Face recognition with multi-tone and two-tone photographic negatives

The effects of photographic negatives on face recognition are often studied in two different ways--faces are learned and tested in photographic negatives (NN) or the contrast is reversed between learning and testing, i.e. they are learned in positives and tested in negatives (PN) or vice versa (NP). We have examined recognition performance for faces under these three conditions along with a control condition where faces were learned and tested in positives (PP). Using multi-tone face images, we found that the effect of photographic negatives was more pronounced in PN and NP than in NN. No differences were found between PN and NP or between NN and PP. When two-tone face images were used, recognition performance was worse in all conditions, except PP, when compared to the multi-tone counterparts. Our results show that contrast incongruency between learning and testing is the predominant factor affecting performance and that deficits in sensory coding or retention of negative face images are unlikely to be major factors. The advantage of multi-tone over two-tone negatives can be attributed to preserved facial information carried by the high-spatial-frequency components of the image.

Evidence against the Bm1P1 protein as a positive transcription factor for barbiturate-mediated induction of cytochrome P450BM-1 in bacillus megaterium

The Bm1P1 protein was previously proposed to act as a positive transcription factor involved in barbiturate-mediated induction of cytochrome P450BM-1 in Bacillus megaterium. We now report that the bm1P1 gene encodes a protein of 217 amino acids, rather than the 98 amino acids as reported previously. In vitro gel shift assays indicate that the Bm1P1 protein did not interact with probes comprising the regulatory regions of the P450BM-1 gene. Moreover, disruption of the bm1P1 gene did not markedly affect barbiturate induction of P450BM-1 expression. A multicopy plasmid harboring only the P450BM-1 promoter region could increase expression of the chromosome-encoded P450BM-1. The level of expression is comparable with that shown by a multicopy plasmid harboring the P450BM-1 promoter region along with the bm1P1 gene. These results strongly suggest that the Bm1P1 protein is unlikely to act as a positive regulator for barbiturate induction of P450BM-1 expression. Finally, deletion of the Barbie box did not markedly diminish the effect of pentobarbital on expression of a reporter gene transcriptionally fused to the P450BM-1 promoter. This suggests that the Barbie box is unlikely to be a key element in barbiturate-mediated induction of P450BM-1.

Airway mechanics, gas exchange, and blood flow in a nonlinear model of the normal human lung

A model integrating airway/lung mechanics, pulmonary blood flow, and gas exchange for a normal human subject executing the forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver is presented. It requires as input the intrapleural pressure measured during the maneuver. Selected model-generated output variables are compared against measured data (flow at the mouth, change in lung volume, and expired O2 and CO2 concentrations at the mouth). A nonlinear parameter-estimation algorithm is employed to vary selected sensitive model parameters to obtain reasonable least squares fits to the data. This study indicates that 1) all three components of the respiratory model are necessary to characterize the FVC maneuver; 2) changes in pulmonary blood flow rate are associated with changes in alveolar and intrapleural pressures and affect gas exchange and the time course of expired gas concentrations; and 3) a collapsible midairway segment must be included to match airflow during a forced expiration. Model simulations suggest that the resistances to airflow offered by the collapsible segment and the small airways are significant throughout forced expiration; their combined effect is needed to adequately match the inspiratory and expiratory flow-volume loops. Despite the limitations of this lumped single-compartment model, a remarkable agreement with airflow and expired gas concentration measurements is obtained for normal subjects. Furthermore, the model provides insight into the important dynamic interactions between ventilation and perfusion during the FVC maneuver.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate as a ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor EDG-1

The sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP) has been implicated as a second messenger in cell proliferation and survival. However, many of its biological effects are due to binding to unidentified receptors on the cell surface. SPP activated the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein)-coupled orphan receptor EDG-1, originally cloned as Endothelial Differentiation Gene-1. EDG-1 bound SPP with high affinity (dissociation constant = 8.1 nM) and high specificity. Overexpression of EDG-1 induced exaggerated cell-cell aggregation, enhanced expression of cadherins, and formation of well-developed adherens junctions in a manner dependent on SPP and the small guanine nucleotide binding protein Rho.

The role of carotid arterial intima-media thickness in predicting clinical coronary events

BACKGROUND

Carotid arterial intima-media thickness is used as a noninvasive surrogate end point to measure progression of atherosclerosis, but its relation to coronary events has not been fully explored.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether carotid arterial intima-media thickness predicts coronary events.

DESIGN

Long-term follow-up (average, 8.8 years) of a previously assembled cohort of persons who completed the 2-year Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study, a randomized arterial imaging trial designed to study the effects of lipid lowering on progression of atherosclerosis.

SETTING

University-based ultrasonography laboratory.

PATIENTS

146 men 40 to 59 years of age who had previously had coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

MEASUREMENTS

Preintrusive atherosclerosis in the common carotid artery was evaluated every 6 months with B-mode ultrasonography, and intrusive atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries was evaluated at baseline and at 2 years with quantitative coronary angiography. After the trial, the incidences of coronary events (nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, coronary death, and coronary artery revascularization) were documented.

RESULTS

For each 0.03-mm increase per year in carotid arterial intima-media thickness, the relative risk for nonfatal myocardial infarction or coronary death was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.4 to 3.6) and the relative risk for any coronary event was 3.1 (CI, 2.1 to 4.5) (P < 0.001). Absolute intima-media thickness was also related to risk for clinical coronary events (P < 0.02). Absolute thickness and progression in thickness predicted risk for coronary events beyond that predicted by coronary arterial measures of atherosclerosis and lipid measurements (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Noninvasive B-mode ultrasonographic measurement of progression of intima-media thickness in the distal common carotid artery is a useful surrogate end point for clinical coronary events.

Dissociation of basal turnover and cytokine-induced transcript stabilization of the human cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA by mutagenesis of the 3'-untranslated region

The immediate early gene cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which encodes the inducible prostaglandin synthase enzyme, is regulated at the level of post-transcriptional mRNA turnover. In this study, the functional role of the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the human Cox-2 gene was characterized. Deletion of the distal region of the 3'-UTR strongly inhibited basal mRNA turnover, suggesting that this region contains mRNA instability determinants. However, deletion of the proximal highly-conserved region (CR1: 6082-6198) resulted in increased basal turnover, indicating that it determines mRNA stability. All of the 3'-UTR constructs conferred IL-1-induced stabilization but not dexamethasone-induced down-regulation. Thus, distinct regions of the 3'-UTR of the Cox-2 transcript are involved in the regulation of basal and cytokine-induced mRNA metabolism.

[Actions of salvianolic acid A on CCl4-poisoned liver injury and fibrosis in rats]

AIM

To study the actions of salvianolic acid A (SA-A) on liver injury and liver fibrosis.

METHODS

The liver fibrotic rat was made by i.p. injection of CCl4. The model rats were divided into 3 groups treated with SA-A, colchicine (Col), and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB), respectively. Six wk later the rat liver pathology was examined, type I and III collagen in the liver were examined by immunohistochemistical method. Also hydroxyproline (Hyd) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver, alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), and albumin (Alb) levels in the serum were measured.

RESULTS

SA-A inhibited serum AlaAT and AspAT activities, decreased MDA and Hyd contents, alleviated liver fibrogenesis, protected deposition of type I and III collagen in liver matrix. The actions of SA-A on liver fibrosis were similar to those of Col and SMB, action of SA-A decreasing MDA was better than that of Col.

CONCLUSION

SA-A has marked effects against liver injury and fibrosis, associated with its anti-lipid peroxidation actions.

Ureteral injury after laparoscopic surgery

Ureteral injuries are uncommon but serious complications of laparoscopic pelvic surgery. When unrecognized, patients experience fever, abdominal pain, signs of peritonitis, and leukocytosis usually 48 to 72 hours after the surgical procedure. A 48-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and anterior and posterior colporrhapy due to a large, symptomatic uterine myoma. Postoperatively, she suffered from progressive left lower quadrant pain, with drainage of yellowish fluid from the subumbilical puncture wound 5 days after the operation. Significant urinary ascites was present. Intravenous pyelogram revealed injury to the lower third of the left ureter about 3 cm away from the ureterovesical junction. Left-sided percutaneous nephrostomy was performed after transurethral placement of a ureteral stent failed. Reanastomosis of the ureter was performed successfully 3 months later, and the patient fully recovered without compromise of the genitourinary tract.

Enhanced deoxyribonucleic acid damage and repair but unchanged apoptosis in uterine leiomyomas treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to investigate the histopathologic changes in uterine leiomyomas in cell proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression, angiogenesis, and apoptosis after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifteen consecutive patients who had undergone gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment before surgery and 44 patients who did not were studied. The volumes of myomas were determined ultrasonographically, and in patients receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy measurements were done again after administration of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to evaluate the response to treatment. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, PC 10 for proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression, MIB 1 for measurement of cell proliferation, ApopTag for apoptosis, and factor VIII for quantitation of microvessel density. A deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation test was also done on nine cases with available frozen tissues.

RESULTS

Most of the leiomyomas showed substantial expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy further induced significant overexpression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (p = 0.0004, chi 2 test). All three leiomyomas that failed to respond to therapy showed less proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining compared with the good responders. In contrast, data from MIB 1 immunostaining showed that < 0.3% of leiomyoma cells were proliferating. However, positive-staining cells were more frequently detected in the treatment group (0.075% +/- 0.091% vs 0.002% +/- 0.010%, p = 0.0002, Mann-Whitney U test). Apoptosis developed spontaneously in leiomyoma cells independent of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy. No significant change in apoptosis but a significant increase in microvessel density was observed in the treatment group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced deoxyribonucleic acid damage or repair with cell growth arrest may be responsible for the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in shrinking uterine leiomyomas. Moreover, the extent of proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression seems to be associated with the response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy.

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

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

The mouse gene for the inducible G-protein-coupled receptor edg-1

Edg-1, an immediate-early gene induced during the in vitro differentiation of human endothelial cells, encodes a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR) that signals via the G(i)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathway (Lee, M.-J., Evans, M., and Hla, T. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 11272-11279). It is a prototypical member of the subfamily of "orphan" receptors that are expressed in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In this report, the mouse edg-1 gene was cloned and sequenced, and its expression patterns were defined. The edg-1 transcript was expressed in a wide variety of adult tissues including the brain, lung, liver, heart, and spleen. However, during embryogenesis, the edg-1 mRNA was induced late in development (after Embryonic Day 15.5) at centers of ossification. As a first step toward understanding the molecular basis of tissue-specific and inducible expression, the mouse edg-1 gene and its promoter were characterized. The mouse edg-1 gene is composed of two exons and is 4.9 kb in length. The second exon is large and contains the entire coding region and the 3'-untranslated region. The edg-1 promoter is TATA-less and contains GC-rich elements, and transcription initiation occurs from a single start site. The 5'-flanking region of the promoter contains several enhancer elements. However, the activity of the 5'-flanking region was suppressed by the repressor activity within the first intron. These data provide the basis for the further characterization of the regulation of the orphan GPR edg-1.

Pneumocephalus and respiratory depression after accidental dural puncture during epidural analgesia--a case report

A case of pneumocephalus and respiratory depression after dural puncture during lumbar epidural analgesia is reported. The loss of resistance to air technique was employed to identify the epidural space. Severe respiratory depression and stuporous consciousness developed one hour after a bolus of 2 mg morphine was given epidurally at the end of operation. With computerized tomographic brain scanning and continuous observation of clinical course, the neurologic symptoms were thought to be a mixed complication of pneumocephalus and possible intrathecal morphine overdose. We suggest that in order to avoid iatrogenic pneumocephalus by inadvertent dural puncture in the attempt to identify the epidural space the use of the loss of resistance to normal saline technique or the hanging-drop technique is more reliable than the loss of resistance to air technique. A small test dose prior to a full dose is given and should not be omitted to further confirm the proper placement of the epidural catheter during epidural analgesia.

PIG-A gene mutations in four Taiwanese patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria following aplastic anaemia

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired haemolytic disorder caused by deficient biosynthesis of the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor in haemopoietic stem cells. PIG-A, an X-linked gene that participates in the first step of GPI-anchor synthesis, is responsible for PNH. Various abnormalities of the PIG-A gene have been demonstrated in all patients with PNH so far examined. In this study we characterized the somatic mutations in PIG-A gene in four Taiwanese patients with PNH. We identified five novel mutations in the PIG-A gene, three single nucleotide substitution mutations (-342, C-->G, codon 335, GGT-->AGT and codon 405, GCT-->GTT) and two frameshift mutations (codon 22, GGA-->G-A and codon 356, TGT-->TGTT) in the PIG-A gene. The -342 mutation was judged to be a polymorphism. Furthermore, three patients had previous clinicopathologic evidence which suggested aplastic anaemia (AA), before the development of PNH. One of these was found to have thrombocytopenia during follow-up. We suggest that the somatic PIG-A gene mutations highlight a subgroup of AA having a pathogenetic link with PNH.

The role of nitrogenase in a cyanide-degrading Klebsiella oxytoca strain

It is well known that the major function of nitrogenase is to fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, cyanide can also serve as a subtrate for nitrogenase and can be reduced to CH4 and NH4+. A cyanide-degrading Klebsiella oxytoca strain was isolated from cyanide contaminated water. This isolate was also found to have a nitrogen-fixation capability. Nitrogenase activities in this organism could be induced by KCN. However, there was no significant difference of the induction effect between 1 mM KCN and 5 mM KCN. It was found that the cyanide-degrading ability of this isolate could be inhibited by multicopy hybrid pGR112 nif-containing plasmids. Comparing the wild type K. oxytoca strain with the pGR112 plasmid transformed strain, a typical diauxic growth of the wild type strain was observed in a medium containing NH4Cl and KCN. Although the nif plasmid transformed strain also exhibited diauxic growth in the same medium, a much longer second lag phase was noted. In addition, methane, the nitrogenase reduction end product of cyanide, could be detected on cyanide-containing growth cultures. Ammonium chloride, a repressor of nitrogenase gene expression, was consumed prior to KCN in both strains. Again, the degradation of KCN in the pGR112 transformed strain occurred only under loose control of the nitrogenase gene. These findings strongly suggest that nitrogenase may be the sole cyanide-degrading enzyme in this organism.

Phylogenetic analysis of feline immunodeficiency virus isolated from cats in Taiwan

Feline immunodeficiency virus was isolated from four cats in Taiwan. The isolates were designated TI-1, TI-2, TI-3 and TI-4. Each was isolated from PBMCs following co-cultivation of PBMCs with a feline T-lymphoblastoid cell line (MYA-1 cells). However, the Taiwanese isolates did not grow in a feline kidney cell line (CRFK cells). The nucleotide sequences of the V3-V5 region of the envelope gene of the Taiwanese isolates were determined and compared with those of previously described isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of this region indicates that Taiwanese isolates belong to subtype C.

A 53-base-pair inverted repeat negatively regulates expression of the adjacent and divergently oriented cytochrome P450(BM-1) gene and its regulatory gene, bm1P1, in Bacillus megaterium

To study the role of the cis-acting element(s) in controlling the expression of the cytochrome P450(BM-1) gene and its upstream regulatory gene, bm1P1, in Bacillus megaterium, various deletion derivatives were constructed. A 53-bp inverted repeat located midway between the P450(BM-1) gene and bm1P1 gene was found in vivo to negatively regulate the expression of both genes, the regulation of which may occur at the transcriptional level. The promoter of the P450(BM-1), gene was also identified and found to be similar to those recognized by the sigmaA RNA polymerase of Bacillus subtilis. Possible mechanisms by which the 53-bp inverted repeat regulates the gene expression are discussed.

Effect of supplementary antioxidant vitamin intake on carotid arterial wall intima-media thickness in a controlled clinical trial of cholesterol lowering

BACKGROUND

There is accumulating experimental, epidemiological, and clinical evidence of an association between anti-oxidant vitamin intake and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Using data from the Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study (CLAS), we explored the association of self-selected supplementary antioxidant vitamin intake on the rate of progression of early preintrusive atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CLAS was an arterial imaging trial in which nonsmoking 40- to 59-year-old men with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to colestipol/niacin plus diet or placebo plus diet. The rate of progression of early preintrusive atherosclerosis was determined in 146 subjects using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound quantification of the distal common carotid artery far wall intima-media thickness (IMT). From the nutritional supplement database, 22 subjects had an on-trial average supplementary vitamin E intake of > or = 100 IU per day (high users) and 29 subjects had an average on-trial supplementary vitamin C intake of > or = 250 mg per day (high users). Within the placebo group, less carotid IMT progression was found for high supplementary vitamin E users when compared with low vitamin E users (0.008 versus 0.023 mm/y, P = .03). No effect of vitamin E within the drug group was found. No effect of vitamin C within the drug or placebo group was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementary vitamin E intake appears to be effective in reducing the progression of atherosclerosis in subjects not treated with lipid-lowering drugs while the process is still confined to the arterial wall (early preintrusive atherosclerosis).

Modulation by nicotine on binding of cerebral muscarinic receptors with muscarinic agonist and antagonist

AIM

To study the modulatory effects of nicotine on the binding of brain muscarinic receptors.

METHODS

The binding of brain muscarinic receptors with the agonist [3H] oxotremorine-M or the antagonist l-[3H]QNB was determined in the presence/absence of nicotine.

RESULTS

Pre-incubation of the membrane fraction derived from rat cerebral cortex with nicotine 1.0 mumol.L-1 led to a decrease in the dissociation constant (Kd) for [3H] oxotremorine-M binding to muscarinic receptors, while the maximal binding value (Bmax) was unchanged. The Kd value for binding of the muscarinic antagonist l-[3H]QNB was concentration-dependently increased by preincubation with nicotine 0.1 nmol.L-1-10.0 mumol.L-1, with Bmax unchanged. The effect of nicotine on the Kd for l-[3H]QNB binding was prevented by mecamylamine 10 nmol.L-1, but was enhanced by dithiothreitol 10 mumol.L-1, which by itself was also capable of increasing the Kd value.

CONCLUSION

Nicotine increases the affinity of brain muscarinic receptors for muscarinic agonist, but decreases the affinity of brain muscarinic receptors for muscarinic antagonist.

Competition between two lasing modes of Sulforhodamine 640 in highly scattering media

Two lasing modes are observed for Sulforhodamine 640 in highly scattering media pumped by 3-ns 532-nm laser pulses. The stimulated-emission thresholds are found to depend on both concentration of laser dye and scattering particle density. At 2.5 x 10(-2) M dye solution with TiO(2) scattering nanoparticles from 5 x 10(9) cm(-3) to 10(11) cm(-3), the thresholds are found to decrease by more than 2 orders of magnitude. The dominating lasing modes are found to switch from 650 to 620 nm with the increase of density of scatterers.

Plasma vitamins A and E and red blood cell fatty acid profile in newborns and their mothers

OBJECTIVE

In this work, we have measured the plasma vitamins A and E and red blood cell fatty acid profile in newborns and their mothers and have determined whether there are any relationships between maternal blood and cord blood for the nutrients measured.

SETTING

The study was performed at the Chung Shan Memorial Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-nine pairs of mothers and their term infants.

INTERVENTIONS

Maternal venous blood was collected in the first trimester and at delivery, and cord blood was collected at delivery. Plasma vitamin A and E levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and red blood cell fatty acid profile was estimated by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

Mothers had significantly greater plasma vitamin A and E levels and vitamin E/total lipid than their term neonates did (P < 0.05). Maternal plasma vitamin E and vitamin E/total lipid were significantly greater in the first trimester than at delivery (P < 0.05). Red blood cell phospholipid oleate and linoleate were significantly greater in maternal red blood cell than in cord blood (P < 0.05), however, stearate and arachidonate were significantly greater in the cord blood than in the maternal blood (P < 0.05). Maternal vitamin E, vitamin E/total lipid, palmitate, linoleate, arachidonate and docosahexaenoate were found positively correlated to those in their neonates (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that there is a relationship between maternal blood and cord blood for some nutrients. Therefore, the nutritional status of mothers may affect the nutritional outcome of their neonates.

Prediction of early pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

A prospective study was performed on the conception hormones of early pregnancy in order to examine their sensitivity and predictability for early pregnancy loss.

METHODS

The serum levels of progesterone, estradiol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were measured and analyzed at 5-8 weeks of gestation in pregnancies occurring both with and without ovarian stimulation.

RESULTS

If a level of < 10 ng/ml of progesterone was chosen as the cut-off value for the prediction of early pregnancy loss, the sensitivity and specificity were 56% and 98%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value was chosen at < 0.5 multiples of the median (MoM) and < 0.4 MoM for estradiol and hCG, respectively. This gave a sensitivity of 80% for estradiol and 85% for hCG, and a specificity of 93% for estradiol and 81% for hCG at week 8 of gestation.

CONCLUSION

The combined determination of conception hormones is an efficacious method of monitoring early pregnancy and may be used for predicting outcome.

What hinders accurate depiction of projective shape?

Adult subjects drew the visual projection of two models. One model was a trapezoid placed in the frontoparallel plane. The other was a tilted rectangle which displayed the same projective shape on a frontoparallel plane as the trapezoid. The drawing conditions were varied in two ways: the model remained available for inspection during the drawing task or it was masked after initial inspection; the subjects drew on paper placed flat on the table or on a vertical glass pane placed in front of the model (ie on a da Vinci window). The results were that (i) the projective shape of the frontoparallel trapezoid was reproduced accurately whereas that of the tilted rectangle was systemically distorted in the direction of its actual physical dimensions; (ii) when subjects drew on paper, the presence or absence of a view of the model made no difference to the amount of distortion; (iii) drawing on a da Vinci window improved accuracy even when the model was hidden. These findings provide information about the relative roles of object-centred knowledge, perceptual abilities, and depiction skills in drawing performance.

Pelvic abscess induced by a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from haematogenous spread via the CVP line in a burn patient

A 38-year-old female patients was found accidentally to have a positive culture of MRSA from a routine CVP catheter tip culture 1 week after she had complete wound closure. She was recovering from a partial skin thickness burn covering 42 per cent TBSA on the trunk and extremities. Fever and hip pain developed abruptly 1 week later when she was ready for discharge from hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis disclosed an intramuscular abscess. Open drainage was performed and pus culture yielded a MRSA with the same sensitivity profile as the previous CVP tip culture. Vancomycin 500 mg every 6 h was used for 3 weeks until the drain culture disclosed a negative result, and a follow-up MRI indicated a loss of the abscess space. Follow-up at an outpatient clinic 3 months later showed that the patient remained symptom free. In this patient haematogenous dissemination was the most likely route of pelvic abscess formation. It should be remembered that MRSA infection is not always only a local problem, especially in the immunocompromised condition of burn injury.

Force Fluctuations in Bead Packs

Experimental observations and numerical simulations of the large force inhomogeneities present in stationary bead packs are presented. Forces much larger than the mean occurred but were exponentially rare. An exactly soluble model reproduced many aspects of the experiments and simulations. In this model, the fluctuations in the force distribution arise because of variations in the contact angles and the constraints imposed by the force balance on each bead in the pile.

Sources of triacylglycerol accumulation in livers of rats fed a cholesterol-supplemented diet

The source of free fatty acids (FFA) and the pathways contributing to the accumulation of neutral fats in livers of rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet were investigated in this report. Supplementation with 1% cholesterol in the diet for four weeks resulted in hepatomegaly in the rats. The contents of cholesterol and triacylglycerols (TG) per gram liver measured in rats fasted overnight increased by 48 mg (approximately tenfold) and 66 mg (approximately fourfold), respectively. The activities of glycerophosphate acyltransferase and diacylglycerol acyltransferase, the two key enzymes for TG synthesis in liver microsomes, were found to increase by 23 and 19%, respectively, in the cholesterol-fed rats. The secretion of plasma TG present predominantly in very low density lipoprotein was found to decrease by approximately 30%. The incorporation of tritium from tritiated water in liver FFA increased by twofold in rats fed the cholesterol-supplemented diet, whereas the activity of CPT I in liver mitochondria decreased by 23%. The uptake of plasma FFA in vivo in livers of fasted rats maintained on the cholesterol-supplemented diet decreased by 60%. Our data thus indicate that the excess TG accumulated in livers of rats fed the cholesterol-enriched diet resulted from increased synthesis and decreased secretion of TG. To meet the demand of fatty acids for this purpose, de novo lipogenesis increased, whereas beta-oxidation decreased. Although difference in the uptake of extrahepatic FFA may be discounted, a difference in the uptake of chylomicron remnants between the control and cholesterol-fed rats may not be ruled out.

In-vitro and in-vivo studies of the diclofenac sodium controlled-release matrix tablets

Controlled release matrix tablets for diclofenac sodium were developed in this study. Five matrix-tablet formulations were prepared by granulating two viscosity grades of HPMC (hydroxylpropylmethylcellulose) in varying ratios with water in the planetary mixer. The in-vitro dissolution tests indicate that all five matrix formulations prolong the release of diclofenac sodium. The main factors controlling drug release were the HPMC viscosity grade and the amount of HPMC used. The larger the amount of high viscosity grade HPMC used, the slower the resultant release rate of diclofenac sodium. There was no significant degradation of diclofenac sodium or change in drug release rate in any of the five formulations during a three-month period of stability testing. The sustained release ability of four formulations was further demonstrated in an in-vivo study in six healthy subjects. There were in-vitro/in-vivo correlations between Cmax, AUC0-14, and the time for 50 or 80% drug to be released.

Priming reversal of profound atracurium blockade by edrophonium and neostigmine

Accelerated reversal of moderate neuromuscular blockade has been reported to be effective by giving anticholinesterase in divided doses (priming reversal). To evaluate its effectiveness in profound blockade, forty ASA physical status I or II patients were studied. After receiving 0.5mg/kg of atracurium during N2O-O2-halothane anesthesia, they were reversed at 5% spontaneous recovery of first twitch height (T1) measured by train-of-four (TOF) stimulation. Edrophonium 1mg/kg was administered intravenously either in a single bolus dose (Group I, n = 10) or in an initial priming dose of 0.2mg/kg followed one minute later by 0.8mg/kg (Group II, n = 10). Neostigmine 0.05mg/kg was administered in a single bolus dose (Group III, n = 10) or in divided priming dose of 0.01 mg/kg followed one minute later by 0.04mg/kg (Group IV, n = 10). The recovery time from the first injection of the reversal agents until the TOF ratio reached 75% was significantly longer (p < 0.05) in Group III (681.5 +/- 77.5 sec) compared to Groups I, II, and IV (451.3 +/- 72.3 sec, 470.6 +/- 39.8 sec, and 448.1 +/- 42.5 sec, respectively; no statistical difference among these three groups). It is concluded that priming reversal by neostigmine, but not edrophonium, produced a significantly faster recovery of profound atracurium blockade. Using the priming method, neostigmine may reach a similar recovery time as edrophonium in profound blockade under equipotent doses.

Studies on the in-vitro percutaneous penetration of indomethacin from gel systems in hairless mice

The influence of co-solvents on the in-vitro percutaneous penetration of indomethacin from gel systems was studied using a simplex lattice experimental design. Gel formulations were prepared by gelling the vehicle mixture of water, either alcohol or isopropanol and either propylene glycol or PEG 400 with 1% w/w Carbomer 940. Hairless mouse skin was employed as the barrier in a Franz-type diffusion cell. The penetration rates at steady state for seven formulations were fitted to a polynomial equation based on this simple lattice method and a three-dimensional plot was constructed. The formulation having the maximal penetration rate was determined to be the vehicle with a solvent ratio of water: alcohol: propylene glycol equal to 15:33:52, and which possessed a solubility parameter of 15 and a drug solubility of around 10 mg mL-1. When the solubility parameter of the vehicle was > 15, the drug solubility increased. However, the penetration rate decreased with an increasing solubility parameter. For those vehicles with a solubility parameter < 15, both the drug solubility and the penetration rate decreased with a decrease in the solubility parameter. There was shown to be an approximately 20-fold increase in the relative enhancement factor when using both alcohol and isopropanol, but only a threefold increase for both propylene glycol and PEG 400, when compared with water.

Misalignment effects in 3-D versions of Poggendorff displays

Strong misalignment effects are found in three-dimensional (3-D) versions of Poggendorff displays viewed binocularly. The components of the standard 2-D Poggendorff figure--the parallels and the oblique segments--were presented in 3-D depth as a flat rectangular object with occluding edges and an oblique line situated behind the object. Three experiments investigated the misalignment effects under three different observation instructions: Subjects were told to look at the oblique (Experiment 1), at the rectangle (Experiment 2), or at the background (Experiment 3). Experiments 1 and 2 examined the effects on judgments of alignment of varying the distance in depth that separates the oblique from the rectangle. Experiment 3 examined the effects of varying the distance between the fixated background and the 3-D Poggendorff figure. Both standard and reversed misalignment effects were obtained. When the viewing condition produces crossed disparity for the oblique, perceived misalignment occurs in the usual Poggendorff direction, but it is reversed with uncrossed disparity. Moreover, the amount of misalignment is related to the amount of disparity, and it can be much stronger than is usual in the 2-D versions of the Poggendorff. The misalignment effects can be explained by binocular integration to produce a single cyclopean image.

[The thermoregulatory threshold during surgery with propofol-nitrous oxide anaesthesia]

BACKGROUND

Thermoregulatory responses are thought to be drastically suppressed by general anesthesia. In previous studies, it was shown that halothane, isoflurane and fentanyl-N2O combination decrease the threshold of vasoconstriction in general anesthesia. Propofol is a recently introduced intravenous anesthetic. The thermoregulatory threshold of its administration during surgery has not been quantified.

MATERIALS

Fourteen unpremedicated ASA class I patients were anesthetized with N2O (67%) and propofol (2 mg/kg in bolus followed by 6 mg/kg/h infusion) during elective surgery of free flap. Patients were randomly assigned either to receive additional warming (n = 5) or standard (n = 9) management. Significant vasoconstriction was prospectively defined as the temperature gradient between forearm surface and finger-tip surface is > or = 4 degrees C, and the thermoregulatory threshold was defined as the esophageal temperature (core temperature) at a point where the skin temperature gradient between two tested zones exceeds 4 degrees C.

RESULTS

Vasoconstriction did not occur in patients who received additional warming and they remained in nearly normothermia. The average minimum core temperature was 36.3 +/- 0.4 degrees C. In patients who underwent standard management the core temperature ranged from 32.8 to 34.6 degrees C (33.6 +/- 0.7 degrees C), signifying significant vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSIONS

General anesthesia with propofol/N2O during surgery drastically inhibits thermoregulatory vasoconstriction. This effect should also be noted during long-term use of propofol (e.g. ICU-sedation).

Consistent presence of isochromosome 7q in hepatosplenic T gamma/delta lymphoma: a new cytogenetic-clinicopathologic entity

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTL), which is characterized by hepatosplenic presentation and the gamma/delta T-cell receptor (TCR) phenotype on the malignant cells, is a rare but distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Little is known about the chromosomal changes in these lymphomas. We report the cytogenetic analysis of three patients who had neoplastic proliferation of T gamma/delta cells in the spleen, bone marrow, and liver, but not in lymph nodes or skin. Isochromosome 7q and trisomy 8 were observed in all three patients. Isochromosome 7q as the sole abnormality has been previously reported in one patient with similar clinicopathologic features. It is suggested that i(7q) is a primary, nonrandom chromosomal abnormality in hepatosplenic T gamma/delta PTL.

Spectral and temporal measurements of laser action of Rhodamine 640 dye in strongly scattering media

Laser action of Rhodamine 640 perchlorate in highly scattering media consisting of TiO(2) nanoparticles in methanol pumped by a 3-ns 532-nm laser pulse is observed by use of spectral and temporal measurements. The threshold for stimulated emission is dependent on the concentration of both laser dye and scattering particles. For a 2.5 x 10(-2) M dye concentration, the lasing threshold was found to be reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude when the density of scattering particles was increased from 5 x 10(9) to 2.5 x 10(12) cm(-3). However, for a concentration of 5 x 10(-4) M of Rhodamine 640 the lasing threshold was higher in scattering media than for the methanol host. The pulse duration of stimulated emission for Rhodamine 640 perchlorate in these random systems is ~50 ps.

Evaluation of computerized edge tracking for quantifying intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery from B-mode ultrasound images

A new method to measure carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) from B-mode ultrasound images was developed that utilizes automatic tracking of the lumen-intima and media-adventitia echoes. Phantom studies and human replicate studies under typical clinical protocols for common carotid IMT measurement were carried out to assist in evaluation of the method. A lucite step wedge phantom was used to show that incorporation of sub-pixel interpolation to locate echo boundaries allowed detection of changes in the echo separation that were 5-10 times smaller than the axial resolution of the ultrasound transducer. For average IMT measured in the distal common carotid artery (CCA) wall in 24 subjects scanned twice within 60 days, mean absolute difference was 0.036 mm with a standard deviation of 0.045 mm. Replicate scans obtained 1 week apart of eight subjects by three sonographers showed the intersonographer variability was 5.4%. In another study of 12 subjects scanned every 4 months for 48 months, the root mean square deviation of the IMT measurements from a linear regression line was 0.030 mm. These data indicate that the method is equally precise over short intervals (60 days) and over long intervals (48 months). The new automated computerized edge tracking method presented in this paper represents an advance for image analysis of B-mode ultrasound images of common carotid IMT with measurement variability substantially reduced (2 to 4 times) compared with currently available manual methods.

Characterization of integrins in cultured human renal cortical tubule epithelial cells

We have characterized the integrins present on cultured tubule epithelial cells from human renal cortexes, enriched for proximal cells, using fluorescence microscopy, immunoprecipitation, and cell adhesion assays. By immunofluorescence, the alpha 3-integrin subunit stained most intensely and was present on all cells predominantly at cell-cell contacts. The alpha 6-subunit was present on all cells in a pattern consistent with extracellular matrix contacts. The alpha 5-subunit was present on most cells in a cell-matrix contact pattern; alpha V-subunit was weakly positive and occasionally seen in cell-matrix contacts. The alpha 2-subunit was present on clusters of distal tubule cells, predominantly at cell-cell contacts. Immunoprecipitation revealed the predominant integrin to be alpha 3 beta 1 with some alpha 2 beta 1, presumably contributed by distal cells. The alpha 5 beta 1-, alpha 6 beta 1-, alpha 6 beta 4-, and alpha V beta 3-integrins, as well as trace amounts of alpha 1 beta 1-integrins, were also present. The alpha 4 beta 1-integrin was not detected. Initial attachment to fibronectin was mediated by alpha V beta 3- and alpha 5 beta 1-integrins; initial attachment to laminin was mediated by the alpha 6 beta 1- and alpha 3 beta 1- integrins and, in some preparations, by an unidentified integrin; and initial attachment to collagen type IV was mediated by alpha V beta 3-integrin and an unidentified beta 1-integrin. After extensively immunodepleting membrane extracts with anti-alpha 1, -alpha 2, -alpha 3, -alpha 4, -alpha 5, -alpha 6, and -alpha V antibodies, an anti-beta 1 antibody still precipitated an integrin. Its electrophoretic mobility differs from the laminin-binding alpha 7 beta 1-integrin. Thus we have identified many of the integrins on cortical tubule cells and their role in mediating initial attachment to extracellular matrix. However, the cell adhesion assays and immunoprecipitations suggest the presence of an unidentified beta 1-integrin that may mediate renal tubule cell attachment to laminin and collagen.

Neuropathology of organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) in young chicks

To examine the phenomenon of apparent age resistance of young chicks to organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN), groups of either 2- or 10-week-old chicks were exposed subcutaneously daily for 4 days to the neuropathic organophosphate (OP), di-isopropylfluorophosphate (DFP, 1 mg/kg), the non-neuropathic OP, paraoxon (PO, 0.25 mg/kg) or atropine (20 mg/kg). Subsequently, all birds were examined at post-exposure intervals (calculated from the last day of exposure) for up to 56 days for neurological deficits and morphological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS, PNS). Clinically, none of the birds in the 2-week-old groups, or in the 10-week-old PO or atropine exposed groups had neurological deficits. However, all birds in the 10-week-old DFP exposed group developed ataxia by 7 days post-exposure (DPE) and then progressive paralysis. Therefore, all birds in the 10-week-old groups were killed at 14 DPE. Pathologically, the 2-week-old DFP exposed chicks had increasingly severe lesions of Wallerian-like degeneration predominantly in the spinal cord from 7 DPE and subsequently. In the 10-week-old DFP exposed chicks, the degenerative lesions of OPIDN were first detected in the CNS at 3 DPE and then with equally increasing severity in the CNS and PNS up to 14 DPE. A higher incidence of neuronal necrosis and chromatolysis in ventral motor horn neurons of spinal cord grey matter and in dorsal root ganglia occurred in both the DFP exposed age groups compared with those lesions in other groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Molecular cytogenetic studies of children with marker chromosomes

The molecular cytogenetic characterization and clinical description of 15 children with marker chromosomes of unknown nature are presented. By combining both conventional cytogenetic methods (G-, C-, Ag-NOR- and Distamycin-A/DAPI bandings) and molecular techniques (fluorescence in situ hybridization), the chromosomal origin of these markers was successfully determined. The marker chromosomes were first characterized by cytogenetic techniques and later identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization, using a procedure involving stepwise hybridization of chromosome-specific DNA probes (alpha and classical satellites) at various conditions of stringency. There were four cases with bisatellited markers (of chromosome 15 origin), one with acrocentric satellited marker (of chromosome 13 or 21 origin), and two carrying markers that appeared to be autosomal rings (of chromosomes 13 and 18, respectively). The other eight cases belonged to mosaic (n = 5) or nonsupernumerary (n = 3) sex-chromosomal anomalies. Six were of Y and two of X chromosomal origin. Because no familial cases were found, these markers probably developed de novo. In cases of supernumerary marker with satellites, the origin was from acrocentric groups and had common features such as mild to moderate psychomotor retardation and mild facial dysmorphism. In the cases of autosomal ring, multiple anomalies and moderate to severe retardation occurred. For the category of sex-chromosomal origin, stigmata of Turner's syndrome and/or ambiguous genitalia were noted. Mentality was normal.

Characterization of 57 kDa statin as a true marker for growth arrest in tissue by its disappearance from regenerating liver

Statin, a 57 kDa nuclear protein, is lost from quiescent fibroblasts in culture when they are induced to enter the cell cycle by feeding with growth factors, or by removal of contact inhibition. In order to investigate changes in statin expression during the transition from a quiescent to a cycling state in situ, we performed 70% partial hepatectomy on rats and analyzed the regenerating liver by immunofluorescence microscopy with antistatin monoclonal antibodies (S44 mAb), and by immunoblotting of liver proteins in cytoplasmic and enriched nuclear/cytoskeletal fractions. Western blot analysis showed that rat hepatocytes in situ contain a nuclear 57 kDa form of statin, as seen in cultured fibroblasts; however additional S44-immunoreactive polypeptides with molecular weights of 53 and 110 kDa are also present in both cytoplasmic and nuclear/cytoskeletal fractions. Immunofluorescence microscopy indicates that the proportion of S44-positive hepatocyte nuclei drops to approximately 60% within 24 hours after hepatectomy, a time period when re-entry of hepatocytes into the cell cycle is first observed. On Western blots of hepatocyte nuclear/cytoskeletal proteins obtained 24 hours after hepatectomy, the 57 kDa form of statin is markedly reduced. These results suggest that, although in liver the S44 antibody recognizes three proteins (53 kDa, 57 kDa, and 110 kDa), the 57 kDa in intact liver, similar to cultured fibroblasts, is the only polypeptide recognized by the statin antibody that disappears when hepatocytes are induced to re-enter the cell cycle from a quiescent state.

Avian embryonic brain reaggregate culture system. II. NTE activity discriminates between effects of a single neuropathic or nonneuropathic organophosphorus compound exposure

Biochemical responses after a single exposure to either a neuropathic or a nonneuropathic organophosphorus compound (OP) were compared using chick embryonic brain cell reaggregates. Ten-day-old chick embryo brains were dissociated and then reaggregated and maintained in a chemically defined, serum-free medium without antibiotics. Seven days later, these cultures were treated for 20 min with either neuropathic diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP, 10(-4) M) or nonneuropathic paraoxon (10(-6) M). Reaggregates were assayed for acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), neuropathy target esterase (NTE), and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) activities for up to 32 days after exposure. These enzymes were examined due to inhibition of activity as a result of acute OP toxicity (ACHE) or delayed toxicity (NTE, CNP). DFP inhibited > 95% of NTE activity immediately after exposure. By Postexposure Day 2, NTE specific activity was 22% of untreated activity but was similar to the untreated group levels by Postexposure Day 7. Paraoxon exposure did not affect NTE activity. Both paraoxon and DFP inhibited > 99% of ACHE activity immediately after exposure. By Postexposure Day 2, ACHE specific activity in paraoxon-exposed cultures had recovered while ACHE remained 56% inhibited in DFP-exposed cultures. Both paraoxon- and DFP-exposed cultures recovered ACHE activity immediately following OP exposure if treated postexposure with an oxime reactivator, 2-pralidoxime. CNP specific activity was not affected by either paraoxon or DFP. These results demonstrated distinct differences in reaggregate NTE and ACHE activities after single exposure to neuropathic DFP and nonneuropathic paraoxon similar to those in avian in vivo assays.

Avian embryonic brain reaggregate culture system. I. Characterization for organophosphorus compound toxicity studies

An avian reaggregate culture system was characterized biochemically and morphologically for use in acute and chronic organophosphorus compound (OP) toxicity studies. Ten-day-old chick embryo brains were dissociated, reaggregated, and maintained in a chemically defined, serum- and antibiotic-free media. Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), neuropathy target esterase (NTE), and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) were examined due to inhibition of these enzymes as a result of acute OP toxicity (ACHE) or delayed toxicity (NTE, CNP). The selected enzymes also indicate reaggregate neuronal (ACHE, possibly NTE), oligodendroglial (CNP), and astrocytic (glutamine synthetase (GS)) activities. Enzyme activities were compared to those in age-matched chick embryo and hatched chick brains. Reaggregate ACHE specific activity was similar to or higher than that of chick embryo or hatched chick. Reaggregate NTE specific activity was initially similar to that of 10-day-old chick embryo, and then increased but subsequently averaged 7.8 nmol/min/mg protein. In chick brain, NTE peaked at hatching and averaged 28 nmol/min/mg protein thereafter. Reaggregate CNP specific activity ranged from 103 to 426 nmol/min/mg protein, whereas activity gradually increased in chick embryo brain to an average of 140 nmol/min/mg protein posthatching. The mean GS activity ranged from 0.15 (Culture Day 4) to 1.09 nmol/min/mg protein (Culture Day 62). Mean protein values per flask ranged from 2.47 to 7.58 mg. Ultrastructurally, myelination was detected at Culture Day 7 and synapses at Day 6. The biochemical and ultrastructural features demonstrate that this reaggregate culture is a practical and sensitive in vitro system for studying both the acute and the long-term neurotoxicological effects of organophosphorus compounds.

Membrane proteases as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for breast malignancy

Metastasizing cancer cells can invade the extracellular matrix using plasma membrane protrusions, termed invadopodia, that contact and dissolve the matrix. Various membrane associated proteases localized on the invadopodial membranes are responsible for the extracellular matrix degradation. Work from our laboratory shows that secreted proteases including Gelatinase A, and high molecular weight integral membrane proteases are associated with cell surface invadopodia. Three cell types, including chicken embryonic cells transformed by Rous sarcoma virus, human malignant melanoma cell line LOX, and human breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231, retain the invasive phenotype in vitro, express invadopodia, degrade and enter into a fibronectin-rich collagenous matrix. We suggest that invadopodium-associated proteases are ideal targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as their presence in association with primary tumors may signal increased metastatic potential. An approach toward the development of new prognostic markers for breast malignancy involved production of monoclonal antibodies directed against membrane proteases in a mixture of glycoproteins. Double immunofluorescent technique using a known invadopodium marker is designed to select specific monoclonal antibodies colocalizing at the invasion front, on invadopodia of cancer cells. Membrane protease accessibility at the cell surface can therefore be exploited for therapeutic advances by the development of specific antibodies and inhibitors that block their activities, and by the use of monoclonal antibodies to target cytotoxic molecules to micrometastases. Also, this same accessibility may potentially be used to detect surface proteases on micrometastases or to detect components shed by micrometastases in serum.

[Comparison of intravenous alfentanil, fentanyl and epidural lidocaine for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy]

Due to the development of newer generation of lithotriptor, the anesthesia for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was variable recently. To compare opioid analgesia with epidural lidocaine for their efficacy in pain control, hemodynamic changes, side effects and patient acceptance during ESWL, sixty unpremedicated patients undergoing elective ESWL for upper urinary calculi with second generation Dornier MFL 5000 nonimmersion lithotriptor were randomly assigned equally into one of the following managements: Group E: 1% epidural lidocaine with 1:200000 epinephrine; Group A: 15 micrograms/kg alfentanil initially and 7 micrograms/kg on demand intravenously; Group F: 4 micrograms/kg fentanyl initially and 2 micrograms/kg on demand intravenously. Significant hypotension and bradycardia occurred in Gp.E as compared to baseline value (p < 0.05). Early respiratory depression was observed in both Gp. A and Gp. F, but Gp. A showed significantly shorter period (2 to 5 minutes) as compared to Gp.F (2 to 15 minutes). Under the insufflation of oxygen by nasal cannula, mean PaCO2 increased maximally to 50 mmHg, but no arterial oxygen desaturation (< 90%) was noted in Gp.A and Gp.F. The incidence of post-ESWL nausea was higher in Gp.F (p < 0.05), shivering and delayed recovery time were the main disturbing problems in Gp.E (p < 0.01). Although five-point verbal pain scale was significantly higher in Gp.A and Gp.F (at 30 to 45 minutes during ESWL) as compared to Gp.E, acceptance among patients was high throughout the course. We conclude that different anesthetic plans should be determined on different lithotriptors settings and patient's physical condition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

One-year reduction and longitudinal analysis of carotid intima-media thickness associated with colestipol/niacin therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study has reported significant reduction of coronary artery disease and of carotid arterial intima-media thickness (IMT) at 2 and 4 years with colestipol/niacin therapy. We now report on treatment effects on carotid IMT at 6 months and 1 year.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-eight nonsmoking men, aged 40 to 59 years, with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to colestipol/niacin plus diet therapy or placebo plus diet therapy. Computerized image processing of carotid ultrasound films was used to measure IMT in the right common carotid artery. Treatment group comparisons were made at 6 months and 1 year (46 and 33 subjects, respectively, with baseline and 6-month or 1-year ultrasound measures). The time course of the treatment effect on carotid IMT was estimated using the complete sample of 78 subjects with baseline and on-trial data.

RESULTS

No significant treatment group differences on carotid IMT were found at 6 months. At 1 year, the treated group showed significant reduction of carotid IMT (P = .01 between groups). The placebo group showed continuing progression of IMT during the 4-year study period (estimated progression rate, 0.018 mm/y). The treated group showed reduction of IMT during the first 3 years and a plateau during the remainder of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction of carotid IMT was found with aggressive lipid-lowering therapy. Ultrasound measures of IMT offer a noninvasive and precise measure of early carotid atherosclerosis that will decrease sample size requirements, potentially decrease dropout rates, and widen the study population of antiatherosclerotic clinical trials.

X chromosome mosaicism in patients with recurrent abortion or premature ovarian failure

X chromosome mosaicism is usually associated with abnormal sexual development and reproductive performance, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, primary or secondary amenorrhea, infertility, and premature ovarian failure. However, there is a paucity of literature which discusses these relationships. From July 1988 to December 1992, a total of 105 couples with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion from a genetic counseling clinic and 61 women with a history of premature ovarian failure followed up in reproductive endocrinology clinics were assembled, and chromosomal analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was carried out. X chromosome mosaicism was found in six individuals (2.9%) out of the 105 couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion, and in five (8.2%) out of 61 women with premature ovarian failure. The karyotypes were 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX in five cases, 45,X/46,X in four cases, and 46,XX/47,XXX in two cases. The cases of complex X chromosome mosaicism (45,X/46,XX/47,XXX) presented recurrent spontaneous abortion in four cases and premature ovarian failure in one case. The cases of mosaic Turner's syndrome (45,X/46,XX) presented premature ovarian failure in three cases and recurrent spontaneous abortion in one case. The two cases of mosaic triple-X syndrome (46,XX/47,XXX) presented with premature ovarian failure and recurrent spontaneous abortion, respectively. However, the ratio of mosaic cell lines does not correlate well with the phenotypic manifestations in our cases. Our preliminary data suggest that chromosomal analysis should be done routinely in every couple with recurrent spontaneous abortion and in women with premature ovarian failure. The reproductive performance of X chromosome mosaicism is highly variable and difficult to define.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Intravenous thrombolysis with domestic urokinase in 40 cases of acute myocardial infarction]

Thrombolytic therapy with intravenous domestic urokinase was carried out within 6 hours after onset in 40 cases of acute myocardial infarction from Feb. 1991 to Dec. 1992, the age of patients being 52.5 +/- 8.4 (37-74) years. The overall reperfusion rate was 65.0%; the reperfusion rate within 3 hours was 78.3% (18/23) and from 3 to 6 hours 47.1% (8/17) (P < 0.05). The incidence of reperfusion arrhythmia was 73.1%. Reinfarction occurred in 3 and acute allergy in 2 cases. 3 other cases developed ventricular fibrillation within 2 hours after onset. After prompt successful defibrillation, thrombolytic therapy was instituted and 2 cases had reperfusion. No marked bleeding and mortality were observed in all of our cases.

Expression of an EF-1 alpha-like rat cDNA, S1, in E. coli and production of a rabbit polyclonal antiserum to the recombinant protein

A previously identified rat cDNA (S1) that shares 78% nucleotide homology and a predicted 92% amino acid homology with human EF-1 alpha was constructed into PGEX-2T and inducibly expressed in E. coli as a fusion protein. The purified recombinant S1 protein (rpS1) was used to raise rabbit antiserum which recognized rpS1 but not EF-1 alpha on immunoblots. A polyclonal antiserum to EF-1 alpha failed to react with the rpS1. Our results indicate that rpS1 protein can be used to produce antibodies which distinguish pS1 from EF-1 alpha despite their extensive amino acid sequence homology.

The effect of organophosphates on a chicken brain or sea urchin egg kinesin-driven microtubule motility assay

The effect of neuropathic and non-neuropathic organophosphates (OPs) and acrylamide on an in vitro kinesin-driven microtubule (MT) motility assay was compared. The goal of the study was to determine whether this in vitro assay could confirm that a mechanism of action of neuropathic OPs was to impair kinesin activity and, therefore, possibly fast axonal anterograde transport (FAAT) in vivo. For our study, kinesin from chicken brain (CK) and sea urchin egg (SUK) was initially purified. Western immunoblotting confirmed the close antigenic homology between CK and SUK, using a mouse monoclonal sea urchin kinesin heavy chain-specific antibody (SUK 4). In the presence of microtubules (MTs) and MgATP, both CK- and SUK-driven MT movement was measured using a video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscope system with computer-assisted analysis. Using this assay system, we then tested separately the effect of two neuropathic OPs (diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) and phenyl saligenin phosphate (PSP)) and a non-neuropathic OP (paraoxon (PO)) each at a concentration of 10(-2) M at 27 degrees C. Additionally, we tested acrylamide (10(-2) M), since it is one of the best-characterized neurotoxins impairing FAAT in vivo. Our results demonstrated that none of these compounds significantly affected kinesin-driven MT motility in vitro compared to the standard controls. Further, this assay system was thus not able to discriminate between the neuropathic and non-neuropathic effect of these OPs.

Beneficial effects of colestipol-niacin therapy on the common carotid artery. Two- and four-year reduction of intima-media thickness measured by ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Controlled clinical trials have reported treatment effects evaluated with serial imaging in coronary and femoral but not cervical arteries. The Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study, a coronary, cervical, and femoral angiographic trial of colestipol plus niacin, included a pilot study of standardized carotid ultrasound imaging.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-eight subjects had ultrasound studies at baseline, 2, and 4 years. Twenty-four drug and 22 placebo subjects had carotid ultrasound images at baseline, 2, and 4 years with matching cervical angiograms. Computer image processing was applied to ultrasound images of common carotid (far wall) and cervical angiograms. Computer operators were blind to treatment group. Carotid ultrasound measurements were tested for treatment effects and compared with measurements of atherosclerosis in coronary and cervical angiograms. Drug subjects showed significant progressive reduction in carotid thickness at 2 (P = .0001) and 4 years (P = .0001); placebo subjects significantly increased wall thickness at 2 and 4 years. Reduced levels of apolipoprotein B and increased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein C-III were significant predictors of carotid wall thinning. Ultrasound-measured carotid intima-media thickness was correlated at baseline with visually read coronary angiographic stenosis and at 2 years with a robust computer measurement of mild carotid atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Common carotid intima-media thickening can be reduced by colestipol-niacin treatment. Two-year image-processed carotid ultrasound trials can provide adequate power with 50 subjects per group to test for this treatment effect.

Medical treatment of uterine myoma with long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist prior to myomectomy

A less bulky uterine myoma is technically easier to deal with during surgery. Recently gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) have been used for the purpose of medical hypophysectomy, thereby reducing the size of uterine myomas. Ten premenopausal women with infertility and intramural-submucous myoma manifesting with menorrhagia and obstruction of the tubal ostia were recruited for this study. A long-acting depot GnRH-a, Decapeptyl, was given intramuscularly every four weeks for three months as an adjunct prior to myomectomy. Luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone and estradiol declined to the menopausal range following treatment. The size of the myoma decreased to a mean of 32.3 +/- 13.3% of the original volume. Myomectomy was performed in eight patients at the end of the study. Remarkably little blood loss was observed during the surgery. All of the patients had their uteri preserved, and six out of eight patients achieved pregnancy within 12 months after surgery. Our results indicate that monthly administration of long-acting GnRH-a significantly reduces the myoma volume and makes myomectomy technically easier to perform with the possibility of reduced complication rates and better preservation of future fertility.

Y-specific polymerase chain reaction for the interpretation of a chromosome marker

Chromosome marker is a very special type of chromosomal aberration. In addition to their normal chromosomes, patients with this type of disease own one (or more) small, unrecognizable chromosome. The extra chromosome markers may originate from the products of breakage and translocation of other chromosomes. Interpretation of the chromosome marker is usually very difficult, but its presence is an important prognosis factor for patients if the marker originated from a Y chromosome, or its components. This study explores the possibility of interpreting the chromosome marker by Y-specific polymerase chain reaction. A pair of primers designed from one Y-specific DNA sequence was employed. By studying normal controls, the most specific conditions for the chain reaction were established. Comparison of normal males and females showed that this reaction is specific to males (that is, to the Y chromosome). Also one patient with a karyotype 46,X,+marker was studied. The external genitalia of this patient were female type except for an enlarged clitoris. Y-specific polymerase chain reaction showed that the patient did have the Y-specific sequence. The chromosome marker did originate from the Y chromosome. This work proposes that Y-specific polymerase chain reaction is an effective and necessary diagnostic procedure for patients with chromosome marker.