Cystamine transport in spheroplasts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This work is the first demonstration that cystamine is actively accumulated in spheroplasts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have identified and quantitatively determined the transported cystamine in extracts of spheroplasts that have been incubated over different time periods and in the presence of different amounts of cystamine. The method used, already reported in literature for the identification of natural aliphatic polyamines in biological fluids, consists of a derivatization of spheroplast extracts with dabsyl-chloride and subsequent chromatographic analysis in HPLC. Our results show that cystamine accumulation is a function of time, it increases up to 2.5 min then decreases. Transport is inhibited by natural aliphatic polyamines, which, at the same concentration of cystamine (1 mM), cause a decrease in cystamine transport of about 90% for spermidine, 50% for spermine and only 15% for putrescine. Furthermore, transport is energy-dependent as demonstrated by a significant decrease observed in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol, ouabain and vanadate. In particular 0.2 mM ouabain causes a decrease of more than 60% in cystamine transport. Our data suggest that cystamine is transported in Saccharomyces cerevisiae spheroplasts via the same polyamine transport system(s) known to be operating in higher eukaryotic cells.

[Ultrasonographic study of the patellar tendon following bone-tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction arthroscopy]. / Studio ecotomografico del tendine rotuleo dopo prelievo osso-tendine-osso per ricostruzione artroscopica del legamento crociato anteriore.

The arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament requires the partial removal of the patellar tendon. US potentials in the assessment of residual patellar tendon after bone-tendon-bone removal were compared with those of CT and clinics. Mechanical resistance reduction of the residual tendon may be caused by removal modalities and size. This work was aimed at investigating the morphologic US patterns indicating "stability" of the operated tendon, which is mandatory for a risk-free functional recovery. Twenty patients were submitted to US of the operated tendon with contralateral comparison. In each patient tendon thickness and structure in the site of removal were studied, especially aiming at demonstrating diffuse or focal alterations of echogenicity. Middle third thickness and new tissue echostructure are fundamental US variables to define residual tendon "stability". The authors describe some US patterns of the surgical tendon to be considered as normal and not abnormal findings, provided that US be performed at least two months after surgery.

[Breast cancer epidemiology]. / Epidemiología del cáncer de mama.

204 pts with breast cancer were compared to 208 pts of similar age, with pathologies other than cancer, to assess the frequency of biological and social factors related to breast cancer, in Chilean females. The pts with breast cancer were in the 40 to 65 year old group, had a higher frequency of AB blood group, lower pregnancy and delivery rates and later pregnancies. Age of menarche and menopause, prolonged breast feeding, oral contraceptives and nutritional state were not related to a higher frequency of breast cancer. Further studies that include the analysis of previous breast pathology, diabetes, psychosomatic factors, alcohol and caffeine consumption, tobacco and others are suggested.

Lactancia natural exclusiva y algunos factores asociados en consultorio periferico 1981. / Exclusive natural lactation and some associated factors in a peripheral clinic

Se estudia el total de ninos ingresados a un consultorio periferico en el curso de un ano, desde su nacimiento hasta los dos anos de vida. Se mide la duracion de la lactancia natural exclusiva en esta poblacion y se analiza la relacion entre duracion de lactancia y algunas variables socioeconomicas, biologicas y de atencion medica. Se encuentra una duracion de lactancia natural exclusiva superior a la de otros estudios. Se concluye que las siguientes variables influyen favorablemente en la duracion de la lactancia: edad de la madre de 20-24 anos; escolaridad materna baja;trabajo de la madre fuera del hogar;antecedentes de parto normal o por cesarea; ser segundo hijo

Bases diagnosticas para una programacion infantil en consultorio. / Diagnostic bases of a programming for an out patient care of children

Se trata de un estudio historico prospectivo en 315 lactantes atendidos en un consultorio periferico hasta cumplir por lo menos 2 anos de vida. Se describen por una parte, caracteristicas biologicas y socio-economicas del nino y su grupo familiar y por otra parte se describe las actividades de salud entregadas a estos lactantes a nivel del consultorio periferico. Los resultados del trabajo contribuyen a orientar la programacion y sugieren nuevas lineas de investigacion en atencion medica

Estructura de la morbilidad del lactante en la atencion primaria. / Structure of morbidity of infant in primary health care

Se estudia la ficha clinica del total de lactantes ingresados a un consultorio periferico en el curso de un ano y seguidos por espacio de 2 anos. Se analiza la estructura de morbilidad de estos ninos en terminos de la importancia relativa de los distintos grupos de causas y de su incidencia. Se establecen 3 grupos de lactantes con distinto grado de utilizacion de la consulta de morbilidad y se estudia su patron de consultas por causa. Se concluye que la revision de la ficha clinica tiene ventajas metodologicas sobre el uso de la hoja de estadistica diaria. Se insiste en la utilidad de mantener informacion actualizada sobre incidencia de enfermedades en el nino a nivel de atencion primaria

[Benzbromarone in the treatment of hyperuricemias]. / Il benbromarone nel trattamento delle iperuricemia

Benzbromarone, a synthetic benzofurane, was administered in a series of 23 patients with hyperuricaemia: 5 with gout, 8 with secondary forms, 6 with renal insufficiency, 4 undergoing diuresis with etacrinic acid. The drug was also given to 10 subjects with normal values. A surprisingly rapid and constant hypouricamising effect was noted, together with marked hyperuricuria. These changes were more prompt in the controls and relatively late and protracted in the diseased subjects, expecially those with gout. The drug was also active in renal insufficiency. Its effects ceased on suspension. It cannot be seen as a simple hyperuricuric preparation, since it may have some effect on the metabolic pathways that degrade purines to uric acid. The drug is similar to benziodarone. The replacement of iodine by two bromine atoms in its formula, however, ensures its freedom from side-effects.