[Temperament and character profile of persons with suicide attempt]. / Perfil de temperamento y carácter de personas con intento suicida.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to establish the association between temperament and character personality traits with attempted suicide patients. METHOD: Consecutive male and female adults subjects, between 18-65 years old, presenting a suicide attempt and hospitalized in the Psychiatric Service of Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico), were evaluated based on Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and compared with the Mexican normative data. RESULTS: A total 63 subjects, with a mean age of 28.25 +/- 9.28 years old, 54 % of whom were women, were enrolled. Personality traits associated with suicide attempt in comparison with general population included: temperament: elevation in "novelty seeking" (22.9 +/- 6.0 vs 20.2 +/- 5.1; t = 3.30, df = 83, p = 0.01), "harm avoidance" (19.0 +/- 4.8 vs 12.6 +/- 7.1; t = 8.54, df = 132, p < 0.001), and "self-transcendence" (19.1 +/- 5.6 vs 16.4 +/- 6.2; t = 3.41, df = 100, p = 0.0009); and character: decrease in "self-directedness" (26.8 +/- 6.2 vs 29.9 +/- 10.8; t = -3.02, df = 161, p = 0.002), and "cooperativeness" (26.0 +/- 4.5 vs 28.2 +/- 9.9; t = -2.59, df = 214, p = 0.01). Finally, males with suicide attempt showed higher "harm avoidance" than females (20.37 +/- 5.3 vs 17.82 +/- 4.1; t = -2.14, df = 61, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Temperament traits associated with suicide attempt in the present study are related with serotoninergic and noradrenergic deregulation previously involved in the phenomena, and the sum of the character personality dimensions explains the complex relationship between biological and learned factors of suicide behavior.

Conversion of supra-ventricular tachycardia by catheter manipulation of the right atrium.

A case is described by which the right heart catheter was utilized to convert mechanically an episode of supraventricular tachycardia.

Cannabinoids as potential new analgesics.

Among other pharmacological properties analgesia is one of the important features of cannabinoids with therapeutical prospects. Cannabinoids have been shown to produce antinociception in experimental animals and humans. Recently a new system of neuromodulation based upon the existence of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous agonists has emerged. This has been proposed as another of the endogenous pain control systems. Current evidence indicate an interaction between cannabinoid and opioid systems, the latter being of known relevance in nociception. The fact that either exogenous or endogenous opioids enhanced cannabinoid-induced antinociception suggests simultaneous activation of both opioid and cannabinoid receptors by drugs as a new analgesic strategy.

Maternal exposure to delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol facilitates morphine self-administration behavior and changes regional binding to central mu opioid receptors in adult offspring female rats.

Opiates and cannabinoids are among the most widely consumed habit-forming drugs in humans. Several studies have demonstrated the existence of interactions between both kind of drugs in a variety of effects and experimental models. The present study has been focused to determine whether perinatal delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) exposure affects the susceptibility to reinforcing effects of morphine in adulthood and whether these potential changes were accompanied by variations in mu opioid receptor binding in brain regions related to drug reinforcement. Adult female rats born from mothers that were daily treated with delta9-THC during gestation and lactation periods, exhibited a statistically significant increase in the rate of acquisition of intravenous morphine self-administration behavior when compared with females born from vehicle-exposed mothers, an effect that did not exist in delta9-THC-exposed male offspring. This increase was significantly greater on the last day of acquisition period. There were not significant differences when the subjects were lever pressing for food. In parallel, we have also examined the density of mu opioid receptors in the brain of adult male and female offspring that were exposed to Delta9-THC during the perinatal period. Collectively, perinatal exposure to delta9-THC produced changes in mu opioid receptor binding that differed regionally and that were mostly different as a function of sex. Thus, delta9-THC-exposed males exhibited a lower density for these receptors than their respective oil-exposed controls in the caudate-putamen area as well as in the amygdala (posteromedial cortical nucleus). On the contrary, delta9-THC-exposed females exhibited higher density of these receptors than their respective oil-exposed controls in the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus (CA3 area), the amygdala (posteromedial cortical nucleus), the ventral tegmental area and the periaqueductal grey matter, whereas the binding was lower than control females only in the lateral amygdala. These results support the notion that perinatal delta9-THC exposure alters the susceptibility to morphine reinforcing effects in adult female offspring, in parallel with changes in mu opioid receptor binding in several brain regions.

Autoradiographic analysis of cannabinoid receptor binding and cannabinoid agonist-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding in morphine-dependent mice.

The present study was designed to test the possible existence of changes in brain cannabinoid receptors in morphine-dependent mice. To this end, we compared cannabinoid receptor binding and WIN 55,212-2-stimulated [35S]guanylyl-5'-O-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTP gamma S) binding in several brain regions of mice chronically exposed to morphine or saline. The existence of opiate dependence in morphine-injected mice was assessed by analyzing the well-known jumping behavior induced by the blockade of opioid receptors with naloxone, whereas these animals were unresponsive to the blockade of cannabinoid receptors with SR141716. The different structures analyzed exhibited similar cannabinoid receptor binding levels in morphine-dependent and control mice, with the only exception of the globus pallidus, which exhibited a very small, but statistically significant, increase. In addition, the activation of cannabinoid receptors with WIN 55,212-2 increased [35S]GTP gamma S binding in most of the structures examined. The increase was of similar magnitude in morphine-dependent and control mice, except in the substantia nigra, where morphine-dependent mice exhibited lesser [35S]GTP gamma S binding levels in basal conditions, although a significantly higher WIN 55,212-2-stimulated binding. Other structures, such as the central gray substance, where there was a poor agonist-induced stimulation in control mice, exhibited, however, higher levels of WIN 55,212-2-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding in morphine-dependent mice, whereas these animals tended to exhibit a higher [35S]GTP gamma S binding levels in basal conditions, although a lesser and not statistically significant WIN 55,22-2-stimulated binding, in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex. Thus, the data support the potential existence of a specific effect of morphine in the coupling of cannabinoid receptors to GTP-binding proteins, rather than on receptor binding, although this was observed only in the substantia nigra and central gray substance.

[Emergency laboratory in the pediatric module]. / Il Laboratorio di Urgenza nel modulo pediatrico.

The emergency in the laboratory is a serious problem. The Authors, starting from management evaluations, try to analyse the problems related to the urgent examinations in the Laboratory of a Pediatric Hospital. They propose executive ways for the best working of the same laboratory.

[Urine analysis in a pediatric laboratory using reagent strips read visually (visual dip sticks)]. / L'esame delle urine in un laboratorio pediatrico effettuato mediante strisce reattive ad osservazione diretta (dip sticks visual).

The Authors studied the possibility of using some dip sticks visual for urinalysis. One hundred of urine samples have been analyzed at the beginning with the instrumental laboratory analytical system and then with the dip sticks visual; the results put in evidence that there is a real discrepancy as far as glucose is concerned. Glucose is overestimated in dip sticks visual method. Bilirubin, blood and proteins are in a decreasing order the most different items. Concerning to pH the results have been comparable. Specific weight cannot be compared to the laboratory method, on the other hand it can be used for screening. On the whole the Authors are quite satisfied about dip sticks visual method; it can be used in order to accelerate diagnosis and avoid pre-analytical mistakes.

Anandamide decreases naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs in mice chronically treated with morphine.

The effect of anandamide, a putative endogenous ligand of the cannabinoid receptor, has been studied in a naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice. Animals were chronically treated with increasing doses of morphine (from 8 to 45 mg/kg) over 5 days or implanted with morphine pellets (72 hr). Typical signs of withdrawal (jumping and body weight loss) were examined after naloxone administration (1 mg/kg). In these conditions, anandamide (5 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased both the number of jumps, measured over 30 min (81.2% +/- 3.15 and 92.2% +/- 3.5 decrease in chronically administered morphine and pellet implanted mice, respectively), and the body weight loss at 30 and 60 min (30 min: 2.6% +/- 0.4 vs 4.4% +/- 0.2 and 3.7% +/- 0.4 vs 5.3% +/- 0.4; 60 min: 3.2% +/- 0.5 vs 5.0% +/- 0.4 and 4.1% +/- 0.5 vs 6.0% +/- 0.5 in chronically treated morphine and pellet implanted mice respectively) after naloxone administration. This suggests, as shown in the case of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a modulation by anandamide of pathways involved in the expression of physical signs of opioid dependence and support its role as an endogenous cannabinoid agonist.

Characterization and distribution of binding sites for a new neurotensin receptor antagonist ligand, [3H]SR 48692, in the guinea pig brain.

SR 48692, a selective nonpeptide antagonist of neurotensin (NT) receptors was developed recently. In the present work we studied the binding properties of the corresponding radioligand, [3H]SR 48692, in the adult guinea pig brain. The characterization of [3H]SR 48692 binding was carried out on brain membrane preparations and the distribution of [3H]SR 48692 binding sites was determined by receptor autoradiography and compared to that of [125I]NT binding sites. In brain homogenates, [3H]SR 48692 bound to a single population of sites with a Kd of 2.19 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 1.15 pmol/mg of protein. This maximal binding capacity value was 20 times higher than that observed for [125I]NT. NT agonists were able to interact competitively with the entire population of binding sites labeled by [3H]SR 48692, but their affinities were much lower than those observed for [125I]NT. By contrast, NT antagonists exhibited similar abilities to inhibit the binding of both radioligands. The addition of unlabeled NT in saturation assays revealed a competitive inhibition of [3H]SR 48692 binding, suggesting that agonist and antagonist ligand bind to overlapping domains of the NT receptor. The autoradiographic distribution of the low-affinity NT binding sites detected by [3H]SR 48692 (96% of the receptors) was very similar to the distribution of high-affinity receptors labeled with [125I]NT (4% of the receptors). In addition, the binding of [3H]SR 48692 was insensitive to guanyl nucleotides. Taken together, these findings suggest that the binding sites detected by [3H]SR 48692 in the guinea pig brain mainly represent the uncoupled form of the NT receptor.

Perinatal exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) leads to changes in opioid-related behavioral patterns in rats.

Perinatal exposure to cannabinoids has been shown to elicit central nervous system impairment in rodents. This includes changes in monoaminergic and neuropeptidergic activities. We have examined the effect of perinatal exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) on sensitivity to radiant heat in both male and female rats on days 24, 50 and 70 after birth. Animals used in this experiment were born of mothers that received delta 9-THC (5 mg/kg; p.o.) daily from day 5 of pregnancy until day 24 after offspring birth. delta 9-THC perinatally treated males, but not females, showed higher baseline tail-flick values than controls on days 24 and 50 (Day 24, controls: 3.88 +/- 0.18 s; delta 9-THC group: 4.51 +/- 0.18 s; Day 50, controls: 3.16 +/- 0.17 s; delta 9-THC group: 4.38 +/- 0.38 s). In addition, adult males were found to be tolerant to the analgesic effect of morphine (5 mg/kg; i.p.; % analgesia: controls 71.75 +/- 10.20; delta 9-THC 35.5 +/- 10.59). Moreover, recently weaned pups that received 5 mg/kg of naloxone (i.p.) developed an opioid-like withdrawal syndrome. Taken together all these results suggest that perinatal treatment with delta 9-THC may alter the functionality of the endogenous opioid system, including changes in pain sensitivity.

The Bateman bipolar prosthesis in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A review of 400 cases.

Four hundred arthroplasties with the Bateman (or universal) prosthesis were performed from June 1974 to January 1985, including 286 cases with osteoarthritis (OA) and 114 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Evaluation was made according to the d'Aubigne-Postel method. The follow-up period was from three to 14 years, with an average duration of eight years, five months. The results were excellent in 230 cases (172 OA, 58 RA), good in 140 (98 OA, 42 RA), fair in eight (four OA, four RA), and poor in 22 (12 OA, ten RA). Radiolucencies were present in the femoral side in 25%. Radiolucency of more than 2 mm was seen in 20 cases (5%). The complications were six cases of fracture of the plastic insert, four cases of protrusio of the acetabulum, four dislocations, eight cases of loosening of the femoral stem, one deep infection, two superficial infections, 15 cases of thrombophlebitis, one pulmonary embolism, and one death. A careful analysis of these complications and a discussion of their treatment are presented. Reoperations were performed in 20 patients (5%). The universal arthroplasty appears to be a safe and reliable procedure.

Acetabular reaction to the Bateman bipolar prosthesis.

The Bateman bipolar prosthesis has been used by the authors since 1974. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the implant functions as a bipolar device or as a unipolar hemiarthroplasty, which may cause damage to the acetabulum. Of 478 hips replaced from 1973 to 1983, 19 with acetabular changes were randomly selected to evaluate the response of the prosthesis. From the 11 cases with protrusio at the time of surgery, six showed thickening of the acetabular wall, while no changes were observed during ten years follow-up study in the five remaining cases; in one case, the wall gave way, and a revision was necessary. In five patients with subchondral cysts, the cysts tended to gradually disappear. Three patients showed sclerosis in the subchondral acetabular bone, which also decreased gradually. Previous facts suggest the acetabulum tolerates the implant well even with some damage at the time of surgery. Whether this depends on the amount of movement and friction occurring between the head and the insert is still undetermined.

Expression of c-myc and c-Ha-ras oncogenes in human lymphoblastoid cells (Namalva).

We have studied the expression of c-myc and c-Ha-ras oncogenes in this cell line. Daudi lymphoblastoid cells and normal human leukocytes served as a positive and a negative control, respectively. The Northern blot analysis using a c-myc probe revealed a 2.7 kb transcript and two larger transcripts greater than 23 kb. In the Northern blot hybridization using a c-Ha-ras probe, two transcripts with sizes of 1.8 and 6.1 kb were observed. The affinity of the Namalva RNA hybridization to c-myc probe was about 10-fold lower than that in Daudi RNA, whereas no difference in the c-Ha-ras hybridization was observed between the two cell lines. These data indicate that c-myc and c-Ha-ras are expressed in Namalva cells. It is noteworthy to consider that the difference in oncogene expression between Namalva and Daudi cells might be due to the difference in interferon properties between the two cell lines.

Plasmids of Azotobacter vinelandii.

Four laboratory strains and two isolates of Azotobacter vinelandii were found to contain plasmids. Twenty-five laboratory strains which could fix nitrogen did not have free, covalently closed circular plasmid DNA. The plasmids varied in size from 9 to 52 megadaltons, and each strain yielded only one plasmid. No discernible differences in ability to fix nitrogen were found between plasmid-bearing and cured cultures.

Growth of Azotobacter vinelandii on Soil Nutrients.

Azotobacter vinelandii cells grew well in a medium made from soil and distilled water which contained little or no carbohydrate. They utilized p-hydroxybenzoic acid and other phenolic acids, soil nitrogen, and water-soluble mineral substances. Seventeen soils which supported excellent growth of A. vinelandii contained 11 to 18 different phenolic acids each, including p-hydroxybenzoic, m-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, p-coumeric, syringic, cis- and trans-ferrulic, and other unidentified aromatic acids. Three white, chalky "caliche" soils which were taken from areas where no plants grew failed to support the growth of A. vinelandii, and these contained no, two, and three phenolic acids, respectively. A. vinelandii did not fix nitrogen when growing in dialysates of soils which contained numerous phenolic acids. Growth was ample and rapid in most of the soils tested, but cell morphology was different from that usually seen in chemically defined, nitrogen-free media which contain glucose.

Survival of Azotobacter spp. in Dry Soils.

Dry soils stored in glass containers in the laboratory and protected from contamination for periods of 22 to 24 years yielded numerous colonies of Azotobacter chroococcum and other members of the family Azotobacteraceae. These results were compared with those reported in 1974, and the findings are uniformly consistent in terms of surviving populations. The data prove that these bacteria remain viable after prolonged periods of dormancy in much the same way as do the endospores of gram-positive bacteria.

True morphology of the Azotobacteraceae-filterable bacteria.

The history of bacteriology up to the 1950s contains many references to filterable forms of bacteria but misconceptions regarding the nature of filterability eventually made the entire phenomenon an unresolvable paradox. Although the existence of filterable azotobacter has often been reported, so much doubt in these results has been expressed that now Bergey does not even mention filterability. In 1965 we reported the resistance of soil azotobacter to gamma rays and concluded that the possibilty of a very small Azotobacter form could not be dismissed and as a result of studies on survival in soil, we suggested the possible existence in soil of a still undiscovered phase of the Azotobacter cyst. We report here the discovery of these small, soil azotobacter and provide evidence to support this claim.

Phosphate-limited culture of Azotobacter vinelandii.

Batch cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii grown in phosphate-deficient media were compared with control cultures grown in phosphate-sufficient media. Phosphate limitation was assessed by total cell yield and by growth kinetics. Although cell protein, nucleic acids, and early growth rate were unaffected by phosphate deficiency, cell wall structure, oxygen uptake, and cell viability were significantly affected. Also, phosphate-limited cells contained much larger amounts of poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid but lower adenylate nucleotide energy charge than did control cells. The ratio of adenosine 5'-triphosphate to adenosine 5'-diphosphate was much lower in phosphate-deficient cells. The data indicate a substrate saving choice of three metabolic pathways available to this organism under different growth conditions.

Mechanism of lethal action of 2,450-MHz radiation on microorganisms.

Various bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and bacteriophages were exposed to microwaves of 2,450 +/- 20 MHz in the presence and in the absence of water. It was found that microorganisms were inactivated only when in the presence of water and that dry or lyophilized organisms were not affected even by extended exposures. The data presented here prove that microorganisms are killed by "thermal effect" only and that, most likely, there is no "nonthermal effect"; cell constituents other than water do not absorb sufficient energy to kill microbial cells.