Hepatic copper concentrations in purebred and mixed-breed dogs

Histomorphologic, histochemical, and atomic absorption analysis studies were performed on liver tissue from 623 clinically normal purebred and mixed-breed dogs to assess the range of hepatic copper concentrations, the histologic distribution of copper, and the histomorphologic changes associated with the various copper concentrations that were found. Atomic absorption analysis revealed a continuous numerical spectrum ranging from less than 100 parts per million on a dry weight basis (ppm dw) to more than 2,000. No decisive numerical criterion was found that could be used to separate normal from abnormal copper concentrations because of this continuous array. The threshold for histochemical demonstration of copper-containing granules using rhodanine or rubeanic acid staining was 400 ppm dw. At this concentration the copper-containing granules were located in the centrilobular hepatocytes (zone 3 of Rappaport). Copper-containing granules were found in the midzonal and periportal hepatocytes (zones 2 and 1 of Rappaport) in livers with 1,000 ppm dw and higher copper concentrations. The majority of the 623 livers were normal histomorphologically. Multifocal hepatitis characterized by mixed inflammatory cell accumulation and centrilobular distribution was found to be associated with copper concentrations in the range of 2,000 ppm dw or higher. An appropriate upper limit for normal hepatic copper concentration in the dog was not determined based on the present study.

The palindromic series I repeats in the simian cytomegalovirus major immediate-early promoter behave as both strong basal enhancers and cyclic AMP response elements

A 600-base-pair (bp) enhancer region upstream from the major IE94 gene of simian cytomegalovirus (SCMV) produces very strong basal expression of associated gene products. This domain consists of multiple sets of interspersed repetitive elements, including 11 copies of a conserved 16-bp palindromic sequence with the consensus CCATTGACGTCAATGG. These series I repeats contain an 8-bp core TGACGTCA that resembles the cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element (CRE) of cellular genes. In transient chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays in K562 human erythroleukemia cells, a set of deleted variants of the IE94 promoter all responded up to 15-fold to induction by cAMP. However, successive removal of most of the SCMV 16-bp motifs reduced basal expression over 20-fold. The cAMP stimulation was also manifested at the steady-state RNA level after SCMV infection of K562 cells and was detectable within 1.5 h after treatment of DNA-transfected cells. Addition of a single 30-bp oligonucleotide encompassing the 16-bp palindrome conveyed up to 10-fold cAMP responsiveness onto a heterologous weak promoter but had no effect on basal expression. In contrast, two or more adjacent copies produced 20- to 40-fold increases in basal expression and provided greater than 200-fold activation in the presence of cAMP. Similar effects were obtained when the oligonucleotides were placed in a downstream location relative to the reporter gene. Studies with mutant oligonucleotides revealed that both the core CRE and the flanking sequence portions of the 16-bp elements were essential for enhancer function. Both components were also important for maximum cAMP responsiveness. Band shift assays with fractionated nuclear extracts from Raji lymphocytes revealed multiple competable complexes with cellular DNA-binding factors that recognized the series I elements. Three distinct CREB-like factors were detected that required only the core 8-bp elements for binding. We conclude that the 16-bp series I repeats provide a major contribution to the constitutive enhancer properties of the IE94 promoter and also act as functional CREs. The cAMP response properties appear likely to play a key role in reactivation of the virus from a latent state in appropriately differentiating cell types.

Spinal cord ischemia after resection of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: MR findings in 24 patients

MR images of the thoracic spinal cord were made in 24 patients who developed signs and symptoms of spinal cord ischemia or infarction following surgery for a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Findings consisted primarily of four different patterns of signal abnormalities in the distribution of the anterior spinal artery. These abnormalities were identified as types A-D, depending on the degree of involvement of the gray matter and surrounding white matter. We found good correlation between the distribution of the signal abnormalities in the cord, the severity of the neurologic deficits, and the clinical outcome. MR is the imaging method of choice for diagnosing spinal cord ischemia or infarction. A thorough knowledge of the spinal cord arterial territories is crucial for characterizing ischemic MR signal abnormalities and for differentiating them from other causes of myelopathy.

Comparing fact sheets and lectures to provide investigational drug information

This article describes a study to evaluate the effectiveness of two methods (fact sheets and lectures) of providing investigational drug information.

Significance of CT and MR findings in sphenoid sinus disease

Disorders of the paranasal sinuses, particularly the sphenoid sinus, can be associated with significant disorders of the optic and other cranial nerves. We examined 100 consecutive routine CT scans, 100 posterior fossa CT scans, and 100 MR scans to look for evidence of sinus disease, especially of the sphenoid sinus. The sphenoid sinus was abnormal in 7% of scans by all methods. Other sinuses were more frequently abnormal, including maxillary (23%), ethmoid (34%), and frontal (16%). Although MR was more sensitive in detecting sinus inflammation in the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, the frequency of visible sphenoid sinus abnormalities detected by MR was not significantly greater when compared with CT. Of those patients with abnormal sphenoid sinuses, 24% had visual problems associated with the abnormality.

Irwin h. Pizer, twentieth editor of the bulletin

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Increased cytotoxicity against cytomegalovirus-infected target cells by bronchoalveolar lavage cells from bone marrow transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus pneumonia

Cytotoxic activity of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from 23 bone marrow transplant recipients against CMV-infected fibroblast target cells was evaluated to determine if responses differed between patients with and without CMV pneumonia. Responses of BAL cells were also compared with responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). BAL cells from patients with CMV pneumonia had greater cytotoxicity than BAL cells from patients with non-CMV pneumonia (P = .008). Cytotoxicity of BAL cells was also increased, as compared with PBLs, from patients with CMV pneumonia (P = .008). Lymphocytes, not alveolar macrophages, were found to be the cytotoxic effector cells in studies using purified BAL populations. Depletion studies using Leu 11b and complement suggested that natural killer cells were responsible for the cytotoxic activity. These studies demonstrate that BAL cells from patients with CMV pneumonia after bone marrow transplant have increased cytotoxicity against CMV-infected target cells.

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging in eclampsia

Although the precise neuropathologic basis for eclamptic convulsions remains unclear, intracranial hemorrhage is frequently associated with fatal cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a recently developed neuroimaging technique that appears superior to other processes for defining intracranial anatomy and pathophysiology. This technique has not yet been reported in eclampsia. The authors performed serial MRIs on an eclamptic woman, with findings compatible with previously described neuropathologic changes.

Beyond the online catalog: developing an academic information system in the sciences

The online public access catalog consists essentially of a machine-readable database with network capabilities. Like other computer-based information systems, it may be continuously enhanced by the addition of new capabilities and databases. It may also become a gateway to other information networks. This paper reports the evolution of the Bibliographic Access and Control System (BACS) of Washington University in end-user searching, current awareness services, information management, and administrative functions. Ongoing research and development and the future of the online catalog are also discussed.

A study of sex differences in cognitive impairment in alcoholics using traditional and computer-based tests

Female alcoholics were found to report a similar pattern of cognitive impairment to male alcoholics immediately prior to discharge from an inpatient unit. Yet females reported a shorter history of heavy drinking and lower habitual levels of consumption. Clinical implications are discussed.

Hereditary copper toxicosis in West Highland white terriers

Histologic, histochemical and atomic absorption studies on liver tissue from 71 West Highland white terriers are reported. Twenty-seven dogs had histologically normal liver and copper concentration comparable to mongrel control dogs. Forty-four dogs had hepatic copper concentrations up to 22 times the mean copper concentration found in clinically normal mongrel dogs. Hepatitis, hepatic necrosis and cirrhosis were associated with the increased copper concentration in some dogs. Matings between dogs with high liver copper concentration produced pups with high liver concentration. The copper storage defect is inherited.

Suicidal behavior among "normal" high school students

The findings of a pilot study, focusing on suicidal behaviors among 313 high school students in the Midwest, are discussed. Of all the students who participated in the study, 62.6% reported some degree of suicidal ideation or action, including 8.4% who had actually made a suicide attempt. The current study provides a linchpin between the studies of adolescent suicide attempt rates and the studies reporting on percentages of adolescents who made suicide attempts. When the percentage of attempters who made attempts but did not seek medical help is taken under consideration, these two groups of studies become equivalent. Apparently, suicide is a personal concern for most high school students--a problem that warrants immediate attention.

A deletion mutation in the 5' part of the pol gene of Moloney murine leukemia virus blocks proteolytic processing of the gag and pol polyproteins

Deletion mutations in the 5' part of the pol gene of Moloney murine leukemia virus were generated by restriction enzyme site-directed mutagenesis of cloned proviral DNA. DNA sequence analysis indicated that one such deletion was localized entirely within the 5' part of the pol gene, did not affect the region encoding reverse transcriptase, and preserved the translational reading frame downstream of the mutation. The major viral precursor polyproteins (Pr65gag, Pr200gag-pol, and gPr80env) were synthesized at wild-type levels in cell lines carrying the mutant genome. These cell lines assembled and released wild-type levels of virion particles into the medium. Cleavage of both Pr65gag and Pr200gag-pol precursors to the mature proteins was completely blocked in the mutant virions. Surprisingly, these virions contained high levels of active reverse transcriptase; examination of the endogenous reverse transcription products synthesized by the mutant virions revealed normal amounts of minus-strand strong-stop DNA, indicating that the RNA genome was packaged and that reverse transcription in detergent-permeabilized virions was not significantly impaired. Processing of gPr80env to gP70env and P15E was not affected by the mutation, but cleavage of P15E to P12E was not observed. The mutant particles were poorly infectious; analysis indicated that infection was blocked at an early stage. The data are consistent with the idea that the 5' part of the pol gene encodes a protease directly responsible for processing Pr65gag, and possibly Pr200gag-pol, to the structural virion proteins. It appears that cleavage of the gag gene product is not required for budding and release of virions and that complete processing of the pol gene product to the mature form of reverse transcriptase is not required for its functional activation.

Evaluating the impact of library services on the quality and cost of medical care

Recent federal regulations have minimized the role of the hospital library in contributing to the quality of medical care and in lowering hospital costs. We trace the events that have led to these assumptions and discuss the complex problem of evaluating the impact of library services. Current research on the value and effectiveness of information is outlined.

English, Spanish, and bilingual speakers' performance on a nonsense syllable test (NST) of speech sound discrimination

This study investigated the ability of a 25-item open-set CVCV Nonsense Syllable Test (NST; Edgerton & Danhauer, 1979) to assess English, Spanish, and bilingual native speakers' speech sound discrimination skills (i.e., both the subjects and the NST were evaluated). The NST was presented at five sensation levels (SLs) between 25 and 65 dB to 29 normally hearing individuals from three native language backgrounds: monolingual English speakers, bilingual Spanish-English speakers having equal experience in each language, and Spanish speakers having little exposure to English. Articulation functions were plotted for each group and compared across SLs, groups, and scoring methods. Results indicated that the phoneme scoring method best described the responses, and all groups' scores improved with increases in SL until they reached a plateau at 45 dB SL. The bilingual group performed similarly to the English speakers; but, as expected, the Spanish group scored significantly poorer than the other two groups. Thus, while the NST may not be highly useful for Spanish speakers, it can help describe the speech sound discrimination abilities of bilingual (Spanish-English) speakers.

Derek John De Solla Price (1922-1983): the man and the contribution

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Mutations in gag proteins P12 and P15 of Moloney murine leukemia virus block early stages of infection

A collection of mutants of Moloney murine leukemia virus with deletions in the gag gene was generated by restriction enzyme site-directed mutagenesis of a cloned proviral DNA. The mutants all contained deletions of the NarI site in the P12 region, and some contained deletions extending into the adjacent P15 region. The deletions did not significantly affect the assembly or release of viral particles. Examination of endogenous reverse transcription products demonstrated normal synthesis of minus- and plus-strand strong-stop DNAs, indicating that the RNA genome was packaged and that reverse transcription in detergent-permeabilized virions was not impaired. The virion particles contained high levels of an abnormal protein which corresponded to a P15-P12 fusion protein; proteolytic processing of this abnormal protein was completely blocked by all the mutations. The infectivity of the particles was dramatically reduced. Analysis of the low-molecular-weight DNA in infected NIH/3T3 cells indicated that the mutant virions could not carry out viral DNA synthesis. These data suggest that the P12 and P15 proteins may not be critical for virion assembly but do play an important role in early steps of viral infection.

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the simian rotavirus gene 6 that codes for the major inner capsid protein

The nucleotide sequence of the gene that codes for the major inner capsid protein of the simian rotavirus SA11 has been determined. A DNA copy of mRNA from gene 6 was cloned in the E. coli plasmid pBR322. The full-length gene is 1357 nucleotides long with a 5'-noncoding region of 23 nucleotides and a 3'-noncoding region of 140 nucleotides. The gene contains a single, long, open reading-frame of 1194 nucleotides capable of coding for a protein of 397 amino acids with a molecular weight of 44,816. The predicted protein product is relatively proline-rich with a net charge at neutral pH of -3.5. One stretch of 53 amino acids (encoded by nucleotides 327-485) is basic.

The origin and development of a concept: the information society

The constructs that underlie a discipline are complex and often times uncertain. It is argued that the ways in which we perceive and conceptualize are influenced by our habits of mind and our view of the world. This paper traces the concept of the "Information Society" from its inception in the discipline of economics through its development and its subsequent diffusion to the field of information science.

Technology at Washington University School of Medicine Library: BACS, PHILSOM, and OCTANET

A brief overview of the Bibliographic Access and Control System developed by the Washington University School of Medicine Library is presented. Because the system has been described in two previous reports, this paper focuses on its relationship to other automated programs (i.e., PHILSOM and OCTANET), education of users, evaluation of the system, and outreach to the medical center. In operation for more than two years, BACS represents the computerization of much of the managerial and operational functions of the library, and marks the completion of stage 1 of the three stages of library evolution described in the AAMC report Academic Information in the Academic Health Sciences Center: Roles for the Library in Information Management.

Health science libraries in the United States: III. Hospital health science libraries, 1969-1979

Health sciences libraries in hospitals were examined from longitudinal data collected in 1969, 1973, and 1979, to derive parameters for the universe and for resources, services, and manpower. The surveys show that during this period, the number of hospitals decreased whereas the number of libraries increased. Growth in the number of community hospital libraries was counterbalanced by changes in federal, psychiatric, tuberculosis, and chronic illness hospitals.

Health sciences libraries in the United States: II. Medical school libraries, 1960-1980

Surveys of medical school libraries made over a twenty-year period (1960-61 through 1980-81) were analyzed. As indicated by growth in both number and support, medical school libraries have evolved from a period of stability through expansive growth and subsequent leveling off. Expenditures and resource development have been affected by historical developments, especially recent massive federal and state aid to medical education.

Health science libraries in the United States: I. Overview of the post-World War II years

Data from three surveys of health sciences libraries in the United States (1969, 1973, and 1979) were analyzed within the context of scientific, technological, and sociopolitical developments. Findings included decrease in the number of separately administered libraries, growth of some, decline or discontinuation of others, and geographic movement. Overall, the aggregate resources are increasing, as is cooperation among libraries.

Evaluation of the macro-vue latex agglutination test for quantitation of gentamicin in human serum

The Macro-Vue Card Test (Hynson, Wescott, and Dunning, Baltimore, Md.) for rapid quantitation of gentamicin in serum was compared with bioassay and radioimmunoassay procedures on sera from 100 patients. Regression analysis of paired results from the bioassay (using Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 27799) and the Macro-Vue Card Test indicated a correlation coefficient of 0.89, whereas comparing radioimmunoassay and Card Test results yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.83. The bioassay-radioimmunoassay correlation coefficient was 0.88. The data were further examined by grouping the sera of the patients into three categories based on therapeutic concentration ranges as follows: less than 2 micrograms/ml, subtherapeutic range; 2 to 8 micrograms/ml, therapeutic range; greater than 8 micrograms/ml, potentially toxic range. Of 100 specimen values, 81 fell into the same concentration range when bioassay and Card Test values were compared. Of the 19 disagreements, 12 were considered minor. Of 100 specimen values compared by radioimmunoassay and the Card Test, 88 fell into the same concentration range. Of the 12 disagreements, 6 were considered minor. Therefore, the Macro-Vue Card Test for gentamicin compared favorably with both the bioassay and radioimmunoassay procedures. The minimal time required to perform the Card Test (12 to 15 min) makes it attractive for situations in which immediate results are needed.

Management of preterm premature rupture of membranes: assessing amniotic fluid in the vagina for phosphatidylglycerol

This prospective study evaluates the clinical practicality of assessing free amniotic fluid in instances of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) before term. The presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) provided evidence of fetal pulmonary maturity. Daily aspirations of vaginally pooled amniotic fluid were performed on 55 consecutive patients with preterm PROM and met with a success rate of 80% (79 of 99 attempts). Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurred in none of 28 neonates in whom PG was present prior to delivery, and in four of 19 in whom PG was absent. Evidence of surfactant maturation at the time of initial sampling was noticed in 24% of fetuses at 28 to 34 weeks' gestation. Those who initially lacked PG showed an acceleration of its appearance in the aminotic fluid with time, and almost all required a minimum of 48 to 72 hours. Sampling free amniotic fluid for PG is reliable, noninvasive procedure which can be usefully applied to the management of preterm PROm.

Research in psychiatry: a co-citation analysis

Co-citation analysis provides a methodology for investigating the structure of scientific specialties. The authors did such an analysis for psychiatry by using some 2 million references from the Social Sciences Citation Index to identify 155 clusters of publication that represent psychiatry-related areas. They report on the distribution of publications among research areas, the rate of growth in research activity, and interrelationships among disciplines.

Evaluation of manuscripts in health sciences librarianship

Manuscripts submitted for review and full-length papers and brief communications published in the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association from 1976 through 1978 have been analyzed in order to identify some of the most common problems in the preparation of a paper. The findings point to a need for instructing librarians in (1) understanding the nature of "explanation" in a scientific or historical paper; (2) designing a research project and analyzing the data; (3) preparing data for display; and (4) more effective writing skills.

Congenital absence of the pectoral muscles. A review of twenty-five patients

Twenty-five patients with unilateral partial absence of the pectoral major muscle were reviewed to determine the presence of fetal insult, associated anomalies, neoplasia, and prognosis. Fifteen had ipsilateral synbrachydactyly (the Poland Anomaly) which varied in severity from minimal findings to nearly complete absence of the hand. The pattern of abnormality was remarkably uniform with maximal involvement of the midhand and least involvement of the thumb and small finger. The etiology of this condition remains unknown although fetal insult is suggested in some cases. Although reports in the literature suggest a relationship with childhood leukemia, no malignancies were found in these children. None was found to have serious associated anomalies and all were judged to be of normal intelligence, suggesting a generally good prognosis.

Magdalene Freyder Hodgson, 1894-1974: an important link in biomedical communication

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Past presidents I have known

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Health science libraries in the United States: a five-year perspective

Two surveys of the universe of health science libraries in the United States have been completed by the Medical Library Association's Committee on Surveys and Statistics over a five-year period. This paper compares, for 1969 and 1973, summary data on the universe, and the distribution of libraries, resources, personnel, and salaries.