Fast-germinating low β-glucan mutants induced in barley with improved malting quality and yield

Mutation breeding has been used to improve the speed of germination in the high-yielding spring barley variety Troubadour. Five mutants were selected which combined fast germination and good agronomic performance. Two of these mutants yielded significantly more than did Troubadour over eight environments, and showed a clear improvement in their malting quality through an increase in extract yield. The improvement in malting quality appeared to be due to a decrease in the β-glucan content, which seemed to enhance the germination speed and thus the starch degradation. The improvement in grain yield is postulated to be due to a better early growth caused by the enhanced germination speed. All the described changes could theoretically be explained by a single mutation event in each of the mutant genotypes, affecting the quantity of β-glucans present in the endosperm.

[Usefulness of the determination of saliva cortisol in the study of adrenal gland glucocorticoid function]

To validate the adequacy of saliva as a biological specimen for the study of glucocorticoid adrenal function, the concentrations of salivary cortisol (SC) and serum total cortisol (TC) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in several groups of individuals in baseline state and during stimulation tests. The study of diurnal variations of SC in the reference population (n = 29) showed a nyctohemeral rhythm similar to that of TC, with maximal concentrations at 08.00-09.00 h (18 +/- 9 nmol/L) and 61% and 80% decreases at 15.30 and 23.00 h, respectively. After the administration of 1 mg of dexamethasone, SC was reduced in a 95% of its baseline value (n = 18). In all patients with Cushing's syndrome (n = 8) SC was increased whereas TC was normal in 3. All patients with adrenal failure (n = 11) had subnormal SC levels, while TC was normal in 4. The SC response to stimulation with intravenous synthetic adrenocorticotropin (Nuvacthen) (with and without previous suppression with 1 mg dexamethasone), insulin hypoglycemia and glucagon were qualitatively similar to those of TC, although more marked in proportion. These results, together with the practical advantages of saliva as a biological sample (easy obtention of specimen, absence of stress during its collection, and stability of cortisol in it), indicate that SC represents a more reliable measurement than TC as a useful clinical test to detect glucocorticoid dysfunction.

[Bolande's tumor: significance of its early diagnosis and treatment]

Four patients diagnosed of having a tumor of Bolande and treated at our institution in the past ten years are presented. In two of them, early diagnosis was aided by prenatal echographic techniques; the other two diagnoses were suspected ar three and ten days of age because of an abdominal mass. The four of them underwent a complete study which included: a plain abdominal film, an ultrasound scan and an intravenous urogram; the last three patients were also surveyed by a CT scan of the abdomen. Surgery was undertaken early on all the patients, the time of operation being in every instance within the first month of life. A laparotomy was performed and, once the contralateral kidney had been carefully examined, a nephroureterectomy was implemented, having been able to preserve in all the cases the suprarenal gland in view of the benign nature of the tumor. A histologic study confirmed the diagnosis and revealed the complete delimitation of the tumor by the renal capsule. The authors underscore the importance of this tumor's suspicion in the face of any solid renal mass detected by prenatal echography or in the neonatal period, since early diagnosis and treatment are imperative in order to prevent the ensuing complications in the rare and unfortunate cases that show a malignant tumoral trend.

[Ascites and pleural effusion. Study and follow-up of 79 patients]

We reviewed 79 patients with a picture of pleural effusion (EP) and ascites, who represented 8% of a total of 982 pleural effusions studied. Liver cirrhosis (CH), 37 cases (47%), disseminated carcinomatosis, 31 cases (39.5%), and congestive heart failure, 6 cases (7%), were the main causes. We made two groups of liver cirrhosis: A) liver cirrhosis with hydropic decompensation, 12 patients (15%), and B) liver cirrhosis with an additional complication added to the above, 25 patients (31.5%), this being infectious in 88% of the cases. In the B group there were cases of left hydrothorax, more features of effusion and a lower survival at 3 months of follow-up than in tha A group. Effusions of neoplastic origin were most frequently seen in tumors of the ovary, digestive system, lymphomas and undetermined origin. In malignant effusions, the cytology was positive in pleura in 60% and in ascites in 55%. Twenty percent of peritoneal fluids and 47% of pleural effusions were serohemorrhagic and 100% and 88%, respectively, were of exudative nature. In liver cirrhosis the ascites was serofibrinous and transudated (100% in group A and 85.5% in B) and the pleural effusion was a serofibrinous transudate except in the cases in which there was an added infection. We confirm the ominous prognosis of the coexistence of pleural effusion and ascites.

Distribution of lesions in the lungs of aborted bovine fetuses

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Neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)-induced potentiation of the pressor activity of catecholamines in conscious rats

IV bolus administration of 2.5-50 micrograms NPY (0.6-12.5 nmol) to conscious rats produced a dose- and time-dependent increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Following priming with 2.5 micrograms NPY, or larger doses, the subsequent administrations of noradrenaline produced pressor responses that were potentiated both in magnitude and duration. The NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor response to noradrenaline was dose-dependent and extended to the pressor action of adrenaline and angiotensin II but not to the hypotensions produced by bradykinin or isoproterenol. The potentiation was not related to the fact that multiple doses of catecholamines were repeated. Reserpine did not substantially modify the NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor activity of the catecholamines. Chemical sympathectomy following 6-hydroxydopamine caused a marked supersensitivity to the catecholamines and NPY but obliterated the NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor effect of adrenaline. Nifedipine reduced the pressor action of the catecholamines and NPY but did not attenuate the NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor action of catecholamines. It is concluded that the acute pressor effect of NPY and of the potentiation of the catecholamine pressor effects involve different mechanisms.

[Gammagraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma]

At times pheochromocytoma raises diagnostic problems which cannot be solved by methods already incorporated into diagnostic evaluation, such as catecholamine measurement, echography and computed tomography. These drawbacks are more common with small size tumors, malignant extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma and some cases of relapse after surgery. The present study reports the results of 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintiscan in 30 patients with suspected pheochromocytoma. The head, the thorax and the abdomen were scanned in all patients after 3, 24 and 48 hours. Areas of normal and abnormal uptake were evaluated in these areas. The scintiscan was positive in seven cases with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, which showed markedly increased uptake persisting throughout the study. The results of other studies are analyzed and the functional character of MIBG, its sensitivity and specificity, and the advantages of 123I over 131I are discussed.

[Characteristics of intrafamilial transmission of the hepatitis B virus: a case load contribution and review of the literature]

A total of 143 subjects have been investigated (83 adults and 60 children). All of them are relatives of 50 HBsAg carriers (26 females adults and 24 children). Relatives of these 26 females adults presents a intrafamilial prevalence of infection of 28.8% (40% in males partners). In the 24 paediatric cases, intrafamilial diffusion of HBV is more elevated 67% seropositives (72.4% of adults and 57.5% of children). Greater intrafamilial transmission of HBV are seen in chronic forms of disease. We do insist that is very necessary to investigate the immunity of HBV in relatives of HBsAg (+) subjects. Specific vaccination for those who will be seronegative should be indicated.

Kappa-opiate-induced diuresis and changes in blood pressure: demonstration of receptor stereoselectivity using (+)- and (-)-tifluadom

(+)-Tifluadom injected i.p. produced a biphasic response of urine output: within the first hour of its administration the drug produced antidiuresis followed by a diuretic phase. In contrast, the (-) isomer produced a modest reduction in urine output as compared to the output of the saline-treated rats. In addition, (+)-tifluadom markedly reduced the output of urinary Na+ and K+. The effects of (+)-tifluadom were blocked by 7.5 mg/kg naloxone but not by 10 mg/kg of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788. Parallel experiments demonstrated that the i.v. administration of (+)-tifluadom to non-anesthetized rats caused a dose-related pressor response that lasted for at least 15 min. This effect of (+)-tifluadom was blocked and antagonized by naloxone. In contrast, (-)-tifluadom was either inactive on the cardiovascular system or produced short-lasting hypotension. In pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, 100 micrograms/kg (+)-tifluadom caused a precipitous hypotension that was reversed by naloxone but not by Ro 15-1788.

Lung lesions in bovine fetuses aborted by Brucella abortus

Considering the poor facilities available for microbiological diagnosis in some countries where Brucella abortus is a frequent cause of bovine abortion, a study was conducted to determine if isolation of B. abortus from an aborted bovine fetus could be predicted from a detailed histological study of the formalized lung. Thirty-nine samples of B. abortus positive and 20 negative fetal samples were examined for the presence of 14 different pulmonary lesions. Differences in the frequency of observed lesions between the positive and negative groups, were determined by odds ratios and chi square statistic. The confidence of the prediction was calculated by means of the logistic computer model. The frequency of eight lung lesions was found to be significantly (p less than 0.05) different between the groups; nevertheless, these lesions were not specific enough to be able to incriminate B. abortus as the cause of abortion.

Systemic prophylaxis with gentamicin-metronidazole in appendicectomy and colorectal surgery: a prospective controlled clinical study

A prospective, randomized, clinical study was carried out in 188 patients undergoing appendicectomy or colorectal surgery to test the efficacy of prophylactic, parenterally-administered antibiotics in the prevention of infection. The results show the effectiveness of the association gentamicin-metronidazole (9.4% of infections), compared to the control group with no antibiotics (39.1% of infections), X2 = 14.1; P less than 0.001).

Endocrine profile in patients with chronic renal failure under zinc replacement

The plasma levels of androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) were studied in 15 men (aged 24-50 years) with chronic renal failure under periodic peritoneal dialysis, before and after 50 mg of elemental zinc (Zn) orally, twice a day for three weeks. Before treatment, they were divided into three groups: group I, plasma A above normal and PRL less than 100 ng/ml; group II, low or normal A levels with PRL less than 100 ng/ml; and group III, normal or high A levels with PRL greater than 100 ng/ml. After oral Zn, plasma FSH, LH, and PRL were unchanged in all groups; however, in groups I and II plasma A was within normal T and DHT rose significantly, the A/(T+DHT) ratio decreased to normal, and the T/DHT ratio rose above normal. In group III plasma androgens remained low and androgen ratios were unchanged. Oral Zn seems to improve the conversion of A to T and also uncovered the possibility that plasma PRL levels greater than 100 ng/ml might cause a blockade in the 5 alfa-reductase.

Testicular function in men with chronic renal failure and transplant recipients under bromoergocriptine therapy

Plasma zinc (Zn), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and androgens concentrations were determined in 15 male patients with chronic renal failure who were successful recipients of kidney transplant. After 25 +/- 8.5 months of the renal transplant, Zn levels were (88 +/- 4 g/dl) lower than in the control group (116 +/- 5 micrograms/dl). Normal concentrations for androstenedione (A) (0.63 +/- 0.05 ng/ml) and testosterone (T) (3.31 +/- 0.15 ng/ml) were found. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels (0.38 +/- 0.01 ng/ml) were lower than normal (1.11 +/- 0.09 ng/ml), suggesting a blockade in the conversion of T to DHT. Eleven of the 15 patients showed higher PRL levels (9.5 +/- 0.8 ng/ml) in contrast with the normal group (3.6 +/- 0.3 ng/ml). Ten patients received orally 2-alpha-bromoergocriptine (BEC) 2.5 mg/day for ten days. Plasma PRL decreased to 2.6 +/- 1.0 ng/ml (p less than 0.001), but A and T levels did not significantly change; however, DHT increased from 0.38 +/- 0.02 ng/ml to 0.72 +/- 0.04 ng/ml (p less than 0.01). All patients showed an increase in both gonadotropins before BEC without significant changes after treatment. The high PRL levels may be responsible for the impaired conversion of T to DHT, possibly by interference with the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase.

Zinc, prolactin, gonadotropins, and androgen levels in uremic men

This study correlates plasma levels of Zinc (Zn) and some pituitary and testicular hormones in 20 uremic men (aged 17-58 years) on a weekly peritoneal dialysis program. Patients were compared to 12 healthy male volunteers (aged 28-40 years). In uremic men, plasma androstenedione (A) was elevated, while testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and Zn were low. On a group basis, plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were normal while prolactin was increased. A negative correlation was observed between plasma A and LH levels, as well as between the A/T+DHT ratio and plasma Zn concentrations. Our results suggest a diminished A-to-T conversion and point to the possible role of Zn in the enzyme activity of the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

[6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase of Aspergillus oryzae (Ahlburg). II. Separation and study of isoenzymes]

Through ammonium sulphate fractionation followed by ion-exchange chromatography, two forms of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6j-phosphogluconate: NADP+ oxidoreductase E.C. 1.1.1.44) were isolated from mycelium of Aspergillus oryzae. The Km values for 6PG were the same, but the Km for NADP+ was smaller for isoenzyme I. The Vmx values were also different, with greater activity for isoenzyme II. The optimum pH for isoenzyme I was 7.5. whereas the isoenzyme II had two maximum peaks, at pH 7.5 and 9. Isoenzyme II was the more resistant to thermal inactivation. Inhibition by NADPH was competitive with respect to NADP+, with a Ki value similar for both isoenzymes. The GSSG inhibits isoenzyme I and activates isoenzyme II. The apparent molecular weights determined by gel filtration were 79,000 +/- 2,000 daltons for isoenzyme I and 112,000 +/- 2,000 daltons for isoenzyme II.

Enhancement of the antiarrhythmic action of disopyramide by digoxin

Acute antiarrhythmic testing with 200 mg of disopyramide p.o. was performed in two groups of 15 patients each, with a prevalence of ventricular premature depolarization (VPD) exceeding one per minute. Patients in the first group were not receiving cardiac glycosides; those in the second group were on maintenance therapy with oral digoxin. Systolic time intervals (STI) were recorded throughout the test in order to evaluate left ventricular performance. Plasma levels of disopyramide were measured at peak ECG changes and digoxin levels before and 2 h following administration of disopyramide. Only five patients in the first group responded with an 80% or greater reduction in VPD rate and abolition of repetitive forms. In contrast, 13 digitalized patients responded to disopyramide. Mean plasma levels of disopyramide did not differ in the two groups (1.68 and 1.78 microgram/ml, respectively). Digoxin plasma levels in no case exceeded 3 ng/ml and did not change significantly after disopyramide. Significant increases in STI and in the QTC interval were recorded only in patients of the first group. The PR interval was prolonged in both groups, but to a greater extent in patients receiving digoxin. We conclude that digitalization may prevent myocardial functional depression caused by disopyramide and enhance its antiarrhythmic action.

Quantitative comparison of the anticholinergic and antiarrhytmic actions of disopyramide and quinidine

With the purpose of estimating quantitative differences between disopyramide and quinidine two experimental series were designed. In order to establish the atropinic potency of both drugs, pA2 values were determined in rabbits right atria, using acetylcholine as agonist. The capacity to prevent ventricular fibrillation in albino mice subjected to chloroform apnea was also tested using various doses of the drugs. An effective median dose (ED50) to each of the drugs was calculated and the relative antiarrhythmic potency was compared. Disopyramide showed in both experimental series to be a more potent agent than quinidine.

Chronotropic effects of droperidol

To study the mechanism of action by which droperidol exerts a negative chronotropic effect, 3 series of experiments were performed: a) on isolated right atria of rabbits, b) on the isolated vas deferens of guinea-pigs and c) by injecting the drug directly into the sinus node artery of anesthetized dogs. Isolated tissue results include: lack of cholinergic action or beta-adrenergic antagonism: a calcium ion flux interference could not be demonstrated. Alpha adrenergic antagonism of the drug (pA2) was ascertained in the vas deferens. Injections of droperidol in the sinus node artery caused a negative chrontropic effect proportional to the dose and arrest ensued with the largest dose followed by His escape rhythm. Droperidol could not inhibit isoproterenol or dopamine-induced tachycardia and showed similar negative chronotropism in vagotomized and atropinized dogs. Negative chronotropic effects of the drug appear to be caused by an exit blockade of sinus impulses.