Synthesis and teratogenic action of n-hydroxythalidomide

N-Hydroxythalidomide (1d), a potential metabolite of thalidomide (1a), was synthesized from N-phthalyglutaminic acid anhydride (1b) and O-tetrahydropyraline hydroxylamine, followed by deprotection. The teratogenicity of 1d was studied using the Hen's-Egg-Test model which had been found applicable for 1a. 1d was more teratogenic to chicken embryos compared to 1a. The percentage of teratogenic malformations in the 1d groups was 28-46%, whereas the percentage in the 1a groups was 20-23%. The oxygen protected precursor N-hydroxythalidomide (1c) was less teratogenic (11-15%).     

Novel antifungal antibiotics maniwamycins A and B. I. Taxonomy of the producing organism, fermentation, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological properties

Two antifungal antibiotics maniwamycins A and B were isolated from the culture broth of a strain of actinomycetes, which were classified as Streptomyces prasinopilosus. These antibiotics were isolated by resin absorption and extraction with EtOAc and purified by column chromatography. Both antibiotics were found to be new azoxy substances from their physico-chemical properties. They showed broad antifungal spectra.     

5-Piperazinylalkyl-2(3H)-oxazolones with neuroleptic activity

A series of new 4-aryl-5-[omega-(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]-2(3H)- oxazolones was synthesized and tested for neuroleptic activity in mice and rats. Several compounds exhibited interesting neuroleptic activity with very low liability to the extrapyramidal side effects. In particular the activity of 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-[4-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-1- piperazinyl]ethyl]-2(3H)-oxazolone (14) was greater than that of butropipazone and fluanisone, while of the same order of that of chlorpromazine; however, the product showed a longer lasting activity and minor ability to produce catalepsy as compared with the reference drugs.     

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in Ashanti region, Ghana

We describe a series of 96 cases of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) from a new endemic focus in the Afram valley, north of Agogo, in Ghana. 63 cases were children under 13 years old. Active treatment by excision and skin grafting necessitates long stays in hospital and repeated procedures. Scarring and contracture are frequent. Eyes and other vital organs may be destroyed. In its endemic foci Buruli ulcer is a serious health burden on rural populations. Research is urgently needed, especially in prevention and non-surgical management.     

Incidence of ankylosing hyperostosis of the spine (Forestier's disease) at autopsy

In a series of 75 spines studied at autopsy, the authors found 21 (28%) affected by ankylosing hyperostosis. The 21 cases included three in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine. One case had both thoracic and lumbar spine disease. The average age was 65 years (range, 50-90 years). The mean weight was 85 kg, which was 20 kg more than the mean weight of the nonaffected subjects. Four cases had adult onset diabetes mellitus. No other endocrine or arthritic disease was noted either clinically or at autopsy. No abnormalities of calcium or phosphorus metabolism were found. The cause of death was unrelated to their spine disease, and clinical records were devoid of any major complaints referable to the spine.     

346. Die bedeutung von stenosen an gefä\verzweigungen. eine experimentelle untersuchung an der femoralisgabel unter besonderer berücksichtigung der indikation zur profundaplastik

Zusammenfassung In einem pulsatil mit Kochsalz durchströmten Modell der Femoralisgabel wurden Flussmessungen und Druckgradienten für Flussmengen von 170 bis 860 ml/min bei peripheren Widerständen von 232 bis 25 792 dyn s cm^–5 über dem Superficialis- und Profundaabgang bei Stenosen von 1 cm Länge und Querschnittsverminderungen von 0% bis 100% gemessen. Bei grossen Flussmengen (800–860 ml/min) und kleinem peripheren Widerstand (<640 dyn s cm^–5) lag die kritische Stenose am Profundaabgang bei 4,1 mm Durchmesser, für hohe periphere Widerstände (> 5 072 dyn s cm^–5) bei 2,6 mm; bei kleinen Flussmengen (<400 ml/min) betrug der kritische Durchmesser 1,8 mm. Der nicht stenosierte Profundaabgang stellte für keine der Versuchsbedingungen ein strömungsdynamisches Hindernis dar.