia, chronic cystitis, papillomas) their values were 64.1 and 56.1 respectively. It is concluded that lyophilized blood serum may be used in the clinical practice for immunological and serological examinations.


[The immunodeficiency state and the efficacy of the glucocorticoid therapy of patients with glomerulonephritis and the nephrotic syndrome].

Results are compared of glucocorticoid treatment of proliferative, mesangioproliferative and membraneous types of glomerulonephritis with initial levels of T- and B-lymphocytes. Five types of immunodeficiency states were distinguished different frequency of the latter in various types of glomeruli involvement. It was found that glucocorticoid therapy of nephritis is most efficient in cases when the initial number of T-lymphocytes was within normal limits while the content of B-lymphocytes was increased.


[The dynamic mental status of patients who have undergone stereotaxic destruction of the ventrolateral thalamic nuclei].

Examined were 80 patients with parkinsonism and 20 patients torsional dystonia before and after stereotaxic cryodestruction of the ventrolateral thalamic nuclei. A set of tests was used to evaluate attention, memory, associative processes, generalization, comprehension to examine these patients. Only in the group of parkinson patients a reduction of these findings was noted (memory, perception, comprehension). All other mental activity types suffered similarly in all patients after the operations.


[The ultrasonic diagnosis of lesions of the hepatobiliary system in protracted forms of viral hepatitis in children].

Ultrasound examination of the hepatobiliary system was carried out in 102 children (3-12 years) with viral hepatitis A and B on the 57-75 days of the disease. Increased liver size and swelling of the parenchyma was revealed in 100% of patients. Thickening of the gallbladder walls was similarly frequent in A and B hepatitis. In 40% deformation of the gallbladder was revealed in 40.1%. The pancreas was increased in 13.6%, indurated in 36.4% of patients. Changes in the gallbladder and cholangitis are clearly related to the level of bilirubinemia ALT activity that is one of the causes of delayed convalescence.


[Thermography in the complex examination of patients with skin melanoma].

It is suggested that the thermographic method of examination is most perspective in current diagnosis. It proved very effective in the complex examination of patients with skin melanoma, early tumour metastasis and recurrence of operative treatment.


[Pulmonary surfactant and its role in the pathogenesis of dust-induced diseases of the respiratory organs in the miners of coal mines].

establishing a relationship between the condition of the pulmonary surfactant and external respiration function in Donbass coal miners with initial and advanced forms of dust-induced lung pathology. One of the early manifestations of lung pathology in miners is increased synthesis and secretion of the surfactant on the alveolar surface with disorders of its functional activity evidencing disorders of lipid excretion from the pulmonary tissue. The presence of albumin in the expired air indicates the presence of alternative processes in the bronchopulmonary apparatus, and highest albumin content in patients with pneumoconiosis and chronic dust-induced bronchitis may be an index of activity of the inflammatory process.


[Programming apparatus support of an electrophysiological experiment in hygiene research to set standards for nonionizing radiations].

The authors developed and introduced into practice program-apparatus complex ensuring automation of electrophysiological experiments. This allowed to use neurophysiological methods as an express-analysis with the purpose of substantiating critically limited levels of electromagnetic radiation.


[The use of homeopathy in treating diabetics].

The rationale of homeopathic treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) with constitutional predisposition is discussed. On the basis of a detailed analysis of one case the author describes the method of homeopathic treatment of diabetes mellitus. The treatment is orientated not only on the treatment of DM but also of concomitant diseases with emphasis in the patients constitution. Minimal doses of homeopathic treatment used in 68 patients resulted in a statistically valid stable reduction of hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Stable subcompensation and compensation of DM allowed to decrease the dose of sugar reducing drugs.


[The effect of the long-term treatment with calcium antagonists on myocardial function in patients with hypertension].

Prolonged effect (6-12 months) of verapamil and nifedipine on the systolic and diastolic function of the myocardium was studied in 48 patients with hypertensive disease (stage II). It was established that in patients with a high ejection fraction (55% and more) the two drugs produce a distinct reduction of the pumping heart function. The two drugs increase the rate of early diastolic filling. They also may reduce the arterial pressure via different hemodynamic mechanisms: vasodilatation or via reduction of cardiac output.


[The functional disorders of the large intestine (a lecture)].

Current ideas on the etiology and pathogenesis of functional disorders of the large intestine are discussed. Their classification, clinical picture, principles of diagnosis and differential diagnosis are outlined with emphasis of the most spread functional diseases of the large intestine: functional (common) obstipation, irritation of the large intestine pruritus ani, insufficiency of anal sphincters, proctalgia. Special attention is paid to treatment (diet, drugs, physiotherapy, spa).


[The status of intracardiac hemodynamics and diastolic function in hypertension patients treated with Adverzuten].

Data are reported of changes of the intracardiac hemodynamics, systolic and diastolic cardiac function and their interrelations in the course of treatment of 34 hypertensive patients with adverzuten. Results indicate that the systolic and diastolic cardiac functions did not deteriorate and that reduction of postload was associated with their favourable changes.


[The evaluation of the efficacy of obzidan and sydnopharm in patients with stenocardia of effort].

It is concluded that obsidane and sidnopharm were effective in the treatment of patients with exertion stenocardia in outpatients conditions. The patients continued to work. Obsidane treatment was most effective in patients with the hyperkinetic type of circulation, increased blood viscosity and hypercoagulation syndrome.


[The use of low-energy laser radiation in the combined treatment of patients with chronic lympholeukemia].

Our investigations evidence that intravascular laser radiation of the blood is an effective method of treatment of chronic lympholeucosis. The average hospitalization time became shorter, the period of clinical remission increased. N positive dynamics in the content of beta 2-microglobulin was noted, peripheral blood values improved, the dysbalance of cellular and humoral immunity was controlled.


[Experience in the treatment of hypertension patients at a day hospital].

The authors summarize the work a day clinic of a regional cardiological dispensary in the treatment of 152 patients with ischemic heart disease characterized by stenocardia attacks, unstable stenocardia, disorders of the cardiac rhythm, hypertensive crises and other. A positive effect was observed in 94.7%. The economic effect of day-clinic treatment was essential.


[Calculus formation in the prostate in chronic prostatitis].

The authors examined 350 patients with chronic prostatitis. In 48 (13.7%) of theirs calculi in the prostate were found. The typical clinical manifestations of calculi formation in the prostate, diagnostic criteria and treatment principles developed in the Department of Sexopathology of Kiev Research Institute of Urology and Nephrology are outlined.


[The clinical types of somatization mental disorders in elderly people].

A study is presented of 33 patients suffering of borderline neuropsychic disorders of neurotic and affective levels with somatized course. One should distinguish in these patients mental disorders per se (asthenia, depression and hypochondria) and different functional-somatic, vegetative-vascular and senestopathic disorders and their combinations. Somatized disorders characteristic of this age group were singled out: cutaneous-muscular, abdominal, cerebral and cardiovascular. Cutaneous-muscular were most frequent. The problem is discussed of distinguishing peculiar "senestovegetoses" and "senestosomatoses" in the borders of somatized depressive states.


[Medical deontology in the neurology and neurosurgical clinics].

Deontological problems in neurology and neurosurgery include behaviour of the medical personnel to patients and their relatives, evaluation of the severity of the patients' condition, performance of manipulations and operations, information of the patients about his disease. Deontological problems are of major importance in the adequate treatment of patients with diseases of the nervous system.


Regulation of fatty acid synthase at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in rat liver.

The regulation of fatty acid synthase in rat liver was investigated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. When rats were fasted for 3 days and refed on a high-carbohydrate diet, the amounts of FAS in liver cytosol began to increase at 12 hours and further increased until 48 hours. The amount of mRNA for FAS began to increase at 6 hours and reached to a maximum level at 12 hours, indicating that the expression of mRNA for FAS precedes the increase of FAS protein pool. After 12 hours the amounts of mRNA gradually decreased and remained at a much lowered level between 24 and 48 hours. The elevated amount of FAS mRNA reflected on the amount of FAS protein in the first 24 hours, but these two parameters were not paralleled thereafter, probably due to the changes in the translational efficiencies. The run-on transcriptional activity of FAS gene began to increase at 4 hours after refeeding a high-carbohydrate diet and further increased to reach a maximum level 25 fold of the initial level at 12 hours, followed by a 16 fold level between 24 and 48 hours. The elevation of run-on transcriptional activity of FAS gene preceded the increase of FAS mRNA in the liver cytosol by 2 hours, and a similar increasing pattern was observed until 12 hours. However, FAS mRNA concentration decreased gradually after 12 hours, while the transcriptional activity remained at a high level until 48 hours. The changes in FAS mRNA content in the cytosol of rat liver were closely related to the transcriptional activity of FAS gene in the early phase of induction, but another regulatory mechanism seems to operate in the decrease of mRNA after 12 hours.


Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical samples from patients with tuberculosis or other pulmonary diseases by polymerase chain reaction.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting the IS6110 repetitive sequence was employed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 228 samples from patients with tuberculosis or other pulmonary diseases and controls, and the results were compared with culture and clinical findings. None of culture negative samples from 17 healthy controls were PCR positive. Of 109 active tuberculosis patients under chemotherapy, 88 (80.7%) were PCR positive and were significantly higher than 63 (57.8%) positive by culture. Fifty-nine (93.7) of 63 culture positive and 29 (63.0%) of 46 culture negative specimens contained M. tuberculosis detectable by PCR. In 41 specimens from inactive tuberculosis patients who visited to the chest clinic because of chest problems, 16 (39.0%) also gave PCR positive results. In addition, 14 (46.7%) of 30 specimens submitted for M. tuberculosis culture from patients with pulmonary diseases were PCR positive. Presumptive diagnosis of these PCR positive patients was bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, etc. Therefore, this study suggests that PCR is sensitive and specific in detecting M. tuberculosis in clinical specimens. However, the interpretation of the PCR results in specimens from patients with pulmonary diseases should be done cautiously in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.


Amelioration of diabetic microalbuminuria and lipid peroxidation by captopril.

Administration of captopril, a scavenger of oxygen derived radicals as well as an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme, has been an efficient way of treating diabetic proteinuria. In the present study, we evaluate whether captopril can ameliorate diabetic proteinuria as an effect on oxidative stress in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats (STZR). At four weeks after the injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.v.), STZR (n = 5) exhibited microalbuminuria. The rate of urinary albumin excretion was 0.5 +/- 0.1 and 2.6 +/- 0.3 mg/24hr in age-matched control rats (CR; n = 5) and STZR, respectively. Compared to CR, STZR also showed an extremely increased rate of urinary lipid peroxides (LPO) excretion, an index of oxygen derived radicals generation. The respective values for CR and STZR were 0.6 +/- 0.3 and 6.9 +/- 0.6 mumol/24 hr. Significant amelioration of urinary albumin and LPO excretion rate by the treatment of insulin (2 U/day) suggests that these are associated with the diabetic state induced by streptozotocin rather than a direct effect of streptozotocin. Chronic administration of captopril, which did not cause any discernible effect on CR, significantly reduced the urinary albumin excretion rate and decreased LPO excretion in STZR. The urinary albumin excretion rate was significantly correlated with the LPO excretion rate (p = 0.0004). These results suggest that oxidative stress can be responsible for diabetic microalbuminuria, and captopril could diminish the lipid peroxidation and ameliorate the microalbuminuria in diabetic rats.


Umbilical vs peripheral vein catheterization for parenteral nutrition in sick premature neonates.

The efficacy and safety of using umbilical venous catheters vs. peripheral venous catheters for the delivery of parenteral nutrition was studied in 129 critically ill premature infants who were treated in a neonatal intensive care unit for the first 3 weeks of life. Infants who received parenteral nutrition by umbilical venous catheter had greater parenteral caloric intake, lower physiologic weight loss and greater weight gain during the study as compared to infants who received parenteral nutrition by peripheral vein. While the overall incidence of sepsis was comparable in both groups (19% vs 19.7%), benign and transient episodes of hyperglycemia were seen more commonly in infants receiving parenteral nutrition by umbilical catheters. None of the hyperglycemic infants, however, required insulin therapy. The incidence of other metabolic complication was comparable in both groups. At follow up, no evidence of portal hypertension was detected in any of the infants up to 66 months of age treated with umbilical venous catheters. We conclude that the use of umbilical venous catheter allows for a comparably safe and a more appropriate parenteral nutrition support than peripheral catheters in critically ill premature neonates.


Effect of captopril on heavy proteinuria in patients with various glomerular diseases.

The effect of captopril on proteinuria was evaluated in twenty patients with various glomerular diseases excreting heavy proteinuria (> 3.0 g/day). Captopril in a daily dose of 37.5 mg was administered orally three times a day to all patients and they were followed for eight weeks. Twenty-four hour urinary excretion of protein, creatinine, sodium, selective protein index (SPI), and blood chemistry including serum electrolytes were measured every two weeks. Twenty-four hour urinary protein excretion per gram creatinine started to fall within two weeks of captopril administration and became nearly stable after four weeks of therapy (p < 0.05). Mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion decreased significantly from a pretreatment value of 9.0 +/- 6.0 gm/gm of cr. to 4.4 +/- 3.5 gm/gm of cr. after eight weeks of captopril treatment. The serum albumin level increased progressively at six and eight weeks after the captopril treatment period and was significantly higher than the pretreatment value (p < 0.05). The decrease in proteinuria did not coincide with a fall in blood pressure or any changes in creatinine clearance. We conclude that captopril does have a significant antiproteinuric effect in patients excreting heavy proteinuria with various glomerular diseases. However, the long term therapeutic efficacy and any renal protective effect of this drug remain to be proven.


Expressions of c-fos and c-myc genes during 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-MeDAB)-induced rat hepatocarcinoma.

We investigated the expression of the growth-related nuclear proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-myc, in early preneoplastic regions and tumor nodules of 3'-MeDAB induced rat hepatocarcinoma. To amplify the levels of these transcripts, we gave cycloheximide (100 mg/kg B.W. i.p.) to each group of rats. The elevated levels of the 2.2 kb c-fos and 2.4 kb c-myc transcripts appeared as early as the 2nd week after feeding on the 3'-MeDAB diet and lasted through the 4th; 6th weeks and tumor. Southern blot analysis indicated that gross amplification or rearrangements were not observed in DNA of the preneoplastic livers and hepatoma nodules. We also measured the rate of the incorporation of [3H] thymidine into hepatic DNA in order to monitor the rate of cell proliferation occurring at the early preneoplastic periods. We have found that the rate of [3H] thymidine incorporation corresponds to the elevated levels of c-fos and c-myc transcripts in the precancerous stages. This finding suggests that the elevated expressions of c-fos and c-myc may result from the continuous cell proliferative stimuli generated in the carcinogen altered cells, which is essential to the initiation and promotion of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis.


DNA flow cytometry in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Flow cytometric DNA analysis was performed on 19 adrenal pheochromocytomas and 6 extra-adrenal paragangliomas in parallel with clinical and histopathological review to determine the usefulness of this technique to predict biologic behavior of these tumors. In pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, tetraploidy or near-tetraploidy occurred in 32% and 33% and aneuploidy in 10% and none respectively. A case of malignant pheochromocytoma had diploid DNA content. Occurrence of aneuploidy or tetraploidy is frequent in clinically benign tumors in conjunction with a marked degree of nuclear atypia and cannot be a predictor of malignancy.