The dysmorphic lung: imaging findings

Congenital lung malformations are not infrequent and can be discovered in adults. It is, therefore, necessary to know their radiological manifestations in order to avoid diagnostic errors. We classify the congenital lung malformations in two main groups: dysmorphic lung and focal pulmonary malformations. We review the radiological spectrum of dysmorphic lung, based on a classification that emphasises the pulmonary abnormality, adding variants when diaphragmatic or venous abnormalities are present. In our opinion this approach allows for a rational use of advanced imaging techniques (CT, MRI). Correspondence to: Josep M. Mata.     

Decrease in penbutolol central response as a cause of changes in its serum protein binding

Penbutolol is a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist that is extensively bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1-AGP), a protein that increases in inflammatory diseases thereby binding more drug in such conditions. Changes in serum binding can lead to modifications in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug, therefore, the central effect (as the anticonvulsant response) and brain uptake of penbutolol given intravenously to mice with experimental inflammation have been measured. A significant decrease of the central effect of penbutolol and its brain uptake was seen in diseased when compared with control animals (P less than 0.01). A parallel decrease in free fraction of penbutolol in diseased vs normal animals was detected. These results suggest that there is an increase in serum binding of basic drugs related to increments in alpha 1-AGP concentration, which reduces their central pharmacological effect.     

Effect of metoprolol and pindolol monotherapy on plasma lipid- and lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (including the HDL subclasses) in mild hypertensive males and females.

Forty-five patients with mild hypertension were treated for 2 months with either metoprolol or pindolol in a randomized, blind, crossover study. The effects of metoprolol (100-300 mg/day) and pindolol (5-15 mg/day) on triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and HDL subfraction (HDL2-C and HDL3-C) levels were compared in males and females separately. Pindolol and metoprolol significantly elevated (10% above baseline level) the plasma TG level in both males and females. After metoprolol treatment, the HDL-C level remained unchanged in both sexes; however, a shift was found between HDL2-C and HDL3-C:HDL2-C decreased and a concomitant elevation in HDL3-C was observed. Pindolol significantly decreased total C, HDL-C, and HDL2-C levels in males. A similar trend (although the changes were not significant) was found in females. The results demonstrate the role of beta blockers in the inhibition of TG-rich lipoprotein elimination. These findings suggest that during long-term administration of metoprolol and pindolol, risks and benefits from beta-blocker therapy must be carefully considered. Continuous monitoring of lipid profiles is suggested during this treatment in order to avoid the potential worsening effect of beta blockers on risk factors of ischemic heart disease.     

急性白血病非系限性分化抗原的动态研究

为探讨仅表达非系限性分化抗原的急性白血病的细胞起源，采用单克隆抗体免疫酶标和聚合酶链反应技术分析了１２例初诊时仅表达非系限性分化抗原的急性白血病化疗后免疫表型及免疫球蛋白重链（ＩｇＨ）和Ｔ细胞受体（ＴＣＲ）γ基因重排的变化。结果表明：初诊时仅表达ＣＤ３８抗原的５例急性白血病，化疗后３例出现Ｔ细胞相关抗原表达，并伴ＴＣＲγ基因重排；５例初诊时仅表达ＨＬＡ－ＤＲ或ＣＤ９的急性白血病，化疗后４例出现Ｂ细胞相关抗原表达，均伴有ＩｇＨ基因重排；２例无任何抗原表达者，化疗后１例表达Ｂ细胞相关抗原，另１例表达骨髓细胞相关抗原。提示免疫标志的动态研究，有助于初诊时免疫学无法分类急性白血病细胞起源的确定。     

人碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因在大肠杆菌中的克隆与表达

应用DNA重组技术将编码人碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bbFGF）的基因克隆至原核高效表达质粒pBV_(221)的启动子下游。SDS-SAGE、ELISA和NTT活性监测结果表明:该重组质粒pBV-hbFGF在大肠杆菌DH5α中,经42℃诱导后,可表达出有较高生物活性的hbFGF。     

城市污水致突变物活性及其土壤净化

城市污水及处理出水均程度不同地含有致突物质,其含量在枯水期高于丰水期。污灌区浅层地下水浓集物呈致突变性,而季节变化与原污水同步。浅层地下水GC/MS检测出31种有机化合物,基本与污水一致。实验证明土壤微生物对污水致突物有一定的降解作用。为避免污灌区浅层地下水的污染,污水在灌溉之前必须加强处理,使减少致突物至土壤降解能力所能承受的程度。     

Contribution to the knowledge of Hysterothylacium aduncum through electrophoresis of the enzymes glucose phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase

A total of 163 Hysterothylacium aduncum specimens, obtained from two gadoids and one percid, were studied by electrophoresis of the enzymes glucose phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase. The two loci deviated significantly from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, both when considering all specimens and when distinguishing the hosts. This could suggest that there is no single species in either case. Received: 16 June 1997 / Accepted: 11 July 1997