Prevention of myocardial infarction.

Despite substantial progress in cardiovascular disease prevention, stroke and myocardial infarction remain the leading causes of death throughout the industrialized world. Treatment of high blood pressure, while contributing importantly to this progress, remains inefficient and less than optimally effective, particularly in regard to coronary artery disease events. Therapeutic intervention in the renin-angiotensin system offers promise of progress on both these fronts. Renin-sodium profiles have been shown to permit prognostic stratification of otherwise indistinguishable hypertensive patients. Indeed, low renin subjects, without other cardiovascular risk factors, have a particularly favorable prognosis. Now, the pharmacologic ability to mute the pathologic effects of angiotensin II also offers the genuine possibility that the cardioprotective value of antihypertensive therapy may be significantly improved.     

Lipid synthesis and apolipoprotein gene expression in hepatocytes in primary culture from (puromycin-induced) nephrotic rats

Abstract. Primary culture of hepatocytes from puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrotic rats were used to discriminate between the hepatic and extra-hepatic contribution to the hyperlipidemia occurring in the nephrotic syndrome. De novo lipogenesis and utilization of exogenous fatty acids were not modified in nephrotic hepatocytes as compared to controls. In contrast 2.2 and 5.3-fold more triacylglycerol and phospholipids were secreted respectively by nephrotic hepatocytes than by controls. Triacylglycerol overproduction was not associated with an increase either in apo B mRNA level or in ape B synthesis or secretion measured by [³⁵S]-methionine incorporation and immunoprecipitation. We also observed a significant increase in apo A1 and apo E synthesis and secretion by nephrotic hepatocytes. This increase was correlated with a greater amount of apo A1 and apo E mRNA than in controls. The overproduction of apo A1 and apo E by nephrotic hepatocytes might intervene in the clearance of plasma lipoproteins and the redistribution of plasma cholesterol.     

A β-turn-like conformation in “reduced” peptides Crystal structures of two dipeptide analogs with Pro-GlyΨ[CH2-NH] sequence

The conformational properties of the “reduced” dipeptides tBuCO-Pro-GlyΨ[CH₂-NH]NRR′(R = H, R = Et; R = R′= Me) greatly depend upon the neutral or protonated state of the “reduced” amide bond. Due to protonation, the quite flexible neutral molecule turns into a very stable conformation resembling a β-turn in both the solid and solute states. The existence of a strong N ⁺—H…O=C interaction closing a 10-membered cycle illustrates the possible specific properties induced by a chemical modification in pseudopeptide analogs.     

Effects of life-event stress and hardiness on peripheral vision in a real-life stress situation

Previous research has only examined perceptual deficits that are hypothesized in a model of stress and injury under laboratory-induced stress conditions. The generalizability of findings from such induced-stress conditions is limited beyond the laboratory. The current research examined the influence of life-event stress and hardiness on peripheral narrowing in a real-life stress situation. Athletes completed life-stress and hardiness questionnaires, along with measures of state anxiety and peripheral vision. The stress condition was obtained by assessing the athletes within 2 hours of a competition. The real-life stress condition had a larger effect on state anxiety and peripheral narrowing than the laboratory-induced situations used in previous research, with effect sizes twice and three times as large as those reported in the literature. All athletes experienced significant reductions in peripheral vision prior to competition, regardless of life-event stress or hardiness levels.     

Complex radiotherapeutic techniques required in the management of certain cutaneous malignancies.

Complex radiotherapeutic techniques are occasionally required in the management of certain cutaneous malignancies. This report cites two clinical conditions and their circumstances for which techniques were applicable, and illustrates the results obtained.