The present evidence indicates that serum pseudocholinesterase activity is increased to about 20% above the normal level in thyrotoxicosis and decreased by about 30% in myxoedema. Treatment restores the esterase level to the average mean activity of random normal as the patient becomes euthyroid. There is no evidence in the present investigation that any of the pseudocholinesterase variants modify these conclusions.

Cholinesterases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Helical processing using PHOELIX.

We describe here a set of procedures and algorithms for helical processing that we refer to as the PHOELIX package. The package was developed to provide a time-efficient and semiautomated method for determining a three-dimensional density map from a specimen with helical symmetry. The procedures which are part of PHOELIX are drawn from the original MRC helical processing suite with extensions principally developed using the SUPRIM image processing package. The package in its current form has been optimized for the processing of actomyosin filaments but has been modified and applied to other helical structures.

Actomyosin↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Two-dimensional crystallization of brush border myosin I.

Brush border myosin-I (BBMI) is a single-headed unconventional myosin found in the microvilli of intestinal epithelial cells, where it links the core bundle of actin filaments to the plasma membrane. An association of BBMI with anionic phospholipids has been shown to be mediated by a carboxy-terminal domain which is rich in basic amino acids. We have exploited this natural affinity of BBMI for negatively charged lipids to form two-dimensional (2D) crystals of this protein which are suitable for structural analysis by electron crystallographic techniques. The 2D crystals which we have obtained belong to one of two space groups, p22121 or p2. We present here projection maps calculated from images of negatively stained crystals for each of these crystal types to a resolution of 20 A and show that the asymmetric unit is the same in both crystal types.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of the results of extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal techniques for construction of terminal iliac colostomies.

In a series of 251 patients followed for at least two years after abdominoperineal excision for carcinoma of the rectum, those given extraperitoneal iliac colostomies were found to have significantly lower incidences of pericolostomy herniation, prolapse, and recession than those given intraperitoneal colostomies. There was no difference between the frequencies of mechanical intestinal obstruction.

Colon↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Radiation: giving the nuclear all-clear.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Accidents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reproductive tract infections: the forgotten and neglected component of family planning services.

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Asia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Bequeath, bury or burn?

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Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Observations on abortion in Zambia.

This report describes the findings of a preliminary investigation of women who sought treatment for abortion from the Gynecological Emergency Ward at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. Barriers to obtaining legal abortions are identified and the harsh experiences of women seeking treatment for complications of illegally induced abortion are discussed. The data contribute to an understanding of the intensity of abortion for Zambian women and draw attention to the value of small-scale, qualitative research on women's reproductive health care needs. It is suggested that a study be planned at UTH to determine how health care delivery can be improved for women who seek abortion.

Abortion, Illegal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Primary anorectal malignant melanoma. A case report.

A case of primary anorectal malignant melanoma in a 66-year-old lady is presented and the clinical, radiological and surgical features reviewed. The presenting symptoms similar to the more commonly encountered haemorrhoids led to a delay in the eventual diagnosis and treatment, resulting in limited post-operative survival. The relevant literature is reviewed and an emphasis made on the accurate histological diagnosis of anorectal growths.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluating rural Bangladeshi women's perspectives of quality in family planning services.

Several frameworks for understanding the quality of family planning care have been proposed. However, efforts to measure and quantify their components remain underdeveloped, especially with regard to nonclinical care and community-based distribution. This study examines a large-scale field survey conducted among married women of reproductive age in rural Bangladesh in 1989 and 1990 to measure and evaluate rural women's perceptions of the quality of outreach services they received. Initial analysis indicates that rural women are able to distinguish between good and poor quality of care and that these perceptions can be accurately documented and quantified through sample survey approaches. Implications of the use of a survey in the measurement of quality of care are discussed, as well as implications of the results for managers within the Bangladesh government family planning program, which has been regarded by donor agencies as having limited responsiveness to clients' needs.

Bangladesh↗