Carbon isotope discrimination and oxygen isotope composition in clones of the F(1) hybrid between slash pine and Caribbean pine in relation to tree growth, water-use efficiency and foliar nutrient concentration.

The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine how foliar carbon isotope discrimination (Delta) and oxygen isotope composition (delta(18)O) are related to tree growth, ash mineral nutrient concentration and foliar nutrient concentration in 7-year-old clones of the F(1) hybrid between slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) and Caribbean pine (P. caribaea var. hondurensis Barr. et Golf.) in subtropical Australia; and (2) to evaluate the potential of using foliar Delta, ash mineral nutrient concentration and delta(18)O measurements for selecting F(1) hybrid pine clones with high water-use efficiency (WUE) and growth potential. There were significant differences in tree growth, foliar Delta, delta(18)O and ash mineral nutrient concentration among the eight clones tested. Significant negative linear relationships existed between tree growth and Delta, extrapolating to zero growth at Delta = 24-30 per thousand. There were strong genetic correlations (r = -0.83 to -0.96) between Delta and tree growth, particularly tree height. Significant non-genetic correlations (r = -0.62 to -0.80) existed between Delta and foliar K concentration. Foliar delta(18)O, ash mineral nutrient concentration and foliar nutrient concentration were unrelated to tree growth. In the F(1) hybrid pine clones, variation in tree WUE, as reflected by Delta, was largely attributed to a genetic effect on leaf photosynthetic capacity rather than on stomatal conductance, as reflected by foliar delta(18)O.

Enzyme replacement therapy in Gaucher's disease: preliminary clinical trial of a new enzyme preparation.

A patient with far-advanced adult type Gaucher's disease was treated with solubilized, highly purified placental glucocerebrosidase administered after entrapment in human erythrocytes or by direct intravenous injection. In some instances the enzyme-containing erythrocytes were coated with gamma globulin. No toxic side effects were observed after enzyme infusion. There were suggestive, but not conclusive, findings that enzyme infusion may have been beneficial. After therapy, there was a decrease in transfusion requirement, some improvement of liver function, possible decrease in liver size, and relief of subjective symptoms. Erythrocyte and plasma glucocerebroside levels were unchanged during therapy, but there was a possibly significant decrease in leukocyte and platelet levels of the glycolipid. No changes occurred in serum acid phosphatase or angiotensin-converting enzyme activity.