Raw soya-bean flour increases cholecystokinin release in man

1. The aim of the present study was to determine whether oral ingestion of raw soya-bean flour, which contains trypsin inhibitors, alters the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) in man. 2. Eleven healthy volunteers ate two mixed meals: one with raw soya-bean flour and the other with soya-bean flour that had been heat-treated. The two flours inhibited 34 and 3 mg trypsin/g flour respectively. 3. CCK was measured in plasma using a bioassay based on the release of amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from dispersed rat pancreatic acini. 4. The peak CCK response was 16.8 (SE 8.1) pmol/l with raw soya-bean flour but 4.9 (SE 2.8) pmol/l with heat-treated flour (P less than 0.05). 5. We conclude that ingestion of raw soya-bean flour increases CCK release in man and that heat treatment which reduces the trypsin inhibitor content of the flour also diminishes its CCK-releasing effect.     

Proximal femoral focal deficiency: radiologic analysis of 49 cases

Proximal femoral focal deficiency, an uncommon congenital anomaly, necessitates early radiologic classification for surgical planning and treatment. Objective radiographic criteria, including femoral length index, acetabular depth index, acetabular angle index, and shape of the proximal femur were determined in 49 patients before cartilaginous ossification of the femoral capital epiphysis; final classification was based on follow-up radiographs or findings at arthrography or surgery. These parameters were analyzed to determine the accuracy and contributions of each in classification. Correct classification into one of three groups was possible in 86% of cases with use of three of the parameters: femoral length index, acetabular depth index, and shape of the proximal femur. The acetabular angle was found to contribute insignificantly to classification. Magnetic resonance imaging, used in only one case, depicted the nonossified cartilaginous femoral capital epiphysis, thus obviating the need for invasive diagnostic procedures and facilitating early classification.     

Rhabdomyolysis after intramuscular iron-dextran in malabsorption.

The case of a 59 year old white man who had chronic malabsorption and selective IgA deficiency with severe iron deficiency is reported. In addition, he was deficient in vitamin E and selenium, important antioxidants which protect against lipid peroxidation. He was intolerant of oral iron and when treated with iron-dextran developed symptoms suggestive of polymyositis with evidence of rhabdomyolysis. It is suggested that free iron within iron-dextran activated free radicals, initiating lipid peroxidation and leading to polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis, and myoglobulinuria.     

Mesalazine induced interstitial nephritis.

5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) has structural similarities to both phenacetin and aspirin, which are known to cause 'analgesic nephropathy'. Because of the increasing use of 5-ASA, this paper draws attention to two cases of severe interstitial nephritis resulting from 5-ASA and emphasises the importance of monitoring renal functions of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who are receiving 5-ASA preparations.     

Life expectancy in British Marfan syndrome populations

A total of 206 patients with Marfan syndrome were ascertained throughout genetic clinics in Wales and Scotland during the period 1970–1990. There were 45 deaths representing 22% of the cohort. Mean age at death was 45.3 ± 16.5 years. 50% median cumulative survival in the total cohort (n = 206) was 53 years for males and 72 years for females. Multivariate analysis confirmed severity as the best independent indicator of survival. These findings and survival curves will assist in the counselling of British families and individuals with Marfan syndrome.