Far-infrared observations of a massive cluster forming in the Monoceros R2 filament hub⋆

We present far-infrared observations of Monoceros R2 (a giant molecular cloud at approximately 830 pc distance, containing several sites of active star formation), as observed at 70 μm, 160 μm, 250 μm, 350 μm, and 500 μm by the Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS) and Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) instruments on the Herschel Space Observatory as part of the Herschel imaging survey of OB young stellar objects (HOBYS) Key programme. The Herschel data are complemented by SCUBA-2 data in the submillimetre range, and WISE and Spitzer data in the mid-infrared. In addition, C18O data from the IRAM 30-m Telescope are presented, and used for kinematic information. Sources were extracted from the maps with getsources, and from the fluxes measured, spectral energy distributions were constructed, allowing measurements of source mass and dust temperature. Of 177 Herschel sources robustly detected in the region (a detection with high signal-to-noise and low axis ratio at multiple wavelengths), including protostars and starless cores, 29 are found in a filamentary hub at the centre of the region (a little over 1% of the observed area). These objects are on average smaller, more massive, and more luminous than those in the surrounding regions (which together suggest that they are at a later stage of evolution), a result that cannot be explained entirely by selection effects. These results suggest a picture in which the hub may have begun star formation at a point significantly earlier than the outer regions, possibly forming as a result of feedback from earlier star formation. Furthermore, the hub may be sustaining its star formation by accreting material from the surrounding filaments.

Darwin--a mission to detect and search for life on extrasolar planets

The discovery of extrasolar planets is one of the greatest achievements of modern astronomy. The detection of planets that vary widely in mass demonstrates that extrasolar planets of low mass exist. In this paper, we describe a mission, called Darwin, whose primary goal is the search for, and characterization of, terrestrial extrasolar planets and the search for life. Accomplishing the mission objectives will require collaborative science across disciplines, including astrophysics, planetary sciences, chemistry, and microbiology. Darwin is designed to detect rocky planets similar to Earth and perform spectroscopic analysis at mid-infrared wavelengths (6-20 mum), where an advantageous contrast ratio between star and planet occurs. The baseline mission is projected to last 5 years and consists of approximately 200 individual target stars. Among these, 25-50 planetary systems can be studied spectroscopically, which will include the search for gases such as CO(2), H(2)O, CH(4), and O(3). Many of the key technologies required for the construction of Darwin have already been demonstrated, and the remainder are estimated to be mature in the near future. Darwin is a mission that will ignite intense interest in both the research community and the wider public.

Radon emanation from NORM-contaminated pipe scale and soil at petroleum industry sites

Radon-222 emanation fractions were determined for barite scale deposits associated with petroleum production tubing and soil contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). Samples were analyzed for 226Ra concentration, the results of which were used to calculate the 222Rn emanation fraction for the sample. An important parameter determining the overall Rn activity flux from a solid medium, 222Rn emanation fraction represents the fraction of 222Rn produced that enters the interconnected pore space within a medium contaminated with 226Ra before the 222Rn undergoes radioactive decay. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether 222Rn emanation fractions from pipe scale and soil from petroleum production sites are similar to those of uranium mill tailings. Pipe scale samples were collected at four sites representing a wide geographical area, and consisted primarily of barite scale where Ra atoms have replaced a fraction of the Ba within the crystal lattice of the scale. Soil samples were collected at five sites, from areas exhibiting elevated surface gamma exposure rates indicating the presence of NORM. For comparison, 226Ra concentrations and 222Rn emanation fraction were also determined for uranium mill tailings samples provided from a site in Utah. Although 2226Ra concentrations from pipe scale samples were similar to those found in uranium mill tailings, 222Rn emanation fractions from scale were generally lower. Emanation fractions from each data set were statistically different from those of mill tailings (p < or = 0.01). The differences are probably due to physical differences between the two media and to the method by which the Ra is deposited in the material. Radon emanation from soils was extremely variable owing not only to differences in physical and chemical soil properties, but also to the means by which NORM has entered the soil. Although additional emanation measurements from other sites are needed, the data collected at these sites indicate that regulations intended to protect human health from 222Rn inhalation should consider the type and properties of the medium in which the NORM is contained, rather than relying strictly on concentrations of the parent 226Ra.

Mapping of a gene for severe pediatric gastroesophageal reflux to chromosome 13q14

CONTEXT

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has not previously been widely regarded as a hereditary disease. A few reports have suggested, however, that a genetic component may contribute to the incidence of GER, especially in its severe or chronic forms.

OBJECTIVE

To identify a genetic locus that cosegregates with a severe pediatric GER phenotype in families with multiple affected members.

DESIGN

A genome-wide scan of families affected by severe pediatric GER using polymorphic microsatellite markers spaced at an average of 8 centimorgans (cM), followed by haplotyping and by pairwise and multipoint linkage analyses.

SETTING

General US community, with research performed in a university tertiary care hospital.

SUBJECTS

Affected and unaffected family members from 5 families having multiple individuals affected by severe pediatric GER, identified through a patient support group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Determination of inheritance patterns and linkage of a genetic locus with the severe pediatric GER phenotype by logarithm-of-odds (lod) score analysis, considering a lod score of 3 or greater as evidence of linkage.

RESULTS

In these families, severe pediatric GER followed an autosomal dominant hereditary pattern with high penetrance. A gene for severe pediatric GER was mapped to a 13-cM region on chromosome 13q between microsatellite markers D13S171 and D13S263. A maximum multifamily 2-point lod score of 5.58 and a maximum multifamily multipoint lod score of 7.15 were obtained for marker D13S1253 at map position 35 cM when presumptively affected persons were modeled as unknown (a maximum multipoint score of 4.88 was obtained when presumptively affected persons were modeled as unaffected).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that a gene for severe pediatric GER maps to chromosome 13q14. JAMA. 2000;284:325-334

Measurement of 222Rn flux, 222Rn emanation, and 226,228Ra concentration from injection well pipe scale

222Rn flux (Bq s(-1)) was measured from the ends of twenty sections of produced water injection tubing (pipe) containing barite scale contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material. Exposure measurements near the pipes were as high as 77.4 nC kg(-1)h(-1) (300 microR h(-1)). Flux measurements were accomplished by first purging the pipes with dry nitrogen and then collecting the outflow (nitrogen and radon) on charcoal columns affixed to the end of the pipe for 66 hours. As determined in this manner, 222Rn flux from the ends of the pipe ranged from 0.017 to 0.10 Bq s(-1) (0.46 to 2.7 pCi s(-1)). Following the radon flux measurements, pipe scale was removed and a representative sample was taken for 226Ra and 228Ra concentration measurements and determination of 222Rn emanation fractions (the fraction of the total radon contained in a material that is released from the material and free to migrate). The samples were also analyzed for gross mineral content. Emanation fraction measurements for 222Rn ranged from 0.020 to 0.063, while 226Ra concentrations ranged from 15.7 to 102 Bq g(-1) (424 to 2,760 pCi g(-1)). Barite was the predominate mineral in 17 of the 20 scale samples collected. Much of the previous work dealing with radon emanation fraction measurements has involved uranium mill tailings. Compared to mill tailings and natural soils which have emanation fractions that typically range from 0.1 to 0.3, the emanation fractions measured for these NORM scales are substantially lower.

Blinded multiplex PCR analyses of middle ear and nasopharyngeal fluids from chinchilla models of single- and mixed-pathogen-induced otitis media

Multiplex PCR analyses for both bacterial and viral pathogens were conducted in a blinded manner on 33 archival specimens, of known culture status, procured from chinchilla models of both single- and mixed-pathogen-induced otitis media and from a pediatric patient. These specimens had been maintained at -70 degrees C for up to 6 years. Experimental specimens evaluated included middle-ear effusions, nasopharyngeal lavage fluids and middle-ear lavage fluids from animals which were immunologically naive, sham-immunized or actively immunized with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae antigens. Sampling times used ranged from the day of bacterial or viral challenge to 42 days after challenge. Initial PCR analyses of the 33 specimens matched the traditional culture data in 24 instances (73%), correctly identifying nontypeable H. influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or adenovirus as the causative agent. A PCR-positive signal for the microbe(s) inoculated was also obtained in four animal model specimens (12%) which were culture negative. One of two culture-negative human effusions was also PCR positive. Thus, overall, results obtained by blinded PCR were 85% concordant with traditional culture methods or correctly indicated the specific pathogen introduced in four specimens that were sterile. In no instance was a false-positive signal obtained for any of the five etiologic agents being evaluated. We conclude that the multiplex PCR analyses are rapid and accurate methodologies when they are used to retrospectively evaluate diverse archival specimens of limited volume from experimental models of otitis media.

Analysis of adult otitis media: polymerase chain reaction versus culture for bacteria and viruses

Recent studies using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have identified bacterial and viral genomic sequences in culture-negative pediatric middle ear effusions. To evaluate this technique in adults, 19 effusions were analyzed to compare bacterial and viral culture and PCR detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and adenovirus. Effusions from 4 subjects positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were analyzed by PCR for HIV virus. Three of 19 effusions were culture-positive for bacteria, and 0 of 19 for viruses. Fifteen of 19 effusions were PCR-positive for bacterial genomic sequences, and 0 of 19 for adenovirus. Thirteen of 15 PCR-positive specimens demonstrated S pneumoniae, 5 of 15 H influenzae, and 0 of 13 M catarrhalis. All 4 effusions from HIV-positive subjects were PCR-positive for HIV. No effusion was culture-positive and PCR-negative. These results confirm that culture-negative middle ear effusions contain genomic sequences from bacterial pathogens. Finding of HIV RNA and DNA in effusion from HIV-positives suggests replicating virus in this fluid.

Cartilage Viability with Interpolated Skin Flaps: An Experimental Study

Although composite cartilage grafts are often used in conjunction with a midline forehead flap to repair full-thickness nasal defects, the timing of pedicle division, which optimizes cartilage viability, has yet to be determined. A rabbit animal model was designed to investigate this question. The skin flap pedicle was divided at 0 days, 4 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks in each of five groups of five animals. Although early pedicle division led to partial skin flap necrosis, the cartilage grafts tolerated this ischemic period better. Cartilage viability was approximately 70% and did not differ significantly between the five groups. It is concluded that a larger composite graft and better definition of the skin flap's critical period are needed to determine optimum timing for pedicle division in this animal model.

Cartilage viability with interpolated skin flaps: an experimental study

Although composite cartilage grafts are often used in conjunction with a midline forehead flap to repair full-thickness nasal defects, the timing of pedicle division, which optimizes cartilage viability, has yet to be determined. A rabbit animal model was designed to investigate this question. The skin flap pedicle was divided at 0 days, 4 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks in each of five groups of five animals. Although early pedicle division led to partial skin flap necrosis, the cartilage grafts tolerated this ischemic period better. Cartilage viability was approximately 70% and did not differ significantly between the five groups. It is concluded that a larger composite graft and better definition of the skin flap's critical period are needed to determine optimum timing for pedicle division in this animal model.

A gene for hereditary pancreatitis maps to chromosome 7q35

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is an autosomal-dominant disorder with incomplete penetrance characterized by recurrent bouts of severe epigastric pain with onset usually at 5-10 years of age. A genetic linkage study was designed to identify the HP gene.

METHODS

A 500-member pedigree was constructed from a U.S. kindred centered in eastern Kentucky and western Virginia. A genome-wide search strategy was employed using a 36-member subset of this family to determine the genetic locus for HP. Testing for linkage to microsatellite loci was performed at 20-cM intervals.

RESULTS

Linkage was established between the HP phenotype and chromosome 7q in this subset of the family. Modeled as an autosomal dominant disorder with 80% penetrance, a maximal multipoint logarithm of the odds score of 4.3 was obtained using a four-point analysis consisting of markers D7S684, D7S661, D7S505, and the HP locus. Two microsatellite markers, D7S661 and D7S505, that correspond to the 7q35 region of chromosome 7 spanning a 6-cM region did not evidence obligate recombinations with HP. The centromeric and telomeric limits are defined by recombinations at D7S684 and D7S483, respectively, which generates a 19-cM locus for HP. Utilizing family members from the extended pedigree, a break in the high-risk haplotype between D7S684 and D7S661 was observed, which suggests it may be possible to exclude an additional 8 cM from the HP locus. A maximal pairwise logarithm of the odds score of 4.73 at a recombination fraction of theta at D7S684 was obtained with the addition of these extended family members.

CONCLUSIONS

Linkage of HP to 7q35 represents a major advancement in our understanding of the genetic basis of this disorder.

PCR-based detection of bacterial DNA after antimicrobial treatment is indicative of persistent, viable bacteria in the chinchilla model of otitis media

PURPOSE

Bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been previously detected by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) in a significant percentage of culturally-sterile pediatric middle-ear effusions. The current study was designed to determine whether this represents the existence of viable bacteria or the persistence of residual DNA in the middle-ear cleft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The middle-ear cavities of two sets of chinchillas were inoculated with either: 1) 100 colony-forming units (CFU) of live Haemophilus influenzae, 2.2 x 10(6) CFU of pasteurized Moraxella catarrhalis, and 1000 ng of DNA (>10(8) genomic equivalents) from Streptococcus pneumoniae; or 2) 100 CFU of live S pneumoniae, 2.2 x 10(6) CFU of pasteurized M catarrhalis and 1000 ng of purified DNA from H influenzae. Animals were treated with ampicillin for 5 days beginning on day 3. A single-point longitudinal study design was used for sampling to eliminate the possibility of contamination.

RESULTS

No DNA was detectable from the heat-killed bacteria or the purified DNA after day 3. However, DNA from the live bacteria persisted through day 21, even though all specimens were culture-negative following the initiation of antimicrobial therapy.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that purified DNA and DNA from intact but nonviable bacteria do not persist in the middle-ear cleft in the presence of an effusion, even following high copy inoculation. In contrast, antibiotic-treated bacteria persist in some viable state for weeks as evidenced by the differential ability of the PCR-based assay systems to detect the live bacteria, but not detect the heat-killed organisms.

Crouzon syndrome: mutations in two spliceoforms of FGFR2 and a common point mutation shared with Jackson-Weiss syndrome

Dominant mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene have been recently identified as causes of four phenotypically distinct craniosynostosis syndromes, including Crouzon, Jackson-Weiss, Pfeiffer, and Apert syndromes. These data suggest that the genetics of the craniosynostosis syndromes is more complex than would be expected from their simple autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern. Identical mutations in the FGFR2 gene have been reported to cause both Pfeiffer and Crouzon syndrome phenotypes. We now report the finding of a mutation in exon IIIc of the FGFR2 gene in a kindred affected with Crouzon syndrome (C1043 to G; Ala344Gly) that is identical to the mutation previously associated with Jackson-Weiss syndrome. We also report finding in a Crouzon kindred a mutation in the 3' end of exon IIIu (formerly referred to as exon 5, exon 7, or exon U) (A878 to C; Gln289Pro) which encodes the amino terminal portion of the Ig-like III domain of the FGFR2 protein. This exon is common to both the FGFR2 and the KGFR spliceoforms of the FGFR2 gene, unlike all previously reported Crouzon mutations, which have been found only in the FGFR2 spliceoform. These findings reveal further unexpected complexity in the molecular genetics of these craniosynostosis syndromes. The data implies that second-site mutations in FGFR2 itself (outside of exon IIIc) or in other genes may determine specific aspects of the phenotypes of craniosynostosis syndromes.

Nitrate and nitric acid concentrations at two Rocky Mountain baseline monitoring sites

A two-tiered, Teflon/nylon filterpack system was used to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of particulate nitrates and nitric acid vapors at two monitoring sites in the Rocky Mountains. Geometric means for particulate nitrates were 38.9 and 52.8 ng/m(3) for the upper and lower sites, respectively. For nitric acid, geometric means of 70.4 ng/m(3) for the upper site and 295 ng/m(3) for the lower site were observed. The relatively low concentrations found at these two sites are comparable to published values for these materials at other remote sites. Atmospheric concentrations of nitrates and nitric acid were correlated significantly at each site, and the total nitrate concentrations (NO(3)(-) plus HNO(3)) were correlated between sites. Comparisons between the two sites indicate that nitric acid concentrations were statistically greater at the lower elevation site, whereas nitrate concentrations were not significantly different. No general seasonal or annual pattern of nitrate or nitric acid concentrations were evident when comparable sampling periods were examined.

The bond strength of orthodontic resins to porcelain

Orthodontic brackets were bonded to one of two porcelain surfaces using a self-cured or one of two light-activated orthodontic bonding resins. The porcelain surfaces were either glazed (control) or deglazed (experimental) by being subjected to either 1.23% APF for 4 minutes or roughened with a Busch silent wheel. The bonds were tested to failure in shear mode on a universal mechanical testing machine. For one porcelain, there was no significant difference in the mean bond strengths between the control and the APF-treated surface, but for the second porcelain the mean bond strength was significantly greater when the surface was de-glazed by abrasion. It is considered that the mean bond strengths may be inadequate to withstand manipulations associated with routine orthodontic therapy.

Immunolocalization of chloride-transporting membrane vesicles in tracheal epithelial cells

A membrane fraction eluted from a phenyl Sepharose column (MPS) was isolated from renal cortex and bovine tracheal epithelia that is enriched in a single type of Cl- channel [C. L. Preston, M. A. Calenzo, and W. P. Dubinsky. Am. J. Physiol. 263 (Cell Physiol. 32): C879-C887, 1992]. A 200-kDa membrane protein that copurifies with and appears to be specific to this fraction was purified and used to raise antisera for immunological characterization of these membranes. The antisera reacted in immunoblots with a 200-kDa protein in homogenates of bovine trachea, kidney, pancreas, lung, and intestine. There was also cross-reactivity with a 200-kDa protein in immunoblots in rat stomach, pancreas, and lung. There was no cross-reaction with rat skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, or aorta. Thus this protein appears to be preferentially enriched in epithelial tissues. Examination of each major fraction during the purification of MPS membranes from trachea shows no enrichment of the 200-kDa protein in plasma, mitochondrial, or nuclear membrane fractions. The only significant enrichment was observed in MPS that is purified by hydrophobic chromatography. In frozen sections, antisera and monospecific immunoaffinity-purified antibodies localize the protein primarily to the apical domain of tracheal columnar epithelial cells with small punctate structures throughout the cytoplasmic compartment.

Control of growth in the neonatal pig heart

The newborn heart is an excellent model in which to study cardiac growth because the neonatal period is a normal situation in which the left ventricle (LV) grows rapidly and the right ventricle grows slowly. Accelerated LV growth is in response to mechanical, neural, and endocrine changes at birth. Faster growth of the LV is accounted for by greater capacity for protein synthesis, as evidenced by greater RNA content. At 18 h of life, ribosomes are formed in preference to total heart protein, but at 48 h of life, faster rates of both ribosome formation and total protein synthesis are observed. In the LV of hearts from 2-day-old pigs, these rates are insensitive to the addition of glucagon, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, or a combination of norepinephrine and propranolol. These observations could result because of maximal growth stimulation already present in the LV of the newborn heart. To restrain LV growth in the neonatal period, we treated pigs with enalapril maleate, an angiotensin II-converting enzyme inhibitor. Enalapril blocked growth of the LV as well as the increase in RNA content. When hearts from enalapril-treated pigs were perfused in vitro, rates of protein synthesis and ribosome formation in the LV were lower. These studies suggest that angiotensin II is an important factor accounting for rapid growth of the neonatal heart in response to pressure overload at birth.

Angiotensin II and left ventricular growth in newborn pig heart

The left ventricle of the neonatal pig heart is a model of rapid physiological cardiac growth that is dependent upon accelerated ribosome formation and increased RNA content. The goals of the present study were to investigate the role of angiotensin II in this rapid growth. Hearts from 3 d old control piglets or piglets that were treated with enalapril maleate, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, or DuP 753, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, were used for measurements of left ventricular mass, RNA, DNA and protein. Hearts from enalapril-treated pigs also were used for measurements of rates of ribosome formation and total protein synthesis during perfusion as modified Langendorff preparations. Treatment of piglets with enalapril maleate resulted in decreased left ventricle/body wt ratio, RNA content, total RNA and total protein in the left ventricle. These parameters were unaffected in the right ventricle. In vitro perfusion of hearts from enalapril-treated piglets revealed decreased ribosome formation and total protein synthesis in the left ventricle. Piglets treated with DuP 753 had decreased left ventricle/body wt ratio as well as decreased RNA content, total RNA and RNA/DNA ratio in the left ventricle. These results suggest that angiotensin II may be required for rapid growth of neonatal pig hearts.

1,4-Dihydronaphthoquinones as water-soluble inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase

The acetate derivatives of 1,4-dihydronaphthoquinones showed significant inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Among them, 1-acetyl-2-n-butyl-4-methoxy-naphthalene and 1-acetyl-2, 3-diethyl- 4- methoxy-naphthalene were found to be the best inhibitors. A series of HCl salts of the amino acid esters and other derivatives of the two parent molecules, 1-hydroxy-2-n-butyl-4-methoxy-naphthalene and 1-hydroxy-2, 3-diethyl-4-methoxynaphthalene, were synthesized as water-soluble potential inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase to improve the formulation characteristics of this class of compounds. The derivatives were evaluated for leukotriene (LT) C4/D4 and LTB4 inhibitory activity. The HCl salts of the L-valine esters from the two parent molecules exhibited the best potency for inhibition of LTC4/D4 (IC50 0.11-0.90 microM) in ionophore A23187-stimulated rat mononuclear cells and of LTB4 in A23187-stimulated rat blood (55.5-79.2% inhibition) following a single oral dose of 50 mg/kg.

1,4-Dihydronaphthoquinones, hydroindoloquinones, benzofurans, and benzothiophenes as inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. Synthesis and structure-activity studies

A series of substituted 1,4-dihydronaphthoquinones, hydroindoloquinones, benzofuran-4,7-dihydroquinones, and benzothiophene-4,7-dihydroquinones were synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase. These compounds were found to be active in vitro for LTC4/D4 inhibition with the potencies (IC50's) ranging from 0.2 to 85 microM. Active 1,4-dihydronaphthoquinone acetates (IC50 less than 20 microM) were evaluated in an ex vivo LTB4 inhibition assay. The acetates of 1,4-dihydronaphthoquinones containing the alkyl substituent(s) (2-n-butyl, 11, and 2,3-diethyl, 15) exhibited the best activity in LTC4/D4 inhibition (IC50 = 0.2-0.4 microM, in vitro) as well as in LTB4 inhibition (60-75% inhibition).

Accelerated ribosome formation and growth in neonatal pig hearts

Rapid growth (5 mg dry heart/h) of the left ventricular free wall (LVFW) in the newborn pig heart accompanied by lack of growth of the right ventricular free wall (RVFW) represents a unique natural model of cardiac enlargement that is free of pathophysiological influences. By 3 days of life, LVFW was 71% larger than at 4 h of age. Rates of protein synthesis were measured during perfusion of isolated pig hearts with bicarbonate buffer containing glucose, lactate, insulin, and plasma concentrations of amino acids of an aortic pressure of 60 mmHg. In hearts from pigs that were 18 h of age, rates of protein synthesis were the same in RVFW and LVFW, but in 2-day-old pigs the rate was 52% greater in LVFW than RVFW. During the first 3 days of life, RNA content (mg/g) increased 3.4-fold faster in LVFW than RVFW. When RNA content was expressed per total heart portion, the increase was 7.9-fold greater. Because approximately 85% of total RNA is rRNA, these values indicated much more rapid formation of ribosomes in the LVFW than RVFW. When ribosome formation was measured in vitro in hearts from 48-h-old pigs, rates of formation were 39% greater in LVFW than RVFW, and at 18 h of age, ribosome formation was 40% faster in LVFW than RVFW. These findings indicated that formation of new ribosome preceded accelerated synthesis of total heart proteins. These findings indicated that rapid growth of LVFW compared with no growth of RVFW was associated with a 67% faster rate of ribosome formation and a 32% greater rate of protein synthesis.

Dentin smear layer: an asset or a liability for bonding?

Despite concerns and claims that the smear layer on dentin is undesirable for bonding, supportive evidence is lacking. The clinical efficacy of various agents for smear layer removal and the effect of smear layer removal on the bond strengths of a glass-ionomer cement and three representative dentin bonding agents were examined. For all but one dentin bonding agent (Gluma), a 15-second treatment with 17% EDTA caused a reduction in bond strength. For Gluma, no significant bond was obtained without EDTA treatment. While Gluma probably bonds via dentinal collagen, the other materials interact primarily with dentinal calcium. Removal of the smear layer for adhesives reliant on the presence of calcium is therefore undesirable. The clinical effects of some agents proposed for smear layer removal were examined by SEM of replicas.

Experiments on the mode of action of piriprost (U-60,257), an inhibitor of leukotriene formation in cloned mouse mast cells and in rat basophil leukemia cells

We studied the effect of piriprost, an inhibitor of sulfidopeptide leukotriene (LT) formation, on the generation of the known products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonate metabolism in calcium ionophore A23187-challenged rat basophil leukemia cells and cloned, growth factor-dependent, mouse mast cells. Piriprost inhibited the formation of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), and LTB4, and the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (LTC4 in the mouse mast cells and both LTC4 and a mixture of LTD4 and LTE4 in the rat basophil leukemia cells) in parallel (IC50 values ranged between 9 and 14 microM for the mouse mast cells and between 15 and 50 microM for the basophil leukemia cells). Our previous observation that piriprost is only a very weak inhibitor of the solubilized LTC synthase of rat basophil leukemia cells was extended to similar enzyme preparations derived from the mouse mast cells (IC50 1.5 mM). The results are consistent with the conclusion that piriprost acts as an inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase reaction and that its activity in intact cells is not likely to involve the inhibition of the LTC synthase.

Solubilization and initial biochemical characterization of an IgE-destroying enzyme on rat peritoneal mast cells

Previous studies had demonstrated that incubation of IgE with purified rat mast cells can result in the time and cell concentration-dependent destruction of the ability of the IgE to be bound to specific receptors on rat basophil leukemia cells. The IgE-destroying activity, which has an extremely acid pH optimum, resisted attempts at solubilization using detergents. However, it was solubilized in good yield by use of chaotropic salts and especially KOCN. The soluble activity is stable to freezing and thawing, and to heating to 68 degrees C for 60 min. It is promptly destroyed upon boiling. IgE destruction was linear with time up to 20 min and a series of products, mol. wts 138,000, 92,500, 60,000 and 36,500, are formed during the reaction. No pH optimum for the reaction could be found because, as the pH was lowered below 4.0, the spontaneous destruction of IgE became too great. At pH 4.75 the apparent Km for the reaction was 0.55 microM and Vmax was 0.4 nmoles IgE/10(4) mast cell equivalents/min. IgE-destroying activity could be inhibited by heat-inactivated serum, and by relatively high concentrations of crude alpha 1-antitrypsin, aprotinin, lima bean and soybean trypsin inhibitors and by p-nitroguanidinobenzoate. A large number of other protease inhibitors were inactive.

Inhibition of oxidative enzymes by anti-allergy drugs

Lodoxamide tromethamine and several other anti-allergy drugs, i.e. inhibitors of rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, are inhibitors of purified xanthine oxidase. Inhibition is noncompetitive with Ki's in the 1-13 micromolar range. Lodoxamide tromethamine had no effect on another flavoprotein, glucose oxidase. Other studies have shown several of these drugs are inhibitors of aldose reductase. It is speculated that the anti-allergy drugs inhibit mediator release from mast cells by blocking univalent electron transfers which are essential for release.

Bacteriologic aspects of epidural analgesia

The incidence of contamination of catheters and syringes used during epidural analgesia for parturients and the effectiveness of bacterial filters were investigated. The effect of bupivacaine on bacterial viability and growth was also studied. Syringes in 5/101 cases were contaminated, while catheter tips located in the epidural space were sterile. Organisms isolated were skin commensals and probably originated on the hands of anesthetic personnel. Bupivacaine (0.25%) was bacteriocidal to S epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp at 37C but not at room temperature. These findings illustrate the efficacy of using bacterial filters during continuous epidural analgesia. New syringes should be used for each epidural injection as insurance against seeding of bacteria in the presence of a defective filter.

Induction of Reagin Synthesis in the Rat with Associated and Dissociated Hemocyanin: Effect of Antilymphocyte Serum

Dissimilar reagin synthesis patterns were observed in Bordetella pertussis-treated rats which were immunized with equivalent amounts of associated or dissociated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The associated form induced low titers of reagin in about 50% of the animals which peaked 30 days post-immunization. The dissociated form induced higher titers in 75% of the animals which peaked 10 days post-immunization. In contrast, the associated form of KLH was a more potent antigen than the dissociated form in the production of KLH agglutinins. Administration of equine antilymphocyte serum (ALS) to rats before or after immunization produced an alteration in the reagin synthesis pattern which was dependent on the time of ALS treatment. If given before immunization, early synthesis was enhanced. If given after immunization, late synthesis was enhanced. ALS treatment was suppressive for KLH agglutinin production, particularly with dissociated KLH immunized animals. The dissimilar antibody response to different forms of the same antigen, coupled with the exquisite dependence of early reagin synthesis on time of administration of ALS, leads to the speculation that macrophages may control an early event which determines reagin response.