Interaction of salicylic acid with verrucae assessed by FT-Raman spectroscopy

FT-Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate treated verrucae (warts from the sole of the foot) with a local application of a salicylic acid paint. Differences in the molecular structure of the stratum corneum across the verruca sample were observed, and by comparison with normal and hyperkeratotic skin it was concluded that the tissue around the edges of the verrucae was typically hyperkeratotic skin. In the centre of the verruca, the molecular structure of the skin was altered showing evidence of the interaction with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid was not observed in its characteristic dimerised acid structure, but spectroscopic evidence suggested that fission of the intermolecular H-bonding essentially cleaved the dimer. Observed changes in the v(CCO) stretching mode of the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups indicate the inter H-bonds have broken. These spectral changes are believed to be more consistent with salicylic acid bonding within the human papillomavirus-containing verruca tissue rather than simple acid dissociation upon dissolution in water within the tissue. No evidence for the presence of the other paint components, lactic acid and flexible collodion, was found in the verrucae spectra. This Raman approach may help to elucidate the molecular basis for therapeutic agents interacting with diseased skin.     

Some focusing techniques and their application to low-angle neutron scattering

Both imaging and simple converging collimator systems can provide a focused neutron beam. Each system has been tested and appears suitable for exploitation. Imaging systems employing bent multilayer monochromators can be made simply by elastically bending a flat multilayer. The periodic spacing of the multilayer can be made to match that of the sample. The converging Soller slit provides a purely geometric means of prouducing a focused beam. Wavelength spread and distribution across the beam can be controlled separately. Soller-slit technology is further advanced than that of multilayers. The experiments sketched above demonstrate that converging or focused neutron beams suitable for low-angle scattering work can be produced with existing technology. Focusing incurs little or no loss of intensity and does not seriously distort the resolution function of a low-angel instrument. It permits a small spectrometer to make use of both advanced detector technology and large samples and thus to approach the capability of a much larger machine.     

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with deafness: report of a case and review of the literature

A case of chronic bulb-pontine paralysis with deafness, with early onset, coursing along nine years is reported. There seem to be histopathologic and electromyographic evidences on which is concluded to be a variant form of juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Van Laere form).     

The relative importance of dopamine and noradrenaline receptor stimulation for the restoration of motor activity in reserpine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine pre-treated mice

Two animal models of Parkinsonism have been employed to investigate the role of noradrenaline in the motor effects of levodopa. Pretreatment with reserpine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) causes cerebral amine depletion and reduction of motor activity, which can be reversed by levodopa. The effect of inhibitors of noradrenaline (NA) synthesis and antagonists of NA and dopamine (DA) receptors on the action of levodopa have been studied. For comparison, the effects of such treatments on apomorphine action has been investigated. Reversal of reserpine (10 mg/kg) induced akinesia in mice by levodopa (200 mg/kg) plus the peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor MK 486 (L-alpha-methyl-dopahydrazine; 25 mg/kg) was inhibited by prior administration of phenoxybenzamine (20 mg/kg), haloperidol (1 mg/kg), pimozide (1 mg/kg) or the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor FLA-63 (bis [4-methyl-l-homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl] disulphide; 15 or 25 mg/kg). Apomorphine (2 mg/kg) reversal of reserpine akinesia was similarly inhibited by haloperidol (1 mg/kg) and pimozide (2 mg/kg) but not by phenoxybenzamine (20 mg/kg) or FLA-63 (25 mg/kg). Apomorphine (5 mg/kg) reversal of reserpine akinesia was enhanced by simultaneous administration of the noradrenergic agonist clonidine (1 mg/kg) and this effect was not significantly altered by prior administration of FLA-63. Clonidine, however, reversed the FLA-63 induced inhibition of the levodopa effect on reserpine akinesia. Levodopa reversal of akinesia induced by AMPT (200 mg/kg) was also inhibited by FLA-63, pimozide and haloperidol. Phenoxybenzamine, however, was without effect, but produced a different pattern of behaviour. Similarly, pimozide and haloperidol blocked apomorphine reversal of AMPT induced akinesia; FLA-63 was without effect but phenoxybenzamine produced marked inhibition. The results suggest that full restoration of motor activity in reserpine or AMPT pretreated animals requires stimulation of both DA and NA receptors.