Galactose metabolism in isolated perfused suckling-rat liver

The metabolic conversion of 1, 2, or 4 mM galactose to glucose was studied in isolated livers of suckling rats. Whereas galactose uptake during perfusion with 1 and 2 mM galactose was linear throughout the 90-min experiment, uptake was delayed for 35 min when 4 mM galactose was perfused. Studies with radioactive galactose revealed a parallel disappearance of galactose and the appearance of [14C]glucose; about 80% of the galactose taken up was converted to glucose. Galactose perfusion appeared to reduce the basal amount of glucose derived from substrates other than galactose. The specific activities in the galactose-perfused livers of the three major galactose metabolizing enzymes, galactokinase, galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, and uridine diphosphogalactose-4-epimerase, revealed that the transferase was significantly lower, whereas that of galactokinase and epimerase were significantly higher than in livers perfused without galactose. No meaningful changes were observed in the levels of either phosphorylated or uridylated hexoses in these studies.

A psychometric and behavioral comparison of delinquents who were abused as children with their non-abused peers

Investigated responses of abused and non-abused juvenile delinquents to Bell's Adjustment Inventory and Gough's California Psychological Inventory, and information with regard to several related behavioral measures. The Ss were 52 institutionalized adolescent males and females. Results indicated that the abused Ss scored significantly higher than the non-abused group on the Home Adjustment Scale (indicative of poorer adjustment) and significantly lower than the non-abused group on the Flexibility, Tolerance, and Socialization Scales. Subsequent analysis showed a significant interaction effect on the behavioral measure with regard to the number of runaway attempts; abused males made significantly more attempts than abused females and non-abused males and females.

Comparison of photochemotherapy and dithranol in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis

A two-centre trial has been carried out on 224 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis randomly allocated to treatment with a standard dithranol regimen of 8-methoxypsoralen and long-wave ultraviolet light (P.U.V.A.). Lesions in 91% of the 113 in the P.U.V.A. group cleared satisfactorily compared with 82% of 111 in the dithranol group, but clearing took longer (34.4 +/- 1.8 S.E. days) with P.U.V.A. than with dithranol (20.4 +/- 0.9 S.E. days). P.U.V.A. treatment took less patient-time and nurse-time and was more convenient and acceptable to the patients. Patients in whom lesions had failed to clear with dithranol, and some who had needed methotrexate for control, responded satisfactorily to P.U.V.A. A few patients who had failed on P.U.V.A. were treated with dithranol and responded to it. There is a case for the use of P.U.V.A. for patients who would otherwise require methotrexate and those who cannot be managed successfully with dithranol. There is also no reason to withhold P.U.V.A. in patients of 60 years or above with chronic plaque psoriasis. However, despite its superiority in terms of cost and patient acceptability, P.U.V.A. cannot be recommended as the first line of treatment for patients with uncomplicated, dithranol-responsive plaque psoriasis until there is more information on relapse-rate and toxicity.

Trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: effects on macromolecular content of mouse liver tissue

Mice were starved for 72 hours then injected with a total of 50 mg/kg THC over 48 hours during which time the animals were fed ad libitum. At the end of the 48 hours, the mice were sacrificed and the livers were analyzed quantitatively for DNA, RNA, protein, and glycogen. It was determined that the THC had no effect on the DNA or glycogen levels. The amount of RNA increased significantly when compared to controls while protein levels decreased by 50%.

A parasitological study on the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) from the Northern Transvaal

Baboons imported into Rhodesia from the Northern Transvaal proved to be heavily infected with intestinal protozoa and helminths. In fact, six protozoan species, one cestode and eight nematode species were recorded. A new concept in "identification graphs" is included in the paper which allows one to read off directly the species of strongyle eggs being passed by baboons in Southern Africa based upon length and breadth measurements of the eggs. Treatment of Balantidium coli and nematode infections of baboons is discussed as is the implication of some of these intestinal parasite infections in terms of potential human infection under natural conditions.

Giant multinucleated hepatocytes in an adult with chronic active hepatitis

A case of an adult with chronic active hepatitis associated with giant multinucleated liver cells is presented. The giant liver cells in this case are widespread and the picture resembles neonatal hepatitis. The morphology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of giant hepatocytes found in human neonates and adults and in experimental animals is discussed. Because the proliferative phase of giant hepatic cells is transient, this reaction may be more common than generally believed.

Playgroups-their effects on the language and socialization of children

This paper attempts to evaluate the effects of pre-school playgroups on child development by reporting the views of first year infant school teachers.

Gastrointestinal side effects of clindamycin and ampicillin therapy

Hospitalized patients who received clindamycin or ampicillin were evaluated for gastrointestinal side effects for a period of up to six weeks after therapy was discontinued. Of 104 patients receiving clindamycin therapy, 31 (29.8%) developed diarrhea, and two (1.9%) developed pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). Of 138 patients receiving ampicillin, 24 (17.3%) developed diarrhea, and one (0.7%) developed PMC. Diarrhea persisting for three days or more was noted in 13 (12.5%) of the patients receiving clindamycin and in seven (5.1%) of those receiving ampicillin. The tendency to develop diarrhea was positively correlated with serious illness, abdominal or pelvic sepsis, and total dosage of clindamycin. Examination of stools from a patient with PMC that was associated with clindamycin therapy showed a decrease in the number of anaerobic bacteria from the numbers found in stool cultures of normal controls. Those patients who did not develop diarrhea also had fewer anaerobic bacteria and coliform organisms. Lymphocytes from the patient with PMC were hyporeactive to phytohemagglutinin and hyperreactive to clindamycin.

Observations on the diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis in an endemic area

This article attempts to evaluate the criteria used in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in an endemic bilharzial area. The discussion deals with the possible value of criteria such as egg recovery, rectal biopsy specimens, eosinophilia, hepatomegaly, and serological and skin tests. A rational approach to the treatment of patients with schistosomiasis is proposed and features such as probability of re-infection are taken into account.

Metabolism and transport of galactose by rat intestine

Intestinal uptake and metabolism of galactose were examined in everted jejunal rings from fasted adult rats using 0.2-28 mM sugar. After 60-min incubations, the total uptake (free tissue plus amount metabolized) of galactose ranged from 1.75 mumol/g at 0.2 mM to 21 mumol/g at 28 mM. Free tissue galactose was 17% of the former and 73% of the latter amount while that oxidized to 14CO2 represented only 6-16% of amount taken up. Compared to glucose, similar amounts of galactose are taken up at 0.2-2.0 mM, however, gllcose rtween 0.2 and 2 mM similar amounts of both sugars are metabolized, although a greater portion of the glucose is oxidized to 14CO2. Above 2.0 mM, 2-3 times more glucose is metabolized than galactose. Both uptake and metabolism showed saturability and kinetic analysis revealed two limbed Linweaver-Burk plots, suggesting operation of a high affinity low Km and a low affinity high Km system for sugar transport. In a series of in vivo studies, to assess the role of the intestine in the total body metabolism of galactose, 14C-labeled galactose injected intraperitoneally at a dose of either 50 or 300 mg into fasted normal, sham operated and enterectomized rats, no observable difference in 14CO2 production resulted in between the groups. It would thus appear that although extensive metabolism of galactose may take place in intestinal tissue in vitro, the intestine does not play a significant role in galactose disposition in vivo.

Observations on the intestinal protozoa infecting man in Rhodesia

Humans in Rhodesia harbour a wide range of intestinal protozoa. Of the species included, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia have previously been recorded. Other species which are either rarely reported or which have previously never been reported from this country, include Trichomonas hominis, Chilomastix mesnili, Enteromonas hominis, Retortamonas intestinalis, Balantidum coli,Entamoeba hartmanni,Entamoeba histolytica Laredo. Endolimax nana, Dientamoeba fragilis and Isospora belli. The importance in Rhodesia of these species, and especially of E. histolytica, is discussed.

Pathologic changes in the liver and kidney produced by immunization with intestinal antigens

Rabbits were immunized with intestinal antigens derived from rabbits, guinea pigs, and germfree rats. Inflammatory changes throughout the portal tracts of the liver were found in 55% (16 of 29) of the immunized rabbits. Interstitial nephritis was present in 7 of 23 rabbits evaluated. These changes did not occur when nonintestinal antigens were used for immunization. Antigen shared by liver, kidney, duodenum, ileum, and colon were found in each of the species used for immunization. An immune response to the antigen shared by the various tissues may be a factor in the pathogenesis of disease in this experimental system. In man, chronic active hepatitis and interstitial nephritis are found in association with inflammatory bowel disease. A similar mechanism of pathogenesis may be a factor in these extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in man.

Studies on the diagnosis and treatment of human filariasis in Rhodesia

Experiences in Rhodesia with various recovery techniques available for the laboratory diagnosis of infections with Dipetalonema perstans and Wuchereria bancrofti are discussed. A diagnostic laboratory regimen for routine filarial investigations is suggested. Included are preliminary observations on the use of mebendazole (Vermox) for the treatment of D. perstans infections.