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The three-dimensional structure of the dimeric flavoenzyme glutathione reductase from human erythrocytes has been elucidated by an X-ray diffraction analysis at 0.3 nm resolution. The polypeptide chain has been traced, and the binding positions of FAD, NADP and glutathione have been determined. A mechanism for the electron transfer is discussed.

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In a population-based case-control study in the Rhein-Neckar-Odenwald area (containing 1.3 million inhabitants) of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), risk factors were assessed for brain tumor development in 226 cases with primary brain tumors (ICD-9 191, 192.1, 192.0) and 418 population controls, interviewed by a standardized questionnaire. The analysis of occupational risk factors and smoking is presented. No elevated risk was found for smoking. Similarly, no significant effects were found for most occupations. Five specific occupational groups were examined because of a priori determination that they were of interest. Some categories showed slightly elevated risks but in none was the elevation statistically significant. A significant increase in risk for brain tumor development was found associated with working in electrical occupations for women (relative risk [RR] = 5.2; 95 percent confidence interval [CI] 1.4-20.1) but not for men (RR = 0.9, 95 percent CI 0.3-2.3).

This prospective clinical trial (1983-1989) compares life-quality scores according to Karnofsky in patients with intra-cranial who had been operated upon. Karnofsky's performance status was evaluated during a follow-up period of 36 months. The patients were between 20 to 77 years of age; 132 patients had an astrocytoma grade III or IV; 42 patients with brain metastases were investigated; 72 had an astrocytoma grade I + II, and 144 had a meningioma. The median survival in patients with astrocytomas grade III or IV was 12 months; a short period with nearly normal activity (Karnofsky score 75) was followed by rapid deterioration. In patients with brain metastases, postoperatively the median functional ability reached its highest value three weeks after treatment and then decreased continuously (average score from 50-25). In patients with astrocytomas grade I and II, life-quality was reasonably good (mean score up to 75). The score was observed to increase slightly during the first year after treatment. A performance status improvement up to 80 could be obtained in patients with meningiomas; however, 35% were left unfit for work.