The effects of combined treatment with MK-801 and antidepressant drugs in the forced swimming test in rats.

We found previously that combined administration of imipramine, citalopram and, to a lesser extent, mianserin with MK-801, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test in rats more potently than administration of the antidepressant or MK-801 alone. In present paper we examined the effect of other antidepressants in this model. (+)-Oxaprotiline and (-)-oxaprotiline which, when given alone, showed a weak positive effect, increased the action of MK-801. Fluoxetine, inactive when given alone, markedly increased the effect of MK-801. Moreover, the positive effect after combined treatment was found in the experiments in which antidepressants and MK-801 given separately were inactive. A reduction in the immobility time was also observed in those experimental paradigms in which the locomotor activity was not increased. The effects of combined treatment with the antidepressants studied + MK-801 were antagonized by haloperidol, but not by prazosin. The obtained results indicate that mainly a dopamine mechanism seems to be involved in the synergistic action of MK-801 and the antidepressants in the forced swimming test.


The influence of C-terminal cholecystokinin fragments in the circulatory system of rats.

The effects of C-terminal unsulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8US) and its fragments C-terminal heptapeptide (CCK-7), C-terminal hexapeptide (CCK-6) and C-terminal pentapeptide (CCK-5) were studied on the arterial blood pressure and the isolated rat heart. CCK-8US had only slight hypertensive and no cardiac effects. CCK-5, CCK-6 and CCK-7 had no effect on the arterial blood pressure, the cardiac contraction amplitude and the heart rate. Only CCK-7 increased coronary outflow of the isolated rat heart. CCK-8US and C-terminal fragments; CCK-7 have little effect on the circulation of the rat.


The anxiolytic-like effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists.

The effect of six 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: ondansetron (0.01-3 mg/kg ip), granisetron (0.01-1 mg/kg ip), zacopride (0.01-3 mg/kg ip), tropisetron (0.001-0.1 mg/kg ip), MDL 72222 (0.01-3 mg/kg ip) and DAU 6215 (0.01-3 mg/kg sc) were examined in the conflict drinking test (Vogel test) and in the elevated plus-maze test in rats. Ondansetron (0.1-0.3 or 1 mg/kg), zacopride (0.1-1 mg/kg) and tropisetron (0.01 mg/kg) increased the punished responding in the Vogel test and showed anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze test. Their effects were limited to a narrow dose range and were not dose-dependent. Granisetron (0.1 mg/kg) exhibited an anti-conflict activity, but was ineffective in the elevated plus-maze test. MDL 72222 and DAU 6215 were ineffective in both those tests. On the other hand, diazepam (2.5-10 mg/kg), used as a reference drug, was active in either procedure and its effects were dose-dependent. These results indicate that an anxiolytic-like activity is not a common characteristic of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Moreover, even the anxiolytic action of drugs which were active in the experimental models used should be accepted with caution.


Complications of polycythemia in patients who have cyanotic congenital heart disease.

A 13-mo-old child is brought to his pediatrician following sudden onset of left-sided hemiplegia. The pediatrician accompanies the child and family to the emergency room. The pediatrician has been following the child, who has a diagnosis of possible cyanotic congenital heart disease. The child has never been known to have had a hypercyanotic episode. Oxygen saturation determinations by pulsed oximeter had been in the range of 84% to 88%. On one occasion, when the child was very upset, a reading of 78% was observed. At his 1-year visit, his hemoglobin level was 13 g/dL. On admission to the emergency department, a computed tomographic scan of the head was ordered. It demonstrated a right-sided nonhemorrhagic cerebrovascular lesion.


The role of accumbens serotonin in stress-induced locomotor suppression in rats.

The effect of post-footshock injections of serotonergic agonists into the nucleus accumbens on formation of the open field deficit, has been studied in rats. It was found that the deficient open field behavior, examined 24 h after learned helplessness training, was not modified by local injection of serotonin, buspirone, ipsapirone and ICS 205 930, as well as by peripherally administered citalopram. It is concluded that accumbens serotonin system does not seem to contribute to the balance in the activity of local dopaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmitter mechanisms, previously shown to mediate some behavioral effects of stressors.


Depressant substances in adolescent medicine.

The benzodiazepines have replaced widespread use of barbiturates and other sedatives. They are effective, safe medicines used to treat a variety of disorders associated with excessive CNS excitability. Although many physicians avoid prescribing benzodiazepines to adolescents, there is little evidence to support this practice. Unless an adolescent has a history of substance abuse/dependence and suicidal ideation, the benzodiazepines are safe. Benzodiazepine toxicity rarely occurs unless another CNS depressant, especially alcohol, is used concurrently.


Synthesis and some central pharmacological properties of new 5(1H)oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic esters.

Six new 5(1H)oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic ethyl esters bearing an aromatic substituent in position 1 or 2 were obtained. Pharmacological studies on the central action of these derivatives were carried out on mice and rats. The highest activity showed compounds 1 and 2 which produced analgesic effects in mice.


Effects of peptide YY on pancreatic blood flow and oxygen consumption.

Peptide YY (PYY) is a recently discovered polypeptide which has been proposed as physiological inhibitor of pancreatic exocrine secretion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous PYY on pancreatic blood flow and oxygen consumption. In anesthetized dogs, the superior pancreatico-duodenal artery blood flow (SPBF), pancreatic microcirculatory blood flow (PBF) and pancreatic oxygen consumption (PVO2) were determined. Control values for SPBF, PVO2 and PBF averaged 43.3 ml/min, 1.8 ml/min, and 57.5 ml/min/100g of tissue, respectively. Following iv injection of PYY at doses of 200 and 400 pmol/kg the values of SPBF decreased by 12 +/- 1% and 22 +/- 2%, respectively. PVO2 was reduced by those doses of PYY by 9 +/- 1 and 17 +/- 3%, respectively. PBF was also reduced by 16 +/- 2 and 34 +/- 2%, respectively after those doses of PYY. Pretreatment with phentolamine reversed the blood flow and PVO2 responses to PYY because SPBF, PVO2 and PBF were significantly increased above the control level. However, after additional pretreatment with propranolol the pancreatic vascular and metabolic responses to PYY were abolished. The above pancreatic responses to PYY were also significantly reduced after acute adrenalectomy. The experimental data indicate that adrenergic pathway is involved in the mechanism of action of PYY on the pancreatic circulation.


Mutagenic and clastogenic activity of the chloro-nitroimidazole radiosensitizer P40 in vitro and in vivo.

The hypoxic radiosensitizer 1-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxypropyl)-2-chloro-4-nitroimidazole [P40] was investigated for its mutagenic activity in bacterial Ames test as well as for genotoxic activity in micronucleus assay in vivo. This nitroimidazole showed the weak mutagenicity towards TA100 strain (base pair substitution) and towards TA98 strain (frameshift) only in the highest concentration. P40 induced also a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) at the doses of 0.6 mg/g and 1.2 mg/g. The maximum time response was at 48 h. The decrease of percentage of PCEs suggested the possible cytotoxicity on bone marrow cells after treatment with P40. Positive results in this battery short-term tests provide evidence of clastogenic activity of P40.


[Laboratory problems of chemotherapy of viral infections in humans].

The following problems are presented and discussed: scientific and epidemiologic basis of chemotherapy, relations of antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo especially important when new-drugs are developed and evaluated, inhibitors used in medical treatment and mechanisms of their antiviral functions, genesis and nature of virus resistance, possible role of interfering defective particles. The paper is addressed both to laboratories involved in new drugs construction as well to clinical ones performing etiologic diagnostic procedures.


[Effect of antifolates and folates on the antineoplastic action of fluoropyrimidines].

The influence of folate and antifolate on the cytostatic activity of fluoropyrimidines has been examined extensively. From all of present work, it is apparent that methotrexate can be synergistic or antagonistic in its interaction with 5-fluorouracil, depending on the sequence used and the metabolic machinery present in the target cell. The interaction between commonly administered 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin may enhance carcinostatic efficacy of 5-fluorouracil in patients with colon carcinoma.


[Proteolytic enzymes of the digestive tract in ethanol poisoning].

The present paper reviews the literature on changes of proteolytic enzymes activity, disorders of protein digestion and absorption of protein degradation products from digestive tract in ethanol intoxication. Magnitude of the change depends on concentration, dose and time of ethanol consumption. Acute ethanol intoxication causes increase in gastric and pancreatic proteolytic enzymes secretion and reduces amino acids and peptides absorption. Chronic ethanol consumption results in reduced synthesis and secretion of gastric and pancreatic proteinases.


[Factors regulating growth processes in the ovary].

This paper summarizes the recent knowledge on the factors stimulating or inhibiting the ovarian growth. In the present review the following factors influencing growth processes in the ovary are discussed: gonadotropins, sex steroids, prolactin, renin, angiotensin II, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), growth hormone, insulin, prostaglandins, pineal indoleamines, tissue growth factors and others. The role of nervous system is also described in the study. Not only gonadotropins and other stimulatory factors but also inhibitory agents, e.g., melatonin should be considered in the ovarian growth regulation. The hypertrophic and/or hyperplastic processes in the ovary seem to be dependent on either the excess of stimulatory agents or the deficit of the growth inhibitors.


[The role of glycosphingolipids in the expression of neoplastic phenotype. III. Changes in glycosphingolipids related to the capacity of neoplastic cells for metastasis and tumor growth in vivo].

The role of glycosphingolipids in the expression of neoplastic phenotype. III. Alterations in glycosphingolipids of tumor cells related to their metastatic potential and tumorigenicity. This review describes changes in glycosphingolipids related to metastatic and tumorigenic properties of malignant cells. The possible effects of such alterations on malignant behavior of cells is discussed.


[Beta 2-microglobulin--its role in renal failure and hemodialysis therapy].

A review of existing knowledge of beta 2M-microglobulin and their origin, physicochemical structure, metabolism and clinical significance with particular allowance of renal insufficiency patients in chronic hemodialysis was conducted. The probably important participation of beta 2-microglobulin in the development of later complications, especially dialysis-related amyloidosis, occurring in hemodialysis patients was discussed.


Ascites in broilers. 2. Disturbances in the hormonal regulation of metabolic rate and fat metabolism.

Effects of different broiler stocks, ambient temperatures (Ta), dietary energy content (AME), and dietary levels of unsaturated fat on plasma thyroid and growth hormone concentrations and energy metabolism were studied. An experiment with a 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 factorial split-plot arrangement of treatments with 96 groups of 12 male broilers each was performed. Blood samples were taken at 3, 4, and 5 wk of age. Energy metabolism parameters were determined over an entire period from 1 to 5 wk of age. Chickens from a line selected for fast growth rate and low feed conversion ratio but also more sensitive to heart failure syndrome (HFS) and ascites (Line SS) than commercial birds (Line BC) exhibited the greatest responses to experimental factors. Differences in levels of plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), and growth hormone (GH) between stocks at different ages were highly dependent on Ta and dietary fat content. Differences in heat production per metabolic weight, percentage of retained fat energy in retained energy, and efficiency of AME intake for retained energy between stocks corresponded to differences in hormone levels. High-fat diets (polyunsaturated fatty acids) inhibited the extra thyroidal conversion of T4 to T3 in both stocks. Differences between stocks in T3 and rT3 levels in plasma indicated that BC birds (in contrast to SS birds) were better able to compensate for an inhibited T4 conversion to T3 by producing more T4. Overall results suggest that the occurrence of HFS and ascites in SS birds could be initiated independently by different factors. These factors might be a limited thyroid hormone production and a lower capacity for oxygen consumption. An inverse relationship between T3 and GH levels found in particular combinations of experimental factors, together with changes in fat deposition, support published concepts about the positive effects of T3 on lipogenesis and GH on lipolysis.


Divergent selection for exponential growth rate at fourteen or forty-two days of age. 1. Early responses.

Athens-Canadian randombred chickens were divergently selected for exponential growth rate (EGR) to 14 or 42 days of age, resulting in four unique populations: 14L, 14H, 42L, and 42H. Exponential growth rate was calculated as: EGR = [ln b-ln a] + t; where a = hatching weight; b = weight at age of selection; and t = age of selection. In the S4 generation, 14H chicks had significantly greater EGR than 42H chicks at 14 but not 42 days. Chicks from the 42H line had significantly greater EGR than 14H chicks from 14 to 42 days. This meant that 14H chicks were significantly heavier than 42H chicks at 14 but not 42 days. Indeed, 14H chicks were consistently 5 to 10% heavier than the 42H chicks in each generation. Selection for EGR at 14 days was at least as effective in altering 42-day body weight as selection for growth rate at that age during the early generations of selection. Evidence of asymmetry existed for selection for EGR at 14 but not 42 days. Realized heritability of fast EGR14 was .29 +/- .08 (SE) whereas that of fast EGR42 was .15 +/- .09. Genetic correlation between fast EGR14 and fast EGR42 was 1.45, whereas the converse genetic correlation was .67. This would suggest that all the genes that influence 14-day growth influence 42-day growth, but not vice versa. Growth curve analysis supported the general hypothesis of growth, in that instantaneous growth rate was fastest in the 14H line, as was the decay of growth. Indeed, 14H birds were smaller at and beyond sexual maturity than 42H chickens.


Effects of low, normal, and high temperatures on slaughter yield of broilers from lines selected for high weight gain, favorable feed conversion, and high or low fat content.

Male and female broiler chicks from five different broiler crosses (WI = Israeli chicks selected for increased body weight; LF and HF = Israeli chicks selected for low and high abdominal fat, respectively; FC and WN = Dutch chicks selected for improved feed conversion and increased body weight, respectively) were raised at low, normal, or high temperature. Slaughter yield, amount of breast meat, and abdominal fat were determined at 6 wk of age in all groups and at a body weight of 2,360 g for males and 1,965 g for females in the low- and normal-temperature groups, and at 8 wk in the high-temperature groups. Temperature, genotype, and sex influenced both absolute and relative weights of carcass, breast meat, and abdominal fat. Temperature had a negative effect on breast meat yield. Males were affected more by high temperature than females. A significant interaction between temperature and sex for breast meat yield was caused by a low yield for males at the high temperature. A similar interaction for proportion of abdominal fat was caused by a high fat content in males reared at the high temperature. Slaughter yield and especially yield of breast meat were highest in FC chickens in all comparisons.


Effect of two-day temperature exposure of neonatal broiler chicks on growth performance and body composition during two weeks at normal conditions.

Newly hatched chicks were allotted to five different climatic treatment groups (28 to 32, 32 to 34, 34 to 35, 35 to 37, and 37 to 40 C) for 2 days after hatch during which feed and water were withheld. Their performance was measured for 2 wk and compared with control chicks kept under normal conditions. During the 2 days of climatic treatment, chicks lost weight of 5.3, 5.4, 6.7, 8.5, and 10.1 g, respectively, but control chicks grew 16.0 g. During 14 days of feed intake, chicks of the highest treatment group grew significantly less (217.5 g) than controls (267.7 g). Also, feed intake was significantly lower (292 versus 386 g). In the group exposed to 37 to 40 C, feed conversion decreased significantly from 1.43 to 1.37 g:g and mortality increased to more than 49%. Body composition of DM, protein, fat, and ash was also estimated. Chicks previously exposed to 37 to 40 C had significantly lower values for the gain in body components: DM (18.49 g), protein (7.13 g), fat (8.75 g), and ash (2.62 g) per chick at 2 wk. The ratios water:protein gain and fat:protein gain after posthatching heat exposure were decreased from 3.82 to 3.45 g:g and .76 to .67 g:g, respectively, whereas the ratio of gain in energy retention:weight gain was similar to that of controls.


Effect of anaerobic cecal microflora and dietary lactose on Salmonella colonization in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).

The effect of oral inoculation with anaerobic cultures of cecal microflora from adult broiler chickens and dietary lactose on Salmonella typhimurium cecal colonization was evaluated in bobwhite quail chicks. One-day-old chicks were divided into four groups and provided 1) no anaerobic cultures, no lactose (control); 2) anaerobic cultures; 3) 2.5% lactose (wt/vol) in drinking water; or 4) anaerobic cultures and lactose. All groups were challenged orally with 10(4) S. typhimurium at 2 days of age. Salmonella growth in the cecal contents was significantly decreased (P < .05) at 15 days of age in each of the three treatment groups as compared with controls. Protection against Salmonella colonization was highest in the treatment group provided anaerobic cultures only. The results indicated that cecal flora from adult chickens enhances Salmonella colonization resistance in quail chicks.


Calcium and carbonate supply in the shell gland of hens laying eggs with strong and weak shells and during and after a rest from lay.

The concentration of calcium-binding protein (CaBP) and the activities of calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) were determined in the shell gland mucosa of hens in two experiments. In Experiment 1, laying hens on a proprietary layer mash were compared with hens rested from lay by the feeding of whole grain barley. In Experiment 2 comparisons were made of laying hens fed the proprietary layer mash and producing eggs with either strong or weak shells. These latter comparisons were also made when the shell gland was quiescent or active with respect to daily eggshell formation. Feeding whole grain barley reduced egg production to zero after 11 days. This reduction in rate of lay was accompanied by significant reductions in all three markers, the effect on Ca(2+)-ATPase and CaBP being less than for CA. Control values were regained between 10 and 16 days after the barley was replaced with the layer mash. Relative shell strength and the physiological status of the shell gland with respect to time of daily eggshell formation had no significant effect on any marker in Experiment 2.


Response of broilers to feed restriction or diet dilution in the finisher period.

Two experiments were conducted to study the response of 35- to 49-day-old male broilers to either feed restriction or diet dilution. In Experiment 1, after being fed conventional starter-grower diets to 35 days of age, birds consumed either a conventional finisher diet ad libitum, or 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50% less of this diet to 49 days of age. Performance and carcass characteristics were measured from 35 to 42 days and 42 to 49 days. There was a linear relationship between nutrient intake and 42- and 49-day body weight (P < .01). However, as a percentage of the control birds, weight gain was reduced less from 42 to 49 days (64%) than from 35 to 42 days (86%) for the 50% restricted group. Thus, there was apparently an adaptation in the period from 42 to 49 days. In a second comparable experiment, birds were offered a conventional finisher diet or one with either 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50% dilution with a 50:50 (wt:wt) mixture of sand:oat hulls. Growth rate was only slightly reduced, thus demonstrating the remarkable ability of the broilers at this age to increase feed intake in response to energy density of the diet. Although birds were of comparable weight, diet dilution resulted in a linear reduction in size of abdominal fat pad, whereas breast weight was not affected. The present data suggest that broiler chickens are far from eating to physical capacity, at 35 days of age, because they were able to exhibit up to a 70% increase in feed intake relative to the control birds.


Correlation of biological value of feed phosphates with their solubility in water, dilute hydrogen chloride, dilute citric acid, and neutral ammonium citrate.

Relative biological values (BV) of 36 feed phosphates were determined with female turkeys in bioassays of 21-day duration using three response criteria: weight gain, tibia ash percentage, and gain:feed ratio. Calcium phosphate, dibasic dihydrate (United States Pharmacopeia) was the reference standard. Nine mono-dicalcium phosphates (M-DCP, 21.0% phosphorus), 13 di-monocalcium phosphates (D-MCP, 18.5% phosphorus), and 14 defluorinated phosphates (DFP, 18.0% phosphorus) were evaluated. The average relative BV for M-DCP, D-MCP, and DFP samples were 97.6, 94.6, and 90.8%, respectively. Solubility of phosphates was determined by four recognized methods. The solvents were water, .4% HCl, 2.0% citric acid (CA), and neutral ammonium citrate (NAC). Water solubility of M-DCP samples was greater (67.5%) than that of D-MCP (38.8%) and DFP (8.9%) samples. Correlation of water solubility of phosphates to their relative BV was quite low, and water solubility was a poor indicator of BV. When .4% HCl was the solvent, correlation coefficients (r) were .55, .33, and .72 for M-DCP, D-MCP, and DFP, respectively. Based on these results and prediction equations, .4% HCl solubility would be inappropriate for estimating BV of M-DCP and D-MCP samples. Solubility of feed phosphates (mainly D-MCP and DFP) in 2.0% CA or NAC was positively correlated with BV; the r values were .87 to .95. Both of these solubility tests provided a good index of BV. However, it would seem inappropriate and risky to replace bioassays totally with these tests. Feed phosphate users could perform either the 2.0% CA or NAC solubility test easily as a screen for BV along with other quality control procedures (i.e., phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and fluoride determinations).


Vitamin profiles of eggs as indicators of nutritional status in the laying hen: vitamin B12 study.

Hens of a type used for egg production were fed a corn and soybean meal diet supplemented with no vitamin B12 or with vitamin B12 levels to provide one, two, or four times the National Research Council (1984) breeding hen requirement of 4 micrograms/kg diet for 27 wk. All hens were placed on a recovery diet containing one and one-half times the requirement level of vitamin B12 from Weeks 27 through 30. Egg yolk vitamin B12 concentrations were determined frequently by radioisotope dilution analysis. Egg production records were kept continuously, and eggshell thickness, egg weight, hatchability of eggs, and hen body weights were measured at selected times. Although egg yolk vitamin B12 concentrations were high at the outset, they decreased markedly in 2 wk from hens fed the two lowest dietary levels. After 12 wk on the diets, egg concentrations of vitamin B12 stabilized and were proportional to the amount of vitamin added to the diet. Egg concentrations of vitamin B12 between 1.3 and 2.6 micrograms/100 g yolk appeared to be needed to support maximum hatchability and egg weight. Egg production was reduced after 12 wk on the diets in the hens fed the two lowest vitamin B12 levels. As vitamin B12 level increased, shell thickness decreased and egg weight, hen weight, and hatchability increased. Maximum egg production, egg weight, hen weight, and hatchability were obtained when the diet contained 8.0 micrograms/kg of vitamin B12. Egg yolk vitamin B12 concentrations respond rapidly to dietary changes in the level of this vitamin and are indicative of the vitamin B12 status of the hen.


The effect of photoperiodic history on egg laying in dwarf broiler hens.

An experiment was conducted in dwarf broiler breeders to determine whether the decrease in egg production towards the end of a laying year is due to the development of photorefractoriness or to age per se. The birds were reared on short days (8 h light/day) and subjected to dietary restriction to prevent BW exceeding the minimum required to support egg production. They were transferred at 22 wk of age to long days (20 h light/day) while controls were maintained on short days for a further 2, 14, or 30 wk. At the end of these periods, dietary restriction was relaxed to stimulate egg production, and the control short-day birds were transferred to long days. The number of days to the onset of egg laying after lifting dietary restriction was less in short-day controls than in hens exposed to long days for 14 wk [19.5 +/- .5 (SE) versus 24.0 +/- 1.1 days, P < .01] or 30 wk (26.4 +/- 1.3 versus 41.2 +/- 1.1 days, P < .001). The number of eggs laid during the 12 wk after first oviposition in hens exposed to long days for 2, 14, or 30 wk before relaxing dietary restriction was not significantly different from that of the short-day controls. The numbers of eggs laid during the 12 wk after first oviposition decreased (P < .001) as the hens became older irrespective of photoperiodic history. These observations indicate that in dwarf broiler breeders, photoperiodic history, and therefore the development of photorefractoriness, is less important than age per se in maintaining intensity of egg laying in the 1st laying yr.


Effects of age at lighting on reproduction of turkey hens.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate age at photostimulation on subsequent reproductive performance of Large White turkey hens. All hens were exposed to short daylengths [8 h light (L):16 h dark (D)] for a minimum of 8 wk immediately prior to photostimulation with long day-lengths (16L:8D). Photostimulation started at either 24, 26, 28, or 30 wk of age during January and February (Experiment 1) or July and August (Experiment 2). Data were collected for body weight, time to onset of lay, egg production, and livability in both experiments. In addition, egg quality, broodiness, floor egg production, and poult weight data were obtained in Experiment 2. An inverse relationship occurred between initiation of egg production and the age at lighting up to 30 wk of age. However, peak egg production level and the number of eggs produced per hen during the first 20 wk of egg laying were similar among treatment groups in both experiments. The number of soft-shelled or shell-less eggs produced was also similar among treatment groups. Hens photostimulated at 30 wk of age in Experiment 2 laid the heaviest eggs throughout 20 wk of egg production. Poult weight was reduced when hens were photostimulated at 24 or 26 wk of age, but this only occurred in the first 11 wk of lay. Even though Large White hens responded to photostimulation at 24 wk of age, the results do not support advancing the age at photostimulation to 28 wk or earlier.


Research note: effect of high ambient temperature on dietary metabolizable energy values in genetically lean and fat chickens.

Effect of high ambient temperature (32 versus 22 C) on dietary ME value was investigated in 32 genetically lean and fat 8-wk-old male chickens. Lean broilers exhibited higher AME and TME values than fat chickens. Hot climatic conditions significantly increased AME and TME values, particularly in leaner birds. Protein retention efficiency was enhanced by selection for leanness and increased with ambient temperature. Correction for nitrogen balance (AME(n) and TMEn) reduced the effect of temperature but lean genotypes still revealed higher TMEn values than fatter ones.


Research note: an assessment of egg yolk structure using magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the inner structure of the egg using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Proton images of fertile and infertile eggs and eggs from hens fed a corn-based or a flax-based diet were generated using a Spectroscopy Imaging Systems unit. Phantom eggs, made from homogenized albumen and homogenized yolk in a plastic shell, were imaged as controls. Eggs were imaged individually on their side, in the sagittal plane. A single image was generated through the center of the yolk. Images clearly distinguished the eggshell, air space, albumen, and yolk. Within the yolk of both fertile and infertile eggs, the latebra, the neck of the latebra, and four to six pairs of concentric yolk rings were visible, although the rings were less clearly defined in eggs from hens fed the flax-based diet. The embryo was not visible after 24 h of incubation but yolk stratification could still be resolved. Rings were not evident in the phantom eggs. It was concluded that MRI can be used successfully in assessing the microanatomy of eggs.


Research note: failure of hippocampal lesions to influence feed and water intake in the chick.

Damage to the hippocampal region has shown varying effects on feed and water intake in rats. Three experiments were conducted to determine whether hippocampal ablation influences feed and water intake in the chick. Thirteen to 20 chicks in each trial were assigned randomly to lesioned or sham-operated control groups. Feed and water intake was monitored for 24 or 48 h following recovery from the surgical procedure. No differences were noted in either parameter measured. The current studies indicate that hippocampal ablation has no effect on ingestive behavior in the chick.


Research note: automated droplet application of a competitive exclusion preparation.

An automatic dosing cabinet similar to that used for infectious bronchitis vaccination was used to treat newly hatched chicks with a commercial competitive exclusion product, BROILACT. Randomly selected boxes of treated and untreated (control) chicks were taken to the laboratory and challenged with either Salmonella infantis or Salmonella enteritidis (PT4) using the seeder bird technique. Three experiments were carried out with each serotype. Twelve days after challenge, the ceca of the chicks and, in one experiment, also pooled samples of other organs were examined for Salmonella. Automatic droplet application of BROILACT protected the chicks effectively in all six trials. The average number of Salmonella was about 10 cfu/g of cecal contents in the treated groups and 1,000,000 cfu/g in control groups. The pooled organ samples were found to be free from Salmonella in the treated groups whereas virtually all organs from the control groups tested positive for Salmonella.


Research note: variability in preincubation embryonic development in domestic fowl. 2. Effects of duration of egg storage period.

Embryos of eggs from Single Comb White Leghorn hens were analyzed to determine whether duration of egg storage significantly affects embryonic development prior to incubation. Eggs were gathered over a period of 5 days from 25-wk-old hens that were naturally inseminated and housed in floor pens. Within 1 h of oviposition the eggs were collected and assigned randomly to one of five storage treatment groups of 0, 4, 7, 14, or 21 days. Fresh egg weight was recorded and the eggs were placed on plastic egg flats and stored at 14 C. Weight of each egg was measured after storage to determine amount of weight lost during storage. A total of 500 embryos were examined after storage. Viable embryos were staged for development using a modified Eyal-Giladi and Kochav classification. The incidence of embryonic mortality was noted. Duration of storage (P = .5815) collection date (P = .5815), and fresh egg weight (P = .3789) did not affect embryonic development significantly. A significant linear relationship was observed between duration of the storage period and loss of egg weight (P = .0001). Embryonic mortality was significantly related to loss of egg weight (P = .0001). Mortality was highest in eggs that were stored for a longer period of time. The data from the current study indicate that storing fertile eggs below physiological zero inhibits embryonic development. One of the reasons for the increased incidence of embryonic mortality in eggs that were stored for longer periods may be related to the increased egg weight loss in these eggs.


[The limits of Bruno Bettelheim's milieu therapy].

In this essay a position is taken concerning the reproaches against Bruno Bettelheim. Shortly after his death grave reproaches were risen by a former client of him. The reproaches cannot be refuted. But they have to be discussed in connection with Bruno Bettelheim's activities at the Orthogenic School of Chicago. By this example the authors tries to demonstrate the problem of over-taxing in psychiatric activities.


[Anxiety and adolescence].

Based on a single-case study an adolescent patient with an hysterical anxiety syndrome the importance of the integration of age-specific experiences in the phase of late adolescence is described. Here the separation from primary objects as well as the (renewed) coming-up of transitory objects serve as models for untieing of bonds between adolescent and parents. Further the relevance of anxiety in promoting the development at that threshold is described.


[Experiences with the revisions of the classification systems for psychiatric disorders (ICD-10 and Axis 5 MAS)].

In our study clinical experiences in 1990 and 1991 with the new installed ICD-10 and the new version of the fifth axis of the MAS for registering abnormal psychosocial conditions are presented. The strictly descriptive proceeding of these two new systems meets problems of acceptance in a department, whose tradition emphasizes strongly the importance of individually etiological relevant factors in the "Biographische Anamnese" for the psychiatric diagnosis.


[Family constellations in theory and practice: on symmetry and complementarity].

The concepts of "symmetry" and "complementary" of social systems in Bateson and Toman are compared. Bateson describes self-reinforcing cycles of formation of equality and inequality of social systems, whereas Toman means compatibility and incompatibility of social systems according to sibling positions of individuals involved. His concept is important to an empirical family psychology, family diagnosis and family therapy. A family diagnostic case-study shows the practical application.


Ultrastructural localization of pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) and cathepsin B in villi of early placenta of the macaque.

Pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) is found in maternal serum very early in gestation in both human and non-human primates. As judged by light microscopic immunocytochemistry, the major source of SP1 is the syncytial trophoblast, but little is known of the subcellular localization of SP1 indicative of the cellular pathway involved in secretion of the hormone. To study subcellular distribution of SP1, we used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry carried out on macaque placental villi from early (3-4 weeks) gestation. Both light and electron microscopic results confirmed localization confined to syncytial trophoblast in the villi. Within syncytial trophoblast labeling was predominantly over small granules in the apical cytoplasm. The Golgi complex also showed labeling, and light labeling was associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. For comparison, we also localized cathepsin B, a lysosomal protease. By way of contrast this enzyme was localized primarily in large cytoplasmic granules. The results are consistent with a secretory pathway including synthesis in the ER, processing by the Golgi complex, and exocytotic release into maternal blood in the intervillous space.


Immunoreactive prostaglandin G/H synthase content increases in ovine cotyledons during late gestation.

In this study, using gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, we have demonstrated that the content of irPGHS in ovine placenta increases during late gestation prior to the onset of labour. This increase in PGHS tissue content may contribute to the corresponding increased production of prostaglandins by the ovine placenta during this period of pregnancy. Although the mechanism by which PGHS tissue content is elevated at this time remains to be established, one possibility which is currently being investigated in our laboratory is that increased PGHS content reflects an increased level of PGHS gene expression.


Villous culture of first trimester human placenta--model to study extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation.

During implantation and subsequent placentation the human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells invade the endometrium and maternal vasculature within the uterus. The origin of the EVT and signals triggering its differentiation, migration and invasion are poorly understood. First and second trimester human chorionic villi explants were used as a source of EVT and a variety of substrates which resemble extracellular matrix (ECM) in vivo have been tested to induce EVT differentiation and migration. The obtained results demonstrate that villous explants from both 5-7 and 8-10 weeks of gestation give rise to EVT cells in vitro if maintained on the surface of Matrigel or decidual extract supplemented collagen gel. Fetal calf serum (FCS) supplemented media was essential for EVT differentiation and villous trophoblast viability. Immunostaining of both EVT cells and cells from the cytotrophoblastic column with monoclonal antibody Ki67 (cell proliferation marker) indicate that EVT cells differentiate in vitro by proliferation from the tip of anchoring villi. These mononucleated, round-shaped, migrating cells are HLA-A,B,C class I antigen (W6/32) antibody and low molecular weight cytokeratin positive, and do not immunostain with PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor) and HPL antibodies. Differentiation of EVT was restricted to first trimester villous tissue; explants from second trimester placentae did not give rise to EVT. Tissue viability as monitored by glucose utilization, lactate, progesterone and hCG production rates correlated with EVT differentiation. The production rates for hCG demonstrated significant variation among individual placentae and was maintained constant for 10 days consistently only in explants cultured on decidual extract supplemented collagen matrix. The described villous tissue culture system may be, therefore, a unique in vitro model to study proliferation and differentiation of EVT from cytotrophoblastic columns, the regulation of EVT proliferation and differentiation, the role of ECM in the induction of the migration and the interaction of extravillous and villous trophoblast at the level of the cytotrophoblastic column.


[Transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients over 75 years of age. Immediate and long-term results].

Over a 4-year period, 120 transluminal coronary angioplasties were performed in 102 patients older than 75 years. There were 56 men and 46 women aged from 75 to 89 years (mean: 78 +/- 3 years) presenting with the following characteristics: left ventricular ejection fraction 60 +/- 11 percent; severe angina (class III or IV) 86 percent; history of myocardial infarction 43 percent; one-vessel lesion 39 percent; 66 percent of the arteries dilated were calcified. Altogether, 158 vessels (1.3 per procedure) were dilated: 1 vessel in 74 percent of the patients, 2 in 20 percent and 3 in 6 percent. The primary success rate was 80 percent per lesion (126/158 lesions) and 77 percent per procedure (92/120 procedures). This primary success rate was significantly higher when the stenosis dilated was not calcified (88 versus 75 percent, P < 0.05) and in cases with stenosis rather than complete occlusion (83 versus 53 percent, P < 0.01). Three patients died (3 percent) and 9 (7.5 percent) developed infarction with Q wave, but no emergency bypass was needed. The first 79 patients could be followed up for a mean period of 23 +/- 13 months (range: 8-61 months), and no patient was lost sight of. During that period, 11 patients died (including 7 of cardiac cause), 2 had a non-lethal infarction, 7 underwent distant aortocoronary bypass and 18 had a second angioplasty for restenosis. The long-term survival rate (Kaplan-Meier) was 83 +/- 6 percent at 4 years (90 percent when the angioplasty was successful and 73 percent when it failed; P < 0.02). Among the 65 survivors, 73 percent no longer had angina, 96 percent are in the New York Heart Association class I or II, and 92 percent are still on oral anti-angina therapy. Thus, transluminal coronary angioplasty can be performed in very old patients with good efficacy and an acceptable complication rate. The improvement obtained persists for a long time when the angioplasty is successful.


Galactose alpha 1-3 galactose and anti-alpha galactose antibody in normal and pathological pregnancies.

The galactose alpha 1-3 galactose (Gal alpha 1-3 Gal) residue is a carbohydrate widely distributed in many non-human mammals. Since Gal alpha 1-3 Gal residues are described on the cell surface of tumor cells, we have examined the possibility of their expression on human trophoblastic cells at different stages of placental implantation and in various pregnancy-associated conditions. Using immunohistochemical methods, Gal alpha 1-3 Gal was demonstrated on interstitial and vascular trophoblast during pregnancy. For villous trophoblast, the staining disappeared in second trimester pregnancies. The density of staining for Gal alpha 1-3 Gal was increased in highly invasive trophoblast (mole and choriocarcinoma) and decreased in poorly invasive specimens (spontaneous abortion, XO monosomia). No cells displaying Gal alpha 1-3 Gal at their surface were identified in some segments of spiral arteries from pre-eclamptic women. The anti-Gal antibody titer increased in the first trimester of pregnancy and in the sera of pre-eclamptic and eclamptic patients. These findings suggest that Gal alpha 1-3 Gal residues could be considered as markers for trophoblast invasive capacity and that the binding of maternal anti-Gal antibodies to the trophoblast could contribute to limit trophoblastic invasion and thus participate to the immunological control of implantation.


[Pure cerebellar infarction. Thirty cases].

Infarcts in the territory of cerebellar arteries, often involving both brainstem and cerebellum, have been well recognized in recent pathological and clinicoradiological studies. To evaluate the situation of pure cerebellar infarcts (PCI) we studied 30 consecutive cases of symptomatic PCI (22 men and 8 women, mean age 58 +/- 17 years) admitted over a 5-year period and selected on the basis of brain computed tomography completed by magnetic resonance in 20 cases and angiography in 15 cases. PCIs accounted for 53 percent of cerebellar infarcts, 10 percent of vertebrobasilar infarcts and 3.2 percent of all cerebral infarcts. The arterial territories involved were the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) in 13 cases (alone in 8 cases), the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in 2 cases, the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 17 cases (alone in 13 cases) and border areas in 5 cases (associated with SCA or PICA). The symptoms were the same in the arterial territories involved (SCA versus PICA), except for dysmetria and vestibular syndrome which were more frequent respectively in SCA territory infarction (P < 0.001) and in PICA territory infarction (P < 0.01). Certain or presumed causes were cardiogenic embolism (23 percent), atherosclerosis (43 percent) and other identified causes, such as oral contraceptives or temporal arteritis (10 percent). They remained undetermined in 24 percent of the cases. Although most patients were severely disabled in the acute stage (Barthel index < 60 in 21 cases), 90 percent recovered subsequently (Barthel index about 100 and 0-2 score on modified Rankin scale). Our findings indicate that symptomatic PCIs are rare; their main causes (cardioembolism and atherosclerosis) do not differ in frequency from those of all cerebral infarcts collected in stroke registries and their functional prognosis is good in almost all cases.


[Malignant endocrine tumor of the pancreas associated with high blood thyrocalcitonin levels].

A case of thyrocalcitonin-secreting endocrine tumour of the pancreas is reported. Endocrine pancreatic tumours are neoplasias evolving over a long period; most of them are multisecreting, usually with a predominant secretion responsible for clinical symptoms. In this particular case the retrospective diagnosis of a thyrocalcitonin-secreting tumour of the pancreas was made by immunocytochemical study of the pancreatectomy specimen. One year after pancreatectomy, the persistence of clinical signs and a plasma thyrocalcitonin level higher than 25,000 pg/ml led to the discovery of a liver metastasis. An immunocytochemical study of the segmental hepatectomy specimen showed a single population of thyrocalcitonin-secreting cells identical with those found in the pancreatic tumour. In this context, radioimmunological assays of peptides and immunocytochemistry seem to be the best diagnostic methods.


Subcellular localization and properties of adenosine diphosphatase in human placenta.

It was found that mitochondria from human placenta exhibited an ADPase activity with the following characteristics. The enzyme responsible for this activity was associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane. It was not released by treatment of the submitochondrial particles with solutions of high ionic strength. Maximal ADP hydrolysis was reached at pH 8. Specific inhibitors for alkaline phosphatase (L-phenylalanine), myokinase (P1,P5-di(adenosine-5')pentaphosphate), or 5'-nucleotidase (concanavalin A) did not decrease ADP hydrolysis. ATP synthesis from ADP by myokinase was about 13 nmol/mg/min, whereas ADP hydrolysis reached values around 500 to 550 nmol/mg/min, indicating that a myokinase-H+ATPase combination could not account for the observed rates of ADP hydrolysis. The activity was stimulated by Mg2+, but high concentrations of this cation produced inhibition. High ADP concentrations did not inhibit ADPase activity. Kinetic measurements of the activity in the submitochondrial particles showed that the true substrate was ADP-Mg. The kinetic studies showed V(app) values of 476 and 270 nmol/mg/min, and Kmapp values of 416 and 8.7 microM.


[Insulin administration systems. Possibilities and difficulties].

Conventional insulin therapy, particularly when intensive, dose not provide all the comfort and effectiveness desired. The new insulin therapy methods that are, or will soon be, available are described in this review paper. The new types of subcutaneous insulin administration include the so-called "fountain-pens"--in fact ready-to-use syringes--and portable insulin pumps, which are helpful to some patients. Pancreas and islets transplantations are limited by the problem of tissue harvesting and by the necessity of chronic immunosuppression. Nasal insulin sprays will replace rapid insulin injections when the problem of bioavailability is solved and the lack of toxicity is demonstrated. The implantable artificial pancreas is still awaiting the development of long-term reliable glucose sensors, but one of its elements, the implantable insulin pump, is already operational; its safety and reliability have now been proven; its effectiveness seems to result from a better stabilization of blood glucose level variations; it will not supersede conventional injections, but it is the only alternative for patients with poor glycaemia control and notably for those at high risk of hypoglycaemia.


Anion transport by human placenta: a study of chloride and sulphate efflux from isolated placental tissue fragments.

The efflux of radiolabelled sulphate and chloride from fragments prepared from normal human term placentae has been examined so that a comparison between the transport properties of whole tissue and isolated placental membranes may be made. Sulphate efflux was found via a temperature- and DIDS sensitive mechanism. External chloride and sulphate were able to trans-accelerate the egress of labelled sulphate from tissue fragments via a DIDS-inhibitable route. These results are consistent with sulphate transport being mediated via an anion-exchange process. Chloride efflux from fragments of placenta was via a system which could be trans-stimulated by external Cl-: this moiety of transport was inhibited by DIDS. Several differences between the characteristics of placental tissue anion transport and isolated membrane vesicles were noted and are discussed.


From 13 weeks to term, the trophoblast of human placenta grows by the continuous recruitment of new proliferative units: a study of nuclear number using the disector.

A method is presented for obtaining assumption-free estimates of the number of nuclei in the trophoblast of the human placenta and for defining the size of the trophoblast proliferative unit (TPU). The method relies on the disector, a stereological device for counting arbitrary particles in 3-dimensional space using pairs of parallel sections separated by a known distance. It is applied to investigate factors which contribute to trophoblast growth from 13 weeks of gestation to term. Physical disectors were sampled systematically using adjacent 4-4.6 microns thick paraffin sections. Nuclei in the trophoblast (syncytial and cellular) were counted if they appeared in an unbiased counting frame on one section but were absent from the adjacent section. Nuclear packing densities were converted to absolute numbers of nuclei by using placental volume as the reference space. At 37-39 weeks, the average placenta contained 6.4 x 10(10) trophoblast nuclei of which 90 per cent were located within the syncytium and the remainder in the cytotrophoblast. From a knowledge of total trophoblast volume, it was found that each nucleus is associated with 970 microns3 of trophoblast and each cytotrophoblast cell with 11,000 microns3. The latter may be regarded as the volume of a TPU. From 13 weeks of gestation to term, there was a ninefold increase in nuclear number but the trophoblast volumes associated with nuclei, including the size of the TPU, remained constant. Growth of trophoblast is purely hyperplastic and occurs by recruitment of new TPUs.


[Results of myocardial revascularization in patients aged 70 years and over].

The purpose of this study was to bring up-to-date the immediate risks and long-term benefits of coronary surgery in elderly people. The results obtained in a series of 475 patients in their seventies suffering from coronary disease who underwent myocardial revascularization alone or combined with heart valve replacement at the La Pitié Hospital, Paris, between 1984 and 1989 were analyzed. Coronary disease was associated with heart valve disease in two-thirds of the cases. The mean number of bypasses was 2.3 per patient. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 119 cases and mitral valve replacement in 12 cases. The operative mortality rate was 10.8 percent in patients with stable angina who underwent elective surgery. The factors which increased the mortality rate were: age (19.6 percent over 75 versus 13 percent under 75, P = 0.05); sex (23.5 percent in women versus 13.2 percent in men, P = 0.01) and emergency (25.8 percent, P = 0.02). No significant difference in mortality was noted between patients who had and those who did not have aortic valve replacement (15.8 versus 10.8 percent, P = 0.14). Fifteen patients (3.1 percent) developed perioperative myocardial infarction. During the follow-up, period myocardial infarction occurred in 7 patients. Out of 29 late deaths, 8 were of cardiac origin (infarction in 5, terminal heart failure in 3). The survival rate at 4 years was 76 percent. Among the patients who could be followed up, 80 percent are now asymptomatic, 15 percent are in stage I or II and 5 percent in stage III or IV of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification. Thus, despite a non negligible operative risk the functional improvement and survival rates obtained justify an increase in the indications for myocardial revascularization in elderly patients.


[Diffusion of amikacin into the sinuses in patients with nosocomial sinusitis. Administration of a single dose per day].

Twenty mechanically ventilated patients with nosocomial sinusitis were treated with amikacin 15 mg/kg administered either once a day (group 1 patients) or twice a day (group 2 patients). Amikacin was assayed in serum and in the liquid drained from the sinuses 8 times over a 24 hours' period (group 1) or 7 times over a 12 hours' period (group 2). The amikacin concentration peak was 10.9 mg/l in group 1 and 5.1 mg/l in group 2. It is concluded that amikacin can be used to treat patients with nosocomial sinusitis. High amikacin concentrations are reached with the once a day dosage.


[Bacillary epithelioid angiomatosis in AIDS. Two cases].

Bacillary angiomatosis is a newly recognized multisystem opportunistic infection seen in the human immunodeficiency virus infection. The disease is marked by papular and nodular vascular skin lesions that clinically resemble Kaposi's sarcoma. Histologically, the lesions are different and show clusters of bacteria showing the structure of Gram negative bacilli staining with Warthin-Starry stain. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the organisms (1 to 2 microns) have a trilamellar wall structure. Treatment with oral erythromycin (2 to 3 g a day) for 2 to 4 weeks rapidly leads to resolution.


[Bacillary angiomatosis].

Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a recently described infection usually found in patients with human immunodeficiency virus disease. BA is caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus. This organism is primarily responsible for skin lesions of the pseudo-botryomycoma type or inflammatory nodules, but it also produces fever, degradation of the general condition and visceral lesions involving the lymph nodes, the liver, the spleen and the bones. Histology shows vascular proliferation with turgid endothelial cells and mostly neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrates. BA is susceptible to many antibiotics. The authors describe the history of the disease and its clinical and histological features, discuss its differential diagnosis and principally deal with the relationship between BA and cat-scratch disease and between BA and verruca peruana. They also present the molecular biology technique which enables a genotypic diagnosis of the disease to be made, replacing a deficient phenotype.


[Treatment of primary cancer of the breast in elderly women. Role of hormone therapy].

About 40 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancers occur in women older than 65. Hormonotherapy plays an important role as adjuvant treatment of primary cancers in post-menopausal women because of their great hormone-dependence. The drug of choice is tamoxifen which is very well tolerated. Its beneficial effect appears to be related to the duration of administration. It also seems to be particularly promising in the initial treatment (neoadjuvant) of elderly women and potentially beneficial in the breast cancers said to be of good prognosis when the axillary nodes are not involved.


Effectiveness of oral health care--some Danish experiences.

The paper presents an overview of the oral health situation in Denmark with consideration to the effectiveness of dental health care services to children, adolescents, and adults. According to the Act on Dental Health consolidated in 1986, the Municipal Dental Service provides systematic preventive and curative care free of charge to the child population and adolescents. The adults are responsible for a substantial part of the payments at the private dental practitioners but some of the payments, in particular the curative services, are covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. The Municipal Dental Service is attended by nearly 100%. In order to plan and evaluate the service, a standardized recording system has been established. Thereby, national oral epidemiological data have been provided since 1972. Partly due to the preventive approach, a general decrease over-time in the prevalence of dental caries has been documented for children and adolescents. For example, in 1972 children in first class had a mean caries experience of 12.4 def-s against 3.9 def-s in 1990. Moreover, the distribution of dental caries has become even more skewed which means that an increasing number of the children are free of caries while a limited number of the children still show a significant caries experience. According to interview data from 1987, 72% of the adult population 16 years of age and above reported regular dental visits at least once a year. The proportion of regular dental visitors were high in 16-24-years-old (92%) but lower in the age group 65-74 (35%). In 1982, clinical epidemiological data were collected as part of a national oral health survey. The results indicated that the amount of untreated dental caries and the number of missing teeth were significantly lower among regular dental visitors than irregulars. As to periodontal health, treatment needs were also prominent among regular dental visitors. In a longitudinal survey, over-time changes in the occurrence of denture wearers have been observed. In 1976, 30% of the 35-44-year-olds were denture wearers against 11% in 1986. One important finding from this survey was that social inequality in oral health seems to be reduced in younger adults. Finally, experiences from implementation of health education and preventive dental care in industrial settings are discussed, and the health outcome of a comprehensive public dental health care programme for old-age pensioners is reviewed.


Iatrogenesis in the treatment of dental caries.

Traditional restorative dental treatment has many shortcomings and has not been shown to be an effective method for managing caries. In spite of this, many dentists continue to be powered by an aggressive restorative approach which, in the light of changing "rules" of operative dentistry, must now be seen as inappropriate and as a form of iatrogenesis. Many things have changed in recent years, including: the prevalence of caries; understanding of the science of the caries process; a fuller appreciation of the problems inherent in restoring teeth; cavity design; restorative materials; and the demands of patients. Dental practice needs to change very dramatically if iatrogenesis is truly to be reduced to a minimum and dentistry is to provide the sort of preventive-based care the modern consumer is increasingly realising makes most sense.


Use of oral health services and adult oral health in Finland.

This paper describes changes in use of oral health services and oral health in Finnish adults. The figures are taken from the Mini-Finland study of people aged 30 years or over (1980), a study of the oral health of persons aged 35 to 64 years old in the Jämsä Health Centre region (1990), and a study on the oral health of people aged 65 or over in the Varkaus region (1990). In 1980 one-third of Finnish adults aged 30 years or over visited a dentist at least once every two years. In 1990, 41% of the population between 35 and 64 years old visited a dentist at least once every two years. Among those aged 65 or over, however, most subjects visited a dentist only if they had an acute dental problem. An oral health check-up was the reason given for their last dental visit by 25% of adults in 1980. The percentage was slightly greater in 1990. Regular use of oral health services was reflected in better oral health. Occurrence of dental caries correlated strongly with use of oral health services. In 1980 only 4% of Finnish adults had a healthy periodontium. There was no marked improvement in 1990 in periodontal health. The most radical positive development was observed in relation to degree of periodontal loss. Despite some positive development, the association between oral health and use of oral health services has remained unchanged. The results support encouragement of an oral health check-up at least once every two years.


Evaluation of the correlation box (Segner) for characterization of the facial skeleton.

The convenience of the so-called harmonious combinations of five basic radiographic cephalometric measurements (Segner), derived from multiple regressions and presented in the form of a correlation box, as a means of diagnosing skeletal malocclusion has been evaluated statistically. The study involved 55 untreated orthodontic patients 7-14 years old with Angle's Class I malocclusion. The correlation box was built stepwise on the basis of four linear regressions computed between five angular measurements (SNA, SNB, NSL/ML, NSL/NL, and NSAr). The regression analyses indicated that the correlation box was not accurate enough. The coefficients of determination for the regressions varied between 0.26 (for NSL/NL) and 0.63 (for SNB). Most part of the variation in NSL/ML, NSL/NL, and NSAr angles remained unexplained. Individual norms indicated by the box for the ANB angle seemed doubtful in many cases. The correlation box seemed to show the statistically most probable associations between measurements used. The combinations may be harmonious but the existence of other harmonious combinations cannot be excluded.


Experience with a carbon dioxide laser for removal of benign oral soft-tissue lesions.

Fifty-six patients with 86 benign oral soft-tissue lesions were treated with CO2 laser surgery during a period of 48 months. The lesions removed included hyperplasias, papillomas, haemangiomas, mucoceles, lichen planus, fibromas, condylomas and lingual frenula. All clinical diagnoses except that of lingual frenulum were verified histopathologically. The lesions were excised using the laser to obtain biopsy specimens. However, in some cases it was felt more appropriate to excise biopsy material from the most characteristic part of the lesion first, then to destroy the rest of the lesion. Treatment was undertaken in one session under local anaesthesia without premedication. No patient received antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs after operation. The lesions were operated on freehand using a handpiece and laser power ranging from 6 to 10 W in continuous mode. The beam in focus was 0.2 mm in diameter, which allowed fine dissection. There was no bleeding from the laser wounds, and no need for suturing. Removal of the lesions using the laser was fast and easy. Healing took place with minimal post-operative discomfort, and without visible scarring. The results of this study suggest that use of a CO2 laser leads to a level of precision similar to and sometimes better than that of a scalpel in the treatment of benign oral soft-tissue lesions. The laser beam could be used to obtain biopsy specimens without tissue destruction.


Evaluation of oral health services for adults.

Evaluation is carried out to ascertain the value of something, or to compare accomplishments with some standard. Its purpose is to judge and improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of services. Oral health services for adults have been dominated by demand-led private practice arrangements. Classic programme evaluation, including assessment of appropriateness, adequacy, effectiveness, efficiency and side-effects has not been possible because neither objectives, nor activities to attain them have been defined. After presenting some evaluative studies of the past, this paper outlines one monitoring and evaluative strategy based on the mixed-scanning theory of planning. The strategy consists in defining a few oral health status and behavioural goals for four selected age groups of adults. Information concerning background and outcome variables is then collected at predetermined intervals of time from random samples of the adult population using a comparatively simple survey strategy. In order to keep the work-load and resource expenditure within reasonable limits, the periodic monitoring surveys would need to be supplemented by ad hoc studies for specific health services research purposes. The periodic surveys would be used to show the extent of goal attainment at predetermined points in time; the ad hoc studies for testing hypothesis about causal associations.


How to optimize drug penetration through the skin.

The main problem of the therapy with drugs applied to the skin is the high diffusional resistance of the intact stratum corneum. To increase the flux of a given drug the selection of the vehicle is of utmost importance. Incorporation of the drug at its maximal thermodynamic activity leads to the maximal possible flux, as in vivo studies show with different drugs. The formation of supersaturated solutions and dissociation equilibria as well as drug-vehicle interactions and drug depletion also result from the vehicle selection and influence the flux. The resistance of the stratum corneum is not a constant parameter. It may be reduced by specific vehicle effects, penetration enhancers and hydration. Examples for the increase of drug fluxes are given.


Interaction of preservatives with macromolecules: Part I--Natural hydrocolloids.

Antibacterial activity of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate against Ps. aeruginosa was evaluated in the presence of varying concentrations of acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, guar gum and carrageenin. All these hydrocolloids reduced the antibacterial activity to varying degrees. Tragacanth and guar gum inhibited the activity to a greater extent than acacia, sodium alginate and carrageenin. Hydrocolloids reduce the antibacterial activity of preservatives in two ways. Interaction of the preservative with hydrophilic macromolecules and subsequent reduction in the availability of preservative appears to be the predominant mechanism by which tragacanth and guar gum reduce the activity of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate. Acacia, sodium alginate and carrageenin apparently act by offering physical protection to microbial cells from the action of the preservative. It is also probable that these hydrocolloids provide more favourable media for microbial growth thereby increasing the preservative requirement for adequate preservation.


CT reconstruction algorithm for a dental panoramic x-ray unit.

A variable Jacobian and weighted backprojection algorithm, used for medical CT, was adapted to perform CT reconstructions on data obtained with a dental panoramic x-ray unit. A detector array, fitted to the unit for the purpose of acquiring digital panoramic radiographs, was used to collect the data. Compensations were made for the incomplete (230 degrees) rotation of the panoramic x-ray unit, the non-fixed centre of rotation, the irregular rotation of the x-ray target and detector, and the resulting variances in magnification. The algorithm was tested on mathematically simulated phantoms and on acquired data. Reconstruction of simulated data proved the success of the algorithm. Real data reconstructions showed some defects as a result of inaccuracies in quantifying the experimental panoramic device.


Prototype of dual energy x-ray tomodensimeter for lumbar spine bone mineral density measurement: choice of the reconstruction algorithm and first experimental results.

A dual-energy x-ray tomodensimeter adapted for the determination of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae has been directly developed from a typical dual-energy x-ray absorptiometer. This apparatus consists of two fundamental parts: a dual energy x-ray tube, and a multidetector made by an array of 24 NaI(T1) crystals. It provides both tomographic and non-tomographic (anteroposterior, lateral etc) measurement. The detection area is limited to 132 mm. In this condition, the choice of the best reconstruction algorithm in order to give a direct BDM is considered. Preliminary studies based on numerical simulated projections and hydroxyapatite phantoms demonstrated the superiority of algebraic reconstruction algorithms, such as conjugated gradient, in order to resolve the problems of (i) the impossibility of defining an internal calibration, and (ii) the potential for reconstruction errors due to the presence of bone structures located out of the detection area. The accuracy of BMD measurement is within 2%, with in vitro precision approximately 1%, and linearity characterized by a standard error of estimation (SEE) of 2 mg cm-3 in the range of lumbar BMD (less than 400 mg cm-3). Experimental data derived from two volunteers are presented.


Stratospheric ozone depletion and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in a British population.

Quantitative estimation of the increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in British people that may result from depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer is given for the present generation of British people. For adults alive today continuing ozone depletion at current rates is predicted to result in a relatively small additional lifetime risk (< 5%) of NMSC, assuming no changes in climate, time spent outdoors, behaviour or clothing habits. The lifetime risk incurred by today's children, however, is 10%-15% greater than expected in the absence of ozone depletion. However, if the production and use of substances which deplete ozone are reduced, as expected under the current provisions of the Montreal Protocol, the increased lifetime risk of skin cancer is likely to be less than this estimate. These predicted increases in risk, resulting from greater solar ultraviolet exposure, can be offset by adopting changes to behaviour during the summer months which may involve spending less time outdoors, wearing appropriate clothing including wide-brimmed hats, applying topical sunscreens, or a combination of these.


A feasibility study of the in vivo measurement of aluminium in peripheral bone.

In summary, it is feasible to construct a neutron source, using the 3H(1H,n)3He reaction and the Dynamitron accelerator, which is suitable for the measurement of aluminium in vivo. It is useful to compare this system with other published data for in vivo aluminium measurement. The important parameters are presented in table 2 where MDL represents the minimum detectable level for the stated local dose. The figures in table 2 are very encouraging since the system described in this paper is at a very early stage of development. Significant improvements in sensitivity (detected 28Al counts per unit dose) should be expected from the combined effects of: (i) Increased NaI detector sizes. (ii) Neutron transport calculations to optimise the irradiation cavity. (iii) Experiments to determine the optimum source energy more precisely. (iv) Better dose delivery (giving the same dose in a shorter time). (v) More sophisticated spectroscopic data reduction. Published data on the amounts of aluminium typically found in hands of patients with renal disease (Ellis and Kelleher 1987) show that aluminium levels are likely to be in the 0.3 to about 15 mg range. Any improvements in system performance could largely be used to reduce the patient dose since the measurement sensitivity reported here is already close to that required for meaningful clinical measurements.


[Structural and functional anatomical bases of deep venous insufficiency of the lower limbs].

The authors consider the Extent of the several anatomical structures which constitute the deep venous network, and the part they can take in the case of deep venous insufficiency. Congenital Vascular diseases are called back in mind when considering Embryology, and point out the extent of the deep venous state; such veins can gather in periarterial plexus, at the muscular Level, and in going past all along main arterial axes. Among all the critical points of these axes, we must keep the popliteal veins, the femoral crossing, and the iliocaval one and elsewhere, the important question of venous valves and communicating and perforating veins. The part of the lymphatic network must be pointed out, because of its extent in the stasis phenomenons.


[Morphologic anatomy of the valves of the lower limbs].

This study reports a useful technique, in particular at the magnifications of 16, 25 and 40 fresh cadaver: the great saphenous vein contains approximately 7 to 8 valves with a variable, though small, percentage of atrophic valves; regarding deep veins, study includes that of the ostial valves of the great and small saphenous veins and of the bicuspid valves distributed in the femoro-popliteal and leg veins. Varicose veins, obtained by long stripping of the great saphenous (or, more rarely, of the small saphenous) have been used to study: the number of valves (far less in varicose vein sufferers) and the incidence of atrophic valves; possible changes in the structure of valves (or cusps); intermediate pillars between two cusps; the position of the valve in relation to varicose ectasia and to collaterals; the possibility of actual trabecular modifications in the wall (but, most often, valves are typical). The valves of collaterals are bicuspid in the lumen, but the ostial valve is usually unicuspid. Perforating veins generally have a single cusp exterior to passage through the fascia. This study enables interesting comparisons with recent endoscopic findings (and in particular work from the department of Professor Cloarec).


[Clinical aspects of deep venous varicose insufficiency].

Attention is paid to the set of problems connected with the non-thrombotic insufficiency of the conducting veins of the leg. Phlebographic and X-ray morphometric investigations of the last years were able to prove that the primary varicosis does not exclusively represent a disease of the superficial and perforating fasciae venous system, but that the subfascial venous system (system of conductive veins) is without doubt also included in the pathogenetic reactive process. Two casuistic descriptions of cases with phlebographically and Doppler-sonographically ascertained insufficiency of the conductive veins of the leg are demonstrated. It is referred to the diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic problems of the isolated non-thrombotic insufficiency of the conductive veins. Leading diagnostic criteria of the isolated ectasic (varicose) insufficiency of the conducting veins of the leg are: symptomatology of subjective complaints, such as sensation of tension, feeling of heaviness of the legs, inclination to swelling, pains, epifascial freedom from varices, phlebographic evidence of the ectasia of conductive veins and sonographic confirmation of reflux.


[A dynamic model of the muscular pump of the calf in deep venous insufficiency].

The dynamic model described in 1989 is characterised by the emptying of blood from perforators into the deep venous column (DVC) during a muscle contraction. Muscular squeezing and convective acceleration favor such emptying. In 1990, using dynamic venous endoscopy, it was possible to define the following for a saphenous vein: an outer (or deep) surface, an inner (or superficial) surface and two edges. In 1992, it can be said that the deep veins also have two surfaces and two edges. Anatomically, valve commissures are on the edges of the veins which are also known as commissural lines. Physiologically, this zone (edge of the vein) is potentially less collapsible. Diagrams of models of muscle pumps require modification: valve commissures and orifices of perforators must be aligned. Fluid flow (flux and reflux) is more durable along the edges of the vein.


[A study of valve dynamics using endoscopy. Does functional valve insufficiency exist?].

The authors refer to findings concerning the valve systems of deep veins and the great saphenous, obtained by application of the Echo-Color-Doppler and endoscopic method. The authors noted that healthy valve structures tended to turn downwards as the loading pressure increased, subsequently returning to a normal morphological and functional state. Slow motion study also stressed the presence of apparently active valve movements, including participation by the vein wall. The term "parieto-valvular functional unit" could be used. The authors suggest the existence of a form of transitory functional valve prolapse responsible for the origin of valve insufficiency, also functional. The healthy valve could thus cede to high pressure, also avoiding any structural damage.


[The action of deep venous insufficiency at the popliteal level on the junction of the external saphenous vein and the gemellary veins].

Duplex-ultrasound and colour-ultrasound have enabled successful close study of valve patency and function by the analysis of hemodynamic changes: direction, velocity, circulatory conditions. Direction by colours: red attributed to arriving flow and blue to outflow. Circulatory velocity by the intensity and brilliance of colours. Circulatory conditions by the colour green revealing the existence of a turbulent flow, with anterograde turbulent flow coloured yellow and retrograde turbulent flow turquoise. A so-called mosaic pattern occurs when turbulent flow has a high circulatory velocity. Investigation of the popliteal vein: patient in ventral horizontal and standing positions. Normal morphological characteristics: Course essentially straight. Valve system proximal to the junction of the small saphenous. Anteroposterior diameter: less than 1 cm in horizontal position, less than 1.5 cm standing. Totally compressible by external pressure and partially by hyperextension of the ring of soleus. Characteristics of popliteal insufficiency: increased calibre--positive compressibility--duplication of standing calibre--pulsed Doppler with a biphasic wave--colour--ultrasound with reflux red--turbulent conditions and mosaic pattern may be present. Investigation of the small saphenous vein: enables determination of morphological characteristics, the site of the junction, detection of reflux and measurement of its degree. Valve insufficiency of the popliteal vein may form part of a syndrome of overall insufficiency of the deep system, primary or secondary, depending upon one valve only, located proximal to the junction of the small saphenous. When this functions badly, special reflux circuits develop, with the outcome depending on the course which these circuits may take.


[What complementary examinations to demand in chronic venous insufficiency?].

The diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is first of all a clinical diagnosis. Subsequent investigations are useful to elucidate the underlying abnormalities in the venous system and to quantify their severity. Continuous wave doppler ultrasound is the basis test. Duplex scanning is useful for the study of popliteal and tibial veins reflux. The others non invasive techniques aim to investigate patients with severe CVI. But it seems necessary to be very careful with the methodologies used with these tests, and there is a need for a test of the whole calf venous pump function. Venographic studies are performed only if it is necessary to complete the non invasive tests data, before surgical treatment of a postthrombotic syndrome or of congenital deep venous reflux, or when a rare form of CVI is suspected. Venography remains the better test for the study of the anatomy of the venous system, but it is no longer the gold standard for the investigation of CVI.


[Postural obstruction of the popliteal vein. Its role in deep venous insufficiency of the legs].

Postural or, more generally, positional obstruction of the popliteal vein occurs either in complete extension of the leg, or in powerful flexion of the order of 90 degrees. It is sometimes constitutional and sometimes acquired, as a result of dystrophy of the venous wall. Abnormal phlebographic appearances vary according to the position of the leg and the level of the obstruction: signs of narrowing or axis displacement with the knee in extension; plications, sinuousities, stenosis, curved imprints with the knee in flexion. The actual existence of circulatory slowing has been confirmed by Doppler. Hemodynamic consequences appear to be all the more severe when the obstruction is tighter, situated higher and when the great saphenous itself is narrowed at the level of the popliteal crease. Despite its intermittent nature, positional obstruction must be kept under consideration: in hospital medicine, because of the potential danger of venous stasis which it causes, with the risk of underlying thrombosis; in everyday phlebology, since it explains, to a certain extent, the mechanisms of chronic venous insufficiency occurring after standing upright or sitting for prolonged periods. Awareness of this possibility forms the basis of a number of general rules concerning good venous health, certainly by no means original but rarely observed.


Gastric cytoprotective anti-ulcerogenic actions of hydroxychalcones in rats.

The preventive effects of hydroxychalcone derivatives on ulcer formation induced by severe necrotizing agents such as 60% ethanol in 150 mM HCl (HCl-ethanol) and 0.2 N NaOH in rats were examined. Among the compounds tested, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone gave the strongest activity in both experimental models and protected the gastric mucosa from the insult of either necrotizing agent at oral doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg, as evidenced by a dose-related reduction in the ulcer index. The mucosal protective activity of 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone was not affected by pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.). To investigate the detailed mechanism of the mucosal protective action of 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone, its inhibitory effects on the decrease in the hexosamine content from the gastric mucus induced by HCl-ethanol were studied by using it in combination with a dye, Alcian blue. As a result, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone at an oral dose of 10 mg/kg inhibited the decrease in the dye-recovery from the gastric mucus induced by HCl-ethanol. PGE2 at an oral dose of 0.1 mg/kg exhibited a similar action. These results established that 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone is a potent cytoprotective agent similar to PGE2 effectively preventing gastric ulcer formation induced by strong necrotizing agents and seems to suggest that this compound protects the stomach against its own peptic secretions by reinforcement of gastric resistances. In fact, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone prevented ulcer formation induced by water-immersion stress in rats and also showed a marked enhancement of the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats.


[Theory and practice of hemodynamic treatment of deep venous insufficiency caused by valve absence].

HDDVI is a form of surgical treatment which, using a series of selective ligatures, is aimed at curing deep venous insufficiency due to valve absence. There are two fundamental principles: an incompetent vein ensures no venous return in standing position and is the site of reverse circulation; this ineffective vein develops a collateral circulation because of the increased pressure which it produces. However, this parallel circulation is in fact neutralised by the diseased vein which forms a retrograde shunt. Section ligatures are suggested taking into account single main veins with minimal collaterals (popliteal vein, femoral vein, external iliac vein) for which patency is essential. This novel theory is based upon physical, and anatomical and functional clinical arguments. The strategy is discussed in terms of the hemodynamic map of the deep veins obtained by orthostatic duplex Doppler. Confirmation that the theory is well-founded appears to be provided by the first cases treated.


Choleretic effects of alpha-iridodiol on experimentally induced intrahepatic cholestasis.

When a lymphokine, the cholestatic factor, was intravenously injected into rats through a mesenteric vein, a remarkable reduction in bile flow was observed. Using this experimentally induced intrahepatic cholestasis model, we studied the choleretic effects of alpha-iridodiol, an iridoid compound. When alpha-iridodiol was administered 30 min before, at the same time, or 30 min after injection of the cholestatic factor, the reductions in bile flow and bile acid excretion were significantly inhibited. Remarkable choleretic effects were also noted when it was administered to normal rats. These results suggested that alpha-iridodiol may be effective in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis.


[Surgical reconstruction in deep venous insufficiency].

Deep venous insufficiency is present clinically in post-phlebitis syndrome (PPS), above all at the stage of incompetence, after venous recanalisation, and in primary deep venous insufficiency (PDVI). Its different anatomical and pathological patterns lead to a varied management approach. Venous bypass procedures (using the techniques of Palma, Warren-Hushi, etc.) have been used in PPS at the obstructive stage but have now been virtually abandoned. In PPS at the stage of incompetence, after recanalisation, transposition of the incompetent vein to a competent vein has been suggested together with the grafting of a segment of valve-bearing vein. This is associated with many technical difficulties. In contrast, venous reconstruction surgery appears more promising in the case of PDVI. At the first stage, with a dilated vein and valve borders merely detached, it has been possible to obtain good results from external valvuloplasty by bandaging of the vein. The authors' experience at this stage involves a series of 54 operations with a follow-up of 4 to 63 months. At the late stage of PDVI, with frankly prolapsed valve borders, very useful results have been obtained form internal valvuloplasty, using various methods. Authors have recently been working on the artificial venous valve (Spiegowski, Taheri, Garcia-Rinaldi and ourselves) with uncertain results. We are currently studying a heterologous (metal and/or polymer) prosthetic device.


[Results of reconstructive surgery in deep venous reflux at the subinguinal stage. Apropos of 93 interventions].

This study is a retrospective analysis of results of 93 interventions performed between 1984 and 1991 with an uniform indication: deep venous valvular reflux. Out of these 93 procedures, fifty (54%) have been undertaken in post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), thirty-seven (40%) in deep primary vein incompetence (DPVI). Technically speaking, 46 valvuloplasties, 26 transplantations, 12 transpositions and 9 Psathakis procedures have been performed. Sixty one patients have a follow-up from 2 to 7 years (mean 44 months). In majority, valvuloplasties have been done in DPVI. Clinical and hemodynamic results in this group are good in 80% of patients controlled. Conversely transpositions, transplantations and Psathakis procedures have been undertaken essentially in PTS. Results obtained in this group are less satisfactory in terms of clinical findings and particularly in hemodynamics. Each group is analysed in details.


Effects of Skeletonema costatum extracts on the central nervous system.

We report the effects of aqueous extracts of the microalga Skeletonema costatum Greve (Cleve) (Bacillariophyceae) on spontaneous motor activity, rectal temperature, motor coordination, amphetamine-induced hypermotility, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxation, catalepsy, conditioned avoidance responses, oxotremorin-induced cholinergic syndrome, and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. The S. costatum extract at dosages of 310 and 620 mg/kg works like an antidopaminergic drug with anticholinergic properties, that does not induce catalepsy and with a notable muscle relaxing activity.


[Value of echo-marking in the surgical treatment of varicose veins (outside the CHIVA treatment)].

It is in fact only the cutaneous reflection of venous cartography established by echo-doppler investigation. The procedure is pre-surgical. Its chief value is the more accurate identification of hemodynamic and anatomical data, in particular when they are sub-clinical. Such data can then be actually used by surgeons, who are able to perform a procedure precisely suited to the individual patient. This greater accuracy enables the following aims to be achieved:--correction of all leak points;--excision of all pathological veins;--avoidance of any damage to healthy areas;--esthetic results;--prevention of recurrences, etc. However, it remains for angiologists and surgeons to evaluate and validate this method by prospective trials.


[Pressure therapy using elastic stockings].

Elastic stockings raise problems of two types: prescribing for the physician and compliance for the patient. The prescription must contain five pieces of information: the name of the stocking, its compression strength, its size, its height and its length. Compression strength should be noted either in mmHg, corresponding to the type of disease requiring treatment, or directly in terms of the suffix of the stocking. A table listing the majority of elastic stockings available in France and showing their compression strength facilitates prescribing. It is equally important to take the time to convince each patient of the value of this type of compression, to review the technical difficulties associated with the putting on and taking off of the stockings and the possibilities of superimposition. Compliance with prescribed treatment is the key to success.


Effects of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Dunaliella tertiolecta extracts on the central nervous system.

Continuing work on the effects of aqueous extracts of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin (Bacillariophyceae) and Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher (Chlorophyceae) on the central nervous system, we report their effects on spontaneous motor activity, rectal temperature, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxation, catalepsy, and conditioned avoidance responses. Both extracts showed activity as a CNS depressant and a potential muscle relaxant, the latter more marked in the case of P. tricornutum.


In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been shown to have antiviral activity, but the compounds responsible have not been identified. Using direct pre-infection incubation assays, we determined the in vitro virucidal effects of fresh garlic extract, its polar fraction, and the following garlic associated compounds: diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin), allyl methyl thiosulfinate, methyl allyl thiosulfinate, ajoene, alliin, deoxyalliin, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide. Activity was determined against selected viruses including, herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, parainfluenza virus type 3, vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human rhinovirus type 2. The order for virucidal activity generally was: ajoene > allicin > allyl methyl thiosulfinate > methyl allyl thiosulfinate. Ajoene was found in oil-macerates of garlic but not in fresh garlic extracts. No activity was found for the garlic polar fraction, alliin, deoxyalliin, diallyl disulfide, or diallyl trisulfide. Fresh garlic extract, in which thiosulfinates appeared to be the active components, was virucidal to each virus tested. The predominant thiosulfinate in fresh garlic extract was allicin. Lack of reduction in yields of infectious virus indicated undetectable levels of intracellular antiviral activity for either allicin or fresh garlic extract. Furthermore, concentrations that were virucidal were also toxic to HeLa and Vero cells. Virucidal assay results were not influenced by cytotoxicity since the compounds were diluted below toxic levels prior to assaying for infectious virus. These results indicate that virucidal activity and cytotoxicity may have depended upon the viral envelope and cell membrane, respectively. However, activity against non-enveloped virus may have been due to inhibition of viral adsorption or penetration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Influence of the 70% methanolic extract from red ginseng on the lysosome of tumor cells and on the cytocidal effect of mitomycin C.

The influence of the 70% methanolic extract (RMe) from Red Ginseng on the lysosome of tumor cells and on the cytocidal effect of mitomycin C (MMC) was investigated. RMe treatment showed an inhibitory effect on the solid form of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma but had no effect on the ascites form. MMC combined with RMe showed stronger antitumor effects, at the same time, the activity of lysosomal enzymes in tumor cells was also increased in comparison with that treated with MMC alone. Furthermore, RMe promoted the uptake of MMC into the tumor cells and enhanced in vitro the cytotoxicity of MMC against the cultured tumor cells. From these results it was concluded that RMe labilized the lysosomes of tumor cells in vivo, and increased the uptake of MMC into the tumor cells, and that the cytocidal effect of MMC was enhanced by concomitant treatment with RMe.


Cytotoxic activity of cardenolides from Beaumontia brevituba stems.

Five known cardenolides, digitoxigenin (1), oleandrigenin (2), digitoxigenin alpha-L-cymaroside (3), digitoxigenin beta-gentiobiosyl-alpha-L-cymaroside (4), and delta 16-digitoxigenin beta-D-glucosyl-alpha-L-cymaroside (5), were isolated from the stems of Beaumontia brevituba Oliver by cytotoxicity-directed fractionation monitored by a cultured human lung cancer cell line. The cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated with a panel of twelve human and murine cancer cell lines. The lignan glycoside, syringaresinol beta-D-glucoside, was obtained for the first time in the form of its levo-enantiomer.


Anti-ulcer activity and mode of action of the polysaccharide fraction from the leaves of Panax ginseng.

The effects of a weakly acidic polysaccharide fraction, GL-4, from the leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer on various experimental gastric ulcer models in mice and rats have been studied. Oral administration of GL-4 at doses of 50 to 200 mg/kg inhibited the formation of the gastric lesions induced by necrotizing agents such as HCl/ethanol and ethanol in a dose-dependent manner. This protective effect was observed not only upon oral but also upon subcutaneous administration of GL-4 (50-100 mg/kg). GL-4 also inhibited the formation of gastric ulcers which were induced by water immersion stress, indomethacin, or pylorus-ligation. The contents of prostaglandin E2 in the gastric juice from rats were not influenced by oral administration of GL-4. The protective action of GL-4 against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions was not abolished by pretreatment with indomethacin. When GL-4 (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered into pylorus-ligated rats, both gastric acidity and pepsin activity in the gastric juice decreased significantly.


Evaluation of plant extracts for antileishmanial activity using a mechanism-based radiorespirometric microtechnique (RAM).

Extracts of eleven plants used in Nigerian traditional medicine have been evaluated for possible antileishmanial activity using a radiorespirometric microtest technique based on in vitro inhibition of catabolism of 14CO2 from a battery of 14C-substrates by promastigotes. Of 13 methanol extracts tested, 5 from Gongronema latifolia, Dorstenia multiradiata, Picralima nitida, Cola attiensis, and Desmodium gangeticum, were active at concentrations of 50 micrograms/ml or less against a visceral Leishmania isolate.


Purification of an anti-ulcer polysaccharide from the leaves of Panax ginseng.

Water-soluble and alkaline-soluble crude polysaccharides which were separated from the roots or leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, were compared for their anti-ulcer activity. Of these four polysaccharide fractions, the water-soluble crude polysaccharide fraction (GL-2) from the leaves and the alkaline-soluble crude polysaccharide fraction (GRA-2) from the roots prevented HCl/ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis in mice potently. The most potent fraction, GL-2, was further fractionated into four polysaccharide fractions by precipitation with cethyltrimethylammonium bromide, and the weakly acidic polysaccharide fraction, GL-4, showed the most potent inhibition of gastric lesion formation. The activity of GL-4 decreased after treatment with periodate or digestion with endo-polygalacturonase, indicating that the carbohydrate moiety may contribute to the expression of the activity. GL-4 was further purified by anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, and the most active purified polysaccharide, GL-4IIb1III was obtained. GL-4IIb1III (average relative molecular mass, 16,000 d) had the nature of a pectic polysaccharide, and was composed mainly of galactose and galacturonic acid with small proportions of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, and glucuronic acid. GL-4IIIb1III prevented HCl/ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis in mice dose dependently.


Interpersonal behavior of children at risk for schizophrenia.

Investigations of the childhood antecedents of adult schizophrenia may clarify our understanding of the etiology of the disease, provide guidelines for meaningful classification of subtypes of schizophrenic illness, point to strategies for identifying those individuals in need for early intervention, and suggest appropriate techniques for early intervention. Among the more salient characteristics of schizophrenic illness are disturbances in interpersonal relations, especially withdrawal from normal social interaction.