Role of macrophage overactivation in the development of acute pancreatic injury in rats

PURPOSE: To report quantitative changes in the anterior chamber configuration after small-incision cataract surgery with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens by means of ultrasound biomicroscopy. METHODS: We examined the anterior chamber configuration of 20 eyes of 20 patients before and 3 months after small-incision cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and aspiration plus foldable intraocular lens implantation through a 3.0- to 4.0-mm self-sealing wound) by means of ultrasound biomicroscopy. The following variables were measured: the anterior chamber depth at the center of the cornea, the angle-opening distance 250 microns from the scleral spur (AOD250), the angle-opening distance 500 microns from the scleral spur (AOD500), and the trabecular-iris angle. RESULTS: The anterior chamber depth at the center of the cornea, AOD250, AOD500, and trabecular-iris angle increased significantly after surgery. The preoperative anterior chamber depth at the center of the cornea and trabecular-iris angle were negatively correlated with the differences between the postoperative and preoperative values (P < .01). The preoperative values of all variables examined were negatively correlated with the ratios of the postoperative value to the preoperative value (P < .002). CONCLUSIONS: The present results showed that small-incision cataract surgery significantly deepened the anterior chamber and widened its angle. The more shallow the preoperative anterior chamber was, the greater the postoperative change of the chamber was; and the more narrow the preoperative angle was, the greater the postoperative change of the angle was.     

Guidelines for management of left-sided prosthetic valve thrombosis: a role for thrombolytic therapy. Consensus Conference on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis

OBJECTIVES: We sought to form a consensus recommendation for management of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) from previous case and uncontrolled reports from a consensus of international specialists. BACKGROUND: PVT and thromboembolism relate to inadequate anticoagulation and valve type and location. PVT is suspected by history (dyspnea) and auscultation (muffled valve sounds or new murmurs) and confirmed by Doppler echocardiography showing a marked valve gradient. METHODS: A consensus conference was held to recommend management of left-sided PVT. RESULTS: Transesophageal Doppler echocardiography is used to visualize abnormal leaflet motion and the size, location and mobility of thrombus. Thrombolysis is used for high risk surgical candidates with left-sided PVT (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV) because cerebral thromboembolism may occur in 12% of patients. Duration of thrombolysis depends on resolution of pressure gradients and valve areas to near normal by Doppler echocardiography performed every few hours. Lysis is stopped after 72 or 24 h if there is no hemodynamic improvement (operation indicated). Heparin infusion with frequent measurement of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) begins when aPTT is more than twice control levels and can be converted to warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR] 2.5 to 3.5) plus aspirin (81 to 100 mg/day). Patients in functional class I or II have lower surgical mortality, and those with large immobile thrombi on the prosthetic valve or left atrium have responded to endogenous lysis with combined subcutaneous heparin every 12 h (aPTT 55 to 80 s) plus warfarin (INR 2.5 to 3.5) for 1 to 6 months. Operation is advised for nonresponders or patients with mobile thrombi. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolysis, followed by heparin, warfarin and aspirin, is advised for high risk surgical candidates with left-sided PVT.     

AHMED experiments on hygroscopic and inert aerosol behaviour in LWR containment conditions: experimental results

Hygroscopic NaOH, CsI, CsOH and inert Ag aerosol behaviour at different temperatures and relative humidities (RH) has been studied in a well instrumented and controlled vessel of 1.81 m³ total free volume. Homogeneous thermal-hydraulic conditions for aerosol measurement in the vessel were achieved. The aerosol number and mass concentration were measured continuously during the experiments using a Condensation Nucleus Counter and a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance. The particle size distribution and chemical composition in the test conditions were measured by Berner low pressure impactors. In the case of NaOH the half life of the aerosol mass concentration was more than four times longer at low RH (22%) as compared to high RH (96%). The half lives of the CsOH and CsI aerosols were only twice as long at low RH as compared to high RH. Thus at high RH (96–97%) the half lives of CsOH and CsI were twice as long as the half life for the NaOH aerosol. The faster decay of the NaOH aerosol is due to the smaller density decrease of NaOH during water condensation. CsOH particles grew rapidly to their equilibrium size at all humidities. The measured equilibrium size for CsOH aerosol agree well with the calculated particle size at different RHs. Experimental results were also compared with calculations obtained by severe accident computer codes. These calculated results will be presented in a later paper.     

Heart transplantation in Finland 1985-1995

BACKGROUND: Clearance of large molecules from the interstitial space is an important function of lymphatics and is affected by local pathologic changes. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the clearance rate of interstitially injected albumin is correlated to tumour characteristics and outcome in women with invasive breast cancer. METHOD: In a consecutive series of women coming to biopsy for suspected breast cancer, technetium-tagged albumin was injected into the tissue adjacent to the palpable mass. The isotope disappearance rate was measured over two hours. Also assessed were the maximum vessel density (MVD-using Factor VIII polyclonal antisera), the proliferation rate (using Ki-67 antisera), node status, tumour size, histologic and nuclear grade, mitotic rate, and p53 and c-erbB-2 oncoproteins. All patients were followed until relapse and for a minimum of 10 years. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, an association between relapse-free survival and isotope clearance rate was suggested (p = 0.024). The best outcome was seen in patients with the least isotope clearance. Node status, size, histologic and nuclear grade, and mitotic rate correlated with survival. MVD did not correlate with survival and was inversely related to the isotope clearance rate. Tumour proliferation rate, and the c-erbB-2 and p53 oncoproteins did not relate to outcome. CONCLUSION: The role of lymphatics in breast cancer is difficult to study. Measurement of interstitial clearance may be a useful technique and could be a prognostic factor.     

The virtual reality modeling language explained

VRML stands for Virtual Reality Modeling Language. Technically, VRML is neither virtual reality nor a modeling language. Virtual reality generally implies an immersive 3D experience, which typically requires a head mounted display (HMD) and 3D input devices, such as digital gloves. VRML neither requires nor imposes immersion. Furthermore, a true modeling language would contain richer geometric modeling primitives and mechanisms. VRML provides a bare minimum of geometric modeling features but contains numerous features unavailable in a modeling language. If VRML is not virtual reality or a modeling language, what is it? This question has several answers. At its core, VRML serves as a 3D interchange format. It defines most of the commonly used semantics found in today's 3D applications such as hierarchical transformations, light sources, viewpoints, geometry, animation, fog, material properties, and texture mapping. Here's a second answer to: what is VRML? It's a 3D analog to HTML. This means that VRML serves as a simple, multiplatform language for publishing 3D Web pages. The fact that some information, including games, engineering models, scientific visualizations, educational experiences, and architecture, can best be experienced in 3D has motivated this language. Typically, these types of projects require intensive interaction, animation, and user participation and exploration beyond what a page, text, or image based format can handle. Another answer is that VRML provides the technology to integrate 3D, 2D, text, and multimedia into a coherent model     

Expression of bovine beta-lactoglobulin/human erythropoietin fusion protein in the milk of transgenic mice and rabbits

We have generated several transgenic mouse lines and rabbits expressing efficiently (up to 0.3 mg/ml in mice and up to 0.5 mg/ml in rabbits) human erythropoietin in their milk as bovine beta-lactoglobulin fusion protein. Human erythropoietin cDNA was inserted in frame into exon 5 of the bovine beta-lactoglobulin gene with a linker oligonucleotide encoding the cleavage site for bacterial IgA protease. RNA analysis performed on one lactating transgenic mouse and one transgenic rabbit revealed that the fusion gene was expressed almost exlusively in the mammary gland, although low amounts of transgene-derived RNA were detectable in salivary glands and uterus or in the kidney. The fusion protein was specifically cleaved with IgA protease. The erythropoietin part obtained upon digestion had a lower molecular mass than recombinant erythropoietin produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. By deglycosylation analysis it was shown that the difference in size was due to a different type of glycosylation. Biological activity of the fusion protein, as determined by growth stimulation of TF-1 erythroleukemia cells, was less than 15% of that of human recombinant erythropoietin. Upon digestion of the fusion protein with IgA protease, biological activity comparable to that of the recombinant erythropoietin was recovered. Transgenic males and virgin females did not show signs of enhanced erythropoiesis, but lactating females expressing the transgene displayed transient increases in their hematocrit values.     

Differentiation of Arthroderma spp. by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Southern hybridization

To develop the molecular differentiation analysis of dermatophytes, we carried out RAPD and Southern hybridization analyses using genomic DNAs of six Arthroderma species, including A. fulvum, A. grubyi, A. gypseum, A. incurvatum, A. otae and A. racemosum. The RAPD analysis gave different band patterns specific to each of the six Arthroderma fungi. However, minor differences in the banding patterns were observed between the strains of plus (+) and minus (-) mating types of A. gypseum, A. fulvum and A. incurvatum. Southern blot analysis using a probe (1S) obtained from A. grubyi DNA gave specific bands only in the DNA samples of A. grubyi and A. incurvatum. On the other hand, Southern blot analysis using a probe (C3) obtained from A. otae DNA gave specific bands in all six Arthroderma species examined, and the size of the bands were specific to each species. These findings indicate that RAPD and Southern hybridization analyses are useful in the differentiation of these Arthroderma species.     

Postoperative adhesion formation and reproductive outcome using Interceed after ovarian surgery: a randomized trial in the rabbit model

The efficacy of an oxidized regenerated cellulose barrier (Interceed) in reducing postoperative adhesion formation and improving reproductive outcome after ovarian surgery was evaluated in a prospective randomized trial. Twenty-nine New Zealand White female rabbits were submitted to a mid-line laparotomy and a standardized surgical incision was made on both ovaries. At random, one ovary was entirely wrapped in a sheet of Interceed, whereas the contralateral ovary was left uncovered. Four weeks following surgery, the rabbits were mated with a male of proven fertility. Two weeks later, a second-look laparotomy was performed by a blinded observer who evaluated the incidence and score of adhesions, the number of corpora lutea in each ovary, the number of embryos in the ipsilateral uterine horn and also calculated the nidation index for each side. Adhesions were observed in 66% of Interceed-covered and in 97% of control ovaries (P < 0.0001). The adhesion score on the Interceed side was significantly lower than on the control side. The nidation index for the Interceed side was significantly higher than for the control side. The authors conclude that, in the rabbit model, Interceed significantly reduces the incidence and score of postoperative ovarian adhesions and significantly improves reproductive outcome.     

Balloon dilatation in acute myocardial infarct in routine clinical practice: results of the register of the Working Society of Leading Cardiologic Hospital Physicians in 4,625 patients

Balloon angioplasty as the treatment of first choice in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is gaining widespread acceptance because of favourable results from specialised centres concerning high patency rates and low mortality. This study reports the results of angioplasty for AMI at large community hospitals during 1992-1995. 4625 procedures were performed at 68 centres of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Leitender Kardiologischer Krankenhaus?rzte (ALKK). The age of the patients was 60.8 +/- 11.3 years, with 75.1% men. The infarct related artery was the left anterior descendent in 43%, the right coronary artery in 37%, the circumflex artery in 16%, a bypass graft in 2.3% and the left main stem in 1.4% of patients. The success rate (residual stenosis < 50%) of the intervention was 86%. There was a wide range of procedures per centre, with a median of 40 AMI angioplasties per year and centre. The amount of angioplasties for AMI in relation to all angioplasties performed during this period rose from 5.2% in 1992 to 5.9% in 1995 (p = 0.01). Local complications at the puncture site occurred in 3.2%, with the need for a surgical intervention in 1.1% of patients. In 273 (5.9%) of the patients a second angioplasty was performed during the hospital stay. Aortocoronary bypass surgery was performed in 3% of the patients. Hospital mortality was 9.5% (438/4625 patients). The mortality rate remained constant during the years investigated (1992: 10.6%; 1993: 8.6%; 1994: 9.7%; 1995: 9.8%; p = ns). Higher mortality was observed in older patients, patients with multiple vessel disease, the left anterior descending artery or a bypass graft as infarct related artery as well as in patients with failed reperfusion (residual stenoses > 50%). Hospitals with a case load of more than 40 angioplasties for AMI per year showed a lower mortality as compared to the others. In clinical practice at large community hospitals results of angioplasty for AMI concerning mortality, complications and technical success rate are comparable to those of highly specialised centres. The absolute numbers of angioplasties for AMI increased constantly over the years.     

Ontogeny of serotonergic neurons in Aplysia californica

Although the functions of serotonin in adult Aplysia have been the focus of numerous investigations, our understanding of the roles played by this neurotransmitter during development is very incomplete. In the previous study (Marois and Carew [1997a] J. Comp. Neurol. 386:477-490), we showed that identified serotonergic cells are present very early during the ontogeny of Aplysia. In order to gain insight into the possible functions that these serotonergic cells may exert, we have used immuno-electron microscopy in this study to examine the projection patterns and target tissues of the serotonergic cells during the larval development of Aplysia. The results indicate that the larval serotonergic cells have numerous and precise connections to non-neuronal and neuronal target tissues: Serotonergic cells innervate the ciliated cells of the velum, numerous muscle systems, possibly visceral organs, and several cells in the central nervous system. Repeated observations of one serotonergic contact onto an undifferentiated neuron in the abdominal ganglion over a short developmental time span suggest that the serotonergic input may trigger axonogenesis in the postsynaptic cell. Apart from this possibility, we suggest that the innervation patterns of the larval serotonergic cells essentially fulfill the same primary function attributed to the adult serotonergic cells, that of modulating ongoing physiological and behavioral activity.