Cartilage degeneration in relation to repetitive pressure: case study of a unilateral hip hemiarthroplasty patient

The mitochondrial, inner-membrane-associated, reversible NADPH-->NAD transhydrogenase of adult Hymenolepis diminuta physiologically couples matrix-localized, NADP-specific "malic" enzyme with NADH-dependent anaerobic electron transport. Employing submitochondrial particles (SMP) as the source of enzyme activity and both spectrophotometric and fluorometric assessments, the present study made evident that in its catalysis of transhydrogenation between NADPH and NAD, the cestode enzyme engages in the concomitant transmembrane translocation of protons. As assessed spectrophotometrically, the catalysis of NADPH-dependent NAD reduction by H. diminuta SMP was stimulated significantly by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), as well as by the protonophoric anthelmintic, niclosamide. In addition, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) markedly diminished SMP-catalyzed hydride ion transfer between NADPH and NAD. The catalysis by SMP of concomitant, transhydrogenase-mediated proton translocation was evaluated more directly via fluorometric assays using 8-anilino-1-napthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) as the probe. These latter evaluations revealed a transhydrogenase-dependent enhancement of ANS fluorescence in accord with an intravesicular accumulation of protons. ANS fluorescence was quenched rapidly when the assay system was supplemented with CCCP, FCCP, or niclosamide. Consistent with the helminth transhydrogenase acting as a proton pump, transhydrogenase-mediated enhanced fluorescence also was inhibited by DCCD. Considered collectively, these data indicated, apparently for the first time for any invertebrate system, that the transhydrogenase, in catalyzing the NADPH-->NAD reaction, acts in the translocation of protons from the matrix to the intermembrane space mitochondrial compartment.     

The physiological diagnosis of neurocirculatory dystonia

The authors of the present article were the first to work out theoretical foundations and methods of physiological diagnosis of neurocirculatory dystonia. Criteria of tension of myocardial functional structures and central regulatory mechanisms have been identified both in healthy subjects and cardiological patients. It has been ascertained that degree and systematic character of tension cause the physiological risk factors for cardio-pathology to develop, 6 types were identified of loading adaptation of the heart caused by extent of its tension, in individuals with neurocirculatory dystonia. Each of the types disclosed is characterized by a dynamics of the functional volumes proportions as well as by peculiarities of the adaptation mechanisms. Physiological diagnosis of functioning of the heart is one of major methods of the primary prophylaxis of neurocirculatory dystonias as well as prevention of aggravation of their course.     

Design of constructions for the expression of proteolytic antibody light chain

A new system for the expression of a catalytic light chain antibody to the vasoactive intestinal peptide is described. The system made possible the isolation the large amounts of a homogeneous protein without any additional peptide domains. The preparation obtained can be used in further experiments on light chain crystallization and in X-ray-structural analysis of its catalytic center.     

Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare soft tissue infection with a high rate of mortality. Decreased capacity of the immune response is the overall disposing factor. Necrotizing fasciitis can develop very rapidly, and a rapid diagnosis and aggressive surgery provides the best prognosis.     

In vivo neurochemistry of the brain in schizophrenia as revealed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), an application of the methods of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), is a functional imaging modality that provides a view of localized biochemistry in vivo. A number of studies applying MRS to the neurochemistry of schizophrenia have been reported, which encompass a range of patient populations, states of medication, anatomic regions, nuclear species, and MRS techniques. A brief review of the history and methodology of NMR and MRS is presented. Comparison is made of MRS capabilities with other functional imaging modalities. Aspects of the neurochemistry of schizophrenia relevant to MRS studies are reviewed, as are the reported MRS studies involving patients with schizophrenia. Areas of consistent findings include decreased phosphomonoesters and increased phosphodiesters in frontal lobes, and decreases in the putative neuronal cell marker, N-acetylaspartate, in temporal lobes. Studies of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamine have generated inconsistent results. New insights into alterations in neurochemistry in schizophrenia have been provided by MRS. Studies of neurotransmitters have future potential with improvements in field strength and in spectral editing techniques. MRS has the potential to measure brain medication levels and simultaneous effects on neurochemistry. MRS may assist in characterizing high-risk populations, and ultimately guide medication use.     

Laminaria augmentation of midtrimester pregnancy termination by intramuscular prostaglandin 15 (S) 15-methyl F2 alpha

A group of 15 midtrimester gravid patients underwent intracervical laminaria tent insertion prior to repeated intramuscular injections of 250mu g of prostaglandin 15 (S) 15-methyl F2 alpha at two-hour intervals for elective termination of pregnancy. This group was compared with a previously reported group of 80 patients who had received identical treatment without laminaria insertion. A significant reduction in mean abortion time and an increased 24-hour abortion rate were observed with the addition of laminaria. There was a proportionate decrease in gastrointestinal side effects as well as a reduced need for analgesia in the laminaria group with no complications attributable to the laminaria insertion.