Expression of alpha-D-mannosidase in man-hamster somatic cell hybrids

Two types of alpha-D-mannosidase isozymes are present in human white blood cells, human diploid fibroblasts, and HeLa cells. One of these (the S isozyme) constitutes the major alpha-D-mannosidase of the human cells, has a pH optimum of 4.4, and is associated with lysosomes. The other (the F isozyme) is most active at pH 6, is acid labile, and is located in the soluble portion of the cytoplasm. The expression of human lysosomal alpha-D-mannosidase was examined in man-hamster hybrid clones, and was found to be concordant with that of phosphohexose isomerase in 54 of 55 primary clones. A locus specifying human lysosomal alpha-D-mannosidase has therfore been assigned to chromosome 19.     

An analysis of the value of additional diagnostic procedures

When several diagnostic procedures are performed on a patient, the probability of his having or not having a specific ailment will change as the result of each procedure is known. This paper describes how such a change is readily calculated using Bayes' theorem. Information theory is also used to find the increment in information from each successive test. Numerical estimates are made using data pertinent to lung X-ray examinations. Finally, some implications for diagnostic examinations in general are drawn.     

Thin layer chromatographic fingerprint of Rhizomata of Coptis spp

This paper introduces the use of optimized solvent system with twice-ascending-development in twin trough chamber on TLC silica gel plate for the separation of protoberberine-type alkaloids contained in Rhizomata of Coptis spp. Nine to eleven spots including the main and the 'minor' alkaloids in the samples can be observed on the chromatograms obtained under controlled conditions. The fluorescence and UV-absorption TLC scanning profile can serve as fingerprint for the analysis of commercial samples of Rhizomata of Coptis spp.     

Graduate nursing education: developmental disabilities and special health care needs

As children and adults with developmental disabilities and special health care needs are integrated into home, school, and community life, nurses are being required to provide leadership, advocacy, and training in community settings to a much greater extent than in the past. To assess the school and community need for formal graduate preparation for nurses who work with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or special health care needs, 25 nurses in leadership positions representing urban and rural health agencies throughout Minnesota took part in a 5-hour focus group discussion. Analysis of data summarized from this process shows five features of the recommended curriculum necessary for advanced practitioners in this specialty area: (a) discipline-specific core competencies, (b) discipline-specific specialty competencies, (c) genetic competencies not specific to nursing but necessary to function in nursing roles, (d) interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary learning experiences, and (e) clinical experiences with preceptors. The authors recommend the development of interdisciplinary graduate programs designed to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in school health, public health, home health care, and systems management that will affect public policy and, ultimately, promote change in the systems charged with responsibility to serve this population.     

Development of a model angiography informed consent form based on a multiinstitutional survey of current forms

PURPOSE: To develop an informative consent form for angiography that can be read and understood by a patient with an eighth-grade level of education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consent forms from 125 medical centers were evaluated with RightWriter 4.0 software. The readability index, a measure of educational grade level needed to understand a document, was determined for each form. Features of forms and discussion of complications were evaluated. A model consent form was developed. RESULTS: Analysis of 27 consent forms revealed a mean readability index of 14.2; to adequately understand the documents, an average of 2.2 years of college were required. Alternatives to the procedure were listed in 14 forms (52%). All consent forms listed potential complications, but only 15 (56%) identified specific numeric risks, and attempts to classify complications according to severity were made in only five (18%). CONCLUSION: An angiography consent form has been developed that can be understood with an eight-grade level of education. It should allow patients to more easily understand the procedure and its risks, benefits, and alternatives. It remains the obligation of the physician to tailor the discussion for each procedure to meet the needs of each patient.