Anti-KS: identification of autoantibodies to asparaginyl-transfer RNA synthetase associated with interstitial lung disease

Autoantibodies to five of the aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases have been described, and each is associated with a syndrome of inflammatory myopathy with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and arthritis. Serum KS, from a patient with ILD and inflammatory arthritis without evidence of myositis, immunoprecipitated a tRNA that was distinct from that precipitated by any described anti-synthetase or other reported tRNA-related Abs, along with a protein of 65 kDa. KS serum and IgG fraction each showed significant (88%) inhibition of asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (AsnRS) activity, but not of any of the other 19 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activities. Among 884 patients with connective tissue diseases tested, only two other sera were found to immunoprecipitate tRNAs and proteins of identical gel mobility. These two and KS showed identical immunodiffusion lines using HeLa cell extract. The new sera significantly inhibited AsnRS without significant effects on other synthetases tested. Both patients had ILD but neither had evidence of myositis. These data strongly suggest that these three sera have autoantibodies to AsnRS, representing a sixth anti-synthetase. Anti-KS was more closely associated with ILD than with myositis. Further study of this Abs might prove useful in dissecting the stimuli responsible for the genesis of anti-synthetase autoantibodies.     

The Synthesis of Silicon Carbide in Rhombohedral Form with Different Chemicals

This study describes the attempt at producing silicon carbide using a simpler and less costly method. Within the study, XRD, EDX, and FTIR analyses were performed to determine the structural properties of the product, and SEM analyses were used to identify its surface properties. The characteristics such as porosity and surface area were determined through BET analysis. The starting reagents were compared with the product using FTIR analysis, whereas the product was compared with a sample of SiC procured from a supplier who manufactures high-purity products through BET analysis. In EDX analysis, approximately 72 pct Si and 28 pct C were identified. The vibrational peaks of the synthesized product (characteristics Si-C bonds) were observed at around 1076 cm⁻¹ (FTIR analysis). At the same time, the outcomes were compared with major publications in the literature.

     

The creatine kinase activity of chick myoblasts and neuroblasts in primary culture after intensive laser irradiation

The influence of green-yellow light of copper laser (mean power of impulse-periodic emanation 3 W, working density of power in experiment is 200 mW/cm2) on biochemical indices of chick embryo myoblasts and neuroblasts in primary culture was studied. The content of water extracted protein was found to increase progressively, the total and specific activities of creatine kinase elevated considerably in both the cell cultures under irradiation with the total doses equal to 3 and 15 J. However, with dose of 30 J these parameters corresponded to the level characteristic of nonirradiated cultures. Mechanisms of stimulating action of highly intensive laser emanation on cell functions are discussed.     

Spoilage and shelf-life extension of fresh fish and shellfish

Fresh fish and shellfish are highly perishable products due to their biological composition. Under normal refrigerated storage conditions, the shelf life of these products is limited by enzymatic and microbiological spoilage. However, with increasing consumer demands for fresh products with extended shelf life and increasing energy costs associated with freezing and frozen storage, the fish-processing industry is actively seeking alternative methods of shelf life preservation and marketability of fresh, refrigerated fish and at the same time economizing on energy costs. Additional methods that could fulfill these objectives include chemical decontamination, low-dose irradiation, ultra-high pressure, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). This review focuses on the biochemical and microbiological composition of fresh fish/shellfish, the spoilage patterns in these products, factors influencing spoilage, and the combination treatments that can be used in conjunction with refrigeration to extend the shelf life and keeping quality of fresh fish/shellfish. The safety concerns of minimally processed/MAP fish, specifically with respect to the growth of Clostridium botulinum type E, is also addressed.     

Australian multicentre phase II trial of paclitaxel in women with metastatic breast cancer and prior chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel given as a three-hour infusion in patients with metastatic breast cancer which had progressed despite hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Multicentre phase it trial undertaken in five major centres or hospitals in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 patients with clinically or radiologically measurable or evaluable metastatic breast cancer recruited between March and July 1993. All had received prior chemotherapy, with subsequent disease progression. INTERVENTION: Paclitaxel (Anzatax, Faulding) was given at a dose of 175 mg/m2 intravenously over three hours every three weeks for up to nine courses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response rate (partial or complete); duration of progression-free survival; duration of survival; and adverse reactions. RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 51 years; 62% had received at least two prior drug regimens for metastatic breast cancer and 48% had anthracycline-resistant tumours. A median of six paclitaxel courses was given per patient. Overall response rate was 18% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 9%-31%), with complete responses in four patients (8%). In patients with anthracycline-resistant tumours, response rate was 25% (95% CI, 10%-47%). Response was not influenced by extent of prior treatment. Estimated median progression-free survival was 4.1 months (95% CI, 3.2-6.0 months) and estimated median survival was 6.3 months (95% CI, 6.2-10.3 months). Treatment was well tolerated, with neutropenia the major toxic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Paclitaxel (three-hour infusion) has significant activity in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer, including anthracycline-resistant tumours.     

Transfer to the leukocytes of neonates by means of the plasma of patients with tuberculosis and of healthy persons of the ability to depress migration under the influence of antigens of mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro

A study was made of the effect of the blood plasma of patients suffering from tuberculosis and of healthy individuals on the in vitro migration in the presence of old tuberculin and the BCG vaccine of the leukocytes of neonates sensitive and insensitive to these antigens. Plasma of tuberculosis patients and more rarely of healthy persons created favourable conditions for depression of migration with old tuberculin and the BCG vaccine of the neonatal leukocytes insensitive to it on autoplasma, i.e. realized the transfer of the cellulo-mediated reactivity. In some cases the neonatal leukocyte migration by tuberculin on autoplasma was absent on the plasma of patients with tuberculosis of the lungs. A conclusion was drawn that the blood plasma of neonates suffering from tuberculosis and of adult healthy individuals contained quantitatively and qualitatively different factors determining different sensitivity of their leukocytes to the Mycobacteria antigens.     

A mode of selective action of thiadiazolyl urea herbicides

A group education program was developed for clinic patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Teaching methods used included the Arthritis Foundation's handbook, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a lecture by a rheumatologist. The 20 patients in the study were given a multiple choice test before and after the teaching program to determine their knowledge of arthritis. Results showed group education to be an effective teaching device. It was demonstrated that patients learned from reading the handbook alone, but the combination of reading and lecture was found to be a more effective method. Correlation studies showed that prior to group education, patients had a significant knowledge of their disease which was related to native intelligence, formal education, and socio-economic status, but not to duration of disease or length of clinic attendance. This suggests that future patient education experiments should include a pre-instruction test to document prior knowledge.