Photolytic decomposition of indapamide

Photolytic decomposition of indapamide (I) in nitrogen-flushed methanol yields 3-sulfamoyl-4-chlorobenzamide (II), 2-methylindoline (III), semicarbazide (IV), and 1-(N-formamido)-2-methylindoline (V); in oxygen-flushed methanol, II--V, 1-aminocarboxymethyl-2-methylindoline (VI), 3-sulfamoyl-4-chlorobenzoic acid (VII), methyl-3-sulfamoyl-4-chlorobenzoate (VIII), and 2-(N-acetamido)-benzoic acid (IX) are formed. A comparison is made with thermal decomposition of I.

Potential hazard of methylene blue

The administration of methylene blue to assist the identification of insulin secreting pancreatic adenomata, during surgery in a patient with normal haemoglobin and red cells, was associated with an increase in the methaemoglobin concentration from 0.6% to 7.1%. In patients with unstable haemoglobins or abnormalities of the hexose monophosphate pathway the administration of large amounts of methylene blue is potentially dangerous.

Adrenal tumour secreting vasoactive intestinal peptide and noradrenaline

A patient with a ganglioneuroblastoma secreting both noradrenaline and vasoactive intestinal peptide is described. Their vasoactive effects are antagonistic and pre-operatively the patient was normotensive. Manipulation of the tumour provoked hypertension and after excision marked hypotension occurred which responded to the administration of metaraminol and blood. This case emphasises the need for thorough investigation of patients with amine or peptide-secreting tumours which have atypical features.

Arthroplasty of the hip in ankylosing spondylitis

In fifty-six patients with ankylosing spondylitis three types of arthroplasty had been performed in ninety-nine hips. Forty-one of the patients were men and fifteen were women, their average age at operation being forty-two years. Primary pseudarthrosis produced well-satisfied patients, but only a fair result in five hips, whereas cup arthroplasty resulted in a poor outcome for eight hips, all of which needed revision. Total replacement of eighty-six hips, however, led to 73 per cent being graded as good or excellent up to ten years later. The main complications were deep infection of five hips, para-articular ossification around nine hips (six leading to bony ankylosis), and fibrous ankylosis of six hips.

Excision of the head of the radius in rheumatoid arthritis

The results of excision of the head of the radius in forty-four elbows affected by rheumatoid arthritis are presented. Relief of pain was obtained in 90 per cent and an increase in the range of flexion and extension was seen in 70 per cent. Involvement of the humero-ulnar joint seen radiologically is no contra-indication to the operation; simple excision of the radial head often gives gratifying results; In our experience the relief of pain and increased range of movement have greatly reduced the need for total replacement arthroplasty.

Effects of structural variation in beta-monoglycerides and other lipids on ordering in synthetic membranes

Studies of beta-monoglyceride multilayers were carried out using a variety of spin probes. Effects of variables such as chain length, unsaturation, and branching on organization of acyl chains in lipids of model membranes were assessed. In addition, effects of added cholesterol on membrane order were determined. Results indicated that pure beta-monolaurin yields highly ordered films, whereas, unsaturated glycerides such as beta-monoolein, beta-monolinolein, and analogous lecithins yield fluid films. Branched monoglycerides behaved similarly to beta-monoolein, suggesting that branching in acyl chains is an effective substitute for unsaturation in maintaining membrane integrity. Multilayers of beta-monoglycerides exhibited similar properties to those of more complex lipids such as phospholipids. beta-Monoglycerides, by virtue of the presence of a single acyl chain, provided a relatively simple and effective alternative to the use of phospholipids in studies of membrane architecture.

Obituary notices

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Incomplete and aberrant particles of actinophage MSP2 from lysates of Streptomyces venezuelae

Lysates of actinophage MSP2, propagated on Streptomyces venezuelae S13, contain at least 10(11) PFU/ml. During purification by centrifugation methods and by adsorption chromatography, a number of types of aberrant and incomplete phage particles were seen by electron microscopy. Infectious MSP2 had a buoyant density in CsCl of 1.52 g/cm(3) and an absorbance at 260 nm relative to that at 280 nm (A(260)/A(280)) of 1.53. Empty capsids banded at 1.276 g/cm(3) and partially filled capsids banded at 1.351 g/cm(3), and A(260)/A(280) ratios were 0.77 and 1.24, respectively. Two kinds of light capsids found in CsCl fractions of 1.278 g/cm(3) probably include the 1.276 component. Some capsids were joined by tail-like structures. Ghosts and polyheads also were present. Aberrant particles observed by electron microscopy included two-tailed actinophage, phage with abnormal tail positions, and large-headed phage.

Proximal carotid ligation for internal carotid aneurysms. A long-term follow-up study

✓ The results of proximal carotid ligation for internal carotid aneurysms in 106 patients over a 20-year period are presented. These confirm the belief that carotid ligation is a useful definitive procedure in patients with aneurysms on the internal carotid artery, including its bifurcation. Common carotid ligation is effective protection against recurrent hemorrhage, at the same time being safer than internal carotid ligation. Matas' test has limited applicability in patients being prepared for carotid ligation. Cerebral vasospasm seen on arteriograms, cerebral circulation studies with and without carotid compression, and intravascular pressure determinations at the time of surgery are more reliable methods to decide the timing, rate, and degree of occlusion of the vessel, and to decrease the incidence of postoperative ischemic complications.

A valve. An explanation of the formation of popliteal cysts

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