The role of IVP in blunt trauma

To investigate the role of the IVP, we studied 139 patients with blunt abdominal trauma and hematuria. Multivariate analysis of clinical parameters was utilized in attempt to predict which patients would have abnormal IVP's and which would eventually require genitourinary operation. Thirty-four patients (25%) demonstrated abnormalities on IVP; however, no combination of clinical findings (including degree of hematuria) could reliably predict which patients would have abnormal IVP's. On the other hand, in 90% of the patients, the necessity for genitourinary operation could be reliably predicted based on: presence of blood at the urethral meatus, degree of hematuria, patient age, Injury Severity Score, and number of rib fractures. We conclude that to detect IVP abnormalities, IVP's need to be performed on all blunt trauma patients with hematuria. However, patients likely to have injuries requiring operative repair can be predicted. Those patients unlikely to have genitourinary injury requiring repair, therefore, may have IVP performed on a nonurgent basis.

Stress fractures of the tarsal navicular in long-distance runners

The authors report on a study that attempted to (1) determine anatomic variations that predispose runners to tarsal navicular stress fractures; (2) study that loading responses of runners with stress fractures and of uninjured runners; (3) study the mechanical factors and biomechanics of the foot during running; (4) define a population at risk for developing stress fractures; and (5) propose an alteration in footwear that may reduce the force across the talonavicular joint.

Transformations of maps to investigate clusters of disease

An approach is presented to display and analyze epidemiologic data using population density equalized maps (cartograms). The algorithm for generating these maps is discussed. A specific method for statistically analyzing plotted data is given, followed by an application of maps and analysis to 73 sets of age-, race-, sex-, and site-specific cancer incidence data. The data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results project for San Francisco City/County (1978-1981) and combined with 1980 U.S. Census data.

The influence of incorporated and adsorbed fluoride on the dissolution of powdered and pelletized hydroxyapatite in fluoridated and non-fluoridated acid buffers

The effects of fluoride (F) incorporated into hydroxyapatite (HA), adsorbed onto the HA surface, and fluoride in solution were studied during HA dissolution. Dissolution rates at pH 5.0 and 25 degrees C were determined in fluoridated (0.1, 5.0 micrograms/mL) and non-fluoridated buffers for the following powdered and pelletized synthesized HAs: non-fluoridated HA, partially-fluoridated (100, 1000, 37,000 micrograms/g) HA, and surface-adsorbed fluoridated (100, 1000 micrograms/g) HA. The dissolution rate curves were used to derive two components we have called 'diffusion' and 'surface chemical reactivity'. With powders, the rate-determining factor was surface chemical reactivity during the first 60 min. Diffusion was reduced by increasing the F levels in the apatite or buffer. In non-fluoridated buffers, diffusion was reduced 29% for apatite with 100 micrograms/g incorporated F and 99% with 37,000 micrograms/g. Diffusion was reduced by 37% and 81% by 0.1 and 5.0 micrograms/mL F, respectively, in the buffer. With pelletized HA, the rate-determining factor during the first 10 min was surface chemical reactivity. Diffusion then became relatively more important, but the diffusion rate was independent of F content. During the dissolution of powdered apatites, F was taken up by the remaining apatite solid, as evidenced by the lower F concentration in solution than that calculated to be released during dissolution. There was also a decrease in the F concentration of the 0.1 microgram/mL buffer as reaction progressed. Pelletized apatites did not release enough F to influence dissolution significantly. Surface-adsorbed F was more effective than incorporated F in reducing HA dissolution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cold provocation test results from a 1985 survey of hard-rock miners in Ontario

A total of 143 miners, 6 ex-miners, and 42 referents from five mines in northern Ontario were examined with a cold provocation test. The skin temperatures, measured by thermocouples at the tips of the fingers and thumbs were recorded at 5-s intervals throughout the immersion in cold water (10 degrees C) for 10 min and during the recovery period. The finger skin temperature was followed until 99% recovery had occurred as compared to the starting temperature. For the referents and the vibration-exposed subjects, the results by separate stage of the Taylor-Pelmear scale for hand-arm vibration syndrome were compared. There were statistically significant differences in the mean finger temperature at the 50, 75, 90, and 95% recovery times between stages 0, 0T/0N, and stages 1 through 3 combined, as well as significant differences between stages 1, 2, and 3. The mean temperature at 10 min and the mean hyperemia temperature for eight fingers combined were compared between the miners and referents. There were significant differences in the mean temperature at 10 min and in the hyperemia temperature between the referents and miners in stage 0T/0N, as well as between the referents and the miners in stages 1 through 3 combined. For the worst finger (defined as that with the lowest temperature at 10 min) there was an increasing trend towards a lower hyperemia temperature and delay in recovery time from stage 0 to stages 2 and 3 combined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gradient acrylamide/agarose gels for electrophoretic separation of intact human very low density lipoproteins, intermediate density lipoproteins, lipoprotein a, and low density lipoproteins

An exponential gradient gel with 0-10% acrylamide and 0.5% agarose was developed for electrophoresis of intact high molecular weight lipoproteins. This system resolves very low density lipoproteins, intermediate density lipoproteins, lipoprotein a, and low density lipoproteins in a size-dependent fashion. The characteristic relative mobility of these species can be determined in relation to protein and colloidal gold reference materials. Electron microscopy of selected lipoprotein fractions confirmed that relative mobility was related to apparent lipoprotein diameter. The composite gel medium can be used with prestained lipoproteins and permits immunoelectroblotting for qualitative analysis of apolipoprotein constituents.

Biogenesis of very-low-density lipoproteins in rat liver. Intracellular distribution of apolipoprotein B

The hepatic subcellular distribution of apolipoprotein B (apo B) was studied quantitatively by using an enzyme immunoassay developed for apo B and by immunoadsorption-precipitation of [3H]leucine-labelled apo B. Over 50% (of 0.59 microgram/mg protein) of the apo B was located in the microsomal fraction. Further subfractionation of the microsomes revealed that 47% of the microsomal apo B was in the Golgi apparatus, while another 43% was associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum accounted for only 4% of the total. When rat livers were labelled with [3H]leucine for 10 min, the rough endoplasmic reticulum accounted for 80% of the total immunoadsorbed precipitable apo B radioactivity while the smooth accounted for 20%, with no contribution from the Golgi. However, only 8.7% of the total radioactive immunoadsorbed precipitable apo B was lipoprotein-associated, the remainder being membrane-bound. Lipoprotein-associated apo B radioactivity in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum accounted for 40%, with the rough contribution attributed at 50% and the Golgi at 9%. We concluded that (a) there are two major pools of apo B in rat liver microsomes; (b) although the apo B mass may be negligible in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, the latter does play a role in lipoprotein biogenesis. The possible function of apo B associated with membranes of the microsomes is also discussed.

Immunological heterogeneity of rat apolipoprotein B epitope expression. A study using monoclonal antibodies to rat apolipoprotein B

Epitope expression of rat apolipoprotein B on lipoproteins was investigated with the help of six monoclonal antibodies produced from mice. Through a variety of techniques, which include cotitrations, ELISAs and quantitative immunoadsorption precipitation, we concluded that the six monoclonal antibodies recognize five different epitopes. LRB 110 and LRB 260 recognize epitopes that may be overlapping. LRB 240 and LRB 250 recognize epitopes that are preferentially expressed in triacylglycerol-rich particles. LRB 220 recognizes an epitope that is expressed by all apolipoprotein-B-containing lipoproteins. We have also determined that apolipoprotein B epitope expression in rat lipoproteins is very similar to its human counterpart. Both rat and human apolipoprotein B epitope expression on lipoproteins showed heterogeneities even in homologous lipoprotein preparations. We concluded that a variety of techniques are necessary to fully characterize monoclonal antibodies to apolipoproteins. The possible implications of epitope expression in pathophysiology are also discussed.

Calmodulin and calbindin D28K in Alzheimer disease

The calcium binding proteins, calmodulin and calbindin D28K, were measured by radioimmunoassay in cerebral cortex from brains with degenerative brain diseases associated with dementia. Samples were obtained from 17 normal control brains, 18 Alzheimer affected brains, and 15 brains of patients who died of a dementia process other than Alzheimer disease. Calmodulin content in the non-Alzheimer group was not significantly different from control. However, in the Alzheimer group, frontal, temporal, parietal cortex, and subjacent white matter calmodulin content was significantly reduced (66% of that found in the other 2 groups). Calmodulin extracted from temporal cortex also demonstrated reduced efficacy as an activator of 3',5' cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Calbindin D28K was reduced both in Alzheimer and non-Alzheimer dementia brains. Reduced concentrations of these important proteins may affect calcium homeostasis and the regulation of a large number of calcium mediated brain functions.

Lepromin-induced suppressor cells in lepromatous leprosy

The presence or absence of suppressor cells in leprosy patients was investigated by measuring peripheral blood lepromin-induced suppression of the Con A response. Significant suppressor activity was measured in 15 of 15 untreated or recently treated patients with lepromatous leprosy and 3 of 5 patients with borderline lepromatous leprosy. In addition, in patients with lepromatous leprosy, suppressor cell activity was found in 10 of 14 patients that had been under treatment for more than 1 year but in only 2 of 27 patients who had active or thalidomide controlled erythema nodosum leprosum. Suppression was observed in only 5 of 29 tuberculoid leprosy patients, 1 of 6 patient contacts, and 0 of 11 normal controls. The differences between the lepromatous or borderline lepromatous group as compared with the tuberculoid group were statistically significant (P less than 0.001). Our findings confirm the presence of lepromin-triggered suppressor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with lepromatous leprosy. These suppressor cells may contribute to the selective unresponsiveness of lepromatous patients to the antigens of Mycobacterium leprae.

Excretion of cyclosporine and its metabolites in human bile

Quantitative and qualitative studies of cyclosporine and its metabolites were performed on human bile from liver transplant and liver disease patients. The concentration of CsA in bile is higher in patients with normal liver function than in those with poor liver function but in neither case could account for more than 2% of an absorbed dose of CsA. Although concentrations of CsA plus metabolites in bile measured by RIA were 18 to 36 times higher than HPLC concentrations, they accounted for less than 50% of an absorbed CsA dose. By means of mass spectrometry and HPLC retention times of known metabolites, peaks equivalent to the previously isolated CsA M8, M13, M17, M1, M18, and M21 of Maurer et al were found in the ether extracts of bile. Future studies should not only concentrate on the pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of the metabolites but should also accurately quantitate these compounds in blood, plasma, urine, and bile.

Effect of cyclosporine A in erythema nodosum leprosum

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a reactional state of lepromatous leprosy in which the loss of suppressor cell function, decrease in suppressor cell numbers, and increase of interleukin 2 production are observed. We reasoned that cyclosporine A (CsA), by opposing these immune responses, could suppress the ENL reaction and restore patients to the quiescent lepromatous state. We tested this hypothesis in vitro by measuring the effect of CsA on M. leprae-triggered suppressor cells. In 24 of 25 patients with ENL, suppressor cell activity was restored by CsA. The target of CsA appeared to be macrophages. These findings are significant in that they provide the first evidence for the potential efficacy of CsA in the treatment of ENL. Preliminary clinical trials indicate a beneficial therapeutic effect associated with increased T suppressor cells in lesions.

Effect of cyclosporine A in erythema nodosum leprosum

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a reactional state of lepromatous leprosy in which the loss of suppressor cell function, decrease in suppressor cell numbers, and increase of interleukin 2 production are observed. We reasoned that cyclosporine A (CsA), by opposing these immune responses, could suppress the ENL reaction and restore patients to the quiescent lepromatous state. We tested this hypothesis in vitro by measuring the effect of CsA on M. leprae-triggered suppressor cells. In 24 of 25 patients with ENL, suppressor cell activity was restored by CsA. The target of CsA appeared to be macrophages. These findings are significant in that they provide the first evidence for the potential efficacy of CsA in the treatment of ENL. Preliminary clinical trials indicate a beneficial therapeutic effect associated with increased T suppressor cells in lesions.

Suppressor T lymphocytes from lepromatous leprosy skin lesions

The immune response in leprosy forms a spectrum with lepromatous leprosy patients exhibiting specific unresponsiveness to antigens of Mycobacterium leprae. This unresponsiveness is thought to be related to the prevalence of T8-positive lymphocyte in these lepromatous lesions. To analyze the immunoregulatory function of these T8 cells, we developed simple procedures to extract lymphocytes from skin biopsy specimens of patients with leprosy. These lymphocytes were sorted for T8 and T4 positive cells, and cell lines were established by expansion with interleukin 2 (IL 2) and irradiated feeder cells. All T8 positive lines tested were positive for IL 2 receptors and HLA-DR determinants. These lines were additionally assayed for lepromin-induced suppression of the normal peripheral blood lymphocyte Con A proliferative response. Thirteen of 32 lines from six lepromatous patients showed significant suppressor activity, whereas nine lines from six tuberculoid patients and one line from normal peripheral blood failed to show suppression (p less than 0.001). Taken together, the finding of M. leprae-triggered suppressor cells within lepromatous skin lesions may in part explain the M. leprae unresponsiveness of lepromatous leprosy patients.

Change in degree of type 1 piliation of Escherichia coli during experimental peritonitis in the mouse

To determine whether expression of type 1 pili varies during the course of Escherichia coli infection in vivo, mice were injected intraperitoneally with 5 X 10(7) CFU of piliated or nonpiliated phase variants per ml, and the degree of piliation was measured in peritoneal exudate by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition method. In the animals challenged with the piliated bacteria, the numbers of organisms increased a log over 9 h and the amount of pilus antigen decreased from 3 to 0.075 micrograms/10 bacteria. After a 4-h delay, nonpiliated bacteria also increased by one log over 9 h; however, the amount of piliation remained virtually undetectable. Piliated E. coli were more virulent than nonpiliated variants in this model (50% lethal dose of 7.5 X 10(6) versus 3 X 10(7), respectively). The difference was significantly reduced by prior passive immunization with rabbit serum containing high titers of antipili antibody. Piliated bacteria adhered in significantly greater numbers to isolated mouse peritoneal membranes than did nonpiliated variants (15,400 +/- 2,700 versus 1,300 +/- 700 bacteria/mm2, respectively; P = 0.05). Adherence was inhibited by the presence of 0.1 M alpha methyl mannose (1,500 +/- 1,800 bacteria/mm2, P = 0.01). These results confirm the results of previous qualitative studies showing that phase variation of type 1 pili occurs in vivo and suggest that these pili may confer an initial advantage for growth of E. coli in the peritoneal cavity, presumably by fostering colonization of the peritoneal serosal surface.

Suppressor T lymphocytes from lepromatous leprosy skin lesions

The immune response in leprosy forms a spectrum with lepromatous leprosy patients exhibiting specific unresponsiveness to antigens of Mycobacterium leprae. This unresponsiveness is thought to be related to the prevalence of T8-positive lymphocyte in these lepromatous lesions. To analyze the immunoregulatory function of these T8 cells, we developed simple procedures to extract lymphocytes from skin biopsy specimens of patients with leprosy. These lymphocytes were sorted for T8 and T4 positive cells, and cell lines were established by expansion with interleukin 2 (IL 2) and irradiated feeder cells. All T8 positive lines tested were positive for IL 2 receptors and HLA-DR determinants. These lines were additionally assayed for lepromin-induced suppression of the normal peripheral blood lymphocyte Con A proliferative response. Thirteen of 32 lines from six lepromatous patients showed significant suppressor activity, whereas nine lines from six tuberculoid patients and one line from normal peripheral blood failed to show suppression (p less than 0.001). Taken together, the finding of M. leprae-triggered suppressor cells within lepromatous skin lesions may in part explain the M. leprae unresponsiveness of lepromatous leprosy patients.

Characterization of messenger RNA from the cerebral cortex of control and Alzheimer-afflicted brain

A detailed comparative study of RNA transcripts isolated from the neocortex of control and Alzheimer postmortem brains was made to determine whether morphological changes in the chromatin of Alzheimer neurons and glia, which we reported earlier, are accompanied by changes in the products of transcription. A number of parameters were determined including the yields of total and mRNA per gram of tissue, the relative proportions of polyadenylated [poly(A)+] mRNA in the total RNA, the size distribution of the transcripts and the length of their poly(A) tails, and the nature of their in vitro translation products. The levels of endogenous RNase activity were also measured. The effect of the agonal process on the transcript complement was examined by Northern blotting of a cloned human heat-shock cDNA to total human brain RNA. Our results reveal that the yields of total RNA, unadenylated mRNA, and poly(A) tail lengths from Alzheimer neocortex samples do not differ significantly from those of control and non-Alzheimer dementia neocortex. On the other hand we find a significant reduction in the levels and proportion of poly(A)+ mRNA in the Alzheimer samples as compared to control brain samples. Quantitative rather than qualitative differences were observed in the in vitro translation products when programmed with control and Alzheimer mRNA. No differences were found in the levels of RNase activity between control and Alzheimer samples. Heat-shock mRNA transcripts were detected in brain samples from patients in whom fever was associated with death. The direct correlation of reduced poly(A)+ mRNA and chromatin condensation in Alzheimer neocortex suggests a cause-and-effect relationship. Whether all transcribed genes are affected or only a specific subset has yet to be determined.

The role of serum isoamylase and lipase determinations in clinical practice

To determine the clinical utility of routine determination of serum isoamylase (pancreatic/salivary) and/or lipase activity, sera were tested from 109 consecutive patients with elevated total serum amylase. Without knowledge of the isoamylase and lipase results, an assessment was made of the confidence with which the attending medical staff had made or excluded a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The attending staff had considered acute pancreatitis to be probable in 78, possible in 12 and unlikely in 19 patients. The confidence of the clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was directly related to the degree of elevation of the serum total amylase: (mean IU/l +/- s.e.m.) probable pancreatitis 1807 +/- 313, possible pancreatitis 680 +/- 74, pancreatitis unlikely 493 +/- 50. Pancreatic isoamylase was elevated in 97% of patients with probable pancreatitis, 92% with possible pancreatitis and 68% in whom pancreatitis had been considered unlikely. Lipase elevations generally parallelled these results. Although gall-stones were usually sought among patients with probable pancreatitis, they were rarely sought in patients in the other categories. In conclusion, amylase isoenzyme or lipase determinations add little information in cases of clinically suspected acute pancreatitis with marked hyperamylasemia. The tests may have a role in the evaluation of patients with clinically unexplained hyperamylasemia by defining more precisely the origin of the amylase.

Mutant allele frequencies in cats of Minneapolis-St. Paul

Coat color phenotype frequencies were determined in the cat population of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mutant allele frequencies are estimated to be p (O) = 0.287, q(a) = 0.742, q(d) = 0.635, q(l) = 0.507, p(S) = 0.288. q(tb) = 0.472, p(W) = 0.016, and q(cs) = 0.214. A substantial number of cats displaying the Siamese coat pattern were found. These cats have a long history in the population.

Counterion distribution around DNA: variation with conformation and sequence

The three-dimensional Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the distribution of counterion charge density around double helical DNA has been solved by an iterative procedure. These computations have been performed for 0.01M monovalent salt solutions. A systematic study of the ten possible sequences found among adjacent nucleotide base pairs is presented for the A, B, and C conformations of DNA. In addition, calculations of the electrostatic stabilities of these conformations of DNA allows for comparison of the charge accumulation around each of the three conformers.

The effects of aerobic conditioning and/or caloric restriction in overweight men and women

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of exercise and/or caloric restriction for 12 wk on body composition, maximal aerobic power (VO2max), and serum lipids and lipoproteins in overweight individuals. Forty-eight males and 48 females (means age = 36.6 yr), 120-140% of ideal body weight, were randomly assigned to groups (N = 12 each) of diet-exercise (DE), diet (D), exercise (E), and sedentary control (C). The dietary regimen consisted of 1,200 kcal X d-1, while exercise consisted of 5 d X wk-1 of 30 min of walk/running. For the males, body weight (BW) and fat weight loss in the DE group (-11.8 and 23%, respectively) were significantly greater than in the D group (-9.1 and -18%), with both groups significantly greater than for E and C. In the females, BW and fat weight loss for DE (-10.4 and -24%) were significantly greater than for D (-7.8 and -20%), with both groups significantly greater than E and C. Both DE and D males and females had a decrease in fat-free weight of -4.5 and -2.4%, respectively. In both sexes, the increase in VO2max-BW (ml X kg -1 X min-1) in DE (25%) was significantly greater than for E (15%), D (11%), and C (0%), with differences between E and D nonsignificant. However, increases in absolute VO2max (1 X min-1) and VO2max-fat-free weight (ml X kg-1 X min-1) were similar (P greater than 0.05) for DE and E (14%) but significantly greater compared to D and C (2%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Deuterium NMR study of the interaction of alpha-tocopherol with a phospholipid model membrane

The effects of 5, 10, and 20 mol % incorporation of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) on 50 wt % aqueous multilamellar dispersions of sn-2-substituted [2H31]palmitoylphosphatidylcholine (PC-d31), a saturated, deuterated phospholipid prepared from egg lysophosphatidylcholine, have been studied by deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (2H NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moment analysis of the 2H NMR spectra as a function of temperature and DSC heating curves demonstrate that the main gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition is progressively broadened and its onset temperature lowered by increasing concentrations of alpha-tocopherol. Below the transition temperature (40 degrees C) for PC-d31 bilayers, the 2H NMR spectra indicate that acyl chain motion is increased by addition of alpha-tocopherol and that this effect extends to lower temperatures with higher alpha-tocopherol content. Above the transition, average carbon-deuterium bond order parameters calculated from the first spectral moment establish that alpha-tocopherol increases acyl chain ordering within the PC-d31 bilayer by as much as 17% at 20 mol % incorporation. Profiles of order parameter vs. chain position, constructed from 2H NMR spectra following application of the depaking technique, show that despite higher order the general form of the profile is not significantly altered by alpha-tocopherol.

Carcinogenic effects of antimony trioxide and antimony ore concentrate in rats

This study was initiated because of a suspected increase in incidence of lung cancer in antimony smelter workers in England. Three groups of 8-mo-old Wistar-derived rats (90 males and 90 females per group) were exposed by inhalation to either Sb2O3 [time-weighted average (TWA) 45 mg/m3], Sb ore concentrate (TWA 36 + 40 mg/m3), or filtered air (controls) for 7 h/d, 5 d/wk, for up to 52 wk and sacrificed 20 wk after terminating exposures. Serial sacrifices (5 rats/sex/group) were performed at 6, 9, and 12 mo. Autopsies and histopathological examinations were performed on all animals. The dusts and animal tissues were analyzed for Sb, arsenic, and other inorganic elements by atomic absorption and proton-induced X-ray emission methods. The most significant findings were the presence of lung neoplasms in 27% of females exposed to Sb2O3 and 25% of females exposed to Sb ore concentrate (p less than 0.01). None of the male rats in any group or the female controls developed lung neoplasms. There were no significant differences in incidences of cancer of other organs between exposed and control rats. These results were compared with other published results, including an animal inhalation study with Sb2O3 in which lung tumors were also induced. Higher concentrations of arsenic were found in tissues from female rats than from male rats. For example, arsenic levels in blood of control males, control females, Sb2O3 males, Sb2O3 females, Sb ore males, and Sb ore females were 60, 123, 115, 230, 71, and 165 micrograms arsenic/g dry blood, respectively, 9 mo after initiating exposures.

A single high-cholesterol, high-fat meal preferentially increases low molecular weight apolipoprotein B concentration in rat plasma

Rats were fed either rat chow (control), chow + 20% olive oil (olive oil), or chow + 20% olive oil + 2% cholesterol (olive oil/cholesterol) as a single meal to study the short-term effects of fat and the above combination of fat/cholesterol-containing diets on plasma apoB concentration and its influence on the distribution of apoB subspecies. Rats were given their meals and allowed to consume them ad libitum until they were killed, 3 hr or 9 hr afterwards. Three hours after feeding, serum triglyceride concentrations were increased to the same extent in both the olive oil and olive oil/cholesterol-fed rats as compared with concentrations in control rats, but serum apoB concentrations did not differ among the groups. Nine hours after feeding, serum triglyceride concentrations were still equally elevated in both experimental groups; however, in the olive oil/cholesterol-fed rats, total serum apoB as well as total serum cholesterol were increased above both the control and olive oil groups. In addition, the d less than 1.21 g/ml lipoprotein apoBl/apoBh ratio of the olive oil/cholesterol-fed rats was greatly increased at 9 hr, whereas apoBl/apoBh ratio in the d less than 1.21 g/ml fraction of the olive oil group was unchanged, despite the increase in plasma triglyceride concentration. In the olive oil/cholesterol-fed rats at 9 hr, cholesterol, total apoB, apoBl, and apoBh of both VLDL and IDL were greater than in the control or olive oil rats. In d less than 1.21 g/ml lipoproteins, VLDL, and IDL, the increases in apoBl concentrations were of a greater magnitude than the increases in apoBh.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Monoclonal antibody to rat apoC: multiple binding to apoC-I on lipoproteins increases its affinity constant

Using solid phase systems, the kinetics of binding of monoclonal antibody (LRB 45, IgG2b,kappa) to apoC-I and apoC-I on lipoproteins were investigated. At 25 degrees C, the association constant of LRB 45 antibody to apoC-I (3.56 X 10(6) M-1 X sec-1) was almost three times slower than the association constant LRB 45 antibody to lipoproteins (10.4 X 10(6) M-1 X sec-1). However, the dissociation constant of apoC-I from LRB 45 antibody (0.865 X 10(-4) sec-1) was also slower than the dissociation constant of lipoprotein from antibody (1.5 X 10(-4) sec-1). Thus, the calculated affinity constant (association constant/dissociation constant) of LRB 45 antibody for apoC-I was approximately half of that for lipoproteins (4.12 X 10(10) M-1 vs. 6.92 X 10(10) M-1). The intrinsic affinity constants for antibody binding to apoC-I and apoC-I on lipoproteins were determined by Scatchard analysis. The intrinsic affinity constant of antibody bound to apoC-I was estimated to be 5.49 X 10(10) M-1 whereas that of antibody binding to lipoproteins was 30 to 200 times less. Furthermore, ascites fluid from LRB 45 cell lines could immunoprecipitate serum lipoproteins. Thus, it is concluded that there is multiple binding of antibody to apoC-I on lipoproteins. This binding appears to increase the calculated affinity constant (avidity) for antibody-antigen interaction.

Monoclonal antibodies to rat C apolipoproteins: production and characterization of a unique antibody whose binding to apoC-I is inhibited by nonionic detergents

Four monoclonal antibodies to rat apo (apolipoproteins) C were produced. Three of the monoclonals reacted to apoC-I and one to apoC-III. The IgG monoclonals LRB 21 and LRB 45 recognized a spatially close together or identical apoC-I epitope. The monoclonal LRB 80, however, recognized an epitope that is close to, but distinct from, that recognized by LRB 45 and LRB 21. The antibody LRB 45 recognized an apoC-I epitope that is specific for rat apoC-I, and the antibody did not cross-react with dog or human lipoproteins. Rat apoC-I could be detected in all lipoprotein density fractions, but not in the d greater than 1.21 g/ml fraction. Freezing and thawing of serum did not alter the antibody antigen binding. However, lipolysis of whole serum resulted in a 30% increase in antigenic epitope expression. Antibody antigen reaction could be inhibited by subcritical micellar concentration of nonionic detergents. The inhibition was specific but could be partially reversed if lipid-containing serum was used as a dilution buffer. On feeding animals a diet of olive oil and cholesterol for 2 weeks, apoC-I levels decreased.

Calcium metabolism in aluminum encephalopathy

Electrophysiologic deficits occurred in the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation removed from rabbits at various stages of an aluminum-induced encephalopathy. These deficits were associated with a progressive increase in total tissue calcium content. The deficits were reversed, in part, by increasing extracellular calcium concentration. Whereas calmodulin and calcium-binding protein, as measured by radioimmune assay, did not change in amount, the activity of calmodulin, as a calcium-calmodulin activator of the enzyme 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, declined progressively as the aluminum encephalopathy developed. Cholinergic neurochemical transmission, measured by choline acetyltransferase activity and muscarinic binding, did not change in the encephalopathy. We postulate that aluminum alters brain calcium homeostasis, perhaps through an effect on calmodulin.

Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody to dog hepatic lipase

Partially purified dog hepatic lipase was used as antigen to produce monoclonal antibodies in mice. In addition to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a reliable and efficient procedure for screening antibodies reacting to hepatic lipase has been developed. A method to distinguish antibodies directing to active site or non-active site epitopes has also been described. We obtained three positive clones that survived after subcloning and expansion. All three monoclonal antibodies possess gamma one (gamma 1) heavy chains and kappa (kappa) light chains. Specificity of monoclonal antibody LDHL No. 537 to dog hepatic lipase was demonstrated by passing post-heparin plasma through its immunoaffinity column. Only dog hepatic lipase was removed by LDHL No. 537 from post-heparin plasma. The immunoaffinity chromatography also demonstrated the co-existence of three enzyme activities (mono- and triacylglycerol lipase and phospholipase A1) on the dog hepatic lipase molecule. The subunit weight of dog hepatic lipase has been estimated at 57500 +/- 600 (n=3) by using immunoaffinity chromatography and the combination of immunoprecipitation and autoradiography methods.

Serum amylase, isoamylase and lipase in acute alcoholism

Hyperamylasemia is found in asymptomatic alcoholics. The aim of this study was to document the incidence of elevations of serum amylase and lipase in asymptomatic alcoholics and to evaluate the contribution of salivary isoamylase to the total serum amylase. One hundred and three patients with acute alcohol withdrawal were studied. Total serum amylase was elevated in 7 patients (6.8%) of whom 4 (57%) showed elevation of salivary isoamylase. Elevated lipase levels were found in 11 patients (10.7%) but correlation of lipase levels with either amylase or isoamylase levels was poor. Thus there was a low but significant incidence of hyperamylasemia which resulted from an elevated salivary isoamylase in the majority of cases. Lipase determination did not assist in defining the origin of the hyperamylasemia and correlated poorly with the other enzymes. It is probably more sensitive than amylase in reflecting the toxic effects of alcohol on the pancreas.

Rice flour, breath hydrogen, and malabsorption

In contrast to the incomplete intestinal absorption of many dietary carbohydrates in healthy humans, it has been suggested that rice flour is completely absorbed. The aims of this study were (a) to confirm efficient absorption of rice flour in healthy individuals, (b) to evaluate a "rice breath hydrogen (H2) test" in the investigation of patients with suspected malabsorption, and (c) to compare H2 results with quantitative fecal fat excretion. The test meal consisted of 100 g of carbohydrate in the form of rice pancakes. End expiratory breath samples were collected at 30-min intervals over 8 h and the H2 concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography. Three-day stool fat collections were performed on a 70-g fat intake. The results of the experiment indicated that healthy controls (n = 23) produced minimal H2 [mean increase (delta) +/- SE] = 6.9 +/- 1.4 parts per million (ppm). Patients with pancreatic disease produced 43.2 +/- 8.0 ppm. Complete or partial correction was achieved in each of 6 subjects with oral pancreatic supplements. Twenty-two patients with a variety of small bowel diseases produced a mean increase of 73.2 +/- 21.4 ppm. Breath H2 excretion was maximal in patients with bacterial overgrowth. Disease controls (n = 10) with diarrhea of colonic origin did not produce significant H2. The sensitivity of the rice-breath H2 test compared favorably with quantitative fecal fat excretion. Within individuals, there was a lack of correlation between breath H2 data (an index of CHO malabsorption) and daily stool weight that reflects the presence or absence of diarrhea. This lack of correlation supports the concept that the endogenous microflora salvage considerable quantities of unabsorbed carbohydrate.

Ecologic regression analysis and the study of the influence of air quality on mortality

This presentation focuses entirely on the use and evaluation of regression analysis applied to ecologic data as a method to study the effects of ambient air pollution on mortality rates. Using extensive national data on mortality, air quality and socio-economic status regression analyses are used to study the influence of air quality on mortality. The analytic methods and data are selected in such a way that direct comparisons can be made with other ecologic regression studies of mortality and air quality. Analyses are performed by use of two types of geographic areas, age-specific mortality of both males and females and three pollutants (total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide). The overall results indicate no persuasive evidence exists of a link between air quality and general mortality levels. Additionally, a lack of consistency between the present results and previous published work is noted. Overall, it is concluded that linear regression analysis applied to nationally collected ecologic data cannot be used to usefully infer a causal relationship between air quality and mortality which is in direct contradiction to other major published studies.

The molecular basis for the two different clinical presentations of classical pyruvate carboxylase deficiency

Eight cases of isolated human pyruvate carboxylase deficiency were examined from seven families. Although all patients presented with a chronic lacticacidemia, two particular patients presented with the added features of hyperammonemia, citrullinemia, and hyperlysinemia. When cultured skin fibroblasts from these patients were examined for their ability to synthesize [3H]biotin-containing proteins, it was found that the two patients who presented with hyperammonemia, citrullinemia, and hyperlysinemia did not synthesise a protein of the correct subunit molecular weight (Mr = 125 K daltons) corresponding to pyruvate carboxylase. In addition, when skin fibroblast proteins were labeled with [35S]methionine, cross-reacting material (CRM) corresponding to pyruvate carboxylase was immunoprecipitated by antipyruvate carboxylase antiserum in most patients, but again the two patients with the atypical presentation showed no CRM. We propose that the different clinical presentation of human pyruvate carboxylase deficiency is a manifestation of two different mutations in the pyruvate carboxylase gene, one that results in the synthesis of a relatively inactive pyruvate carboxylase protein CRM(+ve) and one that results in the lack of expression of the gene in the form of a recognizable protein CRM(-ve).

Isometric detrusor pressure during bladder filling and its dependency on bladder volume and interruption to flow in control subjects

We characterized the isometric pressures generated by the bladder during voluntary detrusor contraction and interruption of flow. Urodynamic studies were done in 34 healthy female volunteers, with a mean age of 29.6 plus or minus 9.3 years. Control urodynamics were done first to characterize bladder and urethral parameters to filling and voiding. Subsequently, isometric detrusor pressures were elicited during bladder filling at increments of 100 ml. by asking subjects to attempt to void against a urethral obstruction produced by an inflated Foley balloon. Isometric pressures also were obtained by interruption of flow through the lumen of the 22F Foley catheter. The results showed that the maximum isometric pressure increase generated remained relatively constant during bladder filling at 39.6 plus or minus 13.1 cm. water. This pressure is not significantly different from voiding pressures developed with a 10F urethral catheter. On the other hand, isometric pressure increases during voiding showed that the increase in bladder pressure following interruption of flow was volume sensitive. The possibility that this volume dependency may result in errors in the interpretation of bladder contractility is discussed.

Argininosuccinic aciduria. A developmental and biochemical case study

An infant with argininosuccinic aciduria was detected through the routine newborn screening program for inborn metabolic diseases and has been followed for over 7 years. Treatment consisting of restricted protein intake and arginine base supplementation was initiated at the age of 8 months and was continued intermittently. She maintained normal psychomotor development to the age of 3 years and currently at the age of 7.3 years, she has measured intelligence in the borderline range. She has had mild symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. Her physical growth has been below normal. Biochemical abnormalities are described. Special metabolic investigations and the effects of treatment are discussed.

Urinary arsenic, chromium, and copper levels in workers exposed to arsenic-based wood preservatives

Urinary excretion of arsenic, chromium, and copper in workers exposed to arsenic-based wood preservatives was examined to evaluate occupational exposure to these chemicals. Spot urine samples were collected from 89 wood treaters and a comparison group of 232 individuals with no known exposure to arsenicals. The results of urinalysis revealed that the wood treaters averaged 103 micrograms arsenic/L while the comparison group averaged 74 micrograms arsenic/L. The mean urinary chromium and copper levels of the wood treaters were 41 micrograms chromium/L and 191 micrograms copper/L compared with 63 micrograms chromium/L and 221 micrograms copper/L for the comparison group. Covariance analysis of urinary arsenic level between the exposed and comparison groups revealed that the adjusted mean arsenic levels of the exposed population (78 to 122 micrograms arsenic/L) were significantly higher than that of the comparison group (72 micrograms arsenic/L). The adjusted mean urinary arsenic levels of these wood treaters, however, were within published normal limits. Analysis of covariance allowed comparison of group means after statistical adjustments for possible confounding variables such as seafood intake and age. The results indicate that urinary arsenic values can provide a useful index of occupational exposure to chromated copper arsenate wood preservatives, when the effects of dietary arsenic are controlled statistically.

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Seven Antioxidants in Oil and Lard: Collaborative Study

A high performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the determination of propyl gallate (PG), 2,4,5-trihydroxybutyrophenone (THBP), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), 2- and 3-tert-buty1-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA), 2,6-di-tert-buty1-4-hydroxymethylphenol (Ionox-100), and 3,5-di-tert-buty1-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT) was collaboratively studied by 8 laboratories. The 14 samples analyzed consisted of 10 vegetable oil samples spiked in matched pairs at about 200,100, and 20ppm and 4 lard samples spiked in matched pairs at about 100 and 40 ppm for each antioxidant except NDGA which was spiked only at the 2 lower levels in oil. In the method studied, the samples were dissolved in hexane and the antioxidants were partitioned into acetonitrile. The acetonitrile was concentrated and diluted with isopropanol to give isopropanol-acetonitrile (1 + 1). The antioxidants were separated by reverse phase gradient elution and detected at 280 nm. The results from one laboratory were rejected as outlying and were not considered in any calculations. For the remaining 7 laboratories, the overall mean recoveries for PG, THBP, TBHQ, NDGA, BHA, Ionox-100, and BHT were 93.2, 95.1,95.6,95.5,98.3,95.8, and 84.8%, respectively, and the overall mean coefficients of variation were 5.02,7.74, 19.3,4.36,3.75,6.33, and 3.45%, respectively.

The role of Tennessee antigen in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancy

Tennessee antigen (TAG) is a glycoprotein which has been extracted from adenocarcinoma of the colon. It is one of the numerous tumour associated antigens which has been developed and there is evidence that it differs considerably from carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) preparations. A commercial kit using a haemagglutination inhibition assay is available and its ability to discriminate between benign and malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract has been studied, using 7.7 units/ml as the upper limit of normal. With upper gastrointestinal disease, discrimination is comparable to that achieved with TAG by other workers and also to that achieved with CEA. For gastric carcinoma TAG has a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 77%. With lower gastrointestinal tract disease discrimination was poor, TAG having a sensitivity of 76% but a specificity of 44% for colorectal carcinoma. Discrimination between pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis was poor, TAG having a sensitivity of 100% for carcinoma and a specificity of 22%.

Alkyne formation in the reaction of α-bromo ketones with arylsulfonylhydrazines

Alkynes can be produced by treating some α-bromo ketones with arylsulfonylhydrazines. The reaction is acid-catalysed and mesitylsulfonylhydrazine was the most efficient hydrazine reagent examined. The mechanism of the reaction has not been elucidated although it is shown not to proceed via an α-bromo mesitylsulfonylhydrazone.

Relationship of formulation and dosing interval to fluctuation of serum theophylline concentration in children with chronic asthma

Completeness of absorption and fluctuations in serum, theophylline concentration were examined in 14 children, 8 to 17 years of age (mean 12.4), with chronic asthma treated in variable sequence with a slow-release formulation at eight- and 12-hour intervals, and plain tablets every six hours. The total fraction absorbed for the slow-release formulation was 0.98 +/- 0.07 (mean +/- SEM) during the eight-hour and 0.99 +/- 0.04 during the 12-hour regimens. Observed fluctuations in serum concentration were closely approximated by predictions determined from absorption of single doses in adult volunteers. Available single-dose absorption data then were used to compare predicted fluctuations in serum concentration among nine formulations (18 brand names) for eight- and 12-hour dosing in an average child and adult (elimination half-lives of 3.7 and 8.2 hours, respectively). Although predicted peak concentrations were less than twice the trough for all products when given at 12-hour intervals to an average nonsmoking adult, only two of the nine formulation (both from the same manufacturer) were likely to maintain predicted fluctuations within the 10 to 20 micrograms/ml therapeutic range during 12-hour dosing intervals in an average child. Most children and those adults with rapid elimination generally will require eight-hour dosing with the other products.