[Relationship between hepatolithiasis and M phi, T cell subgroup reaction in the liver]

T Lymphocyte subpopulation and monocyte in the liver of 24 patients with hepatolithiasis were studied by ABC technique. It was found that there was a marked increase of the population of OKT8 and M phi positive cells in portal triads, and the ratio of OKT4 positive cells (helper/inducer T cells) to OKT8 positive cells (suppressor/cytotoxic T cells) was also higher than that in normal livers. T cells surrounding small bile ducts mainly had T4 phenotype, where as T8 cells seemed to predominate in small necrotic foci T8 cells in piecemeal necrotic foci were responsible for hepatocellular damage. These results suggest that in hepatolithiasis there was an enhancement of local cell immunoreaction and an imbalance of hepatic immunoregulatory T cells.

[Observation of efficacy of different dialytic therapies in renal transplantation preparation]

Fifty-seven cadaveric renal transplantations in fifty-five cases were analysed of them, thirty cases were prepared by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD group); twenty-seven transplantations in twenty-five cases were prepared by hemodialysis (HD group). Our data show that there is no significant difference in the survival duration between CAPD group and HD group; that there is also no significant difference in the survival duration between the two groups treated with the same immunosuppressive drugs, and that patients prepared by CAPD have a low risk of peritonitis after transplantation. It is better not to remove the Tenckhoff catheter until the graft function is stable so that it can be used for the transient peritoneal dialysis in the case of the insult of graft function or for the sampling of the peritoneal effusion for diagnosis of suspectable peritonitis after renal transplantation.

Restriction enzyme SnaBI is sensitive to methylation of cytosine within its recognition sequence

Images

The characterization of IBF as a new selective dopamine D-2 receptor imaging agent

The in vivo and in vitro studies of a new iodinated benzamide analog, [125I]IBF,5-iodo-7-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]carboxamido-2,3- dihydrobenzofuran as a potential central nervous system (CNS) D-2 dopamine receptor imaging agent were investigated. In vivo biodistribution of IBF in rat indicated that this agent concentrated in the striatum region and displayed a remarkably high target-to-nontarget ratio (striatum/cerebellum = 48 at 120 min post-injection). The in vitro binding studies suggested that IBF binds selectively to D-2 dopamine receptors with high affinity and low nonspecific binding (Kd = 0.106 +/- 0.015 nM, Bmax = 448 +/- 18.2 fmole/mg protein). Ex vivo autoradiography results in rats further confirmed the high uptake and retention of this agent in the basal ganglia region. The planar images of monkey brains (lateral view of the head) after i.v. injection of [123I]IBF clearly demonstrated that D-2 dopamine receptors can be visualized. With the excellent in vivo stability to deiodination and high target-to-nontarget ratio, [123I]IBF may be useful as a CNS D-2 dopamine receptor imaging agent for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in humans.

Interactions of tazobactam and clavulanate with inducibly- and constitutively-expressed Class I beta-lactamases

Clavulanate and tazobactam (YTR 830) were tested as inhibitors and inducers of the AmpC-type Class I beta-lactamases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii and the Ic beta-lactamase of Proteus vulgaris. Both clavulanate and tazobactam inhibited the Pr. vulgaris Class Ic beta-lactamase and potentiated ticarcillin and piperacillin against beta-lactamase derepressed variants of this species. Tazobactam, but not clavulanate, also had some ability to inhibit the AmpC Class I enzymes of M. morganii, C. freundii, Ps. aeruginosa, E. cloacae and S. marcescens. The piperacillin + tazobactam combination, unlike ticarcillin + clavulanate, showed some degree of synergy against most derepressed strains of these species. This behaviour partly depended upon the greater inhibitory activity of tazobactam for the enzymes, but also on piperacillin being easier to potentiate than ticarcillin. The synergy between piperacillin and tazobactam was greatest for M. morganii and C. freundii, least for Ps. aeruginosa and E. cloacae. Unfortunately, it is in the last two species that these enzymes pose the greatest resistance threat. Tazobactam caused little or no antagonism of piperacillin against beta-lactamase inducible species, whereas clavulanate antagonized ticarcillin against beta-lactamase inducible strains of E. cloacae and M. morganii (not other species). The antagonism of ticarcillin was attributable to beta-lactamase induction. The lack of antagonism with the tazobactam+piperacillin combination was related to tazobactam being a weaker inducer than clavulanate, not to piperacillin being less susceptible to antagonism than ticarcillin.

[Changes in RBC Ca2(+)-ATPase activity and red-cell calcium concentration during dialysis in patients with uremia]

The changes of RBC Ca2(+)-ATPase activity and red cell calcium concentration during dialysis were observed in 19 patients with uremia. The results showed that in 12 patients treated by haemodialysis the RBC Ca2(+)-ATPase activity was lowered an average of 35 U than that in the controls (P less than 0.001); whereas red cell calcium was increased about 5 times (P less than 0.001). After a four-hour haemodialysis, the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity increased 20 U (P less than 0.05); and red cell calcium decreased 45 mumol/L cells (P less than 0.05). In 7 patients treated by CAPD the RBC Ca2(+)-ATPase activity was reduced to 60% of that in the controls (P less than 0.001); and red cell calcium was about 5 times as high as that in the controls (P less than 0.001). After one month of CAPD, the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity increased only 10 U (P greater than 0.05); but red cell calcium decreased 66 mumol/L cells (P less than 0.01).

Purification of an acrosomal antigen recognized by a monoclonal antibody and antifertility effects of isoimmune serum

A highly conserved acrosomal antigen reactive to a monoclonal antibody (HS-63), generated against human sperm, was purified to homogeneity with a combination of conventional procedures and immunoaffinity chromatography using a soluble extract of mouse and rabbit testes. The molecular weight of the purified antigen was 42-50 kD when analysed by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The high specificity of the purified antigen to monoclonal antibody HS-63 was shown by indirect immunofluorescent inhibition assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis and radioimmunosorbent assay. The purified antigen was used for isoimmunization of mice and rabbits. Following successive immunizations, antisera of high titres were raised and reacted specifically with antigen on the sperm acrosome and in testes of several mammalian species, but not with somatic tissues. These isoimmune sera exhibited strong inhibition on mouse in-vitro fertilization and human sperm penetration of zona-free hamster eggs. The results of this study suggest that the sperm-specific acrosomal antigen reacting with HS-63 could be a good candidate for the development of immunocontraceptive vaccines in humans and in other animals.

Laser-assisted reconstructive vascular surgery

To clarify the efficacy of laser-assisted reconstructive vascular surgery (LARVS) for patients with severe symptoms of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, 118 ischemic legs of 104 patients were retrospectively analyzed (argon:89 and YAG:29 lasers). Of those 118 legs, 26 (22%) had tissue loss, 60 (51%) had rest pain, and 32 (27%) had incapacitating intermittent claudication. The LARVS was adequate in 60 of 118 (51%) and inadequate in 58 of 118 (49%). With argon:89 and Nd:YAG:29 lasers, respectively, 41 of 89 (46%) and 19 of 29 (66%) were adequate. In the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery (PA), the LARVS was adequate in 31 of 43 (72%) in segmental occlusion and in one of 31 (3%) in total-length occlusion (p less than 0.001). In segmental occlusion of the SFA, however, argon:89 and Nd:YAG:29 lasers were adequate in four of 12 (33%) and in 10 of 12 (83%), respectively (p less than 0.05). The legs in which laser was used in more than one artery (eight of eight) or in occluded grafts (proximal SFA to distal PA; three of 18) required amputation within 30 days. A follow-up study demonstrated patency in 31 of 34 (91%) 1-24 months later with the argon:89 laser and in 15 of 16 (94%) 1-6 months later with the Nd:YAG:29 laser. This study indicates that LARVS was adequate in segmental occlusions, particularly in SFA and PA lesions; however, total-length occlusions and combination arterial lesions were not appropriate for the currently available laser systems. Laser application should not be performed if a guidewire passes through the lesion, since these lesions may be more appropriately treated with balloon angioplasty.

[Clonidine stimulates central nervous alpha 2 adrenoceptors not mediating Ca2+ channels]

Seven renal hypertensive (2 kidneys--2 clipped) and 8 normotensive conscious dogs were given icv clonidine. After the medication the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were lowered and the heart rate (HR) and plasma norepinephrine (NE) were decreased. The magnitude of the decrease of MAP was greater than normotensive dogs; while no differences of decrease of NE was found. Nicardipine (10 micrograms/kg) icv caused significant increases of MAP and HR in both hypertensive and normotensive groups. The decrease of MAP induced by clonidine was not changed by the pretreatment of nicardipine icv in both groups. It is thus concluded that clonidine stimulates central nervous alpha adrenoceptors not mediating Ca2+ channels.

[The relation between pathologic factors of esophagus cancer and prognosis of its sufferers: application of Cox's model]

Yanting and Langzhong counties in Sichuan Province are among the areas with highest esophagus cancer mortality in China. We collected 218 patients who received only surgery from 1972-1981 in Yanting Cancer Research Institute and had followed up till 1986. The data includes the survival time, age, cancer size and some other pathological factors, 11 in total. By using the self-compiled software SURVIVAL, we found 5 factors affected the prognosis of esophagus cancer sufferers significantly, i.e. age, cancer size, invasion depth, pattern of growth and fibrous encapsulation. The model is lambda(t,X) = lambda 0(t) exp (.0264 x2 + .165 1x4 + .639 7x8 + .353 2x9 - .753 9x11). We can estimate lambda 0(t) either parametrically or nonparametrically. For example, using the Weibull full-parametric model, the estimation is: lambda 0(t) = .0008133 t0.2716 with the full--parametric model, the survival function for different Prognosis Index I(X) can be estimated conveniently. Here I(X) = .026 4x2 + .165 1x4 + .639 7x8 + .353 2x9 - .753.9x11. Because of the use of the compiled BASIC program with Chinese explanation, the SURVIVAL is convenient to use and the speed is 4-5 times greater than explained BASIC.

Rapid effects of the flavonoid EMD 21388 on serum thyroid hormone binding and thyrotropin regulation in the rat

Naturally occurring and synthetic flavonoids are potent inhibitors of thyroid hormone 5'-deiodination and binding to human serum transthyretin (TTR) in vitro. We now describe the inhibitory effect of the most potent flavonoid, 3-methyl-4',6-dihydroxy-3',5'-dibromo-flavone (EMD 21388), on the serum protein binding of T4 and T3 and subsequent alterations of pituitary-thyroid function in the rat. Eight to 10 mumol/liter EMD 21388 added to pooled rat serum completely displaced [125I]T4 or [125I]T3 binding from TTR, the major thyroid hormone-binding protein in the rat, and markedly increased the percentages of free T4 and T3, measured by equilibrium dialysis. One to 4 h after the ip administration of 2 mumol EMD 21388/100 g BW to euthyroid rats, [125I]T4 and [125I]T3 binding to TTR decreased, serum T4 and T3 concentrations decreased, and the percentages of free T4 and free T3 increased. No changes were observed in the free T4 and free T3 concentrations. Serum TSH concentrations decreased at 1 h and were very low thereafter. EMD 21388 administration did not affect the elevated serum TSH concentrations in hypothyroid rats, strongly suggesting that the flavonoid does not directly affect TSH secretion. No changes were observed in hepatic type I 5'-deiodinase in euthyroid rats and pituitary type I and type II 5'-deiodinase in euthyroid and hypothyroid rats after EMD 21388 administration. We conclude that the ip administration of EMD 21388 to euthyroid rats inhibits T4 and T3 binding to TTR, with subsequent increases in the percentages of free T4 and free T3 and decreased serum T4 and T3 concentrations. The decrease in the serum TSH concentration was possibly due to transcient increases in the serum free T4 and/or free T3 concentrations, resulting in increased pituitary thyroid hormone content.

Interactions of FCE 22101 with class I beta-lactamases

Hyperproduction of chromosomal Class I beta-lactamase causes resistance to newer cephalosporins in Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Serratia spp. and indole-positive Proteeae. We examined the interactions of FCE 22101 with these enzymes, measuring (i) antibiotic lability to pure enzyme, (ii) inducing power and (iii) activity against beta-lactamase-inducible strains and their -depressed and -basal mutants. Turnover numbers of FCE 22101 were between 0.7 and 1.5 molecules hydrolysed/min/enzyme molecule, compared with ranges of 0.5-40 for cefotaxime (950 for the Proteus vulgaris cephalosporinase) and 4400-22,000 for cephaloridine. FCE 22101 induced enzyme synthesis strongly below the MIC and antagonized labile weak inducers such as cefotaxime and mezlocillin. Like imipenem, but unlike newer cephalosporins, FCE 22101 had equal activity against inducible strains and derepressed mutants, and did not significantly select derepressed mutants from inducible populations. beta-Lactamase basal mutants of E. cloacae and C. freundii were four- to eight-fold more sensitive than inducible and derepressed organisms whereas beta-lactamase-basal, -inducible and -derepressed Proteeae and Serratia spp. were equally sensitive. This difference reflected the larger amounts of enzyme produced by the E. cloacae and C. freundii strains, rather than kinetic differences in enzyme activity.

Spatial properties of disparity pooling in human stereo vision

The spatial limits of disparity averaging were investigated using Julesz random dot stereograms with two different depth planes. Such stimuli could be perceived as two separate surfaces, one of which was seen through the transparent veil of the other, but under some conditions the depth of information provided by the two surfaces was pooled and the resulting surface was seen at the average of the local disparities. Two types of model are considered for disparity averaging. In the first, disparity averaging occurs as a consequence of attraction/repulsion effects in the disparity domain or as an interpolation process working on a dense depth map of the image. In the second, disparity averaging is seen as a consequence of monocular spatial filtering of the left and right eye images prior to binocular combination.

Nuptial and childbearing customs of the ethnic minorities in China

The current nuptial customs of the ethnic minorities in China are examined. "Although monogamous marriage has now been adopted by all but a few ethnic communities, variations still exist between different nationalities in the specific forms of marriage and range of intermarriage owing to the uneven nature of historical development. Such variations are shaped by various factors of the given locality and given time such as the socioeconomy, religion, culture and education, and exert direct influence on the childbearing behavior and reproduction of the ethnic population."

Prevention of invasive bacterial diseases by immunization with polysaccharide-protein conjugates

Covalent binding of CPS to T cell-dependent carrier proteins to form conjugates can be done by clinically acceptable methods. As a component of a conjugate, two immunologic properties of CPS are changed: 1) their immunogenicity is increased and; 2) reinjection induces a booster response in the young (T cell-dependence). Serum antibodies induced by the CPS alone, or as a component of a conjugate, are qualitatively similar: the difference between antibodies elicited by the CPS or the conjugate is quantitative. A clinical trial with a Hib-DT conjugate showed that conjugates could confer immunity in an age group not protected by the CPS alone. (table; see text) Induction of serum CPS antibodies confers protection against capsulated bacteria in the bloodstream: their role in the interaction of these pathogens on the mucous membranes has not been characterized. Preliminary in vitro experiments suggest that secretory antibodies to non-capsular structures may also exert protective immunity.

DNA gyrase binds to the family of prokaryotic repetitive extragenic palindromic sequences

A family of repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) sequences is composed of hundreds of copies distributed throughout the chromosome. Their palindromic nature and conservation suggested that they are specifically recognized by a protein(s). We have identified DNA gyrase [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing), EC 5.99.1.3] as one of the REP-binding proteins. Gyrase has at least a 10-fold higher affinity for DNA containing REP sequences than for DNA not containing REP sequences. Binding effectiveness correlates directly with the number of REP sequences in the DNA. DNase I footprinting shows that gyrase protects 205 base pairs on a REP-containing DNA fragment enclosing the REP sequences. In agreement with the above results, a comparison of the REP consensus sequence with the sequence of previously identified pBR322 "strong" gyrase cleavage sites reveals a high degree of homology. Because REP sequences are numerous and found throughout the genome, we suggest they have physiological functions mediated through their interaction with gyrase, such as being sites of action for the maintenance of DNA supercoiling. In addition, we speculate that these interactions may be of a structural nature, such as involvement in the higher-order structure of the bacterial chromosome.

A new DNA immune adsorbent for hemoperfusion in SLE therapy: a clinical trial

This investigation studied the preparation and clinical trial of DNA immunoadsorbent for hemoperfusion in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy. DNA was complexed with blue tetrazolium (BT), then mixed with collodion, and finally adsorbed on macroporous spherical polymeric adsorbent. The percentage of DNA thus immobilized was 98-98.5%, and no release was detected during hemoperfusion. A patient with severe SLE was treated with the above adsorbent in hemoperfusion. The patient was in coma, with high anti-DNA antibody and abnormal immune complex levels, which fell sharply from 56.34% to 0.8% after 2.5 h of whole-blood hemo perfusion. There were no major clinical complications, and 2 weeks later, her proteinuria level became normal and immune complex levels were sustained. She was then discharged from the hospital and has been in good health for more than 1 year.

Experimental study of morphological changes after gastroplasty

Twelve rabbits were sacrificed one and three days, one, two, four and eight weeks after horizontal gastroplasty in order to investigate morphological changes after operation. Histology of the proximal pouch of the stomach showed various degrees of mucosal damage and a close relationship between its severity and high pH of the pouch. This suggested the usefulness of pH measurement of the gastric juice in the proximal pouch as an indicator of mucosal damage after gastroplasty.

Activity of temocillin and other penicillins against beta-lactamase-inducible and -stably derepressed enterobacteria

MICs of temocillin, carbenicillin, ticarcillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin and ampicillin were determined for mutant series of Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii and Serratia marcescens with inducible, stably derepressed or basal expression of chromosomal Class I beta-lactamases. Ampicillin was inactive (MIC greater than 256 mg/l) both against beta-lactamase-inducible organisms (except C. freundii) and their stably derepressed mutants, whereas basal mutants were sensitive (MIC 2-8 mg/l). Carbenicillin, ticarcillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin (and ampicillin for C. freundii) were active against both inducible and basal organisms (MIC less than 16 mg/l), but inactive against the derepressed mutants (MICs usually greater than 64 mg/l). Temocillin inhibited all the organisms, including the stably derepressed mutants, at 16 mg/l. Derepressed S. marcescens, M. morganii and Pr. vulgaris were as susceptible as the inducible strains and basal mutants. MICs of temocillin for derepressed mutants of E. cloacae and C. freundii were 4-16 fold above those for their inducible parent strains, but remained within the clinical range.

Development of neutralizing antibodies and group A common antibodies against natural infections with human rotavirus

We determined the levels of group A common and neutralizing antibodies against human rotavirus in paired serum specimens obtained from 38 infants within 12 days of the onset of diarrhea. Thirty of the infants excreted rotavirus in stools, and eight did not. Nine patients (30%) with rotavirus diarrhea and seven patients (88%) with diarrhea due to other causes had detectable levels (greater than or equal to 1: 80) of immunoglobulin (IgG) common antibodies in acute-phase sera. All the patients with rotavirus diarrhea showed at least fourfold rises in titers of IgG or IgM common antibodies or both, while only two control patients showed significant rises in either IgG or IgM common antibodies in their convalescent-phase sera. Of the 19 patients excreting "short" electropherotypes of rotavirus, 18 showed at least fourfold rises in titers of neutralizing antibodies against serotype 2 human rotavirus but not against serotype 1, 3, or 4. Nine of the ten patients excreting "long" electropherotypes showed significant rises in neutralizing antibodies against serotype 3, and the other patient showed a significant rise in neutralizing antibodies against serotype 1. One patient excreted long and short electropherotypes simultaneously, and he also showed a significant rise in neutralizing antibodies against serotype 2 and 3 viruses. The control patients with diarrhea did not show significant changes in titers of antibodies against any of the serotypes. These results demonstrated that the neutralizing antibody response within 2 weeks after clinical onset is specific for the infecting serotype of rotavirus.

Healing of the resected liver stump: its process and the significance of portal blood flow

In an effort to investigate the healing process of resected liver stump and the significance of portal and hepatic arterial flow. In addition to hepatectomy in the first group, an arterial and a portal branch were ligated in the second and third groups, respectively. It was demonstrated that portal branch ligation influenced a delay in healing of resected liver stump rather than hepatic arterial branch ligation. It is assumed that portal blood flow is more responsible for liver stump healing as well as hepatic regeneration than is hepatic arterial flow.

Clinical and immunologic responses to the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b alone or conjugated to tetanus toxoid in 18- to 23-month-old children

The safety and immunogenicity of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) capsular polysaccharide (CPS) alone, or covalently bound to tetanus toxoid in saline solution (Hib-TT) or adsorbed onto AI(OH)3 (Hib-TT ads), were evaluated after one injection into 18- to 23-month-old healthy children in Sweden. No side reactions were elicited by Hib CPS; side reactions elicited by the two conjugates were similar and comparable to those reported for diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed. Hib-TT was the most immunogenic of the three vaccines, eliciting about 10-fold higher antibody levels than Hib CPS; of 28 vaccinees, all had greater than 1.0 microgram Ab/mL serum after immunization with Hib-TT. Increases of Hib CPS antibodies within immunoglobulin classes induced by the three vaccines were, in decreasing order, IgG greater than IgM greater than IgA. Within IgG subclasses, rises in IgG1 Hib CPS antibodies were the most frequent, followed by IgG2; some vaccinees with high postimmunization levels also had rises in IgG3 and one in IgG4. Immunization-induced Hib CPS antibodies were bactericidal. Hib-TT also elicited higher levels of tetanus toxoid antibodies than Hib-TT ads; these tetanus toxoid antibodies neutralized tetanus toxin in vivo.

Effects of argon laser on vascular materials

The laser has been shown to vaporize arterial atheromatous plaque, but little information is available about its effect on various vascular materials. This study attempts to determine a safe margin for laser graft thrombectomy. An 18 watt argon laser with a 2 mm metal-encased sapphire tip fiberoptic system was used. Specimens such as autogenous vein, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Dacron grafts as well as polypropylene and PTFE sutures were harvested from amputated human legs. Laser energy was delivered from the tip of the fiberoptic system while perpendicular to and in direct contact with these materials. The effects were examined histologically and compared by determining the bursting pressure of the grafts and the breaking strength of the sutures. The results indicate that seven sections of autogenous vein grafts and 11 sections of PTFE grafts were perforated by laser delivery of 32.9 +/- 9.9 and 50.0 +/- 7.1 joules, respectively, whereas two sections of Dacron grafts were easily perforated after only 10 joules was delivered. The bursting pressure of PTFE and autogenous vein grafts after laser application was determined to be more than 300 mm Hg. The breaking strength of 6-0 PTFE sutures was compared before and after receiving 200 joules by contact laser application. No significant difference was found; in a before laser application the breaking strength was 585.0 +/- 9.6 gm compared with 560.0 +/- 16.4 gm after laser application (n = 4, p greater than 0.1). However, 6-0 polypropylene sutures were easily melted after receiving 10 joules of laser energy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intraoperative hemostasis and wound healing in intestinal anastomoses using the ILA stapling device

Intraoperative hemostasis and wound healing of 24 side-to-side intestinal anastomoses constructed with the ILA stapling device were studied in 12 dogs by comparing the ILA-32 and ILA-52 staple cartridges. Hemostasis was evaluated by intraoperative measurement of blood loss and bleeding time at the staple line. There was no statistically significant difference in mean blood loss (p greater than 0.05) or mean bleeding time (p greater than 0.10) between the two cartridges. Wound healing was studied using bursting strength measurements and silicone rubber casting of the microvasculature at the staple line. At 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks postoperatively, there was no significant difference between bursting strength values achieved with the two cartridges. Microscopic examination revealed that wound healing in the ILA-52 anastomoses lagged behind healing in the ILA-32 anastomoses at each postoperative time period studied. The silicone rubber casting study showed a paucity of microvasculature at the healing staple line with the ILA-52 cartridge as compared with the ILA-32 cartridge. Our findings suggest that the ILA-52 cartridge does not offer significantly improved intraoperative hemostasis over the ILA-32 cartridge and may affect the microvasculature at the staple line in a way that delays wound healing.

Laser angioplasty

Clinical trials for Argon Laser angioplasty of patients with severe ischemia of the lower extremities are presented. All instances were limited to those in whom no conventional reconstructive operation was ideal. Laser angioplasty proved to be beneficial when used in conjunction with standard vascular surgical procedures under appropriate conditions. The short term evaluation was favorable; however, a long term study must be followed and completed prior to routine use of laser angioplasty.

Involvement of a nucleolar component, perichromonucleolin, in the condensation and decondensation of chromosomes

A component of the nucleolar material, perichromonucleolin (PCN), was identified by a specific antiserum against nucleoli obtained from a scleroderma patient. The distribution and changes of PCN during the mitotic cycle were followed using this antiserum and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Based upon the behavior of PCN during mitosis, it could be differentiated into chromosomal and nonchromosomal portions. During prophase the former gradually associates with the surface of the condensing chromosomes and forms the coat or pellicle around the metaphase and anaphase chromosomes. This pellicle PCN is carried by the anaphase chromosomes to the daughter nuclei. During the time from telophase to interphase, the pellicle PCN dissociates from the decondensing chromosomes and is incorporated into the new nucleoli. The nonchromosomal PCN, after the breakdown of the nuclear membrane, distributes in the cytoplasmic region around the condensed chromosomes and diffuses into the cytoplasm during anaphase. Preliminary biochemical analysis by immunoblotting showed that the PCN consists of two main proteins with molecular masses of 36 kDa and 30 kDa.

Direct vision valvulotomy in in situ venous bypass

The autogenous saphenous venous bypass is accepted as an optimal procedure for distal arterial reconstruction. However, serious complications, including incomplete valvulotomy, laceration of the venous wall and persistent arteriovenous communications, are found in in situ bypasses. To avoid these complications, a new and simple technique using an angioscope in the in situ venous bypass has been developed. Angioscopy prevents tearing of the vein wall and avoids inaccurate incision of the valves.

Direct vision valvulotomy for nonreversed vein graft

A new and easy technique using an angioscope in a nonreversed, isolated vein bypass is suggested herein. Direct vision valvulotomy with an angioscope in nonreversed vein graft saves operating time, prevents tearing of the vein wall and inaccurate incision of the valves.

Phospholipid methylation in canine myocardium: kinetic characteristics and the effect of endotoxin administration

The kinetic characteristics and the effect of endotoxin administration on the enzymatic methylation of phospholipids in dog heart microsomes were studied using S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-3H]methionine as a methyl donor. Kinetic studies in control dogs reveal that the stepwise methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine was catalyzed by three different enzymes. Methyltransferase I catalyzed the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine, had a very low Km (approximately 1.5 microM) for S-adenosylmethionine, and a pH optimum of 6.5, and it was stimulated by Mg2+ and Ca2+. Methyltransferase II catalyzed the methylation of phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine to phosphatidyl-N,N-dimethylethanolamine, had a low Km (8-12 microM) for S-adenosylmethionine, and a pH optimum of 8.5, and it was stimulated by low concentrations (less than 1 mM) of Ca2+ but was unaffected by Mg2+. Methyltransferase III catalyzed the formation of phosphatidylcholine from phosphatidyl-N,N-dimethylethanolamine, had a high Km (approximately 33 microM) for S-adenosylmethionine, and a pH optimum of 9.5, and it was unaffected by Mg2+ or Ca2+. Experiments with trypsin digestion indicate that methyltransferases I and III were partially embedded while methyltransferase II was completely exposed to the surface of the membrane. Endotoxin administration (2 and 4 hr) decreased the Km and Vmax by 30 to 36% and 24 to 37.7%, respectively, for S-adenosylmethionine. Since the enzymatic methylation of phospholipids has been implicated to play an important role in the regulation of membrane structure and function, the endotoxin-induced decreases in the Km and Vmax of phospholipid-methylating enzymes in dog heart microsomes may contribute to the development of myocardial dysfunction in endotoxin shock.

Thermolabile proton translocating ATPase and pump activities in a clathrin-coated vesicle fraction from an acidification defective Chinese hamster cell line

We have recently described a mutant of Chinese hamster ovary cells, termed G.7.1, that contains a temperature-sensitive, conditionally lethal mutation resulting in defective vacuolar acidification (Marnell, M. H., Mathis, L. S., Stookey, M., Shia, S.-P., Stone, D.K., and Draper, R. K. (1984) J. Cell Biol. 99, 1907-1916). To further characterize the lesion, clathrin-coated vesicles were partially purified from wild type and G.7.1 cells, and the thermolabilities of vanadate and oligomycin-insensitive, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive, H+-ATPase activity, 32Pi-ATPase exchange activity, and proton pumping were compared. All three parameters of H+ pump activity were markedly diminished by preincubation at 44 degrees C for vesicles harvested from the G.7.1 cells, but not for those from wild type cells. Phosphatidylserine did not protect against heat inactivation in vesicle fractions prepared from G.7.1 cells. The results suggest that the mutation responsible for defective acidification in G.7.1 cells is expressed at the level of the proton pump of organelles present in our clathrin-coated vesicle-enriched preparation.

Argon laser angioplasty with a laser probe

A preliminary basic study of argon laser angioplasty with the use of a specially designed probe is presented. Arterial specimens were harvested from 10 amputated lower extremities. The studies included the evaluation of coaxial laser angioplasty in 10 partially or totally occluded arteries; the observation of the effect of perpendicularly applied laser energy on 35 thrombi, 54 soft and 10 hard atherosclerotic, and 51 normal arterial walls; the comparison of laser energy requirements for coaxial vessel lumen enlargement or recanalization vs. perpendicular penetration in 10 occluded, hard atherosclerotic arteries; and the spectrographic analysis of calcium density gradient in two specimens. The results showed that the power required for vessel lumen enlargement was 10 +/- 6 J/mm of atherosclerotic vessel (mean +/- standard deviation). The probe followed the original arterial lumen, did not perforate the vessel wall, and created a smooth, enlarged path. The power required to penetrate perpendicularly to a similar depth for thrombi, soft and hard atherosclerotic plaques, and normal arterial walls was 15 +/- 4, 30 +/- 15, 65 +/- 32, and 246 +/- 123 J/mm, respectively. In the hard calcified specimens, laser energy required for coaxial lumen enlargement or recanalization was significantly less than that for perpendicular penetration (p less than 0.05), which correlated with the calcium density map indicating an increase from inside to outside.