Quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence in the aggregates of LHCII: steady state fluorescence and picosecond relaxation kinetics

The protein composition, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence emission spectra were studied in solubilized and aggregated LHCII complexes, that were prepared according to two different isolation protocols: (1) by fractionation of cation-depleted thylakoid membranes using the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 according to the procedure of Burke et al. [(1978) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 187, 252-263] or (2) by solubilization with N-beta-dodecyl maltoside (beta-DM) of photosystem II (PSII) membrane fragments in the presence of cations [Irrgang et al. (1988) Eur. J. Biochem. 178, 207-217]. Based on the analysis of the decay-associated emission spectra measured at 10 and 80 K five long-wavelength chlorophyll species were identified in aggregated LHCII complexes. These five forms are characterized by emission maxima at 681.5, 683, 687, 695, or 702 nm. All of these forms were found in both types of LHCII preparations but the relative amounts and temperature dependency of these species were markedly different in the aggregated LHCII complexes isolated by the two procedures. It was found that these differences cannot be simply explained by effects due to using a less mild detergent as beta-DM or by an ionic influence of Ca2+. Biochemical analysis of the protein composition showed that beta-DM type LHCII consists of all the chlorophyll (Chl)binding proteins belonging to the antenna system of PSII except the CP29 type II gene product (CP29). In contrast, the Triton X-100-solubilized LHCII is highly depleted in CP26 (CP 29 type I gene product) and is contaminated by a variety of unidentified polypeptides. It is proposed that the aggregates of LHCII prepared using Triton X-100 acquire specific spectral and kinetic features due to interaction between the bulk of LHCII subunits and minor protein(s).     

FDG PET of the retroperitoneum: normal anatomy, variants, pathologic conditions, and strategies to avoid diagnostic pitfalls

Evaluation of the retroperitoneum is important to assess the extent of retroperitoneal malignancies and because the retroperitoneum is a route of nodal spread for other malignancies. Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) allows detection of small malignant nodes not identified or not meeting size criteria for malignancy with computed tomography (CT) and tumor recurrences in surgical beds that are otherwise difficult to assess. However, evaluation of retroperitoneal malignancies or adenopathy with FDG PET can be complicated by urinary and colonic activity or anatomic variants. Urinary artifacts are avoided with intravenous hydration, administration of furosemide, and catheterization and retrograde filling of the bladder with saline solution. Colonic artifacts are avoided by cleansing the bowel with an isosmotic solution. FDG PET is useful in assessing the retroperitoneum for adenopathy in malignancies such as testicular cancer; lymphoma; and rectal ovarian, or cervical cancer that spread along retroperitoneal lymphatics. FDG PET is especially useful for detection of malignant nodes that do not meet size criteria at CT or when lack of retroperitoneal fat makes it difficult to identify retroperitoneal nodes with CT. FDG PET has an important role in evaluation of postoperative beds, where CT has limited useful because of altered anatomy, surgical clip artifacts, and scar issue.     

Pelvic ring injuries

PURPOSE: Analysis of the trauma patient of fractures of the pelvic ring and classification according to AO/Tile. METHODS: 125 unselected patients (43 females, 82 males) were evaluated retrospectively by conventional x-ray, and CT examinations included follow-studies. RESULTS: Type-A fractures were seen in 36 (29%), Type-B fractures in 58 (46%), and Type-C fractures in 31 (25%) cases. Type-B and Type-C fractures mainly occurred in patients with traffic accidents and falls from great height. Type-A fractures were seen most often in patients with accidents at home or at work. However, in patients with complex fractures a classification concerning Type-B or Type-C fractures was difficult. SUMMARY: Based on CT criterias, in most patients a statement concerning the applied forces, the stability of the pelvic rim and the fracture type can be made.     

Influence of short-term dietary measures on dioxin concentrations in human milk

Breast-feeding may expose infants to high levels of toxic chlorinated dioxins. To diminish intake of these lipophilic compounds by the baby, two diets were tested for their ability to reduce concentrations of dioxins in human milk. The diets were a low-fat/high- carbohydrate/low-dioxin diet. (about 20% of energy intake derived from fat) and a high fat /low-carbohydrate/low-dioxin diet. These diets were tested in 16 and 18 breast-feeding women, respectively. The test diets were followed for 5 consecutive days in the fourth week after delivery. Milk was sampled before and at the end of the dietary regimen, and dioxin concentrations and fatty acid concentrations were determined. Despite significant influences of these diets on the fatty acid profiles, no significant influence on the dioxin concentrations in breast milk could be found. We conclude that short-term dietary measures will not reduce dioxin concentration in human milk.     

Titanium alloys in total joint replacement--a materials science perspective

Increased use of titanium alloys as biomaterials is occurring due to their lower modulus, superior biocompatibility and enhanced corrosion resistance when compared to more conventional stainless steels and cobalt-based alloys. These attractive properties were a driving force for the early introduction of alpha (cpTi) and alpha + beta (Ti-6A1-4V) alloys as well as for the more recent development of new Ti-alloy compositions and orthopaedic metastable beta titanium alloys. The later possess enhanced biocompatibility, reduced elastic modulus, and superior strain-controlled and notch fatigue resistance. However, the poor shear strength and wear resistance of titanium alloys have nevertheless limited their biomedical use. Although the wear resistance of beta-Ti alloys has shown some improvement when compared to alpha + beta alloys, the ultimate utility of orthopaedic titanium alloys as wear components will require a more complete fundamental understanding of the wear mechanisms involved. This review examines current information on the physical and mechanical characteristics of titanium alloys used in artifical joint replacement prostheses, with a special focus on those issues associated with the long-term prosthetic requirements, e.g., fatigue and wear.     

Predicting adaptation to presymptomatic DNA testing for late onset disorders: who will experience distress? Rotterdam Leiden Genetics Workgroup

The first comparative study on predicting post-test distress (conceptualised by intrusion and avoidance, measured with the Impact of Event Scale) after presymptomatic genetic testing for Huntington's disease (HD, n=25), cancer syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP, n=23)), and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC, n=10) is reported. The variables with the highest predictive potential of post-test distress are presented. Participants who were depressed before the test were more distressed after testing, but we found that those who were anxious before the test were less distressed, that is, had less intrusive thoughts post-test. Other factors associated with a higher level of post-test intrusion were gender (being a woman), having children, and pre-test intrusion. Religion and being at risk for HBOC were associated with less post-test intrusion. Participants who showed avoidance behaviour before the test and those who had many people available for support showed more avoidance behaviour post-test. The test result did not additionally contribute to post-test distress. The prima facie simple notion that the test result, as such, determines the distress experienced seems to be a misrepresentation of the complex reality.     

Novel expression and regulation of gastrin gene in human ovarian cancer cell line, SW626

Gastrin-secreting tumors have been identified in ectopic locations including the ovary; the mechanisms regulating gastrin gene expression, its distribution, and signaling pathways in these ectopic tissues are not known. The purpose of our present study was to determine: (1) whether the gastrin gene and peptide could be detected in ovarian cancer cell lines, (2) if functional gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRP-R) are present, and (3) whether gastrin gene expression is altered by GRP. Five ovarian cancer cell lines (SW626, OVCA 420, OVCA 429, OVCA 432, and OVCA 433) were analyzed. We identified gastrin gene and peptide expression in the SW626 cell line but not in the OVCA lines. SW626 cells express a functional GRP-R that is correctly coupled to the Ca2+ signaling pathway. Treatment of SW626 cells with bombesin, the amphibian equivalent of GRP, inhibited expression of the gastrin gene in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. The SW626 ovarian cancer cell line will provide a useful model to further define regulation and expression of both the gastrin gene and peptide in ectopic (nongastrointestinal) tissues.     

Oceanic protection of prebiotic organic compounds from UV radiation

It is frequently stated that UV light would cause massive destruction of prebiotic organic compounds because of the absence of an ozone layer. The elevated UV flux of the early sun compounds this problem. This applies to organic compounds of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin. Attempts to deal with this problem generally involve atmospheric absorbers. We show here that prebiotic organic polymers as well as several inorganic compounds are sufficient to protect oceanic organic molecules from UV degradation. This aqueous protection is in addition to any atmospheric UV absorbers and should be a ubiquitous planetary phenomenon serving to increase the size of planetary habitable zones.