Interaction of normal saline solution with ultrasound contrast medium: significant implication for sonographic diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux

The sonographic diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux with intravesical administration of ultrasound contrast media is on the rise. In few cases did we encounter rapid dissolution of microbubbles in the bladder filled with normal saline. The aim of this study was to find out whether there is any interaction between normal saline and ultrasound contrast media and, if so, to elucidate the cause for the interaction. In an in vitro experimental setup the mixtures of various normal saline solutions and a galactose-based ultrasound contrast medium (Levovist) were scanned under pre-defined parameters. The duration of contrast was determined. Oxygen concentration of the solutions was measured (pO₂ and O₂ mg/l). The US contrast medium had significantly longer contrast duration when mixed with normal saline from plastic containers rather than glass containers. The contrast duration difference was even more between normal saline from containers sealed under vacuum and those not sealed under vacuum: 0.7 and 12 min, respectively. The oxygen concentration in normal saline from vacuum-sealed containers is one-third or less that from non-vacuum-sealed containers. The high concentration of dissolved oxygen in the normal saline seems to prevent the diffusion of air from the microbubbles into the solution and thus their collapse. Desaturated normal saline has detrimental effect on microbubbles of the galactose-based US contrast medium. For the purpose of filling the bladder during contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography only normal saline solution from non-vacuum-sealed containers should be used. For practical purposes, normal saline from plastic containers is safest. Electronic Publication     

Intermittent ureteral herniation--rare cause of flank pain

Ureteral herniation is rare and difficult to diagnose, especially when intermittent, and ureterocystoneostomy using the psoas hitch or boari flap techniques have so far been used as therapeutic options. We describe ureterolysis in two cases as a successful alternative approach.     

In vitro cell growth inhibition by metallocene dichlorides

Summary The in vitro growth-inhibiting potencies of titanocene dichloride (TDC), zirconocene dichloride (ZDC), hafnocene dichloride (HDC), vanadocene dichloride (VDC), and molybdocene dichloride (MDC) against Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells cultured in vitro as permanently growing suspension cultures were determined. The most striking growth-suppression activity was detected for VDC. A VDC concentration as low as 5 · 10^-6 mol/l effects a highly significant diminution of cell proliferation. TDC and MDC inhibit cellular growth only in concentrations of 5 · 10^-4 or 10^-3 mol/l, respectively, whereas ZDC and HDC, which are ineffective against EAT cells in vivo, require higher concentration levels. The growth inhibition is caused by a cytotoxic action of the metallocene dichlorides, as is demonstrated in the case of VDC and TDC by differentiation of live and dead EAT cells by means of the dye lissamine green.     

Genetische Beziehungen zwischen der schweren Mucoviscidosis im Kindesalter und der leichteren Verlaufsform bei Erwachsenen

Ohne ZusammenfassungHerrn Prof.H. Bohn zum 65. Geburtstage gewidmet.Mit Mitteln der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Über die Wirkung von Kobaltchlorid auf den Blutzucker und die Pankreasinseln bei verschiedenen Nagetieren

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 7 Textabbildungen.     

Untersuchungen zur Wirkung kardiotoner Steroide und ihrer Lokalisation auf verschiedene tubuläre Ionentransporte in der Niere mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Kalium-Transportmechanismen

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 3 Textabbildungen     

Beobachtungen zum Mechanismus der Nenitzescu-Reaktion Synthese von 6-Hydroxy-indol-Derivaten

Synthesis of 6-Hydroxyindoles Reaction of p-benzoquinone (1) with 13 substituted β-arylaminocrotonates 2 in propionic acid yields 6-hydroxy-indoles 5 . By-products are: 5-hydroxyindoles 3 , 5-acyloxy-4-hydroxyindoles 4 and arylaminobenzofurans 6 as new products. The structures of the furans 6 were clarified by chemical and spectroscopical methods. The reaction path that leads to 6-hydroxyindols is discussed.