Automated sequencing of fluorescently labelled DNA by chemical degradation

A new general method for sequencing fluorescently labelled DNA by chemical degradation has been developed. It is based on the observation that fluorescein attached via a mercaptopropyl or aminopropyl linker arm to the 5'-phosphate of an oligonucleotide is stable during the reactions commonly used in chemical cleavage procedures. DNA to be degraded is first enzymatically synthesized in vitro by annealing and extending a fluorescently labelled primer thereby introducing the fluorescent label at the 5'-end of the fragment. The newly synthesized fluorescently labelled DNA is then chemically degraded using: (a) a set of four different cleavage reactions; or (b) only one reaction comprising methylation of G-residues followed by a partial cleavage with piperidine in the presence of sodium chloride. The fluorescent degradation products are loaded on either four lanes or one lane of the gel, respectively, and the emitted fluorescence detected online during electrophoresis. In the 'four reactions/four lanes' method 200-350 bp (base pairs) can be read from the labelled end. The 'one reaction/one lane' method, in which the nucleotide sequence is determined by measuring different signal intensities following the rule G greater than A greater than C greater than T, currently yields around 100-200 bp of sequence per sample.

Human phosvitin/casein kinase type II. Molecular cloning and sequencing of full-length cDNA encoding subunit beta

Phosvitin/casein kinase type II is an ubiquitous, highly conserved enzyme consisting of subunits alpha, alpha' and beta. Subunit beta, presumably serving regulatory functions, was prepared from human placenta and the amino acid sequence of a protease digestion peptide was determined. The deduced nucleotide sequence was employed for the synthesis of a mixture of 20mers as a hybridization probe to screen a lambda gt10 HeLa cell cDNA library for clones encoding subunit beta. A full-length clone consisting of 1013 bp was isolated and the sequence of both strands determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of the largest open reading frame encodes 215 amino acid residues predicting a maximum Mr of 24925. The nucleotide sequence of the human beta subunit shows a similarity of 75% to that of Drosophila melanogaster and the deduced amino acid sequence a similarity of 88% and 97% to that of D. melanogaster and bovine lung, respectively. No further protein sequence currently known exhibits any notable similarity. Using a 537-bp restriction fragment of the cDNA clone representing 80% of the coding region, a 1-kb subunit-beta transcript was detected by Northern hybridization in total RNA prepared from human epithelial cells and placenta as well as from bovine heart suggesting a single transcript of the beta-subunit gene and also demonstrating high similarity also between the human and bovine nucleotide sequences. The same restriction fragment was used as the probe to indicate in Southern hybridizations that the corresponding genomic DNA contains at least one intron of roughly 2.5 kb in length and presumably is a single copy gene.

[The design of removable appliances for tooth movement and tooth migration]

Removable/functional appliance therapy can still be further expanded and developed. Retentive elements in the anterior region increase anchorage. Thereby, active forces can be utilised without anchorage loss. Functional appliances are indicated following extraction, to maximise on tooth migration. In first molar extraction cases, treatment with activators is relatively straightforward. When considering premolar extraction cases with possible need for extraction later of the third molars as well, then one should consider extraction of the first permanent molars. With correct use of the appliance, it is possible to optimally align the second molar teeth as well as favourably influencing the soft tissue profile.

Direct genomic fluorescent on-line sequencing and analysis using in vitro amplification of DNA

In vitro amplification of genomic DNA and total RNA, as well as recombinant DNA, using one fluorescently labelled and one unlabelled primer during amplification, together with on-line analysis of the products on the EMBL fluorescent DNA sequencer, is described. Further is reported direct sequencing of fluorescently labelled amplified probes by solid-phase chemical degradation, without subcloning and purification steps involved. At present up to 350 bases in 4 hours are determined with this technique. The fluorescent dye and its bond to the oligonucleotide are stable during the amplification cycles, and do not interfere with the enzymatic polymerization. High sensitivity of the detection device, down to 10(-18) moles, corresponding to less than 10(6) molecules makes possible analyses of the non-radioactive amplified probes after only 10 amplification cycles, starting with about 5 x 10(4) copies of recombinant DNA.

Automated Sanger DNA sequencing with one label in less than four lanes on gel

Novel Sanger dideoxy sequencing with only one fluorescent dye label for the four bases of one clone and sequence determination in two lanes on polyacrylamide gel is presented, loading A greater than G in one lane and T greater than C in the other. Sequencing reactions for the two bases in each lane are carried out in one tube. At present the ratio of ddATP:ddGTP and ddTTP:ddCPT is set to 5:1 in the two tubes. Distinction between the two bases in one lane is done by comparing the different magnitudes of the peaks. This method increases the capacity since more clones may be run simultaneously on one gel, while keeping the reliability and simplicity that comes with the use of only one fluorescent dye for the four bases of one clone. At present about 200 bases are determined with the one-dye two-lane method on the EMBL's automated fluorescent DNA sequencer, using T7 DNA polymerase. The error rate in the deduced sequence is about 1%. The technique is used for the determination of overlaps in mapping projects. In principle, it is possible to determine the sequence with one dye in only one lane on the gel by choosing the proper ddNTP ratios for all four bases, carrying out reactions in one tube and applying the product in one lane, but the error rate for this one-lane method seems too high at present and further improvements in the uniformity of peaks obtainable with the T7 DNA polymerase or other enzymes are required.

[Heart catheter dislocation following ventriculo-atrial cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Report of 2 cases]

Implantation of ventriculo-atrial shunt systems for treatment of hydrocephalus internus is a common and useful method. Two cases of cardiac catheter dislocation after adjustment or removal of central venous catheters introduced through the left subclavian vein are reported. Technical and pathophysiological predisposing factors are discussed. Ventriculo-peritoneal drainage is also mentioned as a possibility for avoiding cardiac catheter dislocation. After removal of a central venous catheter in cases of ventriculo-atrial shunts a p.a. X-ray of the chest should be performed.

Two different mRNAs are transcribed from a single genomic locus encoding the chicken erythrocyte anion transport proteins (band 3)

The chicken erythrocyte anion transport protein (band 3 of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton) is a central component taking part in two widely divergent functions of erythroid cells; it is a primary determinant of cytoskeletal architecture and responsible for electroneutral Cl-/HCO3- exchange across the plasma membrane. To analyze interesting aspects of the developmental regulation of this gene, we have cloned the cDNA and genomic counterparts of the erythroid-specific anion transport protein. We show that a single genetic locus for band 3 encodes two different erythroid cell-specific mRNAs, with different translational initiation sites, which predict polypeptides of sizes very close to those observed in vivo. In vitro translation and immune precipitation of synthetic mRNA derived from one putative fully encoding cDNA clone demonstrate that this clone gives rise to a protein which is identical in size and antigenicity to bona fide chicken erythroid band 3.

[Noninvasive detection of a coronary arteriovenous fistula by two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography]

The diagnosis of a left circumflex coronary artery--coronary sinus fistula draining into the right atrium was confirmed by echocardiographic analysis. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a dilatation of the left main coronary artery, the left circumflex artery, the coronary sinus and a fistulous communication. Pulsed Doppler echocardiographic study showed a turbulent, continuous flow within the dilated coronary artery, in the coronary sinus and at the site of its drainage into the right atrium. There was a diastolic flow-reversal in the descending aorta in absence of aortic insufficiency. Color Doppler echocardiography enhanced the finding of the correct diagnosis by simultaneously displaying blood flow within various parts of the heart and the coronary vessels. This technique aided in establishing the exact location of the fistula by demonstrating a turbulent blood flow, even in narrow cardiac structures. The echocardiographic diagnosis was confirmed by coronary angiography.

Automated Sanger dideoxy sequencing reaction protocol

The protocol for Sanger dideoxy chain termination reactions in DNA sequencing is tedious and prone to errors due to the repetitive character of the pipetting steps. An industrial robot, with the addition of a few simple parts, was programmed to automate the dideoxy sequencing reactions. The system is set up in a short time for routine operation and it is faster and more reliable than a human operator. It is flexible and allows variations and optimization of the standard procedure. Disposable microtiter plates at a controlled temperature are used. In one reaction cycle (about 50 min) up to 48 templates are processed. Up to 450 bases were resolved in automated DNA sequencing on samples prepared by the robot. The protocol is applicable to fluorescent as well as to radioactive labeling.

T7 DNA polymerase in automated dideoxy sequencing

T7 DNA polymerase with chemically inactivated 3'-5' exo-nuclease activity, as well as unmodified T7 DNA polymerase, were used for sequencing by the dideoxy method in an automated system with fluorescence labelled primer and on-line detection of laser-excited reaction products. An analysis of signal intensity variations in the C track revealed that low C signals were usually preceded by a T in the sequence. This effect was modified by surrounding nucleotides. Signal intensities were more uniform with T7 polymerase than with the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I. Some sequences ambiguous with the Klenow enzyme could easily be evaluated with the T7 enzyme. One sequence could only be read by the unmodified T7 polymerase, while both the Klenow fragment and the chemically modified T7 enzyme gave uninterpretable data.

Non-radioactive automated sequencing of oligonucleotides by chemical degradation

A non-radioactive sequencing of fluorescently labelled oligonucleotides by solid-phase chemical degradation is described. Although non-radioactive methods have been reported for the dideoxy chain termination technique, such a method has not yet been developed for the chemical degradation sequencing of DNA fragments. A 21-mer fluorescein labelled M13 sequencing primer was sequenced in an on-line automated system in about 30 minutes. The fluorescent dye and its bond to the oligonucleotide were stable during the chemical reactions used for the base specific degradations. As the sequence is determined on-line during electrophoresis, reloading and running 10 fragments simultaneously allows us to use one gel for sequencing of about 50 different oligonucleotides.

A simple and rapid preparation of M13 sequencing templates for manual and automated dideoxy sequencing

A simple and rapid procedure for the preparation of M13 single stranded DNA sequencing templates which does not involve phenol extractions and alcohol precipitations is described. Bacteriophages are precipitated from media supernatants with acetic acid and recovered on glass fiber filters. Subsequent dissociation of the phages and removal of contaminants is performed while the DNA is bound to the glass. Finally, the purified DNA is eluted in a small volume of low-salt buffer. The yield is higher than that obtained by standard methods. The simplified procedure takes less than 30 minutes and does not demand special skills or equipment; the sequence resolution is as good as that obtained by standard procedures both with the Klenow fragment and T7 DNA polymerase, with radioactive labelling as well as in automated sequencing with a fluorescent label.

[Modified MLW resectoscope for use as a urethrotome in urethrotomia interna]

Material, form, construction and use of a cutter by means of which an MLW resectoscope can be used as a urethrotome are described.

[Long-term course of primary vascular pulmonary hypertension with and without intake of appetite depressants]

1. The long-term follow-up of 22 patients with anorectic drug intake (aminorex fumarate) (AS) and PVPH is compared to 38 patients with PVPH of unknown etiology. 2. The 10-year cumulative survival rate is significantly higher for the AF-positive group (54 +/- 11%) than for the AF-negative patients (15 +/- 6%). 3. In terms of the hemodynamic parameters at the time of diagnosis, there were no differences between the two patient groups. 4. Hemodynamic serial controls in the AF-positive group often show a decrease in pulmonary pressure at rest, in contrast to the AF-negative group. However, in all but one of the patients with a pressure drop at rest there is a considerable increase in pulmonary pressure during exercise. 5. In neither group any correlation is to be found between pulmonary pressure and survival time.

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy. I. Clinical categories, associated neurological abnormalities and incidences

An unselected series of 116 dyskinetic cerebral palsy cases born 1959-70 was delineated and subgrouped according to neurological criteria into 35 hyperkinetic (30%) and 81 dystonic (70%) cases. Of the hyperkinetics, 80% had a mild motor disability, while 90% of the dystonics had moderate or severe disability. Subordinated spastic signs were found in 9% of the hyperkinetic and in 44% of the dystonic cases. IQ was greater than 90 in 69% of the hyperkinetics and 25% of the dystonics and less than 50 in 11% and 41%, respectively. Two or more additional neurological abnormalities (spasticity, mental retardation, epilepsy, anarthria, dysarthria, hearing deficit) were detected in 46% hyperkinetic and 81% dystonic cases. A heavy multihandicap complex was present predominantly in the dystonic subgroup. The 5-19 year mortality rate was 6% and was confined to the most severely handicapped dystonic cases. The twin rate was 5%. A total of 9% had birth weights less than or equal to 1500 g, and 31% had less than or equal to 2500 g. The weight- and age-specific incidences increased rapidly with decreasing birth weights and gestational ages. The crude incidence of hyperkinetic cerebral palsy was 0.07 and dystonic cerebral palsy 0.17 per thousand live births.

[Traumatic tricuspid insufficiency a clinical study (author's transl)]

Four cases of surgically confirmed traumatic tricuspid insufficiency are presented. There is a characteristic long interval between blunt trauma and onset of cardiac symptoms. Common clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic features of tricuspid insufficiency are described. Cardiac catheterisation and right ventricular angiography confirm the diagnosis and the surgical aspect verifies the traumatic etiology. The indication for surgical treatment by valve replacement is discussed. The results of surgery have been good.

[Atrial septum defect and myocardial infarction due to blunt chest trauma - a case report (author's transl)]

The case history, clinical course, the diagnostic procedures and pathomorphological findings in a very rare case of a traumatic rupture of the atrial septum combined with an anterior myocardial infarction in a 30-year-old male are described. The patient recovered from his injuries to a moderate state by means of intensive care but died on the 19th day after admission.

[Experience with special-type pacemaker leads (author's transl)]

The dislodgement rate of endocardially placed pacemaker leads can be decreased by the use of special-type electrodes. Since 1963 a total of 2100 pacemaker implantations was performed. Since 1970 we have been using special-type electrodes in 15 to 20% of our patients each year. The complication rate of all pacemaker leads implanted in the period 1974 to 1978 was 7.6%, the rate of the special type electrodes alone came up to 15%. The lead IE--65--I had the greatest deal of this - 11 out of 43 leads had to be removed. 152 electrodes type IVE--85--armed with metal hooks - were implanted, 18 of which had to be revised and 17 of 117 rigid leads type IE--60--KS--10 revealed failure which made revision necessary. In contrast, 54 screw-in leads type 6957, Medtronik and AE--60--YR, Biotronik caused only one perforation - a lethal one. Primary experiences with a porous tip lead (CPII--4116) are good enough to recommend the use of this electrode as a lead of first choice. We saw 2 dislodgements in 50 implantations. Failure to sense or to pace were never seen (time of observation 2 to 18 months).

[Early and late complications of endocardial pacemaker wires (author's transl)]

Comparison of early and late complications of 769 endocardial pacemaker wires implanted in the period between 1969 and 1973 with 861 wires implanted between 1974 and 1978 revealed a decline of the complication rate from 17% to 7.6%. The dislocation rate could be lowered from 6.2% to 1.6%. Other early complications (exist and entrance block) were not effected (3.5% as compared with 3.2%). Late complications declined from 6.2% to 2.9%. Of these the number of intravascular wire breakages constitutes a high proportion. The main reason for this improvement is the use of a flexible Flange-tip lead. A variation of testing the positional stability of the wire is described.--The indications for pacemaker implantation shifted from 3rd degree AV-Block to the diagnoses "pathological bradycardia" and "hypersensitive carotis sinus". The comparatively low complication rate permits the application of new types of wires only in a few selected patients until a sufficient number of cases and an adequate follow-up period have been reached for clinical evaluation of these wires.

[Clinical correlations, lactate extraction, coronary venous bloodflow and Thallium-201 myocardial imaging in patients with isolated left anterior descending muscle bridges: normal variant or obstruction? (author's transl)]

In 848 coronary arteriograms performed in a two-years period 21 patients (2.5%) showed a myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending artery. Resting- and/or stress-ECG were abnormal in half of the patients. Regional lactate-metabolism measured in the great cardiac vein at rest and during maximal atrial pacing was normal (29 +/- 12 resp. 24 +/- 9%). Thermodilution of great cardiac vein bloodflow at rest and during atrial pacing also demonstrated normal values (94 +/- 33 resp. 138 +/- 30 ml/min). Biphasic 201-Thallium myocardial imaging revealed no case of reversible perfusion defect, but surprisingly frequent (5 of 16 patients) clearly irreversible defects limited to the interventricular septum. We conclude that muscle bridges do not cause myocardial ischemia at rest or during exercise.

Some properties of a basic L-amino-acid oxidase from Anacystis nidulans

An L-amino acid oxidase (L-amino-acid oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.3.2) from the blue-green alga Anacystis nidulans has been purified to homogeneity with an overall yield of about 10%. Purification included ammonium sulfate fractionation and CM-Sephadex, DEAE-Sephadex, and hydroxyapatite chromatography. The purified enzyme has an absorption spectrum which is characteristic of a flavoprotein, and contains 1 mol FAD per mol enzyme. The native enzyme has a molecular weight of 98 000 as determined by gel exclusion chromatography. Electrophoresis in SDS-polyacrylamide gels gives a single protein band corresponding to a molecular weight of 49 000, which suggests that the native enzyme is composed of 2 subunits of equal molecular weight. As previously demonstrated, the enzyme catalyzes the oxidative deamination of the basic amino acids: L-arginine, L-lysine, L-ornithine and L-histidine. In the presence of catalase and of any of these amino acids, 0.5 mol O2 is consumed, and 1 mol ammonia is formed for each mol amino acid oxidized. HCN is formed from L-histidine when the L-amino acid oxidase is supplemented with peroxidase. In addition to the unusual substrate specificity of this L-amino acid ozidase, it also has an unusual set of inhibitors including o-phenanthroline as well as divalent cations of which Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ are the most effective ones, but Mg2+ and Ca2+ also inhibit. This inhibition can be reversed by chelating agents such as EDTA. ATP and ADP, but not AMP, can also overcome the inhibition caused by Mg2+, for example. The inhibitory effect of cations can be demonstrated in vivo.

[Bronchospasmolytic effect of reproterol as aerosol (author's transl)]

In an intraindividual double-blind study the effect of 1% (2.5 mg) and 2% (5 mg) reproterol aerosol was investigated in 30 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis and asthma. Both solutions had a statistically highly significant bronchospasmolytic effect when airways resistance and specific conductance were measured. The effect was demonstrable immediately after termination of inhalation. Cardiac frequency and blood pressure remained unchanged. No subjective side effects were reported.

The dark respiration of Anacystis nidulans. Production of HCN from histidine and oxidation of basic amino acids

The basic amino acids, L-arginine, L-lysine, LO-irnithine, and to a lesser extent L-histidine, strongly stimulate the O2 uptake of cell suspensions of the blue-green alga or cyanobacterium anacystis nidulans. In the case of L-histidine, the extra O2 consumption is associated with the formation in vivo of small amounts of HCN, particularly in an atmosphere of O2. The enzyme responsible for both the stimulated O2 uptake with the basic amino acids and the formation of HCN from histidine has been isolated and identified as an L-amino acid oxidase specific for the basic amino acids. The purification (15 000-fold) of this enzyme is described. The isolated enzyme is inhibited by o-phenanthroline, which has a similar inhibitory effect on the O2 uptake of cell suspensions with (and without) added amino acids. The basic amino acid oxidase, which is not inhibited by HCN, can be regarded as an 'alternate' oxidase in A. nidulans. An oxidase sensitive to HCN is apparently also operative. At high concentrations of lysine or arginine added HCN can almost double the initial rate of O2 consumption of cell suspensions. This can be attributed to the inhibition of catalase by HCN. At low concentrations of the amino acids, and with more prolonged incubation time, HCN becomes inhibitory. One interpretation could be that the HCN-sensitive terminal oxidase is also involved in the extra O2 uptake elicited by the basic amino acids, but other interpretations are possible. The extra O2 uptake elicited by histidine is almost completely inhibited by HCN, which is consistent with the finding that histidine is a relatively poor substrate for the basic amino acid oxidase.

Superinduction of tyrosine aminotransferase in RLC-cells

Actinomycin D, administered to RLC cells which were pretreated with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone phosphate, causes superinduction of tyrosine aminotransferase. By the addition of actidione it could be proved that the superinduction takes place because of the decreased activity of the tyrosine aminotransferase-degrading enzymes.

[Traumatic injury to the heart. A clinical study (author's transl)]

Nonpenetrating chest injuries often lead to cardiac traumas. Posttraumatic coronary thrombosis with myocardial infarction is shown in two cases. Large anterior aneurysm occured after total occlusion of the descending anterior in both cases. There was no correlation between the severity of the chest injury and the ensuing cardiac damage. An intramural anterior infarction was seen in a third case; because of a normal coronary angiogram an intramyocardial bleeding without coronary thrombosis can be suspected. A direct connection between chest injury and myocardial infarction can only be assumed if there is an onset of symptoms within 24--48 hours after thoracic trauma. A coronary angiogram should be performed in any case of myocardial infarction following chest injury especially in medico-legal cases.

Effect of ammonium and ferricyanide on nitrate utilization by Chlorella vulgaris

It has been shown previously that added ammonium salts cause a cessation of nitrate utilization in some Chlorella species. It has also been shown that Chlorella vulgaris can form an inactivated nitrate reductase which is an HCN complex. In the present study, a comparison has been made of the rate of nitrate utilization and the rate of nitrate reductase inactivation in Chlorella vulgaris in response to the addition of ammonium salts and light-dark changes. The rate of formation of HCN-inactivated enzyme is too slow to account for the prompt inhibition of nitrate utilization caused by adding ammonium. In contrast, when nitrate utilization is inhibited by addition of ferricyanide to intact cells, the HCN-inactivated enzyme is promptly formed in vivo, and might account for the inhibition of nitrate utilization, though inhibition of nitrate uptake can not be excluded.

Measurement of vesicoureteral reflux with intravenous 99mTc-DTPA compared to radiographic cystography

The results of a 99mTc-DTPA study of vesicoureteral reflux in 51 children with recurrent urinary tract infections were compared with those of radiographic micturition cystourethrography. Reflux, shown by either of the two methods, was regarded as an indication of the disorder. Neither method was regarded as a standard reference method. Agreement between the two methods was obtained in 90 of 102 renal units, i.e., ureter and/or renal pelvis (88%). Statistical analysis performed on the remaining 12 cases showed that the two procedures usually gave similar results.

A D-amino acid oxidase from Chlorella vulgaris

A procedure has been developed for the partial purification from Chlorella vulgaris of an enzyme which catalyzes the formation of HCN from D-histidine when supplemented with peroxidase of a metal with redox properties. Some properties of the enzyme are described. Evidence is presented that the catalytic activity for HCN formation is associated with a capacity for catalyzing the oxidation of a wide variety of D-amino acids. With D-leucine, the best substrate for O2 consumption, 1 mol of ammonia is formed for half a mol of O2 consumed in the presence of catalase. An inactive apoenzyme can be obtained by acid ammonium sulfate precipitation, and reactivated by added FAD. On the basis of these criteria, the Chlorella enzyme can be classified as a D-amino acid oxidase (EC 1.4.3.3). Kidney D-amino acid oxidase and snake venom L-amino acid oxidase, which likewise form HCN from histidine on supplementation with peroxidase, have been compared with the Chlorella D-amino acid oxidase. The capacity of these enzymes for causing HCN formation from histidine is about proportional to their ability to catalyze the oxidation of histidine.

Cyanide formation from histidine in Chlorella. A general reaction of aromatic amino acids catalyzed by amino acid oxidase systems

The formation of HCN from D-histidine in Chlorella vulgaris extracts is shown to be due to the combined action of a soluble protein and a particulate component. Either horse-radish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) or a metal ion with redox properties can be substituted for the particulate component. Ions of manganese and vanadium are especially effective, as are o-phenanthroline complexes of iron. Cobalt ions are less active. The D-amino acid oxidase (EC 1.4.3.3) from kidney and the L-amino acid oxidase (EC 1.4.3.2) from snake venom likewise cause HCN production from histidine when supplemented with the particulate preparation from Chlorella or with peroxidase or with a redox metal ion. The stereospecificity of the amino acid oxidase determines which of the two stereoisomers of histidine is active as an HCN precursor. Though histidine is the best substrate for HCN production, other naturally occurring aromatic amino acids (viz. tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan) can also serve as HCN precursors with these enzyme systems. The relative effectiveness of each substrate varies with the amino acid oxidase enzyme and with the supplement. With respect to this latter property, the particulate preparation from Chlorella behaves more like a metal ion than like peroxidase.

[Problems of conductor demonstration in haemophilia A: error possibilities in the determination of factor-VIII-associated antigen]

Difficulties in the detection of haemophilia A carriers by the determination of the ratio factor VII coagulation activity to factor VII antigen concentration are shown in part one of our investigations. The second part evaluates methodical parameters of the quantitative immunoelectrophoretic technique. According to our results reliable data can only be obtained under the following conditions: 1. At least three determinations of each sample are required and the mean value should be used as the final result. 2. Each gel plate should be calibrated separately 3. The calibration line should include values less than 100%. Factor VIII concentrates are not suitable for determination of the calibration curve, as higer dilution results in lower calculated concentration of the undiluted concentrate. Storage of pooled normal plasma at--25 degrees C is possible without significant loss of antigen concentration over 5 months. However, plasma samples of a single person show an unpredictable variation in the antigen concentration during storage over the same time.

A metabolic disorder similar to Zellweger syndrome with hepatic acatalasia and absence of peroxisomes, altered content and redox state of cytochromes, and infantile cirrhosis with hemosiderosis

A patient with a cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome was investigated. The visceral manifestations were those of the Zellweger syndrome (ZS); however, the child exhibited muscular hypertonia and survived into the 2nd year of life. Ultramicroscopically, hepatocytes were lacking peroxisomes, but, contrary to findings in one patient with ZS [2], contained smooth endoplasmic reticulum. No catalase was found by histochemistry or spectroscopy. Mitochondria showed normal succinate and glutamate respiration, and normal coupling of respiration to the phosphorylation potential. The cytochrome (cyt) content was diminished to one-third with an abnormally inversed redox pattern of the respiratory chain in the controlled state, cyt b being 5%, cyt c 23% reduced. The oxygen affinity of cyt a3 was normal. These findings exclude a defect in the nonheme iron protein region of the respiratory chain as described in ZS [2], but point to a functional abnormality of cyt b in out patient.

[Sulphated glycosaminoglycans as virus inhibitors. 4th communication: clinical aspects of zoster with the proposal of a new treatment (author's transl)]

On the base of plaque inhibition tests in at least three virus-host-systems and successful treatment of mice with experimentally induced yellow fever encephalitis a well known sulphated glycosaminoglycan (GAGPS) "L5" was used as therapeutic agent in cases of zoster infection in man. The material was applied as 1% solution in water continuously on lint and rewettet for several days until nearly complete healing was achieved. The clinical course of 18 patients of former years (12 women, 6 men) was compared with 26 cases (19 women, 7 men) treated additionally with the new substance. All of them were carefully observed in the Rudolf-Virchow-Hospital in Berlin. Besides of registrating data as age and sex of the patients and the seasonal distribution of cases the course of illness was analyzed. The mean duration before admission to the hopsital was 4,9 days in the control group and 7,2 days in the L5-patients. Signs of organ diseases possibly acting as trigger mechanism for the remanifestation of the zoster were nearly twice in number in L5 cases than in the controls. Despite of this unfavorable stiutation the main parameters showed a clear tendency to return earlier to normal values in the GAGPS group. The fever was shortened. The blood lymphocytes normalized better with mean absolute values of 2400 in the L5-group and 3029 per m(3) in the control cases. The fall of the cell number in the liquor cerebrospinalis was more rapidly in the GAGPS treatment. The mean stay in the hospital was 33,2 days in L5 cases and 44,6 days in control patients respectively in the main group of age between 60 and 80 years. One death in the GAGPS group corresponded to four in the control group. In the local skin area the edema disappeared rapidly with beginning of treatment. Confluent vesicles flattened within 24 to 48 hours and no further efflorescences were seen. Pain diminished in few days. The good results justify continued trials.

[Congenital aneurysms of the membranous ventricular septum (author's transl)]

In 3 patients with a congenital aneurysm of the membranous portion of the ventricular septum diagnosis could be made by angiography. One of these patients was clinically asymptomatic, while the two other patients were transferred for surgery because of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction or intracardiac left-to-right shunt. These both patients underwent successful open heart corrections. Aneurysms with a different intracardiac localization could be found. One of the cases represents an unusual association with corrected transposition of the great vessels.

Cyanide formation in preparations from Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck: Effect of sonication and amygdalin addition

A critical evaluation of a method for recovering HCN from cell extracts is presented. Since crude extracts often bind or metabolize HCN extensively, the HCN recovered by distillation at room temperature represents only the difference between production and consumption. Sonication leads to HCN release from the alga, Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck. Illumination of extracts at high light intensity in oxygen, with added Mn(2+) and peroxidase, also stimulates HCN production. In both processes, the HCN is probably formed by oxidation of nitrogenous precursors. Chlorella extracts cause formation of HCN from added amygdalin. No evidence was found, however, for the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the algae.

Cyanide formation in preparations from Chlorella and New Zealand spinach leaves: Effect of added amino acids

As part of an effort to identify the natural precursor(s) of HCN in the alga Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck, and in leaves of New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia expansa, Murr.), HCN release was measured after addition of various amino acids to illuminated algal extracts and grana preparations. Histidine is particularly effective as an HCN precursor, both with Chlorella extracts and leaf grana. With the algal extracts, D-histidine is about ten times more effective than L-histidine and histamine, whereas the two isomers (and histamine) are about equally effective with leaf grana. In the presence of leaf grana plus added Mn(2+) and peroxidase, L-tyrosine and L-cysteine like-wise cause HCN formation; but these amino acids cause little or no HCN formation in the presence of Chlorella extracts. A stimulation of HCN production by L-histidine was observed with intact Chlorella cells. Because of the limitations of the assay method, the possibility can not be excluded that other substances than histidine may also lead to HCN generation in Chlorella vulgaris, but the results show that histidine has an important role in HCN generation by this species.

Reversible inactivation of nitrate reductase in Chlorella vulgaris in vivo

The NADH-nitrate oxidoreductase of Chlorella vulgaris has an inactive form which has previously been shown to be a cyanide complex of the reduced enzyme. This inactive enzyme can be reactivated by treatment with ferricyanide in vitro. In the present study, the activation state of the enzyme was determined after different prior in vivo programs involving environmental variations. Oxygen, nitrate, light and CO2 all affect the in vivo inactivation of the enzyme in an interdependent manner. In general, the inactivation is stimulated by O2 and inhibited by nitrate and CO2. Light may stimulate or inhibit, depending on conditions. Thus, the effects of CO2 and nitrate (inhibition of reversible inactivation) are clearly manifested only in the light. In contrast, light stimulates the inactivation in the presence of oxygen and the absence of CO2 and nitrate. Since the inactivation of the enzyme requires HCN and NADH, and it is improbable that O2 stimulates NADH formation, it is reasonable to conclude that HCN is formed as the result of an oxidation reaction (which is stimulated by light). The formation of HCN is probably stimulated by Mn(2+), since the formation of reversibly-inactivated enzyme is impaired in Mn(2+)-deficient cells. The prevention of enzyme inactivation by nitrate in vivo is in keeping with previous in vitro results showing that nitrate prevents inactivation by maintaining the enzyme in the oxidized form. A stimulation of nitrate uptake by CO2 and light could account for the effect of CO2 (prevention of inactivation) which is seen mainly in the presence of nitrate and light. Ammonia added in the presence of nitrate has the same effect on the enzyme as removing nitrate (promotion of reversible inactivation). Ammonia added in the absence of nitrate has little extra effect. It is therefore likely that ammonia acts by preventing nitrate uptake. The uncoupler, carbonylcyanide-m-chloro-phenylhydrazone, causes enzyme inactivation because it acts as a good HCN precursor, particularly in the light. Nitrite, arsenate and dinitrophenol cause an enzyme inactivation which can not be reversed by ferricyanide in crude extracts. This suggests that there are at least two different ways in which the enzyme can be inactivated rather rapidly in vivo.