Recognition of the avirulence gene avrB from Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea by Arabidopsis thaliana

The response of Arabidopsis thaliana land race Columbia to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola 4326 harboring cloned avirulence genes avrB and avrC from P. syringae pv. glycinea and avrA and avrD from P. syringae pv. tomato was examined. Only avrB was recognized by Columbia, as evidenced by attenuation of disease symptoms, slower bacterial multiplication in planta, and differentially greater induction of mRNA for several defense-related genes. This contrasts with two A. thaliana land races where P. s. pv. maculicola strains containing avrB were not recognized. These plants showed typical disease symptoms, and bacterial multiplication in planta was not reduced in response to P. s. pv. maculicola containing avrB. In addition, there was no differential induction of defense-related mRNAs in these susceptible land races after infiltration with bacteria containing or lacking avrB. These results extend previous observations that avirulence genes from pathogens of one host plant can be recognized by "nonhost" plants and provide the genetic framework for analysis of the plant-specified response to the bacterial avrB gene product in A. thaliana.

Primary diagnosis of soft tissue echinococcosis by aspiration cytology

A case of hydatid cyst of soft tissue diagnosed by Fine needle aspiration of a cyst is reported. The patient presented with gradually increasing swelling in the anterior-inferior aspect of shoulder. The provisional clinical diagnosis of cold-abscess shoulder was made, patient was referred for Fine needle aspiration cytology (F.N.A.C.). Swelling was aspirated by 23-gauge needle obtaining 1.5 ml of blood-mixed fluid. Smears of fluid showed protoscolices, fully developed scolices with rostellum and scattered hooklets, pathognomonic of Echinococcosis. Histopathologic examination of surgically removed cyst showed chronically inflamed echinococcal cyst. No complication was observed.

Effect of some pesticides/weedicides on cathepsin B activity and lysosomal membrane

The in vitro inhibitory effects of various weedicides and pesticides on goat brain cathepsin B and their labilizing potency on the lysosomal membrane were quantitated. Endosulfan an organochlorine insecticide inhibited the enzymic activity to approximately 50% at 7 mM concentration followed by methyl parathion, aldrin, melathion and benzene hexachloride (BHC) in that order. Among the weedicides, butachlor was found to be most inhibitory (approximately 50% activity was lost at 6 mM) followed by isoproturone (28%) and anilophos (19%). When the labilizing/stabilizing potency of all these drugs was observed on lysosomal membrane it was found that none of these was capable of stabilizing the membrane. At 40 degrees C and 1 mM drug concentration, aldrin, endosulfan, melathion and anilophos were found to be strong labilizers of the lysosomal membrane. Others like isoproturone, BHC and methyl parathion had moderate labilizing effect. The labilization potency of the drugs was temperature dependent and was less pronounced at 25 degrees C as compared to 40 degrees C.

Electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in the presence of left bundle branch block: an echocardiographic correlation

Surface electrocardiographic findings of 10 cases of left bundle branch block with echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy were compared with another 10 cases of left bundle branch block without left ventricular hypertrophy. Horizontal plane QRS- and T-wave angle > or = 150 degrees was highly sensitive (70%) and specific (90%) in diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy in the presence of left bundle branch block. This diagnosis criterion was better than any other conventional criterion described before.

Reproductive functions in obese women

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in the developed as well as underdeveloped countries. Obesity in women is associated with reproductive disorders. The levels of estrone and androgens are higher in obese women along with a reduction in the levels of sex hormone binding globulin ( SHBG ). The pituitary secretion of hormones is altered either due to a deficient peripheral feedback regulation or a concomitant central defect in the obese. Luteinizing hormone ( LH ) level may increase in some of the obese subjects. The secretion of LH in response to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone ( LHRH or GnRH ), clonidine and naloxone may be altered in obese women. The levels of circulating prolactin may fall along with a delay in the nocturnal surge of the hormone. The secretion of prolactin in response to thyrotropin releasing hormone ( TRH ), insulin-induced hypoglycemia, arginine and chlorpromazine is altered. Similarly growth hormone secretion in response to growth hormone releasing hormone ( GHRH ), clonidine, naloxone and arginine is also altered in obesity. The literature suggests an alteration in the autonomic nervous system activity and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in the obese. Steroid hormones could affect the distribution of fat in the various regions of the body, and the distribution of body fat is linked with the severity of hyperandrogenism and metabolic disorders in obese subjects. However, it is heartening to note that many of the endocrinological and reproductive disorders are reversible with weight reduction in the obese subjects.

Value of venous pressure and phlebography in detecting deep vein thrombosis after major surgery and in primary venous disease

A total of 60 patients from high risk group for deep vein thrombosis, which included the patients after major surgery and patients of primary venous diseases, were studied. Peripheral venous pressure measurement performed on 42 cases, detected deep vein abnormality in 6 patients (14.3%) only out of which 2 patients were designated as cases of deep vein thrombosis and 4 of chronic venous stasis syndrome. But phlebography detected deep vein thrombosis in 28 cases (46.6%) and other deep vein abnormalities in rest of the cases.

Cytological evaluation of conjunctival scrape smears in cases of conjunctivitis

The present study was conducted on 130 cases of untreated conjunctivitis and 25 control cases to assess the diagnostic value of cytology. Conjunctival scrapings from all cases were stained with Giemsa and Papanicoloau's stain and categorized cytologically and later correlated with the clinical profile. Normal cytologic profile was obtained in 7 cases (5.4%) of the study group and 14 cases (56%) of the control group. Cytologic diagnosis of trachoma was made in 63 cases (48.5%) including 48 out of 51 clinically diagnosed cases of trachoma, 9 cases of allergic conjunctivitis and 6 cases of acute follicular conjunctivitis, positive clinico cytologic correlation being 76.2%. Mucopurulent conjunctivitis was diagnosed in 24 cases (18.5%) both clinically as well as by cytological technique. Viral conjunctivitis was diagnosed in 24 cases (18.5%) including 19 cases (14.6%) of clinically diagnosed viral conjunctivitis and 5 cases (3.9%) of acute follicular conjunctivitis, positive correlation being 79.2%. Only 2 cases (1.5%) out of 15 clinically diagnosed cases of allergic conjunctivitis were confirmed cytologically. In all the 4 cases (3.1%) of spring catarrh and 6 cases (4.6%) of phlyctenular conjunctivitis the cytologic features were found to be consistent with the clinical diagnosis.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided fetal skin biopsy: a new approach

Our preliminary experience with this unreported percutaneous ultrasound guided method using a fine needle system showed 100% success (seven cases) in obtaining fetal skin biopsies. The fetal scalp was chosen for biopsy. This technique is easy, less invasive, simple, has minimum procedural difficulties and complications and thus it may replace fetoscopy for obtaining fetal skin biopsy.

Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome secondary to broad ligament leiomyoma: a case report

An unusual and rare case of broad ligament leiomyoma with massive ascites and bilateral pleural effusion is described. The ascites and pleural effusion resolved dramatically following removal of the tumor. Patients with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome may present a diagnostic problem as they masquerade as carcinoma with malignant effusions. Thus they should always be considered for exploratory laparotomy.

Pelvic fibromatoses--a rare gynecological entity

A rare case of pelvic fibromatoses is reported. This condition is rarely encountered in gynecological practice but when encountered, creates a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The reported patient highlights the difficulties encountered in surgical excision (done twice) and illustrates the local aggressive growth behavior of this entity.

Clinical evaluation of steroid receptors in ovarian neoplasms

Estrogen and progesterone receptors were estimated in a total of 25 ovarian neoplasms. None of the benign tumors showed steroid receptors. In malignant tumors serous tumors were more often receptor positive than the mucinous. Receptor levels were correlated with the staging of the disease, menstrual status and the resectability of the tumor. The response to chemotherapeutic drugs was better in patients with low estrogen and progesterone receptors as compared to those with high levels. The latter group showed a definite response to progesterone treatment in vitro. These are the group of patients who may benefit by combination of hormones and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Ultrasound detection of antenatal meconium

A new method for antenatal diagnosis of the presence of meconium in the amniotic cavity is reported. Ultrasonographic placental grading is a routine procedure in the monitoring of high-risk pregnancy. During serial scans of 58 patients, it was noted that in 11 cases placental grading was impossible after a certain period. At delivery, thick meconium was noted in all these cases.

Generation of infectious Moloney murine leukemia viruses with deletions in the U3 portion of the long terminal repeat

Deletional analysis within the long terminal repeat (LTR) of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) was performed. By molecular cloning, deletions were made in the vicinity of the XbaI site at -150 base pairs (bp) in the U3 region, between the tandemly repeated enhancers and the TATA box. The effects of the deletions on LTR function were measured in two ways. First, deleted LTRs were fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene and used in transient expression assays. Second, infectious M-MuLVs were generated by transfection of M-MuLV proviruses containing the deleted LTRs, and the relative infectivity of the mutant viruses was assessed by XC-syncytial assay. Most of the deleted LTRs examined showed relatively high promoter activity in the transient chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays, with values ranging from 20 to 50% of the wild-type M-MuLV LTR. Thus, the sequences between the enhancers and the TATA box were not absolutely required for transient expression. However, infectivity of viruses carrying the same deleted LTRs showed more pronounced effects. Deletion of sequences from -195 to -174 bp reduced infectivity 20- to 100-fold. Deletion of sequences within the region from -174 to -122 bp did not affect infectivity, indicating that this region is dispensable. On the other hand, deletion of sequences from -150 to -40 bp reduced infectivity from 5 to 6 logs, although the magnitude of the reduction partly may have reflected threshold envelope protein requirements for positive XC assays. The reduced infectivity did not appear to result from a failure of proviral DNA synthesis or integration by the mutant. Thus, the infectivity measurements identified three functional domains in the region between the enhancers and the TATA box.