Puffs and PCR: the in vivo dynamics of early gene expression during ecdysone responses in Drosophila

The steroid hormone ecdysone orchestrates insect development by regulating gene networks. In Drosophila the most detailed description of ecdysone action is the sequential activation of early and late puffs in the polytene chromosomes of the late larval salivary gland. A number of these early puffs (2B5, 74EF and 75B) contain complex transcription units (Broad-Complex, E74 and E75 respectively) encoding families of regulatory proteins which are expressed in most if not all tissues. In vitro, transcripts of the different isoforms of these early genes as well as the ecdysone receptor (EcR) present varying dose response characteristics (Karim and Thummel, 1992, EMBO J. 11, 4083–4093). We have developed an in vivo approach using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) so as to visualise these transcripts in the RNA extracted from a single salivary gland. Using one salivary gland lobe for developmental puff staging and the sister lobe for RT-PCR, we have obtained precise developmental profiles for these transcripts and have extended our study to other tissues and stages where puffing studies were not possible. In the salivary gland we have characterised three distinct ecdysone responses. For the mid and late third larval instar responses our results confirm and extend the conclusions of the in vitro studies concerning the temporal expression of the early gene isoforms. The relatively brief prepupal response contains elements in common with each of the larval responses and all three can be explained by the profiles of the respective ecdysone peaks. Interestingly EcR transcripts respond differently during each response. The analysis of different tissues of the same animal reveals subtle differences in the timing of the ecdysone response and isoform expression and suggests that this may reflect tissue differences in the ecdysone profiles. As these molecules have homologues in vertebrates, our analysis may have general implications for the organisation of hormonal responses in vivo.

Application of flow cytometry to the study of antiphagocytic properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide

We used flow cytometry to compare the effects of whole cells and capsular polysaccharides of Klebsiella pneumoniae on the phagocytic ability ot polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Our results showed a light decrease in phagocytic activity in the presence of capsular polysaccharides, but a marked decrease with whole cells. Our findings suggest that the resistance to phagocytosis in these microorganisms is not due exclusively to their capsule, as claimed by other authors.

Comparison of the proportions of leukocytes in early and term human decidua

The percentages of cells expressing immune markers were determined with immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry in early and term human decidua. Although we found no variation in the proportion of cells of bone marrow origin (CD45+), the percentages of T cells and CD16+ lymphocytes were significantly higher in term decidua. On the contrary, CD56+ lymphocytes, the most abundant leukocyte type in early decidua, decreased at term. These variations may reflex the immunological adaptations of decidua during pregnancy.

Holzgreve syndrome: recurrence in sibs

We report on 2 sibs with cardiac and renal abnormalities. The first had hypoplastic left heart sequence and renal hypoplasia; the second had a complex congenital heart defect, renal agenesis, and cleft lip and palate. We suggest that these cases represent the first familial examples of the Holzgreve syndrome. As such, they demonstrate the phenotypic variability seen in sibs, and may serve to further delineate the syndrome.

An image analyzer study of central serous chorioretinopathy

The angiographic characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) were studied by analyzing digitalized angiograms with an IMAGEnet system. We determined the type of leak, its location, and its distance from the fovea and from the center of the detachment. Round leaks were located farther from the detachment center and farther from the fovea than smokestack leaks. Detachments tended to center on the fovea regardless of the leak to fovea distance. These findings suggest that for serous detachment of the sensory retina to develop and be maintained, there must be a diffuse dysfunctional area of retinal pigment epithelium and a focal leak.

Expression of class II HLA molecules by endothelial cells of human decidua

Many authors have documented a high level of expression of class II HLA molecules by decidua. Although macrophages appear to be responsible for this, we show in this article that endothelial cells (EC) of the venules and capillaries of human decidua also strongly express class II molecules, whereas EC of chorionic villi do not. We discuss this finding in the context of the maternal-fetal immune interaction.

The cholinergic REM sleep induction test with pilocarpine in mildly depressed patients and normal controls

Previous studies suggested that depressed patients enter rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep more quickly than normal controls following the administration of muscarinic agonists such as arecoline or RS 86. We recently reported that pilocarpine, an orally active muscarinic agonist, induced REM sleep and reduced Stage 3 & 4 (Delta) sleep in young normal volunteers. In this study we present preliminary evidence that pilocarpine had similar effects on REM latency, REM percentage, and Delta (Stages 3 & 4) sleep percentage in depressed patients and controls. Pilocarpine, however, decreased stage-4 sleep in controls more than in depressed patients. Because this group of patients were only mildly depressed at the time of the study, had a high frequency of comorbid substance abuse diagnoses, and had normal electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep patterns under placebo conditions, further studies are necessary to test the hypothesis that depressed patients show hypersensitive cholinergic REM sleep induction.

Cardiovascular reflexes in patients with vascular headache

We have investigated the autonomic function of 75 patients with migraine by examining cardiovascular reflex function. The results were compared with those of 78 healthy volunteers. Measurements were made between attacks. Patients with migraine showed a smaller heart-rate response to deep breathing but a greater heart-rate response and higher blood pressure to standing when compared to controls. Migraine patients had a higher percentage of established sympathetic lesions (51% vs 17%) and severe (25% vs 5%) or atypical (24% vs 11.5%) global autonomic dysfunction. No significant differences were found among patients with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and migraine with prolonged aura. Our findings indicate that patients with migraine have sympathetic hypofunction.

Unsuspected rheumatic heart underlying group B streptococcal endocarditis at the age of 20 months

The case is reported of a 20-month-old girl admitted to our centre for group B streptococcal endocarditis who died of complete atrioventricular block after a week of treatment. There was no history pointing to the presence of a heart disorder. Necropsy disclosed the surprising existence of a vast rheumatic carditis involving essentially the aortic and mitral valves, with bacterial superinfection of the former. The double rheumatic and infectious lesion in such a young patient with infective pseudo-aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva makes this an exceptional case.

Transseptal catheterization update 1992

Resurgence of the transseptal procedure in the last decade has occurred coincident with the advent of therapeutic catheterizations and in particular mitral balloon vavuloplasty. As larger numbers of these procedures have been performed, experience shows that the position of intended septal puncture varies for each anticipated procedure and need not lie at the fossa ovalis, which is frequently displaced or inaccessible. Recognizing the dynamic alterations in septal and atrial anatomy that accompany the various combinations of valvular heart disease, the experienced interventionalist will use precatheterization echo and radiological techniques to enable precise and localized transseptal puncture. Using these techniques in 597 patients for valvular heart disease, we have had no deaths and a morbidity of 1.8% with the transseptal puncture.

Epidemic dermatitis due to contact with a moth in Cozumel, Mexico

In early December 1989, an outbreak that was initially thought to be scabies was investigated among employees of tourist hotels in Cozumel, Mexico. Of 417 employees interviewed, only 19 (4.6%) met a case definition for scabies dermatitis, while 91 (21.8%) reported a nonspecific dermatitis of less than one-week's duration. Persons with nonspecific dermatitis related the onset of their dermatitis to skin contact with a moth that had been present in large numbers in November. At the time of the initial investigation in December, there were no active cases of dermatitis and the moth was no longer present. During early January 1990, numerous cases of dermatitis again began to be reported. Using a case definition for nonspecific dermatitis, a survey of Cozumel's resident population showed an attack rate of 12.1%. A case-control study revealed the only significant risk factor to be skin contact with the suspect moth (P less than 0.01), which had returned in large numbers. Six health workers volunteered to have the moth rubbed on their skin; within 5 min, five of six developed an intense pruritus followed by an erythematous rash. The moth was classified as Hylesia alinda Druce. This species has nettling hairs on its abdomen that excrete a histamine-like substance. Although this moth is normally present in small numbers in Cozumel, the passage of hurricane Gilbert killed most of its natural predators (wasps and bees), allowing its population to overgrow. No control measures were undertaken because the moth's natural predators returned that spring and dramatically reduced the moth population. No further outbreaks of dermatitis occurred.

Insect immunity: developmental and inducible activity of the Drosophila diptericin promoter

Diptericins are 9 kDa inducible antibacterial peptides initially isolated from immune haemolymph of Phormia (Diptera). Following the isolation of a Drosophila cDNA encoding a diptericin homologue, we have now cloned a genomic fragment containing the Drosophila diptericin gene. To dissect the regulation of this gene, we have transformed flies with a fusion gene in which the reporter beta-galactosidase gene is under the control of 2.2 kb upstream sequences of the diptericin gene. We show that such a fusion gene is inducible by injection of live bacteria or complete Freund's adjuvant and respects the tissue specific expression pattern of the resident diptericin gene. Our analysis reveals at least four distinct phases in the regulation of this gene: young larvae, late third instar larvae, pupae and adults. This complexity may be related to the presence in the upstream sequences of multiple copies of response elements previously characterized in genes encoding acute phase response proteins in mammals (e.g. NK-kappa B, NF-kappa B related, NF-IL6 response elements).

Treatment of thymomas. A report of 67 cases

From 1979 to 1989, 126 patients were treated for thymic tumors. Of these, 67 (53%) had thymomas occurring in 27 men and 40 women; the mean age was 46 years: 24 patients had no symptoms and myasthenia gravis was present in 21 cases. A complete resection was performed in 45 patients, associated in 22 with postoperative adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy, 2; radio- and chemotherapy, 20). Two patients had a partial resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Twenty patients had initially only a biopsy and were treated by irradiation in 3 cases, radio- plus chemotherapy in 16, radio- plus chemotherapy and subsequent resection in 1 case. The staging was carried out according to the GETT Classification (stage I A:26; I B:6; II:12; III A:1; III B:18; IVA:4). Thymomas were found to be of predominant epithelial type in 12 cases, predominantly lymphocytic type in 9, and mixed in 46. No recurrence occurred after complete resection. The overall 10-year survival was 71.1%. A good correlation was found according to staging: 96% in stage I; 80% in stage II; 35% in stage III. Presence of myasthenia gravis did not affect the results. The best prognostic factor remains complete resection with postoperative radiotherapy to prevent recurrences. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy needs further evaluation.

Response of brain protein kinase C isozymes to ethyl oleate, an alcohol metabolite

Rat brain protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes I, II and III were stimulated by fatty acids in the absence and presence of calcium. Ethyl oleate, which by itself has no effect on PKC activity, had a potentiating effect on fatty acid-induced activation of all 3 isozymes. Potentiation was observed predominantly in the presence of calcium. Interaction of ethyl oleate with a signalling mechanism involving PKC may underlie the cognitive disturbances noted after alcohol consumption.

[Coronary angioplasty with a rotary atherotome]

Several new coronary dilatation systems, including those using laser energy, atherectomy devices and stent implantation, are being developed as alternative or complementary procedures to coronary artery balloon angioplasty. We report our initial experience performing coronary angioplasty with a new rotational atherectomy device, the transluminal extraction catheter, which simultaneously cut and aspirate fragments from the atherosclerotic plaque. The components of the whole system are a special guidewire to cross the stenosis, the atherectomy catheter and the conduction-control unit. This unit, connected when the atherectomy catheter is positioned across the lesion, produces rotation of the conical bladder located in the catheter distal tip and simultaneous aspiration of residual particles. The procedure was performed in 11 patients in whom 13 lesions were dilated. All patients were male (mean age 55 +/- 23 years, range 45-77). The reason for the angioplasty was stable angina in 2 patients and unstable angina in the remaining seven. Initial success (residual stenosis less than 50% of vessel diameter) was obtained in 10 of 13 lesions. In two, conventional balloon angioplasty was required to improve atherectomy result. The only unsuccessful procedure was in a proximal right coronary artery venous graft, in which a large dissection occurred. Patient had angina but no myocardial infarction. Pathologic examination of aspirated material revealed fibrous tissue in 12 cases and cholesterol crystals in four. We conclude, with the limitation of a preliminary study, that rotational atherectomy with the transluminal extraction catheter is a useful procedure to relief coronary stenosis of the coronary arteries.

The effects of scopolamine on sleep and mood in depressed patients with a history of alcoholism and a normal comparison group

In order to determine the effect of an anticholinergic agent on mood and sleep, scopolamine (0.4 mg IM) was administered before bedtime for three consecutive nights to 10 depressed patients (8 with a history of alcohol abuse) and 10 normal comparison subjects. The patients had a small, statistically significant antidepressant response on the second morning of treatment. Scopolamine inhibited rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and prolonged REM latency equally in depressed patients and the normal comparison group. Partial tolerance to the REM inhibiting effect of scopolamine developed between the first and third night of treatment. A REM rebound occurred during recovery nights. These results are consistent with concepts relating central cholinergic mechanisms to the control of REM sleep. Compared with controls, patients showed a greater increase in Stage 2 and Stage 2% and a lesser and increase in Delta (Stage 3 and 4) sleep % and Stage 4% on the first night of treatment. Further, well-controlled studies are needed to determine whether anticholinergic drugs possess clinically significant antidepressant effects.

Dose dependent inhibition of REM sleep in normal volunteers by biperiden, a muscarinic antagonist

We tested the effect of biperiden (2, 4, and 8 mg per os 30 min before bedtime) on the polygraphically recorded sleep of normal volunteers (n = 8). Biperiden is a cholinergic, muscarinic receptor antagonist that may preferentially block the M1 receptor subtype. Compared with placebo, biperiden significantly prolonged rapid eye movement (REM) latency and suppressed REM sleep time and REM percentage in a dose-dependent manner. These REM suppressing effects of biperiden are similar to those previously reported with scopolamine and other nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonists. Because of uncertainties about the pharmacological specificity of biperiden, further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of action and the role of M1 receptors subtypes in the regulation of REM sleep.

[Cancer incidence by municipalities in Puerto Rico]

This study consist of the trends of those malignant tumours in Puerto Rico diagnosed 1960 to 1988 that we considered more related with some environmental factors. For this purpose 160,288 cancer cases analyzed included 16,286 of squamous and basal cell carcinomas of the skin diagnosed from 1950 up to 1975 only. We have darkened in the map and mentioned below in this summary those municipalities with incidence greater than Puerto Rico's average.

Nonlinearly transformed baseband filters for optical pattern recognition

The real part of the linear matched filter is nonlinearly transformed. Various types of filter including binary phase-only filters are produced by varying the severity of the nonlinearity.

[Infiltrating transitional cancer of the bladder (2). Prognostic value of the stage. Its influence on the therapeutic decision)]

The only reliable sign to give a prognosis is the anatomopathological stage (P or pT) obtained from the study of the cystectomy surgical piece: partial or total. Tumourless (P0) bladders conceal the inability to reach any certainty over the tumour's inexistance. Removal should not be considered as a success but an error. The fact that no tumour is found in the removed bladder does not guarantee that the patient will not eventually die of metastasis. A pT2 stage has a better prognosis than pT3a and both evolve better that either pT3b or pT4a and, therefore, their treatment and management may be different. Clinical stage (T) is not a reliable sign: the possibilities of over and undervaluation are very high. Subtraction of P from T cannot be maintained as an adequate sign to assess the action of the adjuvant therapy to surgery and should be excluded in order to delimit the action of the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Also, patients with pT2 and pT3a tumours should be excluded from these protocols since the possibilities that they may be removed during the evaluation R.T.U. are high.

The cholinergic rapid eye movement induction test with arecoline in depression

The cholinergic rapid eye movement (REM) induction test using arecoline hydrobromide, a cholinergic muscarinic receptor agonist, was studied in patients with affective disorder and in normal controls to determine whether or not depression is associated with enhanced induction of REM sleep by muscarinic agonists. Arecoline induced REM sleep in a dose-dependent fashion in both patients and controls compared with placebo infusions. Compared with normal controls, patients entered REM sleep significantly more rapidly following intravenous administration of 1.0 mg of arecoline hydrobromide than they did following administration of 0.5 mg of arecoline hydrobromide or placebo. These results, as well as those of previous studies, support the hypothesis that patients with affective disorder show a functional supersensitive induction of REM sleep in response to muscarinic receptor agonists and may be consistent with the hypothesis that functional muscarinic receptor "up regulation" is associated with depression.

Extramedullary nasal plasmacytoma

The literature on this rare tumour has been reviewed and three cases of nasal plasmacytoma are described. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated cytoplasmic IgA and Kappa determinants in all cases. Two patients are disease-free at the present time, the third developed an IgG-k multiple myeloma, previously not described in the literature.

Image enhancement by nonlinear signal processing

We present a nonlinear joint transform processor that can perform image enhancement. Image enhancement results are obtained for different degrees of nonlinearity applied to the joint power spectrum. The first-order harmonic term at the output plane produces the enhanced image which has the exact Fourier phase of the input image and a Fourier magnitude of the input modified by the nonlinearity. For compression types of nonlinearity, the thresholding will redistribute the energy in the Fourier magnitude of the image by increasing the magnitude of the higher spatial frequencies. Thus, the fine details of the image that are contained in the high spatial frequencies of the joint power spectrum are enhanced. We investigate the effects of various types of nonlinearity on the enhanced images. Analytical expressions for the enhanced images obtained by the nonlinear technique will be provided. Computer simulations of the nonlinear processor for image enhancement are presented to study the performance of the system. We show that the nonlinear technique produces reasonably good results and that it provides much better light efficiency when compared with the block spatial filtering technique.