Shift workers' mortality scrutinized.

The objective of this article is to reappraise previous published data on the mortality of male shift workers from Taylor and Pocock (1972). Mortality rate ratios were calculated for shift workers, ex-shift workers, and for shift workers plus ex-shift workers, respectively, compared to day workers using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The overall risk for current and former shift workers was 1.

NMR analysis of the transient complex between membrane photosystem I and soluble cytochrome c6.

A structural analysis of the surface areas of cytochrome c(6), responsible for the transient interaction with photosystem I, was performed by NMR transverse relaxation-optimized spectroscopy. The hemeprotein was titrated by adding increasing amounts of the chlorophyllic photosystem, and the NMR spectra of the free and bound protein were analyzed in a comparative way. The NMR signals of cytochrome c(6) residues located at the hydrophobic and electrostatic patches, which both surround the heme cleft, were specifically modified by binding.

A thermal unfolding study of plastocyanin from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Phormidium laminosum.

The thermal unfolding of the plastocyanin from Phormidium laminosum, a thermophilic cyanobacterium, is herein described. The main objective of this work is to identify structural factors responsible for the higher stability observed in proteins from thermophilic organisms. With the aid of fluorescence spectroscopy, EPR, and NMR, the factors influencing the unfolding process of the protein were investigated, and procedures for its study have been standardized.

Apo-azurin folds via an intermediate that resembles the molten-globule.

The folding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa apo-azurin was investigated with the intent of identifying putative intermediates. Two apo-mutants were constructed by replacing the main metal-binding ligand C112 with a serine (C112S) and an alanine (C112A). The guanidinium-induced unfolding free energies (DeltaG(U-N)(H2O)) of the C112S and C112A mutants were measured to 36.

Probing the influence on folding behavior of structurally conserved core residues in P. aeruginosa apo-azurin.

The effects on folding kinetics and equilibrium stability of core mutations in the apo-mutant C112S of azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied. A number of conserved residues within the cupredoxin family were recognized by sequential alignment as constituting a common hydrophobic core: I7, F15, L33, W48, F110, L50, V95, and V31. Of these, I7, V31, L33, and L50 were mutated for the purpose of obtaining information on the transition state and a potential folding nucleus.

Intervertebral mobility in the progressive degenerative process. A radiostereometric analysis.

Three separate stages have previously been defined in the progressive degenerative process. The first stage, characterized as temporary dysfunction with early degenerative findings, transforms into a second period of segmental instability evidenced by a resulting deformity. With the deformity the process has reached a late stage of definitive stabilization induced by osteoligamentary repair mechanisms.

The roles of template complexation and ligand binding conditions on recognition in bupivacaine molecularly imprinted polymers.

A model for the molecular basis for ligand recognition in bupivacaine imprinted methacrylic acid-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate co-polymers has been developed based upon a series of (1)H-NMR studies in conjunction with HPLC and radioligand binding analyses. (1)H-NMR studies indicated that functional monomer-template complexes survive the polymerisation process, at least up until the stage of gelation. Polymers were synthesised and characterised by surface area analysis (BET), FT-IR and SEM.

Nimodipine affects the microcirculation and modulates the vascular effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

The present investigation was undertaken in order to study whether microvascular effects of the calcium antagonist nimodipine induces changes that can explain an increased detoxification of the highly toxic cholinesterase inhibitor soman. Anaesthetised, tracheotomised and artificially ventilated rats were treated intra-peritoneally (ip) with nimodipine, 10 mg kg(-1) or vehicle followed one hour later by the exposure to 45 microg kg(-1) soman (iv). Nimodipine per se induced a vasodilation in the intestine, myocardium and other muscles.

Using semantic environment description as a tool to evaluate car interiors.

The semantic environment description (SMB) is a structured method used for evaluating the impression of an architectural environment. The SMB-method measures the impression with eight factors: pleasantness, complexity, unity, potency, social status, enclosedness, affection and originality. The SMB-method is also a useful tool for measuring the impression of a vehicle interior since the method is easy to administrate, has high reliability and validity, is easily adaptable for cross cultural comparisons and provides useful knowledge for design, engineering and marketing.

Sickness absence and early retirement at two workplaces--effects of organisational intervention in Sweden.

This study sought to compare sickness absence and early retirement at two workplaces in Sweden before and after they had received financial support from the Working Life Fund and implemented vocational rehabilitation activities. Two paper and pulp manufacturing plants were compared and a cohort study was set up. The cohort included everyone born in 1934 or later who was employed in December 1988 (918 employees at Plant A and 1543 at Plant B).

Paternal investment directly affects female reproductive effort in an insect.

Female reproductive effort can be influenced by the quality of her mate. In some species, females increase their reproductive effort by differentially allocating resources after mating with high-quality males. Examination of female reproductive effort in relation to male quality has implications for estimating the evolvability of traits and for sexual-selection models.

Pertreatment radiation induced oedema causing acute hydrocephalus after radiosurgery for multiple cerebellar metastases.

Background: Most complications of radiosurgery occur after 6-12 months and some long term complications up to after 5-10 years. Although severe, immediate side effects are rare, we report a patient who shows that this possibility should be taken into account when large volumes are treated especially in the posterior fossa.

Case Report: A patient was treated with radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases, of which 5 were located in the posterior fossa.

Astatine-211-labeled antibodies for treatment of disseminated ovarian cancer: an overview of results in an ovarian tumor model.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish and refine a preclinical model to alpha-immunoradiotherapy of ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design: At-211 was produced by cyclotron irradiation of a bismuth-209 target and isolated using a novel dry distillation procedure. Monoclonal antibodies were radiohalogenated with the intermediate reagent N-succinimidyl 3-(trimethylstannyl)benzoate and characterized in terms of radiochemical yield and in vitro binding properties.

(211)At-labeled and biotinylated effector molecules for pretargeted radioimmunotherapy using poly-L- and poly-D-Lysine as multicarriers.

Poly-L- and poly-D-lysine were evaluated as carriers of astatine and biotin for prospective use as effector molecules in pretargeted radioimmunotherapy of micrometastases. The precursor polylysine was derivatized in a three-step, single-pot procedure, including biotinylation with biotin amidocaproic N-hydroxysuccinimide, astatination via the intermediate reagent N-succinimidyl 3-(trimethylstannyl)benzoate, and, finally, charge modification using succinic anhydride. The chemistry was shown to be very facile, with a biotinylation efficiency of 75 +/- 5%, and overall radiochemical yields in the range of 50-70%.

The evolution of movements and behaviour at boundaries in different landscapes: a common arena experiment with butterflies.

As landscapes change, mobility patterns of species may alter. Different mechanistic scenarios may, however, lead to particular patterns. Here, we tested conflicting predictions from two hypotheses on butterfly movements in relation to habitat fragmentation.

Thermal denaturation of spinach plastocyanin: effect of copper site oxidation state and molecular oxygen.

The thermal denaturation of the cupredoxin plastocyanin (PC) from spinach has been studied with the aim of improving the understanding of factors involved in the conformational stability of antiparallel beta-sheet proteins. Studies using differential scanning calorimetry have been complemented with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, absorbance spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and mass spectrometry in elucidation of the effect of the copper-site oxidation state on the irreversible thermal denaturation process. Our results indicate that copper-catalyzed oxidation of the metal-ligating cysteine is the sole factor resulting in thermal irreversibility.

Potential complications following radiotherapy for meningiomas.

Background: The rationale for radiotherapy of meningiomas is based on retrospective studies utilizing life-table statistics and historical controls. Most of these report minimal morbidity and high efficacy, while one study of radiation therapy for benign diseases reported a high complication rate during long-term follow-up. These reports were at variance with our personal experience in three patients.

Metabolic disturbances in male workers with rotating three-shift work. Results of the WOLF study.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between important metabolic risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes in shift workers and day workers.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from a sub-population in the WOLF study consisting of 665 day workers and 659 three-shift workers in two plants were analysed.

Results: A higher proportion of shift workers than day workers had high triglyceride levels (> or =1.

Management of patients with brain arteriovenous malformations.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain, which are probably genetically determined, are errors in the development of the vasculature that, together with the effects of blood flow, may lead to a focal arteriovenous shunt. Clinically, the adult patient may present with acute or chronic neurological symptoms-fixed or unstable-such as deficits, seizures or headache. Sometimes the lesion is an incidental finding.

Can ultrasound replace dilation and curettage? A longitudinal evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding and transvaginal sonographic measurement of the endometrium as predictors of endometrial cancer.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate postmenopausal bleeding and transvaginal sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness as predictors of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia in women whose cases were followed for > or =10 years after referral for postmenopausal bleeding.

Study Design: Women (n = 394) who had postmenopausal bleeding from November 1987 to October 1990 underwent transvaginal sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness and curettage. It was possible to assess the medical records (regarding recurrence of a postmenopausal bleeding, development of endometrial cancer, and death) in 339 of the 394 women (86%) > or =10 years after referral for postmenopausal bleeding.

NMR detection of multiple transitions to low-populated states in azurin.

Transitions to conformational states with very low populations were detected for the reduced blue copper protein azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa by applying constant relaxation time CPMG measurements to the backbone (15)N nuclei at three magnetic fields (11.7, 14.1, and 18.

[Modest clinical benefits of ASAT analysis in today's health care. A case report of macro-ASAT giving rise to pathologically increased ASAT levels].

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) may occur as a macroenzyme after forming a complex with immunoglobulins. The complex results in decreased plasma clearance and thus elevated AST levels. So far, macro-AST has only been described in a few patients.

Redox-sensitive loops D and E regulate NADP(H) binding in domain III and domain I-domain III interactions in proton-translocating Escherichia coli transhydrogenase.

Membrane-bound transhydrogenases are conformationally driven proton-pumps which couple an inward proton translocation to the reversible reduction of NADP+ by NADH (forward reaction). This reaction is stimulated by an electrochemical proton gradient, Delta p, presumably through an increased release of NADPH. The enzymes have three domains: domain II spans the membrane, while domain I and III are hydrophilic and contain the binding sites for NAD(H) and NADP(H), respectively.

Prediction of AVM obliteration after stereotactic radiotherapy using radiobiological modelling.

This study was carried out in order to derive the radiobiological parameters of the dose-response relation for the obliteration of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) following single fraction stereotactic radiotherapy. Furthermore, the accuracy by which the linear Poisson model predicts the probability of obliteration and how the haemorrhage history, location and volume of the AVM influence its radiosensitivity are investigated. The study patient material consists of 85 patients who received radiation for AVM therapy.

Postprandial responses of glucose, insulin and triglycerides: influence of the timing of meal intake during night work.

The objective was to study the postprandial responses of glucose, insulin and triglycerides to meal intake at different clock times during night work. Eleven night shift working nurses participated. Identical test meals were ingested at 19:30, 23:30 and 03:30, and contained 440 kcal/1,860 kJ of energy (33 E% fat, 51 E% carbohydrate, 16 E% protein).