[Contralateral transinguinal laparoscopy in unilateral inguinal hernia]

BACKGROUND

Indication for surgical exploration of the contralateral groin during unilateral herniorraphy in children is the subject of a worldwide debate. Routine exploration based on the likelihood of a patent processus vaginalis (PV) according to age, gender or side to some extent leads to unnecessary procedures, while routine abstention may leave a peritoneal sac, likely to later induce a symptomatic hernia in about 10% of cases.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

One hundred and twenty-five children aged from 1 month to 15 years underwent transinguinal laparoscopic assessment of the contralateral groin, using a 3 mm trocar and a 70 degrees telescope gently introduced through the exposed PV. Surgical exploration was performed only in those patients who exhibited a patent PV, and in patients where the groin was poorly visualized due to technical problems.

RESULTS

Regardless of age, contralateral surgery was not considered in 88 (70%) of the 125 children. Among the 37 patients that were operated upon, eight had a negative exploration due to an erroneous endoscopic evaluation. Surgery was avoided in 35 (56%) of the 62 infants aged less than 2 years, including nine of the 13 prematures who were previously routinely operated upon. Conversely, in the 63 older patients who were readily spared from surgical exploration, the videoscopic evaluation allowed appropriate selection for contralateral surgery in six.

CONCLUSION

A routine policy, either of surgery or observation, is no longer indicated as a quick, safe and cost-effective method is available to detect a patent PV. The transinguinal laparoscopy is safe and could be easily performed by surgeons already skilled in pediatric herniorraphy. Therefore, the videoscopic transinguinal contralateral evaluation is worth being promoted to ensure an appropriate surgery tailored to the anatomical features.

[Skin gangrene of the external genitalia. Report of 44 cases]

STUDY AIM

The aim of this study is to report 44 cases of male external genitalia cutaneous gangrene which have been observed at the Principal Hospital of Dakar (Senegal) during a 4-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients all belonged to a black and poor population (mean age: 60 years). Diabetes was present in 11% of the patients. In ten patients, no aetiology was found. The other 34 cases were secondary mainly to urogenital pathology (50%). In 50% of the cases, the lesions were localised on the external genitalia, in the other 50%, the lesions had spread to the hypogastrium and/or the perineum. Medical treatment included intensive care and triple antibiotic therapy, penicillin, gentamycin and metronidazole. A hyperbaric oxygen therapy was associated in 25% of the cases. The surgical treatment in the acute period included incising, debridement, paring, draining, urinary derivation (n = 36), and colostomy (n = 5). Thirteen patients had the benefit of sequential and prospective bacteriological tests.

RESULTS

Spontaneous healing was obtained in 48% of the patients within 2 to 3 months. Secondary reconstructive surgery consisted mainly in cutaneous grafts. Global mortality rate was 34%, mortality rate was 30% in the secondary gangrenes, 40% in the primitive gangrenes. Mean hospitalisation duration was 6 weeks. Main sequelae were cheiloïd scars.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors try to clarify the nosological imprecisions of this pathology by distinguishing between the secondary types and the primitive types corresponding to Fournier's gangrene, which still inspires many questions concerning its etio-pathogenesis. The surgical treatment must eradicate all necrosis by suited iterative procedures, associated with local care. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not efficient in this series. This pathology, although rare, needs to be better known, because only an early and efficient surgical and medical treatment will be able to decrease the exceptional gravity of the prognosis.

P-element insertion alleles of essential genes on the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster: correlation of physical and cytogenetic maps in chromosomal region 86E-87F

We have established a collection of 2460 lethal or semi-lethal mutant lines using a procedure thought to insert single P elements into vital genes on the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. More than 1200 randomly selected lines were examined by in situ hybridization and 90% found to contain single insertions at sites that mark 89% of all lettered subdivisions of the Bridges' map. A set of chromosomal deficiencies that collectively uncover approximately 25% of the euchromatin of chromosome 3 reveal lethal mutations in 468 lines corresponding to 145 complementation groups. We undertook a detailed analysis of the cytogenetic interval 86E-87F and identified 87 P-element-induced mutations falling into 38 complementation groups, 16 of which correspond to previously known genes. Twenty-one of these 38 complementation groups have at least one allele that has a P-element insertion at a position consistent with the cytogenetics of the locus. We have rescued P elements and flanking chromosomal sequences from the 86E-87F region in 35 lines with either lethal or genetically silent P insertions, and used these as probes to identify cosmids and P1 clones from the Drosophila genome projects. This has tied together the physical and genetic maps and has linked 44 previously identified cosmid contigs into seven "super-contigs" that span the interval. STS data for sequences flanking one side of the P-element insertions in 49 lines has identified insertions in the alphagamma element at 87C, two known transposable elements, and the open reading frames of seven putative single copy genes. These correspond to five known genes in this interval, and two genes identified by the homology of their predicted products to known proteins from other organisms.

Infection of the gonads of the SimES strain of Drosophila simulans by the hereditary reovirus DSV

The S character of Drosophila simulans SimES-st strain undergoes a non-mendelian transmission. It has been postulated that a virus, Drosophila S virus (DSV), could be the causative agent. Electron microscopy analysis of gonads of flies showing a strong S phenotype revealed the presence of virus in or near the germ cells. The S character transmission rate is greater in females than that in males. Similarly, the level of infection by DSV is higher in ovaries than that in testes. Flies treated at a nonpermissive temperature do not present the S phenotype and appear to be cured from the virus. This information, taken together with previous work, makes the hypothesis that DSV is the causative agent of the S phenotype more than likely.

One-hundred and five new potential Drosophila melanogaster genes revealed through STS analysis

Complementation analysis had suggested that the Drosophila melanogaster genome contains approximately 5000 genes, but it is now generally accepted that the actual number is several times as high. We report here an analysis of 1788 anonymous sequence tagged sites (STSs) from the European Drosophila Genome Project (EDGP), totalling 463 kb. The data reveal a substantial number of previously undescribed potential genes, amounting to 6.1% of the number of Drosophila genes already in the sequence databases.

Mapping of microsatellite markers developed from a flow-sorted swine chromosome 6 library

Swine Chromosome (Chr) 6-enriched libraries, generated with size-fractionated DNA isolated from chromosomes sorted by flow cytometry, have been used to develop new Chr 6 microsatellite markers. Chromosome isolation procedures were established to reproducibly prepare high quality chromosomes from phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated swine peripheral blood lymphocytes and to sort individual chromosomes after staining with Hoechst 33258 and chromomycin A3. Chromosome purity was verified by specific staining of swine Chr 6 with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) by use of painting probes generated by degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) amplification of as few as 300 sorted Chr 6. For library construction, DNA was extracted from flow-sorted pools representing Chr 6, amplified, size selected for fragments from 300 to 700 bp, and ligated into pBluescript SK II+ or Lambda ZAP Express. The libraries were then screened with a radiolabeled poly-(dCA) DNA probe. Of 107 (CA)n repeat-containing clones verified by sequencing, 21 were polymorphic and used to genotype the University of Illinois swine reference families. Linkage analysis was then performed with CRIMAP 2.4 (LOD > 3.0), and the results showed that 15 of the microsatellites mapped to swine Chr 6. At least three of these new markers map to locations where there were gaps in the consensus Chr 6 map. Another four markers, because of their PIC values, should provide more informative markers in other areas of the map. Most of the new markers can also be used for automated genotyping with fluorescent labeling. This set of 15 new Chr 6 markers will, therefore, be useful in helping to define QTL associated with swine Chr 6.

The aphid transmission factor of cauliflower mosaic virus forms a stable complex with microtubules in both insect and plant cells

We analyzed the distribution of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) aphid transmission factor (ATF), produced via a baculovirus recombinant, within Sf9 insect cells. Immunogold labeling revealed that the ATF colocalizes with an atypical cytoskeletal network. Detailed observation by electron microscopy demonstrated that this network was composed of microtubules decorated with paracrystalline formations, characteristic of the CaMV ATF. A derivative mutant of the ATF, unable to self-assemble into paracrystals, was also analyzed. This mutant formed a net-like structure, with a mesh of four nanometers, tightly sheathing microtubules. Both the ATF- and the derivative mutant-microtubule complexes were highly stable. They resisted dilution-, cold-, and calcium-induced microtubule disassembly as well as a combination of all three for over 6 hr. CaMV ATF cosedimented with microtubules and, surprisingly, it bound to Taxol-stabilized microtubules at high ionic strength, thus suggesting an atypical interaction when compared with that usually described for microtubule-binding proteins. Using immunofluorescence double labeling we also demonstrated that the CaMV ATF colocalizes with the microtubule network when expressed in plant cells.

Identification and characterization of differentially expressed cDNAs of the vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

The isolation and study of Anopheles gambiae genes that are differentially expressed in development, notably in tissues associated with the maturation and transmission of the malaria parasite, is important for the elucidation of basic molecular mechanisms underlying vector-parasite interactions. We have used the differential display technique to screen for mRNAs specifically expressed in adult males, females, and midgut tissues of blood-fed and unfed females. We also screened for mRNAs specifically induced upon bacterial infection of larval stage mosquitoes. We have characterized 19 distinct cDNAs, most of which show developmentally regulated expression specificity during the mosquito life cycle. The most interesting are six new sequences that are midgut-specific in the adult, three of which are also modulated by blood-feeding. The gut-specific sequences encode a maltase, a V-ATPase subunit, a GTP binding protein, two different lectins, and a nontrypsin serine protease. The latter sequence is also induced in larvae subjected to bacterial challenge. With the exception of a mitochondrial DNA fragment, the other 18 sequences constitute expressed genomic sequence tags, 4 of which have been mapped cytogenetically.

Integrated genetic map of Anopheles gambiae: use of RAPD polymorphisms for genetic, cytogenetic and STS landmarks

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers have been integrated in the genetic and cytogenetic maps of the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Fifteen of these markers were mapped by recombination, relative to microsatellite markers that had been mapped previously. Thirty-four gel-purified RAPD bands were cloned and sequenced, generating sequence tagged sites (STSs) that can be used as entry points to the A. gambiae genome. Thirty one of these STSs were localized on nurse cell polytene chromosomes through their unique hybridization signal in in situ hybridization experiments. Five STSs map close to the breakpoints of polymorphic inversions, which are notable features of the Anopheles genome. The usefulness and limitations of this integrated mosquito map are discussed.

To outsource or not to outsource

Outsourcing work can be a positive intervention if the environment and strategies are properly coordinated, but there is no guarantee of success. Today, more than ever before, hospitals are suffering from two pressures: economic constraints and the migration of managerial talent out of the field to other sectors of the economy. With these two pressures, hospitals are searching for ways to reduce costs and find skilled personnel. A common strategy is to seek support from the open market and outsource. This article looks at tools for making the outsourcing decision, such as risk and force field analysis.

Isolation and characterization of three serine protease genes in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Three genes encoding serine proteases (Sp6A, Sp6T and Sp8T) were isolated from the malaria mosquito An. gambiae. The proteins that are conceptually translated from these genes contain all amino acids that have been described for this class of proteolytic enzymes, namely the His, Asp and Ser residues at the active site, and the six cysteine residues that form the three disulphide bridges in invertebrate serine proteases. The genes are expressed at low levels and the transcripts were detected only by PCR. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the three genes and their pattern of expression indicate that none of the genes code for digestive enzymes, but rather that the proteins have features of the tethered type of serine proteases.

Conserved function of anopheles gambiae midgut-specific promoters in the fruitfly

Control of malaria by a methodology that would permit the effective blockage of the Anopheles gambiae midgut wall penetration by Plasmodium parasites requires a detailed understanding of both the physiology of the mosquito's digestion, and of the interactions between the parasite and its host. We have transformed Drosophila melanogaster with several constructs that allow the study of the promoter region of two of the major late trypsin genes of A. gambiae. Using several deletions, we have identified, for both genes, small genomic segments that are sufficient to confer tissue specificity to the promoter in a species that is far away in evolution from the mosquito. This will allow further studies that will enable both the understanding of the blood meal digestion, and may potentially be useful for the design of anti-plasmodial constructs at a later stage.

The white gene of Ceratitis capitata: a phenotypic marker for germline transformation

Reliable germline transformation is required for molecular studies and ultimately for genetic control of economically important insects, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata. A prerequisite for the establishment and maintenance of transformant lines is selectable or phenotypically dominant markers. To this end, a complementary DNA clone derived from the medfly white gene was isolated, which showed substantial similarity to white genes in Drosophila melanogaster and other Diptera. It is correlated with a spontaneous mutation causing white eyes in the medfly and can be used to restore partial eye color in transgenic Drosophila carrying a null mutation in the endogenous white gene.

Influence of chromosomal position and copy number of a white-directed ribozyme gene on the suppression of eye pigmentation in Drosophila melanogaster

Different strains of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster carrying one, two, or three copies of a heat-shock promoter 70 (hsp70)-driven catalytic antisense RNA gene, directed against the white gene, were investigated for the expression level of ribozyme RNA. It was found that the steady-state concentrations of the hammerhead ribozyme were proportional to the copy number of the genes and that the suppressive effect on eye pigment accumulation was dosage dependent. In a further experiment, a D. melanogaster strain, deficient in eye pigmentation caused by a deletion of the white gene, was used for P element-mediated germline transformation: the transposon used contained the hsp70-driven, white-directed ribozyme gene and, on the same DNA, the mini-white gene under its own promoter. The spatial coupling of the transcription of ribozyme and target RNA resulted in more effective ribozyme-mediated inhibition of eye pigmentation under heat-shock conditions. These effects were dependent on the chromosomal integration site of the transposon.

Polymorphisms detected by random PCR distinguish between different chromosomal forms of Anopheles gambiae

We have applied PCR amplification using random primers to distinguish between incipient species of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Individuals belonging to three chromosomally characterized West African forms of this mosquito, which are important epidemiologically as they differ in vectorial capacity, were sampled both from laboratory stocks and from wild populations collected in three localities. The techniques used allowed for the unambiguous classification of the mosquitoes, providing a tool for rapid and efficient diagnosis, which previously relied on cytological examination of polytene chromosomes.

Interaction between the aphid transmission factor and virus particles is a part of the molecular mechanism of cauliflower mosaic virus aphid transmission

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) aphid transmission factor (ATF or P18) is presumed to interact with both virus particles and vector mouthparts, thereby mediating virus aphid transmission. We developed a protein-protein binding assay and our results clearly show that virus particles bind strongly and specifically to P18 whether P18 was obtained from plants, a baculovirus expression system, or the pGEX-3X Escherichia coli expression system. We overproduced, using the pGEX-3X expression system, various fragments of P18 and thereby demonstrated that the C-terminal 31 amino acid residues are responsible for the interaction. Using PCR-based mutagenesis, 2 amino acid residues essential for interaction were identified. Point substitutions (amino acids 157 from Ile to Asn or 159 from Gly to Ser) were sufficient to abolish the interaction, whereas another mutation (amino acid 158 from Ile to Ser) had no effect on P18 virus binding. We evaluated whether there was a correlation between the ability of P18 to interact with CaMV particles and its biological activity. Aphid transmission assays were carried out and we demonstrated that the loss of the virus binding capacity had a dramatic effect on the ability of P18 to mediate aphid transmission. Thus, our results suggest that binding between P18 and virus particles is likely to be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in CaMV aphid transmission.

Analysis of the Anopheles gambiae genome using RAPD markers

RAPD analysis technique is used as a rapid and reliable tool for genome analysis in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Using more than eighty different commercially available primers we identified more than sixty different DNA segments that were differentially amplified in different strains of An. gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis. An estimate of the cytogenetic position of these markers is provided by their hybridization to divisional dot-blot filters. Potentially useful RAPD markers can be cytogenetically mapped with more precision by in situ hybridization and, as they segregate as dominant markers in a Mendelian fashion, they can also be genetically mapped relative to other genes or rearrangements. Finally, we identified markers for their potential use in the identification of different mosquito strains.

DDI pacing: indications, expectations, and follow-up

The DDI mode of pacing that permits noncompetitive atrioventricular sequential bradycardia support was chosen in 65 of 480 (14%) patients selected for dual chamber pacing between February 1985 and March 1990. All patients were implanted with Pacesetter 283 or 285 pulse generators and programmed to DDI. The indications for pacing were sick sinus syndrome (n = 52), combined sinus node dysfunction and AV block (n = 13). Forty-two of these patients had a history of paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias. All patients received passive fixation atrial and ventricular leads. Follow-up thereafter was performed predischarge, and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after discharge. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1-61 months (mean 31 months). Fifty-four of 65 (83%) patients chosen for DDI remain programmed in the DDI mode. Three patients were reprogrammed to VVI and eight to DDD. During the course of follow-up, six patients presented with effective VVI pacing with consistent ventriculoatrial conduction that was appropriately sensed by the atrial circuit with atrial output inhibition. A further four patients presented with "functional undersensing" due to ventricular blanking period (VBP) characteristics in these pulse generators and in this mode. Functional undersensing was eliminated in all but one patient by reprogramming the VBP to 13 msec with no subsequent episodes of provoked crosstalk inhibition. Effective VVI pacing was observed in patients with AV block during times of sinus acceleration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Paracrystalline structure of cauliflower mosaic virus aphid transmission factor produced both in plants and in a heterologous system and relationship with a solubilized active form

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) aphid transmission factor (ATF), produced in a baculovirus expression system, forms paracrystalline structures, as demonstrated by electron microscopic observations. Similar paracrystals were also found in CaMV-infected plants, using immunogold techniques, thus providing the first evidence of such a structure for the CaMV ATF (P18). We demonstrated that the paracrystals can be solubilized to provide an active form of the CaMV ATF which can also be reverted into the paracrystalline aggregated form. This suggests that the paracrystalline structures might act as a source of active CaMV ATF or be the form in which it is stored within the infected cells. A point mutation within the CaMV gene II (which encodes the ATF) leads to the loss of both the paracrystalline structures and the ATF activity. Hence, the paracrystalline structure seems to be a feature of the native (unmodified ) CaMV ATF.

Polytene chromosome microdissection and molecular genome mapping in Drosophila and other dipterans

We are constructing a molecular physical map of the Drosophila melanogaster genome, using microdissection of polytene chromosomes as a source of region specific probes applied to direct mapping work. Chromosome microdissection has been used for a low resolution map of the Anopheles gambiae s.s. genome.

[Unusual intrathoracic tumor in children: lipoma]

BACKGROUND

Intrathoracic lipomas are rare, often asymptomatic and, in this case, discovered by chance on X-ray.

CASE REPORT

A 3 year-old girl was admitted because chest X-rays prescribed for a persistent cough showed a mass in the right axillary area. The CT scan showed a mass with density of -80 Hounsfield units, characteristic of adipose tissue. There was a slight rib change in contact with the mass, but radionuclide bone scan showed no area of increased uptake. A chest X-ray performed 3 years earlier had shown such a mass, but it was not recognized at that time. Surgery demonstrated that the mass was extrapleural in location and adhering to the rib which was partly excised. Histologic examination showed the presence of mature adipocytes, but no malignant cells.

CONCLUSION

The fatty component of an intrathoracic tumor is easily recognized with CT scan. Erosion of bone in contact with it has been reported.

Gene II product of an aphid-nontransmissible isolate of cauliflower mosaic virus expressed in a baculovirus system possesses aphid transmission factor activity

A new baculovirus expression system was used to express the gene II which encodes the 18-kDa aphid transmission factor (ATF) protein of two isolates of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), the aphid-transmissible (AT+) Cabb B-JI and the aphid-nontransmissible (AT-) CM1841 isolates. ATF activity was shown to be associated with the baculovirus expression product of CaMV gene II from both the AT+ and the AT- isolates. No differences could be detected in the stability of the P18s from AT+ and AT- isolates expressed in the baculovirus system. These results indicate that the AT- phenotype of CM1841 isolate might not be due to a defective P18 but to an insufficient concentration of it in infected plant tissue.

Attenuation of white gene expression in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster: possible role of a catalytic antisense RNA

We have transformed Drosophila melanogaster with a DNA construct encoding a catalytic antisense RNA directed against the primary white gene RNA transcript. Total RNA isolated from transformed flies was shown to catalyze the specific cleavage of in vitro transcribed substrate RNA, indicating the expression of a functional ribozyme. Moreover, transgenic lines carrying homozygous copies of this construct depict a further clear-cut reduction in eye pigmentation when present in a genetic background that has a priori reduced levels of white gene expression.

Opa-like repeats in the genome of the Medfly Ceratitis capitata

The sequence determination of several genomic clones isolated from the Mediterranean fruitfly Ceratitis capitata identified the existence of opa-like repeats, often more than one being clustered in small chromosomal segments. These repeats have previously been shown to consist of stretches of tandemly reiterated glutamine-encoding residues, and they are found in multiple genes of several organisms. Most of the repeats described here are flanked or interrupted by stop codons in all reading frames and, thus, could not possibly be part of protein-coding sequences. Furthermore, these repeats, of which there are several hundred in the genome of the Medfly, can be used effectively for the determination of sequence polymorphisms, providing a convenient approach to obtain additional landmarks for the construction of genomic maps of this economically important insect.

Two non-gypsy rudimentary mutations and their suppression by mutations of suppressor of Hairy-wing in Drosophila

Two spontaneous mutations of rudimentary, the gene encoding the first steps of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in Drosophila, are suppressed by mutant alleles of the suppressor of Hairy-wing locus. This interaction differs from typical su(Hw) suppression in that neither rudimentary allele is associated with an insertion of the gypsy retrotransposon. One allele, rsP1, appears to be a point mutation. Adult rsP1 homozygous females accumulate substantially less 7.3 kb rudimentary transcript than do wild-type females. The other allele, rsP2, is an insertion of an mdg3 retrotransposon in the sixth exon of rudimentary and in the opposite transcriptional orientation. This insertion divides the rudimentary locus into two separate, yet functional, transcription units by truncating transcription from the rudimentary promoter and promoting transcription of downstream rudimentary sequences. Phenotypic suppression of both rsP1 and rsP2 by mutant alleles of the suppressor of Hairy-wing locus correlates with enhanced levels of the rsP1 and rsP2 transcripts.

The distribution of the fiber cell intrinsic membrane proteins MP20 and connexin46 in the bovine lens

MP20 is an intrinsic membrane protein previously identified in mammalian lens fiber cells. To identify a possible role for this protein in the lens, the distribution of MP20 and connexin46 has now been examined. Western immunoblotting with an anti-peptide antibody generated to the C-terminal 8 amino acids of MP20 confirmed the presence of this protein in the lens of several different mammalian species. A monoclonal antibody 5H1 was prepared that, in Western blots of bovine lesn membranes, recognized the same component as an antibody to rat connexin46 (Cx46). The apparent molecular mass of this component decreased from 59 kDa to 55 kDa following treatment of lens membranes with alkaline phosphatase. A monoclonal antibody to connexin-related MP70 recognized a 70 kDa component in bovine lens membranes confirming the presence of these two different connexin proteins in bovine lens membranes. To localize MP20 and Cx46 in the bovine lens membrane, lens fiber cell bundles were immunofluorescently labeled with both the MP20 antibody, and the monoclonal antibody to Cx46. Cx46 was identified in large plaques on the broad faces of the lens fiber cells throughout the outer 1 mm of the lens cortex. MP20 colocalized with Cx46 only in a restricted area 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm into the lens. In other regions of the lens, MP20 appeared more diffusely distributed over the fiber cell surface, although apparently concentrated in the ball-and-socket regions at the corners of the narrow side of the inner cortical lens fiber cells. These inner cortical regions were devoid of Cx46. A difference in distribution of these two proteins was confirmed in studies of immunofluorescently labeled lens cryosections. Furthermore, immunogold electron microscopy of purified lens membranes identified MP20 in both junctional regions (with Cx46) and in single membranes. These results provide evidence for a role for MP20 in mammalian lens fiber cell junctional formation or organization.

Surgical management of duplex ureteroceles

We reviewed the cases of 95 children with duplex ureteroceles treated in this department over an 18-year period. There were 101 ureteroceles (6 bilateral). Diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. Special attention was paid to newborns screened in utero. We always strove to preserve functional renal tissue whenever possible. In keeping with this goal, three surgical techniques were used: (1) upper pole heminephrectomy; (2) ureterocele excision, bladder neck reconstruction, and ureter reimplantation with or without cutaneous ureterostomy of the upper pole ureter; and (3) endoscopic ureterocele incision. Follow-up studies using x-ray and radionuclide imaging demonstrated satisfactory renal function in 86.6% of patients. These findings support a conservative approach to ureteroceles using endoscopic ureterocele incision as the primary treatment. Lower urinary tract reconstruction may be associated in cases involving urinary tract infection, obstruction or incontinence. Upper pole heminephrectomy should be performed only after functional evaluation following ureterocele incision or cutaneous ureterostomy.

Masculinization of female isopods (Crustacea) correlated with non-Mendelian inheritance of cytoplasmic viruses

When in genetic females external male characters differentiate, the phenomenon is called "male pseudohermaphroditism." This male differentiation occurs in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, suborder Oniscoidea) and sometimes involves only some epithelial areas (gynandromorphous mosaics). It is not induced by male hormones or by abnormal ovary function. This intersexuality is transmitted maternally (by the intersex females) or paternally (by the brothers of intersex females) to between 30% and 60% of their offspring. Although it occurs at 20 degrees C, the male differentiation disappears when breeding takes place at 27 degrees C. Male characters differentiate in normal females--even in other Oniscoidea species (Porcellio dilatatus, Porcellio laevis, Armadillidium vulgare)--after injection of a 0.22-micron filtered tissue extract. Since an inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis (gentamycin) does not inhibit this masculinizing effect, we infer that neither organelles nor bacteria are involved. Intersexuality is always correlated with the presence of cytoplasmic viral particles in both intersex-female and transmitter-male tissues. Striking similarities to the Drosophila S virus are noted. A reovirus-like Oniscoidea masculinizing virus, which probably acts only on the epithelial areas sensitive to the male hormones, is most likely the causative agent of this intersexuality. Here we report the conversion of secondary sexual characters putatively caused by a virus.

Esophageal atresia, tracheomalacia and arterial compression: role of aortopexy

Between 1985 and 1990, we treated 46 cases of esophageal atresia in the pediatric surgery department in Marseille. In 17 of these patients atresia was associated with tracheomalacia. The most common respiratory manifestations were acute apneic attacks, cyanotic spells and recurring pneumopathy. The underlying cause was arterial compression of the airways by the innominate artery in 6 cases, the aortic arch in 2 cases, and a common origin of the innominate and left carotid arteries in 2 cases. Eleven patients underwent surgery to relieve arterial compression: suspension of the aorta from the under surface of the sternum (10 cases) and reimplantation of the innominate artery (1 case). Results in terms of tracheal caliber and symptomatic relief were excellent in 10 cases including 1 case requiring redo, and poor in 1 case. For diagnosis, our experience shows the importance of endoscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and recognition of gastroesophageal reflux which is often associated (9/11). The role of tracheomalacia is discussed. On the basis of our results and those previously reported, aortopexy appears to be an effective surgical technique in patients with esophageal atresia presenting respiratory complications due to arterial compression.

Integrated maps of the Drosophila genome: progress and prospects

A physical map of the Drosophila melanogaster genome is being assembled, consisting of ordered overlapping cosmid clones. The map is constructed in steps, separately for each chromosomal division. Gaps in this map are to be bridged with yeast artificial chromosome clones. Hybridization to previously cloned genes and extensive use of in situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes ensure that the cosmid map is firmly anchored to the wealth of available genetic and cytogenetic information. The intention is to make the physical map widely available as part of an overall, integrated genetic resource for the Drosophila research community.

Observer disagreement in rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: facts and consequences

The interobserver variability of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was studied in 59 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Interrater agreement was measured by the kappa coefficient. Agreement was low in patients with mild disability (EDSS less than 5); it was higher in patients with EDSS equal to or greater than 5. The difference between ratings of 2 independent examiners was equal to at least 1 point in 34% of the MS cases. This variability must be taken into consideration in designing clinical trials in MS.