Viruses and Antibody Deficiency Syndromes

Viral infections that occur in patients with primary immunodeficiences are summarized. These viral infections include: Echovirus, poliovirus, varicella zoster. non-A non-B hepatitis and hepatitis B. Cases of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome associated with Epste-in-Barr virus infection and congenital rubella syndrome are also reviewed. In the second part of the paper. retrovirus (HIV) isolations from blood mononuclear cells of 3 out of 31 patients with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia are reported. This supports the concept that some of the non-familial “primary” immunodeficiences may abe due to retrovirus infections.     

An analysis of the scholarly activities of respiratory care faculty in southern academic health centers.

Little is known about the scholarly production of faculty members who teach in respiratory care programs. METHOD: We studied the scholarly activities of respiratory care faculty members in southern academic health centers via a mailed survey. RESULTS: An analysis of the responses (n = 33, 86.8%) revealed: (1) The respondents' principal scholarly activity was the reporting of research findings in refereed journals, with a productivity index (number of articles/years on faculty) of 0.25, or one published article for every 4 years of employment in higher education, which was significantly less than that of other allied health faculty (productivity index 0.69, P less than 0.05). (2) Less than a majority of respondents had presented a paper at a professional meeting during the 3 years preceding the survey. (3) Only a small percentage of respondents had been involved in research. (4) Promotion opportunities and academic preparation are the primary factors that encourage scholarly pursuits, and heavy teaching responsibility is the primary discouraging factor. (5) Scholarly activity is perceived as an important consideration in academic promotion decisions. CONCLUSION: Respiratory care program faculty and administration should take steps to increase the scholarly production of faculty members.     

Cerebral excitatory amino acids and Na+, K+-ATPase activity during resuscitation of severely hypoxic newborn piglets

We tested the hypothesis that early brain recovery in hypoxic newborn piglets is improved by resuscitating with an O₂ supply close to the minimum level required by the newborn piglet brain. Severely hypoxic 2-5-d-old anaesthetized piglets were randomly divided into three resuscitation groups: hypoxaemic (n = 8), 21% O₂ (n = 8), and 100% O₂ groups (n = 8). The hypoxaemic group was mechanically ventilated with 12-18% O₂ adjusted to achieve a cerebral venous O₂ saturation of 17-23% (baseline; 45±1%, mean±SEM). During the 2h resuscitation period, extracellular aspartate and glutamate concentrations in the cerebral striatum were higher during hypoxaemic resuscitation (p = 0.044 and p = 0.055, respectively) than during resuscitation with 21% O₂ or 100% O₂, suggesting an unfavourable accumulation of potent excitotoxins during hypoxaemic resuscitation. The cell membrane Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity of cerebral cortical tissue after 2 h resuscitation was similar in the three groups (p = 0.30). In conclusion, hypoxaemic resuscitation did not normalize early cerebral metabolic recovery as efficiently as resuscitation with 21% O2 or 100% O₂. Resuscitation with 21% O₂ was as efficient as resuscitation with 100% O₂ in this newborn piglet hypoxia model.     

Growth of rubella virus in a glass bead propagator

A glass sphere propagator with an air lift pump to circulate the medium, has been successfully used to produce large volumes of rubella virus. The system was productive, flexible and easy to operate.     

Generation of procoagulant activity by mononuclear phagocytes: optimisation of an in vitro assay

Leucocyte procoagulant activity (PCA) has previously been advocated as a useful measurement of cell-mediated immune reactivity. The assay is, however, susceptible to inter- and intra-experimental variation. This investigation identifies several factors which influence the stability and reproducibility of the test. Major factors which affect the recalcification time of plasma, include plasma lability, medium/buffer pH and both the nature and concentration of the indicator cells used in the assay. C. parvum-induced mouse peritoneal exudate cells have been used as a novel source of mononuclear phagocytes in the generation of PCA. Their sensitivity as indicator cells has been demonstrated by their responsiveness to stimulation by phytomitogen, endotoxin, and lymphokine (macrophage procoagulant-inducing factor). A simple test based on antigen-induced PCA of these cells, has provided an in vitro index of in vivo sensitisation to sheep red blood cells. Optimisation and standardisation of conditions detailed in this report for estimating PCA, renders the assay of value in monitoring lymphocyte and macrophage activation.     

Immunohistochemical localization of actinomycin D in human melanoma tumor cells

Human melanoma tumor colonies and derived cell lines (81-46a) were exposed to Actinomycin D (Act D) in vitro in order to study subcellular sites of drug-cell interaction. Light microscopy of 13 day-old colonies previously treated for 24 hours with 0.01 microgram/ml, 0.1 microgram/ml, and 1 microgram/ml Act D revealed a decrease in colony size and organization, an increase in pyknotic nuclei, and an accumulation of cell debris concomitant with an increase in Act D concentration. The 81-46a cells were treated with 0.1 microgram/ml Act D for 15, 30, and 60 minute intervals, followed by Act D antibodies. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed both cytoplasmic, vesicular, filamentous, and nuclear variations in drug distribution with increased exposure. Cell viability studies indicated a decrease in viable cells as exposure time to Act D increased.