Beta adrenergic blocking agents for open-angle glaucoma

Beta adrenergic blocking agents have gained wide acceptance among practitioners and patients alike as extremely useful drugs for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. This new class of antiglaucoma agents usually is effective in reducing elevated intraocular pressure and is generally well tolerated. This paper is intended to provide an understanding of the ophthalmic beta adrenergic blocking agents to optometrists who are actively involved in the treatment of glaucoma and/or in the monitoring of glaucoma patients. The clinical pharmacology of the three FDA-approved beta blockers -- timolol, levobunolol, and betaxolol, is evaluated and the drugs are compared.     

Colorimetric assay of blood coagulation factor XIII in plasma

In this new colorimetric assay for Factor XIII in plasma, 5-(biotinamido)pentylamine is used as the amine substrate. Factor XIII, a zymogen, is transformed by thrombin and Ca2+ to active Factor XIIIa, and the incorporation of 5-(biotinamido)pentylamine into N,N-dimethylcasein is used to measure catalytically active Factor XIIIa. The biotinylated enzymatic product is immobilized onto 96-well microtiter plates, complexed with streptavidin-beta-galactosidase, and the absorbance at 405 nm is monitored for production of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside. Concentrations of N,N-dimethylcasein, 5-(biotinamido)pentylamine, Ca2+, and thrombin were chosen to allow near-maximum velocity of amine incorporation. A linear relationship was obtained between assay product and plasma volume, from 0.5 to 50 microL of plasma. Results correlated well (r greater than 0.924) with those from the most frequently utilized radiometric filter-paper assay for Factor XIII. The method appears to be ideal for routine diagnostic estimation of Factor XIII in plasma because of its simplicity, its lack of use of radioisotopes, and its potential for assay of large numbers of samples by use of microtiter plates and automated plate readers.     

Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Induces Apoptosis through Down-Regulation of c-mycGene and Overexpression of p27Protein in Cervical Carcinoma

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known to be a potent growth inhibitor for many cell types, including most epithelial cells. In skin keratinocytes, TGF-β1 has been shown to inhibit growth and to rapidly reduce c-mycexpression. However, the molecular mechanism of TGF-β1 action on cell growth of cervical carcinoma has not yet been elucidated. We thus assessed the effect of TGF-β1 on the growth of cervical carcinoma cell lines. Two cervical squamous carcinoma cell lines, CUMC-3 and CUMC-6, were incubated with varying concentrations of TGF-β1, and growth inhibition was evaluated with tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay. After culture in TGF-β1 for 24 h, inhibition of growth was detected in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 0.1–10 ng/ml in both cell lines. This effect of TGF-β1 on cultured carcinoma cells was associated with apoptotic process including oligonucleosomal ladder DNA and apoptotic body formations. Northern blot analysis revealed c-mycmRNA expression was suppressed by 10 ng/ml of TGF-β1 following 3 h of treatment in both cell lines. Western blot analysis showed that the level of p27^Kip1protein was increased after TGF-β1 treatment in both cell lines. These results suggest that the mechanisms by which TGF-β1 inhibits the growth of cervical carcinoma are complex and may include effects on down-regulation of c-mycgene, and overexpression of p27^Kip1protein.     

Use of intraoperative ultrasonography during hepatic transplantation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if intraoperative vascular ultrasonography is of clinical value in the perioperative management of hepatic transplant patients. Fifteen intraoperative ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 13 patients (five female, eight male) during transplantation. These patients had clinically suspected vascular compromise. Among the 13 patients studied intraoperatively, five were correctly diagnosed as having hemodynamically significant vascular compromise. Of the intraoperative vascular sonographic examinations, the results of 13 were in concordance with the surgical impression as to whether further intervention was necessary or if the procedure could be terminated. Intraoperative sonography demonstrates potential to be of aid to the surgeon in recognition of vascular compromise.     

Emphysematous cystitis.

Emphysematous cystitis is characterized by gas collection within the bladder wall and lumen. We report two cases of emphysematous cystitis of the urinary bladder in a 67-year-old and a 63-year-old women. They presented with bladder irritation symptoms such as dysuria, hematuria and frequency. Urinalysis showed pyuria. Cystoscopic examination revealed that bladder mucosa was studded with vesicles varying in size and arranged in clumps. CT scans of the pelvis showed mottled gas bubbles within the bladder. They were treated with antibiotics. Four days after the treatment, the symptoms subsided and plain abdominal film showed no evidence of gas shadows in the pelvic cavity.     

C2H2-171 : A novel human cDNA representing a developmentally regulated poz domain/zinc finger protein preferentially expressed in brain

We describe a novel human zinc finger cNDA, C2H2-171. This cDNA represents an mRNA which encodes a protein of 484 amino acids and a calculated molecular weight of 54 kD. Four zinc finger-like domains are found in the C-terminal end of the protein. At the N-terminus, C2H2-171 contains a POZ/tramtrack-like domain similar to that found in the tumor associated zinc finger proteins LAZ-3/BCL-6 and PLZ-F, as well as in non-zinc finger proteins. C2H2-171 RNA is preferentially expressed in the brain, and increases during the course of murine development, with maximal expression in the adult. C2H2-171 RNA is differentially expressed in brain regions, with the highest level of expression in the cerebellum. C2H2-171 RNA was expressed at high levels in primary cerebellar granule cell neurons compared to astrocytes. The gene encoding C2H2-171 is highly conserved in vertebrates, and maps to the terminus of human chromosome 1 (1q44-ter). This chromosomal location is associated with a number of cytogenetic aberrations including those involving brain developmental anomalies and tumorigenesis. These data suggest that C2H2-171 may play an important role in vertebrate brain development and function.     

The pathology of cardiac ischaemia: Cellular and molecular aspects

This study evaluates the morphological and phenotypic changes that occur in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck when local infusions of interleukin-2 (IL-2) are given. Twelve patients were treated with a range of doses of IL-2 (3 × 10³ to 3 × 10⁶ international units/day) by continuous intra-arterial infusion for 10 days. Biopsies of the tumour were taken pre- and 48 h post-therapy, snap-frozen, cut, and examined histologically and immunocytochemically. Local infusions of IL-2 increase the numbers of antigen-presenting Langerhans cells (CDIa-positive) and infiltrating lymphocytes, predominantly of the CD3 and CD4 (T-helper) phenotypes. Locally infused IL-2 results in the expression of MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class II antigens on the surface of the tumour cells, capillary and post-capillary endothelial cells, and peri-tumoural macrophages. Intratumoural NK (natural killer) cells and CD8-positive (T-cytotoxic) infiltrating lymphocytes were not increased by this therapy and CD25 (IL-2 receptor) was only increased in those patients treated at the lower does levels. The system of intra-arterial cytokine infusion into head and neck tumours developed in this study is a useful model to examine the biological effects of cytokines, since in vivo they are mainly produced and act locally, Furthermore, the infused tumours are easily accessible to biopsy. The results from studies such as this may influence the design of tumour-targeted cytokine gene therapy programmes.     

Serological grouping of Treponema hyodysenteriae

Two Australian isolates of Treponema hyodysenteriae which did not fit within the current serological grouping system for these bacteria were examined by agarose gel double immunodiffusion tests (AGDP). Isolate Vic1 was serologically unique, and we propose that it becomes the type organism for a new sixth serological group of T. hyodysenteriae (Group F). Isolate Q1 was unusual in that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from it reacted strongly in AGDP with serum raised against the type organism for serogroup D (A1), and also weakly with serum raised against the type organism for serogroup B (WA1). The nature of this cross-reactivity was examined by using cross-absorbed antisera in AGDP, and by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. The pattern of serological cross-reactivity between Q1, A1 and WA1 was complex and was not fully defined, but the isolate Q1 apparently shared low molecular weight 'serogroup' LPS antigens with A1, and shared higher molecular weight LPS antigens with WA1. On this basis Q1 was designated as belonging to serogroup D, although it was recommended that this be qualified as D (B) to indicate the presence of weak cross-reactivity with serogroup B. Such serological cross-reactivity may have significance in relation to the development of immunity to T.hyodysenteriae. Isolate Q1 may be a potentially useful organism for vaccine development because of its ability to induce a good serological response to LPS of treponemes from both serogroups D and B.     

Features of head injury in a developing country--Taiwan (1977-1987)

Certain features of head-injured patients admitted to the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan during the period 1977 to 1987 were reviewed. The most common causes of injury were motorcycle accidents (56.3%) and street accidents with pedestrian injury (29.47%). The age groups with the greatest incidence of injury were aged 16-20 years, 21-25 years, and 25-30 years. The pedestrian group involving the highest incidence of injury was less than 10 years of age. Overall mortality was 17.26%. The injured pedestrian group had the highest mortality (19.1%). Initial clinical assessment was recorded using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Head-injured patients with a GCS less than 8 had a mortality in the injured pedestrian group of 46%, whereas the mortality rate in the motorcycle accident group was 41%. Additional features studied were time of occurrence of injury and pattern of injury. Information gathered from this study would suggest the need to establish a Head Injury Prevention Program in Taiwan. This of course implies major cooperation among the providers of health care delivery, the medical profession, legislators, and the government at all levels.     

Heat probe thermocoagulation as a substitute for surgical intervention to arrest massive peptic ulcer hemorrhage: an experience in 153 cases

In a period of 2 years 7 months, we performed heat probe (HP) thermocoagulation in 153 cases of massive peptic ulcer hemorrhage. The male/female sex ratio was 125/28. The average age was 57.6 +/- 1.3 years (mean +/- SEM; range, 17 to 88). There were 69 cases (45.1%) of spurting hemorrhage, 50 cases (32.7%) of oozing hemorrhage, and 34 cases (22.2%) of nonbleeding visible vessels. Seventy-seven patients (50.3%) were in shock before therapy. After therapy we obtained initial success in 147 cases (96.1%). Rebleeding episodes occurred in 23 patients (15.6%) within 1 month after therapy. Nineteen patients received a second therapy, and treatment in 15 of these cases (78.9%) was ultimately successful. Finally, treatment in 142 cases (92.8%) was ultimately successful. The duration of hospitalization was 6.3 +/- 0.4 days (mean +/- SEM). After discharge all patients were followed at the outpatient department for at least 1 month. Sixty-seven patients were followed endoscopically for at least 2 to 3 months after therapy. Fifty-six patients (83.6%) had a healed scar at the previous bleeding site 2 months after therapy, and 62 patients (92.5%) had a healed scar 3 months after therapy. We conclude that HP thermocoagulation is an ideal and reliable modality of therapeutic endoscopy in arrest of massive peptic ulcer hemorrhage. HP thermocoagulation may become the first choice of therapy for massive peptic ulcer bleeding in the near future.