Preparation of control human sera with increased level of certain classes of lipoproteins using serum fractions sedimented with sulfated polyanions

Three main classes of human serum lipoproteins (LP), very low density lipoproteins (VLDLP), low density lipoproteins (LDLP), and high density lipoproteins (HDLP) were selectively sedimented by heparin and dextran sulfate in the presence of metal ions. These data were used for the development of a method for preparation of fractions of human serum enriched with certain class of LP. Using isolated fractions serums with increased content of total cholesterol, cholesterol of HDLP and triglycerides were prepared. These fractions may be used as control samples for evaluation of corresponding parameters in native samples.     

Control computers in nuclear medicine

Problems concerned with the use of desk computers in the nuclear medicine are considered, viz. the structure of technical components in the radiodiagnostic systems and mathematical logistics, an analysis into comparative characteristics of some systems, as well as the experience gained by the authors in elaborating specialized mathematical logistics. This experience and a pertinent analysis prompted the authors to conclude that the use of a computer at each stage of a radioisotope investigation is a matter of necessity and of top importance, without, however, being of cardinal aid in establishing a diagnosis. An effective instrument that will be capable of rendering good service to medicine at the present level of its development should be complex diagnostic systems, whose creation will be the aim of further research work.     

Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema as a complication of colonoscopy

Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema as a complication of colonoscopy, though infrequent, may occur. It is important to realize that this can be a benign clinical condition that will resolve with conservative management. A case of retroperitoneal emphysema after routine colonoscopy is reported with a review of literature and a brief discussion.     

Phytosterol content in seven oat cultivars grown at three locations in Sweden

The total and individual sterol content in 21 oat samples (seven cultivars grown at three different locations in Sweden) were analysed by gas chromatography after acid hydrolysis. The total sterol content in these oat cultivars varied between 350–491 µg g⁻¹ of dry weight of kernel. The most abundant phytosterol was β‐sitosterol (237–321 µg g⁻¹) followed by campesterol (32–46 µg g⁻¹), Δ⁵‐avenasterol (15–47 µg g⁻¹) and stigmasterol (11–21 µg g⁻¹). There was a statistically significant difference in total sterol content between cultivars (p < 0.05) but no effect was found for cultivation location. Furthermore when contents of Δ⁵‐avenasterol in hexane‐extracted oat oil and acid‐hydrolysed oat samples were compared, it was noticed that the content of Δ⁵‐avenasterol was lowered due to acid hydrolysis. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry