COVID-19 in Pregnant Patients at Term: Evolution of Coagulation Factors in Mild Forms throughout the Pandemic: Conventional Analysis and Logistic Regression

Aim: The evolution of coagulation factors in pregnant patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic is still debated. However, few studies have been carried out to evaluate the silent alterations of blood values in mild forms of the disease. Methods:A total of 153 pregnant patients with an asymptomatic form of COVID-19 and 306 healthy pregnant patients, who were admitted for delivery in our hospital between April 1, 2020 and March 1, 2022, were studied. The blood values harvested closest to the time of delivery were considered. Results:There was a significant variability in values of fibrinogen, prothrombin time, though these were still within normal limits. Conclusions:Pregnant patients with mild forms of COVID-19 displayed some blood alterations, even if they were asymptomatic for COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Is Currently Known about Homocysteine Involvement?

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly throughout the world causing health, social and economic instability. The severity and prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with the presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic lung disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and malignancy. Thrombosis is one of the most serious complications that can occur in patients with COVID-19. Homocysteine is a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid considered a potential marker of thrombotic diseases. Our review aims to provide an updated analysis of the data on the involvement of homocysteine in COVID-19 to highlight the correlation of this amino acid with disease severity and the possible mechanisms by which it intervenes.

IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8 serum values in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

Inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of otitis media by initiating and maintaining an inflammatory response to infection. The presence of inflammatory mediators may be one of the reasons, in some patients, for acute otitis media transforming into chronic otitis media. The present study included 60 patients admitted to the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Romania, for surgery. The control group comprised 30 healthy individuals. Serum levels of interleukin 1α (IL-1α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) were measured prior to surgery and were compared among patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), cholesteatoma and cholesteatoma recidivism and the control group. High serum levels of interleukins were recorded in all the groups compared to the healthy control group. IL-6 and IL-8 had the highest value in patients with CSOM and IL-1α had the highest value in patients with cholesteatoma recidivism. Thus, we can consider that inflammatory mediators play a central role in the pathogenesis of CSOM and cholesteatoma by maintaining a systemic and local inflammatory response.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Review of Epidemiology and Prevalence Assessment in Europe

BACKGROUND

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) epidemiologic studies focus on incidence and risk estimates.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to perform a thorough literature review, and to provide an accurate estimate of BIA-ALCL prevalence in Europe.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases to identify publications reporting BIA-ALCL epidemiology. Research was conducted between November 2019 and August 2020. European prevalence was assessed as the ratio between pathology-confirmed cases and breast implant-bearing individuals. The Committee on Device Safety and Development (CDSD) collected data from national plastic surgery societies, health authorities, and disease-specific registries to calculate the numerator. The denominator was estimated by combining European demographic data with scientific reports.

RESULTS

Our research identified 507 articles: 106 were excluded for not being relevant to BIA-ALCL. From the remaining 401 articles, we selected 35 that discussed epidemiology and 12 reviews. The CDSD reported 420 cases in Europe, with an overall prevalence of 1:13,745 cases in the 28 member states of the European Union (EU-28). Countries where specific measures have been implemented to tackle BIA-ALCL account for 61% of the EU-28 population and actively reported 382 cases with an overall prevalence of 1:9121.

CONCLUSION

Countries where specific measures have been implemented show a higher prevalence of BIA-ALCL compared with the European mean, suggesting that these countries have improved the detection of the condition and reduced underreporting, which affects the numerator value. Other nations should adopt projections based on these measures to avoid underestimating how widespread BIA-ALCL is.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Serological Parameters and Vascular Investigation for a Better Assessment in DVT during Pregnancy-A Systematic Review

Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a condition characterized by a thrombotic predisposition. The majority of pregnant women do not face acute or severe thrombotic events. In general, mild inconveniences such as leg swelling or moderately painful thrombotic events (phlebitis) are encountered. However, when pregnancy is associated with inherited or acquired deficits that affect homeostasis, the risk of acute or even life-threatening events can increase significantly. The major consequence is the loss of the fetus or the venous thromboembolism that endangers the mother's life. Venous thromboembolism is caused by deep vein thrombosis, therefore timely detection and especially the assessment of the extent of the thrombotic event are crucial. In this paper we have summarized the most important paraclinical investigations. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the methods of investigation. The right choice allows establishing a correct diagnosis and individualizing the treatment.

Calcium and Vitamin D Involvement in the Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis

The fragility fracture is the widest spread of the bone diseases, in elderly. It particularly affects the vertebrae, the femur, the proximal humerus, the distal radius, the pelvis, thus preventing the patient�s free movement. The most debilitating of all these fractures is the fragility fracture of the pelvis. This type of fracture raises supplementary problems compared to the other fractures due to the difficulties of diagnosis, surgical approach and to the longer recovery period. Choosing the right treatment for FFP is difficult due to health and comorbidities in elderly patients. Both conservative and surgical therapy involve equally large risks: prolonged immobilization or surgical risks. Therefore, pharmacological therapy is an alternative to surgery. Bisphosphonates prove their utility in the fracture-healing outcome, but the influence of calcium and vitamin D were overlooked. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of calcium and vitamin D in the healing process of patients with pelvic fragility fracture in osteoporotic patients with and without calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Our study shows that calcium and vitamin D exert a positive influence on the healing process of the fragility fractures and strongly emphasizes the need to educate patients to comply with the prescription to supplement calcium and vitamin D in order to improve fracture healing and prevent additional fractures.

Study Regarding the Relationship between Nutritional Status and Oral Health in the Elderly Patients

The aim of study was to investigate the relationship between oral health and nutritional status in a population of elderly patients with systemic chronic or acute pathology. Materials and method: Prospective cross-sectional clinical investigation of 115 aged patients (] 60 yo; mean age 66.2) from the Clinical Foundation, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi. In the first stage of the study, the patients (able to understand and communicate) were submitted to a mini-test for the assessment of the mental status (MMSE) . In the second stage of the study, a questionnaire was used to record demographic and socioeconomic data of the subjects as well as information regarding systemic status and nutritional facts. In the third stage of the study, the nutritional status was evaluated by using Mini-Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA). Finally, the oral status was evaluated by using clinical and radiographical exams as well as geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI). Results: Of the 60 old adults, 6% were severely malnourished, and 37.4% presented malnourished risk. 49.6% of the old people had difficulties eating firm foods, 25% of them being unable to prepare meals. Regarding oral status, only 5.2% had at least 20 natural teeth, 55.6% required dental care for decayed or broken teeth, 69.6% were affected by xerostomia, 21% of the completely or partial edentulous people were untreated by removable dentures, 25% of the edentulous patients complained by ill-fitted removable dentures. Conclusion: Lack of education, treatment with over 3 drugs daily, physical inability to buy foods or to prepare meals, as well as the difficulties eating firm foods are strongly associated with poor nutritional status. Also, the need for dental care was associated to nutritional deficiency.

The Influence of Nitric Oxid Donors Nebivolol and S-Nitrosoglutathion of the Oxidatives Stress and Liver Function in Rats

We aimed to investigate the influence of two nitric oxide donors on the oxidative stress and the liver function in rats with experimental-induced acute paw inflammation.The experiment was carried out on white male Wistar rats (200-250 g), randomly assigned into 4 groups of 5 animals each, which received the substances intraperitoneal, as follows: group 1 (Control) saline solution 0.1 ml/100 g body weight; group 2 (IND) indomethacin 150 mg/kg body weight (kbw); groups 3 (NEB) and 4 (GSNO) nebivolol 1 mg/kbw, respectively S-nitroso-glutathione 1 mg/kbw. Carrageenan-induced rat�s paw edema test was used for the generation of acute inflammation. The activity of liver enzymes and of some antioxidant parameters was evaluated before the carrageenan injection, after 24 hours and 3 days. The experimental protocol was approved by the University�s Ethic Committee on Research and Ethical Issues.The administration of indomethacin, nebivolol and S-nitroso-glutathione appears to decrease the oxidative stress after 24 h in rats with experimental-induced acute paw inflammation. The nitric oxide donors nebivolol and S-nitroso-glutathione produced moderate functional and structural liver disturbances in rats with acute inflammation.

Bisphosphonates Influence and Pain Assessment in Mobilization of Patients with Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis

Fragility fractures of the pelvis have lately gained interest due to the increased incidence caused by aging populations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the therapy in patients with pelvic fragility fracture admitted between January 2015 and September 2018 St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital in Iasi in order to improve the therapeutic approach. We assessed the correlation between pain and the early mobilization under the weight bearing condition in patients with and without osteoporotic therapy in history. The study emphasizes the role of pain in recovery process and underline the serious consequences of the late detection of bone fragility. Our study had revealed that previous osteoporotic treatment has benefits in the event of a fracture. As a result of this analysis, we consider that the age for the prophylactic measures in bone fragility should go below 60 years.

The Effects of Two Nitric Oxide Donors in Acute Inflammation in Rats Experimental data

We aimed to investigate the effects of two nitric oxide donors in acute inflammation in rats. The experiment was carried out on white Wistar rats, randomly distributed in 4 groups of 5 animals each; the substances were administered intraperitoneally as follows: Group 1 (SS): saline solution 0.1mL/100 g body weight (control); Group 2 (IND): indometacin 150 mg/kg body weight; Group 3 (NEB): nebivolol 1 mg/kg body weight; Group 4 (GSNO): S-nitroso-glutathione 1 mg/kg body weight. An experimental model of acute hind paw inflammation with carrageenan was used for the researches. The influence of the nitric oxide donors on blood parameters, specific inflammatory and immune markers was evaluated 24 h, respectively 72 hours after the injection of irritant agent. The experimental protocol was implemented according to the recommendations of our University Committee for Research and Ethical Issues. The administration of nitric oxide donors nebivolol and S-nitroso-glutathione was accompanied by a substantial diminution of paw edema, as well as by an important decrease in the percent of lymphocytes, a reduction of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha values. The effects of nebivolol were more accentuated than of S-nitroso-glutathione, but less intense than of indomethacin in the experiment. The treatment with nebivolol and S-nitroso-glutathione produced anti-inflammatory effects on local acute inflammation in the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in rats.

Demonstration of a narrow energy spread, ∼0.5 GeV electron beam from a two-stage laser wakefield accelerator

Laser wakefield acceleration of electrons holds great promise for producing ultracompact stages of GeV scale, high-quality electron beams for applications such as x-ray free electron lasers and high-energy colliders. Ultrahigh intensity laser pulses can be self-guided by relativistic plasma waves (the wake) over tens of vacuum diffraction lengths, to give >1  GeV energy in centimeter-scale low density plasmas using ionization-induced injection to inject charge into the wake even at low densities. By restricting electron injection to a distinct short region, the injector stage, energetic electron beams (of the order of 100 MeV) with a relatively large energy spread are generated. Some of these electrons are then further accelerated by a second, longer accelerator stage, which increases their energy to ∼0.5  GeV while reducing the relative energy spread to <5% FWHM.

Protective effects of selenium on acrylamide toxicity in the liver of the rat. Effects on the oxidative stress

Acrylamide (AA), obtained for the first time by Moureu in Germany in 1893, is presently used as polyacrylamide in water treatment and wastewater treatment, paper and pulp processing, mineral processing, crude-oil production processes. Acrylamide is a chemical product formed when frying, roasting, grilling or baking carbohydrate-rich foods at temperatures above 120 degrees C. Acrylamide is thus found in a number of foods, such as bread, crisps, French fries and coffee. Tobacco smoking also generates substantial amounts of acrylamide. Acrylamide administration is associated with significant increase of oxidative stress parameters; acrylamide caused disturbances in the oxidative status and enzyme activities and the effect was pronounced with the high doses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study investigates the effect of selenium (as sodium selenite and as a selenium dietary supplements--Celnium) on the oxidative stress in Wistar rats which received high doses of acrylamide.

RESULTS

The administration of sodium selenite and selenium dietary supplements (Celnium) significantly increased GSH and GPx levels and decreased MDA compared to group which received only acrylamide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that sodium selenite and selenium dietary supplements (Celnium) can partially prevent the biochemical changes in the liver of the rats which received high doses of acrylamide.

Biogenic amines determination in some Romanian meat products

AIM

Biogenic amines are compounds synthesized in human body which in high concentration become toxic and lead to a wide range of symptoms as palpitations, nausea and headache. Meat products can contain high levels of biogenic amines. Ingestion of such product can cause severe illness. For these reason it becomes necessary to determine the biogenic amines levels in meat products. In our work we have determined the amount of some biogenic amines and the ration in which they are present in different type of fresh and processed meat products made by several producers.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Meat sample was homogenized with TCA 5%, than centrifuged at 4000 rpm and supernatant collected was eluted on a solid cartridge extraction. The extracted liquid was than analyzed on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system in order to determine histamine, tyramine, cadaverine and putrescine.

RESULTS

Concentration of biogenic amines such as histamine, tyramine, cadaverine and putrescine, find in the foodstuffs we have analyzed, showed significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates the presence of biogenic amines in Romanian meat products and signals to the risk of food consumption, for persons which are allergic or for those under classical monoamine-oxidase inhibitor drug therapy.

Total antioxidant status in the blood serum of rats after biogenic amines administration

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of biogenic amines on rat blood levels of total antioxidant status (TAS). Total antioxidant species refers to all circulating species in plasma including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, uric acid, bilirubin, albumin as well as metal-binding proteins (e.g. ferritin or ceruloplasmin).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We worked on three series of Wistar male rats. Series I received histamine (10 mg/kg body) intra peritoneal (i.p.) single dose, Series II received tyramine (10 mg/kg body) intra peritoneal (i.p.) single dose and Series III received biogenic amines mixture (histamine, tyramine and cadaverine 5 mg/kg body) intra peritoneal (i.p.) single dose. At 72 hours after biogenic amines administration blood samples were collected and total antioxidant status was determined using a RANDOX kit for manual use.

RESULTS

Our data shows that total antioxidant status present a significant decrease after 72 hours after amines administration as compared with initial moment, before administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The biogenic amines decrease the level of the total oxidant status in rat blood serum and reduce the capacity of the antioxidant defense system. The amines administration as a mixture seems to have no cumulative effect on individual amine toxicity.

[Liver trauma. Experience of Surgical Department, City Hospital Timişoara]

The present paper analyzes the liver trauma, underlying efficient diagnostic methods and treatment approaches. Liver trauma is frequent in Surgical Emergency Units and it is a challenge for the surgeon who has to deal with diagnosis and treatment problems and also to treat the associated lesions. The study analyzes 49 cases of liver trauma admitted in Emergency Surgery Clinic from Timisoara City Hospital between January 1995 and April 2005. A very good trained team specialized in liver surgery but also a multidisciplinary team is very important in liver trauma.

The role of some prostaglandin analogues in experimental intoxication produced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Prostaglandins are synthesized ubiquitously in the body from unsaturated fatty acids and they act as paracrine messengers. We have studied the influence of a prostaglandin analogue on experimental induced hepatopathy. The tested compound is a synthetic isopropyl ester of PGF2 alpha (IPEF) and as hepato-toxic agent we used CCl4. We worked on four groups of 4 adult male rats each. Group I received no substance; Group II received CCl4 0.1 ml/bw/per os, single dose, for three days; Group III received CCl4 as series I and IPEF 15 micrograms/bw i.p., single dose daily, one hour before CCl4 administration; Group IV received CCl4 as series I and IPEF 50 micrograms/bw i.p., single dose daily. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, samples of blood were taken and ALT, AST, LDH as well as conjugate and unconjugate bilirubin were determined. We also determined MDH, GSH and glutathion peroxidase, in liver homogenate. Our data show that MDH levels are increased in Group I (20.81 +/- 3.15 microM/microgram protein) as compared with both Group III (8.44 +/- 1.32 microM/microgram protein) and IV (7.31 +/- 1.92 microM/microgram protein) which might suggest that prostaglandin analogue IPEF decreases the polyunsaturated fatty acids degradation, at both low and high level. ALAT levels for group that received CCl4 (782 +/- 20.8 U/L) are significantly higher than those for group III (264 +/- 15.4 U/L) and IV (227 +/- 8.4 U/L) which received IPEF at low, respectively high dose. Our data suggest that the synthetic prostaglandin analogue presents stabilizing membrane effects (plasmatic and membrane of some cellular organelles) and reduces peroxide radicals production.

Hypolipidemic effect of a prodrug containing nicotinic acid in rats. Correlation with plasmatic levels

We have studied a macromolecular prodrug that contains nicotinic acid bound on a polymeric support of dextran. We have determined plasmatic levels of nicotinic acid, by a HPLC method, after macromolecular conjugate administration for a 24 hours period. In order to study the hypolipidemic effect, triglyceride levels were determined and correlated with plasmatic levels of nicotinic acid. The obtained data show that, starting from 6 hours after polymeric conjugate administration, plasmatic levels of nicotinic acid are high enough to determine a significantly decrease in triglycerides level. As a conclusion we assume that the active substance was gradually released from the polymeric support leading to a prolonged presence of the active substance in the body, which caused a lowered triglycerides level.

Evaluation of simvastatin antioxidant effects

3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) which transforms 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaril-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) in mevalonate, is the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. In our study, from HMG-CoA reductase's known inhibitors, we used simvastatin (ZOCOR), which is a semi synthetic derivative of the second generation. The study was performed on 25 subjects (12 men and 12 women) aged 33-67 yo, with hypercholesterolemia, which have received simvastatin, 10 mg daily for 8 months. Under treatment with simvastatin we obtained a significant decrease of total cholesterol (p < 0.0001) and an improvement of enzymatic antioxidant parameters: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). In conclusion, simvastatin therapy determines a significant decrease in SOD, GPx, CAT, and an increase in CAT/SOD and GPx/SOD ratios.

NMR of multipolar spin states excitated in strongly inhomogeneous magnetic fields

The possibility of exciting and filtering various multipolar spin states in proton NMR like dipolar encoded longitudinal magnetization (LM), double-quantum (DQ) coherences, and dipolar order (DO) in strongly inhomogeneous static and radio-frequency magnetic fields is investigated. For this purpose pulse sequences which label and manipulate the multipolar spin states in a specific way were implemented on the NMR-MOUSE (mobile universal surface explorer). The performance of the pulse sequences was also tested in homogeneous fields on a solid-state high-field NMR spectrometer. The theoretical justification of these procedures was shown for a rigid two-spin 1/2 system coupled by dipolar interactions. Dipolar encoded longitudinal magnetization decay curves, double-quantum and dipolar-order buildup curves, as well as double-quantum decay curves were recorded with the NMR-MOUSE for natural rubber samples with different crosslink density. The possibility of using these multipolar spin states for investigations of strained elastomers by NMR-MOUSE is also shown. These curves give access to quantitative values of the ratio of the total residual dipolar couplings of the protons in the series of samples which are in good agreement with those measured in homogeneous fields.

Dipolar and J encoded DQ MAS spectra under rotational resonance

A two-dimensional (2D) double-quantum (DQ) experiment under rotational resonance (R(2)) conditions is introduced for evaluating dipolar couplings in rotating solids. The contributions from the R(2)-recoupled dipolar interaction and the J coupling can be conveniently separated in the resulting 2D R(2)-DQ spectrum, so that the unknown dipolar coupling can readily be extracted, provided that the values of the involved J coupling constants are known. Since the measured parameters are integral intensity ratios between suitably chosen absorption peaks in the 2D spectrum, the proposed method is characterized by a reduced sensitivity to relaxation parameters. The effect of rotor-modulated terms, including chemical shift anisotropy, is efficiently averaged out by synchronizing the excitation/reconversion time with the rotor period. All of these features are demonstrated theoretically by the example of two model systems, namely, isolated spin-pairs and a three-spin system. The results of the theoretical models are applied to both (13)C and (1)H nuclei to extract dipolar couplings in uniformly (13)C labeled L-alanine and a crosslinked natural rubber.

Efficient shortening of self-chirped picosecond pulses in a high-power CO(2) amplifier

We report a factor-of-6 shortening of the 240-ps (FWHM) pulses in a triple-pass, 2.5-atm CO(2) amplifier. This technique is based on the self-phase modulation of a 10-mum pulse in a plasma after the first pass of amplification, followed by narrowing of this chirped pulse during further amplification. Subsequently, strong power broadening provides the necessary bandwidth to amplify 40-ps pulses to terawatt power levels.

Double-quantum-filtered NMR signals in inhomogeneous magnetic fields

The possibility of exciting and detecting proton NMR double-quantum coherences in inhomogeneous static and radiofrequency magnetic fields was investigated. For this purpose specialized pulse sequences which partially refocus the strongly inhomogeneous evolution of the spin system and generate double-quantum buildup and decay curves were implemented on the NMR MOUSE (mobile universal surface explorer). The theoretical justification of the method was developed for the simple two-spin-1/2 system. The performances of the same pulse sequences were also tested on a solid-state high-field NMR spectrometer. It was shown that DQ decay curves have a better signal-to-noise ratio in the initial time regime than DQ buildup curves. The double-quantum buildup and decay curves were recorded for a series of cross-linked natural rubber samples. These curves give access to quantitative values of the ratio of proton total residual dipolar couplings which are in good agreement with those measured in homogeneous fields. A linear dependence of these ratios on the sulfur-accelerator content was found.

Analysis of multiple-pulse techniques under fast MAS conditions

The combination of magic-angle spinning and multiple-pulse sequences for line-narrowing in solids with homogeneous spin interactions is analyzed using Floquet theory. It is found that, for quasi-static conditions and for special synchronization conditions, line-narrowing is possible while for other conditions destructive interference of the two techniques takes place. However, even for optimum line-narrowing conditions, fundamental limitations with respect to the achievable linewidth are found, whereas the conditions of recoupling spin interactions are more easily realized. The implications of these results with respect to improving existing line-narrowing techniques or techniques for the design of specific Hamiltonians are discussed.

Generation of 160-ps terawatt-power CO(2) laser pulses

We have developed a three-stage CO(2) master-oscillator-amplifier system that produces 1.1 TW of peak power. The system generates 170 J of energy in a diffraction-limited 160+/-10ps pulse on the 10P(20) line. We also report the realization of a two-wavelength terawatt-peak-power CO(2) laser that can be tuned to an arbitrary pair of lines. A two-stage semiconductor switching system driven by a picosecond-pulse Nd:YAG laser was used to slice a short, low-power 10.6-mum pulse for amplification. A simple plasma shutter helped to compensate for gain narrowing in a final three-pass amplifier and to shorten the pulse.

[Clinical imaging correlations in lacunar infarcts]

PURPOSE

This paper is a study concerning the clinical-imagistic correlations in lacunar infarcts causes and associated lesions in these ones. We made an attempt to find out and emphasize the risk factors, causes and pathogenic mechanisms involved in lacunar syndromes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 138 patients with lacunar infarcts diagnosed by clinical examination and computer tomography. The investigation of risk factors evidenced arterial hypertension in 75 cases (54%). The clinical features of lacunar syndromes were: 1) pure motor stroke 41c; 2) pure sensory stroke 8c; 3) ataxic hemiparesis 9c; 4) dysarthria-clumsy hand 1c; 5) sensorimotor stroke 21c; 6) Landry syndrome 1c.

RESULTS

We correlated the clinical manifestations and complementary investigations what enabled us to charge in determining of lacunar infarcts: focal microangiopathy-small artery disease (75c), cardio-embolic mechanism (12c), arterio-arteriolar embolic mechanism (15c). The risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms need more adequate research in order to find appropriate prevention and medical attendance.

[Experimental ethanol poisoning in rats]

Ethanol is one of the most used substances that produce liver lesions. The differences between species, the pathway of administration and the genetic variation are factors that influence the response of liver to ethanol. The experiment used adult male Wistar rats and the hepatic lesions were assessed using standard histological examination. The results show an increase of triglycerides in liver cells even in acute intoxication, the most affected cells being located in the periphery of the hepatic lobule, associated with a dilatation of blood vessels.

The influence of some cations on PAF-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats

We investigated the influences of Li2CO3 1 g/kg i.p., MgSO4 1 g/kg i.p. and Zinc acexamate 100 mg/kg p.o. on gastric lesions induced by Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), 2 micrograms/kg i.v. in rats. Our data show that, Li+ has no a significant influence, while Mg2+ decrease significantly the PAF induced gastric lesions.

The influence of an PGF2x analogue and of some peptidoleukotrienes and platelet activating factor antagonists in experimentally induced gastric ulcer in rats

We tested the influence of 30 mg/kg/per os BN 52021, 300 micrograms/kg Cloprostenol (CIPG) and of 5 mg/kg per os LY 171883B in stress restrain and indomethacin induced ulcers in rats. The data obtained show that CIPG and LY 171883 have a significant gastroprotective action in both ulcer models. BN 52021 has a significant protective activity in stress ulcer and less in indomethacin-induced ulcers.

[Pharmacological studies of sulbactam and its association with semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotics]

The acute toxicity, local tolerance and pharmacokinetic properties of sulbactame manufactured by the Iaşi Antibiotic Investigation Centre, alone or in association with ampicillin or amoxicillin were tested. Some tests were made comparatively with the product Unasyn--Pfizer. The obtained data show that this beta-lactamase inhibitor has a low toxicity--DL50 i.p. in mice over 4,000 mg/kg, both alone or associated with the two semisynthetic beta-lactamic antibiotics. The local tolerance is good and the serum levels of the above mentioned associations are above towards the tested bacteria and are similar or very close to those of Unasyn. It is believed that the therapeutical use of the association sulbactame + ampicillin or sulbactame + amoxicillin is very useful in the beta-lactamase producing germs infection.

[The evaluation of the teratogenesis and embryotoxicity of the pharmaceutical product Boicil tablets. II. The effect of the pharmaceutical product Boicil tablets on early embryogenesis, organogenesis and the fetus in 3 successive generations of rats and mice]

The effect of Boicil tablets on early embryogenesis (the first 3 gestational days), organogenesis (the 10th, 11th and 12th gestational days) and fetus (the 18th and 19th gestational days) by its intraamniotic administration was followed up in three successive generations of mice and rats. Two doses were used (2 mg/kg body weight and 20 mg/kg body weight), estimated in relation with the maximum therapeutic daily dose in man, being administered in a single dose, per os. No inborn malformations or somatic abnormalities were recorded both in mothers and in their descendents for three successive generations. It is concluded that Boicil tablets is not teratogenic.

[The evaluation of the teratogenesis and embryotoxicity of the pharmaceutical product Boicil tablets. I. The effect of the pharmaceutical product Boicil tablets on fertilization and implantation in rats and mice]

The teratogen action of Boicil tablets was studied in two animal species, rats and mice, the prefertilization and implantation stages being the main interest. Three generations of animals were followed up. The active powder suspended in distilled water (0.1 ml/10 g for mice and 1 ml/100 g for rats) was administered per os in a single dose, prepared on spot and in two doses, 2 mg/kg body weight and 20 mg kg body weight, respectively. The administered doses were equivalent to the daily maximum therapeutic dose prescribed in humans (110 mg active principle). The first gestational day was determined differently in the two species. For estimating the effect on prefertilization, Boicil tablets was administered for 5 days before making and for its effects on the number of implantations during the first 3 gestational days. The two parameters under investigation were within normal limits and all newborn animals followed up for three generations did not present pathological microscopic and gross alterations or somatic malformations. It was concluded that Boicil tablets is not teratogenic.

Solubilization of the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli by the ionic detergent sodium-lauryl sarcosinate

The sensitivity of the outer and cytoplasmic membranes of Escherichia coli to detergent was examined by isopycnic sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Sodium lauryl sarcosinate (Sarkosyl) was found to disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane selectively under conditions in which Triton X-100 and dodecyl sodium sulfate solubilized all membrane protein. These results were verified by gel electrophoresis; membrane proteins solubilized by Sarkosyl were identical to those of the cytoplasmic membrane. The presence of Mg(2+) during treatment with Sarkosyl was found to afford partial protection of the cytoplasmic membrane from dissolution.

Spore appendages and taxonomy of Clostridium sordellii

Twenty-five strains of Clostridium sordellii were divided into two groups on the basis of spore fine structure. Sixteen strains formed spores with smooth tubular appendages, and nine strains formed spores which lacked appendages. The other properties of the 25 strains were relatively constant. Since the minor strain variability which was encountered did not correlate with spore appendage status, fragmentation of this species on the basis of spore appendage status is not advocated.