Oocytes from Xenopus laevis were used as well-established model to investigate spatially resolved changes in relaxation time (T1) within a cell during exposure to copper complexes by means of 1H-NMR-microscopy. T1 relaxation of intracellular water was shortened in dependence on the complex concentration, the water content, and the water mobility in various cell compartments. A relatively constant T1 decrease was observed in the cytoplasm of the vegetal pole, irrespective of the type and concentration of the permeable complexes used. Since the lowest content of free mobile water molecules was detected at the vegetal pole, we concluded that this quantity was as important for the relaxation time decrease as that of the chelated paramagnetic ions. Experiments using 14C-labeled inulin demonstrated that the paramagnetic metal complexes entered the oocytes without gross injury to their plasma membranes.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of moderate coronary stenosis on myocardial flow reserve in man and in the dog.

The influence of coronary stenosis on resting blood flow (201Tl-uptake) and myocardial flow reserve (bicycle ergometry) is studied in 18 patients with coronary disease. Severe coronary stenosis of 75--90% caused a reduced 201Tl-uptake both at rest and peak exercise. In contrast to this group patients with a 50--60% stenosis have a normal scintigram at rest but focal defects of 201Tl-uptake at peak exercise. Results are compared with experimental data obtained after acute coronary constriction and simultaneous coronary dilatation (myocardial flow reserve, MFR) in 12 dogs. 60% coronary constriction causes a 37% decrease of poststenotic MFR measured with tracer microspheres. Changes of transmural flow distribution (endo/epi ratio) are minor in the left ventricular free wall but significant in the poststenotic septum (endo/epi = .84). It is concluded that even a moderate coronary stenosis of 60% not affecting resting blood flow becomes "critical" under conditions of high flow velocities.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Entamoeba histolytica cysteine proteinases degrade human colonic mucin and alter its function.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Repetitive strain injury in computer keyboard users: pathomechanics and treatment principles in individual and group intervention.

Computer users experience high rates of injury and disability, broadly termed repetitive strain injury (RSI). With more than 60 million Americans using computers in offices and homes, the potential magnitude of the RSI problem indicates a need for increased attention to prevention and treatment. The purpose of this article is to: 1) present a conceptual model of RSI as a kinetic-chain, multifactorial disorder; 2) outline the salient features of the clinical evaluation of the RSI patient; 3) describe the role of postural deviation in the pathogenesis of RSI; 4) present the principles of individual manual therapy; and 5) discuss the rationale, admission criteria, educational principles, and outcome of a multidisciplinary group intervention.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Functional heterogeneity of colonic adenocarcinoma mucins for inhibition of Entamoeba histolytica adherence to target cells.

Mucins secreted from the gastrointestinal epithelium from the basis of the adherent mucus layer which is the host's first line of defense against invasion by Entamoeba histolytica. Galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues of mucins specifically inhibit binding of the amebic 170 kDa heavy subunit Gal-lectin to target cells, an absolute prerequisite for pathogenesis. Herein we characterized the secretory mucins isolated from the human colon and from three human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines: two with goblet cell-like (LS174T and T84) and one with absorptive cell-like morphology (Caco-2). By Northern blot analysis the intestinal mucin genes MUC2 and MUC3 were constitutively expressed by confluent LS174T and Caco-2 cells, whereas T84 cells only transcribed MUC2 and not MUC3 mRNA. 3H-glucosamine and 3H-threonine metabolically labeled proteins separated as high M, mucins in the void (Vo > 10(6) Da) of Sepharose-4B column chromatography and remained in the stacking gel of SDS-PAGE as depicted by fluorography. All mucin preparations contained high amounts of N-acetyl-glucosamine, galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, fucose and sialic acid, saccharides typical of the O-linked carbohydrate side chains. Mucin samples from the human colon and from LS174T and Caco-2 cells inhibited E. histolytica adherence to chinese hamster ovary cells, whereas mucins from T84 cells did not. These results suggest that genetic heterogeneity and/or posttranslational modification in glycosylation of colonic mucins can affect specific epithelial barrier function against intestinal pathogens.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Perioperative brachytherapy as an additional therapeutic option in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), either inoperable or after completed percutaneous radiotherapy.

Between January 1992 and December 1997 60 patients with different tumors were treated with perioperative high dose rate brachytherapy with Iridium 192 in afterloading technique (HDR), total dosis 20-30 Gy. Three of the patients had RCC. These patients are presented in detail. In elected patients in whom other forms of treatment are not available or have failed, the method offers an additional therapeutic option and can achieve excellent results.

Aged↗