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M M Azar

Publications and source records attributed to M M Azar.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

Enzymatic determinations of cholesterol in high-density-lipoprotein fractions prepared by a precipitation technique.

An enzymatic method for cholesterol in serum [Clin. Chem. 20, 470 (1974)] was initially found to be unsatisfactory for measuring cholesterol in high-density-lipoprotein fractions prepared by precipitation with Mn2+. A fine precipitate formed in the cuvette and cholesterol values were falsely increased. We describe a simple, convenient method for circumventing these problems. An ethylenediaminetetraacetate solution is used to reconstitute the enzymatic reagent. Cholesterol values by this procedure correlated with those obtained by the Lipid Research Clinic's procedure for the same lipoprotein fraction preparations (regression slope, .998; Y-intercept, 8.9 mg/liter; correlation coefficient, .984; standard error of the estimate, 16.8 mg/liter). Precision of the assay, including the precipitation step, was calculated. The SDwithin day was 9.7 mg/liter and SDoverall was 23.7 mg/liter. Results for total cholesterol with the modified reagent were linearly related to concentrations exceeding 4 g/liter, thereby permitting determination of high-density-lipoproteins and total cholesterol in a single run.

Chemical Precipitation↗
PubMed1975

Adjuvant effect on maintenance and escape from tolerence.

When mice are injected with deaggregated human gamma globulin (HGG), and HGG-tolerant state ordinarily is produced and persists despite subsequent challenges with an immunizing dose of HGG in saline or with an immunizing dose of HGG in Mycobacterium adjuvant. Subsequent administration of an immune elimination dose of radiolabeled HGG, at 27 days and 47 days does not break the tolerant state. Of special interest is the observation that when complete adjuvant containing increasing amounts of mycobacterial components was administered in conjunction with antigen very early in the tolerance induction phase 5 days after TID, it appears to prevent tolerance production. Mice challenged 5 and 17 days after the tolerance-inducing inoculation exhibit a statistically significant increase in circumvention of tolerance when compared with individuals challenged on the 7 and 17 day schedule. This increased circumvention of tolerance, as evidenced by 5 day challenge mice, seems to be related both to the mycobacterial content of the adjuvant and murine strain.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cholesterol screening for blood donors: characteristics of screenees and determinants of follow-up behavior.

This study assesses the ability of a blood donor cholesterol screening program to enhance awareness of cholesterol levels among screenees and to promote lifestyle changes and physician follow-up. Beginning in November 1990, all blood donors at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center were offered free cholesterol screening. Each screenee also received educational materials and brief counseling from a nurse. Two weeks after donation, screenees received a postcard with their cholesterol level and information regarding recommended follow-up. Baseline information for all screenees was obtained at the time of donation through a self-administered questionnaire. Follow-up data were collected through structured telephone interviews. During the program's first four months, 1,039 donors (33%) requested cholesterol screening. At baseline, 82.6% of screenees had at least one risk factor for coronary heart disease, and 37% had two or more risk factors. More than one third were unaware of their cholesterol levels. At follow-up, more than 95% indicated that they were aware of their cholesterol levels, and 90% of those with high cholesterol levels had followed up with their physician or made dietary or other lifestyle changes. We conclude that a cholesterol screening and minimal intervention program for blood donors enhances awareness of cholesterol levels and encourages dietary or other lifestyle changes.

Blood Donors↗