The efficacy of a Bismuth-protein-complex compound in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers

In a clinical trial involving a total of 86 patiellls, the efficacy of Bicitropeptide (BCP) in The treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers was investigated. The gastric ulcer group was treated on a double-blind basis with gastroscopic control, while in the duodenal ulcer group radiological evidence and clinical assessment were used as criteria. In the gastric ulcer group 60% of the patients were completely healed, while in a further 33·3% of the patienrs, The ulcer crater was reduced by more ihan two-thirds of the original size. In the control group, the corresponding figures were 8·3% and 41.6%. In The duodenal ulcer group 88% of the ulcers were considered completely healed. The advantages of Bicitropeptide therapy are discussed and it is concluded that it has a definite place in The treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer disease

Evolution of the TOR Pathway

The TOR kinase is a major regulator of growth in eukaryotes. Many components of the TOR pathway are implicated in cancer and metabolic diseases in humans. Analysis of the evolution of TOR and its pathway may provide fundamental insight into the evolution of growth regulation in eukaryotes and provide a practical framework on which experimental evidence can be compared between species. Here we performed phylogenetic analyses on the components of the TOR pathway and determined their point of invention. We find that the two TOR complexes and a large part of the TOR pathway originated before the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor and form a core to which new inputs have been added during animal evolution. In addition, we provide insight into how duplications and sub-functionalization of the S6K, RSK, SGK and PKB kinases shaped the complexity of the TOR pathway. In yeast we identify novel AGC kinases that are orthologous to the S6 kinase. These results demonstrate how a vital signaling pathway can be both highly conserved and flexible in eukaryotes

Estimation of gestational age at birth. Comparison of two methods.

Seventy-three low birthweight babies were independently assessed for gestational age using the scoring system of Dubowitz et al. (1970) and 5 neurological reflexes described by Robinson (1966). The results obtained by the 5 reflexes were compared with those obtained by the scoring system and were found to be accurate estimations of gestational age. The 5 reflexes may be used for babies of gestational ages 29 to 37 weeks, but above 37 weeks the scoring system must be used

Continuous harmonic impedance assessment using online measurements

The quantification of harmonic emission requires an accurate representation of the network harmonic impedances. A number of techniques have been proposed to make the assessment of the network harmonic impedances practical and less invasive. Using actual event data, captured at a solar farm, this paper aims to utilize existing assessment techniques to develop an online network harmonic impedances assessment model. The harmonic impedances can then be updated per event and automatically be corrected as the network develops. This technique is noninvasive and will provide an accurate estimation of the network impedances enabling the continuous assessment of power quality emissions

Methylphenidate use among students living in junior on-campus residences of the University of the Free State

Background: The use of methylphenidate as cognitive enhancer is a growing trend among students at tertiary institutions globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of methylphenidate use and co-use with alcohol among on-campus residence students of the University of the Free State (UFS). Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 10 junior residences were randomly selected and 1 761 anonymous questionnaires handed out for all students living in these residences during 2015. Data were collected on demographics, use of methylphenidate and co-use of methylphenidate with alcohol. Results: In total, 585 questionnaires (response rate 33.2%) were received and analysed. Sixty-six (11.3%) participants reported past-year use of methylphenidate. While only 18 (27.3%) of past-year users were diagnosed with ADHD, 44 (66.7%) obtained their supply through doctors’ prescriptions, 21 (31.8%) from friends without payment, and 4 (6.1%) bought it from illegal sources. Of the past-year users, 24.2% had used methylphenidate before consuming alcohol. Conclusion: Off-label prescribing, diversion of prescriptions and illegal trade in methylphenidate occur among students at the UFS. The frequent co-use of methylphenidate and alcohol may indicate a lack of information on the effects of the medication, rather than deliberate misuse. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2017.129269

A stable ruthenium catalyst for productive olefin metathesis

New ruthenium carbene complexes 5 and 6, containing a rigid bicyclic phosphine moiety, have been prepared, and the structure of 5 has been unambiguously established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These ruthenium-based complexes show excellent stability to air and moisture, can be recycled by chromatography, and are available from simple precursors. They are efficient catalysts for various metathesis reactions, particularly for applications where high selectivity is required.</p