Neuramide stimulates adrenocorticotropin but not prolactin release from rat pituitary

Neuramide (NMD), a substance found in crude preparations of porcine stomach extract, is a viral inhibitor that also has putative immunostimulatory effects. The effects of NMD on stress-hormone (ACTH and prolactin-PRL) release were assessed in in vivo and in vitro studies. In the former, blood levels of corticosterone and PRL were measured in NMD-treated male rats. In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of NMD and three of its fractions (obtained with high performance liquid chromatography) on ACTH and PRL release from perfused rat pituitary slices. NMD increased plasma corticosterone levels in vivo and produced dose-dependent increases in in vitro pituitary release of ACTH. No effects on PRL secretion were observed in vivo or in vitro. The stimulatory effects on ACTH release were caused by the NMD fraction with a molecular weight of > 5000 < 10000 Da.     

Setting the record straight.

Replies to comments by H. W. Marsh and L. A. Roche (see record 1997-43129-003) on the author's article (Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 1997) on student evaluation and academic freedom. The author expresses his dismay that Marsh and Roche misrepresented (not misinterpreted) the article without documenting their misrepresentation. A documented response to this undocumented misrepresentation is provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A role for B cells in the development of T cell helper function in a malaria infection in mice

B cell knockout mice are unable to clear a primary erythrocytic infection of Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi. However, the early acute infection is controlled to some extent, giving rise to a chronic relapsing parasitemia that can be reduced either by drug treatment or by adoptive transfer of B cells. Similar to mice rendered B-cell deficient by lifelong treatment with anti-mu antibodies, B cell knockout mice (muMT) retain a predominant CD4+ Th1-like response to malarial antigens throughout a primary infection. This contrasts with the response seen in control C57BL/6 mice in which the CD4+ T-cell response has switched to that characteristic of Th2 cells at the later stages of infection, manifesting efficient help for specific antibodies in vitro and interleukin 4 production. Both chloroquine and adoptive transfer of immune B cells reduced parasite load. However, the adoptive transfer of B cells resulted in a Th2 response in recipient muMT mice, as indicated by a relative increase in the precursor frequency of helper cells for antibody production. These data support the idea that B cells play a role in the regulation of CD4+ T subset responses.     

Content of carbohydrates and trace elements in a group of non-alcoholic drinks

BACKGROUND: In order to elaborate recommendations for the dietetic care of diabetic patients and other clinical disorders we have measured the concentration of carbohydrates and trace elements in a group of non alcoholic refreshments of current use in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty refreshments were classified into 10 groups. Glucose and phosphate were measured by hexokinase and reduction of phospho-molybdate methods respectively in an autoanalyzer Dax-72. Glucose and fructose were analyzed by cellulose thin-layer chromatography; glucose, fructose and sucrose by gas chromatographys. Sodium and potassium by emission spectrophotometry and calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Light refreshments and soft drinks have no carbohydrates. Isotonic beverages, fruit juices, cool tea and non alcoholic beers had less than 10 g/dl. Tonic waters, Fanta, different coles, non alcoholic bitter and others had more than 10 g/dl. Sodium levels between 15-20 mEq/l were found in the isotonic beverages and 7-Up and levels of 7 mEq/l in the others. Potassium values between 15-40 mEq/l were found in the fruit juices, 3-4 mEq/l in Gatorade and less than 1 mEq/l in the others. CONCLUSIONS: Light refreshments and soft drinks contain low concentrations of carbohydrates and sodium. Fruit juices have high potassium concentration. Such information can be especially useful for dietetic care of diabetic patients.     

Expert statement and assessment of medical impairment in work-related pulmonary disease

The Norwegian Societies of Thoracic Medicine and Occupational Medicine established a working group to standardise diagnostic procedures and evaluation of work-related respiratory disorders. In cases of suspected work-related diseases the physician may be asked by the National Insurance Administration or an insurance company to make a statement which will be one of the documents used to decide the patient's right to compensation benefit. We discuss the role of the physician as an independent expert. This is different from his role as clinician. The statement should include a balanced presentation of information from different sources, including health and occupational history, and the employer's information about the work environment (quantitative and qualitative exposure data). The statement must also include the results of a clinical examination and an assessment of functional status based on objective tests. The paper contains recommendations for evaluation of permanent impairment in light of the present Norwegian laws and regulations.     

Condensation polymerization of pyrogallol and benzaldehyde

Novolac-type polycondensation of benzaldehyde (B) and pyrogallol (P) has been carried out at 60°C, 75°C and 90°C and at B/P mole ratios of 1.5 and 3.0 using phosphoric acid as catalyst. The reaction follows a 2nd order rate law. By using GC consumption data of benzaldehyde and pyrogallol, kinetic parameters such as the overall rate constants, activation energies (E_a) and logA values are investigated. The activation energies for 1.5 and 3.0 B/P mole ratios are found as 62.3 kJ mol^?1 and 56.4 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The molecular weights of the resins determined by measuring intrinsic viscosities (25°C, THF) are in the range of 0.03 to 0.07 dL g^?1 at various temperatures and B/P mole ratios.     

Manufacture of films displaying liquid-crystalline structure

Reported is an attempt to attain orientation of macromolecules during extrusion of films of cellulose derivatives that led to the liquid-crystalline state of a polymer and resulted in enhanced film strength.