Pediatric urology

Development of the genital and urinary systems is interwoven. Developmental abnormalities may cause problems in both systems, although the presenting problem may be ambiguous genitalia, hypospadias, undescended testis, or a urinary tract infection. The primary care physician must understand the underlying significance of pediatric urologic problems and seek appropriate consultation in a timely manner.     

Observation of the processes of phagocytosis and digestion of Staphylococcus aureus by Trichomonas vaginalis using a transmission electron microscope

Trichomonas vaginalis was incubated with bacteria for 30 min. After centrifugation of Staphylococcus aureus, incubation of T. vaginalis was continued for 40 min., 120 min. and 6 hrs. It was found that bacteria have been intensively phagocytated through whole surface of protozoan. Phagosome with bacteria at different stages of degradation, up to defecation of undigested residues were observed. It was observed that some bacteria, apparently not susceptible to digestion, were immersed directly in cytoplasm (outside vacuoles).     

Linkage mapping of a mouse gene, iv, that controls left-right asymmetry of the heart and viscera.

Inherited single gene defects have been identified in both humans and mice that lead to loss of developmental control over the left-right asymmetry of the heart and viscera. In mice the recessively inherited mutation iv leads to such apparent loss of control over situs: 50% of iv/iv mice exhibit situs inversus and 50% exhibit normal situs. The affected gene product has not been identified in these animals. To study the normal function of iv, we have taken an approach directed to the gene itself. As a first step, we have mapped iv genetically, by examining its segregation in backcrosses with respect to markers defined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The iv locus lies 3 centimorgans (cM) from the immunoglobulin heavy-chain constant-region gene complex (Igh-C) on chromosome 12. A multilocus map of the region suggests the gene order centromere-Aat (alpha 1-antitrypsin gene complex)-(11 cM)-iv-(3 cM)-Igh-C-(1 cM)-Igh-V (immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable-region gene complex).     

The pH Optima for Papain and Bromelain Treatment of Red Cells

The action of papain and bromelain, prepared over a pH range from 4.6 to 8.6, was evaluated for the ability to render red cells agglutinable by five incomplete antibodies of differing blood group specificities using a two-stage technique. The optimal pH for treatment of red cells by activated papain or bromelain was between 5.4 and 5.8. Above this pH range, a fall in serological sensitivity was apparent which was much more pronounced with papain than with bromelain. The optimal pH for enzyme treatment of red cells can be achieved in two-stage techniques, but not in one-stage techniques due to the buffering effect of serum proteins.     

Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint implants

A double-stemmed MTP joint silastic implant has been described that acts as a flexible spacer for a number of pathologic conditions that affect the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. Preliminary results suggest that this is a feasible alternative to joint destructive procedures with advantages over previously described implants.     

Computed tomography of acute radiation nephritis

A patient with Hodgkin’s disease received a fractionated 3, 740 rad dosage over 4 weeks to a portal that included both kidneys. Three months later a computed tomographic scan obtained 2 hours after intravenous contrast injection demonstrated sharply demarcated, dense, persistent nephrograms corresponding to the irradiated areas. These changes are ascribed to acute radiation nephritis, reflecting tubular stasis and ischemia.     

Effects of eight weeks of bicycle ergometer sprint training on human muscle buffer capacity

This investigation was undertaken to determine whether human skeletal muscle buffer capacity (BCm) is affected by training. Eight untrained males participated in 8 weeks of sprint training on bicycle ergometers. Muscle biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis before and at several times following an incremental bicycle ergometer test (0 min, 5 min, 15 min). These subjects were tested before (PRE) and following (POST) the training period. Seven endurance-trained cyclists (ET) were also tested for the purpose of comparing the BCm of ET to that of PRE and POST. Biopsy samples were quick-frozen in liquid nitrogen and later analyzed for lactate concentration (HLam), homogenate pH (pHm), and creatine phosphate concentration. BCm was calculated from the change in HLam and pHm observed from rest to exhaustion and was expressed as mmol X kg-1 X pH-1 (Slykes). There was no significant difference in resting HLam or resting pHm among the groups. There was a significant difference in HLam at exhaustion between PRE (21.41 +/- 1.65 mmol X kg-1), POST (25.61 +/- 2.38 mmol X kg-1), and ET (11.16 +/- 0.31 mmol X kg-1) but no significant difference in pHm at exhaustion between PRE (6.65 +/- 0.03 pH units) and POST (6.69 +/- 0.06 pH units). pHm at exhaustion for the ET group was significantly higher than the others at 6.91 +/- 0.02 pH units. A significant difference between PRE and POST BCm was found (PRE: 44.68 +/- 3.03 S1; POST: 61.04 +/- 4.11 S1) while ET BCm (47.21 +/- 7.26 S1) was not significantly different from PRE. These data indicate that muscle buffer capacity is increased with highly intense sprint training but provide no evidence to suggest that muscle buffer capacity is affected by endurance training.