Comparison of hematologic reference intervals between culture system and type of hybrid striped bass

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare hematologic reference intervals for hybrid striped bass from different culture systems and for 2 types of hybrid.

DESIGN

Observational comparison study.

ANIMALS

Clinically normal sunshine bass (reciprocal hybrid striped bass, female Morone chrysops X male M saxatilis) raised in high-density recirculating systems, sunshine bass raised in tanks with biofilters, and palmetto bass (original hybrid striped bass, female M saxatilis X male M chrysops) raised in tanks with biofilters.

PROCEDURES

Hematologic reference intervals were determined for fish from the different production systems, following the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines. Reference intervals from the 3 groups were compared.

RESULTS

Reference intervals were significantly different between sunshine bass in the 2 culture systems and between sunshine and palmetto bass. Many of the differences were slight, but notable differences were observed. Sunshine bass in recirculating systems had higher total leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts than did either hybrid in tanks. Palmetto bass had a greater number of neutrophils than monocytes, whereas sunshine bass had more monocytes than neutrophils. Additionally, palmetto bass had a lower PCV and hemoglobin value than did either group of sunshine bass.

CONCLUSIONS

Separate reference intervals should be developed for hybrid striped bass in different culture systems and for different types of hybrids.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Determining reference intervals for hybrid striped bass provides a tool to assess the health status of these fish.

Sequence, genomic structure, and chromosomal assignment of human DOC-2

DOC-2 is a human gene originally identified as a 767-bp cDNA fragment isolated from normal ovarian epithelial cells by differential display against ovarian carcinoma cells. We have now determined the complete cDNA sequence of the 3.2-kb DOC-2 transcript and localized the gene to chromosome 5. A 12.5-kb genomic fragment at the 5'-end of DOC-2 has also been sequenced, revealing the intron-exon structure of the first eight exons (788 bases) of the DOC-2 gene. Translation of the DOC-2 cDNA predicts a hydrophobic protein of 770 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 82.5 kDa. Comparison of the DNA and amino acid sequences of DOC-2 to publicly accessible sequence databases revealed 83% identify to p96, a murine protein of similar size, thought to be a mitogen-responsive phosphoprotein. In addition, about 45% identity was observed between the first 140 N-terminal residues of DOC-2 and the Caenorhabditas elegans M110.5 and Drosophila melanogaster Dab genes.

A clinical trial of verapamil in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Seventy-two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were enrolled in a clinical trial of the efficacy of verapamil in the treatment of ALS. In period 1 (pretreatment, months 1-3) and period 3 (posttreatment, months 10-12), patients received no drug. In period 2 (months 4-9), patients received verapamil. The slopes of declining pulmonary function and limb megascores were not significantly different during drug treatment compared to natural history and washout periods. Thus, verapamil was ineffective in slowing the clinical progression in ALS patients. Controlled trials using a natural history period may represent a faster and less expensive method of screening drugs for ALS compared to placebo-controlled trials.

The effect of temperature and water quality on antibody response to Aeromonas salmonicida in sunshine bass (Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis)

The kinetics of the antibody response to Aeromonas salmonicida were determined in sunshine bass (hybrid striped bass: female Morone chrysops X male Morone saxatilis) acclimated to 10, 18, 24, 29 degrees C, and to 0.15 mg 1(-1) un-ionized ammonia and 200 mg 1(-1) nitrate levels. Temperature and water quality factors affected the immune response of sunshine bass. Temperatures of 10 degrees C and 18 degrees C decreased the magnitude and delayed the time of the antibody response to A. salmonicida. The antibody response was not affected at 29 degrees C, which is above the optimal temperature for sunshine bass. Elevated un-ionized ammonia concentrations of 0.15 mg 1(-1) also did not affect the antibody response. Elevated nitrate levels of 200 mg 1(-1), however, decreased the antibody response to the same extent as 18 degrees C water.

Radiotherapy for early vocal cord cancer: a dosimetric analysis of 60CO versus 6 MV photons

BACKGROUND

Currently, many patients with early vocal cord cancers are treated with 6 MV photons, but almost all the published radiotherapy data are based on patients treated with 60Co, 2-MV, or 4-MV X-rays. A theoretical risk of underdosage exists with higher energy beams due to lack of dose build-up. This dosimetric study compares 6-MV photons with 60Co.

METHODS

A tissue-equivalent phantom was constructed of a stack of 0.5-cm-thick acrylic plates. With a male subject in treatment position as the model, the external surfaces of the phantom were machined to match the contour of the neck. To precisely represent the internal contour of the airway, computed tomography (CT) was performed on the subject in treatment position, with images at 0.5-cm intervals, and the airway shown on the CT was cut out of each corresponding acrylic plate. Thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) rods were inserted into the phantom. For each measurement, a calculated tumor dose of 10 Gy was delivered to the volume specified as the entire right true vocal cord in the phantom, with either 60Co or 6-MV photons (15 measurements were made with each). In a second series of eight experiments with each modality, TLD minichips were used to measure the dose received by the immediate surface of the vocal cords with delivery of a calculated tumor dose of 0.5 Gy.

RESULTS

The doses received at the vocal cords, as well as a point 6 mm beneath the anterior skin surface, did not differ significantly for the two energies compared. The dose delivered to the skin and a point 3 mm beneath the anterior skin surface was significantly lower with the use of 6-MV photons.

CONCLUSION

Although there is no difference in the dose received by the vocal cords, underdosage of the anterior tissues may occur with the use of 6-MV photons.

Comparison of two screening tests of competency to stand trial for defendants with mental retardation

Scores for the four terms found by Smith and Hudson to predict competency to stand trial in defendants with mental retardation correlated significantly (r = .65) with scores on the Competency Screening Test (N = 34). Agreement between sets of scores was 84%.

Isolation of a gene (DLG3) encoding a second member of the discs-large family on chromosome 17q12-q21

The discs-large family is a collection of proteins that have a common structural organization and are thought to be involved in signal transduction and mediating protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic surface of the cell membrane. The defining member of this group of proteins is the gene product of the Drosophila lethal (1) discs large (dlg) 1 locus, which was originally identified by the analysis of recessive lethal mutants. Germline mutations in dlg result in loss of apical-basolateral polarity, disruption of normal cell-cell adhesion, and neoplastic overgrowth of the imaginal disc epithelium. We have isolated and characterized a novel human gene, DLG3, that encodes a new member of the discs-large family of proteins. The putative DLG3 gene product has a molecular weight of 66 kDa and contains a discs-large homologous region, a src oncogene homology motif 3, and a domain with homology to guanylate kinase. The DLG3 gene is located on chromosome 17, in the same segment, 17q12-q21, as the related gene, DLG2. The products of the DLG2 and DLG3 genes show 36% identity and 58% similarity to each other, and both show nearly 60% sequence similarity to p55, an erythroid phosphoprotein that is a component of the red cell membrane. We suggest that p55, DLG2, and DLG3 are closely related members of a gene family, whose protein products have a common structural organization and probably a similar function.

Central afferent projections of proprioceptive sensory neurons in Drosophila revealed with the enhancer-trap technique

We have used a GAL4 enhancer-trap line coupled with an upstream activation sequence (UAS)-linked lacZ reporter construct to visualise and describe the central projections of proprioceptive sensory neurons of the thorax and abdomen in Drosophila. In the legs, lacZ expression is restricted to sensory neurons associated with hair plates, a subset of campaniform sensilla, and with the femoral chordotonal organ; whereas, in the wing, expression is seen only in subsets of campaniform sensilla. In the abdomen, expression is seen in Wheeler's organ and in a segmentally repeated array of internal sensory neurons that have not been previously described. The central projections from all of these neurons are described. The results confirm and expand upon our knowledge of the organisation of sensory neuropils in insects. The enhancer-trap technique provides a potentially powerful tool for describing the organisation of the central nervous system of Drosophila.

Persistent microvasculopathy in chronic eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome

Acute eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) due to contaminated L-tryptophan (LT) exposure is an inflammatory microangiopathy of the dermis, fascia, and muscle. Select individuals evolve from acute EMS to have persistence of myalgia, fatigue, cramps, and skin changes for years. Many develop memory dysfunction and confusion. The objective of this study is to delineate the pathology in individuals with chronic EMS. Seventeen patients with ongoing symptoms representing chronic EMS are studied by skin, fascia, and muscle biopsies four to five years after exposure to contaminated LT and initial onset of EMS. All have microvascular disease. Most have lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates. Several have dermal sclerosis. The findings indicate that persistent microvascular disease is present in chronic EMS. The pathologic changes are similar to those of acute EMS but with notable differences. Tissue eosinophil infiltration is rare in the chronic state as compared to acute EMS. The persistence of endothelial pathology indicates continuing microvascular dysfunction.

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium of the barred owl (Strix varia)

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as well as the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) have been studied by light and electron microscopy in the barred owl (Strix varia). The RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined laterally by a series of tight junctions that forms part of the blood-ocular barrier. Basally (sclerally) the retinal epithelial cells display numerous deep infoldings while apically (vitreally) microvillar processes interdigitate with the photoreceptor outer segments. Internally the RPE cells show a large vesicular nucleus, plentiful smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and polysomes but very little rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Numerous pleomorphic (including ring-shaped) mitochondria are basally located. In the light-adapted state the small melanosomes are almost exclusively located within the apical process indicating that retinomotor movements probably occur. Phagosomes and lysosome-like bodies are present as are myeloid bodies which may show ribosomes on their outer surface. Bruch's membrane is typical of avian species in that it is pentalaminate and the central lamina densa is displaced towards the choroid. The choriocapillaris endothelium is thin but only minimally fenestrated facing Bruch's membrane. Most fenestrations present show a single-layered diaphragm while others display a double-layered diaphragm as noted in other avian species.

Fine structure of the retinal photoreceptors of the barred owl (Strix varia)

The photoreceptors of the barred owl (Strix varia) consist of rods, single cones and unequal double cones present in a ratio of about 35:1:3. In the light-adapted condition the rods are of uniform diameter along their entire length and are therefore not felt to undergo photomechanical changes. The rod outer segment consists of a stack of scalloped bimembranous discs enclosed in a limiting membrane. The rod inner segment displays an ellipsoid of mitochondria, much rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), numerous polysomes, Golgi zones and autophagic vacuoles, but no hyperboloid of glycogen. Single cones show a slightly tapered outer segment and a heterogeneous oil droplet along with an ellipsoid of mitochondria at the apex of the inner segment. Double cones consist of a larger chief member which also displays a heterogeneous oil droplet and a slightly smaller accessory member which does not. Both members of the double cone as well as the single cones show plentiful polysomes and RER as well as Golgi zones in the inner segment, but none of the cones possessed a condensed paraboloid of glycogen. The contiguous membranes of the chief and accessory cones displayed a few presumed junctional complexes. Judging by their elongated shape in the light-adapted state, cones in this species do not undergo retinomotor movements. Rods and both types of cones have both invaginated (ribbon) and superficial (conventional) synaptic sites.

Fine structure of the pecten oculi of the barred owl (Strix varia)

The pecten oculi of the barred owl (Strix varia) has been examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The pecten in this species is of the pleated type and is small in comparison to the size of the ocular globe. The pecten consists of 8-10 accordion-like folds that are linked apically by a pigmented tissue bridge. Each fold contains numerous capillaries, larger supply and drainage vessels, and abundant pleomorphic melanocytes. Most of these capillaries are extremely specialized vessels that possess plentiful microfolds on both the luminal and abluminal surfaces. Some capillaries however display only a few microfolds. The endothelial cell bodies are extremely attenuated, with most organelles located near the nucleus. All capillaries are surrounded by a very thick fibrillar basal lamina, which is thought to provide structural support to these small vessels. Pericytes are commonly found within these thickened basal laminae. Numerous melanocytes are also present, with processes that form an incomplete sheath around the capillaries. These processes are also presumed to provide structural support for the capillaries. As in other avian species, the morphology of the barred owl pecten is indicative of extensive involvement in substance transport. When compared to the pecten of more visually-oriented species, this pecten is smaller, has fewer folds, and displays a reduced number of microfolds within the capillaries. In these and other features, the barred owl pecten is similar to the pecten of the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

Subgaleal hematoma: the need for increased awareness of risk

Subgaleal hematoma, also known as subaponeurotic hemorrhage, is a serious complication of birth that is associated with vacuum-assisted delivery. Despite a high rate of mortality associated with subgaleal hematoma, it has received relatively little attention in the medical literature. Lack of awareness may lead to delayed diagnosis and serious consequences for infants. This paper is a report of six cases and a literature review. Prevention and early recognition and treatment of the condition can occur only with increased practitioner awareness of this entity.

Susceptibility of heterochromatin to aphidicolin-induced chromosomal breakage

The distribution of aphidicolin-induced chromosomal lesions was analyzed to determine the relative breakage susceptibility of euchromatin and heterochromatin in the cactus mouse, Peromyscus eremicus. The observed breakage was tested against expected distributions corresponding to the karyotypic proportions of autosomal euchromatin, autosomal heterochromatin, X-chromosomal euchromatin, and X-chromosomal heterochromatin. The distribution of induced breakage was independent of sex but dependent on the individual. In all individuals, there was a highly significant (P < < 0.0001) deficiency in the number of breaks observed as compared to expected in autosomal heterochromatin. Sparse observations in the X chromosome and the absence of breaks in the Y chromosome precluded valid statistical tests of the sex-chromosomal distribution of induced breakage. These data indicate that the autosomal heterochromatin of Peromyscus is resistant to aphidicolin-induced chromosomal breakage and argue against a simple relationship between late replication and a general mechanism for chromosomal fragility.

alpha-Hydroxy phosphinyl-based inhibitors of human renin

The design and application of alpha-hydroxy phosphonates, a new class of transition state analogs, toward the discovery of novel and potent inhibitors of the aspartyl protease renin is described. Tripeptidic alpha-hydroxy diethyl phosphonate 3, the first example in this series, was found to be a good inhibitor of human renin (IC50 = 29 nM), and preliminary studies led to the choice of alpha-hydroxy dimethyl phosphonate 15 (IC50 = 16 nM) as a base-line compound for further structure-activity relationship study. Corresponding phosphinate (28-30) and phosphine oxide (23 and 24) analogs of 15 were prepared to assess the steric and electronic requirements around the phosphorus center. Evaluation of these analogs suggested that the presence of at least one alkoxy group on phosphorus was a critical requirement for good activity. Inhibitors with leucine at P2 possessed better in vitro activity than the corresponding P2 histidine analogs (15, IC50 = 16 nM vs 37, IC50 = 220 nM; 33, IC50 = 8.5 nM vs 40, IC50 = 41 nM). Compound 34 (IC50 = 31 nM), the P3 aminocaproic analog of 15, showed complete and long-lasting inhibition of plasma renin activity while eliciting a 10-15 mmHg drop in mean arterial pressure when administered intravenously at 1 mumol/kg in conscious, sodium-depleted, cynomolgus monkeys. In summary, the alpha-hydroxy phosphonates represent a promising and structurally novel class of transition state analog inhibitors of human renin.

Repeat treatment of obese mice with BRL 49653, a new potent insulin sensitizer, enhances insulin action in white adipocytes. Association with increased insulin binding and cell-surface GLUT4 as measured by photoaffinity labeling

(+/-)-5-([4-[2-Methyl-2(pyridylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl) 2,4-thiazolidinedione (BRL 49653) is a new potent antidiabetic agent that improves insulin sensitivity in animal models of NIDDM. In C57BL/6 obese (ob/ob) mice, BRL 49653, included in the diet for 8 days, improved glucose tolerance. The half-maximal effective dose was 3 mumol/kg diet, which is equivalent to approximately 0.1 mg/kg body wt. Improvements in glucose tolerance were accompanied by significant reductions in circulating triacylglycerol, nonesterified fatty acids, and insulin. The insulin receptor number of epididymal white adipocytes prepared from obese mice treated with BRL 49653 (30 mumol/kg diet) for 14 days was increased twofold. The affinity of the receptor for insulin was unchanged. In the absence of added insulin, the rates of glucose transport in adipocytes from untreated and BRL 49653-treated obese mice were similar. Insulin (73 nmol/l) produced only a 1.5-fold increase in glucose transport in adipocytes from control obese mice, whereas after BRL 49653 treatment, insulin stimulated glucose transport 2.8-fold. BRL 49653 did not alter the sensitivity of glucose transport to insulin. The increase in insulin responsiveness was accompanied by a 2.5-fold increase in the total tissue content of the glucose transporter GLUT4. Glucose transport in adipocytes from lean littermates was not altered by BRL 49653. To establish the contribution of changes in glucose transporter trafficking to the BRL 49653-mediated increase in insulin action, the cell-impermeant bis-mannose photolabel 2-N-[4-(1-azi-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoyl]-1,3-bis-(D-mannos++ +-4-yloxy) -2-[2-3H]-propylamine was used to measure adipocyte cell-surface-associated glucose transporters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Patella of selected bats: patterns of occurrence or absence and associated modifications of the quadriceps femoris tendon

BACKGROUND

Having observed the apparent absence of a bony patella in a Madagascar flying fox (Pteropus sp.), other species from the two suborders of bats (Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera) were examined to determine the presence or absence of a bony patella and the distribution of this feature among bats.

METHODS

Gross, radiographic, and histologic examination of seven megachiropteran species representing four genera, as well as six microchiropteran species representing six genera, was performed.

RESULTS

A bony patella was observed in all six microchiropteran and in three megachiropteran species. The tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle in Microchiropteran species was composed mainly of dense regular connective tissue. The quadriceps tendon in Megachiropteran species with a patella contained an abundance of fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage, unlike the quadriceps femoris tendon of the Microchiroptera or a laboratory mouse examined for comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

Four species of the megachiropteran genus Pteropus lacking a bony patella displayed a similar occurrence and distribution of fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage within the quadriceps tendon as seen in the other bats. In reference to this singular feature, Pteropus is unique among the representatives of megachiropteran and microchiropteran genera examined here.

Isolation and mapping of a gene encoding a novel human ADP-ribosylation factor on chromosome 17q12-q21

A gene encoding a low-molecular-weight GTP-binding protein was isolated from a retinal cDNA library and mapped to human chromosome 17q12-q21. Comparison of the predicted protein with the protein databases revealed striking homology to the family of ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs), which are thought to be involved in membrane trafficking and protein secretion. The greatest homology observed was with the rat ARF-like 4 protein (ARL4), with which it shared 58% identity, while the more highly conserved human ARF1 and ARF3 proteins each shared 46% identity. Inspection of the predicted new protein showed that it contained each of the six conserved motifs that are required for guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, and thus it is probably a novel ARF isoform. We have designated the new protein and its corresponding gene ARF4L.

Detection of eight BRCA1 mutations in 10 breast/ovarian cancer families, including 1 family with male breast cancer

Genetic epidemiological evidence suggests that mutations in BRCA1 may be responsible for approximately one half of early onset familial breast cancer and the majority of familial breast/ovarian cancer. The recent cloning of BRCA1 allows for the direct detection of mutations, but the feasibility of presymptomatic screening for cancer susceptibility is unknown. We analyzed genomic DNA from one affected individual from each of 24 families with at least three cases of ovarian or breast cancer, using SSCP assays. Variant SSCP bands were subcloned and sequenced. Allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization was used to verify sequence changes and to screen DNA from control individuals. Six frameshift and two missense mutations were detected in 10 different families. A frameshift mutation was detected in a male proband affected with both breast and prostate cancer. A 40-bp deletion was detected in a patient who developed intra-abdominal carcinomatosis 1 year after prophylactic oophorectomy. Mutations were detected throughout the gene, and only one was detected in more than a single family. These results provide further evidence that inherited breast and ovarian cancer can occur as a consequence of a wide array of BRCA1 mutations. These results suggests that development of a screening test for BRCA1 mutations will be technically challenging. The finding of a mutation in a family with male breast cancer, not previously thought to be related to BRCA1, also illustrates the potential difficulties of genetic counseling for individuals known to carry mutations.

A gene (DLG2) located at 17q12-q21 encodes a new homologue of the Drosophila tumor suppressor dIg-A

We have isolated a novel cDNA that maps distal to BRCA1 at 17q12-q21. The total sequence predicts a protein of 576 amino acids with three conserved regions: a 90-amino-acid repeat domain, a SH3 (src homology region 3) motif, and a guanylate kinase domain. These conserved regions are shared among members of the discs-large family of proteins that include human p55, a membrane protein expressed in erythrocytes, rat PSD-95/SAP90, a synapse protein expressed in brain, Drosophila dIg-A, a septate junction protein expressed in various epithelia, and human and mouse ZO-1 and canine ZO-2, two tight junction proteins. dIg-A has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor, and the other members may all be involved in signal transduction through specialized membrane domains with highly organized cytoskeletons and thus are potential tumor suppressors. Since allelic loss has been reported in the 17q12-q21 region in breast and ovarian cancer and it appears that BRCA1 is not the target of the losses, we looked for somatic alterations in DLG2 in sporadic breast tumors. No evidence for mutation was found, making it unlikely that DLG2 is involved in sporadic breast cancer.

The University of Minnesota Cancer Prevention Research Unit vegetable and fruit classification scheme (United States)

High vegetable and fruit (V&F) intake has been associated with a lower risk of many cancers. However, the specific V&F, the active compounds present in V&F, and the dose at which they confer protection are unknown. Standard methods for assessing, classifying, and quantifying V&F exposures in epidemiologic studies have not been established. Differences among studies occur due to inherent differences among V&F, and across dietary assessment methods, study populations, etiologic hypotheses, and analytic methods. The V&F classification scheme presented here characterizes and quantifies V&F consumption for elucidating risk relationships, identifying chemopreventive compounds present in V&F, and facilitating identification of potential biomarkers of V&F intake. Broad criteria define which plant foods count as V&F. Formation of food groups is based on proposed biological mechanisms of action. Five main groups are included: Total V&F; Total Vegetables; Total Fruits; and two groups orthogonal to these -- the Botanical and Phytochemical groups. Subgroups are specified within each main group. V&F exposure is quantified as the absolute amount consumed (weight) or as the number of household servings. This classification scheme has public health applications and may be used to examine associations with chronic diseases other than cancer.