Peptic ulcer - etiology and pathogenesis]

On account of its frequency, its severe sequelae for individual and society and an account of the hitherto insufficient possibilities for prevention and cure the peptic ulcer of the stomach and the duodenum is a severe problem in health policy. To the conditions of development known from epidemiology belong genetic as well as environmental factors. For the participation of genetic predispositions plead among others the familial accumulation and the connection with ABO-blood-groups. Environmental factors are evidently more important. Conspicuous are geographic differences and temporary trends of the frequency of ulcer. Psychosocial factors is attributed an important role among the developmental conditions. Ventricular ulcer and duodenal ulcer differ epidemiologically and pathophysiologically. In the ventricular ulcer the question is apparantly the local expression of a diffuse lesion of the mucous membrane. Due to a lesion of the barrier of the mucous membrane the increased rediffusion of hydrogen ions is the cause. Reflux of the duodenal juice, drugs and disturbances of circulation participate in this. In the duodenal ulcer the mucous membrane is healthy, but is not able to resist the increased and prolonged exposition to hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Disturbances of the nervous and humoral regulation of the production of acid and its inhibition are apparantly the cause.     

广西地区急性中毒程度的影响因素研究

目的探讨广西地区急性中毒程度的相关影响因素。方法采用回顾性调查分析方法对2005～2009年6011例中毒患者的临床资料进行查阅、分类统计及分析。结果在6011例中,轻、中、重度中毒分别为2577例(42.87%)、2038例(33.90%)和1396例(23.22%),死亡157例(2.61%)。各类影响因素与病例分布分析表明,发病地区以农村病例数(61.84%)最多,重度中毒率与死亡率(分别为25.88%和3.38%)最高。发病形式以散发性病例数(89.34%)最多,其重度中毒与死亡人数分别占总构成数的96.85%和95.54%。年龄以20～60岁组病例数(68.84%)最多,其重度中毒与死亡人数分别占71.78%和72.61%。中毒原因以意外性、自杀性、误食性中毒的病例数(91.89%)最多,其重度中毒与死亡人数分别占93.76%和92.99%。毒物类别以农药类与化学类的病例数(61.23%)最多,其中农药类的重度中毒与死亡人数分别占60.24%、73.25%。结论以农村、散发性、20～60岁年龄段和意外性、自杀性、误食性原因与农药类、化学类毒物对发病人数和中毒程度有着突出影响,应为广西地区急性中毒关注的重点。     

阿苯达唑对猪带绦虫损伤作用的超微结构观察

为研究阿苯达唑对猪带绦虫的杀伤机理。用药物驱虫,ＴＥＭ观察。结果表明,阿苯达唑对猪带绦虫有较强的损伤作用,主要表现在两个方面：（１）皮层的损伤：表现为远端胞质区表面的微毛断裂、脱落或隆起呈囊泡样;胞质区内杆状器消失,线粒体、内质网等肿胀,呈空泡样,并出现多个大的坏死区,核周胞质（皮层细胞）变性、肿胀,细胞核异形性变、出现多个切迹;核质浓缩、致密度增高或溶解,胞质内线粒体肿胀、结构不清,或嵴消失呈空泡样,胞质中其它细胞器减少,呈现大量囊泡;（２）实质的损伤：实质浅层的环肌束及纵肌束排列紊乱、扭曲、断裂或溶解;线粒体肿大,嵴消失,代之以较大的空泡;实质深层的实质细胞肿胀、变性、核周隙增宽,细胞器减少。支持细胞内糖原减少或消失,脂滴增多     

Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I protect intestinal cells from radiation induced apoptosis

We studied whether programmed cell death (or apoptosis) is the predominant mechanism in radiation-induced cell damage to rat intestinal mucosa and investigated the mechanism of the protective effect of GH and IGF-I in the same model. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: controls, radiation, radiation plus GH and radiation plus IGF-I. Radiation was administered on the first day and on day 4. All animals were sacrificed and segments of the terminal ileum were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Apoptosis of the epithelial cells was identified at the cellular level by the TUNEL stain and was distinguished from necrosis by the characteristic morphology of the cells (cytoplasmic shrinkage, marginal chromatin condensation and generation of nuclear apoptotic bodies). Apoptotic cells in the control animals were few and detected only at the tips of the villi while in the irradiated animals almost all the epithelial cells were apoptotic, distributed from the crypts to the tips of the villi and the mucosa showed severe epithelial atrophy and ulceration. The histologic picture of the mucosa in the GH and IGF-I treated animals was similar to normal controls and apoptotic cells were restricted only at the tips of the villi. DNA and RNA from the mucosa cells were isolated and analyzed by electrophoresis. DNA fragmentation and RNA 28s band ribonuclease cleavage was observed only in the irradiated animals. We have shown that abdominal radiation causes intestinal epithelial cell damage mainly through the induction of apoptosis and the treatment with GH and IGF-I inhibits apoptosis of the cells and preserves the mucosal integrity.     

金钱胆通口服液和金胆片治疗胆石症疗效对照研究

目的：观察金钱胆通口服液与金胆片治疗胆石症的疗效和安全性。方法：采用随机盲法将l50例胆石症患者分为金钱胆通口服液治疗组(98例)与金胆片对照组(52例)进行对照观察。结果：治疗组与对照组治疗胆石症：基本痊愈串为12．25％及3．85％；显效率为25．51％及l5．39％；有效率为52．04％及36．54％；总有效率为89．79％及55．77％。两组中医湿热证临床痊愈率为23．47％及13．46％；显效率为31．63％及l5．39％；有效率为39．80％及32．70％；总有效率为94．89％及61．54％。两组比较差异均有极显著性意义(均P＜0．01)。结论：金钱胆通口服液具有清热利湿、疏通肝胆、止痛排石之功效，适用于湿热引起的胆石症患者，其疗效优于金胆片。     

冠状窦肌袖及其与左心房肌连接的解剖学研究

目的　观察冠状窦肌袖及其与左心房之间的肌性连接。方法　解剖 7个国人心脏标本 ,沿冠状窦长轴纵切 ,通过连续的大组织切片观察冠状窦肌袖及其与左心房之间的肌性连接。结果所有标本均可见形态与左房肌相同的肌袖 ,长度 2 1～ 35mm ,厚度 0 2～ 1 7mm。均见肌袖与左房肌之间的肌性连接。肌连接在大小部位上差异很大。有的仅有 1～ 2个大肌束 ;有的肌连接多而宽 ,和左房肌互相融合。同时观察到在冠状窦和左房肌之间的脂肪中可见许多小肌束。结论　围绕冠状窦有丰富的肌袖 ,其与左房间通过数目不等的肌纤维进行连接。冠状窦肌袖及其与左房间的肌连接构成了左右心房间传导通路的基质。     

云南省2001～2002年肾综合征出血热监测研究

目的为掌握云南省肾综合征出血热流行病学特点,提供防治参考,对人间和鼠间疫情进行了监测.方法收集全省本病疫情资料,并在监测县采集人血清以及鼠肺脏和鼠血清作汉坦病毒抗原和抗体检查.结果 2001～2002年全省共报告本病102例,死亡3例,年发病率为0.12/10万,病死率为2.94%.主要发病地区为红河州、昆明市、楚雄州.疫区人群隐性感染率为4.19%.2002年在泸西、寻甸和永胜监测点捕获鼠类9种891只,居民区以褐家鼠和黄胸鼠为优势鼠种,野外以高山姬鼠为优势种;鼠间汉坦病毒带毒率为3.65%,带病毒鼠种为褐家鼠、黄胸鼠、小家鼠和高山姬鼠.2001年在大理市野外捕鼠12种140只,大绒鼠为优势种,带毒鼠为大绒鼠、大足鼠、黄胸鼠、社鼠和短尾鼠句.结论监测区内存在有以褐家鼠和黄胸鼠为主要宿主动物的家鼠型疫源地,也存在着以高山姬鼠和大绒鼠为主的野鼠型疫源地.发病率上升与较高的鼠密度和鼠间感染率有关.应采取以灭家鼠和接种家鼠型或两型混合疫苗为主的防治措施.     

Disability determination and the social conscience

The unfit and the unneeded! The miserable and despised and forgotten, dying in the social shambles. The progeny of prostitution–of the prostitution of men and women and children, of flesh and blood, and sparkle and spirit; in brief the prostitution of labor. If this is the best that civilization can do for the human, then give us howling and naked savagery. Far better to be a people of the wilderness and desert, of the cave and the squatting-place, than to be a people of the machine and the Abyss. (1).     

Echocardiographic assessment of the inferior vena cava wall motion for studies of right heart dynamics and function

Using subcostal echocardiography, 97 patients with diseases involving the right side of the heart and 15 normal subjects were examined in order to study the inferior vena cava (IVC) wall motion. All cases had a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and routine echocardiogram. The jugular pulse (JP) was recorded in 35 random cases contemporary to the IVC and tricuspid valve (TV) tracings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the variations of the IVC diameters in different cardiopathies and in relation to the right atrial mean pressure and the time-relationship of the IVC wall motion related to the cardiac rhythm and cycle, respiratory events, and JP and TV waves. The a, b, v, and y waves were identified on the IVC tracings and related to the respective waves of the JP and the points of closure and opening of the TV. The IVC a and v waves were coincident with the TV closure and opening, and therefore, considered as moments of maximal presystolic and systolic filling of the IVC. The JP a wave inscribed before, whereas the v wave did so after the same IVC waves, respectively. The IVC a wave was due to the atrial contraction and influenced by the cardiac rhythm. The emptying index (EI) was calculated from the diameters in a and b as a - b/a X %, whereas the collapsability index (CI) was calculated from the expiratory and inspiratory diameters as Ex - In/Ex X %, obtaining a good correlation with the right atrial mean pressure. Finally, the percentage systolic pulsation (SP) was calculated from the diameters in b and v as b - v/b X %. The indices of function of the IVC have been very useful in the evaluation of patients with raised heart pressure, tricuspid regurgitation, and pericardial effusion. From the present investigation it results that the IVC wall motion, more so than the JP waves, is an expression of right atrial and ventricular events, and that the above indices are an expression of the atrial and ventricular function in relation to the hemodynamic situation.     

Laboratory diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis

For the past 40 years, the Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute (TSL-PAMFRI) has been dedicated to the laboratory diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis. TSL-PAMFRI is the "brain child" of Jack S. Remington. Jack's ceaseless devotion to objectivity and uncompromising excellence has made TSL-PAMFRI the Toxoplasma reference laboratory for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Food and Drug Administration, and health care providers and clinical laboratories in the United States and other countries. Jack's leadership and vision created, defined, and significantly contributed to the development of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of the infection and diseases caused by T. gondii. A summary of the laboratory tests currently available at TSL-PAMFRI for the diagnosis of infection and disease caused by the parasite is presented here.     

Cholesterol precursor sterols, plant sterols, and cholestanol in human bile and gallstones

Biliary and gallstone sterol compositions were analyzed in 20 consecutive cholecystectomized patients. The main intention was to identify and quantitate noncholesterol sterols and to compare the sterol patterns of the two sources. Cholesterol comprised approximately 97% of the stone and gallbladder bile sterols; the remainder were from plant sterols, cholestanol, and cholesterol precursors, mainly lathosterol and methylsterols (two methostenols, lanosterol, and two dimethylsterols). Desmosterol and delta 8-lathosterol were also identified in both the bile and the gallstones. The sterol patterns of the bile and gallstones differed markedly. Thus, the contents of the two lathosterols and the two methostenols were clearly higher in the gallstones, whereas lanosterol stayed almost totally, and other minor sterols were preferentially, in the bile. In fact, the gallstone methylsterols consisted mainly of the two methostenols, a pattern usually seen in esterified methylsterols in serum. The core and matrix of the stone, and large and small stones as well, had only a small variation in their sterol composition within each individual, suggesting that the pattern of the noncholesterol sterol precipitation remains the same during the growth of the stone. Centrifugation of the bile revealed sedimentation of methylsterols with the stonelike sterol pattern. It can be speculated that the soluble and poorly soluble bile sterols have different hepatic origins and that the similarity between (a) methylsterols in the stone and sediment and (b) esterified methylsterols in serum points to a common hepatic site of origin.     

安徽省感染性钉螺分布现状与调查

目的了解安徽省血吸虫感染性钉螺分布现状与特点。方法2007年收集安徽省钉螺调查的数据和各感染性螺点的GPS定位数据,建立感染性钉螺分布空间数据库,用ArcGis9．1绘制电子地图,分析全省感染性钉螺分布现状。结果2007年全省查出331处感染性钉螺环境,其中湖沼型流行区占62．5％,山丘型流行区占37．5％;现有感染性钉螺面积682．6hm^2,其中湖沼型地区占85．5％,山丘型流行区占14．5％。江滩和沟渠分别是湖沼型和山丘型流行区感染性钉螺分布最多的环境;97．2％的感染性钉螺环境分布于未控制村和疫情控制村。草是感染性钉螺分布最多的植被,其次为芦苇与树林。结论全省感染性钉螺的分布与水系的分布关系密切,湖沼型地区感染性钉螺分布在长江的两岸江滩、洲滩及其支流水系的河滩、湖泊的湖滩,山丘型地区感染性钉螺分布在河流、灌区或多种特殊环境。     

肠道菌群和心血管疾病的免疫调节

心血管疾病是人类健康的第一杀手,发病率和死亡率逐年增加。数万亿微生物寄居于人类肠道,在心血管疾病及其相关的代谢、免疫反应中发挥着至关重要的作用。先天性和适应性免疫机制都参与了心血管疾病的发生发展,菌群组分和代谢产物可调节巨噬细胞、淋巴细胞等免疫细胞的分化及功能,并通过循环系统影响机体免疫稳态。本文将通过肠道菌群及其代谢产物与免疫系统的相互作用,讨论肠道菌群与心血管疾病发展之间潜在的免疫机制,为预防和治疗心血管疾病提供新思路。     

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric metaplasia in the duodenal bulb in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether the amount of Helicobacter pylori and the extent of gastric metaplasia in the duodenal mucosa play critical roles in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer. METHODS: Duodenal and gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from H. pylori-positive patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or chronic gastritis. The extent of gastric metaplasia was evaluated histologically and endoscopically using the methylene blue test. In this study, we performed competitive polymerase chain reaction, a highly sensitive and quantitative method for determining the amount of H. pylori gastric and duodenal mucosa. The prevalence and extent of gastric metaplasia and the amount of H. pylori in the duodenal bulb in the three patient groups were compared. The correlation between the amount of H. pylori in the duodenum and gastric antrum and extent of gastric metaplasia were also determined. RESULTS: The prevalence and extent of gastric metaplasia and the amount of H. pylori in the duodenal bulb in patients with duodenal ulcer were much higher than in patients with gastric ulcer or chronic gastritis. A positive correlation was found between the amount of H. pylori in the duodenum and the extent of gastric bulb and that in the antrum. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that H. pylori colonization in the duodenal bulb may play a critically important role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer and that the amount of H. pylori in the duodenal bulb may be related to the amount of H. pylori in the gastric antrum and the extent of gastric metaplasia in the duodenal bulb.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oil and methanol extract of Artemisia vulgaris and Gaultheria fragrantissima collected from Nepal

Objective: To identify the chemical constituents and biological activities of essential oil and crude methanol extract of Artemisia vulgaris(A.vulgaris) and Gaultheria fragrantissima(G.fragrantissima).Methods: Phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid content, antibacterial activities, anti-oxidant assay of the crude extract were carried out to identify the biological activities and phytonutrients present in the extract.Furthermore, the chemical constituents present in the essential oil and crude methanol extract were analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) analysis.Results: Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy analysis of essential oil from the aerial part of A.vulgaris revealed 24 different compounds in it.Sabinene(11.29%), b-thujone(19.19%), chrysanthenone(4.48%), camphor(11.89%), borneol(4.44%) and germacrene D(8.42%) were the major compounds.Similarly, leaves of G.fragrantissima contained methyl salicylate(95%) and asarone(4.64%).Furthermore, methanol extract of leaves of A.vulgaris and G.fragrantissima were found rich in the total flavonoids and phenolic content.HPLC analysis of the methanol extract of leaves A.vulgaris revealed the presence of morin and luteolin, whereas rutin was found as a major flavonoids compound in the leaves of G.fragrantissima.Further, methanol extract of the A.vulgaris and G.fragrantissima showed the highest antioxidant and antibacterial properties compared to the essential oil.Conclusions: The HPLC analysis of the methanol extract of A.vulgaris shows the presence of luteolin and morin, whereas G.fragrantissima reveals the presence of rutin and a glycosylated flavonoids.Results reveal that A.vulgaris oil is the rich source of monoterpene and sesquiterpene compounds.Furthermore, A.vulgaris and G.fragrantissima are the rich source of the phenolic and flavonoids compounds and show good antioxidant and antibacterial activity.     

Beta2-agonist and anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of lung disease

The lungs are innervated by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which entails the activation of adrenergic and muscarinic receptors, respectively. Both the adrenergic and muscarinic receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors, and they share many similar signal transduction molecules. These receptors are widely expressed in the lung and the specific receptor expression can vary among the species. The location and the subtype of receptor expressed are important in the regulation of normal airway function. Acetylcholine released from the parasympathetic fibers activates the M3 muscarinic receptors located on the airway smooth muscle, causing bronchoconstriction. To counter this activity, M2 muscarinic receptors located on the parasympathetic nerves inhibit release of acetylcholine. Beta2-adrenergic receptors are expressed on the airway smooth muscle where activation causes bronchodilation. Adrenergic receptors are also on the autonomic nerves where they can modulate neurotransmitter release. The crosstalk between these G-protein-coupled receptors and downstream pathways ensures normal airway function. The prejunctional and postjunctional muscarinic and adrenergic receptors control autonomic tone and any imbalance or selective blockade of the receptors can compromise the system and cause the airways to become hyperreactive. The location, function, and crosstalk of the adrenergic and muscarinic receptors must be considered in the design, development, and use of drugs to combat airway diseases.     

Pulmonary function changes in the acute stage of histoplasmosis, with follow-up. An analysis of eight cases

We have studied eight patients, six children and two adults, during a microepidemic of soil- and patient-proven histoplasmosis. Pulmonary function tests were performed between the 15th and 23rd days after the onset of symptoms, and repeated between the fifth and sixth, the ninth and tenth and the 15th and 22nd months afterward. Initial abnormalities were mild in seven cases and severe in one. There was a restrictive pattern in three cases and an obstructive pattern in two. The fraction of CO extraction was reduced in five cases and the diffusing capacity for CO was reduced in five of six cases so tested. Hypoxemia was present in three cases. On follow-up, the obstructive defect had disappeared by the sixth month, the restrictive pattern by the tenth month, and the diffusing defect still remained in three cases by the end of follow-up. Hypoxemia remained only in the severe case.     

Early detection of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in diabetic pigs using blood pressure and heart rate variability

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is a common complication in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, little is known about when this impairment occurs during the time course of the disease. Analysis of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability could be used to detect early signs of autonomic alteration. To test this proposal, twelve sexually mature male Yucatan miniature pigs were equipped with an arterial catheter for telemetric BP analysis, and with a venous access. BP and HR were recorded together with respiratory movements while the animals were resting in a sling. After the first recording session performed when the pigs were 5 months old, streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetes in seven pigs, while the five others were controls. BP and HR were measured 3 and 6 months after the onset of diabetes and at a similar age in the controls. BP and HR oscillated at the respiratory range (0.19 Hz). Spectral analysis showed this respiratory component was the main determinant of the short-term variability of BP and HR. Atropine increased HR and BP and markedly diminished the respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Propranolol diminished HR and the respiratory peak of HR. A reduced respiratory oscillation of BP paralleled the diminution of the respiratory peak of HR. Baroreceptor-HR reflex was estimated using injections of phenylephrine and nitroprusside, and by cross-spectral analysis between BP and HR. Atropine shifted the curve to higher HR values, while propranolol reduced the level of the upper plateau. Atropine decreased both the coherence and gain of the cross-spectral analysis. STZ injection resulted in a type 1 diabetes. At 3 months, diabetic pigs exhibited low levels of BP and a reduced overall variability of HR and BP. Spectral analysis indicated the respiratory sinus arrhythmia was markedly reduced. In addition, the sensitivity of the baroreceptor-HR reflex was reduced. At a latter stage of diabetes these alterations were marked and the level of the resting HR was increased. These data demonstrate the dual (vagal and sympathetic) control of HR in pigs and the dominant role of respiration in the genesis of HR and BP fluctuations. The spectral and cross-spectral analysis of BP and HR were altered after 3 months of diabetes and could be proposed as early detectors of cardiac autonomic neuropathy.     

Synchronous electrogastrographic and manometric study of the stomach as an esophageal substitute

AIM: To investigate the electric and contractile mechanisms involved in the deranged function of the transposed stomach in relation to the course of the symptoms and the changes in contractile and electrical parameters over time. METHODS: Twenty-one patients after subtotal esoph agectomy and 18 healthy volunteers were studied. Complaints were compiled by using a questionnaire, and a symptom score was formed. Synchronous electrogas trography and gastric manometry were performed in the fasting state and postprandially. RESULTS: Eight of the operated patients were symptom-free and 13 had symptoms. The durations of the postoperative periods for the symptomatic (9.1±6.5 mo) and the asymptomatic (28.3±8.8 mo) patients were significantly different. The symptom score correlated negatively with the time that had elapsed since the operation. The percentages of the dominant frequency in the normogastric, bradygastric and tachygastric ranges differed significantly between the controls and the patients. A significant difference was detected between the power ratio of the controls and that of the patients. The occurrence of tachygastria in the symptomatic and the symptom-free patients correlated negatively both with the time that had elapsed and with the symptom score. There was a significant increase in motility index after feeding in the controls, but not in the patients. The contractile activity of the stomach increased both in the controls and in the symptom-free patients. In contrast, in the group of symptomatic patients, the contractile activity decreased postprandially as compared with the fasting state. CONCLUSION: The patients' post-operative complaints and symptoms change during the post-operative period and correlate with the parameters of the myoelectric and contractile activities of the stomach. Tachygastria seems to be the major pathoGenetic factor involved in the contractile dysfunction.     

Research into the History of Alcohol Use and Control in England and Wales: The Available Sources in the Public Record Office

The relationship between the state and the use and abuse of alcohol has been a long and complicated one. Alcohol has been seen, at one and the same time, as a product to be taxed, a threat to social order, a danger to public health and an economic activity to be fostered. Differing government departments, with their differing responsibilities, have implemented contradictory policies, and this has been complicated by the interaction of parliament, pressure groups and local government. Records relating to alcohol production and consumption are widely scattered amongst the archives of parliament, local authorities, private companies and individuals. The records of the central departments of state and courts of law on this subject, however, are held together at the Public Record Office, and are an invaluable source for research. The state has taxed the importation, production and retailing of alcohol for many centuries. A record of this activity can be found in the documents produced by the accounting sections of the Exchequer and by the revenue boards. On the other hand, the threat to public order presented by drunkenness and the congregation of the lower orders in inns is amply documented in Elizabethan wine licenses and in the State Papers. This threat was met by licensing retail outlets, an activity supervised by the Home Office from the mid-19th century, and by the suppression of disorder, as revealed in the records of the Metropolitan Police. More subtle forms of ‘control’ can be seen in the activities of the Central Control Board, established in 1915 in an attempt virtually to nationalize the alcohol industry in areas where munition workers were active. The CCB came under the authority of the Home Secretary and as such its records have been preserved with those of the Home Office. These records also contain information on the Home Secretary's responsibilities for the supervision of retreats for habitual drunkards under the various Inebriates Acts of the late 19th century. At the same time, however, the records of the Board of Trade, and of the Colonial and Dominions Offices, show the state actively fostering the export of alcohol as a valuable component of British trade. Information relating to the commercial production of alcohol can be found in the records of the Companies Registration Office and of the companies liquidation and winding up proceedings in Chancery and the Supreme Court. An overview of policy in these matters can be found in the records of the Cabinet Office and of the Treasury, the latter being responsible for the financial sanction of civil service expenditure. The Treasury appears to have been more interested in the quiet manipulation of price and alcohol content than in outright intervention. The records of many of these bodies are complex and voluminous and the PRO provides readers with explanatory guides and advice.