Isolation of hydrophobic proteins binding amino acids. Stereoselectivity of the binding of L-[14C]glutamic acid in cerebral cortex

Forty-one patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including 6 with acute vasculitis, 13 with chronic vasculitis, and 22 without vasculitis, were studied for evidence of intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (ICF). The mean plasma fibrinogen levels were elevated in all groups. The fibrinogen, platelet count, and fibrin split products were usually elevated in acute vasculitis. Fewer patients on corticosteroids had abnormal coagulation tests. Active plasmin was detected in 12 patients primarily with chronic vasculitis. Plasminogen activator activity was not diminished in vascular endothelium of normal appearing skin of those patients with or without vasculitis. None of the patients demonstrated decompensated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis. The results suggest overcompensated ICF occurring in rheumatoid arthritis, but rheumatoid patients with vasculitis cannot be clearly distinguished from those without vasculitis on the basis of the usual tests performed for coagulation and fibrinolysis abnormalities.     

Isolation of hydrophobic proteins biding amino acids: L-aspartic acid-binding protein from the rat cerebral cortex

The interaction of hashish compounds, delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. Both drugs affect the transition of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine from the gel to liquid crystalline state, decreasing both the melting temperature and the enthalpy of melting. At a drug to dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine ratio of approx. 1:5, two peaks appear in the transition profile, suggesting a phase separation in the drug dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine mixture.     

Untersuchungen zu dynamischen Eigenschaften verkleideter Stahlskelette

Experimental research on dynamic properties of steel skeleton sheating. Results of dynamic experimental investigations of two‐span steel frame with metal diaphragms filling the walls were presented. Vibration frequencies, vibration form and vibration damping for six types of structure have been determined. First approach of conclusion shows the increase in dynamic stiffness and the increase of frequencies in cased structures in comparison with steel frames without sheathing.     

Influence of beta-endorphin on the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates by rabbit alveolar macrophages

We have compared the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA), a modified Guedel airway device with a specially designed cuff at its distal end, with the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), on haemodynamic and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses to insertion. In addition, we examined the haemodynamic and EEG changes during initiation of the effect-compartment controlled infusion. We studied 35 female patients undergoing ambulatory gynaecological surgery allocated randomly to received an LMA or COPA to manage the airway. After premedication with midazolam 0.03 mg kg-1 i.v. and low-dose alfentanil (0.01 mg kg-1), anaesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol, using an effect-compartment controlled infusion set at an effect-site concentration of 4 micrograms ml-1. After intercompartmental equilibration, the LMA (group I) or COPA (group II) was inserted and haemodynamic (arterial pressure, heart rate) and EEG (bispectral index (BIS)) responses to insertion studied. The effect-compartment controlled infusion of propofol caused only mild haemodynamic changes during induction. Changes in arterial pressure and heart rate after insertion were similar in both groups and not significantly different from baseline values before insertion. Changes in BIS after insertion were minor and similar between groups.     

Pentobarbital modulatory effect on GABA binding sites in developing chick optic lobe

The care for elderly patients is traditionally a task of the general practitioner and will be of increasing importance in the future. Medical considerations focus on the patient's functional abilities which should play a primary role. These should, however, not neglect the patient's resources for the development of social and mental competence. Medical interventions so far will also need social indications evaluating their importance in the every day life context of the individual patient. Based on scientific knowledge of geriatrics and gerontology there should be a wide-spread introduction of standardized instruments into geriatric diagnostics and evaluation. Geriatric screening may be one example. This will support the development of a special geriatric quality management in general practice. There is a need for further development of ambulatory rehabilitation for the elderly. The general practitioner in this field will have to control the teamwork with rehabilitation-professionals and professionals from the social support services.     

Analysis of mRNA for class I HLA on human gametogenic cells

The iron fortificant NaFeEDTA could have a potential negative effect on the metabolism of other minerals. We have used stable isotopes to monitor zinc and calcium metabolism in 10 women consuming a single meal of high-extraction wheat rolls (100 g flour) fortified with 5 mg Fe as either FeSO4 or NaFeEDTA. Six-day chemical balances were made simultaneously to study apparent zinc and calcium retention from the complete diet containing the differently iron-fortified breads (200 g flour; 10 mg added Fe/d). Mean 70Zn absorption from the bread meal increased from 20.9% with FeSO4 to 33.5% with NaFeEDTA (P < 0.05) whereas mean 44Ca absorption was 53.3% from both breads. When NaFeEDTA-fortified bread was consumed, there was a small but significant increase in urinary excretion of 70Zn and 44Ca. There was a similar small increase in urinary zinc excretion during the 6-d balance, although the apparent retention of zinc and calcium was not different. Thus, we found no negative overall effect of NaFeEDTA consumption on the metabolism of zinc and calcium. In contrast, the results suggest that NaFeEDTA added to low-bioavailability diets might increase zinc absorption as well as provide iron with high bioavailability.     

The influence of some additives on the lubricating properties of semi‐synthetic ester oils

This article presents research on the lubricating properties of semi‐synthetic oils, made as compositions of mineral oil and esters. The esters were synthesized from acid substrates from the oxidation of paraffins. The last non‐seizure load (P_n), the weld point (P_z), the load wear index (I_h), and the limiting wear load (G_oz) were measured, and the effects of additives or mixtures of additives were investigated by their effects on these parameters. It was found that the efficiency of the additives depended on their chemical characteristics and concentration, and also on the chemical nature of the ester component of the semi‐synthetic oils.     

The effect of irradiation on technological properties and protein solubility of broiler chicken meat

During investigations on the effects of irradiation of chicken meat it was found that a 5 kGy dose of gamma ⁶⁰Co radiation brings about a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in free water content, and fall in water holding capacity and water retention capacity, in breast muscles of broiler chickens. The cause of deterioration of hydration properties in meat is a decrease in solubility of the protein fractions after irradiation. The relative protein extractability Y (in 0.1M phosphate buffer+1.1M KI) fell in a linear manner with increase in the radiation dose D according to the equation Y=98.494–0.838 D. The changes in sarcoplasmic fraction extractability Y in 0.03M phosphate buffer are described by the equation Y=101.615–0.515 D, and those of myofibrillar fraction by Y=100.377–1.628 D. Electrophoresis of the protein fraction (soluble in phosphate buffer+1.1M KI) on polyacrylamide gel (with SDS) indicated that the lowest extractability, as compared with untreated samples, was shown by myosin. Other protein solubilities were only slightly altered by the 5 and 10 kGy doses.