Rapid separation of serum lipids for fatty acid analysis by a single aminopropyl column.

A rapid and simple method for separation of serum lipid classes for fatty acid analysis with a single aminopropyl solid phase glass column is described. The recoveries of cholesteryl esters, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids were all at least 98%. Coefficients of variation less than 10% were obtained for absolute and relative amounts of most individual fatty acids analyzed after separation of serum lipid classes. This method provides an efficient and convenient tool to follow fatty acid patterns in serum lipid fractions.     

Comparison of the solution conformations of human [Zn7]-metallothionein-2 and [Cd7]-metallothionein-2 using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The solution structure of native human [Zn7]-metallothionein-2 has been compared with the previously determined structure of human [Cd7]-metallothionein-2. The comparison was based on complete sequence-specific 1H nuclear magnetic resonance assignments for human [Zn7]-metallothionein-2 obtained using the sequential assignment method. The secondary structure was found to be very similar in the [Zn7]- and [Cd7]- forms of the protein. Only seven amide protons in [Zn7]- metallothionein-2 were found to have exchange rates lower than approximately 0.2 min-1 at pH 7.0 and 10 degrees C, which corresponds closely to the results of amide proton exchange studies with the [Cd7]- form of the protein. Finally, the 1H-1H distance constraints determined from nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy for human [Zn7]-metallothionein-2 were checked for compatibility with the [Cd7]-metallothionein-2 structure. Overall, although no direct method is available for identifying the metal-polypeptide co-ordinative bonds in the Zn(2+)-containing protein, these measurements provided several independent lines of evidence showing that the [Zn7]- and [Cd7]- forms of human metallothionein-2 have the same molecular architecture.     

Spatial organization and conformational mobility of DNA complexed with nucleoproteins]

The importance of spatial organization of DNA for the regulation of genome activity is discussed. The main problem reviewed in this paper includes cooperative interactions of proteins with DNA, formation of DNA loops in the regulatory domains of the genome and conformational mobility of DNA in chromatin.     

The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the beta-subunit of the legumin-like protein from seeds of Ginkgo biloba.

The sequence of the first 52 amino acids at the N-terminus of the beta-subunit of a legumin-like protein from seeds of the gymnosperm Ginkgo biloba were determined by automated sequencing and DABITC/PITC microsequence analyses of peptides derived from the protein by enzymatic digestions and chemical cleavage with CNBr. The protein from Ginkgo exhibits sequence homologies (32-49% identities) with the 11S globulins and legume-like proteins from seeds of various angiosperm monocotyledons and dicotyledons.     

Cryosurgery of lentigo maligna.

Lentigo maligna denotes flat, pigmented lesions predominantly in areas of actinic damage that have the propensity to become malignant. More than 10 years may pass before lentigo maligna evolves into an invasive neoplasma. As an invasive process, it is termed lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), and it has the potential for both lymphatic and hematogenic metastases. Because of the size and location of the lesions, cosmetically unsatisfactory scars may result from conventional surgery. Therefore, alternative means of treatment, including cryosurgery, have been employed. We report on 12 patients suffering from lentigo maligna who had been treated successfully by cryosurgery between 1984 and 1990. The average follow-up period was 51.4 months, and the recurrence rate was 8.3 percent. Knowing that microinvasive components can be demonstrated in 15 percent of lentigo maligna lesions, we retrospectively reassessed our patients by immunohistochemical procedures with S-100 protein. Although intradermal microinvasion could be confirmed in one patient, no recurrence had been observed within 61 months of follow-up. Provided that patients are selected properly and extension of cryonecrosis is monitored, cryosurgery may prove an efficient alternative to conventional surgery in the treatment of lentigo maligna.     

The fate of young individuals with a history of myocardial infarction]

The fate of young individuals (to 45 years) with a history of myocardial infarction during 12 years was analysed with the aid of a questionnaire containing questions of both social and medical character. Sudden cardiac death or the second infarction were the most frequent causes of death during the first two years following myocardial infarction. Change in the physical activity mainly involved the return to work. Only 47% of young men and 29.8% of women started full-time jobs. They mainly belonged to so-called white collars. The lack of patients' physicians permission was a main cause of the abstinence of young men from the occupation. A position within the family and social activity usually remained unchanged in the majority of patients, but every third patient greatly reduced sexual activity. Every third patients continued smoking, and did not observe recommended diet despite the systematical medical check-ups. The course of the disease is unclear in the majority of young patients. It is often deformed and requires further, detailed information on young patients' style of life.     

Muscle cell growth in protein deficient rats following administration of sheep red blood cells.

In order to observe the effects of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) administration on the muscle cell growth in malnourished states, adult male Wistar rats (135 +/- 10 g 10 animals per group) subjected during 30 days to 1% and 10% protein diets, were injected (i.v.) either 15.5 x 10(8) sheep red blood cells or 0.5 ml saline/100 g b.w. after 20 days of experiment. On the 10th day after injection the animals were sacrificed and the gastrocnemius muscle was removed, weighed and homogenized. The supernatant fluids were used to evaluate muscle protein, DNA and RNA rates and acid DNase activity. All parameters were depleted in malnourished rats, indicating a muscle cellular atrophy as well as a decrease in muscle protein synthesis per DNA-unit. Muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy were found in antigenically stimulated rats fed 10% protein against non-stimulated control. In contrast, muscle growth in protein-deficient rats SRBC-treated was unmodified when compared to non-stimulated malnourished muscle, although RNA functionality seems to be enhanced (RNA/DNA). These data suggest that a redistribution of essential nutrients occurred for muscle growth adaptation rather than for defensive mechanism.     

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament]

The authors described 21 patients aged 37 to 83 with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (10 with ischemic myelopathy, 6 with aftermaths of a trauma of the cervical spine, and 5 with the radicular syndrome on the basis of vertebral osteochondrosis. X-ray signs of three types of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were defined and specified: linear, curved and mixed. The linear type was more frequently observed in the cervical spine whereas the curved type was more frequent in the lumbar spine.