Seismic surveys reduce cetacean sightings across a large marine ecosystem

Noise pollution is increasing globally, and as oceans are excellent conductors of sound, this is a major concern for marine species reliant on sound for key life functions. Loud, impulsive sounds from seismic surveys have been associated with impacts on many marine taxa including mammals, crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish. However, impacts across large spatial scales or multiple species are rarely considered. We modelled over 8,000 hours of cetacean survey data across a large marine ecosystem covering > 880,000 km2 to investigate the effect of seismic surveys on baleen and toothed whales. We found a significant effect of seismic activity across multiple species and habitats, with an 88% (82-92%) decrease in sightings of baleen whales, and a 53% (41-63%) decrease in sightings of toothed whales during active seismic surveys when compared to control surveys. Significantly fewer sightings of toothed whales also occurred during active versus inactive airgun periods of seismic surveys, although some species-specific response to noise was observed. This study provides strong evidence of multi-species impacts from seismic survey noise on cetaceans. Given the global proliferation of seismic surveys and large propagation distances of airgun noise, our results highlight the large-scale impacts that marine species are currently facing.

Farming characteristics and self-reported health outcomes of Irish farmers

Background

Irish farmers represent a 'high-risk' group for non-communicable diseases, which, arguably, pose a greater occupational health challenge for farmers. To date, there has been little exploration of the farming characteristics associated with farmers' poor health outcomes.

Aims

To examine the relationship between farming and male farmers' self-reported health outcomes and to compare the study findings to national health studies to explore which factors specifically are associated with Irish farmers' poorer health outcomes relative to the general population.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey research used self-reported quantitative data on the health outcomes and health behaviours of male farmers from the South-East of Ireland. Data were entered into SPSS and descriptive and binary regression techniques were used for data analysis.

Results

There were 314 participants (99% response rate). Age, full-time farming and dairy farming significantly impacted self-reported health outcomes and health behaviours. There was a high prevalence of self-reported arthritis compared with the national average of Irish males. 'Younger' farmers (<45 years) were more likely to engage in harmful health behaviours such as smoking and 'binge-drinking' one or more times per week.

Conclusions

This study identified self-reported patterns of risky lifestyle behaviours among particular subgroups of Irish farmers for whom targeted health interventions are warranted. Interventions are particularly important for younger farmers who may see themselves as invincible and impregnable to ill-health.

The application of magnetic measurements for the characterization of atmospheric particulate pollution within the airport environment

The significant increase in global air travel which has occurred during the last fifty years has generated growing concern regarding the potential impacts associated with increasing emissions of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) on health and the environment. PM within the airport environment may be derived from a range of sources. To date, however, the identification of individual sources of airport derived PM has remained elusive but constitutes a research priority for the aviation industry.The aim of this research was to identify distinctive and characteristic fingerprints of atmospheric PM derived from various sources in an airport environment through the use of environmental magnetic measurements. PM samples from aircraft engine emissions, brake wear and tire wear residues have been obtained from a range of different aircraft and engine types. Samples have been analyzed utilizing a range of magnetic mineral properties indicative of magnetic mineralogy and grain size. Results indicate that the dusts from the three 'aircraft' sources, (i.e. engines, brakes and tires) display distinctive magnetic mineral characteristics which may serve as 'magnetic fingerprints' for these sources. Magnetic measurements of runway dusts collected at different locations on the runway surface also show contrasting magnetic characteristics which, when compared with those of the aircraft-derived samples, suggest that they may relate to different sources characteristic of aircraft emissions at various stages of the take-off/landing cycle. The findings suggest that magnetic measurements could have wider applicability for the differentiation and identification of PM within the airport environment.

Gendered epidemiology: making men's health visible in epidemiological research

This paper will argue that it should no longer be seen as acceptable to present data that is limited to just a population wide or age standardised sex analysis. Such blunt approaches miss the opportunity to develop our understanding of the pivotal role that sex and gender play in health, wellbeing and illness. Taking what we have referred to as a gendered epidemiological approach, would: (i) ensure the routine inclusion of sex differences, (ii) explore how sex differences can be analysed in conjunction with other factors influenced by gender (age, social class, education, marital status etc), (iii) highlight differences within each sex and not just between the sexes, and (iv) apply a gendered lens to the interpretation of the findings. This more nuanced stance is required to ensure that the complexity of men and women can be reflected in the field of public health.

Collaborative transdisciplinary intervention in early years - putting theory into practice

BACKGROUND

Recent government initiatives in the UK encourage collaborative working among professionals and highlight the importance of a co-ordinated and collaborative approach in early years for families and children. There are many models of collaborative working but the evidence base for its effectiveness in early years (0-2.5 years) in a community setting in the UK is patchy. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the transdisciplinary model of collaborative working in this setting.

METHODS

This paper describes the development of a transdisciplinary early intervention team providing services to a 0- to 2.5-year-old age group in a community setting in the UK, between 2004 and 2007. The effects on waiting times, therapy session attendance and caseload were evaluated.

RESULTS

Statistically significant reduction in waiting times from an average 114-35.6 days for the highest priority children was demonstrated. Attendance at therapy sessions increased significantly from 49% in 2005 to 56% in 2006 and 75% 2007, despite an increasing case load from 29 in 2004 to 64 in 2008 through more efficient utilization of time and resources.

CONCLUSION

It is felt that this paper demonstrates, for the first time, the objective benefits to clients and fundholders/Primary Care Trust (PCT) of practical application of the theory of transdisciplinary working in a community paediatric service setting in the UK.

Broad specificity alkaline proteases efficiently reduce the visual scaling associated with soap-induced xerosis

In xerotic skin, the proteolysis of desmosomes is reduced leading to the accumulation of corneocytes on the surface of the skin. The effect of proteases applied topically to soap-induced xerotic skin was evaluated using a five-point visual scale. The visual scaling associated with soap-induced xerosis could be ameliorated by the topical application of exogenous protease. Bovine pancreatic chymotrypsin, papain, and a bacterial protease from Bacillus licheniformis were all capable of facilitating the reduction in visual scaling in a short time. Alcalase and Optimase, both broad specificity alkaline bacterial proteases, were the most weight-efficient at delivering this clinical effect. The reduction in scaling could be achieved either by occluded application of an aqueous enzyme solution or by a two-step unoccluded application first of an aqueous enzyme solution followed by a commercial moisturizer. Morphological and immunological analysis of bacterial enzyme-treated skin revealed that topically applied protease specifically induced the degradation of the desmosomes thereby promoting desquamation. These results indicate that topical application of protease can significantly and rapidly reduce the visual scaling associated with soap-induced xerosis by promoting desmosome degradation within the corneocyte clumps.

Haloperidol blood levels in acute mania with psychosis

In this study, the authors examined the relationship between steady-state haloperidol blood levels and clinical response in patients with acute psychotic mania. Fifty-four inpatients with acute mania were randomly assigned to receive either haloperidol 25 mg/day or haloperidol 5 mg/day. Each subject also received a concomitant medication: lorazepam 4 mg/day, lithium, or placebo. The relationship between steady-state haloperidol blood levels and clinical improvement was studied using analysis of covariance. There was wide interindividual variation in the haloperidol blood level-dose ratio. Haloperidol blood levels (log-transformed) were found to significantly correlate with clinical response in acute mania. Low-dose haloperidol with concomitant lithium may produce an optimal response in acute mania. Haloperidol blood levels may be clinically useful in identifying patients who are nonresponsive because of low drug levels and, hence, in enhancing optimal haloperidol dosing for acute mania with psychosis.

Production, in vitro characterisation, in vivo clearance, and tissue localisation of recombinant barramundi (Lates calcarifer) insulin-like growth factor II

Recombinant barramundi insulin-like growth-factor-II (bIGF-II) has been produced in Escherichia coli after modification of an expression plasmid that coded for a chicken IGF-II fusion protein. The bIGF-II fusion protein, deposited in bacterial inclusion bodies, was dissolved under reducing conditions, desalted, and refolded. The protein was then released from the fusion protein by cleavage with subtilisin BPN'. Finally the protein was purified to homogeneity with a number of HPLC steps. In vitro analysis of recombinant bIGF-II demonstrated decreased potency in stimulating protein synthesis when compared to human and barramundi IGF-I (bIGF-I). The in vivo distribution of radiolabeled bIGF-II and bIGF-I in the circulation and tissue uptake of radiolabeled bIGF-II was also compared in juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Analysis of trichloroacetic acid-precipitable radioactivity in sequential samples following bolus injection of radiolabeled IGFs revealed that bIGF-II was degraded faster than bIGF-I. Moreover, neutral gel chromatography of these samples suggested this difference may be due to reduced affinity of bIGF-II, compared to blGF-I, for the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) present in the barramundi circulation. Based on these results, it would appear that elements important in the function of IGFs have been well conserved during vertebrate evolution. However, to clearly define the IGF system in fish it will be necessary to characterise the IGFBPs present and to determine how they influence the biological actions of native IGFs.

Comparison of recombinant barramundi and human insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer): in vivo metabolic effects, association with circulating IGF-binding proteins, and tissue localisation

The in vivo actions of human and fish insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I have been compared to extend the understanding of the metabolism of IGFs in fish and to identify potential differences in their actions. The effects of acute administration of these proteins on the incorporation of glucose into muscle glycogen and leucine into liver protein in juvenile barramundi were investigated. In these in vivo metabolic assays, both baramundi IGF-I (bIGF-I) and human IGF-I (hIGF-I) increase the incorporation of D-[14C]glucose into muscle glycogen and [14C]leucine into liver protein. The distribution of radio-labeled human and barramundi IGF-I in the circulation and their uptake by tissue was also compared in juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Analysis of trichloroacetic acid-precipitable radioactivity in sequential samples following bolus injection of radiolabeled IGFs revealed that hIGF-I was degraded faster than bIGF-I. Neutral gel chromatography of these samples suggested that this difference is due to reduced affinity of hIGF-I, compared to bIGF-I, for the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) present in the barramundi. Tissue uptake of [125I]-labeled hIGF-I and bIGF-I was similar except that [ 125I]bIGF-I uptake by the kidney exceeded that of hIGF-I. It is suggested that while some of the in vivo actions of IGFs in fish are conserved, functional differences between mammalian and teleostean IGFs exist, particularly with respect to their interactions with fish IGFBPs.

Benchmark testing the Digital Imaging Network-Picture Archiving and Communications System proposal of the Department of Defense

The Department of Defense issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for its next generation Picture Archiving and Communications System in January of 1997. The RFP was titled Digital Imaging Network-Picture Archiving and Communications System (DIN-PACS). Benchmark testing of the proposed vendors' systems occurred during the summer of 1997. This article highlights the methods for test material and test system organization, the major areas tested, and conduct of actual testing. Department of Defense and contract personnel wrote test procedures for benchmark testing based on the important features of the DIN-PACS Request for Proposal. Identical testing was performed with each vendor's system. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard images used for the Benchmark Testing included all modalities. The images were verified as being DICOM standard compliant by the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Electronic Radiology Laboratory. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory prepared the Unix-based server for the DICOM images and operated it during testing. The server was loaded with the images and shipped to each vendor's facility for on-site testing. The Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia (DSCP), the Department of Defense agency managing the DIN-PACS contract, provided representatives at each vendor site to ensure all tests were performed equitably and without bias. Each vendor's system was evaluated in the following nine major areas: DICOM Compliance; System Storage and Archive of Images; Network Performance; Workstation Performance; Radiology Information System Performance; Composite Health Care System/Health Level 7 communications standard Interface Performance; Teleradiology Performance; Quality Control; and Failover Functionality. These major sections were subdivided into workable test procedures and were then scored. A combined score for each section was compiled from this data. The names of the involved vendors and the scoring for each is contract sensitive and therefore can not be discussed. All of the vendors that underwent the benchmark testing did well. There was no one vendor that was markedly superior or inferior. There was a typical bell shaped curve of abilities. Each vendor had their own strong points and weaknesses. A standardized benchmark protocol and testing system for PACS architectures would be of great value to all agencies planning to purchase a PACS. This added information would assure the purchased system meets the needed functional requirements as outlined by the purchasers PACS Request for Proposal.

Secondary structure for the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing site. Au-binding proteins interact with a stem loop

The C to U editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA converts a glutamine codon in apoB100 mRNA into a stop translation codon thereby generating apoB48. The catalytic subunit of the editing enzyme, APOBEC-1, is an RNA-binding cytidine deaminase that requires auxiliary factors for the editing of apoB mRNA. Computer modeling and ribonuclease probing of the wild-type and mutant apoB RNA substrates reveal a stem loop at the editing site. This structure incorporates the essential sequence motifs required for editing. The localization of the edited cytidine within the loop suggests how it could be presented to the active site of APOBEC-1 for deamination. We have identified 43/45 kDa proteins from chick enterocytes and show evidence for their involvement in auxiliary editing activity. p43/45 demonstrates preferential binding to AU-rich RNA and to the Caauuug motif that forms the loop and proximal stem of the apoB mRNA.

Escherichia coli cytidine deaminase provides a molecular model for ApoB RNA editing and a mechanism for RNA substrate recognition

ApoB RNA-editing enzyme (APOBEC-1) is a cytidine deaminase. Molecular modeling and mutagenesis show that APOBEC-1 is related in quaternary and tertiary structure to Escherichia coli cytidine deaminase (ECCDA). Both enzymes form a homodimer with composite active sites constructed with contributions from each monomer. Significant gaps are present in the APOBEC-1 sequence, compared to ECCDA. The combined mass of the gaps (10 kDa) matches that for the minimal RNA substrate. Their location in ECCDA suggests how APOBEC-1 can be reshaped to accommodate an RNA substrate. In this model, the asymmetrical binding to one active site of a downstream U (equivalent to the deamination product) helps target the other active site for deamination of the upstream C substrate.

Organization, sequence, and expression of the gene encoding IGFII from barramundi (Teleosteii; Lates calcarifer)

We have characterized the gene encoding IGFII from the teleost fish species barramundi, Lates calcarifer. The barramundi gene spans 5.5 kb of DNA and comprises four exons and three introns. The barramundi and salmon IGFII genes share > 85% sequence similarity across all the exons and also share some regions of high sequence identity within the promoter regions and the introns. The mature barramundi IGFII peptide comprises 70 amino acid residues and shares 84 and 96% similarity with salmonid and seabream IGFII, respectively, with the majority of replacements located in regions cleaved from the mature peptide. IGFII mRNA transcripts were detected in liver, muscle, intestine, gill, heart, and brain from juvenile barramundi. This distribution mirrors that seen in the rainbow trout and seabream and extends the tissue types which synthesize IGFII in fish to include the intestine.

The rapid access proctology clinic: an appraisal of one year's experience

A walk-in, once-a-week clinic was established in May 1993. In the first year, 1268 patients (954 new and 314 follow up) were seen with a reduction in waiting time, high patient and general practitioner satisfaction, and raised awareness of colorectal disease.

Iron-based second-sphere contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging: development of a model system and evaluation of iron (III) tris (tironate) complex in rats

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Iron(III) complexes have been developed as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents based on the use of ligands capable of providing coordinative saturation at iron and allowing the second-sphere hydrogen bonding of water molecules.

METHODS

Studies of solution-phase binding of a probe ion to a diamagnetic metal catecholate complex and molecular orbital calculations were performed. R1 values were determined. Toxicity studies of iron(III) tris(tironate) were conducted with rats. Excretion studies were performed by analysis of urine samples. MR measurements were made.

RESULTS

Second-sphere coordination of a probe ion to a metal catecholate complex occurred in solution. Molecular orbital calculations suggested flexibility in design. Iron(III) tris (catecholate) complexes were shown to have high R1 values. Images of the kidneys and liver showed dose-dependent enhancement in T1-weighted images. The onset of toxicity was at approximately 0.30 mmol/kg. Urine analysis indicated essentially complete clearance (0.1-0.2 mmol/kg) within 24-48 hours.

CONCLUSION

Interactions between water molecules and basic sites within a paramagnetic metal-ligand complex allow for application of suitable complexes as T1 agents.

Total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation during liver transplantation

1. We assessed plasma total antioxidant capacity using enhanced chemiluminescence and plasma lipid peroxides in eight patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation and 26 healthy control subjects. 2. The antioxidant capacity of plasma decreased significantly on reperfusion of the donor liver (P < 0.05) during liver transplantation, although levels were not lower in patients than in control subjects. 3. Pre-reperfusion antioxidant capacity correlated negatively with the concentration of lipid peroxidation products appearing in the plasma by the end of the transplant (P < 0.02), but did not correlate with vitamin A or E concentrations. 4. This study provides evidence of oxidant stress during liver transplantation, as shown by antioxidant utilization associated with increased lipid peroxidation.

The effect of anticoagulant choice on apparent total antioxidant capacity using three different methods

We assessed total antioxidant capacity using three different methods, in plasma samples treated with either EDTA or heparin as anticoagulant, from 26 healthy subjects. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using an oxygen electrode (as the total peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant parameter), by enhanced chemiluminescence, and by measurement of the antioxidant-mediated quenching of the absorbance of a radical cation. The choice of anticoagulant had a profound effect on antioxidant capacity with heparinized plasma giving consistently higher values than plasma anticoagulated with EDTA. Using the oxygen electrode the mean value was 786.5 +/- 171.5 mumol/L (heparin) compared to 681.4 +/- 160.4 mumol/L (EDTA, P < 0.01). The chemiluminescence technique gave a mean antioxidant capacity of 915.6 +/- 214.1 mumol/L in heparin samples and 714.4 +/- 195.4 mumol/L in EDTA samples (P < 0.0001). The absorbance quenching technique gave a mean value of 867.0 +/- 199.2 mumol/L (heparin) and 675.5 +/- 245.4 mumol/L (EDTA, P < 0.001). All methods tested showed comparable results for EDTA plasma, but the chemiluminescence technique gave higher apparent antioxidant capacity than either of the two techniques when heparin plasma was used. We suggest that either heparin is interacting to enhance antioxidant protection perhaps through release of superoxide dismutase, or the chelation of metal ions by EDTA is limiting the activity of antioxidant metalloenzymes. Consistency in the choice of anticoagulant is clearly extremely important.

Vigilance as a table of numbers

Data from vigilance experiments have structure. Its bases include 1/12 and multiples thereof, single-digit fractions, and 1/e. Continuing previous research, a table of e-based ratios (e-BR) was developed. Data from 9 published experiments with regular and irregular signals (RS-IS) and from 9 with extraverted and introverted subjects (E-I) were re-analyzed. Significant numerical correlations were obtained, some concerning effects originally reported as nonsignificant. Detection (D) means all categories ("levels" of both factors) were linearly related, with p(D) approximately mean(5/8 + y/9) and p < .01. Cross-factor averaged mean products of ratio D for each time period also showed convergence (p < .01). The over-all mean and stability ratio of detections (SR[D], i.e., D for final time period/D for initial time period, gave the scaling effect 8 square root of 1/24:24 square root of 1/24. Response-time means and standard deviations for different groups in Mackie, Wylie, and Smith's 1994 sonar experiments were related by the derivatives of [1 - 1/e] included in the new table (p = .002). Although by no means specific to vigilance (or psychophysics), the numeric factor still seems relevant to research.

Randomized controlled trial of cost reductions from a health education program: the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) study

Purpose. This study evaluated the cost trend reduction from a health promotion program. Design. A randomized 12-month trial comparing claims data was conducted. Additional studies, utilizing quasi-experimental designs, analyzed changes in health habits and changes in costs estimated by self-report. Subjects. All active California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) employees (21,170), non-Medicare eligible retirees (8,316), and retirees with Medical Supplement coverage (25,416) administered by Blue Shield of California were included. Intervention. The program consisted of mailed health risk assessments at six- or 12-month intervals, with individualized reports and recommendation letters sent to participants emphasizing and encouraging change, self-management materials emphasizing self-care when appropriate, and quarterly newsletters. Passive participants received printed materials only. Measures. Health risks were based upon self-report; summary scores were computed by modified Framingham algorithms. Self-report cost data were estimated from reported doctor visits, hospital days, and days sick or confined to home. Claims data were those paid by Blue Shield of California. Results. The program was associated with: 1) reduction in health risk scores at 12 months, (p less than .001), 2) reduction of subject reported medical utilization from baseline (p less than .05), and 3) decrease in claims cost growth relative to controls (p=.03). Annual claims costs were approximately $3.2 to $8.0 million less than expected had costs for the experimental participants increased at the same rate as the control group. Discussion. Results suggest that appropriately designed health promotion programs can reduce health risks and at the same time reduce the medical care claims cost trend.

The nurse as exercise leader

Adherence rates to our nurse-led exercise interventions were considerably higher (88%) than those reported in the literature for overweight women of this age. Bonding between the women and the nurse leaders, as well as socialization opportunities and program design, may have contributed to this high rate. Future studies would be strengthened by comparing adherence rates of women between nurse-led and non-nurse-led exercise groups. Women tested at 3 and 6 months after the intervention stated they tried many fitness clubs and spas in the area, but could find no exercise programs that were tailored to their age and fitness level or that took into consideration their individual health needs. Nurses interested and knowledgeable about changes of aging are in an ideal position to develop and lead exercise programs for older individuals, particularly those with chronic nondisabling physical problems. Nurses in this study have expanded their health-promotion role by gaining knowledge and skills in exercise science. Resources available for any nurse to gain knowledge and experience about exercise are found in the resource list.

A statewide public and professional education program on fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is reported to be the most common inherited cause of mental retardation known, but the majority of affected individuals are as yet undiagnosed. The project described in this paper was developed to increase the public and professional awareness of fragile X syndrome in the state of New Jersey. As a result there were increased efforts at diagnostic screening, provision of client and family support services, and prevention. This educational program proved to be a cost-effective method for increasing community awareness of a genetic disease on a statewide level.

Randomized controlled study of a retiree health promotion program. The Bank of American Study

The initial results of a 12-month controlled trial of a health promotion program in 5686 Bank of America retirees, randomized into full program, questionnaire only, and insurance claims only groups, were analyzed to determine whether the health promotion program was effective. Comparisons were between program and questionnaire only groups for self-reported health habit changes, health risk scores, medical care utilization, and days confined to home, and between all groups for insurance claims data. The intervention, or full program, included health habit questionnaires administered every 6 months, individualized time-oriented health risk appraisals, personal recommendation letters, self-management materials, and a health promotion book. Twelve-month changes in health habits, health status, and economic variables favored the full program group in 31 of 32 comparisons and were statistically significant at the .05 level in two-tailed tests in 19 comparisons and at the .01 level in two-tailed tests in 13 comparisons. Over 12 months, overall computed health risk scores decreased by 4.3% in the full program experimental group and increased by 7.2% in the questionnaire only control group. Total direct and indirect costs decreased by 11% in the experimental group and increased by 6.3% in the questionnaire only control group. Analysis of claims data confirmed these trends. A low-cost health promotion program for retirees was effective in changing health behaviors and has potential to decrease health care utilization.

Vigilance ratios implicate biological rhythms

Vigilance research has been focused on differences, yet ratios might have intrinsic, numerical significance. Reanalysis of data from Watkins' 1963 psychophysical experiment and 49 vigilance reports showed that individual and group ratios, including errors or misses: detections, were related to roots (particularly of base 1/12 and multiples), powers, e-base ratios (EBR), and fractions. Examples are given from well-known experiments of remarkably exact relationships between conditions, time periods, etc. It is suggested that these phenomena are the product of biological rhythms. Theoretical implications are briefly discussed and the advantages of ratio analysis noted, as when this method proved that criterion beta changes, given as nonsignificant, formed part of an ordered set. In a real-world application, the frequency of lane-drifts in O'Hanlon and Kelly's 1977 report is shown to follow a mathematical pattern.

Anti-idiotypic sera against monoclonal anti-progesterone antibodies: production in rabbits and rats and characterization of specificity

Antisera were raised in rabbits and rats against three mouse monoclonal anti-progesterone IgG1 antibodies. Anti-idiotypic antibodies were isolated from rabbit sera by successive passage over immunoadsorbent columns of normal mouse Ig and the specific immunizing monoclonal, with elution from the latter. Radioimmunoassays for anti-idiotype and free idiotype were established, enabling detection of idiotype in sera of mice immunized with progesterone-BSA conjugate. Binding of rabbit anti-idiotype to anti-progesterone monoclonals was partially inhibitable by free progesterone-hemisuccinate or progesterone-ovalbumin conjugate. While showing considerable specificity for their respective inducing monoclonals, the anti-idiotypes also cross-reacted in varying degrees with the other anti-progesterone monoclonals, demonstrating the presence of IdI and IdX determinants. The patterns of cross-reactivity showed some correlation with the relative isoelectric points and combining-site specificities of the anti-progesterones. The specificities of rat and rabbit anti-idiotypes were similar, but not identical.

Vigilance missed signals may have preferred average lags

The randomness of average missed signal lags (AMSL) in experiments on vigilance was investigated. This measure was taken from group data in a sample of 116 published visual reports (on which an ad hoc cluster analysis was carried out) and from the 1966 results for 48 subjects tested by Smith, Lucaccini, Groth, and Lyman. Evidence of a 4-min. periodicity was found. This apparent effect of a biorhythm may extend the explanation of the absolute level of performance and, possibly, of the vigilance decrement. Depending on the effect-size, it might also have relevance for the practical problem of the maintenance of alertness.

A workplace health education program that reduces outpatient visits

A workplace health education program aimed at reducing unnecessary outpatient visits was offered through 22 California employers. A total of 5,200 employees attended a presentation, received self-help books, and completed self-administered questionnaires. All visits for their households were monitored for up to 15 months. The study utilized a quasi-experimental staggered intervention design involving eight different cohorts, before/after comparisons, with statistical adjustment for seasonality and other intervening variables. Visit rates for households insured only by Blue Cross of California were reduced by 17% (P = 0.001), or 2.0 visits per household per year. For all participants, the reduction was 7.2% (P = 0.06), or 0.8 visits. Reductions were seen for all age and educational strata. The program was most effective among households with first dollar fee-for-service insurance coverage. Households with insurance requiring co-payments had less reduction. No reduction was seen among health maintenance organization (HMO) members. The study concludes that a minimal cost, self-care workplace intervention can reduce outpatient visits by important magnitudes.

Effector functions of a monoclonal aglycosylated mouse IgG2a: binding and activation of complement component C1 and interaction with human monocyte Fc receptor

Aglycosylated monoclonal anti-DNP mouse IgG2a produced in the presence of tunicamycin was compared with the native monoclonal IgG2a with respect to its ability to interact with the first component of complement, C1, and to compete with human IgG for binding to human monocyte Fc receptors. The aglycosylated IgG2a was found to bind subcomponent C1q with an equivalent capacity to the native IgG2a, but the dissociation constant was found to be increased three-fold. When activation of C1 by the glycosylated and aglycosylated IgG2a was compared, the rate of C1 activation by the aglycosylated IgG2a was reduced approximately three-fold. In contrast aglycosylation was accompanied by a large decrease (greater than or equal to 50-fold) in the apparent binding constant of monomeric IgG2a to human monocytes. The data suggest that the aglycosylated IgG2a has a structure which differs in the CH2 domain from the native IgG2a, and that the heterogeneous N-linked oligosaccharides of this monoclonal IgG2a which occur at a conserved position in the CH2 domain play a role in maintaining the integrity of its monocyte-binding site. This lack of monocyte binding may result either from a localized conformational change occurring in a single CH2 domain or from an alteration in the CH2-CH2 cross-domain architecture which is normally structured by a pair of opposing and interacting oligosaccharides. The minimal changes in C1q binding and C1 activation suggest that the oligosaccharides are, at most, indirectly involved in these events.

Enhancement of hydrophobic interaction, negative charge and phagocytosis by dinitrophenyl ligand coupling to Salmonella typhimurium 395 MS

Dinitrophenylation of Salmonella typhimurium bacteria increased their hydrophobicity, negative charge, and interaction with PMNL in vitro, effects which are similar to the consequences of S-R mutation in S. typhimurium. The effects are ascribed to the hydrophobicity of the dinitrophenyl (DNP) ligand. Coupling of DNP-groups to the bacteria also enhanced their clearance by the reticuloendothelial system after intravenous injection into mice. Extensive DNP-coupling to the bacteria led to rapid deposition of injected bacteria outside the reticuloendothelial system. The kinetics of DNP-coupling showed saturation at 4-5 X 10(7) DNP groups per bacterium, similar for S and R bacteria, boiled and nonboiled. After 2 h of reaction with fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB) more than 80% of the total DNP coupling observed after 4 h had occurred. The capacity of MOPC-315 IgA myeloma protein, which possesses anti-DNP activity, to bind to dinitrophenylated bacteria paralleled the number of DNP groups per bacterium, but smaller numbers of IgA molecules were bound. Approximately one IgA molecule bound per thousand DNP ligands. Only when bacteria were boiled prior to DNP coupling was agglutination observed after the addition of anti-DNP-IgA.

The effects of binding mouse IgA to dinitrophenylated Salmonella typhimurium on physicochemical properties and interaction with phagocytic cells

The binding of mouse IgA antibody to DNP-conjugated bacteria enhanced the hydrophobic interaction when measured in dextran-poly(ethyleneglycol) two-phase systems and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Similarly the interaction with polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro increased. In contrast, the rate of clearance of IgA-reacted bacteria from the blood stream of mice, after intravenous injection, was reduced under the conditions tested. Our data showed, with respect to increased hydrophobic interaction and opsonization, that binding of IgA antibody to bacteria produced less pronounced effects than those of IgG antibody binding. In contrast, secretory IgA antibody binding has been shown to reduce hydrophobic interaction and phagocytosis. Thus, serum IgA antibody has properties intermediate to IgG and SIgA with respect to hydrophobicity and opsonization.

Stable Evolutionary Conservation of Complement-Activating and Related Pentagonal Serum Proteins: C-reactive Protein and Protein SAP

Human CRP efficiently activates the classical complement pathway via C1q. Protein SAP (amyloid P-component) is a normal plasma protein which resembles CRP structurally, but differs in not being an actue phase reactant. Both proteins can interact with cell membranes but their in vivo functions are not known; they are presumably important since, as we now report for the first time, very similar molecules are also present in the sera of diverse species including elasmobranchs, teleosts, amphibia, birds and non-primate mammals. CRP and protein SAP were isolated by calcium-dependent affinity chromatography on insolubilised pneumococcal C-polysaccharide and agarose respectively, followed by gel filtration. The different proteins all had pentagonal disc-like molecules in the electron microscope and there were marked similarities between the CRP and SAP of such diverse species as the plaice and man. The pure proteins each yielded homogeneous subunits in SDS-PAGE with molecular weights of between 20–30,000 in different species.

Biosynthesis and characterization of intracellular IgDkappa in a case of CLL

A case of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with diffuse intracellular IgDkappa is reported. No serum paraprotein or urinary Bence-Jones protein were detected. No surface immunoglobulin was found on the neoplastic lymphocytes, but the cells had receptors for Fcgamma and the C3 component of complement consistent with other cases of CLL. Biosynthetic studies confirmed that the cells synthesized IgDkappa but there was no evidence for secretion of IgD into the culture medium. The cells did not produce Ig of any other class. The intracellular IgD occurred predominantly as deltakappa units with no covalent links between the chains. These findings are discussed.