Psychosocial adaptation in female partners of men with prostate cancer.

The objective was to explore the psychosocial adaptation of female partners living with men with a diagnosis of either localized or metastatic prostate cancer. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 50 women at two time points (baseline and 6 months later). The interviews examined emotions, experiences, attitudes to sexual and continence issues and treatment decision making. As part of a larger prospective observational study, demographic data and scores for depression and anxiety were collected. Initial analysis demonstrated that the group of 11 women assessed as distressed on the anxiety and depression measures described reduced coping skills and poorer adaptation after 6 months. In contrast, the 39 women in the non-distressed group reported emotional adaptation that fitted the Lazarus and Folkman pattern of coping through appraisal of the impact of the diagnosis on their partner and themselves, appraisal of coping strategies and reappraisal of the situation. A surprise finding was the high level of resilience displayed by majority of these women. Results suggest that a psychosocial intervention could strengthen healthy adaptation and provide better coping skills for distressed couples.

Effects of housing finishing pigs in two group sizes and at two floor space allocations on production, health, behavior, and physiological variables.

With the current shift in the industry toward housing pigs in groups of 100 to 1,000 per pen have come questions as to whether pigs can perform as well in large groups as they do in small and whether large groups of pigs can use the space provided more efficiently. This study examined effects of small (18 pigs) vs. large (108 pigs) group sizes provided 0.52 m(2)/ pig (crowded) or 0.78 m(2)/pig (uncrowded) of space on production, health, behavior, and physiological variables. Eight 7-to 8-wk-long blocks, each involving 288 pigs, were completed. The average BW at the beginning of the study was 37.4 +/- 0.26 kg. Overall, ADG was 1.032 kg/d and 1.077 (+/-0.015) kg/d for crowded and uncrowded pigs, respectively (P = 0.018). Differences between the space allowance treatments were most evident during the final week of study. Overall G:F was also reduced (P = 0.002) in the crowded treatment. Pigs in the crowded groups spent less (P = 0.003) time eating over the 8-wk study than did pigs in noncrowded groups, but ADFI did not differ (P = 0.34) between treatments. Overall, ADG of large-group pigs was 1.035 kg/d, whereas small group pigs gained 1.073 kg/d (+/-0.015; P = 0.039). Average daily gain differences between the group sizes were most evident during the first 2 wk of the study. Over the entire study, G:F also differed, with large groups being less efficient (P = 0.005) than small groups. Although large-group pigs had poorer scores for lameness (P = 0.012) and leg scores (P = 0.02) throughout the 8-wk period, morbidity levels did not differ (P = 0.32) between the group sizes. Minimal changes in postural behavior and feeding patterns were noted in large groups. An interaction (P = 0.04) of group size and space allowance for lameness indicated that pigs housed in large groups at restricted space allowances were more susceptible to lameness. Although some behavioral variables, such as lying postures, suggest that pigs in large groups were able to use space more efficiently, overall productivity and health variables indicate that pigs in large and small groups were similarly affected by the crowding imposed in this study. Broken-line analysis of ADG indicated no difference in the response to crowding by pigs in large and small groups. Little support was found for reducing space allowances for pigs in large groups.

Seeking improvements through laboratory benchmarking. The Western North Carolina Collaborative Group.

The laboratory departments at six North Carolina hospitals have formed an ongoing benchmarking team that has been meeting on a regular basis for more than 2 years. This article describes how the laboratory managers on this multihospital team have learned the benchmarking process, standardized procedural cost accounting in the group, compared and reduced costs, improved quality and efficiency, and created networking channels with other health-care professionals. The team members have quantified and reported significant savings and increased revenue for their laboratories as a direct result of their participation in this project.

Monitoring exposure to 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) through the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurement of adducts to hemoglobin.

4,4'-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) is widely used as a curing agent in the plastics industry. The determination of the covalently bound reaction products to hemoglobin (Hb) has been investigated as a biomonitoring method for occupational exposure to this potential human carcinogen. Initial studies using the 14C-ring-labeled MOCA showed that 24 hr after a single IP dosage to rats (3.74 mumole/kg), 0.08% of the administered dose was adducted to the Hb, and base hydrolysis liberated 38% of the bound radioactivity. The only product released on hydrolysis was the parent diamine. A specific and sensitive assay procedure using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been developed for determining the base-released MOCA adduct down to levels of 20 pmole/g Hb. This method has been used to establish a linear dose-response relationship in IP dosed rats between production of the adduct and dose of MOCA (3.74-44.94 mumole/kg). It is proposed to use analysis of the Hb adduct as a dosimeter for industrial workers exposed to MOCA.

Monitoring of exposure to styrene oxide by GC-MS analysis of phenylhydroxyethyl esters in hemoglobin.

Styrene oxide, which is the genotoxically active metabolite of styrene, reacts in vivo with carboxylic acid residues in hemoglobin forming phenylhydroxyethyl esters. Mild alkali hydrolysis cleaves these ester adducts, yielding styrene glycol, which in human blood labelled in vitro with 14C-styrene oxide accounted for 15% of the total radioactivity covalently bound to the protein. A quantitative assay procedure has been developed for measuring the base released styrene glycol in globin. The method utilizes solvent extraction followed by trimethylsilyl ether derivatization and separation and quantitation by capillary gas chromatography with selective ion recording mass spectrometry. Globin labelled in vitro with d8-styrene oxide was used as the internal standard. The method was used to establish a dose-response relationship in rats given single i.p. doses of styrene oxide (83.3-833 mumol/kg body wt). The method, which allows quantitation of the adducts down to levels of 15 pmol/g globin, has the potential to act as a dosimeter for industrial workers exposed to styrene or styrene oxide.

Creating and implementing a chemical hygiene plan.

January 31, 1991 was the deadline for laboratories to have developed and implemented their chemical hygiene plans (CHPs). OSHA may fine laboratories that do no comply--up to $2,500 per day. Managers have a responsibility to their employees to ensure a safe working environment, and the CHP is a useful tool for reducing risks and for informing employees about possible health hazards. Preparing a CHP does not have to be an arduous task--especially if you work from a model plan. This month's As We See It should help you refine (or develop) your CHP.

Monitoring exposure to 4,4'-methylenedianiline by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of adducts to hemoglobin.

The determination of the covalently bound reaction products of 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA) to hemoglobin was investigated as a possible method for biological dosimetry in humans. The extent of binding to rat hemoglobin of MDA was determined by dosing animals with the 14C-ring-labeled compound. Two adducts were released from the hemoglobin on hydrolysis under mildly basic conditions which were identified as MDA and N-acetyl-MDA and accounted for between 36 and 45% of the total radioactivity bound to the protein. A quantitative assay procedure was subsequently developed for measuring both of the base released adducts in rat hemoglobin. The method utilized solvent extraction followed by derivatization with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and subsequent separation and quantitation by capillary gas chromatography with selective ion monitoring mass spectrometry using deuterium-labeled analogues of MDA and N-acetyl-MDA as internal standards. A dose-response relationship was established in orally dosed rats between production of each of the hemoglobin released adducts and dose of MDA (1-12 mg/kg). The possible use of such adduct determinations as dosimeters for industrial workers exposed to MDA is discussed.

Formation and fate of nucleic acid and protein adducts derived from N-nitroso-bile acid conjugates.

14C-N-Nitrosoglycocholic acid (14C-NOGC) reacted with calf thymus DNA in vitro to give a number of carboxymethylated adducts (7-carboxymethylguanine [7-CMG], 3-carboxy-methyladenine [3-CMA] and O6-carboxymethylguanine [O6-CMG]). 7-CMG is excreted unchanged in urine, and its use as a marker for NOGC exposure was studied. Administration of 14C-NOGC results in a dose-dependent urinary excretion of 14C-7-CMG and in labelling of blood proteins, albumin and globin. The activity in albumin disappears in vivo, with a half-life very similar to that of albumin itself. The monitoring of carboxymethylated nucleic acid bases and proteins appears to be a useful way of monitoring endogenous formation of NOGC and related compounds.

Trialkyl phosphorothioates and glutathione S-transferases.

Using a rat liver cytosol source of enzyme trialkyl phosphorothioates have been shown to be substrates of glutathione S-transferases. Using OSS-trimethyl phosphorodithioate (OSS-Me(O] and OOS-trimethyl phosphorothioate (OOS-Me(O] the methyl transferred to the sulphydryl of glutathione is that attached to phosphorus via an oxygen atom. Fractionation of liver cytosol has shown that although the bulk activity is due to the three isozymes (1-1; 3-4; 1.2), OSS-Me(O) is a general substrate for glutathione S-transferases. The specific activity is low compared with the substrates 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene.

The binding of triethyllead to rat and cat hemoglobin.

Equilibrium dialysis experiments were carried out to determine the affinity constant and stoichiometry of the binding of triethyllead to rat and cat hemoglobin. The affinity constants were 4 X 10(5) M-1 and 4.5 X 10(5) M-1 for rat and cat hemoglobin, respectively, and 2 mol triethyllead combined with 1 mol hemoglobin. The previous report of a stoichiometry of 3 could not be confirmed (Byington et al., 1980).

The neurotoxicity of trimethyltin chloride in hamsters, gerbils and marmosets.

Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) was given to Syrian hamsters, gerbils and marmosets, and the changes in the brain were studied 1 day to 7 weeks later by light and electron microscopy. Within the marmoset brain, TMT was found to be uniformly distributed, similar to that in the rat. In all three species, signs of poisoning included whole-body tremors and prostration, while death might occur in 3-4 days; in marmosets ataxia, agitation, aggression and occasional fits were also observed. Bilateral symmetrical neuronal necrosis and chromatolysis were seen in the majority, which involved the hippocampus, pyriform cortex, amygdaloid nucleus, neocortex, various brain stem nuclei and in marmosets the retina. The probably lethal dose of TMT in all three species is approximately 3 mg kg-1, while the LD50 for the rat is 12.6 mg kg-1. The lower figure is probably related to lack of binding to haemoglobin in contrast to the binding in the rat. TMT does not bind to human haemoglobin and thus the predicted lethal dose for humans may be about 3 mg kg-1 (15.1 mumol kg-1), while the dose required to produce neuronal damage could well be less.

Effects of three prostaglandin analogues on lysosomal enzyme activities and ultrastructural morphology of luteal cells in the chacma baboon.

The effects were studied of three different prostaglandin analogues on lysosomal cathepsin D and acid phosphatase activities in the corpus luteum of the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus). Lysosomal latency was found to be increased by these agents, as well as the total particulate activities of both enzymes. A comparison of total post-treatment cathepsin D values with control values showed a significant increase in activity with time; this did not apply to acid phosphatase. Concomitant electron microscopic studies showed a higher cellular content of lysosomes, consistent with the greater particulate activities recorded. Definitive evidence of progressive ultrastructural changes was consistently found in corpora lutea from prostaglandin analogue-treated baboons. It is proposed that the mechanism of luteolysis induced by prostaglandin analogues in this primate species is based on induction of the formation of primary lysosomes which cause cellular degeneration through autosegregation and enzymatic digestion of cell organelles in secondary lysosomes.

[The value of hysteroscopy as a gynecological diagnostic procedure]. / Die waarde van histeroskopie as ginekologiese ondersoekprosedure.

There is a worldwide interest in the use of hysteroscopy in the practice of gynaecology. For this reason a prospective study has been undertaken on 168 randomly selected patients admitted to the gynaecological wards to evaluate its usefulness. Pre- and postmenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding were the main indications for evaluating these patients. The picture obtained by hysteroscopic examination was carefully correlated with the histopathological diagnosis in each case. In only 7% of cases the hysteroscopic diagnosis differed from that obtained by histological examination of the endometrium. In 1,8% of cases a hysteroscopic investigation could not be done because of active intra-uterine bleeding. Hysteroscopy could be performed as successfully under paracervical block as under general anaesthesia. The conclusion reached was that hysteroscopy is a most important adjunct in the investigational armamentarium of a gynaecologist.

The action of 5-coordinate triorganotin compounds on rat liver mitochondria.

5-Coordinate tin compounds influence mitochondrial function in the same three ways as triorganotin compounds: (1) they inhibit the energy conservation system like oligomycin, (2) they cause a Cl-/OH- exchange across mitochondrial membranes and (3) at high concentrations they cause large scale swelling. Unlike other triorganotin compounds they inhibit (1) at much lower concentrations than (2) and are as effective as oligomycin. Thhe implications of these findings for the mechanism of reaction of organotins with proteins, enzymes and mitochondria are discussed.

The behavioral and neuropathologic sequelae of intoxication by trimethyltin compounds in the rat.

Trimethyltin, when given by gavage to rats, has an LD50 of 12.6 mg/kg. Signs of poisoning include tremors, hyperexcitability, aggressive behavior, weight loss, and convulsions. After single (10 mg/kg) or repeated weekly doses (a maximum of four) of 4 mg/kg, rats, up to a survival time of 70 days, were perfusion-fixed for light microscopy. Trimethyltin was assayed in brain and blood in rats after similar treatments. Trimethyltin is cumulative and persistent and binds with high affinity to hemoglobin. Trimethyltin, unlike triethyltin, does not produce white matter edema in rats but does cause bilateral and symmetrical neuronal alterations involving the hippocampus (largely sparing the Sommer sector), pyriform cortex, amygdaloid nucleus, and neocortex. The earliest alteration was loss or dispersal of Nissl substance, then clumping of nuclear chromatin, followed by shrinkage and fragmentation of the nucleus within shrunken eosinophilic cytoplasm. These changes were associated with approximately 1.4 microgram trimethyltin/g wet weight in brain tissue 1 day after the second dose of 4 mg/kg or 2 days after a single dose of 10 mg/kg. Signs of poisoning gradually disappeared, and 4 rats surviving 70 days appeared normal, although their brains had severe damage with cell loss in the hippocampi and each pyriform cortex. Treatment of rats with trimethyltin, therefore, provides a chronic preparation with consistent lesions in the hippocampus of use in other behavioral and neuroanatomic studies. (Am J Pathol 97:59--82, 1979).