A comparative study of the extensor force of the quadriceps between subjects with a normal patella and those with patella alta of neurological pathogenesis.

The authors examined 20 subjects with infantile cerebral palsy, 10 of whom had patella alta, in order to evaluate any difference of extensor force of the quadriceps in the various degrees of flexion of the knee as compared with normal subjects. The objective was to reveal and measure any functional differences between the two groups.

[Environmental lead pollution. An epidemiologic study in road gasoline station workers (author's transl)]. / Sull'inquinamento atmosferico da piombo. Indagine epidemiologica tra gli addetti ai distributori di benzina

Erythrocyte ALA-D and urinary coproporphyrins were investigated in 29 road gasoline station workers in order to detect a possible abnormal lead absorption. The ALA-D test represents the most sensitive laboratory device to detect both abnormal lead absorption and possible initial lesions due to lead poisoning. Using the above mentioned laboratory tests evidence of abnormal lead absorption was found in five of the examined subjects. Some remarks on prevention of possible lead intoxication are done.

Control of haem synthesis by feedback inhibition on human-erythrocyte delta-aminolaevulate dehydratase.

The action of haem, haemoglobin and other haemoproteins on crude and purified delta-aminolaevulate dehydratase of human erythrocyte is described. The results show a feedback inhibition by haem of porphyrin synthesis at the level of erythrocyte delta-aminolaevulate dehydratase. Some kinetic characteristics of this inhibition are described.