Phencyclidine binding to striatal cocaine receptors

PCP and related compounds inhibit 3H-mazindol binding to the cocaine receptor on dopamine transporters. The relative potencies of these compounds are such that some of the behavioral effects of PCP could be related to its action at the cocaine receptor; however, the affinity of PCP at the cocaine site (Ki = 1.59 microM) is less than its affinity at its own receptor (Ki about 0.12 microM). More data will be needed to conclusively implicate the cocaine receptor in the action of PCP.     

Free-floating thrombus of the extracranial internal carotid artery

Free-floating clots of the extracranial internal carotid artery are generally considered as surgical emergencies. This retrospective study analyzes six free-floating clots diagnosed by arteriography. Three of these patients had a fixed stroke while the other three had an evolving stroke. Three patients had antecedent ocular or hemispheric transient ischemic attacks. The causes of free-floating clots in the internal carotid artery were atheromatous stenosis in two cases, ulcerated plaque in three cases, and carotid artery dissection in one. All six patients were seen late, approximately 15 hours after their neurologic accident. They were treated with intravenous heparin over a two to five week period. Repeat arteriograms demonstrated complete clot lysis in four instances, while partial lysis was seen in one case. Moderate extension of thrombus occurred in one case only. No further neurologic complications were noted during the treatment by heparin. As indicated by follow-up arteriographic findings, secondary surgery was performed for major carotid lesions and residual clots in five cases. The free-floating thrombus syndrome of the carotid artery should not be considered as a surgical emergency when discovered late in the wake of an acute neurologic accident.     

Reduction using an immunomodulator of the level of respiratory infections in chronic bronchitis

Fifty-six patients with recurrent bronchopulmonary infections associated with chronic bronchitis were randomly allocated to 2 groups, to assess whether treatment with an immunomodulator, Diribiotin CK, could enhance resistance to infection. The double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective trial over a 9 month period showed that this immunomodulator was well tolerated and significantly reduced the rate of respiratory tract infection. The drug also significantly reduced the prescribing of antibiotic medication and the rate of absenteism from work. These effects have been demonstrated in a rigorously designed clinical study. This is the first time that a clear clinical activity has been attributed to an inducer of soluble mediators of immunity.     

The acting or interim leadership position: expectations, perceptions, realities

The acting or interim leadership position has been neglected in terms of selection, role identification, and status. Individuals, programs, and organizations are paying a price for this inattention.     

ACETALDEHYDE ADDUCTS WITH HAEMOGLOBIN: DETERMINATION OF ACETALDEHYDE RELEASED FROM HAEMOGLOBIN BY ACID HYDROLYSIS

Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, reacts with haemoglobinin vitro to produce acetaldehyde—haemoglobin adducts.Some clinical studies on the minor haemoglobins have suggestedthat these adducts may be formed in people abusing alcohol.Under hydrolysis of haemoglobin, with oxalic acid at 100°Cin sealed vials, some acetaldehyde was released and then specificallydetermined by HPLC. The kinetics of hydrolysis were studiedusing haemoglobin previously labelled with ¹⁴[C] acetaldehyde.The maximum liberation of ¹⁴[C] acetaldehyde was obtained after3 hr 30 min hydrolysis and this time factor was then utilizedin the analysis of alcoholic and control haemoglobin. Thus,we have confirmed the formation of acetaldehyde haemoglobinadducts in vivo. It must be noted that the released acetaldehydecorresponds only to an index of the stable adducts. The levelswere higher in alcoholics than in controls (1.417±0.171and 1.295±0.139 nmol/mg Hb, respectively, P<0.001).In conclusion, this marker is not a convenient tool for themonitoring of alcohol exposure levels because of the low differencesbetween alcoholic and control haemoglobins.     

Population screening and referral for hypercholesterolemia

To determine the potential effect of screening on referral patterns, an adult population sample (4,404 men, 5,164 women, 20-69 years of age) was systematically recruited and screened for hypercholesterolemia and then analyzed by different cholesterol referral recommendations. Using levels suggested by the Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial (greater than or equal to 265 mg/dL), 7.3% of men and 5.8% of women would be referred for follow-up. With the suggested recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), (greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL), 49.2% of men and 40.2% of women would be referred. The use of age-related definitions of the NIH Consensus Conference on Lipid Lowering results in 28.0% referrals in men and 21.8% in women. From this population, hypercholesterolemia subjects (greater than or equal to 265 mg/dL at screening; n = 624) were invited for a second cholesterol determination (58% returned), which found 36% below the 265 mg/dL level. Population screening for cholesterol is likely to produce large numbers of patients for follow-up, with the actual numbers strongly dependent on cutoff levels and age-sex distributions. Referral and follow-up of these patients may place a significant load on an unprepared health care community.     

Isolation of African swine fever virus from ticks of the Ornithodoros moubata complex (Ixodoidea: Argasidae) collected within the African swine fever enzootic area of Malawi

Ticks of the Ornithodoros moubata complex were collected from domestic pig sties and dwelling houses, and from a warthog habitat, and tested for the presence of African swine fever (ASF) virus. Collections were made in 9 of the 24 districts of Malawi, these being primarily the districts in which O. moubata is most numerous. ASF virus was isolated from ticks collected in both domestic pig sties and houses in certain villages in Mchinji district where ASF outbreaks had recently occurred. Mchinji district is in the centre of a large ASF enzootic area which stretches into other districts of Malawi and also into Zambia and Mozambique. The high titre of virus in some of the ticks demonstrates that O. moubata can act as a virus reservoir and potential vector of disease in the field situation in Malawi.     

Comparison of blood glucose and insulin responses in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Studies with spaghetti and potato taken alone and as part of a mixed meal

Recently, we demonstrated that spaghetti caused significantly lower glycaemic response than rice and potato in insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) subjects and that this difference was also present when spaghetti and potato were taken as part of a mixed meal. We have now compared the blood glucose and insulin responses to 50 g of carbohydrate in the form of white bread, potato and white spaghetti in 6 non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients. The blood glucose response after white spaghetti observed over a 3-h period was only 60 +/- 10 per cent (P less than 0.02) of that seen in response to potato (395 +/- 116 mmol/l x 180 min vs 641 +/- 108 mmol/l x 180 min) and 47 +/- 9 per cent (P less than 0.01) of that seen in response to white bread (395 +/- 116 mmol/l x 180 min vs 805 +/- 93 mmol/l x 180 min). Insulin responses showed an identical pattern reflecting the glycaemic responses. To see if the difference in the glucose responses in NIDDM patients is preserved if these carbohydrate-rich foods are taken as part of a mixed meal we looked at the blood glucose and insulin responses to 50 g of carbohydrate in the form of potato and white spaghetti when ingested together with bolognese sauce (167 g) in 7 NIDDM patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)