Cellular determination in the anterior pituitary gland: PIT-1 and PROP-1 mutations as causes of human combined pituitary hormone deficiency

In the anterior pituitary gland, five distinct hormone producing cell types are generated from common epithelial progenitor cells. This process of cellular determination is controlled by signaling molecules acting on transcription factors, which in turn regulate genes critical for the appearance of hormone producing cells. Two pituitary specific transcription factors, Pit-1 and Prop-1, which are required for generation of hormone producing cells in the anterior pituitary gland, have proved to be important in the cause of hypopituitarism in humans. Mutations in the human PIT-1 gene lead to a combined pituitary hormone deficiency characterized by lack of GH, PRL and TSH. Mutations in the PROP-1 gene, which are a more common cause of hypopituitarism, lead to a clinical phenotype characterized by GH, PRL, TSH, LH and FSH deficiency, and sometimes ACTH deficiency as well.

Toxigenic diversity of two different RAPD groups of Stachybotrys chartarum isolates analyzed by potential for trichothecene production and for boar sperm cell motility inhibition

Thirty-one isolates of Stachybotrys chartarum from indoor and outdoor environments were analyzed for the presence of the trichodiene synthase (Tri5) gene, trichothecenes, boar sperm cell motility inhibition, and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA banding patterns (RAPDs). Twenty-two S. chartarum isolates tested positive for the Tri5 gene and nine were negative when tested using novel Tri5 gene-specific PCR primer pair. The Tri5 gene positive isolates contained satratoxins (five isolates) or the simple trichothecene, trichodermol (11 isolates). The Tri5 gene negative isolates did not produce satratoxins or trichodermol. Nineteen S. chartarum isolates, distributed among the Tri5 gene negative and positive groups, inhibited boar spermatozoan motility at concentrations of < or = 60 microg of crude cell extract/mL. The inhibition of motility was independent of satratoxins or atranones. Unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis of RAPD fragments clustered the 31 S. chartarum isolates in two distinct groups designated as RAPD groups 1 and 2. The grouping of S. chartarum isolates obtained by UPGMA cluster analysis of RAPD fragments was identical to the grouping obtained by Tri5 gene-specific PCR. This indicates that the S. chartarum isolates belonging to different groups were genetically distinct in a much wider area than just the Tri5 gene.

Intergeneric hybrids between Brassica napus and Orychophragmus violaceus containing traits of agronomic importance for oilseed rape breeding

Protoplast fusions between Brassica napus and Orychophragmus violaceus for transfer of valuable traits to oilseed rape resulted in 257 somatic hybrid plants. Hybridity was confirmed by morphological, cytological and molecular means. Symmetric fusions gave rise to 131 plants. Fifty eight of these plants had an intermediate morphology and contained nuclear DNA corresponding to the sum of the parental species. All 131 plants were sterile with no pollen grains observed upon flowering. Another 126 plants were derived from asymmetric fusions in which protoplasts of the donor parent O. violaceus were irradiated by 100 or 200-Gy X-rays prior to fusion. Morphologically these plants showed a larger variation compared to the plants regenerated from symmetric fusion experiments. In contrast to plants obtained from symmetric fusions, fertile hybrids were recovered among regenerants from the asymmetric fusions. Twenty four of these plants released viable pollen grains and 14 of the determined 17 plants set seeds after either selfing or backcrossing to B. napus. Fourteen male-sterile plants were identified with female fertility. This observed male sterility most-likely originated from alloplasmic recombination and would be of great potential for the development of a new cytoplasmic male sterility system. The fatty acid composition of the fertile hybrids and their progenies showed a biased distribution towards the B. napus parent, which has a high erucic acid-content type. However, increased levels of palmitic and linoleic acids compared to B. napus were found in subsequent generations, as well as a reduced level of erucic acid.

Effects of high-fat diet, angiotensinogen (agt) gene inactivation, and targeted expression to adipose tissue on lipid metabolism and renal gene expression

To address the role of angiotensinogen (agt) in lipid metabolism and its potential endocrine effects in vivo, we studied the effects of high-fat diet (HFD) on adult, 28-week-old agt knockout (KO) mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Recent studies (Massiera et al., 2001) have demonstrated that reexpression of agt in adipose tissue of KO mice normalized adiposity, blood pressure, and kidney abnormalities. We therefore used microarray analysis to investigate changes in gene expression profile in kidneys of KO vs. Tg-KO mice, where agt expression is restricted to adipose tissue. Body weight, adiposity and insulin levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in KO mice on a chow diet (CD) compared to WT mice, while circulating leptin levels were similar. On a high-fat diet, KO mice exhibited significantly lower bodyweight (p < 0.05), adiposity (p < 0.05), leptin, and insulin levels (p < 0.05) compared to WT mice. In agreement with previously reported changes in kidney histology, agt KO mice displayed altered expressions of genes involved in blood pressure regulation and renal function, but these levels were corrected by reexpression of agt in adipose tissue. Collectively, these findings further document important endocrine roles of adipocyte agt, in part via regulation of lipid metabolism and kidney homeostasis.

Identification of two novel and potent competitive inhibitors of the glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic protein

AIM

In this study, we show that inhibitors of the glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) catalytic protein could be an alternative approach to the recent G-6-Pase T1-translocase inhibitors to target this enzyme for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

METHOD

The active enantiomers of 4-methoxyphenyl-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridin-5-yl]methanone (Compound A-1) and 4-methoxyphenyl-[4-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridin-5-yl]methanone (Compound B-1) were characterized as inhibitors of the G-6-Pase catalytic protein using pig and rat liver microsomes and cultured rat hepatocytes.

RESULTS

Both compounds were found to be potent competitive inhibitors of the G-6-Pase catalytic protein obtained from pig and rat liver microsomes. The K(i) values (microM) were calculated to be 0.61 +/- 0.02 and 0.63 +/- 0.08 for compound A-1 and B-1 on intact pig microsomes, and 0.27 +/- 0.02 and 0.29 +/- 0.06 on disrupted pig microsomes. The corresponding values for rat liver microsomes were found to be 3.3 +/- 0.6 and 4.0 +/- 1.2 for compound A-1 and B-1 on intact microsomes, and 1.54 +/- 0.1 and 1.21 +/- 0.1 on disrupted microsomes. Compound A-1 was also able to inhibit pyrophosphatase activities from both intact and disrupted microsomes with equal potency (IC50; 0.43-0.55 microm). Using cultured rat hepatocytes and glycerol as the substrate, these compounds were able to prevent glucose production up to 60% with a concomitant increase in the G-6-P content (2.3-fold) using compound A-1. No increase in glycogen levels was seen.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrated that these compounds were more potent inhibitors on G-6-Pase obtained from pig microsomes and were able to penetrate the microsomal membrane. The hepatocyte data further support the kinetic data, and are also consistent with the evoked mechanism of action.

Effectiveness of a mass media campaign to recruit young adults for testing of Chlamydia trachomatis by use of home obtained and mailed samples

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured information campaign aiming to recruit young adults for a Chlamydia trachomatis test by use of a non-invasive, home obtained and mailed sample.

METHODS

All individuals aged 21-23 living in Aarhus county, Denmark (30 000 young adults) were offered a mailed home sampling test for C trachomatis as part of a structured 14 week information campaign on chlamydia. The kit for home sampling could be requested by leaving a message on an answering machine or through a website on the internet.

RESULTS

During the campaign 119 of 15 000 women (0.8%) and 64 of 15 000 men (0.4%) were tested. Prevalence of infection was 8.4% (10/119) and 7.8% (5/64) in females and males, respectively. Four infections in women (4/10=40%) and three infections in men (3/5=60%) were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

The mass media campaign had only a limited effect, and there is a need for more effective outreach programmes to recruit young asymptomatic individuals for C trachomatis testing.

The POU domain factor Skin-1a represses the keratin 14 promoter independent of DNA binding. A possible role for interactions between Skn-1a and CREB-binding protein/p300

The genes encoding keratin 5 and 14 are highly expressed in the basal cell layer keratinocytes of the epidermis, but both genes are silenced when keratinocytes move into the suprabasal compartment. The POU homeodomain factors Skn-1a and Tst-1, which are expressed in epidermis, may play a role in the suprabasal repression of the keratin 5 and 14 genes because keratin 14 mRNA expression persists in suprabasal cells in Skn-1/Tst-1 double knockout mice. In transfection experiments, both Skn-1a and Tst-1 repress the keratin 14 promoter, with the POU domain being sufficient for repression. The region of the keratin 14 gene sufficient and required for repression by Skn-1a is a 100-base pair sequence lacking POU-binding sites adjacent to the transcription start site. DNA-binding defective mutants of Skn-1a and Tst-1 are as effective at mediating repression as the wild type proteins, suggesting that protein-protein interactions rather than direct DNA binding are important for repression. We also show that CREB-binding protein (CBP)/p300 co-activators are strong activators of keratin 14 gene expression, acting through sequences close to the keratin 14 promoter. Further, CBP interacts directly with the POU domain of Skn-1a, and increasing concentrations of CBP can overcome Skn-1a-mediated repression, suggesting that POU domain factors may repress keratin 14 gene expression by interfering with the activity of co-activators such as CBP/p300.

Large scale expression, purification and 2D crystallization of recombinant plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase

P-type ATPases convert chemical energy into electrochemical gradients that are used to energize secondary active transport. Analysis of the structure and function of P-type ATPases has been limited by the lack of active recombinant ATPases in quantities suitable for crystallographic studies aiming at solving their three-dimensional structure. We have expressed Arabidopsis thaliana plasma membrane H+-ATPase isoform AHA2, equipped with a His(6)-tag, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The H+-ATPase could be purified both in the presence and in the absence of regulatory 14-3-3 protein depending on the presence of the diterpene fusicoccin which specifically induces formation of the H+-ATPase/14-3-3 protein complex. Amino acid analysis of the purified complex suggested a stoichiometry of two 14-3-3 proteins per H+-ATPase polypeptide. The purified H(+)-ATPase readily formed two-dimensional crystals following reconstitution into lipid vesicles. Electron cryo-microscopy of the crystals yielded a projection map at approximately 8 A resolution, the p22(1)2(1) symmetry of which suggests a dimeric protein complex. Three distinct regions of density of approximately equal size are apparent and may reflect different domains in individual molecules of AHA2.

The pyrimidine operon pyrRPB-carA from Lactococcus lactis

The four genes pyrR, pyrP, pyrB, and carA were found to constitute an operon in Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MG1363. The functions of the different genes were established by mutational analysis. The first gene in the operon is the pyrimidine regulatory gene, pyrR, which is responsible for the regulation of the expression of the pyrimidine biosynthetic genes leading to UMP formation. The second gene encodes a membrane-bound high-affinity uracil permease, required for utilization of exogenous uracil. The last two genes in the operon, pyrB and carA, encode pyrimidine biosynthetic enzymes; aspartate transcarbamoylase (pyrB) is the second enzyme in the pathway, whereas carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase subunit A (carA) is the small subunit of a heterodimeric enzyme, catalyzing the formation of carbamoyl phosphate. The carA gene product is shown to be required for both pyrimidine and arginine biosynthesis. The expression of the pyrimidine biosynthetic genes including the pyrRPB-carA operon is subject to control at the transcriptional level, most probably by an attenuator mechanism in which PyrR acts as the regulatory protein.

A community needs assessment for a SANE program using Neuman's model

PURPOSE

To present guidelines for a community needs assessment for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program using Neuman's Systems Model. The guidelines provide advanced practice nurses with a holistic, systematic means to conduct an assessment prior to the implementation of a SANE program and facilitate collaborative work with other disciplines and agencies.

DATA SOURCES

Selected research-based articles on sexual assault, classic texts and writings on Neuman's Systems Model, and community assessment models and programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual assault is a problem faced by almost every community. A thorough community assessment is an important first step in establishing programs that adequately meet a community's needs. Guidelines for conducting such an assessment related to implementation of a SANE program are rare, and guidelines using a nursing model were not found in the literature.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

One program that has been successful in meeting community needs is the SANE program. A concise and organized assessment guide can reduce the necessary time and money allocated for a community assessment and can provide a basis for evaluation and research.

Recent advances in hypospadias: current surgical technique and research in incidence and etiology

Surgical techniques to repair hypospadias have undergone remarkable advances in recent years with the development and widespread use of dorsal urethral plate incision to facilitate urethroplasty. Clinical studies of the technique have shown excellent cosmesis and low complication rates for dorsal plate incision (DPI) in distal hypospadias repair, and have demonstrated the efficacy of expanding the use of the DPI in conjunction with other surgical techniques in more proximal repairs. There have been reports of increasing overall incidence of hypospadias in Scandinavian and US populations, but this might not be a uniform trend. There is, in fact, wide variation in the reported incidence of hypospadias among different countries. Many countries have not shown increased rates of hypospadias; furthermore, in countries noted previously to have an increased incidence of hypospadias, rates have leveled off since 1985. Investigations into the etiology of hypospadias have shown potential links to estrogen effects in utero from increased phytoestrogen intake in maternal vegetarian diets, and rare cases of genetic mutations in 5-alpha reductase type II.

Iminosugars: potential inhibitors of liver glycogen phosphorylase

The first synthesis of the single isomers (3R,4R,5R); (3S,4S,5S): (3R,4R,5S) and (3S,4S,5R) of 5-hydroxymethyl-piperidine-3,4-diol from Arecolin is reported, including the synthesis of a series of N-substituted derivatives of the (3R,4R,5R)-isomer (Isofagomine). The inhibitory effect of these isomers as well as of a series of N-substituted derivatives of the (3R,4R,5R)-isomer and selected hydroxypiperidine analogues on liver glycogen phosphorylase (GP) showed that the (3R,4R,5R) configuration was essential for obtaining an inhibitory effect at submicromolar concentration. The results also showed that all three hydroxy groups should be present and could not be substituted, nor were extra OH groups allowed if sub-micromolar inhibition should be obtained. Some inhibitory effect was retained for N-substituted derivatives of Isofagomine; however, N-substitution always resulted in a loss of activity compared to the parent compound, IC50 values ranging from 1 to 100 microM were obtained for simple alkyl, arylalkyl and benzoylmethyl substituents. Furthermore, we found that it was not enough to assure inhibitory effect to have the (R,R,R) configuration. Fagomine, the (2R,3R,4R)-2-hydroxymethylpiperidine-3,4-diol analogue, showed an IC50 value of 200 microM compared to 0.7 microM for Isofagomine. In addition, Isofagomine was able to prevent basal and glucagon stimulated glycogen degradation in cultured hepatocytes with IC50 values of 2-3 microM.

POU domain factors in the neuroendocrine system: lessons from developmental biology provide insights into human disease

POU domain factors are transcriptional regulators characterized by a highly conserved DNA-binding domain referred to as the POU domain. The structure of the POU domain has been solved, facilitating the understanding of how these proteins bind to DNA and regulate transcription via complex protein-protein interactions. Several members of the POU domain family have been implicated in the control of development and function of the neuroendocrine system. Such roles have been most clearly established for Pit-1, which is required for formation of somatotropes, lactotropes, and thyrotropes in the anterior pituitary gland, and for Brn-2, which is critical for formation of magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. While genetic evidence is lacking, molecular biology experiments have implicated several other POU factors in the regulation of gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Pit-1 mutations in humans cause combined pituitary hormone deficiency similar to that found in mice deleted for the Pit-1 gene, providing a striking example of how basic developmental biology studies have provided important insights into human disease.

Home sampling versus conventional swab sampling for screening of Chlamydia trachomatis in women: a cluster-randomized 1-year follow-up study

We compared the efficacy of a screening program for urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infections based on home sampling with that of a screening program based on conventional swab sampling performed at a physician's office. Female subjects, comprising students at 17 high schools in the county of Aarhus, Denmark, were divided into a study group (tested by home sampling) and a control group (tested in a physician's office). We assessed the number of new infections and the number of subjects who reported being treated for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) at 1 year of follow-up; 443 (51.1%) of 867 women in the intervention group and 487 (58.5%) of 833 women in the control group were available for follow-up. Thirteen (2.9%) and 32 (6.6%) new infections were identified in the intervention group and the control group, respectively (Wilcoxon exact value, P=.026). Nine (2.1%) women in the intervention group and 20 (4.2%) in the control group reported being treated for PID (P=.045), indicating that a screening strategy involving home sampling is associated with a lower prevalence of C. trachomatis and a lower proportion of reported cases of PID.

Defective terminal differentiation and hypoplasia of the epidermis in mice lacking the Fgf10 gene

Here, we characterized the skin and hair phenotype of mice lacking the fibroblast growth factor 10 gene (Fgf10), a newly identified member of the fibroblast growth factor family. Histological examination of Fgf10(-/-) newborn mouse skin revealed abnormalities in epidermal morphogenesis. The number of proliferating cells in the basal layer was decreased, the granular layer was hypoplastic and lacked distinctive keratohyaline granules and tonofibrils. The expression of loricrin, a marker of epidermal differentiation, was dramatically reduced. Despite the presence of Fgf10 transcripts in normal hair follicles, abnormalities of hair development were not observed in Fgf10(-/-) skin. These data suggest that Fgf10 is required for embryonic epidermal morphogenesis but is not essential for hair follicle development.

NMR studies on metal complexes of DNA oligomers

A short overview of NMR spectroscopic applications for the study of metal ion complexes of DNA oligomers is presented. One typical example is given to illustrate the scope of the methods: the NMR structure of a trans-DDP interstrand cross-linked duplex, d(CTCCTG*TGTCTC) x d(GAGATA*AGGAG). The solution structure of this double-stranded DNA oligonucleotide, containing a trans-diammineplatinum(II) interstrand cross-link, was determined using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) and NOE-restrained molecular dynamics and energy minimization refinement. The duplex is a non-palindromic 12/11-mer with a missing central residue in the lower strand and in addition it contains a GT mismatched base pair. The analysis indicated that an interstrand cross-link is established between G6-N7 of the upper strand and A18-N1 of the lower strand.

Production of mycotoxins on artificially and naturally infested building materials

In this study, the ability to produce mycotoxins during growth on artificially infested building materials was investigated for Penicillium chrysogenum, Pen. polonicum, Pen. brevicompactum, Chaetomium spp., Aspergillus ustus, Asp. niger, Ulocladium spp., Alternaria spp., and Paecilomyces spp., all isolated from water-damaged building materials. Spores from the different isolates of the above mentioned species were inoculated on gypsum board with and without wallpaper and on chipboard with and without wallpaper. Fungal material was scraped off the materials, extracted, and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and thin layer chromatography. All six isolates of C. globosum produced the toxic chaetoglobosins A and C, at levels of up to 50 and 7 microg/cm2 respectively. The quantities of secondary metabolites produced by Penicillia were generally low, and no toxin production was detected from any of the five isolates of Pen. chrysogenum. Both isolates of Pen. polonicum produced 3-methoxy-viridicatin, verrucosidin, and verrucofortine. Two of five isolates of Pen. brevicompactum produced mycophenolic acid. From five out of six isolates of Alternaria spp., altenariol and alternariol monomethyl ether were detected. From Ulocladium spp., Paecilomyces spp., and Asp. ustus no known mycotoxins were detected, although the latter two are known mycotoxin producers. Asp. niger produced several naphtho-gamma-pyrones and tetra-cyclic compounds. All investigated species, especially Asp. ustus and Asp. niger produced many unknown secondary metabolites on the building materials. Analyses of wallpaper and glass-fibre wallpaper naturally infested with Asp. versicolor revealed sterigmatocystin and 5-methoxysterigmatocystin. Analyses of naturally infested wallpaper showed that C. globosum produced the chaetoglobosins A and C, and Pen. chrysogenum produced the antibiotic meleagrin.

Appendicitis in pregnancy: diagnosis, management and complications

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical presentation, management and outcome in patients who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The case records of 56 women who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy between January 1985 and December 1997 were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of appendicitis in pregnancy was one in 766 births. The preoperative diagnosis was correct in 75% of the cases. Uterine contractions and a history of diffuse or periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower abdominal quadrant were significantly more frequent among women with appendicitis compared to those patients where the appendectomy revealed a normal appendices. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, leukocyte count, CRP and body temperature were not helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis. There was no maternal morbidity related to the appendectomy. Pregnancy complications were found to be considerable: 4/12 (33%) who underwent appendectomy for appendicitis during the first trimester aborted spontaneously. Second trimester appendectomy for appendicitis was followed by premature delivery in 4/28 (14%). However, no pregnancy complications were observed following third trimester appendectomy for appendicitis. We found no increase in pregnancy complications in cases with perforated appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

Appendicitis in pregnancy should be suspected when a pregnant woman complains of new abdominal pain. No laboratory finding was found to be diagnostic for acute appendicitis during pregnancy. Considerable fetal loss was found after appendectomy during pregnancy in the first and second trimester. No increase in pregnancy complications in cases with perforated appendicitis was observed. The combination of symptoms and clinical judgement is still vital in deciding which patient needs surgical treatment. Based on the results in the present study we recommend prophylactic antibiotic treatment in all laparotomies during pregnancy when appendicitis is suspected.

Inhibition of glycogenolysis in primary rat hepatocytes by 1, 4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol

1,4-Dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB) was identified previously as a potent inhibitor of both the phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of glycogen phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1). In the present study, the effects of DAB were investigated in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. The transport of DAB into hepatocytes was dependent on time and DAB concentration. The rate of DAB transport was 192 pmol/min per mg of protein per mM DAB(medium-concentration). In hepatocytes, DAB inhibited basal and glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis with IC(50) values of 1.0+/-0.3 and 1.1+/-0.2 microM, respectively. The primary inhibitory effect of DAB on glycogenolysis was shown to be due to inhibition of glycogen phosphorylase but, at higher concentrations of DAB, inhibition of the debranching enzyme (4-alpha-glucanotransferase, EC 2.4.1.25) may have an effect. No effects on glycogen synthesis were observed, demonstrating that glycogen recycling does not occur in cultured hepatocytes under the conditions tested. Furthermore, DAB had no effects on phosphorylase kinase, the enzyme responsible for phosphorylation and thereby activation of glycogen phosphorylase, or on protein phosphatase 1, the enzyme responsible for inactivation of glycogen phosphorylase through dephosphorylation.

Impact of menstrual cycle on the diagnostic performance of LCR, TMA, and PCE for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in home obtained and mailed vaginal flush and urine samples

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of the menstrual cycle on the diagnostic performance of various assays for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in home obtained and mailed vaginal flush and urine specimens.

METHODS

A ligase chain reaction assay (LCR; Abbott Laboratories), a transcription mediated amplification assay (TMA; Gen-Probe), and an enzyme amplified immunoassay (PCE; Dako Diagnostics) were evaluated for their validity in detecting C trachomatis in vaginal flush, first void urine, and midstream urine specimens obtained by female high school students at home and mailed directly to the diagnostic laboratory.

RESULTS

C trachomatis was detected in 45 of 889 females (5.1%). The vaginal flush material was positive by TMA and LCR in 84% and 82% of the chlamydia positive females, respectively. First void urine was positive by TMA in 73% and by LCR in 49% of the cases. Midstream urine was positive by TMA and LCR in 69% and 42% of the females, respectively. On a pool of first void and midstream urine, PCE detected 49% of the chlamydia positive females. The overall prevalence of C trachomatis increased with increasing time after the last menstrual bleeding. In urine samples, but not vaginal flush specimens, obtained 3 weeks after the last menstrual bleeding, the sensitivities of TMA, LCR, and PCE decreased markedly suggesting that inhibitors to the assays are excreted in the urine but not in vaginal secretions at this time.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal flush samples are superior to urines for detection of chlamydia infections in females. In screening of young asymptomatic females, samples should be obtained in the latter part of the menstrual cycle.

RLIM inhibits functional activity of LIM homeodomain transcription factors via recruitment of the histone deacetylase complex

LIM domains are required for both inhibitory effects on LIM homeodomain transcription factors and synergistic transcriptional activation events. The inhibitory actions of the LIM domain can often be overcome by the LIM co-regulator known as CLIM2, LDB1 and NLI (referred to hereafter as CLIM2; refs 2-4). The association of the CLIM cofactors with LIM domains does not, however, improve the DNA-binding ability of LIM homeodomain proteins, suggesting the action of a LIM-associated inhibitor factor. Here we present evidence that LIM domains are capable of binding a novel RING-H2 zinc-finger protein, Rlim (for RING finger LIM domain-binding protein), which acts as a negative co-regulator via the recruitment of the Sin3A/histone deacetylase corepressor complex. A corepressor function of RLIM is also suggested by in vivo studies of chick wing development. Overexpression of the gene Rnf12, encoding Rlim, results in phenotypes similar to those observed after inhibition of the LIM homeodomain factor LHX2, which is required for the formation of distal structures along the proximodistal axis, or by overexpression of dominant-negative CLIM1. We conclude that Rlim is a novel corepressor that recruits histone deacetylase-containing complexes to the LIM domain.

Expression of LMO-4 in the central nervous system of the embryonic and adult mouse

LMO (LIM-only) proteins constitute a family of coregulators thought to act as adapters in transcriptionally active complexes. In this manuscript, we describe in situ hybridization studies to elucidate the expression of the recently identified LMO-4 in embryonic and adult mouse brain. We found that LMO-4 expression was very widespread at early (E10.5-11.5) embryonic stages with more intense hybridization signal in certain regions. The expression became more regionalized over mid (E14.5-15.5) and late (E17.5-P0) embryonic stages. Throughout development the ventricular zone, consisting of less differentiated cells, showed less intense signal than the subventricular and marginal zones. Further, expression of LMO-4 in and surrounding myelinating axons, representing Schwann cells, was seen at late embryonic stages. In the adult brain, a restricted number of regions displayed significant LMO-4 expression. Interestingly, these were the same regions that showed most consistent and intense hybridization signal during embryonic development. These regions included the cerebral cortex (layer 2-6), the hippocampus (e.g., the CA3 layer), the dentate gyrus, the basal ganglia, the lateral amygdala, olfactory structures, the paraventricular, dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, zona incerta, intralaminar and reticular nuclei of the ventral thalamus, medullary motor structures and the cerebellum. In summary, the regionalized expression of LMO-4 during development suggest a role for this gene in differentiation and specification of specific brain regions involved in various functions, such as autonomic, motor and neuroendocrine regulation.

Nonspecific facilitation of responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation

We examined the effect of facial muscle contraction and eye movements on motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle (APB) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The hypothesis was that activity of large cortical regions (face) influences the excitability of spinal motoneurons via cortical or subcortical pathways. MEPs were recorded in 12 healthy subjects during the following conditions: (1) rest; (2) facial muscle contraction; (3) eye movements; (4) 10% precontraction of the target muscle; and (5) simultaneous target muscle precontraction and facial muscle contraction. In 9 subjects, spinal motoneuron excitability was assessed by measurements of F waves during the same facilitation maneuvers. Activation of eye and facial muscles clearly facilitated MEPs from the APB. The facilitation of MEP size during nonspecific maneuvers was almost similar to that obtained by target muscle precontraction, whereas shortening of latencies was significantly smaller. The occurrence and amplitude of F waves increased in parallel with MEP size during specific and nonspecific facilitation, pointing to spinal motoneuronal threshold changes as a potential facilitatory mechanism by facial and eye muscle activation. The different MEP latencies during specific and nonspecific facilitation were not explained by different spinal motoneuron excitability, but raise the possibility that supraspinal mechanisms contributed to nonspecific facilitation.