Evaluation of whole blood catalase estimation for diagnosis of malignancy

Whole blood catalase levels were estimated using a disc flotation method in 209 random patients with a wide variety of malignancies. Fifty patients had received no treatment, and the remainder, although having undergone prior therapy, had recurrent or metastatic disease at the time of the study. No relationship was found between the presence of cancer and catalase levels. A direct relationship was found for catalase with hemoglobin levels in both normal and patients' samples. Whole blood catalase is of no value in diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. The decreased catalase values found here and reported previously by others are the result of low hemoglobin levels found in many patients with cancer.

[Dynamic characteristics of alternate strides in cross-country skiing]

Seven instructors in cross-country skiing were filmed during the performance of the alternate stride at three different velocities: maximal, medium and slow. The dynamic characteristics of the movement were analyzed. On the basis of spatio-temporal analyses, it was found that the alternate stride is a motion essentially propulsive with the predominance of the superior limbs to propulsion. The skier maintains or increases his velocity at the beginning of the glide which is possibly attributed to the transfer of momentum of the recovery leg. A decrease in horizontal velocity is observed at the end of the glide. At maximal speed, the asynchronous character of the actions by the superior and inferior limbs is more important; there is a reduced emphasis in the actions by the superior limbs. At medium speed, the following characteristics are observed: a reduced importance in the asynchronous actions, a larger preponderance to the gliding phase and a smaller elevation of the skier's center of gravity.

Detection and measurement of bacterial catalase by the disk-flotation method using the Catalasemeter

Using the disk-flotation method and a Catalasemeter®, catalase production by 13 different species of bacteria was studied qualitatively and quantitatively.