Clearance of iopromide during haemodialysis with high- and low-flux membranes.

PURPOSE: The present clinical trial addressed the clearance of the contrast medium iopromide, a middle-sized molecule, during dialysis with high- and low-flux membranes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty chronic haemodialysis patients without residual renal function were dialysed either with low-flux haemophan or high-flux polyamide directly after application of the contrast medium. Iodine concentrations were determined by radiofluorescence methods. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of iodine before dialysis ranged between 1.1 and 3.9 mg/ml. The mean clearance rates for both membranes were comparable (110+/-1.4 ml/min high-flux and 108+/-1.9 ml/min low-flux), the sieving-coefficient was 0.83 for both membranes. After three hours of dialysis, 58% (high-flux) and 62% (low-flux) of iopromide was removed, half time of elimination was reached after 140+/-16 min (high-flux) and 122+/-11 min (low-flux). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that elimination of iopromide is not dependent on the pore size of the membrane during dialysis. Due to higher blood flow rate, we found a higher elimination rate and a reduced half-time of elimination than prior investigations.

[Experiences with high-frequency hearing tests in the selection of personnel for noise occupations]. / Erfahrungen über das Verhalten des Hochton-Gehörs bei der Auswahl von Arbeitern für Lärmberufe.

A total of 181 persons aged between 16 and 18 were checked fully audiometrically (conventional and high-frequency audiogram). Dates of history about hereditary hearing damage, own ear diseases, noise exposure during frequent visits to discothecs or usage of Walkman etc. were ascertained by questionnaires. The evaluation of the results was carried out with the help of discrimination analysis allowing a multi-dimensional classification. As a result there could be made a sure discrimination analytic separation in persons with ear diseases during their childhood, when the high frequencies from 10 to 15 kHz were taken in. Thus the damage of the inner ear was to be found mainly on the base of the cochlea. Also in cases of hereditary influence there was to be seen a clear deminution in the high frequency area. The group of persons, who regularly went to discos (more than three times a month) as well as the group often using Walkman revealed a sure separation, when the high frequencies above 8 kHz were considered in the calculation. Altogether there could be seen an early damage more clearly in the high frequency area after ear diseases in childhood as well as a result of sound overloading than in conventional hearing area.

[Tonometry with a new non-contact tonometer]. / Zur Tonometrie mit einem neuen Non Contact-Tonometer.

We conducted comparative measurements with 100 healthy probands and patients suffering of glaucoma with both a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT) and the new Keeler Non Contact Tonometer (NCT). A noticeable conformity of mean values in the group I with values under 23 mm Hg and in group II with values greater or equal 23 mm Hg was obvious. The results of three NCT measurement values were compared with those of four measurements. The Keeler NCT nearly fulfills the needed criteria for the first group with pressure under 23 mm Hg except for a high standard deviation. In group II (pressure greater or equal 23 mm Hg) the demanded nominal values are exceeded.

[Data from measuring air pathogens of inhabitants of refuse disposal sites in Cairo (1)]. / Erhebungen bei Luftkeimmessungen bei Bewohnern der Mülldeponie in Kairo. (1. Mitteilung).

Atmospheric germ measurements were carried out and the germ spectrum determined in medical ambulances, bedrooms and livingrooms.

The germ-spectrum problem and antibiotic-resistance in Bida and Minna hospitals--Nigeria.

In the present paper the occurrence of different species of Pseudomonas, of Acinetobacter calcoaceticum var. anitratum and Aeromonas hydrophila in hospitals is described. The possible human pathogenic significance is discussed.

A contribution to the situation of antibiotic resistance in Abeokuta (Ogunstate) and Minna (Nigerstate) in Nigeria.

After testing various chemotherapeutics the following conclusions could be drawn: Pseudomonas was sensitive only to gentamicin. Gentamicin, aminopenicilline + calvulanacid and cefoxitin were 100% effective against E. coli. Gentamicin also proved effective against Enterobacter (83%). Cefoxitin, aminopenicillin + clavulanacid, gentamicin and trimethoprim + sulfonamide were effective against Klebsiella. Concerning Proteus sp., cefoxitin showed best results (100%). Acinetobacter was 100% inhibited by gentamicin. Gentamicin was most effective (93% sensitivity) against Staph. aureus. Trimethoprim + sulfonamide and erythromycine showed resistance rate of 17%, cefalosporine and isoxazolylpenicilline a rate of 21%. Aminopenicillin and aminopenicilline + calvulanacid were most suitable against Enterococcus (100%).

[Serological studies of cytomegalovirus in the Melut district, South Sudan]. / Serologische untersuchungen auf Cytomegalie im Distrikt Melut, Südsudan.

Out of 1071 investigated patients had antibodies in 73.7% against Cytomegalovirus. 99 ambulant Kala-Azar-patients reacted positive in 33%. Inhabitants of different villages have shown 35.2 to 50% positive reactions. Patients with hepato-splenomegaly in 94% and patients with diarrhoea and fever in 81% were positive.

Different species of corynebacteria in human investigations in Cairo.

In investigations undertaken in Cairo of ocular smears the following Corynebacteria were isolated: Corynebacterium A4, Corynebacterium A5, Corynebacterium bovis, Corynebacterium aquaticum, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium equi, Corynebacterium F2, Corynebacterium kutscheri, Corynebacterium minutissimi, Corynebacterium renale, Corynebacterium xerosis, Corynebacterium Group I, Corynebacterium spec. (at present not classified). In this study the hitherto isolated species and possible human pathogenesis are discussed. Studies will be continued.

Microbiological and chemical analysis of drinking water in southern India (with special consideration of Aeromonas species).

Analyses of drinking water taken from central and individual water supplies in Southern India (Idukki/Kerala) showed bacterial counts of 10(3)-10(6). E. coli were found in 11% and 28% of the samples. Aeromonads were identified more frequently than E. coli at 44% in central and 38% in individual water supplies. Due to this high rate of contamination, Aeromonas spp. must be considered as a possible cause of diarrhoea and other infections in this area.

[The pathogen spectrum of the conjunctiva of inhabitants of refuse disposal sites in Cairo. I]. / Untersuchungen über das Keimspektrum der Augenbindehäute bei Bewohnern der Mülldeponien von Kairo. I. Mitteilung.

In Cairo's waste disposal sites conjunctivitis is frequently found resulting from the burning process of plastic, paper, etc.. Recurrent secondary contamination of the conjunctiva by pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms often takes place; however, in certain germ species, the differentiation between pathogenic or non-pathogenic organisms within a damaged mucous membrane cannot be made. Furthermore, in this study, we have attempted to investigate germ reproduction during the application of PVP-eyedrops. However, our results cannot be conclusive because of the high environmental contamination, very low personal hygiene resulting from contaminated water and the constant exposure of samples to environmental contamination. Studies will be continued.

Pharmacokinetics in the rat and the dog of a nonionic nitroxide contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging.

Nitroxides are paramagnetic stable free radicals that have demonstrated effectiveness as contrast agents in proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pharmacokinetics and metabolic fate, determinants of the time course of MRI contrast enhancement, of a new nonionic pyrrolidine nitroxide derivative, TAP (2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl-3-carbonic acid-(2,3-dihydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl)-amide), were evaluated in the rat and the dog. A biexponential decline of the blood concentration of TAP was observed in both species after intravenous administration of 0.1- and 2.5-mmol/kg doses. The clearances in the rat, estimated after the low and high doses (15.4 +/- 2.0 and 15.3 +/- 1.4 mL/min.kg, respectively), were about twofold higher than those observed in two beagles (7.4 and 7.1 mL/min.kg for Dog #1 and 6.3 and 6.0 mL/min.kg for Dog #2). The hydroxylamine of TAP, formed by a one-electron reduction of the nitroxide moiety, was the only metabolite observed. This bioreduction of TAP has implications for its use as a MRI contrast agent because the diamagnetic hydroxylamine lacks contrast enhancing activity. In both animal species, the urinary recoveries of the dose as unchanged TAP and its hydroxylamine were essentially complete for the 24-h urine collections (92 to 98% and 83 to 95% for the rats and the dogs, respectively). Anticipated conjugative metabolism of the hydroxyl-containing side chain of TAP was not observed. Renal excretion of unchanged TAP was the predominant route of elimination, as renal clearance was estimated to be between 47 and 89% of total clearance in the dogs. Bioreduction in vivo was slower than that expected from the observed reduction of TAP in vitro in ascorbic acid solution and in rat liver and kidney homogenates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brucellosis in the upper Nile region--Melut district, Sudan (report).

In the Melut district, South Sudan human and animal blood samples were investigated for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. 9.2% of the investigated cattle and 16.2% of the green long-tailed monkies were Brucella abortus-positive. School children revealed a 3.7% positivity rate, Melut's hospital patients 5.2% and village children and adults 2.2%. However, only a small number of hospital patients was investigated. A small percentage of sheep and goats was investigated for Brucella melitensis revealing 12% positive results. 8.7% of cattle were positive. 2.2% of school children reacted in high titers against Brucella melitensis, 5.2% of Melut's patients and in the Melut district 3.6% of children and adults.

The application of PVP-iodine in developing countries.

In this report the possibilities for the application of PVP-iodine-preparations in the developing countries in the treatment of wounds, including burns and in diseases of the mucous membrane, eyes, mouth and genital region are discussed. The application proved particularly valuable where a high antibiotic resistance was found.

Serological investigation of measles (morbilli) in the Melut district, South Sudan.

In Sudan, measles are often not identified and are diagnosed and treated as "fever". Apart from this, the unimmunized population is an important factor, however, cold storage of the vaccine is not always possible. For this reason detailed instruction and introduction in diagnostic identification was given by our team of doctors. The contamination rate and antibody verification varies according to region. The highest percentage of 83% was reached in Melut among hospitalized patients. At the time of our investigation, immunization had not been carried out in this region.

WHO immunization programme and hospital procedure in the Melut district, upper Nile region, south Sudan, in the year 1983 (report).

During the year 1983 the immunization programme according to the WHO-standard was finally started in the Melut region. The tables give details on the extension of tetanus immunization for neonatal tetanus, DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) and also measles in the Melut hospital in 1983. For the first time, a functioning chain of cold storage units could be installed in this hospital. From March to November, 1983 details of mother-child care and ambulant patient care were also recorded.

Prediction of drug distribution in vivo on the basis of in vitro binding data.

For 11 drugs it was investigated whether tissue distribution in vivo can be predicted by use of binding data obtained in vitro. The selection of drugs represented a broad spectrum of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties thought to be important for distribution of drugs in vivo. The extent of binding to plasma and to tissue-homogenates of rabbits was determined in vitro. The drug concentrations in plasma, liver, lungs, kidneys, and skeletal muscle of rabbits were determined in vivo after i.v. administration of the drug. The tissue-plasma partition ratios measured in vivo were compared with the theoretical tissue-plasma partition ratios calculated from the in vitro binding data. For all drugs investigated the muscle-plasma partition ratio could be reasonably well predicted by the in vitro binding data. In liver, lungs, and kidneys good agreement was found between measured and predicted tissue-plasma ratio for anionic drugs; marked differences, however, were observed between measured and predicted tissue-plasma ratios of lipophilic cationic drugs. A significant correlation was found between binding of drugs to muscle tissue in vitro and the volume of distribution of the unbound drug (Vf), opening the possibility to approximate Vf from in vitro binding studies with rabbit muscle tissue.