Multisite immunochemiluminometric assay for simultaneously measuring whole-molecule and amino-terminal fragments of human parathyrin

The immunochemiluminometric assay described uses immobilized anti-human parathyrin (parathyroid hormone, hPTH)(1-44) and anti-hPTH(44-68) antisera and acridinium ester-labeled anti-hPTH(1-34) to simultaneously measure both intact hPTH and its amino-terminal fragments. Results by the assay correlate well with those by a cAMP-based bioassay and the Nichols Allegro immunoradiometric assay. The minimal detection limit is 0.08 pmol/L. The normal range is 1.0-5.0 pmol/L, and values are higher in older women. About 90% of study patients with surgically proven parathyroid adenomas had above-normal preoperative PTH concentrations, whereas patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy had normal or suppressed values. This assay was designed to detect both intact PTH and amino-terminal PTH fragments; however, chromatographic fractionation of pools of primary and secondary hyperparathyroid plasma showed virtually no amino-terminal fragment activity. Nonetheless, the design is important because the absence of carboxyl-terminal binding sites prevents interference by carboxyl-terminal fragments and because bioactive amino-terminal fragments will react in the assay if they are present in the patients' sera or if they are produced by in vitro proteolysis of intact PTH.

Multisite Immunochemiluminometric Assay for Simultaneously Measuring Whole-Molecule and Amino-Terminal Fragments of Human Parathyrin

The immunochemiluminometric assay described uses immobilized anti-human parathyrin (parathyroid hormone, hPTH)(1-44) and anti-hPTH(44-68) antisera and acridinium ester-labeled anti-hPTH(1-34) to simultaneously measure both intact hPTH and its amino-terminal fragments. Results by the assay correlate well with those by a cAMP-based bioassay and the Nichols Allegro immunoradiometric assay. The minimal detection limit is 0.08 pmol/L. The normal range is 1.0-5.0 pmol/L, and values are higher in older women. About 90% of study patients with surgically proven parathyroid adenomas had above-normal preoperative PTH concentrations, whereas patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy had normal or suppressed values. This assay was designed to detect both intact PTH and amino-terminal PTH fragments; however, chromatographic fractionation of pools of primary and secondary hyperparathyroid plasma showed virtually no amino-terminal fragment activity. Nonetheless, the design is important because the absence of carboxyl-terminal binding sites prevents interference by carboxyl-terminal fragments and because bioactive amino-terminal fragments will react in the assay if they are present in the patients' sera or if they are produced by in vitro proteolysis of intact PTH.

Dietary arginine influences Rous sarcoma growth in a major histocompatibility B complex progressor genotype

L-Arginine (L-Arg) can serve as a substrate for the production of reactive nitrogen intermediates. One of these metabolites, nitric oxide, has been shown to possess significant antitumor properties in vitro. To investigate the importance of this system in vivo, we have examined the dietary L-Arg host tumor interaction in the chicken. Since chickens are incapable of de novo L-Arg synthesis, concentration of this amino acid is readily controlled by diet. Line UNH 105 New Hampshire chickens having the major histocompatibility complex genotype, B24/B24, were used to study in vivo effects of dietary L-Arg on Rous sarcoma growth. After 5 weeks on a standard diet, 119 chicks were fed either a basal (0.92% L-Arg) diet or a high arginine (2.40% L-Arg) diet. One week later, chicks were wing-web inoculated with subgroup A Rous sarcoma virus. Tumor growth was monitored weekly for 12 weeks after inoculation. Plasma L-Arg levels and body weights from birds on each dietary treatment were analyzed. Neither body weight gains nor latent period for tumor development was affected by diet. However, plasma L-Arg levels were significantly different between dietary treatments (basal, 0.245 +/- 0.01 mumol/ml; high, 0.738 +/- 0.03 mumol/ml). In addition, mean tumor size scores were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower over time in chickens fed the high L-Arg diet. The results suggest that dietary L-Arg in excess of the amount required for growth reduces tumor load.

Trends in classification usage in the mental retardation literature

Trends in classification usage were analyzed through examination of all issues of Mental Retardation, American Journal of Mental Deficiency, and American Journal on Mental Retardation from 1980 through 1989. The research was undertaken to determine whether the recommendations by Taylor (1980) and MacMillan, Meyers, and Morrison (1980) regarding subject description had been implemented. Results indicated that the system of the American Association on Mental Retardation (previously the American Association on Mental Deficiency) was used in over 50% of the articles, whereas the American Educators system was used in only 10%. A further analysis regarding the use of various classification systems as a function of the age of the subjects was also conducted. Implications of these results were discussed.

Properties of chemical-vapor-deposited silicon carbide for optics applications in severe environments

Important data on chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) SiC concerning the elastic modulus, polishability, scattering measurement, thermal and cryogenic stability, and degradation owing to the effects of atomic oxygen and electron beams have been obtained with the aim of assessing the suitability of SiC as an optical substrate for severe environments. These measurements show that CVD SiC substrates exhibit excellent polishability (<0.1 nm rms) with low scatter, good retention of mechanical properties up to 1500 degrees C, superior thermal and cryogenic stability (-190 degrees to 1350 degrees C) and high resistance to atomic-oxygen and electron-beam degradation. These results suggest that CVD SiC optical substrates will perform extremely well in severe environments such as outer space, and when used in lasers, combustion, and synchrotron x rays.

Modulation of chicken plaque-forming cells by serotonin and dopamine

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and dopamine (DA) are endogenous components of the central nervous and endocrine systems of the chicken. To determine the effects of these monoamines on antibody-mediated immunity. New Hampshire chickens of Line UNH 105 were injected intravenously with 5-HT (100 micrograms/kg of body weight) and DA (1 mg/kg of body weight). One milliliter of a 5% SRBC suspension was injected intravenously 30 min later. Both IgM and IgG splenic plaque-forming cells were assayed 5 days after antigen injection. For in vitro studies, spleen lymphocytes from SRBC-primed chicks were incubated with DA and 5-HT followed by quantitation of IgM and IgG plaque-forming cells. The in vivo incubation of splenic lymphocytes with specific antagonists was used to ascertain the presence of monoamine receptors on lymphocytes. The 5-HT significantly enhanced IgM plaque-forming cells compared with controls following in vivo [550 +/- 85 (SE) cells/10(6) splenic lymphocytes versus 359 +/- 44] but not in vitro exposure. The IgG plaque-forming cells were not affected by 5-HT. The DA significantly suppressed IgM plaque-forming cells responses following in vivo (284 +/- 46 versus 499 +/- 66) and in vitro (254 +/- 57 versus 451 +/- 51) exposure. Significant suppression of IgG plaque-forming cells was found in vivo (287 +/- 40 versus 462 +/- 75) and in vitro (153 +/- 36 versus 371 +/- 81) following treatment. Specific DA antagonists, apomorphine and metoclopramide, did not alleviate the in vitro suppressive effect of DA.

Differential resistance to Staphylococcus aureus challenge in two related lines of chickens

Trials were conducted to determine whether differential resistance to challenge with Staphylococcus aureus was characteristic of two related lines of New Hampshire chickens differing genetically in size of the bursa of Fabricius. Neonatal small bursa line (SBL) chicks were superior to the unselected Lester J. Dreesen (LJD) line in five of six trials employing intracardiac challenge (chi 2 = 6.3, .05 greater than P greater than .01). Older (7 to 12 wk) SBL chicks, challenged intravenously, had superior resistance than Line LJD chicks in three of four trials where a direct comparison was possible. The mortality rate in Line SBL was 34% in all trials compared with a 54% mortality rate (chi 2 = 11.7, P less than .001) in Line LJD. Moreover, the development of morbidity was more rapid in Line LJD. It is suggested that these lines can be of use in investigations of the nature of resistance to staphylococcal disease.

Signal transduction events in chicken interleukin-1 production

The HD11 chicken macrophage cell line was studied for growth characteristics using different culture media, serum concentrations, and incubation temperatures. Growth curves at 37 C revealed that the cells grew best in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% colostrum-free bovine serum (CFBS). Growth was not supported by RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with the serum replacement Nu Serum nor by PC-1 culture medium alone. However, coating culture plates with either chicken serum or Nu Serum enhanced HD11 cell growth in the PC-1 medium. Growth at 40 C was equivalent to that obtained at 37 C when RPMI 1640 medium with 10% CFBS or PC-1 medium in plates coated with chicken serum were used. Several stimuli were tested for their ability to induce interleukin-1 (IL-1) in HD11 macrophages under serum-free conditions. Lipopolysaccharide (2.5 micrograms/mL) or silica (50 micrograms/mL), increased extracellular IL-1 significantly after a 24-h treatment. In contrast, a superinduction protocol using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, cycloheximide, butyrate, and actinomycin D did not increase extracellular IL-1 significantly. All three stimulants significantly elevated intracellular IL-1 after treatment. Protein kinase C inhibitors (H7 and retinal) as well as calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitors (W7 and TFP) significantly diminished IL-1 production in the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Elevated cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) actuated by dibutyryl cAMP also increased IL-1 significantly. The dat indicate that both protein kinase C and calmodulin-dependent kinase mechanisms are important in signal transduction leading to IL-1 production.

Effects of guidance intervention on perceived school behavior and personal self-concept: a preliminary study

In this preliminary study, 10 of 20 gifted fifth-grade students experiencing stress were randomly assigned to either a control group or structured guidance intervention. Significant differences on measures of self-concept were noted between the treated and the control group. The treated group also significantly improved on self-reported measures of self-concept and perceived school behavior. Teachers reported less acting out and improved compliance.

Determination of plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide concentrations by a new immunochemiluminometric assay in normal persons and patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and other neuroendocrine tumors

There is doubt about concentrations of circulating calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the value of plasma CGRP measurements in the detection and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Thus, we developed an immunochemiluminometric sandwich assay for CGRP using antibodies purified from a polyclonal antiserum against human CGRP. The assay was sensitive (limit of detection, 0.4 pmol/L; multiply by 3.7892 to derive nanograms per L) and highly specific [no cross-reaction with human calcitonin (CT)]. Normal plasma CGRP values ranged from less than 0.4 to 4.5 pmol/L (median, 0.8; n = 31), with 61% having detectable levels. Values in samples from patients with MTC were elevated: unoperated patients (n = 10), 4.7-137 pmol/L (median, 7.1); and operated patients with gross persistent or recurrent tumor (n = 14), 4.7-171 pmol/L (median, 23.2). In contrast, CGRP values were normal in 78% of nine postoperative patients with elevated CT, but no detectable tumor (range, less than 0.4 to 6.3 pmol/L; median, 1.6). CGRP levels increased after pentagastrin injection in MTC patients, but less than did CT values. Cultured MTC cells in vitro secreted large amounts of CGRP, and rat nerve root ganglia, human osteoblasts, and microvessel endothelial cells secreted lesser amounts. We conclude that CGRP circulates in normal plasma, but at very low levels. Plasma CGRP concentrations are frequently high in patients with MTC, but primarily in those with gross tumor or metastases. Plasma CT assay is the preferable test for MTC, but CGRP assay deserves prospective study for a possible role in predicting gross metastasis.

Infection of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: management without removal of the device in selected cases

A case is presented in which an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) became infected in the abdominal wall pocket 5 weeks following implantation. There was no evidence clinically or by computed tomographic scan suggesting mediastinal extension of the infection. The infection was treated successfully by debriding the abdominal wall pocket followed by a combination of pocket irrigation with antibiotic solution, parenteral antibiotics, and long-term oral antibiotics. This conservative therapy was successful and avoided removal of the device.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide in plasma of patients with hypercalcemia and malignant lesions

We developed and validated a radioimmunoassay for circulating human parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), based on a commercial antiserum to the synthetic 1-34 fragment of PTHrP, 125I-Tyr degrees-PTHrP(1-34) as radioligand, and prior extraction of the native peptide from plasma with C-2 cartridges. We determined immunoreactive PTHrP concentrations in plasma samples from 48 healthy persons (mean +/- SD, 3.1 +/- 1.0 pmol/liter; range, less than 2 to 5 pmol/liter), 8 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, 36 patients with hypercalcemia and a concurrent malignant lesion, and 9 normocalcemic patients with cancer and increased serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen or prostate-specific antigen. PTHrP was normal in samples from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (3.2 +/- 1.1 pmol/liter), secondary hyperparathyroidism (2.5 +/- 1.3 pmol/liter), and cancer without hypercalcemia (2.4 +/- 1.0 pmol/liter). In contrast, plasma immunoreactive PTHrP levels were increased (6.0 to 85.0 pmol/liter) in 47% of patients with hypercalcemia and cancer of various types, with or without bone metastatic lesions. Large amounts of PTHrP were also found in conditioned medium from cultured human prostatic carcinoma cells. Thus, PTHrP may be a causative factor for hypercalcemia associated with a malignant lesion in at least half of the cases. Measurement of circulating PTHrP may be of differential diagnostic help in hypercalcemic states.

Concurrent validity of the motor domain of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

The concurrent validity of the motor domain from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales was estimated using scores from the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales as criteria. A moderately high correlation between the measures was obtained. Implications, particularly for preschool children, were discussed.

Validity of the Estimated Learning Potential and other measures of learning potential

The validity of the Estimated Learning Potential from the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment was estimated using other measures of learning potential as criteria. In addition, correlations of traditional IQs with the learning potential measures were examined. The correlations between the Estimated Learning Potential and the criterion measures were low to moderate. Further, the traditional IQ was more strongly related to the learning potential measures than to the Estimated Learning Potential. Implications of these results, including the finding that learning potential should not be considered a unitary construct, were discussed.

Characterization of resistance and immunity to Eimeria tenella among major histocompatibility complex B-F/B-G recombinant hosts

The relative influence of the B-F vs. B-G chromosomal regions on innate resistance and immunity to Eimeria tenella was studied among six B-F/B-G recombinants, designated BR1, BR3, BR4, BR5, BR6, and BR8. In one experiment, resistance was studied among 340 F1 chicks each carrying the B17 allele derived from Line UCD.003 and therefore also heterozygous for one of the B recombinant haplotypes. In a second experiment, acquired immunity was studied among 161 F2 chicks each carrying one B17 allele and segregating for one of the recombinant alleles. In Experiment 1, F1 chicks of similar haplotypes, BR3 and BR4 (BF2-G23), gained significantly more weight than those with BR1 (BF24-G23) and BR5 (BF21-G19) following exposure to a single high dose of 25,000 oocysts, although no differences in lesion scores were detected among the six recombinants. Following exposure to a single low dose of 2,500 oocysts, F1 chicks BR3 and BR4 also gained significantly more weight and had significantly lower lesion scores than BR1 or BR5 F1 chicks. To study acquired immunity in the F2 homozygous chicks, five consecutive daily exposures of 500 oocysts were followed 21 days later by challenge with 10,000 oocysts. The BR5 (BF21-G19) and BR6 (BF21-G23) homozygous chicks, both carrying the B-F21 allele, showed significant protection in terms of reduced lesion scores. These results demonstrate that E. tenella parasitism manifests itself to varying degrees in chicken hosts possessing different recombinant major histocompatibility complex haplotypes.

Glycoconjugates of the intestinal epithelium of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus): a lectin histochemistry study

A lectin histochemical study was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon from six fasted and six non-fasted 8-week-old chickens (Gallus domesticus). The purpose of this study was to identify in situ the pattern of carbohydrate residues present on the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium. Ten biotinylated lectins with different sugar specificities were used as probes, and avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) was used as a 'visualant'. The most significant finding was the binding pattern of Lens culinaris agglutinin to various segments of the intestines. The luminal surface of the small intestinal epithelium did not stain with this lectin. In the colon the luminal surface was lightly stained, while the caecal luminal surface was intensely stained. Throughout the intestine the luminal surface stained with Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin-I and wheatgerm agglutinin, but it did not stain with Dolichos biflorus agglutinin. These findings indicated that, throughout the intestine, the luminal surface contains glycoconjugates with either N- or O-linked glycoprotein, or both, with terminal non-reducing beta-galactosyl and sialyl residues. Furthermore, the caecal surface is rich in N-linked glycoproteins with an alpha-(1----6)-linked fucosyl residue near the glycosidic linkage. The potential significance of these observations and the role of glycoconjugates in host-parasite interaction (i.e. Eimeria sp. versus Gallus domesticus) are discussed.

A survey of dentitions and removable partial dentures constructed for patients in North America

The prevalence of removable partial dentures in North America is not known. This study was designed to collect information about (1) the indications for, (2) the teeth to be replaced with, and (3) the type of major connectors used in removable partial dentures. Five commercial dental laboratories situated in different regions of North America were selected to give as wide as possible a view of the production of removable partial dentures. Each laboratory was asked to provide details of 300 consecutive removable partial dentures. Photographs (35 mm) of master casts and processed partial dentures were obtained for more than 1300 patients. The color slides were analyzed and the remaining teeth and types of dentures were recorded. The dentures were classified as follows: cast frame denture, acrylic resin denture with or without some wrought metal, and acrylic resin denture with some cast units. The major connectors were classified as one of seven alternatives in the maxillae, and as one of six alternatives in the mandible.

Response of major histocompatibility (B) complex haplotypes B22, B26, and B30 to Rous sarcomas

The response to Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumors was measured over a 2-yr period using Line UNH 105 New Hampshire chickens segregating for three major histocompatibility (B) complex haplotypes, B22, B26, and B30. Twelve sires and 49 dams were used to produce 489 pedigreed progeny consisting of six B genotypes B22/B22, B22/B26, B22/B30, B26/B26, B26/B30, and B30/B30. Six-wk-old chicks were inoculated in the wingweb with a pseudotype of Bryan high-titer Rous sarcoma virus designated as BH RSV (RAV-1). Resultant tumors were scored six times during a 10-wk period, which served as a basis for a tumor profile index (TPI) assigned to each chick. The B22/B26 chickens (means TPI = 2.6) had the greatest antitumor response, which was significantly different from that of B26/B26 (means TPI = 3.0) and B30/B30 chickens (means TPI = 3.4), the lowest responders. Lower mean TPI of two heterozygotes, B22/B26 (2.6) and B26/B30 (2.9), compared with those of appropriate homozygotes, suggested complementation between B22 and B26 as well as B26 and B30. Chi-square analysis revealed an additional beneficial effect of the B22 haplotype in tumor-bearing chickens, as B22-containing genotypes had a significantly higher survival rate than genotypes not containing B22.

Continuous administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine alters cellular immunity in chickens

1. 5-Hydroxytryptamine administered continuously through osmotic pumps altered the PHA wattle response and in vitro leukocyte capillary tube migration in UNH 105 chickens. 2. Administration of 100 ng/hr 5-hydroxytryptamine for 48 hr significantly suppressed the PHA wattle response. 3. In vitro leukocyte migration was significantly enhanced by 72 hr exposure to 5-hydroxytryptamine at a dose of 100 ng/hr.

Virus dilution affects the anti-Rous sarcoma response of progressor but not regressor major histocompatibility (B) complex genotypes

Responses to tumors induced by three dilutions of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) were studied in UNH 105, a noninbred line of New Hampshire chickens. Single-male matings produced progeny of three B genotypes: B23/B23 (tumor regressor) and B23/B24 and B24/B24 (tumor progressors). A total of 223 6-wk-old chicks were wingweb inoculated with one of three dilutions (10(-3), 4 X 10(-3), and 10(-4)) of a pseudotype of Bryan high titer RSV designated as BH RSV (RAV-1). A tumor profile index (TPI), an indicator of antitumor response, was assigned to each chick based on six postinoculation tumor size scores. Incidence of mortality was itemized for B genotypes at each virus dilution and the number of days to death (DTD) was recorded for 44 chicks with terminal tumors. Analysis of mean TPI revealed a virus dilution X B genotype interaction, with significant differences among B24/B24 chickens at a 10(-3) virus dilution (TPI 3.1), a 4 X 10(-3) virus dilution (TPI 2.6), and all other subclasses (TPI 1.8 or less). Both virus dilution and B genotype affected the incidence of mortality as shown by chi-square analysis. These data demonstrate that virus dilution influenced the antitumor response in progressor but not in regressor B complex genotypes.

Bile and serum immunoglobulin levels during primary and secondary infections with Eimeria tenella in chickens

Using a radial immunodiffusion assay, total bile and serum IgG, IgM and IgA were measured following primary and secondary exposures to Eimeria tenella. Neither IgG nor IgM could be detected consistently in bile. Biliary IgA peaked at Days 6 and 10 following a primary infection of either 5000 or 10,000 oocysts and remained elevated following a subsequent 10,000-oocyst challenge at Day 10. Serum IgG and IgM levels were not influenced by parasitism and measurable concentrations of serum IgA were not detected.

A variation in the anatomic position of the pterygomandibular raphe: report of case

A literature review of the anatomic position of the pterygomandibular raphe discloses no reports of possible variations in the attachment of this structure. A case study is presented describing such a variation from the typical anatomic description. The treatment regimen and factors related to denture retention are discussed.

Major histocompatibility (B) complex-associated differences in the delayed wattle reaction to staphylococcal antigen

The influence of the major histocompatibility (B) complex on the delayed wattle reaction (DWR) to Staphylococcus aureus was studied in 109 segregants (B2/B2, B2/B5, and B5/B5) of a fourth generation cross between inbred Regional Poultry Research Laboratory lines 6(1) and 15(1). Chickens were sensitized at 6 weeks of age with S. aureus antigen. One week later, DWR was evaluated by injecting the right wattle with S. aureus antigen. Thickness measurements were taken 4, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after injection. A quadratic equation model was used for each bird to calculate maximum wattle thickness, hour of maximum response, and rate of response development and decline. In males, the maximum wattle thickness in response to S. aureus antigen was significantly greater in B2/B5 heterozygotes (1.77 +/- .07 mm) than in either homozygote, B2/B2 (1.36 +/- .13 mm) or B5/B5 (1.39 +/- .08 mm). Heterozygous males reached maximum response sooner and recovered more quickly than homozygous males but these differences were not statistically significant. In females, response developed later than in males but no B complex effect was detected in either rate of development or maximum response.

Operative closure of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

Fifty-two premature infants underwent hemoclip closure of patent ductus arteriosus in the neonatal intensive care unit after a brief trial of fluid restriction and diuretics. Indomethacin was used in only four patients. The median time from diagnosis to operation was 3 days. There were no deaths directly attributable to operation. Nine operative complications developed in nine patients (17 percent). There were no surgical infections. Complications related to prematurity resulted in 20 deaths (38 percent). Patent ductus arteriosus closure in the neonatal intensive care unit prevented the complications of hypothermia, inadvertent extubation, and interruption of vascular access and monitoring. Early operative closure in the neonatal intensive care unit is the treatment of choice in most premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

Comparison of the cardiovascular effects of intravenous and intraaortic protamine in the conscious and anesthetized dog

Controversy exists as to whether intraaortic (IA) administration of protamine sulfate has less adverse effects than the intravenous (IV) route. The effect of protamine on contractility is not well established. Therefore, 9 dogs underwent chronic instrumentation to monitor aortic pressure (AP), left ventricular (LV) pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index (CI), heart rate, stroke volume index (SVI), systemic vascular resistance index, and LV volume. The end-systolic LV pressure-volume relationship was used as a load-independent measure of contractility. Each dog was administered IV and IA protamine on separate occasions after pretreatment with heparin. Studies were performed with and without anesthesia. In the awake studies, analysis of variance showed greater decreases in mean AP (p less than .03), CI (p less than .05), and SVI (p less than .02) with IA protamine infusion. In the anesthetized animals, there were no significant differences between IA and IV administration of protamine. Protamine did not decrease contractility in any group. We conclude that IA administration of protamine offers no advantage over IV administration in the dog. Protamine does not decrease contractility when given by either route.

Performance differences for retarded adolescents on the PPVT and the PPVT-R

Scores from 26 moderately retarded adolescents were obtained on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the PPVT—Revised (PPVT—R). While the scores on the test were correlated .85, the PPVT scores were significantly higher, which is consistent with prior research using different populations including mildly retarded and gifted. Implications for the practitioner are discussed.

Major histocompatibility (B) complex effects on acquired immunity to cecal coccidiosis

The influence of the major histocompatibility (B) complex on acquired immunity to the avian coccidium Eimeria tenella was studied in 217 F4 segregants (B2B2, B2B5, B5B5) of a cross between inbred lines 6(1) (B2B2) and 15(1) (B5B5) and segregating haplotype combinations of UNH105 (B23B23, B23B24, B24B24), a noninbred line of New Hampshire chickens. Chickens were immunized at 6 weeks of age with 500 oocysts daily for 5 days, then challenged 14 days later with 10 000 oocysts. Responses to infection were evaluated by cecal lesion scores, body weight gain, delayed wattle reaction (DWR), and spleen weight. The F4 segregants of genotypes B2B5 and B5B5 exhibited greater immunity to challenge than B2B2 chickens. B5B5 chickens showed a significantly greater DWR following immunization and larger spleens 6 days after the challenge than either of the other genotypes. However, both B2B5 and B5B5 chickens demonstrated significantly lower lesion scores than B2B2 chickens. There were no significant differences in weight gain among these genotypes. Among 139 line UNH105 segregants, B23B23 hosts had significantly lower lesion scores than B24B24 chickens. No other differences in immune response among line UNH105 genotypes were detected.

Comprehensive toxicology screening in the emergency department: an aid to clinical diagnosis

An audit of 2,641 toxicology requests from the Georgetown University Hospital Emergency Department from 1981 through 1984 was conducted to assess the contribution of toxicology laboratory results to the clinical evaluation of the intoxicated patient. Positive findings were obtained in 80% of the patients tested. Ethanol was the most common intoxicant, accounting for 48% of all positive results and an average serum concentration of 250 mg/dl. Multiple drug use was documented in 28% of the patients with positive results; some ingested as many as six substances. Women were more likely than men to be polydrug users. A comparison of laboratory findings with diagnosis based on history and examination for 76 patients revealed that the laboratory provided additional information on the nature of the intoxication two-thirds of the time. Our conclusion is that the toxicology laboratory offering a broadly based screening service when properly utilized by the emergency department staff can aid in establishing an accurate diagnosis and provide a guide to therapy in the intoxicated patient.

Effect of surgical bursectomy on the ellipsoid, ellipsoid-associated cells, and periellipsoid region of the chicken's spleen

Surgical bursectomy resulted in cellular depletion of the periellipsoid white pulp, confirming its bursa dependency. Also, in bursectomized birds, the ellipsoid could not be identified, although a small number of abnormal ellipsoid-associated cells (EAC) were observed in the periellipsoid region. The most characteristic finding was the degeneration of the EAC. Degeneration of EAC indicated that the intact bursa was mandatory for normal differentiation of cells of the periellipsoid white pulp into EAC. The promoting effect of the bursa might take place by a bursal hormone. The histological impairment of the EAC was followed by reduced carbon binding and migrating capabilities. Bursectomy resulted in a shift in bacterial phagocytosis in that many cells of the periellipsoid phagocytosed Salmonella. The reduced heterophil infiltration of the ellipsoid in bursectomized birds might be explained by the impaired granular content of the EAC. The impaired migration capability of the EAC might contribute to the low number of germinal centers in bursectomized birds.

High-affinity binding of [3H]acetylcholine to muscarinic cholinergic receptors

High-affinity binding of [3H]acetylcholine to muscarinic cholinergic sites in rat CNS and peripheral tissues was measured in the presence of cytisin, which occupies nicotinic cholinergic receptors. The muscarinic sites were characterized with regard to binding kinetics, pharmacology, anatomical distribution, and regulation by guanyl nucleotides. These binding sites have characteristics of high-affinity muscarinic cholinergic receptors with a Kd of approximately 30 nM. Most of the muscarinic agonist and antagonist drugs tested have high affinity for the [3H]acetylcholine binding site, but pirenzepine, an antagonist which is selective for M-1 receptors, has relatively low affinity. The ratio of high-affinity [3H]acetylcholine binding sites to total muscarinic binding sites labeled by [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate varies from 9 to 90% in different tissues, with the highest ratios in the pons, medulla, and heart atrium. In the presence of guanyl nucleotides, [3H] acetylcholine binding is decreased, but the extent of decrease varies from 40 to 90% in different tissues, with the largest decreases being found in the pons, medulla, cerebellum, and heart atrium. The results indicate that [3H]acetylcholine binds to high-affinity M-1 and M-2 muscarinic receptors, and they suggest that most M-2 sites have high affinity for acetylcholine but that only a small fraction of M-1 sites have such high affinity.

Promoting social support: the impact of California's "Friends Can Be Good Medicine" campaign

Increasing recognition of the importance of social support for health has not been accompanied by commensurate increases in knowledge about how to strengthen natural support networks on a large scale. This study evaluated the impact of California's innovative "Friends Can Be Good Medicine" public education campaign in promoting social support. Campaign impact was assessed with pre-, post-, and long-term follow-up interviews with a panel sample of 340 adults in the six county Fresno media market area. Comparisons of exposed and unexposed individuals found that the campaign appeared to have measurable impact on knowledge, attitudes, behavioral intentions, and support enhancing behavior. Follow-up interviews indicated that these gains maintained themselves over the course of a year. The campaign was most effective when it utilized multiple channels of communication. In Fresno City, where there was the most intensive combination of community activities and media exposure, respondents indicating substantial likelihood of engaging in support enhancing behavior increased from 42% to 59% compared to smaller gains in areas which relied primarily on community implementation, and no gains in areas where exposure to the campaign was limited to mass media. The campaign appeared particularly effective with people who had experienced the death of someone close to them during the past year, and within that group, gains were largest among respondents below average in initial levels of social support.

Effect of soluble antigen on the ellipsoid-associated cells of the chicken's spleen

The ellipsoid-associated cells (EAC) localize on the surface of the ellipsoid. They bind the IV injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), migrate to the red pulp and then enter the systemic circulation. After protein injection, the number of white blood cells increased above the normal level. The highest number of white blood cells occurred between 4 and 6 hr after HRP injection. In this period, the cell enhancement resulted in HRP-positive mononuclear cells which might come from the spleen. This cell population may vary in size and number in the blood and may be identical with the dendritic cell of the chicken. The other type of blood mononuclear cell is histologically identical with the classical monocyte endogenous peroxidase positive type and their number is lower than that of the former. This type of monocytic (MN) cell could be of bone marrow origin.

Education of children with learning problems

Approximately 10 per cent of all school-aged children have some type of learning disorder. These students are usually labeled mentally retarded, learning disabled, or emotionally disturbed/behavior disordered. The authors discuss the commonly used definitions of these disorders, the prognosis in school for children with learning disorders, the educational characteristics of these children, specific teaching and training approaches, and the administrative arrangement and physical environment for learning-disordered students.

Educational and psychological assessment of children with learning disorders

This article provides an overview of assessment in the educational process and a critical analysis of the standardized tests that are typically seen in educational and psychological reports.

Meckel's diverticulum. II. A novel lymphoepithelial organ in the chicken

We have studied the lymphoid development and structure of Meckel's diverticulum (MD). The lymphoid accumulation began about 2 weeks of age. Between 2 and 5 weeks of age the longitudinal folds were filled with lymphoid tissue. The intensive germinal center formation occurred between 5 and 7 weeks of age. Germinal center formation was associated with the presence of secretory cells. The absence of the secretory cells in the germinal centers was followed by germinal center inactivity which was indicated by the lack of lymphoblasts and the high number of tingible body macrophages. The lymphoid tissue of MD seemed to be fully developed by 10 weeks of age and remained lymphoid at least until 21 months of age. Meckel's diverticulum produced large numbers of plasma cells which were comparable to those of the gland of Harder. We may regard MD as the third pouch of the intestine and suggest that it may be a novel lymphoepithelial organ in the chicken.

Friends can be good medicine: an excursion into mental health promotion

This paper describes Friends Can Be Good Medicine, a multi-media, mental health promotion campaign conducted in 1982 throughout California. The creative design, pilot-test, implementation and results are reviewed. Conceptually, Friends was derived from evidence linking supportive personal relationships with increased physical and mental health. Three major campaign elements were: broadcast media, an array of educational materials, and community activities. Evaluation findings revealed that Friends was most effective when campaign elements reinforced one another. Resulting changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions among those reached by Friends were maintained after one year. It is contended that, for better or worse, mass media is part of the health care system.

Treatment of experimental murine candidiasis with liposome-associated amphotericin B

Mice were challenged intravenously with Candida albicans, and then treated either with nothing (controls), amphotericin B-desoxycholate (AMB), or amphotericin B associated with liposomes (AMB-lipo). AMB-lipo permitted larger doses of amphotericin B to be given, and also appeared to have no severe toxicity in the animal model. High doses of AMB-lipo were protective, but at equal doses, AMB-lipo was not as effective as commercial AMB.

Ascites formation in the chicken

We have observed the rapid development (4 to 7 hr after injection) of an ascitic condition in the hepatoperitoneal sac after the i.v. injection of large amounts of carbon. The amount of ascitic fluid varied from .5 to 12 ml/chicken. The protein content of the fluid was identical with that of the sera, but the specific IgM immunoglobulin was lower in the ascitic fluid than in the sera. The cellularity of the ascitic fluid was poor. Mononuclear cells containing lipid and phagosomes and aggregated thrombocytes were the predominant cells. A mechanism regulating water balance between the liver and cecal pouch was suggested by the ascitic fluid data.

Calorie-protein deficiencies and the immune response of the chicken. II. Cell-mediated immunity

Calorie-protein deficiency affects humoral immunity in the chicken. Secondary responses to sheep-red blood cells, a T-dependent antigen, were lower in birds fed diets two-thirds deficient in calories (C), amino acids (AA), or both (C/AA). These results led us to question what effects might be found in cell-mediated immunity after nutritional deficiency. Birds fed the same diets as in our previous study showed no reduction in total white blood cells, absolute lymphocytes, or absolute heterophils. Splenic lymphocytes from 3- or 7-week-old nutritionally deficient chickens with the exception of the AA group at 7 weeks, produced a nonsignificant increase in graft-versus-host (GvH) response of 12-day-old embryos. Thymic cells from 3-week-old nutritionally deficient birds were not deficient in the GvH potential. Thymic histology revealed reduced cellularity in AA-deficient birds. The reduced cellularity may not have been in response to stress since the mean corticosterone levels were not significantly different. Birds fed the deficient diets for 10 weeks had a significantly reduced delayed hypersensitivity response to human gamma globulin. The results indicate that the chickens' ability to produce a GvH response was not compromised and that T-cell subpopulations may have differential sensitivities to nutritional deficiencies.