Lithium inhibits human sperm motility in vitro.

Lithium is a widely prescribed drug used for the treatment of bipolar affective illness. Previous reports on its effects on sperm motility and male fertility are conflicting. The effect of lithium on human sperm motility was examined in vitro using the modified transmembrane migration method. This technique takes account of the dilution of lithium that occurs during the incubation. Lithium inhibits human sperm motility in vitro in concentrations comparable with those reported to be achieved in semen after oral administration.     

Myopathies of the lower extremities

The myopathies that can manifest themselves within the lower extremity are reported here and can serve as a guideline for clinicians in the early diagnosis of these disabling conditions. The classification of these disease entities based on signs and symptoms is significant if correlated with the age of the patient at the time of onset, the evolution and course, and the type of familial inheritance. This article can also aid the practitioner in assessing and planning the course of treatment for a particular patient.     

Study of talc for pharmaceutical use. Trials of pharmacopoeias

A study has been carried out on the possible pharmaceutical use of spanish talcs following the normalized assays of the main european pharmacopoeia and other quantitative methods. Only the talc nr3, not processed, meets all the assays of pharmacopoeia. The samples 2 and 4 (crushed) exceed the highest tolerated content in chlorides. The talc 1 (also crushed) only meets the loss on drying. The measures of some of these assays by using quantitative methods lead to more correct results and even sometimes in opposition with those obtained by pharmacopoeia methods. The particle size estimated by shifting and sedimentation shows that the crushed talcs are silty, whereas the only talc not processed is sandy. Considering the medium sizes estimated by scanning microscopy, it can be said that the pulverization of the talcs 1, 2 and 4 is characteristic of a micronization.     

Additional myocardial salvage by coadministration of the epoprostenol analog taprostene to recombinant single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator in a canine coronary thrombosis model

In open chest dogs myocardial ischemia was induced by formation of an occlusive thrombus in the left anterior circumflex artery (LCX). Reperfusion of the LCX was achieved by infusion of the fibrin specific recombinant single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (r-scu-PA). The myocardial salvage by r-scu-PA alone and in combination with the epoprostenol (prostacyclin) analog taprostene (CG 4203) was compared. There were four experimental groups: group 1 (n = 4) did not receive any treatment after LCX thrombosis; in group 2 (n = 9) at 100 min after LCX thrombosis r-scu-PA (20 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 i.v. for 30 min) was infused; in groups 3 and 4 treatment with taprostene started concomitantly with r-scu-PA infusion. The taprostene infusions lasted for 120 min and the doses were 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 in group 3 (n = 6) and 0.215 microgram.kg-1.min-1 in group 4 (n = 6). Time to r-scu-PA-induced recanalisation ranged from 18-22 min with no significant difference between groups 2-4. Percent of left ventricle at risk did not differ between the groups. Infarct size as percent of the risk zone was 48.3 +/- 7.7 in group 1, 25.3 +/- 3.7 in group 2, 21.3 +/- 6.5 in group 3 and 17.1 +/- 3.5 in group 4 (p less than 0.05 groups 2-4 vs group 1). Incidence of ectopic beats increased after r-scu-PA-induced reperfusion in groups 2-4, but was significantly reduced by taprostene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Computed tomography of the brain in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the brain in a child with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome revealed enlargement of the ventricular system, hypoplasia of the cerebellum, and abnormal thickening of the gray matter, consistent with pachygyria. These findings have been previously noted in autopsies performed on patients with this disorder. We conclude that CT scanning is a valuable tool in the evaluation of children suspected of having the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.     

Cerebral venous thrombosis as a cause of neonatal seizures

Intracranial venous thrombosis has been described in newborns, but there have been no reports of intractable neonatal seizures due to this condition. We report cortical venous sinus thrombosis in two term neonates who presented with seizures in the first 24 hours of life. The diagnosis was made by cranial computed tomography and was confirmed by cerebral angiography. Both patients improved clinically after the intracranial venous thrombosis resolved. These patients demonstrate that intracranial venous thrombosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal seizures.