Consideration of Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood: Immune response,endoscopic and morphological findings

Seventy-five children (aged 9–14 years) infected with Helicobacter pylori were studied endoscopically and morphologically for the signs of infection and immune response by ELISA technique (total IgE and specific IgG against H. pylori); a control group of 36 children (not infected with H. pylori) were studied simultaneously. Helicobacter pylori positive children examined endoscopically revealed a number of mucous membrane changes including erythema, erosions, lymphoid nodular hyperplasia and ulcers. Gastritis was confirmed by histology in 58 children; 6% were termed ‘active’, others were ‘non-active’. When studying the concentrations of anti-H. pylori IgG in children from the control group they were considered to be seronegative but in children infected with H. pylori a considerable increase was noted. An evaluation of the interaction between anti-H. pylori IgG titers and age, endoscopic signs and histology was carried out. Suppositions were made about the presence of links between these characteristics. Children with H. pylori infection showed a considerable increase of total IgE titers in comparison with the control group. The role of IgG and IgE in the development of chronic gastroduodenal diseases associated with H. pylori is discussed.     

Unusual suppurative complications of brucellosis in children

Three cases with suppurative complications of Brucella melitensis infection are presented, demonstrating localized involvement of the brain, bones and lungs, respectivcly, and the lesions were well defined on radiographic examination. The diagnosis was made on the basis of significant Brucella titres and positive blood culture. Awarness of such complications and performance of the appropriate serological and bacteriological studies will establish the diagnosis and will also differentiate this discase from other infections, especially tuberculosis.     

Stability of 11S globulin from Vicia faba seeds

Heat denaturation of 11S globulin, a dodecameric globular protein isolated from Vicia faba seeds was studied using scanning microcalorimetry at pH 7.6 and NaCl concentrations from 0 to 1 M. The specific enthalpy of denaturation was shown to be a linear function of temperature. The ratio of the calorimetric enthalpy to the effective one (Van't-Hoff's) per protomer of 11 S globulin was 0.9 ± 0.06. It is concluded that at first approximation 11 S globulin protomers denaturated independently in conformity with the two-state model. The plotted temperature-dependent specific free energy of 11 S globulin denaturation at different NaCl concentrations demonstrated that an increase in the salt content brought about the rise in protein stability. The maximum 11 S globulin stability is reached at about 300°K. The molar free energy of denaturation at 300°K in 1 M NaCl is 918 kJ/mol.     

EVALUATION OF MUSCULAR RELAXATION IN CONTROLLED RESPIRATION

A study of relaxation was made in 275 patients undergoing cardiacsurgery (mainly mitral valvotomy) under light narcosis withcontrolled ventilation. Suxamethonium was used for intubationand was followed by tubocurarine or gallamine for the operation.On the basis of data obtained from stimulation of the motornerves to muscles, electromyography, and the clinical picture,it is suggested that it is possible to subdivide the processof relaxation into stages. These stages would facilitate thecontrol of relaxation during surgery and in the immediate postoperativeperiod. ^* This paper was read at the All-Union Symposium on "The Useof Relaxants" on January 25, 1963.