F2 alpha prostaglandins and oxytocin in multipara: a comparative study

Differences existing between F2 alpha prostaglandin and oxytocin, as labor inductors, are studied on 2 groups of multipara by means of intravenous administration. The percent of success was somewhat higher with oxytocin. Labor's duration was prolonged with the use of prostaglandin. The interval between the start of drug's administration and the first contractions onset was shorter in cases in which oxytocin was used. No side effects were observed. (Author's modified)     

Formation of the tetraploid intermediate is associated with the development of cells with more than four centrioles in the elastase-simian virus 40 tumor antigen transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer.

The development of pancreatic cancer in transgenic mice expressing the simian virus 40 tumor antigen placed under controlling regions of the elastase I gene is characterized by the sequential appearance of tetraploid and then multiple aneuploid cell populations. Pancreatic tissues from such transgenic mice were studied between 8 and 32 days of age. Virtually 100% of acinar cell nuclei had immunohistochemically detectable tumor antigen by 18 days. Tetraploid cells were demonstrated by DNA content flow cytometry by 20 days and were associated with the appearance of interphase cells that had 5-11 centrioles per cell in single thin sections of pancreatic tissue examined by electron microscopy. Mitotic cells also were observed that had 5 or more centrioles per cell that were incorporated into the poles of bipolar or at least tripolar spindle apparatuses. These observations indicate that formation of the tetraploid intermediate in the diploid----tetraploid----aneuploid sequence of pancreatic tumor formation in elastase-simian virus 40 tumor antigen transgenic mice is accompanied by the development of cells with 5 or more centrioles that can be incorporated into the poles of abnormal mitotic spindles. We speculate that cells with more than 4 centrioles are predisposed to the formation of multipolar mitoses that may yield daughter cells with chromosomal gains and losses, resulting in the subsequent development of aneuploid tumors.     

Effects of fibrin sealant on incorporation of autograft and xenograft tendons within bone tunnels. A preliminary study

The anterior and posterior tibialis tendons in both hindlimbs of six adult dogs were rerouted through extraarticular bone holes created in the distal tibial metaphysis. Xenograft tendons of comparable dimensions were used in an additional six dogs. Fibrin Sealant System (FSS) was applied to the bone tendon interface in the right legs, whereas the left legs were used as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 5, 9, and 28 days. Coronal sections of the distal tibias were studied histologically and microangiographically. The autogenous tendons appeared to incorporate by means of fibrous ingrowth, whereas spicules of new bone in direct opposition to the xenografts were observed at 28 days. FSS promoted organization and maturation of fibrous connective tissue surrounding both implants at early sacrifice but did not appreciably alter incorporation at 28 days.     

Traumatic aneurysm of a common digital artery—A case report

The first reported case of traumatic aneurysm of a common digital artery is presented together with a review of the literature of aneurysms of the hand. Proper diagnosis is stressed because the previously reported digital artery aneurysms have frequently been misdiagnosed and thereby mismanaged. Previous treatment of digital artery aneurysms has been ligation of the vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm, with resection of the aneurysm. In the case reported, reconstitution of vessel continuity with microsurgical techniques was shown to be,feasible.     

Orf. A case report with histologic, electron microscopic, and immunoperoxidase studies

Orf is an occupational skin disease acquired through contact with infected animals. In humans, orf is usually a self-limited disease that resolves spontaneously within four to 24 weeks. We report a case with multiple lesions of orf, acquired by contact with a wild sheep. The patient was temporarily immunosuppressed by a concomitant viral hepatitis. We reviewed the histologic and electron microscopic findings. Also, we attempted to stain the Parapoxvirus in the skin of the patient, using the immunoperoxidase technique. The antiserum was obtained from sheep immunized against orf. We used lesional skin from sheep infected with orf as a positive control. The negative results of this technique in the patient's skin indicated that Parapoxvirus infecting wild sheep is antigenically different from that causing the disease in domestic animals.     

Open cross-over comparison of tulobuterol and fenoterol in asthmatic adult patients

The objective of this open randomized cross-over study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of a recently introduced beta-2 mimetic, tulobuterol, with fenoterol in asthma patients. The study length was four weeks with each drug, with a seven-day washout period between treatment courses. Spirometric tests were carried out every 14 days; laboratory tests and an electrocardiograph were performed at the beginning and end of each treatment course, and a daily diary of salbutamol aerosol use and adverse reactions was kept. Pulmonary function tests and registration of pulse rate and arterial pressure were performed on days 1, 14 and 28 of both treatment courses, before the morning dose and 3 h after administration of the drug. No statistically significant changes were detected in laboratory tests, pulse rate or arterial pressure. The only adverse reaction noted was transient tremor which appeared in three cases with tulobuterol and in two cases with fenoterol. Spirometric tests revealed increases in all parameters with both drugs, although in the comparison between groups no overall statistically significant differences were found. All patients required inhaled salbutamol with both of the drug treatments, and there was a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in its use during the fenoterol treatment course. With both tulobuterol and fenoterol, inhaled salbutamol was mainly used within 2 h before and 1 h after each dose. It is concluded that tulobuterrol (2 mg, twice daily) was at least as effective as fenoterol (2.5 mg, thrice daily), while its clinical effect was longer-lasting. It is doubtful, however, that it provides coverage for 12 h in the type of patients selected.     

Toxicity assessment of industrial effluents from S. Paulo state,Brazil, using short-term microbial assays

Microorganisms have demonstrated several attributes that make them attractive for use in quick screening of effluents and chemicals for toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and mutagenicity of industrial effluents from São Paulo State using short-term microbial bioassays. Samples of industrial effluents and receiving waters were analyzed for acute toxicity by the Microtox system, a motility test using Spirillum volutans, growth inhibition of Pseudomonas fluorescens, and dehydrogenase assay; for mutagenicity, these samples were analyzed by Salmonella typhimurium (Ames test), Escherichia coli WP₂, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae reversion mutation assays. Among the acute toxicity assays carried out in this study, the Microtox and S. volutans tests showed good sensitivity and general good agreement with the Daphnia similis assay, which demonstrates that these tests are potentially useful as toxicity indicators for the industrial effluents and receiving waters considered. In relation to mutagenicity assays, good results were obtained with the three methods tested. The detection of mutagens in the industrial effluents considered indicates that some constituents of these waste waters discharged in receiving waters can cause adverse biological effects and could be deleterious from a public health standpoint. The data of this research emphasize the importance of acute toxicity and mutagenicity assays as supplementary approaches for a rapid and efficient action in water pollution control, and for evaluation of potential toxic chemical effects.     

Bronchodilator effect and serum theophylline level after combined treatment with fenoterol and theophylline in reversible chronic airflow obstruction

Summary Sustained-release theophylline 10.1 mg/kg b.d. was given with placebo or fenoterol 2.5 mg t.d.s. to 12 patients with chronic airway obstruction.Fenoterol did not significantly affect the steady-state serum theophylline trough level (11.84 µg/ml for fenoterol vs 11.10 µg/ml for placebo). Addition of fenoterol produced no further increase in spirometric function nor in clinical status.