Metformin reduces systemic methylglyoxal levels in type 2 diabetes.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive alpha-dicarbonyl that is thought to contribute to diabetic complications either as a direct toxin or as a precursor for advanced glycation end products. It is produced primarily from triose phosphates and is detoxified to D-lactate (DL) by the glyoxalase pathway. Because guanidino compounds can block dicarbonyl groups, we have investigated the effects of the diamino biguanide compound metformin and of hyperglycemia on MG and its detoxification products in type 2 diabetes.

Variation in the management of pediatric splenic injuries in New Hampshire.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if variation in the management of pediatric splenic injuries occurs among hospitals in New Hampshire.

Methods: Data accrued for each patient less than 18 years of age discharged from an acute care hospital in New Hampshire with a splenic injury diagnosis code or splenic procedure code were analyzed for the years 1991 through 1994. The splenectomy, splenorrhaphy, and nonoperative management rates of each hospital were analyzed and adjusted for case mix using direct standardization.

Slipping rib syndrome in childhood.

Slipping rib syndrome is an unusual cause of lower chest and upper abdominal pain in children not mentioned in major pediatric surgical texts. The syndrome occurs when the medial fibrous attachments of the eighth, ninth, or tenth ribs are inadequate or ruptured, allowing their cartilage tip to slip superiorly and impinge on the intervening intercostal nerve. This may cause a variety of somatic and visceral complaints.

Immunization of healthy adult subjects in the United States with inactivated Mycobacterium vaccae administered in a three-dose series.

Heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine was administered in a three-dose intradermal schedule to 10 healthy adult volunteers at 0, 2, and 10 months. Local and systemic side effects were monitored and vaccine site reactions were measured and photographed at visits 2 days, 14 days, and 2 months after each dose. Reactions to skin tests with purified protein derivative (PPD) and Mycobacterium avium sensitin (MAS) and titers of antibody to arabinose lipoarabinomannin were determined at baseline and after each dose of vaccine.