Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and the ACE Alu polymorphism in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies concerning Alu I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and ADPKD severity have used the Alu genotypes as a representative of the true biological variable, namely ACE activity. However, wide individual and ethnic differences in the proportion of variance in ACE activity explained by the I/D genotype may have confounded these studies. This investigation examines the association between ADPKD severity and ACE in terms of plasma enzyme activity and I/D genotypes in individuals from three different countries. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 307 ADPKD patients (116 Australian, 124 Bulgarian and 67 Polish) for determination of ACE activity levels and I/D genotypes. Chronic renal failure (CRF) was present in 117 patients and end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in 68 patients. RESULTS: ACE activity was related to the I/D genotype, showing a dosage effect of the D allele (P=0.006). The proportion of variance due to the Alu polymorphism was 14%. No difference in ACE activity and I/D genotype distribution was found between patients with CRF versus normal renal function (P=0.494; P=0.576) or between those with ESRF versus those without ESRF (P=0.872; P=0.825). No effect of the I/D genotype on age at development and progression to renal failure (CRF; ESRF) was detected in the overall group, and in subgroups based on ethnic origin, linkage status and sex. CONCLUSION: ACE is not likely to play a role as a determinant of ADPKD phenotype severity.

Craniofacial mucormycosis following assault: an unusual presentation of an unusual disease.

A case of craniofacial mucormycosis following assault is discussed. A female diabetic developed peri-orbital cellulitis adjacent to a scalp wound which progressed to a necrotizing fasciitis. This did not respond to treatment. Subsequently the patient developed a hemiparesis, with CT imaging showing peri-orbital and paranasal sinus inflammatory changes, evidence of cavernous sinus invasion and development of a middle cerebral artery territory infarction. The patient died shortly afterwards. The imaging findings and their relationship to the pathological spread of mucor infection are discussed.

Corrosion of gold alloys and titanium in artificial saliva.

Two types of gold alloys and one type of pure titanium have been submitted to corrosion in artificial saliva for periods of up to about 2 months. The release of copper, gold or silver from the gold alloys as well as titanium from the titanium matrix was measured with nuclear tracer technique. The physical/chemical state of the corrosion products of gold alloys referring to the ionic state or presence in particulate form has been examined retaining the particulate matter on a glass filter. Copper was observed to be mainly present in the ionic state. Considerable amounts of gold were observed to be retained on the glass filter explained by the presence of gold in particular form or as a component of a dispersed colloidal phase. The estimation of the release of titanium was registered by the tracer nuclide 46Sc assuming particulate matter to be deteriorated from the titanium surface.

Dust in workroom air of dental laboratories.

The general workroom air of eleven dental laboratories has been surveyed with respect to dust levels arising from cutting, grinding or polishing various dental materials like chromium-cobalt-, nickel- or gold alloys, amalgam and gypsum models, porcelain or denture base material. The materials were processed with cut or lathe wheels and various stones. The levels of the elements aluminium, calcium, cobalt, copper, chromium, gold, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, silicon, silver, tin or titanium present in the collected dust samples did not exceed the respective threshold limit values. The dust was collected in workrooms with good general ventilation as well as in rooms with no use of ventilation systems. However, in breathing air close to workpiece, i.e. at distances of about 30 cm, threshold limit values for several elements or compounds could be considerably exceeded. The chemical analysis was accomplished by means of optical emission spectrography.