Evaluation of a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for human choriogonadotropin beta subunit

We evaluated a quantitative solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for human choriogonadotropin beta subunit (beta-HCG) with anti-beta-HCG:horseradish peroxidase conjugate, recently marketed by Abbott Laboratories. We compared results on 56 patients' serum specimens, obtained mostly for followup of neoplastic disease, with those by a competitive radioimmunoassay kit. The correlation was good, the differences being of little clinical significance. Linear regression in the low and intermediate ranges gave a slope of 0.93, a y-intercept of 0.34, and a correlation coefficient of 0.97. Precision studies yielded an interassay CV of 6.4% in the intermediate range and 13% in the low range. Sensitivity was 0.69 int. unit/L. Cross reactivity was 1 to 2% with specimens fortified with lutropin or follitropin. The only substantial problem was with linearity in the upper part of the standard curve, especially in the interval, 100-200 int. units/L. This problem is obviated by adequate sample dilution.     

False-positive diagnosis of trisomy 21 using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on uncultured amniotic fluid cells

An amniocentesis was performed on a 22-week pregnancy following the detection of foetal abnormalities on ultrasound. A rapid aneuploid screen using fluorescence in situ hybridisation on uncultured amniotic fluid cells revealed 3 signals for chromosome 21, consistent with trisomy 21. In situ metaphase cultures revealed a 46,XY normal male karyotype. These discordant results may be explained by a sub-standard batch of the commercially available probe or alternatively, a very specific variation within the sample interacting with the probe. Alternative strategies are proposed in order to safeguard against inappropriate clinical action as a consequence of discordant results.     

The glycocalyx and stereociliary interconnections of the vestibular sensory epithelia of the guinea pig. A freeze-fracture,low-voltage cryo-SEM,SEM and TEM study

In this study freeze fracture, low-voltage cryo-SEM, SEM and TEM were used to characterise the glycocalyx and stereociliary interconnections in the hair cell bundle of the vestibular sensory epithelia of the guinea pig. The glycocalyx resembles a shell-like structure separately surrounding each stereocilium and kinocilium over its entire length. The lateral interciliary connections emerge from the glycocalyx layer, forming an extensive extracellular network maintaining the stereocilia as a bundle. These connections are morphologically similar to the glycocalyx, and grossly oriented in the same direction, indicative of a role in the mechanical transduction system. The matrix material around the glycocalyx also appears to be morphologically similar to the glycocalyx, suggesting the glycocalyx to be even more important in the mechanical transduction system. The tip-links are covered with a layer, which is a continuation of the glycocalyx covering the stereocilia.     

Cardiac biopsy in childhood

Endomyocardial biopsy was attempted in 18 children aged 5 months to 15 years with 82% success. Biopsies obtained from 15 children were examined by light and electron microscope making positive morphological diagnoses in 3 cases. The biopsy findings were actively helpful in 7 other cases, which contrasts with experience in adult biopsy series. This is a low risk procedure which does not add to the hazards of cardiac catheterization in children.     

Differences in reasons for smoking between younger and older smokers

The reasons why older people smoke have not been examined in the literature. This paper attempted to examine the differences in motivation and maintenance factors of elderly and young smokers using the Horn-Waingrow Why do you smoke questionnaire. One hundred and thirteen clinical patients and 112 non-patient controls were used in this study. The clinical group was divided into an elderly group (n = 58) and a younger group (n = 55). The results of a discriminant analysis showed that patients significantly differed from non-patients on 'automatic habit and stimulation', and 'crutch/tension reduction' factors. Elderly patients were found to be significantly differentiated from both younger patients and the control group on the 'pleasurable relaxation' factor. These findings offer support for the US Surgeon Generals' report that elderly smokers do have different motivating factors for their smoking behaviours from younger smokers.     

The influence of gestation and mechanical ventilation on serum clara cell secretory protein (CC10) concentrations in ventilated and nonventilated newborn infants

Clara cell secretory protein (CC10) is an important anti-inflammatory mediator in the adult lung, but its role in newborn pulmonary protection is uncertain. We examined the early postnatal behavior of CC10 in newborn serum and tracheal fluid and hypothesized that CC10 production is positively influenced by gestation. Blood from 165 infants from the first, third/fourth, and seventh days of life (gestational ages: 23-29 wk, 30-36 wk, >36 wk) and tracheal fluid (TF) from the first day of life from 32 ventilated infants were analyzed for CC10. Surfactant proteins A (SPA) and B (SPB) were also analyzed from the blood of a subgroup of infants. Serum CC10 on day 1 was highest in term infants (69.4 ng/mL), followed by moderately preterm (55.8 ng/mL), and then extremely preterm infants (median 42.1 ng/mL). Term infants also had higher tracheal fluid CC10 than preterm infants. (20.152 ng/mL versus 882 ng/mL). Mechanical ventilation increased serum CC10 only in moderately preterm infants, and only on d 1 [68.4 ng/mL versus 42.1 ng/mL (nonventilated moderately preterm infants)]. Serum CC10 decreased progressively by the end of the first week in all infants, in contrast to SPA and SPB, which increased. Our results show that CC10 is detectable in the blood of newborn infants and that a production surge occurs at birth. This surge is more pronounced in term infants and may confer them with superior extrauterine pulmonary protection compared with preterm infants.