Amikacin alone and in combination with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of actinomycotic mycetoma

We report the excellent therapeutic response obtained with amikacin alone and in combination with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of 15 patients with actinomycotic mycetoma who had a poor response to the traditional pharmacologic agents and/or in whom important organs such as lungs, spinal cord, and bone were involved. We evaluated the results by clinical, radiologic, and laboratory tests. No important side effects were detected during or after the therapy.

In vitro susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to a new macrolide antibiotic: RU-28965

The in vitro susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to a new macrolide antibiotic RU-28965, alone and in combination with rifampicin or isoniazid, was studied by the agar dilution method. At a concentration of 4 mg/l, or lower, of RU-28965, 90% of the strains were inhibited. A synergistic effect with both rifampicin and with isoniazid was demonstrated.

Changes in biliary secretion and lactate metabolism induced by diethyl maleate in rabbits

Diethyl maleate is a compound which binds with glutathione by means of a glutathione S-transferase and is excreted into bile leading to a rapid depletion of hepatic glutathione. In the rabbit, the activity of the enzyme is fairly low and we were thus prompted to study the possible effects of diethyl maleate on biliary secretion and metabolic status in this species. The administration of diethyl maleate induced a transient choleresis followed by cholestasis. The choleresis coursed with increases in the biliary output of sodium and unaccounted anions, whereas those of chloride, bicarbonate and bile acids were unaffected. Our data seem to confirm that choleresis is due to the osmotic activity of diethyl maleate compounds excreted into bile, as has been reported in rats and dogs. The cholestasis observed coursed with falls in the outputs of sodium, chloride and bicarbonate though that of bile acids remained constant. Following diethyl maleate administration, a metabolic acidosis appeared with progressive increases of blood lactate concentration. In bile the concentration of this anion closely followed that of plasma. The cholestasis is attributed to a lowered biliary secretion of bicarbonate probably secondary to the metabolic alteration. The hepatic values of cytoplasmatic and mitochondrial NADH/NAD ratios and of adenine nucleotide concentrations suggest that the increase in blood lactate results rather from a fall in its hepatic utilization that from an increase in its production.

The ring fixation of T tubes

By using a rubber ring for the attachment of the T tube to the abdominal wall, a secure approximation can be achieved. Slippage of the tube, which occurs when the T tube is tied directly with the suture material, can be eliminated. Stricture of the T tube can also be prevented. We have found this method to be successful and accidental dislodgement has not occurred.

The development and evaluation of a thermally-desorbable miniature passive dosimeter for the monitoring of organic vapors

A thermally desorbable passive dosimeter for organic vapors has been developed in conformity with theoretical and practical aspects of passive dosimeter design. The device was optimized for low sample loadings which result from short-term and/or low concentration level exposure. Laboratory evaluation of this device for factors critical to the performance of passive dosimeters included the following: desorption efficiency, capacity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision, concentration level, environmental conditions (e.g., air face velocity, relative humidity) and sample stability during short and long periods of time. This device has been shown to operate in accordance with theoretically predicted performance and should be adequate for short-term exposure limits and/or low concentration monitoring of organic vapors in the workplace.

Effect of diethyl maleate pretreatment on biliary excretion and choleretic action of sulfobromophthalein in rats

The effect of intraperitoneal administration of diethyl maleate on biliary excretion and choleretic action of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) was investigated in rats. Diethyl maleate was injected 60 min prior to the administration of the dye to avoid interferences with the organic anion transport system. The glutathione content of the liver was decreased by 75% following diethyl maleate treatment. Diethyl maleate had no influence on the biliary excretion of BSP after injection of its conjugate with glutathione, though there was a significant reduction after free BSP administration, with a lowered percentage of the conjugate in bile. The choleretic effect of the dye was not changed after conjugated BSP, but a marked cholestasis appeared following free BSP injection. These results confirm that diethyl maleate decreases the hepatic transport of BSP by reducing the conjugation of the dye and that free BSP induces an inhibitory effect on bile flow.

Short-term stimulation by adenosine of basal and insulin-induced glycogen synthesis in rat adipose tissue

The effects of adenosine on glycogen metabolism have been studied in isolated fat-pads from epididymal adipose tissue. Adenosine caused a sustained short-term increase in the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into glycogen, as well as a stimulation of both basal and insulin-induced [1-14C]glucose oxidation. Adenosine produced changes also in the activity of glycogen synthase and phosphorylase, these effects being apparent only when glucose was present in the incubation medium. The addition of adenosine prevented the depressed synthesis of glycogen observed in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In the presence of adenosine deaminase, the stimulation by insulin of glycogen synthesis was markedly decreased. The results suggest that adenosine may have a regulatory role on glycogen synthesis by facilitating the glucose transport.

Production of monoclonal antibodies to metacyclic trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Monoclonal antibodies were produced and characterized to the metacyclic trypomastigotes stage of Trypanosoma cruzi. All the monoclonal antibodies (GR-12C/5; GR-P2B/5; GR-F2B/1; GR-J2C/6; GR-E6B/3; GR-A5B/5) also recognized antigens of epimastigotes of T. cruzi. These antigens are associated with the plasma membrane, flagellum, and an intracellular structure located by the nucleus. Immunoprecipitation using the monoclonal antibodies GR-J2C/6 and GR-E6B/3 followed by SDS-PAGE analysis has led to the following results: GR-J2C/6 precipitated two molecules with apparent molecular weights of 58 and 60 kD; the antigen recognized by GR-E6B/3 was a molecule with molecular weight of 68 kD. Only two of the monoclonal antibodies (GR-12C/5 and GR-P2B/5) recognized antigens of promastigotes of both Leishmania mexicana and L. infantum, and are associated with the plasma membrane.

Efficacy and safety of esmolol vs propranolol in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: a multicenter double-blind clinical trial

The efficacy and safety of intravenous esmolol infusion was compared to that of intravenous propranolol injection in patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) in a multicenter double-blind parallel study. A total of 127 patients were randomized to either the esmolol (n = 64) or propranolol (n = 63) group. Therapeutic response was achieved in 72% of esmolol and 69% of propranolol patients (p = NS). The average dose of esmolol in responders was 115 +/- 11 micrograms/kg/min. Therapeutic response was sustained in the 4-hour maintenance period in 67% of esmolol and 58% of propranolol patients (p = NS). Rate of conversion to normal sinus rhythm was similar in the two treatment groups. After discontinuation, rapid recovery from beta blockade (decrease in heart rate reduction) was observed in esmolol patients (within 10 minutes) compared to propranolol patients (no change in heart rate up to 4.3 hours). The principal adverse effect was hypotension, reported in 23 esmolol (asymptomatic in 19) and four propranolol (asymptomatic in three) patients. In the majority of esmolol patients, hypotension resolved quickly (within 30 minutes) after esmolol was discontinued. It was concluded that esmolol was comparable in efficacy and safety to propranolol in the treatment of patients with SVT. Unlike propranolol, because of the short half-life of esmolol, rapid control of beta blockade is possible with esmolol in clinical conditions when required.

Sexual rehabilitation of urologic cancer patients: a practical approach

Sexual rehabilitation is an important aspect of preserving a patient's quality of life after treatment for urogenital cancer. Sexual rehabilitation does not usually require a specialized program, but can be an integral part of cancer treatment. Members of the health care team can provide sexual information for the patient and partner, as well as assess the need for more intensive marital or sex therapy. This paper presents specific sexual issues related to prostate, bladder, testicular, and penile cancers.

Synthesis and structural study of N-substituted nortropane spirohydantoins

A series of N8-alkyloxycarbonylalkyl-nortropane-3-spiro-5'-hydantoins has been synthesized and studied by spectral and crystallographic methods. The crystal and molecular structure of one [8(gamma-ethoxycarbonyl)nortropane-3-spiro-5'-hydantoin, VI] was determined by X-ray diffraction. The preferred conformations of these compounds and subsequent changes on protonation were determined from 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR data.

Effect of biliverdin and bilirubin on the hepatic excretion of bile pigments in the rabbit

1. A study has been carried out on the effect of i.v. infusion of biliverdin and bilirubin at four different dose strengths in sodium pentobarbital-anaesthetized rabbits. 2. Both pigments show similar values for the maximum excretion rate in bile. 3. At doses of 0.45 and 0.60 mg/kg/min, the infusion of biliverdin does not affect bile flow in the resting state, contrary to the negative effect on flow induced by bilirubin. 4. This negative effect induced by bilirubin on bile flow is explained on the basis of its inhibitory action on the bile salt independent fraction (BSIF).

Entrapment of the median nerve after posterior dislocation of the elbow

The authors present two cases of complete median nerve paralysis due to entrapment after posterior dislocation of the elbow. Previous literature on the subject matter is reviewed, and management and therapeutic indication of these lesions are discussed.

Metabolic alkalosis secondary to baking soda treatment of a diaper rash

A 4-month-old infant was seen with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis that was associated with prior application of liberal amounts of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to a diaper rash. After exclusion of other etiologies of the infant's acid-base disturbance, a complete resolution occurred following discontinuation of the baking soda applications. This case report provides a reminder of the significant side effects that may result from the excessive use of a seemingly harmless household substance.

Medicinal plants in Colombia

The botanical aspects of the plants of Colombia have been studied thoroughly since the 18th century. Nevertheless, although plants are used to a large extent in traditional medicine in Colombia, there has been little investigation into their properties. Some research has not been initiated. This work is supported by the existence of the National Herbarium in Bogotá, in which there are 180 000 specimens belonging to 10 000 different species.

Effects of ethnicity, sex, and age on MMPI profiles

Planned comparisons of Mexican-American and Anglo-American profiles were made to probe previous inconsistent findings regarding source of scale differences. While cultural and socioeconomic factors have been demonstrated to affect this inventory, variables of ethnicity, sex, and age and their interactions have not been thoroughly assessed, due to variations in methodology, populations, and sample sizes. The applicability of MMPI to the Mexican-American population was also questioned. Variables of ethnicity, sex, and age, allowed to vary and function as independent measures through multiple analyses of variance, proved to be potent sources of variance. Cultural factors seem related to elevations for the Mexican-Americans on the Lie and Frequency scales. Effects attributable to sex alone occurred on the Hypochondriasis, Masculinity-Femininity, and Mania scales. Elevations on the Hypochondriasis, Psychopathic Deviate, and Paranoia scales were linked to effects of age. Elevations for Mexican-American women on the Hypochondriasis and Paranoia scales were ascribed to the interaction of ethnicity and sex. An interaction of sex and age occurred on the Correction scale, with women elevating the scale as a function of aging.

Human sperm penetration into zona-free hamster oocytes as a test to evaluate the sperm fertilizing ability

Human sperm entry into zona-free hamster oocytes was used to test the fertile ability of spermatozoa from semen samples of men attending an Infertility Clinic. Sperm chromatin dispersion as seen under the phase-contrast microscope, was used as criterion for sperm entry. The ultrastructural study showed that the behaviour of the gamete membranes during fusion did not basically differ from that of normal fertilization. Eighty four samples were classed as normal (according to the spermiogram) but only 62 (74%) gave a positive test, as compared to only 30 (32%) positive test of 95 samples with abnormal spermiograms. Eight hundred and ten oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from normal samples gave a 25% penetration, while 1046 oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from abnormal samples gave a 7% penetration. The normality of hamster oocytes was demonstrated by contemporary insemination with human and hamster spermatozoa. While the percentages of human sperm penetration remained low, hamster sperm penetration was over 70%. The present bioassay is recommended as an additional parameter to the spermiograms for the study of male fertility.