Cluster headache: phospholipid metabolism in polymorphonuclear cells

Our group has previously reported significant changes in the incorporation of precursors into glycerophospholipids, particularly phosphatidylserine, in polymorphonuclear cells obtained from the peripheral blood of cluster headache patients, when compared with controls. The potential of these results led to further work using both the previous methodology and a modified isolation technique to obtain polymorphonuclear cells in as pure a state as possible. Neither the new results obtained using the original technique, nor the results with high purity polymorphonuclear cells from controls and cluster headache patients, confirm the marked changes in precursor uptake into glycerophospholipids originally reported.     

Risk factors and outcomes of influenza A (H3N2) pneumonia in an area where avian influenza (H5N1) is endemic.

We conducted a cohort study to identify the risks and outcomes of influenza A (H3N2) pneumonia. Of the 145 patients studied, 10 (7%) had influenza A pneumonia. Logistic regression identified multiple comorbidities (P<.001) and diarrhea at the initial presentation (P=.001) as associated risks. Infection with influenza A (P=.01) and receipt of inadequate antimicrobial therapy (P=.005) were predictors of mortality.     

328. Mechanismen der langzeitakzeptanz allogener rattenlebertransplantate: makrophagenaustausch und suppressorzellaktivierung

Summary After orthotopic rat liver transplantation in the fully allogeneic BN (RT-1n) to LEW (RT-11) combination, the phenomenon of spontaneous tolerance of donor antigen occurs. We demonstrate two different immune mechanisms that may account for this process. Using adoptive transfer assays we show the presence of donor-specific T-suppressor lymphocytes in the spleens of long-term surviving liver graft, recipients. These cells prolong - adoptively transferred into irradiated syngeneic hosts — the survival of donor-specific (BN) but not third-party (DA) renal allografts (I00 days vs 1I days in control groups). Secondly, we demonstrate the replacement of Kupffer cells in the graft by recipient macrophages using polymorphic monoclonal antibodies in an immunoperoxidase technique. This may contribute to graft adaptation and thus to long-term graft acceptance.     

Hemodynamic and neurohumoral effects of ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist in patients with congestive heart failure

Ketanserin, a recently developed 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, competitively and selectively blocks the vasoconstrictor activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). We explored a possible contribution of serotonin to augmented vascular tone in patients with severe heart failure, using intravenous and oral formulations of ketanserin. When administered intravenously (10 mg bolus, 4 mg/hr infusion for +/- 40 min) to 10 patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA III or IV) secondary to congestive cardiomyopathy (n = 8) or ischemic heart disease (n = 2), the drug produced a significant increase in cardiac output (rest 24%, p less than 0.001; exercise 19%, p less than 0.01) which was accompanied by a fall in systemic arterial pressure (rest 7%, p less than 0.001; exercise 10%, p less than 0.05) and pulmonary wedge (rest 17%, p less than 0.05; exercise 23%, p less than 0.001) pressure. Calculated systemic vascular resistance (SVR, rest 27%, p less than 0.001; exercise 23%, p less than 0.05) decreased significantly. No significant hemodynamic changes were observed when 40 mg of ketanserin was administered orally to the same group of patients. Plasma catecholamines (norepinephrine, NEP:epinephrine, EP:dopamine) were measured before and after ketanserin at rest and during exercise. Baseline NEP levels were markedly elevated at rest and during exercise in all patients (rest: 878 +/- 381 ng/mL, exercise: 1453 +/- 697 ng/mL). Baseline EP levels were within normal limits. Ketanserin did not produce any change in catecholamine concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Habitat characteristics of Coquillettidia perturbans in central Florida

Habitat characteristics were examined in two marshes and the littoral zones of two lakes in central Florida to determine their effect on the density and distribution of Coquillettidia perturbans. Larval and water samples were collected and habitat characteristics were recorded at monthly intervals for one year. Several significantly different physicochemical parameters were found between the marshes and lakeshores. Sites with dissolved oxygen less than 1.5 mg/liter (from October through May), pH less than 5.2, total alkalinity less than 6.0 mg CaCO3/liter, and orthophosphate less than 0.25 mg/liter were associated with significantly higher concentrations of Cq. perturbans. Arrow-arum, caric sedge, and maidencane were also associated with higher numbers of Coquillettidia.     

Effect of meal on the physiological and physicochemical actions of potassium citrate

The effect of meals on the physiological and physicochemical actions of potassium citrate was examined in 8 patients with nephrolithiasis maintained on a constant metabolic dietary regimen. Potassium citrate (20 mEq. 3 times per day), whether given with food or on an empty stomach, significantly increased urinary pH, citrate and potassium, and decreased urinary calcium and ammonium. Moreover, potassium citrate decreased urinary saturation of calcium oxalate and uric acid, although it slightly increased that of brushite. However, there was no significant difference in these measures when the drug was given with meals from the time when it was given on an empty stomach. Thus, the effect of potassium citrate on urinary risk factors is unaffected by food.     

Clinical diagnosis and course of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease can be accurately diagnosed by clinical methods alone in about 90% of cases. The adoption of uniform diagnostic criteria and assessment procedures, such as those developed by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), will likely improve the characterization of the disease across a variety of clinical settings. In general, Alzheimer's disease is a relentlessly progressive disorder; however, it also is clinically heterogeneous. This is underscored by its diverse cognitive deficits, neurologic features, behavioral pathology, and rates of progression.     

An investigation of the neuropsychological profile in adults with velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS).

Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is associated with deletions on the long arm of chromosome 22, mild intellectual disability, poor social interaction and a high prevalence of psychosis. However, to date there have been no studies investigating the neuropsychological functioning of adults with VCFS. We compared 19 adults with VCFS with 19 age, gender and IQ matched controls using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Compared to controls, adults with VCFS had significant impairments in visuoperceptual ability (Visual Object and Space Perception Battery), problem solving and planning (Tower of London) and abstract and social thinking (Comprehension WAIS-R). It is likely that haploinsufficiency (reduced gene dosage) of a neurodevelopmental gene or genes mapping to chromosome 22q11 underlies the cognitive deficits observed in individuals with VCFS.