Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: occurrence of multiple protein kinases

The presence of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and phosvitin kinases, with activity independent of cyclic nucleotides, was shown in the intestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. The activity of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase was found to be enhanced about 8-fold in the presence of 10(-7) M cyclic AMP; the apparent Km values were determined to be 20 microM and 80 microM for ATP and kemptide, respectively. The molecular weight of the holoenzyme was about 170 000. Two phosvitin kinases could be isolated and distinguished by their molecular weights of 600 000 and 40 000. The activity of the high-molecular-weight phosvitin kinase was effectively inhibited by suramin and heparin. The apparent Km values were found to be 30 microM and 0.1 mg/ml for ATP and phosvitin, respectively. In the case of the low-molecular-weight phosvitin kinase the apparent Km values for ATP and phosvitin were found to be 30 microM and 0.6 mg/ml, respectively. The investigation of different developmental stages of N. brasiliensis revealed a marked higher level of protein kinase activity in the L4 larvae compared to L3 larvae and adults.

Efficacy of combined therapy with plasmapheresis and immunosuppressants in rheumatoid vasculitis

The combined effects of plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid vasculitis was evaluated in 8 patients. These modalities, in combination, proved to promote rapid healing of cutaneous ulcers. In addition, it appeared that this aggressive therapy can occasionally reverse early gangrenous lesions involving extremities. By contrast, little change occurred in longstanding neuropathic manifestations. Our preliminary results suggest that plasmapheresis, used as an acute treatment modality, and combined with prolonged therapy with immunosuppressive drugs, may reduce the morbidity associated with certain manifestations of rheumatoid vasculitis.

Low frequency vibrational spectra of lithium formate monohydrate and its aqueous solutions

The far infrared and Raman spectra of polyerystalline lithium formate monohydrate and the Rayleigh wing scattering of its aqueous solutions are reported. Three new bands in solid and bands due to librations of HCOO− and the quasi-tetrahedral structure of water in solutions have been identified.

Clinical and immunogenetic studies in rheumatoid arthritis from northern India

A total of 258 patients with classic rheumatoid arthritis seen over a 7-year period were included in this study. The majority of the patients had relatively mild disease at the time of presentation. The incidence of extraarticular manifestations such as subcutaneous nodules, vasculitis, amyloidosis and pulmonary involvement was low although one or two pulmonary function test parameters were abnormal in some. Seventy patients were tested for all three subclasses of rheumatoid factors - IgM, IgG and IgA. Of these, 23 patients had all three whilst four had only IgG. The 62 patients who had most typical and severe manifestations were typed for four major HLA loci A, B, C and DR. Of these 42 (67.7%) had DR4 antigen while DR3 antigen was detected in 14 (22.6%).

Enuresis

Enuresis is a common problem in childhood. It has a number of causes and is usually self-limited. Initial evaluation includes urinalysis and culture; an extensive urologic work-up should not be undertaken prematurely. Methods of treating enuresis are varied and are well worth a trial, although they provide only temporary remission in many cases. Techniques include pharmacotherapy and hypnosis.