The adsorption of heavy metals by different sorbents under various incineration conditions

The emission of heavy metals can be controlled by adding solid sorbents into the combustion chamber during incineration processes. The objective of this work was to experimentally study the adsorption efficiency of different sorbents for heavy metals under various incineration conditions. Each sorbent has its optimum operating temperature. Kaolinite and aluminum oxide have the best adsorption efficiency at 800 degrees C, and bauxite is at 700 degrees C. The adsorption efficiencies of the three sorbents for the four heavy metals all follow the sequence of Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd. The presence of inorganic chloride (NaCl) and sulfate (Na2SO4) increases the adsorption efficiency of the sorbents, but organic chloride PVC decreases the adsorption efficiency.

The impact of price labeling of muscle relaxants on cost consciousness among anesthesiologists

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether placing price labels on the vial caps of muscle relaxants increases cost consciousness among anesthesiologists.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital departments of anesthesia and pharmacy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We placed price labels on the vial caps of all muscle relaxants for a study period of 1 year. At the beginning of the investigation, we informed the anesthesiologists of the study, discussed the prices for different muscle relaxants, and encouraged utilizing less expensive muscle relaxants whenever possible without compromising patient care. The price labels on the vial caps served as visual reminders of the various costs of muscle relaxants during daily practice. We compared the total amount spent on each muscle relaxant during the period from October 1993 to September 1994 with the period from October 1994 to September 1995. The total number of surgical cases from October 1993 to September 1994 and from October 1994 to September 1995 was unchanged and equaled 20,389 and 20,358 cases, respectively. Expenditures for pancuronium increased 104.1%. Total expenditure decreased by 12.5%, with a net savings of $47,111.

CONCLUSION

Expenditures for the less costly pancuronium increased while expenditures for vecuronium and atracurium decreased. Price labeling of muscle relaxants in conjunction with education reduces total pharmacy expenditure on muscle relaxants.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) induces aromatase activity in cultured MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Estrogen is the major hormonal stimulus for growth of the hormonal-dependent type of breast cancer. The rate-limiting step in the conversion of androgens to estrogens in breast tumors is catalyzed by aromatase, one of a series of related P-450 enzymes involved in the production of steroid hormones. An interesting correlation has been found between KGF mRNA and aromatase mRNA expression in human breast tumors. Tumors that express aromatase mRNA exhibit strong KGF expression, while tumors that do not express aromatase are weak or negative for KGF expression. Thus, it is reasonable to theorize that a possible association between KGF and aromatase in controlling human breast tumor growth exists. The purpose of the current study was to establish whether there is any interaction between KGF, which is known to have epithelial-specific mitogenic activity on breast cancer cells in vitro, and the synthesis of estradiol within the hormone-dependent breast cancer epithelial cells. In the present study, we have demonstrated that KGF stimulates aromatase activity in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in a dose-dependent manner. Our data shows that recombinant human KGF, at a dose as low as 10 ng/ml, can significantly increase aromatase activity 2-fold over controls. In agreement with this observation, we also found that aromatase mRNA levels were increased after 10 ng/ml KGF treatment in MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that the stimulatory effect of KGF on aromatase activity may be mediated by alterations in aromatase mRNA levels or in the efficiency of the translation of the message in MCF-7 cells. In addition, our results have demonstrated that modulation of aromatase activity appears to correlate with the stimulation of proliferative activity by KGF in MCF-7 cells. These results are consistent with our previous observations that estradiol-17 beta stimulates KGF expression in human breast cancer stromal cells, leading to the speculation that breast malignant transformation is associated with a positive feedback stimulation, whereby estradiol-17 beta stimulates breast cancer stromal cell production of KGF, and KGF subsequently stimulates aromatase activity in breast cancer cells, consequently raising levels of estradiol-17 beta, in turn acts on breast stromal cells to yield more KGF. Such a positive feedback loop could play an important role in the loss of growth control in human breast cancer cells.

Stromal and epithelial cells of the canine prostate express parathyroid hormone-related protein, but not the PTH/PTHrP receptor

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a principal factor in the pathogenesis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is also widely expressed in many normal tissues, including human prostatic epithelial cells. The role of PTHrP in the prostate is not known, but may include regulation of cell growth and differentiation or calcium secretion into prostatic fluid. The dog is a valuable animal model for human prostatic diseases. The objective was to investigate the expression of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP (type 1) receptor in primary cultures of canine stromal and epithelial prostatic cells.

METHODS

Expression and secretion of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor was measured in homogeneous primary cultures of canine prostatic stromal and epithelial cells using immunohistochemistry, Northern blots, radioimmunoassay, RT-PCR, and receptor stimulation assays.

RESULTS

Epithelial and stromal cells expressed and secreted abundant PTHrP, but PTH/PTHrP receptor expression was not detected in either cell type.

CONCLUSIONS

PTHrP expression by stromal and epithelial prostatic cells and the absence of the PTH/PTHrP (type I) receptor suggest that some functions previously proposed for PTHrP in the prostate are unlikely. The separation procedure presented is a valuable tool for studying the role and regulation of PTHrP in the prostate.

Assessment of cardiac autonomic nervous activities during heliox exposure at 24 atm abs

BACKGROUND

This experiment was designed to examine the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the production of hyperbaric bradycardia.

METHODS

Four male divers were exposed to a He-O2 (heliox) environment at 24 atmosphere absolute (atm abs) for 7 d. The heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate were recorded at rest in the morning (0700 h) and at night (2230 h) on 1 d during a 5-d predive control, 2 d during a 7-d saturation dive at 24 atm abs, 2 d during decompression, and on 1 d during a 4-d postdive period. Cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activities were estimated by using a spectral analysis of the variability of R-R intervals.

RESULTS

The morning HR did not fluctuate throughout the experimental days. The night time HR decreased (p < 0.05) by 11.8% on the first day at 24 atm abs compared with that of the predive control. The bradycardia diminished gradually and returned to the predive level with continued exposure at 24 atm abs. The high-frequency power of the cardiac variability, an index of cardiac parasympathetic activity, increased (p < 0.05) only in the first night at 24 atm abs, whereas the low-frequency power and a ratio of low- to high-frequency power, an index of cardiac sympathetic activity, were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that an increased parasympathetic activity rather than a decrease in the sympathetic activity is responsible for the bradycardia on exposure to heliox dry saturation dive at 24 atm abs. The mechanism of the gradual disappearance of the bradycardia is unknown, but perhaps it may be related to the development of cardiovascular deconditioning.

The correlation of telomerase and IL-10 with leukemia transformation in a mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Telomerase activity is upregulated in activated and malignant lymphocytes. We studied the correlation of telomerase and IL-10 to leukemia transformation in the NZB mouse model of human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Telomerase levels increased from early to late leukemic stages, likewise IL-10 gene expression levels increased with the leukemic progression. The inverse relationship of telomerase and IL-10 levels to the survival of NZB mice was also established. Our data suggested that telomerase and IL-10 were involved in transformation in the murine model of CLL and the detection of telomerase activities might be of value in the prediction of CLL progression.

Weekly 24 h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with biliary tract carcinomas

From October 1995 to June 1997, 19 chemotherapy-naive patients with pathology-proven locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract carcinomas (BTC) were enrolled. The regimen consisted of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 2600 mg/m2 and leucovorin (LV) 150 mg by weekly 24 h infusion for 6 weeks and followed by a 2 week break. The treatment was terminated if disease progressed, the patient refused or unacceptable toxicity occurred. All patients required a Port-A catheter insertion and were treated at outpatient clinics by portable infusion pumps. There were 12 males and seven females with a median age of 62 years (range 45-77). The primary tumor sites were nine intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (CC), three perihilar CC, one distal BTC and six gallbladder cancers. A total of 179 chemotherapy sessions were given with a mean of 9.5 (range 2-18). Eighteen patients were evaluable for response. The response rates were: 33% (six of 18) partial response (PR), 39% (seven of 18) stable disease (SD) and 28% (five of 18) progressive disease (PD). All of the patients were evaluable for toxicity. The most common toxicities were mild fatigue (nine of 19, 47%), loss of appetite (nine of 19, 47%), skin hyperpigmentation (five of 19, 26%) and diarrhea (two of 19, 11%). Only one patient had grade IV myelotoxicity with sepsis but without treatment-related death. The median time to progression was 4 months. The overall median survival time was 7.0 months. The median survival time of the PR was not reached, SD was 8.0 months and PD 3.5 months. In conclusion, weekly high-dose 5-FU with LV by 24 h infusion in an outpatient setting for patients with BTC is effective, only mildly toxic and deserves further study.

Partial purification and characterization of two non-FSH steroid-modulating factors in rat thymic epithelial cell-conditioned medium (TCM)

Previously, we have reported that unknown factor(s) in rat thymic epithelial cell-conditioned medium (TCM) stimulates basal and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced steroid hormone production and aromatase enzyme activity in cultured rat granulosa cells. Here we report the partial purification and characterization of two of these activities. Thymic epithelial cells were prepared from immature female rats and used for TCM production. Lyophilized aliquots of TCM were reconstituted with distilled water at 25% of the original volume, applied to a gel filtration column, and column fractions were tested for their stimulation of steroidogenesis in granulosa cells prepared from immature diethylstilbestrol-treated rats. Two distinct biologically active regions were identified that corresponded to apparent molecular weights of approximately 22,000 and less than 1,000. The < 1 kDa activity ("TCM-1") stimulated (P < 0.01) basal production of progestins [progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-4-one (20 alpha-OH-progesterone)] and estrogen, and also induced dramatic morphological changes on the rat granulosa cells. In contrast, the approximately 22 kDa activity ("TCM-22") stimulated (P < 0.01) only basal progestins, and had no effect (P < 0.05) on basal estrogen production or morphology of the cultured rat granulosa cells. In the presence of 100 ng/ml FSH, TCM-1 stimulated (P < 0.01) estradiol and progesterone production, whereas TCM-22 stimulated (P < 0.01) progesterone, but inhibited (P < 0.01) estradiol production. When both activities were assayed together, they were synergistic in stimulating (P < 0.01) basal progesterone production, but TCM-22 antagonized (P < 0.01) TCM-1-induced estradiol production. The biologic and physico-chemical characteristics of TCM-1 and TCM-22 were distinct from one another, as well as from FSH. When subjected to C8 reverse-phase HPLC. TCM-1 retained its characteristic biologic properties and was eluted (54% acetonitrile) as A214-absorbing moiety with a peak retention time of 92-93 minutes. The elution of TCM-22 was not correlated with an identifiable protein peak. These results suggest that ovarian steroid production may be modified by non-FSH factors produced by thymic epithelial cells although amino acid sequencing of TCM-1 was unsuccessful. This highlights a potential role of the thymus gland in regulating ovarian function.

Estrogen-induced keratinocyte growth factor mRNA expression in normal and cancerous human breast cells

The local recurrence rate of breast cancer has been reported to be unusually high at the surgical scar. Such breast cancer recurrence is believed to be triggered by the release of growth factors into the healing wound. Observations from an animal model have also demonstrated that KGF expression is dramatically induced by creation of full thickness wounds in mouse skin. Since KGF is an epithelial cell-specific mitogen in rat mammary epithelium, it is reasonable to speculate that KGF may be also involved in regulating human breast cancer cell growth. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of estradiol-17 on KGF gene expression in normal human breast stromal cells, as well as in human breast cancer stromal cells, and the mechanisms by which estradiol-17 regulates breast epithelial proliferation. Our results show that KGF expression was not effected by estradiol-17 treatment in normal human breast stromal cells. In contrast, KGF expression was stimulated by estradiol-17 in human breast cancer stromal cells. KGF mRNA levels have also been examined in normal human breast stromal cells and human breast cancer stromal cells. An interesting correlation was found between KGF expression and estradiol-17 regulation in these cell types. Normal human breast stromal cells which do not response to estradiol-17 have lower KGF mRNA level than the cancer cells which KGF expression is stimulated by estradiol-17. Our data also demonstrate that recombinant human KGF significantly stimulate normal human breast and human breast cancer epithelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Since we have shown that estradiol-17 induces KGF mRNA expression in human breast cancer stromal cells, KGF may be involved at least in part in the stimulatory pathway that is initiated by estradiol-17 in human breast cancer epithelial cells.

Decreased PDGF receptor kinase activity in fibroblasts contracting stressed collagen matrices

Fibroblasts cultured in mechanically stressed collagen matrices proliferate, whereas cells in floating collagen matrices become quiescent. Previous research indicated that one factor contributing to cell quiescence in floating matrices was reduced receptor autophosphorylation in response to PDGF stimulation (i.e., PDGF receptor desensitization). To learn more about the mechanism of PDGF receptor desensitization, we analyzed changes in PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and receptor kinase activity after stressed collagen matrices were switched to floating conditions, which results in rapid cell contraction and dissipation of mechanical stress. PDGF receptor desensitization occurred during contraction stimulated by serum but not in the absence of serum, and desensitization was prevented by inhibitors of contraction but not by inhibitors of the contraction-activated cyclic AMP signaling pathway. Receptor desensitization resulted from decreased receptor kinase activity rather than from elevated protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, and only receptors unoccupied at the time of contraction were affected. After contraction, radiolabeled PDGF binding to the cells was decreased, which suggested that receptor desensitization resulted from a contraction-dependent change in receptor availability or affinity.

A study to evaluate the parent-offspring similarity in the maxillofacial profile using fingerprints in Japanese families

An attempt was made to investigate the parent-offspring similarity in the maxillofacial profile by a quantitative analysis of fingerprints. Lateral roentgenographic cephalograms and ten fingerprints were obtained from 98 Japanese patients (44 males and 54 females) and their parents. Analysis showed a significant parent-offspring correlation for both maxillofacial profile and fingerprints. The relatively low father-son correlation for both features suggests a major influence of X-linked genes. The genetic correlation between the maxillofacial profile and fingerprints was significant for parent-son but not for parent-daughter pairings. The parent-offspring correlation in the maxillofacial profile was evaluated in two groups showing differences (distant group) or similarities (near group) in the fingerprint patterns between the father and mother. In the distant group, a greater parent-offspring similarity was observed in the maxillofacial profile. The same finding was also obtained on using only digit II of the parents. Therefore, from a morphogenetical point of view, parental fingerprints appear helpful in clinical applications designed to predict maxillofacial growth in offspring.

Synthesis of 2,3,4a,11b-tetrahydro-oxazino[2,3-c]benzopyran-9-carbonitriles as ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers

A series of optically active tetrahydro-oxazino[2,3-c]benzopyran derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for potassium channel opening activity. (4aR,11bR)-1-Benzoyl- 5,5-dimethyl-2,3,4a,11b-tetrahydro-oxazino[2,3-c]benzopyran-9-carb onitrile ((-)-11e) was identified as a bladder-selective potassium channel opener (IC50, bladder = 8.15 microM, IC50, portal vein = 34.5 microM).

Diving pattern and work schedule of construction well divers in Taiwan

Construction well divers in Taiwan reportedly suffer a high prevalence of dysbaric osteonecrosis. We studied five divers working at the same construction site. We recorded their diving methods, diving depths, bottom times, work patterns, water temperatures, and heart rates. We also monitored gas bubbles in the subclavian vein in selected dives. A crude but effective hot-water system protected divers against hypothermia and allowed them to work in 24 degrees-27 degrees C water. Divers worked approximately 6.6 h a day and progressed approximately 3.0 m a day while excavating an average of 148 buckets of sand and rock each weighing 49.5 kg. The divers sustained a heart rate increase of 49%. Sixty percent of their equivalent single dive bottom times exceeded the U.S. Navy's no-decompression limits. Two cases of venous bubbles were detected, and one of these divers showed symptoms of decompression sickness. The prolonged bottom time and lack of a decompression schedule probably contributed to a risk of decompression sickness and dysbaric osteonecrosis.

Plasma concentrations after rectal administration of acetaminophen in preterm neonates

Acetaminophen is frequently administered to infants and children for its antipyretic and analgesic properties. Oral administration is the route of choice in daily practice. In some circumstances this is impractical. Rectal administration of acetaminophen is an alternative route. This study measures plasma concentrations following rectal administration of acetaminophen 20 mg.kg-1 (10% Infants' Tylenol Drops, McNeil Consumer Product Co., diluted with an equal volume of sterile water) in five preterm neonates. Serial arterial blood samples were obtained at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min. Pharmacokinetic parameters were (mean +/- SD): Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) of 8.38 +/- 3.92 micrograms.ml-1 and Tmax (time to reach maximum plasma concentration) of 78.0 +/- 40.2 min. Our results show that 20 mg.kg-1 of acetaminophen rectally results in low plasma levels in preterm neonates.

Differential effect of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on aromatase activity in cultured canine prostatic epithelial cells

We have recently cloned the mRNA encoding KGF from canine prostate and produced recombinant canine KGF (rcKGF) which specifically acts on cultured canine prostatic epithelial cells (CCPECs) which possess KGF receptors (Canatan et al., 1996; DNA Cell Biol. 15:247). In the present study, the effect of rcKGF on aromatase activity in CCPECs from young (6-month-old) and mature (3-year-old) dogs was examined. Release of 3H2O from labeled substrate was used as the indicator of aromatase activity. CCPECs were pulsed with [1-beta-3H]-androstenedione (1 microCi/ml, 6 hr). The amounts of 3H2O released into culture medium were measured (dpm) and total cellular proteins were determined. Aromatase activity was expressed as 3H2O dpm/mg cellular protein (mean +/- SEM). The basal level of aromatase activity in CCPECs from mature dogs was approximately 4 times higher (p < 0.05) than that in cells from young dogs. Aromatase activity in CCPECs from mature dogs increased in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with rcKGF. Interestingly, rcKGF, at any of the concentrations tested, had no significant effect on aromatase activity in CCPECs from young dogs. These results are the first to indicate that aromatase activity is affected by KGF in mature CCPECs, suggesting that KGF may be involved indirectly in the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia by increasing aromatase activity and thus increasing aromatization of androgens. Aromatase induction by KGF may explain, at least in part, the increased aromatization of androgens observed in aged dogs. The exact mechanism of how KGF induces aromatase activity in CCPECs is needed to be addressed further.

Cigarette smoking and smoking cessation among older adults: United States, 1965-94

OBJECTIVE

To characterise patterns of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation among older adults in the United States.

DESIGN

Data from the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) 1965-94 were analysed. The NHIS is a cross-sectional survey using a representative national sample.

SETTING

In most cases interviews were conducted in the home; telephone interviews were conducted when respondents could not be interviewed in person.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were from a representative sample of the American civilian, non-institutionalised population aged 18 and older. Sample sizes for the years analysed ranged from n = 19,738 to n = 138,988 overall, and n = 3806 to n = 12,491 for those aged 65 years and older.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Using the NHIS data from 1965-94, trends in current smoking and the prevalence of smoking cessation by demographic characteristics among older adults (65 years and older) were assessed and compared with trends among younger adults. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics of former smokers compared with current smokers among those aged 65 and older.

RESULTS

The prevalence of current smoking among 65 year olds and older declined from 1965 to 1994 (17.9% to 12.0%). Although smoking prevalence was lower among older adults than younger adults (aged 18-64), the rate of decline in smoking was slower among older adults. Among older adults, the prevalence of cessation rose with increasing educational attainment, and was consistently higher for men than for women and for whites compared with blacks. After adjustment for demographic factors among older adults who had ever smoked, increasing age and educational attainment were strongly related to the likelihood of being a former smoker. Although there were no racial differences among women, older white (OR = 2.6) and Hispanic (OR = 3.67) men were significantly more likely to be former smokers than older black men. Also, the gender difference in smoking cessation was noted only for whites.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the projected increase in the elderly population, the medical and economic consequences of smoking will become a greater burden in the next decades. Therefore, focusing attention on cessation among the elderly is an immediate and urgent priority for public health professionals and clinicians.

Effects of heat treatment and physical processing of cottonseed on nutrient digestibility and production performance by lactating cows

Four primiparous Holstein cows were used in an experiment with a 5 x 4 Youden square design. The effects of heat processing and particle size of cottonseed used in the diets of dairy cows were investigated. Dietary treatments were control (3.6% tallow, 4.5% casein), whole cottonseed, ground cottonseed, roasted whole cottonseed, and roasted ground cottonseed. Diets consisted of 55% corn silage, 1.54% urea, and cottonseed at 18.1% or dry matter. Cottonseeds were roasted at 149 degrees C and steeped for 30 min. Roasting increased the amount of ruminally undegradable protein measured in vivo, the ratio of ruminal acetate to propionate, pH, and milk protein percentage. Ruminal digestibilities of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber and biohydrogenation of fatty acids were reduced by roasting. The grinding of cottonseed increased the total tract digestibility of OM and N and tended to increase ruminally undegradable protein of cottonseed in vivo. Interactions between heat treatment and particle size of cottonseed revealed that roasted ground cottonseed resulted in the highest total tract digestibility of OM, N, and neutral detergent fiber. Utilization of cottonseed may be improved by heat or mechanical processing as was indicated by this study.

The zebrafish BMP4 gene: sequence analysis and expression pattern during embryonic development

We have isolated zebrafish BMP4 gene from a zebrafish genomic DNA library. The size of the isolated BMP4 gene was approximately 14.9 kb. The isolated gene contained two exons which formed the complete coding region together with part of the 3'-noncoding region. The deduced BMP4 protein sequence contained 400 amino acids. Sequence comparison showed that it shared 73% amino acid sequence identity with that of human and mouse BMP4. An intron with a size of 8,963 bp was present between two coding exons. Danio retroposon A (DANA)-like retroposon was located in the intron. It contained four conserved boxes and was flanked by a pair of direct repeats of 9 nucleotide sequence (GTTTTAATA). During embryonic development of the zebrafish, a 3.8-kb BMP4 mRNA was detected from gastrula stage up to a month-old hatching larvae via Northern blot analysis. In addition, the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction further demonstrated the presence of BMP4 mRNA in both the early developmental stages (i.e., cleavage and blastula) and in adult fish. Developmental expression of BMP4 protein was also analyzed. Trace amounts of an 18-kD protein were detected at pharyngula stage, while the production increased from hatching larvae to adult fish. In adult fish, the expression of BMP4 mRNA was observed in brain, heart, digestive tracts, testes, and jaw. The results suggest that the zebrafish BMP4 gene may play important roles during zebrafish development.