Processing of genome 5' termini as a strategy of negative-strand RNA viruses to avoid RIG-I-dependent interferon induction

Innate immunity is critically dependent on the rapid production of interferon in response to intruding viruses. The intracellular pathogen recognition receptors RIG-I and MDA5 are essential for interferon induction by viral RNAs containing 5' triphosphates or double-stranded structures, respectively. Viruses with a negative-stranded RNA genome are an important group of pathogens causing emerging and re-emerging diseases. We investigated the ability of genomic RNAs from substantial representatives of this virus group to induce interferon via RIG-I or MDA5. RNAs isolated from particles of Ebola virus, Nipah virus, Lassa virus, and Rift Valley fever virus strongly activated the interferon-beta promoter. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that interferon induction depended on RIG-I, but not MDA5, and phosphatase treatment revealed a requirement for the RNA 5' triphosphate group. In contrast, genomic RNAs of Hantaan virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Borna disease virus did not trigger interferon induction. Sensitivity of these RNAs to a 5' monophosphate-specific exonuclease indicates that the RIG-I-activating 5' triphosphate group was removed post-transcriptionally by a viral function. Consequently, RIG-I is unable to bind the RNAs of Hantaan virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Borna disease virus. These results establish RIG-I as a major intracellular recognition receptor for the genome of most negative-strand RNA viruses and define the cleavage of triphosphates at the RNA 5' end as a strategy of viruses to evade the innate immune response.

Has the impact of heat waves on mortality changed in France since the European heat wave of summer 2003? A study of the 2006 heat wave

BACKGROUND

In July 2006, a lasting and severe heat wave occurred in Western Europe. Since the 2003 heat wave, several preventive measures and an alert system aiming at reducing the risks related to high temperatures have been set up in France by the health authorities and institutions. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of those measures, the observed excess mortality during the 2006 heat wave was compared to the expected excess mortality.

METHODS

A Poisson regression model relating the daily fluctuations in summer temperature and mortality in France from 1975 to 2003 was used to estimate the daily expected number of deaths over the period 2004-2006 as a function of the observed temperatures.

RESULTS

During the 2006 heat wave (from 11 to 28 July), about 2065 excess deaths occurred in France. Considering the observed temperatures and with the hypothesis that heat-related mortality had not changed since 2003, 6452 excess deaths were predicted for the period. The observed mortality during the 2006 heat wave was thus markedly less than the expected mortality (approximately 4400 less deaths).

CONCLUSIONS

The excess mortality during the 2006 heat wave, which was markedly lower than that predicted by the model, may be interpreted as a decrease in the population's vulnerability to heat, together with, since 2003, increased awareness of the risk related to extreme temperatures, preventive measures and the set-up of the warning system.

Short-term associations between fine and coarse particles and hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory diseases in six French cities

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the potential health effects of the coarse fraction of ambient particles. The aim of this study is to estimate the links between fine (PM(2.5)) and coarse particle (PM(2.5-10)) levels and cardiorespiratory hospitalisations in six French cities during 2000-2003.

METHODS

Data on the daily numbers of hospitalisations for respiratory, cardiovascular, cardiac and ischaemic heart diseases were collected. Associations between exposure indicators and hospitalisations were estimated in each city using a Poisson regression model, controlling for confounding factors (seasons, days of the week, holidays, influenza epidemics, pollen counts, temperature) and temporal trends. City-specific findings were combined to obtain excess relative risks (ERRs) associated with a 10 mug/m(3) increase in PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10 )levels.

RESULTS

We found positive associations between indicators of particulate pollution and hospitalisations for respiratory infection, with an ERR of 4.4% (95% CI 0.9 to 8.0) for PM(2.5-10 )and 2.5% (95% CI 0.1 to 4.8) for PM(2.5). Concerning respiratory diseases, no association was observed with PM(2.5), whereas positive trends were found with PM(2.5-10), with a significant association for the 0-14-year-old age group (ERR 6.2%, 95% CI 0.4 to 12.3). Concerning cardiovascular diseases, positive associations were observed between PM(2.5) levels and each indicator, although some did not reach significance; trends with PM(2.5-10 )were weaker and non-significant except for ischaemic heart disease in the elderly (ERR 6.4%, 95% CI 1.6 to 11.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with other studies, our results indicate that the coarse fraction may have a stronger effect than the fine fraction on some morbidity endpoints, especially respiratory diseases.

Dielectron production in 12C+12C collisions at 2A GeV with the HADES spectrometer

The invariant-mass spectrum of e+e- pairs produced in 12C+12C collisions at an incident energy of 2 GeV per nucleon has been measured for the first time. The measured pair production probabilities span over 5 orders of magnitude from the pi(0)-Dalitz to the rho/omega invariant-mass region. Dalitz decays of pi(0) and eta account for all the yield up to 0.15 GeV/c(2), but for only about 50% above this mass. A comparison with model calculations shows that the excess pair yield is likely due to baryon-resonance and vector-meson decays. Transport calculations based on vacuum spectral functions fail, however, to describe the entire mass region.

Double-stranded RNA is produced by positive-strand RNA viruses and DNA viruses but not in detectable amounts by negative-strand RNA viruses

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) longer than 30 bp is a key activator of the innate immune response against viral infections. It is widely assumed that the generation of dsRNA during genome replication is a trait shared by all viruses. However, to our knowledge, no study exists in which the production of dsRNA by different viruses is systematically investigated. Here, we investigated the presence and localization of dsRNA in cells infected with a range of viruses, employing a dsRNA-specific antibody for immunofluorescence analysis. Our data revealed that, as predicted, significant amounts of dsRNA can be detected for viruses with a genome consisting of positive-strand RNA, dsRNA, or DNA. Surprisingly, however, no dsRNA signals were detected for negative-strand RNA viruses. Thus, dsRNA is indeed a general feature of most virus groups, but negative-strand RNA viruses appear to be an exception to that rule.

Double-stranded RNA is produced by positive-strand RNA viruses and DNA viruses but not in detectable amounts by negative-strand RNA viruses

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) longer than 30 bp is a key activator of the innate immune response against viral infections. It is widely assumed that the generation of dsRNA during genome replication is a trait shared by all viruses. However, to our knowledge, no study exists in which the production of dsRNA by different viruses is systematically investigated. Here, we investigated the presence and localization of dsRNA in cells infected with a range of viruses, employing a dsRNA-specific antibody for immunofluorescence analysis. Our data revealed that, as predicted, significant amounts of dsRNA can be detected for viruses with a genome consisting of positive-strand RNA, dsRNA, or DNA. Surprisingly, however, no dsRNA signals were detected for negative-strand RNA viruses. Thus, dsRNA is indeed a general feature of most virus groups, but negative-strand RNA viruses appear to be an exception to that rule.

Induction of interferon synthesis by the PKR-inhibitory VA RNAs of adenoviruses

In virus-infected cells, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) activates the transcription factor interferon (IFN) regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3), which stimulates type I IFN (IFN-alpha/beta) gene expression. In addition, dsRNA activates the enzyme RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), which phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2beta), thereby inhibiting mRNA translation. Adenoviruses express highly structured RNA molecules termed VA RNAs (VA(I)/VA(II)) known to specifically inhibit PKR. As PKR impairs expression from transfected cDNA constructs, plasmids encoding VA RNAs are widely used as enhancers of transgene expression. Here, we describe induction of IFN synthesis as a novel feature of VA RNAs. Transfection of a VA(I)/VA(II)-expressing plasmid was found to induce type I IFN production, resulting in activation of IFN-dependent genes, such as IFN-stimulated gene 56 (ISG56) or MxA, and the establishment of an antiviral state in transfected cells. Curiously, VA RNAs did not activate IRF-3, suggesting an alternative pathway of IFN induction. These data may be considered when using genetically modified adenoviruses as therapeutic agents and suggest caution in choosing VA RNA constructs as a means to increase expression of a gene of interest.

Mobile diabetes education and care: intervention for children and young people with Type 1 diabetes in rural areas of northern Germany

AIMS

To improve the quality of care in children with Type 1 diabetes who have limited access to specialized diabetes care in rural areas, by providing a mobile diabetes education and care team, affiliated with a University hospital paediatric diabetes centre.

METHODS

A cohort of 107 children and their families from eight rural hospitals was followed between July 2000 and July 2002. Parameters on quality of metabolic control (HbA(1c), hospitalization rate and number of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia), diabetes knowledge and quality of life at baseline (t(0)), 6 weeks (t(1)) and 6 months (t(2)) after the interventions were measured.

RESULTS

Mean HbA(1c) was 7.9 +/- 1.4% at t(0). The proportion of HbA(1c) values < 6.8% increased significantly (P < 0.05) and of values > 8.0% decreased significantly (P < 0.01) at t(1) and t(2). The rate of hospitalization fell significantly by 9.4%, from 16.2% at baseline to 6.8% at t(2) (P < 0.05). The children reported significantly better diabetes-specific quality of life (P < 0.05) and higher self-esteem (P < 0.01) after the intervention. Theoretical diabetes knowledge was increased both in the short and long term (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention improved metabolic control, diabetes knowledge and diabetes-specific quality of life. We conclude that high-quality diabetes care in a rural area can be provided by a mobile diabetes education and care team.

Sequence-based typing reveals a novel DLA-88 allele, DLA-88*04501, in a beagle family

The dog is an important animal model for solid organ as well as stem cell allo transplantation. Methods such as cellular and serological typing and more recently sequence-based typing (SBT) have been used to discriminate tissue antigen disparity of donor and recipient. We applied SBT for the canine class I (DLA-88) and class II (DLA-DRB1) genes in beagle families prior stem cell transplantation. A novel DLA-88 (DLA-88*04501) allele in combination with a DLA-DRB1*01901 allele was found. Sequence comparison of exons 2 and 3 of the novel allele revealed most sequence identity to the DLA-88*01301 allele (96.15% identity at the nucleotide and 90.65% identity at the protein level).

Inhibition of RNA polymerase II phosphorylation by a viral interferon antagonist

Many viruses subvert the cellular interferon (IFN) system with so-called IFN antagonists. Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and is transmitted by arthropods. We have recently identified the nonstructural protein NSs of BUNV as a virulence factor that inhibits IFN-beta gene expression in the mammalian host. Here, we demonstrate that NSs targets the RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) complex. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNAP II consists of 52 repeats of the consensus sequence YSPTSPS. Phosphorylation at serine 5 is required for efficient initiation of transcription, and subsequent phosphorylation at serine 2 is required for mRNA elongation and 3'-end processing. In BUNV-infected mammalian cells, serine 5 phosphorylation occurred normally. Furthermore, RNAP II was able to bind to the IFN-beta gene promoter as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, indicating that the initiation of transcription was not disturbed by NSs. However, NSs prevented CTD phosphorylation at serine 2, suggesting a block in transition from initiation to elongation. Surprisingly, no interference with CTD phosphorylation was observed in insect cells. Our results indicate that BUNV uses an unconventional mechanism to block IFN synthesis in the mammalian host by directly dysregulating RNAP II. Moreover, by inducing a general transcriptional block, NSs may contribute to the lytic infection observed in mammalian cells as opposed to persistent infection in the insect host.

Exclusive measurement of coherent proton-deuteron bremsstrahlung

For the first time a high-precision proton-deuteron bremsstrahlung experiment has been performed in which all the different exit channels have been distinguished separately. High-precision cross sections and analyzing powers in one of the outgoing channels, namely, the coherent bremsstrahlung with a proton and a deuteron in the final state, are presented at 190 MeV incoming proton beam energy and are compared to calculations based on the low-energy theorem. The results of the calculations vary considerably calling for a fully microscopic calculation. However, using a recipe including the initial- and final-state interactions, the predictions come close to the data.

Chemical surface analysis by Raman spectroscopy utilizing dimer vibrations

We report on the investigation of reconstructed semiconductor surfaces by Raman spectroscopy from dimer vibrations. Localized modes of Te dimers on the (100) surface of the zinc blende II-VI semiconductor BeTe allow the analysis of Te- and Be-rich surface structures, as well as oxidation effects. The Te-rich surface exhibits one dimer-vibration mode at 165 cm(-1), while two modes appear at the Be-rich surface (157 and 188 cm(-1)). The mode assignment as dimer vibrations is underscored by their symmetry properties and by frozen phonon calculations, yielding mode frequencies and eigenvectors. This approach opens up a new field of surface chemistry analysis by dimer-vibration spectroscopy.

Application of a multi-laser tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer for atmospheric trace gas measurements at sub-ppbv levels

We describe the application of a three-laser tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS), called 'tracer in-situ TDLAS for atmospheric research' (TRISTAR), to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), during an intensive measurement campaign on Mt. Cimone (44 degrees 11'N, 10 degrees 42'E, 2165 m asl), Northern Appenines, Italy in June 2000 as part of the EU-project 'mineral dust and tropospheric chemistry' (MINATROC). The TRISTAR instrument was a major component of an instrument package, provided by the Max-Planck-Insitut für Chemie, to investigate free tropospheric gas-phase chemistry over the Appenines. Here we discuss the optical, electronic, gas flow, and calibration setup of the TDLAS used during the campaign. We characterized extensively the instrument's performance during a preparatory phase in the laboratory and compared the laboratory results to the in-field results. Consistency checks with additional trace gas measurements obtained during the campaign create high confidence in the measured concentrations. Correlations between different trace gas species, along with other evaluation tools, allow a full chemical characterization of air masses to meet the goals of the campaign.

Suppression of soft nuclear bremsstrahlung in proton-nucleus collisions

Photon energy spectra up to the kinematic limit have been measured in 190 MeV proton reactions with light and heavy nuclei to investigate the influence of the multiple-scattering process on the photon production. Relative to the predictions of models based on a quasifree production mechanism, a strong suppression of bremsstrahlung is observed in the low-energy region of the photon spectrum. We attribute this effect to the interference of photon amplitudes due to multiple scattering of nucleons in the nuclear medium.

Radiative proton capture on (6)He

Radiative capture of protons is investigated as a probe of clustering in nuclei far from stability. The first such measurement on a halo nucleus is reported here for the reaction 6He(p,gamma) at 40 MeV. Capture into 7Li is observed as the strongest channel. In addition, events have been recorded that may be described by quasifree capture on a halo neutron, the alpha core, and 5He. The possibility of describing such events by capture into the continuum of 7Li is also discussed.

Efficacy of silver-coated fabric to prevent bacterial colonization and subsequent device-based biofilm formation

Efficacy of silver-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) to prevent bacterial attachment and subsequent infection was quantified in vitro, in both batch- and flowing-fluid experiments. Kinetic analysis of batch suspended cell cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE), at various growth-limiting nutrient concentrations, in the absence of any fabric, indicated a maximum culture growth rate constant micro(max) = 0.78 +/- 0.02 h(-1). Batch experiments for Control fabric samples indicated that SE cultures exhibited about the same suspended cell growth rate (0.72 +/- 0.02 h(-1)) as observed in batch suspended cultures without fabric. Suspended SE cultures in the presence of silver-coated fabric grew at a considerably lower rate, 0.15 +/- 0.01 h(-1), indicating the inhibitory effect of Ag(+2) ion released from the fabric. Growth rates of suspended SE cultures were 5-6 times higher in the fluid phase in contact with the Control fabric compared to cultures exposed to silver-coated fabric. Maximum suspended cell concentrations attained at time = 24 h were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher for Control fabrics vs. silver-coated fabric. In all batch colonization experiments, both live and dead SE bacterial cells accumulate on the surfaces of both silver-coated and Control fabrics. Adherent viable SE cells accumulated to 1-2 orders of magnitude more ( approximately 5 x 10(+8) cells/cm(2)) on Control fabric than SE cells on the silver-coated fabric ( approximately 1.1 x 10(+6) cells/cm(2)), respectively. Between 70-95% SE cells on the Control fabric were viable, while on the silver-coated fabric samples, at 24 h, viable cells were less than 10% of the adherent community (i.e., greater than 90% nonviable cells). In flow cell colonization experiments, SE cells accumulated on Control fabric to a maximum adherent cell concentration of 6 x 10(+7) - 8 x 10(+7) cells/cm(2) by 24 h with the proportion of viable cells remaining relatively constant at 76% throughout an experiment. Both noninvasive microscopic enumeration and destructive assays gave the same results for adherent cell numbers. Using silver-coated fabric, total cells numbers (live + dead) reached a level of approximately 1.1 x 10(+7) - 3.0 x 10(+7) cells/cm(2) after about 6 h and remained constant. However, while the proportion of viable cells initially on the surface was 63-75%, this fraction dropped continuously during each experiment to less than 6% viable cells at 24 h. Regardless of the criteria, the number of viable or nonviable cells attached to silver-coated fabric were significantly lower than on Control fabric.

Coherent bremsstrahlung in the alpha + p system at 50 MeV/nucleon

Photons originating from coherent bremsstrahlung have been measured over a large dynamic range for the reaction of 200 MeV alpha particles with protons. At low photon energies the bremsstrahlung spectrum exhibits the classical behavior with an approximate 1/E(gamma) shape. At higher photon energies there is a pronounced contribution from capture into the unbound ground state and first excited state of 5Li. These results allow one, for the first time, to test theoretical models for a consistent description of bremsstrahlung and radiative capture in a complex system. Calculations predict both features qualitatively but fail to account for their relative importance.

Cerebral malakoplakia associated with Escherichia coli infection

Malakoplakia is an unusual chronic inflammatory disease occurring predominantly in the bladder and only rarely affecting other organs. For the urinary tract, its aetiology has been ascribed to the presence of Escherichia coli, while the very few cases of cerebral malakoplakia which have been reported so far, have mostly occurred in infants in the clinical setting of neonatal herpes virus infection or otherwise in adults in areas of cerebral infarction. We here report a case of E. coli-associated malakoplakia of the brain. It occurred in a 53-year-old man who had undergone long-term corticosteroid therapy and had previously been operated on a cerebral E. coli-associated abscess. This case indicates that malakoplakia of the brain might also be a histiocytic reaction against bacterial antigens of the E. coli family.

Seropositivity for MIA and S100 in patients with gastrointestinal carcinomas

Serum levels of melanoma inhibiting activity (MIA) and S100, both markers in malignant melanoma, are increased only in few patients with non-melanocytic tumors. We examined a series of serum samples from patients with colorectal (CRC) (N=56), gastric (GC) (N=43), pancreatic (PC) (N=29), hepatocellular (HCC) (N=30), cholangiocellular and gallbladder carcinoma (CCC) (N=18). MIA and S100 were measured by commercially available assays. Positive serum levels for MIA and S100 were found in 16.1% and 5.4% of the patients with CRC, 11.6% and 9.3% with GC, 34.5% and 13.8% with PC, 0% and 30% with HCC and 16.7% with CCC, respectively. All patients with sera positive for either MIA or S100 suffered from advanced tumors and received palliative treatment. Elevated serum levels of MIA and S100 are frequent in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Further investigation is warranted to define the role of MIA or S100 seropositivity in gastrointestinal cancer with regard to follow-up.

Current practice of temporary vena cava filter insertion: a multicenter registry

PURPOSE

To evaluate the current practice of temporary vena cava filter placement and its complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter registry was conducted from May 1995 until May 1997 using a standardized questionnaire. One hundred eighty-eight patients were evaluated. Patient characteristics, filter indications, filter characteristics, and complications were registered.

RESULTS

Deep vein thrombosis was proven in 95.2% of the patients. Main filter indication was thrombolysis therapy (53.1%). Average filter time was 5.4 days. An Antheor filter was inserted in 56.4%, a Guenther filter in 26.6%, and a Prolyser filter in 17.%. Transfemoral filter implantation was slightly preferred (54.8%). Four patients died of pulmonary embolism (PE) during filter protection. Major filter problems were filter thrombosis (16%) and filter dislocation (4.8%). When thrombus was found in or at the filter before explantation, additional thrombolysis was performed in 16.7%, additional filter implantation in 10%, and thrombus aspiration in 6.7%; 4.8% of filters were replaced with permanent filters.

DISCUSSION

Temporary vena cava filters are placed to prevent PE in a defined patient population. Despite their presence, PEs still occur in a small percentage. Problems of filter thrombosis and dislocation have to be solved.

CONCLUSION

The results of this multicenter registry support the need for innovative filter design, as well as a randomized, prospective study.

Isolation of fecal coliform bacteria from the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin centrata)

Total and fecal coliform bacteria were isolated from the cloaca and feces of the estuarine diamondback terrapin. The majority of samples contained fecal coliforms. Escherichia coli was the predominant fecal coliform species isolated, and members of the genus Salmonella were isolated from 2 of 39 terrapins. Fecal coliform numbers are used to regulate shellfish harvests, and diamondback terrapins inhabit the brackish-water habitats where oyster beds are found; therefore, these findings have implications for the efficacy of current regulatory parameters in shellfishing waters.

Seattle YouthCare's prevention, intervention, and education program: a model of care for HIV-positive, homeless, and at-risk youth

YouthCare's project for youth who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive or at high risk for becoming HIV positive is one of 10 supported by Special Projects of National Significance Program, HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration. Throughout its 23-year history, YouthCare has focused on serving runaway, homeless, sexual minority, and other youth "on the margins." To respond effectively to the needs of these youth, YouthCare has developed creative service approaches including involving youth in program design and taking the programs to where the youth live. Building on this experience, the agency developed a continuum of services which has provided care to 906 youth, including 37 who are HIV positive. The five major elements of the model include: (a) youth-specific HIV antibody test counseling, (b) outreach, (c) intensive case management for HIV-positive youth, (d) prevention services for youth at high risk of HIV infection, and (e) peer involvement. Quantitative evaluation helped in identifying youth served by the project (e.g., over one third self-identify as a sexual minority) and the sites at which services should be provided. Preliminary results from qualitative evaluations have stressed the importance of teamwork in designing clinical interventions and providing support to direct-service staff. This report's conclusion stresses that case management for this population, even though time and resource-intensive, is effective, and that services need to be flexible and tailored to each client's needs.

[Maternal transmission or bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the case of "Cindy" disproved]

On December 27th, 1996 a Galloway cattle named "Cindy" died of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Höxter. So far all cases of BSE reported in Germany have been imported from the UK. However, the identity and origin of "Cindy" was not clear. DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial D-loop region and DNA typing of micro-satellite sites finally revealed that "Cindy" was imported from the UK as well.

Cerebellar atrophy decreases the threshold of carbamazepine toxicity in patients with chronic focal epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Cerebellar atrophy (CA) is a frequent finding in patients with chronic epilepsy. Since gaze-evoked nystagmus, dizziness, and ataxia are some of the typical adverse effects (AEs) of the dose-dependent toxicity of carbamazepine, preexisting CA could possible explain in part the interindividual variation in the tolerance of high serum concentrations of carbamazepine.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether CA reduces the threshold for overdose symptoms with carbamazepine in patients with chronic focal epilepsy in a prospective study.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

A fourth-level epilepsy center to which patients were referred.

PATIENTS

Twenty-six consecutive patients with chronic focal epilepsy were prospectively studied while they were receiving high-dose monotherapy with carbamazepine. Patients were slowly titrated to doses at which the first toxic AEs of carbamazepine occurred. The determination of multiple serum levels was carried out, together with an evaluation of toxicity that comprised a standardized neurologic examination, a questionnaire for AEs, and posturography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum concentrations of carbamazepine at the occurrence of the first dose-dependent AEs were related to the presence or absence of CA in magnetic resonance imaging studies as rated by 2 independent and blinded neuroradiologists.

RESULTS

In 9 patients (35%), magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed moderate (n = 7) or severe (n = 2) CA. In these patients, gaze-evoked nystagmus (P = .001, log rank test), dizziness (P = .008), and ataxia of stance as measured by posturography (P = .02) occurred at significantly lower serum concentrations of carbamazepine compared with patients without CA. This was also found for the first individually observed AE (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Cerebellar atrophy occurs in a considerable percentage of patients with chronic focal epilepsy and obviously increases the susceptibility for cerebellar AEs of carbamazepine.

Characterization and subunit structure of the ATP synthase of the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii and organization of the ATP synthase genes

The archaeal ATPase of the halophile Haloferax volcanii synthesizes ATP at the expense of a proton gradient, as shown by sensitivity to the uncoupler carboxyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, to the ionophore nigericin, and to the proton channel-modifying reagent N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The conditions for an optimally active ATP synthase have been determined. We were able to purify the enzyme complex and to identify the larger subunits with antisera raised against synthetic peptides. To identify additional subunits of this enzyme complex, we cloned and sequenced a gene cluster encoding five hydrophilic subunits of the A1 part of the proton-translocating archaeal ATP synthase. Initiation, termination, and ribosome-binding sequences as well as the result of a single transcript suggest that the ATPase genes are organized in an operon. The calculated molecular masses of the deduced gene products are 22. 0 kDa (subunit D), 38.7 kDa (subunit C), 11.6 kDa (subunit E), 52.0 kDa (subunit B), and 64.5 kDa (subunit A). The described operon contains genes in the order D, C, E, B, and A; it contains no gene for the hydrophobic, so-called proteolipid (subunit c, the proton-conducting subunit of the A0 part). This subunit has been isolated and purified; its molecular mass as deduced by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is 9.7 kDa.

Acute myocardial infarction in Oklahoma: are we different?

Data regarding 787 patients admitted to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with acute myocardial infarction (MI) were analyzed to determine circadian variation and to assess demographic and anatomic characteristics. The study population consisted of 634 men (81%) and 153 women (19%). This cohort displayed a circadian rhythm that nearly duplicated a previously published national data base. As was seen nationally, our patients had a peak incidence between 6 AM and noon. Of the total population, 448 patients had acute cardiac catheterization allowing definition of the infarct vessel. The majority of myocardial infarctions were from right coronary artery occlusions. Men were more likely than women to have an anterior MI. Both men and women were more likely to have an inferior MI if they were less than 65 years of age, though this was more pronounced for women. As the population aged, they were more likely to have an anterior myocardial infarction.

Variants within the 5'-flanking regions of bovine milk protein genes: I. κ-casein-encoding gene

In order to identify DNA variants within the 5'-flanking region of the bovine κ-casein (κCn)-encoding gene, this area of the gene from 13 cows belonging to seven breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, German Simmental, Jersey, Galloway, Scottish Highland and Ceylon Dwarf Zebu) was analysed. For each individual, about 1 kb of the 5'-flanking region including exon I was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The biotinylated PCR product was immobilized on magnetic beads followed by direct bidirectional sequencing using an automated DNA sequencer. Fifteen DNA variants were identified, some of which are located within potential regulatory sites and possibly involved in the expression of the κ-casein encoding gene.