Blockade of radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity by the endothelin receptor antagonist, SB 209670

The effect of the novel nonpeptide endothelin (ET) receptor antagonist, (+/-)-SB 209670, on the renal effects of the high osmolar tri-iodinated ionic contrast media, Hypaque, was evaluated in anesthetized dogs in the presence or absence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.v.). Hypaque alone (5 ml/kg, i.v.) resulted in a marked diuresis and natriuresis but little change in either renal blood flow or renal vascular resistance. When the ET receptor antagonist, (+/-)-SB 209670, was infused into the renal artery at a dose that inhibited ET-induced renal vasoconstriction, Hypaque resulted in a significant increase in renal blood flow and decrease in renal vascular resistance. In the presence of indomethacin, Hypaque caused a significant increase in renal vascular resistance which was abolished by (+/-)-SB 209670. The data indicate that the radiocontrast media, Hypaque, can cause renal vasoconstriction which may be mediated by ET.     

Effects of social class, moral orientation, and severity of punishment on boys' moral responses to transgression and generosity.

In 2 experiments with a total of 128 2nd- and 3rd-grade boys, the effects of social class, moral orientation, and severity of punishment on moral responses to transgression and generosity were investigated. In Exp I, a modified version of J. Aronfreed's task (see record 1964-02542-001), the response measures were the self-critical and reparative responses on the transgression trial, the self-critical responses prior to this trial, and the number of candies removed by the S during the task. In Exp II, the S was asked if he wished to donate any of his candy from Exp I to a "needy" child. Results indicate a differential effect of punishment treatment on the responses of the various moral orientation Ss. The flexible moral orientation Ss punished themselves less and donated more candy than the rigid Ss across the punishment conditions. The data suggest that the flexible moral orientation Ss may be more "mature" and "internalized" than the rigid orientation Ss. (30 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Temperature-dependent surface potentials of fluorinated alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) consisting of twenty-two carbon, methyl-terminated alkanethiolates adsorbed on vapor-deposited gold have been fluorinated in vacuum using an effusive F atom source. The reactive uptake of fluorine as a function of F atom exposure was calibrated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface potentials (V_s) of SAMs that were fluorinated to different degrees were measured as a function of temperature using a high-sensitivity vibrating probe electrostatic voltmeter. The surface potential grew increasingly negative with increasing fluorine uptake, reflecting the charge asymmetry that is induced in the alkanethiolate chains as a result of the substitution of fluorine for hydrogen. The V_s of the most highly fluorinated SAMs displayed a negative temperature dependence. This observation may be indicative of a pyroelectric effect in these monolayers although a definitive conclusion awaits further measurements.     

Cardiac manifestations of ochronosis

A 68-year-old woman with ochronosis was admitted with congestive heart failure. A typical ejection murmur of aortic stenosis was ausculated and was documented on a phonocardiogram. The patient subsequently died, and at autopsy extensive deposition of ochronotic pigment was found on the aortic valve. This valve had no other anatomic abnormalities. Thus ochronosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic stenosis.     

Effects of femorofemoral grafts on postoperative sexual function: correlation with penile pulse volume recordings

Twenty-four male patients underwent 24 femorofemoral bypass graft procedures for severely limiting claudication or limb threat. These patients were assessed for sexual function preoperatively and postoperatively. Twenty-three patients reported impotence preoperatively. Eighteen patients were studied with sequential penile pulse volume recording (PVRS), and in each case of impotence an abnormal penile PVR curve was noted. Seventeen of these 23 patients regained satisfying sexual function after femorofemoral bypass, and in most cases this correlated with an improved PVR curve. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of femorofemoral bypass in preserving and restoring erectile function. Neural injury is avoided, pelvic-directed blood flow established, and atheroembolism avoided. The status of postoperatively sexual function can be quantified by the penile pulse volume recorder, noting pulse amplitude and curve contour. Transducer standardization should be accomplished in vascular laboratories with local populations and known control subjects. Under these circumstances an abnormal PVR appears to be a permanent record of a reliable, reproducible test assessing insufficient penile perfusion. Improved sexual function after femorofemoral bypass can be correlated with increased pelvic perfusion demonstrated by an improvement in penile PVR tracings.     

Failure of regression of atherosclerosis in dogs with moderate cholesterolemia

Controversy exists as to whether regression occurs in atherosclerotic plaques in response to serum cholesterol reduction. In the present study, using sequential observation of canine atherosclerosis, we attempted regression in hypothyroid dogs. Animals with established lesions prior to a regression attempt were placed on a 0.05% cholesterol diet and observed up to 60 months. Weighted average cholesterols ranged from 235 to 587 mg/100 ml during the regression attempt. A control fed for the entire period of the experiment, 75 months, had an average weighted cholesterol of 435 mg/100 ml. We failed to obtain regression of atherosclerotic plaques in spite of reduction of serum cholesterol from high to moderate levels. The lesions in the experimental animals contained less lipid and more collagen and calcium than occurred in the control. Complicated plaques with aneurysm formation, stenosis of the distal aorta, and gangrene of the tail were also noted.     

Preparation and characterization of a phosphonylated polypropylene ion exchanger

Because typical ion exchange resins used for treating wastewater contain sulfur binding sites and suffer from application limitations, a new ion exchange system was developed by phosphonylating nonwoven polypropylene fabric (PP). These fabrics were phosphonylated for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h; amount of phosphorus on phosphonylated PP increased with an increase in phosphonylation time. After hydrolysis, the appropriate phosphonylated sample was placed in a glass column where a europium (Eu³⁺), lead (Pb²⁺), or mercury (Hg²⁺) salt solution was passed through the fabrics after an equilibration period of 5 min. Filtrate samples were then analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy for metal concentration. Results showed that metal binding efficiency for Eu³⁺ increased with an increase in phosphonylation time; Pb²⁺ binding efficiency increased up to 2 h phosphonylation time and then decreased; Hg²⁺ binding efficiency was practically independent of phosphonylation time. PP fabrics were also sulfonated and tested for binding efficiency to determine if phosphorus was a better binding site than sulfur. By comparing the results from phosphonylated PP and sulfonated PP, data showed that phosphonylated PP bound metal ions at a higher efficiency than sulfonated PP. Also, phosphonylated PP had higher binding efficiencies with Eu³⁺ and Pb²⁺ than a commercial exchange resin. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 93–100, 2000