Diffusion in Metals, Quasicrystals, and Intermetallic Compounds

In this paper recent developments of diffusion in three related areas will be reviewed: The first part is devoted to self- and solute diffusion in metals with particular emphasis on Al. Contrary to most other metallic solvents, diffusion of transition elements in Al is anomalous in several respects: diffusion is very slow, activation enthalpies, pre-exponential factors and activation volumes are unusually high. By contrast, non-transition elements in Al show more or less normal solute diffusion behaviour. The anomalous behaviour is attributed to a strong repulsive interaction between transition metal solutes and vacancies. Ab-initio calculations could help to understand this well-documented diffusion problem in detail.

In the second part very recent diffusion studies on single crystals of the Al-base quasicrystalline intermetallic compound Al-Pd-Mn will be discussed. Diffusion of Zn, Ge, Mn, Fe, Co, Pd and Au has been studied by various groups. At least in the high-temperature regime diffusion in the quasicrystal – despite some differences in detail – shows striking similarities to diffusion in Al, for which a vacancy-type mechanism is generally accepted. The activation volumes of +0.67 and +0.74 atomic volumes measured for Mn- and Zn-diffusion in Al-Pd-Mn strongly favour a vacancy mechanism as well. For the low temperature regime of Pd and Au diffusion the possibility of a phason-related mechanism is discussed.

The third part deals with recent investigations of iron-aluminides and iron-silicides for which Fe self-diffusion and diffusion of selected foreign elements (Ge in Fe–Si, In and Zn in Fe–Al) has been investigated. There is no doubt that vacancies mediate the diffusion process. Within this general mechanism a number of factors like the crystal structure, the state of order, the composition, and the type of bonding have strong influence on diffusion. Such factors are discussed also in connection with results from positron annihilation and M6ssbauer spectroscopy.

Space and time-resolved gene expression experiments on cultured mammalian cells by a single-cell electroporation microarray

Single-cell experiments represent the next frontier for biochemical and gene expression research. Although bulk-scale methods averaging populations of cells have been traditionally used to investigate cellular behavior, they mask individual cell features and can lead to misleading or insufficient biological results. We report on a single-cell electroporation microarray enabling the transfection of pre-selected individual cells at different sites within the same culture (space-resolved), at arbitrarily chosen time points and even sequentially to the same cells (time-resolved). Delivery of impermeant molecules by single-cell electroporation was first proven to be finely tunable by acting on the electroporation protocol and then optimized for transfection of nucleic acids into Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO-K1) cells. We focused on DNA oligonucleotides (ODNs), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and DNA plasmid vectors, thus providing a versatile and easy-to-use platform for time-resolved gene expression experiments in single mammalian cells.

[The evaluation of smoking and alcohol consumption by university students in Gdańsk]

Anonymous questionnaire examination were performed among 1585 students from eight universities in Gdańsk, including 664 men and 921 women from 17 to 48 (mean 21.4 +/- 2.26) years old. Alcohol was consumed by 1452 (91.61%) students, including 91.53% women and 91.72% men. Both men and women preferred beer, respectively, 73.7% and 50.6%. In three-stage AUDIT-test (alcohol drinking dangerous to health) including 716 (45.2%) students, most of them in stage A (81.6%); in stage B about 8.2% comprised while there were about 10.2% in stage C students. Alcohol consumption carried the lowest risk (stage A) among students of Medical University while corresponding risk was the highest among students of Maritime High School. Among respondents drinking alcohol dangerously to health there were significantly more persons who did drugs (73.7%). Students qualified to the AUDIT test smoked cigarettes significantly more often than the rest of the examined population. Smokers amounted to 399 (25.2%) students, including 224 (26.3%) women and 157 (23.6%) men. The difference in figures was statistically non-significant. Among smoking respondents the students of Fine Arts Academy constituted the majority, while those of Medical University and of University School of Physical Education were in minority. Catholic Priest Seminary respondents did not have the relevant experiences.

[Evaluation of illicit drug use among students from universities in Gdańsk]

Anonymous questionnaire examinations were performed among 1585 students from eight universities in Gdańsk, including 664 men and 921 woman from 17 to 48 (mean 21.4 +/- 2.26) years old. Illicit drugs were used by 45.9% of them, including 33.7% applying sporadically. Since a large group of respondents (approx. 24%) used from two to seven narcotics, frequency of students' contacts with different narcotics, given below, was altogether higher than 45.9%. Women significantly less frequently than men were taken two or more illicit drugs (chi 2 = 69.4; p < 0.0001). Cannabis was used by approx. 41% respondents (including about 29.8% applying sporadically), amphetamine by about 11% (including about 7.4% applying sporadically), LSD and magic mushrooms approx. 3.7% each, cocaine 1.1%. A few students took opium alkaloids, ecstasy, jimson-weed, and peyote. Men applied illicit drugs significantly more often than women did (chi 2 = 65.16; p < 0.0001). Drug addicted students (approx. 1.4%) smoked more cigarettes and drunk more alcohol. The frequency of illicit drugs use was the highest among students from Academy of Fine Arts (about 70%), University School of Physical Education (about 58%) and Gdańsk University (about 49%). Respondents of Priest Seminary have had no contacts with narcotics.

Characterization of human skeletal muscle Ankrd2

Human Ankrd2 transcript encodes a 37-kDa protein that is similar to mouse Ankrd2 recently shown to be involved in hypertrophy of skeletal muscle. These novel ankyrin-rich proteins are related to C-193/CARP/MARP, a cardiac protein involved in the control of cardiac hypertrophy. A human genomic region of 14,300 bp was sequenced revealing a gene organization similar to mouse Ankrd2 with nine exons, four of which encode ankyrin repeats. The intracellular localization of Ankrd2 was unknown since no protein studies had been reported. In this paper we studied the intracellular localization of the protein and its expression on differentiation using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies produced to human Ankrd2. In adult skeletal muscle Ankrd2 is found in slow fibers; however, not all of the slow fibers express Ankrd2 at the same level. This is particularly evident in dystrophic muscles, where the expression of Ankrd2 in slow fibers seems to be severely reduced.

[Health checkup for 3- to 4-year-old children: results of screening tests performed in 1999 by physicians in the Maternal and Infant Welfare program in the Gironde region]

BACKGROUND

In the Gironde region, the physicians of the Mother and Infant Welfare department in charge of the 3- to 4-year-old childrens' health checkup have set up a public health approach which led to new practical methods of screening tests in 1999. These have been used to evaluate the children's health problems of that age group in the region.

POPULATION AND METHODS

This study concerned 12,421 children born in 1995, attending the nursery schools of Gironde, who underwent a health checkup (visual and hearing screening test, language and behaviour exploration) in 1999.

RESULTS

Among them, 5,208 children failed screenings. One child out of six had language disorders, one child out of seven presented amblyopia, one out of eight suffered from behavioral problems and one child out of nine from a hearing defect. Furthermore, one out of three children who failed the test had several problems.

CONCLUSION

This study has enabled us to objectify the frequency of the troubles and their association, this information being particularly useful for evaluating these children's health needs and to help improve their healthcare management.

[The evaluation of methods of usage of addictive substances among high school students and Gdańsk University students]

Anonymous questionnaire examination was performed among 222 high school pupils and 301 students of Gdańsk Medical University, including 210 men and 313 women from 18 to 35 (mean 20.8 +/- 2.56) years old. Marijuana was used by 31.2% of them (once a week or more often 3.82%), amphetamine and Ecstasy by 9.4% (once a week or more often 1.52%), LSD by 3.8%, hallucinogenic mushrooms by 3.1%. Opium alkaloids, peyotl, jimsonweed were taken by a few pupils. The frequency of the drugs usage was significantly higher among school pupils (42.8%) than among Medical University students (30.2%) (chi 2 = 8.80; p < 0.003). Men applied drugs about twice as often as women and the difference was as well statistically significant (chi 2 = 12.95; p < 0.0003). 29.5% men and 25.2% women were cigarette smokers, but only in more advanced smokers (5 cigarettes and more per day) there was a significant difference between male and female (chi 2 = 8.69; p < 0.004).

FATZ, a filamin-, actinin-, and telethonin-binding protein of the Z-disc of skeletal muscle

We report the identification and characterization of a novel 32-kDa protein expressed in skeletal muscle and located in the Z-disc of the sarcomere. We found that this protein binds to three other Z-disc proteins; therefore, we have named it FATZ, gamma-filamin/ABP-L, alpha-actinin and telethonin binding protein of the Z-disc. From yeast two-hybrid experiments we are able to show that the SR3-SR4 domains of alpha-actinin 2 are required to bind the COOH-terminal region of the FATZ as does gamma-filamin/ABP-L. Furthermore, by using a glutathione S-transferase overlay assay we find that FATZ also binds telethonin. The level of FATZ protein in muscle cells increases during differentiation, being clearly detectable before the onset of myosin. Although FATZ has no known interaction domains, it would appear to be involved in a complex network of interactions with other Z-band components. On the basis of the information known about its binding partners, we could envisage a central role for FATZ in the myofibrillogenesis. After screening our muscle expressed sequence tag data base and the public expressed sequence tag data bases, we were able to assemble two other muscle transcripts that show a high level of identity with FATZ in two different domains. Therefore, FATZ may be the first member of a small family of novel muscle proteins.

[Transmission of tuberculosis in Gironde: epidemiologic investigation by genomic analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis]

BACKGROUND

Over the past few years, epidemiologic surveys of tuberculosis have been strengthened by new biologic technology, in particularly using RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). This technique, which identifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis patterns, has allowed to study thoroughly tuberculosis bacilli transmission and pathogenesis. First applied on tuberculosis epidemics in at risk groups, RFLP has now an interest in the epidemiologic molecular survey of urbans populations. The aim of this study is to identify, in a French department, the proportion of clustering cases of tuberculosis, suspected of recent contamination.

METHODS

An active surveillance of tuberculosis allows to record systematically the cases of tuberculosis-disease in Gironde. All M. tuberculosis isolates from the patients reported in this surveillance system were processed through IS6110 based RFLP analysis. Patients were interviewed face to face before this analysis, using a standardised data collection instrument.

RESULTS

102 patients were included in 1997; the RFLP analysis of all available strains identifies a high degree of polymorphism with 71 unique patterns; twelve groups with clustering patterns were found, grouping two (nine clusters), three (two clusters) and seven patients (one cluster) each. Those cases suspected of recent transmission were younger (age<60 years) and lived in poorer conditions. Epidemiologic links were confirmed in only 35% of the 31 patients clustered.

CONCLUSION

This community survey analysis has allowed to identify at risk groups for tuberculosis transmission and to strengthen tuberculosis control in Gironde.

[Survey on cases of primary tuberculosis in the department of Gironde]

French official statistics do not mention primary tuberculosis and data on its prevalence are rare, despite the fact that the annual number of cases of primary tuberculosis is a clear indicator of the progression or regression of what remains an endemic disease in Europe. In order to collate information on the subject, a questionnaire was sent to 132 doctors practising in Gironde. These included pulmonologists, pediatricians and child health doctors. One hundred and one questionnaires were returned, listing a total of 18 cases of primary tuberculosis for the first half of 1997. Children were more often affected by the disease and presented a latent form. In 61% of cases, patients infected had not previously received BCG vaccination and in 56% of cases the infectious patient was identified. Furthermore, 4 of the non-vaccinated patients had been in close contact with an infectious patient and 3 patients among these should have been vaccinated since they were living in community structures. The 2 symptomatic cases reported occurred in non-vaccinated adults. This study was of limited-scope and duration but provides interesting information on the population affected by primary tuberculosis. These results underline the necessity of maintaining a high level of BCG vaccination amongst children and adults in community structures if we wish to lower the prevalence of the disease in France.

ZASP: a new Z-band alternatively spliced PDZ-motif protein

PDZ motifs are modular protein-protein interaction domains, consisting of 80-120 amino acid residues, whose function appears to be the direction of intracellular proteins to multiprotein complexes. In skeletal muscle, there are a few known PDZ-domain proteins, which include neuronal nitric oxide synthase and syntrophin, both of which are components of the dystrophin complex, and actinin-associated LIM protein, which binds to the spectrin-like repeats of alpha-actinin-2. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a new skeletal muscle protein containing a PDZ domain that binds to the COOH-terminal region of alpha-actinin-2. This novel 31-kD protein is specifically expressed in heart and skeletal muscle. Using antibodies produced to a fragment of the protein, we can show its location in the sarcomere at the level of the Z-band by immunoelectron microscopy. At least two proteins, 32 kD and 78 kD, can be detected by Western blot analysis of both heart and skeletal muscle, suggesting the existence of alternative forms of the protein. In fact, several forms were found that appear to be the result of alternative splicing. The transcript coding for this Z-band alternatively spliced PDZ motif (ZASP) protein maps on chromosome 10q22.3-10q23.2, near the locus for infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia.

[Comparison of cases of isolated pulmonary tuberculosis with cases of other localizations of tuberculosis in the course of an active surveillance (Gironde, 1995-1996)]

PURPOSE

Data collected during the years 1995 and 1996 in the course of an epidemiological survey of tuberculosis in Gironde allowed comparison of pulmonary tuberculosis with extrapulmonary localizations, evaluation of the importance of each localization and highlighting of potential risk factors.

METHODS

Patients living in Gironde who had evidence of either clinical, radiological or bacteriological expression of tuberculosis were included in the survey. Statistical comparisons were done using either Pearson's Chi 2 or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The survey included 292 cases subdivided into 183 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (63%) and 109 cases in which another localization had been diagnosed (37%). Extrapulmonary localizations that were the most often encountered either alone or in association with pulmonary localization were the following: lymphadenopathy (32%), pleural (28%), genito-urinary (12%) and osteo-articular localizations (7%). The survey showed that patients in whom tuberculosis localization was extra-pulmonary were more frequently under 20 years of age or over 60 years of age (P < 0.04). These patients also presented more often with HIV-infection (P < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Extrapulmonary localizations of tuberculosis should be systematically investigated in young and elderly patients as well as in HIV-infected patients.

Standards for psychological services in long-term care facilities

Psychologists in Long-Term Care (PLTC), a national network established in 1983, has developed, with input from colleagues and consumers, standards for psychological practice in long-term care facilities. These standards address provider characteristics, methods of referral, assessment practices, treatment, and ethical issues. This article describes the document's development and offers suggestions for its use.

Peroxynitrite inhibits leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) anion, formed by the interaction of superoxide with nitric oxide (NO), has previously been implicated as a cytotoxic agent. However, the effects of this free radical species on neutrophil (PMN)-endothelial cell interactions is largely unknown. We investigated the direct actions of ONOO- on PMN adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo, as well as the effects of ONOO- on PMN-mediated myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In vitro, peroxynitrite (100-1,000 nM) inhibited the adhesion of rat PMNs to the endothelium of isolated thrombin- or H2O2-stimulated rat mesenteric artery (P < 0.01 vs. thrombin or H2O2 alone). In vivo, in the rat mesentery, thrombin (0.5 U/ml) or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (50 microM) significantly increased venular leukocyte rolling and adherence, which were also significantly (P < 0.01) attenuated by ONOO (800 nM) accompanied by reduced P-selectin expression on the endothelial cell surface. Isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion with rat PMNs (10(8) cells), which resulted in profound cardiac depression (i.e., a marked reduction in left ventricular developed pressure and maximal rate of development of left ventricular pressure). Infusion of ONOO- reversed the myocardial contractile dysfunction of ischemic-reperfused rat hearts to near baseline levels, and markedly attenuated the accumulation of PMNs in the postischemic heart. The present study provides strong evidence that nanomolar concentrations of ONOO- both inhibit leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and exert cytoprotective effects in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, our results suggest that the inhibition of P-selectin expression by peroxynitrite is a key mechanism of the modulatory actions of ONOO- on leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.

Long-term results of treatment of male urethral strictures using direct vision internal urethrotomy

This study presents long-term results of treatment of urethral strictures in 178 men who underwent direct vision cold urethrotomy between January 1, 1979 and December 31, 1984. Satisfactory urodynamic results were achieved in 69.7% of cases.

[Macroscopic painless hematuria in urologic neoplasms]

A group of 100 patients with urinary system tumours and asymptomatic macroscopic haematuria in the past were analysed retrospectively. The analysis showed that the time between the appearance of macroscopic haematuria and the final diagnosis and treatment was from 18 to 560 days. The authors suggest ultrasonographic examination and urography in each case of macroscopic haematuria, and possibly early referral of the case to specialist in urology.

Monilial infections in infants and their mothers

To explore the association of monilia in infants and their mothers, the office charts of 45 mother-infant pairs were reviewed. There was a significant association (p<.01) between monilia in infants and their mothers. In seven out of eight instances, the mother's infection was diagnosed after her infant's. Monilial infections were more common in males and in infants of lower socioeconomic status, but the difference in incidence was not statistically significant. The major problem of this study is that it was a chart review using data collected routinely in the course of care. The stage is set for a prospective study that can best be done by family physicians, who provide day-to-day care for both mothers and infants.