A twenty-four hour temporal variation in peripheral levels of testosterone and thyroid hormones in male buffaloes

Hourly serum samples from four adult Murrah buffalo bulls of 5 to 6 years of age were analysed for testosterone, thyroxine and triiodothyronine by radioimmunoassay during a period of 24 hours. All four bulls exhibited three episodic peaks for testosterone with some variation in the time, duration and peak concentration of the hormone. The average testosterone concentration varied from 0.30 to 3.50 ng/ml of serum. Thyroxine levels varied from 20 to 40 ng/ml of serum among the four bulls. One clear-cut peak was observed between 2 and 5 a.m. in three of the four bulls. One animal showed a characteristic peak at 10 p.m. Triiodothyronine levels ranged from 1 to 2 ng/ml of serum and followed a similar trend as that of thyroxine except for an additional small peak between 6 and 9 p.m.

CT demonstration of cerebral subcortical calcifications

Neurological abnormalities are a major cause of the morbidity associated with renal failure. Substantial elevations in parathormone levels have been found to accompany significant increases in brain content of calcium. Two cases of cerebral subcortical calcifications are demonstrated by computed tomography in patients with severe chronic renal failure. To our knowledge this finding has not been described previously.

Bio-histopathological studies of endometrium in repeat breeding buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

A total of 24 uterine biopsies were successfully obtained from 40 repeat-breeding buffaloes. The endometrium of 15 buffaloes showed marked neutrophilic infiltration in the epithelium, stroma and uterine glands. In some cases, lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, cystic dilatation of the glands and periglandular fibrosis indicated chronicity of the endometritis. Most of the animals (85.0%) had uterine cultures positive for Streptococci, Staphylococci, Gram positive variable cocci, Gram negative bacilli, Anthracoids, and Gram positive bacilli with a predominance of Corynebacteria. With the treatment based on in vitro drug sensitivity tests, 57.1% repeat-breeding buffaloes conceived.

Effects of morphine and pethidine on coronary vascular resistance, blood pressure, and myocardial infarction-induced cardiac arrhythmias

In the present study, the effects of morphine and pethidine on coronary vessel resistance (CPP), blood pressure (BP), and experimental myocardial infarction-induced cardiac arrhythmia were investigated. Both morphine and pethidine induced a fall in CPP and BP and inhibited the cardiac arrhythmia. The morphine effects on CPP and BP were largely blocked by mepyramine. The effects of pethidine, on the other hand, were not blocked by mepyramine, propranolol, or atropine. An interesting dose dependent inhibition of cardiac arrhythmia was observed with pethidine.

Serological analysis of the subgroup protein of rotavirus, using monoclonal antibodies

Ten monoclones directed to the 42,000-dalton inner structural protein of rotavirus were analyzed. Eight monoclones reacted broadly with antigenic domains common to virtually all mammalian rotaviruses. Two monoclones had specificities similar or identical to previously characterized subgroup specificities. These subgroup monoclones were more efficient in detecting subgroup antigen than either hyperimmune or postinfection antisera. Using the subgroup monoclones, we determined that some animal as well as human rotavirus strains carry subgroup 2 specificity and that epizootic diarrhea of infant mice virus and turkey rotavirus are antigenically distinct from other mammalian rotavirus strains.

Acute viral enteritis and exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease

In order to determine whether or not acute viral gastroenteritis predisposes to exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease, patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis were observed longitudinally. Assessment of disease activity was correlated with evidence for viral infection by serology and stool antigen testing. Disease exacerbations were rarely associated with rotavirus, Norwalk agent, or adenovirus infection, primarily because these infection rates were very low. However, the few patients having these viral infections often had relapse symptoms.

Seroepidemiology of heat-labile enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Norwalk virus infections in Panamanians, Canal Zone residents, Apache Indians, and United States Peace Corps volunteers

Serum antibody titrations against the heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) of Escherichia coli were carried out on Panamanians, U.S. citizens resident in the Panama Canal Zone, Apache Indians living on the reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona, and Peace Corps volunteers before they traveled overseas. Antibody titers to Norwalk virus were also carried out on serum from Panamanian and Canal Zone residents. A high prevalence of low-titer LT antibodies was found in infants and adults from Panama, the Canal Zone, and Whiteriver. Panamanian children aged 1 to 5 years had the highest LT antibody titers. Peace Corps volunteers had a low prevalence and titer of LT antibodies. Prevalence and titer of antibodies to Norwalk virus were generally higher in Panamanians compared with Canal Zone residents of the same age. In the populations we studied, various modes of transmission and mechanisms of immunity likely explain the differences which we observed in antibody prevalence and titer to these two enteric pathogens.

Vasopressin concentration in cord blood: correlation with method of delivery and cord pH

Cord plasma vasopressin concentration, determined by radioimmunoassay, was higher in arterial than in venous blood in 122 (84%) infants; the highest vasopressin values were recorded in 21 acidotic infants (mean cord pH, 7.13) delivered per vaginam and the lowest values in 50 infants delivered by cesarean section. Cord vasopressin levels were not elevated in infants delivered by cesarean section because of obstructed labor. There was a lack of correlation between vasopressin levels and the length of labor or cervical dilatation; a significant correlation was found between cord arterial vasopressin values and pH. Low vasopressin values were recorded in a group of 22 healthy infants (mean cord pH, 7.29) delivered by low forceps operation.

Epidemiology of Norwalk gastroenteritis and the role of Norwalk virus in outbreaks of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis

Outbreaks of Norwalk gastroenteritis, which may involve persons of all ages, occur during all seasons and in various locations. Waterborne, foodborne, and person-to-person modes of transmission have been described, and secondary person-to-person transmission is common. Outbreaks generally end in about 1 week; longer outbreaks occur only when new groups of susceptible persons are introduced, usually in the setting of a persistent common source of infection. The illness is generally mild and characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Vomiting is the predominant symptom among children, whereas diarrhea is commoner among adults. Forty-two percent of 74 outbreaks of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis investigated by the Centers for Disease Control from 1976 to 1980 were attributed to the Norwalk virus. The rest resembled Norwalk outbreaks clinically and epidemiologically and were probably caused by 27-nm viral agents similar to the Norwalk virus.

Characterization of the beta-adrenoceptors in coronary vasculature of the dog heart

In the present study an attempt has been made to characterize the beta-adrenoceptors of coronary vasculature in dog. Blockade of beta 1-adrenoceptors with ICI 50172 or beta 2-adrenoceptors with RB2 showed only partial antagonism of isoprenaline-induced decrease in coronary resistance. However, combined treatment with ICI 50172 and RB2 completely blocked the isoprenaline-induced fall in coronary resistance. Essentially similar results were observed in controlled heart rate experiments where the drugs were administered locally into the coronary circulation. These results demonstrate the involvement of both beta 1 and beta 2 adrenoceptors in isoprenaline-induced coronary vasodilation.

Trigeminal nerve stimulation: short latency somatosensory evoked potentials

We have devised a technique to measure trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials, stimulating the mentalis nerve at the mandibular foramen and recording the evoked early potential on the scalp at 3.2 msec. The early potential was easily recognized in all normal subjects and on the asymptomatic side of patients with facial pain. The latency of the early potential in normals was 1 to 2 msec less than half the latency of the mechanically induced jaw jerk. The early potential appeared simultaneously on both sides after stimulation of either the right or left mentalis nerve and may have its origin in deep brainstem structures, the Gasserian ganglion, or the trigeminal nerve. The technique is useful in documenting the functional integrity of peripheral and central afferent pathways of the trigeminal nerve.

Symmetric sarcoid polyneuropathy: analysis of a sural nerve biopsy

A 20-year-old woman with sarcoidosis had uveitis, subacute symmetric sensorimotor neuropathy, and noncaseous granulomas in biopsies of gastrocnemius muscle and sural nerve. Morphologic studies of the nerve confirmed the electrodiagnostic impression of an acute axonal and demyelinating neuropathy. Of 100 teased myelinated nerve fibers, 15% contained myelin ovoids and 24% demonstrated segmental demyelination. Quantitative analysis showed a reduction in the numerical density of myelinated fibers. By electronmicroscopy, unmyelinated fibers were largely spared. The exact mechanism of nerve fiber damage was not determined, but a local effect of the granuloma seemed likely, because most lesions were found in the endoneurium.

Diaphragm pacing in spinal muscular atrophy: case report

A patient with a diagnosis of intermediate or benign spinal muscular atrophy was severely incapacitated from respiratory complications and alveolar hypoventilation and was confined to mechanical ventilatory support. After extensive diagnostic evaluation of her pulmonary status, including transcutaneous stimulation of the phrenic nerves associated with nasogastric and surface electrode recording of the diaphragmatic response, this patient had a phrenic neurostimulation system implanted bilaterally for diaphragm pacing. Although spinal muscular atrophy has not been previously recognized as an indication for diaphragm pacing, her subsequent social, physical, and psychological improvement indicate that it may be significantly beneficial in selected cases of alveolar hypoventilation due to spinal muscular atrophy or neuromuscular disease.

Mixed function oxidase and glutathione S-transferase activities in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes

The carcinogenic activity of some chemicals may be related to uncoupling of metabolism mediated by the mixed function oxygenase system. The intermediate formation of reactive epoxides or hydroxylamines may be eliminated by glutathione S-transferase. The ratio between these 2 enzymic activities may indicate if individuals are prone to cancerous development. If adequate cellular samples are available, assay of these enzymes may be used to trace individuals at risk. Therefore the present paper estimates these 2 enzymic activities (i.e., aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and N-demethylation, the metabolite forming enzyme activities and glutathione S-transferase, the metabolite detoxifying enzymes), in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 35 subjects. Their median age was 34 years. AHH activity was increased by 52% in the lymphocyte homogenate and by 45% in the microsomal fraction of smokers when compared with non-smokers. The enzyme activity also increased by 73% in the homogenate and by 93% in the microsomes of those taking drugs. The activity of N-demethylase increased by 212% in microsomes of smokers. However, the glutathione S-transferase activity decreased by about 2% in the lymphocyte homogenate and cytosol of smokers. The subjects taking drugs showed a decrease in this enzyme activity by 8% in the homogenate and by 37% in the cytosol.

Different tissue responses of mixed function oxidases and detoxifying enzymes to aflatoxin B1 administration in the rat

The carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin B1 have been related to the formation of an active intermediate metabolite, an epoxide produced via the cytochrome P-450-mediated mixed function oxidase. The toxicity of this intermediate is dependent on metabolic transformations by enzymes such as aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. Like the mixed function oxygenase, these enzymes are inducible, and dependent on the action of specific drugs and inducers. The present study describes the effect of a single sublethal i.p. dose (6 mg/kg body wt) of aflatoxin B1 on the specific activities of microsomal demethylases, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase in rat liver, kidney, lung, brain and adrenals. The enzymes were assayed 24 h after the toxin treatment. Among the different tissues, only liver AHH showed an induction on toxin treatment whereas those of kidney and brain declined. Microsomal demethylase was also high in liver and low in kidney. However, no significant alteration was induced by aflatoxin B1 on glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the various tissues examined except the adrenals, which showed a significant increase. The present study revealed that the reaction sequence for metabolic transformation of aflatoxin B1 is more complex than foreseen from the activities of these inducible metabolite-transforming enzymes.

Seizure disorders following periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges

We reviewed 3,436 EEGs and found 24 patients with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDS). The etiology was unknown in 7, cerebrovascular occlusion in 7, tumor in 3, intracerebral hematoma in 2, and subdural hematoma, neonatal asphyxia, electrolyte imbalance, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hypoglycemia in each of the remaining cases. We were successful in contacting 18 patients and/or their families for follow-up. Twenty of the 24 patients with PLEDS had seizures. Seven had focal motor alone, 10 had focal motor with secondary generalization, and 3 had generalized seizures without any observed focal features. Four patients had no seizures. Twelve patients had their first seizure at the time PLEDS were found. Fifteen adults and 3 infants were reevaluated. Only 1 adult was functionally independent. The 3 infants evidenced developmental delay. Six adults had seizures prior to observation of PLEDS, and 5 (83%) of them reported seizures after hospitalization. Nine of the 15 adults had their first seizure associated with PLEDS, 6 of whom (67%) also reported seizures after hospitalization. In 9 patients with serial EEGs during their hospitalization, PLEDS disappeared within 22 days. We concluded that most patients with PLEDS and concomitant seizures continue having seizures after hospitalization and need antiepileptic medication.

Myoadenylate deaminase deficiency--muscle biopsy and muscle culture in a patient with gout

AMP deaminase activity was undetectable by a sensitive spectrophotometric assay in the muscle biopsy of a 37-year-old man with gout and exercise-related cramps and myalgia. Venous ammonia failed to rise after ischemic exercise, but the diagnostic value of this test is uncertain because changes of plasma ammonia after exercise varied greatly in different normal individuals. In the patient, AMP deaminase activity was normal not only in erythrocytes, leukocytes and cultured fibroblasts but also in muscle cultures. Presence of AMP deaminase in muscle cultures was probably due to the expression of a fetal isoenzyme under separate genetic control from adult muscle AMP deaminase.

Effect of exercise on thermal and acid-base balance in buffaloes

Twelve male buffaloes about 3 years old each pulled a stone roller weighing 100 kg at a speed of about 3 km/h on even ground for 3 h. Skin temperature, rectal temperature, respiration rate and heart rate increased in response to exercise. Significant increases in the values of Base Excess, plasma bicarbonate, standard bicarbonate and blood pH and a reduction in carbon dioxide tension indicated that the exercised animals were suffering from both respiratory and metabolic alkalosis.

Juvenile muscular atrophy localized to arms

Twenty-four patients from India, had juvenile muscular atrophy localized to the upper extremities. The condition characteristically affects young men and is not familial. Atrophy is limited to the hand and forearm muscles, with slow progression for two to three years after which it seems to be stationary. The condition is associated with "tremor-like" movements out of proportion to the weakness. Examination of muscle biopsy specimens shows group 2 fiber atrophy. This syndrome, for which no cause has been described, is benign and self-limiting, unlike most motor neuron diseases, and is distal in upper extremities, unlike Kugelberg-Welander disease. Asymmetrical muscle wasting and preceding febrile illness in some patients suggests an atypical poliomyelitis-like viral disease.