Respiratory response to CO2 by controlled alveolar hypercapnia

A method of assessing the respiratory response to a hypercapnic stimulus after an increase in alveolar pCO₂ in accordance with an assigned program is suggested. The results are independent of the metabolic level, resistance to respiration, and other factors. Unlike the widely used rebreathing method, this new method enables the ventilatory sensitivity to CO₂ to be compared at rest, during muscular work, when the resistance to respiration is changed, and so on. It can also be used for both clinical and experimental investigations.Respiratory Physiology Group, I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. N. Chernigovskii.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 89, No. 1, pp. 6–7, January, 1980.     

Structural polymorphism of glycophorins demonstrated by immunoblotting techniques

We have explored the polymorphism of the glycophorin system in the human erythrocyte membrane using the immunoblotting techniques and examining 52 individuals selected without prior bias as to their serologic state and ten documented serologic variants of M, N, S, s blood group system. Polyclonal antisera to alpha glycophorin and to alpha glycophorin CNBr carboxyl terminal fragment C (residues 82-131) and M and N specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were used. The first two reagents detect specific regions of the alpha glycophorin molecule and all electrophoretically resolved species of glycophorins immunologically related to alpha and delta glycophorins (delta glycophorin, [alpha-delta] hybrids and other glycophorins with an alteration in the carboxyl terminal segment); the M and N MoAbs identified the glycophorin species containing or lacking the M or N determinant in the amino terminal octapeptide structures. We find that immunoblotting confirmed in all cases the serologically determined phenotype; we also find that polymorphic forms of the glycophorin system are relatively infrequent; immunoblotting, independent from serologic testing, was capable of detecting five mutants, two most likely S-s-U-phenotypes; a new glycophorin species was detected in normal red cells with both antiglycophorin and antipeptide C sera, which is not evident with MoAbs; immunoblots of known glycophorin variants (En(a-), U-, Mg, Mi I, II, III, V, and Sta) confirmed but also extended our knowledge of the abnormal glycophorins involved; and the He+ and Wrb(-) cells showed normal patterns.     

Intensive care for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The paper reviews the current data available in the literature on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Today due to the intensive development of high assisted reproductive techniques (ART) using the current superovulation stimulation, the risk of OHSS grows steadily. The clinical symptoms of OHSS appear in the luteal phase of a cycle and in early pregnancy when most females have just left the in vitro fertilization centers. In this connection, physicians of many specialties, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and intensivists should know the clinical manifestations of this syndrome and can correctly render a medical aid. Disputable issues of inpatient therapy for OHSS and the specific features of infusion management and intensive care are discussed.     

An anti-EnaTS detected in the serum of an MiI homozygote

The serum of EH reacted with all red cells (RBCs) except her own, ficin- or trypsin-treated red cells, and En(a-) red cells. This reactivity defined an anti-EnaTS specificity. The red cells of the proposita typed as M-N+S-S+, Vw+Mur-Hil-Hut-Anek-Lane-, Wr(a-b+), EnaKT+. Red cells of five relatives were Vw+ and positive with her serum. Titration studies suggest that EH is genetically an MiI homozygote and that her Vw+ relatives are MiI heterozygotes. There is no history of consanguinity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting studies have agreed with the serologic observations. A variant sialoglycoprotein of faster mobility than normal glycoprotein A, but no normal glycoprotein A, was detected on her red cells. Treatment with N-glycanase did not alter the mobility, which indicated that there was no N-glycosylation of residue 26. These findings are in agreement with the reported properties of the Mi.I-specific glycoprotein A. The relatives' Vw+ red cells showed the variant sialoglycoprotein and normal glycoprotein A. EH appears to be the first reported MiI homozygote.     

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria - an emerging public health problem

The discovery and eventual introduction of anti-microbial agents to clinical medicine was one of the greatest medical triumphs of the twentieth century that revolutionized the treatment of bacterial diseases. However, the gradual emergence of populations of antibiotic-resistant bacteria resulting from use, misuse and outright abuse of antibiotics has today become a major public health problem of global proportions. This review paper examines the origins and molecular epidemiology of resistance genes, global picture of antibacterial resistance, factors that favour its spread, strategies for its control, problems of control and the consequences of failure to contain antibiotic resistance in bacteria.