Accurate prediction of saw blade thicknesses from false start measurements

BACKGROUND

False start analysis is the examination of incomplete saw marks created on bone in an effort to establish information on the saw that created them. The present study aims to use quantitative data from micro-CT cross-sections to predict the thickness of the saw blade used to create the mark. Random forest statistical models are utilised for prediction to present a methodology that is useful to both forensic researchers and practitioners.

METHOD

340 false starts were created on 32 fleshed cadaveric leg bones by 38 saws of various classes. False starts were micro-CT scanned and seven measurements taken digitally. A regression random forest model was produced from the measurement data of all saws to predict the saw blade thickness from false starts with an unknown class. A further model was created, consisting of three random forests, to predict the saw blade thickness when the class of the saw is known. The predictive capability of the models was tested using a second sample of data, consisting of measurements taken from a further 17 false starts created randomly selected saws from the 38 in the experiment.

RESULTS

Random forest models were able to accurately predict up to 100% of saw blade thicknesses for both samples of false starts.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the applicability of random forest statistical regression models for reliable prediction of saw blade thicknesses from false start data. The methodology proposed enables prediction of saw blade thickness from empirical data and offers a significant step towards reduced subjectivity and database formation in false start analysis. Application of this methodology to false start analysis, with a more complete database, will allow complementary results to current analysis techniques to provide more information on the saw used in dismemberment casework.

Immunostimulants and Toll-like receptor ligands obtained by screening combinatorial lipopeptide collections*

Synthetic lipopeptides carrying the head group of bacterial lipoproteins are specific ligands of Toll-like receptors (TLR). The three fatty acids containing lipopeptides with the tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl-cysteinyl N-terminus (Pam(3)Cys) are agonists of TLR2. The structurally related lipopeptides with a head group lacking the fatty acyl residue at the amino-terminus (Pam(2)Cys) stimulate TLR2 and 6. To investigate the influence of the peptide chain of lipohexapeptides with a free N-terminus with regard to their ability to enhance B-cell proliferation, a randomized S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl]-(R)-cysteinyl-pentapeptide amide collection Pam(2)CysXXXXX and 5 x 19 subcollections (Pam(2)CysOXXXX, Pam(2)CysXOXXX, Pam(2)CysXXOXX, Pam(2)CysXXXOX, Pam(2)CysXXXXO, O: all protein amino acids except Cys) were prepared by parallel solid-phase synthesis. The collection represents synthetic lipopeptide analogues of the numerous bacterial lipoproteins and of mycoplasma lipoprotein. Each of the 95 subcollections is characterized by one defined and four degenerated amino acid positions thus comprising 19(4) individual lipopeptides with free N-terminal amino groups. High-performance liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) was applied for the analytical characterization of the lipohexapeptide amide subcollections and for the individual lipohexapeptide amides. The subcollections were tested for polyclonal activation of murine spleen cells, deconvolution led to highly active single S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl]-(R)-cysteinyl-pentapeptide amides.

Oligosaccharides in human milk: structural, functional, and metabolic aspects

Research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) has received much attention in recent years. However, it started about a century ago with the observation that oligosaccharides might be growth factors for a so-called bifidus flora in breast-fed infants and extends to the recent finding of cell adhesion molecules in human milk. The latter are involved in inflammatory events recognizing carbohydrate sequences that also can be found in human milk. The similarities between epithelial cell surface carbohydrates and oligosaccharides in human milk strengthen the idea that specific interactions of those oligosaccharides with pathogenic microorganisms do occur preventing the attachment of microbes to epithelial cells. HMOs may act as soluble receptors for different pathogens, thus increasing the resistance of breast-fed infants. However, we need to know more about the metabolism of oligosaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract. How far are oligosaccharides degraded by intestinal enzymes and does oligosaccharide processing (e.g. degradation, synthesis, and elongation of core structures) occur in intestinal epithelial cells? Further research on HMOs is certainly needed to increase our knowledge of infant nutrition as it is affected by complex oligosaccharides.

Generation of antibodies directed against the low-immunogenic peptide-toxins microcystin-LR/RR and nodularin

The preparation of antibodies against the liver toxin microcystin, as described here, is of major importance for its detection and purification in food and water, and for a therapeutic approach to neutralize the toxin by passive immunization. Microcystin-LR (MLR) and microcystin-RR (MRR) were purified from cyanobacterial cell materials by extraction, Sephadex LH-20-, ODS silica gel-, ionic exchange and RP-HPLC-chromatography. In order to reduce the toxicity for parenteral administration, microcystins were coupled by the carbodiimide method to poly-L-lysine (PLL(50.000)). Mice and rabbits were immunized with the conjugates in the presence of two lipopeptide immunoadjuvants (P(3)CSK(4) and P(3)CS-T(h)). High MLR-specific antibody levels were observed after parenteral coadministration of antigen and lipopeptides, whereas no anti-MLR antibodies were obtained with free microcystin or the microcystin-PLL(50.000)-conjugate in the absence of lipopeptide. In oral immunization, coadministration of antigen and adjuvants resulted in an accelerated development of anti MLR-specific antibodies and high antibody levels. Using the antisera, we could detect different microcystins and nodularin down to a concentration range of 10-50 ng/ml by a competitive inhibition ELISA; detection of microcystins in crude cell preparations was also possible. Furthermore, microcystins from different sources could be detected and discriminated from cyclic cyanopeptolines.

Immunostimulatory activity of the bacterial extract OM-8

The bacterial extract OM-89 used for the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections constitutes an effective immunostimulant in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrate that OM-89 shows mitogenic properties towards murine spleen cell cultures from LPS responder and non-responder mice. In macrophages the extract induces the translocation of NF-kappaB into the cell nucleus and RNI (radical nitrogen intermediates) release, which could be attributed to single fractions of the extract. Our findings on the in vitro immunostimulatory effect of OM-89, as well as its immunogenic and adjuvant properties, are of importance for understanding its therapeutic efficacy as demonstrated in clinical studies.

Lipopeptides as immunoadjuvants and immunostimulants in mucosal immunization

In previous studies we have shown that lipopeptides constitute potent immunoadjuvants in mice, rabbits and other species: in parenteral immunization, lipopeptide adjuvants were comparable, or in some cases superior to Freund's adjuvant, and were devoid of the side effects of this additive. Here we demonstrate that lipopeptides also constitute adjuvants for mucosal immunizations. The serum antibody responses against the wheat storage protein gliadin, the bee venom constituent melittin, or the hen egg protein ovalbumin could in most cases be enhanced more than 100-fold by the lipopeptide P3CSK4, applied via the nasal route. An enhanced specific antibody level could also be detected in supernatants of cell cultures prepared from spleens, Peyer's patches, lungs and mesenteric lymph nodes of immunized mice. Moreover, the lipopeptide P3CSK4 enhanced chemiluminescence in mouse spleen cells and peritoneal macrophages in vitro, indicating a macrophage-activating effect. Finally, nasal application of lipopeptide increased protection against a lethal infection of influenza. Our findings are of importance for the improvement of immunizations and might lead to more effective vaccines.

Immunogenicity of an E. coli extract after oral or intraperitoneal administration: induction of antibodies against pathogenic bacterial strains

For the treatment of recurrent infections of the urinary tract, a bacterial extract (OM-89) consisting of immunostimulating components derived from 18 Escherichia coli strains is orally applied to patients. We investigated in a mouse model the immunogenicity of the bacterial extract after intraperitoneal or oral administration. After repeated administration of the extract, serum IgG and IgA responses against the E. coli strains used for the preparation of OM-89 were obtained. This antisera also recognized a number of bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract and enterohemorrhagic E. coli infections, and bound to a variety of other pathogenic strains. Moreover, the supernatants of cell cultures prepared from the urogenital tract of mice immunized with OM-89 contained increased levels of strain specific and of total IgG and IgA. Our findings may contribute to explain the therapeutic effect of OM-89 demonstrated in clinical studies.

Bacterial cell wall components as immunomodulators--II. The bacterial cell wall extract OM-85 BV as unspecific activator, immunogen and adjuvant in mice

The bacterial extract Broncho-Vaxom used for the prevention and treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections is an immunomodulator in vitro and in vivo, as determined in a murine model. The extract acts, on the one hand, as macrophage activator and polyclonal B-lymphocyte stimulant. On the other hand, after repeated intraperitoneal or oral immunizations, the extract is immunogenic, inducing serum IgG binding to the bacterial strains used for the preparation of the extract. On bacteria, the sera recognize the cell wall components porin, lipoprotein/lipopeptide and murein. The bacterial extract also exhibits adjuvant properties when applied in mixture with antigens, such as TNP-BSA or an influenza vaccine preparation. The unspecific and the immunospecific stimulatory effect of the extract as well as its adjuvant properties could be of importance for understanding its therapeutic effect.

Bacterial cell wall components as immunomodulators--I. Lipopeptides as adjuvants for parenteral and oral immunization

We investigated the immunostimulatory properties of synthetically prepared lipopeptides derived from the cell wall of Gram negative bacteria. These compounds constitute potent macrophage activators and polyclonal B-lymphocyte stimulators. They are also immunoadjuvants in parenteral or oral immunization. By coupling the lipopeptides to haptens or low molecular weight antigens which are not immunogenic per se, highly immunogenic conjugates can be prepared. Lipopeptide antigen conjugates as synthetic vaccines give protection by enhancing the antibody-mediated immune response, and they stimulate the cellular immune response in vivo by priming of cytotoxic T-cells.

Studies on the immunogenicity of an Escherichia coli extract after oral application in mice

A bacterial extract (IBEC, OM-89, Uro-Vaxom), consisting of immunostimulating components derived from 18 Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial strains, is used for the treatment of recurrent infections of the urinary tract. Previously it was demonstrated that IBEC constitutes an active immunogen after parenteral administration to mice. Here, the immunogenic properties of IBEC after oral administration to mice are demonstrated. It was shown that, after repeated oral administrations of the extract, an IBEC-specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig), IgA and IgG response was obtained. A weak increase of IBEC-specific faecal IgA was also observed. The sera also bound to the bacterial strains used for the preparation of the extract. Moreover they recognized the bacterial cell wall components muramyl dipeptide (MDP) protein I (porin) and lipopeptide (P3C). In addition to the increase of bacteria-specific Ig, a rise in total serum IgA was demonstrated. Also in supernatants of splenocyte cultures of IBEC-immunized mice an increased level of IgA could be determined. These findings on the immunostimulating properties of IBEC after oral administration, which is also the application route in human patients, might partially explain the therapeutic effect of the extract shown in clinical studies.

Drug specific antibodies: T-cell epitope-lipopeptide conjugates are potent adjuvants for small antigens in vivo and in vitro

To generate conventional or monoclonal antibodies for the serological detection of drugs, antibiotics, toxins and other low molecular mass substances, a suitable and effective adjuvant is needed. Lipopeptides derived from a major component of the bacterial cell wall constitute potent nontoxic and nonpyrogenic immunoadjuvants when mixed with conventional antigens. Here we demonstrate that the synthetic lipopeptide N-palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2R,S)-propyl]-(R)-cysteinyl- serine (P3CS) coupled to a Th-cell epitope (P3CS-Th) can efficiently enhance the specific immune response against low molecular weight compounds in different species. In the presence of the synthetic lipopeptide P3CS-Th, the peptides which are per se non-immunogenic stimulated a specific humoral immune response in mice after intraperitoneal application. Mixtures containing adjuvants without the Th sequence showed no significant antibody induction. A marked enhancement of the humoral immune response was obtained with the low molecular mass antigens Iturin AL, Herbicolin A and Microcystin (MLR) coupled to poly-l-lysin (MLR-PLL), in rabbits and in chickens. Lipopeptide-Th cell epitope conjugates also constituted adjuvants for the in vitro immunization of either human mononuclear cells or mouse B-cells with MLR-PLL; after fusion of the immunized cultures with the heteromyeloma cell lines CB-F7 or the mouse myeloma cell line SP 2/0, respectively, we observed a significantly increased yield of antibody secreting hybridomas.

Bacterial lipopeptides constitute efficient novel immunogens and adjuvants in parenteral and oral immunization

Synthetic lipopeptide analogues derived from the N-terminus of bacterial lipoprotein constitute potent B-lymphocyte and macrophage/monocyte activators in vitro. In vivo they act as immunoadjuvants in parenteral and oral immunization when administered in combination with antigens. When added to bacterial or viral vaccines, lipopeptides markedly enhance the vaccine effect. After the coupling of lipopeptides to haptens or non immunogenic low molecular mass antigens, a specific antibody response is induced often after only one application of the conjugate. The response can be further enhanced by introducing haplotype specific T helper cell epitopes into the conjugate. Lipopeptide antigen conjugates can also be applied as synthetic vaccines that give protection e.g. against foot-and-mouth-disease. The novel chemically well defined lipopeptides described here can be synthesized in gram amounts with high purity and reproducibility; they are non-toxic and can be stored for long time even at room temperature. For veterinary application, by replacing Freund's adjuvant, side reactions and inflammatory processes are avoided.

Relative roles of natural killer- and T cell-mediated anti-leukemia effects in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients treated with interferon-alpha

Potential anti-leukemia effects mediated by T cells or by natural killer (NK) cells were investigated in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients treated with interferon-alpha. Therapy-associated modulation of T cell and NK reactivity was monitored for one year from initiation in autologous mixed lymphocyte-tumor cell reactions and cytotoxicity directed against autologous CML cells, respectively. During the course of IFN-therapy, NK activity against autologous CML cells increased steadily, whereas T cell reactivity fluctuated randomly. Despite the high level of T cell reactivity to autologous tumor cells in short-term (6 days) culture, 1) they failed to respond to synthetic peptides corresponding to the bcr/abl fusion sequence of the patient, and 2) only one proliferative T cell clone (TCC) was isolated which specifically recognized HLA-DR-matched CML cells. This TCC appeared not to recognize synthetic peptides corresponding to the bcr/abl fusion sequence of the patient; the antigen to which it responds remains unknown. To assess potential immunogenicity of bcr/abl peptides, it was attempted to sensitize T cells from normal donors in vitro. Of 109 cell lines obtained from seven different donors, eleven showed peptide-dependent proliferation. Therefore, although these results show that it is possible to isolate apparently CML-specific T cells from patients, as well as to prime T cells against tumor-specific peptide in vitro, the frequency of such T cell-mediated reactivity appears low and its relevance to anti-leukemic effects questionable. On the other hand, the strong time-dependent enhancement of natural killing of autologous CML blasts during IFN-alpha treatment, a phenomenon not observed for T cell reactivity, suggests that natural immunity may be more important in controlling disease.

Controlled trial of backrest elevation after coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

Protocol at most centers requires keeping the head of the bed flat for at least 5.5 hours after coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of head of bed elevation after diagnostic coronary angiography on patient comfort and on the incidence and timing of postprocedural complications.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 120 adult patients on the short-stay special procedures nursing unit of a university teaching hospital was used. Patients who had undergone elective diagnostic coronary angiography via the femoral artery were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. The control group had the head of bed maintained at 15 degrees or less for 5.5 hours after the procedure. The experimental group had the head of bed gradually elevated from 15 degrees to 60 degrees over the 5.5 hours. Both groups dangled and ambulated after 5.5 hours. All other aspects of the procedure were identical. Outcome was measured by incidence and timing of dizziness, hypotension, bleeding, hematoma, and diminished foot pulses. Level of pain was assessed on a scale of 0 to 10.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in the incidence of complications. The incidence of back pain at a level of more than 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 was less for the experimental group than for the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevation of the head of the bed after coronary angiography decreases discomfort with no increase in complications. Replication of this study is needed for verification.

Controlled trial of backrest elevation after coronary angiography

BACKGROUND: Protocol at most centers requires keeping the head of the bed flat for at least 5.5 hours after coronary angiography. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of head of bed elevation after diagnostic coronary angiography on patient comfort and on the incidence and timing of postprocedural complications. METHODS: A convenience sample of 120 adult patients on the short-stay special procedures nursing unit of a university teaching hospital was used. Patients who had undergone elective diagnostic coronary angiography via the femoral artery were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. The control group had the head of bed maintained at 15 degrees or less for 5.5 hours after the procedure. The experimental group had the head of bed gradually elevated from 15 degrees to 60 degrees over the 5.5 hours. Both groups dangled and ambulated after 5.5 hours. All other aspects of the procedure were identical. Outcome was measured by incidence and timing of dizziness, hypotension, bleeding, hematoma, and diminished foot pulses. Level of pain was assessed on a scale of 0 to 10. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in the incidence of complications. The incidence of back pain at a level of more than 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 was less for the experimental group than for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of the head of the bed after coronary angiography decreases discomfort with no increase in complications. Replication of this study is needed for verification.

Association of Kawasaki disease and interstitial nephritis

Renal insufficiency is a rare manifestation of Kawasaki disease. We report a 2.5-year-old boy with Kawasaki disease who developed acute renal failure during the acute phase of his illness. A percutaneous renal biopsy revealed acute interstitial nephritis. No etiological agent could be identified and renal recovery occurred with supportive care alone.

Insulin-like growth factors decrease oxygen-regulated erythropoietin production by human hepatoma cells (Hep G2)

We examined the effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin on erythropoietin (EPO) production by human hepatoma cells (Hep G2). Compared with normoxia (20% O2), EPO production by Hep G2 cells during a 72-h incubation was stimulated fivefold by exposure to low oxygen tension (1% O2) and nearly threefold by exposure to cobalt chloride (100 microM). IGF-I caused a concentration-dependent attenuation of EPO formation under normoxic conditions and inhibited (maximally 50%) EPO production stimulated by either low oxygen tension or cobalt [half-maximal effect (ED50) approximately 5 nM]. The increase of EPO mRNA levels in response to hypoxia was significantly reduced by IGF-I. Similarly to IGF-I, IGF-II (ED50 approximately 8 nM) and insulin (ED50 approximately 80 nM) also inhibited EPO formation in Hep G2 cells. IGF-I (100 pM-100 nM) stimulated the incorporation of radiolabeled alanine as a measure for total protein synthesis, 3H-labeled thymidine incorporation into DNA, and glycogen synthesis at 20 and 1% O2 in a concentration-dependent fashion. IGF-I exhibited a high affinity for the IGF-I receptor (apparent Kd approximately 3 nM). Unlabeled insulin was greater than 100-fold less potent than IGF-I in competing for 125I-IGF-I binding (apparent Kd approximately 360 nM). Conversely, insulin bound to the insulin receptor with high affinity (apparent Kd approximately 0.3 nM), whereas IGF-I was less than 1% as potent in competing for 125I-insulin binding. In summary, IGFs and insulin exert a negative control function on oxygen-regulated EPO production in Hep G2 cells. The inhibitory effect of IGFs and insulin on EPO formation appears to be mediated via the IGF-I receptor.

Monoclonal antibodies against rat kidney antigens

The proximal tubule of the nephron is subdivided into three structurally and functionally distinct segments, which can be differentiated with the help of special methods. With the aim of producing selective markers for these three portions of the proximal tubule, we raised monoclonal antibodies against the brush border membranes of the rat kidney. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with eleven different monoclonal antibodies to sections of rat kidney and other tissues at the light- and electron-microscopical level. These monoclonal antibodies mainly detect antigens located on the brush border of the proximal tubule, and they allow a distinction between its three segments. However, some antibodies also recognize other portions of the nephron, or even the glomerulus or stromal elements. Sites recognized by the antibodies are not limited to the kidney, but staining is observed on the intestinal brush border, the intralobular ducts of the pancreas, the bile canaliculi of the liver and on the macrophage clusters of the spleen. These antibodies are interesting reagents which can be applied to study biochemical differences between brush border membranes. In addition, they recognize antigenically related sites in other organs with reabsorptive or secretory tasks.

Endothelial cells modulate renin secretion from isolated mouse juxtaglomerular cells

Utilizing cocultures of mouse renal juxtaglomerular cells with bovine microvascular endothelial cells, we have examined whether endothelial cells exert direct influence on renin secretion from renal juxtaglomerular cells. In the presence of endothelial cells both spontaneous and forskolin (10 microM) or isoproterenol (10 microM) stimulated renin release were markedly attenuated. The stimulatory effect of the calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium (10 microM) on renin secretion was not altered by endothelial cells, whereas the stimulatory effect of ethylisopropylamiloride (50 microM) an inhibitor of sodium-proton exchange was enhanced in the presence of endothelial cells. Indomethacin (10 microM) and NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (NMMA) (1 mM) used to inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and production of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) decreased spontaneous renin release in the presence of endothelial cells only, but had no effect on forskolin stimulated renin secretion. Endothelin (1 microM) inhibited cAMP stimulated renin release both in the absence and in the presence of endothelial cells. ATP (10 microM) which acts on both endothelial and juxtaglomerular cells via purinergic P2 receptors inhibited cAMP stimulated renin release only in the absence but not in the presence of endothelial cells. This modulatory effect of endothelial cells was no altered by indomethacin nor by NMMA. Taken together, our findings provide first evidence for a local control function of the endothelium on cAMP stimulated renin secretion from renal juxtaglomerular cells, which could in part be mediated by endothelin.

Amiloride enhances the secretion but not the synthesis of renin in renal juxtaglomerular cells

In this study we have examined a potential role of the sodium/proton exchange system in the regulation of renin secretion. We found that the inhibitors of the Na+/H+ antiport, amiloride (1 mM) and ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA, 50 microM), led to a 125% increase of renin secretion from cultured mouse juxtaglomerular cells. The stimulatory effect of EIPA on renin secretion was dependent on the extracellular concentrations of sodium and hydrogen ions. While lowering the extracellular pH from 7.3 to 7.0, and lowering [Na+]e from 130 mM to 5 mM had no effect on basal renin release, it markedly attenuated or even blunted the effect of EIPA on renin secretion. The stimulatory effect of forskolin on renin secretion, however, was not altered by decreases of extracellular pH and of sodium. Inhibition of basal renin release was achieved with angiotensin II (1 microM). In the presence of EIPA the inhibitory effect angiotensin II was markedly attenuated. Although effective on renin secretion, neither amiloride nor EIPA exerted a significant effect on the denovo synthesis of renin in cultured mouse JG cells. These findings are compatible with the idea that an amiloride-sensitive transport process, presumably the Na+/H+ exchanger, acts indirectly as an inhibitory signal transduction system for renin secretion from renal juxtaglomerular cells.

Monoclonal antibodies against a human juxtaglomerular epithelioid granular cell tumour

With the exception of the renin-angiotensin system, the molecular composition of juxtaglomerular epithelioid granular cells (JEG cells) is unknown. We demonstrate the molecular peculiarities of these modified smooth muscle cells using monoclonal antibodies produced against a benign human JEG-cell tumour. Six out of 29 different clones produced antibodies that label JEG cells nearly exclusively. Antibodies from the other clones recognize JEG cells but also granularly or homogeneously distributed antigens of proximal tubule cells. This suggests antigenic similarity between granules of JEG cells and lysosomes of proximal tubule cells. Other clones produce antibodies which tag different cytoplasmic membranes or even mast cells. The antibodies directed exclusively against JEG cells promise to be useful tools to study their physiology and pathology.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the calcium binding protein Calbindin D-28k

We have produced 25 clones secreting antibodies directed against chicken Calbindin D-28k. Two of them, 300 and 318, recognize determinants conserved in fish, chicken, mouse, rat, rabbit, monkey and human Calbindin D-28k. We demonstrate their use in the immunohistochemical localization of Calbindin D-28k, and in the detection of Calbindin D-28k on immunoblots.

[Echocardiographic functional parameters of the left ventricle as a prognostic indicator in coronary heart disease]

The value of two-dimensional cross-sectional echocardiography for the estimation of the left ventricular function had been investigated in 241 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The day before left heart catheterization the left ventricular volumes (EDV, ESV) as well as the global left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) were calculated from the RAO-equivalent in the 2D-echo and in addition the classification of the EF was visually performed from different cross-sections. The coronary angiography showed in 208/241 patients hemodynamically effective stenoses (lumen restriction greater than 50%). For 192/208 patients there were diagnostically usable 2D-echograms as well as clinical data over an observation period of 3 years and 7 months. The 2D-echo correspond quite well to the levocardiography for the calculation of the EDV with r = 0.75, with r = 0.85 for the ESV, and with r = 0.80 for the EF. The mere visual evaluation of the EF out of the 2D-echo agreed well in 84% of the cases to the quantitative determination. During the observation period 18/192 patients died; 17/18 of these patients of cardial causes. Out of the patients with normal EF in the 2D-echo only 3.5% died, with slightly reduced EF 10% died. With highly reduced EF mortality was with 40% significantly increased (p less than 0.001). Thus in patients with CAD unfavourable long-time prognosis may be quickly recognized by their markedly reduced left ventricular function in the 2D-echocardiogram, which shows favourable correspondence to invasive data.

Genetic aspects of childhood epilepsy

The extensive studies pertinent to these problems cannot be elaborated here. We have restricted ourselves to a few representative concepts, which can be summarized as follows. The genetic aspects of convulsibility and epilepsy are highly complex phenomena. The level of convulsibility is determined by a number of different excitatory (and inhibitory) genetic factors. None of these factors is strictly specific to epilepsy. Each one is only a partial aspect of a complex genetic constitution which is strikingly common in perfectly healthy individuals, and which is related to a variety of psychic and somatic particularities. Almost all of these genetic factors seem to be polygenetically determined; in other words, they seem to reflect the actions of many genes. An increased liability to convulsions, and, finally, to epilepsy, is induced by an accumulation of these factorial sets, and, of course, by the effects of exogenous lesional factors. Special constellation of these polygenic sets may lead to the manifestation of different epileptic syndromes and may also explain the segregation of seizure types in the descendants of patients with seemingly uniform epileptic syndromes, as observed, for instance, in absence epilepsy and in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the calcium binding protein parvalbumin

We have produced twelve monoclonal antibodies (McAB) against carp-II parvalbumin. Three of them, designated 235, 239, 267 recognize determinants conserved in fish, chicken, mouse, rat, monkey and human parvalbumin. We show their use in the qualitative detection of parvalbumin (PV) by immunohistochemistry, in the quantitation of parvalbumin by radioimmunoassay and in the detection of parvalbumin on immunoblots.

Sulfatides in prenatal metachromatic leukodystrophy

In one 21-week-old fetus with prenatally diagnosed metachromatic leukodystrophy, galactolipid contents were determined in the forebrain cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord, and kidney and compared to an appropriate control. Spinal cord and kidney showed the highest sulfatide accumulation as a consequence of deficient cerebroside sulfatase activity. No increase, but a measurable amount of sulfatide, was detected in the forebrain. The prenatal neural sulfatides contained a high proportion of the hydroxy fatty acid component. The galactosyl ceramides were not reduced in the early stage of the demyelinating disease.

Monoclonal antibodies directed to human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I). Use for radioimmunoassay and immunopurification of IGF

Mouse hybridomas secreting antibodies to human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) were produced by fusion of spleen cells of hyperimmunised mice with FO mouse-myeloma cells. Eight clones producing antibodies against human IGF I have been isolated, two of which have been characterised. One was used in a radioimmunoassay, the other for immunopurification of IGF.

[Hygienic and microbiological influences exerted on natural water biotopes by algae and the growth of water plants. 1. Communication: antibacterial properties of three water algae (Hydrodictyon reticulatum, Chlorella vulgaris, Aphanothece nidulans) in vitro (author's transl)]

The growth-inhibiting behaviour of abacterial, liquid pure cultures made up of three water algae (Hydrodictyon reticulatum, Chlorella vulgaris, Aphanothece nidulans) which were made to grow profusely in special culture containers under constant exposure to light and ventilation was examined in ten different species of microorganisms during a period of contact of 4 days both in the light and in the dark. Subjected to the test were the 5 pathogenic species Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans as well the 5 bacterial contamination indicators E. coli (faecal indicator), Streptococcus faecalis (enterococci), Enterobacter aerogenes ("coliforms"), Staphylococcus epidermidis (dermic germ) and Bacillus subtilis ("contamination germ"). It was found that --Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Aphanothece nidulans exert a strong antibacterial effect, while Chlorella vulgaris provides no indication of a bacterial growth-inhibiting effect. --this antibiosis is linked with the assimilative activity of the algal cultures, as in the dark no antibacterial action is discernible --the "antibiotic principle" must be liable to transitory or rapid disintegration because the algal cultures are ineffective in the dark and also culture filtrates of 5-days old algal cultures exercise no growth-inhibiting effect. With respect to the sanitation of waters it is important to state that a profuse growth of algae produces a certain, but hardly reliable "biological water disinfection" and renders difficult the assessment of the quality of a water-course as a result of the elimination of the usual contamination indicators. Therefore, additional microbiological quality parameters must be used for assessment of pollution of swimming pools with strong algal growth.

Spectral analysis of EEG in the late course of primary generalized myoclonic-astatic epilepsy. II. Cluster analysis of the power spectra

Cluster analysis is applied to power spectra of the EEG of 38 patients with a primary generalized myoclonic astatic epilepsy (Gundel et al. 1981). The tendency of the data to form clusters within this group is indicated by a random experiment which has been performed with the data. The clustering algorithm divided the material in seven distinct groups which may be combined to three main types of power spectra. These types are power spectra with a 10 cps peak, a 4-7 cps peak and power spectra without remarkable rhythmization. The comparison of EEG types and clinical data shows a correlation of 4-7 cps rhythms with the occurrence of seizures. 4-7 cps rhythms are interpreted as a symptom of "centrencephalic" convulsibility.

Spectral analysis of EEG in the late course of primary generalized myoclonic-astatic epilepsy. I. EEG and clinical data

The EEG of 38 patients suffering from primary generalized myoclonic astatic epilepsy since early childhood is studied in late stages of the disease. Spectral analysis shows that parietal 4-7 cps rhythms (theta rhythms) which are typical of the EEG in the early stages of the disorder can still exist in the EEG of the adult. The rhythms seem to be related to the course of the epilepsy. In the EEG of patients who still have seizures rhythms occur more often than in the EEG of patients who are free of seizures in the two years before the reexamination of their EEG. The functional anomaly producing a 4-7 cps rhythmization of the parietal EEG seems to be one pathogenetic factor in some epileptic disorders of early childhood, especially in primary generalized myoclonic-astatic epilepsy.