Midnight removal: an improved approach to removal of catheters

There is no recognised policy regarding the timing of urethral catheter removal, although early morning removal is commonly practised. Removing the catheter at midnight allows patients to return to a normal voiding pattern more rapidly and to leave hospital earlier.

Metabolism of temelastine (SK&F 93944) in hepatocytes from rat, dog, cynomolgus monkey and man

A species comparison of the metabolic pathways of temelastine has been made using hepatocyte preparations from rat, dog, cynomolgus monkey, and man. Metabolites and unchanged temelastine were separated by HPLC and were compared with authentic standards by retention. The characteristic UV spectra of SK&F 93944 and its metabolites aided in the preliminary identification of metabolites in hepatocyte incubates, subsequently confirmed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The metabolic profile of temelastine is complex, both in vivo and in vitro, but all of the metabolites identified unambiguously from in vivo studies have also been demonstrated in vitro. Moreover, the time-dependent nature of the metabolic profile has been investigated in rat hepatocytes. Marked differences in the rate of production, extent of accumulation, and distribution between cells and culture medium have been observed for specific metabolites. Species differences in the metabolism of temelastine by rat, dog, cynomolgus monkey, and human hepatocytes have been observed. In particular, SK&F 94224 (a hydroxylated metabolite of temelastine) was not detected in human hepatocyte incubations at appreciable concentrations, but was present in varying amounts in the other species and especially in incubations from dog hepatocytes. Temelastine N-glucuronide was not detected in the rat hepatocyte system but was present to a modest or significant extent in hepatocyte incubations from dog, cynomolgus monkey, and man.

Leiomyoma of the ovary with ascites and hydrothorax

A case is described in which a leiomyoma of the ovary was accompanied by hydrothorax. There was no reaccumulation of fluid after oophorectomy.

Towards No Incisional Hernias: Lateral Paramedian versus Midline Incisions

A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial is reported which compares midline with lateral paramedian incisions in relation to the development of incisional hernias at one year. Of 431 patients randomized, 329 were available for assessment one year later. Two patients suffered burst abdomen, both being in the lateral paramedian group. Twenty-two incisional hernias occurred, 2 in the lateral paramedian group and 20 in the midline group ( P < 0.001). Of the two types of incision, the lateral paramedian incision takes longer to perform, requires a longer incision, rarely results in dehiscence, and does confer protection against incisional hernia.

Host regulation of MOPC 104E plasmacytoma after reduction of tumor burden by total body irradiation

Radiation-sensitive BALB/c MOPC 104E plasmacytoma was studied to investigate the effectiveness of total body irradiation in reducing tumor burden and preventing tumor regrowth. Also noted were the effects of such radiation on host immunity. BALB/c mice bearing 7-day-old occult tumors were not rendered free of disease when treated with radiation of 300 or 500 rad. However, all of the mice treated with 800 rad were cured. When mice bearing large tumors (24-days-old) were similarly treated, no cures were observed in the group treated with 300 rad. Of mice treated with 500 rad, 44% were cured, as were 100% given 800 rad of treatment. The percent reduction in serum MOPC 104E IgM increased with increasing radiation doses for the "large tumor" group. These observations show that total body irradiation may result in tumor elimination in an experimental animal multiple myeloma model. At lower radiation doses, host immunity appears to play an important role in achieving cure.

Inhibition of growth of MOPC 104E cells in immunosuppressed mice

In this report we provide evidence that suggests that MOPC 104E may come under regulation in highly immunosuppressed hosts depleted of T cells. Mice that are adult thymectomized, total body irradiated, and transplanted with bone marrow cells were able to resist the growth of MOPC 104E cells. Spleen cells from such animals had low NK activity and no cytotoxicity against MOPC 104E, and poor response to Con A, PHA, and LPS. The animals were deficient in Lyt-1+ and Lyt-2+ cells. The growth of MOPC 104E cells was measured by using the circulating level of MOPC 104E IgM in vivo in mice treated by different modalities. We observed that inhibition of tumor growth in vivo varied with the treatment of the host. Growth was inhibited in the host in the following order: ATXBM greater than XBM greater than NORMAL greater than ATx mice.

Inhibition of growth of MOPC 104E cells in immunosuppressed mice

In this report we provide evidence that suggests that MOPC 104E may come under regulation in highly immunosuppressed hosts depleted of T cells. Mice that are adult thymectomized, total body irradiated, and transplanted with bone marrow cells were able to resist the growth of MOPC 104E cells. Spleen cells from such animals had low NK activity and no cytotoxicity against MOPC 104E, and poor response to Con A, PHA, and LPS. The animals were deficient in Lyt-1+ and Lyt-2+ cells. The growth of MOPC 104E cells was measured by using the circulating level of MOPC 104E IgM in vivo in mice treated by different modalities. We observed that inhibition of tumor growth in vivo varied with the treatment of the host. Growth was inhibited in the host in the following order: ATXBM greater than XBM greater than NORMAL greater than ATx mice.

Breast problems in 1,000 consecutive referrals to surgical out-patients

One-thousand consecutive referrals of breast complaints to surgical out-patients are presented with breakdown according to the pathological groups of final diagnoses. The relationship of these groups to parity, breast feeding and age are discussed as also is the clinical management of these cases.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: isolation of Moraxella bovis from two groups of young beef cattle in fly control field trials during 1981

The rate of infection with Moraxella bovis was determined for two herds of calves during the course of a year. High infection rates with the haemolytic variant were found in the herds while they were housed during their first winter but this infection rate fell steadily after turnout. A rise in infections with the non-haemolytic variant was observed during this time. The animals remained free from clinical infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis during the summer, unlike similar groups of animals in previous years. Immunity, weather and flies are considered for their possible relevance to this observation.

Tumor inhibitory triazenes. 3. Dealkylation within an homologous series and its relation to antitumor activity

The in vivo antitumor activity and in vitro metabolic dealkylation have been measured for an homologous series of 3-alkyl-1-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-3-methyltriazenes and have been compared with their partition coefficients. This investigation has shown that the extent of oxidative metabolism in vitro and the antitumor activity in vivo of these compounds are dependent upon hydrophobicity. These findings provide confirmation for the relationship between metabolism and antitumor activity for aryldialkyltriazenes.

The metabolism in animals and man of oxmetidine--a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist

The absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of [14C]oxmetidine in rat, dog and man has been studied following both i.v. and oral administration. Excretion is rapid and essentially complete in all three species. The biliary route is predominant. Distribution of radioactivity is widespread although none is seen in the brain. Metabolite patterns in urine from rat, dog and man have been compared by thin-layer chromatography. Metabolite patterns in urine and bile from rat and dog have been compared by high pressure liquid chromatography. Six major metabolites have been isolated and identified including two O-glucuronides and one N-glucuronide.

Serum creatine kinase studies in mandibular pain dysfunction

A biochemical test for muscle damage (serum creatine kinase estimation) was used to investigate twenty-six normal subjects, nine normal subjects following experimental bruxism and twenty-seven patients suffering from mandibular pain dysfunction. No significant differences in serum creatine kinase levels were detected between any of the groups.

Alloreactivity. I. Effects of age and thymic hormone treatment on cell-mediated immunity in C57B1/6NNia mice

C57B1/6NNia mice 1, 12, and 24 months old showed loss of cellular-mediated cytotoxicity with aging. Treatment of the three age groups with different thymic hormone preparations effected their cellular mediated cytotoxicity differently. When cytotoxicity of the thymic hormone treated groups was compared to that of the physiological saline treated group, 1-month-old mice treated with serum thymic factor (FTS) at 1 microgram/mouse and 10 ng/mouse had significantly higher activity, and lower to similar activities at 12 and 24 months; TP5 (active fragment of thymopoietin) at 1 microgram and 10 ng caused significantly higher activity in 1-month-old mice, and lower to higher and significantly lower to similar activity at 12 and 24 months, respectively; TM4 (an analogue of TP5) at 1 ng showed significantly depressed activity in 1-month-old mice, and significantly enhanced activity in 12- and 24-month-old mice; thymosin at 10 micrograms and 1 microgram had slightly lower, but not significant, depression at 1 month, similar activities at 12 months and significantly depressed to higher activity at 24 months. Unimmunized control mice showed significant protection in the 12-month-old mice in comparison to 1- and 24-month-old mice. Different hormone preparations showed age- and dose-dependent effects on the ability of spleen cells to kill P815 mastocytoma. Partial restoration of cytotoxicity was observed in 24-month-old mice treated with FTS, TP5 and thymosin fraction V.

Spectrum of Breast Disease in Outpatient Surgical Practice

Seven hundred and fifty-three new referrals with problems relating to the breast were seen as outpatients in a general surgical clinic during 1980 and 1981. The age distribution and final diagnoses are reported with a breakdown into the varying pathological groups. The relationship of diagnosis to previous benign breast disease, parity and breastfeeding is discussed.

Burst abdomen and incisional hernia: a prospective study of 1129 major laparotomies

Burst abdomen and incisional herniation are continuing problems for the general surgeon. A prospective study was carried out to define the extent of the problem. Over five years from 1975 to 1980 a total of 1129 major laparotomy wounds in adults were assessed at regular intervals for 12 months after operation. There were 19 burst abdomens (1.7%) and 84 incisional hernias (7.4%). The introduction of the mass-closure technique reduced the incidence of burst abdomen from over 3% in 1975 to 0.95% in 1979. It did not, however, improve the rate for incisional hernias, which was 7.6% in 1979. Many factors are associated with incisional herniation: old age, male sex, obesity, bowel surgery, type of suture, chest infection, abdominal distension, and, most important, wound infection. More work is needed to find the ideal method of wound closure, and efforts should be made to eliminate wound infection.

Recurrent groin hernia

One hundred consecutive recurrences following repair of inguinal hernias have been studied; 62 were direct, 30 indirect, 7 pantaloon and one a femoral hernia. Half the indirect recurrences occurred within a year of repair and probably represented failure to detect a small indirect sac. Later indirect recurrences probably represented failure to repair the internal ring. Nine of the direct hernias were medial funicular recurrences and represented failure to anchor the darn medially. The rest of the direct recurrences were attributable to tissue insufficiency and could probably have been averted by larger tissue bites.

Recurrences following inguinal herniorrhaphy remain an all too common problem but can be reduced by meticulous surgical technique.