Devices for saliva collection from the major salivary glands. Results in normal subjects

BACKGROUND: Collection of saliva produced by the major salivary glands may be accomplished either by cannulation of the glandular ducts or by the application of specific collecting devices to the emergence area of the glandular ducts. Those procedures are complex, slow, invasive and require skilled personnel. AIM: To report the design and application of a device to collect parotid saliva (snail collector) and another device to collect saliva from the submandibular/sublingual complex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The saliva collection devices were tested in 40 healthy volunteers (20 male) aged 18 to 22 years old. Saliva was collected using conventional conditions, during 5 to 15 min. RESULTS: An average of 1 to 1.5 ml of saliva was collected in the 10-15 min period from both parotid and submandibular/sublingual glands. Flow rates from parotid glands were 80 microliters/min and 180 microliters/min from submandibular/sublingual glands. Parotid saliva had a protein and organic material concentration twice as high than saliva from submandibular/sublingual glands. The presence of human alpha-amylase duplet (Mr 55 kD and 58 kD) predominated in parotid saliva, whereas saliva from submandibular/sublingual glands had other molecular markers such as the lysozyme duplet (Mr 18.5 kD and 17 kD). CONCLUSIONS: The tested devices were easily applicable, comfortable and allowed the collection of both parotid saliva and submandibular/sublingual saliva from various subjects at once, under the supervision of a single professional.     

Hydrogen peroxide-dependent generation of singlet molecular oxygen by human saliva: its detection by chemiluminescence from a Cypridina luciferin analog

By the addition of hydrogen peroxide to human saliva, chemiluminescence from Cypridina luciferin analog (CCLA) and oxygen evolution were observed. Chemiluminescence was inhibited by inhibitors of salivary peroxidase, azide and cyanide and by a singlet oxygen quencher, crocin. Deuterium oxide (99.75%) stimulated the initial increase of CCLA by 15-50% and the integrated CCLA 2.1-3.6-fold. The results suggest that the generation of singlet oxygen by peroxidase in human saliva depends on hydrogen peroxide.     

A method for the collection of lymph from the prescapular lymph node of unanaethetized sheep

A method for cannulating the efferent duct of the prescapular lymph node of sheep was developed and carried out on over 100 occasions so that lymph could be collected from unanaesthetized sheep under physiological conditions. On average the lymph flowed at 9 ml/h and contained 15 X 10(6) lymphocytes/ml. The surgical procedure and relevant anatomical details are described.     

The health diary: an examination of its use as a data collection method

Use of a health diary has been common in nursing practice settings. Nurses have incorporated the diary as a means of helping clients to document their symptoms and factors which may have precipitated them, often with the aim of modifying particular health behaviours. To date there has been limited exploration of this tool in a nursing research context. Advantages and disadvantages associated with the diary when utilized as a research instrument in health settings are summarized and particular consideration is given to their use in nursing research with cancer patients. Features of the method such as completion and respondent co-operation, format and issues surrounding data analysis are considered. The advantages of this method warrant further exploration in nursing research, despite conflicting and insubstantial evidence regarding the feasibility, validity and reliability of specific kinds of information reported in a diary.     

Immunochemical characterization of anti-H monoclonal antibodies obtained from a mouse immunized with human saliva

Three IgM class anti-H monoclonal antibodies (1E3, 1E5 and 3H1) were obtained from a BALB/c mouse immunized with human O type saliva. These antibodies were found to agglutinate red cells from O group and A and B subgroups but not from Bombay and para-Bombay individuals whose H antigen was barely detected by anti-H reagents. The agglutination reactions of these antibodies were inhibited by H antigens from human tissues. It was also demonstrated that both 1E3 and 3H1 reacted with H disaccharide (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta), H type 1 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3GlcNAc beta), H type 2 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta), H type 3 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3GalNAc alpha) and H type 4 (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3GalNAc beta) but not with Lea (Gal beta 1-->3[Fuc alpha 1-->4]GlcNAc beta), Leb (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->3[Fuc alpha 1-->4]GlcNAc beta), X (Gal beta 1-->4[Fuc alpha-->3]GlcNAc beta) or Y (Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta 1-->4[Fuc alpha 1-->3]GlcNAc beta). On the other hand, 1E5 was found to react with H type 1, H type 2, Leb and Y. Because of the unique reactivities against various fucosyl linkages these monoclonal antibodies could be useful not only as anti-H reagents but also as reagents for the structural analysis of fucosylated glycoconjugates.     

A method for endoscopic embryo collection and transfer in the rabbit

Thirty-two rabbits were used for endoscopic embryo collection and transfer. For embryo collection midventral laparoscopy and transcervical endoscopy were combined for orthograd flushing of the oviducts and uterine horns. Transfer was performed transcervically under laparoscopic control. The mean number of corpora lutea counted in nine donors was 13.3 +/- 8.4. A total of 72 morulae/blastocysts were obtained. No embryos were recovered when only the uterine horns were flushed. 291 embryos were transcervically transferred to 23 recipients which resulted in 10 pregnant animals at day 12. Two of three slaughtered recipients showed together 4 implantation sites. Four animals delivered 12 pups.     

Two-dimensional analysis of the structure of human von Willebrand factor

Human von Willebrand factor (vWF) is synthesized as an extra large polymer; then, it is converted to lower molecular weight plasma multimers, originally composed of intact 225-kDa subunits, by a metalloproteinase. Proteolysis generates two fragments of 140-and 176-kDa, which originate from cleavage of peptide bond Tyr842-Met843 and which represent vWF residues 1-842 and 843-2050, respectively; a very small amount of 189-kDa fragment can also be found in normal plasma. We describe here a two-dimensional (2-D) method to analyze plasma vWF structure.     

A new collection method for the evaluation of nasal mucus proteins

BACKGROUND: Although it is generally recognized that poverty and depression can coexist among single parents receiving social assistance, there is insufficient research on this topic. The goals of this study therefore were to investigate the prevalence, correlates and health care expenditures associated with depression among sole-support parents receiving social assistance. METHODS: Sole-support parents who had applied for social assistance in 2 regions of southwestern Ontario were included in the study. Depression was diagnosed with the 1994 University of Michigan Composite International Diagnostic Interview short forms. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence rate of depressive disorder among the parents interviewed was 45.4% (345/760). A total of 247 (32.5%) had major depressive disorder alone, 19 (2.5%) had dysthymia, and 79 (10.4%) had both major depressive disorder and dysthymia ("double depression"). Those with major depressive disorder, particularly double depression, had significantly higher rates of coexisting psychiatric disorder than those without depressive disorders. Parents with depression reported higher rates of developmental delay and behaviour problems in their children than parents without depression. Expenditures for health care services were higher for parents with depression and for their children than for parents without depressive disorder and their children. INTERPRETATION: Single parents receiving social assistance have high rates of depression. Such parents with depression also have higher rates of other psychiatric disorders and higher expenditures for health care services, and their children have higher rates of developmental delay and behaviour problems.     

某尾矿库尾矿回采技术方案及稳定性分析

尾矿回采对加强矿山尾矿资源二次利用及解决大量尾矿堆存于尾矿库中带来的安全隐患和环境污染具有重要的社会和经济意义。以某尾矿库尾矿回采为工程实例,重点介绍了尾矿干采法的回采工艺、回采顺序及回采方法,并对回采过程坝体(边坡)的稳定性及防排洪安全性进行了计算分析,同时也对回采期间可能出现的安全问题提出了相应的工程措施。采用该方案回采规模达到40万t/a,采场工作面推进平稳,采场及坝体边坡稳定性较好,对类似尾矿库尾矿回采工程具有实际参考价值。     

Protein A carrying monosize PMMA microbeads for the removal of HIgG from human plasma

Protein A-incorporated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microbeads were investigated for specific removal of HIgG from human plasma. The microbeads were prepared by a phase inversion polymerization, and activated by periodate oxidation. Protein A was then incorporated by covalent binding onto these microbeads through hydroxyl groups coming from the stabilizer. The amount of incorporated protein A was controlled by the initial concentrations of protein A in the immobilization medium and pH. The maximum protein A immobilization of 0.615 mg protein A/g PMMA, was observed at a pH of 9.5 corresponding to an initial protein A concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. There was no HIgG adsorption onto the plain PMMA microbeads, while high HIgG adsorptions of up to 32 mg HIgG/g PMMA were achieved with human plasma.     

共沉淀法合成三硅酸镁及其微观分析

由Na₂O·nSiO₂和Mg(NO₃)₂经沉淀法合成了三硅酸镁,用450℃煅烧或酸化方法对合成的样品进行改性.采用XRD、IR、TG/DTA和BET等表征手段,考察了原料加入顺序、酸化和煅烧过程对样品的结晶度和表面织构的影响规律,并对其影响机理进行了探讨.结果表明,不同滴定顺序和不同活化方法制得的样品均为非晶态物质.TG/DTA分析显示不同滴定顺序样品的组成相同.pH对样品的表面织构有明显的影响.BET分析表明,Mg(NO₃)₂滴加入泡花碱溶液合成的样品为微孔材料,以1~3nm和0.7~0.9nm的微孔为主,比表面积达568.93m²·g^-1,水合硅酸镁含量较高.泡花碱滴加入Mg(NO₃)₂合成的样品为大孔材料,比表面积为179.40m²·g^-1,水合硅酸镁含量降低.煅烧和酸处理增加样品的结晶度,减少样品比表面积,并改变样品的孔径分布.煅烧使中孔含量增加,形成中孔材料.酸处理使Mg²⁺被H⁺取代,表面形成硅羟基基团,材料以中孔为主.     

Quantitative analysis of von Willebrand factor and its propeptide in plasma in acquired von Willebrand syndrome

Measurement of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) propeptide, also known as von Willebrand antigen II, has been suggested to be helpful in the discrimination of congenital von Willebrand disease type I from type 2 and in assessing the extent of activation of the endothelium. We performed a quantitative analysis of mature vWF and its propeptide in plasma in 8 patients with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) and in 20 normal individuals. Mature vWF levels were significantly lower in AvWS as compared with normal individuals (13.4+/-3.5 vs 35.6+/-3.3 nM, p <0.001). In contrast, propeptide levels were significantly higher in AvWS (11.4+/-1.1 vs 4.7+/-0.2 nM, p <0.001), probably reflecting a compensatory increase in vWF synthesis or increased perturbation of the endothelium in AvWS. After treatment with DDAVP, propeptide and mature vWF levels rose 5-fold in AvWS, whereas propeptide levels were not altered by the infusion of a vWF concentrate or treatment with high dose intravenous immunoglobulins, indicating that plasma propeptide levels are a reliable reflection of vWF synthesis. Measurement of propeptide levels may provide additional information in AvWS as to whether decreased levels of mature vWF in the circulation are due to a decrease in synthesis or due to an accelerated removal of vWF from the circulation.     

Scattering of light from histologic sections: a new method for the analysis of connective tissue

We have developed a light scattering technique that can be used to analyze the orientation and diameter of collagen fibers in histologic sections of connective tissue. Scattering patterns obtained by transmitting laser light through sections of tissue contain information both on the orientation, degree of alignment, and size of the constituent collagen fibers. Analysis of the azimuthal intensity distribution of scattered light yields numerical values of the degree of alignment by use of an orientation index, S, which is chosen to vary between 0 for randomly oriented fibers and 1 for a perfectly aligned arrangement. The average diameter of the collagen fibers is calculated from the scattering angle at which the intensity reaches its first minimum. These measurements are independent of the nature of histologic stain. The procedure is illustrated by measurements obtained with sections of the guinea pig dermis and of control scar. We conclude from our experiments that light scattering can complement the analysis of tissue architecture typically performed with the light microscope.     

Binding of the pili of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a low-molecular-weight mucin and neutral cystatin of human submandibular-sublingual saliva

The HLA-B*27 group of alleles has been extensively studied due to the association of particular B*27 alleles with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We describe here an HLA-B*27 allele (B*2712) encoding an antigen that lacks reactivity with B27 monoclonal antibodies (moabs) and alloantisera but reacts with some B40/B60 moabs and alloantisera and expresses the Bw6 public epitope. This allele was discovered by the segregation of an HLA-B allele undetectable by PCR-SSP within a Caucasian family from the British population referred for routine bone marrow transplant HLA typing and found in the haplotype A*29; B*2712; Cw*1203; DRB1*13; DQB1*0603. Serological typing showed a lack of reactivity with four B27 moabs and four alloantisera but positive reactivity with moabs and alloantisera specific for B40/B60 and Bw6 public epitopes. Subsequent sequencing showed the closest homology was with B*2708 with three mismatches in exon 2 at positions 204, 209 and 210. The intron 2 sequence was identical with other B*27 lineage alleles including a 2 base pair deletion at positions 95 and 96. The relationship between HLA-B*2712 and reported B60 associations with susceptibility to AS remains to be determined.     

A simple method for bile duct anastomosis and interval bile collection in the liver-transplanted rat

A mini T-tube is introduced for the bile duct anastomosis of rat liver transplantation as well as interval bile collection. The validity of the T-tube was evaluated in 14 liver-transplanted rats and compared to 14 rats using traditional stent for bile duct anastomosis. Changes of biliary tree after the T-tube anastomosis were examined by T-tube cholangiography on sample rats at 4 days and at 4 months after liver grafting. Additionally, bile volumes and rates of bile salt secretion were compared in the continuously flowing cannula and the chronic T-tube fistula in normal rats. The results show that the mini T-tube facilitates bile duct anastomosis and study of bile secretion after liver transplantation in rats without increase in surgical difficulty or interference of biliary enterohepatic circulation.     

Rapid and simple chromatographic method for the determination of diazepam and its major metabolites in human plasma and urine

A simple, rapid, sensitive and selective HPLC method has been developed for the analysis of diazepam (DZP) and its major metabolites, N-desmethyldiazepam (DMDZP), temazepam (TZP) and oxazepam (OZP), in plasma and urine, using clonazepam (CZP) as the internal standard and chloroform as the extracting solvent, with a 10 ng/ml limit of quantitation for the four assayed drugs, and an average (+/-S.D.) recovery of 87.7+/-6.46%, 92.9+/-5.31%, 91.4+/-4.01% and 91.7+/-2.68% for DZP, DMDZP, TZP and OZP, respectively (from plasma), and 89.6+/-2.26%, 90+/-4.24%, 87.45+/-0.64% and 94.50+/-0.71% for DZP, DMDZP, TZP and OZP, respectively (from urine). The method has also proved to be selective and reproducible.