Conceptions of alcoholism

Alcoholism educators have assumed that endorsement of the disease concept of alcoholism would reduce the moral stigma associated with the condition, thereby promoting a more humanitarian approach to the alcoholic. The present study presents data relevant to these assumptions. Measures of beliefs about the medical and moral nature of alcoholism were collected from 1,446 work supervisors in federal agencies. Additionally, social acceptance, tolerance of the alcoholic's absenteeism, and charitable responses to the alcoholic were measured. Results indicated that beliefs about the moral character of the alcoholic and beliefs about the medical nature of alcoholism are significant predictors of social acceptance of the alcoholic, tolerance of work behavior of the alcoholic, and a charitable response to the alcoholic. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of educational efforts aimed at dispelling beliefs about the moral nature of alcoholism.

Expression of human glycophorin A in wild type and glycosylation-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells. Role of N- and O-linked glycosylation in cell surface expression

Glycophorin A, the most abundant sialoglycoprotein on human red blood cells, carries several medically important blood group antigens. To study the role of glycosylation in surface expression and antigenicity of this highly glycosylated protein (1 N-linked and 15 O-linked oligosaccharides), glycophorin A cDNA (M-allele) was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Both wild type CHO cells and mutant CHO cells with well defined glycosylation defects were used. Glycophorin A was well expressed on the surface of transfected wild type CHO cells. On immunoblots, the CHO cells expressed monomer (approximately 38 kDa) and dimer forms of glycophorin A which co-migrated with human red blood cell glycophorin A. The transfected cells specifically expressed the M blood group antigen when tested with mouse monoclonal antibodies. Tunicamycin treatment of these CHO cells did not block surface expression of glycophorin A, indicating that, in the presence of normal O-linked glycosylation, the N-linked oligosaccharide is not required for surface expression. To study O-linked glycosylation, glycophorin A cDNA was transfected into the Lec 2, Lec 8, and ldlD glycosylation-deficient CHO cell lines. Glycophorin A with truncated O-linked oligosaccharides was well expressed on the surface of ldlD cells (cultured in the presence of N-acetylgalactosamine alone), Lec 2 cells, and Lec 8 cells with monomers of approximately 25 kDa, approximately 33 kDa, and approximately 25 kDa, respectively. In contrast, non-O-glycosylated glycophorin A (approximately 19-kDa monomers) was poorly expressed on the surface of ldlD cells cultured in the absence of both galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine. Thus, under these conditions, in the absence of O-linked glycosylation, the N-linked oligosaccharide itself is not able to support appropriate surface expression of glycophorin A in transfected CHO cells.

Variable region gene analysis of pathologic human autoantibodies to the related i and I red blood cell antigens

To investigate the molecular basis of the autoimmune response to the related i and I carbohydrate antigens, we studied cold agglutinins (CA) from B-cell clones and from the peripheral circulation of patients with lymphoproliferative syndromes. Sequence analyses of expressed variable region genes indicate that both anti-i and anti-I specificities from B-cell clones from two patients are encoded by the VH4.21 or a very closely related VH4 heavy chain gene, whereas the expressed light chain genes differed. The anti-i-secreting B-cells express unmutated germline-encoded VH4.21 and VKI gene sequences. The VH region gene encoding anti-I has the closest homology (97%) to the VH4.21 germline gene and differs at the protein level by only three amino acids. In contrast, while the VL region gene encoding anti-I is most homologous (96%) to the VKIII, kv328 germline gene, there are seven amino acid differences due to nonrandom replacement mutations, which suggests a role for antigen-mediated selection in the anti-I response of this individual. These studies were extended by a structural survey of 20 additional serum CA using antipeptide antibodies specific for determinants in VH and VL regions. All anti-I and anti-i CA were shown to express VH4 heavy chains, and 14 of 17 CA expressed a previously described VH4 second hypervariable region determinant, termed VH4-HV2a. We also found that 13 of 14 anti-I CA used VKIII light chains, while the anti-i CA used light chains from at least three VL families. Taken together, the data show that anti-i and anti-I CA probably both derive from the VH4.21 gene (or a closely related gene). Furthermore, the restricted VH and different VL gene use in anti-i and anti-I CA may reflect the close structural relationship of the i and I antigens.

Clinical determination of work-relatedness in carpal tunnel syndrome

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnosis and work-relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using standardized criteria in a series of cases that were referred for an independent medical examination with a prior diagnosis of work-related CTS. using a liberal case definition, only 65% of cases had CTS. Using Wisconsin's worker's compensation criteria for work-relatedness, only 55% of the cases had any work-related disorder, while only 37% of the cases had work-related CTS. Duration of exposure was not significantly associated with work-related vs. non-work-related CTS. It was noted that the development of non-work-related CTS cases occurred uniformly across the various durations of exposure, as if unrelated to exposure. The symmetry of the disorder was unrelated to work-relatedness, provided that the symmetry of the disease matched the symmetry of the exposure. Personal characteristics, such as obesity and diabetes, revealed no statistically significant associations with work-relatedness or CTS. The present findings illustrate application of a standard procedure for determining the work-relatedness of CTS in a series of cases referred for independent medical examination. The results indicate that CTS is often, overdiagnosed and inaccurately linked to work. While the results may be limited by the method of determining work-relatedness, the findings indicate the importance of careful consideration of criteria for CTS and work-relatedness. When such an approach is taken, more targeted clinical management of the patient and appropriate intervention in the workplace should result.

Aphid derived sugars in the neotropical sandfly--Lutzomyia peruensis

It is known that a sugar meal is a prerequisite for the transmission of Leishmania by sandflies in the laboratory. Lutzomyia peruensis the proven vector of Leishmania peruviana, was caught by aspiration from crevices in rocks near Chaute in the Rimac Valley, Peru, cryopreserved and analysed for sugars using HPLC. The major sugars present are glucose and fructose as well as smaller amounts of sucrose, maltose, melibiose, turanose and a trisaccharide, probably raffinose. The results indicate that the major carbohydrate sugar meal of Lutzomyia peruensis is aphid honeydew. This is the first report of such behaviour in Neotropical sandflies.

Use of blood and blood products

It is sometimes necessary for the practitioner to transfuse the ruminant with whole blood or plasma. These techniques are often difficult to perform in practice and are time-consuming, expensive, and stressful to the animal. Acute loss of 20-25% of the blood volume will result in marked clinical signs of anemia, including tachycardia and maniacal behavior. The PCV is only a useful tool with which to monitor acute blood loss after intravascular equilibration with other fluid compartments has occurred. An acutely developing PCV of 15% or less may require transfusion. Chronic anemia with PCV of 7-12% can be tolerated without transfusion if the animal is not stressed and no further decline in erythrocyte mass occurs. Seventy-five per cent of transfused bovine erythrocytes are destroyed within 48 hours of transfusion. A transfusion rate of 10-20 ml/kg, recipient weight, is necessary to result in any appreciable increase in PCV. A nonpregnant donor can contribute 10-15 ml of blood/kg body weight at 2-4 week intervals. Sodium citrate is an effective anticoagulant, but acid citrate dextrose should be used if blood is to be stored for more than a few hours. Blood should not be stored more than 2 weeks prior to administration. Heparin is an unsuitable anticoagulant because the quantity of heparin required for clot-free blood collection will lead to coagulation defects in the recipient. Blood crossmatching is only rarely performed in the ruminant. In field situations, it is advisable to inject 200 ml of donor blood into the adult recipient and wait 10 minutes. If no reaction occurs, the rest of the blood can probably be safely administered as long as volume overload problems do not develop. Adverse reactions are most commonly seen in very young animals or pregnant cattle. Signs of blood or plasma transfusion reaction include hiccoughing, tachycardia, tachypnea, sweating, muscle tremors, pruritus, salivation, cough, dyspnea, fever, lacrimation, hematuria, hemoglobinuria, collapse, apnea, and opisthotonos. Intravenous epinephrine HCl 1:1000 can be administered (0.2 to 0.5 ml) intravenously or (4 to 5 ml) intramuscularly if clinical signs are severe. Pretreatment with antipyretics and slowing the administration rate may decrease the febrile response. Blood or plasma administered too rapidly will also result in signs of cardiovascular overload, acute heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension and edema. Furosemide and slower administration of blood or plasma should alleviate this problem.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Parasitic infections in Asian refugees in Fort Worth

This report describes parasitic infections recorded from April 1984 to December 1987 in refugees using services of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Public Health Department. Infections with 1,601 parasitic infections were documented in 824 laboratory specimens obtained from refugees. Ascariasis and giardiasis were more prevalent than other parasitic infections. The highest attack rates occurred in refugees from Cambodia (70.0%), Laos (69.7%), and Vietnam (54.3%). Information from this study supports published data on high attack rates and endemicity of infections in refugees from Southeast Asia. Continued surveillance and treatment of these refugees should improve their health conditions and prevent the development of endemic foci in the United States.

Increased assembly of clathrin occurs in response to mitogenic activation of murine lymphocytes

The unassembled (soluble) and assembled (particulate) pools of clathrin in murine lymphocytes have been separated by centrifugation, and specifically quantified by immunoblotting of cellular extracts with an anticlathrin heavy chain monoclonal antibody. In resting spleen lymphocytes only 25-30% of the total cellular clathrin was found to be present in an assembled form. Upon activation of lymphocytes with B or T cell mitogens (lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A), the levels of assembled clathrin increased to 60% of the total. These changes in the levels of assembled clathrin were not due to an increase in total cellular clathrin concentration following lymphocyte activation, but rather to changes in the steady state ratio of assembled to unassembled clathrin. The increase in assembled clathrin preceded the expression of transferrin receptors, as measured by the cell surface binding of an antitransferrin receptor monoclonal antibody, and maximal DNA synthesis, indicating that clathrin assembly occurs early after lymphocyte activation and precedes cell division. Immunofluorescence analysis of activated lymphocytes with an anti-clathrin heavy chain monoclonal antibody revealed a punctuate staining pattern characteristic of coated pits and vesicles. Activated B lymphocytes displayed particularly prominent staining in the perinuclear region compared to T cells, suggesting that clathrin assembly may be important for B cell functions such as immunoglobulin synthesis or secretion. These results suggest that in lymphocytes, clathrin assembly is a dynamic process that is triggered by mitogenic stimuli.

Defective isotype-specific regulation of IgA anti-erythrocyte autoantibody-forming cells in NZB mice

B cell hyperactivity characterizes many autoimmune diseases. In NZB mice this is manifested by a variety of immunologic aberrations, including increased B cell proliferation and hyper IgM and IgA secretion in vitro. Recent studies have shown that IgA secretion can be suppressed or enhanced in an isotype-specific manner by a soluble factor(s), called IgA-binding factor (IgABF), produced by IgA FcR-bearing T cells. We now show that T cells from young NZB mice, cultured with high concentrations of IgA, produce an IgABF that has aberrant biologic activity when compared to IgABF produced from IgA FcR+ T cells of BALB/c mice. Although BALB/c IgABF normally suppresses proliferation and secretion by IgA-producing B cells, neither proliferation nor IgA secretion from normal murine IgA-B cells is suppressed by NZB IgABF. In fact, IgA secretion is significantly enhanced by NZB IgABF. We also present the first evidence of IgA anti-mouse erythrocyte (anti-MRBC) autoantibody-forming cells present in the spleens of NZB mice. Whereas BALB/c IgABF suppresses the in vitro generation of IgA anti-MRBC autoantibody-forming cells by NZB spleen cells, NZB IgABF enhances this response. Of particular interest is the development of IgA anti-MRBC autoantibody-forming cells in cultures of spleen cells from nonautoimmune BALB/c mice in the presence of NZB IgABF. These studies suggest that isotype-specific T cells factors might play an important role in the development of autoantibody-forming cells.

Defective isotype-specific regulation of IgA anti-erythrocyte autoantibody-forming cells in NZB mice

B cell hyperactivity characterizes many autoimmune diseases. In NZB mice this is manifested by a variety of immunologic aberrations, including increased B cell proliferation and hyper IgM and IgA secretion in vitro. Recent studies have shown that IgA secretion can be suppressed or enhanced in an isotype-specific manner by a soluble factor(s), called IgA-binding factor (IgABF), produced by IgA FcR-bearing T cells. We now show that T cells from young NZB mice, cultured with high concentrations of IgA, produce an IgABF that has aberrant biologic activity when compared to IgABF produced from IgA FcR+ T cells of BALB/c mice. Although BALB/c IgABF normally suppresses proliferation and secretion by IgA-producing B cells, neither proliferation nor IgA secretion from normal murine IgA-B cells is suppressed by NZB IgABF. In fact, IgA secretion is significantly enhanced by NZB IgABF. We also present the first evidence of IgA anti-mouse erythrocyte (anti-MRBC) autoantibody-forming cells present in the spleens of NZB mice. Whereas BALB/c IgABF suppresses the in vitro generation of IgA anti-MRBC autoantibody-forming cells by NZB spleen cells, NZB IgABF enhances this response. Of particular interest is the development of IgA anti-MRBC autoantibody-forming cells in cultures of spleen cells from nonautoimmune BALB/c mice in the presence of NZB IgABF. These studies suggest that isotype-specific T cells factors might play an important role in the development of autoantibody-forming cells.

Ph-negative T cells in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia for twenty-eight years

The frequency of metaphases without a Philadelphia chromosome was determined in mitogen-stimulated cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified T lymphocytes (93% CD2-positive) from a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) for 28 years. The PBMC cultures contained few Ph-negative cells (8%), but they constituted 92% of the metaphases in T cell cultures, indicating few if any Ph-positive T cells in the patient's circulation. The results demonstrate that T cells derived from the leukemic clone may fail to replace the non-neoplastic population even when CML arises in childhood and the patient survives for many years. This raises questions concerning the normal role of the bone marrow as a source of T cells after infancy, and also whether Ph-positive lymphocytes may be at a disadvantage for growth.

Modulation of Ig gene expression by Ig binding factors. Suppression of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain mRNA accumulation in MOPC-315 by IgA-binding factor

Previous reports by a number of laboratories have shown that Ig-binding factors may play a role in the regulation of Ig production by B cells. Although numerous studies have addressed the specificity and biologic function of Ig-binding factors at the cellular level, little information is available regarding the mechanism whereby Ig-binding factor modulates Ig production by B cells at the molecular level. Herein we have examined the specificity and molecular mechanism of the suppression of IgA production mediated by IgA-binding factor. Using the IgA-secreting plasmacytoma, MOPC-315, as a target cell, we have demonstrated that: 1) IgA-binding factor binds to IgA, but not to IgG, IgM, or BSA; 2) IgA-binding factor can suppress proliferation as well as IgA production by MOPC-315; 3) soluble IgA, but not IgG or IgM can inhibit the action of IgA-binding factor; 4) suppression of Ig production by IgA-binding factor is maximal within 8 to 12 h after exposure to the factor and is reversible; 5) IgA-binding factor suppresses IgA production by selectively down-regulating synthesis of IgA H and L chain proteins; 6) IgA-binding factor selectively suppresses transcription of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain genes; 7) IgA-binding factor suppresses accumulation of c-myc mRNA. These findings suggest that IgA-binding factor binds selectively to surface IgA on MOPC-315 and suppresses IgA production by down-regulating transcription of H and L chain genes. Suppression of MOPC-315 proliferation by IgA-binding factor may be related to the concomitant down-regulation of the expression of the c-myc gene. c-myc is deregulated in MOPC-315 by virtue of the reciprocal 15:12 chromosomal translocation present in MOPC-315 where the c-myc gene is translocated and rearranged into the alpha-H chain gene complex. Simultaneous suppression of the expression of c-myc and alpha-H chain genes suggests that these two genes may be coordinately modulated, in plasmacytomas, by IgA-binding factor.

Modulation of Ig gene expression by Ig binding factors. Suppression of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain mRNA accumulation in MOPC-315 by IgA-binding factor

Previous reports by a number of laboratories have shown that Ig-binding factors may play a role in the regulation of Ig production by B cells. Although numerous studies have addressed the specificity and biologic function of Ig-binding factors at the cellular level, little information is available regarding the mechanism whereby Ig-binding factor modulates Ig production by B cells at the molecular level. Herein we have examined the specificity and molecular mechanism of the suppression of IgA production mediated by IgA-binding factor. Using the IgA-secreting plasmacytoma, MOPC-315, as a target cell, we have demonstrated that: 1) IgA-binding factor binds to IgA, but not to IgG, IgM, or BSA; 2) IgA-binding factor can suppress proliferation as well as IgA production by MOPC-315; 3) soluble IgA, but not IgG or IgM can inhibit the action of IgA-binding factor; 4) suppression of Ig production by IgA-binding factor is maximal within 8 to 12 h after exposure to the factor and is reversible; 5) IgA-binding factor suppresses IgA production by selectively down-regulating synthesis of IgA H and L chain proteins; 6) IgA-binding factor selectively suppresses transcription of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain genes; 7) IgA-binding factor suppresses accumulation of c-myc mRNA. These findings suggest that IgA-binding factor binds selectively to surface IgA on MOPC-315 and suppresses IgA production by down-regulating transcription of H and L chain genes. Suppression of MOPC-315 proliferation by IgA-binding factor may be related to the concomitant down-regulation of the expression of the c-myc gene. c-myc is deregulated in MOPC-315 by virtue of the reciprocal 15:12 chromosomal translocation present in MOPC-315 where the c-myc gene is translocated and rearranged into the alpha-H chain gene complex. Simultaneous suppression of the expression of c-myc and alpha-H chain genes suggests that these two genes may be coordinately modulated, in plasmacytomas, by IgA-binding factor.

Defective T cell-mediated, isotype-specific immunoglobulin regulation in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The consistent occurrence of T cell abnormalities in patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) suggest that the non-neoplastic host T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of this B cell neoplasm. Because potential defects of immunoglobulin regulation are evident in B-CLL patients, we investigated one aspect of this by studying the T cell-mediated immunoglobulin isotype-specific immunoregulatory circuit in B-CLL. The existence of class-specific immunoglobulin regulatory mechanisms mediated by Fc receptor-bearing T cells (FcR + T) through soluble immunoglobulin binding factors (IgBFs) has been well established in many experimental systems. IgBFs can both suppress and enhance B cell activity in an isotype-specific manner. We investigated the apparently abnormal IgA regulation in a B-CLL patient (CLL249) whose B cells secrete primarily IgA in vitro. Enumeration of FcR + T cells showed a disproportionate increase in IgA FcR + T cells in the peripheral blood of this patient. Our studies showed that the neoplastic B cells were not intrinsically unresponsive to the suppressing component of IgABF produced from normal T cells, but rather the IgABF produced by the CLL249 host T cells was defective. CLL249 IgABF was unable to suppress IgA secretion by host or normal B cells and enhanced the in vitro proliferation of the host B cells. Size fractionation of both normal and CLL249 IgABF by gel-filtration high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated differences in the ultraviolet-absorbing components of IgABF obtained from normal T cells v that from our patient with defective IgA regulation. Such T cell dysfunction may not be restricted to IgA regulation, since we have found similar expansion of isotype-specific FcR + T cells associated with expansion of the corresponding B cell clone in other patients with B-CLL. These data suggest that this T cell-mediated regulatory circuit could be significantly involved in the pathogenesis of B-CLL.

Zinc release from irradiated yeast alcohol dehydrogenase

The release of Zn2+ from gamma-irradiated yeast alcohol dehydrogenase has been measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Radiolysis is accompanied by release of Zn2+ at a rate which is dependent on the nature of the free radicals available for reaction. Hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen atoms readily cause zinc release with G values of 0.13 and 0.11 (/100 eV) respectively, whereas hydrated electrons are considered not to contribute to the demetallization process. The radiolytically generated radical anions I2-., (SCN)2-. and Br2-. enhance the rate of zinc release. Evidence is presented that the enzyme is demetallized as a result of free radical reactions at cysteine and histidine residues.

Oxygen uptake during the gamma-irradiation of fatty acids

The radiation-induced oxidation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in aqueous solutions has been estimated by measurement of the continuous uptake of oxygen using an oxygen electrode. Chain reactions, initiated by HO radicals, are easily identified to be occurring in the case of unsaturated fatty acids. Other mild oxidation agents, namely (SCN)-.2, Br-.2 and N.3, are also found to be capable of oxidizing the polyunsaturated fatty acids. Evidence is presented that O-.2 may also initiate peroxidation. The oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids is dependent on dose rate, fatty acid concentration, temperature and the presence of antioxidant and other protective agents. Kinetic studies of the reaction of (SCN)-.2 and Br-.2 with linoleic and linolenic acids have been carried out using pulse radiolysis. The bimolecular rate constants for both radical species with the lipids are approx 10(7) mol-1 dm3 s-1, below their critical micelle concentrations, and decrease at higher concentrations due to micelle formation.

In vitro regulation of the pathogenic autoantibody response of New Zealand black mice. I. Loss with age of suppressive activity in T cell populations

An investigation of the regulation of specific anti-self responses was initiated with the development of an in vitro system in which spleen cells from NZB mice were stimulated by syngeneic mouse erythrocytes (MRBC) to produce MRBC-specific autoantibody-secreting cells. The response was measured by a modification of the focus-forming cell (FFC) assay, which enumerates cells secreting IgG, which specifically bind MRBC. Spleen cells from 9- to 12-mo-old NZB mice developed MRBC-specific FFC after 3 to 5 days in culture with MRBC. Few FFC were detected in the absence of MRBC in culture. Spleen cells from young (1- to 4-mo-old) NZB mice developed few if any FFC. Spleen cell populations containing T cells from young NZB mice suppressed this anti-MRBC response, whereas B cell populations from these young mice did not. In contrast, spleen cells, including T cell-enriched populations from old, Coombs'-positive mice were not capable under the same conditions of producing equivalent suppression of this in vitro autoimmune response. These data suggest that a population of suppressor T cells that may control the autoimmune anti-MRBC response in young NZB mice is lost, or else its activity is masked in old NZB mice that are actively producing anti-MRBC antibody.

In vitro regulation of the pathogenic autoantibody response of New Zealand black mice. I. Loss with age of suppressive activity in T cell populations

An investigation of the regulation of specific anti-self responses was initiated with the development of an in vitro system in which spleen cells from NZB mice were stimulated by syngeneic mouse erythrocytes (MRBC) to produce MRBC-specific autoantibody-secreting cells. The response was measured by a modification of the focus-forming cell (FFC) assay, which enumerates cells secreting IgG, which specifically bind MRBC. Spleen cells from 9- to 12-mo-old NZB mice developed MRBC-specific FFC after 3 to 5 days in culture with MRBC. Few FFC were detected in the absence of MRBC in culture. Spleen cells from young (1- to 4-mo-old) NZB mice developed few if any FFC. Spleen cell populations containing T cells from young NZB mice suppressed this anti-MRBC response, whereas B cell populations from these young mice did not. In contrast, spleen cells, including T cell-enriched populations from old, Coombs'-positive mice were not capable under the same conditions of producing equivalent suppression of this in vitro autoimmune response. These data suggest that a population of suppressor T cells that may control the autoimmune anti-MRBC response in young NZB mice is lost, or else its activity is masked in old NZB mice that are actively producing anti-MRBC antibody.

The radiation inactivation of glutamate dehydrogenase

Pulse radiolysis and 60Co gamma radiolysis were used to study the effects of ionizing radiations on the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase. Hydroxyl radicals are considerably more effective than hydrated electrons in causing loss of enzymatic activity. Evidence is also presented that the free radical anions (SCN)-.2, (Br)-.2, and (I)-.2 react with the enzyme and cause a loss of enzymatic activity. The results implicate the possible involvement of cysteine, tyrosine, and tryptophan residues in the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase.

Implication of tryptophan and tyrosine in the binding of p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside by concanavalin A. A radiolytic study

Equilibrium dialysis has been used to study the effects of 60Co gamma-radiolysis on the carbohydrate binding site of Con A. Reaction of eaq- and OH. with Con A is accompanied by a decrease in the number of binding sites. Modification of the binding site by (Br)2- is independent of the initial concentration of Br-. Reaction of (SCN)2- with the protein, however, is dependent on the initial SCN- concentration. The results imply that tryptophan and possibly tyrosine are probably involved in the carbohydrate binding process.

Effects of ionizing radiations on human costal cartilage and exploration of the procedures to protect the tissue from radiation damage

The chemical changes produced following 60Co-gamma-irradiation of human costal cartilage have been monitored using "critical electrolyte concentration" (CEC) measurements utilizing Alcian Blue--magnesium chloride and Toluidine Blue--sodium chloride systems. The decrease in the CEC with radiation can be related to the decrease in hexose and hexosamine contents of the cartilage. Such changes arise as a result of degradation of the glycosaminoglycan component of the tissue. The state of the collagen fibres after irradiation has been examined using the Van Giesson stain and by biochemical assay of the hydroxyproline moeity. Energy transfer methods have been utilized to protect the glycosaminoglycan component of the cartilage from radiation damage.

Implication of protein aromatic amino acids in concanavalin A-carbohydrate interactions. A radiolytic study

Pulse radiolysis and 60Co gamma-radiolysis have been used to study the effects of ionizing radiation on the glycogen-precipitating activity of the protein concanavalin A. Both eaq- and OH. react extremely rapidly with the protein and contribute to the observed loss of concanavalin A activity. Evidence is also presented that (Br)2-. and (SCN)2-. react with with tyrosine and tryptophan residues in concanavalin A, which is also accompanied by loss of glycogen precipitation activity.

Effects of 60Co gamma-irradiation on chondromucoprotein

Pulse radiolysis and 60Co gamma-radiolysis have been used to study the effects of ionizing radiations on the protein-polysaccharide complex, chondromucoprotein. Both hydroxyl radicals and hydrated electrons readily react with the complex, with second-order rate-constants of 4-55 X 10(8)M-1s-1, respectively. Depolymerization of the carbohydrate component, which is initiated by reaction of OH, readily occurs after irradiation in aqueous solution, as is evidenced by an increase in the formation of reducing-end groups and a decrease in the viscosity of the solution. The ability of the anionic carbohydrate component to bind cationic counter-ions also decreases.

The nonspecificity of absorption coefficients in the differentiation of solid tumors and cystic lesions

Eleven lesions of the brain were analyzed and compared; they had absorption coefficients uniformly at the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level following contrast enhancement, and ranged from benign to malignant and solid to cystic. Grossly solid tumors may have absorption coefficients on the CT scan equal to CSF even after contrast enhancement. Absorption coefficients are misleading as histological indicators and in diagnosis; it is impossible to separate cystic from non-cystic, benign from malignant, and neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions by absorption coefficients alone.

Computed tomography of the head in children: experience with 1024 scans performed in an outpatient facility

Our experience in 1,024 computed tomography examinations of the head in 954 infants and children performed in a private office is reported. Immobilization in infants was achieved using relatively large dosages of chloral hydrate (as high as 75 mg/kg) supplemented, when necessary, by I.M. Benadryl. The usual dose of chloral hydrate recommended for children is 25 mg/kg as a sedative and 50 mg/kg as a hypnotic. Satisfactory immobilization was accomplished in 350 of the 360 children under 6 years of age. Thus, routine general anesthesia was avoided. The wide spectrum of conditions demonstrated has been tabulated and selectively illustrated.

Intracerebral venous angioma

Intracerebral venous angioma is a rare congenital vascular malformation of the brain. Three cases are reported, all of which had strikingly similar angiographic findings in the venous phase, viz., a local network of small medullary veins which converge centrally into a single large venous channel which courses transcerebrally to reach the superficial venous system. No gross abnormalities are seen in the arterial phase with the usual techniques. However, magnification delineated enlarged arterial branches supplying the periphery of the malformation in 2 of the 3 cases. A poorly marginated homogeneous blush and early filling of the draining veins were also seen in these 2 patients. The findings in the venous phase agree with those described in previous isolated case reports and appear to be highly suggestive of this rare malformation.

Evaluation of the posterior flow study in brain scintigraphy

To evaluate the usefulness of the posterior cerebral flow study, a prospective study was instituted. Of 32 adult patients examined for presumed posterior disease, 17 were found to have a positive posterior flow study that yielded information not available from the anterior study. Indications for posterior flow studies include posterior parietal, occipital, and posterior fossa tumors, posteriorly located arteriovenous malformations, Paget's disease involving occipital bone, posterior cerebral infarcts, and sagittal sinus occlusions. Our experience indicates that the posterior flow study is a valuable adjunct in those patients carefully screened for suspected posterior cerebral disease.

Monitoring health care

Health risk determinants in obstetrics and gynecology are readily obtainable from state birth records. This study demonstrates the manner in which these determinants may be used to assess health care delivery and monitor its progress. The over-all problem is quite complex. Some parameters are interrelated, while others are not. In addition, any specific parameter may be causally related to many different antecedents, acting singly or in combination. Hence, one must take care not to generalize about deficiencies in our health care systems and thereby propose simplistic, unworkable solutions. However, the study does clearly identify certain specific areas of risk which deserve greater attention than they have hitherto received from health care officials, physicians, and responsible citizens. We believe that the approach outlined in this paper offers a means to achieve unbiased, ongoing monitoring of health care, which may, in turn, be used in attempts to improve the delivery of health services.

Radiation inactivation of rabbit muscle aldolase

Pulse radiolysis and steady-state X-radiolysis have been used to investigate the radiation inactivation of aldolase from rabbit muscle. Both eaq-and OH readily react with aldolase, and contribute to inactivation. The radical anions (CNS)2-and (Br)2-react with aldolase at neutral pH. The progressive addition of alkali results in an increase in the second-order rate constants, with an apparent pK approximately 10 +/- 0-3, and with the formation of an unstable intermediate, lambdamax approximately 400 nm resembling a phenoxyl radical. Steady-state radiolysis in the presence of (CNS)2-and (Br)2- at alkaline pH results in increased aldolase inactivation, with a pK of enzyme inactivation similar to that observed for reaction of the radical anions. We propose that a reaction of the radical anoins with tyrosine residues accounts for the resultant inactivation.

Intracranial tumors: correlation of angiography with dynamic radionuclide studies

In a group of 100 supratentorial brain tumors, 23% demonstrated increased activity during the dynamic portion of the brain scan. Increased activity correlates best with the following angiographic characteristics: (a) increased size of supplying vessels, and (b) vascular supply simultaneously from both parenchymal and meningeal arteries. Increased activity has no correlation with the presence of early venous drainage, peritumoral edema, or degree of tumor vascularity and/or stain.

Pulse-radiolysis and spectral studies of the interaction of cetylpyridinium chloride and methylene blue with connective-tissue glycosaminoglycans and related compounds

1. Hydrated electrons produced by pulse radiolysis were used to study the interaction of polyanionic glycosaminoglycans and related compounds with the counterions Methylene Blue and cetylpyridinium chloride. 2. The effect of added salt (potassium chloride) on the interaction indicates that the relative binding affinities, with respect to the types of anionic site present, increases for both counterions in the order CO(2) (-)<CO(2) (-)+O.SO(3) (-)<CO(2) (-)+O.SO(3) (-) +N.SO(3) (-)<O.SO(3) (-). The interactions of the polyanions with cetylpyridinium chloride are considerably stronger than those with Methylene Blue. 3. The effects of added salt on the metachromasia resulting from polyanion-Methylene Blue interaction were examined spectrophotometrically. 4. The collective results demonstrate a direct relationship between anionic site-dye binding and metachromasia, although a residual dye binding can be detected by pulse radiolysis when metachromasia is completely removed.