Synthesis of (-)-albrassitriol and (-)-6-epi-albrassitriol from (+)-larixol.

A novel synthesis of natural drimanic compounds, (-)-albrassitriol (2) and (-)-6-epi-albrassitriol (3), has been carried out starting from an easily available labdane diterpenoid, (+)-larixol (1). In a two-step procedure, (+)-larixol (1) was converted into 14,15-bisnorlab-7-ene-6,13-dione (9), which was then submitted to a Norrish type II photochemical degradation yielding drim-7,9(11)-diene-6-one (10), whose treatment with OsO4 led selectively to the formation of drim-7-ene-9α,11-diol-6-one (12). The same compound was obtained by selective epoxidation of the C(9)-C(11) double bond in drim-7,9(11)-diene-6-one (10) with monoperphtalic acid.

[Heredity in myopia].

The authors recall various theories that try to explain the appearance and the evolution of the short-sightedness. It is noticed the fact that none of these theories can include all the cases, but heredity proves a variable percentage. The examination of 200 cases of short-sightedness shows for 120 cases an hereditary factor.

Mitral valve prolapse and psychiatric complications: a case report.

This case study describes a 9-year-old-girl presenting with symptoms of anxiety and depression who was found to have mitral valve prolapse syndrome. The relationship of mitral valve prolapse and anxiety and depression has been studied and a review of the literature is presented. The family history of heart and psychiatric problems is explored.

Initial evaluation of heart murmurs: are laboratory tests necessary?

Heart murmurs, most of them innocent, are the most common reason for referrals to a pediatric cardiologist. In the evaluation of murmurs, the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are often included. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of these examinations in the initial assessment of heart murmurs in children and adolescents.