Effect of inosine on the course of experimental myocardial infarct]

On a model of experimental myocardial infarction produced through ligation of the anterior descending branch of the coronary artery it is shown that inosine is capable of raising the activity of a number of respiratory enzymes, chiefly in the extra-infarction sectors of the myocardium, as well as in the perinecrotic areas and in intact muscular elements within the necrotic zone. It also helps accelerate the formation of the post-infarction scar. Under the effect of inosine the integrity and functional activity of the mitochondria are improved, the noradrenaline concentration in the myocardium is normalized more rapidly, the processes of the myocardial hypertrophy develop successfully and the contractility of the heart muscle increases. Investigations were conducted on 108 rabbits and they included histological, histochemical, electron-microscopic, biochemical methods, as well as electrocardiography and determination of intracardiac hemodynamics.     

Evaluating a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances of persons with multiple disabilities

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances of two adults with multiple disabilities. The system combined a new control software programme with a commercially available speech recognition programme. Method: Nine word utterances were targeted for each participant. The participant's emission of those utterances triggered the occurrence of related (favourite) stimuli during the intervention and the post-intervention check. Results: Intervention data showed that (1) the participants increased the frequencies of the target utterances and (2) the computer system recognized about 80% of those utterances correctly, providing the participants with high levels of favourite stimulation. The post-intervention check showed comparable data with both participants. Conclusions: The computer system proved an adequate microswitch for word utterances. Based on this evidence, microswitch programmes could be extended beyond the use of conventional motor responses.     

The demonstration of the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus by the method of indirect lanthanide immunofluorescent analysis]

A test system of indirect time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) was developed and tested on an alpha-virus, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus. The indirect TR-FIA test system was shown to be highly effective in the detection of antigens of this virus. Not differing in specificity from the direct TR-FIA, the newly developed test system was 4 times as sensitive.     

Development of endometrial cancer in one half of a double uterus]

Two observations (patients of 52- and 48-years old) in which endometrial carcinoma developed in one half of a double uterus. Tumours were highly differentiated and completely replaced a left half of the uterus. The endometrium of the right half was with no change. 52-year--old patients had endometrioid carcinoma of the right ovary as well.     

Lipid spectrum of erythrocyte membranes in cancer patients

In patients with untreated tumors (lung cancer, head and neck tumors, stomach and colon cancer), erythrocyte membranes are characterized by a decreased content of total lipids together with increased percentage of cholesterol and lysophosphatidylcholine in comparison with healthy individuals. The observed shifts depend on tumor location. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 126, No. 8, pp. 204–206, August, 1998