Selective blockage of initiation of host protein synthesis in RNA-virus-infected cells.

Poliovirus mRNA and mRNA transcribed from vesicular stomatitis virus and reovirus genomes efficiently direct protein synthesis in vivo under experimental conditions where the initiation of host protein synthesis is selectively blocked. The selective blockage of host peptide chain initiation after exposure to hypertonic medium indicates that the translation of viral mRNA is more efficiently initiated than is the translation of host mRNA. It further suggests that virus directed suppression of host protein synthesis could proceed by a mechanism involving a nonspecific decrease in the rate of peptide chain initiation. Exposure of infected cells to hypertonic medium provides a unique tool with which to study early events in the infectious cycle by permitting the efficient unmasking of virus-specific poly-peptide synthesis.     

Validity of the "Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs" (CPITN) for population periodontitis screening

The aim of the present study was to validate two versions of CPITN for periodontitis diagnosis. A sample of 400 individuals underwent full mouth periodontal examination including Clinical Attachment Loss, Periodontal Pocket Depth, and Sub-gingival Calculus. Full and partial CPITN versions were derived from this exam (gold standard). Contingency tables were constructed and operational characteristics obtained, as well as ROC curves. The results show 58% sensitivity for full CPITN and 80.6% specificity. Positive and negative predictive values were 87% and 46.3%, respectively. According to the test, estimated periodontitis prevalence was 46%, while the figure obtained with the gold standard was 69%. The partial version of the CPITN showed 50% sensitivity and 87.1% specificity. Positive and negative predictive values were 89.6% and 43.9%, respectively. Estimated periodontitis prevalence, through partial CPITN, was 30.5%. Adjusted global agreement (kappa) for partial and full CPITN was 0.32 and 0.29, respectively. Both CPITN versions disagreed significantly with gold standard results (chi-square p < 0.001). As a conclusion, both total and partial CPITN failed to reflect the real periodontal status of the sample.     

Intra-operative introital ultrasound in Burch colposuspension reduces post-operative complications

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intra-operative monitoring of bladder neck elevation on cure rate and post-operative complications in patients undergoing colposuspension. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: Urogynaecology units, university hospitals. POPULATION: Ninety women operated on for genuine stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: The topography of the bladder neck and proximal urethra was assessed with pre-, intra- and post-operative introital ultrasound. These measurements were repeated during follow up for up to 48 months after surgery. Burch colposuspension of the bladder neck was performed under intra-operative introital ultrasound control, with reference to the patients' individual pre-operative ultrasound, to achieve a vertical height correction of 1-10 mm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mid-term surgical outcome and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Ninety patients underwent colposuspension and 50 (56%) completed 48 months of follow up; 85 women (94%) were objectively continent at 12-month follow up and 42 of 50 (82%) at 48-month follow up. Surgical elevation of the bladder neck resulted in a median intra-operative elevation of 9 mm (7 mm at 48 months). All post-operative measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in linear dorsocaudal movement of the bladder neck during straining (P < 0.001). Funnelling and hypermobility were still decreased 48 months after incontinence surgery (P < 0.001). Voiding difficulty and urgency were uncommon and associated with evidence of funnelling and hypermobility. CONCLUSION: Intra-operative introital ultrasound standardises Burch colposuspension and thus might help to avoid overelevation and associated post-operative complications such as voiding difficulties and de novo urge incontinence without compromising the success of the operation.     

Traditional medicine in Ethiopia in childhood diseases

Parents of 100 paediatric patients hospitalized in the Gondar College of Medical Sciences were interviewed on their knowledge of and experience with indigenous medicine in the region. The result has provided an orienting review of methods used for common childhood disorders and attitudes towards traditional and modern medicine, resp. and some understanding of ideas of the rural population on the "etiology" of some diseases. Among the methods some are dangerous. Traditional medicine is the primary (and often the only) source of health care for major parts of the population in developing countries. Some knowledge of this system is also necessary for modern style medical staff working in such regions for a variety of reasons. Some of these aspects are discussed.     

Über jahreszeitliche Schwankungen der Perspiratio insensibilis der menschlichen Haut

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Diabetic microangiopathy in KK mice: III. Effect of prolonged glyburide treatment on glomerulosclerosis

KK mice with spontaneous hereditary diabetes and human diabetic-like glomerulosclerosis were treated with either 0.5 or 2.5 mg/kg of glyburide, a sulfonylurea compound, from 2 months of age. Both, saline and glyburide-treated mice were sacrificed at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age, and their kidneys were examined by light microscopy. The data indicate that early glyburide treatment is effective in ameliorating or delaying the progression of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. This effect seems to be related to the early control of hyperglycemia in KK mice.