Hedbergia, a new genus of Scrophulariaceae from Africa

Hedbergia is described as a new, monotypic genus in the Scrophulariaceae, subfamily Rhinanthoideae, tribe Rhinantheae. The species H. abyssinica is transferred from Bartsia. Hedbergia abyssinica is the most primitive taxon so far known in the subtribe Euphrasineae.     

The incorporation of selenium and alterations of macro- and trace element levels in individual blood cells following supplementation with sodium selenite and vitamin E

Significant alterations in the selenium content of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and neutrophil granulocytes were observed following a daily supplementation of 200 μg Se + 100 mg vitamin E during a period of 2 months. The neutrophil granulocytes incorporated more selenium than the thrombocytes. The iron content of the thrombocytes decreased on selenium supplementation, while the opposite was noted for the neutrophil granulocytes. The glutathione peroxidase activity was not significantly changed during the period of observation.     

Purification of thymocyte growth peptide (TGP) from sheep thymus. Relationship to FTS/thymulin

Thymocyte growth peptide (TGP) initiates DNA synthesis in immature thymocytes and has previously been characterized as an acidic peptide isolated from calf thymus. We now report the isolation of TGP from sheep thymus and show it to be a nonapeptide with a large N-terminal blocking moiety characterized by high UV absorbance. The amino acid composition is identical to FTS, consisting of 2 Gly, 2 Ser, 2 Glx, 1 Ala, 1 Lys, 1 Asx. In contrast to FTS, TGP is acidic with an apparent isoelectric point of 4.2 and a high UV absorbance at 270–280 nm. Reverse phase chromatography of TGP at an acidic pH results in a change of the molecule and the appearance of two new compounds TGP-A and TGP-B, both with less than 50% of the original TGP activity. Full activity could be restored by the addition of ZnCl₂ to TGP-A. Both TGP-A and B have some amino acid composition and high UV absorbance as native TGP. We propose that TGP consists of a non-peptide moiety bound to the N-terminal of the nonapeptide Glu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn and that the active molecule is stabilized by Zn²⁺.     

Reversal of sexual impotence in male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypoxemia with long term oxygen therapy

Erectile impotence is commonly encountered in male patients with respiratory failure and hypoxia. In this study, 42% of the patients experienced reversal of sexual impotence during long term oxygen therapy (LTOT). We examine the association between sexual impotence, gonadal axis hormones, hypoxia, and oxygen therapy. Nineteen sexually impotent male patients eligible for LTOT (pO₂ < 7.3 kPa during stable disease) and with sexual impotence received oxygen therapy for 1 month (n = 12) or 24 h (n = 7). pO₂, LH, FSH, testosterone, and SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) were monitored. Five of 12 patients receiving oxygen for 1 month regained sexual potency. The responders showed a significant increase in arterial pO₂ and serum testosterone, and a decline in SHBG compared to non-responders. None of the patients receiving oxygen for 24 h experienced reversal of sexual impotence, despite a significant increase in pO₂. In these patients, serum testosterone did not increase significantly. Reversal of sexual impotence may be achieved in some patients with respiratory failure. The oxygen therapy must, however be administered for an adequate length of time.     

A 33-yr follow-up of peak oxygen uptake and related variables of former physical education students

Åstrand, Per-Olof, Ulf Bergh, and ÅsaKilbom. A 33-yr follow-up of peak oxygen uptake and relatedvariables of former physical education students. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(6): 1844-1852, 1997.In 1949, 27 female and 26 male physical education students were studied at amean age of 22 and 25 yr, respectively. They were restudied in 1970 and1982. Measurements included oxygen uptake, heart rate, and pulmonaryventilation during submaximal and maximal exercise on a cycle ergometerand treadmill. After 21 yr, peak aerobic power was significantlyreduced, from 2.90 to 2.18 l/min and from 4.09 to 3.28 l/min for womenand men, respectively. After another 12 yr, the 1970 maxima were notreduced further. From 1949 to 1982 there was a decrease in peak heartrate from 196 to 177 beats/min in women and from 190 to 175 beats/minin men (P < 0.05). Highest pulmonaryventilation did not change significantly. At an oxygen uptake of 1.5 l/min, the heart rate was the same in 1949 as in 1982. In conclusion,the physical fitness level of the subjects was well above average forthese ages. From 1970 to 1982 there was no decline in the average peakaerobic power, a finding possibly related to increased habitualphysical activity.

     

The genus Calceolaria in NW South America. VI. The sections Urticopsis, Lobatae and Micranthera

Three sections of Calceolaria (Scrophulariaceae) in NW South America are revised, viz. sect. Urticopsis (8 species in the area), Lobatae (4), and Micranthera (2). Sect. Urticopsis is characterized by herbaceous, ovate, petiolate leaves and white to buffish pubescence. Sect. Lobatae is characterized by lobate, petiolate leaves and white to greyish white pubescence. Sect. Micranthera comprises small herbs with a weedy habit, characterized by small anthers and unusually long filaments. Three new species are described, viz. C. obtusa, C. trichanthera , and C. adenocalyx (all in sect. Urticopsis) , and one new combination is made, viz. C. penlandii ssp. puraceensis (sect. Urticopsis). Chromosome numbers (all 2n = 36) are reported for C. lamiifolia, C. obtusa, C. penlandii ssp. penlandii , and C. dichotoma.     

Effect of intravenous infusion of 15-methyl-PGF2α on plasma hormone levels during early pregnancy

Ten pregnant women (7th–8th week of pregnancy) obtained an intravenous infusion of 15-methyl-prostaglandin-F_2α (2.5 μg/min) until clinical signs of abortion occurred or up to 7 hours. Surgical removal of the products of conception was performed 4–7 hours after the start of the infusion. Blood samples were taken prior to and during the infusion and then during the post-abortion period. The plasma levels of both progesterone and estradiol exhibited a significant decrease (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively) one hour after the beginning of infusion and remained reduced by approximately 35 and 45 per cent, respectively, during the entire infusion period. A drop in the levels of both steroids was seen after surgical interruption. This was followed by a gradual decrease to non-pregnancy levels. The levels of cortisol increased significantly (p<0.01) by approximately 60 per cent, starting with the second hour of infusion. Following surgical interruption, the levels dropped to pre-infusion values. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone levels increased (p<0.05) above the pretreatment levels by approximately 25 per cent, starting with the third hour of infusion. These levels were not correlated with those of cortisol during the infusion period. Following surgical interruption the plasma levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone returned to non-pregnancy levels.