Sequence and functional expression in Xenopus oocytes of a human insulinoma and islet potassium channel.

Regulation of insulin secretion involves the coordinated control of ion channels in the beta-cell membrane. We have isolated and characterized cDNA and genomic clones encoding a voltage-dependent K+ channel isoform expressed in human islets and in a human insulinoma. This K+ channel isoform, designated hPCN1, with a deduced amino acid sequence of 613 residues (Mr = 67,097), is related to the Shaker family of Drosophila K+ channels.

The treatment of uraemic hyperphosphataemia with calcium acetate and calcium carbonate: a comparative study.

A comparative study of long-term haemodialysis patients investigated the effects of calcium acetate and calcium carbonate on concentrations of serum phosphate, calcium, and parathyroid hormone. It was demonstrated that both substances led to a significant decrease in phosphate and serum parathyroid hormone. Administration of calcium acetate reduced the serum phosphate concentration in 7 weeks from an initial value of 2.

Beta 2-microglobulin serum concentration and associated amyloidosis in dialysis patients.

Using radioimmunological estimation of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), significantly greater serum values were found in 36 dialysis patients (44.4 +/- 20.3 mg/l) in comparison to healthy probands (1.

[Serum level and organ deposits of beta 2-microglobulin in dialysis patients].

In radioimmunological estimation of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) significant higher serum values were found in 36 dialysis patients (44.4 +/- 20.3 mg/l) in comparison with healthy probands (1.

[Drug utilization in Hvalsö. An attempt to change the attitude of the population and physicians to drug use].

All of the prescriptions, a total of 1,876, issued by the five practitioners in Hvalsø in four chosen weeks in 1987/88 were copied. The prescribed drugs, a total of 3,177, were calculated for the individual groups of drugs and corrected for the age distribution among the population as a whole and in the individual doctor's practice. The main results from the following groups of drugs are presented here: hypnotics, drugs for neurosis, antibiotics, drugs for cardiac and circulatory disease, drugs for asthma, contraceptive pills and female sex hormones.

Influence of membranes on generation of beta 2 M and release of leukocyte lysosomal enzymes.

Normal leukocyte functional capacity was investigated by evaluation of phagocytosis of opsonised yeast cells in a radiometric test system. After incubation with dialysis membranes (different cellulosic membranes, polysulfon membrane (PS), polymethylmetacrylate membrane (PMMN), the phagocytosis index, expressed as percent decrease with respect to initial values without membrane, decreased by 10%-25%. The most pronounced effect was observed with PS, cuprophane, modified cellulose and PMMA.

Caring--the work of the clinical nurse specialist.

Understanding the contribution of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to quality patient care is important for educators and administrators as they plan for the care of patients in an increasingly complex health care system. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical practice of CNSs as reported by practicing CNSs. Grounded theory methodology was used in collecting and analyzing the data.

Calcium ketovaline as new therapy for uremic hyperphosphatemia.

Since treatment of uremic hyperphosphatemia still represents a major problem and phosphate-binding agents carry the well-known risk of aluminum intoxication, we carried out a study to determine whether calcium ketovaline, a keto acid containing calcium, would show phosphate-binding effects comparable to those obtained with a mixture of amino acids and calcium salts of ketoanalogues tested previously. In vitro as well as in vivo studies show convincingly that calcium ketovaline is a valuable intestinal phosphate binder. Dialysis patients treated for 6 weeks showed a significant (p less than 0.

Calcium salts of ketoacids as a new treatment strategy for uremic hyperphosphatemia.

Hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism are regular complications in patients suffering from end-stage renal failure. Aluminum-containing drugs are widely used to control serum phosphate, but this therapy carries the well-known risk of aluminum toxicity. Previously we demonstrated that a mixture of ketoacids is very effective in lowering increased serum phosphate and serum PTH levels.

Visual cerebral lateralization over phases of the menstrual cycle: a preliminary investigation.

This study investigated whether visual cerebral asymmetries would change in phase with hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle. Lexical decision and line orientation tasks were administered during follicular, luteal, and menstrual phases of each woman's cycle. These tasks were also administered to a reference group of male subjects.

Clinical research: gaining access to patients.

Gaining access to patients to conduct nursing research can be a difficult problem, especially in a critical care setting. This author describes techniques that can be used to select and establish research in your own or other hospitals.

[Clinical significance of beta 2 microglobulin determination in dialysis patients].

In radioimmunological estimation of beta 2-microglobulin significant higher serum values were found in 36 dialysis patients (44.4 +/- 20.3 mg/l) in comparison with healthy probands (1.

Atrial natriuretic peptide plasma levels during hemodialysis and hemofiltration in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Using a cross-over protocol we repeatedly measured the plasma levels of alpha-hANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) during one week by radio-immunoassay in eight patients with end-stage renal disease treated with chronic hemodialysis or hemofiltration. Before each hemodialysis or hemofiltration session mean plasma ANP levels (353 +/- 112, and 337 +/- 99 pg.ml-1, respectively) were significantly above normal (50 - 166 pg.

Acute renal failure due to uric acid nephropathy in a patient with renal hypouricemia.

This report is about a 23-year-old man who required hemodialysis in connection with an acute renal failure resulting from uric acid nephropathy without hyperuricemia. After recovering renal function he showed extreme hypouricemia (0.1-0.

Retention technique #3. Research: future impact on image and retention.

The recruitment, retention, utilization, and image of nursing are critical issues facing nurses today. Critical care nursing research will assist us in dealing with these problems to prepare for a twenty-first century in which nursing is a valued profession. This author takes an optimistic view of the future and explains how she believes nursing research will help solve these recruitment and retention problems.

Dietary treatment as seen by German nephrologists. Results of a questionnaire.

The majority of German nephrologists consider a protein restriction for patients with advanced renal failure as necessary. However, there was no consensus with regard to the diet, which should be finally applied. It was of further interest that the majority of physicians believe that only 50% of their patients adhere consistently to the diet.