Anti-PL7 antibodies to threonyl-tRNA synthetase purified from beef liver were observed in the serum of a dermatopolymyositis patient. They were identified by CIE and DID using a standard anti-PL7 antiserum and quantified by ELISA in serum samples taken over a five year period. The level of antibodies against not only threonyl-tRNA synthetase but also several muscle proteins including tropomyosin, was strongly correlated with disease activity and treatment. This correlation may prove important both in monitoring the response of the patient to treatment and to our understanding of the aetiology of the disease.

Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

All at sea on pay?

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Economics, Nursing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Induction of DNA-antibodies by d-penicillamine.

As no critical evaluation of native-DNA antibodies due to d-penicillamine (dP) has been made, we have examined this using highly purified DNA fractions obtained by benzoylated-naphthoylated-DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The nDNA, dsDNA, and ds/ss DNA binding was determined in 10 normals, 24 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients never on dP, 17 RA patients on dP and in serial sera from 15 of the latter before, during, and after cessation of dP. The results indicate that dP does induce both dsDNA and ssDNA antibodies which persist for many months after its cessation.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Health promotion. Cervical screening update.

Strategies to attract women who have never had, or are long overdue to have, smear tests are explained in this article. The author suggests that refusal to have a smear taken must be an informed decision and that the right to refuse must be respected.

Family Practice↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The Cooperative Cardiovascular Project in Oklahoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in the United States and a common cause for admission of Oklahoma Medicare beneficiaries. Based on guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction published by a joint committee of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project was developed by the Health Care Financing Administration to measure performance on quality indicators that describe care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The objective of the project is to use those performance measures to assist hospitals in the development of quality improvement efforts for acute myocardial infarction care. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed on the inpatient medical records of 3,436 patients from 102 hospitals in Oklahoma and a random national sample of 2,441 patients discharged with a principal diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was confirmed in 3,055 (89%) of the cases reviewed. For patients considered to be ideal candidates for an intervention, 62% received reperfusion therapy (thrombolytic or PTCA), 84% received aspirin during the hospitalization, 76% received aspirin at discharge, and 40% received beta-blockers at discharge. There were significant variations in performance between hospital peer groups in the use of reperfusion therapy, aspirin, beta-blockers, and smoking cessation counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially life-saving treatments for Medicare patients hospitalized with an acute myocardial infarction are often underutilized. Improving quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries with acute myocardial infarction has been identified as a national priority.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗