Selection of representative Alternaria strain groups on the basis of morphology, enzyme profile, and allergen content.

In an attempt to identify representative strains, 12 strains of Alternaria alternata were contributed by four different research groups. Each was grown on two types of solid media and characterized with descriptions of pigmentation and morphology. Enzyme profiles were determined on both the cellular antigen and the culture filtrate material with use of a commercial kit. Concentrations of a previously described Alt a 1 and a 70 kd allergen, GP70, were measured by a two-antibody "sandwich" ELISA. Allergenic proteins were visualized by IgE immunoblots. With use of these criteria, four separate strains were identified that might serve as representative of Alternaria for further research.

Development of a recombinant baculovirus expressing an insect-selective neurotoxin: potential for pest control.

Recombinant nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPVs) expressing insect-selective toxins, hormones, or enzymes could enhance their insecticidal properties. We have constructed a recombinant, polyhedrin-positive Autographa californica NPV (AcNPV) that is orally infectious and expresses an insect-selective toxin (AaIT), isolated from the scorpion Androctonus australis, under the control of the p10 promoter. Bioassays with the recombinant baculovirus on 2nd instar larvae of Heliothis virescens demonstrated a significant decrease in the time to kill (LT50 88.0 hours) compared to wild-type AcNPV (LT50 125 hours). Production of AaIT was confirmed by western blot analysis of larval hemolymph from infected H. virescens, and bioassays with larvae of Sarcophaga falculata.

Developmental cycle-specific host-free RNA synthesis in Chlamydia spp.

The incorporation of radiolabeled GTP into RNA in host-free Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 organisms was investigated. The incorporation was partially inhibited by rifampin and dactinomycin and hydrolyzed by RNase. RNA made by host-free chlamydiae consisted mainly of species of fewer than 800 bases in size, although 16S and 23S species were noted by agarose-gel electrophoresis. The hybridization of radiolabeled host-free RNA to restriction fragments of the gene encoding the major outer membrane protein was analyzed; all regions of the gene were transcribed. The relative intensity of hybridization of host-free RNA made by chlamydiae isolated during the middle and late stages of the developmental cycle to the DNA of clones encoding gene products known to be made at these times in vivo indicated that the temporal patterns of host-free and in vivo transcription were similar. Radiolabeled RNA from 1- and 24-h host-free Chlamydia psittaci 6BC organisms hybridized to many of the same EcoRI and BamHI restriction fragments of C. psittaci genomic DNA, although some differences could be noted. When these RNAs were used to screen a partial C. psittaci genomic library in lambda gt11, plaques were identified that reacted mainly either with 1-h RNA or with 24-h RNA. Because RNA synthesized by host-free chlamydiae appears to be developmental cycle stage specific, transcripts made by host-free chlamydiae may be convenient probes that can be used to clone developmental stage-specific chlamydial genes.

Fatigue, recovery, and low back pain in varsity rowers.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether surface electromyography (EMG) from the erector spinae muscles could correctly identify individuals with low back pain without a population of elite athletes. A similar technique had previously been successful in identifying low back pain patients within a non-athletic population. A Back Analysis System was used to compute the median frequency of the EMG power density spectrum to monitor metabolic changes in back muscles associated with muscle fatigue. Twenty-three members of a men's collegiate varsity crew team consisting of port (N = 13) and starboard (N = 10) rowers were tested in a laboratory during a fatigue-inducing isometric contraction sustained at a relatively high, constant force. Six of the rowers tested were further classified as having low back pain. A brief test contraction was repeated at a fixed interval following the fatiguing contraction to monitor recovery. A two-group discriminant analysis procedure correctly classified 100% of the rowers with low back pain and 93% of the rowers without back pain on the basis of the median frequency data. The median frequency parameters related to recovery were the best discriminators of back pain. A similar analysis correctly classified 100% of the port rowers and 100% of the starboard rowers on the basis of their spectral parameters. The best discriminating variables in this instance were the median frequency parameters relating to both fatigability and recovery. Results from this study demonstrate that low back pain and asymmetrical muscle function in rowers can be assessed on the basis of EMG spectral analysis.

Continuing education in gerontological nursing.

Programs are needed to evaluate staff because more elderly with multiple health-care problems are being hospitalized. Current formal training programs do not always have gerontology content based on up-to-date standards. Stimulation exercises give healthy young and middle-aged health-care workers an idea of challenges confronting the elderly with loss of mobility, vision, hearing, or paralysis. A survey of staff nurses indicated that most had difficulty differentiating physical and psychosocial changes attributed to the normal aging process from pathological manifestation. Awareness of the biological, developmental, and psychosocial theories of aging provide health-care workers a greater understanding of rationale for a specific treatment program.

Substituted benzamides. 1. Potential nondopaminergic antagonists of chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis.

A series of new substituted benzamides has been synthesized and evaluated for dopamine antagonist activity and for antagonism of cisplatin-induced emesis in the dog and in the ferret. It was found that modification of the 2-methoxy substituent of metoclopramide was detrimental to dopaminergic D2 antagonism but not necessarily to antagonism of cisplatin-induced emesis. A number of analogues having a beta-keto, beta-hydroxy, beta-methoxy, beta-imino, or beta-unsaturated alkyloxy substituent instead of methoxy have shown equal or superior protection from emesis to that of metoclopramide. At the same time these compounds were found to be free of dopaminergic D2 antagonism in both in vitro ([3H]spiperone binding) and in vivo tests (rat catalepsy, antagonism of apomorphine-induced stereotypy in the rat, and apomorphine-induced emesis in the dog).

BMY-25801, an antiemetic agent free of D2-dopamine receptor antagonist properties.

BMY-25801, 4-amino-5-chloro-N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]2-(1-methyl-2-oxopropoxy ) benzamide, a new antiemetic agent free of D2-dopamine receptor antagonist properties, was effective against emesis induced by cytostatic agents (cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin) and total body radiation in the ferret. It also was effective against cisplatin-induced emesis in the dog; however, it was inactive against emesis caused by apomorphine and hydergine in the same species. In terms of activity profile, BMY-25801 could be differentiated both from metoclopramide and domperidone. Metoclopramide was nonselectively active against emesis induced by cytostatic agents, radiation and D2-dopamine receptor agonists, whereas domperidone was selectively effective against emesis induced by apomorphine and hydergine only. BMY-25801 failed to reveal any D2-dopamine receptor antagonist properties in several pharmacological tests (catalepsy, apomorphine stereotypy, serum prolactin, striatal dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and [3H]spiperone displacement) whereas metoclopramide was uniformly active in these tests. The activity profile of domperidone was compatible with its classification as a peripherally acting D2-dopamine receptor antagonist. BMY-25801 and metoclopramide antagonized serotonin-induced bradycardia (Bezold-Jarisch reflex) in the anesthetized rat, a response involving peripheral neuronal 5-HT3 receptors. Thus, BMY-25801 represents a novel antiemetic acting independently of D2-dopamine receptor mechanisms; however, its exact mode of action remains unknown.

Initiation of erection and semen release by rectal probe electrostimulation (RPE).

Instrumentation and methodology are described for rectal probe electrostimulation (RPE) in human males to elicit erection and allow semen collection. This system virtually eliminates shock hazard; the simultaneous monitoring of current, voltage and impedance ensures reliability and repeatability. It was tested with 8 neurologically intact subjects, and 12 paraplegic patients with lesions between T4 and L2. Platinum electrodes delivered current (density never exceeding 0.37 mA per mm. at the electrode) at frequencies of 60 Hz, 20 Hz, and 0.25 Hz. Erection was elicited repeatably in only 1 of the intact subjects, and no seminal emissions or ejaculations occurred. Discomfort prevented current delivery beyond levels even 50 per cent of those safely acceptable. Six of 10 paraplegic patients (2 others had penile implants) developed erections with 20 Hz; the other 2 frequencies were much less effective. The extent of RPE-induced penile tumescence varied directly with electrode surface area and applied current intensity. Discomfort was minimal. Retrograde seminal emission in 5 of the 12 paraplegics was verified by post-stimulation recovery of sperm via voiding or bladder irrigation via catheter. Although motility was very low, 4 of 8 recovered bladder-urine/seminal fluid specimens indicated sperm counts and morphology consonant with use in artificial insemination. Thus, RPE, if combined with techniques to allow antegrade semen collection, may be a useful technique for spinal cord-injured men who, as part of their sexual rehabilitation, are interested in siring children.

Stimulation of interferon production in mice and in mouse spleen leukocytes by analogues of BL-20803.

Various structural analogues of the interferon inducer BL-20803 exhibited close agreement between ability to stimulate interferon production in the intact mouse and in cultures of spleen adherent leukocytes.

Interferon inducing activities of derivatives of 1,3-dimethyl-4-(3-dimethylaminopropylamino)-1H-pyrazolo(3,4-b)quinoline and related compounds.

Syntheses and interferon inducing acitivites are reported for 137 relatives of 1,3-dimethyl-4-(3-dimethylamino-propylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline (1). Three different generalized synthetic schemes for the preparation of pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines are presented and limitations contrasted. Other heterocyclic nuclei containing the 3-dimethylaminopropylamino side chain include pyridine, quinoline, acridine, pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, pyrazolo[3,4-B][1,8]naphthyridine, pyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine, dipyrazolo[3,4-b:4',3'-e]pyridine, pyrrolo-[2,3-b]quinoline, isothiazolo[5,4-b]quinoline, and pyrido[2,3-h]pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline. Structural requirements for interferon induction in this series are discussed and two of the more active compounds (172 and 196) are compared directly with tilorone.