Low-Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Using the Liposorber System: Features of the System and Clinical Benefits

Abstract: LDL apheresis using the Liposorber system is indicated for use to remove selectively LDL from the plasma of hypercholesterolemic patients for whom diet and maximum cholesterol-lowering drug therapy have been ineffective or not tolerated. The dextran sulfate immobilized to porous cellulose beads is contained in the adsorption column as the adsorbent. The dextran sulfate has a structure similar to that of the LDL receptor and seems to act as a type of pseudoreceptor for LDL. There have been reported a number of clinical benefits using the Liposorber system for drug refractory hypercholesterolemic patients. Among them, the improvement of endothelial cell function of coronary and brachial arteries by a single treatment is the focus of the world's attention. Moreover, it is also noteworthy that LDL apheresis reduced the incidence of the cardiac events by 70% compared to drug therapy alone. In addition to the clinical benefits of the Liposorber system on familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), the preliminary data suggest that LDL apheresis may improve arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) of the lower extremities and focal glomerular sclerosis (FGS).     

电磁脉冲辐射对原癌基因c-fos调控区的影响

目的　通过研究电磁脉冲 (electromagneticpulse ,EMP)辐射对原癌基因c fos调控区域的影响 ,探讨其诱导细胞功能改变的机制。方法　构建c fos启动区氯霉素乙酰化转移酶 (chloramphenicolacetyl transferase,CAT) ,然后转染HeLa癌细胞株 ,高场强EMP模拟源 (有界波模拟源 )辐射细胞 ,EMP场强为6× 10 4V/m ,脉冲上升时间为 2 0ns ,脉宽为 3 0 μs ,频率为 2 .5个脉冲 /min ,辐射 2min ,处理后 2 0min时观察细胞中CAT的活性。结果　EMP辐射转染的细胞后 2 0min ,转染了P50 0 ( -711～ -2 2 3bp)和P2 50 ( -3 62～-10 0 )的Hela细胞其CAT活性明显高于对照水平的活性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　EMP辐射可引起c fos基因调控区的 -3 62～ -2 2 5明显改变。     

Effect of various polishing systems on the surface roughness and phase transformation of zirconia and the durability of the polishing systems

Statement of problem

Although many systems are used to polish zirconia, a comparison of the performance of zirconia and feldspathic porcelain polishing systems is lacking.

Fluosol and experimental spinal cord ischemia

Summary Spinal cord ischemia was produced by temporary aortic occlusion for 12.5 min in 27 rabbits. Animals were divided into three groups: Group A received Fluosol DA 20% and 100% oxygen; Group B Fluosol and room air only, and Group C Dextran 40 and 100% oxygen. There was no difference in neurological outcome or in the extent and severity of histologically documented infarction of the spinal cord in the three groups. There was also no difference between these groups and untreated controls previously studied by us.     

Autoactivation of human blood coagulation factor XII on dextran derivatives of different molecular weight

We prepared a derivative of dextran T40 (average Mr 43,000) from which fractions of different Mr but with equal charge density were obtained and tested for their ability to promote autoactivation of human blood coagulation factor XII. The mechanism of autoactivation appeared dependent upon the Mr of the polymer used. Thus, with polymers of 38,000 Mr or higher only -factor XIIa was formed and the reaction could be completely described in terms of a simple second-order mechanism of autoactivation. With smaller polymer molecules β-factor XIIa became a major reaction product and as a result of this the autoactivation kinetics did not adhere to the second-order mechanisms thus far described.