Flow cytometric analysis of mouse sperm using monoclonal anti-sperm antibody OBF13

The variable reactivity of OBF13 monoclonal antibody to mouse sperm was studied using a fluorescein activated cell sorter. Sperm from cauda epididymis were incubated with ionophore A23187, subjected to indirect immunostaining and analyzed by a cell sorter. Three peaks showing different fluorescence intensities were observed. These peaks contained (i) not stained (N), (ii) acrosomal cap or anterior region stained (A) and (iii) head stained (H) sperm, respectively. H type sperm showed more intense integral fluorescence than A type sperm. It was also noted that the H type were observed when cauda epididymal sperm were incubated with A23187, but not among non-incubated, or A23187 treated caput epididymal sperm. When sperm were pre-categorized as "dead" or "alive" by propidium iodide staining, no A type were observed in the "live" population. These results suggest that the sperm exhibiting the OBF13 antigen in the acrosome region lost their viability before they accomplished a "true" acrosome reaction.     

Randomized controlled trial of dexamethasone treatment in very-low-birth-weight infants with ventilator-dependent chronic lung disease

This randomized controlled trial was designed to answer the question: does administration of dexamethasone to neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia decrease the need for assisted ventilation? Twenty-five infants with a birth weight < 1501 g, requiring mechanical ventilation and FiO₂ of ± 0.30 at 21-35 days of age, were randomized to treatment with iv dexamethasone or to sham injections for 12 days. The primary outcome criterion was extubation within seven days after study entry. Treatment (n= 12) and control (n= 13) groups were well matched at entry. Dexamethasone facilitated weaning from assisted ventilation (p= 0.0154). There was no increased incidence of infection. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a significant increase in glucosuria (p= 0.0002) and in systolic blood pressure (p= 0.0034). There was a significant decrease in heart rate (p= 0.0001) and a significant weight loss (p= 0.0002) following dexamethasone treatment. Dexamethasone treatment facilitated weaning from assisted ventilation but several systemic effects were noted that deserve further evaluation before dexamethasone becomes routine treatment.     

Steroid-free living-donor liver transplantation in adults

To examine the benefits of steroid avoidance in adult living donor liver transplantation, we compared the clinical courses of nine recipients receiving basiliximab or daclizumab and 13 historical patients who received steroids. The 1-year patient and graft survival and the incidence of acute cellular rejection were similar in both groups. The side effects of immunosuppression tended to be more frequent in the steroid group. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels measured early after transplantation remained suppressed in the steroid-free group. Steroid avoidance was beneficial in the recipients, as both steroid side effects and recurrence of HCV could be avoided.     

Capsular flap for correction of contour deformities of the breast

We describe a technique in which the breast implant capsule is used to fill localized depressions in the breast, including those under the nipple-areola complex. Capsules have been reported to persist long-term and their high vascularity renders them suitable for use as flaps.     

Analysis of the Radiorespirometric pattern after administration of [U-14C] glucose to Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice

Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice were subjected to 14CO2 radiorespirometric analysis after administration of [U-14C]glucose, and the results were compared with the levels of host liver glycolytic enzyme activities and the uptake of the radioactivity into the liver. After IP administration of [U-14C]glucose, there was a progressive decline in respiratory 14CO2 after the transplantation of the Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The peak time (PT) was about 10 min on day 1, but thereafter was increasingly delayed, and could not be determined on day 13. Peak height (PH) and yield value (YV) were both considerably decreased, and again the magnitudes of the changes increased with the time after transplantation of the tumor cells. Glycolytic enzyme activities in the host liver were at normal levels 13 days after transplantation of the tumor cells. The uptake of the radioactivity into the liver after IP administration of [U-14C]glucose began to decline from day 5 and was 50% the value in normal mice 13 days after transplantation of the tumor cells. THese results indicate that the radiorespirometric patterns with [U-14C]glucose reflects hepatic biochemical changes rather well.