Dorid nudibranch elaborates its own chemical defense.

A biosynthetic experiment with mevalonic acid labeled with carbon-14 showed that the nudibranch Dendrodoris limbata elaborates polygodial, a sesquiterpenoid dialdehyde stored in the mantle, which constitutes its chemical defense against predators. Previously described nudibranchs drew defensive chemicals from their preys.

Transformations of zearalenone and alpha-zearalanol by homogenates of human prostate glands.

The present study applied high-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and crystallizations to constant specific activity for identification of the radiometabolites of tritiated zearalenone and alpha-zearalanol in homogenates of human prostate glands. Radiolabelled zearalenone or alpha-zearalanol (6.3 microM) was incubated for 30 min at 37 degrees C with prostatic homogenate in 5 ml 0.

Plasma 1,25 hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations and net intestinal calcium, phosphate and magnesium absorption in man.

We evaluated the relationship between plasma concentrations of the renal hormone (I,25(OH)2 vitamin D and net intestinal CA,PO4 and Mg absorption in healthy volunteers eating similar diets. Net intestinal CA absorption was positively correlated to plasma I,25(OH)2D concentrations. By contrast, there was no significant correlation between PO4 and Mg absorption and plasma I,25(OH)2D concentrations.

Serum alpha-tocopherol, lipids, potassium and creatine phosphokinase in normal and patients with malabsorption.

Serum alpha-tocopherol, lipids, potassium and creatine phosphokinase levels we-remeasured in 20 adult male control patients and 120 malabsorption patients. The malabsorption group had significantly lower serum alpha-tocopherol levels than the control group. The change was independent of serum total lipid levels that were not significantly different among the two groups.

Serial studies of immunocompetence in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Studies of the immunocompetence of patients undergoing radiation therapy were carried out before and after treatment. The immunological evaluation is a valuable prognostic tool for patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. The degree of immunoresponsiveness is not related to the stage of the primary tumor, but it definitely correlates with the extent of lymph node involvemnt.