Downward blotting of proteins in a model based on apolipoprotein(a) phenotyping

Standard immunoblotting ("Western blot") involves electrotransfer of proteins from a separation gel (usually acrylamide) onto a membrane. Recently, a downward capillary method with increased hybridization efficiency was developed for DNA and RNA. The present work assessed the applicability of this method to proteins in a model based on human apolipoprotein(a)[apo(a)] isoforms which consist of a single, >200-kDa polypeptide chain varying in size with a repeat sequence. After reduction treatment and sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis, serum proteins were transferred from the gel by upward or downward (Turboblotter) capillary action onto nitrocellulose membranes in Tris-buffered saline, pH 7.5, at room temperature. Increased detectability of apo(a) isoforms was achieved by substituting comparatively high molar concentrations of protein A for true second antibody. With downward capillary transfer and short 37 degrees C incubations, the apo(a) phenotyping could be completed in about 26 h and required less than 8 h effective processing time. The downward transfer was about twice as fast (complete within 1 h) as the upward version and with this speed it offers a good alternative to electroblotting as well.

Designations F18ab and F18ac for the related fimbrial types F107, 2134P and 8813 of Escherichia coli isolated from porcine postweaning diarrhoea and from oedema disease

The relatedness of the fimbriae produced by eight E. coli strains including type strains with F107 fimbriae, 2134P pili and colonization factor 8813 (preliminary F18), was examined. These strains had been isolated principally from pigs which were affected with postweaning diarrhoea or with oedema disease. The fimbriae were analyzed by means of electron microscopy, slide agglutination, immunofluorescence, immunogold labelling, immuno-diffusion, immunoelectrophoresis and western blot, molecular genetic techniques, and in vitro adhesion. The fimbriae of all the strains were long flexible filaments with a diameter not larger than 4.6 nm showing a zig-zag pattern. Results obtained by the serological techniques confirmed that the fimbriae possessed a common antigenic determinant designated 'a' in addition to a variant-specific determinant designated 'b' or 'c'. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that the determinants 'a' and 'b' or 'a' and 'c' were localized along the same fimbrium. In immunoelectrophoresis, fimbrial extracts of selected strains yielded a single precipitation line towards the cathode. One single major subunit of approximately 15 kDa was recognised in western blots by antisera against the common antigenic determinant and the variant specific determinants. All strains possessed sequences related to gene fedA, coding for the major subunit of fimbriae F107. Two types of fedA-related subunit genes were differentiated, corresponding to the 'ab' and 'ac' types of fimbriae as defined by serological methods. The results demonstrated that F107 fimbriae, 2134P pili and colonization factor 8813 are related, and that two serological variants can be distinguished. We propose designations F18ab (for F107), and F18ac (for 2134P and 8813) in analogy to the nomenclature of F4 fimbriae.

Silent myocardial ischemia during PET

A resting perfusion defect detected during radioisotope myocardial perfusion imaging is generally thought to represent myocardial infarction. The administration of nitroglycerin during cardiac PET imaging results in improved resting defects, which suggests transiently abnormal resting perfusion with silent myocardial ischemia.

[Nutritional lead poisoning--a differential diagnostic problem in abdominal pain]

The authors report on the case of a 44-year-old female patient as well as a 51-year-old male patient, who were taken to hospital with abdominal complaint of unknown origin. The symptoms in the case of the female patient suggested cholecystitis, whereas in the case of the male patient chronic pancreatitis. Following detailed examinations the authors have explored nutritional lead poisoning of a married couple. Within a short time--after Ca-EDTA treatment--they have become free of complaint. After a survey of the literature the authors analyse the diagnostic possibilities of the patients with the symptoms of abdominal colic pain and the way to the diagnosis, respectively.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of serum antibody to Blastocystis hominis in symptomatic infections

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was devised in order to search for antibodies against Blastocystis hominis in infected humans. Reaction proteins were obtained from washed, axenic B. hominis cells, as sonicate. Sonicate was diluted to provide 17 and 34 micrograms of protein per well. Dilutions of patients' sera were applied, followed by phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-human serum and phosphatase substrate. Color was measured at 405 microns wavelength. Immunoglobulin G antibodies to high titers were found. Of 30 sera tested from 28 patients, 3 were negative at the 1/50 threshold dilution, 8 were positive at 1/50, 3 at 1/100, 2 at 1/200, 3 at 1/400, 6 at 1/800, and 5 at 1/1,600. Normal sera (42 blood bank sera) were all negative at 1/50. Each serum was subjected to multiple testing. Duplicate tests were included for each run, and runs were made from 4 to 6 for each serum. Blastocystis hominis is increasingly recognized to be a cause of human enteric disease, with symptoms often like those in giardiasis. Demonstration of strong antibody response is consistent with this view.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for the separation of large protein molecules exemplified by the isoforms of apolipoprotein (a)

The performance of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was assessed for the separation of protein molecules. The allelic isoforms of apolipoprotein (a) (apo[a]) served as a model for this study because apo(a) is an unusually large protein, consisting of a variable number of repeating units. PFGE and, for comparison, conventional electrophoresis of human sera were carried out under reducing conditions in agarose gel. After blotting proteins onto nitrocellulose membrane, a combination of monospecific rabbit anti-apo(a) antibody and alkaline phosphatase-conjugated protein A detected apo(a) isoforms in all sera tested. The various apo(a) isoforms were effectively resolved within two repeating units ("kringles") by both PFGE and conventional electrophoresis, but the type of agarose gel used greatly affected the speed of electrophoretic separation. In a series of 89 human sera, 59 double-band and 30 single-band patterns were seen using either electrophoretic system. However, one specimen produced double bands with PFGE, while only a single band could be detected by conventional electrophoresis, and with another specimen the opposite occurred. A total of 22 different apo(a) isoforms were identified among these patterns. It is concluded that the increasingly available PFGE technology is a practical alternative to conventional agarose electrophoresis for the separation of large protein molecules.

A monoclonal antibody identifies 2134P fimbriae as adhesins on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated from postweaning pigs

Fimbriae (pili) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), including K88, K99, 987P, and F41, are adhesins that facilitate intestinal colonization in neonatal pigs. K88 is also associated with some ETEC isolated from weaned pigs. Many ETEC isolates from weaned pigs do not express known adhesins and are termed 4P-. A novel bacterial adhesin, 2134P, was recently identified on two 4P- ETEC isolates from weaned pigs. In this study, we identified a 2134P-specific monoclonal antibody, mAb 6C7/C1, that blocked the binding of 2134P+ bacteria to intestinal epithelial cells. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody and immunoperoxidase assays using mAb 6C7/C1 confirmed that the 2134P adhesin is expressed in vivo by adherent bacteria in pigs challenge-exposed with 2134P+ ETEC. 2134P was detected on 31% of 189 postweaning diarrhea 4P- ETEC isolates from the National Animal Disease Center's culture collection by dot blot immunoperoxidase assays using mAb 6C7/C1. We conclude that 2134P is a bacterial adhesin and is an important virulence attribute of some ETEC that cause diarrhea in weaned pigs.

Demonstration of antibodies against Candida guilliermondii var. guilliermondii in asymptomatic infertile men

Candida guilliermondii (C.g.) occurs mostly in animals, but it can affect humans too. Using serological screening methods studies have been carried out in 57 (30 normozoospermic and 27 oligozoospermic) asymptomatic infertile men, of whom 15 (26.3%; 9 oligozoospermic and 6 normozoospermic) were found to have responded to Candida guilliermondii var. guilliermondii. Sperm parameters (cell count, motility, morphology) were determined and various tests (hypo-osmotic swelling test, bovine mucus penetration, swim-up and testosterone examinations) were also performed. In the C.g.-infected and non-infected groups no significant difference was observed in any of the parameters. Precipitation was performed with a special antigen and in the positive group agglutination titres ranged from 0 to 1/320. Comparing C.g. titres with sperm parameters, only the swim-up technique showed noticeable alteration (P = 0.003). One month following ketoconazole treatment, the patients showed no precipitation reactions and their agglutination titres were < 1/80. Our results suggest that for the diagnosis of male infertility a serologic screening for C.g. is essential. As C.g. can also be sexually transmitted, both the husband and wife must be treated, if infection occurs.

Pathogenicity of porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli that do not express K88, K99, F41, or 987P adhesins

Three-week-old weaned and colostrum-deprived neonatal (less than 1 day old) pigs were inoculated to determine the pathogenicity of 2 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates that do not express K88, K99, F41, or 987P adhesins (strains 2134 and 2171). Strains 2134 and 2171 were isolated from pigs that had diarrhea after weaning attributable to enterotoxigenic E coli infection. We found that both strains of E coli adhered in the ileum and caused diarrhea in pigs of both age groups. In control experiments, adherent bacteria were not seen in the ileum of pigs less than 1 day old or 3 weeks old that were noninoculated or inoculated with a nonpathogenic strain of E coli. These control pigs did not develop diarrhea. Antisera raised against strains 2134 and 2171 and absorbed with the autologous strain, grown at 18 C, were used for bacterial-agglutination and colony-immunoblot assays. Both absorbed antisera reacted with strains 2134 and 2171, but not with strains that express K99, F41, or 987P adhesins. A cross-reaction was observed with 2 wild-type K88 strains, but not with a K12 strain that expresses K88 pili. Indirect immunofluorescence with these absorbed antisera revealed adherent bacteria in frozen sections of ileum from pigs infected with either strain. We concluded that these strains are pathogenic and express a common surface antigen that may be a novel adhesin in E coli strains that cause diarrhea in weaned pigs.

Colonization of the small intestine of weaned pigs by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli that lack known colonization factors

Intestinal colonization of 3-week-old weaned pigs by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains that were originally isolated from weaned pigs with fatal diarrhea and that lacked K88, K99, F41, and 987P adhesins (4P- ETEC) was studied by histologic, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopic techniques. In the first experiment, 16 principal pigs were inoculated orogastrically with ETEC strain 2134 (serogroup O157: H19) or 2171 (serogroup 0141:H4), and eight control pigs were not inoculated. In the second experiment, 24 principals were inoculated with ETEC strain 2134, and 12 controls were inoculated with a nonenterotoxigenic strain of E. coli. Principal and control pigs were necropsied at intervals from 24 to 72 hours after inoculation of principals to provide the tissues used for this report. Results from the two experiments and with both ETEC strains were similar and therefore were combined. Adhesion by 4P- ETEC was demonstrated in ileum but not in cecum or colon in 22/40 principal pigs sampled at 24 to 72 hours after orogastric inoculation. Adherent bacteria were most apparent on the intestinal villi covering Peyer's patches. Only occasional adherent bacteria were detected in ileal sections from a few (4/20) of the control pigs. Adherence by 4P- ETEC was characterized by "patches" of bacteria closely associated with the lateral surfaces and less frequently with the tips and the bases of intact villi. In most cases, the adherent bacteria were separated from epithelial cell microvilli and other bacterial cells by a 50-400-nm space. Filamentous bacterial appendages bridged this space and formed a network among adjacent bacteria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Susceptibility of porcine intestine to pilus-mediated adhesion by some isolates of piliated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli increases with age

Two porcine isolates of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) (serogroup O157 and O141) derived from fatal cases of postweaning diarrhea and lacking K88, K99, F41, and 987P pili (4P- ETEC) were tested for adhesiveness to small-intestinal epithelia of pigs of different ages. Neither strain adhered to isolated intestinal brush borders of newborn (1-day-old) pigs in the presence of mannose. However, mannose-resistant adhesion occurred when brush borders from 10-day- and 3- and 6-week-old pigs were used. Electron microscopy revealed that both strains produced fine (3.5-nm) and type 1 pili at 37 degrees C but only type 1 pili at 18 degrees C. Mannose-resistant in vitro adhesion to brush borders of older pigs correlated with the presence of fine pili. These strains produced predominantly fine pili in ligated intestinal loops of both older and newborn pigs, but adherence was greater in loops in older pigs. Immunoelectron microscopic studies, using antiserum raised against piliated bacteria and absorbed with nonpiliated bacteria, of samples from brush border adherence studies revealed labelled appendages between adherent bacteria and intestinal microvilli. Orogastric inoculation of pigs weaned at 10 and 21 days of age indicated significantly (P less than 0.001) higher levels of adhesion by the ETEC to the ileal epithelia of older pigs than to that of younger ones. We suggest that small-intestinal adhesion and colonization by these ETEC isolates is dependent on receptors that develop progressively with age during the first 3 weeks after birth. Furthermore, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the fine pili described mediate intestinal adhesion by the 4P- ETEC strains studied.

Effects of benzyladenine on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Comparative studies of the effect of benzyladenine (BA) on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, the shallot Allium ascalonicum and Chinese hamster fibroblast cells were performed. The tested substance had no mutagenic activity on yeast, bacteria and cultured fibroblast cells. Changes in mitotic activity and cell division abnormalities were observed after BA treatment in shallot root-tip cells.

Protection by WR-2721 and WR-151327 against late effects of gamma rays and neutrons

Two thiophosphoroate compounds WR-2721 and WR-151327 were assessed for their ability to modify the deleterious effects (life shortening and carcinogenesis) of fission-spectrum neutrons (kerma-weighted mean energy of 0.85 MeV) or gamma rays on B6CF1 hybrid mice. Male and female mice, 200 of each sex per experimental group, were irradiated individually at 110 days of age. Radioprotectors (400 mg/kg of WR-2721 or 580 mg/kg of WR-151327) were administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to irradiation. Neutron doses were 10 cGy or 40 cGy and gamma ray doses were 206 cGy or 417 cGy. Animals were housed five to a cage; cage locations in the holding rooms were randomized by computer. Animals were checked daily and all deceased animals were necropsied. WR-2721 afforded protection against both neutron- and gamma-ray-induced carcinogenesis and subsequent life shortening. Cumulative survival curves for unirradiated mice of either sex were unaffectecd by protectors. WR-2721 protected irradiated groups against life shortening by approximately 10 cGy of neutrons or 100 cGy of gamma rays. WR-151327 was as effective as WR-2721 against neutron irradiation.

[New function tests in andrologic practice]

The authors compared the classical sperm parameters (cell count, motility, morphology) to new functional tests, such as swim up, hypoosmotic swelling test and in vitro fertilization. The results of hypoosmotic swelling test showed a very good correlation with the fertilization in vitro (P = 0.0001). The authors suggest to make the new functional probes together with the classical examination in the routine andrological practice.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid causes chromatin and chromosome abnormalities in plant cells and mutation in cultured mammalian cells

The cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on shallot root tip cells and on V79 Chinese hamster fibroblast cells were examined and compared. In shallot root tips 2,4-D caused changes in mitotic activity, as well as changes in chromosome and chromatin structure, and also changes during the cell cycle. 2,4-D also showed mutagenic and cytotoxic effects on V79 cells in culture in concentrations higher than 10 micrograms/ml. The results in both systems (plant and mammalian cells) were in agreement showing mutagenic activity of 2,4-D in the concentration range higher than usually used in establishing plant tissue culture (greater than 5 micrograms/ml).

Fibronectin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma of dogs with acute inflammation of the lungs

Bronchoalveolar inflammation, which was generated in dogs by Broncho-Vaxom instilled into the right lower lobe, was characterized first of all by an increased influx of macrophages. In this non-purulent acute-subacute inflammatory reaction, the lavage fibronectin decreased rapidly three hours after the incubation and then a marked gradual elevation was observed, which persisted throughout the whole two-week process, while plasma fibronectin concentrations were not altered significantly. Changes in the levels of lavage fibronectin may be an important sign for the control of the inflammatory reaction activity in the lungs.

Iscom (immunostimulating complex) vaccines containing mono- or polyvalent pili of enterotoxigenic E. coli; immune response of rabbit and swine

Iscom (immunostimulating complex) vaccines were prepared to contain K88ab, K88ac, K99 and 987P pili (fimbriae) of enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria as monovalent or quadrivalent preparations. The iscoms injected into rabbits and into pigs elicited similar or higher immune response in both animal species than the oil adjuvanted vaccine containing about 5 times more of the same pilus protein. It is concluded that inclusion of pili into iscoms results in immunogenic preparations likely worth pursuing for vaccine production against enterotoxic colibacillosis of newborn pigs. The iscoms did not induce local reaction at the injection sites in contrast to the oil adjuvanted vaccines.

Phenotype and genotype of Escherichia coli isolated from pigs with postweaning diarrhea in Hungary

A total of 205 Escherichia coli isolates from 88 diarrheal weanling (4- to 10-week-old) pigs from 59 farms were tested by slide agglutination for K88, K99, F41, and 987P antigens. K88 antigen was detected in 61% of the isolates representing 60% of the pigs and 56% of the farms. K88 antigen was associated with serogroup O149 and 91% of the K88+ isolates. K99, F41, and 987P were not detected. Of the K88- isolates, 70 were additionally tested by colony hybridization with DNA probes for adherence factors K88, K99, 987P, and F41 and for enterotoxin genes STaP, STaH, STb, and LT and by Vero cell assay for verotoxins (VT). The 70 K88- isolates could be divided into three categories: LT-, VT-, STaP+, and/or STb+ (34 isolates); LT-, STaP+, STb+, and/or VT+ (17 isolates); and nontoxigenic (19 isolates). Only one of the K88- isolates carried a known adherence factor (987P) detectable with DNA probes. Most of the STaP+ and STb+ isolates belonged to O groups O141, O147, and O157. All but 1 of the 17 VT+ isolates belonged to O groups O138, O139, O141, and O149. Only three of the VT+ strains were isolated from pigs with edema disease. We concluded that 73% of the K88- isolates had the capability to produce enterotoxins or VT that could have contributed to weanling pig diarrhea.

[Results of the use of amine-fluoride preparations in orthodontic practice]

The authors report about a 3 years examination of children wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. The patient were divided into three groups (each comprising 70 persons): 1. Elmex fluid, 2. Elmex gel, 3. control group. Increase of caries intensity was lower while condition of the gingiva was better in the groups using aminofluoride preparations. Good results were obtained especially by employing the Elmex gel.

Candida guilliermondii var. guilliermondii infection in infertile women

The sera of 263 women--217 infertile and 46 pregnant--were examined by various serological methods (precipitation test, agglutination, indirect immunofluorescence) to detect Candida guilliermondii var. guilliermondii (C.g.) infection. The precipitation reaction was performed with extracellular C. guilliermondii antigen, the agglutination reaction was employed parallel with C. albicans. In the infertile group 122 (56.2%) proved to be C.g. positive, while in the fertile 11 women (23.9%) proved to be so, the level of significance being p less than 0.0001 between the two groups. A one-month ketoconazole treatment (one tablet, 200 mg/day) was adequate for eliminating the C.g. infection. In a few cases hystological examinations were also performed according to Gomori-Grocott and yeast cells could be detected in the stroma of the ovary. IgA, IgG, IgM, Gc-globulin, transferrin and ferritin determinations were carried out before and after the ketoconazole treatment, and there were significant differences in the IgM and transferrin levels between the infected and non-infected groups. The authors achieved 5 pregnancies of 56 treated women in 6 months.

Plasminogen activator activity in clonogenic cell populations separated from a murine fibrosarcoma

Tumor cells from a murine fibrosarcoma (FSa) produce plasminogen activator (PA), a protease that converts the zymogen plasminogen into the trypsin-like enzyme plasmin. Several studies indicate that tumor cell invasion is accompanied by proteolysis and that PA, generated by highly malignant cells, is by far the most ubiquitous protease associated with malignant transformation. Subpopulations of FSa cells were isolated by using density gradient centrifugation and the ability of these populations to form lung colonies was compared with their associated levels of PA production. Five populations of cells from a murine fibrosarcoma were separated in continuous gradients of Renografin in the density range 1.05-1.18 g/cm2. The PA activities of an unseparated control cell lysate and cell lysates of the five separated populations were determined by using [125I]fibrin as a substrate in a reaction between cell lysate and plasminogen. The assay was based on the release of digested [125I]fibrin from the surface of Petri dishes into the supernatant solution, and the results were expressed as a percentage of the total radioactivity. The cell populations collected at densities of 1.05 and 1.09 (B1, B2) were the more clonogenic with relative clonogenic efficiencies of 2.6 and 3.3 times that of the unseparated tumor population, respectively. Analysis for PA demonstrated that enzyme formation was restricted mostly to these two populations. Cells from populations 4 and 5 did not secrete increased amounts of PA and had reduced clonogenic efficiencies compared with the unseparated FSa control population. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that PA activity is correlated with the clonogenicity of tumor subpopulations isolated from a heterogeneous and complex tumor system such as the FSa.

Protection against radiation-induced mutagenesis in V79 cells by 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol under conditions of acute hypoxia

The effects of the radioprotector 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol (WR-1065) on radiation-induced cell killing and mutagenesis at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus in V79 Chinese hamster cells under hypoxic or aerobic conditions were examined. Conditions of acute hypoxia were attained by gassing 10(6) cells in 1-ml volumes in individual glass ampoules for 2 min with nitrogen. Ampoules were then sealed and incubated at 37 degrees C for 60 min. Following this treatment, cell survival after irradiation as expected was significantly enhanced. The effect of acute hypoxia on the formation of HGPRT mutants by irradiation was also investigated. Mutation frequencies were determined with a 6-day expression time and corrected for the number of spontaneous background mutants. Although mutation induction was approximately linear as a function of radiation dose under most conditions tested, it was significantly reduced in cell populations made acutely hypoxic prior to irradiation. Protection against mutation induction was apparent and similar when cells were irradiated in the presence of the radioprotector, regardless of whether they were also hypoxic or aerated. If cells were irradiated in air and then made hypoxic, no significant protection was still observed. These results suggest that the antimutagenic effect of WR-1065 is not due solely to its ability to scavenge radiation-induced oxygen-free radicals, but rather that it may also modulate these effects through the scavenging of metabolically induced free radicals and/or the chemical repair of radiation-induced DNA lesions.

The occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the semen of men participating in an IVF programme

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases. The authors studied the occurrence of C. trachomatis in the semen of 184 asymptomatic men participating in the IVF programme. Twenty-six (14.1%) of the 184 tested were positive for C. trachomatis, these patients and their wives receiving doxycycline capsules twice, 100 mg on the first day and 100 mg/day for the following 13 days. This treatment was effective in 88.5% of the cases and in the rest, treatment continued with erithromycin 250 mg four times/day for 2 weeks. The authors compared the semen parameters (cell count, motility, morphology, bovine mucus penetration and hypo-osmotic swelling test) in the infected and non-infected groups and observed no significant difference between these two groups.

[A statistical epidemiologic study of arterial pressure in schoolchildren in Harghita County to establish normal values]

The epidemiological study was organized in schools in urban and rural areas. The study is readily reproducible and can be carried out longitudinally in the course of several years. Blood pressure was determined in children ranging in age from 7 to 14 years, and included 1838 children from urban areas--954 boys and 884 girls, and 1622 from rural areas--838 boys and 784 girls, per total 3460 children. Recording was done in the classroom in a quiet, friendly atmosphere, eliminating all psychical factors that might influence pressure, and was never taken before or after physical education. The pressure gage was applied on the right arm the cuff being adjusted to a child's arm. Pressure was determined thrice by two doctors independently, according to the Korotkov method, phase IV representing diastolic pressure. The data were processed statistically calculating the mean and standard deviation per determinations, per age, and finally calculating the proportions (individual values in the range of initial variations that correspond to percentages of 5, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95) of the total population analyzed. The tables give the results of systolic and diastolic pressure values in children in urban and in rural areas, as well as percentile curves of the systolic and diastolic pressure per sex. On the basis of the results children were considered to be candidates to high blood pressure whose systolic and/or diastolic tension in terms of age and sex was situated at percentage 95 or higher.

Fibronectin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma from children with chronic inflammation of lungs

Fibronectin/albumin ratios in plasma and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were evaluated in patients (1-6 years of age) with recurrent obstructive bronchitis and different interstitial lung diseases. These inflammatory reactions were characterized by increased influx of macrophages on the bronchoalveolar surface, but an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes or neutrophils was also detected in the group of patients with lymphocyte-macrophage or neutrophil-macrophage alveolitis. There was no considerable difference in plasma fibronectin concentrations obtained from healthy children and patients with moderate obstructive bronchitis and slight inflammation of the bronchial mucosa observed bronchoscopically. Levels of plasma fibronectin were elevated in patients with serious bronchial inflammation and different alveolitis, but they were within the normal range. A comparison of lavage fibronectin/albumin ratios with plasma fibronectin/albumin ratios with plasma fibronectin/albumin ratios indicated significant local production of fibronectin in subjects with serious bronchial inflammation and interstitial lung disorders. Fibronectin detected on the bronchoalveolar surface seems to be an important factor in mediating cell-to-cell interactions in the repair of the bronchoalveolar structures, and in tracing the activity of the inflammatory reactions not only in patients with interstitial lung diseases, but also in patients with serious chronic bronchial inflammation.

Neuropathological definition of Alzheimer disease: multivariate analyses in the morphometric distinction between Alzheimer dementia and normal aging

Although establishing that a patient is suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer type initially reflects a clinician's opinion, neuropathological study is for the present the most definitive examination to confirm the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. We review several comprehensive publications attempting on a quantitative basis to differentiate the changes occurring with normal aging of the human brain from those indicative of Alzheimer disease. New morphometric data on 5 histopathological lesions in the mesial temporal cortex of 42 subjects indicate that, when multivariate analyses are performed on such microscopic information, a diagnostic prediction about the brain of any unknown individual should indeed be possible with a statistically calculated degree of certainty.

Latent infection with feline syncytial virus of cell cultures prepared from the kidneys of new-born kittens

Feline syncytial virus infection was detected in 4 out of 30 secondary or tertiary cultures of kidney cells from new-born kittens. Such infection was not detected in any primary cell culture. The syncytia-forming virus was readily transmissible by infected cells. One strain was transmissible to heterologous (bovine and canine) secondary cells, but did not infect MDBK and PK-15 cell lines. Based on biochemical, untrastructural and serological characteristics, the virus was designated a member of the subfamily Spumavirinae of the family Retroviridae. As endogenous infection of primary cell cultures may not be detectable by cytopathic effect, it is suggested that only well-controlled secondary cat cells or cell lines should be used in work with feline viruses.

Combined cis-platinum plus radiation antitumor activity in locoregionally advanced squamous cell esophageal cancer

The synergistic activity we have observed in vitro in V-79 hamster lung cells after treatment with cis-platinum combined with irradiation, stimulated a pilot study of 31 patients with inoperable locoregionally advanced squamous cell esophageal cancer. The 27 evaluable cases (22 men and 5 women--mean age 59 years) had undergone no prior radiation or cytostatic drug therapy. Histological evidence of the tumor (26 squamous cell, 1 adenocarcinoma) was obtained by endoscopy in all patients before treatment began. The patients were irradiated in two opposite thoracic fields with a total dosage of 3,000-4,000 cGy (200 cGy daily, 1,000 weekly) concurrently with 2 cycles of cis-platinum in the dosage of 30 mg/m2 iv. daily X 4 (120 mg/m2 per cycle). The results showed that cis-platinum combined with radiation showed an evident antitumor activity which included 4 complete clinical remissions and 11 partial remissions with a response rate of 56% (15/27). In two complete responders even a pathologic remission was evident (biopsy specimen) and they are now 16+ and 18+ months free of the disease. The median remission duration has been 8+ months (14+ months in complete responders) and the median survival period for the entire group is 10+ months (for responders 15+ months, p less than 0.05). Toxicity was moderate and reversible, and mainly accounted for radiation mucositis, retrosternal pain and vomiting. A mild bone marrow suppression was observed. In 2 cases esophagotracheal fistulae occurred. The results of this study show that the combination of cis-platinum and radiation might constitute successful palliative or neoadjuvant treatment for squamous cell esophageal cancer.

Pharmacogenetic differences in the inhibitory effect of cimetidine on the metabolism of antipyrine

The relationship between acetylator phenotype and the inhibitory effect of cimetidine on the hepatic metabolism of antipyrine has been studied in 20 subjects. Cimetidine, 1,0 g/day resulted in a significant decrease in the metabolic clearance rate of antipyrine, but only in slow acetylators, as fast acetylators were less affected. No sex difference was observed. No major change occurred in the urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid, which means that cimetidine had not-affected that Phase II reaction. It did significantly decrease the urinary partial clearance rate of norantipyrine, leaving that of antipyrine and 4-OH-antipyrine unchanged, which suggests that cimetidine had preferentially inhibited the P450 isozyme that catalyses norantipyrine formation.

Decreased creatine kinase activity in cultured Duchenne dystrophic muscle cells

Muscle cells were cultured from six patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and nine normal subjects. Protein and myosin content and pyruvate kinase (PK) activity were similar in normal and Duchenne muscular dystrophy cultures. Creatine kinase (CK) activity was lower in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cultures and the isoenzyme distribution indicated MB-CK was significantly lower, while BB-CK was significantly higher in later Duchenne muscular dystrophy cultures. This abnormal isoenzyme pattern suggested aberrant or impaired maturation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy myotubes in vitro.

The effect of 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol (WR1065) on radiation-induced DNA damage and repair and cell progression in V79 cells

The radioprotector 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol (WR1065) was investigated with respect to its ability to affect radiation-induced DNA damage and repair in V79 cells. Studies were performed to evaluate the protector under conditions in which it is known to be effective in reducing the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of gamma-irradiation. At a concentration of 4 mM, WR1065 protected against the formation of single strand breaks (SSB), as determined by the method of alkaline elution, when it was present during irradiation. The protector appeared, however, to inhibit the subsequent postirradiation repair or rejoining of SSB. While repair was complete within 24 h, the protector reduced the rate of repair by a factor of 3. This inhibitory effect on the rate of repair did not correlate with either measured differences in cell survival or mutagenesis. The radioprotector was also investigated with respect to its ability to affect cell cycle progression. WR1065 present in the growth medium inhibited the progression of cells through S-phase, and cell-doubling time following a 3 h exposure to the protector was increased from 11 to 18 h. These data are consistent with the well characterized property of thiols to inhibit DNA polymerase activity. It was concluded that, while the presence of WR1065 during irradiation reduced SSB-DNA damage, its effect on the subsequent rejoining of these breaks could not be correlated with its observed effect on protecting against radiation-induced mutagenesis. It may be that the inhibition of cell-cycle progression by the protector allowed more time to enhance the fidelity of repair as measured by the protector's ability to protect against radiation-induced mutagenesis.

Amino acids derived from Titan tholins

An organic heteropolymer (Titan tholin) was produced by continuous dc discharge through a 0.9 N2/0.1 CH4 gas mixture at 0.2 mbar pressure, roughly simulating the cloudtop atmosphere of Titan. Treatment of this tholin with 6N HCl yielded 16 amino acids by gas chromatography after derivatization of N-trifluroacetyl isopropyl esters on two different capillary columns. Identifications were confirmed by GC/MS. Glycine, aspartic acid, and alpha- and beta-alanine were produced in greatest abundance; the total yield of amino acids was approximately 10(-2), approximately equal to the yield of urea. The presence of "nonbiological" amino acids, the absence of serine, and the fact that the amino acids are racemic within experimental error together indicate that these molecules are not due to microbial or other contamination, but are derived from the tholin. In addition to the HCN, HC2CN, and (CN)2 found by Voyager, nitriles and aminonitriles should be sought in the Titanian atmosphere and, eventually, amino acids on the surface. These results suggest that episodes of liquid water in the past or future of Titan might lead to major further steps in prebiological organic chemistry on that body.

Protective effects of 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol against bleomycin and nitrogen mustard-induced mutagenicity in V79 cells

This study examines the effects of the radioprotector 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol (WR-1065) on bleomycin (BLM) and nitrogen mustard- (HN2) induced cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and mutagenesis at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus in V79 Chinese hamster cells. The anti-mutagenic effect of WR-1065 on cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cis-DDP) and radiation- (XRT) induced HGPRT mutations was also evaluated for comparative purposes. WR-1065 (4 mM) was added prior to exposure of cells to therapy agents. All exposure times were 30 min. and both cell survival and mutagenesis were assayed. WR-1065 was effective in protecting against both effects. The induction of mutants corrected for background by BLM, HN2, cis-DDP, or XRT was linear in all cases. Mutation frequencies without WR-1065 were 78 X 10(-6) per unit BLM, 66 X 10(-7) per microgram HN2, 25 X 10(-7) per microgram cis-DDP; and 87 X 10(-7) per Gy of XRT. With WR-1065, these were reduced to 37 X 10(-6) per unit BLM, 40 X 10(-7) per microgram HN2, 1 X 10(-7) per microgram cis-DDP, and 44 X 10(-7) per Gy of XRT. Mutation protection factors (MPF), a ratio of the corresponding slopes of the mutation induction curves, with and without WR-1065 were: BLM, MPF = 2.8; HN2, MPF = 3.4; cis-DDP, MPF = 7.1; and XRT, MPF = 5.1. Single-strand-break (SSB) formation in DNA by BLM or HN2, assayed by alkaline elution, was protected against by WR-1065. WR-1065 did not induce SSB in control cells. The reduction of the mutagenic effects of agents used in radiation and chemotherapy by radioprotectors may be an important additional benefit for consideration in their use in cancer treatment.

Membrane defects in Duchenne dystrophy: protease affecting sarcoplasmic reticulum

Human muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) yields three major protein bands. The percent distribution of the mean values of the bands from 15 normal human muscles was 55.4, 14.6, and 30.0 for the 100, 55, and 45-kDa mass proteins, respectively. A mean distribution similar to that in normal muscle SR was found in preparations from 7 patients with polymyositis and from 7 patients with myotonic dystrophy. In 12 preparations from patients with Duchenne dystrophy, the protein distribution differed from that of preparations from normal muscle. The 100-kDa mass protein band was decreased, whereas the 55- and 45-kDa mass bands were increased. Protease inhibitors pepstatin A, antipain, and leupeptin, as well as ethyleneglycol-bis(aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, significantly reduced this change. However, some of the changes cannot be prevented by the addition of inhibitors and must be expressed in vivo. Neither protease inhibitors nor chelators affected SR preparations from normal muscle. We found a five- to ten-fold increase in calcium-activated neutral protease activity in Duchenne dystrophic muscles that degraded the calcium-adenosinetriphosphatase of SR. The active protease was identified as the cytoplasmic calpain II. The increased activity in Duchenne muscles may explain many reported abnormalities.

2-[(Aminopropyl)amino]ethanethiol (WR1065) is anti-neoplastic and anti-mutagenic when given during 60Co gamma-ray irradiation

We have studied the effect of 2-[(aminopropyl)amino]ethanethiol (WR1065) on the induction of neoplastic transformation using 10T1/2 cells and on mutation at the hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus using Chinese hamster V79 cells. Here we report the first observations that treatment of 10T1/2 cells with 1 mM WR1065 for a total of 35 min during irradiation with 60Co gamma-rays significantly reduces the incidence of neoplastic transformation while having no effect on cell viability. In a similar experiment with V79 cells in which 4 mM WR1065 was used, we found a significant reduction in mutation frequency at the HGPRT locus and significant protection against cell killing. These results suggest that WR1065 acts to modulate both acute damage and sub-lethal processes that lead to mutation and neoplastic transformation. Beyond the purely mechanistic approach of these studies, the potential application of these agents to minimizing the long-term neoplastic effects of radiation or chemotherapeutic agents currently in use for treating potentially curable cancer patients should be further investigated.

Protection against cis-diamminedichloroplatinum cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in V79 cells by 2-[(aminopropyl)amino]ethanethiol

The effect(s) of the radioprotector 2-[(aminopropyl)amino]ethanethiol (WR1065) on cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP)-induced cytotoxicity and mutagenesis at the hypoxanthineguanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus in V79 Chinese hamster cells was examined. With a standard exposure time of 30 min for both agents, WR1065, at a final working concentration of 4mM, was added to cells either prior to, during, or immediately following treatment with selected doses of cis-DDP. With respect to cell survival, dose modification factors of 2.9, 1.4, and 1.4 were obtained for cells treated under each of these conditions, respectively. The induction of mutants under all conditions was linear as a function of cis-DDP concentration. Mutation frequencies per microgram of cis-DDP were 25 X 10(-7), 1 X 10(-7), 5 X 10(-7), and 11 X 10(-7) for protocols involving no protector present or WR1065 added before, during, or after cis-DDP treatment, respectively. No WR1065-mediated cytotoxicity to cells derived from either wild-type or mutant colonies was observed. These data demonstrate that WR1065, the free thiol of S-2-(3-amino-propylamino)ethyl phosphorothioic acid (WR2721) which is currently being evaluated in clinical trials, affords substantial protection against the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of cis-DDP, with the most effective protection occurring when the protector is administered prior to cis-DDP treatment. Due to their ability to better protect normal as compared to tumor tissue against acute effects, these protectors have generated considerable interest for use in improving the therapeutic gain of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The ability of these compounds to also protect against the mutagenic effects of therapy agents may be an important additional benefit for consideration in their use in the treatment of human neoplasia.

Inhibition of small intestinal colonization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli by streptococcus faecium M74 in pigs

Colonizing and anti E. coli activity of S. faecium M74 was tested by oral inoculation of cesarean derived, colostrum deprived piglets with Streptococcus faecium M74 and subsequently with a heat stable enterotoxin (ST) producing E. coli (O101 : K30 : K99 : NM). Enterotoxin neutralization and co-culture studies were also performed in vitro. Bacterial counts in 10 cm ileal segments, fluorescein antibody stained cryostat sections, as well as 0.5 micron sections from the ilea of the experimental pigs taken 16 hours post exposure to enterotoxic E. coli (ETEC) all indicated that S. faecium M74 could not colonize the ileum of the newborn pigs, in a single high (7 X 10(8) - 3 X 10(10)) dose either in TSB or in milk suspension, in contrast to the ETEC. However, S. faecium given in milk suspension resulted a marked decrease in ileal colonization of ETEC and in weight loss of piglets. In vitro experiments indicated that neither extracellular nor cell-bound products of S. faecium M74 could neutralise ST, but there was a significant reduction of pH in the TSB cultures of S. faecium that was accompanied by a reduction in ETEC counts of the mixed cultures.

Application of aspartic acid racemization to forensic odontology: post mortem designation of age at death

The extent of racemization of aspartic acid in the dentin of healthy, carious and impacted teeth was used to define the ages of individuals at the time of their death. These determinations were performed with an error of +/- 4 years. This method holds the promise of simplifying procedures in, and extending the application of forensic odontology. The current error range of this method may be reduced by analyzing teeth of the same positional types from deceased individuals of known age. Using this method, it appears that post mortem preservation of up to 10 years has a negligible effect on the values determined for the age of individuals at death.

The radioprotector WR1065 reduces radiation-induced mutations at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus in V79 cells

N-(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane (WR1065) protects against radiation-induced cell killing and mutagenesis at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus in V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells. At a concentration of 4 mM, WR1065 was found to be effective in protecting against radiation-induced cell lethality only if present during irradiation, e.g., a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.9. No protective effect was observed if the protector was added within 5 min after irradiation or 3 h later, e.g., DMFs of 1.0 and 1.1, respectively. The effect of WR1065 on radiation-induced mutation, expressed as resistance to the cytotoxic purine analogue 6-thioguanine (HGPRT), was also investigated. In contrast to the treatment-schedule dependence for protection by WR1065 against cell killing, this agent was effective in reducing radiation-induced mutations regardless of when it was administered. Following a dose of 10 Gy of 60Co gamma-rays, the mutation frequencies observed per 10(6) survivors were 77 +/- 8, 27 +/- 6, 42 +/- 7, and 42 +/- 7 for radiation only, and WR1065 present during, immediately after, or 3 h after irradiation. These data suggest that although a segment of radiation-induced damage leading to reproductive death cannot be modulated through the postirradiation action of WR1065, processes leading to the fixation of gross genetic damage and mutation induction in surviving cells can be effectively altered and interfered with leading to a marked reduction in mutation frequency.

Uranium-bearing stratiform organic matter in paleoplacers of the lower Huronian Supergroup, Elliot Lake--Blind River region, Canada

The Elliot Lake-Blind River, Ontario, paleoplacer deposits in the basal Matineda Formation, lowermost member of the 2.25-2.45 Ga old Huronian Supergroup, contain organic matter chemically consistent with kerogen. This substance is also referred to as thucholite. Uranium ores and some gold occur here, and these minerals may be in close association with the kerogen. Two uraniferous and auriferous stratiform kerogens, obtained from the Denison Mines Limited's Denison mine and Rio Algom Limited's Stanleigh mine, have been analyzed by combined high-vacuum pyrolysis--gas chromatography--mass spectrometry and by neutron activation. The reflectances of these samples have also been determined. Related samples containing dispersed kerogen have been examined by backscattered scanning electron microscopy. The polymer-like matrix of the two stratiform kerogens consists of aromatic, alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, and sulphur moieties and contains 20 and 32% uranium with gold abundances in the parts per billion range. The reflectances of the two kerogens are generally higher than those of the dispersed kerogens; the atomic H/C ratios of the former are approximately 0.6 and approximately 0.4. Backscattered scanning electron microscopy and petrographic observations reveal a complex diagenetic history. Stratigraphic position and supportive analytical data suggest that the stratiform kerogens were probably derived from ancient mats of cyanobacteria, subjected to various radiation-induced reactions, and, at least in part, were affected in a manner similar to the surrounding rocks. The latter experienced physical and chemical diagenetic reactions, which often caused repeated mineral fracturing and led to the local development of authigenic carbonates and feldspar. Some of the chemical nature and history of the stratiform kerogens resemble those of the Witwatersrand carbon seam kerogen.

Cell survival after the combined action of manganese (MnCl2) and X-rays in synchronized Chinese hamster cells

The interactions between the effects of manganese chloride and X-rays were studied in synchronized populations of V79 Chinese hamster fibroblasts. The cells were selected by shaking off asynchronous cultures for detachment of mitotic cells which were plated in petri dishes and exposed to various treatments. Irradiation was carried out with a Philips RT-100 X-ray unit. A final concentration of 0.25 mM MnCl2 was used. The main parameter was the colony forming ability of the surviving cell fraction. When MnCl2 was administered over 1 h, its toxicity was low regardless of the phase of the cell cycle. Administered separately, 2 Gy irradiation produced only a slight decrease in survival, less marked in the S phase. However, the two agents together induced a synergistic inhibition of the surviving fraction in the S phase when the metal was given immediately after irradiation. If manganese was administered 3 h after irradiation the two inhibitory effects apparently remained only additive. It seems that MnCl2 can impair some repair processes starting immediately after irradiation.