The relationship between subtalar and knee joint function as a possible mechanism for running injuries

The purposes of the study were: (1) to evaluate the effects of different surfaces on the relationship between subtalar and knee joint function, and (2) to examine/explore alternative approaches to the evaluation of these relationships. Five subjects ran under four different surface conditions of various hardness, while both rear and sagittal view kinematic data were collected (200 Hz). Critical parameters describing the knee angle and rearfoot motion were examined in conjunction with a curve analysis technique which incorporated slope differences and curve correlations. A repeated measure ANOVA design (surface × subject) was used along with single subject procedures. The results of the study support a strong inter-relationship between pronation and knee joint function via tibial rotation and underlined it as a possible mechanism for injury. Moreover, discrete point analysis might not be the most appropriate methodology for evaluating dynamic functions such as rearfoot motion and knee angle. Extreme methodological care must be exercised when evaluating these functions to avoid oversmoothing and/or masking correlations and differences due to differential subject responses and individual variability. The fact that increased impact force facilitated timing discrepancies between subtalar and knee joint function resulting in a transition of the pronation curve from a unimodal to bimodal configuration, is hypothesized as a possible explanation to better understand the inter-relationships among these lower extremity functions and their relationship to running injuries.     

Kynurenine aminotransferase activity in human liver: identity with human hepatic C-S lyase activity and a physiological role for this enzyme

The C-S lyase enzymes are responsible for the generation of mutagenic and cytotoxic metabolites via aberrant drug-metabolising pathways in mammalian tissues. We have examined human hepatic cytosolic, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions for evidence of C-S lyase activity. The cytosolic enzyme was purified using fast protein liquid chromatography over FFQ Sepharose, Mono P and Superose 12. An homogeneous protein (monitored by SDS-PAGE) was obtained following purification, and an 11-fold increase in C-S lyase specific activity was observed. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 37 kDa in denaturing conditions, 82.3 kDa in non-denaturing conditions, and the C-S lyase activity was shown to co-purify with kynurenine aminotransferase activity when the transaminase activity of the enzyme was examined with kynurenine as the substrate.     

Anaesthetists, the discourse on patient fitness and the organisation of surgery

The organization of daily procedures within the operating theatre is considered in terms of rival perspectives on their patient held by surgeon and anaesthetist. The privileging of the surgeon's authority is challenged in anaesthetists' efforts to fabricate a distinctive position on the patient. While surgeons focus on patient as the carrier of disease, for the anaesthetist, the focus is upon the patient's complement of fitness. A postmodern analysis of the organization of surgery reflects the continual struggle between the two specialisms to privilege its particular definition of the surgical patient. In some circumstances, the struggle can have damaging consequences for patient care.     

Transformation of immortal, non-tumorigenic osteoblast-like human osteosarcoma cells to the tumorigenic phenotype by nickel sulfate

Epidemiological studies have indirectly linked compounds ofchromium, nickel and arsenic to human carcinogenesis. However,there is no evidence that metal compounds can transform humancells to the tumorigenic phenotype in culture. We show herethat exposure to 36 µM NiS0₄ for 48–96 h resultsin transformation of an immortal, non-tumorigenic, osteoblast-likecell line, HOS TE85, to the tumorigenic phenotype. Continuouspassaging following treatment leads to the formation of a fewdense foci. The cells isolated and expanded from the foci aremorphologically transformed, and form anchorage-independentcolonies of the size and abundance comparable to that formedby Kirsten murine sarcoma virus transformed HOS TE85 cells.The transformed cells from tumors in nude mice, have enhancedlevels of plasminogen activators and have lost the ability toform model bone matrix on extended culture in the presence ofascorbic acid and ß-glycerophosphate. A number ofcell lines have been established from nude mouse tumors. Cytogeneticanalysis reveals 16 marker chromosomes and an aberrant chromosome16. This is the first report of the transformation of a humancell line to tumorigenic phenotype by a metal carcinogen.     

Photodynamic therapy and photodiagnosis for Barrett''s oesophagus and early oesophageal carcinoma

Over the last few decades the there has been a huge increase in the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, surpassing that of any other solid tumour. Barrett's oesophagus is recognised as a pre-malignant cursor. Surveillance programmes have evolved to monitor Barrett's oesophagus, with the intention to detect early malignant transformation. Using photosensitive agents photodiagnosis is developing to detect this transformation before it is visible endoscopically to allow early treatment. Photodynamic therapy is a non-thermal endoscopic ablative technique, which incorporates the same photosensitive agents to treat Barrett's oesophagus as well as malignant disease. In this article we review the present status of photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy in the management of Barrett's oesophagus and early oesophageal carcinoma.