Growth inhibitory activity of indapamide on vascular smooth muscle cells

Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Indapamide is an oral diuretic antihypertensive drug effective for patients with mild or moderate essential hypertension. We now investigated the effects of indapamide on the growth of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (A10 cell line). Indapamide inhibited cell proliferation as measured by the tetrazolium salt XTT (sodium 3'-[1-(phenylamino-carbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis(4-methoxy-6-nitro)benzene sulfonic acid hydrate) test. The increase in cell number was significantly reduced in the presence of indapamide 10(-6) and 5 x 10(-4) M (P < 0.05 n = 3 and P < 0.01, n = 3, respectively). Serum-induced DNA synthesis, determined as the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), was concentration-dependently inhibited by indapamide. BrdU incorporation was 47.2+/-1.6% (10% foetal calf serum). Indapamide treatment markedly prevented BrdU incorporation (37.2+/-2.1%, 29.2+/-4.8%, 15.0+/-1.8%, 8.7+/-2.1%) indapamide 10(-6), 10(-5), 5 x 10(-5) and 5 x 10(-4) M, respectively. Cell-cycle progression was also evaluated. Flow cytometry analysis of DNA content in synchronised cells revealed blocking of the serum-inducible cell-cycle progression by indapamide. This inhibition was abolished when the drug was added 2 h after serum repletion, indicating that indapamide must act at the early events of a cell cycle to be fully effective against DNA synthesis. In addition, serum-induced intracellular Ca2+ movements and also p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation were studied in the presence or absence of indapamide. Indapamide 10(-5) and 5 x 10(-5) M decreased significantly cytosolic free calcium, and the p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (5 x 10(-5) M) stimulated by 10% foetal calf serum. In accordance with this finding, indapamide (5 x 10(-4) M) caused a 95% to 99% decrease in the early elevation of c-fos expression as evaluated by northern blot analysis of mRNA induced after serum addition. In conclusion, our results indicate that indapamide reduces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by a mechanism which involves a decrease in the intracellular Ca2+ movements that might link with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, altering cell-cycle progression.

[Health intervention in an Albanian-Kosovar refugees camp]

This paper focuses on the health intervention developed in a camp of Albanian-Kosovar refugees, displaced as a consequence of the Balcans war in Kosova. Between May and June 1999, the camp of Kavajë in Albania, received 1,700 refugees, with an average age of 24 years old. During this period, 1904 cases were registered at the primary health care centre settled in the camp. The most frequent causes of consultation were respiratory infections (22%), external causes (21%), skin infections and intestinal diseases (12%). A part of the psychological damage, the population attended didn't present with relevant health problems. Most of the visits to the doctor, related to the difficulties suffered on their way to the camp and to the conditions they were living on.

[Total gastrectomy for gastric cancer in patients over 70 years old]

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the morbidity and postoperative mortality after a full gastrectomy for gastric cancer performed on patients of more than 70 years of age were different from those of younger patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1980 and 1999, a total of 411 gastrectomies for gastric adenocarcinoma were performed at the Institute of Cancer Diseases (INEN). Of these, 87 were inpatients older than 70 years of age (elderly group) and 92 were inpatients between 50 and 59 years of age (young group). The clinical record of both groups were studied and the clinical-pathological features, morbidity and postoperative mortality, staying time in hospital and survival rate were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding clinical-pathological features except in the TNM stage. In the elderly group 23.0% had stage IV and 43.5% in the young group (p=0.007). The average operating time in the elderly group was shorter than in the young group (5.5 hours versus 6.0 hours, p=0.015). The morbidity for the elderly group was 29.9% and that of the young group was 34.8%, whereas the postoperative mortality for the elderly and young groups was 4.6% and 2.2%, respectively. Pneumonia was the most frequent postoperative complication (14.8%) and the primary cause of postoperative death in the elderly group. Time in hospital and survival were similar between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity and postoperative mortality after a full gastrectomy for cancer of the stomach in the elderly is no different from those found in younger patients.

Copper(II) complexes with 4-amino-N-[4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl]benzenesulfonamide. Synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic properties, EPR, and theoretical studies of a novel mixed mu-carboxylato, NCN-bridged dinuclear copper compound

New Cu(II) complexes of sulfamethazine (4-amino-N-[4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl]benzenesulfonamide, HL) [Cu(2)(CH(3)COO)(2)(L)(2)].2dmf (1) and ([Cu(L)(2)].2H(2)O)(infinity) (2) were prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 8.9486(9) A, b = 15.0956(12) A, c = 16.542(3) A, beta = 105.584(15) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 13.8097(8) A, b = 14.5765(4) A, c = 13.7853(15) A, beta = 96.033(9) degrees, and Z = 1. In compound 1 two copper ions are linked by two syn-syn acetates and two nonlinear NCN bridging groups pertaining to the deprotonated sulfamethazine ligands. Each copper center presents a nearly square planar geometry. Magnetic susceptibility data for 1 show a strong antiferromagnetic coupling with 2J = -216.7 cm(-)(1). The EPR spectra at the X- and Q-band frequencies present the signals corresponding to the dinuclear entity, being the zero-field splitting parameter, D = 0.265 cm(-)(1). The antiferromagnetic exchange coupling is discussed using DFT calculations on some model compounds with NCN bridging ligands and also on model structures with mixed mu-acetato and NCN bridges. The copper in the polymeric compound 2 is five coordinate. The CuN(5) chromophore has a highly distorted square pyramidal geometry with small axial N-Cu-N angles of 65.53(14) and 59.90(13) degrees. In the structure a sulfamethazinate anion binds to one copper through the sulfonamido and pyrimidine N atoms and to an adjacent copper via the amino N atom.

Sigmoid cystoplasty with argon beam without mucosa

PURPOSE

Intestinal bladder augmentations have well recognized complications, including mucus production, metabolic abnormalities and perforation. These complications may be avoided if the intestinal mucosa is not incorporated in the urinary tract. We report our experience with sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa using argon beam, and describe the clinical, urodynamic, ultrasound and pathological results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa in 26 patients and with argon beam over the mucosa before it was removed in 6 boys and 4 girls with a mean age of 8 years (range 3 to 14). All patients had neurogenic bladder as the initial disease. Indications for augmentation were poor bladder compliance, low bladder capacity, hydronephrosis and urinary incontinence. Mean followup was 18 months (range 8 to 40) and included ultrasound, urodynamic evaluation, renal function and clinical assessment. In all patients intraoperative biopsies were done. In 8 of the 10 patients endoscopic biopsies of the augmented segment were obtained between 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. The operation consisted of the Goodwin technique without mucosa, which was treated with argon beam before it was removed.

RESULTS

The 10 patients are dry on intermittent clean catheterization with intervals of greater than 4 hours. There have been no clinical urinary tract infections. Two patients presented with peristaltic contractions and no symptoms. Bladder capacity increased from 80 (range 45 to 200) to 300 (220 to 400) ml., and mean postoperative compliance was 15 ml./cm. H2O (range 9 to 38). There were no significant changes in the urodynamic data between patients treated with sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa only and with argon beam. Intraoperative biopsies after treatment with argon beam showed damaged mucosa and muscularis mucosa, and intact serosa, muscularis and submucosa layers. On the 8 argon beam postoperative biopsies the sigmoid submucosa was covered with a pseudostratified metaplasia of connective tissue with collagen fibers without scars (trichromic technique).

CONCLUSIONS

Sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa with argon beam is easy to perform. The clinical and urodynamic results have been satisfactory, and use of argon beam prevents postoperative bleeding and residual glands.

Single distal ureter for ureterocystoplasty: a safe first choice tissue for bladder augmentation

PURPOSE

Recently, the use of ureter for bladder augmentation has gained wide acceptance due to a lower complication rate compared to gastrointestinal segments. Unfortunately, the presence of a severely dilated urinary tract implicates loss of function of a renal unit which is often not demonstrated at diagnosis. Conversely, many patients present with 1 or both ureters mildly dilated because of vesicoureteral reflux or functional obstruction. In these cases the use of a single distal ureter seems to be a good option. We report our experience and long-term followup with this subset of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 1994 and November 1998, 17 females and 5 males 1.5 to 15.7 years old (mean age 7.2) with a low capacity, poorly compliant bladder underwent ureterocystoplasty with a single distal dilated ureter. Diagnosis included myelomeningocele in 13 cases, central neurogenic bladder in 3, neurogenic nonneurogenic bladder in 2, congenital spinal cord injury in 2, sacral agenesis in 1 and giant sacral teratoma in 1. All but 2 patients complained of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections. Variable degrees of hydronephrosis were observed in all patients. Vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 14 patients and was bilateral in 3. Five patients presented with chronic renal failure. Before surgery 19 patients were on clean intermittent catheterization and prophylactic antibiotics. The segments of ureter used for augmentation ranged from 9 to 14 cm. long (mean 11) and from 0.8 to 2.5 cm. in diameter (mean 1.3). The more distal piece of the ureter was kept unopened to preserve vascular supply. Simultaneous procedures included transureteroureterostomy in all 22 patients, appendicovesicostomy in 10, bladder neck continence procedures in 4 and ureteroneocystostomy in 3. Clinical, radiological and urodynamic evaluation was done 6 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

Followup ranged from 12 to 60 months (mean 22). Of the patients 19 are dry on clean intermittent catheterization at 4-hour intervals and 6 have had 9 symptomatic urinary tract infections. Hydronephrosis resolved in 14 patients, improved in 6 and remained unchanged in 2. On urodynamics median increase in capacity less than 30 cm. pressure was 177% (range 11% to 560%). When comparing capacity less than 30 cm. water to normal expected capacity for age and weight, 50% of the cases reached or exceeded theoretical capacity while the rest reached 63% to 89% (mean 76%). Long-term complications included persistent reflux in 1 case, deterioration of bladder function without clinical impairment in 1 and spontaneous perforation of the ureteral patch in 1 requiring colocystoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Although increase in bladder capacity is not always optimal with the use of a distal dilated ureter, it is good enough to ensure a good clinical outcome and allow an adequate catheterization interval with a low complication rate in the long term, thus avoiding use of a piece of gut or stomach to perform bladder augmentation in nearly all patients.

Sigmoid cystoplasty with argon beam without mucosa

PURPOSE

Intestinal bladder augmentations have well recognized complications, including mucus production, metabolic abnormalities and perforation. These complications may be avoided if the intestinal mucosa is not incorporated in the urinary tract. We report our experience with sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa using argon beam, and describe the clinical, urodynamic, ultrasound and pathological results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa in 26 patients and with argon beam over the mucosa before it was removed in 6 boys and 4 girls with a mean age of 8 years (range 3 to 14). All patients had neurogenic bladder as the initial disease. Indications for augmentation were poor bladder compliance, low bladder capacity, hydronephrosis and urinary incontinence. Mean followup was 18 months (range 8 to 40) and included ultrasound, urodynamic evaluation, renal function and clinical assessment. In all patients intraoperative biopsies were done. In 8 of the 10 patients endoscopic biopsies of the augmented segment were obtained between 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. The operation consisted of the Goodwin technique without mucosa, which was treated with argon beam before it was removed.

RESULTS

The 10 patients are dry on intermittent clean catheterization with intervals of greater than 4 hours. There have been no clinical urinary tract infections. Two patients presented with peristaltic contractions and no symptoms. Bladder capacity increased from 80 (range 45 to 200) to 300 (220 to 400) ml., and mean postoperative compliance was 15 ml./cm. H2O (range 9 to 38). There were no significant changes in the urodynamic data between patients treated with sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa only and with argon beam. Intraoperative biopsies after treatment with argon beam showed damaged mucosa and muscularis mucosa, and intact serosa, muscularis and submucosa layers. On the 8 argon beam postoperative biopsies the sigmoid submucosa was covered with a pseudostratified metaplasia of connective tissue with collagen fibers without scars (trichromic technique).

CONCLUSIONS

Sigmoid cystoplasty without mucosa with argon beam is easy to perform. The clinical and urodynamic results have been satisfactory, and use of argon beam prevents postoperative bleeding and residual glands.

Single distal ureter for ureterocystoplasty: a safe first choice tissue for bladder augmentation

PURPOSE

Recently, the use of ureter for bladder augmentation has gained wide acceptance due to a lower complication rate compared to gastrointestinal segments. Unfortunately, the presence of a severely dilated urinary tract implicates loss of function of a renal unit which is often not demonstrated at diagnosis. Conversely, many patients present with 1 or both ureters mildly dilated because of vesicoureteral reflux or functional obstruction. In these cases the use of a single distal ureter seems to be a good option. We report our experience and long-term followup with this subset of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 1994 and November 1998, 17 females and 5 males 1.5 to 15.7 years old (mean age 7.2) with a low capacity, poorly compliant bladder underwent ureterocystoplasty with a single distal dilated ureter. Diagnosis included myelomeningocele in 13 cases, central neurogenic bladder in 3, neurogenic nonneurogenic bladder in 2, congenital spinal cord injury in 2, sacral agenesis in 1 and giant sacral teratoma in 1. All but 2 patients complained of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections. Variable degrees of hydronephrosis were observed in all patients. Vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 14 patients and was bilateral in 3. Five patients presented with chronic renal failure. Before surgery 19 patients were on clean intermittent catheterization and prophylactic antibiotics. The segments of ureter used for augmentation ranged from 9 to 14 cm. long (mean 11) and from 0.8 to 2.5 cm. in diameter (mean 1.3). The more distal piece of the ureter was kept unopened to preserve vascular supply. Simultaneous procedures included transureteroureterostomy in all 22 patients, appendicovesicostomy in 10, bladder neck continence procedures in 4 and ureteroneocystostomy in 3. Clinical, radiological and urodynamic evaluation was done 6 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

Followup ranged from 12 to 60 months (mean 22). Of the patients 19 are dry on clean intermittent catheterization at 4-hour intervals and 6 have had 9 symptomatic urinary tract infections. Hydronephrosis resolved in 14 patients, improved in 6 and remained unchanged in 2. On urodynamics median increase in capacity less than 30 cm. pressure was 177% (range 11% to 560%). When comparing capacity less than 30 cm. water to normal expected capacity for age and weight, 50% of the cases reached or exceeded theoretical capacity while the rest reached 63% to 89% (mean 76%). Long-term complications included persistent reflux in 1 case, deterioration of bladder function without clinical impairment in 1 and spontaneous perforation of the ureteral patch in 1 requiring colocystoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Although increase in bladder capacity is not always optimal with the use of a distal dilated ureter, it is good enough to ensure a good clinical outcome and allow an adequate catheterization interval with a low complication rate in the long term, thus avoiding use of a piece of gut or stomach to perform bladder augmentation in nearly all patients.

Effects of CRH and ACTH administration on plasma and brain neurosteroid levels

The 3alpha-hydroxy ring A-reduced metabolite of progesterone, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) is among the most potent known ligands of the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, designated GABA-A, in the central nervous system. We determined by RIA serum levels of progesterone (PROG), 5-alpha-dihidroprogesterone (DHP) and allopregnanolone in male and female rats after corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) administration. Allopregnanolone was undetectable in plasma and brain of control males but detectable in plasma and brain of males injected with CRH and ACTH and of control and similarly treated females. Allopregnanolone increased in the plasma and brain after CRH and ACTH administration in all cases. The data demonstrate that the administration of CRH plus ACTH results in a rapid increase of the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone in the brain of males and females to levels known to modulate GABA-A receptor function. Thus, stress could regulate neurosteroid biosynthesis via the hormones ACTH and CRH.

[Gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia]

OBJECTIVE

Determine the clinical features and the survival of patients with gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records of the patients with gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia, that had undergone surgical treatment at the National Cancer Institute (INEN) between 1950 and 1999. We considered age, sex, location of the tumor, regional lymph node metastases (N), distant metastases (M), TNM stage and survival.

RESULTS

202 patients had gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia, the mean age was 60.03 years, 105 (52%) were females, in 69% the neoplasm was in the antrum and in 22% in the body. We found regional lymph node metastases in 48% and distant metastases in 1%; 52.1% was in the IB TNM stage and 3.1% in the IV. The five year survival rate using Kaplan Meier was 66%, patients with N0, N1, N2 and N3 had 78%, 70%, 25% and 0% respectively.

Study of garlic extracts and fractions on cholesterol plasma levels and vascular reactivity in cholesterol-fed rats

Garlic is known for its pharmacologic and nutritional properties. In previous studies, garlic elicited a reduction in plasma levels of lipids by inhibiting hepatic cholesterol synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate in an in vivo model the effects of garlic extract and some fractions on cholesterol levels and vascular reactivity in cholesterol-fed rats. Rats were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet for 16 wk and were divided into 10 groups as follows: control and hypercholesterolemic diet groups, 4 groups fed frozen garlic fractions and 4 groups fed raw garlic fractions with different doses. Blood samples were obtained to analyze HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. After treatment, rats were killed. The heart, liver and kidneys were weighed; the aorta was isolated, mounted in organ chambers and vascular reactivity was tested. Plasma concentration of cholesterol was 58 mg/dL (100%) at the beginning of the study and increased to 102 mg/dL (153%; hypercholesterolemic group) at the end of the treatment. Plasma total cholesterol decreased in all groups treated with garlic; moreover, this effect was higher in rats fed raw garlic fractions and extracts. LDL decreased significantly with respect to the hypercholesterolemic group in all groups treated with garlic fractions and extracts (P: < 0.01); however, an increase in HDL was found in those treated with frozen fractions and extracts. The liver:body weight ratio decreased in all treated groups. The relaxing effect of acetylcholine (ACh) was enhanced in arteries contracted with noradrenaline (NE). These data suggest that garlic fractions could prevent diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and vascular alterations in the endothelium-dependent relaxation associated with atherosclerosis.

Exchange coupling in carboxylato-bridged dinuclear copper(II) compounds: a density functional study

A computational study of the exchange coupling is presented for a selected sample of carboxylato-bridged dinuclear copper(II) compounds. Model calculations have been used to examine the influence of several factors on the coupling constants: a) the electron-withdrawing power of the bridging ligands; b) the nature of the axial ligands; c) the number of bridging carboxylato groups; d) some structural distortions frequently found in this family of compounds; and e) the coordination mode of the carboxylato bridge. Coupling constants calculated for some complete structures, as determined by X-ray diffraction, are in excellent agreement with experimental data, confirming the ability of the computational strategy used in this work to predict the coupling constant for compounds for which experimental data are not yet available.

Crystalline dihydrotestosterone implants in the lateral septum of male rats. A positive effect on LH and FSH

Previous investigations in our laboratory have shown that testosterone implanted into the lateral septum in male rats increases LH and FSH secretion. However, it was unclear whether the effect of testosterone was direct via androgen receptor, or indirect via the estrogen receptor after conversion by aromatization to estradiol. To answer this question, we implanted either testosterone or the non-aromatizable androgen 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), into the lateral septum of adult male rats and measured plasma levels of LH and FSH by radioimmunoassay 2 days after implantation. Both testosterone and DHT significantly increased the plasma LH and FSH concentrations. Mean concentration of LH in control animals was 0.21 +/- 0.06 ng/ml, a figure that increased to 0.7 +/- 0.12 and 0.55 +/- 0.1 ng/ml after DHT or testosterone implantation respectively. Mean concentration of FSH in control animals was 1.5 +/- 0.3 ng/ml; this figure increased to 3 +/- 0.3 and 2.9 +/- 0.3 ng/ml after DHT or testosterone implantation. Neither plasma DHT (64.0 +/- 5.6 vs. 52 +/- 5 ng/100ml) nor plasma testosterone levels (4.1 +/- 0.38 vs. 3.3 +/- 0.18 ng/ml) were significantly affected by the implants. We conclude that androgens independently of conversion to estrogen acting in the lateral septum facilitates the release of LH and FSH.

Evidence of different actions of testosterone, estradiol, FSH, and LH on the growth axis

To study the possible role of sexual hormones, Testosterone (T), Estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) on the growth axis, we examined the correlations between the sex, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), FSH, LH, T and E2, in growth retarded children ranging in age from 7 to 13 yr. All hormones were measured by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) in a pool of aliquots of samples obtained every 20 min over 12 h (overnight) in each child. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed. We have found: a) Thai only FSH concentrations were significantly higher in girls than in boys; b) A positive correlation between T-IGF-1; T-IGFBP3; FSH-LH; FSH-IGF-1; FSH-IGFBP3, LH-IGF-1, LH-IGFBP3 the sex-FSH; and the sex-IGFBP3 c) A high positive correlation between plasmatic E2 and IGF-1/IGFBP3 ratio (an index of free, active IGF-1). We concluded that the sex, FSH, LH, T and E2 influence the growth axis. The sex through IGFBP3; LH, FSH, and T through IGF1 and IGFBP3; E2 through the IGF-1/IGFBP3 ratio, an index of active IGF-1.

Blood group, red cell, and serum protein variation in the Cabecar and Huetar, two Chibchan Amerindian tribes of Costa Rica

Genetic variation, using blood groups and red cell and serum proteins, was surveyed in the Cabecar of Chirripo and the Huetar of Quitirrisi, Costa Rica. Thirty-nine loci were screened in a sample of 91 Cabecars and 40 loci in 45 Huetars. Twenty-seven loci were monomorphic in the Cabecar and 30 in the Huetar. The proportions of polymorphic loci (P), out of 34 studied by electrophoresis, were 0.235 and 0.177, respectively. Estimated gene diversities (H) of the polymorphic loci were 0.050 in the Cabecar and 0.053 in the Huetar. Two polymorphisms, reported until now in Costa Rican and Panamanian Chibchan groups only, occurred at very high frequencies: TF*DGUA = 0.357 in the Cabecar, the highest frequency ever reported, and 0.033 in the Huetar; and PEPA*F, which reached 0.26 in the Cabecar and 0.29 in the Huetar. Nei's genetic distances and trees (two methods) were used to compare them to seven other Chibchan tribes of Costa Rica. The results placed both the Cabecar of Chirripo and the Huetar closer to the Talamancan Tribes (Bribri and Cabecar). This was an unexpected result for the Huetar, since linguistic studies suggested a closer relationship to the Guatuso. GST, DST, RST, and Dm for three Cabecar subpopulations (Atlantic, Chirripo, and Pacific) doubled their values compared to estimates based on comparison of only two subpopulations: Atlantic and Pacific. Total genetic diversity considering just the three Cabecar subpopulations resembled that obtained including them plus six other Chibchan populations of Costa Rica.

Is equilibrium of aligned Kerr black holes possible?

We show that equilibrium of two Kerr black holes can be achieved by placing between them a relativistic disk or a third Kerr black hole, the latter case demonstrating the existence of equilibrium configurations in the purely black hole systems with the number of constituents more than two.

Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on growth axis in human adolescents of both sexes

We previously reported the deleterious effects of acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) on pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-adrenal axes hormones in human adolescents. In the present paper we studied the effects of AAI on the growth axis hormones, and the possible contribution of the insulin-glucose axis to the alcohol-induced dysfunction of the growth axis in human adolescents. Blood samples were drawn from adolescents that arrived at the emergency department with evident behavioural symptoms of drunkenness (AAI) or with nil consumption of alcohol (controls [C]). AAI produced in the adolescents of both sexes in our series: a decrease in growth hormone (GH) levels, without significant alteration of either insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3); an increase in plasma glucose and a decrease in insulin in the female adolescents but not in the males. Males and females undergo a significant period of bone growth during adolescence. Growth axis hormones play an important role in the pubertal spurt. Thus, ethanol consumption during adolescence could have long-lasting deleterious effects on this aspect of development. In industrialised countries, around 35% of alcohol drinkers are under 16 years old, therefore the result of this study should be made known to adolescents and the appropriate authorities.

[Residual pleural thickening in tuberculous pleuritis. Associated factors]]

BACKGROUND

To study the factors related to the development of residual pleural thickening in pleural tuberculosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 39 patients with tuberculous pleural effusion. A chest X-ray was taken of each patient at the end of treatment. The patients' medical histories, pleural fluid findings and diagnostic chest films were evaluated. Residual pleural thickening was defined as thickening that was visibly greater than 2 mm in the lower side portion of the chest film.

RESULTS

Residual pleural thickening developed in 26% of patients and was found mainly in men (RR = 3.86). In no patients with Löwenstein-Jensen cultures positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis did pleural complications develop.

CONCLUSION

Residual pleural thickening is a common complication of tuberculous pleural effusion. Residual pleural thickening in tuberculous pleurisy occurs more often in men and older patients, and in cases in which pleural liquid culture is negative for M. tuberculosis.

Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, beta-endorphin and prolactin in human adolescents of both sexes

Teenage drinking continues to be a major problem in industrialized countries, where almost 35% of alcohol drinkers are under 16 years old. In the present paper we studied the effects of acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) on the pituitary-gonadal (PG) axis hormones, and the possible contribution of pituitary-adrenal (PA) axis hormones, beta-endorphin (BEND), and prolactin (PRL) to the alcohol-induced dysfunction of PG axis hormones. Blood samples were drawn from adolescents that arrived at the emergency department with evident behavioral symptoms of drunkenness (AAI) or with nil consumption of alcohol (controls [C]). Our results demonstrated that AAI produces in adolescents a high increase in plasma PRL, ACTH, and cortisol (F), and a contradictory behavior of testosterone (T) according to gender: plasma T was increased in females and decreased in males. ACTH and PRL correlated positively with F, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) and T in females, which suggests that PRL and ACTH could synergistically stimulate adrenal androgen production. In contrast, the decrease in T and increase in BEND in males suggests that AAI could have an inhibitory effect on testicular T, perhaps mediated by BEND. The hormones studied are involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the growth axis during adolescence. The deleterious effects of alcohol abuse should be made known to adolescents and the appropriate authorities.

Magnetic coupling in end-to-end azido-bridged copper and nickel binuclear complexes: a theoretical study

The influence of structural parameters on the exchange coupling J between metal atoms in end-to-end azido-bridged binuclear complexes of Cu(II) and Ni(II) has been studied by means of density functional calculations. For the case of double-bridged Cu(II) compounds, four ideal pentacoordinate models have been employed in which the coordination spheres of the two metal atoms are either a trigonal bipyramid or a square pyramid, connected through equatorial or axial bridges. The distortion from those ideal geometries along a Berry pathway has also been analyzed. For the hexacoordinate Ni(II) compounds, models with two or one bridging ligands have been studied. The effect of the bridging M-N-N bond angles on the exchange coupling has been analyzed for both the Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes.

Effect of trandolapril on vascular responsiveness in cholesterol-fed rabbit-isolated arteries

According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular disorders are one of the main causes of morbi/mortality in the western world. The effect of trandolapril (0.3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), a non-sulphydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, on the vascular responsiveness in aorta isolated from hypercholesterolemic rabbits was examined. Three groups of rabbits (n=30) were used: Group 0 (control group); Group 1 (hypercholesterolemic group, 0.5% (wt/wt) cholesterol-enriched diet) and Group 2 (hypercholesterolemic+trandolapril 0.3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). After 18 weeks of treatment, the rabbits were killed and the thoracic aorta, proximal coronary and mesenteric (5th branch) arteries were isolated, cleaned off and mounted in an organ bath. Trandolapril had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) or low density lipoprotein (LDL). Despite the lack of effect of the drug on the above-mentioned parameters, treatment with trandolapril improved endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine in aortic and mesenteric rings from hypercholesterolemic rabbits treated with trandolapril. The relaxation induced by 10(-5) M acetylcholine were 65.0+/-4.0%; 24. 0+/-9.4% (P<0.01, n=10) and 51.3+/-7.0% (P<0.01, n=10) in aortic rings from Groups 0, 1 and 2, respectively, and 50.0+/-12.0%; 10. 1+/-10.0% (P<0.01, n=10); 61.0+/-9.7% (P<0.01, n=10) in small mesenteric rings from Groups 0, 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, trandolapril treatment improved the increase in serotonin-induced contraction in proximal coronary arteries with respect to the hypercholesterolemic group. On the other hand, we did not find any differences among the group in endothelium-independent relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside. These results provide evidence that trandolapril restores endothelium-dependent relaxation in hypercholesterolemic rabbit-isolated arteries. These data suggest that trandolapril might have beneficial action in the prevention of vascular alteration involved in atherosclerosis.