Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of benzo-condensed heterocyclic derivatives

The synthesis of 2,4-dione derivatives of 1,5-benzodithiepine, 1,5-benzodiazepine and 1,5-benzothiazepine and the anti-microbial activity in vitro of these derivatives and of analogous of 1,5-benzodioxepine, 1,5-benzoxathiepine and 1,5-benzoxazepine, previously prepared, are reported. Some of these compounds showed a good activity against some Gram positive microorganisms and blastomycetes.     

Study of circulating lymphocytes by monoclonal antibodies in myasthenia gravis

A significant decline of CD3 cell detected by rosettes and a significant increased of B cell populations were observed. The total CD3+, helper CD4+ and suppressor CD8+ T-cell subsets showed no significant variation em relation to sex, age thymectomy and corticotherapy by monoclonal antibodies.     

The role of donor and recipient factors in initial renal graft non-function

ATN is a deleterious problem in the outcome of kidney transplantation. This complication is usually related to multiple factors including donor parameters, surgical technique, ischemic time, and recipient variables. In order to develop prophylactic measures, out of 430 kidney transplants performed in our Department, a series of 90 consecutive cadaveric renal allografts has been considered in this study. The overall incidence of IGNF was 23/90 (25.5%). Kidneys from MOD revealed a lower rate of IGNF (7/35 = 20%) when compared with organs from SOD (16/55 = 29%, P = NS). No difference was noted when kidneys were removed together with heart and/or liver and/or pancreas. Out of the donor factors, only CID was significant (17 +/- 9 hours in IGNF v 11 +/- 10 hours in patients with IGF, P = less than .05). Analysis of data concerning the fate of paired kidneys revealed two cases of IGNF in both kidneys from the same donor v 14 cases of IGNF in only one of the two paired grafts (P = NS). We conclude that: 1. Donor factors are clearly associated with a minority of IGNF. 2. The introduction of multiorgan procurement programs does not complicate early function. 3. Recipient factors (immunological events and intraoperative fluid management) provides important additive effects on initial graft nonfunction.     

Immunopathology of ocular sarcoidosis

Summary Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by enhanced immune responses at sites of involvement. To elucidate the immunopathogenesis of ophthalmic lesions, cell infiltrates in biopsies from conjunctiva and other tissues involved (lungs, lymph nodes, skin) were studied in 26 patients with active sarcoidosis in order to define the surface phenotype and the distribution of cells in granulomatous lesions. Biopsy specimens were also stained for detection of immunoglobulins, complement and fibrinogen deposits. The data demonstrate a lymphocytes/macrophages interaction in the central core of granulomatous areas as the crucial event that initiates the maintains the state of inflammation: at all sites of disease activity is present a compartmentalization of T-cells expressing a helper-related phenotype which account for the great majority of infiltrating cells both in the early lesions (aggregate of macrophages surrounded by lymphocytic infiltrate) and in well-organized sarcoid granulomata. The presence of plasma cells and immunoglobulin deposits may represent an epiphenomenon in line with the helper infiltration, suggesting a local hyper-reactivity of the B-cells immune system. This study suggests some immunopathogenetic mechanisms leading to the formation and growth of conjunctival sarcoid granulomata.     

Rats clearing a vaginal infection by Candida albicans acquire specific, antibody-mediated resistance to vaginal reinfection.

Oophorectomized, estrogen-treated rats were susceptible to experimental vaginal infection by Candida albicans. After spontaneous clearing of the primary infection, the animals were highly resistant to a second vaginal challenge with the fungus. The vaginal fluid of Candida-resistant rats contained antibodies directed against mannan constituents and secretory aspartyl proteinase(s) of C. albicans and was capable of transferring a degree of anti-Candida protection to naive, nonimmunized rats. This passive protection was mediated by the immunoglobulin fraction of the vaginal fluid and was substantially abolished by preabsorption of the vaginal fluid with C. albicans, but not with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells. Vaginal anti-mannan antibodies were also produced by active immunization with heat-killed cells of C. albicans or with a mannan extract when administered via the vaginal route. The protection conferred was comparable to that resulting from clearing of the primary infection. In summary, the data suggest that acquired anticandidal protection in this vaginitis model is mediated at least in part by antibodies, among which those directed against the mannan antigen(s) might play a dominant role.     

Management of bowel obstruction in advanced and terminal cancer patients

Background: Bowel obstruction is a common and distressing outcomein patients with abdominal or pelvic cancer. Patients and methods: Patients may develop bowel obstructionat any time in their clinical history, with an incidence rangingfrom 5.5% to 42% in ovarian carcinoma and from 10% to 28.4%in colorectal cancer. The causes of the obstruction may be benignpostoperative adhesions, a focal malignant or benign deposit,relapse or diffuse carcinomatosis. The symptoms which are almostalways present are intestinal colic (reported in 72%–76%of patients), abdominal pain due to distension, hepatomegalyor tumor masses (in 92% of patients) and vomiting (68%–100%)of cases. Conclusion: While surgery must remain the primary treatmentfor malignant obstruction, it is now recognised that there isa group of patients with advanced disease or poor general conditionwho are unfit for surgery and require alternative managementto relieve distressing symptoms. A number of treatment optionsare now available for the patient with advanced cancer who developsintestinal obstruction. In this review of the literature, theindications for surgery will be examined, the use of nasogastrictube and percutaneous gastrostomy evaluated and the place ofdrugs for symptom control described. bowel obstruction, advanced and terminal cancer patients     

Interference of oral poliovirus vaccine on RIT 4237 oral rotavirus vaccine

A vaccination trial, performed on 86 3-month-old infants, has shown that the ability of the RIT 4237 live attenuated rotavirus strain to induce seroconversion is dramatically reduced when administered with live poliovirus vaccine. In a subsequent trial performed on 93 infants the attempt to overcome the poliovirus interference by administering two doses of associated vaccines was unsuccessful. No interference by the RIT 4237 strain on live attenuated polioviruses was observed.     

Epidemiologic surveillance of congenital abnormalities using the EUROCAT Register

The EUROCAT programme is a concerted action of the European Economic Community for the epidemiologic surveillance of congenital anomalies. Surveillance is based on a network of regional registries coordinated by a central registry. The programme started in 1979 and by 1987, 23 centres were participating, covering together more than 300,000 births per year. The surveillance process implies the selection of the anomalies possibly associated with environmental teratogens or mutagens, the definition of abnormal variations in the rate of these anomalies (the alarms), the establishment of base-line rate and the continuous monitoring of rate. The programme is evaluated by reference to four criteria: the sensitivity of the system in detecting teratogens or mutagens, the specificity of alarms, the rapidity in warning of alarm and in investigating their causes, and the programme efficiency expressed as its cost-utility ratio.     

Implantation of the inflatable penile prosthesis AMS 700 CX

The paper demonstrate the surgical approach used by the authors to implant the AMS 700CX penile prosthesis. Pre- and postoperative management are also discussed.