Precision error in dual-photon absorptiometry related to source age

An average, variable precision error of up to 6% related to source age was observed for dual-photon absorptiometry of the spine in a longitudinal study of bone mineral content involving 393 women. Application of a software correction for source decay compensated for only a portion of this error. The authors conclude that measurement of bone-loss rates using serial dual-photon bone mineral measurements must be interpreted with caution.     

A monoclonal antibody to the membrane glycoprotein complex CD18 inhibits polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation and plasma leakage in vivo

Previous in vitro findings suggest a critical role for the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane glycoprotein complex CD18 in PMN adherence and chemotaxis. We examined the effect of the murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 60.3, recognizing CD18, on induced PMN accumulation in vivo. Rabbits were pretreated with MoAb 60.3, and the chemotactic factors fMLP, leukotriene (LT)B4, and C5a, as well as histamine, were injected intradermally; 4 hours later, plasma leakage (125I-albumin) and the PMN accumulation (myeloperoxidase) were determined. Both PMN accumulation and PMN-dependent plasma leakage were abolished in the inflammatory skin lesions of rabbits pretreated with MoAb 60.3 as compared with control animals, whereas histamine-induced PMN-independent plasma leakage was unaffected. Intravital microscopy of the rabbit tenuissimus muscle revealed that MoAb 60.3 inhibited both PMN adherence in the venules and migration into the tissue following application of LTB4 and zymosan-activated serum (ZAS). Rolling of PMNs along the venular endothelium was unaffected. Thus, these experiments confirm and extend earlier in vitro findings of the critical role of the membrane glycoprotein complex, CD18, in PMN adherence and chemotaxis.     

Pancreatin preparations used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis-- lipase content and in vitro release.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic extracts are essential in the treatment of the majority of cystic fibrosis patients. The clinical response to different preparations is often unpredictable and at present there is no sure method of determining the best preparation for a particular patient. METHODS: Creon, Nutrizym GR, Pancrease and the high-lipase versions, Creon 25,000, Nutrizym 22 and Pancrease HL, were investigated for lipase content and resistance to simulated gastric conditions. The rates of lipase release in response to pH change, bile salts and duodenal solids were investigated. The stability of lipase and its binding to duodenal solids were also investigated. RESULTS: Declared values for lipase content were exceeded in all preparations. All preparations were acid resistant. The release of lipase in response to pH change showed notable differences in release rates. After 20 min at pH 5.5, Creon released three times the amount of lipase compared with Pancrease, the other preparations coming within the range. Above pH 5.75, the release rates were comparable amongst the preparations. Bile salts influenced release variably whilst release in a solid-rich duodenal fluid was much slower than in buffers. The released lipase was susceptible to proteolysis and pH-dependent binding to duodenal solids; these effects may compromise lipolysis. CONCLUSIONS: These results show some factors contributing to variable clinical responses to pancreatic supplements. Improvements may result if a patient is assessed on different preparations.     

Comparison of Colicins B-K260 and D-CA23: Purification and Characterization of the Colicins and Examination of Colicin Immunity in the Producing Strains

Colicins B-K260 and D-CA23 were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and ion-exchange chromatography and were compared with respect to a number of physical and chemical properties. Both colicins were shown to be proteins and were found to have similar molecular weights, isoelectric points and amino acid compositions. The two colicins also have substantial antigenic similarities but are distinguished by the presence of non-cross-reacting antigens and by differences in stability and in sensitivity to heat and reducing conditions. In addition, strains of Escherichia coli K-12 producing colicins B-K260 and D-CA23 are not cross-immune. The similarities noted between the two colicins are compatible with their use of a common cell surface receptor while having different modes of action.     

Aortic lacerations: fatal complications of thoracic aortography

Traumatic aortic lacerations are life-threatening injuries that require a prompt diagnosis and surgery if patients are to survive. Most authors recommend transfemoral catheterization when performing thoracic aortography in patients with suspected aortic lacerations. The authors of this study describe two patients in whom transfemoral catheterization and contrast material injection were directly related to their deaths. These cases illustrate the need for cautious catheter manipulation in patients with aortic lacerations.     

Hemophilic arthropathy: assessment with MR imaging

Fifteen patients with hemophilia, 14 of whom had hemophilic arthropathy, were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to determine if it could be used to assess hemophilic arthropathy, especially synovial hypertrophy and the status of the articular cartilage. Thirty-five joints of the appendicular skeleton were imaged. Four joints in two patients were clinically normal. Synovial hypertrophy was detected in 28 joints and appeared as areas of low to intermediate signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, with foci of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images (presumed to be due to areas of fluid or inflammation) in 16 joints. Abnormal articular cartilage was demonstrated in 26 joints; bone lesions, fluid collections, and joint space narrowing could also be seen. MR imaging appears to be useful in depicting the components of hemophilic arthropathy.     

牡丹根药理作用的研究

目的：通过对牡丹根药效学和毒性的研究,为牡丹根的综合利用提供药理学依据。方法;采用比浊法,玻片法,观察牡丹根的凝血作用,耳肿法,足跖肿胀法和士的宁惊厥法,分别判断其抗炎及抗惊厥作用;同时对其降压作用和毒性进行测定。结果;大剂量１５ｇ／ｋｇ牡丹根在促进血小板聚集,抗炎,降压及抗惊厥方面均有显著的作用,与丹皮比较,无显著性差异。