Clinical and experimental studies on shallow needling technique for treating childhood diarrhea

Treatment of diarrhea in children by shallow needling and by drugs was studied in 3 separate groups for comparison. For Group I, the lateral line II of the forehead was taken, i.e. the upper, middle and lower points of the line staring from Toulinqi (UB 15) vertically downwards to the place 1 cm below the hairline were selected. For Group II, shallow needling was done on body acupoints, the main points selected being Qihai (Ren 6), Shuifen (Ren 9), bilateral Tianshu (St 25), and bilateral Zusanli (St 36); the adjuvant acupoints were Taibai (Sp 3) and Gongsun (Sp 4). The depth of shallow needling was merely puncturing the skin. For Group III the drugs used were Liteling, Berberine, Gentamycin, Ampicillin, and SMZ Co. The results of treatment in Group I and II differed insignificantly, while both were significantly superior to drugs in Group III. Experimental studies also showed that shallow needling enhanced the humoral and cellular immunity and promoted the intestinal peristaltic function.

Identity elements of tRNA(Trp). Identification and evolutionary conservation

In this study, the varying reactivities of Bacillus subtilis tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase toward prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and halophile tRNAs were employed to define the potential identity elements on tRNA(Trp). On this basis mutagenesis was performed to obtain, through in vivo heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase, mutant B. subtilis tRNA(Trp) for comparison with the wild-type. These comparisons served to establish G73 and the anticodon as major identity elements, and A1-U72, G5-C68, and A9 as minor identity elements. While the tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase from B. subtilis and E. coli require G73 to function, replacement of G73 by A73 favors the enzyme from yeast. This change points to the variation of the identity elements for the same amino acid among different organisms. The similarity in these elements between B. subtilis and E. coli tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, however, suggests that identity elements on tRNA, like the active centers on enzymes, undergo evolutionary change at slower rates than less essential portions of the macromolecule.

Purification of hyperexpressed Bacillus subtilis tRNA(Trp) cloned in Escherichia coli

To study the effects of evolutionary sequence changes on the molecular interactions of tRNA inside the cell, the Bacillus subtilis tRNA(Trp) gene has been cloned into Escherichia coli JM109 under the control of the lac promotor. Hyperexpression of the gene in minimal medium upon induction yielded 28% of total tRNA in the form of B. subtilis tRNA(Trp). The tRNA(Trp) gene product was purified by the use of a single Vydac C4 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) matrix. This experimental system provided a valuable system for the hyperexpression and purification of a heterologous tRNA for studies in vitro. Moreover, because HPLC fractionation of the heterologous tRNA(Trp) gene product yielded multiple peaks, the system made possible an analysis of the molecular mechanisms for the transcriptional modifications of the tRNA(Trp) gene product in vivo.

Effects of copper coordinate complexes on the scavenging of reactive oxygen species

Effects of a 20-membered macrocyclic bicopper complex and dioxotetramine copper complexes with linear or cyclic structure on the scavenging of ROS have been studied by ESR. The results indicated that all three copper coordinate complexes have SOD mimetic activity. The dioxotetramine copper complex with linear or cyclic structure did not have the scavenging effect on .OH produced by H2O2-Fe++ and 1O2 produced by the H2O2-NaOCl system, but the 20-membered macrocyclic bicopper complex was found to be capable of depressing the intensity of the ESR spectrum of the adduct formed from TMP and 1O2 as well as making the spectrum of DMPO-OH adduct splittings. This fact may suggest that there are interactions between the ROS and 20-membered macrocyclic ring in the SOD mimic.

Vaccination of bovines against Schistosomiasis japonica with cryopreserved-irradiated and freeze-thaw schistosomula

Four laboratory tests and one field trial with cryopreserved irradiated (CI) schistosomula vaccine and a freeze-thaw (F/T) vaccine against bovine Schistosomiasis japonica were carried out in 1979 and 1980 with the following results: (1) Single intradermal vaccination in buffalo calves each with 10,000 20 krad CI Schistosomula plus 1 ml BCG gave 62% worm reduction (P < 0.05). Using the same protocol 55% worm reduction (P < 0.01) was obtained in cattle. (2) Buffalo calves immunized twice, at a 1.5 month interval, with 10,000 and 20,000 CI schistosomula, respectively, resulted in a worm reduction 65%. (3) In a preliminary field trial with 10,000 CI schistosomula plus 1 ml BCG resulted in a worm reduction of 53% in buffalo calves. (4) Intradermal vaccination of 30,000 F/T schistosomula with 1 ml BCG was also tried in cattle and revealed a worm reduction of 57% but increasing the number of vaccinations did not improve the protective effect. (5) Evidence regarding the effects of immunization with CI vaccine in buffaloes and F/T vaccine in cattle, on the number of eggs and miracidia and that of female worms themselves was obtained. (6) Immune responses, cellular and humoral, elicited in buffaloes vaccinated with CI schistosomula were detected by means of Lymphocyte Transformation Assay and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Binding of Escherichia coli to Penrose rubber drains--an in vitro study

Ten different isolates of Escherichia coli were used to compare bacterial attachment to Penrose rubber drains at different temperatures and to investigate a possible relation with cell surface hydrophobicity and charges, as well as the capacity of autoaggregation. Penrose rubber drain pieces of 1 cm2 were incubated with 4.8 x 10(6) E. coli cells for 1 h at 22, 37 and 42 degrees C, respectively. After rinsing with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), the number of adhering bacteria on the drain pieces was calculated by measuring cellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bioluminescence. Bacterial cell surface properties at different temperatures were determined by two-phase partitioning and autoaggregation was determined by arbitrary scoring under the dissecting microscope. For most strains of E. coli, the number of adherence to Penrose rubber drain was higher at 22 degrees C than at 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C. Bacterial cell-surface properties and autoaggregation capacity were influenced by the growth temperature, but without correlation to bacterial ability to attach to rubber drains. Thus, the present study demonstrates that attachment of E. coli to Penrose rubber drains was significantly influenced by temperature, but bacterial cell-surface hydrophobicity and charge as well as autoaggregation capacity had no influence on bacterial attachment ability.

The results of treatment in 100 patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

In an attempt to improve treatment results of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), combined induction chemotherapy and thoracic and prophylactic brain radiation therapy were administered.

METHOD

From December 1980 to December 1987, 112 patients with limited-stage SCLC were treated with combination induction chemotherapy and thoracic or prophylactic brain radiation therapy; 100 were evaluable.

RESULTS

The complete response rate was 40%, and complete and partial responses totaled 94%, with a 5-year survival rate of 23%. There was no difference in remission and survival rates between three-drug and four-drug induction chemotherapeutic regimens. Six chemotherapeutic courses produced longer survival than less therapy. Although the occurrence of brain metastases was no different with or without prophylactic brain radiation therapy, the 3-year survival after this procedure was improved.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of limited-stage SCLC with induction chemotherapy and thoracic and prophylactic brain radiation therapy produced improved remission and survival rates.

Evaluation of 90:10 poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres containing norethisterone: drug release and biodegradation

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG, 90:10) microspheres containing 20% norethisterone (NET) were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Microspheres in the size ranges of 65 to 100 microns were sterilized by irradiation and used for further study. In vitro release showed fairly constant release of NET from the above microspheres over more than 90 days. However, in vivo drug release determined by residual NET analysis after i.m. injection in rats indicated a faster release rate. About 95% of NET was released in a period of 45 days. At the dose of 80 mg of microspheres, vaginal estrus cycles were inhibited for 45 days compared to 27 days for the same dose of NET crystals in rats. Biodegradation of the microspheres was tested by direct measurement of molecular weight losses and SEM observation of morphological changes of the microspheres, which showed continuous erosion in the internal matrix of microspheres with the decrease of molecular weight of PLG until total collapse of microspheres, and biodegradation was faster in rats than in human serum at 37 degrees C in vitro. Total degradation of 90:10 PLG microspheres was less than 7 months in rats and more than 9 months in vitro.

The inhibitory effects of 21 mimics of superoxide dismutase on luminol-mediated chemiluminescence emitted from PMA-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte

Four groups comprising 21 superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics synthesized by us were comparatively studied for their inhibitory effects on luminol-mediated chemiluminescence emitted from phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL). Among these groups, 20-membered macrocyclic bicopper(II) complexes and 13-membered macrocyclic dioxotetramine copper(II) complexes exhibited relatively higher activities of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by PMA-stimulated PMNL as compared with polyamine Cu(II)-Zn(II) complexes and copper(II) complexes of bis-shiff-base. Moreover, distinctly different effects of SOD mimics in the biological system have been found even in the same group. It is suggested that the biological effects of some SOD mimics are related to their structures.

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Biochemical and symptom profiles before and after surgery

Patients with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is unclear to what extent these patients benefit from surgery in terms of correction of their serum chemistry abnormalities and their symptoms. We studied 142 patients: 23 with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (serum calcium levels below 2.62 mmol/L), 35 with intermittent hypercalcemia, and 84 with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Serum chemistry analyses and a standardized questionnaire of symptoms were completed before and after surgery. Overall, patients in the normocalcemic group reported a similar frequency of preoperative symptoms; had a similar reduction in postoperative symptoms; and had a similar normalization of serum calcium, parathormone, and phosphate levels as those in the two control groups. This study indicates that factors other than elevated serum calcium levels are in large part responsible for the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism and that these patients benefit from operation.

Characterization of a Gy4 glycinin gene from soybean Glycine max cv. forrest

The glycinin gene family encoding the glycinin subunits in soybean plants is composed of at least five gene members. A genomic clone lambda S312 containing the Gy4 gene from a genomic library of cv. Forrest was isolated and partially characterized. The organization of this gene was found to be similar to that of a null allele from cv. Raiden, but different from the Gy4 gene from cv. Dare. The complete nucleotide sequence of this gene has been determined. It is 2599 bp long consisting of four exons and three introns. Comparing the DNA sequences between this gene and the gene from Dare and a null allele from Raiden, the difference found in the coding region was 5'-GCAGTGCAAG-3' (nt 824 to 833) in the former case versus 5'-TGGAGTTGCAATT-3' (nt 1314 to 1326) in the latter case in the exon 2 domain, resulting in three amino acid differences and one amino acid absence. Some other differences were also found in the non-coding region. The coding sequence and 5'-flanking region of the Gy4 gene, when compared with that of other legumin genes as well as group 1 glycinin subunit genes, revealed some interesting features: (1) a transposable element-like sequence was found in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the exon 3 domain, which was lacking in the legumin and the glycinin group 1 genes; (2) in the 5'-flanking region from nt -145 to -1, two high-homology sequences were found: one from nt -141 to nt -132, the other from nt -118 to nt -92 which includes the 'legumin box' and the RY repeat element.

Antitumor activity of siwenmycin: a novel anthracycline antibiotic

A novel anthracycline antibiotic, siwenmycin, isolated from the culture of Streptomyces galilaeus var. siwenesis, was examined for its antitumor activities against P388, K562, B16-F10, HeLa, HEp-2 and Lewis lung carcinoma cell lines. The results showed that siwenmycin was effective against P388, K562, HeLa and HEp-2 tumor cell lines in vitro, and significantly inhibited the growth of the Lewis lung carcinoma cell line in vivo. Siwenmycin could also suppress spontaneous and artificial pulmonary metastases of B16-F10 and Lewis lung carcinoma cell lines in C57BL/6 mice. The inhibitory effect of siwenmycin on spontaneous pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in C57BL/6 mice was even stronger than that of adriamycin (ADM), which is, at present, commonly used in clinical practice. Furthermore, the double-labeling test used in this study has verified that siwenmycin can inhibit cellular RNA synthesis at about one tenth the concentration required to inhibit DNA synthesis to the same degree, indicating that the antitumor mechanism of siwenmycin also differs from that of ADM. The acute toxicity of siwenmycin was very low, and it was as effective in vivo as in vitro, suggesting that this newly found antibiotic should be studied for possible clinical antitumor applications.

A new 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for testing macrophage cytotoxicity to L1210 and its drug-resistant cell lines in vitro

Activated by interferon gamma (IFN gamma)(50 U/ml) and lipopolysaccharide (50 ng/ml), mouse peritoneal macrophages were cocultured with the L1210 parental cell line (L1210/PRT) and its Adriamycin-, cisplatin-resistant cell lines (L1210/ADM, L1210/CDDP) for 24 h at effector: target (E:T) ratios of 10:1, 5:1 and 2:1. The direct 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT)-cleavage assay, a new improved indirect MTT assay, and the colony-formation assay were used to quantify macrophage-mediated suppression of these non-adherent tumour targets. The results showed that the macrophages can produce formazan at a high level, which can interfere with the final results of a direct MTT assay. The new indirect MTT assay can avoid such interference because the effectors are separated from the targets before the assay is performed, so the real viability of the targets is reflected. An indirect MTT assay, as developed in this study, could be better than the direct assay for examining the suppressive effect of activated macrophages on non-adherent tumour cells in vitro. This study also revealed that all the L1210 cell lines can be suppressed significantly by the macrophages at E:T ratios of 10:1 and 5:1 while the two drug-resistant cell lines have lower survival rates at an E:T ratio of 10:1, indicating that they are more susceptible than their parental cell line.

Acetaminophen-induced cytotoxicity in cultured mouse hepatocytes: effects of Ca(2+)-endonuclease, DNA repair, and glutathione depletion inhibitors on DNA fragmentation and cell death

Hepatotoxic alkylation of mouse liver cells by acetaminophen is characterized by an early loss of ion regulation, accumulation of Ca2+ in the nucleus, and fragmentation of DNA in vitro and in vivo. Acetaminophen-induced DNA cleavage is accompanied by the formation of a "ladder" of DNA fragments characteristic of Ca(2+)-mediated endonuclease activation. These events unfold well in advance of cytotoxicity and the development of necrosis. The present study utilized cultured mouse hepatocytes and mechanistic probes to test whether DNA fragmentation and cell death might be related in a "cause-and-effect" manner. Cells were isolated by collagenase perfusion, cultured in Williams' E medium for 22-26 hr, and exposed to acetaminophen. Aurintricarboxylic acid, a general Ca(2+)-endonuclease inhibitor, and EGTA, a chelator of Ca2+ required for endonuclease activation, significantly decreased DNA fragmentation at 6 and 12 hr and virtually abolished cytotoxicity. N-Acetylcysteine also eliminated DNA fragmentation and cytotoxicity. 3-Aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-stimulated DNA repair, failed to alter the amount of DNA fragmentation at 6 hr but substantially increased acetaminophen cytotoxicity in hepatocytes at 12 hr. With the exception of when DNA repair was inhibited by 3-aminobenzamide, Ca2+ accumulation in the nucleus, DNA fragmentation, and hepatocyte death varied consistently and predictably with one another. Collectively, these findings suggest that unrepaired damage to DNA contributes to acetaminophen-induced cell death in vivo and may play a role in necrosis in vivo.

Acetaminophen-induced cytotoxicity in cultured mouse hepatocytes: correlation of nuclear Ca2+ accumulation and early DNA fragmentation with cell death

Hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen cause widespread alkylation of liver and early loss of cytosolic Ca2+ regulation. Although the precise location and target of lethal alkylation are not known, Ca2+ accumulation is viewed as a possible link between cell alkylation and cell death. We have recently shown that Ca2+ accumulates in the nucleus and that DNA fragments in vivo before the development of acetaminophen-induced necrosis in mice. The present study examined cultured hepatocytes for nuclear damage and its association with cell death in vitro. Positive results would argue for two key points. (1) Nonparenchymal cell damage does not explain DNA fragmentation induced by acetaminophen in vivo. (2) A chemical that causes necrosis can produce DNA damage considered characteristic of apoptosis. Hepatocytes from NIH Swiss mice were isolated by collagenase perfusion, cultured in Williams' E medium for 24 hr, and exposed to acetaminophen. Cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase leakage and release of [3H]adenine from a prelabeled nucleotide pool. Genomic DNA fragmentation was assessed quantitatively by colorimetric analysis and qualitatively by agarose gel electrophoresis. Acetaminophen caused DNA damage from 1-4 hr onward and produced significant release of lactate dehydrogenase and [3H]adenine nucleotides at later times. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed a "ladder" of DNA fragments characteristic of Ca(2+)-mediated endonuclease activation. Cytotoxicity correlated with nuclear Ca2+ accumulation (r greater than 0.895, p less than 0.05) and with percentage DNA fragmentation (r greater than 0.835, p less than 0.05). Nuclear changes in vitro generally reproduced those observed in vivo. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that nuclear Ca2+ accumulation and DNA fragmentation appear as early events that correlate directly with later cytotoxicity. These changes may contribute to acetaminophen-induced injury leading to cell death in vitro and necrosis in vivo.

[Quantitative analysis of coronary arteriogram by a computer-assisted method]

A computer-assisted method for quantitating coronary arteriograms was applied to measure the diameter of major epicardial coronary arteries in 58 normal subjects and 25 hypertensive patients, and to determine the percentage of relative stenosis of coronary lesions in 109 patients with coronary artery disease. Average coronary size was larger than normal in patients with hypertension. The left coronary artery was larger than the right coronary artery in the majority of patients. The degree of coronary stenosis can be measured accurately with good reproducibility. Thus this inexpensive microprocessor system provides rapid quantitation of coronary artery diameter and lesions.

[Changes in left ventricular volumes after acute transmural myocardial infarction: clinical, angiographic and prognostic correlations]

The relation of left ventricular (LV) volume changes to clinical and angiographic features was assessed in 57 patients with a first transmural myocardial infarction. LV volumes were measured by two-dimensional echocardiography within 72 hours of admission and repeated at one month. The infarct-related artery (IRA) patency and collateral circulation were determined by coronary arteriography performed before discharge. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes increased (155 +/- 44 vs 203 +/- 65 ml; 96 +/- 32 vs 134 +/- 57 ml, all P less than 0.01), and ejection fraction decreased (0.38 +/- 0.06 vs 0.34 +/- 0.09, P less than 0.05) in patients with totally occluded IRA without collaterals. In contrast, LV volumes and systolic function were unchanged in those who had subtotally occluded IRA or with collaterals. LV dilation (greater than or equal to 20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume) occurred more frequently in patients without residual flow to the infarct region (77%) than in those with (9%) (P less than 0.01). Thirteen patients with LV dilation developed congestive heart failure, 3 of whom having cardiac death. However, congestive heart failure was found in only 11 patients without LV dilation and no death occurred. Thus, the cardiac event rate was higher in patients with (65%) than in those without (30%) LV dilation (P less than 0.05). The study indicates that the changes in LV volumes following acute myocardial infarction are largely related to the status of residual flow to the infarct region and affect the clinical outcome of the patients.

HIPDM-SPECT brain imaging in the presurgical evaluation of patients with intractable seizures

We report the results of interictal and ictal HIPDM-SPECT brain imaging in 34 patients who eventually underwent temporal lobectomy for treatment of medically intractable complex partial seizures. Interictal studies revealed decreased regional cerebral perfusion (rCP) in the temporal lobe corresponding to the eventual site of surgery in 73% of the patients. Similarly, ictal study demonstrated increased rCP in 93% of the patients. In 69% of the patients, the SPECT studies were able to demonstrate both increased rCP on the ictal scan and decreased rCP on the interictal scan in the same location, corresponding to the eventual site of surgery. These results suggest that interictal and ictal SPECT brain imaging can be easily obtained and provide reliable localizing information in the presurgical evaluation of patients with medically intractable epilepsy.

Presenting the diagnosis of pseudoseizure

Simultaneous video-EEG monitoring has allowed pseudoseizures to be effectively diagnosed. Discussing the results of the monitoring with the patient is the 1st step in treatment. We outline a protocol for presenting the diagnosis of pseudoseizure with the goal of conveying to the patient the importance of knowing the nonepileptic nature of the spells and the need for psychiatric follow-up. The protocol also allows elicitation of sexual abuse history and the use of suggestion to aid in controlling the pseudoseizures.

Sufficient condition for convergence of a relaxation algorithm in actual single-layer neural networks

Application of the contraction mapping theorem to single-layer feedback neural networks of a gradient-type is discussed. The sufficient condition for stability of a relaxation algorithm in actual continuous-time networks is derived and illustrated with an example. Results showing the stability of a numerical solution obtained with the relaxation algorithm are presented.

Disappearance of exogenously administered human chorionic gonadotropin

Concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were measured after intramuscular hCG administration in 34 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation in an in vitro fertilization program. Serum hCG levels were detectable by an immunoenzymetric assay up to 14 days after injection. Individual variation in hCG concentration after injection could be minimized by expressing the daily hCG level as a fractional distribution of the value observed 36 hours after hCG administration (hCG0). In nonpregnant patients, less than 10% of the hCG0 value was found on day 10. The disappearance rate measured 36 hours after injection of hCG was exponential with a mean half-life of 2.32 days. These findings are significant for ovarian stimulation protocols, including exogenous hCG, with respect to timing and accuracy of quantitative pregnancy testing.

The efficacy of triclabendazole (Fasinex) against immature and adult Fasciola hepatica in experimentally infected cattle

Eighteen Chinese cattle were experimentally infected with metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica and randomly assigned to 6 groups. Five groups of cattle were treated with a single oral dose of triclabendazole at a dose rate of 12 mg kg-1. At necropsy, the reduction in fluke burden compared with the untreated group was 85, 99.6, 99.8, 100 and 100% for cattle treated 2, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after infection, respectively. Data are also presented on body weight changes during the experimental period and on serum gamma-GT activity in cattle from selected groups. Triclabendazole is considered to be safer and more efficacious than currently available fasciolicides in China.

[A preliminary study on serum alpha-L-fucosidase assay in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Serum alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) was determined in 33 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 4 with secondary metastatic liver cancer, 61 with various liver diseases, 12 with gastrointestinal tumor and 50 healthy controls. The results showed that AFU level was significantly higher in HCC (14.48 +/- 5.77) than that in the controls (3.33 +/- 0.72) and in patient with other diseases (P less than 0.01). Serum AFU level was also increased in fulminant hepatitis (8.96 +/- 3.99), acute hepatitis (8.94 +/- 4.94) and chronic hepatitis (7.27 +/- 2.58), P less than 0.01 or 0.05. There was no significant difference in AFU level between the controls and patients with secondary metastatic liver cancer (6.25 +/- 0.84), cirrhosis (6.30 +/- 3.17), gastrointestinal tumor (4.43 +/- 1.64), liver hemangioma and liver abscess (4.86 +/- 2.22). A level exceeding 10.5u was a useful marker for the diagnosis of HCC with 78.8% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity. The diagnostic positivity was 81.8% in low AFP producing HCC, whereas 93.9% in those with elevated AFP. Our data indicate that serum AFU is a useful tumor marker for HCC, particularly in detection of AFP-low or negative HCC patients.

A rat uterine horn model of genital tract wound healing

A rat uterine horn model of genital tract wound healing is described. Healing was reflected by acquisition of strength and elasticity, measured by burst strength (BS) and extensibility (EX), respectively. A tensiometer (Instron Corp., Canton, MA) was used to assess these characteristics in castrated and estrogen-supplemented or nonsupplemented animals. While the horn weights (HW), BS, and EX of contralateral horns were not significantly different, the intra-animal variation of HW was 7.2%, BS was 17.7% and EX was 38.2%. In a second experiment, one uterine horn was divided and anastomosed, and the animal given estrogen supplementation or a placebo pellet. Estrogen administration was found to increase BS and EX of anastomosed horns prior to 14 days, but had no beneficial effect at 21 or 42 days. The data suggest that estrogen may be required for optimal early healing of genital tract wounds.

Cryotherapy for the treatment of proximal urethral condyloma acuminatum

Between March and November 1985 we treated 89 female patients with condyloma acuminatum of the lower genital tract. All patients were evaluated with colposcopy, urethroscopy and anoscopy. Carbon dioxide laser vaporization was used to treat condylomata in the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and distal urethra. Urethral involvement by condylomata was found in 31 patients (35 per cent). Eight patients had biopsy proved proximal urethral condylomata (9 per cent). Cryotherapy was used to treat these lesions. Six patients required only 1 treatment, while 2 required 2 treatments to cure the proximal urethral condylomata.

Vaccination of bovines against schistosomiasis japonica with highly irradiated schistosomula in China

Vaccination of Chinese bovines (cattle and buffaloes) against schistosomiasis japonica with 36 kR gamma-irradiated schistosomula was done for laboratory challenge and for field trials in China. Altogether, 61 bovines were used. All experimental animals were vaccinated 2-3 times with 10,000 irradiated schistosomula per time. For the laboratory challenge, all experimental and control cattle were challenged with 500 normal cercariae and each buffalo, with 2,000 cercariae. The laboratory-challenged bovines were killed after 54-57 days of challenge; the bovines for the field trial in the lightly endemic area, after 5 months in the field; and the bovines for the field trial in the heavily endemic area, after 58-63 days. When the animals were killed, the number of mature worms in the vaccinated (experimental) and non-vaccinated (control) animals was recorded and the percentage of worm reduction in each group was calculated. The first group, consisting of three vaccinated and three non-vaccinated cattle, was given a laboratory challenge; the worm reduction was 71.6%. The second group, consisting of two vaccinated and three non-vaccinated buffaloes, was also given a laboratory challenge; the worm reduction was 74.4%. The third group, consisting of seven vaccinated and eight non-vaccinated buffaloes, was utilized in a field trial in a lightly endemic area; the worm reduction was 75.6%. The fourth group, consisting of eight vaccinated and nine non-vaccinated cattle, and the fifth group, consisting of nine vaccinated and nine non-vaccinated buffaloes, were pastured in a heavily endemic area. The worm reduction was 65.1% in the fourth group and 75.7% in the fifth group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)