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Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) can develop after an injury to the knee. Previous studies have indicated that an intra‐articular (IA) injection of the potent glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) may significantly prevent induction of PTOA. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a single IA injection of hyaluronic acid (HA), alone and in combination with DEX following a localized intra‐articular injury as a PTOA‐preventing treatment option. An established rabbit model of surgical injury consisting of dual intra‐articular (IA) drill holes in a non‐cartilaginous area of the femoral notch near the origin of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to allow for bleeding into the joint space was used. Immediately following surgery, subjects were treated with HA, HA + DEX, or received no treatment. An uninjured control group was used for comparison (N = 5/group). Rabbits were sacrificed and investigated at 9 weeks post‐injury. At 9 weeks post‐injury, there was a significant protective capacity of the single IA treatment of DEX + HA on the histological grade of the synovial tissue, and some variable location‐specific effects of HA alone and HA + DEX interactions on cartilage damage. Thus, it is possible that co‐treatment with HA may interfere with the effectiveness of the DEX. In vitro friction testing indicated that DEX did not interfere with the lubricating ability of HA or synovial fluid on cartilage. These results suggest that a single IA administration of HA in combination with DEX following an IA injury is not recommended for inhibition of PTOA progression in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Price promotions are a promising intervention for encouraging healthier food purchasing. We aimed to assess the impact of a targeted direct marketing price promotion combined with healthy eating advice and recipe suggestions on the purchase of selected healthier foods by low income consumers. Methods We conducted a randomised controlled trial ( n = 53 367) of a direct marketing price promotion (Buywell) combined with healthy eating advice and recipe suggestions for low income consumers identified as 'less healthy' shoppers. Impact was assessed using electronic point of sale data for UK low income shoppers before, during and after the promotion. Results The proportion of customers buying promoted products in the intervention month increased by between 1.4% and 2.8% for four of the five products. There was significantly higher uptake in the promotion month ( P < 0.001) for the intervention group than would have been expected on the basis of average uptake in the other months. When product switching was examined for semi-skimmed/skimmed milk, a modest increase (1%) was found in the intervention month of customers switching from full-fat to low-fat milk. This represented 8% of customers who previously bought only full-fat milk. The effects were generally not sustained after the promotion period. Conclusions Short-term direct marketing price promotions combined with healthy eating advice and recipe suggestions targeted at low income consumers are feasible and can have a modest impact on short-term food-purchasing behaviour, although further approaches are needed to help sustain these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Recurrence of cranial bone fusion following surgical resection in craniosynostosis patients commonly requires additional surgical procedures. Surgical implantation of engineered 3D scaffolds that control tissue mineralization could be utilized to diminish recurrence of fusion. This study investigated the ability of composite scaffolds to control tissue mineralization when cultured in vitro.Setting and Sample Population: Precision-engineered scaffolds with calvarial cells were cultured in vitro at the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Michigan.Material& Methods: Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated using a novel precision extrusion deposition technique. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel was coated onto select scaffolds to inhibit mineralization. MC3T3E1(C4) calvarial cells were cultured with scaffolds in media containing ascorbate and phosphate to promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Scaffolds were assayed for osteoblast differentiation by alkaline phosphatase assay. Scaffolds were assayed for mineralization by nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) and by von Kossa staining of histologic sections.Results: MC3T3E1(C4) cells differentiated into osteoblasts and formed mineral when cultured on uncoated PCL scaffolds. MC3T3E1(C4) cells were significantly diminished in their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts when cultured on hydrogel-coated scaffold.Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that this novel printing technology can be used to fabricate 3D scaffolds to promote and inhibit tissue mineralization in a region-specific manner. Future studies are needed to establish utility of such scaffolds in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assiduous measures are taken to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus ( HBV) to infants; it is unclear whether the mothers receive appropriate care for their chronic HBV. We sought to assess the quality of HBV care in hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg)-positive mothers following pregnancy. HBsAg-positive women ( n = 243) who had sought prenatal care at Massachusetts General Hospital were retrospectively identified and charts reviewed. The primary outcome was adherence to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases ( AASLD) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Over one-third (37%) of women were first diagnosed with HBV infection at a prenatal visit. One-third (32%) did not undergo timely liver function test measurements. HBV DNA was never measured in 26% and was untimely in 34% of patients. One-third (34%) of the women were at high-risk for HCC based on AASLD criteria, yet only 33% of these women underwent timely imaging. Nearly half (49%) never saw a liver specialist for their HBV care. In multivariate analysis, women were 3.7 times more likely to have a timely ALT and 8.1 times more likely to have a timely HBV DNA if they were followed by a liver specialist ( P = 0.001, <0.001). We demonstrate remarkably inadequate and discontinuous HBV care for chronically infected mothers following pregnancy. As HBV infection is already being identified prenatally, quality improvement measures encompassing obstetricians, primary care providers and hepatologists are needed to ensure that HBV-infected women are linked to care postpregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Energy density ( ED) is a measure of the energy content of a food component or diet relative to a standard unit of weight. Widespread variation in ED assessment methodologies exist. The present study aimed to explore the feasibility of calculating the ED of the Scottish diet using UK food purchase survey data and to identify the most appropriate method for calculating ED for use in the development of a Scottish Dietary Goal that captures any socioeconomic differences. Methods Energy density was calculated using five different methods [food; food and milk; food, milk and energy containing (non-alcoholic) beverages; food, milk and all non-alcoholic beverages; and all food and beverages]. ED of the Scottish diet was estimated for each of the ED methods and data were examined by deprivation category. Results Mean ED varied from 409 to 847 kJ 100 g-1 depending on the method used. ED values calculated from food (847 kJ 100 g-1) and food and milk (718 kJ 100 g-1) were most comparable to other published data, with the latter being a more accurate reflection of all food consumed. For these two methods, there was a significant gradient between the most and least deprived quintiles (892-807 and 737-696 kJ 100 g-1 for food and food and milk, respectively). Conclusions Because the World Cancer Research Fund recommendations are based on ED from food and milk, it was considered prudent to use this method for policy purposes and for future monitoring work of the Scottish Diet to ensure consistency of reporting and comparability with other published studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have drastically improved the quality of life for people with HIV infection. However, owing to the persistence of latent HIV in the presence of therapy, patients must remain on therapy indefinitely. Currently, the solution to the HIV pandemic rests on the prevention of new infections and many decades of ART for the steadily expanding number of people infected worldwide. ART is costly, requires ongoing medical care, and can have side effects, thereby preventing its universal availability. Therefore, to escape the ironic burdens of therapy, efforts have begun to develop treatments for latent HIV infection. Current approaches propose either complete eradication of infection or induction of a state of stringent control over viral replication without ART. This review will discuss these strategies in detail and their potential for clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food skills programmes are widely used as a means to improve confidence in food preparation, the use of basic food skills and food selections amongst low income communities. However, the impact of such interventions are rarely evaluated as a result of a lack of validated assessment tools appropriate for use within this target group. Methods: A two-page questionnaire utilising a closed-question format was designed based on key domains known to be influenced by cooking skills programmes. Content validity was assessed by a panel of public health experts and face validity by individuals, typical of those who may attend cooking skills classes. Internal and repeat reliability were assessed with groups of adults attending community-based classes. The feasibility of using the tool in community settings was also assessed. Results: The draft questionnaire was amended as appropriate subsequent to content and face validity testing. Cronbach's alpha for confidence and knowledge sections was 0.86 and 0.84, respectively, indicating good internal consistency. Spearman correlation coefficients for repeat reliability testing between time 1 and time 2 for each item were in the range 0.46-0.91 (all significant at P < 0.001), indicating that the questionnaire elicited stable responses for repeated use. Feasibility testing highlighted the need for detailed instructions for course tutors on how to distribute and check questionnaires for completion. Conclusions: This tool provides a standardised method of evaluating cooking skills interventions that could be utilised in the development and evaluation of multicentre cooking skills interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Hypomagnesemia has been shown to have several clinically important sequelae. The aims of this study were: to assess the impact of bowel preparation, with sodium picosulphate (Picolax®), on plasma electrolytes, with particular regard to plasma magnesium, in patients undergoing bowel preparation for colonoscopy and colorectal resection and to evaluate the influence of perioperative magnesium levels on postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias. Method Sixty-one patients receiving sodium picosulphate (Picolax®) bowel preparation were studied in two groups: Colonoscopy (31 patients) and Colorectal resection (30 patients). Plasma sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, urea, creatinine and blood haematocrit were measured in all patients prior to commencement of bowel preparation, at the time of colonoscopy or colorectal resection and 24 h postoperatively (surgery group only). Mean electrolyte and haematocrit levels were then compared. Postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias were recorded and analysed. Results No significant changes following bowel preparation were observed in plasma sodium, potassium, calcium or creatinine. Plasma urea fell following bowel preparation (colonoscopy P < 0.001, resection P = 0.004) and rose following resection ( P = 0.002). Magnesium levels increased following bowel preparation in both groups (colonoscopy P < 0.001, resection P = 0.007) and fell following resection ( P < 0.001). Thirty-four per cent (21/60 patients) were hypermagnesemic following bowel preparation and 20% (6/30 patients) became hypomagnesemic following surgery. Postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias were associated with lower magnesium levels at induction and postoperatively ( P = 0.022 and P = 0.033). Conclusion Bowel preparation with Picolax® does not appear to cause significant electrolyte disturbance, except in elevating plasma magnesium. Postcolorectal resection plasma magnesium dropped significantly suggesting perioperative monitoring and replacement should be routine following colorectal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of using analysis of hormone content of whale blow samples to assess reproductive function is addressed. A suitable collection method and analytical technique using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been developed. Blow samples were collected opportunistically from free-ranging humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae) ( n= 35) and North Atlantic right whales ( Eubalaena glacialis) ( n= 18) using a 13-m carbon fiber pole with a collection device. Samples were analyzed for the presence of testosterone and progesterone using a 55% isocratic gradient with LC-MS. Testosterone was detected in four humpback whale samples and eight northern right whale samples. Progesterone was detected in seven humpback whale samples and eight northern right whale samples. This is the first documented use of lung mucosa to determine the presence of reproductive hormones in any free-swimming cetacean and may provide a novel non-invasive technique to quantify the hormonal condition of free-swimming animals that spend brief periods of time at the water's surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increasing intakes of dietary antioxidants may help to reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals and provide protection against the progression of a number of chronic diseases. The present study aimed to estimate the antioxidant intake from fruits and vegetables in the UK and Scottish population and to examine consumption models to identify potential strategies to optimize antioxidant intake from these foods. Methods This was a retrospective study of cross-sectional data on fruit and vegetable intake in relation to antioxidant intake. Antioxidant capacity of individual fruits and vegetables was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and data on quantity and frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables determined from National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2000–2001. Results Mean antioxidant intake in UK population from fruits and vegetables varied by region. In the Scottish sample ( n = 123), mean antioxidant intake was estimated at 680 ± 689 μmol day−1 with 92% subjects consuming <400 g of fruits and vegetables per day. Consumption data showed that strawberries, apples, orange citrus fruits, purple broccoli and cauliflower were the top five sources of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables in the Scottish population. Conclusions Appropriate selection of fruits and vegetables would help to achieve a higher antioxidant intake with the potential to produce significant health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective An adequate lymph node harvest is necessary for accurate Dukes’ stage discrimination in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of variables, including the individual surgeon and pathologist, on lymph node harvest in a single institution. Method Three hundred and eighty one consecutive patients had resection for colorectal cancer, in a single unit. Factors influencing lymph node retrieval, including individual surgeon and reporting pathologist, were subjected to uni- and multivariate analysis. Actuarial survival of all patients with Dukes’ stage B and C disease was then calculated and survival compared between Dukes’ stage B and C at differing levels of lymph node harvest. Results The unit median lymph node harvest was 13 nodes/patient (95% CI 13.1–14.5). There was no difference in lymph node harvest between specialist colorectal surgeons and the pooled results of four nonspecialist consultant surgeons. However, there was a significant difference between reporting pathologists ( P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, operation type, operative urgency, Dukes’ stage, T-stage, reporting pathologist and use of neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer, were found to significantly affect lymph node retrieval. On multivariate analysis, operation type, T-stage, reporting pathologist and neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer remained significant variables. Patients with one or more lymph node metastasis had greater nodal harvests than those without (median 15 vs 12 P = 0.02). Survival of patients with Dukes’ stage B disease was found to improve as lymph node harvest increased. Conclusion Overall lymph node harvest, in this unit, varied according to the reporting pathologist but not operating surgeon. As lymph node harvest increased to 15 per patient, the probability of identifying a metastatic node increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lower birth weight, often found in infants from minority ethnic groups, may be partly because of the disproportionate representation of ethnic minority groups in low-income areas. To develop an intervention, to improve the nutritional intake of young women from populations at risk of low-birth-weight babies, which would be culturally sensitive and well received by the intended recipients, a community development approach was used to investigate factors that might influence food choice and the nutritional intake of girls and young women from ethnic minority groups. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted across the UK, to explore factors that might affect the food choices of girls and young women of African and South Asian decent. The data was analysed using deductive content analysis (Qual. Soc. Res., 1, 2000, 1). Discussions were around the broad themes of buying and preparing food, eating food and dietary changes, and ideas for an intervention to improve diet. Results The focus group discussions indicated that all the communities took time, price, health and availability into consideration when making food purchases. The groups were also quite similar in their use of ‘Western’ foods which tended to be of the fast food variety. These foods were used when there was not enough time to prepare a ‘traditional’ meal. Conclusion Many issues that affect the food choice of people who move to the UK are common within different ethnic groups. The idea of a practical intervention based on improving cooking skills was popular with all the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells and remains an incurable disease because of the development of drug resistance. Histone deacytylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a new class of chemotherapeutic reagents that cause growth arrest and apoptosis of neoplastic cells. Depsipeptide, a new member of the HDAC inhibitors, was found to be safe in humans and has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancers. In order to evaluate the effects of depsipeptide, a MM cell line, U266 [interleukin (IL)-6 dependent], was analysed for viability and apoptosis. The combined effect of depsipeptide with melphalan and changes in BCL-2 family proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAX and MCL-1) were also investigated. In addition, the RPMI 8226 cell line (IL-6 independent), and primary patient myeloma cells were also analysed for apoptosis after depsipeptide treatment. Depsipeptide induced apoptosis in both U266 and RPMI 8226 cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, and in primary patient myeloma cells. We also demonstrated that depsipeptide had an additive effect with melphalan (10 μmol/l). BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 showed decreased expression in depsipeptide-treated samples. Based on recent clinical trials demonstrating minimal clinical toxicity, our study supports the future clinical utilization of depsipeptide in the management of MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of gas-exchange measurements (minicuvette system and porometer), photosynthesis and its light dependence was investigated on attached leaves of different varieties of faba beans. The results showed no relevant difference in photosynthetic capacity for the varieties. This is true also for parameters calculated from light dependence, i.e. light compensation point, light saturation, and quantum yield. Generally, the light compensation point lay under 50 µE PAR/m²/s and light saturation was reached at about 1400 µE PAR/m²/s. Photosynthesis was strongly dependent on leaf age and difference in photosynthetic capacity due to different varieties could be excluded as an essential reason for different rates of flowers dropping and pod dropping in faba beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphocytes were obtained from the inflamed retinas of Lewis rats with S antigen (S-Ag)-induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). In early disease 81% of these were CD4+ T cells. Thirty-four per cent of retinal CD4+ T cells expressed the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) and 95% were CD45R&online;. These phenotypes contrast sharply with those of peripheral blood and lymph node CD4+ T cells isolated from EAU rats and confirm a high level of CD4+ T-cell activation in the retina in early disease. Although the relative proportions of CD8+ T cells increased in late disease, so did those of B cells and CD45R+ CD4+ T cells. We did not find clear evidence of a selective retention of CD8+ T cells in the retinas in late disease. Proliferation assays using retinal preparations demonstrated modest but significant responses to both S-Ag and the purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD) compared with lymph node preparations. The S-Ag response was abrogated by anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II monoclonal antibody (mAb). Lymphocyte preparations from inflamed retinas have not been examined previously in vitro but are likely to be useful in defining the precise function of CD4+ T cells during the course of EAU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the later stages of soluble-antigen (sAg)-induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), an increase in the relative number of CD8+ lymphocytes has been observed at the site of inflammation in the retina. It has been suggested that these late-appearing CD8+ cells might downregulate this acute disease process. To determine the role of the CD8+ cells in EAU, Lewis rats were depleted of CD8+ cells prior to and during disease and the enucleated eyes examined histologically. The spleen cells from CD8-depleted rats were also examined for their ability to respond to concanavalin A (Con A) and to allogeneic targets as determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and cytotoxicity assays. The results suggest that depleting CD8+ cells had no effect on the course of disease and that CD8+ cells do not play a crucial role in the immunoregulation of EAU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The induction of α-amylase synthesis in barley aleurone by cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate or GA3 was inhibited by abscisic acid. The concentration of ABA required to inhibit α-amylase induction by the cyclic nucleotide in the extract was one-fiftieth to one hundredth of that required for GA3-induced α-amylase. it is concluded that the effects of ABA on GA3 and cyclic nucleotide induced α-amylase synthesis in the aleurone are independent and indirect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this article are twofold: to replicate the factors that were considered by psychologists R.B. Cattell and I.H. Scheier to be factors identifiable across studies, and to amplify the "meaning" of these factors by including additional psychological and physiological variables not found in previous studies. A female subject was measured on the same 68 variables for 99 occasions, and a P-technique factor analysis was performed on the correlation matrix that resulted from the correlation of variables across occasions. Results indicated that eight factors were matched reasonably with the previous work.

This study represents an attempt to assess whether or not self-report measures of personality, motivation, and marriage dimensions significantly predict actual behaviors. Ninety-four graduate student couples acted as subjects and all were given the Marriage Role Questionnaire (MRQ), the Sixteen Personality Factor Test (16 PF), and the Motivation Analysis Test (MAT). Results indicated that for each of the eight "life data" criteria considered, significant prediction was possible from the personality, motivation, or marriage role variables. Analyses were conducted separately for husbands and wives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To further develop the Personal Beliefs about Illness Questionnaire (PBIQ), which reflects current constructs of social rank theory in relation to people experiencing psychosis., Method: Drawing on extensive clinical and research experience and after consultation with other mental health professionals and service users, 17 new items were added to 12 from the original 16 PBIQ questions. These made up five theoretical constructs (entrapment, loss, social marginalization, shame, and control). A total of 150 people who had just experienced a first episode of psychosis completed the newly devised PBIQ-R. To test the validity of its five subscales, a small sub-sample (N= 66) for whom follow-up data was available also completed measures of depression, insight, and other social rank appraisals., Results: All five subscales of the PBIQ-R were found to be reliable, valid, and sensitive to change., Conclusions: Although the PBIQ-R was not designed to produce an overall 'personal beliefs about illness' score, its five subscales provide a rapid and valid method to assess and measure common psychological reactions to a first episode of psychosis. It will have relevance for use in older, multiple episode samples although further validation may be needed., (©2012 The British Psychological Society.)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells and remains an incurable disease because of the development of drug resistance. Histone deacytylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a new class of chemotherapeutic reagents that cause growth arrest and apoptosis of neoplastic cells. Depsipeptide, a new member of the HDAC inhibitors, was found to be safe in humans and has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancers. In order to evaluate the effects of depsipeptide, a MM cell line, U266 [interleukin (IL)-6 dependent], was analysed for viability and apoptosis. The combined effect of depsipeptide with melphalan and changes in BCL-2 family proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAX and MCL-1) were also investigated. In addition, the RPMI 8226 cell line (IL-6 independent), and primary patient myeloma cells were also analysed for apoptosis after depsipeptide treatment. Depsipeptide induced apoptosis in both U266 and RPMI 8226 cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, and in primary patient myeloma cells. We also demonstrated that depsipeptide had an additive effect with melphalan (10 micromol/l). BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 showed decreased expression in depsipeptide-treated samples. Based on recent clinical trials demonstrating minimal clinical toxicity, our study supports the future clinical utilization of depsipeptide in the management of MM.

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is an important transcription factor that regulates survival in many cells. Activated NF-kappa B has been shown to protect some haematopoietic neoplastic cells from apoptosis. In the present study, we analysed NF-kappa B status in 13 primary samples from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and in four myeloma cell lines including U266, RPMI 8226, HS-Sultan and K620. Constitutive activation of NF-kappa B was evaluated by either immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence using a monoclonal mouse anti-human p65 (Rel A) antibody, which recognizes the unbound, active form of p65 (Rel A). Constitutively active NF-kappa B was present in all MM patient samples as well as in all four myeloma cell lines. Inhibition of constitutively active NF-kappa B, by either proteasome inhibitors (MG132, gliotoxin) or inhibitors of I kappa B phosphorylation (Bay117082, and Bay117085), induced apoptosis as demonstrated by both flow cytometric analysis and light microscopic morphological evaluation. This chemically induced apoptosis was associated with decreased DNA binding of nuclear NF-kappa B as determined by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, adenovirus vector with dominant negative I kappa B alpha (Ad5I kappa B) was used for inhibition of NF-kappa B in the U266 cell line. Compared with wild-type, super-repressor-treated cells showed an increased level of apoptosis. These results suggest that constitutive expression of NF-kappa B plays an important role in plasma cell survival in MM.

The expression of IFN alpha receptors on the surface of hairy cell leukaemia cells was studied using affinity crosslinking methods, flow cytometry with a recently produced anti-IFN alpha receptor monoclonal antibody (IFNaR3), and binding techniques. IFN alpha receptors were detected by flow cytometry and affinity crosslinking in eight cases showing a normal receptor structure with 125I-IFN alpha 2-receptor complexes with molecular weights of 210, 130 and 110 kD. The hairy cell leukaemia cells from one patient did not express IFN alpha receptors as determined by flow cytometry, affinity crosslinking and binding studies. Northern blot analysis showed expression of mRNA for the gene coding for the putative IFN alpha receptor in all cases studied, including the patient with lack of IFN alpha receptor expression on hairy cells. This patient was refractory to IFN alpha 2 treatment. Our data suggest that lack of expression of IFN alpha receptors in rare cases may be associated with refractoriness to IFN alpha 2 therapy.

Fouling of a heated stainless steel surface by calcium phosphate precipitation has been studied in an annular flow apparatus, instrumented to provide a constant heat flux while measuring local metal-surface temperatures. Models of the heat and mass-transfer boundary layers are used to estimate interfacial temperatures and concentrations, from which the heterogeneous reaction rate is inferred. The analysis indicates that the reaction rate is a function of both chemical kinetics and mass transfer limitations.