Deep vein thrombosis in a jogger

Deep vein thrombosis is rare in young and healthy athletes. A case of venous thrombosis is reported in a young, physically fit jogger.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna due to neurofibromatosis

Two cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna due to neurofibromatosis are reported. Similar radiographic changes in the ulna were found, with distortion of the capitulum and part of the trochlea and bowing of the radius. In one patient the head of the radius was dislocated and in the other it dislocated readily during pronation. A possible mechanism to explain the findings was suggested. On the basis of these and a review of the literature it is recommended that the main aim of treatment should be maintenance of the normal relative lengths of the radius and ulna by early excision of the pseudarthrosis to remove the restraining effect of the abnormal ulna. This will allow normal development of the lower end of the humerus and radius and prevent dislocation of the radial head.

Isolation of antitumor polysaccharide fractions from Yucca glauca Nutt. (Lilliaceae)

An aqueous alcoholic extract of fresh flowers of Yucca glauca Nutt. showed striking antitumor activity against B16 melanoma in mice. Systematic fractionation of the extract by means of solvent extraction and gel permeation chromatography led to separation of two galactose containing polysaccharide fractions with marked inhibitory activity against B16 melanoma in mice. The extraction, fractionation, purification and preliminary characterization of the active polysaccharide fractions are described. The materials showed no activity against L1210 or P388 leukemias in mice. The implications of the findings for searches for both natural and synthetic anticancer agents are discussed.

Pulmonary function study in old age

A study was carried out in 100 patients aged between 70 and 90 years to investigate pathological and respiratory function changes in old age. Vitalograph and peak flow meter measurements were made, but blood gas analysis was only carried out in 6 patients in view of the technical difficulties. Analysis of the results showed that there was a definite, moderate, restrictive type of defect in pulmonary function in almost all the patients, in those with generalized senile changes as well as in those with a pathological condition. Blood gas analysis showed a minimum degree of alteration in oxygen tension and saturation with normal carbon dioxide tension.