[Cost-benefit of upper digestive endoscopy. Frequency of early gastric cancer and negative endoscopy in relation to indications].

The increasing demand for upper gastrointestinal endoscopies (184% from 1974 to 1985) led to a review of cases in an attempt to improve the cost-benefit ratio of this diagnostic procedure (E.G.C.

Synthesis and catabolism of PGE2 by a nephroblastoma associated with hypercalcemia without bone metastases.

PGE2 overproduction by a nephroblastoma associated with hypercalcemia was clearly demonstrated in a 2-month-old girl. Compared with normal tissue, tumor showed greater phospholipase A2 and PGE2 synthetase activities but metabolized PGE2 at a faster rate. Of the enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis, those which transform arachidonic acid into PGE2 seem to be more active.

Increased urine angiotensin I converting enzyme activity in patients with upper urinary tract infection.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is present within the brush border of the tubular cell of the kidney. Since it has a high molecular mass, ACE activity of urine most probably derives only from tubular cells, thus suggesting the potential usefulness of ACE determination as an index of tubular damage. When assayed with the method described, ACE is optimally active at pH 8 with a calcium concentration exceeding 0.