Production of functional human hemoglobin in transgenic swine

A construct containing the locus control region (LCR) from the human beta globin locus together with two copies of the human alpha 1 gene and a single copy of the human beta A gene was used to obtain three transgenic pigs. The transgenic pigs are healthy, not anemic, and grow at a rate comparable to non-transgenic littermates. All animals expressed the human genes. However, alpha globin was consistently expressed at higher levels than beta globin. Isolation of the human hemoglobin from both porcine hemoglobin and other non-hemoglobin proteins was accomplished by ion exchange chromatography. The purified porcine derived human hemoglobin exhibited an oxygen affinity similar to that of human derived human hemoglobin.

Magnetic resonance imaging in schizophrenia: altered brain morphology associated with P300 abnormalities and eye tracking dysfunction

This study was designed to investigate whether auditory P300 event-related potential and smooth pursuit eye-movement abnormalities in schizophrenia are associated with brain structural changes measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serial coronal MRI scans obtained from 31 schizophrenic subjects and 33 volunteer controls were analysed by a rater who had no knowledge of the subjects' diagnoses. The brain areas measured bilaterally were the temporal lobe, hippocampus, amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, head of caudate, cingulate cortex, frontal cortex, and the lateral ventricles. The area of the third ventricle, the thickness of the corpus callosum, and the intracranial area were also measured. Auditory P300 and eye tracking performance were recorded on all subjects. There was a significant increase in the latency and a reduction in amplitude of the P300 in the schizophrenic group. Only in the schizophrenic group was P300 latency correlated negatively with the area of the right and left cingulate cortex and positively with the difference in size between the right and left amygdala. In the subgroup of schizophrenic subjects whose P300 latency was greater than 2 standard deviations above the control mean, the area of the left cingulate cortex was significantly smaller than in controls, and the absolute right-left difference in the area of the amygdala was significantly increased. Eye tracking dysfunction in schizophrenia was not related to changes in the amygdala or cingulate cortex but was significantly correlated with enlargement of the lateral ventricles. Schizophrenic subjects with poor eye tracking had significantly larger lateral ventricles than controls. Eye tracking dysfunction, but not P300 abnormality, was correlated with the severity of both positive and negative symptom of schizophrenia. These findings demonstrate that psychophysiological abnormalities are associated with altered brain structure in schizophrenia.

Effect of cell-free synchronous uterine flushings and microsurgery on the development of porcine embryos in vitro

Experiment I was designed to determine if cell-free synchronous uterine flushings contain an embryotoxic substance that is normally screened by the intact zona pellucida. Sixty 4-cell embryos were allocated to three treatment groups: 1) control embryos (n = 20) were cultured in Modified Kreb's Ringer Bicarbonate medium + 10% bovine calf serum (mKRB-BCS), 2) UF embryos (n = 20) were cultured in 80% mKRB-BCS + 20% sterile dialyzed uterine flushings (UF), 3) MicroUF embryos (n = 20) received a microsurgical incision in the zona pellucida and were cultured in 80% mKRB-BCS + 20% UF. Following 72 h in culture at 37 degrees C under a 90% N2, 5% CO2, and 5% O2 atmosphere, the number of nuclei/embryo and the incidence of protrusion of the trophoblast through the zona pellucida (PTZ) were recorded. Addition of UF had no effect on embryo development. A greater (P less than .005) proportion of MicroUF embryos exhibited PTZ as compared to UF and control embryos. Experiment II was devised to further characterize the occurrence of PTZ in Micro porcine embryos. Thirty-three 4- to 10-cell embryos and 14 morulae were distributed across two treatments: 1) control embryos (n = 16 and 6, respectively) were cultured as described in Experiment I; and 2) micro embryos were treated similarly to MicroUF embryos in Experiment I but were cultured in mKRB-BCS only. At the onset of PTZ, embryos were immediately fixed and examined. The proportion of embryos exhibiting PTZ was greater (P less than .007) for Micro versus control embryos.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A magnetic resonance imaging study of schizophrenia: brain structure and clinical symptoms

Thirty-one patients with schizophrenia and 33 normal control subjects underwent MRI. The BPRS was used to rate clinical symptoms and the NART to estimate pre-morbid IQ. All were right handed. The temporal lobe was significantly smaller on the left than the right in both the control and schizophrenic groups. The amygdala was smaller on the left than the right in controls but not in schizophrenics. The parahippocampal gyrus was smaller on the left side in the schizophrenic group but not in controls. In the schizophrenic group, ventricular enlargement and cerebral atrophy were significantly related to severity of symptoms. Patients with marked negative symptoms had a bilateral reduction in the size of the head of caudate and the two measures were significantly correlated. Patients with marked positive symptoms had larger VBRs and again the clinical and morphometric changes were significantly correlated. There were no morphometric differences between patients with short duration (two years or less) and chronic symptoms.

Esculine, ranitidine and carbenoxolone: different modes of action on gastric mucosa

1. This study was designed to determine the antiulcerogenicity of esculine in various types of experimentally induced gastric ulcers in which the appearance of lesions is due to an ischemic process: cold-restraint stress and pylorus-ligated induced ulcers. 2. In the first experimental model, esculine (50 mg/kg) produced a significant diminution not only in the number of haemorrhagic stomachs (21.5% by 37.5% of the controls) but also in the ulcer index, U.I. (1.00 +/- 0.63, P less than 0.05). 3. When the mucosal damage was induced as a consequence of the pylorus-ligated gastric secretion, pretreatment of esculine (25 and 50 mg/kg) prevented the formation of gastric lesions (12.4 +/- 2.8, P less than 0.05 and 12.2 +/- 1.20, P less than 0.005), although it was less effective than ranitidine (2.8 +/- 1.8, P less than 0.025). However a significant reduction on the acidity with a dose of 25 mg/kg was observed (31.69 +/- 6.42, P less than 0.025). For the rest of the studied parameters: pepsin, histamine and Na and K electrolytes no differences with regard to the control groups were produced. 4. The effects of esculine on mucosal lesions produced by intragastric instillation of 1 ml of absolute ethanol, were also studied. In this model esculine did not show any protective effect and high U.I. values were obtained.

Factors associated with alcohol use in later adolescence

The relative influence of a number of family and individual characteristics on the frequency and intensity of alcohol use in a group of older adolescents was assessed. The sample consisted of 8,661 persons ranging in age from 20 to 21 years obtained from the "High School and Beyond" study. Logistic regression analyses performed on both frequency and intensity of alcohol use indicated that white males from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, living in urban or suburban areas and having an external locus of control and a weak family orientation, tended to drink more frequently and consume a larger quantity of alcohol per drinking episode. Results are explained from a sociocultural perspective.

Episodic secretion of gonadotrophins and ovarian steroids in jugular and utero-ovarian vein plasma during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle in gilts

Blood samples were collected simultaneously from the jugular and utero-ovarian veins of 13 gilts from Days 11 through 16 of the oestrous cycle. A luteolytic dose (10 mg) of PGF-2 alpha was given on Day 12 to facilitate the natural occurrence of luteolysis and standardize the associated decrease in concentrations of progesterone. The mean interval from PGF to oestrus was 5.5 +/- 0.7 days (mean oestrous cycle length = 17.5 +/- 0.7 days). Mean concentrations, pulse amplitudes and pulse frequencies of oestradiol and progesterone were greater (P less than 0.05) in the utero-ovarian than jugular vein. Secretory profiles of LH and FSH were similar (P greater than 0.05) in plasma collected simultaneously from both veins. Based on these data, temporal relationships among hormonal patterns of FSH and LH in the jugular vein and oestradiol and progesterone in the utero-ovarian vein were examined. Concentrations of progesterone declined (P less than 0.05) between Days 12 and 14, while all secretory variables for oestradiol increased (P less than 0.05) from Day 12 through 16 of the oestrous cycle. The pulsatile secretion of FSH remained relatively constant during the experiment. However, both pulse amplitude and mean concentration tended (P less than 0.2) to be lower on Day 16 compared with Day 12. The episodic secretion of LH shifted from a pattern characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency pulses to one dominated by numerous pulses of diminishing magnitude between Days 13 and 14. From Days 14 to 16 of the oestrous cycle, 91% of all oestradiol pulses were temporally associated with gonadotrophin pulses composed of both FSH and LH episodes. However, pulses of oestradiol (52%) not associated with an episode of LH and/or FSH were observed on Days 12 and 13. These data demonstrate that during the follicular phase of the pig oestrous cycle substantial oestradiol production occurred coincident with luteolysis and before the shift in the episodic secretion of LH. The pool of follicles which ovulated was probably the source of this early increase in the secretion of oestradiol. Therefore, we propose that factors in addition to FSH and LH are involved in the initial selection of follicles destined to ovulate during the early stages of the follicular phase of the pig oestrous cycle. In contrast, high-frequency, low-amplitude pulses composed of LH and FSH were the predominant endocrine signal associated with oestradiol secretion during the second half of the oestrous cycle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

VP/NTG therapy in the patient with variceal bleeding

VP has long been used in patients with acute variceal bleeding. While NTG has generally only been added to offset the serious side effects of VP, it potentiates the hemodynamic effects of VP in the portal bed. It is imperative that the critical care nurse understand the combination use of VP and NTG so that intelligent assessment, care planning, and evaluation can occur.

VP/NTG therapy in the patient with variceal bleeding

VP has long been used in patients with acute variceal bleeding. While NTG has generally only been added to offset the serious side effects of VP, it potentiates the hemodynamic effects of VP in the portal bed. It is imperative that the critical care nurse understand the combination use of VP and NTG so that intelligent assessment, care planning, and evaluation can occur.

Synthetic and computer-assisted analyses of the pharmacophore for the benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist site

The structural requirements for ligand binding to the benzodiazepine receptor (BzR) inverse agonist site were probed through the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of 3-substituted beta-carbolines 6, 7, 11, 12, gamma-carboline 13, and diindoles 18-21, 23-25, 27, 28, and 34. On the basis of the apparent binding affinities of these and other analogues, a hydrogen bond acceptor site (A2) on the receptor is proposed to interact with the N(9) hydrogen atom of the beta-carbolines or the N(7) hydrogen nuclei of the diindoles. Likewise, a proposed hydrogen bond donating site (H1) interacts with the N(2) nitrogen atom of the beta-carbolines or the N(5) nitrogen atom of the diindoles. It appears that interaction with both sites is a prerequisite for high affinity since analogues which have either one or both of these positions blocked exhibit substantial reduction in affinity. Moreover, H1 appears to be capable of engaging in a three-centered hydrogen bond with appropriately functionalized ligands, which explains the increase in potency observed in the following series of 3-substituted beta-carbolines: the n-butyl (12, IC50 = 245 nM), n-propoxy (9, IC50 = 11 nM), and propyl ketone (11, IC50 = 2.8 nM) congeners. In addition to H1 and A2, there appears to be a relatively narrow hydrophobic pocket in the binding cleft that can accommodate substituents at the 3-position of the beta-carbolines which have chain lengths less than or equal to C5. There is a 1 order of magnitude decrease in affinity between n-propoxy analogue 9 (IC50 = 11 nM, chain length = 4) and n-butoxy derivative 7 (IC50 = 98 nM, chain length = 5). Furthermore, alpha- and gamma-branching [e.g. ethoxycarbonyl (2), IC50 = 5 nM and tert-butoxycarbonyl (31) IC50 = 10 nM] but not beta- and delta-branching [e.g. isopropoxy (6), IC50 = 500 nM and (neopentyloxy) carbonyl (48), IC50 = 750 nM] at position 3 are tolerated. Occupation of this hydrophobic pocket is clearly important for high affinity as evidenced by the relatively low affinity of 30, a beta-carboline which possesses a hydrogen atom at the 3-position. This same hydrophobic pocket is partially filled by the D and E rings of the diindoles, which accounts for the high affinity of several members of this series. An excluded volume analysis using selected 3-substituted beta-carbolines and ring-E substituted pyridodiindoles is consistent with the presence of this hydrophobic pocket (see Figure 1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Synthesis of substituted 7,12-dihydropyrido[3,2-b:5,4-b']diindoles: rigid planar benzodiazepine receptor ligands with inverse agonist/antagonist properties

A series of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 10-, and 12-substituted pyridodiindoles were synthesized and screened in vitro against [3H]diazepam for activity at the benzodiazepine receptor (BzR). In vitro, the 2-substituted pyridodiindoles were found to be the most potent (IC50 less than 10 nM) of this new class of BzR ligands. In vivo, 2-methoxypyridodiindole 19a (IC50 = 8 nM) was found to be the most potent partial inverse agonist (proconvulsant) of the series. The parent compound 2 (IC50 = 4 nM) was only slightly less potent. In addition, 2-hydroxypyridodiindole 21a (IC50 = 6 nM) was found to exhibit potent proconvulsant activity when administered as a prodrug derivative, pivaloyl ester 22. 2-Chloropyridodiindole 16a (IC50 = 10 nM) was devoid of preconvulsant activity; however, 16a was found to be the most potent antagonist of the anticonvulsant effects of diazepam in this class of BzR ligands. From the in vivo data available, substitution on ring E of 2 with electron-withdrawing groups results in antagonists at BzR, while replacement of hydrogen at C-2 with electron-releasing groups provides enhanced inverse agonist activity. The pyridodiindoles were used as "templates" for the formulation of a model of the inverse agonist/antagonist active site of the BzR. The proposed model consists of a hydrogen bond acceptor site (A1) and a hydrogen bond donor site (D2) disposed 6.0-8.5 A from each other on the receptor protein. The hydrogen-bonding sites are believed to be located at the base of a narrow cleft. A large lipophilic pocket at the mouth of the narrow cleft serves to direct molecules into the binding site, while the presence of a small lipophilic pocket permits substitution only at position 2 of the pyridodiindole nucleus for maximum binding potency.

Observations on the cooling and cryopreservation of pig oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage

This study examined the viability of pig oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage following cooling or cryopreservation. Cumulus-intact oocytes (n = 641) were collected from slaughterhouse pig ovaries and used in two experiments. In Exp. I the viability of 1) control, 2) cryoprotectant control (CC, 1.5 M glycerol/.5 M sucrose), 3) cooled (0 degrees C) and 4) cryopreserved (-196 degrees C) oocytes was assessed after no incubation or a 24-h incubation. Survivability was judged by morphological appearance, trypan blue exclusion and fluorescein diacetate staining. Survival rate of control oocytes (90%; based primarily on morphological appearance of the cumulus) incubated 0 h was greater (P less than .05) than that of all other groups, whereas survival rate of -196 degrees C oocytes (57%) was less (P less than .05) than that of all other groups. However, vital staining of 0 degrees C and -196 degrees C oocytes showed 0% survival rate as evidenced by trypan blue uptake and lack of fluorescence. The cumulus cells surrounding oocytes that were stored at 0 degrees C or -196 degrees C survived freezing as evidenced by trypan blue exclusion and intense fluorescence. Similar differences among treatment groups were found for oocytes incubated 24 h. Exp. 2 examined the temperature at which oocytes became sensitive to cooling. Oocyte death occurred when oocytes were cooled to 15 degrees C or lower. These results demonstrate that pig oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage did not survive cooling to 15 degrees C or below. When assessing the viability of cryopreserved cumulus enclosed oocytes it is important to use vital stains in conjunction with morphological appearance.

Endocrine changes associated with a dietary-induced increase in ovulation rate (flushing) in gilts

Effects of an increased level of dietary energy (flushing) on plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, insulin, progesterone and estradiol-17 beta and ovulation rate were studied in 16 gilts. Gilts received 5,400 kcal ME/d for one estrous cycle and the first 7 d of a second. On d 8 of the second estrous cycle, gilts received either 5,400 kcal ME/d (control [C], n = 8) or 11,000 kcal ME/d (flushed [F], n = 8) for the remainder of the estrous cycle. Blood was collected daily at 15-min intervals for 6 h from d 8 through estrus. Gilts were examined by laparotomy 6 d after estrus. Ovulation rate was greater (P less than .05) in F than C gilts (16.0 vs 9.4). Mean daily concentrations of FSH were greater (P less than .05) in F gilts at 5 d, 4 d and 3 d prior to estrus compared with C females. In both C and F gilts, FSH decreased (P less than .05) prior to estrus. Mean daily concentrations of LH and LH pulse amplitude were not different (P greater than .05) between treatments. Mean number of LH pulses/6 h at 4 d, 3 d and 2 d prior to estrus were greater (P less than .05) in F than in C gilts. In both treatments, LH pulse amplitude decreased (P less than .05) and pulse frequency increased (P less than .07) prior to estrus. Mean plasma concentrations of insulin tended to be higher (P less than .07) in F than in C females during the 7-d period before estrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of elevated ambient temperatures on puberty in gilts

Effects of elevated ambient temperature on puberty and related physiological responses were studied in 40 gilts. Group 1 (n = 20) gilts were born in September and Group 2 (n = 20) gilts were born in March. Gilts were placed in environmentally controlled chambers at 140 d of age. After a 10-d acclimation period at 20 degrees C, 35% relative humidity (RH), and 12 h light (L)/12 h dark (D), gilts within each group were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control (C; 15.6 degrees C, 35% RH, 12 h L/12 h D) or heat stress (HS; 33.3 degrees C, 35% RH, 12 h L/12 h D). Daily detection of estrus with a boar began at 180 d of age and continued for 50 d. All gilts not reaching puberty by 230 d of age received 1,000 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 7 d later were examined by laparotomy. Rectal temperatures (REC) and respiration rates (RESP) were taken twice daily. Food intake (FI) and water usage (WC) were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected weekly and BW recorded at 150, 190, and 230 d of age. No differences (P greater than .05) were observed due to season of birth. Heat-stressed gilts had greater (P less than .001) REC and RESP and consumed more (P less than .01) water than C gilts. Food intake and ADG were not different between treatments (P greater than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The cost of hospitalization for firearm injuries

The hospital records for all patients (N = 131) admitted during 1984 to San Francisco General Hospital because of firearm injuries were studied to determine the hospital costs and sources of payment for these injuries. Because San Francisco General Hospital is the regional trauma center, the sample is population based, representing all firearm victims hospitalized in San Francisco during 1984. Only hospital costs (excluding professional fees) for the first hospitalization were studied. The total costs for the year were $905,809, an average cost per patient of $6915. Public sources paid 85.6% of this cost, while private sources paid only 14.4%. These findings have important implications for legislators considering bills to restrict the availability of firearms. These legislators must be aware that the issue is not simply one of individual rights, since taxpayers pay most of the costs (estimated to be more than $1 billion per year for the United States) associated with firearm injuries.

Metabolic mapping of functional activity in the olfactory system of normal and hypogonadal (hpg) mice

The hypogonadal mouse, which lacks gonadotropin-releasing hormone, has been suggested as an animal model of Kallmann's syndrome, one symptom of which is hyposmia. We have determined the metabolic activity of the olfactory system, in normal and hypogonadal mice, using [14C]-2-deoxyglucose quantitative autoradiography. In the olfactory lobes, deoxyglucose uptake was greatest in the glomerular and granule cell layers and low in the olfactory nerve layer and bulb core. The pattern of uptake was similar in both hypogonadal and normal mice breathing filtered air. Exposure of normal mice to ethyl acetoacetate significantly increased deoxyglucose uptake in the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer, but not in the granule cell layer. Several foci of intense metabolic activity were produced, apparently corresponding to small groups of activated glomeruli. There were no changes in the secondary or tertiary projections of the olfactory system. In hypogonadal mice, ethyl acetoacetate failed to increase the number of foci and the density of labelling in the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer. These data show that the functional activity of the olfactory system in hypogonadal mice breathing air is apparently normal. However, the olfactory response to ethyl acetoacetate is significantly less in hypogonadal mice. Whether this is due to their lack of gonadotropin-releasing hormone requires further experimentation.

Ion-selective sensors for assessment of the fetus

Frequent measurement of pH and PCO2 levels of fetal blood during labour provides an insight into the presence and nature of fetal asphyxia, effectiveness of in utero resuscitation and the need for operative delivery. A pH measuring system utilizing a hydrogen ion-selective polymer membrane built into a fetal probe suitable for making intermittent measurements on the fetal scalp during labour is described. Probe design, construction of electrodes and preliminary results obtained using the system in vitro are presented.

Competition and genotypic variability in Drosophila melanogaster

It has been claimed that in competitive conditions larval viabilities of Drosophila melanogaster depend on the similarity of genotypes coexisting. Two types of experimental populations were established: homogeneous (low genotypic variability) and heterogeneous (high genotypic variability). Under conditions of moderate larval competition productivity was similar, in each although the developmental time was shorter in the heterogeneous series. Under conditions of high larval competition the productivity of heterogeneous populations exceeded that of the homogeneous and attained the adult stage in shorter period of time.

[Effectiveness of the use of momensin for cattle fattening]

Two groups of fattened bulls (125 bulls in each group) were investigated for the effect of monensin (125-175 mg per head/day) on live weight gains and for the effectiveness of monensin administration. After 160 days of fattening, the average daily weight gain was 713 g in the control group and 800 g in the monensin-treated group (an increase by 12.2%). After 11 months of fattening the daily weight gain was 702 g in the control group and 768 g in the monensin-treated group (an increase by 9.4%). Besides the control and experimental groups, monensin was administered to 1500 head of fattened cattle on the whole. Greater differences in the daily live weight gains (higher gains in the monensin-treated animals) were recorded mainly in the period when the feed ration contained high-quality bulk feeds. When the bulls were given feeds of lower quality (mainly late in winter), the differences in the average daily live weight gains decrease and the effect of monensin treatment is not so great. Throughout the fattening period, monensin had a favourable influence on the live weight gains and its use was economically advantageous.

Effects of passive smoking in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial

The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT), conducted in 1973-1982, provided a unique opportunity to study the effect of passive smoking on men whose wives smoke. MRFIT participants who reported at entry that they had never smoked tobacco products were classified according to the smoking status of their wives. Men with wives who smoked had similar mean levels of serum thiocyanate (54.3 vs. 53.9 mumol/liter, p = 0.83) but higher mean levels of expired carbon monoxide (7.7 vs. 7.1 ppm, p = 0.001). Lower levels of pulmonary function (by maximum forced expiratory volume in one second) were also observed in these men (3,493.1 vs. 3,591.9 ml, p = 0.04). The relative risks, for men whose wives smoked compared with men whose wives did not smoke, for the endpoints coronary heart disease death, fatal or nonfatal coronary heart disease event, and death from any cause were 2.11 (p = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-6.46), 1.48 (p = 0.13, 95% CI 0.89-2.47), and 1.96 (p = 0.08, 95% CI 0.93-4.11), respectively. When smokers who quit prior to entry were included in the analyses, the relative risks, for men whose wives smoked compared with men whose wives did not smoke, for the above endpoints were 1.45 (p = 0.25, 95% CI 0.77-2.73), 1.19 (p = 0.29, 95% CI 0.85-1.65), and 1.72 (p = 0.01, 95% CI 1.12-2.64), respectively. These relative risk estimates did not change appreciably after adjusting for other baseline risk factors. The results suggest that passive exposure to cigarette smoke may have a deleterious impact on the health of nonsmokers and that nonsmokers may be at an increased risk of death through passive exposure to cigarette smoke.

Complement activation by human lymphocytes from different lymphoid organs: role of sialic acid and lack of relationship to electrical surface charge

A study was made of the complement activation (CA) capacity of human lymphocytes from lymphoid organs. Whereas thymocytes did not show complement membrane fluorescence (CMF) following incubation in normal homologous serum (NHS), a mean of 18 and 34%, respectively, of tonsil and spleen cells were positive for antihuman C3 fluorescent serum. Isolated T cells did not show CA capacity, while 62% of a purified tonsil B population possessed this capacity. The CMF was abolished by adding EDTA and when the incubation was performed in C1q and factor-D-depleted serum. Addition of EGTA, supplemented with MgCl2 to NHS failed to abolish the fluorescence, indicating that the alternative pathway was involved in the phenomenon. Removal of sialic acid with neuraminidase increased the percentage of cells showing CMF. Since sialic acid significantly contributes to the extent of net negative surface charge, we have studied whether this parameter influences the CA capacity. Tonsil B cells were separated in fractions with different electrophoretic mobility by preparative cell electrophoresis, and similar percentages of CMF-positive cells were found in all fractions. Therefore, it is likely that the capacity to activate complement is unrelated to the membrane electrical charge.

Serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and mortality: implications from a cohort of 361,662 men

The risks associated with various levels of serum cholesterol were determined by analysis of 6-year mortality in 361,662 men aged 35-57. Above the 20th percentile for serum cholesterol (greater than 181 mg/dl, greater than 4.68 mmol/l), coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality increased progressively; the relative risk was large (3.8) in the men with cholesterol levels above the 85th percentile (greater than 253 mg/dl, greater than 6.54 mmol/l). When men below the 20th cholesterol percentile were used as the baseline risk group, half of all CHD deaths were associated with raised serum cholesterol concentrations; half of these excess deaths were in men with cholesterol levels above the 85th percentile. For both CHD and total mortality, serum cholesterol was similar to diastolic blood pressure in the shape of the risk curve and in the size of the high-risk group. This new evidence supports the policy of a moderate fat intake for the general population and intensive treatment for those at high risk. There is a striking analogy between serum cholesterol and blood pressure in the epidemiological basis for identifying a large segment of the population (10-15%) for intensive treatment.

[Continuous enteral nutrition in the treatment of infants with "travelers' diarrhea" and severe malnutrition]

A prospective study of children aged 2-22 mos with traveller's diarrhea and severe malnutrition (weight loss greater than or equal to 10%; mean 17.8%) treated with a standardized progressive semi-elemental drip feeding (Alfaré and Dextrine-maltose) after rehydration was undertaken. In 18 children, this therapy was successful and duration of the hospital stay was 15.7 days. In 6 other children, relapse was treated with the same protocol with success and duration of the hospital stay was 29 days. Total parenteral nutrition was unnecessary. Evolution of serum prealbumin and anthropometric parameters was good.

Ovarian compensatory hypertrophy following unilateral ovariectomy in the suckled sow

The effects of unilateral ovariectomy on ovarian compensatory hypertrophy (OCH), endocrine profiles and the pituitary response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) were studied in 46 multiparous suckled sows. On d 20 of lactation (d 0 of experiment), sows were subjected to sham ovariectomy (Sham; n = 23) or unilateral ovariectomy (ULO; n = 23). On d 1 (n = 16), 2 (n = 15) or 8 (n = 15) following initial surgery the remaining ovaries in both Sham and ULO sows were removed. Immediately following removal of the remaining ovaries, GnRH (10 micrograms) was administered to each sow. Peripheral blood samples were taken every 10 min for 80 min beginning 20 min prior to GnRH administration. No difference in ovarian weight was observed between ULO and Sham sows until d 8, when ovarian weight was greater (P less than .05) for the remaining ovary from ULO sows (3.96 +/- .21 vs 5.91 +/- .39 g). Ovarian follicular fluid weights from ULO sows were greater (P less than .05) than Sham sows on both d 2 and 8. On d 1, plasma concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were greater (P less than .05) in ULO sows than in Sham sows (2.9 +/- .2 vs 2.1 +/- .1 ng/ml). Plasma FSH concentrations, however, did not differ between Sham and ULO sows on either d 2 or 8. Ovarian venous concentrations of estradiol-17 beta were also greater (P less than .05) in ULO sows compared with Sham sows on d 2 but not d 8.

Health policy for treating hyperlipidemia: analogy with hypertension and prospects for the next decade

Over the past 15 years, efforts by the health profession to detect and treat high blood pressure have grown remarkably successful. A similar growth now seems likely for high blood cholesterol. Three factors are responsible: the continuing emergence of scientific evidence corroborating the benefit of lowering high blood cholesterol levels by diet or drugs, the formulation in 1984 of more specific health policy guidelines by the Consensus Development Conference on Lowering Blood Cholesterol and the creation in 1985 of the National Cholesterol Education Program. This program has been designed to enhance preventive activities by the public and by health care professionals. Its success will depend in part on resolving problems with the efficacy and acceptability of life-style and drug interventions for lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Analysis of the outcome of in vitro fertilization in relation to the timing of human chorionic gonadotropin administration by the duration of estradiol rise in stimulated cycles

A retrospective analysis was carried out to assess the outcome of ovarian stimulation on in vitro fertilization when human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered after 5, 6, or 7 days of continuously rising plasma estradiol (E2). There was no significant difference in the number and size of large follicles in each group although the number of small follicles (less than 15 mm in diameter) decreased significantly after 7 days of E2 rise. After hCG injection in the 7-day group, the E2 level fell below the previous day's value in 40% of patients, whereas a similar fall was observed in only 16% of patients in the 5- and 6-day groups. In those cycles where a luteinizing hormone surge occurred, most surges were detected during the seventh day of E2 rise. The pregnancy rate was 31% when hCG was given after 6 days of rising E2, 21% after 5 days, and 14% after 7 days. In patients achieving pregnancy in the 6-day group, 53% of embryos were derived from leading follicles. In the 7-day group, only 15% of embryos associated with pregnancies were derived from leading follicles. These results strongly suggest that in stimulated cycles, hCG should be administered after 6 days of continuously rising E2. It is therefore postulated that 6 days of rising E2 represents a mean optimal period for follicular growth and oocyte maturation in stimulated cycles.

Parturition control in sows with a prostaglandin analogue (alfaprostol)

The objective of this study was to determine the dose of alfaprostol (18, 19, 20-trinor-17-cyclohexyl-13, 14 didehydro-PGF(2)alpha-methylester) and the day of administration most effective in inducing sows to farrow during normal working hours (0700 to 1700). One-hundred forty multiparous crossbred sows, taken from a herd whose mean gestation length was 114.3 days, were assigned to one of five treatment groups: 1) control vehicle-propylene glycol, 2) 0.5 mg alfaprostol (AP). 3) 1 mg AP, 4) 2 mg AP and 5) 3 mg AP. Sows received an intramuscular injection of AP between 0800 and 0830 on either day 111, 112 or 113 of gestation. Parameters studied included interval from injection to birth of first pig, farrowing interval, total number of pigs born, number born alive, average birth weight, percent stillborn, interval from weaning to next estrus and number born alive next litter. The mean intervals from injection to the birth of the first pig were 55.2 +/- 7.1; 41.1 +/- 5.1; 29.6 +/- 4.0; 24.3 +/- 1.1; 24.8 +/- 0.9 h for groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively (P<0.05). The percentage of sows that farrowed during normal working hours (23 to 33 h after injection) for groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 15, 53, 60, 77 and 70%, respectively. Average birth weights (kg) for treatment groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 1.54 +/- 0.05; 1.65 +/- 0.05; 1.59 +/- 0.05; 1.54 +/- 0.05 and 1.42 +/- 0.05, respectively (P<0.05). Mean differences in total number of pigs born and number born alive were also statistically significant (P<0.05) but stillbirth rate was not different (P>0.05) among treatment groups. These results indicate that a single injection of 1, 2 or 3 mg of alfaprostol will successfully induce parturition the following day in a majority of the treated sows.

Aspects of multiple embryo transfer

Three hundred seventy-two patients underwent laparoscopy for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Of these, 156 were treated with clomiphene citrate alone, 203 with clomiphene citrate and hMG, and 13 with hMG alone. Two-hundred seventy-two of these patients underwent embryo transfer, and 55 pregnancies resulted. Of these, 30 were ongoing, 14 biochemical, 6 ectopic, and 5 aborted. Where four embryos were transferred, the pregnancy rate was found to be significantly higher than when a lesser number were transferred. When the embryos transferred were analyzed, however, it was found that fewer than 10% of all transferred embryos implanted and it was largely a function of multiple embryo transfer per patient that led to success. When the type of hyperstimulation was compared, clomiphene citrate cycles were found to be less successful in that they produced fewer oocytes and embryos than did cycles in which hyperstimulation was achieved by supplementary hMG. It is conceded that this is an overall analysis and that individuals, especially those producing twins, had more than one good embryo transferred into a receptive uterus. The data suggest that unsuccessful cycles had somewhat poorer quality embryos, nonreceptive endometria, or a combination of these factors when compared with those of the successful embryo transfer cycles. The only predictive factor as to outcome relates to the multiplicity of embryos transferred. The fact that some IVF cycles produce multiple pregnancies indicates that a predictor of embryo health is urgently required. However, until such a reliable predictor is obtained, multiple embryo transfer remains a major advance in the success of IVF and ET.

The luteal phase after hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization

Of 500 cycles in which in vitro fertilization (IVF) was undertaken, laparoscopy was performed 372 times, 272 embryo transfers were carried out, and 55 pregnancies resulted, 30 of which resulted in delivery. Of those patients who underwent laparoscopy, 156 received clomiphene citrate alone, 203 clomiphene citrate and hMG, and 13 hMG alone. All patients were found to have a luteal-phase length of 10 days or greater (measured from the time of ovulation). The midluteal urinary total estrogen (UTE) value and pregnanediol excretion (Pd2) far exceeded the levels seen in normal cycles. There were no significant differences between conceptual and nonconceptual cycles and the high levels encountered would be expected after deliberate hyperstimulation. Fifty-five patients (in whom 11 pregnancies resulted) were monitored every other day throughout the luteal phase after embryo transfer. Both conceptual and nonceptual cycles showed a peak in pregnanediol glucuronide level around luteal day 6, which then fell. The level rose again if the corpus luteum was "rescued" by the implanting embryo. While the difference was not statistically significant, the estradiol levels appeared to decrease earlier in the nonconceptual cycles than in the continuing pregnancy cycles. It is important to note that the pattern of steroid production in the follicular phase was similar in both conceptual and nonconceptual cycles. While these data are not conclusive, they suggest that some nonconceptual cycles may have suffered early corpus luteal regression. Whether luteal-phase support is indicated in patients treated with clomiphene or clomiphene/hMG therapy cannot be determined from this study. However, it is thought that a controlled study of luteal-phase support in patients so stimulated is warranted. It appears that patients treated with hMG alone tend to undergo a compressed cycle and should be given luteal-phase support since other studies have reported shortened luteal phases following such hMG therapy.

Race and primary open-angle glaucoma

A comparison of racial distributions for three groups of patients showed that 115 of 140 patients (81.6%) with open-angle glaucoma, 221 of 392 patients (56.4%) with ocular hypertension, and 1,028 of 2,109 patients (48.7%) in a random sample were black. Average age at diagnosis was significantly (P = .006) higher for whites than for blacks (69.1 years vs 63.7 years). Black patients with primary open-angle glaucoma had a significantly larger mean cup-disk ratio (P less than or equal to .002) and a higher but not significantly higher mean intraocular pressure at the time of diagnosis. Advanced glaucomatous visual field loss was more frequent at the time of diagnosis in blacks (43 of 129 patients or 33.3%) than in whites (five of 27 patients or 18.5%), but this difference was not significant.

A complex balanced rearrangement involving four chromosomes in an azoospermic man

A complex chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosomes 1, 5, 10, and 12 is described. The patient was an infertile, phenotypically normal male. Cytogenetic analyses of his parents showed that the complex translocation arose de novo. Testicular histology showed spermatogenic arrest.

Familial pericentric inversion (10) and its effect on two offspring

A pericentric inversion (10)(p15q24) was observed in three generations of a family. One daughter of the inversion carrier was found to have the inv(10) and trisomy 18. The other offspring had a recombinant (10) chromosome.

Local changes in cerebral 2-deoxyglucose uptake during alphaxalone anaesthesia with special reference to the habenulo-interpeduncular system

The effects of the steroid anaesthetic Althesin (alphaxalone plus alphadolone acetate) on regional cerebral metabolism was studied in female rats. [14C]2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake was measured in 19 discrete anatomical areas by quantitative autoradiography. Under Althesin anaesthesia metabolic activity, relative to the corpus callosum ( rma ), was significantly (24-46%) increased in the locus coeruleus, medial (but not lateral) habenula (Hb) and interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). The Hb-IPN tract, not discernible in autoradiograms from conscious rats, became readily apparent in films from anaesthetized rats. However, the increased metabolic activity of this pathway was not associated with a significant change in the tissue concentrations of substance P in either the Hb or IPN. In sensorimotor and visual cortex, caudate nucleus, thalamic nuclei and the medial geniculate body rma was significantly (26-38%) depressed. Metabolic activity in the other 8 areas measured was unaffected by Althesin. Destruction of the stria medullaris input to the habenulae prevented the Althesin-induced increase in 2-DG uptake by the MHb and LHb.

Comparison of the effects of Althesin and sodium pentobarbitone on the regional uptake of 2-deoxyglucose by the brain and pituitary gland of the rat: selective effects on pars intermedia

The uptake of radiolabelled 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) was used to compare the effects of the steroid anaesthetic, Althesin (alphaxalone plus alphadolone acetate) with those of sodium pentobarbitone on the regional metabolism of the brain and pituitary gland. Experiments were carried out on adult female Wistar rats. Studies on conscious animals were carried out with the aid of an indwelling intra-atrial catheter. The uptake of 2DG was measured both by liquid scintillation spectroscopy of 3H-2DG in tissue blocks and by quantitative autoradiography with 14C-2DG. Both anaesthetics significantly reduced uptake of 3H-2DG in the frontal, parietal and occipital cortex, and striatum and thalamus, but 3H-2DG uptake was significantly increased in the pituitary gland. Similar effects were found by measuring 14C-2DG uptake, and this technique showed further that Althesin, but not sodium pentobarbitone, selectively increased (2-fold) the uptake of 14C-2DG by the pars intermedia. The increase in 14C-2DG uptake by the pars intermedia in animals anaesthetized with Althesin was significantly reduced by a lesion placed in the arcuate nucleus. The most likely explanation for the effects of Althesin on the pars intermedia is that this anaesthetic increases the activity of arcuate neurons that innervate the pars intermedia.

Water deprivation results in increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake by paraventricular neurones as well as pars nervosa in Wistar and Brattleboro rats

The [14C]2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) technique has been used in conjunction with quantitative autoradiography to determine the metabolic activity of the neurones of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system. Water deprivation (4 days) in Wistar rats led to a more than two-fold increase in the metabolic activity of the pars nervosa (PN), and a significant increase in the metabolic activity of paraventricular (PVN) but not supraoptic (SON) neurones. The PN in homozygous Brattleboro rats was significantly more active than that in hydrated Wistar and Piebald Virol Glaxo (PVG) rats; as in Wistar rats, activity of the PN and PVN was significantly increased by 12-15 h water deprivation. The administration of desamino-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) to Brattleboro rats significantly reduced the activity of the PN to that seen in hydrated Wistar and PVG rats. This reduction in activity was accompanied by a significant reduction in plasma osmolality. These results show that (1) in contrast to studies in which the osmotic stimulus was a salt load, water deprivation leads to a significant increase in 2-DG uptake by the perikarya as well as the terminals of neurohypophysial neurones; (2) increased activity of the neurohypophysial neurones occurs even when there is a genetic deficiency of vasopressin and the activity can be increased further by an osmotic stimulus, and (3) the activity of the neurohypophysial neurones can be significantly reduced by the administration of dDAVP.

A brief review of organic diseases masquerading as functional illness

A wide variety of physical diseases masquerade as psychiatric disorders. Clinicians may be distracted by a patient's chief complaint of anxiety, depression, or personality change and fail to pursue the possibility of organic disease. The author provides a brief review of physical diseases that produce psychiatric symptoms. He stresses the danger of misdiagnosis and urges clinicians to remain alert to etiological clues during examination, especially when treating patients who have a history of depression, neurotic reactions, or psychosis.

Absence of exercise-induced hypoglycaemia in type i (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients during maintenance of normoglycaemia by short-term, open-loop insulin infusion

To assess the risk and possible mechanisms of hypoglycaemia during moderate exercise in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients receiving constant insulin infusion, five insulin-dependent male diabetic patients were exercised 18 h after their last meal and 30 h after their last injection of intermediate acting insulin. Intravenous insulin was initially delivered via a closed-loop infusion system programmed to lower mean blood glucose from 11.3 +/- 1.8 to 4.8 +/- 0.4 mmol/l over approximately 3.5 h. Blood glucose was then maintained at this level for 4 h. At this time, the closed-loop infusion was discontinued and replaced by an open-loop system. The average amount of insulin infused per min during the 4 h normoglycaemic closed-loop period was calculated and this amount was infused at a constant rate during both a 30 min period of exercise on a bicycle ergometer (approximately 65% maximum oxygen uptake) and a 30 min rest period which followed. Five nondiabetic males served as control subjects. Despite significantly higher free insulin concentrations (p less than 0.05) and identical pre-exercise blood glucose concentrations, blood glucose rose during exercise only in the diabetic group (0.5 +/- 0.2 mmol/l; p less than 0.01). Changes in the serum concentrations of lactate, glycerol, glucagon, cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids and growth hormone were similar in the two groups and did not account for the increment of blood glucose in the diabetic patients. Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were, however, higher in the diabetic patients at the onset of exercise (p less than 0.01) and decreased significantly more than the control subjects during exercise. We conclude that exercise under these conditions in diabetic patients is not attended by hypoglycaemia.