Inhibition of BFU-E in vitro growth and of burst-promoting activity of T lymphocytes by serum of chronic uremic patients receiving hemodialysis

The effects of uremic serum on the in vitro growth of normal BFU-E and on the burst-promoting activity by normal T-lymphocytes were evaluated separately. The effect of hemodialysis on the removal of possible serum inhibitor(s) was also tested. Sera of 12 uremic patients were shown to provoke a 60% inhibition of the in vitro growth of normal BFU-E and almost complete abolition of burst-promoting activity by T lymphocytes. While hemodialysis significantly removed the inhibition of uremic sera on BFU-E growth, it was rather ineffective in removing the inhibitor(s) of T lymphocytes. The different effects of uremic serum on BFU-E and on T lymphocytes are discussed.     

砷的致癌性研究进展

地方性砷中毒对人体造成的远期致癌效应,一直是世界各国广泛关注的问题。本文就砷的致癌机制研究中的一些热点问题,从遗传学机制和拟遗传学机制两个方面进行了综述,对砷影响免疫分子和细胞缝隙连接间通讯作用的有关研究进行了总结,并提出了今后研究工作的一些设想。     

Observations of the mechanism of action of the sulfonylureas under clinical conditions

Eight adult-onset diabetics were tested after 4 days stabilization on each of four regimens: no drug, oral chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, and tolbutamide during a fasting and a fed day. The overall mean plasma glucose levels were reduced by $\text{68}\text{mg}\text{100}\text{ml}$ on fasting, by 87 mg on the sulfonylureas and by 120 mg on fasting plus sulfonylureas. The overall mean fasting serum insulin (IRI) level of 12 μU per ml was increased by 5 μU on sulfonylureas, by 10μU on the fed day, and by 20 μU on the fed day with sulfonylureas. The sulfonylureas halved the mean rise in glucose level caused by food, while the mean rise in IRI levels was no greater on drugs than on no drugs. In all situations the potency of chlorpropamide and glibenclamide was similar and rather greater than that of tolbutamide, but there was no qualitative difference between the three drugs and the IRI levels were very similar on each. Plasma tolbutamide levels did not relate to IRI levels; tolbutamide was associated with a reduction in glucose levels 24 hr after the last dose. The increase in IRI levels on sulfonylureas was variable and irregular and did not correlate well with glucose levels. The pattern of change in plasma glucose and insulin and the lack of correspondence between glucose and tolbutamide levels appear to be explained best by an increased effectiveness of endogenous insulin rather than increased output even at this early stage (fifth to sixth day).     

Variability of the pigmentation of mycobacteria by the composition of medium

1. The pigmentation of mycobacteria was not influenced by the nitrogen source and by the carbon source. Under similar conditions, the pigmentation was very stable. 2. The pigmentation was usually more intensive on egg media than on the Sauton medium agar. In addition, the colouring was influenced by the age of cultures more markedly on egg media than on the Sauton medium agar. 3. The pigmentation of mycobacteria appeared to be more stable on the Sauton medium agar than on egg media, the Loewenstein-Jensen medium and the Ogawa egg medium. It had been recommended that the pigmentation is defined on the fresh cultures grown on the Sauton medium agar. 4. High temperature produced a more intensive pigmentation than low temperature. 5. Aromatic compounds sometimes influenced the colouring of mycobacteria, but this effect was not constant. 6. Sodium thioctate increased the colouring of scotochromogens in old cultures. 7. Development of the colouring ofM. kansasii, i.e. photosynthesis of carotenoids, was done only in the existence of oxygen. 8. Pigmentless mutants induced by ultraviolet irradiation showed the same biochemical characteristics as the original pigmented strains. 9. It has been found that all strains tested (six strains) of scotochromogens contain the same pigment beta-carotine.     

Analysis of the stimulating action of tolbutamide on the secretion of insulin using mannoheptulose and diazoxide

Summary The stimulating action of tolbutamide on insulin secretion presents two components; the first is independent of the presence of glucose in the medium which perfuses the beta cells; the second is, on the contrary, dependent upon glucose. D-mannoheptulose and diazoxide permit the dissociation of these two components; the antagonistic effect of the first exerts itself uniquely on that part of the stimulating action of tolbutamide which is gluco-dependent; on the contrary, the antagonistic effect of the second exerts itself on both phases of the stimulating action of the sulfonamide.     

Echocardiography diagnosis of a chronic course of myocarditis

It is reported on the results of echocardiographic investigations at rest and under ergometric exercise in 36 patients in whom in particular on account of an insufficiency of physical ability under everyday conditions which appeared after an infection the suspicion of a myocarditis arose. While the echocardiographic findings at rest were not indicative, the parameters SVI and mVCFn proved to be significant on exertion. Obviously, a decrease of these values is a particularly sensitive indicator for the detection of a latent damage of the myocardium. Echocardiographic investigations on exertion are of importance particularly in adolescents, since, on the one hand, above all in adolescents the danger of a physical overstrain is given, and, on the other hand, the prerequisites for the performance of echocardiographic are particularly favourable also under conditions of exertion. Since the in general usual and accessible investigation methods such as X-ray examination of the thorax, ECG at rest and on exertion, which practically fail in the diagnostics of myocarditis, completely new prospects open in the application of the echocardiography on exertion.     

Ultrasonic diagnosis of aneurysmal rupture of the sinus of Valsalva

Echocardiographic findings in 8 patients operated on for Valsalva's sinus aneurysm rupture are summed up: aneurysm and the site of its rupture shown on two-dimensional echocardiogram, abnormal diastolic blood flow through the aneurysm, evidenced by Doppler cardiography, and dilatation of cardiac chambers, dependent on the direction of blood discharge through the aorto-cardiac fistula.     

Comparison of the measurement of surface or total platelet-associated IgG in the diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia

Platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) can be measured on intact platelets or following platelet lysis. Measurement of PAIgG following platelet lysis may provide different or additional information compared to PAIgG measured on intact platelets. The PAIgG of lysed platelets represents "total" PAIgG, ie, IgG on the surface of platelets plus any IgG that was inside the platelet. To investigate the clinical relevance of the two types of PAIgG assay we performed a prospective study on washed platelets collected from 47 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The PAIgG was measured on intact and lysed platelets using an immunoradiometric assay. Platelet-associated IgG was 2-3 times higher when measured on lysed platelets from healthy controls or patients with ITP compared to PAIgG measured on the same intact platelets. The higher level of PAIgG observed following platelet lysis was not due to the reactions not achieving equilibrium. Using lysed platelets, PAIgG was elevated on 29 of 47 samples from different ITP patients and elevated in 31 samples when measured on intact platelets. The PAIgG is invariably higher when measured following platelet lysis compared measurements made on intact platelets. Neither technique offers a diagnostic advantage over the other.     

阿托伐他汀对脑梗死60例预后影响的临床研究

目的观察阿托伐他汀对脑梗死患者预后的影响。方法采用随机对照的方法进行研究。将120例脑梗死患者分为2组,治疗组（60例）在常规治疗基础上加用阿托伐他汀20mg／d。结果临床神经功能缺损程度评分在治疗后第2周相比对照组无显著差异,3个月时Barthel指数及1年时卒中复发率与对照组比较有显著性差异。结论阿托伐他汀能有效降脂并改善脑梗死患者的预后。     

离子对日本血吸虫毛蚴趋向的影响

目的研究几种常见离子对日本血吸虫毛蚴趋向作用的影响。方法采用改良的Roberts比较法,以不同浓度的Fe3 、Ca2 、Fe2 、Na 、NH4 、Mg2 、Al3 溶液为实验组,等量去离子水作为对照组,检测这些离子对日本血吸虫毛蚴趋向作用的影响。结果Fe3 、Mg2 、Al3 对日本血吸虫毛蚴趋向的影响为显著吸引作用;Fe2 、Ca2 为排斥作用;NH4 和Na 对日本血吸虫毛蚴趋向的影响依离子浓度不同而有差异。结论不同的离子对日本血吸虫毛蚴趋向运动有不同的影响。     

A selective phenomenology of the seismicity of Southern California

Predictions of earthquakes that are based on observations of precursory seismicity cannot depend on the average properties of the seismicity, such as the Gutenberg-Richter (G-R) distribution. Instead it must depend on the fluctuations in seismicity. We summarize the observational data of the fluctuations of seismicity in space, in time, and in a coupled space-time regime over the past 60 yr in Southern California, to provide a basis for determining whether these fluctuations are correlated with the times and locations of future strong earthquakes in an appropriate time- and space-scale. The simple extrapolation of the G-R distribution must lead to an overestimate of the risk due to large earthquakes. There may be two classes of earthquakes: the small earthquakes that satisfy the G-R law and the larger and large ones. Most observations of fluctuations of seismicity are of the rate of occurrence of smaller earthquakes. Large earthquakes are observed to be preceded by significant quiescence on the faults on which they occur and by an intensification of activity at distance. It is likely that the fluctuations are due to the nature of fractures on individual faults of the network of faults. There are significant inhomogeneities on these faults, which we assume will have an important influence on the nature of self-organization of seismicity. The principal source of the inhomogeneity on the large scale is the influence of geometry--i.e., of the nonplanarity of faults and the system of faults.     

Comparative study of the antihypertensive effect of verapamil and atenolol

A clinical trial in 24 patients with essential arterial hypertension (14 women and 10 men, mean age 47.5) was conducted on a double-blind basis using a placebo, 240-mg verapamil and 100-mg atenolol daily. The total duration of the trial was 12 weeks: a 2-week washout period on placebo, a 4-week period on one of the trial drugs, a second 2-week weaning period and a further 4-week treatment period on the other trial drug. Stabilization of the hypertension was obtained in 80% of the patients on verapamil and 71% of the patients on atenolol both in the supine and upright positions; there was no significant difference between the 2 drugs. A moderate decrease in heart rate was obtained. Sinus bradycardia was observed in 3 patients on verapamil and 4 patients on atenolol. No instances of atrioventricular block were observed on electrocardiogram. No adverse effects were reported with verapamil and in only 1 patient taking atenolol. Adequate stabilization of hypertension appears possible in most patients with both verapamil and atenolol.     

阿胶对体外培养大鼠成骨细胞增殖、分化功能的影响

目的 观察阿胶含药血清对体外培养大鼠成骨细胞增殖、分化功能的影响.方法 应用MTT法观察阿胶对体外培养成骨细胞增殖功能的影响,ELISA法观察阿胶对体外培养成骨细胞ALP含量的影响.结果 三个剂量组的阿胶含药血清对体外培养大鼠成骨细胞的增殖无促进作用,但对体外培养大鼠成骨细胞内ALP的合成有明显的促进作用.结论 阿胶对体外培养大鼠成骨细胞的增殖无促进作用,但能促进体外培养大鼠成骨细胞的分化功能.     

Role of calcium in the metabolism of carbohydrates

The role of calcium in the metabolism of carbohydrates is rather complex. It has been shown particularly "in vitro" but also "in vivo", to act on beta cells and peripheral effectors. Cytosolic calcium is determinant for insulin secretion in beta cells. It may be increased by a transfer of extracellular calcium into the intra cellular medium or by a transfer of cytoplasmic organelles into the cytosol. The former is due to the action of glucose or its metabolites. The latter is dependent on the CAMP, probably modulated by the glucose or its metabolites. The action of calcium causes the calmodulin to push on the phosphorylated proteins as does the action of CAMP on the protein kinases. The phosphorylated proteins act on the microtubular and microfilamentous systems; they are responsible for the insulin exocytosis. Calcium interposes a large number of insulin agonists and antagonists. These effects have been proved "in vivo" pathology (hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism) and during intravenous calcium infusion or during administration of products which modify calcium repartition. Calcium on peripheral effectors is considered as a second insulin messenger. But the role of calcium is, in fact, more complex, acting on the affinity of the insulin receptors. Its action on the enzymes could either be agonistic or antagonistic of insulin. The "in vitro" results are also variable.     

Direct and indirect costs of osteoarthritis of the knee

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic diseases have an economic impact of 1-2.5% of GDP in industrialized countries and osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder. Osteoarthritis of the knee is especially common and is a major cause of disability requiring extensive utilization of health care resources. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of osteoarthritis of the knee in Italy, we studied retrospectively a cohort of 254 patients over a period of 12 months in 2000-2001. METHODS: Twenty-nine rheumatology institutes took part in the study. A bottom-up approach was used, analytically measuring pro capita consumption. We considered medical (hospitalization, diagnosis, and therapies) and non-medical costs (transport, temporary caregivers, and auxiliary devices) as direct costs. We calculated losses of productivity borne by patients and caregivers, and informal care provided by caregivers as indirect costs. RESULTS: Direct costs came to Euros 934 per patient per year: Euros 233 were spent on hospitalization, Euros 209 on diagnostic procedures (56% on visits and 44% on instrumental and laboratory tests), Euros 146 on therapy (58% on physiotherapy and 42% on drugs), and Euros 346 on non-medical costs (73% on salaries to temporary caregivers, 14% on transport, and 13% on auxiliary devices). It is interesting to point out that at least 37% of costs were charged directly to patients. Indirect costs were almost 30% higher and came to Euros 1236 per patient per year: 31% was due to loss of productivity of patients, 60% due to informal care provided by primary caregivers, and 9% by other caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the direct and indirect costs attributable to osteoarthritis of the knee are substantial.     

Impact of Medical Residency on Knowledge of Asthma

Objectives. To assess resident physician knowledge of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of asthma and to assess the impact of an interactive curriculum on that knowledge. Participants. A total of 720 resident and attending physicians at 15 internal medicine residency programs. Methods. An educational module and two multiple choice tests were developed using established methods of curriculum development and knowledge assessment, then disseminated online to 15 internal medicine residency programs. Baseline and post-intervention knowledge was analyzed according to year of training using Chi square to detect differences in group performance. Results. Baseline knowledge on asthma was poor. The average baseline score on all questions was 54.2%, and was worst on questions on diagnosis of asthma (47.5% correct) and questions on management of asthma (54.8% correct). Baseline knowledge was best on questions on the pathophysiology of asthma (71.5% correct). On specific concepts, only 41.9% correctly knew which pharmacotherapeutic agents were used as controller agents, and only 43.5% were able to correctly diagnose asthma severity. Knowledge on questions on diagnosis of asthma was no better in post-graduate year (PGY) 3 residents than in PGY1 residents (p = 0.054), but PGY3 residents performed better on questions about management of asthma than did PGY1 residents (p < 0.001). Knowledge improved for all concepts and at all levels of training after completion of an interactive module on asthma guidelines (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Resident physician knowledge of asthma guidelines is poor and can be improved by an interactive curriculum.     

Evaluation of the stability and prognostic significance of identification of various risk factors of ischemic heart disease in 50 to 59-year-old men

The authors present the data on the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its risk factors, on the incidence of new cases of CHD and the associated mortality in the unorganized population of 50-59-year-old men of Moscow as well as findings on the natural variability of risk factors obtained over six years in a follow-up study. The relationship between the CHD incidence on the one hand and the baseline arterial pressure levels, excessive body weight and smoking habit on the other is evaluated. Arterial hypertension is shown to be the most prognostic risk factor of CHD in the unifactorial analysis.     

Evaluation of immunochromatography method for rapid detection of Shigatoxin

The Shigatoxin detection kit based on the immunochromatography system is commercially available. To obtain the identification result rapidly, we devised the improved method (ICG-Imp) replaced to an original method (ICG). Modification provided that Shigatoxins extracted directly from the strains grown on TSI medium without centrifugation. ICG-Imp was compared with ICG, RPLA and PCR. Comparing with RPLA, the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance rate of Shigatoxin 1 showed 77.5, 100 and 90.5%, respectively on ICG, 93.8, 100 and 97.4%, respectively on ICG-Imp, and 100, 99.1 and 99.5%, respectively on PCR. On the other hand, the patterns of Shigatoxin 2 showed 95.3, 100 and 96.3%, respectively on ICG, 100, 100, and 100%, respectively on ICG-Imp, and 100, 100 and 100%, respectively on PCR. The time required from TSI medium to the final result are 24 h, 30-60 min, 48 h, and 6 h, respectively by ICG, ICG-Imp, RPLA, and PCR. It seems that the ICG-Imp is recommended for the identification by means of the accuracy and rapidness.     

5-Day Storage of Platelet Concentrates in CLX Containers: Effect of Type of Agitation

To determine the degree of platelet damage produced by different modes of agitation during storage of concentrates for 5 days in CLX blood bags, we studied pH, platelet counts, release of LDH and beta thromboglobulin, morphology and osmotic recovery. Platelets were maintained at 20-24 degrees C on elliptical, 6-rpm circular, 2-rpm circular and flat bed agitators. At 72-120 h platelet concentrates stored on the flat bed shaker had significantly lower pH values than units stored on the elliptical or on either of the circular rotators (p less than 0.05). The percent LDH discharged was highest for the units stored on the elliptical rotator (p less than 0.05). Remaining tests of platelet function were not significantly different for concentrates stored on any of the four agitators. Flat bed shakers were unable to resuspend the platelet 'button' which formed after the final preparative centrifugation. Based on our in vitro studies, we conclude that due to problems with low pH values, flat bed shakers may not be optimal for storing platelet concentrates in CLX blood bags and that some other form of agitation should be used.