Reconstitution of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor-Ca2+ release channel protein complex into proteoliposomes

The 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid-solubilized 30 S ryanodine receptor (RyR)/Ca2+ release channel complex from rabbit skeletal muscles, purified by density gradient centrifugation, was reconstituted with an excess of phospholipid into proteoliposomes by removal of the detergent by dialysis. Reconstituted proteoliposomes were concentrated by centrifugation, frozen and thawed, and sonicated. [3H]Ryanodine binding measurements indicated close to 50% recovery of calculated binding activity following reconstitution of the purified RyR and dynamic light scattering measurements a mean vesicle diameter of approximately 150 nm. Using these values, a functional RyR was estimated to be present in only a small fraction (< 15%) of the reconstituted vesicles. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of trypsin-treated proteoliposomes revealed that about four-fifths of the reconstituted 30 S complex was readily accessible to proteolytic attack. Vesicle-45Ca2+ flux and fusion of proteoliposomes with planar lipid bilayers showed that the reconstituted channel complex could be activated by Ca2+ and ATP, inhibited by Mg2+ and ruthenium red, and modified by ryanodine, similarly as observed for native sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. These results suggest that the method described here results in the reconstitution of a functional channel and thus provides the opportunity to study the structure and function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel under well defined conditions.

The effect of radiation therapy on immune function in patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma

The immune response is impaired in patients with malignancy, and radiation therapy (RT) can exacerbate the cancer induced-attenuation of immune response. In order to search for the fine mechanisms behind the RT-induced attenuation of cell-mediated immune response, we measured the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, its subsets, and lymphoblast transformation induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), purified protein derivatives (PPD), mitogenic monoclonal antibody anti-CD3, and mitogenic combination of anti-CD2 antibodies 9-1 and 9.6 before and after RT in 19 patients with squamous cell lung cancer. Radiation therapy significantly decreased the total numbers of lymphocytes, CD-3, CD-4, and CD8-positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood. However, RT did not change the percentages of lymphocytes and its subsets. Radiation therapy increased the percentage of interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor-positive lymphocytes, and RT significantly decreased in vitro lymphoblast transformation by PHA, PPD, or monoclonal antibodies to T-cell surface antigens (anti-CD2 or anti-CD3). In vitro incubation with IL-2 did not increase lymphoblast transformation by anti-CD3 before RT but significantly increased after RT. In conclusion, we suggest that one of the fine mechanisms behind the RT-induced suppression of immune responsiveness of patients with lung cancer is a defect in IL-2 synthesis by lymphocytes.

Cloning of Pseudomonas fluorescens carboxylesterase gene and characterization of its product expressed in Escherichia coli

A gene (estC) coding for an esterase (esterase III) of Pseudomonas fluorescens was cloned into Escherichia coli JM83. DNA sequencing showed a single open reading frame with GTG as a translation initiation codon for esterase III. This was confirmed by N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the purified esterase III protein from an E. coli clone. The promoter sequence and a potential Shine-Dalgarno sequence were followed by the coding sequence of the estC gene. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence contains the consensus active site sequence, G-X-S-X-G, of serine esterase. The esterase III expressed in an E. coli clone was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The native form of the enzyme was a monomer with a molecular weight of 41,000. The results of substrate specificity and the inhibitor studies suggest that this enzyme is a carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) and a serine residue is present at the active site of the enzyme.

Quantitative modeling of responses of anuran retina: stimulus shape and size dependency

Teeters and Arbib presented a model of the anuran retina which qualitatively accounts for the characteristic response properties used to distinguish ganglion cell type in anurans. In this paper we test the model's ability to reproduce quantitatively tabulated data on the dependency on stimulus shape and size, with a new implementation of the model in the neural simulation language NSL. Data of Ewert and Hock relating toad R2, R3, and R4 ganglion cell responses to moving worm, antiworm, and square-shaped stimuli of various edge lengths are used to test stimulus shape and size dependency. A close match to the data can be achieved by tuning some of the model parameters while still retaining the characteristic responses to the typical stimulus types. We stress here the importance of a populational approach to the models. We place more emphasis on the variation of response properties in a population of neurons of the same class, rather than questing for the neuron of a given type. As an example of the populational approach we offer a model for the respiratory R3 response following researchers who argue that a subclass of R3 neurons are activated by stationary boundaries owing to the anuran's self induced respiratory eye movement.

Immobilization of proteins on poly(methyl methacrylate) films

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films were treated by oxygen plasma discharge followed by acrylic acid (AA) grafting. The amount of carboxyl groups introduced by the grafting of AA on to the film surfaces was in the range 0.47-9.48 mumol/cm2, depending on the pressure of the plasma chamber during the discharge treatment. The carboxyl groups of the PMMA film surface previously activated with water soluble carbodiimide were coupled with bovine serum albumin, collagen and gelatin. The protein immobilization on the surface was confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The amount of albumin, collagen and gelatin immobilized on the PMMA surface was 6.25, 7.25 and 13.75 micrograms/cm2, respectively, as determined by the coomassie brilliant blue-protein interaction. The water contact angle of the PMMA film was markedly decreased by oxygen plasma treatment, AA grafting or protein immobilization, indicating the increase of hydrophilicity of the surface-modified PMMA films. The protein-immobilized PMMA films may be widely used as a biocompatible material.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor and cellular profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND

To elucidate the role of T-cell activation in the physiologic changes and cellular infiltrations in the bronchial tree of patients with symptomatic bronchial asthma, we measured the concentration of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), cellular compositions and IL-2R expression on cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. We also measured physiologic parameters, including a provocation concentration of histamine required to reduce the forced expiratory volume in 1 second by 20% of the prechallenge baseline (PC20).

RESULTS

The concentration of sIL-2R and the ratio of IL-2R expression on CD3 positive lymphocytes were significantly higher in BAL fluid from 20 patients with symptomatic bronchial asthma than concentrations in fluid from nine healthy controls (p < 0.01) and six asymptomatic patients with bronchial asthma (p < 0.05). The concentration of sIL-2R correlated with the percentage of IL-2R expression on CD3 positive lymphocytes (rs = 0.709, p < 0.01). There was no difference in sIL-2R concentration of BAL fluid between the healthy control and the patient with asymptomatic bronchial asthma. Among the inflammatory cells recovered in BAL fluid, the percentages of eosinophils showed significant positive correlation with the concentration of sIL-2R in BAL fluid in the patients with bronchial asthma. The concentration of sIL-2R significantly correlated with forced expiratory volume one second, peak expiratory flow rate, and PC20 when observed in all study subjects, but not in the patients with bronchial asthma.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that T-cell activation within the bronchial tree appears to have a role in the infiltration of eosinophils into the bronchial tree, which may lead to enhanced bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with bronchial asthma.

A wettability gradient as a tool to study protein adsorption and cell adhesion on polymer surfaces

A new method for preparing a wettability gradient on polymer surfaces was developed. Low density polyethylene sheets were treated in air with corona from a knife-type electrode whose power gradually increases along the same length. The polymer surfaces oxidized gradually with the increasing power and the wettability gradient was created on the surfaces as evidenced by the measurement of water contact angles, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance mode, and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The wettability gradient surfaces prepared were used to investigate the interactions of model protein and cells in terms of the surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of polymeric materials.

Expression of a cardiac Ca(2+)-release channel isoform in mammalian brain

Mammalian brain possesses ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels, which in muscle cells mediate rapid Ca2+ release from intracellular stores during excitation-contraction coupling. Analysis of bovine brain ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels suggests specific expression of the cardiac-muscle RyR isoform in mammalian brain. Localization using cardiac-muscle RyR-specific antibodies and antisense RNA revealed that brain RyRs were present in dendrites, cell bodies and terminals of rat forebrain, and highly enriched in the hippocampus. Activity of skeletal-muscle RyR channels is coupled to sarcolemmal voltage sensors, in contrast with cardiac-muscle RyR channels, which are known to be Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release channels. Thus Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores mediated by brain RyR channels may be a major Ca(2+)-signalling pathway in specific regions of mammalian brain, and hence may play a fundamental role in neuronal Ca2+ homoeostasis.

Renal functional response to captopril during diuretic therapy

Antihypertensive agents may modify the renal effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI). This potential interaction, which is important in the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension was studied in two rat models with and without diuretic treatment prior to ACEI. Acute intravenous administration of furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide in one-kidney, one-clamp animals (1K1C) did not change glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or effective renal plasma flow (ERPF). ACEI administration after furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide decreased GFR (p less than 0.001, p less than 0.01) but not ERPF. Chlorothiazide administered to 1K1C prior to ACEI, decreased GFR (p less than 0.02) but not ERPF captopril administration to 1K1C which received hydrochlorothiazide intraperitoneally for 7-10 days decreased GFR (p less than 0.007) and ERPF (p less than 0.02), while two-kidney, one-clamp animals (2K1C) decreased GFR only in the clamped kidney (p less than 0.005). ERPF in 2K1C increased only in the contralateral kidney (p less than 0.01). Without diuretic 1K1C animals decreased GFR and ERPF after ACEI (p less than 0.005, P less than 0.001). In the clamped kidney of 2K1C rats, GFR and ERPF decreased significantly (p less than 0.0005, p less than 0.004) and contralateral kidney ERPF increased (p less than 0.001), but GFR did not. The consequences of ACEI on GFR are similar with or without diuretic. These data suggest that diuretic therapy may not significantly interfere with ACEI evaluation of renovascular hypertension.

Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

To evaluate the diagnostic value of alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha-AT) as a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we studied the serum levels of alpha-AT by rocket immunoelectrophoresis and alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP) by radioimmunoassay in 46 proven HCC patients, 43 cirrhosis patients and 200 healthy blood donors. The mean alpha-AT level of the 46 patients with HCC (4.8 +/- 2.7 mg/ml) was significantly higher than that of 200 healthy control subjects (1.7 +/- 0.7 mg/ml) (P less than 0.0001). The sensitivity of alpha-AT in 24 patients with high level of alpha-FP (greater than 400 ng/ml) and 22 patients with low level of alpha-FP (less than 400 ng/ml) were 96% and 64%, respectively. There was no substantial correlation between alpha-FP and alpha-AT in the two groups (alpha-FP greater than 400 ng/ml, alpha-FP less than 400 ng/ml) (r = 0.078, 0.064). The sensitivity for HCC using alpha-FP level alone (greater than 400 ng/ml) was only 52%, and the sensitivity using alpha-AT level alone (greater than 3.2 mg/ml) was 76% of the 46 patients. Combining both tests, sensitivity was improved only to 80%.

Renin predicts diastolic blood pressure response to nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy

OBJECTIVE

Plasma renin activity was measured at baseline and 6 months in a trial of nonpharmacologic therapy of mild hypertension to determine whether plasma renin activity predicts the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to nonpharmacologic therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized controlled trial of volunteers from the general community with mild hypertension (DBP between 90 and 100 mm Hg), off all antihypertensive therapy at baseline, treated in special research clinics (n = 593).

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects were randomly assigned to usual, weight loss, or low sodium/high potassium diet and then randomly assigned to receive placebo, chlorthalidone, or atenolol.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Renin was analyzed as plasma renin activity and as a renin index (logarithm of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion times logarithm of plasma renin activity) (593 patients at baseline and 6 months) to correct for varied sodium intakes. The DBP was measured using the random zero device.

RESULTS

Change in DBP at 6 months could be predicted from baseline plasma renin activity or renin index. The DBP was decreased after 6 months of therapy by 2 mm Hg for each unit increase in baseline plasma renin activity and by 0.16 mm Hg for each unit increase in baseline renin index. Patients in the highest renin index quartile had a greater DBP response to atenolol therapy, and patients in the lowest renin index quartile had a greater DBP response to chlorthalidone therapy. Weight loss diet achieved a greater reduction in DBP in patients with higher baseline renin index and had an additive effect on DBP response in both of the drug groups. Patients on a weight loss diet receiving placebo in the highest baseline renin index quartile had a reduction in DBP of 12.4 mm Hg, compared with 4.4 mm Hg in the lowest baseline renin index quartile (P = .009). A low sodium/high potassium diet had a lesser effect than a weight loss diet on pharmacologic therapy. As with the weight loss diet, patients on a low sodium/high potassium diet in the highest baseline renin index quartile had a greater reduction in DBP than patients in the lowest baseline renin index quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest a significant relationship between baseline levels of plasma renin index and the likelihood of success of nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension.

The effect of captopril on glucoheptonate uptake in experimental renal artery stenosis

This study attempted to evaluate the role of glucoheptonate (GHA) in captopril renography in an in vivo laboratory investigation in which postcaptopril glucoheptonate uptake was analysed in awake 2KlC hypertensive rats. Clamped kidney uptake in a previous study was greater in the poststenotic kidney than in the normal kidney (P = 0.01) in rats with mild renal artery stenosis. A glucoheptonate renogram protocol was developed for use in rats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. An 123I-hippuran scan was performed to determine the relative renal function, followed by a control 99Tcm-GHA scan. Five minutes after administering captopril, another 99Tcm-GHA scan was performed. Relative renal uptake was determined between 30 and 90 s postinjection. 99Tcm-GHA uptake in the clamped kidney was more than 50% of total uptake in 3/9 of the abnormal rats' control scans. No abnormal rats clamped kidney 99Tcm-GHA uptake was greater than 50% in the postcaptopril scans. Captopril reduced GHA uptake in all nine of the animals with baseline scans. These findings suggest that the laboratory observation of captopril induced paradoxically increased 99Tcm-GHA uptake in renal artery stenosis may not be observed scintirenographically. Moreover, the data support a potential value of glucoheptonate in captopril renography.

Effects of erythropoietin-induced hemopoiesis on peritoneal transport and on in vitro T cell response in CAPD

In order to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of subcutaneously administered erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and the effects of rHuEPO-induced hemopoiesis on peritoneal transport and on cellular immune responses, we performed standardized peritoneal equilibration tests and measured T cell subsets and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression of PBMC by flow cytometry before and after subcutaneous rHuEPO (Eprex-, Cilag), 4000 U twice weekly, in 13 stable CAPD patients. Hct increased from 21.3 +/- 3.4% to 30.0 +/- 4.8% after 1 mo and to 32.7 +/- 4.9% after 2 mon of rHuEPO. Drained volume after 4 hrs of dwell with 4.25% dialysate increased from 2,675 +/- 204 ml to 2,807 +/- 174 ml (P < 0.05). D4/P4 creatinine increased from 0.68 +/- 0.07 to 0.71 +/- 0.06 (P < 0.05) and creatinine clearance from 7.57 +/- 0.71 to 8.03 +/- 0.63 ml/min (P < 0.05). The number of total circulating lymphocytes, T4,T8, T4/T8 with or without PHA did not change after rHuEPO. PHA-induced IL-2R expression by PBMC as expressed by mean channel of fluorescence intensity increased from 149.8 +/- 6.7 to 156.8 +/- 6.1 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous rHuEPO is effective in correcting anemia in CAPD patients. rHuEPO-induced hemopoiesis is associated with increase in peritoneal creatinine and water transport and also with PHA-induced IL-2R expression.

Subcutaneously implanted catheters reduce the incidence of peritonitis during CAPD by eliminating infection by periluminal route

Recent experiences with Y-connectors suggest that the flush-before-fill effectively reduces intraluminal infection. Periluminal infection, however, remains an important route of peritonitis (P). We have recently reported reduced P incidence with the introduction of a new access technique as described by Moncrief in which the external segment of peritoneal catheter is left implanted subcutaneously for 6 weeks before exteriorization and bag exchanges. P developed once every 14.0 patient-mos with the new access while the incidence was one episode per 10.7 mos with conventional access. Significantly fewer patients with the new access compared to those with conventional access experienced P during the observation period (p < 0.01). Although the overall incidence of exit-site infection (ESI) was not different, there were significantly fewer episodes of simultaneous P and ESI with the new access (2P in 47 episodes of ESI) than with conventional access (36P in 126 ESI). While 10 of the 36 episodes of simultaneous infection in the conventional technique were caused by same organisms, none of the 2 episodes with the new access technique was caused by same organisms.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the new access technique reduces P incidence by virtually eliminating infection by the periluminal route.

Cell adhesion and growth on polymer surfaces with hydroxyl groups prepared by water vapour plasma treatment

Various polymer surfaces--polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate and poly(methyl methacrylate)--were modified by water vapour plasma discharge treatment. The plasma-treated polymer surfaces were characterized by water contact angle measurement and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. It was observed that by the water vapour plasma treatment, the wettability of the polymer surfaces increases largely and almost all functional groups produced on the surfaces are hydroxyl groups. The interactions of Chinese hamster ovary cells with the polymer surfaces having hydroxyl groups by plasma treatment were investigated. The cells adhered and grown on the polymer surfaces were counted using a haemocytometer and photographed with an inverted microscope with a camera attached. The water vapour plasma-treated polymers showed good adhesion, spreading and growth properties on the surfaces with high hydroxyl group density. We confirmed that the water vapour plasma treatment is a simple and effective method to produce hydroxyl groups on the polymer surfaces, which probably have a positive effect on cell adherence.

Determination of resin and fatty acids in sediments near pulp mill locations

A gas chromatographic method for the determination of resin and fatty acids in sediments is described. In this procedure, the sediment sample was air-dried and soxhlet-extracted with a mixture of acetone--methanol (88:12, v/v) in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The acids extracted were converted into their pentafluorobenzyl esters and were then cleaned up on a deactivated silica gel column. Final analysis was performed on either a DB-17 or a DB-5 capillary column with electron-capture detection. Quantitative recovery was obtained from fortified sediments for all acids except palustric, neoabietic and levopimaric acids. The detection limit of all acids in this method was 0.1 micrograms/g based on 1 g of sample. This procedure has been successfully applied to the monitoring of resin and fatty acids in sediment samples collected in the vicinity of several Canadian pulp mill locations.

Behavioral teratogenicity of methamphetamine

Pregnant Wistar rats were given daily subcutaneous administrations of methamphetamine (MAPT; varying doses ranging from 1.0 to 4.5 mg/kg) from days 7 to 20 of gestation and teratogenic effects have been determined. The teratogenic effects inducible with orally administered caffeine (90 mg/kg/day) for the same durations were used as the positive controls. MAPT doses greater than 2.0 mg/kg have suppressed the rate of maternal weight gain. Some of the offsprings (F1) of the prenatal MAPT treated groups had decreased growth rate and delayed development of physical characters and functional reflexes. The male offsprings of the MAPT treated groups had significant decreases in their spontaneous motor activity but had enhanced conditioned avoidance responses. However, the mating performances of these offsprings were not affected. These results indicated that prenatal exposure of MAPT may induce some behavioral teratogenicity in rats.

Ragweed IgE and IgG4 antibody in nasal secretions during immunotherapy

We have developed sensitive amplified immunoassays for measurement of IgE and IgG4 ragweed (RW) antibodies in unconcentrated nasal washes. IgE to Amb a I (formerly antigen E) can be assayed to less than 0.1 ng/ml using IgE capture by anti-IgE on microtitre plates and an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated Amb a I with an amplification substrate technique. IgG4 to whole RW extract was assayed to less than 0.01 ng/ml by amplification ELISA using monoclonal anti-IgG4. Nasal washes (NW) (10 ml) and serum were obtained in December from 22 RW-sensitive patients before and after 1 and 2 yr of RW immunotherapy (IT), and assayed for Amb a I IgE or RW IgE and RW IgG4 antibodies Amb a I IgE could be measured in the NW of 15/22 pre IT, 19/22 at 1 yr IT, but only 3/10 at 2 yr IT (compared with pre-IT, P less than 0.05). Mean Amb a I IgE in NW was 0.66, 0.36 and 0.21 ng/ml at pre, 1 yr and 2 yr IT (P-values greater than 0.05). Mean serum RW IgE, was 76, 55 and 27 ng/ml at pre, 1 yr and 2 yr IT (P-values greater than 0.05). Amb a I IgE in nasal washes was correlated with RW IgE in serum (r = 0.56, P less than 0.001, n = 44). RW IgG4 was detectable in NW of 15/22 pre-IT, 18/22 at 1 yr IT and 9/10 at 2 yr IT (P-values greater than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of serum urokinase on urine fibrinolytic activity

The purpose of this study was to see if the serum level of urokinase might influence the urine fibrinolytic activity. Serum fibrinolytic activity precipitated in dextran sulfate euglobulin fraction was measured on the plasminogen-rich plate before, during, and after the urokinase infusion. The fibrinolytic activity of euglobulin increased during urokinase infusion by dose-dependent pattern (n = 4, mean: 230%, range: 173-333% of basal level) and decreased below the basal level after cessation of urokinase (n = 4, mean: 18%, range: 0-27% of basal level). There was inverse correlation between the urine fibrinolytic activity and serum fibrinolytic activity in all cases (r = -0.75, 0.01 less than p less than 0.02 in case 2; r = -0.88, 0.0001 less than p less than 0.005 in case 3; r = -0.74, 0.05 less than p less than 0.10 in case 1a and r = 0.59, 0.05 less than p less than 0.10 in case 1b). This finding suggests that the urine fibrinolytic activity production was under control of the serum urokinase level with feedback mechanism.

Atrophy of left lobe of the liver associated with hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma

A case of liver atrophy associated with hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma is presented. Intraductal calculus and left hepatic lobar atrophy were seen on both ultrasound and computerised tomography examinations. The lobar atrophy was accompanied by hypoplasia of left common hepatic artery. Cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed on histology. There have been several reported cases of hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma. To our knowledge, there has been only one reported case of hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma with liver atrophy (Nishihara K et al 1986) but this was not angiographically demonstrated.

Chemical derivatization analysis of phenols. Part VI. Determination of chlorinated phenolics in pulp and paper effluents

Based on the in-situ acetylation procedure, a method for the determination of 31 chlorinated phenols, guaiacols, catechols, syringols, and vanillins in pulp and paper effluent samples has been successfully developed. Except for 4-chlorocatechol, this procedure provided satisfactory recovery for all phenols at 3 levels of fortification, namely, 400, 40, and 4 micrograms/L. The acetyl derivatives were analyzed by gas chromatography using a 30 m DB-5 capillary column interfaced to an electron-capture detector. Mass spectral abundance data for the characteristic ions of the acetyl derivatives were used for confirmation of compound identities. By operating a mass selective detector in the selected ion monitoring mode, this procedure was further extended to the monochlorinated phenolics. Using a 50 mL effluent sample, the method detection limit was 0.5 micrograms/L for all except the monochlorinated compounds, which had a detection limit of 1 microgram/L. Several effluent samples from a Canadian paper mill were analyzed by this procedure and the results are presented.

Natural history and prognostic factors of primary hepatocellular carcinoma: study of 70 untreated patients

We carried out a study of the clinical courses of 70 untreated patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in order to evaluate their survival period and the prognostic factors. The median survival was two months. We evaluated ten variables of biochemical parameters and findings of hepatic scintigraphy. Among them, six variables were chosen by univariate analysis. They were serum bilirubin (cut-off value 3.0 mg/dl), alkaline phosphatase (150 IU/ml), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (200 IU/ml), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (50 IU/ml), reticuloendothelial (RES) dysfunction (grade 1) and multiplicity of space occupying lesions (SOL). Multivariate analysis identified three variables. The RES dysfunction and multiplicity of SOL by hepatic scintigraphy and bilirubin were considered as important prognostic factors. We found that the functional reservoir of the underlying liver and multiplicity of the origin of the tumor were the most important prognostic factors.

Technetium-99m MAG-3 clearances after captopril in experimental renovascular hypertension

Rats with one kidney clamped (2K1C), both kidneys clamped (2K2C), unilaterally nephrectomized with remaining kidney clamped (1K1C), and normals, were studied using 99mTc mercaptoacetyltriglycine ([ 99mTc]MAG-3) and 131I orthoiodohippurate ([131I]OIH). Clearances of [99mTc]MAG-3 and [131I]OIH were performed after constricted rats became hypertensive. Clearances were repeated after i.v. Captopril. Clearances of [99mTc]MAG-3 and [131I]OIH in normals didn't change significantly after Captopril. Clearances of [99mTc]MAG-3 and [131I]OIH decreased insignificantly after Captopril in the 2K2C model. in the 2K1C group, normal kidney clearance increased ([99mTc]MAG-3 p less than 0.01 and [131I]OIH p less than 0.025) and clamped kidney clearance decreased after inhibition ([99mTc]MAG-3, p less than 0.01, [131I]OIH p less than 0.02). Clearances increased in the 1K1C group after Captopril ([99mTc]MAG-3 p less than 0.0025 and [131I]OIH, p less than 0.001). The ratio of [99mTc]MAG-3 to [131I]OIH before Captopril was 0.81 and 0.84 after Captopril. Changes in renal function after Captopril depend on the model of renovascular hypertension and possibly the dose administered. Technetium-99m MAG-3 clearance parallels [131I]orthoiodohippurate in renovascular hypertension.

Measurement of IgG blocking antibody in human serum: comparison of ELISA with monoclonal antibody and fluorogenic substrate and Staphylococcus protein A solid-phase RIA

We compared ELISA with mouse monoclonal antihuman gamma-chain antibody and a fluorogenic substrate with the Staphylococcus protein A solid-phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA) in the measurement of specific IgG antibody to short ragweed pollen. Sera from 51 ragweed-allergic patients undergoing allergen immunotherapy were evaluated for ragweed-specific IgG antibodies with the same ragweed extract in the two assay systems. With optimal conditions, the ELISA and SPRIA displayed comparable positive thresholds (approximately 1 ng/ml of ragweed-specific IgG). Both assays also demonstrated consistently parallel dilution curves with 51 sera (mean interdilutional coefficient of variation [CV] less than 8.8% for ELISA and less than 8.6% for SPRIA). Reproducibility was determined by constructing precision profiles for intra- and interassay variations over the working ranges of each assay (ELISA, 0.8 to 100 ng/ml; SPRIA, 1 to 250 ng/ml). ELISA intra-assay CVs ranged from 13% near threshold to less than 5% at higher antibody concentrations; SPRIA intra-assay CVs ranged from 4.3% to 2.8%. Interassay reproducibility was somewhat better for SPRIA (4.6% to 9.6%) than for ELISA (10% to 18%). In direct comparison, 41 (80%) of the 51 sera were concordant in the two assays (r = 0.91; p less than 0.001). Although each assay result was reproducible, 10 (20%) of the sera elicited consistently discrepant results in the two assays. In eight of the 10 discordant sera, the SPRIA results were higher than ELISA, suggesting the possibility that some ragweed allergen may be better represented on the short ragweed-pollen extract agarose than on ELISA plate wells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of transendothelial electrical potential difference to assess the chondroitin sulfate effect in corneal preservation media

Corneal preservation time can be prolonged using chondroitin sulfate (CS) in preservation media and recently a great deal of attention has been focused on evaluating the effectiveness of CS. So far evaluations of the effectiveness of this and other additives have been based on determining the state of the cornea at the end of the preservation period. A more informative determination of the viability of stored corneas can be made by monitoring their physiological parameters throughout the storage period. We have accomplished this by monitoring in vitro the transendothelial electrical potential difference across deepithelialized rabbit corneas. We found that corneas stored in solutions containing basal salts, glucose and CS maintained higher transendothelial potential differences than corneas stored in the same solutions without CS, thus confirming the benefits of using CS for medium-term corneal preservation. The beneficial effects of CS were optimal at the 1% concentration, and were reduced at higher and lower concentrations.

Measurement of IgG-blocking antibodies by ELISA using monoclonal antibody and fluorogenic substrate

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using mouse monoclonal antihuman gamma-chain antibody and a fluorogenic substrate has been developed for quantitation of IgG-blocking antibodies in human serum. Generation of fluorescent product was linear with time to 60 min. Using optimal conditions the ELISA was sensitive to less than 1 ng/ml of specific IgG to short ragweed pollen. The assay demonstrated consistently parallel dilution curves with 51 sera (mean interdilutional coefficient of variation = 8.8%). Reproducibility was determined by constructing precision profiles for intra and interassay variation for the entire working range of the assay. Intraassay CVs ranged from a mean of 13% at threshold to less than 5% at higher antibody concentration. Interassay reproducibility similarly ranged from 18 to 10%. In this assay the effect of serum dilution on nonspecific binding was minimal and specific binding of 4-10 ng IgG antibody to the antigen-adsorbed wells was largely complete (75.8 +/- 4.8%) and highly specific (greater than 98%). This application of ELISA for ragweed IgG antibody measurement has performance specifications equal or superior to previously developed radioimmunoassay and ELISA systems.

Solvent effects on response factors for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons determined by capillary gas chromatography using splitless injections

When standard solutions of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed by capillary column gas chromatography using splitless injections, response factors were observed to be dependent on the solvent used to prepare the standard. This report presents the response factors for 16 individual PAHs in 5 commonly used solvents: acetonitrile, methanol, toluene, isooctane, and cyclohexane. To minimize quantitation errors due to differences in transfer efficiency, samples and standards of PAHs should be prepared in the same solvent.

IgA nephropathy in Korea: a morphological and clinical study

IgA nephropathy (IgA N) is the most common type of primary glomerulonephritis (27.5%) in South Korea and leads to renal failure in a significant number of cases. To evaluate the possible prognosticators of this disease, renal biopsy material from 142 Korean patients with IgA N was studied by light-, electron- and immunofluorescent microscopy, and a clinicopathologic correlation was made. Modified classification of Meadow et al. [1972] for Henoch-Schoenlein nephritis was adopted for the histologic grading of glomerular lesions. Twenty-three biopsies (16.2%) exhibited histologic grades IV and V lesions in association with high levels of proteinuria, serum creatinine and blood pressure and a low frequency of gross hematuria when compared to the remaining 119 biopsies with histologic grades I to III lesions. Ninety-one patients were followed for one to 6.5 years (mean, 3.4 years). Seventeen patients (18.7%) had chronic renal insufficiency, of whom eleven eventually showed endstage renal failure. More than 70% of the patients with histologic grades IV and V exhibited progressive renal disease, whereas patients with grades I to III lesions had a benign course (p less than 0.0005). These results suggest that histologic grading may be the best index to predict the present state or the subsequent progression of the lesion in IgA N.

Platelet function and factor VIII in uremia

We studied platelet function and plasma factor VIII in 15 healthy individuals and 41 uremic patients to evaluate the effect of dialysis on the hemostatic defect in uremia. Platelet counts and bleeding times were normal in all subjects. Platelet retention on glass beads was significantly reduced in all uremic patients. Platelet aggregation induced by collagen and ADP were significantly reduced in uremic patients on conservative therapy. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was normal but collagen-induced aggregation remained abnormal in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Both ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation were normal in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). FVIII: C was normal in all uremic patients. Both FVIII:vWF and FVIII R:Ag were significantly elevated in all uremic patients. In conclusion, platelet function was significantly defective and FVIII:vWF and FVIII R:Ag significantly elevated in uremia. HD and CAPD did not influence factor VIII levels or function nor did they improve platelet retention. Platelet aggregation improved partially on HD and completely on CAPD.

Ferrokinetics in patients on CAPD: influence of CAPD on the anemia of uremia

Ferrokinetic studies were performed with 59Fe-citrate to evaluate erythropoietic activity in CAPD patients and to investigate the mechanism(s) by which the hematocrit increases in CAPD patients. Plasma iron disappearance rate (PID), plasma iron turnover rate (PIT), red cell iron utilization (RCIU), red cell iron turnover rate (RCIT) and marrow transit time (MTT) were all “normal” in uremic patients not yet on dialysis (Hct 23.8±3.4%), CAPD patients with persistently low hematocrit (Hct 24.9±1.8%) and CAPD patients with improved hematocrit (Hct 32.4±3.1%). Compared to these uremic patients, patients with iron deficiency anemia and normal renal function (Hct 28.0±5.1 %) had significantly faster PID and MTT and significantly higher RCIU and RCIT. Plasma volume was significantly reduced (to normal level) in CAPD patients with improved hematocrits.

The results of this study suggest that erythropoietic activity is inadequate for the degree of anemia in CAPD patients as well as uremic patients not on dialysis and further suggest that the hematocrit increases in CAPD as a result of decreased plasma volume.

Mechanism of renal concentration of technetium-99m glucoheptonate

Seventy female Sprague-Dawley rats were studied to determine the mechanism of tubular localization and the effects of commonly encountered changes in hydration and acid-base balance on renal uptake and urinary excretion of technetium-99m glucoheptonate ([99mTc]GHA). The in-vivo protein binding and protein-free plasma clearance of [99mTc]GHA also were quantitated. Twenty additional rats were studied to determine the effects of PAH competition and probenecid blockade on renal uptake of [99mTc]dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in comparison with their effects on [99mTc]GHA localization. Kidney uptake of [99mTc]GHA averaged 11.17 +/- 0.49 (s.e.)% of the injected dose in control animals. This varied slightly among groups but was significantly reduced by probenecid blockade and para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) competition to 4.08 +/- 0.55 (p less than 0.005) and 2.39 +/- 0.14 (p less than 0.005), respectively. Technetium-99m DMSA was not affected in its renal accumulation by these maneuvers. The total plasma clearance of [99mTc]GHA was lower than iodine-125(125I)iothalamate but the clearance of the protein free supernate was higher, raising a possibility of some tubular secretion. Acidification of the urine which has been shown to reduce [99mTc]DMSA uptake appeared to have no effect on [99mTc]GHA. Hepatic uptake was minimal in all groups averaging less than 1% injected dose. These data demonstrate that renal accumulation of [99mTc]GHA is blocked by probenecid and PAH suggesting that it is actively concentrated in the proximal tubule by enzyme systems similar to those involved in PAH and hippuran transport. It appears that [99mTc]GHA uptake measures a different aspect of kidney function than [99mTc]DMSA.

Blood volume in the rat

The organ distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in the rat is usually estimated using 7% of body weight (BW) for blood volume (BV). In spite of its important impact on the evaluation of new agents, this value has not been validated adequately. We therefore studied blood volume in 70 awake Wistar rats (100 to 400 g BW) in which red blood cell volume (RBCV) and plasma volume (PV) were measured simultaneously. Red blood cell volume was measured by in vitro RBC-tagging with Tc-99m in Sn-pyrophosphate, 0.05 microgram per ml of blood; plasma volume was measured with I-125 human serum albumin (HSA). Ten minutes after injection of the dose, 0.5 ml of blood was withdrawn from the carotid or femoral artery and duplicate samples of 0.025 ml of blood were counted after separating RBCs from plasma. Total blood volume was calculated by adding RBC volume and plasma volume. The relationship for the entire group was: BV (ml) = 0.06 X BW + 0.77 (r = 0.99, n = 70, p less than 0.001). The difference between male and female rats was not statistically significant. The use of an arbitrary value of 7% for estimation of blood volume can lead to significant errors in calculating radiopharmaceutical distribution. The use of the general formula for the blood-volume calculation described here should improve the accuracy and reliability of estimates of radiopharmaceutical distribution.

Chemical derivatization analysis of pesticide residues. IX. Analysis of phenol and 21 chlorinated phenols in natural waters by formation of pentafluorobenzyl ether derivatives

A sensitive, isomer-specific method is described for the simultaneous and quantitative analysis of 22 phenols (phenol, 18 chlorophenols, and 3 chloroalkylphenols) in natural waters. The sample was acidified to pH less than or equal to 2, extracted with dichloromethane, evaporated, and dissolved in acetone. The phenol extract was then reacted with pentafluorobenzyl bromide (PFBBr) to give the PFB ether derivatives. After silica gel column cleanup, the ethers were chromatographed on a 12 m OV-1 fused silica capillary column attached to an electron capture detector (ECD). The detection limit was 0.1 ppb for 1 L samples. Recoveries of phenols from pH 2 water samples fortified at 10, 1, and 0.1 ppb were greater than or equal to 80% in most cases except for phenol which was only 30 to 35% recovered. Coefficients of variation were between 2 and 10% for all phenols. However, phenol recovery was quantitative when the sample volume was reduced to 100 mL. Because ECD sensitivities to the 22 phenol PFB ethers were similar, this method is most suitable for simultaneous screening of nonchlorinated and monochlorinated phenols as well as other higher chlorophenols at trace levels.

Chemical derivatization analysis of pesticide residues. VIII. Analysis of 15 chlorophenols in natural water by in situ acetylation

A rapid analytical method is presented for quantitative analysis of 15 chlorophenols in natural waters by in situ acetylation. In the presence of KHCO3, phenols in water are acetylated by acetic anhydride directly without pre-extraction. The resultant acetates are extracted by petroleum ether and analyzed by electron capture gas chromatography. The investigation to optimize the conditions for in situ acetylation of these phenols is also described. This method has been validated and shown to be applicable over a range from 100 to 0.01 ppb with a 1 L water sample.

Cardiovascular consequences of primary antihypertensive therapy with prazosin hydrochloride

Ten patients with essential hypertension who had no end-organ damage were treated with prazosin, starting with a dose of 1 mg/day. The dose was titrated to a maximal tolerated dose not exceeding 20 mg/day in divided doses or until diastolic blood pressure decreased to 90 mm Hg or lower. Among this study population a statistically significant decrease in blood pressures was achieved in the supine, sitting and standing positions. Baseline studies were repeated after 8 weeks of continuous therapy. There was no significant change in peripheral plasma renin activity, serum aldosterone or urinary sodium excretion. Plasma volume increased significantly and the patient weight increased proportionately. Cardiac ejection fraction at rest did not change significantly after prazosin therapy. Exercise ejection fraction also was not changed significantly from baseline during therapy, and the exercise-induced increase in blood pressure was significantly blunted. No adverse effects of prazosin on cardiac function were detected in this short-term study.

Pharmacologic alterations in Tc-99m binding by red blood cells: concise communication

The effect of two antihypertensive agents (captopril and prazosin) and of digoxin on the efficiency of Tc-99m binding to RBCs was evaluated in the rat. RBCs were labeled with Tc-99m in vivo in six groups of rats: I-normotensive controls Wistar rat (WR), II-prazosin treated WR, III-spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), IV-prazosin-treated SHR, V-digoxin-treated WR, and VI-captopril-treated WR. The percentage of intravascular Tc-99m bound to RBC (%T) and the percentage of injected dose remaining intravascular 5 min after injection (%i.v.) were determined. Mean %T was 94.2, 83.8, 94.9, 86.1, 79.7, and 93.3 for groups I-VI respectively. Mean %I.V. was 96.4, 74.6, 94.9, 79.0, 74.4, and 87.4 for groups I-VI respectively. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction of RBC tagging with Tc-99m in rats treated with prazosin and digoxin but not with captopril. The data suggest a potential interference by patient medication with the performance of blood-pool studies.

Tc-99m DMSA renal uptake: influence of biochemical and physiologic factors

Thirty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were studied to determine the effects of (a) tubular blockade and (b) commonly encountered changes in hydration and acid-base balance, on the urinary excretion and renal localization of Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Ten additional rats were studied to quantitate the in vivo protein binding of Tc-99m DMSA, and a final group of 12 animals was used to quantitate DMSA distribution in animals with diminished functional renal mass. Both osmotic diuresis and dehydration by water deprivation for 24 hr resulted in a plasma clearance of DMSA slower than in control animals. Acid-base imbalances significantly affected the renal accumulation of DMSA, and acidosis was associated with markedly increased background due to increased liver accumulation. The protein-bound portion of Tc-99m DMSA in the plasma was high, reaching 89% within the first 5 min, and rising very slightly (n.s.) ith time. The unbound portion of DMSA had a plasma clearance slightly higher than the GFR. Ablation of large amounts of renal tissue, resulting in significant decreases in GFR. Ablation of large amounts of renal tissue, resulting in significant decreases in GFR, did not significantly affect the renal localization of DMSA in the intact portions of the kidneys. These data demonstrate that commonly encountered changes in acid-base balance and hydration will significantly alter the biologic distribution of Tc-99m DMSA. These factors should be controlled when carrying out clinical studies.

Physiologic effects of prazosin HCl: consequences of diuretic combination therapy

The physiologic action of prazosin in man was studied in 23 patients including 10 treated with prazosin plus polythiazide. Responders to prazosin alone (blood pressure fell greater than 10 mm Hg) had a decrease in peripheral resistance (p less than 0.02) and no significant change in plasma volume, while nonresponders' plasma volume rose significantly (p less than 0.02). 10 patients treated with prazosin and polythiazide (blood pressure not normalized on prazosin alone) were analyzed at baseline (Rx 0), after prazosin (Rx 1), and after prazosin plus polythiazide (Rx 2). Mean supine blood pressure fell from 184/118 +/- 8/5 (SE) mm Hg at Rx 0 to 161/106 +/- 7/4 mm Hg at Rx 1 (p less than 0.005) and 129/89 +/- 4/4 mm Hg at Rx 2 (p less than 0.001). Supine renin increased in each group, but the increase with prazosin alone was not significant. Stimulated renin activity increased significantly after Rx 2 (p less than 0.0025). Cardiac output fell, plasma volume returned to baseline values, and peripheral resistance fell by 467 dyn s/cm-5 during thiazide treatment (p less than 0.025).

Left ventricular ejection fraction and its response to therapy in essential hypertension

Left ventricular ejection fraction at rest and during treadmill and isometric handgrip exercise were determined in 16 patients with essential hypertension (mean age 47.4 years) before and after therapy. The untreated hypertensive patient showed a linear correlation between mean blood pressure and LVEF (r = 0.62, p less than 0.01). The relation of sitting, resting LVEF with systolic blood pressure was highly significant (r = 0.88, p less than 0.001). Prior to therapy no significant change in LVEF in response to exercise was noted. After therapy with captopril, a normal isotonic exercise response occurred consisting of a highly significant increase in ejection fraction (p less than 0.0025). Subjects receiving propranolol had a fall in LVEF with isometric stress (p less than 0.0025). These data suggest an increased ejection fraction in patients with essential hypertension when all other parameters of the heart are normal and an abnormal response to isotonic exercise which may be reversed with therapy.

Distortions In A Commonly Used Factor Analytic Procedure

A currently popular procedure in empirical factor analytic studies is to use unities in the main diagonal as communality estimates, extract all factors with eigenvalues of 1.0 or higher, and rotate these factors by varimax. This procedure and others are applied to several previously published correlation matrices and some artificial matrices. This procedure results in the retention of too many factors, unrealistic elevation of the amount of common factor variance analyzed, and distortions in the conclusions drawn from the factor analytic investigation. Ways of avoiding these difficulties, are discussed.

An Empirical Comparison Of Two Minimum Residual Factor Extraction Methods

Comrey and Harman & Jones have proposed different methods of factor analyzing a correlation matrix using on!y the off-diagonal elements. The purpose of such procedures is to avoid using the diagonal communality elements of the matrix theft are generally unknown and must be estimated. This study was undertaken to provide an empirical comparison of the two methods. The Comrey method was considerably faster but the Harman & Jones method produced higher derived communalities. Both methods gave very similar empirical rotated solutions. Implications of the results are discussed. This study was carried out in response to a question (personal communication) posed by Professor Jura Nunnally about the nature of the Comrey and Harman-Jones solutions. The authors wish to express their thanks to Harry Harman for providing a copy of his minres computer program.

Temperature control of a bone cement by addition of a crystalline monomer

The peak temperature reached during the polymerization of a bone cement was reduced by addition of solid N-vinylcarboazole to the powder component. It was also necessary to saturate the liquid component with N-vinylcarbazole to prevent dissolution from the modified powder component on mixing. It is believed that this technique is generally applicable and opens up the possibility of achieving temperature control of bone cements with choice from a range of crystalline monomers.

Isolated thyrotropin deficiency due to a pituitary tumour

Hypothyroidism due to isolated deficiency of thyrotropin (TSH) associated with an enlarged sella turcica, presumably the result of a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma, occurred in a 58-year-old man. Low serum concentrations of TSH and thyroid hormones, together with the lack of TSH response to administration of thyroid releasing hormone, indicated a pituitary deficiency of TSH. Serum values of other pituitary hormones were normal.