Diuretic-induced azotemia: unmasking the role of increased peripheral catabolism through evisceration-hepatectomy.

By abolishing the large splanchnic uptake of amino acids, evisceration-hepatectomy unmasks the tendency for peripheral tissues to release increased amounts of amino acids into the extracellular fluid during sodium depletion. The increase in amino acid delivery to the liver may stimulate hepatic urea synthesis both by providing more substrates for conversion to urea and perhaps also by stimulation of the activity of urea cycle enzymes.

Diabetic complications in lens and nerve and their prevention by sulindac or sorbinil: two novel aldose reductase inhibitors.

Sorbitol, resulting from glucose metabolism through aldose reductase, may play a role in diabetic complications such as cataracts, neuropathy, and vasculopathy. Sulindac (Clinoril) and sorbinil, two inhibitors of aldose reductase, decreased sorbitol formation in cataract or nerve tissue incubated in high glucose TC-199 media. Sulindac, a widely used anti-rheumatic drug, may have clinical applications in preventing diabetic complications.

A high protein, low calorie liquid diet in the treatment of very obese adolescents: long-term effect on lean body mass.

The use of Optifast-70, a high protein liquid diet, when used in the range of 500 to 700 cal over 5 months in very obese adolescents, was associated with weight loss of 20 to 25% of initial weight of which 70 to 75% of the loss was due to fat. No significant side effects were noted. Twenty-four hour electrocardiographic monitoring showed no significant changes, and linear growth continued.

Fate of patients started on clean intermittent self-catheterization therapy 10 years ago.

We evaluated 60 patients placed on a clean intermittent catheterization program more than 10 years ago to determine their outcome. To date 27 patients still are performing self-catheterization, 18 have discontinued the procedure and 15 have been lost to followup. No patient has had deterioration in renal function.

Cardiobacterium hominis: an elusive cause of endocarditis.

Cardiobacterium hominis is a fastidious bacterium of the normal mouth flora. It has rarely been recognised in the past as a human pathogen and has been difficult to recover from the bloodstream. Mistaken diagnoses and delays in therapy have been common.

A method for in situ characterization of b- and c-type cytochromes in Escherichia coli and in complex III from beef heart mitochondria by combined spectrum deconvolution and potentiometric analysis.

An analytical technique for the in situ characterization of b- and c-type cytochromes has been developed. From evaluation of the results of potentiometric measurements and spectrum deconvolutions, it was concluded that an integrated best-fit analysis of potentiometric and spectral data gave the most reliable results. In the total cytochrome b content of cytoplasmic membranes from aerobically grown Escherichia coli, four major components are distinguished with alpha-band maxima at 77 K of 555.

Renal involvement in Refsum's disease.

Renal hemodynamic and tubular functions were measured in a patient with Refsum's disease before and after 12 weeks of twice-weekly plasmaphereses. Percutaneous renal biopsy was performed before initiation of plasmapheresis. These studies were performed to (1) define the nature of the renal lesions and the effects of phytanic acid accumulation on renal functions, and (2) assess the effects of lowering the plasma phytanic acid level on renal functions.

Osteoarthritis: perspectives on treatment.

Osteoarthritis is an almost universal complication of aging, analogous to arteriosclerosis. Most important in management is education of the patient, which fosters intelligent cooperation. Reduction of stress on affected joints is essential.

The electron transport chain of Rhizobium trifolii.

The presence of a branched respiratory chain in Rhizobium trifolii grown in batch culture on a defined medium was demonstrated. The branches of the respiratory chain differ in sensitivity to inhibition by cyanide and in affinity for oxygen. The branching point is localized at cytochrome b-555.

Domperidone in the treatment of dyspepsia: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Domperidone, at a dosage of 20 mg t.d.s before meals, in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial reduced the level of the symptoms of dyspepsia by 76% compared to a 16% reduction with placebo.

Growth yields, polysaccharide production and energy conservation in chemostat cultures of Rhizobium trifolii.

Rhizobium trifolii was grown in a defined medium in chemostat cultures. Extracellular polysaccharide production was found in carbon-sufficient as well as in carbon-limited cultures. Extracellular polysaccharide production in carbon-limited cultures was strongly dependent on the growth rate.

Painful joints. Clues to early diagnosis.

Many cases of joint pain may be diagnosed from clinical findings alone. A careful history and physical examination are essential. Of all diagnostic laboratory tests for joint disease, none is completely specific.

Familial chondrocalcinosis in the Chiloe Islands, Chile.

Studies about chondrocalcinosis in the Chiloe Islands (Chile) showed the high frequency of the disease there and how most of it is aggregated in a few highly involved families. Pedigrees and the high degree of consanguinity among parents of index cases pointed to a recessive inheritance. The presence of common Caucasian anthropological features of genetic value in the patients and the lack of Indian mixture in three of the involved families, documented back to 1600, suggest a Caucasian origin of the mutation.