Immunohistochemical detection of 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 in radicular cysts

Prostaglandin synthesis in the wall of radicular cysts was determined by immunohistochemistry and radiothinlayer chromatography. PGE2 is predominantly produced by plasma cells and histiocytic elements, whereas much less is synthesized by fibroblasts and endothelial cells as estimated using immunohistochemistry. 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha, however, was primarily found to be generated by endothelial cells and fibroblasts; only small amounts seem to be derived from histiocytic elements and plasma cells. The response of the cystic epithelium to anti-PGE2 and anti-6-oxo-PGF1 alpha antibodies was negative or showed only minimal staining. It can thus be concluded that the granulation tissue and its cellular components modulating the inflammatory process are the main source of prostaglandin synthesis in the wall of radicular cysts and may therefore be responsible for the resultant osteolytic activity.     

Safety of virus inactivated antithrombin III concentrate ANTITHROMBIN III IMMUNO (AT III)

In a prospective clinical trial the risk of infection after application of virus inactivated antithrombin III concentrate ANTITHROMBIN III IMMUNO (AT III) was investigated in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The study was conducted according to the recommendations of the International Committee on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ICTH), with the exception that most patients required additional blood products as well as AT III.

Twenty-seven patients were eligible to test for the risk of acquiring hepatitis B. Twenty-six patients could be evaluated in terms of hepatitis NANB transmission considering ALT-levels whereas 20 patients could be tested for anti-HCV one year after surgery. Samples from 78 patients could be monitored for anti-HIV-1. None of these patients showed any signs of infection. AT III IMMUNO seems to be an antithrombin III concentrate with low or absent infectivity.     

Thoracoscopic wedge resection

Summary Thoracoscopic surgery is decidedly expanded by the ability to perform pulmonary wedge resections of the lung by using the Endo-GIA-stapler. In addition to thoracoscopic biopsies, since July 1991 we have carried out wedge resections in 12 patients suffering from spontaneous pneumothorax (nine) or peripheral bronchial carcinoma (three). Postoperatively one air fistula persisted over 9 days. The chest tube was removed within 48 h in all other patients. There was no other major complication. The postoperative hospitalization period lasted 4.6 days (1–9 days). Operating time was 44 min (30–70 min). The benefit for the patient consists in the little-impaired breathing mechanics, the short hospital stay, and the favorable cosmetic result.     

Rolle der Winkelstabilität bei der intramedullären Stabilisierung

Zusammenfassung Winkelstabile Plattenfixateur-interne-Systeme haben in den letzten 20 Jahren zunehmend an Bedeutung gewonnen. Die aus der Winkelstabilität resultierende flächenhafte Krafteinleitung und gleichmäßigere Kraftverteilung führen zu einer besseren Knochenbruchheilung insbesondere im metaphysischen Bereich und bei Osteoporose. Bei Marknagelsystemen ist die Winkelstabilität bislang nur partiell verwirklicht. Der vorgestellte winkelstabile Tibiamarknagel realisiert an jedem einzelnen Bolzen eine Winkelstabilität mit dem einliegenden intramedullären Kraftträger. Von Februar 2002–August 2004 wurden 21 Patienten mit ihm behandelt. In 13 Fällen wurden Frakturen stabilisiert, 6 Patienten hatten Fehlstellungen, 2 Patienten Pseudarthrosen. Zum Nachuntersuchungszeitpunkt waren alle Behandlungen abgeschlossen. Postoperative Komplikationen traten nicht auf. In allen Fällen wurde eine vollständige Durchbauung erreicht. In 6 Fällen fand sich radiologisch eine verzögerte Knochenbruchheilung. Die ersten klinischen Erfahrungen mit dem winkelstabilen Tibiamarknagel zeigen, dass dieser aufgrund der höheren Primärstabilität insbesondere im metaphysären Knochenbereich mit kurzen Fragmenten sowie bei Osteoporose Vorteile gegenüber anderen nichtwinkelstabilen oder nur partiell winkelstabilen Marknagelsystemen erbringt. Die verzögerten Knochenbruchheilungen bedürfen weiterer klinischer und biomechanischer Untersuchungen.     

Isolated human hepatocytes in culture display markedly different gene expression patterns depending on attachment status

In vitro human hepatocyte cultures are a key tool in the investigation of xenobiotic toxicity and metabolism. In most in vitro hepatocyte studies, the cells are allowed to adhere to an extracellular matrix, such as collagen. Unfortunately, the ability of freshly isolated hepatocytes to adhere to collagen varies from donor to donor. We used microarray analysis to determine what gene expression differences exist between hepatocytes in suspension and hepatocytes attached to collagen. Results from different donors showed a considerable difference in gene expression patterns between the two hepatocyte populations. In addition, we also compared the gene expression profiles of hepatocytes in culture with liver tissue. The results showed that both hepatocytes in suspension and hepatocytes attached to collagen display significant gene expression differences compared with liver tissue. Finally, we show that both populations of hepatocytes are responsive to dexamethasone and regulate some of the same genes. Overall, our results suggest that either significant gene expression changes occur in isolated hepatocytes or that suspended and attached cells represent different populations of hepatocytes found in intact livers.     

Low–Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Versus Lipid Lowering Drugs in the Treatment of Severe Hypercholesterolemia: Four Years' Experience

Abstract: Elevated lipoprotein concentrations seem to be linked strongly in a dose dependent manner to an increased incidence of atherosclerosis. A total of 47 patients suffering from severe hyperlipidemia were matched to treatment with LDL apheresis (Baxter, Kaneka, Li–popak; 24 patients, aged 50.2 ±11.5 years), diet, and/or lipid–lowering drugs or with diet and lipid–lowering drugs only (23 patients, aged 48.8 ±11.8 years). After treatment periods of 49.8 ±13.4 months (apheresis group, 2,396 treatment sessions) and 38.6 ± 15.1 months (drug group), the ensuing results revealed significant differences (p <0.0001): –47.3% versus –12.1% for total cholesterol, –46.9% versus –21.8% for LDL, +8.4% versus +0.9% for HDL, –52.0% versus – 13.1% for the LDL/HDL ratio, –36.4% versus –16.2% for triglycerides, and –25.9% versus + 1.5% for lipoprotein (a). In the apheresis group, one patient died of myocardial infarction; in the drug group, there was one nonfatal myocardial infarction and the manifestation of coronary heart disease in 3 cases. There were no severe side effects in either group. All patients in the apheresis group responded to therapy. The present trial suggests that a continuing reduction in serum lipid concentrations may lower, in a dose dependent manner, the risk for development and progression of coronary heart disease. Regarding clinical and laboratory results, LDL apheresis seems to be safe, effective therapy for treatment of severe hyperlipidemia.     

Vigilance--a state of order or a force that produces order?

The variety of meanings nowadays attached to the notion of "vigilance" essentially mask H. Head's original intentions when he introduced the term more than half a century ago. In an attempt to overcome the obviously existing disturbance in scientific communication, we contrast the new meanings, both with each other and with Head's original conception. We also discuss the importance of "vigilance" as a precursor of a current change of paradigms. We conclude that the original intention of "vigilance" is in line with recently elaborated proposals stressing the self-referential character of living systems. This revised notion of "vigilance" might serve as a conceptual base for empirical research taking self-reference into consideration, and hence for biological research in the true sense of the word.     

Phase I trial of the polyelectrolyte carbetimer administered i.v. once every four weeks

Summary Carbetimer, a new synthetic low molecular weight polyelectrolyte with a novel structure displayed antitumor activiy in a number of animal tumor model systems and in vitro investigations. Based on these findings it was brought to a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced malignant disease after failure of conventional treatment or with no conventional treatment available. Forty-eight patients received 98 courses. The schedule was a one hour i.v. infusion every four weeks. The starting dose was 180 mg/m² and dose escalation was performed according to a modified Fibonacci formula up to 16,690 mg/m². At least three patients were treated at each dose level and each patient was eligible to receive repeat courses at the same dose, until progressive disease or dose-limiting toxicity intervened. No hematological toxicity was encountered. Some adverse effects such as reversible proteinuria, hypercalcaemia, pain at infusion site, nausea and vomiting and fatigue were seen partly in a dose-related manner but did not represent the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The limiting toxicity at the highest dose level of 16,690 mg/m² consisted of ocular symptoms (light flashes) accompanied by a modest decrease of blood pressure and nausea or vomiting during a one hour infusion. 16,690 mg/m²/1 hour was considered the MTD. There were four deaths on study, all considered diseaserelated. Fourteen patients had stable disease for more than two courses, which, however, could also be explained by the natural course of disease. No clear-cut antitumor responses were noted in our study center.The recommended dose for phase II trials derived from our results is 12,550 mg/m²/2 hours. However, with regard to experiences in other phase I studies, the subsequent phase II studies will be performed with a dose of 6,500 mg/m².     

Social relations and smoking behavior: Results from the first MONICA survey Augsburg

Summary This study examines the relationship between various aspects of social relations and the prevalence of smoking, using data from the first MONICA Survey, Augsburg, FRG, 1984/85. Study population of the survey was a two-stage cluster sample of 5312 men and women aged 25 to 64. The response was 79.4%. The measurement of social relations included a modified form of the Syme/Berkman social network scale, as used in the Alameda County Study. Analyses were carried out separately for the total four-level social network index in relation to smoking, and for specific components of that index (marital status, contacts with friends and relatives, activities in informal groups). The results showed for both men and women, that there was a significant association between the social network index and the prevalence of smoking: the more social ties and contacts, the lower the percentage of smokers. The results from multiple logistic regression analyses indicated an effect of social relations on smoking, that is at least partly independent of age, gender and educational level. In general, the findings may contribute to a better understanding of risk groups, and the possible pathways leading from social relations to health and disease.

---

Soziale Beziehungen und Rauchverhalten. Ergebnisse der ersten MONICA-Augsburg- Querschnittsstudie

Zusammenfassung Mit Daten der ersten MONICA-Querschnittsstudie Augsburg, 1984/ 85, wurden die Zusammenhänge zwischen verschiedenen Merkmalen des «sozialen Netzwerks» und dem individuellen Rauchverhalten untersucht. Die Studienpopulation umfasste 5312 Männer und Frauen einer zweistufigen Zufallsstichprobe im Alter zwischen 25 und 64 Jahren. Die Teilnahmerate betrug 79,4%. Die sozialen Beziehungen wurden in einem Fragebogen zum Selbstausfüllen mit Hilfe eines «Sozialen Netzwerk Indexes» (SNI) erfasst, der sowohl den Familienstand, die Kontakte zu Verwandten und engen Freunden als auch Aktivitäten in Gruppen und Vereinen beinhaltete. Die Ergebnisse zeigten für Männer und Frauen statistisch signifikante Zusammenhänge zwischen den Gesamtscores des SNI und der Prävalenz des Rauchens: Je mehr soziale Beziehungen und Kontakte, desto geringer war der Anteil Raucher. Die Analysen einzelner Komponenten des SNI ergaben: Es fanden sich keine konsistenten Zusammenhänge zwischen den Aktivitäten in Freizeitclubs und dem Rauchverhalten, jedoch zwischen familiären Beziehungen, Kontakten zu engen Freunden oder Verwandten und der Häufigkeit des Rauchens. Besonders auffallend war der hohe Anteil Raucher bei den geschiedenen oder getrenntlebenden Männern. 70% von ihnen waren Raucher im Vergleich zu 37% der verheirateten Männer. Die entsprechenden Anteile bei den Frauen waren 42% bzw. 22%. Die Ergebnisse der multiplen logistischen Regressionen zeigten einen Effekt der interpersonellen Beziehungen auf das Rauchverhalten, der unabhängig war von den Faktoren Alter, Geschlecht, Bildungsstand und (bei Frauen) von der Erwerbstätigkeit. Die Resultate könnten zu einer besseren Erklärung und Identifizierung von Risiko-Gruppen und damit zu einer erfolgreicheren Bekämpfung des Rauchens beitragen.

---

Rapports sociaux et consommation de la cigarette

Résumé Les relations entre les différentes propriétés du «réseau social» et les habitudes individuelles en ce qui concerne la consommation de la cigarette ont été examinées à l'aide des données d'une première étude transversale, faite en région augsbourgeoise, dans le cadre du projet MONICA. L'échantillon aléatoire, divisé en deux étapes, comportait une population de 5312 hommes et femmes âgés de 25 à 64 ans. 79,4% des personnes interrogées participaient à l'enquête. Le recensement des rapports sociaux s'effectuait au moyen d'un questionnaire individuel à «l'Index du Réseau Social» (IRS) qui englobait aussi bien les données sur l'état civil que les sujets relatifs aux contacts sociaux et familiaux. Les résultats ont montré qu'il y avait une correspondance significative entre les valeurs totales du IRS et la prévalence de la consommation de la cigarette. Plus une personne avait de contacts sociaux, moins elle fumait de cigarettes. L'analyse des divers composants du IRS révèle un manque de relations cohérentes entre les activités dans les clubs de loisirs et la consommation de la cigarette. Cependant, la correspondance entre les rapports de famille, les contacts avec amis et parents et la fréquence de la consommation du tabac s'avérait révélatrice. Particulièrement frappant était le taux élevé de fumeurs chez les hommes divorcés ou vivant séparés. 70% d'entre eux étaient fumeurs par rapport à 37% des hommes mariés. Le taux correspondant chez les femmes était de 42% resp. 22%. Les résultats de la régression logistique multiple signalaient un effet des relations interpersonnelles sur la consommation de la cigarette, un effet qui était indépendant des facteurs tels que l'âge, le sexe, le niveau d'instruction et (chez les femmes) des activités professionnelles. Ces résultats pourraient contribuer à une meilleure identification et caractérisation des groupes à risque, et par la suite à combattre d'une manière plus efficace la consommation de la cigarette.

     

Separation of solubilized A2 adenosine receptors of human platelets from non-receptor [3H]NECA binding sites by gel filtration

Summary Human platelet membranes were solubilized with the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS (3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) and the solubilized extract subjected to gel filtration. Binding of the adenosine receptor agonist [3H]NECA (5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadeno-sine) was measured to the eluted fractions. Two [³H]NECA binding peaks were eluted, the first of them with the void volume. This first peak represented between 10% and 25% of the [³H]NECA binding activity eluted from the column. It bound [³H]NECA in a reversible, saturable and GTP-dependent manner with an affinity of 46 nmol/1 and a binding capacity of 510 fmol/mg protein. Various adenosine receptor ligands competed for the binding of [³H]NECA to the first peak with a pharmacological profile characteristic for the A₂ adenosine receptor as determined from adenylate cyclase experiments. In contrast, most adenosine receptor ligands did not compete for [³H]NECA binding to the second, major peak. These results suggest that a solubilized A₂ receptor-GS protein complex of human platelets can be separated from other [³H]NECA binding sites by gel filtration. This allows reliable radioligand binding studies of the A₂ adenosine receptor of human platelets.Abbreviations CHAPS 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammoniol-l-propanesulfonate - CIA 2-chloroadenosine - CPA N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine - DPX 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine - NECA 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine - PAA 2-phenylaminoadenosine - PIA N⁶-phenyhsopropyladenosine - XAC 8-{4-[([{(2-aminoethyl)amino}carbonyl}methyl)oxy]phenyl]-1,3-dipropylxanthine Send offprint requests to M. J. Lohse