The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficiency of radiation synovectomy with rhenium-186 or erbium-169 in rheumatoid arthritis. In the control groups articulosynovitis was treated by injection of triamcinolonhexacetonid. Follow-up time was 3 years. Patients of the study had to fulfill the following criteria: rheumatoid arthritis (ARA criteria 1988), patient age above 40 years, standardized medical treatment with methotrexate, (started at least 6 month prior to injection therapy, given for the entiry study time), prednisolon < or = 7.5 mg/d and diclofenac < or = 150 mg/ d, and no previous surgery or injection therapy on this/these joint/s. Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle joints were treated in group 1 by injection of rhenium-186 combined with triamcinolonhexacetonid, in group 2 by injection of triamcinolonhexacetonid alone. Each treatment group included 50 joints. Digital joints underwent injection of erbium-169 combined with triamcinolonhexacetonid (group 3 = 131 joints) or triamcinolonhexacetonid (group 4 = 86) alone. During the follow up period, the joints were assessed for pain, synovial swelling, joint motion, and stage of radiological destruction (Larsen-Dale-Eek). After 3 years follow-up, 228 joints met the above named criteria: group 1 = 41 joints, group 2 = 21 joints, group 3 = 131 joints, group 4 = 53 joints. Significantly better clinical results were achieved with the combined injection of rhenium-186 or erbium-169 and triamcinolonhexacetonid. Results for PIP joints were worse than for other joints, which is explained by better immobilization of the latter ones after injection. The progression in radiological joint destruction according to the stages of Larsen-Dale-Eek during the follow-up time of 3 years (= stage at 3 years minus stage prior to treatment) corresponded to the clinical results and was significantly slower in groups 1 and 3: group 1 = 0.62; group 2 = 1.7; group 3 = 0.75; group 4 = 1.43 Therefore, we recommend radiosynovectomy with erbium-169 or rhenium-168 in combination with triamcinolonhexacetonid and consequent immobilization after injection.

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PubMedDate not supplied

The plasma proteins of Biomphalaria glabrata in the presence and absence of Schistosoma mansoni.

Snail plasma serves as both a sink for metabolites and a source of nutrients for parasites developing within their intermediate hosts. It also contains molecules involved in immunological events like non-self recognition, phagocytosis and encapsulation. In this study we present improved protocols for the separation and partial characterization of plasma proteins of schistosome-susceptible and resistant strains of Biomphalaria glabrata. Within each strain, the plasma of snails 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-exposure to Schistosoma mansoni and of non-exposed snails was compared. Protein concentrations in hemolymph of all snail strains, non-exposed or parasite-exposed, were about 29 mg/mL and were not found to differ significantly. The dominant plasma molecule (80-85%) is extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) with a native mass of > 1 M Da, and subunits of 190 kDa. It is the only protein bearing heme as shown after separation by native-PAGE and LDS-PAGE. The relatively large amounts of Hb and its large size cause problems if native plasma components are to be separated in PAGE. To obtain satisfactory separation, we used short-term ultracentrifugation to deplete Hb from plasma without qualitative loss of other proteins. Using this methodology, we have examined proteins by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in the presence of SDS or LDS only or SDS and mercaptoethanol, and by isoelectric focusing. Proteins have been detected in gels by silver stains and staining for heme groups, and, after transfer to membranes, by means of lectins and neoglycoproteins. Molecular weights of plasma proteins range between 10 and > 450 kDa, and isoelectric points are from pH 4 to 9.4. All strains show similar protein patterns, although minor inter- and intrastrain differences occur. These differences are quantitative rather than qualitative, not consistent, and cannot be correlated with the snail's ability to effectively attack and kill S. mansoni sporocysts. In all snail strains, plasma proteins remained qualitatively stable during 3 days after exposure to S. mansoni. New proteins were not evident, and none was lost as a consequence of exposure to parasites. Our new Hb-depletion technique is an excellent approach to separate and examine Biomphalaria plasma proteins in their native state. The use of lectins to probe for the presence of carbohydrates showed that the majority of plasma proteins is glycosylated. Mannose, galactose, and N-acetylgalactosamine are their major carbohydrate components; fucose was not detected. Several lectins apparently in the molecular mass range of 330-500 and 56-135 kDa with major carbohydrate-specificities for N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, glucose, galactose and fucose were detected in the plasma of both resistant and susceptible snails by using neoglycoproteins as probes.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Short-time induction of oxidative stress in hepatocytes of the European flounder (Platichthys flesus).

Oxidative stress induced by xenobiotic compounds has been studied using primary hepatocytes of juvenile European flounder (Platichthys flesus L.) caught in a low polluted area of the German Bight, Tiefe Rinne (Landwüst et al., 1996.). Cells were exposed to known oxidative stressors such as hydrogen peroxide and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]p) in various concentrations (50 and 100 microM) up to 6 days. Cell mortality was determined using fluorescent ethidium homodimer-1 and calcein AM. Oxidative stress response was measured by image analysis using dihydrorhodamine 123, which is converted to fluorescent rhodamine 123 in the presence of intracellular ROS. Oxyradical formation was initiated already after 2 h of exposure to low concentrations of B[a]p and hydrogen peroxide. Probably due to a membrane stabilising effect of the serum factors the addition of fetal bovine serum to the culture medium had a protecting influence on the hepatocytes and resulted in (1) an increased cell viability and (2) reduced formation of intracellular ROS during exposure. In conclusion, the assay is a sensitive tool for testing the potential of various xenobiotics to induce oxidative stress in living hepatocytes.

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PubMedDate not supplied

MR imaging of a parosteal lipoma.

A case of a parosteal lipoma of the thigh is presented. Very little is known of the enhancement features of this tumor. In this case, mild enhancement of tissue in the region of the pedicle between reactive cortical bone hyperostosis and the lipomatous mass corresponded to fibrous tissue that outlined the hyperostotic reactive bone.

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PubMedDate not supplied

[Minibrain/DYRK1A gene: candidate gene for mental retardation in Down's syndrome?].

DYRK1A is the first member of a novel subfamily of protein kinases with dual specificity. The human gene for DYRK1A is located in the "Down syndrome critical region" (21q22.2). Due to its relationship to the Drosophila gene minibrain (Mnb), whose mutation results in specific defects in neurogenesis, and based on functional experiments on transgenic mice, DYRK1A is discussed as a candidate gene for mental retardation in Down syndrome. The kinase is characterized by its ability to catalyze tyrosine-directed autophosphorylation as well as phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues in substrates. Its exact cellular function is yet unknown. DYRK1A is, however, known to be translocated into the nucleus and supposed to be involved in the control of cell growth and development. The pathogenetic impact of DYRK1A on Down syndrome needs further elucidation.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Radiological analysis of osseointegration after implantation of the Zweymüller-Alloclassic total hip system].

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify typical radiological patterns of osseointegration following implantation of the Zweymüller-Alloclassic total hip system. METHOD: The follow-up included the clinical and radiological evaluation of 115 consecutive hips. For each case the screw direction of the cup was calculated individually to fully observe the bony surroundings by properly tilted X-ray beam. RESULTS: After 8.1 years, the Harris hip score was 88.5 points on average. Trabecular condensations leading toward the threads of the cup were observed in 100 cases, underlining the importance of the threads for load transfer. A complete intrusion of the threads into the pelvic bone was not accomplished in 23 cases with marked sclerosis of the acetabulum. The reduced connection, however, did not impair stability or function. The area of the distal stem is characterized by cortical hypertrophy and trabecular condensation of the neighbouring marrow. Linear radiolucencies were frequently observed in Gruen-Zone 1 and 7, in 5 cases extending into zone 2 and 6 without influence on the clinical function of the implant. CONCLUSION: Material and geometry of the Zweymüller total hip lead to a load transfer through the threads of the cup. The integration of the stem relies on cortical interlocking. Proximal linear radiolucencies do not impair function. The signs of osseointegration around the cup can be fully demonstrated only by a specially tilted X-ray beam at a right angle to the screw direction of the cup.

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