Immunochemical composition and gel filtration profiles of uterine flushings from rats with and without IUDs

The composition of uterine fluids collected from pro-oestrous rats with unilateral intrauterine sutures was determined by immunoelectrophoresis and gel filtration.Immunochemical analysis with an anti- (blood plasma) serum showed a markedly altered uterine environment on the IUD side; 7–9 and 16–22 components, respectively, were found in control — and IUD-horn flushings.The gel filtration profile of the uterine flushings revealed three components; one of the low molecular weight components was significantly raised in the IUD horn (p < 0.05). Subsequent Chromatographic analysis of the free amino acids in the low molecular weight fractions constantly showed peaks corresponding to cysteic acid, taurine and/or $\text{o}$-phosphoethanolamine, urea and glutamic acid. The second and third of these were markedly elevated in IUD-horn flushings.The possible relation of these findings to the mechanism involved in the action of an IUD in the rat is discussed.     

Down syndrome in the northeastern Netherlands; expectations and reality 1981-1986

Down syndrome is caused by presence in triplicate of (a part of) chromosome 21, usually on the basis of a standard trisomy-21. The risk of a child's having a standard trisomy-21 depends on the mother's age. On the basis of the maternal age distribution and age-specific risks, the expected number of neonates with Down syndrome born in 1981-1986 in the EUROCAT region North-East Netherlands is calculated. The number of neonates with Down syndrome registered with EUROCAT does not differ to a statistically significant extent from the expected number. The influence of the rising age-specific fertility in women over 28 years of age and the effect of the moving-up of the increasingly large birth cohorts 1945-1965 are discussed. If the uptake rate for prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis remains constant, these factors will in the next few years lead to an increase of the prevalence of Down syndrome among full-term infants.     

Segmental spinal instrumentation without sublaminar wires

We have developed a method of segmental spinal instrumentation that precludes the passage of sublaminar wires, thus reducing the likelihood of neurological complications. The technique utilizes the base of the spinous process as the purchase site for segmental fixation and a newly developed button-wire implant. The technique and early experience with this method are described.