Potentiometric biosensor employing catalytic antibodies as the molecular recognition element.

Catalytic antibodies are introduced as an important new class of biomolecules for molecular recognition in biosensors in which the binding sites are continually regenerated by the catalytic reaction of the substrate. Consequently, molecular recognition by catalytic antibodies can yield reversible immunoblosensors. In this example, a prototype potentiometric biosensor is described in which a micro-pH electrode is modified with a catalytic antibody that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phenyl acetate, producing hydrogen ions that can be monitored by the electrode.

Primary balloon dilatation of coarctation of the aorta in neonates.

Primary balloon dilatation of coarctation of the aorta was attempted in 10 consecutive neonates (age range 2-23 days). The coarctation site was crossed and the balloon inflated in all but one patient. In two patients with associated severe isthmal hypoplasia there was no change in the gradient after dilatation.

Comparison of the D1/D2/cytochrome b559 reaction centre complex of photosystem two isolated by two different methods.

Photosystem 2 reaction centre complexes prepared either by solubilisation with Triton X-100 and subsequent exchange into dodecyl maltoside or by a procedure involving a combination of dodecyl maltoside and LiClO4, were characterised in terms of chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, beta-carotene and cytochrome b559 content. Time-resolved chlorophyll fluorescence decay kinetics were measured using both types of complexes. Our data show that the isolated photosystem two reaction centre complex contain, for two pheophytin a molecules, close to six chlorophyll a, two beta-carotene and one cytochrome b559.

Method for the identification of brain macrophages/phagocytic cells in vitro.

The use of labelled latex beads, with acute incubation conditions, for the identification of active macrophages in mixed cell cultures based on their phagocytic activity is described. Fluorescent beads provided the best results and selectively labelled active macrophage cells in cultures of blood monocytes. When this technique was applied to primary cultures of rat cerebral cortex, a specific cell type was significantly labelled.

Resin-bonded arch bars.

A technique for constructing acid etched arch bars is described, this technique provides appropriate location of osteotomy segments in the absence of orthodontic brackets. The arch bars can be applied preoperatively with a subsequent economy of operating theatre time.

Maintained controlled drinking following severe alcohol dependence--a case study.

A case study is presented of a 10-year follow-up of a 46-year-old alcohol dependent client who chose a goal of controlled drinking on discharge from an ATU. Despite the severity of his problem, the data collected throughout the 10 year period from a variety of sources indicate that he has been successful in maintaining his goal. Variables are suggested which might have been influential in this particular individual's outcome.

Pleuro-amniotic shunting for fetal chylothorax.

The immediate neonatal course of two babies with gross hydrops fetalis, associated with chylothorax, is compared. One fetus managed by antenatal insertion of a pleuro-amniotic shunt had no evidence of pleural effusion at birth and required less resuscitation.

Managing alcohol and drug abuse in the nursing profession.

Annual increases in indices which reflect the extent of alcohol and drug abuse in society result in a considerable cost to industry. Nurses as a professional group have not generally been identified as having a significantly high incidence of staff with problems of alcohol or drug abuse, although there is some evidence that they are more likely than other workers to attend treatment agencies. The role of nurse management in the early recognition and handling of problems can be vital and training material has been developed to encourage appropriate involvement.

Relationships between luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin secretion and ovarian follicular development in the weaned sow.

Folliculogenesis was studied by assessing development of the largest 10 follicles obtained from 10 sows 48 h after weaning and by analyzing changes in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) for 24 h before weaning until 48 h after weaning. Follicular diameter, follicular fluid volume, and concentrations of estradiol and testosterone and granulosa cell numbers were determined in all follicles, and 125I-hCG binding to theca and granulosa and maximal aromatase activity in vitro was determined in five follicles/sow. Overall, a significant rise in LH, but not in FSH, occurred at weaning, although in individual sows an increase in LH was not necessarily related to subsequent estrogenic activity of follicles.

Comparative efficacy of soluble aspirin and aspirin tablets in postoperative dental pain.

The efficacy of single doses (1.2 g) of soluble aspirin and aspirin tablets was determined in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study in 90 patients (45 females) with postoperative pain after removal of impacted lower third molars. Also investigated was the relationship between plasma aspirin esterase activity and overall pain scores after both aspirin preparations.

The epidemiology of chlamydial infections in childhood: a serological investigation.

Blood samples from 382 children between the ages of one and 15 years were tested for anti-chlamydial antibody. A low prevalence of antibody against Chlamydia trachomatis was found among children under the age of seven years. Antibody against the Chlamydial agent C IOL-207 was rare before the age of five years, but was found with increasing prevalence in older children.

Problem drinkers' goal choice and treatment outcome: a preliminary study.

Thirty-seven problem drinkers, who had completed a 6-week residential programme which emphasises self-control and education, were classified into three groups. The patients leaving treatment with no measurable physical damage were classed as either controlled drinking choosers or abstinence choosers depending on their goal choice. The third group of patients, who showed physical damage, were strongly advised to remain abstinent after discharge.

Taste thresholds of patients with cancer of the esophagus.

Twelve patients with untreated cancer of the esophagus and 14 control subjects matched for age, smoking, and alcohol consumption were tested for taste thresholds. Taste acuity for the four basic tastes was evaluated by three stimulus forced choice techniques (Henkin). There were no significant differences between the groups for detection and recognition thresholds for sour, salty, sweet, or bitter taste stimuli.

Red cell antigen, serum protein and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Karkar Islanders and inhabitants of the adjacent North Coast of New Guinea.

Blood samples from the Waskia and Takia populations of Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea, and other nearby mainland populations, were tested for genetic variation in blood group, serum protein and red cell enzyme systems. Polymorphic variation was present in the ABO, P, MNS, Rh, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd and Gerbich blood group systems, in the Hp and Tf serum protein systems, and in the acid phosphatase, 6-PGD, ADA, PGM, MDH, and G-6-PD enzyme systems. A small number of variants was found in other systems: there were 4 Lu(a+), 1 Kp(a+), 2 C variants in the acid phosphatase system, 6 LDH variants, 1 ADA3-1 and 1 AK2-1 sample.

Red cell antigen, serum protein and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Eastern Highlanders of New Guinea.

A series of 1,187 blood samples from eight population groups in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea were tested for genetic variation in blood groups, serum proteins and red cell enzyme systems. The populations belonged to the language groups Gahuku-Asarc-Bena Bena, Kamano, Yagaria, Keiagana, Fore, Agarabe, Auyana and Tairora. Polymorphic variation was found in the ABO, MNS, P1, Rh, Hp, Tf, SEP, 6-PGD, ADA, MDH, and PGM genetic systems.

Genetic surveys from the Central, Morobe and Northern Districts, Papua New Guinea.

The results of blood group surveys on a number of linguistic groups inhabiting contiguous areas within the Goilala sub-district of the Central District, the southern part of the Morobe District and the Northern District are reported. Altogether about 1900 subjects were tested, but the extent of testing varied. Red cell enzyme and serum protein systems were also investigated in two groups.

Red cell antigen, serum protein, and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in inhabitants of the Jimi Valley, Western Highlands, New Guinea.

A series of blood samples from four villages in the Jimi Valley, Western New Guinea Highlands, has been tested for genetic variation in blood group, serum protein, and red cell enzyme systems. Polymorphic variation was present for the AB0, MNS, P, and Rh blood group systems, for the Hp and Tf serum protein systems, and for the acid phosphatase, 6-PGD, PGM, MDH, and ADA enzyme systems. One each of the following variants was detected: Ge(a-), G6PD deficient, AK 2-1 and PHI 7-1 or 8-1.