Effect of Weave and Weft Type on Mechanical and Comfort Properties of Hemp-Linen Fabrics

In this study the influence of fabric weave (plain, twill, and panama) and weft type (flax and hemp yarns) on selected mechanical and comfort properties of six fabrics was analyzed. The results showed that tear and abrasion properties were most affected by the weave. The tensile properties of the linen fabrics were not significantly different when weft hemp yarns were used instead of flax. Fabrics with the same weave seemed to be equally resilient to abrasion regardless of the type of weft. By contrast, the hemp weft yarns favorized the physical and comfort properties of the investigated fabrics. For the same weave, the hemp-linen fabrics were slightly lighter and exhibited lower bulk density, significantly larger air permeability, and improved moisture management properties. Although the results of maximum thermal flux (Qmax) suggested a cooler sensation of the linen fabrics with panama and twill, the hemp-linen fabric with a plain weave seemed to be the optimal choice when a cool sensation was desired. Higher thermal conductivity values also suggested slightly better heat transfer properties of the hemp-linen fabrics, and these were significantly influenced by the weave type. The results clearly indicated the advantages of using hemp for improving physical and specific comfort properties of linen fabrics.

Patterns of protection, infection, and detection: Country-level effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing mortality worldwide

Background

The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and mortality has been established through clinical trials and other investigations at the individual level. In this study, we aimed to investigate the negative relationship between mortality and COVID-19 vaccination at country level.

Study design

We conducted an exploratory, correlational, country-level analysis of open data centralized by Our World in Data concerning the cumulative COVID-19 mortality for the winter wave (October 2021-March 2022) of the pandemic as function of the vaccination rate in October 2021.

Methods

We controlled variables that capture country-level social development and level of testing. We also deployed three segmentation tactics, distinguishing among countries based on their level of COVID-19 testing, age structure, and types of vaccines used.

Results

Controlling for confounding factors did not highlight a statistically significant relationship between vaccination and cumulative mortality in the total country sample. Still, a strong, significant, negative relationship between cumulative mortality (log scale) and vaccination was highlighted through segmentation analysis for countries positioned at the higher end of the social development spectrum. The strongest estimate for vaccine effectiveness at ecological level was obtained for the set of countries that used Western-only vaccines.

Conclusions

COVID-19 testing (log scale) has a significant and positive relationship with cumulative mortality for all subsamples, consistent with patterns of under- and overreporting of COVID-19 deaths at country level, partly driven by testing. This indicates that testing intensity should be controlled as a potential confounder in future ecological analyses of COVID-19 mortality.

Comparative Analysis of Elastic Polyester Sportswear Fabrics with Printed Graphene Patterns

In this study two elastic polyester fabrics differentiated by a graphene-printed pattern, called honeycomb (HC) and spider web (SW), were analyzed with a focus on their thermal, mechanical, moisture management and sensorial properties, aiming to identify the fabric with the most elevated heat dissipation and comfort for sportswear. The shape of the graphene-printed circuit did not lead to significant difference between the mechanical properties of the fabrics SW and HC assessed by the Fabric Touch Tester (FTT). Fabric SW outperformed fabric HC with respect of drying time, air permeability, moisture, and liquid management properties. On the other hand, both the Infrared (IR) thermography and FTT-predicted warmness clearly showed that fabric HC dissipates heat faster on its surface along the graphene circuit. This fabric was also predicted by the FTT as smoother and softer than fabric SW and had a better overall fabric hand. The results revealed that both graphene patterns resulted in comfortable fabrics with great potential applications in sportswear fields, in specific use scenario's.

Breathable Textile Rectangular Ring Microstrip Patch Antenna at 2.45 GHz for Wearable Applications

A textile patch antenna is an attractive package for wearable applications as it offers flexibility, less weight, easy integration into the garment and better comfort to the wearer. When it comes to wearability, above all, comfort comes ahead of the rest of the properties. The air permeability and the water vapor permeability of textiles are linked to the thermophysiological comfort of the wearer as they help to improve the breathability of textiles. This paper includes the construction of a breathable textile rectangular ring microstrip patch antenna with improved water vapor permeability. A selection of high air permeable conductive fabrics and 3-dimensional knitted spacer dielectric substrates was made to ensure better water vapor permeability of the breathable textile rectangular ring microstrip patch antenna. To further improve the water vapor permeability of the breathable textile rectangular ring microstrip patch antenna, a novel approach of inserting a large number of small-sized holes of 1 mm diameter in the conductive layers (the patch and the ground plane) of the antenna was adopted. Besides this, the insertion of a large number of small-sized holes improved the flexibility of the rectangular ring microstrip patch antenna. The result was a breathable perforated (with small-sized holes) textile rectangular ring microstrip patch antenna with the water vapor permeability as high as 5296.70 g/m² per day, an air permeability as high as 510 mm/s, and with radiation gains being 4.2 dBi and 5.4 dBi in the E-plane and H-plane, respectively. The antenna was designed to resonate for the Industrial, Scientific and Medical band at a specific 2.45 GHz frequency.

RV function in obesity: before and after laparoscopic gastric sleeve

 

Left ventricular (LV) changes associated with obesity, including LV hypertrophy and impaired LV function, have been shown to be reverted by bariatric surgery. Little is known about the effect of bariatric procedures on right ventricle (RV) function.

Aim

We analyzed RV functional changes, as assessed by echocardiography, after laparoscopic gastric sleeve (LGS) bariatric surgery.

Methods

22 consecutive obese subjects with good acoustic windows (mean age 40.2±6.7 years, 41% men, mean body mass index (BMI) 43.5±6 kg/m2) scheduled for LGS were prospectively studied before and 12 months after surgery.

RV function was assessed by RV Fractional Area Change (FAC), TDI RV free wall S wave (RV S) and free wall RV longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (L-SR), calculated by 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was evaluated by tricuspid regurgitation velocity.

Results

Preoperative and postoperative obesity measures, as well as RV function measures significantly improved 12 months postoperatively versus baseline (all p<0.05 vs baseline): BMI decreased from 43.5±2.8 to 30.3±2.9 kg/m2, abdominal circumference from 124.8±4.7 to 98.4±5 cm, RV S changed from 12.8±1.1 to 13.4±1.3 cm/s, FAC from 44.2±3.8 to 52.8±2.8%, 3D LS from 15±1.3% to 17.8±2.2% and 3D L-SR from −1.1±1.4 to −2±0.9 s–1.

Patients had similar sPAP before and after surgery.

Conclusion

By successful weight loss, 12 months after LGS, subclinical RV function parameters improved, in association with favorable metabolic changes. These findings may contribute to the cardioprotective effects of bariatric surgery.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Comparative Analysis of Thermophysiological Comfort-Related Properties of Elastic Knitted Fabrics for Cycling Sportswear

This research focused on the investigation of the thermophysiological comfort properties of four selected knitted fabrics of different fiber blend ratios suitable for cycling wear. Comfort-related properties of the fabrics were determined and compared including air permeability, moisture management properties, drying time, thermal conductivity, and water vapor permeability. For those comfort properties of the fabric to be correlated, fabric structural properties, fabric density, fabric weight, and fabric thickness have been considered. Suited fabrics should have good air permeability, thermal conductivity, moisture management properties, and a short drying time. According to the measurement results, the fabric polyamide/elasane (58/42 PA6.6/EL) with good air permeability, thermal conductivity, moisture management properties, and short drying time was more suited for summer cycling clothing. Furthermore, this paper provides a new understanding of considerations that are needed for several end uses involving specific activity levels.

P235Relation between myocardial deformation by three-dimensional speckle tracking analysis , control of the hypertension and functional capacity in patients with systemic hypertension

The purpose of this study was to investigate left ventricular (LV) function in hypertensive patients by 3-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking imaging, and determine the relation between the LV mechanics and functional capacity in this population. This cross-sectional study included 20 treated subjects with well-controlled arterial hypertension (group B) and 20 treated participants with uncontrolled hypertension (group A), adjusted by gender and age. All the subjects underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, complete 2-dimensional and 3D examination, and exercise testing. Patients had similar 3D LV ejection fraction. LV mass was higher in group of uncontrolled hypertension (154.71 ± 49.7 g/m2 versus 147.12±44.8 g/m2 p < 0.01), as well as E/E'ratio (11.4 versus 8.9, p =0.02). 3D global longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate were significantly decreased in patients with inadequately controlled hypertension (LS 16.25% versus -19.24%, p=0.007, L-SR -0.97/sec versus -1.48/sec, p=0.04, CS -17.89%versus -21.76%, p=0.04, respectively), while the difference of radial strain and strain rate did not reach statistical significance. Group A of patients had also a significantly lower functional capacity (mean duration of test 13,3 min. versus 17,4 min, nr. of METS 9.4 versus 13.7). Duration of exercise was independently associated with LV mass , mean BP at daytime , E/E' ratio and 3D global longitudinal strain (β = 0.34, p = 0.02) in the whole hypertensive population in our study. In conclusion, LV longitudinal strain and functional capacity are significantly impaired in the patients with uncontrolled hypertension in comparison with the well-controlled hypertensive patients and are independently associated.

Recurrent left Bockdalek hernia in adult, a rare cause of subocclusive syndrome

To present a rare clinical case of a subocclusive syndrome caused by recurrence of a left Bockdalek hernia, with emphasis on the radiological diagnosis and surgical treatment. The current paper presents a 36 year old female with past surgical history of Bockdalek hernia repaired 7 years ago using a diaphragmorrhaphy by thoraco-abdominal approach who presented with a subocclusive syndrome and epigastric pain. Upper endoscopy showed a duodenal ulcer positive for H. pylori. Initial abdominal CT scan was read as negative. On a closer evaluation of the CT images, a small Bockdalek hernia was appreciated, with the elevation of the left colic angle through the diaphragm. Given the occlusive symptoms, the patient underwent surgical treatment with diaphragmorrhaphy and alloplasty with polypropylene mesh, using an open approach. Postoperatively, the patient had a favourable course, being discharged home two days later. To date, there are 173 cases of Bockdalek hernia in the the medical literature, but none with a recurrence. Bockdalek hernia is a rare disease, with non-specific symptoms. It has a broad differential diagnosis that may delay early identification and management. The surgical treatment, either open or laparoscopic, must follow the current recommendations of the surgical societies, including mesh alloplasty to prevent recurrences.

Discovery of Small Molecule Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist and Antagonist Chemotypes through a HTS and Hit Refinement Strategy

Herein we present the outcome of a high throughput screening (HTS) campaign-based strategy for the rapid identification and optimization of selective and general chemotypes for both kappa (κ) opioid receptor (KOR) activation and inhibition. In this program, we have developed potent antagonists (IC(50) < 120 nM) or agonists of high binding affinity (K(i) < 3 nM). In contrast to many important KOR ligands, the compounds presented here are highly modular, readily synthesized and, in most cases, achiral. The four new chemotypes hold promise for further development into chemical tools for studying the KOR or as potential therapeutic lead candidates.

The echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle: what to do in 2010?

For many years, the echocardiographic quantitative assessment of right ventricular (RV) function has been difficult owing to the complex RV anatomy. Identifying an accurate and reliable echocardiographic parameter for the functional assessment of the RV still remains a challenge. The review presents a summary of the most studied and presently used parameters of RV function, with their reported normal values, as well as advantages and limitations of use. Combinations of these parameters are used in daily clinical practice, each one offering only partial information about the status of the RV. Myocardial velocity and strain rate imaging have promising results in the assessment of RV function. There is hope that novel myocardial deformation parameters and three-dimensional echocardiography-derived parameters may add value to the examination of the RV, but validation studies are still needed.

First year experience of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery with 153 cases in a general surgery department: indications, technique and results

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgery was developed in response to the limitations and drawbacks of laparoscopic surgery. Since 1997 when the first robotic procedure was performed various papers pointed the advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, this technique is now a reality and it will probably become the surgery of the future. The aim of this paper is to present our preliminary experience with the three-arms "da Vinci S surgical system", to assess the feasibility of this technique in various abdominal and thoracic procedures and to point out the advantages of the robotic approach for each type of procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 18 January 2008 and 18 January 2009 153 patients (66 men and 87 women; mean age 48,02 years, range 6 to 84 years) underwent robotic-assisted surgical procedures in our institution; we performed 129 abdominal and 24 thoracic procedures, as follows: one cholecystectomy, 14 myotomies with Dor fundoplication, one gastroenteroanastomosis for unresectable antral gastric cancer, one transthoracic esophagectomy, 14 gastrectomies, one polypectomy through gastrotomy, 22 splenectomies,7 partial spleen resections, 22 thymectomy, 6 Nissen fundoplications, one Toupet fundoplication, one choledocho-duodeno-anastomosis, one drainage for pancreatic abscess, one distal pancreatectomy, one hepatic cyst fenestration, 7 hepatic resections, 29 colonic and rectal resections, 5 adrenalectomies, 12 total radical hysterectomies and pelvic lymphadenectomy, 3 hysterectomies with bilateral adnexectomy for uterine fibroma, one unilateral adnexectomy, and 2 cases of cervico-mediastinal goitre resection.

RESULTS

147 procedures were robotics completed , whereas 6 procedures were converted to open surgery due to the extent of the lesion. Average operating room time was 171 minutes (range 60 to 600 minutes, Median length of stay was 8,6 days (range 2 to 48 days). One system malfunctions was registered. Post-operatory complications occurred in 14 cases. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience suggests that robotic surgery is feasible and worth of clinical application. The best indications for robotic surgery are the procedures that require a small operating field, a fine a precise dissection (suitable for pelvic and gastric lymphadenectomy, nerve sparing in total mesorectal excision) and safe intracorporeal sutures.

The robotic-assisted left lateral hepatic segmentectomy: the next step

INTRODUCTION

During the last decade, minimally invasive surgery had an astonishing development, progressing from minor hepatic interventions to major hepatectomies, thus creating a rich background for robotic-assisted hepatic surgery. Left lateral hepatic segmentectomy (left lobectomy, II-III bi-segmentectomy) is the first anatomic hepatic resection on the learning curve. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate that, due to the anatomical characteristics of the left lobe and to the technical facilities of the robot, this intervention is also feasible with the Da Vinci S robotic system.

MATERIALS

In our department, robotic-assisted left lateral lobectomy was performed for both benign and malignant lesions by a surgeon experienced in both hepatic and laparoscopic surgery but traversing the beginning of the learning curve in robotic surgery. A Da Vinci S robotic system with three arms was used and two additional laparoscopic ports for the assistant surgeons were added.

RESULTS

The lobectomies were safely performed in an average operatory time of 140 min (+/- 20), with minimal blood loss and without using the Pringle procedure. The dissection was carried out with the bipolar forceps on the left arm of the surgeon and the Harmonic curved shears on the right arm. The division of the vascular pedicles for segments II and III was performed with the LigaSure Atlas device. The other additional port was used for retraction. There were no conversions or reinterventions

DISCUSSIONS

Robotic-assisted left lateral hepatic lobectomy was a feasible technique with the potential to reduce surgical trauma and pain and to improve surgeon's technical comfort.

[Laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy of the liver: indications, technique, results]

INTRODUCTION

The laparoscopic approach of the hepatic lesions located in the left lobe is a frequently used procedure in liver surgery for both benign and malign tumors because of the minimal invasive character, anatomical particularities and modem devices used in hemostasis and biliary-stasis. The purpose of this study is to analyze our experience and report it to the literature data.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

The study starts from the basic indications of laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy, it emphasizes the main operating steps and analyzes the results of this method in a cohort retrospective study in which we included all the laparoscopic resections performed in our center between 1998-2007, both laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures. We excluded exploratory laparoscopies and the cases in which after the tumor exploration, we decided conversion to open approach in the absence of any intraoperative incidents.

RESULTS

Between 1998-2007 we performed 84 laparoscopic hepatic resections out of which 20 were located in the left liver lobe. There were 12 left lateral segmentectomy and in 4 cases we used hand assisted laparoscopy due to bigger tumour dimensions. The hepatic lesions approached laparoscopically were both benign (5 cases out of which 3 hemangioma and 2 adenoma) and malignant (7 cases hepatocellular carcinoma). The tumor diameter ranged between 2-10 cm. The Pringle manoeuvre was never used.

CONCLUSIONS

Left lateral segmentectomy can be routinely performed laparoscopically in the absence of any contraindications. This intervention can be accurately performed respecting the limits of oncological security. The results obtained in our center are in accordance with the literature and emphasize the advantages of the minimal invasive approach. On a medium and long term, the results are comparable with those obtained in open surgery.

[The Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic hepatic surgery: is it useful? Analysis of a series of 38 cases]

The Pringle maneuver is the most feasible method to control bleeding in hepatic resections in both open and laparoscopic approach. However its role in the mini-invasive surgery is still questionable. The aim of this study is to analyze our experience and to compare it to the literature data. This is a retrospective cohort study that includes all hepatic laparoscopic resections performed in our department between 1998-2007 and excludes all exploratory laparoscopies and all cases in which conversion to open procedure was imposed after the lesion assessment and in the absence on any intraoperative event. 38 hepatic laparoscopic resections were performed for both benign lesions (20 out of which 13 hemangiomas, 2 focal nodular hyperplasia, 1 liver cell adenoma, 2 hydatic cysts, 2 inflammatory lesions) and malignant lesions (18 out of which 8 metastases, 9 hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 cholangiocarcinoma). The tumor diameter ranged between 2 and 10 cm. There were 2 conversions to open procedures due to bleeding from hepatic veins collaterals. Pringle maneuver was never used. Pringle maneuver did not prove to be useful in our series because, on one hand, we performed only limited laparoscopic hepatic resections and, on the other hand, intraoperative bleeding was mainly due to lesions of the hepatic veins collaterals which cannot be influenced by clamping the hepatic pedicle. Even if there is no consensus, major laparoscopic hepatic resections may benefit from Pringle maneuver.

[ Study of exo-enzymatic profile and cytotoxic effect of bacterial culture supernatants in different growth phase]

Bacterial quorum-sensing represents an ubiquitary regulating system in which the pheromones (small molecules with different chemical structures, i.e. homoserin-lactones, octapeptides, aminoacids) act as extracellular mediators of signaling and intercellular communication. This chemical system is implicated in the regulation of different physiological processes dependent on the cell density (i.e. biolumniscence, virulence factors expression, sporulation, conjugation, antibiotic secretion etc). It is also mentioned in the literature the implication of bacterial pheromones in the modulation of eukariotic cells division rate. The objectives of this study were: a) to determine the exo-enzymatic profile of bacterial cultures in different growth phase in order to establish potential relationships between the phenotypic expression of some virulence factors on one side and the growth phase and bacterial culture density, on the other side; b) to determine de cytotoxic effect and the influence of bacterial culture supernatants on the HEp-2 cell division rate. Supernatants of bacterial cultures in nutrient broth of 2, 5 and 24 hrs of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. were tested directly and also, after thermic inactivation (at 100 degrees C, for 5 minutes) for the presence of different enzymatic activities known as virulence factors (spot and Kanagawa haemolysins, CAMP-like factor, caseinase, amilase, lipase, lecithinase, mucinase, DNA-ase). The exo-enzymatic profile of bacterial cultures of 2 and 5 hrs proved to be similar, the tested supernatants exhibiting haemolytic activity, and for Staphylococcus aureus, amilase and caseinase activities. Supernatants of and 5 hrs bacterial cultures exhibited also cytotoxic effect on HEp-2 cells. Supernatants of bacterial cultures of 24 hrs exhibited neither enzymatic activities, nor cytotoxic effect on HEp-2 cells, probably due to the inhibition of phenotypic expression of enzymatic activities at high bacterial densities through the activation of the quorum-sensing system. Bacterial supernatants did not significantly influence the HEp-2 cells division rate.

Indolinone tyrosine kinase inhibitors block Kit activation and growth of small cell lung cancer cells

Six indolinone tyrosine kinase inhibitors were characterized for their ability to inhibit Kit kinase and for their effects on the growth of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines. All of the six compounds were potent inhibitors of Kit kinase in a biochemical assay. A homology model of compound binding to the ATP binding site could account for the increased potency observed with the addition of a propionate moiety to the indolinone core but not the increase observed with addition of a chloride moiety. Although all of the compounds tested were potent in the biochemical assay, several exhibited significantly less potency in cellular kinase assays. Their effects on stem cell factor (SCF)-dependent Kit autophosphorylation and SCLC cell growth were also examined. Inhibition of SCF-stimulated Kit activation and cell growth in the H526 cell line was dose-dependent. At concentrations that inhibited SCF-stimulated H526 cell growth, there was little effect on insulin-like growth factor-1-stimulated growth, suggesting that these compounds exhibit reasonable selectivity for inhibition of Kit-mediated proliferation. Higher doses of the compounds were needed to inhibit serum-stimulated growth. Of the six compounds examined, SU5416 and SU6597 demonstrated the best cellular potency and, therefore, their effect on the growth of multiple SCLC cell lines in serum-containing media was examined. In addition to inhibiting proliferation, these compounds also induced significant cell death of several SCLC cell lines, but not of normal human diploid fibroblasts, in complete media. These observations suggest that Kit kinase inhibitors such as these may offer a new approach for inhibiting Kit-mediated proliferation of tumors such as SCLC, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, seminomas, and leukemias.

The angiogenesis inhibitor SU5416 has long-lasting effects on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor phosphorylation and function

SU5416, a selective inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor Flk-1/KDR, is currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of advanced malignancies. In cellular assays, SU5416 inhibits the VEGF-dependent mitogenic/proliferative response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In tumor xenograft models, SU5416 inhibits the growth of tumors from a variety of origins by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. In three different human tumor xenograft models, infrequent (once or twice a week) administration of SU5416 is efficacious despite the fact that it has a short plasma half-life (30 min), which suggests that SU5416 has long-lasting inhibitory activity in vivo. The goal of the present study was to determine the basis for the prolonged activity of SU5416. The results indicate that a short (3 h) exposure to 5 microM SU5416 (to mimic plasma levels of the compound as measured in patients who were receiving SU5416 therapy) produced long-lasting (at least 72 h) inhibition of the VEGF-dependent proliferation of HUVECs in culture, which indicate that SU5416 has long-lasting inhibitory activity in vitro as well as in vivo. SU5416 treatment of HUVECs did not affect surface expression of Flk-1/KDR or the affinity of the receptor for VEGF. Instead, the durability of the in vitro activity of SU5416 was shown to be attributable to its long-lasting ability to specifically inhibit VEGF-dependent phosphorylation of Flk-1/KDR and subsequent downstream signaling, although SU5416 is not an irreversible inhibitor of Flk-1/KDR tyrosine kinase activity. The long-lasting inhibition of cellular responses to VEGF was attributable to the accumulation of SU5416 in cells, as shown using radiolabeled compound, such that inhibitory cellular concentrations of SU5416 are maintained long after the removal of the compound from the medium. The long-lasting inhibitory activity of SU5416 in vitro is consistent with the finding that SU5416 has demonstrated evidence of biological activity in clinical studies when administered twice a week despite a short plasma half-life.

Isolation and chemical characterization of the human B29 and mb-1 proteins of the B cell antigen receptor complex

A disulfide-linked heterodimeric antigen from human B leukemia cells was detected by radioimmunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis using a monoclonal antibody (mAb). The mAb was generated against a cell membrane antigen preparation from human B prolymphocytic leukemia cells and found to define an extracellular epitope of the smaller component (beta chain) of a heterodimeric antigen on human B leukemia cells. The antigen from BALL-1, a human B leukemia cell line, and fresh (uncultured) B prolymphocytic leukemia cells was found to consist of a 44-49 kDa (alpha chain) and a 36-40 kDa (beta chain) component. An additional minor component of 34 kDa was detected in the reduced antigen from BALL-1. For chemical identification of the antigen, we isolated the antigen from a Triton X-100 lysate of BALL-1 by immunoaffinity chromatography using the mAb. Determination of the amino-terminal amino acid sequences of the alpha and beta chains unequivocally identified them as the human mb-1 and B29 proteins, respectively. The sequence analyses indicate the molecular heterogeneity of the mb-1 protein and also perhaps the heterogeneity of the B29 protein. We detected three forms of the mb-1 protein which share an identical amino-terminal amino acid sequence and probably two forms of the B29 protein which share an identical amino-terminal sequence. Our sequence data allowed us to establish the authentic amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the human B29 protein which is different from those proposed by others based on cDNA sequence analyses. Comparison of the amino-terminal sequences of the human mb-1 and B29 proteins with those of the mouse mb-1 and B29 proteins showed that the majority of the conserved amino acids in the mb-1 proteins are hydrophobic amino acids. Such conservation of hydrophobic amino acids is not observed in the amino termini of the human and mouse B29 proteins. A beta-tubulin-like protein was found to be co-purified with the mb-1-B29 antigen in the present study. In addition, we found that there is a strong amino acid sequence homology between the microtubule-binding domains of certain human microtubule-associated proteins and an intracellular segment of the human mb-1 protein.

[Use of tissue adhesives in oral surgery]

The Authors, after a short review of the literature, report their clinical experience using alpha-cyanoacrylate, a new tissue adhesive. This substance shows haemostatic and adhesive properties and it is useful to protect surgical wounds. On these bases, the alpha-cyanoacrylate shows definite directions in oral and maxillo-facial surgery.

Idiotype vaccines against human T cell leukemia. II. Generation and characterization of a monoclonal idiotype cascade (Ab1, Ab2, and Ab3)

Previously, we had generated anti-Id mAb (Ab2) binding to a hybridoma SN2 (Ab1), which recognizes a glycoprotein, gp37, expressed by human leukemic T cells. To characterize these anti-idiotopes further, they were used to immunize mice and rabbits. Several murine anti-anti-Idiotype mAb (Ab3), mostly of IgM-k isotype, were obtained. mAb3 and sera from rabbits immunized with Ab2 contained antibodies that bind to gp37 Ag and leukemic MOLT-4 and JM cells. Also, mAb3 and immune sera from rabbits competed with Ab1 for binding to MOLT-4 cells. They inhibited the binding of iodinated Ab1 to Ab2 indicating that Ab3 in mice and rabbits shares idiotopes with Ab1 (SN2). Furthermore, both the murine mAb3 and rabbit polyclonal Ab3 immunoprecipitated the same gp37 Ag as SN2 (Ab1). The production of Ag-specific Ab3 (Ab1') in mice and rabbits in absence of any exposure to gp37 indicates that these Ab2 may indeed carry the internal image of the gp37 Ag. Such anti-idiotopes (Ab2 beta) may be useful as Ag substitute for the induction of therapeutic immunity in T cell leukemia patients.

Idiotype vaccines against human T cell leukemia. II. Generation and characterization of a monoclonal idiotype cascade (Ab1, Ab2, and Ab3)

Previously, we had generated anti-Id mAb (Ab2) binding to a hybridoma SN2 (Ab1), which recognizes a glycoprotein, gp37, expressed by human leukemic T cells. To characterize these anti-idiotopes further, they were used to immunize mice and rabbits. Several murine anti-anti-Idiotype mAb (Ab3), mostly of IgM-k isotype, were obtained. mAb3 and sera from rabbits immunized with Ab2 contained antibodies that bind to gp37 Ag and leukemic MOLT-4 and JM cells. Also, mAb3 and immune sera from rabbits competed with Ab1 for binding to MOLT-4 cells. They inhibited the binding of iodinated Ab1 to Ab2 indicating that Ab3 in mice and rabbits shares idiotopes with Ab1 (SN2). Furthermore, both the murine mAb3 and rabbit polyclonal Ab3 immunoprecipitated the same gp37 Ag as SN2 (Ab1). The production of Ag-specific Ab3 (Ab1') in mice and rabbits in absence of any exposure to gp37 indicates that these Ab2 may indeed carry the internal image of the gp37 Ag. Such anti-idiotopes (Ab2 beta) may be useful as Ag substitute for the induction of therapeutic immunity in T cell leukemia patients.