Regulation of RNA polymerase I activity by ornithine decarboxylase

Ornithine decarboxylase activity was elevated from 5- to 80-fold in rat liver by the administration of various methylxanthine derivatives, i.e. theophylline, aminophylline, and 3-isobutyl,1-methylxanthine. The increased activity of ornithine decarboxylase in all instances was closely followed (within 0.5 hr) by an increase in the activity of RNA polymerase I. The increment in ornithine decarboxylase activity and the increase in RNA polymerase I activity after all three drugs showed a parallel relationship. That is, theophylline administration resulted in the least stimulation of both ornithine decarboxylase and RNA polymerase I activities, and 3-isobutyl,1-methylxanthine administration produced the greatest stimulation of both enzymes. The enhanced RNA polymerase I activity resulted in a significant increase in the total RNA content of the liver within 24 hr. Administration of inhibitors of protein synthesis and RNA synthesis indicated that attenuation of the increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity was closely paralleled by attenuation of the increase in RNA polymerase I activity. RNA polymerase I activity was not stimulated by putrescine concentrations which were physiological and above. We suggest, therefore, that ornithine decarboxylase may be involved in the regulation of RNA polymerase I activity.     

埋线为主治疗黄褐斑临床观察

目的观察埋线方法在黄褐斑治疗中的疗效。方法分别抽取两组中基本情况相近的30例加以比较。治疗组体穴埋线6次,面穴埋线1次,耳穴点刺每周1次;对照组体针、耳针治疗均每周2次,总结两组治疗4个月后对黄褐斑及伴随症状的疗效。结果治疗组有效率100.0%,对照组有效率70.0%,治疗组与对照组比较(P<0.01),差异有非常显著性意义。两组对黄褐斑伴随症状有效率均为100.0%,但治疗组愈显率显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。结论埋线加耳穴点刺法对黄褐斑及其伴随症状的疗效明显优于体针加耳针法,且省时便捷,尤其适合于生活繁忙的现代人。     

Changes in medicine prescription following a medication review in older high-risk patients with polypharmacy

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - Background The more (inappropriate) drugs a patient uses, the higher the risk of drug related problems. To reduce these risks, medication reviews can be...     

Austin bunionectomy: postoperative MRI evaluation for avascular necrosis.

The authors used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the formation rate of avascular necrosis following performance of 20 modified Austin bunionectomies. Five modified McBride bunionectomies without first metatarsal osteotomy were also performed as an MRI control. Results showed an avascular necrosis formation rate of 50%. The majority of the avascular necrosis areas were found dorsally within the cancellous bone substance of the first metatarsal head. These lesions, in all cases, did not cause any patient disability or result in any decline in the degree of patient satisfaction. The MRI positive avascular necrosis evaluations do suggest potential problem areas with the surgical technique that may be eliminated through further modification of the classic Austin bunionectomy procedure.     

Immunogenicity and safety of a plasma-derived heat-inactivated hepatitis B vaccine (CLB). Studies in volunteers at a low risk of infection with hepatitis B virus

The safety and immunogenicity of a plasma-derived heat-inactivated hepatitis B vaccine (CLB) were evaluated in 471 healthy human volunteers, who, both in their occupations and in their private lives, had been at minimal risk of being infected with hepatitis B virus. The first 202 individuals received three 3-micrograms doses of heat-inactivated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at one-month intervals (trial A). A total of 42% one month after the first injection, 84% after two months, and 93% after five months had become anti-HBs (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen) positive. In a second randomized study (trial B), the immunogenicity of five different dosages of the vaccine was compared in 269 volunteers. When the dose of HBsAg was diminished from 3 micrograms to 1.5, 0.6, and 0.25 microgram, no decrease of the anti-HBs response was observed. However, when the dose was diminished to 0.1 microgram of HBsAg, the anti-HBs response dropped significantly to 63% (p less than 0.001). In the recipients of all five vaccine dosages, no influence of sex and age was found on the anti-HBs conversion rates. During the eight-month observation period, none of the vaccinees became HBsAg and/or anti-HBc (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen) positive, and none developed antibodies associated with autoimmune liver disease. No serious side effects were observed.     

Ankle fusion

Multiple techniques for ankle arthrodesis have been described. A transfibular lateral approach between the sural nerve and the lateral branch of the superficial peroneal nerve is utilized. This permits excellent visualization of the ankle joint so that correction of the deformity can readily be achieved under direct visualization. Eighteen ankle fusions carried out through a transfibular approach were reviewed. The fusion site was stabilized with two or more 6.5-mm AO screws. No bone graft was utilized. The follow-up period was from six to 48 months. Ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 68 years. The postoperative regimen was six weeks nonweight-bearing in a short-leg cast, followed by weight bearing in a short-leg cast until union occurred. All fusions but one healed with an average period of 14 weeks of immobilization. No patient experienced wound healing difficulty or disruption of a superficial nerve. The authors believe that this is a simple technique that permits excellent visualization through a safe internervous interval, good bone apposition, rigid interfragmentary fixation and does not require the use of bone graft.