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7785364
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[Responsibilities and problems in quality assurance in psychiatry and psychotherapy in childhood and adolescence].
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The goals of quality assurance in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy and related problems are reviewed. Three dimensions of quality assurance are differentiated: the substantive aspect (quality of the treatment process and results, quality of structural aspects of treatment facility) the area (diagnosis, therapy, staff training) and the tasks to be accomplished in the process of quality assurance (development of standards, assessment of the current situation, comparison of current situation with standards, planning and implementation of changes). Several important problems related to quality assurance are outlined and the most urgent tasks discussed in detail (development of quality standards and assessment of the current situation). It is proposed that quality assurance documentation is divided into four parts: documentation of structural characteristics of facility, basic documentation about patient, documentation of diagnostic and treatment services provided, and documentation of evaluation of services provided. An example of a therapy evaluation method (Questionnaire for Therapy Evaluation, QTE) is described.
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7785361
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[Reversible changes in brain volume in anorexia nervosa].
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Cranial computed tomography (CT) was performed in three different samples of young women with anorexia nervosa before and after treatment. The biggest changes in cerebrospinal fluid volume were observed in the supratentorial and extracerebral-subarachnoid area, with smaller changes in the ventricles. These changes, as assessed by different methods of volumetric and planimetric measurement, were statistically significant and were correlated with the changes in body weight. Two patient groups could be distinguished on the basis of the presence or absence of cerebellar pseudoatrophy in the initial CT, and these groups also showed differences in preclinical and clinical course.
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7785360
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Daily dietary copper intake in Belgium, using duplicate portion sampling.
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Daily dietary copper intake in Belgium has been evaluated by duplicate portion sampling, heating in a microwave oven and atomic absorption spectrometric determination of this element. The mean intake value (1.5 +/- 0.4 mg/day) is similar to levels found for most other countries, but is situated at the lower end of the recommended range for a safe and adequate daily dietary intake.
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7785359
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Extraction of ewe's milk cream with supercritical carbon dioxide.
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The extraction of ewe's milk cream by supercritical carbon dioxide in the pressure range 9-30 MPa (90-300 bar) and at temperatures of 40 degrees C and 50 degrees C was studied. The solubility of total fat increased with pressure at both temperatures until a plateau was reached. The extraction of cholesterol also increased with pressure until a plateau was reached and it was higher at 50 degrees C than at 40 degrees C when the pressure was > or = 15 MPa (150 bar). The triglyceride composition of each extract, determined by GC, showed that extracts obtained at lower pressures were enriched in short-chain triglycerides and their concentration decreased as the pressure increased. In the other hand, long-chain triglycerides were enriched in the extracts obtained at higher pressures and their concentration rose with increasing pressure.
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7785358
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Preservation of raw milk with CO2. Sensory evaluation of heat-processed milks.
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The effect of CO2 on the growth of psychrotrophic milk spoilage organisms was studied, both in raw fresh milk and in pure cultures of three species of Pseudomonas growing in sterilised milk. Changes of sensory properties of CO2-treated samples after heat treatment were also analysed. Inhibition of psychrotrophic growth at 7 degrees C in milk treated with CO2 to a pH 6.2 or 6.0 was impaired by a gradual reduction of the CO2 content during storage. Growth inhibition was considerably improved by pH adjustment at 24-h intervals. Sensory analysis showed significant differences between non-acidified and acidified samples after heat treatment at 75 degrees C for 20 s or 110 degrees C for 5 min. No sensory differences were found between non-acidified and acidified milks degassed before heat treatment.
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7785357
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On the origin of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene in extra virgin olive oil.
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Concentrations of benzene, toluene, C2-benzenes and styrene were determined in olives and the oils produced thereof, as well as at various intermediate steps during production. Concentrations were compared to those found in samples of air taken from the olive grove and the olive mills. In an exposition experiment in the laboratory, olives absorbed aromatic compounds, approaching saturation corresponding to the partition coefficient between air and oil. However, concentrations in olives delivered to the mills were 4-10 times higher than expected from the analysis of the air in the olive grove. In the olive mills, concentrations were increased further by a factor of up to 2 because of uptake from air which contained high concentrations of aromatics. Styrene concentrations strongly increased during storage of crushed olives at ambient temperature, which confirms the hypothesis that styrene is a product of metabolism.
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7785356
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Biogenic amines and microbial quality of sprouts.
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Changes in the biogenic amine content relative to microbial activities in mung bean, lentil and radish sprouts were investigated in prepacked and "home-grown" products. Biogenic amines were determined by ion-exchange chromatography. The major groups of micro-organisms were enumerated by aerobic plate count procedures, using universal and selective media. Putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, agmatine and spermine were detected in different concentrations, depending on the type of sprouts. In prepacked retail products the total biogenic amine content was higher than in home-grown samples (mung bean 106 micrograms/g compared to 87 micrograms/g; lentil 316 micrograms/g compared to 181 micrograms/g; radish 1486 micrograms/g compared to 252 micrograms/g). It is concluded that sprouting time and storage conditions play a major part in the hygienic quality of legume sprouts.
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7785355
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Comparison between ion chromatography and a spectrophotometric method for determination of nitrates in meat products.
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Ion chromatography and colorimetry were used to determine nitrate ion concentration in 76 different pork meat products (salami, mortadella, wurstel, raw and cooked ham and other whole-muscle cooked products) and the results were compared. The comparison revealed that the two techniques yield quantitatively similar results, except in cases where the matrix was so complex that it might have influenced the analytical data. These results are consistent with those obtained by other authors who used UV spectrophotometric detection.
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7785354
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A comparison between conventional and fluorescence detection methods of cooking-induced damage to tuna fish lipids.
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The damage to tuna fish lipids induced by cooking was investigated in the Thunnus obesus and Th. thynnus varieties, using conventional and fluorescence detection methods, and the results were compared. As a consequence of thermal processing, the peaks at longer wavelengths increased, which correlated with other conventional indices of lipid damage (i.e. carbonyl compound formation, browning and increases in the free fatty acid content). A special significance was given to the fluorescence ratio between the maxima of the excitation emission data at 393/460 nm and 327/415 nm; increases in this ratio as a result of cooking were less dependent on the samples than were other conventional methods of measuring lipid damage.
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7785353
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Alteration of the electrophoretic pattern of myofibrillar proteins in fish mince during frozen storage.
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A study was made of the variations in the electrophoretic profile of myofibrillar proteins in the muscles of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou R.), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus L.) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.). It was shown that all species presented different deterioration patterns during frozen storage. The fish were caught at two separate times of the year (winter and summer) and were stored frozen at -18 degrees C for 1 year. The results indicate that during frozen storage, electrophoretic patterns varied according to species. Comparison of myosin heavy chain/actin (MHC/A) ratios indicates that blue whiting is the species that undergoes most alteration, and that this is more intense in fish caught in the summer than in the winter. Alteration of the MHC/A ratio was similar in horse mackerel and mackerel caught in the winter, whereas in the summer horse mackerel proved to be the most stable species. In all cases, the reduction of the MHC/A ratio was due essentially to alteration of the MHC, an effect which was particularly marked in blue whiting. Tropomyosin remained stable throughout the storage period in all three species.
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7785352
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[Automated determination of total nitrogen in milk by the Dumas method].
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A nitrogen analyser based on the Dumas method (LECO FP-428) and equipped with a liquid injector has been tested. The intensive steam production during injection may result in poor nitrogen recoveries for volatile nitrogen compounds such as ethylene diamine. However, recoveries could be improved by slow injection and by filling the combustion tube with Cer(IV)-oxide. For the analysis of milk the instrument was calibrated with NaN3 solutions because their response was found to be less sensitive to burning conditions. Dumas-N and Kjeldahl-N of milk showed good correlation (r = 0.998). However, with the Dumas method about 6.7% (+ 0.035% N) higher nitrogen values were obtained. With a standard deviation of repeatability S(r) = 0.002% N (CVr = 0.33) and a between day reproducibility SD = 0.006% N (CVD = 1.1%) the precision of the Dumas method was similar to that reported for the Kjeldahl method. In order to avoid systematic errors the use of standard milk samples for calibration is recommended. It is concluded that modern instruments using the Dumas method allow precise measurements of nitrogen in milk with a high sample throughout.
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7785351
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Fast and sensitive determination of furosine.
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Sensitive determination of furosine in acid hydrolysates of foods was achieved by isocratic ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC and direct UV-detection within a run time of 5 minutes and levels lower than 1.5 mg per kg of protein. The formation of furosine during hydrolysis of food samples with hydrochloric acid of varying concentration was studied. Furosine formation increased linearly with acid concentration (4 to 8 mol/L).
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7785350
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Silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine and ash contents of Spanish commercial honeys.
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Silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine and ash contents were determined in samples of 24 Spanish commercial honeys. Mean contents (mg/kg of honey) were 3.2 for silicon, 78 for phosphorus, 45 for sulphur and 262 for chlorine. The values for phosphorus and chlorine are high with respect to honeys from other regions. Mean ash content was 0.19%. In all cases there were high coefficients of variation, ranging from 0.43 for silicon to 0.58 for phosphorus.
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7785349
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[Chemical composition of seeds and testa of Vicia faba L].
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Different chemical components were analysed in the seeds and in testa of Vicia faba. The seeds contain a relatively high crude protein (27.5%), a low crude fat (3.36%) content; and the lignin concentration is low (2.65%). The testa of the seeds has a very high fibre concentration and is a significant Ca-source (1.86 g/kg). The higher macroelement concentrations in the seeds were measured from K, P and Mg. The main microelements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) have significant higher concentrations in the seed than in the testa. The amino acid composition of seeds is positive (compared to data of white lupine), the rate of essential amino acids is good. The concentrations of the examined antinutritive organic constituents, especially of alkaloids, are low. On the basis of chemical analysis, the production and utilisation of seeds of Vicia faba is recommended.
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7785348
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Dietary fibre in white asparagus before and after processing.
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The changes that occur, especially in the dietary fibre, during processing of white asparagus have been studied. Processing consists of submitting the vegetable to a treatment with hot water (96 degrees C), for 4 min (blanching) and subsequently immersing it in a sodium chloride solution (brining). Finally, the asparagus is sealed and sterilised at 115-116 degrees C. The study was performed on the whole asparagus and also, separately, on the apex and stem. As a result of processing there was an increase in the moisture and protein contents and a decrease in those of uronic acids and free sugars, saccharose disappearing entirely. It is concluded that the most important changes taking place in the asparagus fibre fraction during thermal treatments are the slight decrease of lignin and uronic acids, the slight increase in proteins and an important decrease in hemicelluloses.
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7785347
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Utilisation of nitrates--a decisive criterion in the selection of Lactobacilli for bioconservation of vegetables.
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This work presents results of the observations of cabbage and carrot juice fermentation after inoculation with pure cultures of lactic acid bacteria. From the point of view of nitrates, utilisation, the most suitable microorganisms found from those studied were Lactobacillus plantarum 92H, Lb. plantarum 90H and Lb. delbrueckii 37H. At the same time, other observed parameters were assessed as well for their suitability for vegetable bioconservation.
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7785346
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[Intake of folic acid in the total daily diet--effect of food preparation on its folic acid content].
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The folic acid content of total daily diet was determined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), 5-methyl-THF and 5-formyl-THF were differentiated. The mean of the folic acid content of the total daily diet samples determined analytically was 205 +/- 60 micrograms and the mean of the individual ingredients of the samples was 401 +/- 78 micrograms, which implies that about 50% of folic acid is destroyed by common household food preparation methods. If the contents of pteroylglutamic acid (PteGlu) and 10-formyl-PteGlu (which cannot be determined analytically) are added, it can be assumed that the folic acid content with only be reduced by about 40%. THF and 5-methyl-THF proved to be less stable than 5-formyl-THF. The monoglutamate portion of the total folat content was higher in the total diet samples than in the individual foodstuffs as a consequence of the action of the enzyme "deconjugase" which is released when the matrix of food-stuffs is destroyed.
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7785345
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[Bakery goods from irradiated and unirradiated eggs--detection of irradiation in a processed food].
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The detection of radiation-specific degradation products in fat has become an established method which has successfully been applied to egg products. This study is making evident the detectability of irradiated eggs as an ingredient of specified processed foods. Tart layers were produced from both irradiated and non-irradiated liquid whole egg. When the fat components were isolated from the tart layers and investigated by GC/MS, the presence of irradiated eggs could clearly be shown. While the radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones could not be found in unirradiated samples, tart layers from irradiated eggs contained these substances. Especially for the hydrocarbons a satisfying correlation between radiation dose and concentration could be observed. The concentrations of radiation-induced compounds were generally lower in the tart layers than in the liquid egg samples they had been produced from.
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7785344
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A microbiological screening method for the indication of irradiation of frozen poultry meat.
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A microbiological screening method for the detection of irradiation of frozen poultry meat was developed on the basis of the combined use of total cell count by the direct epifluorescent filter technique (DEFT) and viable cell count by the aerobic plate count method (APC). Samples of ground, deboned poultry leg were irradiated or not with dose levels of 3, 5 and 7 kGy using an electron beam accelerator. All samples were frozen before the irradiation treatment. The average values of the differences between DEFT and APC counts in control samples and those irradiated with doses of 3, 5 and 7 kGy were 1.14 log units for control samples, and 3.16, 3.68 and 3.79 log units for the irradiated samples. A difference of at least 2 log units can therefore be considered as a limit value indicating probable irradiation treatment necessitating further investigations.
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7785343
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Rapid determination of alpha-tocopherol in muscle and adipose tissues of pork.
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A fast, sensitive and reproducible method for the analysis of alpha-tocopherol in pork tissues is presented. It combines saponification of the tissue and alpha-tocopherol extraction in a single vessel, followed by HPLC separation and fluorescence detection. Added alpha-tocopherol was recovered quantitatively. The reduction of lipid peroxides with potassium iodide before the saponification step did not alter the amounts of alpha-tocopherol detected. Membrane-bound alpha-tocopherol was not oxidized by lipid peroxides during the procedure. The coefficient of variation of alpha-tocopherol analysed using this method was +/- 4.2% for muscle and +/- 2.5% for adipose tissues.
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7785342
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Chemical and fatty acid composition of meat from Spanish wild rabbits and hares.
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The differences in the chemical and fatty acid compositions between the meats of five Spanish wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and five Spanish wild hares (Lepus europaeus) for foreleg, loin, hindleg and perirenal fat have been studied. Only significant differences (P < 0.05) in the meat chemical composition were observed between rabbits and hares for dry matter and fat in loins, and for ash in hindlegs. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between saturated fatty acids in foreleg and perirenal fat and between unsaturated C-18:1 and C-18:2 fatty acids in loins were observed.
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7785341
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Frozen storage of dressed and pre-fried portions of minced sardine muscle.
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The aim of this work was to study the modifications occurring during frozen storage (-18 degrees C) of dressed and pre-fried portions of minced muscle of the sardine (Sardina pilchardus). Various samples were prepared in order to discover the effect on the samples of different preparatory frying times, the influence of vacuum-packing and the possible alterations in the state of preservation of the portions due to the presence of anti-oxidant agents. The results indicate that the presence of tocopherols did not have the expected effect on rancidity; it reduced the degree of rancidity reached during storage only slightly, while texture with respect to the control sample remained the same. Although the washed-muscle sample presented minimum rancidity values, the tasting panel awarded it the lowest score for acceptability. In contrast, the vacuum-packed sample presented less toughness and rancidity and was considered more acceptable, in the light of which this latter procedure would appear to be the best suited for frozen storage for pre-fried battered sardine portions.
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7785340
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Acid-catalysed reduction of ferrylmyoglobin: product distribution and kinetics of autoreduction and reduction by NADH.
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The pH dependence of iron(II)/iron(III) product distribution, following reduction of the hypervalent iron in equine ferrylmyoglobin by the protein moiety of the pigment (so-called autoreduction) and by NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced) and the rate of reduction was found to depend different on pH. Autoreduction is specific acid catalysed and has a more modest temperature dependence than autoxidation of oxymyoglobin, with the activation parameters delta H# = 58.5 +/- 0.4 kJ.mol-1 and delta S# = 2.7 +/- 0.1 J.mol-1.K-1 in 0.16 mol.l-1 NaCl. The product of autoreduction is the iron(III) pigment metmyoglobin, which is slightly modified in the protein moiety. The reaction has a positive kinetic salt effect from which it is deduced that the reactive centre of ferrylmyoglobin has a charge of +1 in agreement with the structure Fe(IV) = O. Reduction by NADH involves parallel reactions of two pigment forms in acid/base equilibrium with each other with a pKa equal to 4.9, both forms yielding metmyoglobin as well as the iron(II) pigment, oxymyoglobin, as products. The protonated form reacts faster than the deprotonated form, and two-electron transfer has greater importance for the protonated form with a limiting Fe(II)/Fe(III) product ratio of 0.6 in acidic solution compared to 0.12 in alkaline solution. A square root dependence of rate on NADH concentration suggests involvement of NAD.radicals with a disproportionation as the termination reaction.
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7785339
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Nucleotide sequence and characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPL19A gene encoding a homolog of the mammalian ribosomal protein L19.
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A gene designated RPL19A has been identified in the region downstream from the 3'-end of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MIS1 gene encoding the mitochondrial C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase. The gene codes for the yeast ribosomal protein YL19 which exhibits 57.5% identify with the mammalian ribosomal protein L19. RPL19A is one of two functional copies of the YL19 gene located on chromosome II. The disruption of RPL19A has no effect on the growth of the yeast. The RPL19A gene contains an intron located near the 5'-end. The 5'-flanking region contains one similar and one complete UASrpg upstream activating sequence. RPL19A was also found to be adjacent to the chromosome II AAC3 gene, encoding the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier protein.
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7785338
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Sequence analysis of the right end of chromosome XV in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: an insight into the structural and functional significance of sub-telomeric repeat sequences.
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Approximately 3.9 kb of DNA, centromere proximal to the previously sequenced Y' element at the right end of chromosome XV in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain YP1, has been sequenced. A number of the known sub-telomeric repeat sequences were identified, including Y', core X and STRs A, B. C and D. Several of these repeat elements contain potentially functional sequences. In addition, two other members of repeated gene families were identified. The first of these shows 61% and 60% DNA sequence identity to Enolases 1 and 2 respectively. The Enolase-like sequence appears to be species specific, with three copies being found in all strains of S. cerevisiae studied. The location of the three copies is the same for all strains. The second repeated sequence has homology with known open reading frames on chromosomes III, V and XI. There are five or six copies of this sequence in all S. cerevisiae and S. paradoxus strains studied and three in S. bayanus strains. The analysis of this region and comparison to sub-telomeric regions on other chromosomes gives some indication as to the potential functional and structural significance of sub-telomeric repeat sequences. In addition, these findings are consistent with the idea that sub-telomeric regions may be targets for unusual recombination events.
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7785337
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Production of senescent cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by centrifugal elutriation.
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The centrifugal elutriator has been used as a baby machine by loading the chamber with a population of mixed-generation daughter cells and allowing this population to grow, divide and age under continuous washing-out of newborn daughter cells. Clear peaks in the number of elutriated cells were reproducibly obtained for at least ten generations. The parent cells growing in the chamber continued to divide at the steady-state generation time of 95-100 min, showing no change in cycle time during aging. The washed-out daughter cells increased in volume during the first five generations from their steady-state value of 17 micro3 to a maximum of 34 micro3. As to be expected, the generation times of these large daughters, determined in a synchronous batch culture, were shorter (130 min) than that of the steady-state daughters (240 min), even when derived from 15-generation parents. No indication for a volume increase of daughter cells without bud was observed when a population was allowed to grow in the chamber without washing-out the smaller daughter cells. The 15-generation parent population, recovered from the chamber, had an average volume of 80 micro3 and consisted of: (i) 71% cells with more than ten scars, (ii) 13% cells with one to nine scars, and (iii) 17% daughter cells. The production of senescent cells by undisturbed growth in the elutriator chamber has been prolonged to 29 generations. The method is therefore suitable to examine what factors determine the life span of budding yeast.
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7785336
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Studies on the transformation of intact yeast cells by the LiAc/SS-DNA/PEG procedure.
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An improved lithium acetate (LiAc)/single-stranded DNA (SS-DNA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) protocol which yields > 1 x 10(6) transformants/micrograms plasmid DNA and the original protocol described by Schiestl and Gietz (1989) were used to investigate aspects of the mechanism of LiAc/SS-DNA/PEG transformation. The highest transformation efficiency was observed when 1 x 10(8) cells were transformed with 100 ng plasmid DNA in the presence of 50 micrograms SS carrier DNA. The yield of transformants increased linearly up to 5 micrograms plasmid per transformation. A 20-min heat shock at 42 degrees C was necessary for maximal yields. PEG was found to deposit both carrier DNA and plasmid DNA onto cells. SS carrier DNA bound more effectively to the cells and caused tighter binding of 32P-labelled plasmid DNA than did double-stranded (DS) carrier. The LiAc/SS-DNA/PEG transformation method did not result in cell fusion. DS carrier DNA competed with DS vector DNA in the transformation reaction. SS plasmid DNA transformed cells poorly in combination with both SS and DS carrier DNA. The LiAc/SS-DNA/PEG method was shown to be more effective than other treatments known to make cells transformable. A model for the mechanism of transformation by the LiAc/SS-DNA/PEG method is discussed.
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7785335
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Plasmid reorganization during integrative transformation in Hansenula polymorpha.
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During studies of integrative transformation in Hansenula polymorpha, it was found that transformants with plasmids possessing the LEU2 gene of H. polymorpha were frequently unstable and lost plasmids while growing on non-selective medium. These transformants possessed reorganized plasmids capable of replication in H. polymorpha. Two such plasmids were isolated and characterized. It was shown that they contain additional DNA segments which were not present in the original plasmid used for transformation. Southern hybridization analysis carried out with labeled DNA probes derived from these segments showed that they consisted of H. polymorpha DNA. The hybridization patterns indicated that corresponding sequences were homologous to several chromosomal regions. These chromosomal DNA segments apparently carried H. polymorpha autonomous replicating sequences (HARS), since plasmids bearing them could transform H. polymorpha with high efficiency and were maintained in transformants in an autonomous state. Sequence analysis of one such captured chromosomal fragment revealed several eight- to ten-base AT-rich blocks similar to the presumed HARS sequence defined by Roggenkamp et al. (1986). Analogous reorganization was also observed with respect to integrative plasmids carrying the TRP3 and HIS3 genes of H. polymorpha and the ADE2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as selectable markers.
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7785333
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Glucose metabolism, enzymic analysis and product formation in chemostat culture of Hanseniaspora uvarum.
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The physiology of Hanseniaspora uvarum K5 was studied in glucose-limited chemostat cultures and upon glucose pulse. Up to a dilution rate of 0.28 h-1, glucose was completely metabolized in biomass and CO2. Above this value, increase in the dilution rate was accompanied by sequential production of metabolites (glycerol, acetate and ethanol) and decrease in cell yield. Similar results were observed upon glucose pulse. From the enzyme activities (pyruvate dehydrogenase, pyruvate decarboxylase, NAD and NADP-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenases, acetyl coenzyme A synthetase and alcohol dehydrogenase) and substrate affinities, the following conclusions were drawn with respect to product formation of cells: (1) pyruvate was preferentially metabolized via pyruvate dehydrogenase, when biomass and CO2 were the only products formed; (2) acetaldehyde formed by pyruvate decarboxylase was preferentially oxidized in acetate by NADP-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase; acetate accumulation results from insufficient activity of acetyl-CoA synthetase required for the complete oxidation of acetate; (3) acetaldehyde was oxidized in ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase, in addition to acetate production.
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7785332
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Transient responses of Candida utilis to oxygen limitation: regulation of the Kluyver effect for maltose.
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The facultatively fermentative yeast Candida utilis exhibits the Kluyver effect for maltose: this disaccharide is respired and assimilated but, in contrast to glucose, it cannot be fermented. To study the mechanism of the Kluyver effect, metabolic responses of C. utilis to a transition from aerobic, sugar-limited growth to oxygen-limited conditions were studied in chemostat cultures. Unexpectedly, the initial response of maltose-grown cultures to oxygen limitation was very similar to that of glucose-grown cultures. In both cases, alcoholic fermentation occurred after a lag phase of 1 h, during which glycerol, pyruvate and D-lactate were the main fermentation products. After ca. 10 h the behaviour of the maltose- and glucose-grown cultures diverged: ethanol disappeared from the maltose-grown cultures, whereas fermentation continued in steady-state, oxygen-limited cultures grown on glucose. The disappearance of alcoholic fermentation in oxygen-limited chemostat cultures growing on maltose was not due to a repression of the synthesis of pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase. The results demonstrate that the Kluyver effect for maltose in C. utilis does not reflect an intrinsic inability of this yeast to ferment maltose, but is caused by a regulatory phenomenon that affects a key enzyme in maltose metabolism, probably the maltose carrier. The observed kinetics indicate that this regulation occurs at the level of enzyme synthesis rather than via modification of existing enzyme activity.
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7785331
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Tandem integration of multiple ILV5 copies and elevated transcription in polyploid yeast.
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An industrial yeast strain was modified by introducing DNA into brewing yeast such that the derived cells contain only yeast DNA. Thus selectable markers and bacterial sequences are not present in the final strain, making this procedure attractive for the development of generally acceptable brewing yeast. Linear DNA containing the cloned ILV5 gene was introduced into lager yeast along with an unlinked circular bifunctional plasmid containing a dominant resistance marker. Resistant colonies were screened for site-directed integration of the ILV5 DNA. Candidates were examined by several methods including Southern transfer and polymerase chain reaction. In this way, a strain WM56 was identified containing three tandem copies of ILV5. The amplified ILV5 region is stable during repeated subculturing in the absence of selective pressure. Correspondingly elevated levels of ILV5 transcript in strain WM56 compared to the control (i.e. non-tandem) parental strain led to increased amounts of encoded acetohydroxyacid reductoisomerase as evidenced by significantly lower diacetyl production. WM56 appears to be identical to the parental strain judged by CHEF, total restriction digestion patterns, and probing, but differs in the ILV5 region of the chromosome. The method is generally applicable to other yeast strains, and if desired, is amenable to iterated cycles of integration to increase the number of copies.
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7785330
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Cloning and heterologous expression of the Candida albicans gene PMI 1 encoding phosphomannose isomerase.
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Using a DNA fragment derived from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) structural gene as a probe against a random ordered array library of genomic DNA from the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, we have cloned the C. albicans PMI 1 gene. This gene, which is unique in the C. albicans genome, can functionally complement PMI-deficient mutants of both S. cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. The DNA sequence of the PMI 1 gene predicts a protein with 64.1% identity to PMI from S. cerevisiae. Sequential gene disruption of PMI 1 produces a strain with an auxotrophic requirement for D-mannose. The heterologous expression of the PMI 1 gene at levels up to 45% of total cell protein in E. coli leads to partitioning of the enzyme between the soluble and particulate fractions. The protein produced in the soluble fraction is indistinguishable in kinetic properties from the material isolated from C. albicans cells.
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7785328
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Sequence, mapping and disruption of CCC2, a gene that cross-complements the Ca(2+)-sensitive phenotype of csg1 mutants and encodes a P-type ATPase belonging to the Cu(2+)-ATPase subfamily.
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We have isolated, sequenced, mapped and disrupted a gene, CCC2, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This gene displays non-allelic complementation of the Ca(2+)-sensitive phenotype conferred by the csg1 mutation. Analysis of the CCC2p amino acid sequence reveals that it encodes a member of the P-type ATPase family and is most similar to a subfamily thought to consist of Cu2+ transporters, including the human genes that mutate to cause Wilson disease and Menkes disease. The ability of this gene, in two or more copies, to reverse the csg1 defect suggests that Ca(2+)-induced death of csg1 mutant cells is related to Cu2+ metabolism. Cells without CCC2 require increased Cu2+ concentrations for growth. Therefore CCC2p may function to provide Cu2+ to a cellular compartment rather than in removal of excess Cu2+.
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7785327
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Vacuolar carboxypeptidase Y of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is glycosylated, sorted and matured in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
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Vacuolar carboxypeptidase Y of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CPYsc) has been expressed in a Schizosaccharomyces pombe strain devoid of the endogenous equivalent peptidase, employing a 2 mu derived plasmid. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CPYsc produced in the fission yeast has a higher molecular mass than mature CPYsc produced by the budding yeast. CPYsc is glycosylated when expressed in S. pombe and uses four N-linked glycosylation sites as shown by endoglycosidase H digestion. Carbohydrate removal leads to a protein moiety which is indistinguishable in size from deglycosylated CPYsc produced by S. cerevisiae. CPYsc isolated from S. pombe soluble extracts is enzymatically active and thus is presumed to undergo correct proteolytic maturation. Subcellular fractionation experiments showed a cofractionation of CPYsc with the S. pombe endoproteinases PrA and PrB, suggesting that the protein is correctly sorted to the vacuole and that these peptidases might be responsible for zymogen activation.
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7785325
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UASNTR functioning in combination with other UAS elements underlies exceptional patterns of nitrogen regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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UASNTR, the UAS responsible for nitrogen catabolite repression-sensitive transcriptional activation of many nitrogen catabolic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been previously thought to operate only as a pair of closely related dodecanucleotide sites each containing the sequence GATAA at its core. Here we show that a single UASNTR the unrelated cis-acting element was TTTGTTTAC situated upstream of GLN1, while in another the cis-acting element was the one previously shown to bind the PUT3 protein. When a UASNTR site functions in combination with an unrelated site, the regulatory responses observed are a hybrid consisting of characteristics derived from both the UASNTR site and the unrelated site as well. These observations resolve several significant inconsistencies that have plagued studies focused on elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the global regulation of nitrogen catabolism.
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7785326
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The IFH1 gene product interacts with a fork head protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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FHL1 encodes a polypeptide closely related to the fork head protein family of transcriptional activators. Deleting this gene leads to a slow-growth phenotype with impaired rRNA maturation. IFH1 (located on chromosome IV) was isolated as a dosage-dependent suppressor partially correcting the growth defect of the fhl1 deletion. It codes for a highly hydrophilic protein with a predicted molecular weight of 122 kDa and a pI of 4.8, that is very rich in charged residues (mostly acidic) but otherwise unrelated to any known protein. Carboxy-terminal deletions removing the last third of the protein lead to a leaky growth phenotype with impaired rRNA maturation, as in the case of the fhl1 deletion. A full deletion of IFH1 is lethal, but growth was restored in a strain deleted for both IFH1 and FHL1. Thus, Ifh1p is essential for growth, but only in the presence of a functional Fhp1p protein. Conversely, its overexpression by increased gene dosage partially compensates for the genetic inactivation of Fhl1p. These data suggest a direct interaction between the Fhl1p and Ifh1p proteins, and are consistent with a model where Fhl1p is converted from a transcriptional repressor to an activator on binding of Ifh1p.
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7785324
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Genetic and carbon source regulation of phosphorylation of Sip1p, a Snf1p-associated protein involved in carbon response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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The SIP1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a carbon-catabolite-specific negative regulator of GAL gene transcription and acts as a multicopy suppressor of growth defects associated with impaired Snf1p protein kinase activity. The Sip1 protein is known to undergo phosphorylation when associated in vitro with the Snf1 protein kinase. We have carried out in vivo studies of the genetic and carbon control of Sip1p phosphorylation. Metabolic labeling reveals phosphorylation of Sip1p under both carbon catabolite-repressing and non-repressing conditions and in both SNF1 wild-type and snf1-deletion cells. By sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblot assay, we detect apparent changes in Sip1p phosphorylation states in response to changes in carbon source. At least one dephosphorylation of Sip1p occurs with a shift from non-repressing carbon source to repressing carbon source. The MIG1 gene, acting through SNF1-dependent and SNF1-independent pathways, is required for some Sip1p phosphorylations. REG1 appears to be required for at least one dephosphorylation of Sip1p, whereas SSN6 appears to be required for at least one phosphorylation of Sip1p. These results reveal new complexities in carbon response signaling, and may reflect the involvement of the Sip1 protein in the same complex as the Mig1 and Ssn6 proteins.
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7785323
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Effects of phleomycin-induced DNA damage on the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe cell cycle.
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The effect of phleomycin, a bleomycin-like antibiotic, has been investigated in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We report that in response to phleomycin-induced DNA damage, growth was inhibited and S. pombe cells arrested in the G2-phase of the cell cycle. DNA repair mutants rad9 and rad17 did not arrest and were hypersensitive to phleomycin. Cell cycle mutants that entered mitosis without monitoring the completion of DNA replication also displayed an increased sensitivity to this DNA-damaging agent. Thus, phleomycin could be used as a tool in the fission yeast S. pombe model system for the study of DNA damage and cell cycle checkpoints, or as a new selective agent.
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7785322
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Molecular analysis of the SNF8 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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Mutations in the SNF8 gene impair derepression of the SUC2 gene, encoding invertase, in response to glucose limitation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We report here the cloning of the SNF8 gene by complementation. Sequence analysis predicts a 26,936-dalton product. Disruption of the chromosomal locus caused a five-fold decrease in invertase derepression, defective growth on raffinose, and a sporulation defect in homozygous diploids. Genetic analysis of the interactions of the snf8 null mutation with spt6/ssn20 and ssn6 suppressors distinguished SNF8 from the groups, SNF1, SNF4 and SNF2, SNF5, SNF6. Notably, the snf8 ssn6 double mutants were extremely sick. Mutations of SNF8 and SNF7 showed similar phenotypes and genetic interactions, and the double mutant combination caused no additional phenotypic impairment. These findings suggest that SNF7 and SNF8 are functionally related.
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7785320
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Localization of a protein A-tagged Kex2 protein to the vacuole of Saccharomyces cerevisiae allows rapid purification of vacuolar membranes.
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We have previously reported an immunoisolation procedure which allows purification of Kex2p-containing Golgi membranes from lysed yeast cells. In order to evaluate the use of tagging procedures in organelle isolation we set out to isolate the same Golgi membrane fraction using a version of the Kex2 protease that had been affinity-tagged at its C-terminus. This protein is found to be localized in the vacuole, providing the basis of a method for the affinity-purification of vacuolar membranes.
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7785319
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Receptor proteins on newborn Balb/c mouse brain cells for coxsackievirus B3 are immunologically distinct from those on HeLa cells.
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Newborn Balb/c mice are highly susceptible to infection by the six coxsackievirus serotypes of group B (CVB) and it is known that receptor for these viruses are in highest concentration in the brain as compared to other tissues. Therefore, proteins from the brain tissues of these animals were solubilized (Brain-Ext) and characterized for the identification of mouse brain receptor (MBR) proteins. Virus-blot analyses of Brain-Ext suggested that each of three virus variants of CVB3-(N, W and RD) recognized four receptor proteins designated p46, p44, p36 and p33 according to their molecular size. Similar analyses of cultured neurons from newborn Balb/c mice revealed the presence of the same four receptor proteins, while astrocytes appeared to possess only p46 and/or p44. Isoelectric focusing of Brain-Ext, focused MBR proteins in the pH range 4.0-8.5, with a peak around pH 5.7. P46 was found to be neuraminidase sensitive. A polyclonal rat antiserum (anti-MBR) protected cultured neurons and astrocytes against infection by CVB3, inhibited virus binding to these cells and recognized the same four receptor proteins on western-blots as detected on virus-blots by CVB3. However, a rabbit polyclonal anti-HeLa cell antiserum, which strongly binds to HeLa cells and protects them from CVB3 infection, neither recognized any of the receptor proteins in western-blot analyses of Brain-Ext nor inhibited CVB3 infection on cultured neurons and astrocytes. Conversely, anti-MBR did not recognize any of the receptor proteins by western-blot analysis of HeLa cell extracts nor did it inhibit CVB3 infection of HeLa cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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7785318
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Analysis of flavivirus envelope proteins reveals variable domains that reflect their antigenicity and may determine their pathogenesis.
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Studies on the molecular basis of flavivirus neutralisation, attenuation and tropism indicate that amino acid substitutions, in different parts of the envelope gene, may be responsible for the altered phenotypes. However, the association of particular substitutions with individual characteristics has proven difficult. Comparative analysis of all known tick-borne flavivirus envelope proteins through sequence alignment and a sliding window, reveals clusters of amino acid variation distributed throughout the envelope protein coding region. Further comparison with mosquito-borne flaviviruses reveals essentially the same profile of variability throughout the envelope protein sequence although there is a major difference within the postulated B domain of these viruses which may reflect their different evolutionary development. Most phenotypically variant properties, such as serotypic differences, variants characteristic of vaccine strains, altered tropisms and neutralisation escape mutants, map within the variable clusters. Thus, we propose that natural mutagenesis and selection may occur at specific sites that do not destroy the secondary and tertiary E protein structure and that the variable clusters represent the exposed surface amino acids of the envelope protein defining antigenicity, tropicity and pathogenesis.
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7785317
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Characterization of a protein kinase gene from two Chlorella viruses.
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An open reading frame (ORF) with strong homology to eukaryotic serine/threonine protein kinases was found in the two Chlorella viruses SC-1A and PBCV-1. The deduced molecular weights of each putative protein kinase were 35 kDa and the predicted amino acid sequences of the two proteins were 95% identical. The ORF encoding the SC-1A protein kinase was over-expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The recombinant fusion protein had autophosphorylation activity and could phosphorylate certain exogenous proteins. Antiserum against the recombinant fusion protein reacted with a 35 kDa protein plus three larger proteins from virus infected cells. The 35 kDa protein was a late protein; however, the 35 kDa protein was not packaged in the virion, even though virions contain protein kinase activity.
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7785316
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Molecular characterization of the S proteins of two enterotropic murine coronavirus strains.
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Enterotropic strains of murine coronaviruses (MHV-Y and MHV-RI) differ extensively in their pathogenesis from the prototypic respiratory strains of murine coronaviruses. In an effort to determine which viral proteins might be determinants of enterotropism, immunoblots of MHV-Y and MHV-RI virions using anti-S, -N and -M protein-specific antisera were performed. The uncleaved MHV-Y and MHV-RI S proteins migrated slightly faster than the MHV-A59 S protein. The MHV-Y S protein was inefficiently cleaved. The MHV-Y, MHV-RI and MHV-A59 N and M proteins showed only minor differences in their migration. The S genes of MHV-Y and MHV-RI were cloned, sequenced and found to encode 1361 and 1376 amino acid long proteins, respectively. The presence of several amino acids changes upstream from the predicted cleavage site of the MHV-Y S protein may contribute its inefficient cleavage. A high degree of homology was found between the MHV-RI and MHV-4 S proteins, whereas the homology between the MHV-Y S protein and the S proteins of other MHV strains was much lower. These results indicate that the enterotropism of MHV-RI and MHV-Y may be determined by different amino acid changes in the S protein and/or by changes in other viral proteins.
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7785315
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Expression in Escherichia coli and purification of biologically active L proteinase of foot-and-mouth disease virus.
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The foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) Lb gene was cloned into bacterial expression vectors under the control of a T7 RNA polymerase promoter. The Lb protein was expressed in both an in vitro transcription-translation system and in Escherichia coli. In vitro expression of a construct containing the Lb gene fused to a portion of the VP4 and 3D genes demonstrated cis cleavage activity that could be blocked by the thiol protease inhibitor E-64. Lb expressed in E. coli was purified from the soluble fraction by metal chelation chromatography. Purified Lb had trans cleavage activity at the L/P1 junction and cleaved the p220 component of the cap-binding protein complex.
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7785314
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Complete nucleotide sequence of RNA segment 3 of bluetongue virus serotype 2 (Ona-A). Phylogenetic analyses reveal the probable origin and relationship with other orbiviruses.
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The nucleotide sequence of the RNA segment 3 of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 2 (Ona-A) from North America was determined to be 2772 nucleotides containing a single large open reading frame of 2703 nucleotides (901 amino acid). The predicted VP3 protein exhibited general physiochemical properties (including hydropathy profiles) which were very similar to those previously deduced for other BTV VP3 proteins. Partial genome segment 3 sequences, obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing, of BTV isolates from the Caribbean were compared to those from North America, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, as well as other orbiviruses, to determine the phylogenetic relationships amongst them. Three major BTV topotypes (Gould, A.R. (1987) Virus Res. 7, 169-183) were observed which had nucleotide sequences that differed by approximately 20%. At the molecular level, geographic separation had resulted in significant divergence in the BTV genome segment 3 sequences, consistent with the evolution of distinct viral populations. The close phylogenetic relationship between the BTV serotype 2 (Ona-A strain) from Florida and the BTV serotypes 1, 6 and 12 from Jamaica and Honduras, indicated that the presence of BTV serotype 2 in North America was probably due to an exotic incursion from the Caribbean region as previously proposed by Sellers and Maaroof ((1989) Can. J. Vet. Res. 53, 100-102) based on trajectory analysis. Conversely, nucleotide sequence analysis of Caribbean BTV serotype 17 isolates suggested they arose from incursions which originated in the USA, possibly from a BTV population distinct from those circulating in Wyoming.
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7785313
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[The role of the substantia nigra in the mechanisms of the cessation of epileptic activity].
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In the review of literature and author's own data the participation of pars compacta and pars reticulata of the substantia nigra in mechanisms of epileptic syndrome development and cessation of epileptic activity was shown. The results are given which testified for dependence of substantia nigra-derived effects upon form and intensity of epileptic activity as well as upon neuromediator and peptidergic systems of the brain involvement. The conclusion was made concerning the significance of substantia nigra as a part of antiepileptic system of the brain in the processes of restriction and suppression of epileptiform manifestations.
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7785311
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[The mechanisms of the temperature sensitivity of the hypothalamic neurons].
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Studies of the 1960-80-s in intact animals and brain slices showed the existence of brain temperature-sensitive neurons in the vertebrate hypothalamus. Increased firing rate of these units activates the thermoregulatory processes. Applications of synaptic blockade in slices, and of intracellular recordings and clamp technique in the last 3-4 years allowed to find that many hypothalamic thermosensitive neurons possess an intrinsic mechanism of temperature sensitivity central to. This mechanism is a change in ionic permeability of neuronal membrane. The review summarizes the results of these studies and considers possible causes of thermo-induced changes in ionic conductivity of hypothalamic thermosensitive neuron membrane.
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7785312
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[The physiological classification of human thermal states under high environmental temperatures].
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The paper deals with the physiological classification of human thermal states in a hot environment. A review of the basic systems of classifications of thermal states is given, their main drawbacks are discussed. On the basis of human functional state research in a broad range of environmental temperatures the system of evaluation and classification of human thermal states is proposed. New integral one-dimensional multi-parametric criteria for evaluation are used. For the development of these criteria methods of factor, cluster and canonical correlation analyses are applied. Stochastic nomograms capable of identification of human thermal state for different intensity of influence are given. In this case evaluation of intensity is estimated according to one-dimensional criteria taking into account environmental temperature, physical load and time of man's staying in overheating conditions.
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7785310
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[The neuroendocrine regulation of gonadotropin and prolactin secretion and the role of neuromediators].
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The paper deals with the neuroendocrine relationships between true neuromediators of adrenergic and cholinergic nature as well as the neuromediators of peptidic character and the neurosecretory neurons controlling the secretion of gonadotropines and prolactine. The properties of about 30 neuromediators of different character with consideration for the structures of the central nervous system, participation in the synthesis and secretion of gonadoliberine, gonadotropines and prolactine and hence functioning of the reproductive system as a whole are characterized. The significance of the hormonal background of sexual steroids in the system of these complex relationships is analyzed. The author's and literature findings on the time-course of changing the contents of catecholamines in the hypothalamic structures relating to the control of the gonadotropic function of pituitary body are studied; the correlation relationships between a changed level of sexual steroids and gonadotropines in the blood during the cycle and the time-course of changing the catecholamines and luliberine in the hypothalamus are discussed. The possible mechanisms of coordinating the different neuromediators of adrenergic character and amino neuromediators with various mechanisms of action in the regulation of normal activity of the reproductive system are investigated.
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7785309
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[The action of high-molecular linear polymers on the circulatory system].
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An analysis of the hemodynamic consequences of the injections of long linear polymers with high molecular weight is introduced. These injections lead to an increase of the cardiac output, to a decrease of the blood pressure, and hence cause a reduction of the resistance to blood flow. It follows that such kind of polymers is able to normalize hemodynamics under some pathophysiological conditions, e.g., during experimental atherosclerosis, ischemic state, hemorrhagic shock. An addition of drag-reducing polymers into the blood system is associated with a modification of the blood flow microstructure itself.
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7785308
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[The morphofunctional bases of forebrain and cerebellum interaction].
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The article reviews data on structural and functional basis of forebrain and cerebellum interactions. The results of studies of cortical and thalamic structures' neuronal activity under cerebellar influence are considered. Specific and nonspecific cerebello-thalamo-cortical projection systems are analysed. Data on functioning of corticocerebellar loops as well as synaptic transmission in its various links are given. Hypotheses and modern ideas of cerebellocortical interaction' mechanisms are discussed.
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7785307
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[The organized brain (an essay on the structure of functional brain organization). II].
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This communication is dedicated to the main postulates of the author's conception about systematic-structural organization of the cerebral functions--the principles of the space and temporal dispersion of the external and internal signals, the division of connections on the mono- and oligoprojections as well as hierarchic stage of fashion and modulation of entering information, the functional multifactory of the sensory stimuli as well as principles of overlapping both afferent and efferent influences and their mutual regulation. The principle of the change of dominant participation of one brain system to another within the behavioral act's formation is one of the main postulate of our conception. These data testify to very complicate dynamic character of the function's correlation with the brain structures. This correlation depends on the self cerebral organization as well as the role in its acting the diverse afferent messages and effector reactions.
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7785305
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[Magnetic resonance tomography findings in adult patients with congenital corrected transposition of great arteries].
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In four adult patients with congenitally corrected transposition (C-TGA) of the great arteries the typical anatomy and relevant additional lesions such as perimembranous ventricular septal defect (n = 3), secundum atrial septal defect (n = 2), sub-/valvular pulmonic stenosis (n = 3) and pulmonary artery dilatation (n = 4) and/or relevant tricuspid valve insufficiency (n = 3) were depicted by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using spin-echo and gradient-echo techniques. The severity of the additional lesions could be evaluated qualitatively. Therefore, in cases of C-TGA magnetic resonance imaging may provide additional information or in selected patients may serve as a useful alternative to conventional imaging techniques such as echocardiography and angiocardiography.
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7785306
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[Traumatic aortic rupture: diagnosis using biplanar transesophageal echocardiography].
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Acute aortic rupture is a typical consequence of severe blunt chest trauma often associated with rapid deceleration in car accidents. Initial diagnostic findings are often misleading and multiorgan injuries add to the diagnostic complexity; therefore, the natural history of acute rupture is usually fatal during the first 24 h after injury if left untreated. Prompt and simple diagnosis is, hence, of paramount importance for successful treatment of acute aortic rupture. Transesophageal echocardiography, particularly with a biplane or multiplane probe, currently represents the diagnostic tool of choice to meet these criteria; because of its high sensitivity and specificity transesophageal echocardiography will replace aortography as "gold standard" for diagnosis of acute aortic rupture. We report on a 47-year-old woman with severe blunt thoraco-abdominal trauma resulting from a car accident; at hospital admission abdominal injuries were predominant and diagnosis of an acute rupture of the descending thoracic aorta was made only about 18 h after admission using biplane transesophageal echocardiography. Emergency surgical revision confirmed the diagnosis of complete transsection of the descending thoracic aorta immediately after the origin of the left subclavian artery; the site of transsection was surrounded by a large hematoma. Despite successful reconstruction of the descending thoracic aorta by means of graft interposition, a recurrent local bleeding event lead to complete circulatory destabilization and, finally, to the death of the patient.
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7785304
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[Presentation and quantification of acute myocardial infarct using antibody-bound MR contrast medium].
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A magnetically labeled antimyosin (MION-AM) has previously been developed for immunospecific MR imaging in vivo. The current study was designed to extend previous feasibility studies and to correlate MR infarct size to that determined by histopathology. The left anterior coronary artery (LAD) was temporarily occluded in rabbits (n = 10) and subsequently reperfused for 1 h prior to the administration of 100 mumol Fe/kg of MION-AM (corresponding to 0.5 mg AM). One hour after i.v. administration, the infarcted myocardium appeared hypointense by MRI as a result of target-specific attachment of the magnetic T2 label to damaged but not normal myocardium. There was a close correlation between infarct size determined by MR and pathology (SE 2500/30: r = 0.92, p < or = 0.0001; SE 2500/60: r = 0.85, p < or = 0.0001). Our results are evidence that a) immunospecific magnetic probes can be utilized for cardiac MR imaging, and b) that these or similar agents may aid in the quantitation of myocardial infarct size.
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7785303
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[Autoantibodies against cardiac myosin in patients with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy].
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Evidence accumulated in recent years indicates that autoimmunologic mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. In animal studies with Coxsackie B3-virus-induced murine myocarditis circulating autoantibodies against cardiac myosin have been detected. The present study investigates whether in patients with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy antimyosin-autoantibodies can be detected. Patients with other cardiac diseases and healthy blood donors were used as controls. In 30 of 62 (48.4%) patients with myocarditis antimyosin-antibodies could be detected, whereas in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy only 10 of 41 (24.4%) sera contained antimyosin-antibodies (p < 0.05). In patients with other cardiac diseases, 9 of 43 (21%) sera showed antimyosin-autoantibodies (p < 0.05 vs myocarditis, not significant vs DCM). In healthy blood donors, antimyosin-autoantibodies could only be detected in 1 of 39 (2.5%) sera. In Western-blot tests, the antimyosin-antibodies in patients with myocarditis bound to the myosin heavy chain. Protein A-Sepharose chromatography showed that the antimyosin-autoantibodies are of the IgG-type. No organ-specificity of the antibodies for cardiac myosin could be detected, and the antimyosin-autoantibodies bind equally to myosin prepared from either cardiac or skeletal muscle, respectively.
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7785302
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[An unusual series of complications in therapy with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator].
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A 48-year-old man with dilative cardiomyopathy and a history of resuscitation due to ventricular fibrillation received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with epicardial sensing and defibrillation electrodes in March 1990. An early battery depletion due to increased electrical leakage of a filter capacitor necessitated a generator exchange in July 1990. Subsequent inappropriate discharges occurred, but no underlying cause could be documented by history, clinical examination, Holter monitoring, and beepograms. Only 3 months later was it possible to demonstrate oversensing by repeated beepograms, and a new generator and transvenous sensing electrode were implanted in October 1991. Four months later, inappropriate shocks were suspected again. Once more, history, clinical examination, Holter monitoring, and beepograms were without pathological result. At follow-up, repeated beepograms during exercise demonstrated an oversensing, and an insulation defect of the newly implanted sensing electrode close to the edge of the generator could be documented on x-ray. Since replacement of generator and sensing electrode in July 1992 the patient is doing well. He received two appropriate shocks which were associated with presyncope. ICD therapy is very complex and therefore should only be performed in centers providing the necessary personal, apparative and logistic conditions.
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7785301
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[Modern electrodes with and without steroid: effects on stimulation current of cardiac pacemakers].
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The aim of the investigation was to test whether new leads without steroid, a meshwire tip leads (Ionyx 4180, CPI; n = 10) and a carbon tip lead (Facet ITP 13, Vitatron; n = 10), have electrical characteristics similar to a new steroid-eluting tip lead (CapSure SP 4023, Medtronic; n = 10) and their impact on the pacemaker's pacing current. Pacing thresholds, impedance, and R-wave amplitudes measured at implantation were similar for the three leads. One, 4 and 12 weeks after implantation both nonsteroid leads had significantly higher pacing thresholds at 0.1 and 0.3 ms pulse duration in comparison to the steroid lead (after 12 weeks at 0.3 ms steroid: 0.9 +/- 0.2 V, carbon: 2.1 +/- 0.5 V; meshwire: 1.5 +/- 0.5 V). This result was restricted to the carbon lead after 52 weeks. At 0.5 ms pulse duration higher pacing thresholds were obtained for the carbon lead (after 12 weeks at 0.5 ms; steroid: 0.8 V, carbon: 1.7 +/- 0.6 V; meshwire: 1.1 +/- 0.4 V). Impedance of the steroid lead was 531 +/- 61 ohms, 535 +/- 54 ohms, and 511 +/- 50 ohms, respectively, after 4, 12, and 52 weeks, whereas the carbon lead had significantly higher values with 652 +/- 84 ohms, 669 +/- 93 ohms, and 657 +/- 107 ohms, respectively. The impedance of the meshwired lead (4 weeks: 585 +/- 92 ohms; 12 weeks: 592 +/- 89 ohms; 52 weeks: 550 +/- 130 ohms) did not differ from the steroid lead.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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7785300
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[The T-wave shock: a new reliable method for induction of ventricular fibrillation in ICD testing].
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During ICD-implantation it is necessary to induce ventricular fibrillation several times to determine the defibrillation threshold. In third generation ICDs there are several options to induce ventricular fibrillation. We want to present a new method, called T-wave-shock, which is first available in the PCD Jewel 7219 (Medtronic). The T-wave-shock is the delivery of a low-energy-shock into the vulnerable period after ventricular stimulation with a basic cycle-length. We applied the T-wave-shock in 46 consecutive ICD-recipients intraoperatively and at the pre-hospital-discharge test. The method is highly effective when applying the shock into the ascending part of the T-wave (98% of the patients were inducible), and the duration of cardial and cerebral ischemia during induction is short (between 3.1 and 3.8 s). This raises defibrillation efficacy.
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7785299
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[Experiences with the new cardioverter-defibrillator Ventak PRxII].
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Clinical safety and efficacy of the new third-generation implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) Ventak PRxII was studied in 50 patients (pts) with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or fibrillation (VF). In 23 pts (46%) the ICD was implanted with a transvenous lead system as first implant and 27 pts (54%) received the Ventak PRxII as generator replacement. Intraoperatively, the mean defibrillation threshold (DFT) was 13 +/- 8 joules and 12 +/- 8 joules, respectively. One pt died perioperatively. During a follow-up of 5.3 +/- 3.8 months 3 patients died due to heart failure. During follow-up 1060 arrhythmia episodes (AE) occurred and were terminated primarily by countershock in 121 AE (11%). Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) was tried in 939 AE (89%) and was successful in 878 AE (94%). Acceleration was present in 6 AE (< 1%). We conclude that there is a high efficacy rate in AE termination by the Ventak PRxII, using ATP or countershock. Therefore, the Ventak PRxII allows a flexible approach to cardiac rhythm management.
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7785297
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[Results of valve-sparing correction of aortic valve insufficiency].
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The risk of valve-related complications and the necessity of anticoagulation in patients with prosthetic valves, has led to new operative techniques in the correction of severe aortic insufficiency. In the last 2 years, 35 patients (mean age 41.3 years, range 10-80 years) with aortic insufficiency underwent reconstructive valves surgery. Eighteen patients had a commissuroplasty with or without triangular resection. In 5 patients with perforation, the valves could be reconstructed with a pericardial patch. In 12 patients with insufficiency due to aortic aneurysm, the valves were resuspended within the aortic prosthesis. In 2 patients the aortic valves were replaced intraoperatively because of unsatisfactory results. The perioperative mortality was 5.7%. The echocardiographic degree of aortic insufficiency decreased from 3.3 +/- 0.5 preoperatively to 0.45 +/- 0.53 postoperatively. Two patients were reoperated within the first week. Five of 23 patients at 1-year follow-up have mild to moderate aortic insufficiency. Mean ventricular dimensions and function at discharge and after 1-year follow-up are normal. With the new operative techniques described recently, valve-sparing corrections of aortic insufficiency are possible in an increasing number of patients, and autologous valve tissue can be saved. With more refinement of surgical technique, early postoperative results will further improve.
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7785298
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[Dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract by prosthesis dysfunction].
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We report on a case of dynamic left ventricular (LV) outflow tract obstruction combined with a prosthetic valve dysfunction 13 years following mitral valve replacement with a Hancock bioprosthesis in a 46-year-old patient. Previously, repeated echocardiographic controls had been performed at regular intervals and the prosthesis had been found to be oversized and seated in abnormal position, with projection of the struts into the LV outflow tract. Moreover, a mild chronic LV outflow tract obstruction had been diagnosed upon intermittent findings of relatively high velocity in the outflow tract. Clinically, however, the patient had been stable and the function of the prosthesis had been good. With the onset of the mitral regurgitation due to prosthesis failure, a dynamic obstruction to LV outflow occurred, with severe narrowing of the LV outflow tract by a strut of the bioprosthesis during systole. Subsequently, a low cardiac output syndrome developed. The patient was referred for a mitral valve reoperation. The valve was replaced with a Sorin Bileaflet Carbon prosthesis. On the setting of a mild chronic LV outflow obstruction due to the oversized prosthesis and its abnormal position, hypercontractile cardiac function as a result of mitral regurgitation may have caused the dynamic and symptomatic LV outflow tract obstruction.
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7785294
|
[Improved microbiological assay of heterocyclic aromatic amines in cooked food].
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Heating of protein, especially muscle meat and meat extracts, can result in the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HA) which are carcinogenic in animals. They are therefore unwelcome in human food. Here, an improved method for the microbiological assay of HA is reported; it makes use of the high mutagenic potency of HA in the Ames test and of the new Salmonella typhimurium strain YG1024 instead of strain TA98. The high sensitivity of the new strain is a consequence of its high acetyltransferase activity which results in a more efficient formation of genotoxic HA metabolites. The mutagenic activity of three selected HA in YG1024 is 10-20 times higher than that in TA98. This method can be used for the analysis of the HA content of food. A study of meat patties revealed significant differences in the mutagenic activity in the center and crust and of home-made and commercial patties; in both, the mutagenic activity was localized in the crust.
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7785296
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[Percutaneous mitral valvulotomy with the Inoue balloon in over 65-year-old patients--acute results and short-term follow-up in comparison with younger patients].
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Percutaneous balloon mitral valvulotomy (PBMV) with the Inoue-balloon is a proven therapy in young patients with mitral stenosis. In this study, we investigated primary results in PBMV of elderly patients. In 383 patients with mitral stenosis PBMV was done with the Inoue-balloon. We compared primary success rates and short-term follow-up of 287 (74.9%) < 65-year-old patients and 96 (26.1%) > or = 65-year-old patients. Elderly patients were more likely to have atrial fibrillation (58% vs. 45%; p < 0.05), tricuspid regurgitation < or = II degrees (58% vs. 45%; p < 0.05), coronary artery disease (16% vs. 6%; p < 0.01), and previous pulmonary edema (42% vs. 30%; p < 0.05). PBMV was successful in 73.9% of the elderly and 84.7% of the younger patients (p < 0.05). Mitral valve gradients could be reduced from 12.5 +/- 11.6 mm Hg to 6.2 +/- 6.8 mmHg (p < 0.001) in elderly patients and from 15.5 +/- 6.9 mm Hg to 7.0 +/- 3.2 mm Hg (p < 0.001) in younger patients. Mitral valve areas increased from 1.0 +/- 0.3 cm2 to 1.6 +/- 0.5 cm2 (p < 0.001) in elderly patients and from 1.0 +/- 0.3 cm2 to 1.7 +/- 0.4 cm2 (p < 0.001) in younger patients. No patient died during the procedure. Two younger patients had emergency surgery because of pericardial tamponade following transseptal puncture. After PBMV elderly patients had more often an increase of mitral regurgitation (47% vs. 35%; p < 0.05) without need of an emergency mitral valve replacement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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7785295
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Variation of trans fatty acids in milk fats.
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Trans fatty acids are discussed in connection with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the development of a rapid and exact measuring method for the determination of trans fatty acids in milk fat is of great interest. Using gas chromatographic analysis of the trans-octadecenoic fatty acids as well as of the triglycerides of 100 different milk fat samples a formula consisting of different triglycerides for the quick determination of trans contents was developed by means of statistical methods (standard deviation = 0.293%, r = 0.9977). Subsequently, the seasonal variations of the trans contents in milk fat samples from a large milk collection area were determined using rapid triglyceride analyses. For the trans fatty acid contents of the 100 milk fat samples and the samples from the milk collection area scattering ranges of 1.91-6.34 wt% resp. 1.97-4.37 wt% were found; the mean contents were 3.83 and 3.18 wt%, and the median values 3.67 and 3.30 wt%, respectively.
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7785293
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[Mealtime patterns in a southern German population. Results from the WHO MONICA 1984/1985 Augsburg nutritional survey project].
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Seven-day food records of the MONICA project Augsburg dietary survey, which were collected between October 1984 and May 1985 in 899 men aged 45-64 years (random sample), were used to analyze meal patterns. Among other variables, the emphasis was placed on meal frequency and rhythm, frequency of meal combinations, place and time of meal intake as well as on the contribution of different meals to selected nutrient intake. Breakfast delivers 17%, lunch 29%, and dinner 33% of the total daily energy intake; all other meals (snacks) deliver 21% of the energy intake. The mean contribution of the three major meals, such as breakfast, lunch and dinner to daily protein intake is 14%, 36%, and 36%; to fat intake 17%, 33%, and 35%, and to carbohydrate intake 23%, 25%, and 29%, respectively. Data on meal patterns are useful for the development of preventive strategies.
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7785292
|
Olive oil- and sunflower oil-fried sardines in the prevention of rat hypercholesterolemia.
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The effect of diets containing olive-oil-fried sardines (diet 1) or sunflower-oil-fried sardines (diet 3) upon the serum cholesterol-raise induced by dietary cholesterol was studied after a 4-week experiment in growing Wistar rats. Results of diet 1 were compared to those obtained in diets containing casein plus olive oil (diet 2), whereas results of diet 3 were compared to those obtained with casein plus sunflower oil (diet 4). All diets contained cholesterol and bovine bile as a cholesterol-raising agent. The hypercholesterolemic effect of dietary cholesterol in fried-sardine groups (a total cholesterol (TC) increase of 0.9 mmol/L (p < 0.05 and 0.4 mmol/L (not significant) in groups 1 and 3, respectively) was markedly lower than in groups 2 and 4 (a TC increase of 13.9 mmol/L (p < 0.01) and 18.2 mmol/L (p < 0.01), respectively). Serum triglyceride levels decreased in fried-sardine diets (p < 0.05) while they increased in casein diets (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol levels appear lower in diet 1 than in diet 2 (p < 0.05), but similar in diets 3 and 4. However, HDL-fraction carries in diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, 13%, 4%, 53% and 5% of TC, respectively. Results showed that fried-sardine diets exert a powerful check effect on the cholesterol-raising effect induced by dietary cholesterol.
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7785291
|
Effects of a high protein intake on renal acid excretion in bodybuilders.
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Bodybuilders often prefer a high protein diet to achieve maximum skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In this study the effect of a high protein diet on renal acid load and renal handling of proton excretion was studied comparing dietary intake and urinary ionograms in 37 male bodybuilders and 20 young male adults. Energy intake (+ 7%), protein intake (128 vs 88 g/d/1.73 m2), and renal net acid excretion (95 vs 64 mmol/d/1.73 m2) were higher in the bodybuilders than in the controls, however, urine-pH was only slightly lower (5.83 vs 6.12). In the bodybuilders renal ammonium excretion was higher at any given value of urine pH than in the controls. In a regression analysis protein intake proved to be an independent factor modulating the ratio between urine-pH and renal ammonium excretion. The concomitant increase of renal net acid excretion and maximum renal acid excretion capacity in periods of high protein intake appears to be a highly effective response of the kidney to a specific food intake leaving a large renal surplus capacity for an additional renal acid load.
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7785284
|
[Expanded diagnostic possibilities for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autoimmune hepatopathies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)].
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This is a report on a case of autoimmunehepatopathy with misleading virus serology: A 34-year old female patient presented with abdominal signs of hepatopathy at Graz University School of Medicine. Hepatitis-C virus (HCV) serology was strongly positive indicating virus contact. The cellular activation was elevated, additionally increased ds-DNA-titer and mitochondrial antibody titres including the subfraction M2 were increased. In view of the differential diagnosis and therapeutic consequences molecular biology was used for additional information and a PCR carried out. The latter excluded infection with HCV confirming a false positive virus serology. The patient was treated with ursodesoxycholic acid, steroids and enzymes. She improved and showed no viral exposure. We conclude, that molecular biology represents an essential tool for the diagnosis of some selected critical cases of autoimmune-diseases such as autoimmune hepatopathy with false positive virus serology, if the underlying etiopathogenesis is not clear.
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7785289
|
The Wisconsin Diabetes Control Program: a health systems and community-based approach.
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The Wisconsin Diabetes Control Program will address the health needs of people with diabetes by working closely with the Wisconsin Affiliate of the American Diabetes Association and other diabetes health professionals in the state. The 5-year program will use both health systems and community-based approaches to coordinate prevention, detection, and control activities required to reduce the burden of this chronic condition. This program represents a major shift in focus from previous diabetes control programs supported by the CDC, and is designed to establish the program as a key component of an evolving health care environment.
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7785288
|
An unusual sonographic appearance of a chronic renal peritransplant lymphocele.
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Lymphoceles are the most common renal peritransplant collections. They typically develop and progress within 6 months of transplantation. Clinical presentation is varied and includes azotemia, lower extremity edema, fever, weight gain, tenderness over the allograft, palpable mass, and thromboembolic complications. Herein, we present a chronic peritransplant lymphocele with unusually thick and irregular internal septae which could easily be mistaken for other complex peritransplant or pelvic masses. In this case, color Doppler flow imaging helped to limit the differential diagnosis as well as to guide appropriate intervention. Additionally, we describe the pathophysiology of lymphocele formation and treatment options.
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7785283
|
[Bioprosthesis degeneration and reoperation in the aortic and mitral position].
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In agreement with our experiences from our first study 15 patients (8 men, 7 women) underwent reoperation because of degeneration of bioprosthetic valves implanted in aortic or mitral position during the last 24 months. At reoperation 4 patients had a more complex cardiac procedure (double valve replacement, double valve replacement with bypass grafting, valve replacement with enlargement of the valvular area). There was no acute operation and only 1 patient was serious symptomatic preoperatively (NYHA IV). We revealed a mean implantation time of 126.4 months +/- 32.2 (median 130) for all bioprostheses without a significant difference in implant time regarding to aortic or mitral position. At reoperation bypass time (p = 0.001) and aortic clamp time (p = 0.011) was significantly longer compared to the first operation. There was no perioperative death, all patients are still alive and in good condition (8 of them NYHA I, 7 NYHA II). The early change of tissue degenerated bioprostheses can be carried out under elective conditions with improved postoperative outcome: mortality and morbidity remains acceptable low. In our group incremental risk factors for early mortality are severely affected patients with low functional status (NYHA IV) and acute operation. Preoperative coronary angiography remains essential for evaluation of concomitant coronary artery disease.
|
7785282
|
[A case of patient homicide].
|
The phenomenon of patient homicides committed by health service employees has, in the previous years, repeatedly aroused much attention. The cases made known in Germany, the USA, Holland, Norway, and Austria appear to provide evidence to the effect that we are not only dealing with unique incidents. The scientific investigation of this especially sensitive taboo-topic is, to date, missing. The judicial trials carried out emphatically indicate that culprit motives, colleague behavior, but also to a large extent decisions made by superiors remain unclear. It remains controversial, what effect working conditions, strain of employees, their level of education and personal viewpoints over such criminal acts they possess. Finally, the long latency period between the first internal suspicions and the responsible parties' appropriate reactions requires duplicatable explanation. The following paper presents a German single-case study of patient homicide by a female nurse. The focus on causality rests on the presentation of developments up to the point where the long-fermenting suspicion could no longer be dismissed, and appropriate consequences took place. The account largely avoids the "definite" findings required during the judicial process. It concerns rather above all an open, uncertain, and possibly without external influence course of development which in stages each colleague in the health professions can trace, to the point where the uncertain and horrifying suspicion became a certainty. With this single-case study in hand it is made understandable in which ways personal circumstances and professional conditions at the worksituation can intertwine in such a way that the original motivation to help turns into its abysmal opposite. It is the author's intention to make preventive learning possible through this single case study. Every employee in the health professions should proceed on the assumption that such occurrences could also in his own field of work come to pass. In this respect, it is of considerable importance to differentiate between hasty and untenable incriminations and original increasing early-warning signs.
|
7785281
|
[Unexpected fatalities of patients in medical treatment].
|
Our results are based on 190 autopsy records of unexpectedly deceased patients in connection with medical treatment between 1984 and 1993. 161 times autopsy has been ordered by the local Public Health Office to establish cause of death. In 5 of these cases indications of medical maltreatment were found and the cases had been brought to trial. Inspite of suspected problems with medical treatment the treating doctors certified natural death in 8 of these cases and autopsies were carried out by general pathologists. Secundarily these cases were brought to court and corpses were reexamined by forensic pathologists. 29 times autopsy has been ordered by court from the beginning. 102 patients (53.7%) died during medical treatment ("mors in tabula"), while 88 patients (46.3%) died within days or weeks after treatment. 135 fatal incidents occurred in surgery, 13 cases during diagnostic procedures or puncturing veins, 5 cases after drug administration, 5 cases during attempts at resuscitation, and 8 fatal cases during other special treatment. 11 times no medical treatment has been started (omission). Legal consequences of 42 cases done by court were: no accusation in 48%, only accusation and cessation in 26%, condemnation in 21% and acquittal in 5%.
|
7785280
|
[Microinvasive, CT-controlled periradicular therapy in treatment of chronic intervertebral disk-induced functional disorders].
|
The disease of the spinal column is number 2 of common diseases world-wide and leads to high business- and commerce-related losses as well as to high expenses for the health care systems. An effective treatment of this disease is given by the microinvasive. CT controlled periradicular therapy (micro PRT). Under visibility, the tip of a canula is led directly and high precisely in close neighbourhood to the prolaps, then locally NaCl and cristaline cortisone (40 mg Volon A) is instillated. The periradicular distribution and the distribution into the epidural space is documented via contrast medium. A retrospective study with 220 patients and a prospective randomized double blind study with 40 patients (10 mg vs. 40 mg Volon A) were carried out. The average age of the retrospective collective was 53.1 +/- 12.4 years, average treatment period 18.4 weeks, and the mean follow-up 17 months. The mean value of successful treatment of lumbal spine was at 60% (spine 88.5%) with protrusion, with prolaps at 75% (spine 94%), with sequester at 94%, and with stenoses at 69% (spine 60%). With 78.8% of the patients, the percentual result was constantly good at the time of questionnaire as to the end of the treatment. 7.7% still took analgesics, 5.9% were post-operated. 1.8% of the patients made a pension application. The average age of patients within the prospective randomized double-blind-study was 47.2 +/- 11.9 years. At 27.5% of the patients, the start of pain was about more than 5 years ago and goes back to about 23 years (72.5% had pain more than 1 year). The mean value of visits was 4 physicians per patient, and 5 months of follow-up. There is a high significant improvement in results within the group with 40 mg Volon A (p = 0.0351479). The entire improvement, subjectively estimated (visual analogical scale) within this group was at 90%. After end of therapy, 83.3% (n = 30) had stopped the taking of analgesics and the neurologic deficit decreased significantly. Furthermore, significant reduction of prolapses could be observed at 60% of the patients in both study groups (n = 156). The CT scopic micro PRT with 40 mg Volon A leads to a significant improvement of pain and neurologic symptoms caused by chronical disk herniation.
|
7785279
|
Chronic relapsing polyradiculoneuropathy in IgG lambda monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)--complete remission following carmustine treatment.
|
A previously healthy 43 year-old female developed IgG lambda monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and ascending sensorimotor polyradiculoneuropathy which relapsed 11 times within 2 years. Marked improvement was noted repeatedly after plasmapheresis. However, on each occasion symptoms and signs of polyradiculoneuropathy recurred almost exactly 3 weeks after plasma-pheresis. Following 6 weeks of treatment with carmustine (70 mg/week), nearly complete recovery was established, which has persisted up to now (82 months after the end of therapy). The close temporal correlation between clinical relapse and recurrence of the IgG paraprotein and its permanent absence in stable clinical remission after carmustine treatment suggest a causal relationship between the paraprotein and the polyradiculoneuropathy. However, further studies are required to confirm this observation, as well as the efficacy of carmustine therapy.
|
7785278
|
[Comparative psychiatric diagnosis in dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients].
|
12 male and 8 female patients treated by hemodialysis (mean age: 38.5 years, s = 11.1) and 10 male and 10 female renal transplant recipients (mean age: 35.4 years, s = 9.7) were given 8 psychological tests. The results of both groups were compared with each other and with the respective standardizations. In comparison with the respect standardizations the transplant recipients obtained average results in 5 to 6 achievement tests, whereas the dialysis patients showed deficiencies in higher perceptive processes, namely attentiveness, power of concentration, speed of performance, reductive thinking, and short-time memory. Confronted with problems which must be solved by making use of formerly acquired knowledge, experiences, and skills (crystallized intelligence), the average results of both groups coincided with the average of the respective standardizations. As for their way of acting in frustrating situations, the persons of both groups tried to avoid any aggressive reaction against fellow-men. They tended to self-reproaches, though generally referring to inevitable circumstances. If possible they evaded any question of guilt by minimizing the problems. All in all, renal transplantation can effect a substantial improvement in mental ability, especially of fluid intelligence.
|
7785277
|
[Peripheral cranial nerve paralysis as a sequela of operations of the carotid artery].
|
265 carotid endarterectomies in 210 patients (all vein patch in the carotid bifurcation) were investigated postoperatively for the presence and reversibility of cranial nerve palsy especially for N. facialis, N. hypoglossus, and N. vagus paresis. Additionally, the anatomical relationship between the affected cranial nerve and the carotid artery and the influence of surgical case load on the incidence of cranial nerve paresis were investigated. Altogether 28 (10.5%) cranial nerve injuries were registered. In 6 (2.2%) cases the hypoglossus nerve was injured, in 13 (4.9%) the vagal nerve (N. laryngeus recurrens) and in 9 (3.4%) facial nerve paresis occurred. Cranial nerves VII and X, which are not directly connected with the area operated on, show significantly more injuries than the hypoglossal nerve (p < 0.01), which is located closer to the carotid artery. Significantly lower rates of cranial nerve injuries (p < 0.01) were recorded in cases operated on by surgeons with greater experience (> 30 cases) than by surgeons with a case load below this threshold. Although different reasons for cranial nerve injuries such as direct pressure, retraction or edema are known, all pareses show an excellent spontaneous recovery rate within the period of one year.
|
7785275
|
[The interactions of antidepressant drugs].
|
An overview is presented of interactions of currently frequently used antidepressants with various other drugs. The effects of interactions of tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclics, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, lithium and carbamazepine are comparatively well documented, their pharmcodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics extensively researched and well known to the practitioner. These interactions concern synergic effects, enzyme inhibition, enzyme induction in the liver, competitive inhibition of absorption and reciprocal effects on the receptor. With regard to lithium, problems of renal clearance and circulation are also important. On the other hand, interactions of reversible and selective MAO-A inhibitors (RI-MA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) with various other drugs are in the process of elucidation. Very threatening interactions are known to be caused by a combination of SSRI and MAO inhibitors (serotonergic syndrome). SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants dispensed concurrently cause an increase in the plasma level of the tricyclic antidepressant. Hence, the practitioner must become aware of this high responsibility towards the patient when prescribing even on single drug, which must be selected with the utmost care.
|
7785276
|
[Multifocal-motor neuropathy and motor neuropathy with multifocal conduction block (Lewis-Sumner syndrome)].
|
Multifocal motor neuropathy, which mimics lower motor neuron disease, is a rare and curious demyelinating neuropathy characterised by slowly progressive, asymmetric limb weakness within the distribution of individual peripheral nerves, wasting, cramps, fasciculations and rare sensory involvement, but without upper motor neuron signs. The cardinal feature and primary pathophysiological basis for the weakness is the multifocal motor conduction block which remains stable for years at the same site and is confined to motor axons. It is defined as > 50% reduction in both the CMAP and the negative peak area on proximal stimulation, as compared with the distal stimulus response without any change in the negative peak duration. Nerves at the site of the conduction block show demyelination, endoneural edema, rudimentary onion bulbs and lymphocytic inflammation. Sensory nerves may show mild demyelination, axon loss and lymphocytic inflammation. The majority of patients shows elevated titers of anti-glycolipid antibodies, which may block the Na+ channels, produce demyelination or interfere with remyelination. However, their role in the pathogenesis of multifocal motor neuropathy remains uncertain. Multifocal motor neuropathy is regarded as the predominantly motor variant of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and can be treated best with immunoglobulins and cyclophosphamide.
|
7785267
|
Lesbian health care. What a primary care physician needs to know.
|
Many primary care physicians take care of lesbians and women sexually active with women without being aware of their patients' sexual orientation. These women have unique medical and psychosocial needs that each physician must consider. Lesbian identity or being sexually active exclusively with women influences care in areas such as sexually transmitted diseases, risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection, counseling, cancer risk, screening, parenting, depression, alcohol use, and violence. We review an approach to taking a history with all women that facilitates open, comfortable communication with lesbians. We also review specific medical and psychosocial areas of primary care in which caring for lesbians is different from caring for other women. Further research is needed on lesbian health issues to provide appropriate guidelines to clinicians.
|
7785258
|
Role of nitric oxide in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus-related vascular complications.
|
Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are at high risk for vascular disorders such as hypertension, nephropathy, and retinopathy. The most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes is vascular disease. Despite ongoing research, the pathogenesis of vascular disease in diabetes remains unclear. In recent years, numerous investigators have examined the role of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, nitric oxide, in the disease state of hypertension and its complications. We review the role of nitric oxide in the development of diabetes-related vascular disease and discuss findings suggesting that nitric oxide metabolism and vascular responsiveness to nitric oxide are altered in diabetes. Patients with diabetes may benefit from therapy that addresses this pathogenic deficiency.
|
7785259
|
Cervical pathology--the Bethesda System and the 'atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance' controversy.
|
The Council on Scientific Affairs of the California Medical Association presents the following epitomes of progress in pathology. Each item, in the judgment of a knowledgeable physicians, has recently become reasonably firmly established, both as to scientific fact and clinical importance. The items are presented in simple epitome, and an authoritative reference, both to the item itself and to the subject as a whole, is generally given for those who may be unfamiliar with a particular item. The purpose is to assist busy practitioners, students, researchers, and scholars to stay abreast of progress in medicine, whether in their own field of special interest or another. The epitomes included here were selected by the Advisory Panel to the Section on Pathology of the California Medical Association, and the summaries were prepared under the direction of Yutaka Kikkawa, MD, and the panel.
|
7785255
|
Immunopathologic effects of silicone breast implants.
|
Silicone-gel breast implants have been associated with a myriad of autoimmune and connective tissue disorders by anecdotal reports and small observational series. To date, no prospective epidemiologic studies have been done to substantiate these observations, but an increasing body of literature is being developed and older studies are being recognized that point to immunotoxic or inflammatory effects of these breast implant components. The development of disease due to implants would depend on the interaction of genetic host factors so that only a few patients would potentially be at risk. Based on the example of other chemically mediated disorders, such as scleroderma in association with silica exposure, latency periods of more than 30 years before disease develops may be possible. Herein we review studies on silicone and immunity.
|
7785256
|
Costs of minimally invasive laser surgery compared with transurethral electrocautery resection of the prostate.
|
We reviewed hospital charges for patients undergoing uncomplicated endoscopic surgical resection for symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia over a 1-year period at a single institution. Of 115 patients, 67 underwent transurethral electrocautery resection of the prostate, and 48 underwent endoscopic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser ablation of the prostate under direct vision. Analysis showed a cost differential between these 2 surgical treatments in excess of $2,000, favoring laser prostatectomy (P < .0001) over transurethral electrocautery resection. The single greatest difference between the treatments was the ability to manage all patients receiving laser treatment as outpatients, whereas the mean and median hospital stay after transurethral electrocautery resection was 3.0 days. Taking additional cost variables into account and decreasing the cost of laser delivery systems would further increase this cost differential in favor of laser therapy. The diminished postoperative morbidity associated with laser treatment also promises lower total costs over the long term.
|
7785254
|
Neurologic complications of lightning injuries.
|
Over the past ten years, we have cared for 13 patients who suffered serious neurologic complications after being struck by lightning. The spectrum of neurologic lesions includes the entire neuraxis from the cerebral hemispheres to the peripheral nerves. We describe these various neurologic disorders with regard to the site of the lesion, severity of the deficit, and the outcome. Damage to the nervous system can be a serious problem for patients struck by lightning. Fatalities are associated with hypoxic encephalopathy in patients who suffered cardiac arrests. Patients with spinal cord lesions are likely to have permanent sequelae and paralysis. New technology for detecting lightning with wideband magnetic direction finders is useful in establishing lightning-flash densities in each state. Florida and the Gulf Coast states have the highest densities. Colorado and the Rocky Mountain states have the next highest.
|
7785250
|
[Use of navoban for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy for malignant tumors].
|
The antiemetogenic effect of navoban (Sandoz) was studied in 26 patients receiving chemotherapy, with application of platidiam in 22 cases included. No vomiting was registered. Nausea was observed in 9 cases within the first 24 hrs and a slight reduction in appetite--in 13 cases. Navoban proved one of the most potent antiemetics devoid of any untoward side-effects.
|
7785251
|
[Morbidity and mortality of malignant tumors in the population of a Moscow district].
|
An epidemiologic study of malignant tumors was carried out in a cohort of population of a district in Moscow. The district is situated on the leeward side of a cluster of factories which discharge 270 cu tons of pollutants per year. Nine of the eleven apartment houses under study were put up in the 60-70 ies when the factories were in operation. The cohort included 1,095 males and females who had lived in that district at least 5 years until the start of the investigation. The tumor morbidity and mortality in this cohort were evaluated for the period of 1988-1992. Morbidity of virtually all known tumors and mortality proved to be in excess of all expectations. However, significant differences between the actual and expected levels were obtained in the total number of tumors, in females, only (actual number-24; expected number-13.76), and for breast tumors (7 and 2.82, respectively).
|
7785249
|
[Diagnosis of cerebral meningioma before hospitalization].
|
Clinical neurologic symptoms were evaluated in 300 cases of brain meningioma eersus tumor course. An attempt was made to assess difficulties involved and errors made in diagnosing tumors before admission to hospital. The study identified initial signs of the disease, symptom combinations as well as single symptoms considering their frequency and importance for cerebral meningioma diagnosis before admission.
|
7785248
|
[Groups at high risk for skin cancer].
|
A special program aimed at detecting skin cancer at early stages was worked out and launched into use in 1989. It provides for a series of measures for primary examination and subsequent follow-up of population. Dermatologists conducted examinations of persons at high risk 2-4 times a year depending on the disease. They were joined by oncologists, whenever required, and morphological examinations were sometimes carried out. The group at high risk for skin cancer included patients older than 50, with the following pathologies: (I) Obligate precancerous dermatites: Bowen's syndrome, erythroplasia of Queyrat, Paget's disease (extramammary localization), intraepidermal epithelioma of Jadassohn, late-onset radiation dermatitis, early childhood-Kaposi's disease, Manganotti's chilitis and verrucous precancer of the lip; Optional precancerous dermatosis: childhood-onset epidermodysplasia veruciformis, actinic keratosis, cutaneous horn, keratoacanthoma, carcinoid papillomatosis of Gottron, giant condyloma of Buschke-Lowenstein, leukoplakia and limited precancerous hyperkeratosis of the lip's red edge; (2) Dermatoses involving pathological regeneration: eruthematosis, lupus tuberculosis, psoriasis (more than 15 years old), trophic ulcers, extensive scars (particularly, those caused by burns), chronic ulcerative pyoderma and pyoderma vegetans; (3) Hemorrhagic diathesis on the surface or fundus of neoplasm; (4) Consolidation at neoplasm base; (5) Absence of complaints; (6) Resistance to therapy.
|
7785246
|
[Coordination of lymphocytic enzymes of the rat thymus gland in experimental chemotherapy].
|
The report deals with an investigation of the relationship between thymal cortical lymphocytes metabolism and antitumor response in Wistar rats with ovarian tumors, injected with Thio-TEPA intramuscularly and endolymphatically. Antitumor response and enzymatic indexes coordination appeared to be higher with the latter route.
|
7785247
|
[Criteria for evaluation of non-specific anti-tumor resistance].
|
Non-specific antitumor resistance levels have been measured by correlation-regression analysis on the basis of 33 parameters in rats with tumors and under the influence of Thio-TEPA treatment, endolymphatic administration included. The study established 16 highly-informative criteria and parameter a, an integral indicator for non-specific antitumor resistance evaluation, which describes the synthetic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
|
7785244
|
[Leukemia in delta-GAG-MYC transgenic mice].
|
Transgenic mice carrying two delta-gag-myc genetic constructions were produced and kept under observation during their whole life. Nineteen out of 119 transgenic mice developed such hemopoietic diseases as lymphoid tissue hyperplasia, lymphoma, lymphosarcoma and myeloma. Lymphoid tissue hyperplasia and lymphoma generally involved multiple hyperplastic and neoplastic pathologies which were regarded, on the whole, as "malignant disease". In all cases, lymphosarcoma and myeloma were the only deadly pathologies. Lymphomas and myelomas were detected after 3-9 months, lymphosarcomas--18-29 months while lymphoid tissue hyperplasia occurred virtually throughout the entire life span--3-31 months. The study has shown that transgenic mice carrying delta-gag-myc gene in their genome can be used in the designing of special models for investigations of certain patterns of leukemia.
|
7785245
|
[Functional status of mast cells in subcutaneous connective tissue of rats with lymphosarcoma of Pliss].
|
The functional status of a population of mast cells taken from the subcutaneous connective tissue of rats with lymphosarcoma of Pliss and those suffering from aseptic inflammation was evaluated. The experiment established such manifestations of remote influence on the mast cell population, at early stages of tumorigenesis, as faster rates of tumor growth and mast cells maturation and enhanced degranulation. Initial signs of functional exhaustion of the mast cells population was seen as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
|
7785243
|
[Intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins G in patients with nervous system neoplasms].
|
Brain tumor development and their recurrence are accompanied by an increase in IgG levels in liquor as well as in the number of circulating immunocomplexes and by the presence of blockage factors in liquor. The data presented in the paper, on the whole, illustrate the development of autoimmune reactions, which happen to be mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of brain tumor growth and recurrence. Surgical removal of tumor is followed by a reduction in the rates of IgG synthesis.
|
7785242
|
[Distribution of alleles of DRB, DQB and DQA loci of major histocompatibility complex in healthy donors of Saint Peterburg].
|
The distribution of alleles of DRB, DQB and DQA loci was investigated in 118 healthy donors from St. Petersburg. Said alleles were identified by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method using DRB, DQB and DQA probes after TaqI digestion and Southern blotting. The frequencies of said alleles were compared with those of a cohort of healthy donors living in Germany. A significantly higher frequency of DRB-17-2 was identified in the Russian donors, as compared with the German counterparts. Also, the Russian donors revealed a decrease in the frequency of DQB-1 (P = 0.01) and an increase in that of DQB-X allele (P = 0.05). An analysis of DRB, DQB and DQA locus a alleles adhesion in a sample of donors from St. Petersburg showed it to agree, in a large proportion of cases, with the literature data. A parallel study of immunological specificity of DR antigen was undertaken to compare the results of genetic and serologic typing; errors in DR specificity identification were found to have been made in 17.0%.
|
7785241
|
[Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in cancer patients].
|
The levels of TNF spontaneously produced in monocyte and macrophage supernatants were measured in 65 patients with tumors of different localization and stages. The TNF levels in blood monocyte and macrophage supernatants obtained from peritoneal washings were found to significantly differ from those in blood serum in the same patients. The highest TNF concentrations were registered in monocytes supernatants sampled from rectal and breast cancer patients. A relationship between cancer cachexia and TNF level is discussed.
|
7785240
|
[Lactate dehydrogenase isozyme profile in gastric mucosa as an early marker of possible neoplastic pathology in children with chronic gastroduodenal diseases].
|
The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme profile was studied in bioptic samples of gastric mucosa taken from 57 infantile patients suffering from chronic gastroduodenal pathology and 7 children with gastric functional disorders. The investigation showed LDH1 level to decrease and that of LDH5 to increase, the LDH5/LDH1 ratio increasing accordingly, in cases of erosive gastro-like gastroduodenitis and duodenal ulcers. The degree of said changes was found to correlate with the extent of morphological lesions of gastric mucosa and the most pronounced changes were recorded in cases of gastric mucosa gland atrophy. Similar changes in LDH isoenzyme profile had been identified in patients with gastric tumors. Said findings may be used in identification of groups at high risk for gastric carcinoma.
|
7785239
|
[Prostaglandins E in malignant stomach neoplasms].
|
Prostaglandins E (PGE) levels in gastric neoplasme have been studied radioimmunologically in 84 patients (aged 31-77) with tumors of different stages. A relationship between PGE level and main clinico-morphological features of tumor has been established. PGE concentration was shown to correlate with age, stage, histological pattern of tumor, cell differentiation and tumor infiltration. The highest PGE concentrations were observed in young patients, low-differentiated adenocarcino, a and pronounced tumor infiltration to adjacent tissues. No correlation has been found between PGE level and sex and tumor localization and size. The PGE level in the intact gastric mucosa was significantly lower in the body of the stomach than in its proximal and upper parts. The results of the investigation suggest a possible use of PGE antagonists for stomach cancer treatment.
|
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