Continuous spinal anesthesia: a comparative study of standard microcatheter and Spinocath.

Background And Objectives: This prospective, randomized study evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of a new subarachnoid catheter.

Methods: Sixty ASA I-IV patients aged 40-70 years, scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, were randomly distributed into group 1 (Spinocath; Braun Melsungen, Germany) and group 2 (Intralong; Pajunk, Germany). The study tabulated details of subarachnoid catheter insertion, dural puncture, time to free cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, anesthesia onset time, surgery anesthesia time, the upper level of sensory block reached, the anesthesiologist-evaluated degree of difficulty with the technique, and the quality of analgesia obtained and complications.

[MHC-dependent molecular mechanisms of susceptibility and protection in type I diabetes in Mexicans].

MHC class II genes play an important role in the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic b-cell occurring in IDDM. The genetic pattern of the disease was investigated in Mexican Mestizos. The serological findings of HLA antigens showed a significant association of DR3, DR4, DQ2 and DQ8 and a protective effect of DR11, DR15, DQ5, DQ6 and DQ7.

Dynamics of basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-releasable serum follicle-stimulating hormone charge isoform distribution throughout the human menstrual cycle.

In the present study we analyzed physiological changes in the relative distribution of FSH isoforms circulating under baseline conditions throughout the ovarian cycle as well as the forms discharged by GnRH stimulation from putative acutely releasable and reserve pituitary pools. Eight normally menstruating women underwent blood sampling on three occasions, once each during the presumptive early or midfollicular phase (FP), late follicular phase to midcycle (preovulatory phase; PO), and mid- to late luteal phase (LP) of the menstrual cycle. Blood samples were withdrawn at 10-min intervals for a total of 10 h before and after the iv administration of 10 and 90 micrograms GnRH.

On the nature of the follicle-stimulating signal delivered to the ovary during exogenously controlled follicular maturation. A search into the immunological and biological attributes and the molecular composition of two preparations of urofollitropin.

In the present study, we analyzed the immunological and biological potencies as well as the molecular composition of urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) present in determined lots of regular and highly purified (HP) commercial preparations of urofollitropin in order to obtain additional insights on the particular type of gonadotropin signal received by the ovary during exogenously regulated ovarian stimulation. In both preparations, a high degree of FSH charge heterogeneity was detected as disclosed by chromatofocusing analysis (pH range 7.5 to < 4.

Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori variants selected for urease deficiency.

The urease of Helicobacter pylori is suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of gastritis. Although all clinical isolates of H. pylori are urease positive (U+), we have selected and characterized several spontaneously arising urease-negative (U-) variants from wild-type strain 60190.

Testicular function of sexually immature rats chronically treated with melatonin.

Melatonin disturbs the reproductive process in seasonal but not in continuous breeders: however, it delays sexual development in the rat. The testicular function of rats injected daily with melatonin from 20 up to 25, 30, 35 or 40 days of age was analyzed. The spermatogenic and androgenic activity of testes was assessed by light microscopy and by the capacity for binding hCG and producing testosterone in vitro, respectively.

Improved methodology for detecting aflatoxin production quantitatively in natural media.

This report describes a simple, rapid, and quantitative method for screening the aflatoxin production by moulds of theAspergillus flavus group, using a natural media (moist wheat or rice), and a single chloroform extraction for aflatoxins. The aflatoxins were detected and quantified by thin layer chromatography. The methodology proposed was useful in detecting aflatoxin production on the 3rd day of incubation in more than 85 % of the strains studied (both culture collection strains and field isolates).

[Arrhythmia in acute myocardial infarction with involvement of the right ventricle].

Arrhythmias and conduction disorders were studied in 110 patients with posteroinferior myocardial infarction with right ventricular involvement. All the patients were hospitalized in the coronary care unit, and were compared with another 110 patients with posteroinferior myocardial infarction without extension to the right ventricle. 99% of the patients with right ventricular infarction and 96.

Considerations on the distribution of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in feeds.

The distribution of aflatoxin producing isolates of the Aspergillus flavus group in feeds was studied. Aflatoxin production was investigated by a sequential method previously reported (fluorescence in Coconut Agar Medium, rapid extraction from a wheat medium, and total extraction from the same wheat medium). Twenty-seven of 32 samples contained A.

Micro-abscesses and presumptive inflammatory nodules of the brain.

Sixteen cases of micro-abscesses and presumptive inflammatory nodules of the brain are analyzed. The increasing frequency of cortico-subcortical small nodular lesions diagnosed by CT scan, as well as the number of cases successfully treated with antibiotics, are stressed. In the authors opinion, initial antibiotic treatment with a high possibility of a cure is indicated in patients with a presumptive inflammatory cortico-subcortical nodular lesions diagnosed by CT scan.

[Lofepramine: a comparative clinical study with amitriptyline].

Lofepramine, a new tricycle antidepressant, is compared with amitriptyline in a double-blind study. A brief pharmacological description of the drug is made emphasizing its low toxicity and anticholinergic peripheral effects, high plasmatic concentration levels and good tolerance and elimination in comparison with some other known tricycle antidepressants. Sixty depressive outpatients of a Mental Health Service in Lima, 5 male and 55 female, aging 16 to 65, 29 endogenous and 31 neurotic were studied with both drugs in a equimolar dosage.

The Warren operation for anal incontinence caused by disruption of the anterior segment of the anal sphincter, perineal body, and rectovaginal septum: report of five cases.

The use of the Warren vaginal flap operation for repair of a traumatic deformity consisting of disruption of the perineal body, anterior segment of the external anal sphincter, and lower half of the rectovaginal septum is described. Modifications described in this article include use of the jackknife position to give better exposure and epinephrine infiltration to give a bloodless field. The incidences of infection and recurrence appear lower than with the layer technique.