Pharmacodynamic profile of CQP 201-403, a novel 8 alpha-amino-ergoline

The profile of action in animals of CQP 201-403, a novel 8 alpha-amino-ergoline, is in most aspects that of a very potent dopaminomimetic, both as a prolactin secretion inhibitor, and at the levels of the CNS and the cardiovascular system. Qualitatively CQP 201-403 differs slightly from bromocriptine and apomorphine in its effects on the CNS (no influence on serotonin metabolism in the rat cortex; induction of masculine mounting behavior in rats) and the cardiovascular system of the dog (reflex tachycardia in response to a blood-pressure fall). In man the new compound proved to be highly active in lowering prolactin serum levels and be more potent than bromocriptine (Parlodel).

Different regulatory elements are required for cell-type and stage specific expression of the Xenopus laevis skeletal muscle actin gene upon injection in X.laevis oocytes and embryos

In the present study, we demonstrate by transcript mapping that the injected Xenopus skeletal muscle alpha-actin gene is transcribed and spliced in Xenopus oocytes but not correctly initiated at the alpha-actin promoter. This leads to correctly spliced transcripts even if constructs without putative promoter sequences are injected. On the other hand, alpha-actin transcripts are translated in injected oocytes as shown by the detection of alpha-actin protein. By contrast, correctly initiated alpha-actin transcripts can be found in neurula embryos when the injected clone contains 5' flanking sequences extending from +27 to -680. alpha-actin gene fragments without the 680 nucleotides 5' flanking region are activated unspecifically after midblastula transition, whereas the clones carrying this region are activated correctly at the end of gastrulation. Cell type specific expression seems to be modulated by sequences within the transcribed region.

Regulatory sequences of the Sgs-4 gene of Drosophila melanogaster analysed by P element-mediated transformation

The X chromosomally located allele Sgs-4c for a larval secretion protein of Drosophila melanogaster is normally expressed in female larvae of the strain Oregon R and is hyperexpressed in male larvae exhibiting dosage compensation; the allele Sgs-4d in the strain Samarkand is weakly expressed and is not hyperexpressed in male larvae showing a dosage effect. P element-mediated transformation of upstream DNA sequences from both alleles combined with Sgs-4d coding and downstream sequences was performed to localize sequences which are responsible for the level of gene expression and for hyperexpression of Sgs-4c in male larvae. Our results demonstrate that weak expression and dosage effect are inherited with the upstream region from -1 to -838. This Samarkand fragment differs from the homologous Oregon R region only by a C to T transition at -344 which lies within an assumed binding sequence for the ecdysone receptor complex of dyad base symmetry. Replacing the Samarkand upstream region from -1 to -838 by the Oregon R region restores normal Sgs-4 expression and dosage compensation. Hyperexpression in male larvae displays high sensitivity to position effect and is nearly completely inhibited in one transformed line under heterozygous conditions. The integration of an Sgs-4d transposon into a weak spot of polytene chromosome 2L results in a decrease in gene expression. The GTT- and GT-rich regions at -1.2 and -2.0 kb do not obviously influence Sgs-4 expression but possibly play a role in induction of stage-specific chromosome puffing.

Upstream sequences of dosage-compensated and non-compensated alleles of the larval secretion protein gene Sgs-4 in Drosophila

The X chromosomal gene Sgs-4 coding for a larval secretion protein of Drosophila melanogaster is expressed stage and tissue specifically and is hyperexpressed in male larvae of most Drosophila stocks which show dosage compensation. We analysed three Sgs-4 alleles which differ in the size of their coding region, in the intensity of their expression and in the level of dosage compensation. The size and amount of Sgs-4 proteins directly reflect those of RNAs. Different RNA sizes result from different numbers of 21 bp repeats within the structural genes. We sequenced 2.8 kb of DNA upstream of the transcription initiation site of the three alleles. Sequences known to be essential for correct gene expression were located. The only difference within DNA sequences from -1 to -1200 between two alleles with different degrees of expression and differing in dosage compensation is a C to T transition at -344 within a supposed consensus sequence for ecdysone receptor complex binding (ECR). This mutation is partly located within a region of dyad symmetry. Alleles with identical expression show identical mutations within a GTT-rich region at -1.2 kb, but differ within a GT-rich region at -2.0 kb. A polyadenylated 0.5 kb RNA was found to be transcribed from the GTT-rich region of the strand opposite to that of Sgs-4. The corresponding gene is active only in larval salivary glands and, therefore, is named gland specific gene, gsg.

Prophylaxis with cefamandole nafate in elective orthopedic surgery

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted to determine the efficacy of cefamandole nafate in reducing infections in general orthopedic procedures. Of 743 patients initially entered into the study, 715 (362 on cefamandole, 353 on placebo) fulfilled the requirements of the protocol. The infection rate was 1.6% for the cefamandole-treated group and 4.2% for the placebo group. In operations lasting longer than two hours, there were two infections in the cefamandole group and seven infections in the placebo group (p less than 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacilli were the common pathogens. Adverse side effects were limited to transient elevations in liver enzymes.

Spacer sequences downstream of the 28S RNA coding region are part of the mouse rDNA transcription unit

Evidence is presented that more than 300 bp of spacer sequences downstream of the 28S RNA coding sequence are part of the mouse rDNA transcription unit. Studies in two cell-free transcription systems as well as analysis of cellular RNA indicate that RNA polymerase I does not terminate within the 334 bp 3' terminal spacer sequences contained in the rDNA clone used. Quantitative hybridization data, S1 mapping experiments and Northern analysis of nuclear RNA showed that the 14 kb pre-rRNA molecules hybridize with the same efficiency to both the 28S and the 3' NTS specific DNA probe. This indicates that the rRNA precursor contains both at the 5' and 3' end several hundreds bases of external transcribed spacer sequences which are eliminated in subsequent processing reactions.

Missed subcapital fractures

Intracapsular femoral neck fractures, even when they are recognized and treated early, have a relatively high complication rate. Failure to diagnose these fractures can greatly increase the complication rate and make more radical surgery necessary. Reported are two cases of missed subcapital fractures. Both patients had continuing symptoms, eventually were hospitalized, and required arthroplastic procedures. The significance of missed subcapital fractures is discussed, as are guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

Septic arthritis of the knee in a 12-year-old hemophiliac

A known pediatric hemophiliac was evaluated for what was thought to be a hemarthrosis of the knee. When the patient failed to respond to conventional treatment, the joint was aspirated and found to be septic. Septic arthritis is a rare complication of hemophilia and requires prompt recognition and treatment.

Calcium antagonist PY 108-068: demonstration of its efficacy in various types of experimental brain ischemia

The protective properties of PY 108-068 against ischemic disturbances in the brain were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The calcium antagonistic effects were demonstrated on isolated, calcium-loaded arterial rings of feline cerebral arteries. Determination of brain tissue oxygenation with pO2 microelectrodes showed that PY 108-068 improved oxygen supply in the cortex of cats subjected to epicerebral arterial occlusion. In a model of cerebral vasospasm induced by autologous blood superfusion, PY 108-068 reversed the spastic state of cortical microvessels. In a chronic stroke model (microsphere embolization in rats) PY 108-068 led to a significant reduction in mortality and in the severity of neurological symptoms, whereby the peroral efficacy of the drug could be demonstrated. The efficacy of PY 108-068 in a variety of ischemic insults makes this drug a promising aid in the treatment of cerebrovascular accidents.

Reduction versus vascularity: an operative dilemma posed by a difficult reduction of a femoral neck fracture

Achieving an acceptable reduction following a femoral neck fracture is often a difficult task. When reduction cannot be achieved by conventional methods, the orthopedic surgeon often accepts lessthan-adequate reduction or opts for prosthetic replacement. Reported is a case of a femoral neck fracture that was openly reduced by transection of the ligamentum teres and reduction of the free femoral head, followed by a Judet muscle-pedicle-bone graft. The importance of adequate fracture reduction and providing vascular supply to the femoral head, as they relate to the complication of avascular necrosis and nonunion, are discussed.

The management of fractures in thermally injured patients

The occurrence of fractures in association with burn wounds has been considered a formidable combination which compromises the care of both types of injuries. During a 5-year period, 42 fractures were treated in 22 patients admitted to the burn center. A variety of fracture management techniques were used on an individualized basis. When fracture stabilization was necessary, external fixation provided acceptable fracture care while permitting access to the burn wound for dressings, grafting, and physical therapy. The presence of an overlying burn wound has been considered an absolute contraindication to the performance of internal fixation of fractures. However, we have found that this procedure can be performed safely provided that consideration is given to a number of factors, including timing of the operation, the importance of intraoperative fluid resuscitation, and the appropriate indications for this method of treatment.

Proteases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis

Radioimmunoassays were used to determine titers of antibody to alkaline protease (AP) and elastase (Ela) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sera and bronchial secretions, in vitro production of AP and Ela by P. aeruginosa isolates, and occurrence of these enzymes in bronchial secretions from patients with cystic fibrosis. Titers of serum antibodies to AP ranging from 1:10 to 1:545 and to Ela ranging from 1:10 to 1:725 were found in 83%-88% of patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic lung infections due to P. aeruginosa. Antibody titers in liquified bronchial secretions were approximately 10% of the serum titers. Thirty-one (93%) of 34 isolates produced both proteases in vitro in comparable amounts (concentration of protease in culture supernatant: AP, 0.01-480 micrograms/ml; Ela, 0.02-490 micrograms/ml). AP and Ela were detected in vivo when antibodies to the enzymes were absent. The results suggest that specific immune responses in patients with cystic fibrosis neutralize proteases of P. aeruginosa.

Secondary infection of a total hip replacement with Brucella abortus

A 54-year-old dairy farmer developed systemic manifestations of brucellosis five months following total hip replacement. Initial medical treatment with tetracycline relieved his systemic symptoms; however, hip symptoms persisted up to two years later. At surgery, a culture of the hip grew Brucella abortus. Subsequent treatment with parenteral antibiotics and a one-stage total hip revision utilizing streptomycin-impregnated cement was performed. The patient has remained symptom free at 36 months following the revision arthroplasty.

Blount's disease after skeletal maturity

Twelve patients, seventeen to twenty-five years old, who had had infantile Blount's disease involving nineteen limbs, were evaluated at a mean of twelve years after an initial osteotomy. Twelve of the nineteen knees were symptomatic, and eight of the symptomatic knees showed early degenerative changes by arthroscopy or arthrotomy. There was a direct correlation between the symptoms and the severity of the involvement of the proximal end of the tibia. A poor final outcome appears to be related to physeal damage. Early osteotomy must be performed before permanent physeal damage and subsequent incongruity of the joint occur.