Four techniques for estimating serum T4 and three for estimating serum T3 have been investigated and found to be satisfactory in routine use. Normal ranges for each techniques have been established. Estimation of serum T3 by the commerical kits tested appears to have a high discriminant value in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, although the diagnostic definition used inevitably enhances the apparent sensitivity of these techniques. Estimation of serum T4 will identify the majority of patients with symptomatic hypothyroidism. The low sensitivity of T3 in the diagnosis of thyroid failure is confirmed. (+info)
Determination of prostaglandin synthetase activity in rectal biopsy material and its significance in colonic disease.
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A method is described for determining prostaglandin synthetase activity in milligram amounts of tissue. The procedure is based on the conversion of 14C-arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 and F2alpha-like substances. High levels of prostaglandin synthetase activity occurred in the inflamed mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis and fell during successful drug therapy, but it is not yet known whether the cause of the inflammation first involves increased PG synthetase activity, or whether inflammation caused increase of PG synthetase. (+info)
Restriction endonucleases: general survey procedure and survey of gliding bacteria.
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Among 120 strains of gliding bacteria which were screened for restriction endonucleases, 27 were found positive. Additionally, three strains carried enzymes able to release the supercoiled state of closed circular DNA. By using a new rapid method, restriction endonuclease activity was released by stirring about 0.5 g of cells (fresh weight) in a motor-driven glass homogenizer in buffer containing Triton X-101, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and mercaptoethanol. A yield from 60 to 80% of the total activity present in the cells was obtained with minimal destruction of the cells. The enzyme activity in the crude extract was measured semi-quantitatively by digestion of DNA and subsequent separation of the fragments on an agarose slab gel. The method appears to be generally applicable for the extraction of restriction endonucleases from gram-negative bacteria on an analytical scale and in a modified form for large-scale preparation of restriction enzymes. (+info)
Investigation and management of long-standing chronic constipation in childhood.
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The anorectal physiology of 106 children with long-standing chronic constipation, who had failed to response to a trial of medical treatment, was assessed. 10 (9%) were shown to have ultrashort-segment Hischsprung's disease, later confirmed on histology, The remainder showed evidence of hypertrophy of the internal sphicter on anorectal manometry and had a vigorous anal dilatation (to accept 4 fingers) under general anesthesia. After this, 38% were able to be weaned off all medication and most of the remainder improved. Further anal dilatation and internal sphincterotomy allowed a further 10 children to stop laxative, bringing the total to 48%. (+info)
Comparison of Payne and Scott operations for morbid obesity.
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One hundred five patients were operated upon for morbid obesity using accepted criteria for operation. Forty-five patients with the Payne operation (35 cm of jejunum anastomosed end-to-side to 10 cm of ileum) were compared with 45 patients having the Scott operation (30 cm of jejunum anatomosed end-to-end to 15 cm of ileum with the proximal cut end of ileum vented into the transverse colon). The weight loss in the first two years was similar, although the Scott procedure patients lost slightly more weight. Comparison of the two groups by a new grading system also showed little difference in the two procedures. The Scott procedure takes longer and subjects the patient to an additional anastomosis. Study of a smaller group of patients having the Scott operation with varying lengths of jejunum and ileum indicates that there should not be less than 30 cm of jejunum nor more than 15 cm of ileum left in continuity. The length of jejunum is particularly important in the production of weight loss, and accurate intraoperative measurement of intestinal length is crucial. In the postoperative period the length of functional jejunum and ileum can be determined by upper gastrointestinal barium roentgenograms. (+info)
An isolated perfused rat lung preparation.
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An isolated perfused rat lung preparation (IPL) is described and its physiologic status is evaluated. The evaluation includes light and electron microscopy after perfusion and estimations of substrate utilization. ATP content, lactate production, and incorporation of glucose carbons into lipids and CO2. It is concluded that the IPL is useful for short-term metabolic and physiologic experiments and offers some unique advantages in evaluating effects of reactive gases upon lung function. (+info)
Studies on the uptake, metabolism, and release of endogenous and exogenous chemicals by use of the isolated perfused lung.
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The isolated perfused lung is a valuable tool for studying many lung functions. The kinds of information one can obtain from the isolated perfused lung are illustrated by examples from our studies on the uptake, accumulation, and metabolism of endogenous and exogenous chemicals. (+info)
An approach to an index of hospital performance.
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Two indexes are described, based on measures of administrative effectiveness and patient care effectiveness. The measures used were selected and ranked by a Delphi panel from a list of 30 measures drawn from the literature. Weights were assigned by the panel to 19 selected measures. The resulting indexes did well in a test on data collected from 32 Texas hospitals. (+info)