Transesophageal Echocardiographic Identification of Atrial Septal Aneurysm

This case illustrates the usefulness of biplane transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of an atrial septal aneurysm, which in some views, mimicked a mass lesion in the left atrium. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, July 1991)     

Susceptibility of glycans to β-elimination in Fmoc-based O-glycopeptide synthesis

order to investigate the possible extent of β-elimination occuring in Fmoc-based continuous-flow solid-phase glycopeptide synthesis, the influence of the pK_b of the base used for N^α-deprotection has been studied. A glycosylated pentapeptide as synthesized using 50%morpholine, 10%, piperidine or 2% DBU, respectively, in DMF for deprotection. The dehydropentapeptide N^α-.Ac-Thr-Thr-δAba-Val-Thr-NH₂, which would be formed in the case of β-elimination, was prepared independently and used as a control in HPLC analysis; however, this product was not formed under any of the deprotection conditions applied. Furthermore, a 23 amino acid long glycopeptide from human intestinal mucin was prepared using 2% DBU as a base for Fmoc cleavage, and similarly no β-elimination was observed. The glycopeptide products were subjected to a prolonged treatment with sodium hydroxide in methanol/water without significant formation of byproducts, and the pure glycopeptides were isolated and characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy.     

Characteristics of repeat killers in Sweden

Twenty-one repeat killers in Sweden are described. Their victims were rarely strangers. Stabbing was the convenient means of killing. The perpetrators were often involved in other violent activity. The majority suffered from personality disorders. Many were addicted to drugs or alcohol; 10% suffered from schizophrenia. Most of the men had difficult childhoods and came from large families. Many were foreign nationals.     

CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE WITH A FACE CHAMBER IN EARLY TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

CPAP treatment started early with a new face chamber was found to be convenient and, without risks. Treatment of IRDS applied early with the presented technique appears to radically improve the prognosis.     

Mercury vapor levels in a dental laboratory

abstract — Mercury vapor levels associated with grinding amalgam models and mulling amalgams in the palm of the hand following trituration have been measured in a dental laboratory in inhalation position. The threshold limit value of airborne mercury of 0.05 mg/m³ was essentially exceeded in the grinding procedure of amalgam. Levels in excess of seven times this value were recorded. During mulling the mercury vapor level fluctuated around the threshold limit value. The mean mercury concentrations did not essentially exceed the threshold limit value.     

Long-term β1-Selective Adrenergic Blockade and Adrenergic Receptors in Human Subcutaneous Adipocytes

ABSTRACT. Wahrenberg H, Arner P, Engfeldt P, Haglund K, RÖssner S, Östman J. (Department of Internal Medicine and Research Centre, Huddinge Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, and Department of Internal Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, and King Gustaf V Research Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.) Long-term β₁-selective adrenergic blockade and adrenergic receptors in human subcutaneous adipocytes. The influence of β-adrenergic blockade with metoprolol, a β₁-selective agent, on the adrenergic regulation of lipid mobilization was explored in subcutaneous adipocytes removed from 13 patients with essential hypertension. Treatment with metoprolol, which was associated with adequate β-adrenergic blockade and an antihypertensive effect, resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in the binding of the β-adrenergic antagonist (-)-(³H)-dihydroalprenolol and a 50% increase (p<0.01) in the maximum lipolytic response to the β-adrenergic agonist isopropylnoradrenaline. In 7 patients with normotriglyceridaemia the total plasma triglyceride level increased significantly (p<0.025) during metoprolol treatment, a change that was due to an increase in the very low density lipoprotein triglycerides. The findings suggest that chronic treatment with the β₁-selective adrenergic blocker metoprolol leads to a significant increase in β-adrenoceptor density and an increase in the lipolytic response to β-adrenergic agonists. This latter finding may, in some measure, account for the increased plasma triglyceride level observed.     

Influence of cigarette smoking on vascular reaction during experimental gingivitis

Abstract — The influence of cigarette smoking on the vascular reaction during plaque induced gingivitis was studied in humans for 28 days. Sixteen healthy dental students, 8 smokers and 8 non-smokers, aged 19–42 yr, volunteered for the experiment. A numerical method was used for the evaluation of the vascular reaction. With the aid of stereophotographs changes in the number of gingival vessels were followed during the experiment. It was found that the number of vessels identified increased over time during the experiment in both smokers and non-smokers. However, in spite of the fact that the plaque accumulation rate was equal, the vascular reaction was less pronounced in smokers. At the end of the experiment after 28 days the intensity of the vascular reaction in smokers was only 50% of that observed in non-smokers. The difference was statistically significant at the P -level of 0.05. One week after termination of the experiment and reinstitution of oral hygiene the number of gingival vessels equaled the pre-experimental values in both groups. The results indicate that the vascular reaction associated with plaque induced gingivitis is suppressed in smokers.     

Gastric Function in Hypopituitarism

The specific trophic effects of gastrointestinal hormones on gastric function are now recognized. In addition, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal hormones play an important role in maintaining over all gastric function. The majority of studies regarding hormonal effects on the stomach, however, have been carried out only in experimental animals. This paper reports a patient with gastric atrophy and hypopituitarism. Following therapy of the hypopituitarism with cortisone acetate, sodium levothyroxine and testosterone, the following observations were made: serum gastrin increased 137%; mucosal DNA synthesis and content and gastric acid secretion all increased. These data indicate in this one patient the role of these hormones in gastric function.