AI Values Research Articles

새송이 버섯파치 발효액의 급이가 돈육의 품질에 미치는 영향

After pigs was fed by commercial diets supplemented with various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) of the fermented mushroom by-product of Pleurotus eryngii, the meat qualities and the serum lipid compositions of the individual pig groups were investigated. The levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the serum were significantly lower when the pigs were fed with the diet supplemented with 1.5% fermented mushroom by-product than those of the control pigs. HDL-, LDL-, and VLDL-cholesterol contents in the serum exhibited no significant difference between the pig group fed by the diet containing the fermented mushroom by-product and the control group. In comparison to the control group, the pig group fed by the diet supplemented with 1.5% fermented mushroom by-product showed significantly lower level of AI, CRF, GOT, and LDH values in the serum, whereas the difference in the level of antioxidant activity of the serum was not significant. Sensory evaluation regarding color, off-flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability also showed that the pork from the pig group fed by the diet supplemented with the fermented mushroom by-product (0.5～1.5%) was better than that from the control group. Although enhancement in the lightness (L * ) value of the pork was significant in 20 days of storage at 4℃, the redness (a * ) value was not significantly differential during the storage periods regardless of the supplementation of the fermented mushroom by-product into the diet. The cooking loss of the pork from the pig group fed by the diet supplemented with the fermented mushroom by-product (1% and 1.5%) decreased in the storage 10 days, but it increased in the storage 20 days. After storage for 20 days at 4℃, shear force of the pork obtained from the pigs fed by the diet supplemented with 1%～1.5% fermented mushroom by-product appeared to become significantly lower than that of the control. There were, however, no significant changes between two groups in the level of moisture content, crude lipid, and pH during the storage period. Although the TBARS content was enhanced in all groups during the storage period, the enhancement appeared to be more significant in the pork from the pig group fed by the diet containing the fermented mushroom by-product in comparison to the control. On the other hand, the ratio of UFA/SFA for the pork obtained from the individual pig groups showed no considerable diet-associated alterations during the storage period.

New Predictive Models for Viscosity and Complex Shear Modulus of Asphalt Binders

The main purpose of this paper is to present the development of a set of predictive models for the viscosity and complex shear modulus of asphalt binders. The model development was aimed at overcoming the limitations of current models used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), which has been developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A and refined under NCHRP Project 1-40D. A comprehensive study was completed at Arizona State University to conduct a number of asphalt binder tests and to finalize a large binder characterization database containing 8,940 data points from 41 different virgin and modified binders. This database was used to develop the new models. The first of the models developed in this study is a fully revised version of the widely known ASTM Ai-VTSi viscosity model. This new, revised model takes into account the loading frequency applied on the binder while accurately predicting the viscosity at a specific temperature and loading frequency from the Ai and VTSi values of a binder. The other two new models developed are capable of accurately predicting the dynamic shear modulus (|G*b|) and associated phase angle (δb) of the binder at a specific temperature and loading frequency from the Ai and VTSi values of the binder. The models have been found to be rational, unbiased, accurate, and statistically sound. It is hypothesized that because of mathematical structures similar to those used in the MEPDG, the models developed in this study can be incorporated easily into a future revision of the guide.

Systemic arterial pressure wave reflections during acute hemorrhage*

To determine the effects of hemorrhage on wave-reflection-induced systolic pressure augmentation in the aorta. Randomized, controlled laboratory experiment. University research laboratory. Twenty-five anesthetized pigs randomized to surgical controls (n = 7), hemorrhage (n = 9, H), and hemorrhage with reinfusion (n = 9, HR). Hemorrhage of 1 mL/kg/min over 20 mins followed by observation (H) or reinfusion (HR) of shed blood. High-fidelity systemic arterial pressure waveforms, from ascending aorta to femoral artery, were transduced and archived digitally using intravascular semiconductor catheter-tipped pressure transducers. Wave-reflection-induced systolic pressure augmentation was determined using the augmentation index in the ascending aorta (AIaa) and distal descending aorta (AIda). Pulse wave velocity, wave travel times, and lumped pressure wave reflection sites were also calculated. AI values were positive at baseline with greater decreases in AIda compared with AIaa observed following hemorrhage, with negative values achieved for AIda alone. AI returned to control values following reinfusion. Lumped reflection site positions and pressure contour maps suggested that a single lumped reflection site (lower abdomen/pelvis) at baseline was replaced by two discrete sites (upper abdomen and pelvis) following hemorrhage, which only recovered following reinfusion. Hemorrhage was associated with hemodynamic conditions that favored late return of wave reflection from the trunk and with the absence of significant changes in systemic vascular resistance. Hemorrhage-induced early return of pressure wave reflection from the abdominal vasculature is associated with systolic pressure augmentation in the ascending aorta and has the potential to worsen afterload conditions and decrease coronary artery perfusion and cardiac performance. Hemorrhage-induced splanchnic vasoconstriction causing pressure wave reflection may explain these loading conditions in the ascending aorta, and systolic pressure augmentation may be a more useful guide to left ventricular afterload than systemic vascular resistance.

Measurement and meaning of apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein B plasma levels

Apolipoproteins AI and B are structural components of lipoprotein particles, and also determinants of the metabolic fate of the encapsulated lipid, cholesterol and triglyceride. Development of accurate assays for these apolipoproteins has opened the way for their use as predictors of coronary heart disease risk. Interpretation of AI and apo B levels is best undertaken with background knowledge of the metabolic status of an individual, especially the lipolytic capacity as reflected in the triglyceride concentration. Those with raised triglyceride, in general, not only have an elevated apo B/apo AI ratio, but also apo B-containing lipoproteins with a prolonged residence time and hence ample opportunity for modification and damage. Assessment of apolipoprotein levels is an aid to risk prediction and can be useful in tailoring treatment.

Reference distributions for apolipoproteins AI and B and the apolipoprotein B/AI ratios: a practical and clinically relevant approach in a large cohort.

The two serum apolipoproteins in the highest concentrations, apolipoprotein (apo) AI and apolipoprotein B, and the apolipoprotein B/AI ratio are measured to assess clinical risk for atherosclerotic heart and peripheral vascular diseases. The study is based on a cohort of over 37,000 Caucasian individuals from northern New England measured in one laboratory by immunonephelometry using standardized reference materials. All samples received for protein analyses were accepted provided adequate identifying information was available. Laboratory and demographic information was entered into a single database for subsequent study. Our results show that for males without evidence of inflammation, values of apo AI change little through life. For females, however, values gradually increase until about 60 years of age then fall somewhat thereafter. Among adults, females have higher apo AI values on average, than males. Apo B values change significantly through life, increasing after the end of the second decade to a peak during the sixth decade, then falling thereafter. In the past, concern has been expressed that apo AI is an acute phase reactant (APR), thus complicating cardiovascular risk assessment. The effects of an APR (C-reactive protein >or=10 mg/L) on apo AI, but not on apo B, are measurable for both sexes, most noticeably beyond the age of 60 years in males and females. When values were expressed as age- and gender-specific multiples of the median (MoMs), the resulting distributions fit a log-Gaussian distribution well over a broad range. The size of the relatively homogenous cohort, by a standardized approach, provides a firm basis for comparison to preexisting reference intervals and for establishing a clinically useful and current reference interval for the three main apolipoprotein values.

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) in placentas from normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by term (t) and preterm (p) premature rupture of membranes (PROM)

The aim of this study was to determine the apoptotic index using three different apoptotic markers: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL); M30 cytoDEATH antibody and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FTIC)-labeled annexin-V in the placenta and membranes from normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Placentas from 16 pregnancies (22-40 weeks' gestation) and 13 pregnancies complicated by pPROM and tPROM were collected at delivery. Maternal and gestational age, mode of delivery, gravidity and parity, fetal birthweight, Apgar scores, presence of histologic chorioamnionitis, interval between membrane rupture and delivery were recorded among PPROM and tPROM cases. Only M30 cytoDEATH antibody (P=0.02) and TUNEL test (P=0.04) on fetal membranes gave statistically significantly higher levels in cases with premature rupture of membranes. The presence of histologic chorioamnionitis had no significant impact on apoptotic markers in PROM placentas. Preterm deliveries following the rupture of membranes had higher median AI values detected by M30M antibody, compared to those cases delivered without PROM (P=0.03). High apoptotic nuclei counts were found in fetal membranes of pPROM.

Osteointegration of bioactive glass-coated and uncoated zirconia in osteopenic bone: an in vivo experimental study.

In elderly and osteoporotic patients an age-related loss of osteoinductivity could be the biological cause of implant failure regardless of the high quality of the implanted device. yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (YSTZ), either coated with the bioactive glass named RKKP bioglaze (RKKP) or uncoated, was implanted in the distal femurs of sham-operated and ovariectomized female rats. Animals were sacrificed at 30 and 60 days. Histomorphometry and microhardness tests were performed to assess osteointegration rate as well as bone quality around the implants. Significant decreases (p < 0.0005) in trabecular bone volume, BV/TV (41%), trabecular bone surface BS/TV (33%), trabecular thickness Tb.Th (20%), and trabecular number Tb.N (32%), together with a significant increase in trabecular separation Tb.Sp (184%), were found for the osteopenic rats compared with the sham-operated rats. At both experimental times the RKKP coating ensured a better osteointegration rate with higher AI values than the uncoated YSTZ, even when osteopenic rats were used (48% at 30 days and 12% at 60 days). No differences were observed at the bone-biomaterial interfaces for either material when comparing sham-operated with osteopenic rats. The present results demonstrate that the RKKP bioactive glass used as a coating ensures a high osteointegration rate even in osteoporotic bone, which is already visible from postoperative day 30 and is still apparent on day 60.

Ex vivo MR determined apparent diffusion coefficients correlate with motor recovery mediated by intraspinal transplants of fibroblasts genetically modified to express BDNF

The purpose of this study was to determine whether apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in ex vivo spinal cord white matter, calculated from diffusion weighted MR (DWI) images, correlate with axonal growth and behavioral recovery following subtotal hemisection and transplantation of fibroblasts genetically modified to express brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These genetically modified fibroblasts have been shown to promote axonal growth, diminish retrograde degenerative changes in axotomized Red nucleus neurons, and are associated with behavioral recovery. Since changes in ADC appear to reflect damage to axons and myelin sheaths, which conventional MR techniques do not identify, partial repair mediated by BDNF-secreting fibroblasts should be detected with ADC measures. Accordingly, we transplanted unmodified fibroblasts (Fb-UM) or fibroblasts modified to secrete BDNF (Fb-BDNF) into cervical subtotal hemisection cavities in adult rats. Rats with Fb-BDNF transplants showed significantly greater behavioral recovery over 12 weeks, as measured by tests of forelimb exploration and open field locomotor activity. Lesion sizes and transplant survival did not differ between the two groups, but immunocytochemical examination showed substantial growth of axons into the Fb-BDNF grafts and little growth into the Fb-UM grafts. Fixed spinal cords were imaged in a 9.4-T magnet. ADCs perpendicular (tADC) and parallel (lADC) to the long axis of the cord were measured in the dorsal lateral white matter, rostral and caudal to the transplant. tADC values and anisotropy index (AI = tADC/lADC) were elevated in both transplant types, indicating white matter damage, but were closer to normal in rats with Fb-BDNF, consistent with known neuroprotection and axonal growth elicited by BDNF. Closer to normal tADC and AI values correlated with improved behavioral recovery. These findings suggest that high-resolution imaging with measurement of tADC and lADC can provide a measure of functionally significant repair that may otherwise go undetected with conventional MR techniques.

Anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity of lectins from Narcissus species.

Mannose-specific lectins (MSLs) were isolated from bulbs of fifteen wild Narcissus species growing in Spain and assayed for their HIV-1 infection inhibitory activity in MT-4 cells and compared to the Narcissus pseudonarcissus agglutinin (NPA), the commercially available MSL obtained from daffodils. Almost all the tested MSLs were found to be active, showing EC50 values (microg/mL) similar to that of NPA, with some being comparable to those obtained with dextran sulfate without significant cytotoxicity. However, on a molar basis almost all of the MSLs tested exhibited lower EC50 values than dextran sulfate whilst six MSLs had values lower than AZT. The most efficacious anti-HIV-1 activity was exhibited by the Narcissus tortifolious MSL, which was 10- (microg/mL) and 100- (molarity) fold more potent than dextran sulfate. Significantly, although this MSL was 15-fold less potent than AZT in terms of quantity (microg/mL), it was 68-fold more potent on a molar basis. The antiviral indices, a ratio of the concentrations that produce cytotoxicity and HIV-1 replication, were calculated and three of the MSLs, N. confusus, N. leonensis and N. tortifolius reported 1.5-, 2- and 8.5-fold greater AI values than dextran sulfate or AZT. Comparison of MSL haemagglutination activities (HAA) to their anti-HIV-1 activities showed that there was no significant correlation. It was suggested that this may be due to a dissociation between both activities as a consequence of multiple isolectin composition.

Arterial stiffness and wave reflections in diabetes type 2 and normal subjects

Increase vascular stiffness may be associated with increased pulse wave velocity and with greater amplitude of reflected waves from the peripherical arteries. Diabetes is associated with increased arterial stiffness. We evaluated whether diabetics had an increased aortic stiffness and an increase of augmentation index calculated as a measure of arterial wave reflexion. Aortic pressure waveforms derived both from the radial and carotid arteries were recorded by applanation tonometry in order to measure augmentation index (AI %); aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with Complior technique in 40 healthy subjects and in 23 patients with type 2 diabetes both matched for age (both between 30 and 68 years) body mass index (between 20 and 35 Kg/m2) and heart rate. Significant correlation (r=0.863, p<0.01) was found between AI values based on aortic pressure waveforms derived either both from the radial and carotid arteries. In all population, AI was significantly correlated with age (r=0.66, p< 0.01), carotid SBP (r=0.62, p< 0.01) and with PWV (r=0.58, p< 0.01). In a multiple regressional analysis age, carotid SBP, and PWV emerged as significant (p< 0.01) independent predictors of AI, predicting respectively (adjusted R squared) 42%, 41% and 32% of the variation of AI values. Diabetics v healthy subjects showed a significantly higher values of PWV (10.8 + 0.4 v 7.9 + 0.3, p<0.01) and of carotid AI (27.6 + 2.9 v 13.7+2.6 %, p<0.01). We conclude that in type 2 diabetics (v healthy people) show an increased aortic stiffness which is associated with an increased intensity of wave reflections. That may suggest that in diabetics the greater the aortic stiffness the greater the amplitude of reflected waves. Because in diabetics reflected waves arrive earlier it is plausible that they may contribute to the increase of central systolic and pulse pressure.

Identification of essential ionizable groups and evaluation of subsite affinities in the active site of beta-D-glucosidase F1 from a Streptomyces sp.

Partial amino acid sequences, the essential ionizable groups directly involved in catalytic reaction, and the subsite structure of beta-D-glucosidase purified from a Streptomyces sp. were investigated in order to analyze the reaction mechanism. On the basis of the partial amino acid sequences, the enzyme seemed to belong to the family 1 of beta-glucosidase in the classification of glycosyl hydrolases by Henrissat (1991). Dependence of the V and Km values on pH, when the substrate concentration was sufficiently lower than Km, gave the values of 4.1 and 7.2 for the ionization constants, pKe1 and pKe2 of essential ionizable groups 1 and 2 of the free enzyme, respectively. When the dielectric constant of the reaction mixture was decreased in the presence of 10% methanol, the pKe1 and pKe2, values shifted to higher, to +0.60 and +0.35 pH unit, respectively. The findings supported the notion that the essential ionizable groups of the enzyme were a carboxylate group (-COO-, the group 1) and a carboxyl group (-COOH, the group 2). The subsite affinities Ai's in the active site were evaluated on the basis of the rate parameters of laminarioligosaccharides. Subsites 1 and 2 having positive Ai values (A1 was 1.10 kcal/mol and A2 was 4.98 kcal/mol) were considered to probably facilitate the binding of the substrate to the active site. However, the subsites 3 and 4 showed negative Ai values (A3 was -0.21 kcal/mol and A4 was -2.8 kcal/mol).

Increased plasma C-reactive protein in familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia: a proinflammatory condition?

HDL molecules have an established role in the regression processes of atherosclerosis as well as a putative role as antiinflammatory agents. Our study investigated whether familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia, a genetic form of dyslipidemia characterized by very low HDL levels, might be associated with increased inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein. A total of 50 subjects with hypoalphalipoproteinemia (age, 53.1+/-16.7 years) were compared with 64 healthy controls (age, 51.9+/-12.4 years). Apart from significantly lower values of HDL cholesterol (30.2+/-4.0 versus 52.5+/-12.7 mg/dL, P<0.0001) and apolipoprotein AI (113.3+/-20.0 versus 155.4+/-24.9 mg/dL, P<0.0001) and higher levels of triglycerides (141.3+/-62.9 versus 73.5+/-39.9 mg/dL, P<0.0001), patients did not show different plasma values of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol when compared with healthy controls (181.5+/-36.6 versus 186.3+/-32.6 mg/dL; 123.0+/-31.5 versus 119.1+/-30.3 mg/dL). CRP plasma values were significantly higher in patients than in controls (median 0.34 [range 0.02 to 4.66] versus 0.07 [0.02 to 0.85] mg/dL, P<0.0001). In the patient group, CRP values were significantly higher in subjects with angiographically documented coronary atherosclerotic disease than in those without. Moreover, CRP concentrations were inversely correlated with both HDL cholesterol (r= -0.44, P=0.0006) and apolipoprotein AI (r= -0.45, P=0.0006) values. Elevation of C-reactive protein values in familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia, in the absence of signs and symptoms of local or systemic inflammation or systemic or recurrent disease, may suggest an upregulation of proinflammatory mechanisms, which is further exacerbated by the presence of coronary atherosclerotic disease.

Smectite diagenesis, pore-water freshening, and fluid flow at the toe of the Nankai wedge

The presence of low-chloride fluids in the lowermost sediments drilled at Ocean Drilling Program Site 808, at the Nankai accretionary wedge, has been considered as prime evidence for long-distance, lateral fluid flow from depth. Here, we re-evaluate the potential role of in situ reaction of smectite (S) to illite (I) in the genesis of this low chloride anomaly. This reaction is known to be occurring at Site 808, with both the S content and S to I ratio in the mixed layer clays decreasing substantially with depth. We show that the bulk of the chloride anomaly can generate by in situ clay dehydration, particularly if pre-reaction smectite abundances (Ai) approach ∼10–15% of the bulk sediment. The Ai values, however, are not well constrained. At Ai values <10–15%, an additional source of low-Cl fluid centered close to the décollement could be required. Thus, there remains the important possibility that the observed low-Cl anomaly is a compound effect of both lateral flow and in situ smectite dehydration.

EEG arousals in normal sleep: variations induced by total and selective slow-wave sleep deprivation.

Aim of the present study was to assess changes in arousal rates after selective slow-wave (SWS) and total sleep deprivations. Two-way mixed design comparing the arousal index (Al), as expressed by the number of EEG arousals divided by sleep duration, in totally or selectively sleep deprived subjects. Sleep laboratory. Nineteen normal male subjects [mean age=23.3 years (S.E.M.=0.55)]. Al was measured in baseline nights and after selective SWS (N=10) and total sleep deprivation (N=9). During the baseline nights AI values changed across sleep stages as follows: stage 1 > stage 2 and REM > SWS, but did not present any significant variations as a function of time elapsed from sleep onset. The recovery after deprivation showed a reduction in EEG arousals, more pronounced after total sleep deprivation; this decrease affected NREM but not REM sleep. During the baseline nights Al showed a close-to-significance negative correlation with REM duration, while during the recovery nights a significant positive relation with stage 1 duration was found. The present results suggest that recuperative processes after sleep deprivation are also associated with a higher sleep continuity as defined by the reduction of EEG arousals.

An Analysis Algorithm for Measuring Airway Lumen and Wall Areas from High-Resolution Computed Tomographic Data

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has been used to examine airway narrowing. We developed an automated computed tomographic image analysis algorithm (computed tomographic airway morphometry; CTAM) to measure airway lumen area (Ai ), airway wall area (Awa), and airway angle of orientation. Tubes of varying size were embedded in Styrofoam and then scanned at angles between 0 degrees and 50 degrees to assess the accuracy of measurements made with CTAM. Two excised pig lungs were fixed in inflation, sectioned, and scanned. Ai and Awa were measured planimetrically from the cut surfaces to optimize CTAM measurement parameters. In CTAM, Ai was defined according to an airway-size-dependent threshold value, and total Awa was determined through a score-guided erosion method. Results were compared with measurements made through a previously validated method (manual method). CTAM provided accurate measurements of the tubes' Ai values at all angles; Awa was overestimated in direct relation to airway size. The manual method underestimated Ai and overestimated Awa in a manner directly related to airway size as well as to airway angle of orientation. In the excised lung, the mean errors of Ai and Awa measurements made with CTAM were 0.52 +/- 0.24 mm(2) and 0.17 +/- 0.32 mm(2) (mean +/- SEM), respectively. Ai errors with the manual method were similar, but Awa was overestimated to a greater degree (6.3 +/- 0.38 mm(2); p < 0.01) and the error was proportional to Awa (r = 0.64; p < 0.01). CTAM allows accurate measurements of airway dimensions and angle of orientation.

Gaseous Tracer Technique for Estimating Air–Water Interfacial Areas and Interface Mobility

A series of gaseous miscible displacement experiments were conducted to estimate specific air–water interfacial areas (ai) and water contents in an unsaturated sand column. A straight‐chain hydrocarbon (n‐decane) was used as the gaseous interfacial tracer and methylene chloride and chloroform were used as the water‐partitioning gaseous tracers. A gas chromatographic technique was employed for the tracer experiments conducted at room temperature using nitrogen as the mobile phase and water as the immobile liquid. Tracer experiments covered a water saturation (Sw) range of 1.5 to 56%. The largest ai value (∼1500 cm2 cm−3), measured at the lowest Sw (1.5%), was somewhat smaller than the solid surface area (∼2000 cm2 cm−3) determined using the nitrogen‐sorption technique. As Sw increased, ai values decreased exponentially to ∼80 cm2 cm−3 at Sw of 56%. Within a limited Sw range (0.29 &lt; Sw &lt; 0.55), where both aqueous and gaseous interfacial tracer data were measured, the ai values measured using a gaseous tracer (n‐decane) were 2 to 3 times larger than those measured in a previous study using an aqueous interfacial tracer (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate [SDBS]). The velocity of the air–water interface was estimated to be between 23 and 36% of the bulk pore‐water velocity. The water contents measured using water‐partitioning tracers were within ±5% of those based on gravimetric measurements.

The intrathecal, polyspecific and oligoclonal immune response in multiple sclerosis.

We report an extended set of neuroimmunological data detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from n = 267 patients with definite multiple sclerosis (MS). Known frequencies of oligoclonal IgG (98%), frequencies of intrathecal fractions of IgG, IgA and IgM (72%, 9% and 20%, respectively) were confirmed and quantitated as intrathecal fractions, IgIF or CSF concentrations, IgLOC. Eighty-nine per cent of the patients had a combined 'MRZ-reaction', i.e. intrathecal antibody synthesis (Antibody Index, AI > 1.4) against measles, rubella and/or varicella zoster virus. Frequencies of single antibodies decreased from measles (78%) to rubella (60%), VZV (55%) and HSV (28%). This MRZ-reaction, indicating a chronic autoimmune type disease already at time of first clinical symptoms, is less sensitive but more specific than detection of oligoclonal IgG. With increasing intrathecal IgG synthesis the number of different locally synthesized antibody species were increased as well as the amount per species (increased mean AI values). The concentration of MRZ antibodies in CSF represents together about 2% of intrathecally synthesized total IgG. But, as a very particular result the ratio of intrathecally synthesized specific antibody/intrathecally synthesized JgG was 5-fold higher (0.24-0.85%) compared to the corresponding ratio in blood (0.06-0.17%) of MS patients. This difference between brain ratio and blood ratio is discussed to be indicative for the anti-MRZ antibody forming B-lymphocyte subset in blood migrating into brain at earlier time of pathophysiological start of disease. These results give a concise explanation of neuroimmunological aspects in MS, not understood so far.

Mechanical and leaching properties of cement solidified hospital solid waste incinerator fly ash

A fly ash coming from a hospital solid wastes incineration plant was solidified/stabilized in cementitious matrices. Owing to the high chloride, sulphate and alkali content and the low Si, AI and Fe values this fly ash cannot be used in the formulation of blended cement. The objectives of solidification stabilization treatment were therefore to reduce the leachability of the heavy metals present in this material so as to permit its disposal in a sanitary landfill requiring only a low degree of environmental protection. The mechanical properties and leaching behaviour of solidified products were investigated. Fly ash and Portland Cement mixtures in ratios varying between 0.25 and 1.5 were tested for unconfined compressive strength after curing in tap water at 20°C. Leaching tests were performed both on fly ash and solidified/stabilized products using an acetic acid standard leaching test and a modified version thereof (dynamic leaching test).

Determination of Intracellular Carbonic Anhydrase Activity and Bicarbonate Permeability in Intact Colon Epithelia by Observation of the 18O-labelling of Co2

We applied a mass spectrometric method, developed by Itada and Forster [1] for erythrocyte suspensions, which observes the exchange of 18O between HCO3 −, CO2 and H2O, to determine intracellular carbonic anhydrase activity, A i , and bicarbonate permeability, P, in intact guinea pig colon epithelium. To study the validity of the results with intact distal and proximal colon epithelia, we compared them with measurements of Ai and P in suspensions of isolated epithelial cells from the distal and proximal guinea pig colon. In both parts of the colon there is good agreement between the Ai values of colonocytes in suspension and in the intact colon epithelium. In addition we tested the temperature dependence of Ai and P, the oxygen supply to the colon during the measurements, and the intactness of the epithelial cells by trypan blue staining. We conclude that it is valid to use the method of Itada and Forster [1] with intact colon epithelial sheets. This new application allows us to study separately the apical and serosal membrane of the epithelial cells. We used the method to determine whether there is a short chain fatty acid – bicarbonate exchanger in the apical or serosal membrane of proximal and distal colon epithelium. For this purpose we measured the membrane bicarbonate permeability in the presence and absence of 25 mM propionate in the reaction solution. Only in the apical membrane of the proximal colon we find a higher P in presence of propionate than in its absence, showing that there the transport of short chain fatty acids is coupled to that of bicarbonate.

Volume of Infarction and Blood Flow in Cerebral Embolism

The value of measuring asymmetry of cerebral perfusion semiquantitatively by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) correlated with measuring the volume of infarction on computed tomography (CT) was evaluated in cerebral embolism. Eighteen patients with acute cerebral embolism (mean age: sixty-nine years) were evaluated. Ten were diagnosed as having middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, 3 as having MCA branch occlusion, and 4 as having unilateral and 1 as having bilateral internal carotid occlusion. The infarct volume was measured, summing up the area of infarction on CT, at 8.5 days, mean time after onset. Outcomes of the patients were classified into three groups: good, fair, or dead, judged by the consequences one month after onset. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured in 9 of 10 surviving patients at one month, mean time after onset, by 123[iodine N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine (IMP) SPECT. Semiquantitative rCBF index of asymmetry (AI) was evaluated from four regions of brain cortex. Eleven patients with < 300 mL infarct and 7 with > or = 300 mL infarct showed a significant difference of outcome with infarct volumes (P < 0.01). The mean AI value in patients with < 150 mL infarct was 31% while it was 52% with > or = 150 mL infarct (P < 0.039). There were significant linear correlations between mean AI values and the volumes of infarction or infarct/brain volume ratios (P < 0.034 or P < 0.018). The significant correlations of the AI values with the volumes of infarction suggest that the measured asymmetry of perfusion evaluated by SPECT could reflect the ultimate tissue damage and residual intact brain volume after cerebral embolism.