Allelic diversity at the primate Mhc-G locus: exon 3 bears stop codons in all Cercopithecinae sequences

The aim of this study was to determine whether bisaramil-an antiarrhythmic compound under clinical investigation-influences the reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and biochemical parameters characterizing occlusion-reperfusion-induced free-radical reactions. The left descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 60 min in anaesthetized dogs followed by one hour of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken at different times of the occlusion and reperfusion for the determination of plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); furthermore of the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Free-radical generating capacity of polymorph neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) was also measured. At the end of the experiments heart tissue samples were excised from the injured areas and from the intact part of the left ventricular muscle. In tissues samples the concentrations of MDA and GSH and the activity of SOD were determined. Bisaramil was given as an i.v. bolus injection at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 several minutes prior to the end of LAD-occlusion; then the administration was repeated in the 30th minute of reperfusion. In the control group (10 dogs) ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred in seven cases which resulted in death in three. In the bisaramil-treated group, however. VF was seen in three cases and no death was recorded. Bisaramil inhibited the elevation of the plasma concentration of MDA and GSSG during the reperfusion and abolished the decrease in the plasma concentration of GSH during the occlusion and reperfusion. The activity of SOD and catalase in plasma was much better preserved in the bisaramil-treated group then in the controls. Bisaramil significantly inhibited the increase of the superoxide-radical generating capacity of PMNs during the reperfusion. The data obtained from myocardial tissue samples supported the cardioprotective effect of bisaramil. The biochemical investigation of ischemic-reperfused myocardium showed that bisaramil promoted preservation of SOD-activity and of tissue glutathione. Results of this study clearly showed that bisaramil has a significant effect on ischemiareperfusion injury. Besides its inhibitory effects on ischaemia-reperfusion induced arrhythmias it has a special benefit in influencing free-radical mediated damage leading to better preservation of membranes and to limitations of irreversible cell injuries.     

Recent developments in the understanding of antinuclear autoantibodies

Cytological identification of soybean mitotic metaphase chromosomes (2n = 40) has been severely limited by their small size and uniform karyomorphology. We have developed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), PCR-primed in situ labelling (PCR-PRINS) procedures, and molecular probes for routine cytological identification and for the physical mapping of soybean somatic chromosomes. Chromosome preparation has been achieved by modifications of previous protocols and through the preparation of root-tip protoplasts prior to chromosome spreading. Initially our probe selection focused on highly repeated DNAs that provide very intense localized hybridization signals. Repetitive gene probes that have proven valuable include the rDNA loci (5S and 45S) which are chromosome specific. We have also developed satellite DNA probes for two different sequence families: the SB92 and the STR120 satellites. Both of these are tandemly arranged at multiple chromosomal loci. By using different cloned examples of each family, we have been able to selectively label unique subsets of soybean chromosomes. Double hybridization with biotin and digoxigenin labeled probes has allowed us to determine the chromosomal overlap between different probes. In addition, we have joined portions of the metaphase chromosome painting patterns with the genetic map by single-copy FISH and PCR-PRINS detection of the RFLP loci G8.15, G17.3, and A199a and A199b. Total genomic DNA in situ hybridization (GISH) patterns were also used to characterize the soybean chromosomes.     

Recurrence and death in non-small cell lung carcinomas: a prognostic model using pathological parameters, microvessel count, and gene protein products

Optimized stent expansion by high-pressure inflations of oversized balloons has initially been derived from experience obtained with the Palmaz-Schatz stent, whereas there is little experience with this strategy in the Wallstent. By using this approach with quantitative coronary angiographic guidance, 20 Wallstents and 20 Palmaz-Schatz stents were implanted in 34 patients and consecutively examined by conventional two-dimensional (2D) intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) and three-dimensional (3D) ICUS on the basis of the application of a pattern recognition algorithm. Ultrasound criteria of adequate stent expansion were defined as a complete apposition of the stent to the vessel wall, a stent symmetry index (SSI = minimum/maximum lumen diameter) > or = O.7, and a stent-reference lumen area ratio (SRR = Minimum intrastent lumen area/Average of proximal and distal reference lumen area) > or = O.8. In all cases a smooth angiographic lumen and a negative diameter stenosis, on the basis of a distal reference, was achieved. For the Wallstents ICUS showed a higher SSI (2D, 0.95 +/- 0.04 vs 0.85 +/- 0.09; p < 0.001; 3D, 0.90 +/- 0.09 vs 0.82 +/- 0.11, p < 0.05) and a lower SRR (2D, 0.66 +/- 0.12 vs 0.81 +/- 0.13, p < 0.005; 3D, 0.63 +/- 0.14 vs 0.74 +/- 0.15, p < 0.05) than for the Palmaz-Schatz stents. Ninety percent of failure in meeting these criteria resulted from a low SRR. The incidence of incomplete stent apposition (one in both stents) or SSI <0.7 was low and generally associated with an SRR <0.8. The Wallstents met the ICUS criteria less often (2D, 2(1O%) vs 10(50%), p < 0.01; 3D, 3(15%) vs 9(45%), p < 0.05), were significantly longer (35.1 +/- 7.7 mm and 14.3 +/- 3.3 mm, p < 0.0001), and generally demonstrated a larger vessel tapering, measured as proximal minus distal ICUS reference lumen area (1.33 +/- 2.91 mm2 vs 0.44 +/- 1.97 mm(2), not significant). Wallstents meeting the ICUS criteria, however, showed less vessel tapering (0.18 +/- 1.64 mm(2)). Thus optimized stent expansion was followed by excellent angiographic results for both Palmaz-Schatz and Wallstent. Although angiographic results and visual assessment of the ICUS examination suggested a good outcome, few Wallstents met the ICUS criteria in contrast to the Palmaz-Schatz stents. The low value of the SRR in the Wallstents is likely to be caused by vessel tapering, suggesting that this criterion may be unsuitable in assessing the adequacy of the expansion of relatively long stents such as the Wallstent.     

Abrupt (< 1 day), acute (< 1 week), and early (< 1 month) vessel closure at the angioplasty site. Morphologic observations and causes of closure in 130 necropsy patients undergoing coronary angioplasty

While abundant clinical and angiographic data are available regarding features of acute or abrupt closure at the site of balloon angioplasty, little morphologic information is available. This study discusses morphologic-histologic causes for acute closure after angioplasty in 130 necropsy patients. Intimal-medial flaps, elastic recoil, and primary thrombosis were the three leading morphologic causes for closure. Data were subdivided into time categories: abrupt (< 1 day), acute (< 1 week), and early (< 1 month). Intimal-medial flaps remained the most common cause for angioplasty closure despite time from angioplasty to documented occlusion. Morphologic recognition of types and frequencies of angioplasty closure are discussed, and specific mechanical, pharmacologic, or combined treatments are reviewed.     

Using the Percolation Theory to Explain the Release Behavior from Inert Matrix Systems

A novel analysis of drug release process from binary matrix systems has been realized and a study of the initial stage of the process has been carried out. A fast and easy technique has allowed the acquisition of one experimental datum per second. Release data have been analyzed by means of a detailed statistical study. The dissolution profiles were studied applying different kinetic models (zero order, logarithmic, and Higuchi equation). In all the cases studied, a starting process of zero or first order, indicative of a surface-dependent mechanism, has been found. Then, a parameter, named as critical time of kinetic change (t_c), has enabled the authors to establish the instant at which a diffusion release mechanism, according to Higuchi equation, is consolidated. From this time until the end of the process, release mechanism of matrices was shown to be diffusion controlled. The influence of the drug loading and the particle size over the release properties of tablets has also been investigated and it has been evaluated on the basis of percolation theory. The results show a major significance of particle size over the initial drug release and a decrease of its influence along the time. On the other hand, the drug loading variable shows an important influence over the release properties along the whole process.     

Estimates by computer simulation of genetic distances from comparisons of RNAse A mismatch cleavage patterns

The RNAse A mismatch cleavage method was used to analyze genomic variability in RNA and DNA systems. However, there is no method which relates the digestion patterns observed to the extent of genetic variation. Here we report computer simulations which provide a simple estimator of genetic distances from the comparison of RNAse A digestion patterns. The results show that the number of non-shared fragments is proportional to the number of mutations between each pair of sequences compared. This prediction is supported by the comparison of the RNAse A mismatch patterns and the nucleotide sequences of a set of influenza A (H3N2) hemagglutinin genes. The procedure allows a quantitative and reliable use of the RNAse A mismatch cleavage method.     

Utility of Albicans ID plate for rapid identification of Candida albicans in clinical samples. Rapid identification of Candida albicans

A clinical study was carried out in an attempt to assess the efficacy of a newly designed electric toothbrush compared to a conventional manual toothbrush using the American Dental Association's protocol for evaluating toothbrushes. An Oral-B 35 manual toothbrush, which served as the control, was compared to the Plaq & White125 electric toothbrush. Examinations were performed by two calibrated examiners at baseline, day 15 and day 30. Examinations included the gingival index, plaque index and bleeding index. Mean indices were calculated and compared between the two brushes using the repeated measures multiple analysis of variance. No statistically significant differences between the mean indices on the three examination days were observed following the use of the manual or the electric toothbrushes. The results of this study demonstrate that the electric toothbrush was numerically more effective than the manual toothbrush in reducing supragingival plaque levels, either before or after brushing, at each examination date compared to baseline plaque values. However, this difference was not statistically significant. This and other findings concluded that the Plaq & White toothbrush is comparable to the control ADA-accepted toothbrush.     

Plasma and blood lead concentrations, lead absorption, and lead excretion in nonhuman primates

The effects of pH, temperature, block of energy production, calcium/calmodulin, protein phosphorylation, and cytoskeleton-disrupting agents (cytochalasin D, nocodazole) on the integrity of the membrane skeleton were studied in polarized MDCK cells. The intracellular distributions of alpha-fodrin, actin, and ankyrin were monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy. The membrane skeleton, once assembled, seemed to be quite stable; the only factors releasing alpha-fodrin from the lateral walls were the acidification of the cytoplasm and the depletion of extracellular calcium ions. Upon cellular acidification, some actin was also released from its normal location along the lateral walls and was seen in colocalization with alpha-fodrin in the cytoplasm, whereas ankyrin remained associated with the lateral walls. No accumulation of plasma membrane lipids was observed in the cytoplasm of acidified cells, as visualized by TMA-DPH. These results suggest that the linkages between the fodrin-actin complex and its membrane association sites are broken upon acidification. The pH-induced change in alpha-fodrin localization was reversible upon restoring the normal pH. Reassembly of the membrane skeleton, however, required temperatures above +20 degrees C, normal energy production, proper cell-cell contacts, and polymerized actin. Release of alpha-fodrin from the lateral walls to the cytoplasm was also observed upon depletion of extracellular calcium ions. This change was accompanied by the disruption of cell-cell contacts, supporting the role of proper cell-cell contacts in the maintenance of the membrane skeleton polarity. These results suggest that local alterations of the cytoplasmic pH and calcium ion concentration may be important in regulating the integrity of the membrane skeleton.