Evidence that chicken CR1 elements represent a novel family of retroposons

We report the first precise delineation of a chicken CR1 element and show that it is flanked by a 6-base-pair target site duplication that occurred when this repetitive element transposed. The 3' end of this CR1 element is defined by an 8-base-pair imperfect direct repeat, and we infer that this sequence represents the 3' end of all intact CR1 elements. In contrast, the 5' ends are not unique, and we argue that this variation existed at the time each element transposed. We also provide evidence that CR1 elements transposed into preferred target sites. CR1 elements therefore appear to represent a novel class of passive retroposons.

The major and minor chicken vitellogenin genes are each adjacent to partially deleted pseudogene copies of the other

The major chicken vitellogenin gene (VTGII) has previously been cloned and sequenced. We now report the isolation of genomic clones that encompass a minor chicken vitellogenin gene (VTGIII) which is also expressed in the liver in response to estradiol. Our analysis reveals that a pseudogene for VTGII (psi VTGII) lies 1,426 base pairs upstream of this VTGIII gene. A reevaluation of published sequence data reveals that the converse is also true, namely, that a pseudogene for VTGIII (psi VTGIII) lies 1,345 base pairs downstream of the VTGII gene. Our results show that a 335-base-pair deletion has removed the psi VTGIII promoter and cap site but left residual estrogen response element in a region where nuclease-hypersensitive sites have been reported to be induced in response to estradiol.

The effect of nitroglycerin on response to tracheal intubation. Assessment by radionuclide angiography

The effect of intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin (NTG) on perioperative myocardial ischemia as detected by single pass radionuclide angiocardiography was studied in 20 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Ten patients, selected at random, received IV NTG 1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 (NTG group) and 10 others, IV saline (control group). Anesthetic induction consisted of midazolam 0.2 mg.kg-1, vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg-1, and 50% N2O in O2. ECG leads I, II, and V5 were monitored for ST segment changes. Single pass radionuclide angiocardiography (RNA) was performed at 5 times: prior to induction, prior to tracheal intubation, and at 1, 3.5, and 6 min following intubation. The presence of new regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) was determined from each RNA study as compared with the preinduction measurement. Apart from one patient in the control group who developed a new "v" wave after intubation, there was no evidence of ischemia by pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. No ECG evidence of ischemia was detected in any patient. Despite this, new regional wall motion abnormalities were observed in 3 patients in the control group and 1 patient in the NTG group. Blood pressure and heart rate responses of patients with new RWMA were not significantly different from other patients. The low incidence of ischemia in this population precludes a definitive statement regarding the efficacy of IV NTG, but the lower incidence of RWMA in the NTG group suggests a protective effect.

The AO tubular external fixator in the treatment of open fractures and infected non-unions of the shaft of the femur

A series of 14 cases of open fractures of the shaft of the femur and another group of 13 cases of infected non-union of the shaft of the femur are reported. They were treated with the AO tubular external fixator. The complications and results are assessed and it is concluded that the AO external fixator system has a valuable part to play in these difficult cases.

Trypanosoma cruzi: an in vitro cycle of cell differentiation in axenic culture

The operation of an in vitro cycle of cell differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi in axenic culture was obtained. When epimastigote forms, grown in LIT medium, were transferred to a modified LIT medium (E. Chiari, 1981, "Diferenciação do Trypanosoma cruzi em cultura." Ph.D. dissertation, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil), metacyclic trypomastigotes were generated. The latter, upon treatment with fresh human serum, and subsequent incubation in LIT medium gave origin to clusters of spheromastigote cells. The spheromastigotes were resistent to lysis mediated by the complement system and possess a morphology shown by optical and electron microscopy to be very similar to spheromastigotes derived from tissues of infected vertebrates. Blood-like trypomastigotes, or epimastigotes, could be obtained from spheromastigotes depending on the incubation conditions: at high serum concentration (55%) at 37 C, blood-like trypomastigotes were generated; by aging or heating (37 C), at low serum concentration (10%), epimastigotes were formed, closing the whole sequence of cell differentiation of T. cruzi. The molecular characterization of the different cell forms by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of metabolic pulse labeled proteins showed that the in vitro differentiated cells were distinct, not only by morphological criteria, but by differential gene expression as well. All the forms described could be obtained in large amounts (6 x 10(7) to 1 x 10(8)/ml), making it possible to perform preparative biochemical, molecular biological, and immunological experiments.

Isolation of chicken vitellogenin I and III cDNAs and the developmental regulation of five estrogen-responsive genes in the embryonic liver

The isolation of cDNA clones that code for portions of the two minor chicken vitellogenin (VTG) genes (VTGI and VTGIII) is reported. These clones represent unique sequences that are expressed exclusively in the livers of estrogenized birds. In the liver of the egg-laying hen, the levels of RNAs encoding VTGI, VTGII, and VTGIII are approximately 11,000, 30,000, and 3,000 molecules per cell, respectively. We have used the newly isolated clones, as well as the yolk protein cDNAs previously available [VTGII, apolipoprotein II (apoVLDLII), and apolipoprotein B], as probes to examine several aspects of the regulation of these genes by estradiol. First, we demonstrate that the capacity of each gene to respond to estradiol is acquired between 8 and 13 days in ovo. The response of four of these genes to estradiol is diminished during late fetal development, but the responsiveness is recovered within a week after hatching. Second, we demonstrate that these genes display distinct kinetic response profiles following the addition of estradiol. Third, as has been described previously for the VTGII and apoVLDLII genes, we demonstrate that a single injection of estradiol effects a long-term reprogramming event (hepatic memory) that allows a faster onset of the rapid accumulation of both VTGI and VTGIII RNAs following a subsequent rechallenge by estradiol. Collectively, these three sets of data suggest molecular parameters that may contribute to both the coordinate and noncoordinate regulation of this set of genes by estradiol.

Recognition of reversible and irreversible myocardial injury by technetium pyrophosphate extraction kinetics

The need for a more accurate method of detecting episodes of myocardial ischemia during cardiac operations, particularly during the ischemic arrest interval, prompted us to investigate the usefulness of measuring the active extraction of technetium pyrophosphate in identifying and quantitating ischemic injury. Twenty-four adult mongrel dogs were subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass, and normothermic global ischemia was induced by cross-clamping the proximal aorta. Technetium pyrophosphate (1 mCi) was injected through a standard cardioplegia line with normal saline, simulating administration of cardioplegic solution, upon placement of the aortic cross-clamp (time 0), at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes of global ischemia, and with the onset and completion of ischemic contracture. Radioactive counts were recorded over the heart at 1 second intervals, and the extraction fraction and half-time of clearance were calculated. The extraction fraction increased from 0.22 at time 0 to 0.58 at 15 minutes, 0.82 at 30 minutes, 0.85 at 45 minutes, and 0.91 at 60 minutes. The halftime increased from a baseline of 114 seconds (time 0) to a maximum of 321 seconds at 60 minutes of ischemia. The onset and completion of ischemic contracture showed a return toward baseline of both the extraction fraction and halftime of clearance, with an extraction fraction of 0.44 and 0.46 and a halftime of 135 and 133 seconds, respectively. These data clearly show that reversible myocardial injury increased the extraction and reduced the clearance of technetium pyrophosphate and that the magnitude of change related to the extent of injury. The progression to irreversible myocardial injury decreased the active extraction of technetium pyrophosphate. This simple procedure for real-time documentation of myocardial injury promises to provide easily obtainable endpoints of injury for use during cardiac operations in humans.

Protein biosynthesis changes in Trypanosoma cruzi induced by supra-optimal temperature

Early during vertebrate infection, T. cruzi is exposed to the host blood at an elevated temperature. Bearing this in mind, the pattern of protein synthesis of two parasite forms was examined. SDS-PAGE of heated organisms showed an increase in at least four proteins (103, 92, 75 and 61 kD). The temperature effect is also manifested in cells whose RNA synthesis is reduced by actinomycin D treatment. The synthesis of the '29 degrees proteins' is inhibited at 40 degrees C in organisms growing in culture medium; when the organisms were maintained in serum, the inhibition was not observed. The inhibitory effect observed at 40 degrees C was reversed when the temperature was shifted to 29 degrees C. These proteins were synthesized for 180 min at 37 degrees C or 360 min at 40 degrees C. The increased protein synthesis manifested at 37 degrees C had decreased 45 min after the temperature was lowered to 29 degrees C. When the cells were pre-incubated at 40 degrees C and shifted to 29 degrees C, the synthesis of the heat-induced proteins proceeded for at least 180 min. This pattern of heat induction in epimastigotes and trypomastigotes is the same irrespective of whether the incubation medium is LIT (for epimastigotes), M-16 (for trypomastigotes), or when serum was used for both cell types.

Control of tubulin gene expression during metacyclogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi

During differentiation of the dividing epimastigote to the non-dividing metacyclic trypomastigote form of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi there is a marked reduction in the rate of synthesis of the major proteins alpha- and beta-tubulin. Our results indicate that the control of synthesis of these proteins during the differentiation event is exerted at the level of alpha- and beta-tubulin mRNA accumulation.

Possibility of reducing the luteolytic dose of cloprostenol in cyclic dairy cows

The administration of cloprostenol by intravulvosubmucous (i.v.s.m.) injection at 1 2 and 1 4 of the dose usually given by intramuscular (i.m.) injection, was tested in dairy cows for luteolysis and estrus synchronization. The i.m. injection was used in ten adult cows at the usual dose of 500 mug/animal. Eleven adult cows and 11 heifers were treated i.v.s.m. with a dose equivalent to 250 mug/animal and 125 mug/animal, respectively. Two injections of cloprostenol were administered 11 days apart to the cows not detected in oestrus after a single injection. Forty-three out of the total 46 animals were detected to be in dioestrus at the time of at least one of the injections, as reflected by the plasma progesterone concentrations at the time of treatments. Three out of the 43 animals injected during dioestrus were refractory to the luteolytic effect of cloprostenol; this appeared to be independent of the dosage and the route of administration (refractory cows were: one adult cow treated i.m. and two treated i.v.s.m. with 125 mug of cloprostenol). The mean time interval from injection to the onset of heat was 82.8 hours with a confidence limit for 95% of probability between 67.9 hours and 92.7 hours. The difference between treatments is not significant. The results suggest that in heifers and adult cows cloprostenol can be given i.v.s.m. route at a reduced dose of 1 4 of the usual 500 mug i.m. dosage without affecting the luteolytic effect of the drug or fertility.

Intestinal perforation and vascular rupture in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare genetically determined disorder of connective tissue. Such patients often present challenges in clinical diagnosis and management. Dramatic life-threatening presentations include gastrointestinal perforation and vascular rupture, both occurring in the patient described. This case illustrates diagnostic features and therapeutic maneuvers important in the management of such complications of this disorder.

The risk:benefit of autotransfusion--comparison to banked blood in a canine model

Recent enthusiasm for intraoperative autotransfusion has overshadowed critical assessment of its potential risks. In this study, adult mongrel dogs underwent controlled intraperitoneal hemorrhage of twice their estimated blood volume over a 4-hour period. The blood was replaced by an equal volume of banked blood (Group I, n = 5), or collected and reinfused via the Sorenson System (Group II, n = 6), or the Haemonetics Cell Washing Device (Group III, n = 6). Acid citrate dextrose was the local anticoagulant for Groups I and II, and heparin for Group III. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac output were maintained at baseline values with crystalloid infusion. Core temperature, pO2, and systemic pH remained normal throughout the 4 hours of evaluation. Red blood cell recovery was efficient in all animals, and the 2,3 DPG levels remained normal in the autotransfused dogs. Thrombocytopenia, however, developed uniformly and was more pronounced after autotransfusion. Platelet numbers decreased nearly 45% in the Sorenson as well as Haemonetics animals. Additionally, platelet dysfunction occurred after one blood volume exchange as evidenced by prolonged bleeding times and loss of the secondary wave on Sonoclot profiles. Coagulation studies revealed progressive consumptive coagulopathy and fibrinolysis in autotransfused dogs. The P.T., P.T.T., and T.T. lengthened, and levels of factors II, V, VIII, and fibrinogen fell. Autotransfusion clearly eliminates the infectious and incompatibility problems of banked homologous blood. Despite advances in technique, however, consumptive coagulopathy, fibrinolysis, and platelet dysfunction occur.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhancement of blood pressure response to dopamine by angiotensin II

The interaction of dopamine and angiotensin II (AII) on blood pressure and heart rate was studied in rats. The influence of reserpine pretreatment and vagotomy was also studied. Inbred rats anesthetized with urethane received intravenous (i.v.) doses of 50, 100, 200, or 400 micron g (per 100 g body weight) of dopamine HCI, before and after a single i.v. dose of 0.025 micron g of AII. The same doses of dopamine were tested in vagotomized rats and in rats pretreated with reserpine. The effect of dopamine alone on blood pressure was biphasic, since 16 of 38 rats showed an early fall followed by a later rise. The early fall decreased significantly with the dose and was absent with the highest dose tested (400 micron g). The late rise was observed in all experiments, and it increased significantly with the dose. Parallel to hypotension, a decrease of heart rate was observed, but both phenomena appeared not to be linked by a sauce-effect relationship. Vagotomy prevented both hypotension and bradycardia induced by dopamine. Angiotensin II inhibited the early fall and increased the late rise of blood pressure induced by dopamine but had no effect on the bradycardia. Reserpine retreatment prevented the hypotensive and enhanced the hypertensive response to dopamine, and in this situation dopamine induced cardiac arrhythmia. The interaction between dopamine and AII is inhibited by pretreatment with reserpine. The early hypotensive phase and bradycardia caused by dopamine appeared to be the consequence of a vagal reflex.

Partial trisomy-5p

Two sibs with partial trisomy-5p are reported. Their father is the carrier of a balanced translocation 46,XY,t(4q+;5p-). Twelve cases of partial trisomy-5p--including our two patients--have been reported. The most common abnormalities found were mental retardation, short stature, dolichocephaly, prominent nasal bridge, prognathism, seizures, hypotonia, ear abnormalities, increased ulnar loops on the fingertips, and cryptorchidism in affected males.