The 'Dextran' and the 'Buffy-coat' methods for isolation of human leucocytes for DNA extraction were compared on the basis of DNA yield from the same amounts (10 ml) of blood. Human leucocytes from a total of 11 samples were isolated using both methods for each sample after which DNA was extracted. Extracted DNA samples were treated with ribonucleases and proteinase K after which the yields were quantitated by measuring absorbance at 260 nm. The 'Buffy-coat' method yielded a mean concentration of DNA of 476.7 micrograms/ml (range: 212 to 700 micrograms/ml) while the 'Dextran' method yielded 188.4 micrograms/ml (range: 64 to 340 micrograms/ml). The difference was confirmed by subjecting the extracted DNA samples to agarose gel electrophoresis.
We evaluated the usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for gentamicin and the use of a two-point peak and trough pair concentration method to adjust its dose. Of the 194 patients included, initial concentrations were appropriate in only sixty nine. In the seventy one cases of dosage adjustments using this method, those attaining therapeutic levels increased overall from 38% to 67%. It is concluded that TDM for gentamicin with dosage adjustment using this simple pharmacokinetic approach is useful and adequate in monitoring for gentamicin therapy.
A 31-year old male presented with bone pain, polyuria and a palpable nodule in the neck. Radiological examination showed generalised osteopenia, subperiosteal erosion and presence of bilateral renal stones. The essential chemical pathological changes were increased plasma calcium, mid-molecule immuno-reactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels. Surgical excision of the nodule revealed a parathyroid carcinoma. The uniqueness of this case is the steroid-suppressible plasma calcium, iPTH, and hCG levels. The diagnostic implications of the findings are discussed.
A group of Taiwan aborigines, the Toroko, was typed for 21 classical genetic loci. This is part of an ongoing program aimed at a comprehensive study of Taiwan aborigines. In this first paper a short summary of historical, archeological, and anthropological data in the literature is made, and results of the present survey are compared with older results from other aborigine tribes. An analysis of other neighboring populations from southeast Asia has also been carried out in order to give a preliminary answer to the question of origin of Taiwanese aborigines. Fifteen populations were studied for 13 loci by tree analysis, principal components, and isolation by distance. Tree analysis and principal component analysis gave results in fairly good agreement and indicate three major population clusters: a northeast cluster (Ainu, Korea, Japan, and Ryukyu); a southeast cluster (south China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, and Toroko); and a third cluster including Malaya and Borneo. The positions of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia are somewhat peripheral. Analysis of the tree shows some potential cases of convergence, perhaps owing to admixture, and of divergence. The analysis of isolation by distance shows that geographic propinquity is a reasonably good predictor of general similarity in this area.
A rare electrophoretic variant of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was found in one Filipino of 146 Filipinos, 1382 Malaysians and 816 Indonesians examined. The variant consists of two usual bands and two slower migrating bands similar to those reported earlier. Superoxide dismutase variants are common among people of certain localized regions in Europe, however, this is the first report of such a variant occurring in people of non-European origin.
A novel multiparticulate sustained-release theophylline formulation, which consisted of spherical drug pellets coated with a rate-controlling membrane, was evaluated in vivo. Two preparations that differ solely in the coat thickness, and hence rate of in vitro drug release, were studied in comparison with a solution of the drug. Both preparations produced serum concentration profiles that are reflective of a slow and sustained rate of absorption. The in vivo release versus time profiles calculated using a deconvolution procedure showed that the two preparations differed in the rate but not the extent of drug release. Satisfactory correlation was also obtained between the in vivo and the in vitro results. When the two preparations were further compared using the parameters, time to reach peak concentration (Tp), peak concentration (Cp), and total area under the serum concentration versus time curves (AUC), a statistically significant difference was observed in the Tp and Cp values but not the AUC values, suggesting that the preparations differed in the rate but not the extent of absorption. In addition, the extent of absorption from both preparations was comparable to that obtained with the drug solution.
The significance of high blood pressure to cardio- and cerebrovascular disease is well recognized. The associated mortality and morbidity risks call for multiple approaches to control the development of high blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that precursors of cardiovascular disorders may be apparent from a young age, and that these can persist and contribute to disease in later life. With regard to blood pressure, the phenomenon of persisting at the same rank has been referred to as tracking. This allows for the possible identification of high-risk groups, for whom early intervention can be initiated. In this paper, some of the findings of studies on blood pressure tracking are reviewed.
Many gynaecological units have a policy of performing routine coagulation tests in cases of missed abortion. For many years now, it has been accepted practice in our unit to perform routinely a platelet count, bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT) and plasma fibrinogen (P. fib) level prior to evacuation in cases of missed abortion. We are not sure how or why these 4 tests came to be chosen as a coagulation 'screen'. As they are not totally adequate in detecting disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), we wondered if these tests added to the management in any way.
An infant with bilateral congenital ring constrictions in the legs presenting with ischaemic gangrene of one leg is reported. The ischaemia was precipitated by greenstick fracture, the constriction ring producing a 'tourniquet effect' on the swollen tissues. Prophylactic release of deep annular constrictions is advised to prevent complications.
In this study whole blood cholinesterase activities were determined (tintometric method) of agricultural pesticide users exposed to organophosphorus compounds in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Analysis of the data demonstrated a universal relationship between cholinesterase levels and the time between the last exposure to organophosphorus compounds and the day of blood collection for cholinesterase determination. It is suggested that it takes approximately 5 days before whole blood cholinesterase levels revert to their normal values. No relationship between whole blood cholinesterase levels and the sex of pesticide users was demonstrated except in Sri Lanka where female sprayers had lower values. It is suggested that these lower values are associated with the anaemic status of female agricultural workers. No relationship between whole blood cholinesterase level and age was demonstrated. The measurement of pre-exposure cholinesterase values is essential for comparison of values after pesticide application.
A bnormal variants of plasma cholinesterase (ChE, EC. 3.1.1.8) are a rarity in this region and to date there is no reported case of suxamethonium sensitivity in the Malaysian population. We now report a case of a Malaysian Indian patient who received suxamethonium, developed prolonged apnoea and on investigation was found to be a homozygote for the silent gene. His family was screened for abnormal variants of plasma cholinesterase. The results are discussed.
Abnormal variants of plasma cholinesterase are a rarity in this region and to date there is only one reported case of suxamethonium sensitivity in a Malaysian population. We now report a case of a Malaysian Chinese patient who received suxamethonium, developed prolonged apnoea and on investigation found to be a homozygote for the silent gene. His family was screened for abnormal variants of plasma cholinesterase. The results are discussed.
A supersensitive ELISA was developed for measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in serum using in-house rabbit polyclonal antisera and a commercial monoclonal antibody. The assay was optimised and validated by recovery, linearity and cross-reactivity experiments and further compared to other available assays and EQAS samples. Good precision was obtained with a working assay range of 0.2 to 100 mIU/L with < 10% coefficient of variation (CV) for both intra and interassay. The assay is highly sensitive and specific with a minimum detectable limit of 0.07 mIU/L and negligible cross-reactivities against LH, FSH, HCG and other pituitary peptides. Good correlations were obtained when compared to Abbott hTSH EIA (r = 0.993; p < 0.001; n = 85) and NETRIA IRMA (r + 0.995; p < 0.001; n = 76). The normal reference range established was 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L (n = 76). TSH levels in serum of thyrotoxic patients (n = 83) were significantly lower (0.07 to 0.20 mIU/L, p < 0.0001) and completely distinct from normal values thereby obviating the requirement of a TRH-stimulation test. Stability studies showed that coated wells can be stored at 4 degrees C for at least 2 months. This highly sensitive in-house hTSH ELISA which is cheap, stable and readily available is useful for diagnosis and management of patients with various thyroid disorders.
The disposition kinetics and cumulative urinary excretion of sulfamethazine were compared in goats fed normally (control) and following a 72-hour period of starvation (fasting). The only pharmacokinetic parameter which showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups was the body (systemic) clearance. This decreased from 2.26 +/- 0.28 ml/min.kg (means +/- SD, n = 6) in the control group to 1.16 +/- 0.54 ml/min.kg in the fasting group (p less than 0.01). Since the apparent volume of distribution was not affected by starvation, the decreased clearance was attributed to slower metabolism of the drug. Because of the analytical method used to measure sulfamethazine concentrations in plasma and urine, no conclusion could be drawn as to whether the rates of hydroxylation or of acetylation, or both metabolic pathways were decreased in the starved condition.
A total of 764 adult dogs were examined for microfilariae and adult worms of D immitis and 197 (25-8 per cent) were found to be infected. Direct blood examinations revealed only 47-2 per cent of the infected dogs whereas the blood serum examination detected 57-8 per cent of them. These results showed that the absence of circulating microfilariae could not be relied upon to be an accurate indication of the absence of patent heartworm infection. The average number of heartworms per dog was 5-5 with a range of one to 50.
A settlement of Temiars, an aboriginal tribe residing in the north-eastern jungles of the Malay Peninsula, was selected for a study of their cardiorespiratory fitness. A step-test was used to elicit the Vo2max, V E max and HR max in a group of 19 boys aged 12 to 18 years and 6 men aged 19 - 40 years. The mean VO2max of the boys was found to be 45.9 +/- 6.9 ml-kg-1-min-1 compared with 45.6 +/- 5.4 ml-kg-1-min-1 for the men. The mean V E max, HR max and blood lactate levels were found to be 65.5 +/- 11.31/min and 69.2 +/- 23.71/min; 194 +/- 8 beats/min and 186 +/- 10 beats/min; and 79.8 +/- 13.4 mg% and 97.7 +/- 33.4 mg% respectively. These results are comparable to those obtained in urban populations as well as those found in other primitive communities. Telemetric monitoring of the routine daily physical activity of the men revealed that these jungle dwellers rarely tax their oxygen transport systems in their daily living and their cardiorespiratory functions were similar to communities who do not specifically train for physical fitness.