ATP-dependent substrate occlusion by the human erythrocyte sugar transporter.

Human erythrocyte sugar transport presents a functional complexity that is not explained by existing models for carrier-mediated transport. It has been suggested that net sugar uptake is the sum of three serial processes: sugar translocation, sugar interaction with an intracellular binding complex, and the release from this complex into bulk cytosol. The present study was carried out to identify the erythrocyte sugar binding complex, to determine whether sugar binding occurs inside or outside the cell, and to determine whether this binding complex is affected by cytosolic ATP or transporter quaternary structure.

The human erythrocyte sugar transporter presents two sugar import sites.

The human erythrocyte sugar transporter presents sugar import (e2) and sugar export (e1) sites simultaneously. This study asks whether the sugar transporter exposes only one or multiple import sites. We approached this question by analysis of cytochalasin B binding to the human erythrocyte sugar export site in the presence of sugars that bind to the sugar import site.

Randomized controlled trial of a computer strategy to increase general practitioner preventive care.

Background: Previous interventions targeting primary care practitioners with the aim of increasing preventive care delivery have demonstrated limited effectiveness. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a computerized continuing medical education program to increase rates of three screening behaviors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and cervical screening) and to identify three risk behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, benzodiazepine use) in general practice.

Methods: Nineteen general practitioners were randomly allocated to intervention or control conditions.

Malar fat pad elevation: An aid to closure.

Background: In closure of defects inferior to the eye, it is important to avoid inducing lower lid ectropion.

Objective: To describe a new technique for closure of defects inferior and lateral to the eye.

Methods: A case of malar fat pad elevation to close a post-Mohs surgical defect is described and the procedure is detailed.

Electrosurgical skin resurfacing: a new bipolar instrument.

Background: Numerous modalities may be used for skin resurfacing, including chemical peels, dermabrasion, and lasers. Each of these methods is associated with significant disadvantages.

Objective: The purpose of these initial studies was to determine the efficacy and safety of a new electrosurgical resurfacing system.

Raising eyebrows with botulinum toxin.

Background: Brow elevation rejuvenates the facial appearance.

Objective: To determine if a significant degree of brow elevation could be achieved through selective botulinum toxin treatment of brow depressors.

Methods: Seven women aged 31-42 (mean 37) years old were treated.

Stop-flow analysis of cooperative interactions between GLUT1 sugar import and export sites.

The human erythrocyte sugar transporter is thought to function either as a simple carrier (sugar import and sugar export sites are presented sequentially) or as a fixed-site carrier (sugar import and sugar export sites are presented simultaneously). The present study examines each hypothesis by analysis of the rapid kinetics of reversible cytochalasin B binding to the sugar export site in the presence and absence of sugars that bind to the sugar import site. Cytochalasin B binding to the purified, human erythrocyte glucose transport protein (GLUT1) induces quenching of GLUT1 intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence.

Activation of adenylate cyclase by human recombinant sst5 receptors expressed in CHO-K1 cells and involvement of Galphas proteins.

1. The coupling of the human somatostatin sst5 receptor recombinantly expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells to adenylate cyclase was investigated using receptor selective ligands. 2.

The adjunctive usage of botulinum toxin.

Background: Botulinum toxin is a safe, helpful adjunct to many other treatments for facial rejuvenation. Used together, the final result is more polished and refined. In addition, botulinum toxin can be used to maintain the surgical laser results by preventing dynamic facial muscular action re-establishing expressive wrinkles and folds.

Clinical indications and injection technique for the cosmetic use of botulinum A exotoxin.

Background: Some wrinkles and unsightly facial expressions are due to overactivity of the underlying facial musculature. Botulinum A exotoxin reversably paralyses selected muscles. Botulinum toxin has been used to correct facial cosmetic concerns.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a rat somatostatin sst2(b) receptor splice variant.

1. The mouse somatostatin (SRIF) sst2 receptor exists in two splice variants, sst2(a) and sst2(b), which differ in their intracellular carboxy-termini only. The murine sst2(b) receptor was reported to be less prone to agonist-induced desensitization as compared with the sst2(a) receptor.

Structural and physiologic determinants of human erythrocyte sugar transport regulation by adenosine triphosphate.

Human erythrocyte sugar transport is mediated by the integral membrane protein GLUT1 and is regulated by cytosolic ATP [Carruthers, A., and Helgerson, A. L.

Hair tie-over dressing. A simple dressing for hair-bearing scalp wounds.

Objective: To describe a temporary dressing for Mohs micrographic surgery wounds of the hair-bearing scalp.

Method: The technique of using hair at the wound edges to hold down the dressing is described.

Results: This is an effective, simple, comfortable, and inexpensive scalp dressing, which our patients have found to be very acceptable.

Basal cell carcinoma of the periocular region.

Background: Basal cell carcinomas of the periocular area present a particular challenge because of the likelihood of damage to vital structures.

Objective: More than 10-years experience of treating basal cell carcinomas by Mohs micrographic surgery was reviewed.

Methods: Chart analysis of 233 periocular basal cell carcinomas was performed.

Membrane-bound glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and multiphasic erythrocyte sugar transport.

Net sugar import by human erythrocytes consists of ATP-modulated rapid and slow phases while sugar export consists of a single slow phase. We have proposed that this behaviour results from obligate substrate tunnelling from transporter to bulk cytosol through a complex containing high-affinity, low-capacity sugar binding sites (Cloherty, Sultzman, Zottola & Carruthers, 1995). Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is known to compartmentalize ATP delivery to erythrocyte membrane ATPases and interact directly with the erythrocyte glucose transporter in vitro.

Treatment of facial furrows and rhytides.

Many substances have historically been used to address facial soft tissue defects. Currently in the United States autologous fat and injectable bovine collagen are the most commonly utilized injectable fillers. Additionally, the judicious application of BOTOX in the upper face as well as neck has all but revolutionized the use of filling agents in these locales.

Thrombolytics--a drug utilization review in a district general hospital.

Background: Retrospective drug utilization review (DUR) can be of benefit in determining the extent to which recommendations derived from clinical trials are carried out in practice.

Objective: To determine whether thrombolysis was given in accordance with hospital guidelines.

Method: A retrospective DUR of the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) admitted to Borders General Hospital during April-December 1993 was carried out.

Enhanced type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide signaling after pertussis toxin treatment.

The regulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by the type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1alpha) was investigated in stably transfected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Incubation of the cells with L-glutamate, quisqualate, and 1-aminocyclopentane-1S, 3R-dicarboxylic acid resulted in a marked accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate (InsP1) and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] mass in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of BHK-mGluR1alpha cells with pertussis toxin [ 100 ng/ml, 24 hr] led to a dramatic 12-16-fold increase in the accumulation of [3H]InsP1 and a 2-fold increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 in the absence of added agonist.

General practitioner participation in 'Morning Report' at a major teaching hospital.

General practitioners attending 'Morning Report' have provided information on the general practice management of a wide range of conditions and have promoted the benefits of improved communication between general practitioners and hospital doctors. By collecting data on a range of problems at the community hospital interface, they are in a position to identify and act upon issues with important implications for health care. This activity is recommended to all general practitioners working in association with a major hospital.

Pharmacological characterization of type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor-stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding.

1. The activation of G proteins by type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in membranes from recombinant baby hamster kidney cells expressing the cloned rat mGluR1alpha receptor has been studied by use of a [35S]-guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate ([35S]-GTPgammaS) binding assay. 2.