Alternate-day prednisone therapy in recipients of renal allografts. Risk and benefits

Forty-five patients receiving renal allografts were gradually converted from daily to alternate-day prednisone therapy. Indications for conversion included aseptic necrosis, growth retardation in children and adolescents, obesity, diabetes, cataract formation, and cosmetic appearance. Eight of the 45 patients developed acute or chronic rejection during or just after completion of alternate-day steroid therapy. The remaining 37 patients had a notable decrease in the degree of hypercorticism, with return of growth in children and adolescents. However, there was no improvement once aseptic necrosis or cataract formation had occurred. Although the use of alternate-day prednisone therapy is of benefit in reducing the untoward side effects of corticosteroids, the risk of precipitating allograft rejection is a significant threat and must be carefully considered whenever this form of treatment is undertaken.     

Diabetes mellitus. A report from the Australian General Practitioner Morbidity and Prescribing Survey 1969-1974

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, in association with Intercontinental Medical Statistics conducted a General Practice Morbidity and Prescribing Survey from 1.4.69 to 31.12.74. This gave a baseline study of morbidity as it occurs in Australia plus a breakdown by State, sex, age and season, to give a clearer idea of geographical, personal and epidemiological factors influencing health and sickness.     

A possible two-photon effect in vitro using a focused laser beam

A probable two-photon effect is described as a result of focusing an intense pulsed laser beam onto chromosomes of living cells. The effect was suggested after the derivation of a two-photon action spectrum and the demonstration of a lack of reciprocity.