Study of Two-Photon Exchange via the Beam Transverse Single Spin Asymmetry in Electron-Proton Elastic Scattering at Forward Angles over a Wide Energy Range

We report on a new measurement of the beam transverse single spin asymmetry in electron-proton elastic scattering, A_{⊥}^{ep}, at five beam energies from 315.1 to 1508.4 MeV and at a scattering angle of 30°<θ<40°. The covered Q^{2} values are 0.032, 0.057, 0.082, 0.218, 0.613 (GeV/c)^{2}. The measurement clearly indicates significant inelastic contributions to the two-photon-exchange (TPE) amplitude in the low-Q^{2} kinematic region. No theoretical calculation is able to reproduce our result. Comparison with a calculation based on unitarity, which only takes into account elastic and πN inelastic intermediate states, suggests that there are other inelastic intermediate states such as ππN, KΛ, and ηN. Covering a wide energy range, our new high-precision data provide a benchmark to study those intermediate states.

New Measurements of the Beam Normal Spin Asymmetries at Large Backward Angles with Hydrogen and Deuterium Targets

New measurements of the beam normal single spin asymmetry in the electron elastic and quasielastic scattering on the proton and deuteron, respectively, at large backward angles and at ⟨Q^{2}⟩=0.22  (GeV/c)^{2} and ⟨Q^{2}⟩=0.35  ( GeV/c)^{2} are reported. The experimentally observed asymmetries are compared with the theoretical calculation of Pasquini and Vanderhaeghen [Phys. Rev. C 70, 045206 (2004).PRVCAN0556-281310.1103/PhysRevC.70.045206]. The agreement of the measurements with the theoretical calculations shows a dominance of the inelastic intermediate excited states of the nucleon, πN and the Δ resonance. The measurements explore a new, important parameter region of the exchanged virtual photon virtualities.

Using mHealth technologies to improve the identification of behavioral health problems in urban primary care settings

Introduction:

Behavioral health disorders remain under recognized and under diagnosed among urban primary care patients. Screening patients for such problems is widely recommended, yet is challenging to do in a brief primary care encounter, particularly for this socially and medically complex patient population.

Methods:

In 2013, intervention patients at an urban Connecticut primary clinic were screened for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and risky drinking (n = 146) using an electronic tablet-based screening tool. Screening data were compared to electronic health record data from control patients (n = 129) to assess differences in the prevalence of behavioral health problems, rates of follow-up care, and the rate of newly identified cases in the intervention group.

Results:

Results from logistic regressions indicated that both groups had similar rates of disorder at baseline. Patients in the intervention group were five times more likely to be identified with depression (p < 0.05). Post-traumatic stress disorder was virtually unrecognized among controls but was observed in 23% of the intervention group (p < 0.001). The vast majority of behavioral health problems identified in the intervention group were new cases. Follow-up rates were significantly higher in the intervention group relative to controls, but were low overall.

Conclusion:

This tablet-based electronic screening tool identified significantly higher rates of behavioral health disorders than have been previously reported for this patient population. Electronic risk screening using patient-reported outcome measures offers an efficient approach to improving the identification of behavioral health problems and improving rates of follow-up care.

192 INDUCIBLE TRANSGENE EXPRESSION IN PIGS

Genetically modified pigs are important models for biomedical research. For certain applications, tightly controlled transgene expression is mandatory. For instance, expression of soluble receptor activator of the NFκB ligand (RANKL) is an established principle for inducing clinically relevant osteoporosis (Mizuno et al. 2002 J. Bone Miner. Metab. 20, 337–344). However, constitutive overexpression of RANKL is lethal; thus, an inducible system is required. A second example is the expression of porcine CTLA-4Ig to prevent co-stimulation of T-cells in pig-to-primate xenotransplantation. Because constitutive expression of porcine CTLA-4Ig causes immunosuppression in pigs (Phelps et al. 2009 Xenotransplantation 16, 477–485), an inducible expression system is desirable. The Tet-On system is used most widely. It is based on a tetracycline transactivator (TA) and a transactivator response element (TARE), which drives expression of the coding sequence for the transgene product of choice. Association of doxycyclin with TA allows binding to TARE, resulting in activation of transgene expression. Although widely used in mice, this system has not yet been established in pigs. Because consistently high expression of TA is required for a functional system, we first cloned an expression vector for TA under the control of the CMV enhancer/chicken β-actin promoter (CAG). A floxed neomycin resistance cassette was linked to this vector to facilitate selection of stable clones after transfection of primary porcine kidney cells. The latter were used for nuclear transfer, and cloned embryos were transferred to synchronized recipient gilts, resulting in the birth of 5 CAG-TA transgenic piglets. A spectrum of organs and tissues was investigated by RT-PCR and Western blot for TA mRNA and protein expression. Primary kidney cells from all 5 TA transgenic piglets were transfected with TARE-RANKL and TARE-CTLA-4Ig constructs linked with a blasticidin resistance cassette to facilitate selection of double transgenic/transfected cell clones. These cell clones were individually stimulated with doxycyclin to identify cell clones with low background and high inducibility of expression of RANKL or CTLA-4Ig. For both combinations, several clones meeting these criteria were identified. Such cell clones were used for nuclear transfer to produce double-transgenic pigs. Application of doxycyclin (25 to 50 mg kg–1 of body weight/day) to a TA/TARE-RANKL transgenic pig resulted in a marked increase in plasma RANKL concentrations. In addition, 4 TA/TARE-CTLA-4Ig transgenic piglets have been born, which will undergo doxycyclin stimulation experiments in the near future. In summary, CAG-TA transgenic pigs serve as a reliable basis for inducible transgene expression, as shown in the present study for RANKL and CTLA-4Ig. Studies to show the biological functionality of the transgene are currently underway. Supported by DFG (FOR793) and BFS (FORZebRA).

Measurement of strange quark contributions to the vector form factors of the proton at Q2 = 0.22 (GeV / c)2

A new measurement of the parity violating asymmetry in elastic electron scattering on hydrogen at backward angles and at a four momentum transfer of Q;{2} = 0.22 (Ge V / c);{2} is reported here. The measured asymmetry is A_{LR} = (-17.23 +/- 0.82_{stat} +/- 0.89_{syst}) x 10;{-6}. The standard model prediction assuming no strangeness is A_{0} = (-15.87 +/- 1.22) x 10;{-6}. In combination with previous results from measurements at forward angles, it is possible to disentangle for the first time the strange form factors at this momentum transfer, G_{E};{s} = 0.050 +/- 0.038 +/- 0.019 and G_{M};{s} = -0.14 +/- 0.11 +/- 0.11.

An evidence based alcohol screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) curriculum for emergency department (ED) providers improves skills and utilization

OBJECTIVE

Emergency Departments (EDs) offer an opportunity to improve the care of patients with at-risk and dependent drinking by teaching staff to screen, perform brief intervention and refer to treatment (SBIRT). We describe here the implementation at 14 Academic EDs of a structured SBIRT curriculum to determine if this learning experience improves provider beliefs and practices.

METHODS

ED faculty, residents, nurses, physician extenders, social workers, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were surveyed prior to participating in either a two hour interactive workshops with case simulations, or a web-based program (www.ed.bmc.org/sbirt). A pre-post repeated measures design assessed changes in provider beliefs and practices at three and 12 months post-exposure.

RESULTS

Among 402 ED providers, 74% reported < 10 hours of prior professional alcohol-related education and 78% had < 2 hours exposure in the previous year. At 3-month follow-up, scores for self-reported confidence in ability, responsibility to intervene, and actual utilization of SBIRT skills all improved significantly over baseline. Gains decreased somewhat at 12 months, but remained above baseline. Length of time in practice was positively associated with SBIRT utilization, controlling for gender, race and type of profession. Persistent barriers included time limitations and lack of referral resources.

CONCLUSIONS

ED providers respond favorably to SBIRT. Changes in utilization were substantial at three months post-exposure to a standardized curriculum, but less apparent after 12 months. Booster sessions, trained assistants and infrastructure supports may be needed to sustain changes over the longer term.

Evidence for strange-quark contributions to the nucleon's form factors at Q2=0.108 (GeV/c)2

We report on a measurement of the parity violating asymmetry in the elastic scattering of polarized electrons off unpolarized protons with the A4 apparatus at MAMI in Mainz at a four momentum transfer value of Q(2)=0.108 (GeV/c)(2) and at a forward electron scattering angle of 30 degrees <theta(e)<40 degrees . The measured asymmetry is A(LR)(e-->p)=[-1.36+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.13(syst)]x10(-6). The expectation from the standard model assuming no strangeness contribution to the vector current is A(0)=(-2.06+/-0.14)x10(-6). We have improved the statistical accuracy by a factor of 3 as compared to our previous measurements at a higher Q2. We have extracted the strangeness contribution to the electromagnetic form factors from our data to be G(s)(E)+0.106G(s)(M)=0.071+/-0.036 at Q(2)=0.108 (GeV/c)(2). We again find the value for G(s)(E)+0.106G(s)(M) to be positive, this time at an improved significance level of two sigma.

Measurement of the transverse beam spin asymmetry in elastic electron-proton scattering and the inelastic contribution to the imaginary part of the two-photon exchange amplitude

We report on a measurement of the asymmetry in the scattering of transversely polarized electrons off unpolarized protons, A( perpendicular), at two Q2 values of 0.106 and 0.230 (GeV/c)(2) and a scattering angle of 30 degrees <theta(e)<40 degrees . The measured transverse asymmetries are A( perpendicular)(Q(2)=0.106 (GeV/c)(2))=(-8.59+/-0.89(stat)+/-0.75(syst))x10(-6) and A( perpendicular)(Q(2)=0.230 (GeV/c)(2))=(-8.52+/-2.31(stat)+/-0.87(syst))x10(-6). The first errors denote the statistical error and the second the systematic uncertainties. From comparison with theoretical estimates of A( perpendicular) we conclude that piN-intermediate states give a substantial contribution to the imaginary part of the two-photon amplitude. There is no obvious reason why this should be different for the real part of the two-photon amplitude, which enters into the radiative corrections for the Rosenbluth separation measurements of the electric form factor of the proton.

Effects of sedimentation on soil nutrient dynamics in riparian forests

The influence of sedimentation rates on biogeochemistry of riparian forests was studied near ephemeral streams at Fort Benning, GA. Upper reaches of seven ephemeral streams had received varying rates of sedimentation stemming from erosion along unpaved roadways at the military installation. Two reference catchments were also included in the study. Decomposition of foliar litter, microbial C and N, N mineralization, and arthropod populations were compared within and among catchments. Rates of sedimentation over the past 25 yr ranged from 0 in references to 4.0 cm yr(-1). Decomposition rates declined exponentially with sedimentation rates as low as 0.20 to 0.32 cm yr(-1) and appeared to reach an equilibrium at a sedimentation rate of 0.5 cm yr(-1). Nitrogen mineralization and microbial C and N followed the same trend. Sedimentation had no discernible effect on arthropod populations. These data suggest that biogeochemical cycles may be altered by sedimentation rates that commonly occur in some floodplain forests.

Measurement of strange-quark contributions to the nucleon's form factors at Q(2) = 0.230 (GeV/c)(2)

We report on a measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in the scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons on unpolarized protons at a Q2 of 0.230 (GeV/c)(2) and a scattering angle of theta (e) = 30 degrees - 40 degrees. Using a large acceptance fast PbF2 calorimeter with a solid angle of delta omega = 0.62 sr, the A4 experiment is the first parity violation experiment to count individual scattering events. The measured asymmetry is A(phys)=(-5.44+/-0.54(stat)+/-0.26(sys))x10(-6). The standard model expectation assuming no strangeness contributions to the vector form factors is A(0) = (-6.30+/-0.43) x 10(-6). The difference is a direct measurement of the strangeness contribution to the vector form factors of the proton. The extracted value is G(s)(E) + 0.225G(s)(M) = 0.039+/-0.034 or F(s)(1) + 0.130F(s)(2) = 0.032+/-0.028.

Aerosolized amphotericin B inhalations as prophylaxis of invasive aspergillus infections during prolonged neutropenia: results of a prospective randomized multicenter trial

We performed a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic inhalations with aerosolized amphotericin B (aeroAmB) to reduce the incidence of invasive aspergillus (IA) infections in patients after chemotherapy or autologous bone marrow transplantation and an expected duration of neutropenia of at least 10 days. From March 1993 until April 1996, 382 patients with leukemias, relapsed high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas, or solid tumors were randomized with a 13:10 ratio to receive either prophylactic aeroAmB inhalations at a dose of 10 mg twice daily or no inhalation prophylaxis in an unblinded fashion. The incidence of proven, probable, or possible IA infections was 10 of 227 (4%) in patients who received prophylactic aeroAmB. This did not differ significantly from the 11 of 155 (7%) incidence in patients who received no inhalation prophylaxis (P =.37). Moreover, no differences in the overall mortality (13% v 10%; P =.37) or in the infection-related mortality (8% v 7%; P =.79) were found. In contrast to other nonrandomized trials, we observed no benefit from prophylactic aeroAmB inhalations, but the overall incidence of IA infections was low.

[Amyloidosis of the tongue as a possible diagnostic manifestation of plasmacytoma]

Plasmocytic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the most common tumor of bone and bone marrow, typically diagnosed by symptoms such as monoclonal paraproteinemia, proteinuria, anemia and hypercalcemia. In its progress, deposits of amyloids in almost all organs can be observed. However, plasmacytomas which are diagnosed by macroglossia of primarily unknown etiology are rare. This case report presents a 61-year-old woman who suffered from a persistent swelling of the tongue with painful ulcerations. A biopsy led to the diagnosis of primary systemic amyloidosis of the light-chain type, which subsequently proved to be a plasmacytoma with lambda light-chains stage II after Durie and Salmon. In the course of the disease the patient developed further deposits of amyloids in the whole gastro-enteric system. Macroglossia as a primary manifestation of plasmacytoma is rarely described in medical literature. However, reports on deposits of amyloid in the tongue in advanced stages of disease are well known.

Increased risk of malignancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, multisystem, autoimmune disorder that primarily affects women. Morbidity and mortality have improved for lupus patients during the last 15 years. An increased risk of malignancy in patients with lupus has been shown in some, but not all studies. The purpose of this study was to ascertain cancer risk in lupus patients by linking two disease registries.

METHODS

Participants in the Chicago Lupus Cohort included 616 women with lupus who were residents of Cook County, Illinois. They were seen during 1985-1995 at 4 University, inner city, and suburban inpatient and outpatient clinics in Chicago. Malignancies occurring in these subjects during the study interval, 1985-1995, were identified from the Illinois State Cancer Registry by matching name, birthdate, and social security number. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated for all malignancies in this cohort of lupus patients using age, gender, and all race or race-stratified specific cancer incidence data from Cook County, Illinois.

RESULTS

The registry linkage study with the Illinois State Cancer Registry documented that 30 women with lupus had a malignancy. The expected number of malignancies for women in the lupus cohort was 15.0. There were 8 cases of breast cancer and 4 each of lung and cervical cancer. In the remaining 14 women, 12 different types of cancers were noted. The SIR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for malignancy for all women with lupus in the study were 2.0 (1.4, 2.9) and lung cancer was the only individual cancer increased in all women--SIR and 95% CI were 3.1 (1.3, 7.9). In the analysis stratified by race, the risk of malignancy (SIR and 95% CI) was increased in Caucasian women, 2.3 (1.4, 3.9). Breast cancer was the only individual cancer increased in Caucasian women with lupus with an SIR and 95% CI of 2.9 (1.4, 6.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Lupus patients have an increased risk of malignancy. Breast, lung, and gynecological malignancies were the most common malignancies observed in the cohort and breast cancer was significantly increased in Caucasian women.

Immunosuppressive drug use during pregnancy

Women with rheumatic diseases frequently need treatment throughout pregnancy and lactation. Physicians must confront the dual challenge of monitoring the possible effects of the underlying maternal disease and the medications on both mother and child. It is essential that the maternal disease be well controlled before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for the mother and child. Corticosteroids have been used extensively and safely in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis; there have been no reports of congenital malformations in the exposed infants. There is considerable experience using azathioprine during pregnancy if the maternal condition requires use of a cytotoxic drug; there has been no increased risk of congenital malformations in the exposed infants. There is limited information on the safety of other medications, including 6-mercaptopurine, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine. Methotrexate is contraindicated during pregnancy, and chlorambucil should be avoided because there are other effective immunosuppressive agents available for use. Corticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone) can be used safely during lactation. All other immunosuppressive medications, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are contraindicated during lactation.

Aerosol amphotericin B inhalations for prevention of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in neutropenic cancer patients

To determine the value of aerosol amphotericin B inhalations for prevention of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), we initiated a prospective randomized multicenter trial. The scheduled intent-to-treat interim analysis included 115 patients (30%) with prolonged neutropenia after chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia/high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or solid tumors undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation. Sixty-five patients had been randomized to receive prophylactic aerosol amphotericin B inhalations at a dose of 10 mg twice daily (group A); for the remaining 50 patients no aerosol amphotericin B prophylaxis was used (group B). No serious side effects from amphotericin B inhalations occurred, but coughing (54%), bad taste (51%), and nausea (37%) caused early cessation of aerosol amphotericin B prophylaxis in 23% (15/65) of courses. In group A, the incidence of proven, probably, or possible IPA was 5% (3/65) as compared with 12% (6/50) in group B (p > 0.05). Microbiologically documented bacterial pneumonias were observed in 5/65 (8%) patients in group A and in 1/50 (2%) patients in group B (p > 0.05). Thus, no reduction in incidence of IPA from use of prophylactic aerosol amphotericin B inhalations was found in this interim analysis. As there were no serious side effects from aerosol amphotericin B prophylaxis, accrual in the study will continue for a total of 380 patients.

[Comparison of several variables of metabolic, immunologic and endocrine function with personality factors in perioperative stress]

To look for relations between stress and personality a comparison of neuroendocrine, metabolical, immunological variables with personality factors according to Eysenck was performed. There are unsharp relations between physiological variation and personality scores, which give reference to interconnections between stress, perioperative course and complications; not in the simple minded understanding that stress causes trouble, but the dependence of perioperative difficulties on that, how an individual percepts its inner and outer surface and reacts on events on them. The anticipation of aversive signals alone is not sufficient for triggering the stress reaction, it needs additionally the corporeal perception, which signals the brain, that the threatening event really occurred. In perioperative time the stress reaction solves round about the 5th day postoperatively.

Elevated levels of head activator in human brain tumors and in serum of patients with brain and other neurally derived tumors

In normal human tissue high concentrations of the neuropeptide head activator are found in the hypothalamus, in the retina, and in the gastro-intestinal tract. Up to 100-fold elevated levels of head activator over neighbouring tissue were found in tumors of the brain, especially in tumors of neural origin like astrocytoma and glioblastoma, but also in meningioma. Coincident with elevated tissue levels, an increased secretion into the general circulation was observed. Elevated levels of head activator in the blood were also observed in patients with tumors in peripheral locations, especially in tumors of gastrointestinal tract and/or of neuroendocrine origin. After tumor removal, the head activator levels in the blood dropped to normal values suggesting a possible role of head activator in neuroendocrine tumorigenesis.

Synthesis of new head-activator analogues and their application for improved radioimmunoassays

New analogues of head activator were produced for receptor and radioimmunoassay studies. The precursor molecules [(4'-I)Phe11] head activator and [Tyr11] head activator were synthesised for catalytic tritiation and iodination, respectively. With the tracer [(3,5-125 I2)Tyr11] head activator the sensitivity range of the radioimmunoassay was 5-100 fmol.

Postnatal development of the connexion between tubulus seminiferous and tubulus rectus in the bovine testis

Histology and ultrastructure of the connexion of seminiferous and straight testicular tubules were studied in 58 bovine testes of 29 animals ranging from 4 to 52 weeks of postnatal development. In the 4th and 8th week seminiferous tubules are solid. Their non-germinal supporting cells possess spherical nuclei in a basal location and a great amount of granular endoplasmic reticulum. The straight tubules have a narrow lumen and a stratified epithelium rich in intercellular canaliculi. Between 20 and 25 weeks the seminiferous tubules acquire a lumen and develop a terminal segment, the tip of which (terminal plug) protrudes into the cup-shaped modification of the adjacent straight tubule. At 30 weeks the structural differentiation between seminiferous tubule proper and its terminal segment has proceeded: in the former spermatocytes and spermatids make their first appearance, and the supporting cells have transformed to Sertoli cells. In the latter the morphology of the supporting cell preserves a more primitive state. Starting from the 16th week and proceeding through the 30th week and further, the epithelium of the tubulus rectus close to the connexion with the seminiferous tubule becomes monolayered by rearrangement of its cells and advances along the basal lamina into the area of the seminiferous tubule. Those cells of the seminiferous tubule that are cut off from the basal lamina by invading rectus cells degenerate. Between 40 and 52 weeks the adult situation is principally achieved. The terminal segment of the seminiferous tubule is tripartite consisting of transitional region, intermediate portion, and terminal plug. The terminal segment is surrounded by a vascular plexus. The straight testicular tubule adjacent to the terminal segment is modified into a cup region encompassing the terminal plug, followed by a narrow stalk region, which is lined by simple columnar epithelium. Mononuclear free cells are a constant feature of the tubulus rectus epithelium in all stages of postnatal development.

The neuropeptide head activator loses its biological acitivity by dimerization

On molecular sieve columns the neuropeptide head activator elutes at two distinct positions corresponding to apparent mol. wts of 700 and 1400 daltons. The low mol. wt component is stable only under high ionic conditions and represents the monomeric state of the head activator. Only this form is biologically active. The higher mol. wt component, which is reapidly formed under physiological conditions, is the dimeric head activator and is biologically inactive. We suggest that this dimerization is of biological relevance as a mechanism for inactivation of neuropeptides.

The head activator is released from regenerating Hydra bound to a carrier molecule

Hydra forced to regenerate a head releases head activator and head inhibitor during the first hours after cutting to induce head-specific growth and differentiation processes. Analysis of the size distribution demonstrated that the head-activator peptide is co-released with (a) large molecular weight carrier molecule(s) to which it is non-covalently bound. The carrier-bound head activator is fully active on Hydra indicating that a carrier does not hinder the interaction with receptors. In contrast to this the head inhibitor is released in its naked, low molecular mass form. The association or non-association with a carrier molecule results in marked differences in biological properties. The head activator has a short range of action, but a long half-life, the head inhibitor has a global range of action, but a short half-life. These results provide a plausible explanation why two antagonistically acting substances, although they are released from the same site and simultaneously nevertheless can give rise to a well-defined temporal and spatial pattern of differentiation as occurs, for example, during head regeneration in Hydra.

[Equivalence of oral and intramuscular premedication. III. Effect of premedication on anesthesia and postoperative pain]

600 patients were given 6 different premedications in randomised design to study their effect on the course of anaesthesia and on postoperative pain. Premedication acts indirectly on anaesthesia, depending on the influence of the drug on anxiety and on the somatic correlates of anxiety. The greater the sedative-anxiolytic effect of the premedication, the easier it is to induce anaesthesia, and the more superficial the anaesthesia, resulting in earlier and stronger onset of postoperative pain. On the other hand, the more anxious the patient is, the more he consumes anaesthetic drugs, whereas anaesthesia remains superficial with the same consequences in respect of postoperative pain. In view of postoperative pain, fast and early awakening from anaesthesia must not be aimed at, particularly after operations which definitely result in postoperative pain (long-term operations in those regions of the body that cannot be immobilised).

[Equivalence of oral and intramuscular premedication. II. Effect of various conventional premedication drugs]

In a randomised study, 6 different premedications (oral flunitrazepam, oral pentobarbital, oral physiological NaCl solution, intramuscular pethidine, intramuscular droperidol/fentanyl, intramuscular physiological NaCl solution) were administered to 600 patients to determine the equal efficacy of the premedicative drugs in oral or parenteral administration. Patients gave the best rating to the oral application of flunitrazepam. The differences in the assessment of application and effect of the drugs are contrasted by the statement that most patients do not feel any direct influence on their preoperative anxiety by premedication. However, it is easier for them to cope with anxiety because premedication pacifies the patients, whereas each of the dependent variables, such as apprehension, is influenced differently. Oral premedication again proves superior to parenteral premedication.

[Equivalence of oral and intramuscular premedication. I. Oral versus intramuscular premedication]

In a randomised study, 6 different premedications (oral flunitrazepam, oral pentobarbital, oral NaCl solution; intramuscular pethidine, intramuscular droperidol/fentanyl, and intramuscular NaCl solution) were administered to 600 patients, to determine the equal efficacy of oral and intramuscular application. The results show a significantly better mode of action of oral premedication.

Serum enzymes in toxicity of trichloroethylene after subchronic ethanol pretreatment

In order to establish evidence of serum enzyme activities in toxicological long-term experiments alterations of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) in the serum of rats were investigated after subchronic ethanol pretreatment and following trichloroethylene exposure. Somewhat lower enzyme activities were found in ethanol treated animals than in those who only got water in nearly all cases. Significant ALAT and ASAT decreases occurred after giving higher ethanol concentrations (5% and 10%, v/v) for 30 weeks. It is possible that this fact among other things could be responsible for the only slight enzyme elevations after trichloroethylene in long-term ethanol pretreated rats.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the neuropeptide 'head activator'

By exposing different sites of the 'head activator', different sets of antibodies were designed and produced which recognised either the amino or the carboxy terminus of the free 'head activator', which reacted with 'head activator' in a tissue-fixed conformation, or which bound to the 'head-activator' sequence, if it was part of a larger precursor-like molecule. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to characterise the antibodies and also to assay minute amounts of 'head activator' or 'head-activator'-like immunoreactivities in animal or tissue extracts. A competitive ELISA is described which uses biotin-avidin for enhancement. The assay is sensitive with an antibody specific for the amino terminus in the range of 0.5-50 fmol, with an antibody specific for the carboxy terminus in the range of 20-400 fmol. The ELISA specific for the amino terminus is 10-times more sensitive than a radio-immunoassay with tritiated 'head activator' [H. Bodenmüller and B. Zachmann (1983) FEBS Lett. 159,237-240]. Previously no radioimmunoassay existed with specificity for the carboxy terminus.

[Anticonvulsant effects of indoline derivatives]

The anticonvulsant activities of several indoline derivatives were tested in mice using the pentetrazole (PTZ) and electroshock seizure model. Furthermore, the toxicity and the influence on hexobarbitone anaesthesia were determined. 2-oxoindoline--the most potent anticonvulsant compound--shows a characteristic modification of PTZ-induced seizures, especially a suppression of the tonic phase and a marked prolongation of survival time at lethal PTZ-doses as well as in doses of 100 mg/kg a complete protection effect to maximum electroshock. The majority of indolines possess also a marked sedative effect. The LD50 values of the derivatives under investigation are differing considerably, however, majority of compounds being within the range of 300 to 800 mg/kg (i.p.).

Estrous cycle synchronization in dairy heifers with the prostaglandin analog alfaprostol (II)

Over a two year period, 276 dairy heifers (German Black Pied x Holstein Friesian) received one or two injections i.m. of 1.5 mg/100 kg body weight of the PGF analog alfaprostol. Only animals not showing heat after the first injection were treated twice, with the same dose, 11 days apart. Before treatment, 71% of the heifers were cycling regularly, 12% were cycling irregularly and 17% were not observed in heat prior to treatment. Animals in heat were inseminated once or twice, 18 to 24 h apart. In response to the first injection, 60.5% of all treated animals came into heat; 38% showed heat after the 2nd treatment. Three of the six non-responding animals were later diagnosed as freemartins. Heat was well synchronized. Twenty seven percent, 60% and 9% of all first inseminations occurred on days two, three and four after treatment (s), respectively; 65% of all heifers conceived from the first insemination. Pregnancy rates after one or two inseminations were 66.0% and 63.8%, respectively. At the second a.i., 45% of all animals had already ovulated. Pregnancy rates from first a.i. after one or two treatments with alfaprostol were 60.1% and 72.2%, respectively. Years had no influence on any of the parameters observed. Stage of cycle in which the first treatment occurred had a strong influence on the occurrence of heat and on conceptions as well. Of the animals treated between days 6 and 18% of their cycles, 92.6% responded with heat to the first treatment and 79% conceived. When animals were treated for the first time between days 19 and 5 of their cycles, only 28.8% came into heat and only 23.8% conceived. After the 2nd treatment, 71.2% of the latter group came into heat and 73.1% conceived.