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Biomedical subjects

E Caspi

Publications and source records attributed to E Caspi.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Biosynthesis of sterols by a yeast homogenate. Incorporation of mevalonic acid into cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3beta-ol and 5alpha-cholesta-7,24-dien-3beta-ol.

Incubation of (3RS,2R)-[2-14C,2-3H]mevalonic acid and (3RS, 2S)-[2-14C,2-3H]mevalonic acid with mechanically disrupted yeast cells resulted in C27-metabolites. Two (14C5, 3H4)-metabolites, cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3beta-ol and 5 alpha-cholesta-7,24-dien-3beta-ol, were isolated and characterized. The impairment of the 24-methyl transferase system was confirmed by the lack of incorporation of 14C into the sterol fraction on incubation of S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-14C]methionine with the yeast homogenate. The results indicate that interference with the (C-24)-alkylating system did not prevent the transformation of lanosterol to the cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3beta-ol and to 5 alpha-cholesta-7,24-dien-3beta-ol. It can therefore be inferred that transformations of the nucleus and of the side chain can function independently. However our results do not provide a definition of the actual sequence of the metabolic events between lanosterol and ergosterol.

Cell-Free System↗

The amniotic fluid foam test, L/S ratio, and total phospholipids in the evaluation of fetal lung maturity.

The results of the L/S ratio, TPL (total phospholipids) concentration, and the FT (foam test) from 126 amniotic fluid samples (105 of which were obtained less than 48 hours before delivery) between weeks 26 and 43 of gestation were compared in evaluating fetal lung maturity. A perfect correlation between an L/S ratio of 2 or more and TPL of 2.8 mg./100 ml. or more and pulmonary maturity was found. L/S ratio of 1.4 or less and TPL of 1.5 mg./100 ml. or less were associated in all cases with RDS. The intermediate zone between these values, where pulmonary maturity could not be predicted, contained 3.8 per cent of the cases when L/S ratio is evaluated compared to 21.9 per cent by TPL assessment. The intermediate and positive FT were associated in all cases with fetal lung maturity and mature values of L/S ratio and TPL; the negative FT cases (36 out of 105) were associated with a wide range of TPL and L/S ratio values including immature, intermediate, and mature values. No RDS occurred in cases in which the FT was positive or intermediate. It is concluded that the FT is highly valuable as a screening test. If positive or intermediate, the risk of RDS is very small; when negative, the sample should be subjected to chemical analysis.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Changes in amniotic fluid lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio following maternal dexamethasone administration.

The effect of dexamethasone on amniotic fluid lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was measured in 15 fetuses of 34 weeks or less of gestation. Six of the patients presented with premature rupture of the membranes. A rise in the L/S ratio is mature levels (two or more) was observed 24 hours to 11 days after the start of treatment in 12 patients. In 2 patients (one second twin and one anencephalic fetus), no rise in L/S ratio occurred. Of 12 cases whch ended in premature delivery (29 to 35 weeks) only one infant, a second twin delivered at the thirtieth week with a posttreatment L/S ration o1.4 weighing 1,240 grams, developed severe respiratory distress syndrome and died. Tt is suggested that dexamethasome accelerates fetal lung maturation by increasing surfactant synthesis or release, and this may be achieved as early as the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Infections with mycoplasma and bacteria in induced midtrimester abortion and fetal loss.

Placentas and fetuses from cases of induced midtrimester abortion and fetal loss (13 weeks of pregnancy or more) were examined microbiologically. In the series of midtrimester fetal loss, bacteria were isolated in 14 per cent and genital Mycoplasma in 37 per cent of the placentas. In induced abortion, 18 per cent of the placentas grew bacteria and in only one case out of 27 was a Mycoplasma strain isolated. Fetal organs yielded cultures positive for bacteria in 16 per cent and for genital Mycoplasma in 23 per cent of the spontaneous fetal loss material, whereas pyogenic cocci were isolated from fetal organs in 18 per cent and Mycoplasma in no case of induced abortion. In the positive cases, the fetal lungs were most often infected (in 34 out of 37 positive cases of spontaneous and 4 out of 5 positive cases of induced abortion). On the other hand, microorganisms could be isolated from the brain in only 5 out of 28 cases of spontaneous and none of induced abortion. In the series of fetal loss, positive microbiologic findings from the fetal organs seemed correlated to prolonged bleeding before abortion or labor and to premature rupture of membranes.

Abortion, Induced↗

Amniotic fluid volume, total phospholipids concentratio, and L/S ratio in term pregnancies.

Amniotic fluid volume, lecithin/sphringomyelin ratio, total phospholipid concentration and total phospholipid per sac were investigated in 53 term pregnancies. A definite influence of amniotic fluid volume on the phospholipid concentration was noted, while no influence on the L/S ratio was observed. Amniotic fluid volume showed a tendency to decrease after the 40th week of gestation. The total quantity of phospholipids per sac showed no significant variation between the 36th and 42nd week of gestation.

Amniotic Fluid↗

[Idiopathic hemoperitoneum in young women].

We present three cases of idiopathic hemoperitoneum or abdominal apoplexy in young women. At laparotomy a large quantity of blood was found in the abdomen in each patient, but active bleeding had stopped and the site of its origin was not established. A well-developed corpus luteum which was intact was found, of pregnancy in one case and of the progestationl phase in the two others. In all three cases the abdomen was closed without hemostasis being carried out. Recovery was rapid but the young woman who was pregnant aborted later. Etiology and the relationship of this syndrome with the state of pregnancy or the progestational phase are discussed as well as prognosis and the management.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗