Changes in the TBARs content and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the lymphoid organs and skeletal muscles of adrenodemedullated rats

Thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARs) content, and the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDh), citrate synthase (CS), Cu/Zn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured in the lymphoid organs (thymus, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN)) and skeletal muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) of adrenodemedullated (ADM) rats. The results were compared with those obtained for sham-operated rats. TBARs content was reduced by adrenodemedullation in the lymphoid organs (MLN) (28%), thymus (40%) and spleen (42%)) and gastrocnemius muscle (67%). G6PDh activity was enhanced in the MLN (69%) and reduced in the spleen (28%) and soleus muscle (75%). CS activity was reduced in all tissues (MLN (75%), spleen (71%), gastrocnemius (61%) and soleus (43%)), except in the thymus which displayed an increment of 56%. Cu/Zn-SOD activity was increased in the MLN (126%), thymus (223%), spleen (80%) and gastrocnemius muscle (360%) and was reduced in the soleus muscle (31%). Mn-SOD activity was decreased in the MLN (67%) and spleen (26%) and increased in the thymus (142%), whereas catalase activity was reduced in the MLN (76%), thymus (54%) and soleus muscle (47%). It is particularly noteworthy that in ADM rats the activity of glutathione peroxidase was not detectable by the method used. These data are consistent with the possibility that epinephrine might play a role in the oxidative stress of the lymphoid organs. Whether this fact represents an important mechanism for the establishment of impaired immune function during stress remains to be elucidated.     

Prevalence of cholelithiasis in El Real-Gandia

The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of cholelithiasis (C) in the El Real-Gandia (Spain) as well as the degree of the response of the population. Health examinations were performed in 1,803 adults from El Real (2,000 inhabitants) and Gandia (54,000 inhabitants) using abdominal echography as the screening technique. Cholelithiasis was defined as the presence of biliary lithiasis (BL) or previous cholecystectomy (PC). Of 1,268 (70.3%) participants in the study, C was found in 126 cases (BL in 102 and P in 24) representing a standardized prevalence of around 15% in women and 5% in men. Cholelithiasis was more frequent in females (13.8%) than in males (5.7%) (p < 0.001) increasing linearly with age (p < 0.005). The proportion of PC was significantly higher in women (23.9%) than in men (5.9%) (p < 0.05) and in Gandia (34.4%) than in El Real (13.8%) (p < 0.02). The prevalence of biliary mud and polyps was of 0.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Working obligations (35.4%) and fear of hospitals (22.4%) were the most frequent causes for no response (NR). Males with more than primary a school education originating from outside the Valencian community (VC) were significantly associated with NR in multivariant analysis.     

Evaluation and occurrence of high-risk pollutants in animal feed factories

Concentrations of some hazardous pollutants were studied in dust deposit samples (n = 30) taken from the indoor equipment of two feed mixture plants (FMP) in Hodonín district in 1995 and 1996; the pollutants involved mercury, cadmium, lead, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), alpha and beta hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), lindane (gamma HCH), DDT sum, DDT isomers, polychlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103, Delor 106, PCB indicator congeners). The statistically significantly higher (P < 0.01) average concentration of mercury (0.028 mg/kg) was recorded in dust depositions (n = 15) in FMP K. in comparison with FMP R. Increased concentrations of cadmium (more than 0.5 mg/kg) were determined in dust depositions in FMP K. in 1 sample (0.582 mg/kg), of lead (more than 5.0 mg/kg) in 1 sample (7.540 mg/kg), of HCB (more than 0.01 mg/kg) in two samples (0.034 and 0.036 mg/kg), of beta HCH (more than 0.005 mg/kg) in 4 samples (0.021; 0.022; 0.023 and 0.046 mg/kg), higher DDT sum (more than 0.05 mg/kg) were determined in FMP K. in 3 samples (0.072; 0.085 and 0.190 mg/kg) and of PCB sum (more than 0.05 mg/kg) in 4 samples (0.054; 0.059; 0.074 and 1.085 mg/kg). In comparison with FMP K., dust depositions (n = 15) in FMP R. showed the statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) average concentration of lead (5.241 mg/kg). Increased concentrations of lead were determined in dust depositions in FMP R. in 7 samples (5.040; 5.230; 6.760; 7.590; 7.620; 8.450 and 15.650 mg/kg), of beta HCH in 7 samples (0.006; 0.008; 0.022; 0.024; 0.026; 0.029 and 0.049 mg/kg), higher DDT sum were recorded in 3 samples (0.053; 0.074 and 0.126 mg/kg) and higher PCB sum in 8 samples (0.057; 0.066; 0.101; 0.134; 0.164; 0.426; 0.821 and 1.202 mg/kg). The highest average concentration of hazardous pollutants in dust depositions (n = 30) in both feed mixture plants was determined in lead (4.122 mg/kg), in a descending order followed by PCB sum (0.151 mg/kg), cadmium (0.127 mg/kg), DDT sum (0.030 mg/kg), mercury (0.019 mg/kg), lindane (0.013 mg/kg), beta HCH (0.010 mg/kg), HCB (0.004 mg/kg and alpha HCH (0.001 mg/kg). Out of PCB indicator congeners, dust depositions contained the highest quantities of congener 138 (0.022 mg/kg), congener 180 (0.018 mg/kg) and congener 153 (0.015 mg/kg). Isomer p,p-DDT was dominant in dust depositions among DDT isomers (0.019 mg/kg). Dust depositions sampled from the indoor equipment of feed mixture plants are a promising indicator of produced feed mixtures contamination with hazardous pollutants. To seek sources of feed mixtures contamination is a permanent task of veterinary service.     

Highly regio- and stereoselective acylboration, acylsilation, and acylstannation of allenes catalyzed by phosphine-free palladium complexes: an efficient route to a new class of 2-acylallylmetal reagents

A new method for the synthesis of substituted 2-acylallylmetal reagents in a highly regio- and stereoselective fashion involving a three-component assembly of allenes, acyl chlorides, and bimetallic reagents (B-B, Si-Si, and Sn-Sn) catalyzed by phosphine-free palladium complexes is described. Treatment of various allenes (CR(2)R(3)=C=CH(2)) with acyl chlorides (R(1)COCl) and bispinacolatodiboron in the presence of PdCl(2)(CH(3)CN)(2) in toluene at 80 degrees C gave 2-acylallylboronates in moderate to good yields. The acylsilation of allenes with acid chlorides and hexamethyldisilane (5) proceeded successfully in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) in CH(3)CN affording the corresponding allylsilanes (CR(2)R(3)=C(COR(1))CH(2)SiMe(3)) in good to moderate yields. Several chloroformates (R(4)OCOCl) also react with 1,1-dimethylallene (2a) and 5 to afford allylsilanes (CR(2)R(3)=C(COOR(4))CH(2)SiMe(3)) in 66-70% yields. Acylstannation of allenes could also be achieved by slow addition of hexabutylditin (10) to the reaction mixture of acyl chloride (or chloroformate) and allene 2a in CH(3)CN in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) at 60 degrees C; the corresponding 2-substituted allylstannanes were isolated in moderate to good yields. The above catalytic reactions are completely regioselective and highly stereoselective. A mechanism is proposed to account for the catalytic reactions and the stereochemistry.     

Apolipoprotein(a) concentrations in type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetic patients from Romania

Several studies suggested that lipoprotein (a)-Lp(a) is an independent atherogenic risk factor. Since non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as related to the general population, the main purpose of our study was to compare the plasma levels of apolipoprotein (a)-(apo) (a) in 30 NIDDM patients hospitalized in our department, and in 20 non-diabetic controls from Timi?oara. Apo (a) values were similar in the two groups (medians, 95% confidence intervals 57 (50-107) in NIDDM versus 58 (51-106) U/l in controls; p = 0.9097). We found weak correlations between apo (a) and hemoglobin A1 (HbA1) (r = 0.42). A significant association was noticed between apo (a) and apo B, both in NIDDM (r = 0.71) and in control subjects (r = 0.81) p < < 0.001. The diabetic patients were screened for microalbuminaria with the MICRAL-test and we compared apo (a) levels in those having albumin excretion values above and under the cut-off point (20 mg/l). Apo (a) concentrations were similar in both samples. We found no association between apo (a) and plasma lipid values. NIDDM patients on fair glycemic control have similar apo (a) concentrations to non-diabetic subjects and they do not seem to be influenced by diabetes duration, HbA1, microalbuminuria and plasma lipid values Apo (a) and apo B are significantly correlated, both in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.     

Nocturnal evolution of respiratory effort in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: influence on arousal threshold

It has been recently described that the overnight increase in maximal end-apnoeic oesophageal pressure (P(oes,max)), considered as an index of the arousal threshold to occlusion, mostly contributes to apnoea lengthening during the night. However, the rise in apnoea duration could also be caused by changes in hypoxaemia, chemosensitivity and upper airway resistance. To better define the relative contributions of each of these factors, we examined the recordings of nine patients. Before apnoea, the mean pulmonary resistance at peak inspiratory flow (RPIF) was computed. During apnoea, all swings in oesophageal pressure (P(oes)) were measured to define the P(oes,max), the increase from the minimum to the maximum (deltaP(oes)), the rate of increase in P(oes) (RP(oes)) and the P(oes) at the first occluded breath (P(oes,1)). A gradual and significant increase in apnoea duration (p=0.02), P(oes,max) (p=0.02) and deltaP(oes) (p=0.006) was present across the night without any changes in oxygen saturation, RPIF, and P(oes,1). The slope of increase in P(oes,max), apnoea duration and deltaP(oes) was correlated with the apnoea/hypopnoea index. We conclude that in obstructive sleep apnoea, the nocturnal rise in apnoea duration is attributable more to an increase in the arousal threshold related to apnoea recurrence than to changes in chemosensitivity and upper airway resistance.     

Amphiphilic poly(Ala)-b-poly(Sar) microspheres loaded with hydrophobic drug

Amphiphilic block polypeptides, (Ala)m(Sar)n, were synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy showed that three kinds of block polypeptides, (Ala)42(Sar)21, (Ala)34(Sar)22, and (Ala)34(Sar)27, formed spherical aggregates in water. Dynamic light scattering measurement revealed that the average diameters of (Ala)42(Sar)21 and (Ala)34(Sar)22 aggregates were in the range of 80-90 nm, whilst that of (Ala)34(Sar)27 was about 30 nm. The polypeptides in aqueous solution took a beta-sheet structure, while they took an alpha-helical conformation in trifluoroethanol. These polypeptide aggregates took up 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonate (ANS), and the capacity of the aggregates for ANS decreased in the order of (Ala)42(Sar)21 > (Ala)34(Sar)22 > (Ala)34(Sar)27. Sumithion, which is a commercial agricultural insecticide, was also taken up by the polypeptide aggregates. When increasing amounts of Sumithion were introduced, (Ala)42(Sar)21 aggregates kept their shape, but (Ala)34(Sar)27 aggregate increased in size. These different behaviors of the polypeptide aggregates were discussed in terms of different structure of aggregates.     

Mechanism of adsorption of human albumin to titanium in vitro

1. This study explored the hypothesis that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) have differing antiproliferative and antihypertrophic effects on pulmonary artery (PA) and thoracic aorta (TA) smooth-muscle cells (SMCs). 2. Cultured cells were exposed to 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) and angiotensin II (A-II) to induce DNA and protein synthesis, respectively. 3. ANP (10(-7) M) significantly reduced thymidine uptake in TA by 31% +/- 2% (P < or = 0.01) but not in PA (P > or = 0.05). 4. In parallel experiments, BNP (10(-7) M) significantly reduced thymidine uptake in TA (-22% +/- 5%, P < or = 0.01), but not in PA cells (P > or = 0.05). 5. CNP (10(-7) M) did not significantly alter thymidine uptake in TA cells exposed to FCS, but it did significantly reduce uptake in PA (-28.5% +/- 4%) 2(P < or = 0.05). 6. Blunting by ANP (10(-7) M) of the A-II (10(-8) M)-induced increase in protein synthesis was significantly greater in PA than in TA cells. 7. However, BNP and CNP (10(-7) M) exerted similar antihypertrophic effects on TA and PA cells exposed to A-II. 8. The antiproliferative effects of BNP and ANP exceed those of CNP in TA SMCs, but CNP appears to be the most effective antiproliferative agent in PA SMCs. In addition, PA-derived SMCs are more sensitive to the antihypertrophic effects of ANP than TA-derived cells, suggesting phenotypic differences. The findings indicate that the natriuretic peptides may play complementary roles in modulating SMC proliferation and protein synthesis.     

SPT Hammer Energy Ratio versus Drop Height

Automatic trip hammers have advantages for standard penetration test (SPT) of consistent drop height and low friction loss during hammer fall. These advantages, however, generate high energy transfer ratios (ER), typically about 90%. This efficiency causes lower sensitivity and higher energy correction coefficients, CE. To reduce ER and CE and to increase the sensitivity of SPT conducted at the Wildlife Liquefaction Array (WLA) and the Garner Valley Downhole Array, instrumented Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation sites, a 127?mm (5.00?in.) long sleeve was placed in the hammer mechanism to reduce the drop height from 762?mm (30?in.) to 635?mm (25in.). To calibrate the energy for these drop heights, measurements were made for a series of SPT tests in Borehole X2 at WLA on November 21, 2003. For these SPT, sleeves were inserted with lengths of 50?mm (2?in.), 127?mm (5?in.) 177?mm (7?in.), and no sleeve. Resulting drop heights were 762?mm (30?in.), 711?mm (28?in.), 635?mm (25?in.), and 584?mm (23?in.). Results indicate that: (1) ER increases with rod length as expected; (2) corrections for rod length, CR, increased with rod length in accordance with CR published in 2001 by Youd et al.; and (3) for lengths greater than 6?m, ER increased approximately linearly with drop height. Average ER30 [ER based on a 762?mm (30?in.) drop height] were 43% for a 584?mm (23?in.) drop, 60% for a 635?mm (25?in.) drop, 84% for 711?mm (28?in.) drop, and 89% for a 762?mm (30?in.) drop.     

Inhibitory effects of nitric oxide donors on nitric oxide synthesis in rat gastric myenteric plexus

We investigated whether nitric oxide (NO) exerts an inhibition on its own synthesis in the gastric myenteric plexus in rats. Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxations in response to transmural electrical stimulation (TS) were markedly antagonized by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, (10(-4) M) and abolished by tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M). Pretreatment with various NO donors (3-morpholino-sydnonymide [SIN-1 (3 x 10(-7) to 3 x 10(-6) M)], S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (10(-6) to 10(-5) M), sodium nitroprusside (10(-8) to 3 x 10(-8) M) and 8-bromoquanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate [8-bromo-cGMP (10(-6) to 3 x 10(-6) M)]) significantly inhibited TS-evoked nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxations in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (10(-8) M)-induced relaxations were not affected by SIN-1 or 8-bromo-cGMP. TS evoked a significant increase in 3H-citrulline formation, which was completely abolished by calcium-free medium, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, (10(-4) M) and tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M). 3H-citrulline formation evoked by TS was significantly inhibited by SIN-1 (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) and 8-bromo-cGMP (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of SIN-1 was partially prevented by 1H-[1,2, 4]oxadiazolo[3,4-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10(-5) M), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. We conclude that NO synthesis in the gastric myenteric plexus is negatively regulated by NO and cGMP. This suggests an autoregulatory feedback mechanism of NO synthesis in the gastric myenteric plexus.     

Angiotensin II and insulin induce growth of ciliary artery smooth muscle: effects of AT1/AT2 antagonists

PURPOSE: Abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in small arteries of the eye is associated with hypertension and diabetes, and the complications that they induce. Migration and proliferation of SMCs into the intima are primary mechanisms involved in neointima formation. In aortic SMCs, angiotensin II (AII)-induced proliferation is inhibited by angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist. However, in small artery SMCs, in particular in the circulation of the eye, the effects of AII on migration and proliferation are unknown. METHODS: The effects of AII (10(-6) to 10(-10) M) on migration and proliferation of growth-arrested SMCs of porcine ciliary arteries were studied in the presence and absence of insulin (5 x 10(-10) M) by assaying DNA synthesis (3H-thymidine incorporation), cell number, and movement of SMCs across the membrane of a modified Boyden chamber. RESULTS: In the absence of insulin, only high concentrations (10(-6) to 10(-8) M) of AII induced DNA synthesis and increased cell number (P < 0.05); however, in the presence of insulin (5 x 10(-10) M), AII induced DNA synthesis and cell number at low concentrations (10(-10) M) and in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In contrast to proliferation, AII induced SMC migration in a concentration-dependent manner in the absence of insulin (P < 0.05). The AT1 antagonist CGP48933 (10(-8) to 10(-12) M), but not the AT2 antagonist CGP42112 (10(-8) to 10(-12) M), inhibited AII (10(-8) M)-induced proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that AII is a potent mitogen for SMCs of ophthalmic arteries, an effect that is enhanced in the presence of insulin, and that it may be an important contributor to structural vascular changes in the ophthalmic circulation in hypertension associated with non-insulin dependent diabetes. The inhibition of AII-induced growth by an AT1 antagonist suggests that these drugs may be important therapeutic tools to prevent structural vascular changes in the ophthalmic vasculature under these conditions.     

Post-operative pyrexia in an orthopaedic unit

The causes of post operative pyrexia in an orthopaedic unit was studied prospectively in 520 patients who underwent surgery. Two hundred patients (38.4%) developed postoperative pyrexia as defined by having recorded high temperatures of over 38 degrees C on two occasions within 24 hours (excluding the first 24 hours post-operatively). The commonest causes of post-operative pyrexia were wound infection in 70 (13.4%), respiratory tract infections in 40 (7.6%) and malaria in 30 (5.7%) patients, while other causes were urinary tract infection in 20 (3.8%), thrombophlebitis in 15 (2.8%) and deep vein thrombosis in 15 (2.8%) of the patients; while ten (1.9%) patients had pyrexia of undetermined cause despite exhaustive clinical and laboratory workup. The other associated conditions in patients who developed pyrexia were diabetes mellitus in 20 (3.8%), HIV seropositivity and malignancy in 30 (5.7%) and six (1.1%) patients, respectively.     

A quantitative analysis of cells in the ganglion cell layer of the chick retina

This study investigated the organization of cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) using Nissl staining, retrograde cell degeneration with axotomy of the optic nerve, and retrograde cell labeling by injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the optic nerve of chicks (posthatching day 1 and 8, P-1 and P-8). The total number of cells in the GCL was 6.1 x 10(6) (P-1) and 4.9 x 10(6) (P-8), and the cell density was 14,300 cells/mm2 (P-1) and 10,400 cells/ mm2 (P-8) on average. Two high-density areas, the central area (CA) and the dorsal area (DA), were observed in the central and dorsal retinas in both P-1 (22,000 cells/mm2 in CA, 19,000 cells/mm2 in DA) and P-8 chicks (19,000 cells/mm2 in CA, 12,800 cells/mm2 in DA). The cell densities in the temporal periphery (TP) and the nasal (NP) peripheral retinas were 7,800 cells/mm2 and 12,500 cells/mm2, respectively, in P-1 and 5,000 cells/ mm2 and 8,000 cells/mm2, respectively, in P-8 chicks. The cell density in the temporal periphery was 35% (P-8) lower than in the nasal periphery in both P-1 and P-8 chicks. Thirty percent (1.9 x 10(6) cells in P-1) of the total cells in the GCL were resistant to axotomy of the optic nerve. The distribution of the axotomy-resistant cells showed two high-density areas in the central and dorsal retinas, corresponding to the CA (5,800 cells/mm2) and the DA (3,200 cells/mm2). These cells also exhibited a center-peripheral increase (2,200 cells/mm2 in the TP) in P-1 chicks, but the high-density area was not found in the dorsal retina of P-8 chicks. From these data and the HRP study, the number of presumptive ganglion cells in P-8 chicks was estimated to be 4 x 10(6) (8,600 cells/mm2 on average), and the density in each area was 13,500 (CA), 10,200 (DA), and 4,300 (TP) cells/mm2. The peripheral/ center ratios of the density of ganglion cells were significantly different along the nasotemporal and dorsoventral axes. The density of ganglion cells decreased more rapidly toward the temporal periphery (TP/CA ratio: 0.47 in P-1 and 0.32 in P-8) than toward the nasal periphery (NP/CA ratio: 0.67 in P-1 and 0.52 in P-8). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the peripheral/center ratios between the dorsal retina (DP/CA ratio: 0.6 in P-1 and 0.56 in P-8) and ventral retina (VP/CA ratio: 0.58 in P-1 and 0.51 in P-8). A small peak in the density of the presumptive ganglion cells was detected in the dorsal retina of both P-1 chicks (10,800 cells/mm2) and P-8 chicks (10,200 cells/mm2). The HRP-labeled cells were small in the CA (M +/- SD: 35.7 +/- 9.1 microm2) and DA (40.0 +/- 11.3 microm2), and their sizes increased toward the periphery (63.4 +/- 29.7 microm2 in the TP) accompanied by a decrease in the cell density. However, the axotomy-resistant cells did not significantly increase in size toward the peripheral retina (12.2 +/- 2.2 microm2 in the CA, 15.2 +/- 3.2 microm2 in the DA, 15.1 +/- 3.8 microm2 in the TP). The characteristic distribution of ganglion cells could be related to visual behavior based upon the specialization of avian visual fields.     

Variation in lipoprotein(a) concentrations among individuals with the same apolipoprotein (a) isoform is determined by the rate of lipoprotein(a) production

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an atherogenic lipoprotein which is similar in structure to, but metabolically distinct from, LDL. Factors regulating plasma concentrations of Lp(a) are poorly understood. Apo(a), the protein that distinguishes Lp(a) from LDL, is highly polymorphic, and apo(a) size is inversely correlated with plasma Lp(a) level. Even within the same apo(a) isoform class, however, plasma Lp(a) concentrations vary widely. A series of in vivo kinetic studies were performed using purified radiolabeled Lp(a) in individuals with the same apo(a) isoform but different Lp(a) levels. In a group of seven subjects with a single S4-apo(a) isoform and Lp(a) levels ranging from 1 to 13.2 mg/dl, the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of 131I-labeled S2-Lp(a) (mean 0.328 day-1) was not correlated with the plasma Lp(a) level (r = -0.346, P = 0.45). In two S4-apo(a) subjects with a 10-fold difference in Lp(a) level, the FCR's of 125I-labeled S4-Lp(a) were very similar in both subjects and not substantially different from the FCRs of 131I-S2-Lp(a) in the same subjects. In four subjects with a single S2-apo(a) isoform and Lp(a) levels ranging from 9.4 to 91 mg/dl, Lp(a) concentration was highly correlated with Lp(a) production rate (r = 0.993, P = 0.007), but poorly correlated with Lp(a) FCR (mean 0.304 day-1). Analysis of Lp(a) kinetic parameters in all 11 subjects revealed no significant correlation of Lp(a) level with Lp(a) FCR (r = -0.53, P = 0.09) and a strong correlation with Lp(a) production rate (r = 0.99, P < 0.0001). We conclude that the substantial variation in Lp(a) levels among individuals with the same apo(a) phenotype is caused primarily by differences in Lp(a) production rate.     

Rapid thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine conversion and nuclear 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine binding in rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum

Thyroxine (T(4)) to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3)) conversion was evaluated in vivo in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and anterior pituitary of male euthyroid Sprague-Dawley rats. Tracer quantities of (125)I-T(4) and (131)I-T(3) were injected into controls and iopanoic acid-pretreated rats 3 h before isolation of nuclei from these tissues. Specifically-bound nuclear (131)I-T(3), denoted T(3)(T(3)); (125)I-T(3), denoted T(3)(T(4)); and (125)I-T(4) were extracted and identified by chromatography. Plasma iodothyronines were similarly quantitated. In control rats, nuclear T(3)(T(3)) (percent dose per milligram DNA x 10(-4)) was 174+/-31 in cerebral cortex, 50+/-9 in cerebellum, and 932+/-158 in pituitary (all values, mean+/-SEM). Nuclear T(3)(T(4)) (percent dose per milligram DNA x 10(-4)) was 23.3+/-3.3 in cortex, 3.5+/-0.6 in cerebellum, and 39.4+/-6.9 in pituitary. Two-thirds of nuclear T(3)(T(4)) derived from local T(4) to T(3) conversion. Nuclear T(3)(T(4)) in all tissues was reduced to less than 15% of its control value by iopanoic acid treatment and all of the residual nuclear T(3)(T(4)) could be accounted for by plasma T(3)(T(4)). Nuclear T(3)(T(3)) binding was not inhibited by iopanoic acid. These results indicate there is rapid local T(4) to T(3) conversion in rat brain and nuclear binding of the T(3) produced. We have previously found that local T(3)(T(4)) production is the source of approximately 50% of the T(3) in rat anterior pituitary. The present observations that the ratio of locally derived nuclear T(3)(T(4)) to nuclear T(3)(T(3)) is much higher in cerebral cortex (0.1) and cerebellum (0.04) than in anterior pituitary (0.015) suggest that this locally produced T(3)(T(4)) is the predominant source of intracellular T(3) in these portions of rat brain.     

Results of treating cryptorchism with HCG in boys previously qualified for surgical treatment

Hundred one boys, aged between 1.5 and 13 years, previously classified for surgery for uni- or bilateral cryptorchidism were examined. In 78 patients (77.2%) cryptorchidism was diagnosed, including 51 cases (50.5%) of unilateral undescended testicle. In the remaining 23 boys (22.9%) migrating testes were found: unilateral in 6 cases (5.9%) and bilateral in 17 cases (16.8%). An improvement was achieved after HCG therapy in 21 cases of migrating testes (91.3%), partial improvement in 1 case (4.35%), and no effect in 1 case (4.35%). The treatment with HCG produced recovery in 20 cases (25.6%) of cryptorchidism, partial improvement in cases (23.2%), and no effect in 40 cases (51.2%). A complete recovery was achieved in 41 out of 101 patients, i.e. in 40.6%, partial improvement in 19 cases (18.6%), and no effect in 41 cases (40.6%). The treatment with HCG enabled an avoidance of unnecessary surgery in 40.6% of all examined boys.     

Hospital admissions of HIV-infected patients from 1988 to 1992 in Maryland

To determine how the patterns of inpatient hospital care for HIV-infected patients have evolved in recent years, we analyzed data obtained from a statewide hospital discharge database from Maryland for the years 1988, 1990, and 1992. For each of these years, we compared demography, diagnoses, lengths of stay, use of the intensive care unit, third-party payer, and hospital charges (inflation-adjusted to 1992 dollars). HIV-infected patients accounted for 0.42% of all Maryland's hospital admissions in 1988, 0.68% in 1990, and 1.1% in 1992, with progressively more women and African-Americans hospitalized. Average lengths of stay fell from 11.7 days (1988) to 10.7 days (1990) and 9.5 days (1992) (p < 0.0001). Average charges per admission fell from $11,634 (1988) to $9,938 (1990) and $8,618 (1992) (p < 0.0001). Medicare or Medicaid paid for 50.9% of hospital admissions in 1988, 56.8% in 1990, and 66.8% in 1992 (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality rates (7.8% in 1988, 7.9% in 1990, and 7.7% in 1992; p = 0.783) were stable, as was severity of illness. P. carinii pneumonia (PCP) was the most common principal diagnosis, but it declined in prevalence from 13.6% in 1988 to 9.1% in 1992 (p < 0.0001). Principal diagnoses of other opportunistic infections remained stable (8.0% in 1988, 9.9% in 1990, 8.6% in 1992; p = 0.90), as did other nonopportunistic infections (32.8% in 1988, 27.2% in 1990, and 30.0% in 1992; p = 0.16). Non-PCP pneumonias increased from 7.6% (1988) to 10.2% (1992) (p < 0.0001). Substance abuse as a principal or secondary diagnosis increased from 30.9% (1988) to 34.3% (1992) (p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lipoprotein(a) levels in the Japanese population: influence of age and sex, and relation to atherosclerotic risk factors. The Jichi Medical School Cohort Study

The authors studied the distribution of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels with stratification for age and sex, as well as the relation between Lp(a) and atherosclerotic risk factors in a large Japanese population between 1992 and 1993. The subjects were 1,235 males and 1,762 females over 30 years old. Lp(a) was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lp(a) levels were higher in females than in males. The increase in Lp(a) with age was statistically significant, and the proportion of subjects with Lp(a) levels > 30 mg/dl also increased with age. In the obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) > 26), Lp(a) levels were lower than in the non-obese subjects (BMI < or = 26) (p < 0.01 in males; p < 0.05 in females). Male alcohol drinkers had lower Lp(a) levels than nondrinkers (p < 0.05). Age, low density lipoprotein subtracting Lp(a) cholesterol [Lp(a) x 0.3], and fibrinogen level were all positively correlated with Lp(a) in both sexes. Alcohol consumption (g/day) and triglycerides were inversely correlated with Lp(a) in males, while total cholesterol subtracting Lp(a) cholesterol [Lp(a) x 0.3], high density lipoprotein, and factor VII were positively correlated in females. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that triglycerides in males and BMI and fibrinogen in females were significant independent variables. The authors conclude that Lp(a) level is affected by various factors, such as alcohol drinking, BMI, sex, and age, and is not only correlated with lipid levels but also with hemostatic factors such as fibrinogen and factor VII.     

Combined use of left atrial transesophageal pacing and cordarone in atrial flutter

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of superfrequent transesophageal left atrial stimulation (TLAS) and its combination with cordarone in management of atrial flutter (AF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 650 patients with paroxysmal AF underwent TLAS. The paroxysm duration varied from 1 hour to 1 month. In 312 patients TLAS was performed prior to treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (group 1), in 338 patients--after intravenous administration of cordarone (group 2). RESULTS: Superfrequent TLAS has restored sinus rhythm (SR) in 85(27.2%) and 169(50%) patients of groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.001). TLAS promoted conversion of AF in atrial fibrillation (AFi) in 185(59.3%) and 159(47.1%) patients of groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, SR recovered 24-48 hours after TLAS in 87(27.9%) and 64(18.9%) patients of groups 1 and 2 respectively (p < 0.01). Sinus rhythm recovered in a total of 172(55.1%) and 233(69.0%) patients, AF was converted to AFi in a total of 88(31.4%) and 95(28.1%) patients (p > 0.05) of groups 1 and 2, respectively. TLAS was uneffective in 42(13.5%) and 10(2.9%) patients of groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Superfrequent TLAS is a highly effective and non-invasive modality in the treatment of paroxysmal AF. It promotes recovery of SR. In some patients TLAS induces AFi which is more controllable by medication as regards the heart rate. Cordarone contributes to the response to TLAS in patients with paroxysmal AF.