Cervical cancer screening with cervicography and cytology

The results of colposcopy and directed biopsies were compared with the cytological findings and cervicography in 1539 asymptomatic outpatients undergoing routine cervical cancer screening in order to compare the accuracy of cervicography and cytology and to assess the potential benefits of the combination of both screening tests. With the new reporting criteria, cervicography looked less sensitive (53% vs. 56%; P = 0.718) and significantly less specific (97% vs. 98%; P = 0.040) than cytology. In comparison with cytology and at the expense of a recall rate of 9%, the combination of both screening tests and to an increase of the sensitivity (77% vs. 56%; P = 0.013) but also to a decrease of the specificity (95% vs. 98%; P < 0.0001) and of the positive predictive value (44% vs. 60%; P = 0.051). When the original reporting criteria were applied to cervicography, the combination of both screening tests led to optimal sensitivity and negative predictive value (100%, respectively) at the expense of an unrealistic recall rate of 20%. Consequently, cervicography should not be considered as an alternative to cytology for cervical cancer screening since its accuracy is not significantly better and its rate of technically defective tests is significantly higher. The combination of both methods increases the sensitivity of cervical cancer screening at the expense of a high recall rate, of which cost effectiveness has to be assessed.

Unaccustomed high mileage compared to intensity training-related neuromuscular excitability in distance runners

The influence of a 4-week unaccustomed average 103% mileage increase (ITV, increase in training volume; n = 8; average baseline mileage 85.9 km.week-1, final mileage 174.6 km.week-1) on performance and neuromuscular excitability (NME) was tested in experienced distance runners and controlled 1 year later by a 4-week unaccustomed average 152% increase in tempo-pace and interval-runs (ITI, increase in training intensity; n = 9; baseline 9 km.week-1 final 22.7 km.week-1) with an average total mileage of 61.7 km.week-1 (week 1) to 84.7 km.week-1 (week 4). Seven athletes participated in ITV as (week 4). Seven athletes participated in ITV as well as in ITI. During incremental treadmill test performance at a lactate concentration of 2 mmol.1-1 (2 LP) increased, and at 4 mmol.1-1 (4 LP) performance did not change, whereas total running distance (TD) during the incremental test decreased in ITV compared to an increase in 2 LP, 4 LP and TD during ITI which may indicate that there was an ITV-related overtraining. The NME of the reference muscles vastus medialis and rectus femoris deteriorated in ITV (day 28 compared to 0) compared to constant values during ITI, reflecting an ITV-related overload of neuromuscular structures.

Heart rate deflection related to lactate performance curve and plasma catecholamine response during incremental cycle ergometer exercise

The correlation between the behaviour of the heart rate/work performance (fc/W) curve and blood lactate ([la]b) and plasma adrenaline/noradrenaline concentrations ([A]/[NA]) during incremental cycle ergometer exercise was investigated. A group of 21 male sports students was divided into two groups: group I, with a clear deflection of the fc/W curve; group II, without or with an inverse deflection of the fc/W curve. The aerobic threshold (Thaer) and the lactate turn point (LTP) were defined. Between Thaer and maximal work performance (Wmax) the behaviour of the fc/W curve as well as the behaviour of [la-]b and [A]. [NA] were described mathematically. The fc, systolic blood pressure (BPs), W, [la-]b, [A] and [NA] at rest, Thaer, LTP, Wmax, after 3 and 6 min of recovery (Re3/Re6) were calculated. A significant difference between the two groups could only be detected for fc at LTP, Re3 and Re6 (P < 0.05). No significant correlation could be found between individual fc/W-behaviour and individual time course of [la-]b, [A] and [NA]. However, a significant correlation was visible between [la-]b/W-behaviour and individual catecholamine response. These results and the fact that the different flattening at the top of the fc/W curve was related to diminished stress-dependent myocardial function led us to the conclusion that it is possible that sympathetic drive is not directly involved in mechanisms of regulation between load dependent fc and myocardial function. In addition, individual fc/W behaviour was independent of BPs and Wmax, or individual conditions of energy supply.

A novel multispecific competitor fragment for quantitative PCR analysis of cytokine gene expression in rats

Competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive method for quantification of cytokine mRNA expression. Co-amplification of an internal standard serves as control for comparing the efficiency of PCR in different samples. We have developed a novel control fragment for multiple analyses of rat cytokine gene expression containing primers for IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta 1, IFN-gamma and MIP-2. Additional primers were incorporated to analyse the content of T cells (CD3), activated T cells (CD25) and housekeeping genes (beta-actin and HPRT). As an example we demonstrate analysis of IL-2 mRNA expression in small pieces of kidney tissue obtained from rats after kidney allotransplantation. The IL-2 expression decreased tenfold during treatment with an anti-rat CD4 monoclonal antibody as compared to untreated animals.

Co-mutagenic effect of tannic acid on ring-X chromosome loss induced by mitomycin C in sperm cells of Drosophila melanogaster

To investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) on ring-X chromosome loss, Drosophila melanogaster females exposed to different TA concentrations were crossed with untreated, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)- or mitomycin C (MMC)-treated males which carried a ring-X chromosome. Progeny were analyzed for loss of the ring-X. The results of this in vivo study showed that TA had no suppressing effect on chromosome loss occurring spontaneously or after induction by MMS in mature spermatozoa. In contrast, TA caused a significant increase in the frequency of MMC-induced ring-X loss. The increase caused by this co-mutagenic effect reached values of 34, 33 and 40% at TA concentrations of 10, 25 and 50 mM, respectively. These increments may reflect the action of TA on a uvrABC-type enzyme which, by increasing the double-strand breaks (DSBs), somehow interferes with the post-replicational repair responsible for the final DSB correction.

Surface distribution of the EGF receptor during differentiation of the human colon carcinoma cell line HT29-D4

The clone HT29-D4 can be induced to differentiate into enterocyte-like cells, by simply removing glucose from culture medium. In this report, we used the HT29-D4 model to study the membrane segregation of the EGF receptor on epithelial intestinal cells. Differentiated and undifferentiated cells displayed a single class of EGF binding sites with similar dissociation constants. However, differentiation of HT29-D4 led to a 3-fold decrease in the total number of EGF binding sites, while the number of IGF-I binding sites was unchanged. Fifteen percent of EGF receptors present on differentiated HT29-D4 cells were localized in the apical surface, whereas 98% of IGF-I receptors were segregated to the basolateral domain. By covalent cross-linking experiments using 125I-EGF and by immunoprecipitation with an anti-EGF receptor antibody, we have characterized the HT29-D4 EGF receptor as a Mr = 165,000 protein in both differentiated and undifferentiated cells. Apical EGF receptors were functional, as evidenced by their ability to be internalized in response to EGF binding. Thus, intact and functional EGF receptors are present at the apical surface of differentiated HT29-D4 cells, suggesting the presence of EGF receptors on the apical domain of enterocytes.

Purification and characterization of isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase from Pseudomonas diminuta 7, a novel molybdenum-containing hydroxylase

Isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase, which catalyzes the hydroxylation of isoquinoline to 1-oxo-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline with concomitant reduction of a suitable electron acceptor, was purified from the isoquinoline degrading bacterium Pseudomonas diminuta 7 to apparent homogeneity. The native enzyme was a heterodimer with a molecular mass of 95 kDa consisting of a 16- and a 80-kDa subunit. It contained 0.85 g atom molybdenum, 3.95 g atom iron, 3.9 g atom acid-labile sulfur, 2.1 mol of phosphate, and 1 mol of CMP/mol of enzyme. CMP and phosphate are suggested to originate from molybdopterin cytosine dinucleotide of the pterin molybdenum cofactor. It is assumed that the iron and the acid-labile sulfur are arranged in two (2Fe-2S) clusters. The isoelectric point of the isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase was within the range of pH 6.2 to 6.8. Cytochrome c, ferricyanide, and several non-physiological electron acceptors served as oxidizing substrates, whereas O2 and NAD were not used. Isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase revealed a high specificity toward the reducing substrates isoquinoline, 5-hydroxyisoquinoline, quinazoline, and phthalazine. Isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase was inactivated by methanol, arsenite, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, 1,10-phenanthroline, and cyanide. Additionally, the enzyme was inactivated upon incubation with its substrates isoquinoline, which slowly inhibited the enzyme in the absence of an electron acceptor, and 5-hydroxy-isoquinoline, which rapidly and very effectively inactivated the enzyme in the presence as well as in the absence of the electron acceptors iodonitrotetrazolium chloride, phenazine methosulfate, or ferricyanide.

A monoclonal antibody inhibits adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin of a colon carcinoma cell line and recognizes the integrins alpha v beta 3, alpha v beta 5, and alpha v beta 6

Using whole viable human colon carcinoma HT29 cells as immunogen, we produced a monoclonal antibody (mAb) termed 69-6-5. The antibody was functionally selected on its anti-cell-spreading activity. By immunoprecipitation of surface radiolabeled cell lysates from HT29-D4 cells (an HT29 cell clone), mAb 69-6-5 recognized a molecular complex resembling integrin heterodimers. Sequential immunodepletions with mAb to the integrin alpha v subunit demonstrated that this complex was composed of alpha v-containing integrins. Accordingly, mAb 69-6-5 reacted with integrin alpha v beta 3 immunopurified from melanoma cells and integrins alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 6 immunopurified from pancreatic carcinoma cells. In cell adhesion assays, the 69-6-5 mAb was able to inhibit strongly in a dose-dependent manner arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-mediated adhesion of HT29-D4 cells to vitronectin, fibronectin, or ProNectin F but not to laminin or collagen. Immunoprecipitations with beta chain-specific antisera indicated that these cells express integrins alpha v beta 5 (receptor for vitronectin) and alpha v beta 6 (receptor for fibronectin) but neither alpha v beta 1 nor alpha v beta 3. In summary, these results indicated that mAb 69-6-5 reacts with several alpha v integrins and that it can effectively interfere with the adhesive functions of at least alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 6, which represent the major receptors on HT29-D4 cells responsible for their adhesion on vitronectin and fibronectin.

Clinical evaluation of serum tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS) in non-small cell lung cancer

M3 is an epitope of the tissue polypeptide antigen detectable in the serum by immunoradiometric assay. This epitope is referred to as tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS). We examined the pretreatment TPS level of 160 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 71 patients who suffered from non-malignant pulmonary diseases. The upper limit of normal values was 140 U/l. Using this cutoff, the sensitivity and specificity were 36 and 90%, respectively. The TPS was significantly higher in NSCLC patients with an advanced stage, a mediastinal lymph node involvement or a poor performance status. This level was significantly higher in the group of patients for whom the disease proved to progress during chemotherapy. In univariate analysis, patients with a high TPS level proved to have a shorter survival than patients with a TPS < or = 140 U/l. In Cox's model analysis, performance status, stage of the disease and serum TPS were the only significant prognostic variables. The low sensitivity of TPS precludes its use for diagnosis. However, the pretreatment TPS level adds information to the management of NSCLC inasmuch as it predicts a low sensitivity to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis.

Neural cell adhesion molecule and prognosis of surgically resected lung cancer

The prognostic significance of the expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), a neuroendocrine antigen in lung cancer, was analyzed by an indirect immunoperoxidase method in 97 surgically treated patients. Reactivity of MOC-1 and S-L 11.14, both cluster-1 monoclonal antibodies directed against NCAM, was positive in all nine small-cell lung cancers and in 16 of 88 (18%) non-small-cell lung cancers. For the latter group, this expression demonstrated a phenotypic heterogeneity that was mainly observed in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas and in stage N2 non-small-cell lung cancers. Patients with NCAM-positive non-small-cell lung cancer proved to have a shorter survival than those with NCAM-negative disease. In Cox's model for multivariate analysis, nodal status and histology were the main independent determinants of prognosis. We therefore concluded that NCAM expression in non-small-cell lung cancer is correlated to nodal status and that it indicates a poor prognosis. These findings confirm that the diversification of lung cancer phenotype leads to tumor progression and brings a negative prognosis to surgically resected non-small-cell lung cancer. However, nodal status remains the most important prognostic variable, suggesting that NCAM expression is only one of numerous biological events that promote tumor progression.

Influence of 6-week, 6 days per week, training on pituitary function in recreational athletes

The influence on pituitary function of 6 weeks of training on 6 days a week was examined in six recreational athletes. Endurance training on a bicycle ergometer for 31-33 min was performed on 4 days each week at 90-96% (weeks 1-3) and 89-92% (weeks 4-6) of the 4 mmol lactate thresholds determined on day 0 and day 21, respectively, with interval training of 3-5 x 3-5 min in addition on 2 days a week at 117-127% and 115-110%, respectively. Determination of the serum hormone levels and a combined pituitary function test (200 micrograms thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), 100 micrograms gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), 100 micrograms corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), 50 micrograms growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)) were made before training, after 6 weeks of training and after another 3 weeks of recovery. Training increased performance at 2 mmol lactate by 25%, at 4 mmol by 12%, and maximum performance by approximately 12%. The releasing hormone-stimulable prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and somatotrophic hormone (STH) synthesis-secretion capacity remained unchanged, the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was increased after training. Cortisol release was reduced, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-synthesis-secretion capacity was increased after training, and the luteinizing hormone (LH)-synthesis-secretion capacity reduced. This had no influence on base or exercise-induced serum hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, insulin, prolactin, FSH, LH, TSH, ACTH, ADH and STH), which showed no dependence on training, except for free testosterone which showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.10) of 19-25% and post-exercise ACTH which showed an increasing trend of 33% (P < 0.10). Conditioning (cortisol sensitivity and ACTH response) or adaptation (FSH and LH responses) to changed testosterone serum levels and altered spermatogenesis is discussed.

Weak magnetic fields change extinction of a conditioned reaction and daytime melatonin levels in the rat

Altogether 100 albino rats were conditioned to flee after an acoustic stimulus (1000 Hz). During the following retention period (extinction of the reaction), half of the animals (test group) were exposed to a vertically directed, weak and extremely low-frequency magnetic field (10 Hz, 10(-4) T). Under the field's influence, the animals showed an increased retention of conditioned reactions and had an elevated level of serum melatonin compared with the animals of the control group. These effects disappeared when the investigation was performed in the dark.

Overtraining in endurance athletes: a brief review

Overtraining is an imbalance between training and recovery, exercise and exercise capacity, stress and stress tolerance. Stress is the sum of training and nontraining stress factors. Peripheral (short-term overtraining, STO) or peripheral and central fatigue may result (long-term overtraining, LTO). STO lasting a few days up to 2 wk is termed overreaching. STO is associated with fatigue, reduction, or stagnation of the 4 LT performance capacity (performance at 4 mmol lactate or comparable criterion), reduction of maximum performance capacity, and brief competitive incompetence. Recovery is achieved within days, so the prognosis is favorable. LTO lasting weeks or months causes overtraining syndrome or staleness. The symptomatology associated with overtraining syndrome has changed over the last 50 yr from excitation and restlessness (so-called sympathetic form) to phlegmatic behavior and inhibition (so-called parasympathetic form). Increased volume of training at a high-intensity level is likely the culprit. The parasympathetic form of overtraining syndrome dominates in endurance sports. Accumulation of exercise and nonexercise fatigue, stagnation, or reduction of the 4 LT performance capacity, reduction in maximum performance capacity, mood state disturbances, muscle soreness/stiffness, and long-term competitive incompetence can be expected. Complete recovery requires weeks and months, so the prognosis is unfavorable. Other optional or further confirmation requiring findings include changes in blood chemistry variables, hormone levels, and nocturnal urinary catecholamine excretion. Based on the findings reported, recommendations for training monitoring can be made, but their relevance in the practice must still be clarified.

Distribution and conservation of sequences homologous to the 1731 retrotransposon in Drosophila

The distribution of 1731 retrotransposon-hybridizing sequences in the family Drosophilidae has been studied using a 1731 probe from Drosophila melanogaster. Squash blot and Southern blot analyses of 42 species reveal that the 1731 sequences are widespread within both the Sophophora and Drosophila subgenera and are also present in the genera Scaptomyza and Zaprionus. Hence the 1731 retrotransposon family appears to have a long evolutionary history in the Drosophilidae genome. Differences of hybridization signal intensity suggested that the 1731 sequence is well conserved only in the three species most closely related to D. melanogaster (D. simulans, D. mauritiana, and D. sechellia). A survey of insertion sites in numerous different populations of the previous four species by in situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes has shown in all cases both chromocentric hybridizations and a low number of sites (0-5) on the chromosomal arms. This number of sites is among the lowest observed in D. melanogaster and D. simulans when 1731 is compared with other retrotransposon families. In addition, we have observed species-specific patterns of the chromocentric hybridization signal, suggesting rapid modifications of the beta-heterochromatin components since the radiation of the melanogaster subgroup.

Clinical evaluation of serum tumour marker CA 242 in non-small cell lung cancer

CA 242, a novel tumour carbohydrate antigen present in serum (upper limit of normal values: 20.0 U ml-1), has been measured in a group of 102 pathologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer patients. The aim of the present prospective study was to identify any relationship between pre-treatment serum CA 242 level and different features of lung cancer including prognosis. Serum CA 242 was measured using the delayed europium lanthanide fluoroimmunometric assay. Sensitivity and specificity were 28.5% and 95.6% respectively. Its level was significantly lower in squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with non-squamous histologies (adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma). The CA 242 level was higher in metastatic disease (median: 15.3 U ml-1) in comparison with non-metastatic (median: 7.9 U ml-1; Mann Whitney U test; P < 0.003), and increased significantly from stage I to stage IV. In 50 patients who underwent chemotherapy, the serum CA 242 level was higher in non-responder patients when compared with responders (median: 16.8 U ml-1 and 9.5 U ml-1 respectively; Mann Whitney; P < 0.02). Univariate analysis of the entire population showed serum CA 242 levels were not related to survival. However, patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer and elevated CA 242 level proved to have a significantly shorter survival than those with a CA 242 < 20 U ml-1. In Cox's model analysis, stage of the disease and performance status were the only significant determinants of survival. We conclude that a high level of serum CA 242 (1) is significantly related to the stage of disease, (2) predictive of no response to chemotherapy but seems to add weak prognostic information to stage of disease and performance status, the main prognostic determinants of non-small cell lung cancer.

Choice of therapy for imported cases of falciparum malaria in children: a retrospective study of 100 cases seen in Marseilles, France

We have carried out a retrospective study on 100 children in hospital in Marseilles, France with a diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. On admission, the main clinical features were anaemia (90 cases), fever (83 cases, > 40 degrees C in 22 cases), hepatomegaly (44 cases), vomiting (29 cases), neurological signs (22 cases), thrombocytopenia (13 cases), hyperparasitaemia (6 cases), jaundice (4 cases), shock (1 case) and hypoglycaemia (1 case). Severe malaria, as defined by the World Health Organization Malaria Action Programme, was rare in our study (only 2 cases) and the prognosis was good (no death, no sequela). The search for neurological signs such as impaired consciousness, prostration or convulsions is an effective and simple way to diagnose potentially severe cases. In the presence of these signs, intravenous quinine treatment resulted in a shortened duration of fever (30 h instead of 63 h) and thereby avoided patients becoming worse. In children without neurological signs or persistent vomiting, oral therapy may be used even if there is high fever or hyperparasitaemia, but close surveillance is required. Patients treated with halofantrine or mefloquine had a shorter stay in hospital than those treated with chloroquine (mean = 4 d instead of 5.7 d). The resistance of some strains to chloroquine may explain this difference.

[The development of the yolk sac in ruminants (sheep and cattle)]

Yolk sac development was investigated in 69 ovine and 10 bovine embryos from the blastocyst stage to the 7th week of gestation. Light and electron microscopical findings are reported. The yolk sac in sheep and cattle is composed of an enlarged sac-like portion lying below the embryo and two ends which follow the elongated course of the trophoblast. In sheep, an open connection exists between the intestines and the yolk sac up to a crown-rump length (CRL) of 9 mm. It is closed by 12 mm CRL. The wall of the yolk sac is especially well vascularized in the enlarged, sac-like portion. Primary erythropoiesis occurs within the blood capillaries. In the blastocyst, the yolk sac entoderm is made up of elongated, flat cells. It becomes cuboidal in the 3 mm embryo (ovine) and later columnar. The up to 20 microns tall cells stain darkly and contain numerous light-colored vesicles. At 4.5 mm CRL light cells appear between the dark ones. Both cells are rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The increased staining of the darker cells is due to an osmophilic cytoplasm and numerous, often parallel lamella of rER. The rER of the light cells is enlarged to irregularly-shaped cisternae, which nearly fill the entire cytoplasm and give them a rounded appearance. The dark cells contain polygonal nuclei, whereas those in the light cells are round with one or two nucleoli. The oval mitochondria have only a few peripheral cristae. Golgi fields are not very common. Cells of the entoderm are connected to one another over zonulae occludentes. They possess microvilli on the luminal surface and are supported by a basement membrane. From 5 mm CRL onwards (ovine), the yolk sac entoderm folds itself between the capillaries, thereby becoming stratified. The intercellular space between the cells expands as projections between neighboring cells interlock. Canaliculi arise between adjacent epithelia. The wall of the yolk sac thickens as a result of this infolding and the densely packed capillaries. Infoldings are especially predominant in the sac-like portion of the yolk sac, and only suggested in the ends. Involution of the yolk sac begins in the peripheral end segments and proceeds centripetally. Numerous glycogen particles appear in the yolk sac entoderm cells of the ovine fetus at a CRL of 36 mm, and by a CRL of 42 mm, the sac-like portion has also begun to show signs of degeneration. Mesenchyme is very sparse within the wall of the yolk sac throughout the entire period of development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Induction of long-term survival of rat skin allografts by a novel, highly efficient anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody

The new monoclonal antirat CD4 antibody RIB 5/2, which detects another epitope than those covered by W3/25 and MRC OX35, was tested for its immunosuppressive potency following skin allografting by using strain combinations with different genetic barriers in the MHC and genetic low- or high-responder background. High-dose and long-term therapy of the grafted rats led to a significant delay of the acute rejection (P < 0.01) in the strain combination Wistar Furth-to-BDX as well as in LEW1W-to-LEW1A. No significant prolongation of the mean allograft survival time was obtained for the high-responder rats (LEW1A-to-LEW1W). Cytofluorometric analysis revealed that RIB 5/2 exerts the immunosuppressive activity predominantly by modulation of the CD4 glycoprotein. Furthermore, the dependence of the humoral immune response against the mouse-globulins upon the administered protein quantity could be demonstrated.

Training-overtraining: performance, and hormone levels, after a defined increase in training volume versus intensity in experienced middle- and long-distance runners

Performance and hormones were determined in eight middle- and nine long-distance runners after an increase in training volume (ITV, February 1989) or intensity (ITI, February 1990). Seven runners participated in both studies. The objective was to cause an overtraining syndrome. The mean training volume of 85.9 km week-1 increased within 3 weeks to 176.6 km week-1 during ITV and 96-98% of training volume was performed as long-distance runs at mean(s.d.) 67(8)% of maximum capacity. Speed endurance, high-speed and interval runs averaging 9 km week-1 increased within 3 weeks to 22.7 km during ITI, and the total volume increased from 61.6 to 84.7 km. A plateau in endurance performance and decrease in maximum performance occurred during ITV, probably due to overtraining, with performance incompetence over months. Nocturnal catecholamine excretion decreased markedly (47-53%), contrary to exercise-related plasma catecholamine responses, which increased. Resting and exercise-related cortisol and aldosterone levels decreased. Improvement in endurance and maximum performance occurred during ITI indicating a failure to cause an overtraining syndrome in ITI. Decrease in noctural catecholamine excretion was clearly lower (9-26%), exercise-related catecholamine responses showed a significant decrease, cortisol and aldosterone levels remained almost constant, exercise-related prolactin levels decreased slightly. There were no differences in insulin, C-peptide, free testosterone, somatotropic hormone (STH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The decrease in nocturnal catecholamine excretion during ITV might indicate a decrease in intrinsic sympathetic activity in exhausted sportsmen. But it remains open whether this reflected a central nervous system incompetence.

[Detection of lectin binding sites in the trophoblast of cattle during early pregnancy]

In the present study we report on the histotopographical distribution of lectin binding sites in the trophoblasts of day 18 to day 40 bovine embryos, using the FITC-labeled lectins BPA, Con A, DBA, GS I, GS II, MPA, PNA, SBA, UEA I and WGA. Lectin binding sites localized in giant binucleate cells differ from those localized in uninucleate cells, indicating changes in the biochemical structure of cell surfaces taking place during differentiation. In the trophoblast of the day 40 embryo, a distinct staining of uninucleate cells was seen after incubation with GS I, Con A and MPA, demonstrating N-acetylgalactosamine (GS I), Mannose (Con A) and Galactose (MPA) moieties, whereas giant binucleate cells showed intense reactions after incubation with DBA and WGA, indicating presence of N-acetylgalactosamine (DBA) and N-acetylglucosamine (WGA). GS II (specific for N-acetylglucosamine), SBA (specific for N-acetylgalactosamine) and UEA I (specific for L-Fucose) showed no affinity toward any of the examined tissues. We assume, that carbohydrate moieties in trophoblast cells play an important role in fetomaternal cell-cell adhesion and cell migration during implantation and placentation period.

S-100 protein immunoreactivity in bovine testis

The present study deals with immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein in the bovine testis. Immunoreactivity for the protein was seen in Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules and as a particularly intense staining in the terminal tubular segment (transitional region, middle portion, and terminal plug), which is mainly composed of modified Sertoli cells. Immunoreactivity was also found in epithelial cells of the straight testicular tubules and rete testis, and in the endothelium of capillaries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Although the functional significance of S-100 protein immunoreactivity in the Sertoli cells remains unclear, the present results suggest that it may be involved in the microtubule assembly-disassembly system. The specificity of the immunolabelling observed should enable the antigen and/or antibody to S-100 to be used as an investigative and diagnostic tool in the study of bovine Sertoli cell function.

Suppressing effect of vanillin on chromosome aberrations that occur spontaneously or are induced by mitomycin C in the germ cell line of Drosophila melanogaster

In order to investigate the anticlastogenic effect of vanillin on ring-X loss, D. melanogaster females exposed to different vanillin concentrations were crossed with non-treated, MMC- or MMS-treated males. The results obtained with this in vivo investigation showed a significant inhibition of vanillin in the frequencies of spontaneous ring-X loss--59, 56, 38 and 36%--at the different concentrations used. In addition, vanillin treatment caused a significant suppression of MMC-induced ring-X loss. This decrease was observed only in the first 3 days after the interruption of vanillin treatment and at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1% of this flavoring agent. In contrast, vanillin did not show any effect on chromosome loss provoked by MMS. Therefore, the ring-X loss-decreasing effect of vanillin seemed to depend on the quality of DNA lesions and consequently on a specific enzymatic repair process present in the oocytes of D. melanogaster.

Decreased nocturnal catecholamine excretion: parameter for an overtraining syndrome in athletes?

The effectiveness of high performance training should be examined at short intervals in order to recognize overtraining promptly. Field or laboratory tests can usually not be performed with such frequency. Easy-to-measure biological, training-relevant parameters are being sought to use in their place. Since the importance of the sympathetic nervous system for adaptation of stress and the relationship between physical training and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system are well accepted, and since an impairment of the sympathetic nervous system is assumed in an overtraining syndrome, we examined the relevance of nocturnal "basal" urinary excretion of free catecholamines with respect to its practical application: 1. during a pilot study (training of road and track cyclists before the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul), 2. through a 4-week prospective, experimental study in 1989 and 1990 (middle- and long-distance runners), 3. during the competitive season and winter break of a soccer team between August 1990 and April 1991. The following hypothesis was made: An overtraining or exhaustion syndrome in athletes may usually be accompanied by at least a 50% decrease in basal dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline excretion. When training is effective or the athletes are not exhausted, the decrease of the excretion rate--with the exception of dopamine--is more likely to be lower (noradrenaline, adrenaline). Generalization of these results requires further expansion of the experimental basis.

Training-overtraining: influence of a defined increase in training volume vs training intensity on performance, catecholamines and some metabolic parameters in experienced middle- and long-distance runners

The influence of an increase in training volume (ITV; February 1989) vs intensity (ITI; February 1990) on performance, catecholamines, energy metabolism and serum lipids was examined in two studies on eight, and nine experienced middle- or long-distance runners; seven participated in both studies. During ITV, mean training volume was doubled from 85.9 km.week-1 (pretrial phase) to 174.6 km within 3 weeks. Some 96%-98% of the training was performed at 67 (SD 8)% of maximal performance. During ITI, speed-endurance, high-speed and interval runs increased within 3 weeks from 9 km.week-1 (pretrial phase) to 22.7 km.week-1 and the total training distance from 61.6 to 84.7 km.week-1. The ITV resulted in stagnation of running velocity at 4 mmol lactate concentration and a decrease in total running distance in the increment test. Heart rate, energy metabolic parameters, nocturnal urinary catecholamine excretion, low density, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations decreased significantly; the exercise-related catecholamine plasma concentrations increased at an identical exercise intensity. The ITI produced an improvement in running velocity at 4 mmol lactate concentration and in total running distance in the increment test; heart rate, energy metabolic parameters, nocturnal catecholamine excretion, and serum lipids remained nearly constant, and the exercise-related plasma catecholamine concentrations decreased at an identical exercise intensity. The ITV-related changes in metabolism and catecholamines may have indicated an exhaustion syndrome in the majority of the athletes examined but this hypothesis has to be proven by future experimental studies.

Sympathetic autonomic dysfunction. Programmed subcutaneous noradrenaline administration via microdosing pump

Sympathetic dysfunction is characterized by postural hypotension, decreasing blood pressure without compensatory tachycardia during graded supine ergometric exercise, impaired catecholamine metabolism, and hypersensitivity to catecholamines. We report on eight patients, seven with sympathetic dysfunction, of whom three patients were treated for the first time with programmed subcutaneous noradrenaline administration by means of a microdosing pump over a time period of 1.5-13 months. A clear improvement in blood pressure values, orthostasis tolerance, and exercise capacity has been observed in these three patients which permit them to extend their action radius. Adjustment of the noradrenaline dose to the wide range of everyday stress and the possible occurrence of adrenoreceptor desensitization, however, remains a severe problem.

Structural analysis of the actinophage phi C31 attachment site

The lysogenisation of actinophage phi C31 in S. coelicolor J 1501 occurs by site-specific recombination. The DNA segments containing the attachment sites on the host chromosome, the phage genome and the two junctions created by the insertion of the prophage were cloned and the nucleotide sequences determined. The attachment sites (att) share an extremely short common sequence of three base pairs. Adjacent to the core sequences some direct- and inverted repeats were found as potential binding sites for proteins involved in site-specific recombination.

Training-overtraining. A prospective, experimental study with experienced middle- and long-distance runners

Overtraining may be one frequent cause of stagnation or decrease in performance capacity of athletes. Israel (19) differentiates between addisonoid (parasympathetic) and basedowoid (sympathetic) overtraining, characterized by inhibition or excitation. We tried to induce an overtraining syndrome in 8 experienced middle- and long-distance runners, based on an increase in training volume from an average 85.9 km (week 1) to 115.1 km (week 2) and 143.1 km (week 3) to 174.6 km per week (week 4). The influence of this training on cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal parameters was examined with special respect to plasma and urinary catecholamines. Laboratory testing including graded treadmill running was performed on the days 0, 14 and 28. Training was held six days each week, with nearly 30 km per day in the fourth week. A stagnation in endurance performance capacity (running velocity at the aerobic-anaerobic transition range) and a decrease in maximum working capacity were observed in 6 and a stagnation in 2 of the 8 sportsmen, indicated by a decrease in total running distance from 4719 + 912 m to 4361 + 788 m during incremental treadmill ergometry. The sportsmen could neither improve nor could they even approximately reach their personal records during the subsequent competitive season. Subjective complaints, classified on a four-point scale, increased from 1.2 (week 1) to 3.2 in week 4. Glucose, lactate, ammonia, glycerol, free fatty acids, albumin, LDL, VLDL cholesterol, hemoglobin level (transient), leukocytes, and heart rate (before and during exercise) decreased significantly. Urea, creatinine, uric acid, GOT, GPT, gamma-GT, serum electrolytes (except phosphate and calcium) remained constant at the measuring times, CPK was elevated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The maternally inherited regulation of P elements in Drosophila melanogaster can be elicited by two P copies at cytological site 1A on the X chromosome

Two P elements, inserted at the cytological site 1A on an X chromosome from an Drosophila melanogaster natural population (Lerik, USSR), were isolated by genetic methods to determine if they are sufficient to cause the P cytotype, the cellular condition that regulates the P family of transposable element. The resulting "Lerik P(1A)" line (abbreviated "Lk-P(1A)") carries only one P element in situ hybridization site but genomic Southern analysis indicates that this site contains two, probably full length, P copies separated by at least one EcoRI cleavage site. Because the Lk-P(1A) line shows some transposase activity, at least one of these two P elements is autonomous. The Lk-P(1A) line fully represses germline P element activity as judged by the GD sterility and snw hypermutability assays; this result shows that the P cytotype can be elicited by only two P element copies. However, the Lk-P(1A) line does not fully repress delta 2-3(99B) transposase activity in the soma, although it fully represses delta 2-3(99B) transposase activity in the germline (delta 2-3(99B) is an in vitro modified P element that produces a high level of transposase activity in both the germline and the soma). The germline regulatory properties of the Lk-P(1A) line are maternally transmitted, even when the delta 2-3(99B) element is used as the source of transposase. By contrast, the partial regulation of delta 2-3(99B) somatic activity is chromosomally inherited. These results suggest that the regulatory P elements of the Lk-P(1A) line are inserted near a germline-specific enhancer.

[CT arthrography of the shoulder after surgical repair for ventral instability]

25 patients who had undergone a modified Lange repair were examined postoperatively after about four years, both clinically and by CT arthrography. Ventral redislocation was no longer seen postoperatively. As regards residual ventral instability, there was agreement between CT arthrography and the clinical findings in 20/25 patients (90%). Newly developed or residual dorsal instability could be accurately demonstrated by the presence of pathological changes of the dorsal labrum and by the observation of a wide dorsal joint recess. CT arthrography did not provide reliable evidence concerning loss of function and mobility of the treated shoulder. However, the presence of marked capsular folding suggests a poor clinical result.

Combination of culture on collagen gels and glucose starvation for cloning human colon cancer cells. Obtention of clones exhibiting different patterns of enterocytic differentiation

Glucose starvation has been widely used to select differentiated subpopulations from the heterogenous human colon cancer cell line HT29. We observed that the important cell loss elicited by culturing these cells in glucose-free medium could be limited when type I collagen gel was used as substratum instead of conventional plastic support. We took advantage of this property to develop a new protocol, which combined glucose starvation and culture on collagen gels, for cloning HT29 cells. Using this procedure we have isolated four clones that were characterized on the basis of morphological (optical and transmission electron microscopy), electrophysiological (determination of transepithelial electrical parameters) and biochemical (detection of villin, sucrase-isomaltase and carcinoembryonic antigen) criteria. These four clones expressed different patterns of enterocytic differentiation regarding to these criteria. These results confirmed the heterogeneity of the HT29 cell line. One of these clones, HT29-A7, which displayed numerous intercellular cysts that disappeared at confluency, appears as a complementary model in the study of epithelial biogenesis.

Catecholamine metabolism in heart failure patients and healthy control subjects

Parameter of catecholamine metabolism were examined in patients (Groups II to V) in chronic, stable stages of coronary heart disease (n = 45), dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 17) and healthy control subjects (Group I). Plasma and urinary catecholamine patterns, catecholamine plasma half-life and catecholamine metabolism following administration of levodopa were determined. In cases of slight (Group II, ejection fraction (EF) 54 +/- 7%) to marked left-heart damage (Group III, EF 44 +/- 5%), the findings indicate elevated catecholamine excretion and a beginning reduction of plasma clearance as the cause of excessive, circulating and renally excreted catecholamines (applies to noradrenaline, less to adrenaline). The renal 24-h dopamine elimination is already slightly reduced in these patients. In cases of severe left-heart damage, the findings are not uniform. In some cases, noradrenaline at rest and at comparable exercise levels are elevated (Group IV, EF 20 +/- 11%), in some cases they are normal (Group V, EF 16 +/- 4%). The 24-h dopamine elimination is reduced in both groups to 34-41% of normal. Noradrenaline and adrenaline elimination is normal, or reduced (Group V, adrenaline). The exercise-induced, maximum plasma noradrenaline concentrations in Group IV and V are much lower (33-40% of normal) than in the healthy control individuals and patients in Groups II and III. Oral administration of 2-4 g levodopa per day result in a 20- to 40-fold dopamine increase in patients with heart failure (Group IV) and healthy control persons (Group I) (free and conjugated plasma dopamine, as well as free urinary dopamine).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interval versus continuous exercise training after coronary bypass surgery: a comparison of training-induced acute reactions with respect to the effectiveness of the exercise methods

In order to improve endurance by exercise on a bicycle ergometer, both the interval method (I) (exertion and recovery phases alternate each minute) and the continuous method (constant exertion) can be employed. We examined the effects of both methods on the following parameters: heart rate, blood pressure, rate-pressure product, glucose, lactate, and catecholamine levels, and physical performance. Two groups of nine male patients were trained daily on a bicycle ergometer for 3.5 weeks. These patients had undergone coronary bypass surgery 24 and/or 26 days before the training started. The training heart rate was set at 86% of the individual maximum heart rate. In the last week of training, the exercise intensity in both patient groups, following either I or C regimen, was 20:121 W and 83 W respectively. The exercise training lasted 20 minutes with the following findings: (1) there were no significant differences in blood pressure, rate-pressure product, rates of glucose and catecholamines, and (2) there was a significantly higher rate of lactate in the second ten minutes of the I training. Before and after the training period, the patients were subjected to a multistage bicycle ergometer exercise test (sitting). The following results obtained after the training favor the I method: (1) patients' physical performance increased (+0.63 vs. +0.26 W/kg; p less than 0.001); (2) heart rate was lower at rest (-9 vs. -4 beats/min; p less than 0.04) and at 75 W (-12 vs. -2 beats/min; p less than 0.02); (3) rate-pressure product was lower at rest (-1675 vs. -291; p less than 0.04) and at 75 W (-2810 vs. -735; p less than 0.05); (4) rate of lactate was lower at 75 W (-0.83 vs. -0.33 mmol/l; p less than 0.04); (5) catecholamines were not lowered by I or C training, and no differences between the two groups could be observed. Exercise training according to the I method involves both the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the organism, whereas exercise training according to the C method involves only oxidative capacity. After coronary bypass surgery, the I method is better suited to increase physical performance and is more effective in economizing the cardiac function.