Endomyocardial complications of the Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Although many similarities exist between the Churg-Strauss syndrome and the hypereosinophilic syndrome, these two disorders have hitherto been characterized by different types of cardiac disease. Two cases of the Churg-Strauss syndrome are described where the typical endomyocardial lesion of the hypereosinophilic syndrome dominated the clinical picture.

Osmolarity changes can enhance the release of renin from human chorion.

Sections of human chorion were perfused with an aerated buffer for 5 hours. Samples were collected every 20 minutes and the concentration of active and total renin in the perfusate was measured. Substitution of the initial bicarbonate buffer (281 mosm/L) with a buffer of 251 mosm/L doubled the rate at which active and inactive renin were released into the perfusate.

Gene transfer mechanisms among members of the genus Rhodopseudomonas.

Recent studies on species of the genus Rhodopseudomonas, particularly R, capsulata and R. sphaeroides, have resulted in the development of a range of systems of genetic exchange without peer among the photosynthetic prokaryotes. In R.

Polyps and colorectal cancer in South African Blacks.

This study reflects the fact that cancer of the large bowel is uncommon in South African Blacks, and that colorectal polyps do not appear to constitute a precursor to most colorectal cancers. Furthermore, it is shown that dietary factors associated with this cancer in Western populations are not evident in the Black population. In the South African White population, however, the disease behaves in a similar way to that observed in Western countries.

A study of angiotensin II binding sites in human placenta, chorion, and amnion.

The binding of tritiated angiotensin II to 20,000 x g particulate tractions of human placenta, chorion, and amnion was investigated. Binding to particles from the three tissues reached equilibrium within 10 minutes at 29 degrees C and was displaced by the addition of 1,000-fold excess of unlabeled angiotensin II. Scatchard analysis of the data showed that two classes of binding sites were present in the placental preparation.

The surgical treatment of the radiation-damaged rectum.

Details are given of 37 consecutive patients with radiation damage to the rectum. Twenty-eight presented with rectovaginal fistulas, 3 with haemorrhage from ulcerative proctitis, 3 with low rectal strictures, 2 with a painful rectal ulcer and 1 with a rectal carcinoma. Thirty-five of the 37 had been treated for carcinoma of the cervix, and of these, 30 were Black South African women in whom this disease forms approximately 70 per cent of all malignancies.

Assessing nutrition services in an alcohol rehabilitation unit: the role of the registered dietitian.

Nutrition education and consultation can and should play an important role in the recovery process of the ARU patient. The registered dietitian, as a vital member of the ARU therapeutic program, has a challenging opportunity to become non-judgmentally involved in helping the recovering alcoholic achieve a quality life of long-term sobriety.

Transanal anastomosis in the treatment of low rectal strictures due to tribal enemas.

Enema administration is common in Black tribal communities. In the urban environment, toxic and corrosive ingredients may be used which can lead to severe complications. The diagnosis and principles of treatment of complicated proctocolitis of enema origin are discussed.

Polyposis coli. The clinical spectrum in adults.

Four patients are reported, to illustrate the wide spectrum of colonic polyps which may occur in multiple form in adults. Included are unusual cases of metaplastic and juvenile polyposis. The subject is reviewed, and the need for accurate histological diagnosis is stressed.

Imaging the bowel with technetium--an aid in gallium studies.

Three cases are present to demonstrate the usefulness of oral or rectal technetium-99m preparations in locating the stomach and bowel in relation to abnormal accumulation of gallium-67 within the abdomen. In this way, the concentration of gallium in an abscess or a tumor may be distinguished from its physiologic excretion into the bowel.

Rectal resection for tumour with transanal anastomosis and sphincter preservation.

Resection of the rectum, with restoration of continuity by means of a primary, transanal, anocolic anastomosis, is a useful method in the treatment of certain rectal tumours. It particularly fills a need in the management of tumours of the lower rectum where anterior resection is indicated but is technically difficult and liable to complications, or where it is not possible and would be abandoned in favour of abdominoperineal excision of the rectum with a permanent colostomy. The pathological criteria, technical factors and functional results which justify the use of this procedure are discussed.

Perforated duodenal ulcer in the black population of Central Johannesburg.

The increasing incidence of perforated duodenal ulcer among Black patients admitted to the Johannesburg General Hospital between 1966 and 1976 is described against a background of the different forms of peptic ulcer disease seen in this hospital population. Admission for perforation during the years 1973-6 was as common among Black as among White patients. Perforation occurred principally in young (20-40 years) Black males (sex ratio 14 : 1), with a short history of preceding symptoms, and treatment was usually by simple closure.

The significance of starch powder contamination in the aetiology of peritoneal adhesions.

The presence or absence of starch granulomas on the peritoneal surface or within peritoneal adhesions is reported in 20 patients subjected to a second laparotomy. Evidence is presented to show that starch granuloma formation is common in the early months following operation and that adhesions associated with starch granulomas cause intestinal obstruction. It is suggested that although starch is usually absorbed within 2 years, associated band adhesions may persist.

Non-occlusive ischaemic colitis in a South African black. A case report.

A rare case of non-occlusive ischaemic colitis in a South African Black is described. The appearance of the bowel at an initial operation, and the histopathological changes demonstrated in the resected specimen after a subsequent operation, provide evidence for this diagnosis. The clinical presentation and radiological features which were also compatible with the diagnosis are presented.