alpha-Adrenergic agents. 2. Synthesis and alpha 1-agonist activity of 2-aminotetralins.

Substituted 2-aminotetralins are potent, selective, direct-acting agonists at postjunctional alpha 1 receptors. Within this series, substituent alterations on the ring, as well as on the nitrogen, change the potency of compounds by over three orders of magnitude (EC50 = 12 to greater than 10 000 nM). It has been demonstrated experimentally that substitution at both the 5 and 8 positions of the aromatic ring produces optimum agonist potency. Removal of either substituent results in a loss of potency and efficacy relative to norepinephrine. Substitution at positions 6 and/or 7 is generally detrimental to activity. Methyl, ethyl, or dimethyl substitution on nitrogen is compatible with high agonist potency, while substitution with larger groups is not. The most potent agonist in this series is 5-(thiomethyl)-8-methoxy-2-aminotetralin, which has an EC50 of 12 nM.

Syntheses and in vitro evaluation of 4-(2-aminoethyl)-2(3H)-indolones and related compounds as peripheral prejunctional dopamine receptor agonists.

A series of (beta-aminoethyl)indolones and related compounds was synthesized and evaluated in vitro as peripheral prejunctional dopaminergic agonists in the field-stimulated isolated perfused rabbit ear artery. 4-[2-(Di-n-propylamino)ethyl]-7-hydroxy-2(3H)-indolone was the most potent compound (ED50 = 2 +/- 0.3 nM) tested, while the related secondary amine 24 and the des-OH derivatives 28 and 34 were only slightly less potent. 4-Methoxybenzeneethanamine and 2-methyl-3-nitrophenylacetic acid were employed as starting materials for for the synthesis of the 4-(beta-aminoethyl)indolones. The ring-opened 3-acylamino analogues 46 and 47 were prepared via nitration of the phenethylamine 43 derived from 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid. The inactive isomeric indolones 38, 39, and 41 were derived from 4-nitrobenzeneethanamine and from indolone-6-acetic acid.

Ender nailing of acute fractures of the humerus. A study of closed fixation by intramedullary nails without reaming.

A prospective study of closed intramedullary fixation of fractures of the shaft of the humerus, using Ender nails, was performed over a six-year period. Eighty-nine fractures in eighty-eight patients were treated with no immobilization postoperatively. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Eighty-five of the remaining eighty-six fractures healed, the average time to clinical union being 7.2 weeks. Non-union of one fracture occurred and there were no infections or malunions. Six of the nine preoperative and two postoperative radial-nerve palsies were lesions in continuity and healed spontaneously. The remaining three radial nerves that had been severed by a missile needed further attention. One of the nails backed out in eight patients, requiring revision in five. The average lack of complete extension of the elbow was 4 degrees and flexion of the elbow was 132 degrees. Abduction of the shoulder averaged 91 degrees; external rotation, 54 degrees; and internal rotation, 68 degrees. We conclude that closed intramedullary Ender nailing can be performed safely and effectively in selected fractures of the humeral shaft. However, only fractures that are recalcitrant to closed reduction and immobilization or fractures in the non-compliant patient should be considered for this form of operative treatment.

Efficacy of a bacterin prepared from Chlamydia psittaci grown in cell culture for experimental immunization of ewes.

The efficacy of a bacterin prepared from Chlamydia psittaci grown in mouse L-cells was compared to a similar bacterin prepared from C. psittaci grown in chicken embryos (CE). Both bacterins significantly reduced (P less than 0.03) incidence of abortion and weak lambs compared to non-vaccinated control ewes. The L-cell bacterin elicited a greater antibody response than the CE bacterin (P less than 0.03).

Peer coaching: an intervention for individuals struggling with diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of peer coaching and its influence on behavior change. METHODS: Coaches who were known to be successfully managing their diabetes were paired with individuals who were struggling with behavior change associated with managing diabetes. The pairs were matched according to age, sex, and physical appearance. Coaches met initially with participants in a face-to-face meeting for 1 hour and talked with them once a week for 10 to 15 minutes for the next 8 weeks. The initial interview and subsequent phone conversations focused on the person's problems and efforts at behavior change. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the pairs participated in a videotaped focus group to discuss their views on coaching and its influence on behavior change. Participants reported that coaching was personal, useful in disease management, and helpful in their quest to establish and adhere to routines of care. Participants also reported making progress toward changing their behavior related to diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Sustained behavior change was not measured. CONCLUSIONS: Peer coaching appears to have merit as a viable, low-cost intervention with the potential of helping individuals with diabetes who need to change their behavior.

Isolation of Salmonella spp. from dead gulls (Larus californicus and Larus delawarensis) from an Idaho irrigation reservoir.

An epizootic of unknown etiology resulting in the death of about 500 sea gulls (Larus californicus and Larus delawarensis) in 24 hr occurred on an irrigation reservoir in southwestern Idaho in April 1975. Salmonella spp. were isolated from necropsy specimens from 2 of 6 gulls examined. No Salmonella spp. were isolated from fecal specimens or dead gulls collected at a nesting site.

The groin flap in reparative surgery of the hand.

The historical literature of the use of axial vascular pattern flaps from the hypogastric and iliofemoral regions in reparative surgery of the hand is concisely reviewed. Thirty-six iliofemoral (groin) flaps were utilized for delayed primary resurfacing and secondary reconstruction of defects of the hand and forearm. Two flaps (6 percent) were complicated by partial necrosis. We caution against the immediate resurfacing (within 24 hours of injury) of acute crushed hand wounds by distant flaps. The immediate application of a healthy flap on a soiled or crushed wound invites complications of local tissue necrosis, infection, and subsequent loss of the flap. When distant flaps are indicated for coverage of acute hand wounds, delayed primary coverage following complete removal of all nonviable tissue is a safe and reliable regimen. It is advantageous to design the serviceable portion of the flap on the distal area of the vascular territory of the groin flap. Thoughtful yet "radical" defatting can be performed on the lateral portion of the groin flap territory. Constructed in this way, the long medial base of the groin flap allows freedom for movement at the wrist and metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, thus decreasing edema and stiffness. In the management of soft-tissue defects in the hand requiring distant flap coverage, we choose to utilize the conventional groin flap in preference to the microvascular free flap when both techniques will deliver equal results.

Host-parasite relationships of Fasciola hepatica in the white mouse. VIII. Successful vaccination with culture incubate antigens and antigens from sonic disruption of immature worms.

Mice were successfully vaccinated using culture incubate and sonicate antigens from 16-day-old flukes. Various injection schedules using the culture incubate antigen decreased challenge worm counts by 54 to 86%. The best results were achieved when the culture incubate was injected at 12 and 24 hr of incubation. Host mortality in the natural immunity controls ranged from 33 to 42%, and in the vaccinated animals from 12.5 to 25%. Functional antigens were present by 12 hr of incubation. A single immunizing injection with the sonicate antigen decreased challenge worm counts by 86%. Two immunizing injections with this antigen decreased challenge worm counts by 82%. However, the pathologic process in the liver was more severe than in animals that received a single injection.

Restricted dietary protein in pregnant beef cows: I. The effect on length of gestation and calfhood mortality.

Beef cows fed 0.37 Kg crude protein/day during the last four months of pregnancy had significantly shortened gestation (274 days vs. 282 days) and decreased weight gain (25 Kg vs. 66 Kg) compared to control cows fed 0.96 Kg crude protein/day. Calf mortality in the low protein group was associated with either dystocia (3 calves) or prematurity (2 calves). There were no deaths among control calves. It is suggested that protein malnutrition in late pregnancy may be a contributing factor to neonatal mortality among beef calves.

Restricted dietary protein in pregnant beef cows: II. Effect on the immune response.

Cows fed 0.37 Kg crude protein per day for four months before calving showed no decrease in colostral IgG, IgA, or IgM from cows fed a normal ration. Similarly, no difference in serum immunoglobulin concentration was detected in their calves. Cows in the low protein group developed significantly lower (P < 0.01) titers to Salmonella pullorum antigen than did the normal group. The data show significant positive linear regressions of calf agglutination titer to S. pullorum on the dam's colostral titers. Serum levels of IgG measured at 24 hours were significantly lower in calves from second-calf heifers than from these of other age groups. The IgA levels of serums from calves from the six-year-old cows were significantly higher than the serum levels of calves from younger dams (P < 0.01).

Serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activity in cattle with induced fascioliasis.

Six-month-old calves were inoculated with 200 metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica over a 72 day period. Their aspartic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, arginase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) values were measured at two-week intervals. Infections with a final fluke count of 19 to 87 flukes did not result in an increase of serum alkaline phosphatase or arginase compared with those in control calves. Serum aspartic transaminase values were increased significantly (P less than 0.025) above those of controls but were not increased over reference values. Seemingly, measurement of these enzymes would not be useful in assessing the degree of fluke infestation. In contrast, serum values of GGT increased 56 days after preliminary inoculation and remained high for at least 83 days after infection. The initial rise coincided with the penetration of bile ducts by migrating flukes. This relationship may be useful in further studies of fluke-induced biliary damage.

Closed intramedullary fixation of humeral shaft fractures.

During a seven-year prospective study, 158 humeral shaft fractures in 157 patients were treated with closed intramedullary nailing. Only humeral fractures not responsive to closed reduction and immobilization and those in noncomplaint patients were eligible. No immobilization was used postoperatively. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 148 fractures healed; there were three nonunions. The average time to clinical union was 7.2 weeks. There were no infections or malunions. Eight of 11 preoperative and three postoperative radial nerve palsies were lesions in continuity and healed spontaneously. The remaining three had been severed by missiles and needed further attention. Nail withdrawal occurred in eight patients; five of these needed nail revision. Final range of motion for the elbow averaged 132 degrees and shoulder abduction-external rotation averaged 168 degrees.

Bacterial isolates associated with epididymitis in rams from Idaho and eastern Oregon flocks.

Testicles from 47 rams with palpable lesions of epididymitis were subjected to bacterial culture. Of the testicles examined by culture technique, 49% were positive for bacterial growth. The 2 most frequent isolates were Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (23.4% of the testicular pairs) and Brucella ovis (14.9% of the testicular pairs). Heretofore A actinomycetem-comitans has not been reported as a cause of epididymitis in rams.

Experimentally induced Fasciola hepatica infection in young calves.

Twenty-four calves between 1 and 66 days of age (allotted to 3 age groups) were each inoculated with 100 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae to determine their susceptibility to fluke infection. Studies included measuring the immune response, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, fecal egg counts (to evaluate the length of the life cycle between times of metacercariae ingestion and fluke maturation), and the numbers of flukes in the liver of the calves at slaughter. Fasciola hepatica ova started appearing in the feces of calves, all ages, at 60 days after inoculations were done and reached average maximal number by 80 to 90 days. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results indicated that the oldest group of calves had significantly (P less than 0.01) greater antibody concentration from 6 weeks until the 18th to 20th week after inoculation than did the 2 younger groups. At slaughter, calves in the 52- to 66-day age group had mean fluke numbers significantly (P less than 0.01) greater than did calves in the 1- to 27-day and 35- to 44-day age groups.

Ovine campylobacterosis: preliminary studies of the efficacy of the in vitro serum bactericidal test as an assay for the potency of Campylobacter (Vibrio) fetus subsp intestinalis bacterins.

An in vitro serum bactericidal test was developed to assess the efficacy of Campylobacter fetus bacterins. Four experimental monovalent bacterins (either serotype C or A-2) and 2 commercial bivalent bacterins (a "suspect" and an "efficacious" bacterin) with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant were administered to sheep and rabbits from which antiserums were then prepared. The different vaccines were evaluated by comparing the in vitro bactericidal activity of the sheep and rabbit antiserums. Results of the in vitro tests were compared to the protection induced in vaccinated ewes which were orally exposed to C fetus. The sheep and the rabbit antiserums after they were heated at 56 C for 30 minutes were unable to exert a killing effect on C fetus cells. Addition of a fresh homologous complement source to the heated antiserums was necessary to demonstrate the in vitro bactericidal capacity. In the comparison of the suspect and the efficacious commercial bacterins, which both reportedly contain serotype C cells, there was a statistically significant difference in bactericidal activities for serotype C cells of antiserums from sheep 14 days after the 2nd vaccination. There was a corresponding significant difference in the antiserums from rabbits 14 days after the 2nd vaccination. Proportionally, more abortions and stillbirths were observed in the ewes vaccinated with the suspect bacterin and then orally exposed to C fetus-serotype C cells than in those vaccinated with the efficacious bacterin. The results indicated that the ability of vaccinated sheep to overcome infection is reflected in the in vitro bactericidal capacity of antiserum from the animal. Since 89% of the variation in sheep antiserums from 14 days after 2nd vaccination can be accounted for by rabbit antiserums from 14 days after 2nd vaccination, the in vitro bactericidal capacity of rabbit antiserums probably provides a reliable index of the protective effect of bacterins containing serotype C for ewes exposed to the homologous serotype.

A modified midlateral incision for volar approach to the digit.

This article describes an incision which incorporates principles of both the Bunnell midlateral incision and the Bruner zig-zag. It allows rapid access to the volar aspect of the digit without sacrificing exposure or risking flexion contractures while maintaining an unviolated volar skin flap. In this study of 125 patients, 189 digital problems were treated, using the modified midlateral incision. Ages ranged from eleven months to seventy-one years. Complications following surgery were unrelated to the incision.

Congenital fusion of the scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid and capitate.

We describe an unusual case of carpal coalition in an otherwise asymptomatic 28-year-old man. The combination of scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid and capitate fusion detailed in this article has not, to the best of our knowledge, been previously recorded.

Effect of three anthelmintics on weight gain of feedlot cattle.

Three groups of 50 heavy feedlot steers were treated with 1 of 3 anthelmintics (haloxon, tramisol, or thiabendazole). One group of 50 steers was not treated and served as a control. The initial degree of infection with gastrointestinal nematodes was light and decreased during the course of the study. There were no significant differences in weight gains among any of the groups at the end of a 113-day feeding period.

Effect of subclinical infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in commingled feeder swine.

Sequential serologic analysis for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was done on 240 commingled feeder swine at 1 and 21 days after purchase and at slaughter. At the beginning of the experiment, mean weight of the pigs was 18.6 kg, and the pigs were maintained to a mean slaughter weight of 109.95 kg. A fourfold increase in antibody titer against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was demonstrated in 28 (12%) pigs. Mean adjusted rate of gain for infected pigs was 0.74 +/- 0.10 kg/d and 0.77 +/- 0.09 kg/d for uninfected pigs. Differences in feed efficiency were not detected between infected and uninfected pigs. Our findings suggested that 5.64 additional days are required for pigs with subclinical infection to reach market weight of 113.6 kg, compared with that for uninfected herdmates. A vaccination program to prevent subclinical infection may not be cost effective.

Aflatoxicosis in cattle pastured in a field of sweet corn.

Aflatoxicosis was diagnosed in a small herd of cattle having access to moldy, unharvested sweet corn. Necropsy of 1 cow that died revealed anasarca and a pale tan liver. In this cow, microscopic examination revealed edema of all soft tissues and liver lesions consistent with aflatoxicosis. Samples of corn taken from the field contained 2,365 ng of aflatoxin/g of corn. Weather conditions were conducive to the formation of aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus and A parasiticus.