Metabolism and motility of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) spermatozoa in the presence or absence of oxygen, glucose and fructose

Sugar consumption by turkey spermatozoa for 1 hr at 37 degrees C was similar in the presence or absence of oxygen, and with glucose or fructose in the medium. Motility of the spermatozoa at the end of the above incubation period was lower under anaerobic than aerobic conditions. Fructose enhanced the oxygen uptake of spermatozoa in comparison with that in the glucose-containing medium. Omission of sugar from the medium depressed respiration but not motility of the spermatozoa. The rate of oxygen uptake by the spermatozoa during a 3-hr incubation period was higher in a 3.3-mM than a 15.0-mM glucose medium. Fructose was formed from glucose under aerobic but not under anaerobic conditions. Fructose originating from glucose was used for fructolysis, when the glucose reserve in the medium was almost exhausted.

Both cholera toxin-induced adenylate cyclase activation and cholera toxin biological activity are inhibited by antibodies against related synthetic peptides

The immune response against six synthetic peptides corresponding to various segments of the B subunit of cholera toxin was evaluated. Conjugates in which the peptides were covalently linked to tetanus toxoid served for immunization of rabbits. As previously reported, four of these conjugates elicited antibodies cross-reactive with intact cholera toxin. We report here that antisera against two of these synthetic peptides inhibit the entire spectrum of activities of the intact cholera toxin. This is manifested both on the biochemical level (adenylate cyclase induction) and on the biological effect (intestinal fluid secretion). These results indicate that these peptides may serve as suitable candidates for preparation of a synthetic anticholera vaccine.

Egg Shell Quality, Medullary Bone Ash, Intestinal Calcium and Phosphorus Absorption, and Calcium-Binding Protein in Phosphorus-Deficient Hens

The effect of dietary phosphorus deficiency on the performance and on various parameters of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D metabolism was studied in laying hens. Phosphorus deficiency resulted in a decline in rate of production and egg weight, probably through appetite depression. The latter, or any secondary calcium deficiency, does not appear to cause the observed reduction in shell quality due to the deficiency. Similar to the response in the chick, phosphorus deficiency resulted in an increase in calcium-binding protein in intestine and kidney, there was no change in the activity of kidney 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3-1-hydroxylase. Percentages of calcium and phosphorus absorption were also higher during phosphorus deficiency. Medullary bone ash, decreased during phosphorus deficiency, was probably due to a reduction in the rate of bone formation.

Calcium metabolism in birds: computer simulation of response to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol

A simulation model of calcium metabolism in the chick has been used to evaluate the response of the systems that regulate plasma calcium to a continuous input of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] from the intestine. The results of simulation showed that the concentration of the vitamin D metabolite in the intestine increased during the first 24 h and thereafter decreased slightly due to suppression of endogenous hormone production. Metabolite accumulation was accompanied by an increase in calcium absorption, with a lag period of about 4 h. Most of the increase in absorbed calcium was excreted in the urine, with a lesser change in net bone calcium uptake. Plasma calcium increased with time, in proportion to the intake of the exogenous hormone. The validity of the predicted steady-state plasma calcium levels, and bone and kidney calcium flows, is discussed. The results of the simulation demonstrate the importance of the vitamin D-intestinal axis in regulation of plasma calcium.

Prolonged granulocytopenia: the major risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with acute leukemia

A case-control study of patients with acute leukemia was done to identify significant risk factors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by reviewing the medical histories of 15 cases of pathologically proven invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and 45 controls. A history of lung or sinus disease, smoking, and multiple recurrences of leukemia did not increase the risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Cases and controls received similar chemotherapeutic regimens, and exposure to aminoglycosides, carbenicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or corticosteroids was not significantly associated with development of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Among the factors tested, only granulocytopenia was associated with development of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Early in the course of granulocytopenia, patients developed signs of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis at a rate of approximately 1% per day. As the duration of granulocytopenia increased, the rate increased, approximating 4.3% per day between the 24th and 36th days. Of the 13 patients remaining granulocytopenic at 28 days, 7 had developed signs of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. For patients with acute leukemia, granulocytopenia persisting longer than three weeks is the major risk factor for developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Effect of pH on the metabolism and fertility of turkey spermatozoa

Oxygen uptake during a 4-h incubation period at 37 degrees C, and the motility of the spermatozoa before and after incubation, increased significantly with increasing pH from 6.3 to 8.8. No interaction between buffer and pH was noticed. In a second series of experiments on the aerobic metabolism of turkey spermatozoa, the effect of the pHs 6.8, 7.3 and 7.8 was studied. Fructose was formed from glucose without regard to the pH of the medium. The glucose consumption, i.e. the glucose disappearance minus fructose formation, the lactic acid accumulation, and the oxidation of glucose and of other substances, were higher, although not always statistically, at pH 7.8 than at pH 6.8. The percentage of fertile eggs during the 3rd week of collection after insemination with fresh semen diluted in the pH 7.8 medium was significantly lower than that with semen diluted in the pH 6.8 or 7.3 media. After 4 h of storage at 15 degrees C, the decrease in the fertility of spermatozoa in the high pH medium was apparent from the 1st week of collection.

Isolation and purification of avian parathyroid hormone using high performance liquid chromatography, and some of its properties

A peptide has been extracted in acetic acid from the parathyroid glands of chicks (Gallus domesticus) raised on a vitamin D-deficient diet. The peptide was purified by gel filtration and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Its degree of purity was ascertained also by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The avian hormone had the same SDS electrophoretic mobility as bovine parathyroid hormone (bPTH) and therefore a similar molecular weight. The avian peptide was lower than bPTH in basic amino acids and considerably higher in glycine. Evidence for the identity of the peptide as avian parathyroid hormone relies on its source, the similarity of its molecular weight to that of bPTH, and its high potency in stimulating cyclic AMP production in kidney cells in vitro and in vivo.

Identification of early relapsing patients with adult acute nonlymphocytic leukemia by bone marrow biopsy after initial induction chemotherapy

Bone marrow biopsies obtained from 69 adult patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) six to 10 days after initial induction chemotherapy were reviewed blindly to detect the presence of residual leukemia. Discrimination between the presence or absence of leukemic cells was provided by assessment of the numbers, clustering, and nuclear morphology of blasts and promyelocytes. Twenty-six patients had frank leukemia, 25 had no apparent leukemic cells, and 18 had focal residual leukemia. Of 25 patients whose bone marrow contained no detectable residual leukemic cells, 21 gained complete remission without further chemotherapy. These patients had a median duration of remission of 278 days, with five patients still remaining in remission for 578-882 days. Similarly, all of the 18 patients who had focal residual leukemia achieved complete remission without additional chemotherapy; however, all have relapsed with a median duration of remission of 163 days. This study indicates that patients with foci of residual leukemia in their one-week posttreatment bone marrow samples readily achieve remission, but carry a substantial leukemic burden that increases the likelihood of early relapse.

The lack of relationships between vitamin D3 metabolites and calcium-binding protein in the eggshell gland of laying birds

The relationship of the metabolism of vitamin D3 and calcium-binding protein (CaBP) to calcium transport by the eggshell gland (ESG) was assessed in chickens. Plasma or ESG 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and ESG CaBP were no different between periods of ESG inactivity and of shell calcification. A severe dietary calcium deficiency resulted in increased kidney 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase activity (542%), plasma and ESG 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations (193 and 274%, respectively), but in decreased ESG CaBP (34%), associated with the production of poorly calcified eggs. Significant correlations were found between 25 hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase, plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and ESG 1,25(OH)2D3, but not between ESG 1,25(OH)2D3 and CaBP. Hens with a low shell density had a significantly lower (55%) ESG CaBP than those with high shell density, without any significant change in ESG 1,25(OH)2D3. Significant correlations were found between ESG CaBP and shell calcium. Total receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 were lower in ESG than in the intestine. The results suggest that CaBP level and calcium transport in the ESG are not regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3.

Intestinal absorption and plasma transport of lipids in chicks and rats

Labelled oleic acid was introduced into the duodenum of chicks in which the pancreatic-duodenal vein and brachial artery had been cannulated, and blood samples were withdrawn. Similar experiments were performed in rats which had not been venously cannulated. In rat plasma, over 92% of the label was found in the triglycerides, whereas in the chick 64% of the label was in the triglycerides and 27-31% in the free fatty acids. In the rat, over 85% of the lipid label circulating in the plasma was found in lipoproteins with hydrated density less than 1.006, whereas in the chick only 25% of the label was in this fraction and the majority of label was found with density greater than 1.063. It thus appears that both release and transport of fatty acids from the intestinal mucosa in chicks differs from the rat.

The amino acid requirements of growing turkeys. 2. Experimental validation of model-calculated requirements for sulfur amino acids and lysine

The response to protein and the requirements for sulfur amino acids and lysine have been evaluated in male turkeys throughout the growth period as an experimental validation of model-calculated requirements (Hurwitz et al., 1983). The sulfur amino acid requirements were 3.4 and 3.1 mg/kcal for 1- and 5-week-old turkeys, respectively. The requirements for lysine were 4.8, 2.7, and 2.2 mg/kcal for 1-, 12-, and 16-week-old turkeys, respectively, which were in close agreement with the model predictions. Dietary protein in diets calculated on the basis of the model was sufficient to maintain maximal growth and feed efficiency. The results were the basis for accepting the general validity of the model-calculated requirements (Hurwitz et al., 1983).

Induced changes in the affinity of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors in chick intestine

The contents of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in plasma and intestinal mucose were increased by dietary calcium and by dietary phosphorus restriction. The concentration of intestinal occupied receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 was higher in calcium-restricted birds. The affinity (association constant) of intestinal receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 was lower in phosphorus-restricted chicks, as compared to control or calcium-restricted chicks. The number of binding sites were not influenced by dietary calcium or phosphorus restriction.

Simulation of calcium homeostasis: modeling and parameter estimation

The system that regulates plasma calcium in the bird has been formalized into a model based on a series of differential equations and solved by computer simulation. Bone, kidney, and intestine have been considered as the control subsystems, with parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol as the regulating hormones. The parameters used in the simulation model have been computed either from published results or by specifically designed experiments described here. For the estimation of parameters, an iterative procedure has been developed that was designed to minimize the sum of square errors between observed and system-simulated values. Parameters of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol metabolism were experimentally obtained from the kinetic behavior of the 3H-labeled hormone in rachitic birds after a single dose. Model parameters have been adjusted using the results of in vivo calcium loading and validated by an EDTA infusion experiment. The simulation model has been used to study the hierarchy of the activities of the three control subsystems and of the regulating hormones, at different calcium intakes. Positive or negative errors in plasma calcium resulted in an asymmetry in the activities of the controlling systems, bone and kidney, whereas the intestine is characterized by its relatively long response time.

The amino acid requirements of growing turkeys. 1. Model construction and parameter estimation

A model has been formulated to calculate the protein and amino acid requirements for growing turkeys. A requirement was taken as the sum of the needs for maintenance, for gain in carcass weight without feathers, and for the feathers. Parameters used in the model were obtained from a study of carcass composition along the growth period and from two balance trials with adult turkeys. The maintenance requirement was considered to be the sum of the needs for replacing skin and intestinal protein losses and for the obligatory creatinine excretion in the urine. Nitrogen retention was determined at 2.3 g/day in protein-fed adult (17 kg) male turkeys as an estimate for the replacement needs for skin protein loss. Creatinine excretion in these birds was 123 mg/day. When fed an N-free diet, 16.5 kg adult turkeys excreted a total of 3.5 g/day amino acids as a result of intestinal losses. The protein requirement for maintenance was estimated at 32 mg/day/g2/3 of body weight by summing up the different needs and dividing by .85, the coefficient of protein absorption. Protein and amino acid analyses of nude carcass and feathers and the growth curve were used to calculate the requirements for growth. These were then related to energy intake predicted by equations, which included previously determined coefficients for maintenance and growth (Hurwitz et al., 1980a), and the results of carcass lipid analysis. The calculated amino acid requirements were similar to those of the National Research Council (1977).

Congenital nevocellular nevus: a review of the treatment controversy and a report of 46 cases

Because congenital nevocellular nevi can be distinguished clinically and histologically from acquired nevi, and because of their apparent increased potential for malignant degeneration, we favor complete one-stage excision of these nevi, regardless of the size of the lesion or the age of the patient, at the earliest opportunity, whenever such surgery is feasible and practical. If there is a question about the clinical diagnosis, a cutaneous punch biopsy can help determine the true nature of the lesion. Significantly, Walton et al. and Rhodes and coworkers found discrepancies in the literature concerning the level of nevus cells in neonates. They concluded that until these differences are reconciled, nevus cells in the deep reticular dermal collagen may be a sufficient, but not a necessary criterion for the diagnosis of congenital melanocytic nevus. We currently favor complete one-stage excision of congenital nevocellular nevi and feel that treatment by tangential excision or dermabrasion require further study. Finally, we present this paper as "advice" not only to the three authors who, in a recent issue of the British Journal of Plastic Surgery, requested it, but also to all clinicians. Hopefully, with time and further study, better criteria will be determined and a more definitive approach to this problem will be established.

Patterns of congenital nevocellular nevi. A histologic study of thirty-eight cases

A series of thirty-eight cases of congenital nevocellular nevi were excised and studied histologically. Depending on the extent of nevoid cell dermal infiltration, four histologic patterns were observed: diffuse or patchy infiltration of the upper dermis alone, or diffuse or patchy infiltration of the upper and deep dermis with nevoid cells in or below the lower one third of the reticular dermis. Nevoid cells extended into the deepest reticular dermis in only 37% of these patients. There was no significant correlation between the four histologic patterns and age, sex, location, or lesion size. Two cases recurred after surgery but none underwent malignant change. The patients who developed recurrent nevi in the surgical site postexcision manifested the diffuse upper and deep dermal pattern of nevoid cell infiltration. We interpret this observation as due to incomplete excision of the primary lesion, reflecting the difficulty of removing congenital nevi with this histologic pattern. We conclude from this study that: (1) congenital nevocellular nevi show at least four typical histologic patterns; (2) the nevoid cells of congenital nevi do not necessarily extend into the deep dermis; and (3) of the four histologic patterns seen in congenital nevi, that one showing diffuse and deep placement of nevoid cells on biopsy requires more aggressive excision to prevent recurrence.

Performance and energy needs of 20-week-old male turkeys at different environmental temperatures

Performance of male 20-week-old B.U.T. turkeys at different environmental temperatures was evaluated. Weight gain was severely depressed by a constant 35 C but was also lower at 27 C than at 10 and 20 C. Feed efficiency hardly changed between 10 and 20 C but was depressed at the higher temperatures. The calculated energy needs for maintenance were only slightly reduced at 20 C compared with 10 C, but they declined continuously with an increase in temperature up to 35 C.

Lung cancer resectability in urban Blacks

Two hundred and eighty-one patients with carcinoma of the lung were seen over a period of 30 months in our unit. All patients were investigated and staged according to the system of the American Joint Committee for Cancer Staging. Patients with stage I or stage II disease were operated upon, but those with stage III disease or with a pre-operative diagnosis of small cell tumour were not considered for surgery. Of the 281 patients evaluated, 83 (29,5%) underwent thoracotomy and 55 (19,6%) resection.