Physico-chemical characterization of legumin-T from faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Legumin-T, the high-molecular mass product of limited tryptic hydrolysis of faba bean legumin, was investigated using hydrodynamic methods, static light scattering, fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The following physico-chemical parameters were determined in a high-ionic strength buffer system: molecular mass, 2.4 × 10⁵ g/mol; sedimentation coefficient, s³₁₀= 10.8 × 10^?13s_i; diffusion coefficient, D⁰₂₀= 4.1 × 10^?7 cm² s^?1; intrinsic viscosity, [n] = 3.51 mL/g; partial specific volume, v∣?= O.719 mL/g; frictional ratio, f/f_o= 1.22; shape factor, β= 2.17 × 10⁶. Conformational changes during the formation of legumin-T can be deduced from the fluorescence emission and UV spectra. © Munksgaard 1996     

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Identification of Atrial Septal Aneurysm

This case illustrates the usefulness of biplane transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of an atrial septal aneurysm, which in some views, mimicked a mass lesion in the left atrium. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, July 1991)     

Susceptibility of glycans to β-elimination in Fmoc-based O-glycopeptide synthesis

order to investigate the possible extent of β-elimination occuring in Fmoc-based continuous-flow solid-phase glycopeptide synthesis, the influence of the pK_b of the base used for N^α-deprotection has been studied. A glycosylated pentapeptide as synthesized using 50%morpholine, 10%, piperidine or 2% DBU, respectively, in DMF for deprotection. The dehydropentapeptide N^α-.Ac-Thr-Thr-δAba-Val-Thr-NH₂, which would be formed in the case of β-elimination, was prepared independently and used as a control in HPLC analysis; however, this product was not formed under any of the deprotection conditions applied. Furthermore, a 23 amino acid long glycopeptide from human intestinal mucin was prepared using 2% DBU as a base for Fmoc cleavage, and similarly no β-elimination was observed. The glycopeptide products were subjected to a prolonged treatment with sodium hydroxide in methanol/water without significant formation of byproducts, and the pure glycopeptides were isolated and characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy.     

Characteristics of repeat killers in Sweden

Twenty-one repeat killers in Sweden are described. Their victims were rarely strangers. Stabbing was the convenient means of killing. The perpetrators were often involved in other violent activity. The majority suffered from personality disorders. Many were addicted to drugs or alcohol; 10% suffered from schizophrenia. Most of the men had difficult childhoods and came from large families. Many were foreign nationals.     

CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE WITH A FACE CHAMBER IN EARLY TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

CPAP treatment started early with a new face chamber was found to be convenient and, without risks. Treatment of IRDS applied early with the presented technique appears to radically improve the prognosis.     

Mercury vapor levels in a dental laboratory

abstract — Mercury vapor levels associated with grinding amalgam models and mulling amalgams in the palm of the hand following trituration have been measured in a dental laboratory in inhalation position. The threshold limit value of airborne mercury of 0.05 mg/m³ was essentially exceeded in the grinding procedure of amalgam. Levels in excess of seven times this value were recorded. During mulling the mercury vapor level fluctuated around the threshold limit value. The mean mercury concentrations did not essentially exceed the threshold limit value.     

Long-term β1-Selective Adrenergic Blockade and Adrenergic Receptors in Human Subcutaneous Adipocytes

ABSTRACT. Wahrenberg H, Arner P, Engfeldt P, Haglund K, RÖssner S, Östman J. (Department of Internal Medicine and Research Centre, Huddinge Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, and Department of Internal Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, and King Gustaf V Research Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.) Long-term β₁-selective adrenergic blockade and adrenergic receptors in human subcutaneous adipocytes. The influence of β-adrenergic blockade with metoprolol, a β₁-selective agent, on the adrenergic regulation of lipid mobilization was explored in subcutaneous adipocytes removed from 13 patients with essential hypertension. Treatment with metoprolol, which was associated with adequate β-adrenergic blockade and an antihypertensive effect, resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in the binding of the β-adrenergic antagonist (-)-(³H)-dihydroalprenolol and a 50% increase (p<0.01) in the maximum lipolytic response to the β-adrenergic agonist isopropylnoradrenaline. In 7 patients with normotriglyceridaemia the total plasma triglyceride level increased significantly (p<0.025) during metoprolol treatment, a change that was due to an increase in the very low density lipoprotein triglycerides. The findings suggest that chronic treatment with the β₁-selective adrenergic blocker metoprolol leads to a significant increase in β-adrenoceptor density and an increase in the lipolytic response to β-adrenergic agonists. This latter finding may, in some measure, account for the increased plasma triglyceride level observed.