Making invisible care visible. Ethics and aesthetics of care in participatory arts practices in times of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the importance of care for our societies, yet underscores the inferiority of relational caring practices. During this time, we studied the participatory work of artists working with older adults using participant observations, in-depth interviews and visual ethnography. In this article, we present a case study of one arts initiative, a theatre company engaging seniors in the Netherlands, using ethics and aesthetics of care as sensitising concepts. The findings reveal that this work can promote relational forms of care. This study makes visible how different forms of care can be identified in a participatory art project.

Standardization of a SNP panel for parentage verification and identification in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus).

The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is a valued companion animal throughout the world. Over 60 different cat breeds are accepted for competition by the cat fancy registries in different countries. Genetic markers, including short tandem repeats and SNPs, are available to evaluate and manage levels of inbreeding and genetic diversity, population and breed structure relationships, and individual identification for forensic and registration purposes. The International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) hosts the Applied Genetics in Companion Animals Workshop, which supports the standardization of genetic marker panels and genotyping for the identification of cats via comparison testing. SNP panels have been in development for many species, including the domestic cat. An ISAG approved core panel of SNPs for use in cat identification and parentage analyses is presented. SNPs (n = 121) were evaluated by different university-based and commercial laboratories using 20 DNA samples as part of the ISAG comparison testing procedures. Different SNP genotyping technologies were examined, including DNA arrays, genotyping-by-sequencing and mass spectroscopy, to select a robust and efficient panel of 101 SNPs as the ISAG core panel for cats. The SNPs are distributed across all chromosomes including two on the X chromosome and an XY pseudo-autosomal sexing marker (zinc-finger XY; ZFXY). A population study demonstrated that the markers have an average polymorphic information content of 0.354 and a power of exclusion greater than 0.9999. The SNP panel should keep testing affordable while also allowing for the development of additional panels to monitor health, phenotypic traits, hybrid cats and highly inbred cats.

Flaplessly placed 2.4-mm mini-implants for maxillary overdentures: a prospective multicentre clinical cohort study.

Studies on flaplessly placed, one-piece mini dental implants (MDIs) supporting overdentures in the maxilla are scarce. This prospective multicenter cohort study evaluated the outcomes (over 2 years) of five to six MDIs placed in the maxilla for overdentures. Study patients were ≥50 years old, with an edentulous maxilla and dentate/fixed prosthesis in the mandible. Dentures were provisionalized with the final connection at 6 months. Implant/prosthetic survival was evaluated, and postoperative discomfort and patient satisfaction were assessed (rating scale). Of 185 MDIs placed in 31 patients, 32 failed in 16 patients (17.3%); 22/83 in female patients and 10/102 in male patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed survival percentages of 86.3% (6 months), 84.0% (1year), and 82.3% (2 years). Two patients lost five or six MDIs resulting in two prosthetic failures (6.5%). Implant loss was significantly affected by sex, but not by smoking or location. The worst treatment combination was a torque value >25N·cm with an antagonist implant overdenture. The mean pain score was 4.1±2.8 on day 1 and 1.1±1.7 on day 7. The mean final satisfaction score was 8.6±1.7. The majority (96%) of the patients would recommend this treatment. Despite higher MDI failure in the maxilla compared to the mandible, prosthetic survival was acceptable and patient satisfaction was high, suggesting this to be a valuable treatment alternative.

Effect of short and long range order on crystal structure interpretation: Raman and powder X-ray diffraction of LiPF6.

The structure of LiPF6 has been probed using Raman scattering as well as pXRD and the results are compared and contrasted. The conventional Bragg angle scattering pXRD determines that dry LiPF6 crystallizes in a trigonal structure (Space Group R-3 (148)), while Raman data suggests that the observed structure is close to cubic (Space Group Fm-3m (225)), similar to NaPF6 and KPF6. DFT heat capacity calculations using ab-initio methods for both R-3 and Fm-3m structures show better correlation with the Raman observations. The differences between Raman and pXRD data in LiPF6 appear to be in common with that observed in other materials that are close to phase transitions at the temperature where order/disorder and phase transition processes are known to occur. In these circumstances, Raman spectroscopy emerges as a more sensitive probe of local structural changes than pXRD, which is known to probe the overall average long range order of crystalline materials. The results are interpreted through the relationship between the local symmetry, internal energy and the heat capacity.

Serum levels of mature microRNAs in DICER1-mutated pleuropulmonary blastoma.

DICER1 is a critical gene in the biogenesis of mature microRNAs, short non-coding RNAs that derive from either -3p or -5p precursor microRNA strands. Germline mutations of DICER1 are associated with a range of human malignancies, including pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). Additional somatic 'hotspot' mutations in the microRNA processing ribonuclease IIIb (RNase IIIb) domain of DICER1 are reported in cancer, and which affect microRNA biogenesis, resulting in a -3p mature microRNA strand bias. Here, in a germline (exon11 c.1806_1810insATTGA) DICER1-mutated PPB, we first confirmed the presence of an additional somatic RNase IIIb hotspot mutation (exon25 c.5425G>A [p.G1809R]) by conventional sequencing. Second, we investigated serum levels of mature microRNAs at the time of PPB diagnosis, and compared the findings with serum results from a comprehensive range of pediatric cancer patients and controls (n=52). We identified a panel of 45 microRNAs that were present at elevated levels in the serum at the time of PPB diagnosis, with a significant majority noted be derived from the -3p strand (P=0.013). In addition, we identified a subset of 10 serum microRNAs (namely miR-125a-3p, miR-125b-2-3p, miR-380-5p, miR-125b-1-3p, let-7f-2-3p, let-7a-3p, let-7b-3p, miR-708-3p, miR-138-1-3p and miR-532-3p) that were most abundant in the PPB case. Serum levels of two representative microRNAs, miR-125a-3p and miR-125b-2-3p, were not elevated in DICER1 germline-mutated relatives. In the PPB case, serum levels of miR-125a-3p and miR-125b-2-3p increased before chemotherapy, and then showed an early reduction following treatment. These microRNAs may offer future utility as serum biomarkers for screening patients with known germline DICER1 mutations for early detection of PPB, and for potential disease-monitoring in cases with confirmed PPB.

Tuning the differentiation of periosteum-derived cartilage using biochemical and mechanical stimulations.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim at tuning the differentiation of periosteum in an organ culture model towards cartilage, rich in collagen type II, using combinations of biochemical and mechanical stimuli. We hypothesize that addition of TGF-ß will stimulate chondrogenesis, whereas sliding indentation will enhance collagen synthesis. DESIGN: Periosteum was dissected from the tibiotarsus of 15-day-old chick embryos. Explants were embedded in between two agarose layers, and cultured without stimulation (control), with biochemical stimulation (10 ng/ml TGF-ß1), with mechanical stimulation (sliding indentation), or both biochemical and mechanical stimulations. Sliding indentation was introduced as a method to induce tensile tissue strain. Analysis included quantification of DNA, collagen and GAG content, conventional histology, and immunohistochemistry for collagen type I and II at 1 or 2 weeks of culture. RESULTS: Embedding the periosteal explants in between agarose layers induced cartilage formation, confirmed by synthesis of sGAG and collagen type II. Addition of TGF-ß1 to the culture medium did not further enhance this chondrogenic response. Applying sliding indentation only to the periosteum in between agarose layers enhanced the production of collagen type I, leading to the formation of fibrous tissue without any evidence of cartilage formation. However, when stimulated by both TGF-ß1 and sliding indentation, collagen production was still enhanced, but now collagen type II, while sGAG was found to be similar to TGF-ß1 or unloaded samples. CONCLUSIONS: The type of tissue produced by periosteal explants can be tuned by combining mechanical stimulation and soluble factors. TGF-ß1 stimulated a chondrocyte phenotype and sliding indentation stimulated collagen synthesis. Such a combination may be valuable for improvement of the quality of tissue-engineered cartilage.

Raman analysis of ancient pigments on a tile from the Citadel of Algiers.

A micro-Raman spectroscopy study of a multi-coloured (yellow, blue, white, redish-brown and brown-black) tile shard from the Citadel of Algiers was undertaken. XRD and EDX were used as complementary techniques. The study shows that the heterogeneous three-shade yellow pigment on the tile is composed largely of the ancient ternary (Pb-Sn-Sb) pyrochlore oxide with a dominant Pb-O vibration at 127 cm(-1) consistent with the Pb2SnSbO6.5 structure as verified by XRD. The literature assignment of this band at 132 cm(-1) probably comes from a mixture of pigments. The redish-brown and the brown-black pigments are found to be Naples yellow (Pb2Sb2O7) and lead(II) stannate (Pb2SnO4), respectively, while cobalt blue (CoAl2O4) gives the blue colour and cassiterite (SnO2) is the origin of the white colour. The bulk of the tile body is composed mainly of hematite (alpha-Fe2O3), maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4) and Quartz (alpha-SiO2) with traces of calcite (CaCO3) and amorphous carbon. Micro-Raman spectroscopy proved to be very useful in the characterization of pigments as well as the tile body. These results further establish Raman spectroscopy as a technique of choice for the analysis of pigments on archaeological artifacts. The results obtained here could be used in the restoration and preservation programme of the Citadel itself which stands today as a symbol of pre-colonial Algerian heritage.

SELDI-TOF MS serum protein profiles in breast cancer: assessment of robustness and validity.

There is an urgent need for new serum markers that can be applied in e.g. the early detection of breast cancer. Following detection of new, potential biomarkers, such as those reported by Vlahou et al. (Clin Breast Cancer 2003;4:230-239) and Laronga et al. (Dis Markers 2003;19:229-238), assessment of both their robustness and validity is essential to confirm their clinical applicability. We therefore aimed to determine robustness and validity of biomarkers reported by the authors mentioned, by analysis of an independent sample set (breast cancer: n=47, normal women: n=45) in our laboratory, according to the methods described by both authors. Although all markers for the differentiation between breast cancer patients and normal women, discovered in the study of Vlahou et al., were recovered in our validation data set, none had sufficient performance to be applied as a classifier. The markers discovered by Laronga et al. in the differentiation between lymph node positive and -negative breast cancer patients were in part recovered from our validation data set, but were also not applicable as a classifier. In conclusion, although (part of) the proteins discovered and designated as markers by either author could be detected, their validity as biomarkers could not be confirmed by the current study. This finding stresses that, when reporting on a potential biomarker, confirmation of both robustness and validity is essential in obtaining its true clinical applicability.

A randomized study comparing interferon (IFN alpha) plus low-dose cytarabine and interferon plus hydroxyurea (HU) in early chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

This multicenter randomized phase III study was designed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IFN alpha-2c (3.5 MU/d) in combination with either araC (10 mg/m(2) d1-10) or hydroxyurea (HU: 25 mg/kg per day) in newly diagnosed CML patients. A total of 114 patients were randomized. Following a median observation period of 36 (range 1-73) months the major cytogenetic response rates were 25 and 27% and the 4-year survival probabilities 62.5 and 63% for the araC and HU group, respectively. While the overall toxicity profile was comparable between both groups, patients in the HU arm exhibited a slightly higher degree of WHO grades 3 and 4 non-hematological toxicities.

Involvement of aspirin-sensitive oxylipins in vulvovaginal candidiasis.

3(R)-Hydroxyoxylipins are produced via an aspirin-sensitive pathway in Candida albicans, an abundant pathogen in vulvovaginal candidiasis. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of aspirin on vaginal isolates of C. albicans from patients with recurrent candidiasis. Aspirin alone and with clotrimazole, a commonly used drug, strongly suppressed growth of C. albicans. 3(R)-Hydroxyoxylipins, which were selectively located in hyphae and other filamentous structures, but not in free blastospores, were almost totally suppressed by aspirin. Moreover, C. albicans stimulated prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in HeLa cells. PGE(2) is a stimulus for germ tube formation in C. albicans. We conclude therefore that the administration of aspirin should be beneficial in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis by dual ways: (i) by inhibition of 3(R)-hydroxyoxylipin formation, and (ii) by inhibition of PGE(2) formation in the infected host tissue.

Quality of life and depressive symptoms in patients suffering from sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Apart from the disease status, chronically ill patients are confronted with stressors like dependence, limitations in mobility and physical complaints. Data on patients with sarcoidosis, however, are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life (QOL) and the influence of QOL factors on depressive symptoms in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with histologically proven sarcoidosis participated in this study. Significant co-morbidity was excluded. The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) was used to determine the QOL. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), of which a subset of items measured cognitive symptoms, the Cognitive Depression Index (CDI). Disease status was assessed by pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, Dco), complaints and illness duration. To control for a confounding cognitive style of self-report, the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) was administered. RESULTS: The major complaint was fatigue. QOL was related to the perception of complaints, but not to the assessed disease status. In a multivariate regression 86% of the variance could be explained in BDI-scores, and 83% in CDI-scores. After controlling for demographical factors, disease status and cognitive style, QOL contributed to the regression, explaining another 17% of variance of BDI-scores as well as CDI-scores. Problems with sleeping were associated positively with depressive symptoms in general (beta = 0.38) and depressive cognitions only (beta = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: In sarcoidosis, QOL factors were associated with depressive symptoms. These results suggest that patients with sarcoidosis may profit from attention to the psychosocial as well as the somatic aspects of this disease.

Testicular juvenile granulosa cell and Sertoli cell tumours: a clinicopathological study of 29 cases from the Kiel Paediatric Tumour Registry.

Testicular Sertoli cell tumours (SCT) and juvenile granulosa cell tumours (JGCT) are rare in childhood. This study was designed to investigate the clinical picture, morphology and disease course in a comparatively large series of cases (total number = 29). Of 198 cases of childhood testicular tumour documented in the Kiel Paediatric Tumour Registry 18 were cases of infantile SCT (9.1%) and 11 of JGCT (5.6%). The average age at the time of diagnosis was 4.2 months for infantile SCT and 0.4 months for IGCT. SCT and JGCT often showed infiltrative growth into adjacent testicular tissue, dense cellularity and considerable proliferation activity. Immunohistochemically all cases expressed vimentin intermediate filaments in both tumour types. Next in frequency of expression were cytokeratins (SCT: 7/16; JGCT: 7/10) and smooth-muscle actin (SCT: 9/15; JGCT: 4/10). Follow-up studies (24/29) showed that in cases of tumour manifestation in infancy and after complete tumour removal (usually orchiectomy) no local recurrences and no metastases occurred. The most important conclusion for diagnosis and therapy is that despite infiltrative growth, incomplete differentiation, dense cellularity and considerable proliferation activity, after surgical excision infantile SCT and JGCT have a good prognosis. Adjuvant chemotherapy or more extensive operations with lymphadenectomy are thus not indicated.

In vitro lipolysis of human VLDL: effect of different VLDL compositions in normolipidemia, familial combined hyperlipidemia and familial hypertriglyceridemia.

Suboptimal lipolysis of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) due to reduced substrate affinity for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) may contribute to the accumulation of apolipoprotein (apo) B in familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) or the characteristic increase in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHTG). To investigate this hypothesis in detail, the VLDL composition and substrate affinity for lipoprotein lipase was determined in 22 normolipidemic controls, 16 FCH probands, and 12 FHTG subjects. VLDL from FCH subjects were enriched in cholesterol and phospholipid. VLDL from FHTG subjects were enriched in triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipid. Potential apolipoprotein regulators of LPL activity including apo C-II, apo C-III and apo E were not significantly different between FCH and controls when expressed per VLDL apo B. High apo C-III concentrations were present in FHTG-VLDL, and the apo C-III/E-ratio was significantly higher than in FCH- and control-VLDL. An increase of C-III-0, the desialylated isoform, was observed in FHTG-VLDL. The kinetic indicators for in vitro triglyceride hydrolysis by LPL, KM and VMAX, were not significantly different between the groups. KM values measured in vitro were remarkably and consistently high (1.54 mmol VLDL-TG/I), predicting saturation of LPL when VLDL-TG levels exceed 5.5 mmol/l (2 times KM + 2S.D.). In conclusion, VLDL from individuals with FCH or FHTG are normal substrate for lipoprotein lipase in spite of significant differences in lipid and apolipoprotein composition. The high apo C-III content of FHTG-VLDL supports a role in the expression of hypertriglyceridemia.

Apolipoprotein E2/E3/E4 genotyping with agarose gels.

Here we report an improved, simple method to assign the human apolipoprotein (apo) E genotype and its isoforms, apo E2, apo E3, and apo E4. Genomic DNA was amplified with specific primers that included the polymorphic region of amino acids 112 and 158. Digestion of the product with Hhal resulted in unique fragments that were separated on Meta-Phor agarose instead of polyacrylamide. The pattern of unique DNA fragments obtained unequivocally characterizes the different apo E alleles.

17 beta-Estradiol improves postprandial lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.

We studied the effect of 2 mg micronized 17 beta-estradiol replacement therapy, administered orally during 6 weeks, on postprandial lipid and retinyl palmitate (RP) metabolism. In the human postprandial state, atherogenic chylomicron remnant particles are produced. RP is incorporated into the core of newly synthesized chylomicrons and can be used as a marker of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants. Six normolipidemic (plasma cholesterol, 5.63 +/- 0.83 mmol/L; plasma triglycerides, 1.47 +/- 0.69 mmol/L) postmenopausal women (amenorrhea > 1 yr; aged 55.5 +/- 4.0 yr) received an oral fat load (50 g/m2 fat as cream, with 60,000 IU RP/m2) before and after 6 weeks of 17 beta-estradiol treatment. Plasma RP areas under the curve decreased significantly from 27.1 +/- 15.9 to 16.6 +/- 13.2 mg/h.L-1 (P = 0.01). Fasting cholesterol concentrations in intermediate density lipoproteins decreased significantly. Fasting and postprandial plasma triglyceride levels did not change. These findings indicated that 17 beta-estradiol improved the postprandial elimination of potentially atherogenic lipoprotein remnants.

Postprandial apolipoprotein B100 and B48 metabolism in familial combined hyperlipidaemia before and after reduction of fasting plasma triglycerides.

Hepatic VLDL overproduction in familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) may delay the clearance of atherogenic apolipoprotein (apo) B containing particles. We investigated if normalization of fasting plasma triglycerides (TG) by hypolipidaemic treatment results in improved metabolism of apo B48 and apo B100 in six male subjects with FCH and compared them to six normolipidaemic controls. The FCH patients were studied before (TG, 5.2 +/- 1.2 mmol l-1; mean +/- SEM) and after therapy (TG, 2.1 +/- 0.3 mmol l-1) with either simvastatin (n = 4) or combined therapy with gemfibrozil (n = 2). The postprandial changes of apo B100 and apo B48 were studied after a single oral fat meal (24 h; 50 gram fat m-2). Changes in triglyceride rich particles (TRP; d < 1.006 g ml-1) and remnant fractions (REM; d:1.006-1.019 g ml-1) of apo B were quantitated by scanning silverstained SDS-PAGE (4-15%). Apo B48 in fasting TRP in untreated and treated FCH was 15% and 14% of total apo B, and 6% in controls (P < 0.05). In controls, postprandial B48 increased maximally at 4 h by 81% in TRP and by 137% in REM compared to baseline. In treated FCH, the postprandial apo B48 pattern normalized in TRP compared to the untreated state. Postprandial apo B100 in controls decreased in TRP and REM by 33% and 18% (P < 0.05). In untreated and treated FCH, postprandial apo B100 remained unchanged vs. baseline in TRP and in REM suggesting hypersecretion of VLDL. The elimination of B100--assessed as area under the curve--in TRP (32.5 +/- 3.6 au.h; mean +/- SEM) and REM fractions (33.2 +/- 3.1 au.h), improved significantly after treatment (21.0 +/- 2.8 and 20.4 +/- 3.3 au.h, respectively). The apo B48 clearance in TRP fractions was improved after treatment (4.3 +/- 1.4 au.h vs. 2.9 +/- 1.2 au.h; P = 0.06), but not in REM fractions (2.8 +/- 1.0 au.h vs. 1.8 +/- 0.5 au.h; NS). In conclusion, in FCH subjects with apo B100 hypersecretion and increased fasting plasma apo B48 levels, reduction of fasting plasma TG improved, but did not normalize, TRP apo B48 and B100 metabolism. However, therapy normalized postprandial apo B100 remnant metabolism. Impaired postprandial apo B metabolism may be instrumental in the development of premature atherosclerosis in FCH subjects.

The use of homologous veins in arterial reconstructions. An experimental study.

In order to evaluate under what conditions the use of venous homografts could yield the best results. 230 arterial reconstructions were performed in mongrel dogs bypassing their ligated femoral arteries. Cumulative 6-month patency-rates were: Group 1: Prosthetic materials: a) Dacron grafts: 48%, b) PTFE grafts: 53%. Group 2: Fresh veins: a) autografts: 100%, b) allografts: 37%, c) allografts treated with cyclosporin 4 mg/kg.day for one month: 74% (100% after one month). Group 3: Veins preserved in saline at 4 degrees C. for one month: a) autografts: 44%, b) allografts: 34%. Group 4: Frozen veins preserved in saline at -70 degrees C. for one month: a) autografts: 58%, b) allografts: 47%. Group 5: Veins preserved in glutaraldehyde 0.25% for one month: a) autografts: 26%, b) allografts: 22%. Group 6: Veins preserved in 15% DMSO in Hanks solution at -160 degrees C for one month: a) autografts: 77%, b) allografts: 35%, c) allografts treated with cyclosporin 4 mg/kg.day for one month: 72%, d) allografts treated with methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg.day for one month: 38%, e) allografts treated with cyclosporin 4 mg/kg and methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg daily for one month: 83%. Fresh veins and veins preserved in 15% DMSO at -160 degrees C. are viable but immunologically active grafts. In allografts rejection phenomena cause a relatively high occlusion rate which, however, can be prevented with low dose cyclosporin. The optimal duration of immunosuppressive therapy remains to be determined. Veins stored at 4 degrees C or at -70 degrees C are not viable and only weakly antigenic. Their results are not better than those obtained with prosthetic material.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations associated with lipolytic activities in eight kindreds with familial combined hyperlipidemia and normolipidemic subjects.

The relationship between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) was studied in 58 untreated patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) from eight different kindreds, 17 spouse controls, and 17 unrelated controls. Lp(a) plasma concentrations were not significantly different between FCH subjects (343 +/- 61 mg/L, mean +/- SEM) and controls (249 +/- 52 mg/L). In FCH, log-transformed Lp(a) levels correlated positively with postheparin lipoprotein lipase ([LPL] r = .61, P = .0002) and hepatic lipase ([HL] r = .46, P = .008) activities and total plasma cholesterol level (r = .30, P = .03). In controls, Lp(a) correlated with LPL (r = .50, P = .04) and total plasma cholesterol level (r = .51, P = .003). In eight FCH patients, treatment with the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor simvastatin resulted in significantly increased mean LPL activities and plasma Lp(a) concentrations. In three of these FCH patients, repeated measurements during 1 year demonstrated that changes in Lp(a) concentrations were paralleled by similar changes in LPL activity, but not HL activity. The observed correlation between postheparin plasma lipolytic activities and Lp(a) plasma concentrations suggests a connection between the metabolism of TRL and Lp(a).

Impaired chylomicron remnant clearance in familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Postprandial chylomicron remnant clearance was studied in six patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) and seven control subjects by using an oral retinyl palmitate (RP) fat-loading test. The chylomicron remnant clearance (Sf < 1,000 fraction), expressed as the area under the RP curve (AUC-RP), was delayed in FCH subjects (65.05 +/- 12.84 hours x [mg/L]) compared with control subjects (25.1 +/- 5.4 hours x [mg/L]; p = 0.01). Postprandial lipoprotein particle size and composition in the Sf > 1,000 fraction were different between FCH and control subjects as analyzed by molecular-sieve chromatography. Fasting high density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in FCH patients (0.54 +/- 0.09 mmol/L) than in control subjects (0.89 +/- 0.05 mmol/L; p < 0.01). Mean plasma postheparin lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities were similar between FCH patients (94 +/- 25 and 427 +/- 57 milliunits/mL, respectively) and control subjects (126 +/- 16 and 362 +/- 33 milliunits/mL, respectively). In FCH, a 54% reduction (p < 0.05) of plasma triglycerides to 2.63 +/- 0.41 mmol/L by drug treatment resulted in an enhanced, but not normalized, clearance of chylomicron remnants (39.4 +/- 6.0 hours x [mg/L]). Univariate regression analysis revealed that in FCH subjects the changes in fasting plasma apolipoprotein C-III concentrations after therapy were significantly associated with the changes in chylomicron remnant AUC-RP (r = 0.87; p = 0.02). Delayed elimination of atherogenic chylomicron remnants may contribute to the increased risk of premature atherosclerosis in FCH.