Preparation and evaluation of a soluble derivative of the antiallergic compound trans-2, 3b, 4, 5, 7, 8b, 9, 10-octahydronaphtho [1, 2-c:5, 6-c'] dipyrazole (LC-6)

In the present report we describe the preparation of LC-6.2HCl, a soluble derivative of the synthetic bispyrazole LC-6. Because the latter was practically insoluble in aqueous and organic media, experiments which indicated that it had antiallergic activity were confined to in vivo studies following its oral administration. The availability of soluble LC-6.2HCl made it possible to administer the drug i.v. or i.p. Through these routes it exhibited greater antiallergic activity than by the oral route, as judged by lower ID50's and by the achievement of 100% PCA inhibition. The latter result had not previously been attained orally with the base. Furthermore, when injected i.v. or i.p. LC-6.2HCl showed prolonged inhibitory activity, a valuable attribute of the parent compound. The in vivo activity of the soluble salt, which we describe, further establishes the potential therapeutic value of the drug.     

Darstellung und polymerisation von O-vinylacetalen. Untersuchung von O-, S- und N-vinylverbindungen. VI

Formaldehyde- and acetaldehyde-O-vinylacetals were synthesized by dehydrohalogenation of the analogous β-hydroxyethyl-compounds. If initiated radically the monomers do not homopolymerize well but they form regular alternating copolymers with maleic anhydride. In case of the kationic polymerization the O? CH₂? O-groups act as chain transfer agents. On heating the poly-O-vinyl-acetals especially with LEWIS acids a hydride shift takes place, and polymers with ester-side-chains are formed.     

Multiple Separations in Microfabricated Channels: From Biological Microenvironments to DNA

A continuous sample introduction and separation scheme is presented as an alternative to the current slab gel and microfabricated chip technologies for biological separations. This new technique involves continuous sample introduction via a conventional small bore capillary coupled to a small dimension rectangular channel. Both free zone and size based separations have been carried out in the rectangular channel. Laser induced fluorescence and electrochemical detection schemes have been employed with this technique. Some of the areas this technology has been used to investigate include monitoring dynamic events from microenvironments, monitoring analytes over long periods of time, and performing DNA separations.     

Evaluation of the clonidine-suppression test in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Summary In this study we examined the preoperative value of the clonidine-suppression test in 15 patients with surgically proved pheochromocytomas. The result of the clonidine-suppression test was pathological (epinephrine plus norepinephrine above 500 ng/l 3 h after clonidine) in 10 of 15 patients (66%). These patients had relatively large tumors and higher basal norepinephrine plasma levels. Out of the 5 cases without a pathological clonidine test 4 had normal basal plasma catecholamine levels with the result that the clonidine test could not be properly applied and 1 case produced a false negative result. These 5 cases generally had smaller tumors and lower plasma catecholamine levels. Two of these cases had basally raised epinephrine values. The other three cases had either a paradoxical increase or a suspiciously low fall (less than 25%) in norepinephrine within the normal range. We conclude that the clonidine-suppression test is only reliable for the diagnosis of relatively large pheochromocytomas.Abbreviations MIBG metaiodobenzylguanidine - HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography     

Flush solution 2, a new concept for one-to-three-day hypothermic renal storage preservation. Functional recovery after preservation in Euro-Collins, Collins' C2, hypertonic citrate, and F.2 solution

Experiments were performed on the quality of renal functional recovery after 24, 48, or 72-hr hypothermic storage preservation of canine kidneys in Euro-Collins solution (EC), Collins' solution C2, hypertonic citrate solutions (HC, HC-D2O), or our new flush solution 2 (F.2). Clearance tests (inulin, paraaminohippuric acid, and creatinine) and resorption rates for sodium, potassium, and glucose indicated a high superiority in the early functional recovery of F.2-preserved kidneys after all preservation periods tested. The excellent function after preservation in F.2 contrasted especially with the poor or even absent function after 72-hr preservation in HC and HC-D2O or EC. Thus F.2--a hyperosmolar solution containing sucrose with a balanced Na-K relation on the basis of "heavy water" (D2O)--is especially suitable for preservation up to 72 hr if cyclosporine is used for immunosuppression in the recipient. The recipient can be supplied with an organ with immediate good functional recovery because cyclosporine banishes the higher risk for rejection of these well-functioning organs; simultaneously, the possibility for continuous functional supervision allows avoidance of nephrotoxic side effects from the immunosuppressant.     

Computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of the enlarged retrorectal space

The value of computed tomography (CT) in the differentiation of an enlarged retrorectal space was analyzed in 132 cases. Classification of barium enema findings into those with simultaneous mucosal alterations and those without any visible lesions of the rectal mucosa seems to be useful. Computed tomography helps in those cases without mucosal changes to differentiate between retrorectal fibrosis, tumorous masses, and inflammatory diseases of the colon. It also demonstrates the lack of pathologic lesions in equivocal cases of pelvic lipomatosis and so-called "normal variants." If simultaneous mucosal involvement on barium enema--especially in rectal carcinoma or recurrent carcinoma of the rectum--is found, CT may show the perirectal extension of tumorous masses and thus help to clarify local operability.     

The World Bank's perspective on global health

Over the next 25 years, as populations age and tobacco consumption increases, most developing regions will likely see noncommunicable diseases become the leading causes of disability and premature mortality. The already existing problems of malnutrition and infectious diseases will remain. In this context, the World Bank is examining its role and contribution to global health. From a small start approximately 25 years ago, the Bank has greatly expanded its role in international health, population, and nutrition to become the largest single external financier of health activities in low- and middle-income countries. Many other Bank-supported activities affect health, including poverty reduction, housing, water and sanitation, and the education of girls. The Bank is also increasingly active in health policy debates, publishing numerous studies annually. Most of these studies focus upon specific countries, but some address key issues of concern to many developing countries. This article explains why the Bank continues to expand its resources devoted to health and the rationale for the changing emphasis of its activities in the field.