Nitric oxide-mediated beta 2-adrenoceptor relaxation is impaired in mesenteric veins from portal-hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS: beta-Adrenergic relaxation seems to be mediated by nitric oxide. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes induced by portal hypertension in beta 2-adrenergic vasorelaxation. METHODS: Isolated rat mesenteric veins were relaxed by salbutamol, and nerve-mediated vasocontractions were induced by electrical field stimulation. Responses were evaluated in the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or tetrodotoxin. Immunocytochemical techniques were used for localization of neuronal NO synthase. RESULTS: Salbutamol-induced relaxations were decreased in rings from portal-hypertensive animals. L-NAME reduced these relaxations, but its effects were more pronounced in sham-operated rats. Tetrodotoxin decreased the effect of salbutamol only in rings from sham-operated animals. Combination of L-NAME and tetrodotoxin did not exert a greater effect than either of these agents alone. Veins from portal-hypertensive animals were more sensitive to S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine. L-NAME increased vasocontractions by electrical stimulation only in rings from sham-operated rats. Veins from portal-hypertensive animals exhibited a specific degeneration of NO-containing nerve endings. CONCLUSIONS: beta 2-Adrenergic relaxation is impaired in mesenteric veins from portal-hypertensive rats, possibly as a result of a defective neuronal release of NO.     

Toxicological and kinetic study of musk xylene in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

In a prospective study of 6301 surgical patients in a university hospital, we examined the strength of association between ASA physical status classification and perioperative risk factors, and postoperative outcome, using both univariate analysis and calculation of the odds ratio of the risk of developing a postoperative complication by means of a logistic regression model. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between ASA class and perioperative variables (intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative ventilation and duration of intensive care stay), postoperative complications and mortality rate. Univariate analysis of individual preoperative risk factors demonstrated their importance in the development of postoperative complications in the related organ systems. Estimating the increased risk odds ratio for single variables, we found that the risk of complication was influenced mainly by ASA class IV (risk odds ratio = 4.2) and ASA class III (risk odds ratio = 2.2). We conclude that ASA physical status classification was a predictor of postoperative outcome.     

Fungal biotransformation of 6-nitrochrysene

The fungus Cunninghamella elegans was used to biotransform 6-nitrochrysene, a mutagen that is a widespread environmental contaminant. After 6 days, 74% of the 3H-labeled 6-nitrochrysene added had been metabolized to two isomeric sulfate conjugates. These conjugates were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by UV-visible, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral techniques as 6-nitrochrysene 1-sulfate and 6-nitrochrysene 2-sulfate.     

Zur Wirksamkeit von Thibenzole beim Magen-Darmwurmbefall des Rehwildes

Zusammenfassung Es wird über Versuche zur Testung der Wirksamkeit von Thiabendazol beim Rehwild in freier Wildbahn berichtet. Die durchschnittliche Anzahl an Magen-Darmwürmern bei drei Rehen vor der Behandlung betrug 810; nach der Kur mit 2×100 mg Thiabendazol pro kg Körpergewicht betrug sie bei drei Kontrollrehen 123. Der durchschnittliche Befall an Magendarmwurmeiern betrug bei 30 Losungen vor der Behandlung 150 Eier pro g Losung, nach der Entwurmung 15. Das Präparat wurde ohne Zögern angenommen und ohne Nebenwirkungen vertragen.

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Summary Tests were made to show the efficacy of Thiabedazole in roe deer in the free hunting ground.The average number of gastro-intestinal roundworms in 3 roes was 810; after treatment with 2×100 mg Thiabendazol per kg bodyweight it was 123 in 3 control roes. The average infestation with gastro-intestinal roundworm eggs was in 30 faecal samples 150 eggs per g droppings prior to treatment and 15 eggs post worming. The product was taken in without hesitation and was tolerated without side effects.

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Résumé On rapporte les essais portant sur'efficacité de Thiabendazol chez les chevreuils dans la nature. Le nombre moyen de vers stomaco-intestinaux chez trois chevreuils avant le traitement était de 810, après une cure avec 2×100 mg Thiabendazol par kilo du poids de l'animal il était pour trois chevreuils témoins 123.Le nombre moyen des oeufs de vers stomaco-intestinaux était pour 30 selles examinées avant le traitement 150 oeufs par g de selles, après la cure vermifuge, de 15. Le produit fut pris sans hésitation et supporté sans effets secondaires.

     

Farmer''s lung disease in Somerset

A survey of laboratory records was made to assess the value of the precipitin test and isolation methods in the diagnosis of farmer's lung disease and also to determine its prevalence in the farming population of Somerset. A link was established between the clinical diagnosis as written on the form that accompanied the specimen and the actual number of positive laboratory diagnoses made. Fifty (43%) of the clinically diagnosed patients were serologically positive for farmer's lung during a four-year period. If the clinically diagnosed but serologically negative cases of farmer's lung disease are added to this number, a prevalence of about 23 per 1000 of the farming population of Somerset is obtained.