Double-peak emission of hot electrons generated by femtosecond laser interaction with solid targets

Double-peak emission of hot electrons has been observed in the interaction of a 60-fs, 125-mJ, 800-nm, p-polarized laser pulse with Al targets. One peak in the specular direction is due to the reflected laser light, which excites a plasma wave to accelerate electrons. The other peak, which is more consistent with theories of Phys. Plasmas 6, 2855 (1999)] and Phys. Rev. Lett 82, 743 (1999)], is produced by the resonance absorption at approximately 15 degrees from the target normal.

Determination of amputation level in ischaemic lower limbs

BACKGROUND

A properly performed amputation can not only be lifesaving for the patient, but may often be a better therapeutic alternative than an ill-conceived, futile attempt at a vascular reconstruction doomed to fail for lack of adequate recipient vessels. Currently there are no consistent criteria that can be applied before surgery. The purpose of the present investigation was to find a reliable method of determining the best amputation level in an ischaemic lower extremity.

METHODS

In the present study the author has tried to devise a 'score' for distal run-off vessel patency as shown by the preoperative angiogram to determine the most appropriate amputation level. The author has reviewed the level of amputation on ischaemic lower extremities in the vascular surgery unit of the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre (ARMC) over the last 5 years. Two hundred and two patients have undergone 232 lower extremity amputations at ARMC.

RESULTS

The author used chi2 corrected testing and found a good correlation between the score and the level of amputation. The lower the score, the higher the level of amputations (chi2 = 289.23, P < 0.005). The author could predict that with a score of <12 a patient would probably need an above-knee amputation; for a score from 12 to 19, a below-knee amputation; for a score of 20-25 a forefoot amputation would be sufficient and for a score of>25 a toe amputation would be all that was required.

CONCLUSION

The use of a scoring system dependent on the preoperative angiogram to assess the run-off vessel situation provides a practicable and direct way to help predict the level of amputation in an ischaemic lower extremity. However, it is not totally reliable and should be used as one of the factors to be considered when an amputation is required.

Impairment of spermatogonial development and spermiation after testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression in adult monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Human male hormonal contraceptive regimens do not consistently induce azoospermia, and the basis of this variable response is unclear. This study used nine adult macaque monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) given testosterone (T) implants for 20 weeks to study changes in germ cell populations in relation to sperm output. Germ cell numbers were determined using the optical disector stereological method. Four animals achieved consistent azoospermia (azoo group), whereas five animals did not (nonazoo group). T-induced gonadotropin suppression in all animals decreased A pale (Ap) spermatogonia to 45% of baseline within 2 weeks, leading to decreased B spermatogonia (32--38%) and later germ cells (20--30%) after 14 and 20 weeks. Though the reduction in later germ cell types could be primarily attributed to the loss of spermatogonia, the data suggested that some cells were lost during the spermatocyte and spermatid phase of development. B spermatogonial number was more markedly suppressed in azoospermic animals, compared with the nonazoo group, as was the conversion ratio between Ap and B spermatogonia. Abnormal retention of elongated spermatids (failed spermiation) was also prominent in some animals after long-term T administration. We conclude that: 1) the variable suppression of sperm output is attributed to the degree of inhibition of germ cell development from type B spermatogonia onwards, and this is related to the degree of FSH suppression; and 2) inhibition of Ap and B spermatogonial development and of spermiation are the major defects caused by long-term T administration to monkeys.

Surgical treatment of cerebral ischaemia caused by cervical arterial lesions due to Takayasu's arteritis: preliminary results of 49 cases

BACKGROUND

The present paper reports the preliminary experience with surgical treatment of 49 cases of cerebral ischaemia caused by cervical arterial lesions due to Takayasu's arteritis (TA).

METHODS

Six men and 43 women were treated between June 1992 and October 1997. Their ages ranged from 15 to 42 years, with a mean of 26.5 years. Duration of symptoms was from 10 days to 8 years with a mean of 32 months. Bypasses from the ascending aorta to the axillary or subclavian artery and to the carotid artery were performed in 31 cases. Subclavian-to-carotid bypass was performed in six cases. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was used in four cases.

RESULTS

An excellent result was achieved in 28.6% of cases, a fair result was achieved in 36.7% of cases, improvement was achieved in 22.5% of cases, 2.0% of cases were unchanged, and in 10.2% of cases death occurred before discharge. During a mean follow up of 38 months these values were 26.2%, 42.8%, 16.7%, 4.8%, and 2.4%, respectively; recurrence occurred in 7.1% of cases.

CONCLUSION

When cerebral perfusion is jeopardized, a definitive corrective procedure is advised at a time when the patient is in a relatively stable condition. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is the first choice although the recurrence rate is very high, and complications such as arterial rupture and thrombosis formation are serious. Patients with occlusive lesions of all four cervical arteries usually have severe cerebral ischaemia and their distal runoff is usually unable to be visualized on angiography. But it was found that in 95% of cases the internal carotid artery is still patent (confirmed by exploration), therefore an ascending aorta-to-carotid bypass is feasible in most instances. Unfortunately, cerebral re-perfusion syndrome is a serious unresolved problem.

Pti4 is induced by ethylene and salicylic acid, and its product is phosphorylated by the Pto kinase

The tomato Pti4 gene encodes a transcription factor that was identified on the basis of its specific interaction with the product of the Pto disease resistance gene in a yeast two-hybrid system. We show here that the Pti4 protein specifically binds the GCC-box cis element, which is present in the promoter region of many pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. Expression of the Pti4 gene in tomato leaves was rapidly induced by ethylene and by infection with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato, and this induction preceded expression of GCC-box-containing PR genes. Although salicylic acid also induced Pti4 gene expression, it did not induce GCC-box PR genes. Rather, salicylic acid antagonized ethylene-mediated expression of GCC-box PR genes. We demonstrate that the Pti4 protein is specifically phosphorylated by the Pto kinase and that this phosphorylation enhances binding of Pti4 to the GCC box. In addition, induced overexpression of Pto and Pti4 in tomato leaves resulted in a concomitant increase in GCC-box PR genes. Our results support a model in which phosphorylation of the Pti4 protein by the Pto kinase enhances the ability of Pti4 to activate expression of GCC-box PR genes in tomato.

Pti4 is induced by ethylene and salicylic acid, and its product is phosphorylated by the Pto kinase

The tomato Pti4 gene encodes a transcription factor that was identified on the basis of its specific interaction with the product of the Pto disease resistance gene in a yeast two-hybrid system. We show here that the Pti4 protein specifically binds the GCC-box cis element, which is present in the promoter region of many pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. Expression of the Pti4 gene in tomato leaves was rapidly induced by ethylene and by infection with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato, and this induction preceded expression of GCC-box-containing PR genes. Although salicylic acid also induced Pti4 gene expression, it did not induce GCC-box PR genes. Rather, salicylic acid antagonized ethylene-mediated expression of GCC-box PR genes. We demonstrate that the Pti4 protein is specifically phosphorylated by the Pto kinase and that this phosphorylation enhances binding of Pti4 to the GCC box. In addition, induced overexpression of Pto and Pti4 in tomato leaves resulted in a concomitant increase in GCC-box PR genes. Our results support a model in which phosphorylation of the Pti4 protein by the Pto kinase enhances the ability of Pti4 to activate expression of GCC-box PR genes in tomato.

Quantitative and qualitative changes in serum luteinizing hormone after injectable testosterone undecanoate treatment in hypogonadal men

AIM

To clarify the immuno-active LH (i-LH) and bioactive LH (b-LH) responses and qualitative changes in the circulating LH to testosterone undecanoate (TU) injection.

METHODS

Eight men with Klinefelter's syndrome were recruited for the study. They received crossover injections of TU at doses of 500 and 1000 mg. Serum i-LH and b-LH levels before and at various time intervals after TU injection were measured and the serum i-LH, b-LH, b-LH/i-LH (B/I) and testosterone/sex hormone-binding globulin (T/SHBG) ratio in LH-responders and LH non-responders were compared.

RESULTS

A parallel suppression of serum i-LH and b-LH was consistent with their overall high correlation between each other (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). Mean serum i-FSH levels were decreased by TU injection at both doses without dose-response effects. LH-responders had lower baseline serum i-LH and b-LH, and higher E2 levels and T/SHBG ratio. There was a quantitative change in serum LH as induced by TU without qualitative change within LH-responders os LH-non-responders.

CONCLUSION

A high loading dose (1000 mg) of TU is important for the initial suppression of LH. With the lower dose (500 mg), repeated injections will be required to attain such LH suppression for the purpose of fertility regulation. The lower baseline serum i-LH level may be an intrinsic characteristic of LH-responders.

Specificity of the wound-induced leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-A) of tomato activity on dipeptide and tripeptide substrates

Wounding of tomato leaves results in the accumulation of an exoprotease called leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-A) that preferentially hydrolyzes amino acid-p-nitroanilide and -beta-naphthylamide substrates with N-terminal Leu, Met and Arg residues. To determine the substrate specificity of LAP-A on more natural substrates, the rates of hydrolysis of 60 dipeptide and seven tripeptide substrates were determined. For comparison, the specificities of the porcine and Escherichia coli LAPs were evaluated in parallel. Several marked differences in substrate specificities for the animal, plant and prokaryotic LAP enzymes were observed. Substrates with variable N-terminal (P1) residues (Xaa) were evaluated; these substrates had Leu or Gly in the penultimate (P1') position. The plant, animal, and prokaryotic LAPs hydrolyzed dipeptides with N-terminal nonpolar aliphatic (Leu, Val, Ile, and Ala), basic (Arg), and sulfur-containing (Met) residues rapidly, while P1 Asp or Gly were cleaved inefficiently from peptides. Significant differences in the cleavage of dipeptides with P1 aromatic residues (Phe, Tyr, and Trp) were noted. To systematically evaluate the impact of the P1' residue on cleavage of dipeptides, three series of dipeptides (Leu-Xaa, Gly-Xaa, and Arg-Xaa) were evaluated. The P1' residue strongly influenced hydrolysis of dipeptides and the magnitude of its effect was dependent on the P1 residue. P1' Pro, Asp, Lys and Gly slowed the hydrolysis rates of the tomato LAP-A, porcine LAP, and E. coli PepA markedly. Analysis six Arg-Gly-Xaa tripeptides showed that more diversity was tolerated in the P2' position. P2' Arg inhibited tripeptide cleavage by all three enzymes, while P2' Asp enhanced hydrolysis rates for the porcine and prokaryotic LAPs.

Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato induces the expression of tomato EREBP-like genes pti4 and pti5 independent of ethylene, salicylate and jasmonate

The tomato genes Pti4 and Pti5 encode ethylene-responsive element binding protein-like transcription factors that bind to the GCC box, a conserved cis-element in many defense-related genes. The Pti proteins have previously been shown to interact with the tomato disease resistance protein Pto. Here we report that the expression of both Pti4 and Pti5 are induced by a virulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato. The expression of Pti5 is further enhanced by the interaction of the Pto gene in tomato and the corresponding avrPto gene in the bacterium. The enhancement of Pti5 expression by Pto-avrPto interaction requires a functional Prf gene in the plant. Pti5 appears to be expressed specifically during biotic stresses, suggesting a specific role in plant defense. Pti4 and several EREBP-like genes are induced by ethylene, salicylate and wounding. However, the Pseudomonas bacterium induced a wild-type level of Pti4 and Pti5 transcripts in tomato plants carrying the nahG transgene, the Nr mutation, or the def1 mutation. In addition, the ethylene action inhibitor norbornadiene did not inhibit the induction of Pti4 and Pti5 either in the compatible or incompatible interactions. The results suggest that the Pseudomonas bacterium induces Pti4 and Pti5 expression through a pathway independent of salicylic acid, ethylene and jasmonic acid.

A clinical trial of injectable testosterone undecanoate as a potential male contraceptive in normal Chinese men

This is a pilot dose-finding study of spermatogenic suppression using testosterone undecanoate (TU) injections alone in normal Chinese men. Thirty-two healthy men were recruited. Volunteers underwent pretreatment evaluation, then a treatment period in which group I (n = 13) received 500 mg TU, group II (n = 12) received 1000 mg TU, and group III (n = 7) received placebo, respectively, at monthly intervals during the treatment period (or until azoospermia was achieved). Thereafter, they underwent a recovery period until all parameters returned to pretreatment levels. Eleven of 12 volunteers in the 500-mg TU group, and all volunteers in the 1000-mg TU group became azoospermic. Faster suppression of spermatogenesis was achieved in the 1000-mg TU group. Serum testosterone increased significantly in the higher dose group at weeks 8 and 12, but remained within the normal range. Mean serum LH and FSH were profoundly suppressed by both doses to undetectable levels at week 16. TU injections did not cause a significant change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. No serious side-effects were found. We conclude that both dosages of TU can effectively, safely, and reversibly suppress spermatogenesis in normal Chinese men.

Overexpression, purification and biochemical characterization of the wound-induced leucine aminopeptidase of tomato

Wounding of tomato leaves results in the accumulation of an exoprotease called leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-A). While the expression of LapA genes are well characterized, the specificity of the LAP-A enzyme has not been studied. The LAP-A preprotein and mature polypeptide were overexpressed in Escherichia coli. PreLAP-A was not processed and was inactive accumulating in inclusion bodies. In contrast, 55-kDa mature LAP-A subunits assembled into an active, 357-kDa enzyme in E. coli. LAP-A from E. coli cultures was purified to apparent homogeneity and characterized relative to its animal (porcine LAP) and prokaryotic (E. coli PepA) homologues. Similar to the porcine and E. coli enzymes, the tomato LAP-A had high temperature and pH optima. Mn2+ was a strong activator for all three enzymes, while chelators, zinc ion, and the slow-binding aminopeptidase inhibitors (amastatin and bestatin) strongly inhibited activities of all three LAPs. The substrate specificities of porcine, E. coli and tomato LAPs were determined using amino-acid-p-nitroanilide and -beta-naphthylamide substrates. The tomato LAP-A preferentially hydrolyzed substrates with N-terminal Leu, Met and Arg residues. LAP-A had substantially lower levels of activity on other chromogenic substrates. Several differences in substrate specificities for the animal, plant and prokaryotic enzymes were noted.

Leucine aminopeptidase RNAs, proteins, and activities increase in response to water deficit, salinity, and the wound signals systemin, methyl jasmonate, and abscisic acid

LapA RNAs, proteins, and activities increased in response to systemin, methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, water deficit, and salinity in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Salicylic acid inhibited wound-induced increases of LapA RNAs. Experiments using the ABA-deficient flacca mutant indicated that ABA was essential for wound and systemin induction of LapA, and ABA and systemin acted synergistically to induce LapA gene expression. In contrast, pin2 (proteinase inhibitor 2) was not dependent on exogenous ABA. Whereas both LapA and le4 (L. esculentum dehydrin) were up-regulated by increases in ABA, salinity, and water deficit, only LapA was regulated by octadecanoid pathway signals. Comparison of LapA expression with that of the PR-1 (pathogenesis-related 1) and GluB (basic beta-1,3-glucanase) genes indicated that these PR protein genes were modulated by a systemin-independent jasmonic acid-signaling pathway. These studies showed that at least four signaling pathways were utilized during tomato wound and defense responses. Analysis of the expression of a LapA1:GUS gene in transgenic plants indicated that the LapA1 promoter was active during floral and fruit development and was used during vegetative growth only in response to wounding, Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato infection, or wound signals. This comprehensive understanding of the regulation of LapA genes indicated that this regulatory program is distinct from the wound-induced pin2, ABA-responsive le4, and PR protein genes.

A pharmacokinetic study of injectable testosterone undecanoate in hypogonadal men

Testosterone undecanoate (TU) provides testosterone (T) replacement for hypogonadal men when administered orally but requires multiple doses per day and produces widely variable serum T levels. We investigated the pharmacokinetics of a newly available TU preparation administered by intramuscular injection to hypogonadal men. Eight patients with Klinefelter's syndrome received either 500 mg or 1,000 mg of TU by intramuscular injection; 3 months later, the other dose was given to each man (except to one, who did not receive the 1,000-mg dose). Serum levels of reproductive hormones were measured at regular intervals before and after the injections. Mean serum T levels increased significantly at the end of the first week, from less than 10 nmol/L to 47.8+/-10.1 and 54.2+/-4.8 nmol/ L for the lower and higher doses, respectively. Thereafter, serum T levels decreased progressively and reached the lower-normal limit for adult men by day 50 to 60. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a terminal elimination half-life of 18.3+/-2.3 and 23.7+/-2.7 days and showed a mean residence time of 21.7+/-1.1 and 23.0+/-0.8 days for the lower and higher doses, respectively. The area under the serum T concentration-time curve and the T-distribution value related to serum T concentration were significantly higher following the 1,000-mg dose than following the 500-mg dose. The 500-mg dose, when given as the second injection, yielded optimal pharmacokinetics (defined as mean peak T values not exceeding the normal range and persistence of normal levels for at least 7 weeks), suggesting that repeated injections of 500 mg at 6-8-week intervals may provide optimal T replacement. The mean serum levels of estradiol were normalized following the injections, and prolactin levels were normal throughout the study. Significant decrease of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels was observed, with the decrease in LH levels being more pronounced. There were no significant differences in serum LH and FSH levels between the two doses. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels before any T therapy were near the upper limit of normal for adult men and were reduced by approximately 50% just prior to the second dose of TU. The decreased SHBG levels produced by the first TU injection could have led to lower peak total T levels and to a more rapid clearance of T following the second TU injection. We conclude that single-dose injections of TU to hypogonadal men can maintain serum T concentration within the normal range for at least 7 weeks without immediately apparent side effects. It is likely that this form of T would require injections only at 6-8-week or longer intervals, not at the 2-week intervals necessary with currently used T esters (enanthate and cypionate). This injectable TU preparation may provide improved substitution therapy for male hypogonadism and, in addition, may be developed as an androgen component of male contraceptives.

Localization and post-translational processing of the wound-induced leucine aminopeptidase proteins of tomato

Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is induced by wounding and bacterial pathogen infection in tomato. DNA blot analysis of XbaI-digested lambdalap genomic clones demonstrated that LapA1 and LapA2 cDNAs were encoded by two different LapA genes in the tomato genome. The coding and untranslated regions of LapA1 and LapA2 mRNAs shared more than 93% identity. The deduced amino acid sequences of LapA cDNA clones and in vitro translation of LapA1 mRNA indicated that LAP-A was synthesized as a 60-kDa precursor protein. The processing of a 60-kDa preLAP-A into the mature 55-kDa LAP-A was demonstrated in vivo by expression of the full-length LapA1 cDNA in insect cells. Sequencing of a single LAP-A form isolated from a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel indicated that LAP-A proteins had two different N termini that were separated by two residues. The LAP-A presequence had features similar to chloroplast transit peptides. Comparison of LAP-A levels in chloroplast and total protein extracts from methyl jasmonate-treated leaves indicated that a small proportion of the LAP-A proteins was detected in the plastids. Inspection of the LAP-A presequence indicated the presence of a dibasic protease (Kex2/furin) processing site motif 6-8 residues upstream from the LAP-A N termini. Its potential role in LAP-A precursor biogenesis is discussed.

Can cast immobilization successfully treat scapholunate dissociation associated with distal radius fractures?

During a 3.5-year period, 20 of 424 consecutive patients with fractures of the distal radius presented with evidence of scapholunate dissociation upon x-ray films and traction view fluoroscopy. The sequential changes of x-ray abnormalities of the scapholunate joint were consistently observed over a 1-year period, and wrist functions were evaluated 1 year after injury. The scapholunate gaps were 3.5 +/- 0.5 mm at the time of injury, 3.2 +/- 0.4 mm immediately after closed reduction of the fracture, 3.4 +/- 0.5 mm at the time after removal of fixation, and 3.8 +/- 0.4 mm 1 year after injury. By the modified clinical scoring system of Green and O'Brien, of these 20 patients, none had excellent, 2 had good, 14 had fair, and 4 had poor wrist function 1 year after injury. The wrists with scapholunate dissociation had significantly worse function as compared to a selected subgroup of 228 wrists with no signs of intercarpal ligament disruption. All 20 patients with signs of scapholunate dissociation on x-ray examination at the time of injury had clinical signs in the scapholunate joint and positive x-rays findings of dissociation 1 year later. After 1 year, 8 of the 20 patients underwent surgery for relief of symptoms and to stabilize the joint. Arthrography in the patients with persistent symptoms showed disruption in scapholunate interosseous ligaments. This study indicates that scapholunate dissociation with concomitant fractures of the distal radius cannot be cured by cast immobilization of the fracture. Early operative treatment should be instituted for the concomitant scapholunate dissociation.

Lily cofactor-independent phosphoglycerate mutase: purification, partial sequencing, and immunolocalization

A cofactor-independent phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-i) was isolated to homogeneity from monocotyledonous Lilium longiflorum Thunb. Two-dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved three PGAM-i forms. This enzyme was originally identified by cross-reactivity to antibodies affinity-purified from 2D gels using human vitronectin (VN). Antibody produced against a denatured protein spot from a 2D gel did not recognize VN protein, but partial protein and DNA sequencing showed similarity of the former protein to maize PGAM-i. Immunoblots from roots, styles, leaves, and anthers showed the presence of PGAM-i in all tissues examined; it was isolated predominantly from the soluble cell fraction, with some present in the insoluble cell fraction. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated its localization in the cytoplasm and plastids in root cells near the apical meristem. In addition, immunogold labeling detected signals from the nucleus. The immunohistochemical localization of the enzyme in the nucleus, as well as in the cytosol and plastids, indicates that lily PGAM-i might have multiple functions in the cell.

Structure-activity studies of 2,3,4,4a,5,9b-hexahydroindeno[1,2-c]pyridines as antispermatogenic agents for male contraception

Analogs of (4aRS,5SR,9bRS)-2-ethyl-2,3,4,4a,5,9b-hexahydro-7-meth yl-5-p- tolyl-1H-indeno[1,2-c]pyridine (Sandoz 20-438, 10a; R1 = ethyl, R2 = R3 = methyl, R4 = H) have been synthesized and tested in mice for their ability to reduce testes weight and disrupt spermatogenesis. The activity was strongly dependent on stereoisomerism and chirality, consistent with a mechanism of action involving interaction with a specific macromolecule. It was affected by changes in the nitrogen substituent and most strikingly by changes in the p-substituent of the 5-aryl ring. A hydrogen, fluorine, hydroxy, or methoxy substituent led to loss of activity, whereas methyl (Sandoz 20-438, 10a), carboxylate (RTI-4587-054, 10k; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = COOH, R4 = H), ester (RTI-4587-056, 12b; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = COOMe, R4 = H), formyl (RTI-4587-030, 12i; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = CHO, R4 = H), or hydroxymethyl (RTI-4587-055, 12g; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = CH2OH, R4 = H) groups resulted in antispermatogenic compounds. Methyl ester 12b was an effective antifertility agent, without apparent effects on mating, when given orally to male mice at 7-15 mg/kg daily for 35 days. Further evaluation of these compounds as male contraceptive agents and probes for study of spermatogenesis appears warranted.

Double and multiple looped suture tendon repair

We report our experience of using double or multiple looped sutures for primary tenorrhaphy combined with early active mobilization. In 46 patients involving 51 fingers with flexor tendon lacerations, double threads of the looped nylon suture were placed to repair injured FDP or FDS tendons, or three threads of looped nylon suture were made to repair the FDP tendons. Using White's (1956) criteria, the results were good or excellent in 76.5% of fingers. The double and multiple looped sutures are of sufficient strength to sustain early motion, and cause little disturbance in the circulation. Satisfactory function following primary tendon repair can be expected with these new techniques.

Two classes of proteins and mRNAs in Lilium longiflorum L. indentified by human vitronectin probes

Vitronectin (VN) is a substrate adhesion molecule, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that facilitates cell adhesion and cell movement in animals. We have reported the cross-reactivity of a 55-kD protein in plants with rabbit anti-human VN antibodies and the presence of VN-like sequences in plant genomes using a human VN cDNA probe. We have extended these studies by using human VN riboprobes to detect VN-like mRNAs in lily (Lilium longiflorum L.) and soybean. In both species, two mRNAs were detected. We have also identified a new cross-reactive protein (41 kD) using a different preparation of human VN antiserum. In lily roots five 41-kD isoforms were observed, whereas only three of these isoforms accumulated in leaves. Monospecific antibodies prepared against the plant proteins cross-reacted with the human VN protein and vice versa. We have purified the 41-kD protein using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and amino acid composition analysis indicates that it is similar in composition to human VN.

Repair of digital nerve defect with autogenous vein graft during flexor tendon surgery in zone 2

Autogenous vein graft was used to fill 18 digital nerve defects between 0.5 to 5.8 cm in length during flexor tendon surgery in zone 2. The vein was taken from the forearm and reversed to bridge the digital nerve. For nerves with defects over 2.0 cm, normal nerve slices were inserted inside vein conduits. Recovery of sensibility was evaluated by von Frey test, pin-prick detection, localization of stimulus, moving two-point discrimination and sweating on the finger pulp. Follow-up revealed excellent recovery in two digital nerves, good in nine, fair in five and poor in two. The results suggest that vein graft provides a simple and practical method to reconstruct a digital nerve defect during tendon repair in zone 2.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous injection of polyurethane elastomer (MPU) plugs for vas occlusion in man

This report describes the safety and efficacy of the procedure for percutaneous injection of medical-grade polyurethane elastomer (MPU) to form plugs in the vas deferens. The injection of 0.16-0.22 ml MPU in 53 men resulted in occlusion and azoospermia in 85% of the men after 12 months; 96% achieved azoospermia by 2 years. The success rate of the method and the rate of sperm suppression to azoospermia depended on the shapes of the plugs; this was determined by palpation after insertion. There were few complications and the results are discussed in terms of the reversibility potential of this method.

[Influence of acute respiratory failure on renal function in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic cor pulmonale]

Renal function was assessed in 89 patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic cor pulmonale, 62 of them had respiratory failure, 18 health aged served as control. The results showed that the creatinine clearance and the free water clearance were decreased in 82.3% and 69.5% of patients with respiratory failure respectively. The renal function was impaired in case of hypoxia, PaO2 less than or equal to 6.0 kPa (45 mmHg), mean 5.33 kPa (40 mmHg). Hypercapnia was one of the most important factors that effected the renal function. There was a clinical threshold which effected the renal function, i.e. PaCO2 equals more than 8.67 kPa (65 mmHg). Renal function was greatly impaired if hypercapnia and hypoxia exist at the same time. The impairment of renal function was further marked when right heart failure and acidosis developed. The causes and effects of the abnormality of renal function were preliminarily discussed.

[Influence of acute respiratory failure on plasma renin activity and plasma angiotensin II level in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic cor pulmonale]

Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma angiotensin II (PAT II) level were determined with the method of radioimmunoassay in 55 patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cor pulmonale (41 of them had respiratory failure) and 12 healthy aged persons. The results showed that PRA and PAT II levels were significantly elevated in the presence of such factors as severe hypoxia and hypercapnia (PaO2 less than or equal to 45 mmHg, mean 40 mmHg, PaCO2 greater than or equal to 65 mmHg), right heart failure, acidosis, hyponatremia and hypochloremia. It is shown that the prognosis would be poor when the patient's PRA level is significantly elevated.