Transperineurial capillary abnormalities in the sural nerve of patients with diabetic neuropathy

Morphometric techniques were employed to assess perineurial capillary abnormalities in the sural nerve of 20 diabetic patients with neuropathy and 10 normal control subjects. Structural abnormalities were related to quantitative neurophysiological and neuropathological measures of neuropathy. Perineurial capillary endothelial cell area (P < 0.001) and endothelial cell profile number (P < 0.01) were increased and luminal area (P < 0.001) was reduced in diabetic patients when compared with control subjects. A significant relationship was observed between endothelial cell hyperplasia and measures of neuropathic severity. These findings provide evidence for perineurial capillary luminal occlusion due primarily to both endothelial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Such a reduction in luminal size is expected to reduce transperineurial and hence endoneurial blood flow, resulting in endoneurial hypoxia and hence human diabetic neuropathy.     

Halogeton poisoning in range cattle

Acute Halogeton glomeratus poisoning occurred in 16 of 680 range cattle during and following a trail drive. Signs of toxicosis included posterior ataxia, recumbency, coma, and death. Histopathologically, abundant, refractile calcium oxalate crystals were seen in renal tubules. Inasmuch as the plant is generally unpalatable for cattle, poisoning in this case was enhanced by a preceding period of food deprivation.     

Expression of growth hormone-binding protein with a hydrophilic carboxyl terminus by the mouse placenta: studies in vivo and in vitro

GH-binding protein (GHBP) or GH receptor is present in numerous extrahepatic tissues in the rodent. From mid- to late gestation in the mouse, the maternal serum concentration of GHBP increases 30- to 50-fold. We have investigated whether the placenta might synthesize GHBP and potentially contribute to this increase. RNA was isolated from placentas and subjected to Northern analysis using a cDNA probe to the shared region of GHBP and GH receptor-encoding mRNAs. From day 8 to day 18 of gestation, the GHBP-encoding mRNA (1.4 kb) increased 45-fold in quantity. The GH receptor-encoding mRNA (4.2 kb) increased sixfold by day 14 and then remained steady until day 18. These changes which were not co-ordinated parallel reported changes in the steady-state concentrations of 1.4 and 4.2 kb mRNAs in maternal liver, suggesting shared regulatory factors. Extracts of freshly isolated trophoblasts were assayed for GHBP with a radioimmunoassay specific for GHBP with a hydrophilic carboxyl terminus. The cytosolic content of immunoreactive GHBP increased fourfold from mid- to late gestation. Trophoblasts were isolated from placentas and cultured for 2 days on collagen gels in defined medium. Cultured cells were at least 90% viable and secreted mouse placental lactogen-II (mPL-II). Immunocytochemistry was carried out simultaneously on cells cultured from day 7 to day 17 of gestation using a monoclonal antibody (MAb 4.3), which recognizes the hydrophilic C-terminus of GHBP. Cell-localized GHBP was present in trophoblasts cultured for 2 days, but GHBP was not detectable by radioimmunoassay or by immunoprecipitation in concentrated culture media from cultures treated with 100 ng mouse GH/ml or 100 ng mPL-II/ml or from untreated cultures. RNA was isolated from cells cultured in an identical manner to those analysed by immunocytochemistry. Three GH receptor/GHBP mRNA species of 8, 4.2 and 1.4 kb were observed. The quantity of 4.2 and 1.4 kb mRNAs did not change significantly in cultures from day 7 to day 15 of gestation but, in cultures from day 17 of gestation, the amount of 1.4 kb mRNA dropped significantly, while that of the 4.2 kb mRNA remained unchanged. GHBP- and GH receptor-encoding mRNAs are not co-ordinately regulated in vivo or in vitro. Although mPL-II was secreted into the medium by cultured trophoblasts, secretion of GHBP could not be detected. The culture medium may not contain the specific factors required for secretion of placental GHBP, or placental GHBP may not be destined for secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Time to dP/dtmax reflects both inotropic and chronotropic properties of cardiac contraction: a conscious dog study

The value of protective gloves in the health care environment is well known. However, these gloves are not perfect. Some are permeable to microorganisms and various chemicals, and/or result in side effects for health care professionals. Gloves that offer the greatest protection and least side effects are highly desirable. Protection against microorganisms and protection against chemicals used in health care are described in Part II of this three-part series.     

The interaction of peripheral blood leukocytes with alpha1-acid glycoprotein, its carbohydrate chains and neoglycoconjugates

The interaction of human peripheral blood leukocytes with alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), its glycoforms as well as neoglyco-conjugates representing carbohydrate chains of AGP or its fragments was studied by flow cytometry. It was shown that the main target cells for AGP as well as for conjugates of its carbohydrate chains with polyacrylamide (PAA) are monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes but not lymphocytes. The interaction of AGP with monocytes and granulocytes are mediated by its carbohydrate chains: the binding of AGP with cells was inhibited by AGP, AGP oligosaccharides as well as conjugates of oligosaccharides and its fragments with PAA. The data obtained show the existence of monocyte (and granulocyte) receptors which interact with complex type sialooligosaccharides of AGP.     

A constipation scoring system to simplify evaluation and management of constipated patients

PURPOSE: Constipation is a common complaint; however, clinical presentation varies with each individual. The aim of this study was to assess a standard scoring system for evaluation of constipated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with idiopathic constipation who were referred for anorectal physiologic testing were assessed. A subjective constipation score was calculated based on a detailed questionnaire that included over 100 constipation-related symptoms. Based on the questionnaire, scores ranged from 0 to 30, with 0 indicating normal and 30 indicating severe constipation. The constipation score was then compared with the objective findings of the physiology tests, which include colonic transit time (CTT), anal manometry (AM), cinedefecography (CD), and electromyography (EMG). Colonic inertia was defined as diffuse marker delay on CTT without evidence of paradoxical contraction on AM, CD, or EMG. Pelvic outlet obstruction was defined as paradoxical puborectalis contraction, rectal prolapse or rectoanal intussusception, rectocele, or sigmoidocele. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients (185 females and 47 males) of a mean age of 64.9 (range, 14-92) years were evaluated. All patients had a score of more than 15; on evaluation of the significance of different symptoms in the constipation score with the Pearson's linear correlation test, 8 of 18 factors were identified as significant (P < 0.05). These factors included frequency of bowel movements, painful evacuation, incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, length of time per attempt, assistance for evacuation, unsuccessful attempts for evacuation per 24 hours, and duration of constipation. All 232 patients had objective obstruction attributable to one or more of the following causes: paradoxical puborectalis contraction (81), significant rectocele or sigmoidocele (48), rectoanal intussusception (64), and rectal prolapse (9). CONCLUSION: The proposed constipation scoring system correlated well with objective physiologic findings in constipated patients to allow uniformity in assessment of the severity of constipation.     

Somatic mosaicism in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

Using loss of heterozygosity analysis, a method designed to detect moderate to large gene deletions, we have identified a new-mutation neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patient who is somatically mosaic for a large maternally derived deletion in the NF1 gene region. The deletion extends at least from exon 4 near the 5' end of the gene to intron 39 near the 3' end. The gene-coding region is, therefore, mostly or entirely deleted, encompassing a loss of > or = 100 kb. We hypothesize that the deletion occurred at a relatively early developmental timepoint, since signs of NF1 in this patient are not confined to a specific body region, as seen in "segmental" NF, and since both mesodermally and ectodermally derived cells are affected. This report provides the first molecular evidence of somatic mosaicism in NF1 and, taken together with a recent report of germ-line mosaicism in NF1, adds credence to the concept that mosaicism plays an important role in phenotypic and genetic aspects of NF1 and may even be a relatively common phenomenon.     

Cytokine induction of platelet activation

A three-dimensional, two-part model of the foot, for use in a simulation of human gait, is presented. Previous simulations of gait have not included the foot segment (e.g. Siegler et al., 1982, J. Biomechanics 15, 415-425) or have fastened it to the ground (e.g. Onyshko and Winter, 1980, J. Biomechanics 13, 361-368). A foot model based on viscoelastic elements (e.g. Meglan, 1991, Ph.D. thesis, Ohio State Univ.), allows more freedom of movement and thus models the physical system more closely. The current model was developed by running simulations of the foot in isolation from just before heel contact to just after toe-off. The driving inputs to the simulation were the resultant ankle joint forces and moments taken from a gait analysis. Nine linear, vertically oriented spring/damper systems, positioned along the midline of the foot were used to model the combined viscoelastic behaviour of the foot, shoe and floor. Associated with each vertical spring/damper system were two orthogonally placed, linear, horizontal dampers used to provide the shear components of the ground reaction force. Torques at the metatarsal-phalangeal joint were supplied by a linear, torsional spring and damper. Control about the vertical axis and the long axis of the foot was achieved by the use of linear, torsional dampers. The predicted kinetic and kinematic values are very similar to those taken from the gait analysis. The model represents an improvement over previous work because the transition from swing to stance was smooth and continuous without the foot being constrained to any specific trajectory.