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Environmental problems arise from the pollution of ground water and soil by propyzamide, 3,5-dichloro-N-(3-methyl-1-butyn-3-yl) benzamide, which is a popular herbicide. To decompose propyzamide, aqueous solutions containing propyzamide and TiO2 particles was irradiated by light. The photocatalytic decomposition was accelerated when the solution temperature and pH were high. The temperature dependence was due to the adsorption processes of propyzamide on the TiO2 particles. The decomposition was further promoted by addition of H2O2 because of its effective electron-trapping and generated *OH which was available to decompose propyzamide. Although no propyzamide was detected in the solution after the irradiation time of about 20 min, the decomposed intermediate compounds still remained. In order to mineralize completely propyzamide, simultaneous irradiation by light and ultrasonic waves was carried out. The hybrid effect of the irradiation by light and ultrasonic waves in conjunction with H2O2 was first confirmed to achieve the complete mineralization of propyzamide.

In cholinergic nerve terminals, Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, hemicholinium-3-sensitive, high-affinity choline uptake is thought to be the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. The high-affinity choline transporter cDNA responsible for the activity was recently cloned. Here we report production of a highly specific antibody to the high-affinity choline transporter and distribution of the protein in the CNS of the rat. The antibody stained almost all known cholinergic neurons and their terminal fields. High-affinity choline transporter-immunoreactive cell bodies were demonstrated in the olfactory tubercle, basal forebrain complex, striatum, mesopontine complex, medial habenula, cranial nerve motor nuclei, and ventral horn and intermediate zone of the spinal cord. Noticeably, high densities of high-affinity choline transporter-positive axonal fibers and puncta were encountered in many brain regions such as cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, striatum, several thalamic nuclei, and brainstem. Transection of the hypoglossal nerve resulted in a loss of high-affinity choline transporter immunoreactivity in neurons within the ipsilateral hypoglossal motor nucleus, which paralleled a loss of immunoreactivity to choline acetyltransferase. The antibody also stained brain sections from human and mouse, suggesting cross-reactivity. These results confirm that the high-affinity choline transporter is uniquely expressed in cholinergic neurons and is efficiently transported to axon terminals. The antibody will be useful to investigate possible changes in cholinergic cell bodies and axon terminals in human and rodents under various pathological conditions.

Circular dichroism (CD) studies on CGRP(8-37) indicate that there is some latent alpha-helical structure in aqueous solution. However, the amount is quite small (approximately 10% at 5 degrees C), which is substantially less than for CGRP itself (approximately 15-20%). Upon addition of helix-promoting materials, such as trifluoroethanol and sodium dodecyl sulphate, the helix content increases dramatically. No evidence for helix stabilization upon the addition of zinc was observed.

Spontaneous rupture of a hydronephrotic renal pelvis with massive hemorrhage presents as a perplexing diagnostic challenge to the urologist. The preoperative distinction between this condition and spontaneous rupture of the kidney (Wunderlich disease) may prove uncertain or equivocal despite the application of exhaustive diagnostic modalities. Surgical intervention should follow initial stabilization, and nephrectomy has been the procedure of choice.

Nonoperative (catheter) management was used in 18 patients with extraperitoneal rupture of the bladder with limited extravasation of dye found by retrograde cystogram. Complications occurred in 4 of the 18 patients. A review of the literature shows a 20 to 25-per cent complication rate with nonoperative management of bladder rupture. However, with a small extraperitoneal rupture with limited extravasation, especially in a female, the nonoperative (catheter) management will give a satisfactory result.

The management of unstable, open-book fractures by reduction and immobilization with the external fixator device resulted in late bladder complications in 2 patients.