Over-expression and characterization of active recombinant rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase II using baculovirus

The cDNA encoding rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT-II) was heterologously expressed using a recombinant baculovirus/insect cell system. Unlike Escherichia coli, the baculovirus-infected insect cells expressed mostly soluble active recombinant CPT-II (rCPT-II). CPT activity from crude lysates of recombinant baculovirus-infected insect cells was maximal between 50 and 72 h post-infection, with a peak specific activity of 100-200 times that found in the mock- or wild-type-infected control lysates. Milligram quantities (up to 1.8 mg/l of culture) of active rCPT-II were chromatographically purified from large-scale cultures of insect cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus. The rCPT-II was found to be: (1) similar in size to the native rat liver enzyme (approximately 70 kDa) as judged by SDS/PAGE; (2) immunoreactive with a polyclonal serum raised against rat liver CPT-II; and (3) not glycosylated. Kinetic analysis of soluble rCPT-II revealed Km values for carnitine and palmitoyl-CoA of 950 +/- 27 microM and 34 +/- 5.6 microM respectively.

Reconstruction and augmentation patients' reaction to the media coverage of silicone gel-filled implants: anxiety evaluated

Media coverage tends to focus on sensational aspects. Especially prominent are controversial items related to public health and well-being. This research examined the response by breast-reconstruction and breast-augmentation patients to extensive media coverage regarding silicone gel-filled implants. Results of our survey suggested that media coverage influenced these women. Common concerns expressed by respondents included autoimmune disease, capsular contracture, leakage, increased risk of cancer, and anxiety. All respondents used consultation with their physicians as a primary means of coping with anxiety. Anxiety over media coverage led to some hesitancy concerning use of implants by surveyed patients. Patients who experienced difficulty with their reconstruction noted more anxiety associated with media coverage.

Macronuclear gene-sized molecules of hypotrichs

The macronuclear genome of hypotrichous ciliates consists of DNA molecules of gene-sized length. A macronuclear DNA molecule contains a single coding region. We have analyzed the many hypotrich macronuclear DNA sequences sequenced by us and others. No highly conserved promoter sequences nor replication initiation sequences have been identified in the 5' nor in the 3' non-translated regions, suggesting that promoter function in hypotrichs may differ from other eukaryotes. The macronuclear genes are intron-poor; approximately 19% of the genes sequenced to date have one to three introns. Not all macronuclear DNA molecules may be transcribed; some macronuclear molecules may not have any coding function. Codon bias in hypotrichs is different in many respects from other ciliates and from other eukaryotes.

Cloning, sequencing and heterologous expression of a cDNA encoding pigeon liver carnitine acetyltransferase

Two overlapping cDNA clones encoding pigeon liver carnitine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.7) (CAT) were isolated from a pigeon liver lambda gt11 cDNA library by gene amplification using oligonucleotide primers based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme. The two clones, which represent the 5' and 3' ends of the gene, were spliced together to form a single cDNA construct containing the entire coding sequence for CAT, with an in-frame TGA stop codon 42 bases before the first ATG start site and a 3'-untranslated segment of 1057 bases. The largest open reading frame of 1942 nucleotides predicted a polypeptide of 627 amino acids and a molecular mass of 71.1 kDa. The N-terminus and four internal peptides from the amino acid sequence of pigeon breast muscle CAT were identified in the predicted sequence of the liver cDNA clone. The identity of the CAT cDNA was confirmed by heterologous expression of active recombinant CAT (rCAT) in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. Western blots of rCAT from infected insect cell lysates and immunodetection with a rabbit anti-CAT polyclonal serum showed an immunoreactive protein band similar in size to native CAT from pigeon breast muscle. Like the native enzyme, rCAT was capable of acylating carnitine with a preference for small-chain acyl-CoAs of carbon chain lengths C2-C4.

Psychological dimensions of aesthetic surgery: essentials for nurses

With the many technical advancements and increasing frequency of aesthetic surgery, plastic surgical nursing practice is expanding rapidly. Understanding the psychological motivations, profiles, and perioperative expectations of aesthetic surgery patients is essential in helping nurses prepare individuals for optimal perioperative experiences and outcomes.

Titanium metal release after posterior cervical spine plate placement in a canine model

The local tissue concentration of released titanium from Ti-6Al-4V posterior cervical spine plates in canines was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The plates were also evaluated for percentage of surface area damage. The highest titanium levels (> 100 ppm dry weight) and most severe surface damage were associated with screw-plate interfaces. A model to explain the metal release mechanisms was proposed, consisting of a combination of fretting wear, diffusion through the passive oxide layer, and dissolution of this layer.

Psychologic adjustments to reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery carries with it both physical and psychologic manifestations. The plastic surgery nurse must be aware of the functional, physical, and psychologic needs of the patient. This article explores issues associated with body image and psychologic adjustment, as well as nursing intervention for the trauma patient, the patient who has suffered from disease leading to the necessity for reconstructive surgery, patients with congenital defects, and patients undergoing multi-staged reconstruction.

What influences public perceptions of silicone breast implants?

In an effort to determine public attitude regarding breast implants in the wake of what many might consider biased media publicity, surveys of women and men in Milwaukee were made. Questionnaires appropriate to each of four groups [patients with reconstructions (n = 54), mastectomy without reconstruction (n = 14), those with augmentation mammaplasty (n = 26), and the general public (n = 60)] were administered. Some of the findings included the following: Over 98 percent had heard of the controversy; most had received their information from the media, with less than 10 percent referring to a medical journal; only 6 percent felt that the media coverage was objective, while 88 percent felt that the media were biased; almost two-thirds of those in the general population were not aware of any other method of reconstruction; and almost half that same group would have significant hesitancy in having the procedure on themselves or a family member were it indicated. In summary, our findings would substantiate the fact that the media do exert a very significant influence on the public's perception of silicone breast implants. Though most people surveyed generally consider the media biased, they still use them as the primary source for their negative conclusions on the matter. Though the media cannot be viewed as our ally in this matter, we, as a group, might be better served by minimizing conflict, which makes the whole issue less newsworthy.

Catalytically important domains of rat carnitine palmitoyltransferase II as determined by site-directed mutagenesis and chemical modification. Evidence for a critical histidine residue

Rat carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) II was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mitochondrial fractions prepared from the cells displayed high CPT activity and reacted with an antibody to the rat protein on immunoblots, whereas no activity or immunoreactive protein was observed in control cells. The recombinant enzyme was largely membrane associated. Treatment of the expressed protein with diethyl pyrocarbonate, a reagent that modifies histidine residues, abolished CPT activity, but this was completely restored by reversal of the modification with hydroxylamine. It is inferred that a histidine residue plays a critical role in CPT function. Expression and analysis of site-directed mutants of CPT II showed that histidine 372, as well as aspartates 376 and 464 (all conserved throughout the carnitine/choline acyltransferase family), are essential for catalytic activity. The data suggest that the mechanism by which CPT II effects transesterification between palmitoyl-CoA and carnitine possibly involves histidine 372 and one of these aspartate residues, interacting with the carnitine hydroxyl group, in a reaction analogous to that carried out by a histidine/aspartate/serine catalytic triad in certain other enzyme systems. Mutagenic analysis of a region of CPT II that is highly conserved among the carnitine and choline acyltransferases, and which is homologous to the "adenine binding loop" of citrate synthase, implies that it has no similar function in CPT II.

Positive changes and worksite health education

44 of 70 employees attended 7 biweekly sessions during the lunch hour. Assessments of health risk and biometric measurements showed improvement at posttest on exercise, stress awareness, and systolic blood pressure.

Ephemerality and reproductive senescence in avian filarioids

Adult Eulimdana spp (Nemotoda, Filarioidea) of shorebirds (Charodrii formes) produce long-lived, skin-inhabiting microfilariae and then die and are resorbed. The host is thereafter refractory to infection. Pelecitus fulicaeatrae of coots (Fulica americana) also produces long lived, skin-inhabitingmicro filariae, but adult worms become reproductively senescent. Ephemerality of adults in Eulimdana spp and reproductive senescence in P. fulicaeatrae ensure that the skin will not become saturated with microfilariae, large numbers of which would probably be harmful to mallophogan vectors that remain on the host and are continually exposed to micro filariae while feeding. Here Roy C. Anderson and Cheryl M. Bartlett discuss the significance of ephemerality and senescence in the life histories o f avian f filarioids transmitted by permanent ectoparasites.

Metabolism of the plant toxins nitropropionic acid and nitropropanol by ruminal microorganisms

The nitro toxins 3-nitro-1-propionic acid (NPA) and 3-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH), which are found in many leguminous plants, are known to be detoxified by ruminal microorganisms. The rates of the detoxification reactions are critical to acquisition of tolerance to the plants by ruminant animals, but further information is needed about factors which influence reaction rates and about the nature of the detoxification reactions. We found that rates of disappearance of NPA and NPOH varied somewhat between samples of ruminal fluid but were usually about 0.4 and 0.1 mumol/ml of ruminal fluid per h, respectively, and that rates with threefold-concentrated cells from rumen fluid were correspondingly higher. We present evidence that ruminal microbes from both cattle and sheep reduce these nitro groups in situ, so that NPA is converted to bet-alanine and NPOH is converted to 3-amino-1-propanol. These products were identified by thin-layer chromatography and, as their dabsyl derivatives, separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The product beta-alanine was itself metabolized by these mixed suspensions of rumen microbes, so its recovery was always less than what would be estimated from NPA loss, but as much as 87% of the NPOH lost from incubation mixtures was recovered as 3-amino-1-propanol. Addition of sulfide and ferrous ions to suspensions of ruminal microbes increased the rate of NPOH reduction about threefold, but rates of NPA reduction were not similarly increased. When incubations were under hydrogen gas instead of carbon dioxide, the addition of sulfide and ferrous ions led to even greater (five- to eightfold) increases in the rates of NPOH metabolism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Psychological adjustment following work-related hand injury: 18-month follow-up

Severe, work-related hand injuries are often accompanied by a significant number of psychological symptoms that are frequently associated with posttraumatic stress disorders. These symptoms occur in the following four domains of psychological functioning: cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral. This study examined the incidence of a variety of symptoms occurring with work-injured patients. Interviews were conducted at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months after injury. Symptom frequencies were recorded. The results indicate that many of these symptoms were persistent 18 months later and continued to be significantly debilitating. The results support the need for psychological intervention after severe, work-related hand injuries.

1,000 consecutive children with a cardiac malformation with 26- to 37-year follow-up

The current status of 997 of 1,000 consecutive children with a cardiac malformation initially evaluated between 1952 and 1963 was determined. Of the 1000, 285 have died and the survivors have been followed up for periods of 26 to 37 years. Six hundred thirty-two are in excellent or good clinical condition, being asymptomatic and without planned need for further treatment. The other 80 have significant abnormalities, although 63 of these have few symptoms. Infective endocarditis occurred in 12 of 10,000 susceptible patient-years, with a lower rate in the past decade. Only 22 of the survivors are currently receiving cardiac medication. These data are derived from a group of patients initially seen during a period of time that cardiac surgery was being developed for congenital heart disease. Thus, the outlook should be even better for children who are currently undergoing treatment.

Modeling the biomechanics of the mandible: a three-dimensional finite element study

Three-dimensional finite element models of a partially edentulated human mandible were generated to calculate the mechanical response to simulated isometric biting and mastication loads. The level of mesh refinement was established via a convergence test and showed that a model with over 30,000 degrees of freedom was required to obtain analysis accuracy. The functional loading cases included muscle loading based on an algorithm that assigns muscle forces in accordance with muscle cross-sectional area, while maintaining static equilibrium. Results were found for isometric application of unilateral and bilateral bite and mastication loading, and two different sets of displacement boundary conditions were imposed at the condyles. The mechanical response is shown in terms of displacements, principal strains, and a new measure called the 'mechanical intensity scalar'. For each load case studied, there was substantial bending in the molar region of the corpus and high tensile strains in the anterior portion of the ramus.

Measuring the effectiveness of the Star Parenting Program with parents of young children

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the STAR Parenting Program, designed specifically for parents with children between the ages of 1 and 5 yr. The 8-hr. program was completed by 35 parents. There was a significant increase in parents' favorability and a significant decrease in anxiety afterwards. Parents also significantly lowered their expectations, reduced the emotionality of their reactions to their child's problem behaviors, and increased their use of time-out and tangible rewards following training. These changes were maintained at a 6-wk. follow-up.

Worksite health promotion. The benefits of providing personal health status feedback and education programs to employees

Discovering ways to initiate and maintain health related behavior changes is a growing concern to business and industry. This research supports previous data indicating that wellness programs offered at the worksite are significantly beneficial in assisting employees to change behavior. This research did not find significant benefits to the employees who obtained health status information prior to participating in a worksite health program; however, the health assessment tool was informative and may have been adequate to assist in behavior changing activities. Wellness programs are important factors for promoting health related behaviors; failure of this study to support the importance of assessment feedback does not negate the desirability of assessment as an important component of the corporate wellness program.

Success and failure attributions in smoking cessation among men and women

1. Smoking behavior is intermingled with a very complicated array of social and psychological processes which suggests the presence of sociocultural factors that directly influence smoking behavior. 2. Social and cultural factors which distinguish former smokers from smokers indicate that behavioral factors may be related to the ability to successfully stop smoking. 3. Evidence suggests that attributional patterns differ according to gender, with women being more external and employing more luck attributions than men. 4. When attribution and self-efficacy expectations were combined with demographic variables, increased understanding of the cessation process increased and predictive power of success in smoking cessation improved.

A worksite parenting program

With more and more companies offering wellness programs for their employees, it seems reasonable to offer parent training classes to employees as an educational tool and a means of coping with stress. A series of parenting classes was developed using the STAR Parenting Model. The STAR Model teaches parents to stop, think, ask, and respond to their children based on tenets of cognitive behavior management. Classes taught to faculty and staff of the university were well attended and participants indicated that the method positively altered their parenting practices. Parents are challenged by their young children and by their jobs and careers. Parenting education at work may help to ease some employee stress and improve their parenting practices.

Performance of retrieved Kuntscher intramedullary rods: improved corrosion resistance with contemporary material design

Eighteen Kuntscher-type intramedullary rods were obtained after human implantation periods ranging from 1 to 23 years. A clinical evaluation, metallurgical and chemical analyses of each implant were performed. Idiopathic, implant-related pain was the most common reason for removal, but was not related to extent of implant corrosion. When classified as early versus contemporary material compositions, a significant increase in surface corrosion, inclusion content and carbon content were demonstrated in rods made of the earlier composition of stainless steel. Intergranular corrosion was associated with structural design, rather than material microcleanliness or composition. While contemporary intramedullary fracture fixation provides excellent clinical results, the present investigation suggests that the performance of stainless steel implants may be improved through continued refinement of steel composition, careful consideration of structural design and fabrication techniques, and by routine removal of implants at the earliest opportunity.