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Biomedical subjects

D Benveniste

Publications and source records attributed to D Benveniste.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Synthesis and processing of pro-ocytocin in bovine corpus luteum and granulosa cells.

Bovine corpus luteum is the site of intense production of pro-ocytocin-neurophysin mRNA at day 1 after estrus (Ivell et al. (1985) FEBS Lett. 190, 263-267) which is followed by apparent delayed production of ocytocin. Therefore it is a good model to study both the translational and post-translational production of this neuropeptide in non-hypothalamic tissues and its regulation. In order to assess if this mRNA is translated during the lag period we have analyzed the neurophysin-like species produced in this organ. As early as day 2 after estrus one neurophysin species (pI approximately 4.7) could be detected and was unequivocally identified as pro-ocytocin-neurophysin. In primary cultures of luteinizing granulosa cells, biosynthetic intermediates were characterized, i.e. ocytocin-Gly, ocytocin-Gly-Lys and ocytocin-Gly-Lys-Arg, whereas amidated, fully mature, ocytocin was undetectable. We conclude that translation of pro-ocytocin-neurophysin mRNA takes place soon after transcription and we propose that incomplete processing could be responsible for the low level of ocytocin in the early bovine corpus luteum.

Amino Acid Sequence

An oesophageal thermal tube for rewarming in hypothermia.

Five dogs were cooled externally with ice-bags to rectal temperatures of 21.8-24.8 degrees C. Rewarming was performed with a specially constructed double-lumen oesophageal tube with circulating water at 42 degrees C. With this device, rewarming of the dogs to 30 degrees C took place in 60-102 min (mean 82 min). Up to a temperature of 31 degrees C (the "cardiac safety temperature"), the rise in blood temperature was 4.5 degrees C/h +/- 0.79 (s.d.). Calculation of a "rewarming efficiency index" showed an inverse relationship between surface area and temperature rise per hour. The efficiency of this rewarming method is comparable to that of peritoneal dialysis. No after-drop in temperature was observed and there were no other complications during these experiments. Rewarming with an oesophageal thermal tube is very simple and safe to use.

Animals

Changes in the composition of human blood by intravenous saline infusion with and without simultaneous controlled bleeding.

The pattern of dilution and re-concentration of the blood in connection with intravenous infusion of saline-alone or in combination with bleeding-was studied in volunteers. In these we followed the immediate and delayed changes in 16 common haematological and clinical chemical variables in relation to such infusions. In one group 15 ml/kg was given in an hour. In another, 2500 ml was given during a bleeding of 870 ml. These dosage principles are elements of a recommended scheme of peroperative infusion therapy. Estimated by the haemoglobin changes the blood volume was expanded by 10% at the end of infusion alone and by 5% at the end of bleeding/infusion. This expansion, which was of short duration, was accompanied by initial reductions of 15 and 29%, respectively, in serum protein concentration. Three diagnostic enzymes were diluted less systematically. Components of low molecular weight were little affected, except serum calcium, which was 21% decreased at the end of bleeding/infusion. The larger part of the reconcentration took place in the next six hours. In this phase an entry of protein into the blood was demonstrated in both test groups. In contrast to creatininium the carbamide continued decreasing in this time interval. As demonstrated in a control group, other factors than infusion and bleeding contributed on a limited scale to the shift in plasma variables.

Blood

An attachment for delivery of humidified gas.

A new attachment, to either endotracheal or trachestomy tubes, is described which ensures delivery of gas to the spontaneously breathing patient without significant loss of heat or water vapour. Problems of traction and pressure are minimised when the device is used.

Aerosols

The magnitude of air admixture with a jet device in paediatric anaesthesia.

The admixture of air in inspired gas with a paediatric insufflation system based on a gas jet has been investigated. During anaesthesia with spontaneous ventilation 1% of air per kg body weight was found in tracheal gas samples. A venturi effect was virtually absent even at high jet flows, which suggests that artificial ventilation prevents air admixture.

Air

Replacement of blood loss with physiological saline in major surgery.

This clinical investigation confirms the results of previous reports on the possibility of safely replacing blood lost during operations with physiological saline. The percentage saving of blood transfusions has been 50.1%. We are convinced that even greater saving will be made when surgeons become accustomed to the method.

Adolescent