Pancreatic enlargement in alcoholic pancreatitis: prevalence and natural history

We determined the prevalence and natural history of pancreatic enlargement by abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography in 72 patients with alcoholic pancreatitis. Pancreatic enlargement was observed in 54 patients (75%); it was diffuse in 28 (52%) and focal in 26 (48%). The focal enlargement was frequently cystic (50%), while the diffuse enlargement was only occasionally cystic (7%). Sequential imaging of the pancreas in 29 patients demonstrated partial to total resolution of pancreatic enlargement in greater than 50% during 6 months of follow-up. Determination of serum amylase and p-isoamylase activity was neither sensitive nor specific for pancreatic enlargement in alcoholic pancreatitis.

Diagnostic application of polymerase chain reaction for detection of Ehrlichia risticii in equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever)

Genomic amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify a unique genomic sequence of Ehrlichia risticii directly in DNA isolated from peripheral-blood buffy coat cells of E. risticii-infected horses (Potomac horse fever) and from infected cell cultures. A specific primer pair, selected from a cloned, species-specific, 1-kb DNA fragment of the E. risticii genome as a template, was used for the amplification of the target DNA of 247 bp. The optimal number of 40 PCR cycles, determined by analyzing an amplification profile obtained with a constant Taq polymerase concentration, was used to achieve maximum amplification of the E. risticii DNA segment. Efficient amplification of target DNA was achieved with specimens processed by either the phenol extraction or rapid lysis method. The specificity of the amplified DNA product was confirmed by the proper size (247 bp) and appropriate restriction enzyme cleavage pattern of the amplified target DNA, as well as by the specific hybridization signal obtained by using a PCR-amplified 185-bp internal DNA probe. A 10(5)- to 10(6)-fold amplification of target DNA, which allowed detection of E. risticii from as few as two to three infected cells in culture and from a very small volume of buffy coat cells from infected horses, was achieved. This PCR amplification procedure was found to be highly specific and sensitive for the detection of E. risticii for the study of Potomac horse fever.

Inhibition of respiration of tumor cells by methylglyoxal and protection of inhibition by lactaldehyde

The effect of methylglyoxal (MG), ascorbic acid and lactaldehyde has been tested on the in vitro respiration of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells and several normal and malignant human tissues. Methylglyoxal inhibited the respiration of each type of malignant cell and tissue tested, but it had practically no inhibitory effect on the respiration of any of the normal cells and tissues. Ascorbic acid exhibited a synergistic effect with MG in inhibiting the respiration of all the neoplastic cells. In the presence of lactaldehyde, a catabolite of MG, the inhibitory effect of MG on the respiration of tumor cells was significantly reduced. Lactaldehyde can exert a similar protective effect on the loss of viability and transplantability of MG-treated EAC cells.

Extraction and purification of curcain, a protease from the latex of Jatropha curcas Linn

A proteolytic enzyme, curcain, has been extracted from the latex of Jatropha curcas Linn. The enzyme was purified by chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose and gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. The homogeneity of protein associated with curcain was established by non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using a discontinuous buffer system. The molecular weight of curcain was estimated by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration using a calibration curve of standard proteins to be around 22,000 daltons.

Study of serum myoglobin and serum electrolytes in acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction

Forty patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction were studied within 6-18 hours after the infarction. Serum myoglobin was elevated in all the cases and was markedly high in cases studied 18 hours after the acute infarction, though the level did not show any relation with the severity of the attack. Myoglobin level showed no correlation with SGOT level, which did not rise appreciably within 6 hours. Serum sodium and potassium levels did not show any change, even in the most severe cases. Serum myoglobin estimation is thus a good diagnostic test in the early hours of acute myocardial infarction.

Study of cell mediated immunity in chronic tonsillitis

The cell mediated immune status (CMI) of twenty three patients with chronic tonsillitis was studied with a view to ascertain any possible role of CMI deficiency in causation of the disease. No evidence of significant CMI deficiency was detected in these cases.

Expression of DNA sequences containing neuron specific enolase gene in Escherichia coli

There is evidence that the gene for gamma-gamma enolase (neuron specific enolase, NSE) is regulated during cell differentiation and development, conserved in a variety of organisms and contains mRNA destabilizing sequences. In order to investigate further the mechanisms of these processes and to obtain large quantity of this protein, the NSE gene was isolated from neuroblastoma cells and cloned in E. coli using standard molecular biology techniques. The NSE gene expression was studied and the expressed protein (recombinant NSE) was characterized extensively. The recombinant NSE behaves like parental NSE in antisera specificity, resistance for chaotropic agents like urea, thermal stability at higher temperatures etc. The physical parameters like secondary structure, hydrophilicity, antigenic index and flexibility of the expressed protein were studied. The results of the present investigation collectively form the basis for initial investigations of how the expression of NSE gene is regulated. This is the first report where the recombinant NSE gene has been characterized so extensively.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of psophocarpin B1, a chymotrypsin inhibitor from winged bean seeds

Psophocarpin B1 is a 20,000 Mr protein of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) seeds having chymotrypsin inhibitory activity. Single crystals of this protein suitable for X-ray crystallographic studies have been obtained by the vapour diffusion method using ammonium sulphate. The crystals are hexagonal, space group P6(4)22 or P6(2)22, cell dimensions a = b = 61 A, c = 210 A. They are stable to irradiation with X-rays and diffract to at least 2.6 A resolution.

DNA restriction endonuclease cleavage pattern and protein antigen profile of Ehrlichia risticii

Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia risticii, the etiological agent of Potomac horse fever, was performed. Restriction endonuclease cleavage of E. risticii DNA generated distinct patterns by different enzymes. The DNA cleavage patterns of E. risticii isolates obtained from different geographic regions were similar. Protein analysis identified thirty-five distinct proteins with molecular weights ranging from 160 to 16 kilodalton (kDa). Antigenic analysis by radioimmunoprecipitation using 125I surface labeled E. risticii and by Western blotting determined the presence of eighteen antigens (160, 110, 86, 84, 81, 70, 55, 51, 49, 44, 41, 36, 33, 31, 28, 24, 22 and 16 kDa) of which nine (110, 86, 70, 55, 51, 49, 44, 33, and 28 kDa) were major antigens. Fourteen of these antigens, which included the major antigens, were apparent surface components. There were no heat-modifiable proteins but lipopolysaccharide components of 245 and 14 kDa, resistant to proteinase K and of non-antigenic character, were detected in the organism.

Molecular cloning of Ehrlichia risticii and development of a gene probe for the diagnosis of Potomac horse fever

A gene bank of Ehrlichia risticii was constructed in plasmid vector pUC13. Five clones representing discrete regions of the E. risticii genome were tested for their ability to hybridize specifically to E. risticii DNA. None of the clones cross-hybridized with Ehrlichia equi DNA, whereas four of these clones cross-hybridized with Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia sennetsu DNAs. However, one clone carrying a 1-kilobase HindIII fragment of E. risticii DNA failed to cross-react with the genomes of E. sennetsu, E. canis, and E. equi in dot blot hybridization assays. The sensitivity of this probe for the detection of E. risticii DNA was approximately 0.5 pg. By using this probe, the E. risticii DNA was detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 30 experimentally infected horses by 7 days postinfection (p.i.); the detection of E. risticii DNA peaked between 14 and 17 days p.i., a period immediately after the peak of the second rise in body temperature, during leukopenia and at the onset of diarrhea. E. risticii DNA was not detectable by 25 to 30 days p.i. E. risticii DNA was not detected in noninfected control horses.

Primary structure of the non-transcribed spacer region and flanking sequences of the ribosomal DNA of Neurospora crassa and comparison with other organisms

The non-transcribed spacer (NTS) region of the rDNA of Neurospora crassa contains the transcription regulatory sequences. We isolated a 3.4 kb EcoRI fragment from wild type N.crassa rDNA and cloned in the plasmid pBR325 at the EcoRI site. The insert contains the entire NTS region along with the flanking sequences. Nucleotide sequencing of 3592 nt shows many interesting features like: the NTS region is rich in G+C content (65% G+C); it contains the conserved rRNA processing site 6 (with the nucleotide sequence motif GGTGCGAGAACCCGG, from nt residue 226 to 240, a characteristic feature of most eukaryotic rDNA nontranscribed spacer region); and the NTS region also contains the transcription termination site with the representative Sal I box (from nt residue 1469 to 1477). The potential sequences of transcription termination site are located 288 nt downstream from the end of 26S rRNA gene, and another sequence motif CTTCCT (from nt residue 512 to 517) shows similarity with the human transcription termination site T-2 of its pre-rRNA. Nucleotide sequence homology matrix analysis suggests its relatedness to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and not to human, mouse, rat, Drosophila, Xenopus, wheat, rice and cucumber NTS region. The phylogenetic implication of the NTS region and exploitation of N.crassa NTS rDNA clone to correlate the otherwise indistinguishable species of Neurospora and the correlation with other organisms has been discussed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report where the nucleotide sequence of the entire NTS region of a filamentous fungus has been determined.

Dietary fiber supplementation: effect on exocrine pancreatic secretion in man

The effect of a dietary fiber supplementation program (20 g/d) on exocrine pancreatic gland secretion was evaluated in six healthy male subjects who underwent quantitative assessment of pancreatic enzyme secretion both before and after 4 wk of dietary fiber supplementation. A duodenal perfusion technique was used to quantify the concentrations and output of pancreatic enzymes after ingestion of a standard test meal. Samples were aspirated from the ligament of Trietz and analyzed for pH, total protein, amylase, trypsin, and lipase activity. No significant changes were observed in duodenal flow rate pH, total protein, amylase, or trypsin concentrations and outputs after fiber supplementation. A marked increase in mean (+/- SEM) lipase concentration (U/mL) and output (kU/min) in both the resting and postprandial states was seen, reaching statistical significance (p less than 0.05) at 120 min postprandial. These data suggest that in man, a 4-wk dietary fiber supplementation program can modulate pancreatic lipase secretion.

Antibody response to Ehrlichia risticii and antibody reactivity to the component antigens in horses with induced Potomac horse fever

The antibody response and the antibody reactivity to component antigens of Ehrlichia risticii were studied in horses with induced Potomac horse fever. These horses had no detectable antibodies to E. risticii in their preinoculation (PrI) sera by indirect fluorescent-antibody assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the horses exhibited typical disease features following experimental infection and responded with specific antibodies, as measured by ELISA and indirect fluorescent-antibody assay. A primary antibody response was detected in 70% of the horses, while a secondary-type antibody response was detected in 30% of the horses by ELISA. In the primary antibody response, a distinct titer was observed at 2 weeks postinoculation (PI), when the immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG ratio was 2 to 5, and the overall antibody titer peaked at 6 to 8 weeks PI. The secondary-type antibody response exhibited a characteristic titer at 1 week PI, the IgM and IgG titers were about equal at 2 weeks PI, and the overall antibody titer peaked at 6 weeks PI. A transient depression in the IgG response at 4 weeks PI was observed in both response types. The antibody was maintained at a high titer for over a year in all horses. Western immunoblot reactivity showed that the antisera collected from these infected horses at 4 to 5 weeks PI recognized some or all of the six major E. risticii component antigens (70, 55, 51, 44, 33, and 28 kilodaltons), all of which were apparent surface components. The 6- to 8-week PI antisera recognized up to 16 component antigens, including 9 major antigens (110, 86, 70, 55, 51, 49, 44, 33, and 28 kilodaltons). However, the PrI sera of these horses showed reactivity at various intensities with one to seven of the component antigens. There was no apparent correlation between this reactivity pattern and the subsequent antibody response types.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii were developed to provide a means of molecular investigation of the biochemical and immunopathologic characteristics of the organism. All of 6 stable monoclonal antibodies obtained were IgG isotypes. The ascitic fluid titers induced by the hybridomas ranged from 10(2) to 10(7). Competitive binding experiments conducted by ELISA and binding of labeled protein A to antigen-antibody complexes indicated competition among monoclonal antibodies. Two monoclonal antibodies (HybI and 14D4) were reactive in an indirect fluorescent antibody test; these antibodies also bound a maximum of labeled protein A, indicating recognition of epitopes on the surface of the ehrlichia. Protein specificity of monoclonal antibodies could not be demonstrated with western blot procedure. HybI monoclonal antibody, however, did precipitate the 28 kD protein from 125I-surface-labeled ehrlichiae and was shown to be specific to E risticii on the basis of nonreactivity with E sennetsu, using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. By use of the different monoclonal antibodies as probes, more definitive molecular studies now will be feasible.

Functional and structural changes in parotid glands of alcoholic cirrhotic patients

The parotid gland function and structure was studied in 30 patients with biopsy-proven alcoholic cirrhosis and in 43 age- and sex-matched alcoholic and nonalcoholic control subjects. Mean simulated parotid saliva flow rate was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis as compared with alcoholic and nonalcoholic control subjects. A similar reduction was observed in mean basal parotid saliva flow rate in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis that reached statistical significance (p less than 0.05) in comparison with nonalcoholic control subjects. In addition, the concentration of sodium, bicarbonate, and total proteins in stimulated parotid saliva was significantly (p less than 0.005) lower in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis as compared with the two groups of control subjects. Sialograms in 6 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis did not reveal any obstructive lesion in the primary parotid duct or its branches. Histology of salivary tissue revealed an increase in the interstromal fatty infiltration, edema, and fibrosis without evidence of inflammatory reaction in 5 patients as compared with the control subjects. These data provide evidence for marked parotid gland dysfunction in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis presumably due to metabolic derangement and altered parotid gland structure.

Radiofrequency radiation-induced calcium ion efflux enhancement from human and other neuroblastoma cells in culture

To test the generality of radiofrequency radiation-induced changes in 45Ca2+ efflux from avian and feline brain tissues, human neuroblastoma cells were exposed to electromagnetic radiation at 147 MHz, amplitude-modulated (AM) at 16 Hz, at specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, 0.001, and 0.0005 W/kg. Significant 45Ca2+ efflux was obtained at SAR values of 0.05 and 0.005 W/kg. Enhanced efflux at 0.05 W/kg peaked at the 13-16 Hz and at the 57.5-60 Hz modulation ranges. A Chinese hamster-mouse hybrid neuroblastoma was also shown to exhibit enhanced radiation-induced 45Ca2+ efflux at an SAR of 0.05 W/kg, using 147 MHz, AM at 16 Hz. These results confirm that amplitude-modulated radiofrequency radiation can induce responses in cells of nervous tissue origin from widely different animal species, including humans. The results are also consistent with the reports of similar findings in avian and feline brain tissues and indicate the general nature of the phenomenon.

Monoclonal antibody-mediated, immunodiagnostic competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for equine monocytic ehrlichiosis

Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CELISA), mediated by a monoclonal antibody designated HybI, was developed for the diagnosis of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Inhibition of binding of HybI by the horse antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii was optimum at dilutions of 1:20 for serum and 1:10,000 for HybI. Mean optical densities (ODs) of positive and negative sera were 0.158 and 0.855, respectively. A comparison of ODs obtained by CELISA and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated a marked tendency of positive and negative samples to cluster separately with respect to CELISA ODs, whereas the ELISA results displayed a continuum of ODs from negative to positive. Analysis of diagnosis by indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFA), ELISA, and CELISA for 66 field-collected serum samples indicated that CELISA was superior to IFA and ELISA. Among 11 acute-phase serum samples negative by IFA which were obtained from horses that subsequently seroconverted, CELISA clearly demonstrated antibodies in 8 of these acute-phase sera, whereas 5 were borderline positive by ELISA. The presence of agent-specific humoral antibodies could be demonstrated conclusively by 14 days after infection. The results suggest that CELISA is more sensitive than IFA and ELISA and, owing to the marked differences between positive and negative samples, can be easily adapted for use in the field for detection of horse antibodies to E. risticii.

Critical examination of therapeutic efficacy of a pH-sensitive enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme preparation in treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency secondary to cystic fibrosis

In an attempt to critically examine the therapeutic efficacy of pH-sensitive enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme preparations in patients with pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis, postprandial duodenal concentration and recovery of orally administered pancreatic enzymes, duodenal pH, and coefficient of fat absorption were determined in eight cases after ingestion of equivalent dosage of enteric-coated as well as conventional enzyme preparations. Ingestion of a pH-sensitive enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme preparation was accompanied with a significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in steatorrhea, as well as a lower mean concentration and recovery of lipase and trypsin activity in the postprandial duodenal samples. Furthermore, the intraluminal duodenal pH was noted to be below 4.0 during the postprandial period in all patients. These data suggest that in cystic fibrosis, the greater therapeutic efficacy of pH-sensitive enteric-coated preparations over conventional preparations may be related to the protection of pancreatic enzymes from the highly acidic milieu in the duodenum, allowing for possible bioavailability in the distal small intestine.

Disease features in horses with induced equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever)

Fifty-five horses were inoculated IV and/or SC with materials containing Ehrlichia risticii, ie, infected whole blood, buffy coat cells, or cell culture, to study clinical and hematologic features of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever). Major clinical and hematologic features of induced E risticii infection were biphasic increase in rectal temperature with peak increases of 38.9 C and 39.3 C on postinoculation days (PID) 5 and 12, respectively; depression; anorexia; decreased WBC count (maximal decrease of 47% on PID 12); and diarrhea from PID 14 to PID 18. Increased WBC count was an inconsistent feature, with a maximal increase of 51.5% on PID 20. During times of decreased and increased WBC counts, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios remained fairly constant. However, not all horses had all clinical and hematologic features, and these features were present in different degrees among horses. Increased rectal temperature, depression, anorexia, and decreased WBC count were more consistent features, whereas diarrhea developed in 73% of the horses. Of 55 horses, 39 (71%) had all clinical and hematologic features of the disease (classic disease), whereas 16 (29%) horses did not have greater than or equal to 1 of these features (nonclassic disease). The E risticii titer in the blood (ehrlichemia) was maximum during the peak increase in rectal temperature. In 55 horses, mortality was 9%. Significant differences (P greater than 0.5) in clinical and hematologic features were not detected between horses that survived and those that died of E risticii infection.

Carbohydrate malabsorption in alcoholic pancreatic insufficiency. The effect of pancreatic enzyme therapy on intestinal transit time

The absorption of rice flour and the mouth-to-cecum transit time of a nonabsorbable carbohydrate were measured by breath hydrogen excretion technique in 10 patients with alcoholic pancreatic insufficiency, to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of carbohydrate malabsorption. Breath hydrogen excretion after ingestion of rice pancakes was significantly higher in patients than in 10 controls, suggesting malabsorption of carbohydrates. Mouth-to-cecum transit time was not significantly different between the two groups. Pancreatic enzyme therapy significantly reduced both fecal fat excretion and the degree of carbohydrate malabsorption, but, in contrast, did not significantly change mouth-to-cecum transit. There was no correlation between the degree of carbohydrate or fat malabsorption and mouth-to-cecum transit time. Carbohydrate malabsorption is common in pancreatic insufficiency and is markedly improved by enzyme supplementation. Mouth-to-cecum transit, however, does not play a major role in carbohydrate or fat malabsorption in these patients.

Particular RNA primer from growth medium differentially stimulates in vitro DNA synthesis and in vivo cell growth of Neurospora crassa and its slime mutant

Purine rich small "RNA-primer" molecules (about 10-12 nucleotides), secreted into the growth medium of 3-h germinated conidia of N. crassa, strongly stimulated a concentration-dependent in vitro DNA synthesis of N. crassa slime mutant as well as DNAs from the human cancer cells but did not affect that from normal cells. These "RNA-primer" molecules stimulated also in vivo cell growth of N. crassa slime mutant, but not of the N. crassa wild type. Our studies suggest that DNAs from the slime mutant of N. crassa as well as DNAs from human cancerous cells provide increased sites for enhanced in vitro and in vivo replication of DNAs. "RNA-primer" molecules can be hydrolyzed by T1 RNase but not by pancreatic RNase.

Isolation and characterization of non-neuronal enolase (NNE) from Neurospora crassa and comparison with neuron specific enolase isolated from neuroblastoma cell line NG108

Enolase is a vital enzyme of the glycolytic pathway. It exists mainly in two forms, non-neuronal enolase (NNE) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). Neurospora crassa, a filamentous fungus, was used as the source of pure NNE, and by using DEAE-cellulose and a Sephadex G-150 column chromatography highly purified enzyme (20.4 fold purification with 54.7 percent recovery) was obtained. The development profile of the enzyme shows a peak value after 90 hours of mycelial growth from conidia of N. crassa. In this respect, it differs from neuroblastoma NSE where the peak value of the enzyme activity appears 7 1/2 hours after the splitting of the cells. N. crassa enolase (NNE) is more thermolabile than NG108 NSE and N. crassa enolase is more sensitive to urea, chloride, and fluorophosphate. The Km values for 2-phosphoglycerate and Mg++ were 0.34 mM and 0.47 mM, respectively, for N. crassa enolase, whereas these values were 1.1 mM and 3.1 mM, respectively, in the case of neuroblastoma NSE. N. crassa enolase is a dimer molecule of molecular weight 85,000 daltons. N. crassa enolase is not neutralized by NSE antisera and neutralized by NNE antisera as opposed to neuroblastoma NSE.

Neurospora crassa nuclear genome contains analogy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes for ribosomal RNA processing

Neurospora crassa wild type genome shows DNA sequences which are homologous to the sequences present in the rRNA processing genes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Five such processing genes from yeast, viz., RNA1 through RNA5, cloned in plasmid pBR322 were transformed in Escherichia coli strain LE392. Southern blots containing DNAs from these clones were restricted with several restriction endonucleases along with DNAs from lambda phage, rice (plant) and neuroblastoma (animal), were hybridized with 32P-labelled nick-translated N. crassa nuclear DNA under very stringent conditions. Autoradiograms of these blots revealed that four yeast rRNA processing genes (RNA1, RNA2, RNA3, and RNA4) showed homology with N. crassa nuclear DNA but such analogs were not found in DNAs representing prokaryotes, phages, higher plants and animals.

Detection of serum antibodies against Ehrlichia risticii in Potomac horse fever by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed which was specific and sensitive in detecting antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii in Potomac horse fever (PHF). The ELISA antibody titers were correlated with the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titers. E. risticii propagated in human histiocyte culture was purified on renografin gradient and the band of the organisms at a density of 1.182 g/ml was used as antigen. ELISA antibody titers were determined through computer assisted analysis, the observed antibody titers were derived by serial serum dilutions and using a resultant standard curve the predicted antibody titers were obtained from a single serum dilution. The standard curve had a correlation coefficient of 0.8975. The observed and predicted antibody titers were in good agreement, as the respective titers fell within a two-fold range. There was a good correlation between ELISA and IFA test results, but the ELISA titers were several times higher. In experimental infections of horses produced with the infected equine whole blood and the Ehrlichia infected macrophage culture, the antibodies were first detected in two weeks and one week postinoculation (PI), respectively. In both cases the titers reached a peak in about 4 weeks PI with a mean titer of 1:16558 and 1:4030, respectively. The antibody titers of the convalescent sera of field cases of PHF were comparatively lower than the experimentally infected horses.

Role of nonpancreatic lipolytic activity in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may absorb greater than 50% of dietary fat despite the absence of measurable pancreatic lipase activity. Nonpancreatic lipolytic activity was measured in gastric and duodenal aspirates from 5 patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency secondary to alcoholism and in aspirates from 5 alcoholics without evidence of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (controls). Samples were collected under fasting and postprandial conditions. All patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency had nonpancreatic lipolytic activity in gastric and duodenal aspirates. Lipolytic activity in gastric aspirates was not significantly different between the patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and the controls during the fasting and postprandial periods. Pancreatic insufficiency was associated with significantly (p less than 0.05) higher nonpancreatic lipolytic activity in the duodenum under fasting conditions. No significant difference between the groups was found in postprandial nonpancreatic lipolytic activity. Nonpancreatic lipolytic activity accounted for approximately 90% of total lipolytic activity at the ligament of Treitz in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as opposed to 7% in the control subjects. These observations suggest a significant role for nonpancreatic lipolytic activity (lingual lipase and gastric lipase) in fat digestion in patients with pancreatic insufficiency secondary to chronic alcohol abuse.

Phylogenetic implication of heterogeneity of the nontranscribed spacer of rDNA repeating unit in various Neurospora and related fungal species

Nontranscribed spacer (NTS) regions of ribosomal (r)RNA genes are non-conserved and are shown to be useful for phylogenetic studies. 32P-labelled N. crassa NTS pCC3400 DNA, was used as a molecular probe to hybridize Southern blots of genomic DNAs obtained from Neurospora, Gelacinospora, Sordaria, bacteria, plants, and animals. Our studies conclude that: (a) the homotahllic species of Neurospora should not belong to genus Gelacinospora (a historical question) and that Neurospora homothallic species are closer to Gelacinospora than to Sordaria; and that (b) all of the filamentous fungal species tested are indeed closer to the higher plant genome than to higher primate animal genome based on shared restriction sites of 12 enzymes. Our studies also demonstrate the usefulness of nontranscribed rRNA gene probes in resolving questions regarding phylogenetic relatedness between widely separated organisms using the parsimony principle based on mutation sites from DNA restriction maps; it has not been possible to do this using DNA: DNA hybridization procedures that involved the total genome.

Differential synthesis and replication of DNA in the Neurospora crassa slime mutant versus normal cells: role of carcinogens

Small quantities of carcinogens, dl-ethionine, thiotepa, actinomycin D, and 1-(2-chloroethyl-3-cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) stimulated in vitro deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis of the slime mutant of Neurospora crassa, while there was practically no effect on the DNA from the normal wild type 74A strain. All of these compounds caused increased strand separation in the mutant DNA of N. crassa, but no separation of normal DNA strands. The growth (in vivo tests) of the N. crassa slime mutant, but not its wild type, was markedly increased when nontoxic concentrations of one of the carcinogens (dl-ethionine) tested were present in the growth medium. These observations suggest that, unlike the wild type N. crassa, the slime mutant allows an excessive and unscheduled replication, indicating destabilized nature of its DNA.

Latissimus dorsi transfer for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder

The results of latissimus dorsi transfer for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder performed during the past three decades were subjected to a failure analysis. Twenty patients operated on in the light of this had no episodes of dislocation and obtained full function. The mode of action of the latissimus dorsi transfer explains the apparent paradox of an operation that produces external rotation resulting in the prevention of anterior dislocation. The action of the transfer in pulling the humeral head posteriorly is the most important feature. If the transfer is not located correctly, this force will be less than that produced in external rotation and dislocation will recur.

Bile salt malabsorption in pancreatic insufficiency secondary to alcoholic pancreatitis

Twenty patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency secondary to alcohol abuse were studied for the presence of bile salt malabsorption. Fecal bile salts and fecal fat excretion were determined in 15 patients receiving pancreatic enzyme therapy, not receiving enzyme therapy, and on a regimen of pancreatic enzymes plus cimetidine. Serum bile salt levels were measured during fasting and postprandial conditions both during enzyme therapy and after it was stopped in 8 cases. In addition, 5 patients underwent [14C]cholylglycine breath testing during and after discontinuation of enzyme therapy. The fecal bile salt excretion varied between 610 and 3460 mg/day in the untreated patients. Treatment with pancreatic enzymes was associated with significant (p less than 0.05) reduction in fecal bile salt and fecal fat excretion. Cimetidine therapy in addition to enzyme therapy further reduced steatorrhea but failed to alter bile salt excretion significantly. Serum cholylglycine level showed significant (p less than 0.05) postprandial increase in patients receiving enzyme therapy, suggesting improved bile salt absorption. These data suggest a wide range of bile salt malabsorption in alcoholic patients with pancreatic insufficiency, which improves with pancreatic enzyme therapy.

Purification and characterization of enolase from neuroblastoma cell line NG108

Neuroblastoma Cell line NG108 (a hybrid from Chinese hamster and mouse) produces high levels of enolase. Using ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, we have purified the enzyme (about 19 fold purification) and characterized it. The purified enzyme is a dimer of 90,000 m.wt. and is stable at room temperature. At higher temperatures (e.g., 50 degrees, 60 degrees C etc.) it gets inactivated. Enolase requires Mg++ for its activity and is resistant to urea. The optimum pH for the enzyme is 7, and Km values for Mg++ and 2-phosphoglycerate were found to be 3.1 and 1.1 mM, respectively. Fluorophosphate is a strong inhibitor of the enzyme. The clinical applications of the enzyme have been discussed.

In vitro interference between equine herpesvirus types 1 and 2

Interference between equine herpesvirus types 1 (EHV-1) and 2 (EHV-2) was studied in equine dermis (ED) monolayer cell cultures and equine lymphocyte cultures. Cell cultures were infected with EHV-2, and after a short incubation period, the cultures were superinfected with EHV-1. At various intervals, different measurements of EHV-1 expression in dually infected cultures, compared with those in cultures infected with EHV-1 alone, were studied. In dually infected ED cell cultures, the EHV-1 cytopathic effect, EHV-1 titer, and EHV-1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen titer were maximally reduced to values of 40%, 58.5%, and 54.9%, respectively, at postsuperinfection hour (PSIH) 36. Values of these EHV-1 expressions were subsequently increased at PSIH 48. However, thymidine kinase activity was reduced to a maximum of 67.3% reduction at PSIH 48. In dually infected lymphocyte cultures, the EHV-1 titer, EHV-1 infective centers, EHV-1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen titer, and thymidine kinase activity were maximally reduced to values of 77.4%, 78.7%, 98.3%, and 72.9%, respectively, at PSIH 24. These reductions of EHV-1 expressions were completely abrogated at PSIH 48 to 72. In both cell culture systems, a marked interference of EHV-1 by EHV-2 was observed; this was transient in the lymphocyte cultures, but was more prolonged in ED cell cultures. This interference appeared not to be interferon mediated. The multiplication of EHV-2 in the dually infected ED cell cultures appeared unaffected.

Neurospora crassa ribosomal DNA: sequence of internal transcribed spacer and comparison with N. intermedia and N. sitophila

Using [32P]DNA probes from a clone containing 17S, 5.8S and 26S rRNA of Neurospora crassa, the remainder of the repeat unit (RU) for ribosomal DNA (rDNA) has been cloned. Combining restriction analysis of the cloned DNA and restriction digests of genomic DNA, the RU was found to be 8.7 kb. The nucleotide sequence was determined for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions one and two, for 5.8S rRNA and for portions of 17S and 26S rRNAs immediately flanking the ITS regions, and compared to the corresponding region of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. In addition, a comparative restriction analysis of two other Neurospora species was performed using twelve restriction endonucleases. Genomic DNA blots of rDNA from N. intermedia and N. sitophila revealed rDNA RUs of 8.4 kb. The majority of differences in restriction patterns were confined to sequences outside the mature rRNA regions. However, one SmaI recognition site was found in 26S rRNA of N. crassa and N. sitophila but not in N. intermedia.

Effect of norethisterone enanthate on the blood count and endometrial histology of Indian women

Endometrial histology and the haematological indices were studied in women receiving 200 mg of norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) at 60-day intervals for 24 months as a method of contraception. Significant elevations occurred in the haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts during one year of therapy, while eosinophil counts showed a transient increase at 4 months of trial. The changes in the haematological indices seem to be due to stimulation of the erythropoietic system by NET-EN and may also be attributable to diminished blood loss due to amenorrhoea during the course of therapy. The endometrial histology revealed proliferative glands at 2 months which turned quiescent at 6-12 months of NET-EN therapy. Long-term use of 18 months showed atrophic changes with few glands, narrow lumina and stromal oedema.

The variable appearance of distal common bile duct stenosis in chronic pancreatitis

Cholangiograms of 15 patients with stenosis of distal portion of common bile duct due to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis were critically evaluated for stricture shape, length, and maximal diameter of the common bile duct. In these cholangiograms, different shapes of strictured segments were present, including the smooth tapering variety in eight, "funnel shape" in three, and "rat tail," "bent knee," "hourglass," and complete obstruction in one case each. The length of strictured segment ranged from 16 to 57 mm with a mean (+/- S.E.) of 40.7 +/- 4.1 mm. The mean (+/- S.E.) maximal diameter of the dilated portion of common bile duct was 18.9 +/- 1.3 mm with a range of 13-28 mm. There is a wide variety in the shape and length of the stenotic segments of the distal common bile duct in chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Moreover, a particular radiologic configuration of common bile duct stricture is not helpful in predicting the nature of the underlying process in this group of patients.

Experimental reproduction of Potomac horse fever in horses with a newly isolated Ehrlichia organism

Potomac horse fever, a recently recognized disease of equines, characterized by high fever, leukopenia, and a profuse diarrhea, was studied for its etiology. An Ehrlichia organism was isolated in equine macrophage-fibroblast cell cultures and mouse macrophage cell cultures from the mononuclear cells of blood of infected horses. The agent was continuously propagated in mouse macrophage cell cultures. The organism multiplied in the cytoplasm of mouse macrophage cells and was identified by Giemsa staining, acridine orange staining, and by indirect immunofluorescence with convalescent sera from infected horses. The disease was experimentally reproduced in horses inoculated with Ehrlichia-infected cell culture material. The Ehrlichia organism was reisolated from the blood of these infected horses during the course of the disease. Antibody against the organism was detected in the sera of experimentally infected horses. This study confirmed that the new Ehrlichia organism is the etiological agent of Potomac horse fever.

Dietary fiber in pancreatic disease: effect of high fiber diet on fat malabsorption in pancreatic insufficiency and in vitro study of the interaction of dietary fiber with pancreatic enzymes

The effect of high fiber diet on fat malabsorption was evaluated in twelve patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency secondary to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Additionally, the effect of dietary fiber on pancreatic enzymes was examined in vitro, employing different concentrations of cellulose, pectin, and wheat bran incubated with amylase, lipase, and trypsin. Ingestion of a high fiber diet was associated with a small but significant (p less than 0.01) increase in fecal weight and fecal fat excretion. All patients complained of increased abdominal flatulence with high fiber diet, however, no significant increase in frequency of bowel movements was noted. In vitro studies demonstrated reduction in pancreatic enzyme activity by increasing concentration of dietary fiber and its components. These data suggest that steatorrhea may be enhanced with the ingestion of high fiber diet in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency on oral pancreatic enzyme therapy. Increase in fecal fat excretion may, in part, be related to reduction in the activity of pancreatic enzymes by the dietary fiber.

Prevalence and natural history of distal common bile duct stenosis in alcoholic pancreatitis

Distal common bile duct stenosis was observed in 16 (9%) of 170 alcoholic patients admitted to a Veterans Administration Medical Center in the last five years. The following clinical and biochemical features were significantly more common (P less than 0.05) among the 16 patients with common bile duct stenosis than in 154 without: jaundice, cholangitis, hyperbilirubinemia, alkaline phosphatasemia, pancreatic calcification, and malabsorption. Surgical decompression of biliary tree was necessitated in 13 of 16 cases due to obstructive jaundice in seven, cholangitis in four, portal fibrosis in one, and persistent abdominal pain in one. The mean (+/- SE) time interval between initial serum alkaline phosphatase elevation and surgical intervention was 308 +/- 108 days. Liver histology in eight cases was remarkable for portal fibrosis in seven and biliary cirrhosis in one. These data suggest that distal common bile duct stenosis is a progressive lesion which is quite prevalent in patients with advanced pancreatic disease of alcoholic etiology.

Effect of digoxin on serum and urinary cation changes on acute induction to high altitude

Forty subjects each were rapidly inducted by road to altitudes of 3200 and 3771 meters (m). Half of subjects at each altitude were maintained on digoxin and the other half received placebos. The digoxin group showed higher serum potassium at both altitudes. Serum sodium remained unaltered. When compared to control groups, urinary volume changes were less marked in the digoxin group. Similarly, the alterations in calcium and magnesium in serum and urine at 3771 m were less pronounced. However, none of these changes in the digoxin groups were statistically significant when compared with control groups.