Steady state pharmacokinetics of hydrolysed bopindolol in young and elderly men

Steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of the new, long-acting beta-adrenoceptor blocker bopindolol have been measured in 17 young and 20 elderly healthy men. The t 1/2 beta and the AUC(0----24 h) of hydrolysed bopindolol (the active metabolite) were both increased (40% and 26%, respectively) in the elderly subjects but tmax, Cmax and CL/f were not altered. However, after adjusting the parameters to allow for the different average body weights of the two groups, Cmax and CL/f became significantly different (+29% and -30%, respectively). AUC(0----24 h) was increased by 41%. The changes of up to 41% in pharmacokinetic parameters were smaller than the alterations of 50-100% usually seen when titrating doses of antihypertensive drugs. The clinical relevance of the effects was not examined, but similar changes have been reported for other beta-blockers which did not appear to be clinically relevant and did not affect the dosage required to treat hypertension.

No evidence for a susceptibility locus predisposing to manic depression in the region of the dopamine (D2) receptor gene

Recent reports of cytogenetic abnormalities linked to psychiatric illness and the localisations of the genes for the dopamine (D2) receptor and tyrosinase on the long arm of chromosome 11 have suggested that susceptibility loci for schizophrenia and manic depression might be situated in this region. We could find no evidence for linkage in five Icelandic pedigrees between manic depression and markers in this region, and we have excluded candidate genes coding for the D2 receptor and tyrosinase. We conclude that mutations at loci in this region are not a common cause of manic depression in the population studied.

Idiopathic myelofibrosis: dental treatment considerations

Idiopathic myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative disorder of unknown origin. The bone marrow becomes fibrotic with an associated decrease in hematopoiesis resulting in anemia, bleeding problems, splenomegaly, and other secondary abnormalities. Although idiopathic myelofibrosis is usually diagnosed in middle age, there have been a few reports of the disorder in the pediatric population. This case report documents dental treatment considerations in a 6-year-old female with idiopathic myelofibrosis, severe anemia, and abnormal blood coagulation studies. The patient was successfully treated in a hospital after medical consultation, transfusion of packed red blood cells, and administration of prophylactic antibiotics. Local hemostatic measures following multiple extractions of carious teeth controlled bleeding. No postoperative sequelae occurred.

Somatostatin analogues inhibit angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane

The mechanism responsible for alterations in tumor growth following administration of somatostatin analogues is unknown. Somatostatin analogues, SMS 201-995 and RC-160, have demonstrated the potential to inhibit both tumor growth and vascularity, in vivo and in vitro. We hypothesized that SMS and RC-160 inhibit angiogenesis and this inhibition may alter tumor growth. To test this hypothesis, 2 mm methylcellulose disks containing concentrations of SMS 201-995 and RC-160 at 0, 0.5, 2.5, or 50 micrograms per disk, were implanted on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of 6- to 7-day-old shell-less chick embryos. Inhibition of blood vessel growth in the region of the disk was visually assessed 24-36 hr following disk implantation and graded (0-4) based on the radius of the zone of inhibition from the center of the disk. The overall incidence of inhibition for the somatostatin analogues at concentrations of 0.5, 2.5, and 50 micrograms per disk was 13, 56, and 61% for SMS and 27, 49, and 68% for RC-160, respectively. Overall incidence of inhibition for the positive (inhibitory) control was 70.5% and those for buffer (negative) controls were 3-14%. Somatostatin analogues were associated in a dose-related fashion with both a greater percentage of inhibition of blood vessel growth and an increased grade of inhibition. Inhibition of angiogenesis may be a mechanism responsible for the tumor regression observed in vivo following SMS or RC-160 therapy.

Parotitis in a three-year-old

Facial swelling cannot routinely be attributed to dento-alveolar infections until a thorough head, neck and oral examination has been completed. Facial swelling from parotitis is not commonly encountered in the pediatric patient. The purpose of this report was to document a case of unilateral parotid gland infection presumably secondary to traumatic obstruction of Stenson's duct. The parotitis resolved following a course of oral penicillin VK and lemon juice to stimulate salivary flow. Several parotid gland disorders which involve facial swelling were discussed.

Traumatic avulsion of the mandibular right primary lateral incisor and cuspid

Premature loss of the primary mandibular cuspid has been considered rare. When this occurs, however, space maintenance should be considered to prevent distal drifting of the lateral incisor. The purpose of this case report was to document traumatic avulsion of the mandibular right lateral and cuspid. A lingual arch appliance with a spur was fabricated to maintain space and prevent movement of the mandibular incisors. Sequelae of premature loss of primary teeth is presented.

Impacts associated with special care units in long-term care facilities

This study is a comprehensive, longitudinal assessment of the characteristics of special care patients. Demented patients in special care units (SCUs) within four nursing homes were compared with their demented counterparts in the same facilities who were not placed in SCUs. Results of this preliminary study suggest that the two groups differ in level of cognitive impairment, in behavior, and in functional and physical status. No deleterious or beneficial effects were associated with SCU residence during a 6-month period.

Bopindolol for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris--a clinical study of the relationship between dose and effect

Following a 4-week placebo period, 19 patients (12 male, average age 62.3 years) with chronic stable angina pectoris and a positive exercise test were treated with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists bopindolol at increasing doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg, each being given once daily for 4 weeks. For the final 4 weeks of the study, active treatment was replaced by placebo. Maximum tolerated exercise (bicycle ergometry, performed 24 h after drug administration) increased dose-dependently from 519 +/- 59 s (baseline) to 758 +/- 95 s with 2 mg (p less than 0.001) and fell again to 508 +/- 48 s (placebo). The frequency of anginal attacks also fell dose-dependently from an average of 5.4 per week (baseline) to 0.5 with 2 mg (p less than 0.001) and rose again to 5.1 per week when active treatment was stopped.

One-year follow-up results of the 1985-1986 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty Registry

In 1,801 patients in the 1985-1986 Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty Registry, overall 1-year mortality was 3.2%, the 1-year myocardial infarction rate was 7.2%, and the 1-year coronary artery bypass surgery rate was 13.2%. In the 78% of the cohort with all lesions successfully dilated and without major procedural complications (successful patients), the corresponding rates were 1.9%, 2.6%, and 6.4%. Nearly 20% of all deaths, 40% of all infarctions, and 25% of all bypass operations occurred in the small subset of patients (6.8%) who sustained periprocedural occlusion. Event rates were higher in patients with multivessel disease than in those with one-vessel disease. At 1 year, angina-free status was reported by approximately three fourths of all surviving patients, regardless of initial success. However, compared with successful patients, unsuccessful patients underwent intervening bypass surgery (42% vs. 6%) to achieve asymptomatic status more frequently. Comparison of the 1-year event rates in the 1985-1986 registry with those in the 1977-1981 registry indicated reductions in all major untoward events. These reductions became apparent after controlling for the more extensive disease of the 1985-1986 registry patients. In contrast, use of repeat angioplasty has increased by 50%. We conclude that the improved initial results reported in the 1985-1986 registry cohort were maintained at 1-year follow-up.

Informal versus formal supports for impaired elderly people: determinants of choice on Israeli kibbutzim

Among 269 functionally impaired elderly people residing on 53 Israeli kibbutzim, those cared for principally by informal caregivers were compared with those cared for principally by formal caregivers. The major findings were that the variables differentiating between primary reliance on formal versus informal care are similar to those that have been found in other studies, and that the availability of formal resources was not accompanied by withdrawal of informal supports.

Factors relating to institutional risk among elderly members of Israeli kibbutzim

Characteristics of 269 functionally impaired elderly persons and their primary caregivers were examined in relation to long-term care planning. Contrary to expectation, there were no differences in rates of institutional risk between those elderly residents of Israeli kibbutzim cared for primarily by formal caregivers and cared for by informal caregivers. Lack of informal caregivers emerged as an important risk factor for institutional risk, even in the service-rich environment of kibbutzim.

The physical well-being of old homeless men

This study addressed a variety of issues related to the etiology, prevalence, and treatment of physical disorders among aging homeless men. The sample consisted of 195 nonstreet dwellers (177 residing in flophouses, 18 in apartments) and 86 street dwellers on the Bowery in New York City. The sample comprised men aged 50 and older. Bowery men scored worse than an aged-matched sample of community men on all physical health scales, with the greatest differences occurring in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, edema, hearing, hypertension, and ambulatory scales. Frequency of visits to doctors by the Bowery men was comparable to that of the community men, and the Bowery men rated their health substantially better than did their counterparts of two decades ago. Poor physical health often appeared to antedate arrival on the Bowery. However, a hierarchical regression analysis identified several variables--stress, unfulfilled needs, being relatively young, institutional/agency contacts--that were associated with current levels of poor health. Identification of these variables pointed to areas that warrant closer attention by clinicians and service providers.

The mental health of old homeless men

The recent focus on the young homeless mentally ill has diverted attention from other subgroups of the homeless, particularly the aging, who compose one fourth of the homeless population. A total of 86 street-dwelling and 195 non-street-dwelling (177 flophouse-, 18 apartment-dwelling) men aged 50 and older on the Bowery in New York City were studied. Although 23% evidenced psychosis or had prior psychiatric hospitalization (PPH group), depression was more prevalent with one third of all men categorized as clinically depressed. Only 5% evidenced gross organic mental disease. Several groups were identified for intervention because of their increased susceptibility to depression: alcoholics, relatively younger men, those with organic mental symptoms, street men. With respect to the PPH men, they did not appear to be distinct from the other homeless men on various social and health indices, although they differed substantially from age-matched community men. Thus these men must be viewed as homeless first, and in addition, as having the handicap of mental illness. Contrary to the popular stereotype, there was no evidence of widespread isolation among the PPH men, and despite their disturbances, most showed an adequate capacity for survival.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in 1985-1986 and 1977-1981. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Registry

In August 1985, the Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty Registry of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reopened at its previous sites to document changes in angioplasty strategy and outcome. The new registry entered 1802 consecutive patients who had not had a myocardial infarction in the 10 days before angioplasty. Patient selection, technical outcome, and short-term major complications were compared with those of the 1977 to 1981 registry cohort. The new-registry patients were older and had a significantly higher proportion of multivessel disease (53 vs. 25 percent, P less than 0.001), poor left ventricular function (19 vs. 8 percent, P less than 0.001), previous myocardial infarction (37 vs. 21 percent, P less than 0.001), and previous coronary bypass surgery (13 vs. 9 percent, P less than 0.01). The new-registry cohort also had more complex coronary lesions, and angioplasty attempts in these patients involved more multivessel procedures. Despite these differences, the in-hospital outcome in the new cohort was better. Angiographic success rates according to lesion increased from 67 to 88 percent (P less than 0.001), and overall success rates (measured as a reduction of at least 20 percent in all lesions attempted, without death, myocardial infarction, or coronary bypass surgery) increased from 61 to 78 percent (P less than 0.001). In-hospital mortality for the new cohort was 1 percent, and the nonfatal myocardial infarction rate was 4.3 percent. Both rates are similar to those for the old registry. The long-term efficacy of current angioplasty remains to be determined.

Respiratory pattern at hospital discharge in asymptomatic preterm infants

Pneumogram (PG) recordings were performed in 87 very low birthweight (VLBW) asymptomatic infants just prior to hospital discharge to determine the relationships between: 1) a prior history of apnea of prematurity (AOP) and cardiorespiratory pattern; and 2) cardiorespiratory pattern at hospital discharge and postconceptional age. Apnea density (A6/D%) and longest apnea were significantly greater in those with (n = 66), versus without (n = 21) a prior history of AOP (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.01, respectively). Although PG values for the 21 VLBW infants without a prior history of AOP did not differ significantly from those of full-term infants, for the 66 VLBW infants with a prior AOP history A6/D% (P less than 0.01), episodes of periodic breathing (P less than 0.05) and longest apnea (P less than 0.001) were significantly greater compared with full-term infants. Postconceptional age was significantly less in the VLBW infants with A6/D% values above, compared with those within the 95th percentile for normal infants (median age, 36 and 37.5 weeks; P = 0.01). Therefore, respiratory pattern abnormalities in asymptomatic VLBW infants ready for hospital discharge are related to a prior history of AOP and may be significantly higher than in full-term infants at the postconceptional ages at which hospital discharge now tends to occur.

Expression of opioid peptides in tumors

We looked for opioid peptides and their precursors in 108 tumors of both neuroendocrine and nonneuroendocrine origin, using a monoclonal "pan-opioid" antibody, 3-E7, which recognizes the tetrapeptide Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe (the sequence responsible for pharmacologic activity in all known opioid peptides), in conjunction with polyclonal antibodies directed against representative peptides of each of the three precursors (alpha-endorphin, [met]enkephalin-Arg-Gly-Leu, and dynorphin B). Using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique, we observed consistent cytoplasmic immunoreactivity (at least focally) in all of 15 adrenal pheochromocytomas, all of 6 thyroid medullary carcinomas, and all of 5 pituitary adenomas. Opioid staining was also observed in parathyroid adenomas (8 of 9), pancreatic islet-cell tumors (7 of 10), carcinoid tumors from various sites (18 of 26), and paragangliomas (1 of 2). There was no immunoreactivity in pulmonary small-cell carcinomas, Merkel-cell tumors of skin, neuroblastomas, or any of the non-neuroendocrine tumors examined. The expression of alpha-endorphin, [met]enkephalin-Arg-Gly-Leu, and dynorphin B varied from tumor to tumor; however, positive staining with the "pan-opioid" antibody was found in each tumor containing at least one of the three precursors. Opioid peptide immunoreactivity was also detected in non-neoplastic cells of the adrenal medulla, pancreatic islets, pituitary, intestinal and bronchial mucosa, and intestinal myenteric plexuses. We conclude that opioid expression within tumors is most likely due to enhanced expression of a normal cell product and that opioid peptides are useful markers of neuroendocrine differentiation in many tumors.

Social networks and mortality in an inner-city elderly population

The authors address some of the methodological problems found in earlier investigations of the relationship between social networks and mortality. Of particular concern was the use of rudimentary measures of social interaction in previous work. Utilizing nineteen social network variables, the authors examined 155 elderly residents of midtown Manhattan single-room occupancy hotels. On three-year follow-up, twenty-eight persons had died. Discriminant function analysis indicated that ten of nineteen network variables were relatively strong discriminators between survivors and non-survivors (i.e., standardized coefficient of .20 or greater). The network variables cut across all categories of social interaction, thereby revealing why, despite the few network variables used in previous studies, nearly all had been significant.

Social networks, stress, adaptation, and health. A longitudinal study of an inner-city elderly population

In this study, utilizing 19 social network variables and 3 outcome measures (need fulfillment, psychological symptoms, and physical symptoms), we follow 133 elderly residents of mid-Manhatten hotels for one year. The findings indicate that social networks exert a direct effect on reducing subsequent symptoms and enhancing ability to meet needs. Moreover, social networks trigger a buffering response to stressors in that their ability to reduce symptoms and to promote need fulfillment was greatest among high-stress individuals.

Social networks, stress, and physical health: a longitudinal study of an inner-city elderly population

Research examining the relationship between social networks, stress, and physical symptoms has been limited by rudimentary network measures and the lack of longitudinal data. Using 19 network variables, the authors followed 133 elderly residents of mid-Manhattan hotels for 1 year. The findings indicated that social networks exert a direct effect on reducing subsequent physical symptoms. Moreover, social networks also act to reduce symptoms by buffering the effect of increased levels of stress. Of clinical relevance was the finding that combining knowledge of patients' social networks with their current health status predicts their future health status with an exceedingly high degree of certainty. Consequently, intervention to reinforce a network can be as clinically significant as implementing a medical procedure.

The role of the occupational therapist-work evaluator

This paper presents the role of the occupational therapist as that of a work evaluator who provides services to injured workers. Therapists, by virtue of their professional knowledge, have a frame of reference for work evaluation and understand the factors that interrupt the work process. In work evaluation, the therapist assists the injured worker to develop work readiness and the physical capacities necessary for working productively. This development takes place in a therapeutic milieu where the "worker" role is regained. The role of the occupational therapist-work evaluator includes work-oriented treatment in the acute care setting, job analysis, work tolerance screening, work capacity evaluation, work hardening, and job market reentry management in the work evaluation and community settings.

Significance of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia in stable coronary artery disease: a coronary artery surgery study project

This retrospective study examines the prognostic significance of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who were included in the multicenter patient registry of the Coronary Artery Surgery Study. The population is composed of 1,486 patients selected from 1975 to 1979 and followed an average of 4.3 years. All underwent a standard Bruce exercise test and had CAD by cardiac catheterization at entry. Patients were classified into group I or II depending on whether they had minimal or significant CAD. (Significant CAD was defined as 70% or greater diameter reduction in any major coronary artery or 50% or greater narrowing in the left main artery.) They were further subclassified into groups A or B depending on whether or not they had exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia. Groups IA (16 patients) and IB (229 patients) had similar clinical and angiographic characteristics except for the average ejection fraction (EF), which was 50% for group IA and 64% for group IB (p less than 0.05). Group IIA (130 patients) had a higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarction, a lower mean EF and a higher proportion of patients with at least 2 coronary arteries significantly narrowed than group IIB (1,111 patients). The 5-year event-free survival was not influenced by the presence of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia; it was 76 and 88% in groups IA and IB, respectively (difference not significant), and 71 and 76% in groups IIA and IIB, respectively (difference not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The isolation, propagation and characterization of tissue-cultured equine rotaviruses

From 105 field cases of diarrhea in neonatal or young foals, rotavirus was detected by electron microscopy (EM) and/or by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the feces of 65 foals on 16 different premises. ELISA was performed with Rotazyme test kits developed by Abbot and Company for the detection of rotaviruses. Twenty-four field isolates from the feces of diarrheic foals with equine rotavirus infection as ascertained by EM were placed in MA-104 cell cultures after pretreatment of the viral suspension with 10 micrograms ml-1 of trypsin and incorporation of 0.5 micrograms ml-1 or 1 microgram ml-1 of trypsin in Earle's minimal essential medium (MEM), 2% lactalbumen hydrolysate, and antibiotics. The isolates that replicated in cell culture produced varying degrees of cytopathic effect. After the 24 isolates had been transferred 5 or 7 times in cell culture, viral particles were observed in 17 by EM, and 22 had positive ELISA tests as determined by visual color chart and spectrophotometric readings. Concentrated tissue-cultured viral antigen of 9 isolates fixed complement using Nebraska calf diarrhea rotavirus calf antiserum while four isolates gave negative results. The same 13 tissue-cultured viral suspensions failed to fix complement using reovirus antiserum. The 9th passages of two isolates (EID1 and EID2) yielded titers of 10(4.45) ml-1 TCID50 and of 10(4.95) ml-1 TCID50, respectively, as measured by cytopathic effect. After 13 tissue-cultured passages, 2 other isolates, EID3 and EID4, each had titers of 10(6.2) ml-1 TCID50 and of 10(5.95) ml-1 TCID, respectively. Cytoplasmic or intranuclear inclusions were not seen in any cells of the MA-104 infected cell cultures. Small, but distinct, plaques in MA-104 cell cultures were produced by the EID1 isolate. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis tests of EID1 and EID2 isolates at the 9th cell passage and EID3 and EID4 isolates at the 13th cell passage each showed that the RNA genome had 11 segments with a migrating pattern that was identical for each isolate and characteristic of rotaviruses. These 4 equine tissue-cultured isolates when tested by ELISA, utilizing a monoclonal antibody serum pool that cross-reacted with many rotavirus isolates, each gave positive values comparable to rotavirus antigen controls.

Effect of thiamin deprivation on the in vitro metabolic activation of benzo(a)pyrene

Feeding a thiamin-deficient diet to male and female rats for 3 weeks alters the mixed function oxidases responsible for metabolizing benzo(a)pyrene and enhances the response of these enzymes to induction by phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. The caloric restriction observed in thiamin deprivation may be partially responsible for the enhanced metabolism in this condition but, as established in pair-feeding studies, was not responsible for the enhanced response to enzyme inducers seen in these animals. The degree of altered response was also seen to depend on the sex of the rat and on the substrate concentration of the incubation mixture.

Sultamicillin in the treatment of gonorrhoea caused by penicillin sensitive and penicillinase producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

A single oral dose of 2 g of sultamicillin and 1 g of probenecid was effective in the treatment of men with uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis caused by both penicillin sensitive strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and penicillinase producing strains of N gonorrhoeae (PPNG). Of 94 infected men who attended for at least one follow up examination, 91 (97%) were cured. The remaining three (3%) patients were still infected at follow up. Two of these patients had been re-exposed to an infected partner and were considered to be possible reinfections, while the third was deemed a treatment failure. Six of the 94 patients were infected with PPNG strains and all were successfully treated. Plasmid analysis of the PPNG strains showed Asian and African types both with and without transfer plasmid.

Differences among black, Hispanic, and white people in knowledge about long-term care services

This article provides data obtained through telephone interviews with 1,608 white, black, Mexican American, or Puerto Rican respondents. The study was designed to measure differences among ethnic groups in knowledge and attitudes toward long-term care services and the extent to which knowledge and attitudes affect service use. Across all groups, there is less knowledge about long-term, community-based care than institutional services. The extent of knowledge about services is limited among all groups, but especially among Puerto Ricans. There are marked differences among groups in attitudes toward services. Minority groups are far more likely to perceive care of the elderly as a family responsibility and to stress the importance of ethnic factors in service delivery. Despite differences among groups, knowledge and attitudes are less directly related to use of services than is activity limitation. This may be because only a very small proportion of the respondents had any experience with service use.

Lobectomy and bronchoplasty for cancer

The experience with lobectomy and bronchoplasty in the management of patients with lung cancer at the University of British Columbia is described for the period 1959 to 1979. Thirty-eight patients underwent resection, the majority for squamous cell carcinoma. The early mortality was 5%. Of 16 patients operated on before 1974, 5 (31%) survived for more than 5 years. Seventeen (44%) of the 38 are still alive at periods of 1 to 10 years after resection.

Properties of the virulent form of a mitomycin C- or temperature-induced thermophilic bacteriophage

A virulent bacteriophage was isolated from lysates of Bacillus stearothermophilus strain NU-10 induced either by treatment with mitomycin C or by shifts in temperature. Optimum conditions for induction, morphology and other properties of the virus are described. Chloroform treatment and shifts in temperature of producer cells released approximately similar amounts of phage as did mitomycin induction, suggesting an effect on release rather than on synthesis of the virus.

Functional characteristics of TG and TnonG cells in a three party MLR

Human peripheral blood T lymphocytes were separated into highly purified Fc gamma receptor-positive (TG) and negative (TnonG) populations. These subgroups were compared with unseparated T cells for their ability to proliferate in response to concanavalin A or allogeneic cells, and to suppress a mixed leukocyte culture reaction (MLR). TG cells fail to vigorously proliferate in response to Con A or irradiated allogeneic cells. Moreover, the response of TnonG populations to Con A and allogeneic cells is enhanced compared with unseparated T cells, suggesting active suppression by TG cells. The suppressive effects of TG cells was confirmed in a 3-party MLR. In contrast, TnonG cells failed to suppress the MLR. However, Con A-activated TnonG cells did suppress the MLR and were as effective as TG cells.

Functional characteristics of TG and TnonG cells in a three party MLR

Human peripheral blood T lymphocytes were separated into highly purified Fc gamma receptor-positive (TG) and negative (TnonG) populations. These subgroups were compared with unseparated T cells for their ability to proliferate in response to concanavalin A or allogeneic cells, and to suppress a mixed leukocyte culture reaction (MLR). TG cells fail to vigorously proliferate in response to Con A or irradiated allogeneic cells. Moreover, the response of TnonG populations to Con A and allogeneic cells is enhanced compared with unseparated T cells, suggesting active suppression by TG cells. The suppressive effects of TG cells was confirmed in a 3-party MLR. In contrast, TnonG cells failed to suppress the MLR. However, Con A-activated TnonG cells did suppress the MLR and were as effective as TG cells.

Dilution effect on serum creatine kinase in carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Dilution of serum before assay consistently increased the activity of serum creatine kinase both in normal female subjects and in carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Studies on proteolytic activity in commercial myoglobin preparations

Commercial myoglobin preparations from horse skeletal muscle degraded casein. The maximum activity was at pH8-8.5. A muscle myofibril preparation was also attacked. The protease could be partly separated from the myoglobin by selective ultrafiltration through a membrane with an exclusion limit of mol.wt. 30000. A greater than 1000-fold purification of the proteolytic activity was achieved by affinity chromatography with soya-bean trypsin inhibitor bound to CM-cellulose. The enzyme preparation hydrolysed p-toluenesulphonyl-l-arginine methyl ester and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-l-tyrosine p-nitrophenyl ester. Its activity was inhibited strongly by soya-bean and ovomucoid trypsin inhibitors, serum and the soluble fraction of muscle homogenates. EDTA, p-chloromercuribenzoate and phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride also caused some inhibition.