Distinction of human hookworm larvae based on lectin-binding characteristics

A comparative study of lectin binding to ensheathed (EnL3) and exsheathed (ExL3) L3 larvae of Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Ancylostoma ceylanicum revealed a number of differences between these hookworm species. These differences could provide a novel approach to distinguish infective L3 larvae in field conditions. For example, binding of Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120) to N. americanus EnL3 distinguished them from those of A. duodenale and A. ceylanicum. Furthermore, UEA and RCA120 negative EnL3 could be separated into the two Ancylostoma sps. tested, as Dolichos biflorus agglutinin and Soybean agglutinin bound to EnL3 of A. ceylanicum but not to those of A. duodenale.     

A Special Outpatient Clinic for Following Patients with Implanted Tachyarrhythmia Devices

Implantable anti-tachycardia devices have become an additional therapeutic option for those patients afflicted with life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. Follow-up of these complex devices are time-consuming and, if mismanaged, may be dangerous to the patient. For these reasons, a special anti-tachycardia device clinic was started at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in July 1984. From the inception of the clinic to September 1985, 24 patients were followed. Seventy-five percent had antitachycardia devices (ATDs) implanted for treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT/VF) with the remaining 25% for supraventricular tachycardias. All patients were seen every 3 months or more often if clinically required. Of 112 clinic examinations, 102 (91%) were scheduled appointments (group I) while the remaining 10 visits (group II) were unscheduled and preceded by symptomatic episodes. The problems detected in clinic (groups I and II) ranged from sudden failure of an AICD to apprehension. Appropriate nonoperative treatment was given during clinic evaluation for 60% of the problems detected in group II, while the remaining 40% required eventual surgical intervention. Compliance throughout the 15-month follow-up period was 100%. Major benefits of the clinic cited by patients and their families were continuity of care, the time allotted to meet the individual needs, and management of most problems on an out-patient basis.     

Budd-Chiari Synthome: Long-term Survival and Factors Affecting Mortality

Eighteen patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome were studied overa 20 year period to determine the pattern of initial mortalityand long-term survival. There were eight early deaths, two dueto malignancy, two following surgery, three due to hepatic failureor portal hypertension and one due to septicaemia. The Initialhigh mortality diminished after the first three years and actuarialanalysis of survival showed that nearly 50 per cent were aliveafter five years. The presence of bleeding oesophageal varicesindicated poor prognosis. Patients with functioning intrahepaticcollaterals seemed to have a longer survival. Mai of the survivingpatients are leading normal lives with well-controlled symptoms.The prognosis of patients with chronic Budd-Chiari syndromewho survive the initial years of the illness may be better thanpreviously believed.     

Synthesis of cystine peptides 21–25/70–73 and 35–39/56–59 of the β-subunit of human choriogonadotropin

Syntheses of two asymmetrical cystine peptides with the amino acid residues 21–25/70–73 and 35–39/56–59, based on the linear amino acid sequence and the disulfide bond assignment in the β-subunit of human choriogonadotropin (hCG-β), are described. S-trityl and S-acetamidomethyl peptide fragments of each cystine peptide were prepared in solution phase and were subjected to oxidation with I₂/MeOH to form the disulfide bridge. The cystine peptides were characterized by their amino acid analyses and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Immunological characterization by several homologous radioimmunoas-say systems showed that peptide 21–25/70–73 had significant hCG, hCG-β, and hLH activities while peptide 35–39/56–59 failed to reveal any immunoreactivity.