Progesterone freeze-dried systems in sublingual dosage form.

Various polymer matrices were tested to enhance progesterone bioavailability as part of an emergency therapy. Among the different polymers used, i.e. poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), Dextran T70 and partially saponified poly(methyl glyoxylate) (PMGz), the latter gives the fastest solubilization rate. The best results were obtained with the lyophilized dosage form instead of a simple mixture of the drug within the polymer matrix. A nearly instantaneous solubilization was observed with PMGz copolymers bearing 10-40% of carboxylic groups and containing up to 20% of the drug. The instantaneous solubilization of the PMGz matrix is due to the hydrophilic moieties, and the presence of hydrophobic zones in PMGz promotes good affinity with the drug and optimal dispersion into the matrix.

Functional analysis of 150 deletion mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a systematic approach.

In a systematic approach to the study of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes of unknown function, 150 deletion mutants were constructed (1 double, 149 single mutants) and phenotypically analysed. Twenty percent of all genes examined were essential. The viable deletion mutants were subjected to 20 different test systems, ranging from high throughput to highly specific test systems. Phenotypes were obtained for two-thirds of the mutants tested. During the course of this investigation, mutants for 26 of the genes were described by others. For 18 of these the reported data were in accordance with our results. Surprisingly, for seven genes, additional, unexpected phenotypes were found in our tests. This suggests that the type of analysis presented here provides a more complete description of gene function.

[Retinal dysplasia with hydrocephalus (author's transl)]. / Le syndrome de dysplasie rétinienne familiale associé àune hydrocéphalie.

A Study is described of a family in which four children of the same generation died during early childhood; three of them had an obvious hydrocephalus. Two of the latter could be examined clinically, and their eyes removed for pathology. One of them presented clinically bilateral leucocoria; histology showed a total detachment of a dysplastic retina, with absence of development of the vitreous. The other child had apparently normal eyes. Yet on microscopical examination there was a discrete retinal dysplasia without retinal detachment in both eyes, and a persistent hyaloid artery, in one. This association of hydrocephalus with retinal dysplasia is clinically and genetically different from other types of retinal dysplasia.

Familial 13p+ chromosome with mental retardation and dysmorphic features of two children.

Chromosomal studies of two brothers with mental retardation and dysmorphic features showed a 13p+ chromosome. The same 13p+ chromosome was found in the father and the other sib, who were both phenotypically normal. The relationship between the physical abnormalities and the chromosomal findings are discussed.

[Teratogenic and lethal actions of diethylstilbestrol on the mouse embryo]. / Actions tératogène et léthale du diéthylstillboestrol sur l'embryon de souris.

PIP: Teratogenic and lethal effects of diethylstilbestrol and progesterone on the embryo were studied in female white mice. The number of fetuses born with cleft palate or dying before birth were tabulated in mice treated with diethylstilbestrol, progesterone, or both drugs in varying doses. Teratogenic and lethal effects were found to be directly related to the dose of diethylstilbestrol, regardless of progesterone dose. Very high doses of progesterone may have a separate toxic effect on the fetus, however. Although these results cannot be extrapolated to the human species, it seems possible that the dangers of these hormones extend beyond the genital sphere.^ieng