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Biomedical subjects

J Mink

Publications and source records attributed to J Mink.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

FTIR analysis of gaseous compounds in the mainstream smoke of regular and light cigarettes.

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been applied to the study of mainstream cigarette smoke from cigarettes of different stated strengths (regular and various light cigarettes with different reported nicotine, tar and CO contents). This technique has allowed for the measurement of a variety of gaseous components including hydrocarbons and both nitrogen and carbon oxides. The results demonstrate that the strength of the cigarette does not have a significant bearing on the quantity of the observed components produced. Additionally, open-path FTIR studies of diluted sidestream and exhaled smoke have been conducted. These measurements revealed that the majority of gaseous pollutants originated from the sidestream smoke, while the primary smoke was 'purified' or diluted upon exhalation by the smoker.

Carbon Monoxide↗

Fourier transform infrared analysis of gas composition in low-volume light bulbs.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used for in situ analysis of HBr, CH3Br, and CO within light bulbs at different stages of burning time. The interference fringes originated in the quartz walls of the bulbs have been eliminated by different methods. The NIPALS procedure yielded higher S/N ratio than the fringe-elimination method applied. The CO and HBr showed time-dependent concentration changes during the burning period. The maximum CO concentration (approximately 6 ppm) was detected after 30-50 s of burning time, and then it practically burned out after 5 h. The HBr concentration increased in the first 3 min of burning, and then its concentration stabilized at a 10-15 ppm level. After 5 s of illumination, the CH3Br concentration became undetectable.

Journal Article↗

New class of oligonuclear platinum-thallium compounds with a direct metal-metal bond. 5. Structure determination of heterodimetallic cyano complexes in aqueous solution by EXAFS and vibrational spectroscopy.

The structures of three closely related heterodimetallic cyano complexes, [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) (n = 1-3), formed in reactions between [Pt(II)(CN)(4)](2)(-) and Tl(III) cyano complexes, have been studied in aqueous solution. Multinuclear NMR data ((205)Tl, (195)Pt, and (13)C) were used for identification and quantitative analysis. X-ray absorption spectra were recorded at the Pt and Tl L(III) edges. The EXAFS data show, after developing a model describing the extensive multiple scattering within the linearly coordinated cyano ligands, short Pt-Tl bond distances in the [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) complexes: 2.60(1), 2.62(1), and 2.64(1) A for n = 1-3, respectively. Thus, the Pt-Tl bond distance increases with increasing number of cyano ligands on the thallium atom. In all three complexes the thallium atom and five cyano ligands, with a mean Pt-C distance of 2.00-2.01 A, octahedrally coordinate the platinum atom. In the hydrated [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(H(2)O)(4)](-) species the thallium atom coordinates one cyano ligand, probably as a linear Pt-Tl-CN entity with a Tl-C bond distance of 2.13(1) A, and possibly four loosely bound water molecules with a mean Tl-O bond distance of about 2.51 A. In the [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(2)](2)(-) species, the thallium atom probably coordinates the cyano ligands trigonally with two Tl-C bond distances at 2.20(2) A, and in [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(3)](3)(-) Tl coordinates tetrahedrally with three Tl-C distances at 2.22(2) A. EXAFS data were reevaluated for previously studied mononuclear thallium(III)-cyano complexes in aqueous solution, [Tl(CN)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](+), [Tl(CN)(3)(H(2)O)], and [Tl(CN)(4)](-), and also for the solid K[Tl(CN)(4)] compound. A comparison shows that the Tl-C bond distances are longer in the dinuclear complexes [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) (n = 1-3) for the same coordination number. Relative oxidation states of the metal atoms were estimated from their (195)Pt and (205)Tl chemical shifts, confirming that the [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) complexes can be considered as metastable intermediates in a two-electron-transfer redox reaction from platinum(II) to thallium(III). Vibrational spectra were recorded and force constants from normal-coordinate analyses are used for discussing the delocalized bonding in these species.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Tl-Pt(CN)5 in the solid state--A multimethod study of an unusual compound containing inorganic wires.

The crystal and molecular structure of a polycrystalline powder with a metal-metal bond and the composition TlPt(CN)5 has been determined by combining results from X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and vibrational spectroscopic studies. The XRD data gave the tetragonal space group P4/nmm (No. 129), with a= 7.647(3), c=8.049(3) A, Z=2, and well-determined positions of the heavy metal atoms. The Pt-TI bond length in the compound is 2.627(2) A. The platinum atom coordinates four equivalent equatorial cyano ligands, with a fifth axial CN ligand and a thallium atom completing a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The Tl-Pt(CN)5 entities are linked together in linear -NC-Pt-Tl-NC-Pt-Tl chains through the axial cyano ligand. These linear "wires" are the essential structural features and influence the properties of the compound. A three-dimensional network is formed by the four equatorial cyano ligands of the platinum atom that form bridges to the thallium atoms of neighbouring antiparallel chains. The platinum atom and the five nitrogen atoms from the bridging cyano groups form a distorted octahedron around the thallium atom. EXAFS data were recorded at the Pt and Tl L(III) edges for a more complete description of the local structure around the Pt and Tl atoms. The excessive multiple scattering was evaluated by means of the FEFF program. Raman and infrared absorption spectroscopy reveal strong coupling of the vibrational modes of the TlPt(CN)5 entities, in particular the metal-metal stretching mode, which is split into four Raman and two IR bands. Factor group theory shows that a structural unit larger than the crystallographic unit cell must be used to assign vibrational bands. Intra- and intermolecular force constants have also been calculated. The compound exhibits red luminescence at 700 +/- 3 nm in glycerol and has a corresponding excitation maximum at 240 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) show that the metal atoms have intermediate oxidation states, Pt3.2+ and Tl1.6-, between those in the parent Pt(II) and Tl(III) species and the decomposition products, Pt(IV) and Tl(I). The solid compound TlPt(CN)5 is stable to 520 degrees C. However in presence of water, a two-electron transfer between the metal atoms results in the cleavage of the metal-metal bond at 80 degrees C, forming a Pt(IV) pentacyanohydrate complex and a monovalent thallium ion.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Surface tension forces in sleep apnea: the role of a soft tissue lubricant: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Upper airway obstruction in patients with sleep apnea may occur in the absence of a negative intraluminal upper airway pressure. We hypothesized that surface tension forces may play a role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and that a topical soft tissue lubricant might reduce the severity of OSA. Ten male patients (age 49 +/- 10 yr [mean +/- SD]; body mass index [BMI] 31 +/- 5 kg/m2) with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 17 +/- 9) were studied. The arousal index was lower with the lubricant treatment than with placebo (mean difference 8; 95% CI 4 to 11 arousals/h; p = 0.001). The AHI was lower, in each of the 10 patients, on the lubricant treatment than the placebo (mean change 10, 95% CI 6 to 13; p = 0.0003). The lower AHI with lubricant as compared with placebo was present in both supine (mean difference 13; 95% CI 5 to 20; p = 0.006) and nonsupine (mean difference 6; 95% CI 0 to 12; p = 0.05) positions. There was no significant difference in sleep architecture between the lubricant and placebo treatments. Application of a topical lubricant consistently reduced the severity of OSA. This implies a pathogenetic role for surface tension forces in OSA, and a potential role for surface tension-reducing agents in the treatment of OSA.

Bronchi↗

Superior laryngeal nerve blockade and inspiratory resistive load detection in normal subjects.

The site for detection of added inspiratory resistive loads is unknown, but recent evidence suggests that the airways may play an important role. The aim of this study was to discern whether the larynx has an important independent role in conscious detection of added inspiratory resistive loads. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effect of superior laryngeal nerve blockade on inspiratory resistive load-detection threshold was carried out in 12 normal subjects (7 women; mean age 27.5 yr; range 18-45 yr). Baseline (preinjection) detection thresholds were similar on the lidocaine [0.58 +/- 0.16 (SE) cmH2O.l-1.s] and saline (0.53 +/- 0.12 cmH2O.l-1.s; P = 0.28) days. There was no significant difference in load-detection thresholds after injection between lidocaine (0.60 +/- 0.15 cmH2O.l-1.s) and saline (0.55 +/- 0.10 cmH2O.l-1.s; P = 0.68). Thus, the larynx does not appear to be an important independent airway site for conscious inspiratory resistive load detection.

Adolescent↗

Respiratory adaptations to dead space loading during maximal incremental exercise.

We examined the effects of dead space (VD) loading on breathing pattern during maximal incremental exercise in eight normal subjects. Addition of external VD was associated with a significant increase in tidal volume (VT) and decrease in respiratory frequency (f) at moderate and high levels of ventilation (VI); at a VI of 120 l/min, VT and f with added VD were 3.31 +/- 0.33 liters and 36.7 +/- 6.7 breaths/min, respectively, compared with 2.90 +/- 0.29 liters and 41.8 +/- 7.3 breaths/min without added VD. Because breathing pattern does not change with CO2 inhalation during heavy exercise (Gallagher et al. J. Appl. Physiol. 63: 238-244, 1987), the breathing pattern response to added VD is probably a consequence of alteration in the PCO2 time profile, possibly sensed by the carotid body and/or airway-pulmonary chemoreceptors. The increase in VT during heavy exercise with VD loading indicates that the tachypneic breathing pattern of heavy exercise is not due to mechanical limitation of maximum ventilatory capacity at high levels of VT.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Alkaline phosphatase activity in hepatic tissue and serum correlates with amount and type of bile acid load.

Bile acids stimulate synthesis of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) in the liver. We studied how alterations in bile acid type and load affect ATPase activity in hepatic tissue and in the serum. We increased the load of natural bile acids in rats by bile duct obstruction (BDO) or by creating a shunt between the common bile duct and superior vena cava (choledocho-caval shunt or CCS). Concentration of bile acids and ALPase activity in hepatic tissue rose more rapidly in the BDO model than in CCS. ALPase activity on the hepatocellular surface, normally confined to the canaliculus, spread outward to involve basolateral membrane in livers with high total hepatic ALPase activity. When the bile acid pool was reduced by a 12-hour biliary drainage in the CCS model, surface distribution of ALPase reverted to a nearly normal pattern. We substituted the endogenous bile acid pool with an equimolar amount of the single bile acid, taurocholic (TCA), tauroursocholic, taurohyocholic, or tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the CCS. The first two bile acids have a 12 alpha-hydroxyl group, whereas the latter two do not. After 12 hours, hepatic ALPase activity was increased with TCA or tauroursocholic substitution, but not with taurohyocholic or tauroursodeoxycholic. Again, surface distribution of ALPase activity correlated with the tissue ALPase activity. However, the serum activity increased significantly only with TCA, the most detergent of the bile acids. In bile fistula rats only infusion of TCA accelerated biliary secretion of ALPase. The above results suggest that hepatic synthesis and serum activity of ALPase are influenced by two different features of bile acids: the former by structure (the 12 alpha-hydroxyl group) and the latter by a physical property (detergency).

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Cardiac output effects of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in normal dogs.

We compared the hemodynamic effects of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) with conventional continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV). Six mongrel dogs were anesthetized with chloralose and evaluated over a range of mean airway pressures (Pao) during CPPV and HFOV. Pao during HFOV was measured by allowing alveolar pressure to come into equilibrium with airway opening pressure and was set to equal mean Pao during CPPV. Pao during CPPV was set by adding positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O. Transmural pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (Pwp) were maintained at near 11 mm Hg in both groups during all four ventilatory periods. Cardiac output as measured in triplicate by thermal dilution was similar between HFOV and CPPV at each level of mean airway pressure. After matching mean airway pressure and transmural Pwp we were unable to find any sparing effect of HFOV on cardiac output over a wide range of airway pressures. We conclude that there is not an independent effect of HFOV on cardiac output.

Animals↗

Meniscal tears of the knee: accuracy of MR imaging.

Before surgery, 277 menisci in 144 knees were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. They were then examined directly with arthroscopy or arthrotomy. Menisci were graded on a scale of 1-3 according to the character of the intrameniscal MR imaging signal. At surgery, 137 of 154 (89%) menisci exhibiting only grade 1 or grade 2 signal were found to be normal. One hundred sixteen of 123 (94%) menisci exhibiting intrameniscal signal communicating with a meniscal articular surface (grade 3 signal) had tears. If only a grade 3 signal is considered consistent with meniscal tears, then MR findings and surgical findings agreed in 91.3% of menisci. MR imaging can separate surgically significant from nonsignificant meniscal lesions and is useful in the noninvasive preoperative screening of suspected meniscal tears.

Humans↗

Percutaneous bone biopsy in the patient with known or suspected osseous metastases.

One hundred fifty-three percutaneous bone biopsies were performed on 70 patients with and 83 patients without a known extraosseous primary tumor who had either scintigraphic evidence or plain radiographic evidence suggesting bony metastases. Biopsy results were shown to be true-negative, true-positive, or false-negative based on results of the needle biopsy, open biopsy, or radiographic follow-up. The overall accuracy of biopsy was 95.4%. In the group with positive scans only, the accuracy was 85.7%. Twenty-nine percent of the patients with known cancer and 33.7% of patients without cancer proved to have benign causes for their radiographic abnormality. The rate of significant complications was 0.7%. Biopsy of suspect osseous lesions can be performed safely and may significantly alter treatment. Biopsy of scan-positive, radiograph-negative lesions is a highly accurate procedure.

Biopsy↗

Detection of thymoma in myasthenia gravis.

Twenty patients with myasthenia gravis had chest radiography, conventional tomography, and computed tomography (CT) of the thorax within 1 month of thymectomy. Four of the six macroscopic tumors were detected on routine chest radiography; conventional tomography provided no additional information. CT detected all six macroscopic tumors and provided additional information that was not available by other procedures. However, 18 patients (90%) had anterior mediastinum densities on CT, which could not be distinguished preoperatively from thymic tumors. All six patients with macroscopic tumors had serum antistriational muscle antibody titers; this test was negative in 10 of 11 patients (91%) without thymoma. Chest radiography, CT of the thorax, and antistriational antibodies are the tests recommended for detection of a thymoma in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Acetylcholine↗

Immunoglobulin levels in smokers and non-smokers.

Immunoglobulin levels were compared in smoking and non-smoking grain handlers and teachers. Mean IgC and IgM levels were significantly lower, and IgE levels were significantly higher, in the smokers than in the non-smokers. IgA levels were also lower but with the numbers studied not significantly so. IgD levels were unchanged.

Adult↗