Visual and laser Doppler perfusion scanning assessments of Kathon CG patch test reactions

Metastases are the most common malignant tumors of the skeleton. Several imaging modalities can be engaged for the diagnosis of skeletal metastases. They may be combined, depending on the individual clinical setting. Plain films are used for evaluation of symptomatic regions of the skeleton. Sensitivity is low, but benign skeletal disorders causing clinical symptoms can usually be identified in plain films. Bone scintigraphy is employed for a survey of the entire skeleton with high sensitivity for the presence of metastases, but only poor specificity. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are advanced diagnostic methods, essential particularly in the diagnosis of metastatic spinal disease. Using CT, additional percutaneous bone biopsies can be performed easily and safely. Of all imaging modalities, MRI has the highest sensitivity for skeletal metastases. Other advantages are the possibility of multidirectional slice positioning and excellent soft tissue contrast.     

Effect of electroacupuncture on gastric acid secretion and gut hormones

21 patients with mild type of chronic superficial gastritis were selected in this study. The effect of electroacupuncture in Zhongwan (RM12), Neiguan (P6) and Sanyinjiao (Sp6) on gastric acid secretion, serum gastrin, plasma somatostatin, plasma motilin concentration and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity were observed. The results were as follows: There were significant decreases in gastric acid output, serum gastrin concentration and AchE activity (P < 0.05), but no significant changes in plasma somatostatin and motilin concentration (P > 0.05) after simultaneous electroacupuncture in Zhongwan, Neiguan and Sanyinjiao.     

Oxidation of aqueous sulfide solutions by dioxygen Part I: Autoxidation reaction

The autoxidation of aqueous sulfide solutions by dioxygen is studied at pH 9 and 14 and at initial sulfide concentrations between 1 and 100 mM. Disulfide as a primarary intermediate is proposed to enhance the sulfide oxidation by autocatalytically forming polysulfies. The postulate is supported by the observed acceleration of the process at increasing pH favoring the presence of disulfide rather than that of sulfur. The final reaction products thiosulfate and sulfate are proposed to result from the hydrolysis of the highly instable intermediate polythiosulfite in parallel parallel reaction pathways, assuming probabilities for breaking the sulfur chain at the α (sulfate) and β (thiosulfate) positions to be responsible for the selectivity. A reaction scheme is proposed, considering all experimental observations.     

Fungaemia due to Cryptococcus laurentii and a review of non-neoformans cryptococcaemia

Cryptococcus laurentii is one of several non-neoformans cryptococci that have rarely been associated with human infection. The spectrum of clinical infection due to non-neoformans species ranges from skin lesions to fungaemia. Most cases of non-neoformans fungaemia have been nosocomially acquired and have been associated with indwelling intravascular catheters and neutropenia. Limited data on in vitro susceptibilities of non-neoformans cryptococci show these species to be more resistant to fluconazole and flucytosine than most Cr. neoformans. Two such cases are presented here.     

In vitro and in vivo metabolism of the progestagen Org 30659 in several species

The metabolism of Org 30659 [(17alpha)-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-19-norpregna-4, 15-dien-20-yn-3-one], a new potent progestagen currently under clinical development by NV Organon for use in oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy, was studied in vivo after oral administration to rats and monkeys and in vitro using rat, rabbit, monkey, and human liver microsomes and rat and human hepatocytes. After oral administration of [7-3H]Org 30659 to rats and monkeys, Org 30659 was extensively metabolized in both species. Fecal excretion appeared to be the main route of elimination. In rats, opening of the A-ring, resulting in a 2-OH,4-carboxylic acid, 5alpha-H metabolite of Org 30659, was the major metabolic route in vivo. Other metabolic routes involved the introduction of an OH group at C15beta, followed by a shift of the Delta15-double bond to a 16/17-double bond with subsequent removal of the OH group at C17 and reduction of the 3-keto,Delta4 moiety followed by sulfate conjugation of the 3-OH substituent. These metabolic routes observed in vivo were also major routes in incubations with rat hepatocytes. In rat liver microsomes, Org 30659 was metabolized by reduction of the 3-keto,Delta4 moiety. Rat hepatocyte incubations with Org 30659 were more representative of the in vivo metabolism of Org 30659, compared with rat microsomal incubations. Both in vitro and in vivo, the majority of the metabolites were 3alpha-OH,4,5alpha-dihydro derivatives. In monkeys, Org 30659 was mainly metabolized at the C3- and C17-positions in vivo. The 3-keto moiety was reduced to both 3beta-OH and 3alpha-OH substituents. In addition to phase I metabolites, glucuronic acid conjugates were observed in vivo. In monkey liver microsomes, the 6beta-OH metabolite of Org 30659 was the major metabolite present. Similar to the monkey liver microsomes, rabbit and human liver microsomes converted Org 30659 to the 6beta-OH metabolite. This metabolite was also the major metabolite in incubations with human hepatocytes.     

Breast infarction after internal mammary artery harvest in a patient with calciphylaxis

The use of the internal mammary artery during coronary artery bypass grafting is commonplace. Complications associated with the harvest of the internal mammary artery have predominantly been wound related. These range from skin dehiscence to complete avascular necrosis of the sternum. This report documents complete ischemic necrosis of a breast in a patient with end-stage renal disease and a history of calciphylaxis, after the harvest of an internal mammary artery.     

Line narrowing and self frequency scanning of laser diode arrayscoupled to a photorefractive oscillator

Line narrowing and self frequency scanning of a laser diode array coupled to a photorefractive passive-phase conjugate mirror has been demonstrated. Single-longitudinal mode operation is obtained and the coupling mechanism is discussed     

Neuer Zerspanertyp für die Spanplattenindustrie

A new flaker type is described. It is very well suitable for the production of high quality flakes, gained from random length roundwood as well as from slabs and edgings. Due to the integrated gap-calibration, often no subsequent air classification is necessary. Other advantages are low cost for labour, knives and maintenance.