Phylogenetic Analysis of Kyrgyz Horse Using 17 Microsatellite Markers

Russian Journal of Genetics - Abstract—The results of this study are the first in assessing the subpopulation subdivision of the Kyrgyz horse breed. Horse genotyping was performed using 17...     

City-wide screening for urinary abnormalities in schoolgirls

Screening for urinary tract infection was carried out in 23,427 schoolgirls, aged 5 to 14 years, using Uricult and, for hematuria, glycosuria and proteinuria using Hema-combistix. Cultures of 10⁵ colonies per ml. or more on two occasions were obtained in 2.3% and a positive culture was confirmed by the family physician using standard culture techniques in 82.7% of cases, giving an overall incidence of infection of 1.9%. Fifty-eight percent of these children had no previous history of any urinary tract symptoms. Of the infected group 9.5% had pyelonephritic scarring, 58.7% chronic cystitis and 58.7% urethral stenosis. Two additional cases had unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction with hydronephrosis. Reflux occurred in 26.6% of those investigated by voiding cystogram. In 58% of cases the urinary tract infection was not accompanied by significant proteinuria, hematuria or pyuria.Proteinuria was detected on two occasions in 1.6% of the children and confirmed by the family physician in 33% of cases, giving an overall incidence of 0.5%. In this group 9.2% had evidence of pyelonephritic scarring without a positive urine culture.Hematuria was detected on two occasions in 0.6% of the children and was confirmed by the family physician in 53%, giving an overall incidence of 0.3%. Only one case with pyelonephritic scarring was seen in this group.Of the 25 cases with pyelonephritic changes only six had been previously diagnosed radiologically.Four previously unrecognized diabetics were also detected.     

Cyclosporin A: a powerful immunosuppressant.

Cyclosporin A (CyA) is a powerful immunosuppressive agent whose lack of myelotoxicity makes it unique among nonsteroidal drugs currently given for immunosuppression. It has been used with initial success in recipients of kidney, liver, bone marrow and pancreas transplants, and it may also have clinical application in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. In regard to its use in transplant recipients, there are many remaining questions about its mechanism of action, the optimum dose, whether it should be used alone or with other immunosuppressants, whether it can suppress chronic rejection and what its long-term side effects may be. These questions can only be answered by further careful laboratory investigation and controlled clinical trials. Until then, CyA should only be administered in centres experienced in its use.     

Effects of chronic hemodialysis on thyroid function in chronic renal failure

Thyroid function was studied in 54 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine and free thyroxine and the free thyroxine index were significantly lower than normal. The levels of both serum thyroxine and the free thyroxine index tended to fall progressively the longer the patients were on hemodialysis. These findings, in association with low serum TSH levels and normal increase in radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid after TSH injection, suggest that a defect in pituitary secretion of TSH may be responsible. Although some patients experienced symptomatic improvement after treatment with L-thyroxine the efficacy of this form of treatment in patients on chronic hemodialysis has not yet been established.     

Intermittent Hemodialysis in Terminal Chronic Renal Failure

Seven patients with chronic renal failure underwent intermittent hemodialysis for five to 37 months (111 patient-months on a twice-weekly basis) employing arteriovenous Teflon-Silastic cannulas and the modified two-layer Kiil hemodialyzer. A single-pass 37° C. dialysate system has been used. One patient died of an indirectly related cause. All other patients have been successfully rehabilitated and now carry on normal activity of moderate sedentary type. Complications included recurring infection and clotting of arteriovenous cannulas. Hypertension and anemia were common complications requiring careful control. Peripheral neuropathy was noted in five of the seven patients but was of clinical significance in only one patient. Metastatic calcification, osteoporosis and urolithiasis also occurred in this patient. Peptic ulcers with hemorrhage developed in two patients. The degree of rehabilitation and psychological adjustment achieved by this group of patients strongly indicates the need for expansion of dialysis facilities and further research into the medical and economic aspects of dialysis.     

Experiences with High Doses of Furosemide in Renal Disease and Resistant Edematous States

Six cases of edema, three due to the nephrotic syndrome, one to congestive heart failure and two to chronic renal failure, are reported in which furosemide was administered in oral doses higher than those usually prescribed (up to 720 mg. a day), in order to obtain a satisfactory diuresis. In one case of severe prerenal failure secondary to cardiogenic shock and in one case of acute tubular necrosis secondary to hypotension at the time of operation, intravenous doses up to 990 and 1400 mg. per day respectively were able to reverse the oliguria. In eight additional patients who were on chronic hemodialysis, furosemide was administered to the amount of 1000 mg. per day orally in divided doses for two weeks, and produced a moderate diuretic response.The use of high doses of furosemide in edema and renal failure resistant to the usual therapeutic measures appears to be safe and effective.     

Association of genetic variations in the vitamin D pathway with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Kazakhstan

Molecular Biology Reports - Tuberculosis (TB) poses an important health challenge and a significant economic burden for Kazakhstan and in Central Asia. Recent findings show a number of...