Effect of a natural flavonoid on gastric mucosal barrier

The effects of 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyrylium chloride (IdB 1027) on the rat gastric mucosa were evaluated. IdB 1027 administered intragastrically at doses ranging from 100 to 400 mg/kg inhibited the fall in transmucosal potential difference and the increase in H+ back-diffusion induced by acetylsalicylic acid. Moreover, IdB 1027 at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg by intragastric route increased the gastric bicarbonate secretion. These results suggest that the gastroprotective activity of IdB 1027 is mediated by an increase in the efficiency of gastric mucosal barrier.     

Experimental study on the optimal size of the tricuspid valve annular area on annuloplasty

The optimal size of tricuspid valve annular area (TVAA) by annuloplasty for tricuspid regurgitation remains controversial. Recently, we developed a new measuring system which permits to do real-time measurement of tricuspid valve annular area in anesthetized dogs. Using this system, we studied the optimal size of TVAA by annuloplasty. After the right atrial incision, a metal thread which functions as a sense loop of the electromagnetic fields was stitched along the tricuspid valve annulus (visible juncture of the valve leaflets and the cardiac wall). The drive coil assembly was placed perpendicular to the extension of the long axis of the heart and was directed toward the tricuspid valve region. During control conditions, the maximum TVAA appeared at the onset of ventricular systole. The minimum TVAA appeared during the early ventricular diastolic phase which included the ventricular isovolumic relaxation phase. The maximum TVAA varied in five dogs between 2.2 cm2 and 3.1 cm2, the minimum TVAA also varied between 1.8 cm2 and 2.5 cm2: During regular sinus rhythm, a decrease of TVAA during one cardiac cycle ranged between 11.9% and 22.4% of the maximum size. When TVAA was not decreased by annuloplasty to the minimum area which was observed during cardiac cycle in the control state, the cardiac output and the right atrial pressure remained unchanged, because the ventricular filling was not obstructed. On the other hand, when TVAA was decreased smaller than this minimum area, the cardiac output decreased and the right atrial pressure rose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Single parent women

Summary While there has been considerable interest in the problems of single parent families, no study has yet determined if the problems are due to increased risk of specific psychiatric disorders in single parents as compared to their married counterparts. Data collected as part of the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Project are presented to compare the psychiatric as well as economic and social functioning of single vs. married parent women ages 18–44, based on a probability sample of members of the greater New Haven community. The major finding between groups is their relative similarity in psychiatric as well as social functioning. The major difference is economic. Single parents, both Black and White, more frequently are less educated and poorer. While many are on welfare, single compared to married female parents are more likely to be working and to report insufficient income to meet their needs. There are no appreciable differences in social contacts, use of health services or six-month prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders including major depression, alcohol or drug abuse. The data suggest that the problems faced by single parent women and their children may be a reflection of poverty and stress in families and not of psychiatric disorders or poor social relations in mothers.     

Morphological observations in skeletal muscle from patients with a mitochondrial myopathy

The regional distribution of the phenylalanine-sensitive ATP-sulphurylase in fetal calf brain coincides with demyelinated lesions observed in the central nervous systems of untreated PKU patients. This would be expected if this species of ATP-sulphurylase played a role in the pathogenesis of brain dysfunction in the untreated or poorly controlled phenylketonuria patient.