Human resources. Getting even

A trust where a third of the workforce is a member of ethnic minority groups has set up a programme to enhance career advancement for this group. The programme aims to celebrate the achievements of ethnic minority staff and give them greater visibility within the organisation. Mentoring programmes and learning sets have been established with the support of senior.

Comparison between strategies using creatine kinase-MB(mass), myoglobin, and troponin T in the early detection or exclusion of acute myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain and a nondiagnostic electrocardiogram

Different strategies using creatine kinase-MB(mass), myoglobin, and troponin T were compared in 738 patients admitted because of chest pain and an electrocardiogram not diagnostic of acute myocardial infarction. We conclude that a combination of creatine kinase-MB and troponin T during the first 6 hours enables early detection or exclusion of acute myocardial infarction in this population.

Social inequalities, stressors and self reported health status among African American and white women in the Detroit metropolitan area

This article examines the cumulative effects of multiple stressors on women's health, by race and area of residence. Specifically, we examine socioeconomic status, experiences of unfair treatment and acute life events by race and residential location, and their cumulative effects on the health status of African American and white women living within the city of Detroit and in the surrounding metropolitan area. African American women, regardless of whether they live inside or outside the city, report more frequent encounters with everyday unfair treatment than white women. African American women who live in the city report a greater number of acute life events than white women who live outside the city. Regression analyses used to examine the cumulative effects of exposure to these stressors by race and area of residence show that: (1) socioeconomic status, everyday experiences with unfair treatment and acute life events each make a significant contribution to differences in health status; and (2) the contribution of each of these variables to explaining variations in health status varies by area of residence. We suggest that differences in socioeconomic status, exposure to unfair treatment or discrimination and experiences of acute life events make significant contributions to racial differences in women's health status.

Social inequalities, stressors and self reported health status among African American and white women in the Detroit metropolitan area

This article examines the cumulative effects of multiple stressors on women's health, by race and area of residence. Specifically, we examine socioeconomic status, experiences of unfair treatment and acute life events by race and residential location, and their cumulative effects on the health status of African American and white women living within the city of Detroit and in the surrounding metropolitan area. African American women, regardless of whether they live inside or outside the city, report more frequent encounters with everyday unfair treatment than white women. African American women who live in the city report a greater number of acute life events than white women who live outside the city. Regression analyses used to examine the cumulative effects of exposure to these stressors by race and area of residence show that: (1) socioeconomic status, everyday experiences with unfair treatment and acute life events each make a significant contribution to differences in health status; and (2) the contribution of each of these variables to explaining variations in health status varies by area of residence. We suggest that differences in socioeconomic status, exposure to unfair treatment or discrimination and experiences of acute life events make significant contributions to racial differences in women's health status.

Successful vaginal delivery in a woman with amyoplasia

We report on the pregnancy management of a 22-year-old woman with amyoplasia, the commonest type of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Extrapolating from childhood and adult studies, the majority of cases are likely to be ambulatory and live independent lives as adults. Many females, therefore, would be expected to achieve a pregnancy. There have been several case reports on anaesthetic management for Caesarean section delivery in women with arthrogryposis, but no medical literature exists regarding the likelihood or management of vaginal delivery. This is the first reported case of conservative management of a woman with amyoplasia. A multi-disciplinary team was involved in her care. This involved careful assessment of her suitability for vaginal delivery, possible anaesthetic complications and potential difficulties in caring for an infant at home. Induction of labour at 37 weeks gestation resulted in the successful vaginal delivery of a liveborn healthy male.

N-proopiomelanocortin (1-77) suppresses expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA in the adrenal gland of the fetal sheep

In the sheep, there is a rapid increase in fetal adrenal growth and steroidogenesis during the last 10-15 days gestation. Recently, we have shown that infusion of POMC (1-77) increases fetal adrenal growth and expression of CYP17 mRNA but does not significantly alter fetal plasma cortisol concentrations [1]. We therefore investigated the effects of infusion of bovine POMC (1-77) and its biosynthetic derivative POMC (1-49) on adrenal StAR mRNA expression. At 136d gestation, POMC (1-77) (n=5 fetuses; 2microg/ml/h), POMC (1-49) (n=5 fetuses, 2microg/ml/h) or Saline (n=5 fetuses, 1ml/h) was infused for 48h. At 138d, fetal adrenal glands were collected and frozen in liquid N2 until RNA was extracted. Northern blot analyses demonstrated a major transcript for StAR mRNA at 3.0kb in fetal adrenal glands from all treatments. The membrane was stripped and re-probed with a P-labelled rat 18S rRNA oligo-probe to verify equal RNA loading. Infusion of POMC (1-77), but not POMC (1-49), resulted in a suppression of fetal adrenal StAR mRNA:18S rRNA when compared to adrenal StAR mRNA:18S rRNA from saline-infused controls. Our data suggest POMC (1-77) may act via separate mechanisms to increase fetal adrenal growth and to limit adrenal steroidogenesis through suppression of StAR mRNA.

Willingness to participate in biomedical research. African-americans vs whites

PURPOSE: The overall goals of this study were: 1) to determine whether (and if so, the extent to which) African-Americans differed in their willingness to participate in biomedical studies as compared to non-Hispanic Whites, and 2) to determine the influence that a range of demographic, psycho-social and medico-historical variables had on the comparative willingness of these groups to participate in biomedical research. This report will present preliminary findings on the first goal.METHODS: The Tuskegee Legacy Project (TLP) Questionnaire, a 60 item instrument developed within the Northeastern Minority Oral Health Research Center (a P50 Center supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at NIH), was administered via a random-digit dial telephone interview by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Survey Research Unit to 840 adult African-Americans and Whites in three city/county areas: Birmingham/Jefferson Cty, AL; Hartford/Hartford Cty, CT and Tuskegee/Macon Cty, AL.RESULTS: The response rates were 70%, 65% and 49% for Birmingham, Tuskegee and Hartford, respectively. A lower percentage of African-Americans (21%) reported that they were either somewhat or very likely to participate as biomedical research subjects than did Whites (29%) (p < 0.0001). In response to 7 prompts on 'who' was conducting a study, African-Americans indicated they were less likely to participate than Whites on 4 specific prompts and more likely to participate on only 1 prompt (p < 0.006 for each). In response to 9 prompts on 'what' a study asked participants to do, African-Americans indicated they were less likely to participate than Whites on only 2 specific prompts (p < 0.001 for each), more likely to participate on 2 prompts (p < 0.001), and were equally or near equally likely to participate on 5 prompts.CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study show that African-Americans self-reported a lower willingness to participate in biomedical studies than did non-Hispanic Whites, and that African-American subjects were more influenced by the factor of 'who' was running the study than by the factor of 'what' they might have to do as study subjects. Study supported by grant P 50 DE10592 from the NIDCR at NIH.

Nutritional status influences plasma fibrinogen concentration: evidence from the THUSA survey

Nutritional status and risk factors for chronic diseases, including plasma fibrinogen and its determinants, of Africans in the Northwest Province of South Africa, have been studied in a cross-sectional survey. A representative sample of 1854 "apparently healthy" African men and women volunteers aged 15 years and older was recruited from 37 randomly selected sites throughout the Province and stratified for level of urbanisation. Information was collected using validated and culture-sensitive questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were drawn, and all measurements were done with standardised methodology using appropriate equipment, procedures, and controls. Fibrinogen concentration was measured in citrated plasma with the method of Clauss, using the ACL200 automated system and the international fibrinogen standard. The results revealed a population with a high mean plasma fibrinogen (3.17+/-1.10 g/L for HIV-negative men and 3. 64+/-1.12 g/L for HIV-negative women). Factors known to influence plasma fibrinogen, such as age, gender, smoking habit, and physical activity, were also observed in this population. Young rural men and women had the lowest fibrinogen level. Nasal snuff taking and HIV infection did not influence fibrinogen concentration. Multivariate analyses revealed that lower plasma fibrinogen was associated with low to normal body mass index in women, and with dietary intakes compatible with prudent dietary guidelines in men and women (low intakes of animal protein; trans fatty acids and higher intakes of plant protein; dietary fibre, vitamin E, and iron, and a high dietary P/S ratio). Subjects in the higher quartiles of plasma fibrinogen had significantly lower iron, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 (women) status. Increases in fibrinogen were associated with significant increases in serum lipids. Both under- and overnutrition seem to be associated with high plasma fibrinogen. It is concluded that overall nutritional status, possibly in addition to specific nutrients (and foods), influences plasma fibrinogen.

Integration of mental health care into primary care. Demonstration cost-outcome study in India and Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Targeting resources on cost-effective care strategies is important for the global mental health burden.

AIMS

To demonstrate cost-outcome methods in the evaluation of mental health care programmes in low-income countries.

METHOD

Four rural populations were screened for psychiatric morbidity. Individuals with a diagnosed common mental disorder were invited to seek treatment, and assessed prospectively on symptoms, disability, quality of life and resource use.

RESULTS

Between 12% and 39% of the four screened populations had a diagnosable common mental disorder. In three of the four localities there were improvements over time in symptoms, disability and quality of life, while total economic costs were reduced.

CONCLUSION

Economic analysis of mental health care in low-income countries is feasible and practicable. Our assessment of the cost-effectiveness of integrating mental health into primary care was confounded by the naturalistic study design and the low proportion of subjects using government primary health care services.

Infusion of N-proopiomelanocortin-(1-77) increases adrenal weight and messenger ribonucleic acid levels of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase in the sheep fetus during late gestation

In the sheep there is a rapid increase in fetal adrenal growth and steroidogenesis during the last 10-15 days gestation (term = 147+/-3 days gestation). In the rat, peptides derived from the N-terminal region of POMC play a role in compensatory adrenal growth and in potentiation of ACTH-induced steroidogenesis. We therefore investigated the effects of infusion of bovine N-POMC-(1-77) and its biosynthetic derivative, N-POMC-(1-49) on adrenal growth and on the expression of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes in the late gestation sheep fetus. Twenty-seven pregnant ewes were used in this study. Fetal vascular catheters were inserted between 116-125 days gestation, and purified bovine N-POMC-(1-77) (2 microg/ml x h), N-POMC-(1-49) (2 microg/ml x h) and saline were each infused for 48 h between 136 and 138 days gestation. Intrafetal infusion of N-POMC-(1-77) resulted in an increased adrenal/fetal body weight ratio (94.6+/-5.7 mg/kg) compared with that in saline-infused (75.6+/-1.8 mg/kg), but not N-POMC-(1-49)-infused (82.7+/-6.1 mg/kg), fetal sheep. The ratio of CYP17 messenger RNA (mRNA) to 18S ribosomal RNA was also significantly higher in fetal adrenals ofthe N-POMC-(1-77)-infused group (49.1+/-4.7) compared with that in either the N-POMC-(1-49)-infused (20.4+/-6.4) or saline-infused (15.2+/-4.4) group. There was no difference, however, in the ratios of adrenal CYP11A1 mRNA/3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5,delta4-isomerase mRNA and CYP21A1 mRNA/18S ribosomal RNA among the N-POMC-(1-77)-, N-POMC-(1-49)-, and saline-infused groups. There was also no significant change in either plasma cortisol or ACTH concentrations in response to the infusion of either N-POMC-(1-77) or N-POMC-(1-49). In summary, intrafetal infusion of N-POMC-(1-77) stimulated fetal adrenal growth and resulted in a specific increase in adrenal CYP17 gene expression in late gestation. N-POMC-(1-77) may therefore play a modulatory role in the increase in fetal adrenal growth and steroidogenesis that occurs before birth.

Does being a chief resident predict leadership in pediatric careers?

OBJECTIVE

Many organizations make efforts to identify future pediatric leaders, often focusing on chief residents (CRs). Identifying future leaders is an issue of great importance not only to the ultimate success of the organization but also to the profession. Because little is known regarding whether completing a CR predicts future leadership in medicine, we sought to determine if former pediatric CRs when compared with pediatric residents who were not CRs reported more often that they were leaders in their profession.

DESIGN/METHODS

Twenty-four pediatric training programs stratified by resident size (<18, 18-36, and >36) and geography (East, South, Midwest, and West) were selected randomly from the Graduate Medical Education Directory (American Medical Association, Chicago, IL). Program directors were contacted by mail and telephone and asked to provide their housestaff rosters from 1965-1985. The resulting resident sample was surveyed by questionnaire in 1995.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 17 program directors (88%) who possessed the requested data provided 1965-1985 rosters yielding a sample of 963 residents. Fifty-five percent of the resident sample (533) responded. Fifty-eight of the respondents had not completed a pediatric residency, leaving a survey sample of 475. Thirty-four percent (163) were CRs. The sample had a mean age of 47, 67% were male and 87% married. Fellowships were completed by 51%. More former CRs compared with non-CRs (75% vs 64%), more former fellows than non-fellows (75% vs 60%) and more males than females (74% vs 55%) reported they were professional leaders. These associations persisted in a logistic regression that controlled for CR status, gender, marital status, and fellowship status as leadership predictors. Former CRs, former fellows, and men were, respectively, 1.8, 2.3, and 2.3 times more likely to report professional leadership.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric residents who were former CRs and/or fellows, and males were more likely to report professional leadership. Although men were more likely to report professional leadership, with more women entering pediatrics the reported gender differences will likely disappear over time.

Luminescence control in the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri: An analysis of the dynamics of lux regulation

A mathematical model has been developed based on the fundamental properties of the control system formed by the lux genes and their products in Vibrio fischeri. The model clearly demonstrates how the components of this system work together to create two, stable metabolic states corresponding to the expression of the luminescent and non-luminescent phenotypes. It is demonstrated how the cell can "switch" between these steady states due to changes in parameters describing metabolic processes and the extracellular concentration of the signal molecule N-3-oxohexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone. In addition, it is shown how these parameters influence how sensitive the switch mechanism is to cellular LuxR and N-3-oxohexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone and complex concentration. While these properties could lead to the collective phenomenon known as quorum sensing, the model also predicts that under certain metabolic circumstances, basal expression of the lux genes could cause a cell to luminesce in the absence of extracellular signal molecule. Finally, the model developed in this study provides a basis for analysing the impact of other levels of control upon lux regulation.

Processing of rat preprocortistatin in mouse AtT-20 cells

Preprocortistatin (PPCST) has been recently identified as a novel somatostatin (SST)-related gene expressed only in brain. PPCST shares 11 of 14 residues with SST-14 at its C-terminal segment, where it features Lys-Lys and Lys-Arg basic sites for cleavage to putative cortistatin (CST)-14 and CST-29 peptides, respectively. Although synthetic replicates of the two putative CST peptides interact with SST receptors, they also display novel effects suggesting independent biological functions. Nothing is currently known about the naturally occurring mature cleavage products of PPCST posttranslational processing. Here we have cloned rat PPCST cDNA, stably expressed it in AtT-20 pituitary cells, and characterized the cellular and releasable products of PPCST processing by HPLC and radioimmunoassay using a SST-14 antibody that recognizes synthetic CST-14 and CST-29. Transfected cells released 120 +/- 21 pg of total CST-LI per plate basally, with an increase to 204 +/- 33 pg per plate with forskolin stimulation (p < 0.05). HPLC chromatograms of cell extracts revealed three peaks corresponding to CST-14, CST-29, and unprocessed PPCST (ratio, 41:55:4.5). CST was released preferentially as CST-14 (63-70%) compared with CST-29 (30-37%) under basal and forskolin-stimulated conditions. These studies demonstrate efficient processing of PPCST to both CST-14 and CST-29 through putative cleavage at both C-terminal dibasic sites of PPCST. Although the two peptides are synthesized approximately equally, CST-14 is released preferentially via the regulated secretory pathway.

Chronic hepatitis C virus patients with breakthroughs during interferon treatment can successfully be retreated with consensus interferon. The Consensus Interferon Study Group

Patients with chronic hepatitis C who have not had a sustained hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA response or serum alanine transaminase (ALT) response to a 6-month course of interferon (IFN) may respond to higher dose retreatment with consensus interferon (CIFN). Some nonresponders to initial IFN treatment have a transient response defined as undetectable HCV RNA or normalization of ALT during treatment, but subsequently have a "breakthrough" while still on treatment. The aim of this study was to determine if nonresponders who had breakthroughs responded differently to CIFN retreatment than nonresponders without breakthroughs using data from a large, multicenter trial. ALT and HCV RNA were monitored frequently during initial IFN therapy (either 9 mcg CIFN or 3 MU IFN-alpha2b 3 times per week). HCV-RNA breakthroughs were observed in 86 of 467 (18%) of all treated patients, and ALT breakthroughs were observed in 90 of 467 (19%) of all treated patients. There was no association between breakthroughs and the presence of either binding or neutralizing anti-IFN antibodies. When the patients who were nonresponders to initial IFN treatment were retreated with CIFN (15 mcg) for 12 months, 27% of those with viral breakthroughs had a sustained viral response compared with 8% in prior nonresponders without breakthroughs (P =.102). Sustained ALT responses were observed in 39% with breakthroughs compared with 10% in those without breakthroughs (P =.014). The data suggest that prior nonresponders with breakthroughs have a greater chance of responding to retreatment than do nonresponders without breakthroughs. However, most breakthrough patients would be missed unless repeated HCV-RNA testing were conducted during therapy.

A 30-residue fragment of the carp granulin-1 protein folds into a stack of two beta-hairpins similar to that found in the native protein

Upon air oxidation, a peptide corresponding to the 30-residue N-terminal subdomain of carp granulin-1 spontaneously formed the disulfide pairing observed in the native protein. Structural characterization using NMR showed the presence of a defined secondary structure within this peptide. The chemical shifts for most of the alphaCH protons of the peptide and the protein are very similar, and the observed NOE contacts of the peptide strongly resemble those in the protein. A structure calculation of the peptide using NOE distance constraints indicates that the peptide fragment adopts the same conformation as formed within the native protein. The 30-residue N-terminal peptide of carp granulin-1 is the first example of an independently folded stack of two beta-hairpins reinforced by two interhairpin disulfide bonds. Two key areas of the structure show a clustering of hydrophobic residues that may account for its exceptional conformational stability.

Differentiation between endotoxin and non-endotoxin pyrogens in human albumin solutions using an ex vivo whole blood culture assay

Purified E.coli endotoxin, Gram negative bacteria and Gram positive bacteria induce IL-6 secretion by whole blood cultures (WBC's). Polymyxin B at concentrations greater than 2 U/ml completely inhibits IL-6 secretion caused by 10 EU/ml of endotoxin. Polymyxin B has no effect on IL-6 secretion by WBC's in the absence of endotoxin. The inhibition of endotoxin induced IL-6 secretion is Polymyxin B concentration dependent at concentrations less than 1 U/ml. IL-6 induction caused by E.coli is only partially inactivated by 8 U/ml Polymyxin B. Polymyxin B has no effect on IL-6 secretion caused by B.subtilis. Two pyrogenic batches of human serum albumin (HSA), as tested by the rabbit assay for pyrogens, were also investigated. Polymyxin B at 4 U/ml inhibits less than 40 % of IL-6 secretion caused by these pyrogenic HSA batches. All the endotoxin activity in HSA samples spiked with purified endotoxin is inhibited by Polymyxin B indicating that HSA does not protect endotoxin against Polymyxin B inhibition. These results indicate that the pyrogenicity of these HSA batches are caused by Polymyxin B inhibitable and non-inhibitable fractions. This study shows that pyrogenic substances other than endotoxin can contaminate batches of pharmaceutical products and that results obtained using the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay does not necessarily indicate the pyrogenic status of pharmaceutical products. The WBC assay for pyrogens, having a broader sensitivity range than the LAL assay, is a better indicator of the pyrogenic status of pharmaceutical products.

Optimal vaccination against Schistosoma mansoni requires the induction of both B cell- and IFN-gamma-dependent effector mechanisms

Mice immunized with radiation-attenuated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni display resistance to challenge infection, which increases with multiple boosting. Protection in animals receiving a single vaccination is thought to involve a primarily cell-mediated, IFN-gamma-dependent mechanism, while humoral immunity has been shown to contribute to challenge rejection in multiply (three times) immunized mice. To better understand the respective contribution of the B lymphocyte- and IFN-gamma-dependent effector arms in host resistance, we compared vaccine-induced immunity in B cell-deficient (muMT) and IFN-gamma knockout (GKO) animals. Unexpectedly, after a single vaccination, B cell knockout (KO) mice displayed reduced protection against challenge infection, although they developed a normal IFN-gamma-dominated cytokine response. This defect in resistance was equivalent to that displayed by GKO animals. Moreover, whereas two additional vaccinations significantly increased the level of immunity in wild-type mice, the protection in B cell KO animals remained unchanged. In contrast, multiple vaccination resulted in increased but, nevertheless, defective resistance in GKO mice. Since FcR gamma KO mice, which lack functional FcgammaRI, FcgammaRIII, and FcepsilonRI, show no defects in vaccine-induced resistance after immunization either one or three times, the B cell-dependent mechanism of protection involved does not appear to require FcR signaling. Together, these findings indicate that effective vaccination against schistosomes depends on the simultaneous induction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, a conclusion that may explain the limited success of most subunit vaccine protocols designed to preferentially induce either B cell- or IFN-gamma-dependent protective mechanisms.

Predictors of homelessness among families in New York City: from shelter request to housing stability

OBJECTIVES

This study examined predictors of entry into shelter and subsequent housing stability for a cohort of families receiving public assistance in New York City.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 266 families as they requested shelter and with a comparison sample of 298 families selected at random from the welfare caseload. Respondents were reinterviewed 5 years later. Families with prior history of shelter use were excluded from the follow-up study.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics and housing conditions were the most important risk factors for shelter entry; enduring poverty and disruptive social experiences also contributed. Five years later, four fifths of sheltered families had their own apartment. Receipt of subsidized housing was the primary predictor of housing stability among formerly homeless families (odds ratio [OR] = 20.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.9, 42.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Housing subsidies are critical to ending homelessness among families.

Pseudoalteromonas tunicata sp. nov., a bacterium that produces antifouling agents

A dark-green-pigmented marine bacterium, previously designated D2, which produces components that are inhibitory to common marine fouling organisms has been characterized and assessed for taxonomic assignment. Based on direct double-stranded sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, D2T was found to show the highest similarity (93%) to members of the genus Pseudoalteromonas. The G + C content of D2T is 42 mol%, and it is a facultatively anaerobic rod and oxidase-positive. D2T is motile by a sheathed polar flagellum, exhibited non-fermentative metabolism and required sodium ions for growth. The strain was not capable of using citrate, fructose, sucrose, sorbitol and glycerol but it utilizes mannose and maltose and hydrolyses gelatin. The molecular evidence, together with phenotypic characteristics, showed that this bacterium which produces an antifouling agent constitutes a new species of the genus Pseudoalteromonas. The name Pseudoalteromonas tunicata is proposed for this bacterium, and the type strain is D2T (= CCUG 26757T).

Isolation of a member of the neurotoxin/cytotoxin peptide family from Xenopus laevis skin which activates dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in mammalian epithelial cells

We have used a sensitive bioassay of calcium-mediated volume changes in mammalian absorptive intestinal epithelial cells to screen extracts of the skin of the amphibian Xenopus laevis for the presence of factors affecting ion transport. A 66-residue peptide, purified using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography techniques, caused isotonic volume reduction of guinea pig jejunal villus cells in suspension. This volume reduction required extracellular Ca2+ and was prevented by the dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel blocker niguldipine. Structural analysis demonstrated the presence of eight cysteines and a primary structure homologous to that of the neurotoxin/cytotoxin family found in the venom of certain poisonous snakes. The structure of the peptide was identical to that of xenoxin-1 purified from dorsal gland secretions of X. laevis (Kolbe, M., Huber A., Cordier, P., Rasmussen, U., Bouchon, B., Jaquinod, M., Blasak, R., Detot, E., and Kreil, G. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 16458-16464). Xenoxin-1 (10 nM) caused volume changes that required extracellular Ca2+ and were comparable in magnitude and direction to changes caused by BayK-8644 (100 nM), a dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel agonist. The initial rate of dihydropyridine-sensitive 45Ca2+ influx was substantially increased by xenoxin-1. Staurosporine (10 nM) prevented volume changes caused by ATP (250 microM) but had no effect on volume changes caused by BayK-8644 or xenoxin-1. We conclude that xenoxin-1 directly activated dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in villus cells and that a mammalian homologue to xenoxin-1 may exist.

Inhibition of murine splenic and mucosal lymphocyte function by enteric bacterial products

Previously we showed that lysates of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) inhibit lymphokine production by mitogen-activated human peripheral blood and lamina propria mononuclear cells. The aims of the present study were to determine whether EPEC-inhibitory factors have similar effects on murine lymphoid populations in order to further delineate the mechanisms of alteration of cytokine production. Preexposure to EPEC lysates inhibited mitogen-stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production by murine spleen cells, but IL-10 production was increased. The inhibition was not due to increased apoptosis and was not blocked by neutralizating antibodies against IL-10 or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). EPEC lysates also inhibited mitogen-stimulated IL-2 and IFN-gamma production by CD11b-depleted spleen cells, IL-2 and IL-4 production by intraepithelial and Peyer's patch lymphocytes, IL-2 production by the human T-cell line Jurkat, and antigen-stimulated IL-2 production by murine spleen cells. Lysates obtained from Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli, E. coli RDEC-1, Citrobacter rodentium, and an EPEC espB insertion mutant all inhibited IL-2 and IL-4 production by mitogen-stimulated lymphoid cells. In conclusion, lysates of EPEC and related bacteria directly inhibit cytokine production by lymphoid cells from multiple sites by a mechanism that does not increase apoptosis or result from secondary effects of IL-10 or TGF-beta.

COI1: an Arabidopsis gene required for jasmonate-regulated defense and fertility

The coi1 mutation defines an Arabidopsis gene required for response to jasmonates, which regulate defense against insects and pathogens, wound healing, and pollen fertility. The wild-type allele, COI1, was mapped to a 90-kilobase genomic fragment and located by complementation of coi1-1 mutants. The predicted amino acid sequence of the COI1 protein contains 16 leucine-rich repeats and an F-box motif. It has similarity to the F-box proteins Arabidopsis TIR1, human Skp2, and yeast Grr1, which appear to function by targeting repressor proteins for removal by ubiquitination.

The detection of pyrogens in blood products using an ex vivo whole blood culture assay

Induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion by whole blood cultures (WBC) was used as an in vitro assay system for pyrogen-induced inflammatory reactions. The assay system was very sensitive to Eschericia coli (E coli) endotoxin (< 10 pg/ml). The potential pyrogenic effects of human serum albumin (HSA), Fibronectin (Fn) and stabilised human serum (SHS) solutions were analyzed using this system. None of the products assayed had an effect on the sensitivity of the WBC assay. Spike recovery studies with isolated endotoxin, gram positive and gram negative bacteria showed that none of the products had an effect on the spike recovery of these pyrogenic substances. Good correlations were found between the WBC assay and the rabbit assay for pyrogens for all the production batches tested. When these samples were analysed by the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay, the LAL test gave anomalous results for 1 out of the 22 production batches tested. This batch gave a false negative result on the LAL assay and might be indicative of the inability of the LAL assay to detect pyrogens other than endotoxin.

Pressure sores and mental health status

This article describes how a review of existing procedures led to the development of a new pressure sore protocol.

Intraoperative intravascular volume optimisation and length of hospital stay after repair of proximal femoral fracture: randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether intraoperative intravascular volume optimisation improves outcome and shortens hospital stay after repair of proximal femoral fracture.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised controlled trial comparing conventional intraoperative fluid management with repeated colloid fluid challenges monitored by oesophageal Doppler ultrasonography to maintain maximal stroke volume throughout the operative period.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, London.

SUBJECTS

40 patients undergoing repair of proximal femoral fracture under general anaesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either conventional intraoperative fluid management (control patients) or additional repeated colloid fluid challenges with oesophageal Doppler ultrasonography used to maintain maximal stroke volume throughout the operative period (protocol patients).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Time declared medically fit for hospital discharge, duration of hospital stay (in acute bed; in acute plus long stay bed), mortality, perioperative haemodynamic changes.

RESULTS

Intraoperative intravascular fluid loading produced significantly greater changes in stroke volume (median 15 ml (95% confidence interval 10 to 21 ml)) and cardiac output (1.2 l/min (0.1 to 2.3 l/min)) than in the conventionally managed group (-5 ml (-10 to 1 ml) and -0.4 l/min (-1.0 to 0.2 l/min)) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). One protocol patient and two control patients died in hospital. In the survivors, postoperative recovery was significantly faster in the protocol patients, with shorter times to being declared medically fit for discharge (median 10 (9 to 15) days v 15 (11 to 40) days, P < 0.05) and a 39% reduction in hospital stay (12 (8 to 13) days v 20 (10 to 61) days, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Proximal femoral fracture repair constitutes surgery in a high risk population. Intraoperative intravascular volume loading to optimal stroke volume resulted in a more rapid postoperative recovery and a significantly reduced hospital stay.

Ultrasonographic adrenal gland measurements in dogs without evidence of adrenal disease

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine measurements of adrenal glands from longitudinal sonograms, in a large population of dogs and to correlate these measurements to age, sex and descriptors of body size. Dogs were selected from the clinic population presented for routine abdominal ultrasonography between September, 1991 and March, 1994. Dogs with elevated serum cholesterol or alkaline phosphatase levels, polyuria/polydipsia, and/or clinical diagnoses of adrenal pathology were excluded. Dogs with ultrasound-documented abnormalities (mass lesions, abnormal architecture) of either adrenal were not considered. Age, sex, weight and breed were recorded, and the body surface area of each dog was calculated. Adrenal length and caudal polar width were determined from longitudinal, two-dimensional ultrasound images. Adrenal measurements were compared with body size measurements and age using least squares linear regression analysis and the correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (r2) calculated. One hundred and ninety three dogs were included in the study, with a weight and body surface area range of 1.8-72 kg and 0.2-1.8 m2, respectively. The left adrenal gland (n = 182) length range was from 10.7 to 50.2 mm, and the range of the caudal polar widths was 1.9 to 12.4 mm. Right adrenal gland (n = 85) length range was from 10 to 39.3 mm, and the range of the caudal polar widths was from 3.1 to 12 mm. In dogs where both adrenal gland lengths were measured (n = 74), the right adrenal gland length was less than that of the left in 46 dogs, equal to the left in one dog, and greater than the length of the left in 27 dogs. The strongest linear association was noted between the left adrenal gland length and body weight (kg, r = 0.71, p < 0.0001) or body surface area (m2, r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). Similar significant association was noted between the right adrenal gland length and body weight (kg, r = 0.69, p < 0.0001). A significant positive association was also noted between age and left adrenal gland length, (r = 0.25, p = 0.009). The summation of all four adrenal measurement values (left length and width, right length and width) did slightly improve the correlation (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001) when compared with body weight (kg). There was not a significant difference in the adrenal measurements with regard to sex. With regard to the correlation coefficient values, there was no advantage noted to calculating the body surface area from body weight. The causes for the low degrees of the correlation between adrenal size and the variables investigated in this study are unknown; measurement error, effects of non-adrenal illness on adrenal size, and a non-linear or complex linear relationship between adrenal gland size (as measured by longitudinal parameters) and descriptors of body size are among possible explanations.

IL-12 enhances vaccine-induced immunity to schistosomes by augmenting both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against the parasite

The production of Th1-type cytokines is associated with strong cell-mediated immunity, while Th2-type cytokines typically dominate humoral immune responses. In mice vaccinated a single time with attenuated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni, the protection induced is associated with Th1 cytokine-dependent, cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, mice vaccinated multiple times display a more Th2-type dominant cytokine response and develop Ab-dependent resistance. We have previously shown that IL-12 enhances cell-mediated immunity in singly vaccinated mice. In the present study, we asked what effects administering IL-12 as an adjuvant would have on the development of a protective humoral response in multiply immunized animals. We found that multiply immunized/IL-12-treated mice displayed a marked increase in resistance to challenge infection, with some animals demonstrating complete protection. The IL-12-vaccinated mice developed strongly polarized Th1 responses but, importantly, also showed significant increases in parasite-specific Ab and, in particular, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG1 isotypes. Passive transfer demonstrated an enhanced ability of serum from these animals to protect naive recipients. In addition, animals vaccinated in the presence of IL-12 also developed macrophages with increased nitric oxide-dependent killing activity against the parasites. Together, these data demonstrate that IL-12, initially described as an adjuvant for cell-mediated immunity, may be used to simultaneously to promote both humoral and cell-mediated protective responses against infection.

IL-12 enhances vaccine-induced immunity to schistosomes by augmenting both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against the parasite

The production of Th1-type cytokines is associated with strong cell-mediated immunity, while Th2-type cytokines typically dominate humoral immune responses. In mice vaccinated a single time with attenuated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni, the protection induced is associated with Th1 cytokine-dependent, cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, mice vaccinated multiple times display a more Th2-type dominant cytokine response and develop Ab-dependent resistance. We have previously shown that IL-12 enhances cell-mediated immunity in singly vaccinated mice. In the present study, we asked what effects administering IL-12 as an adjuvant would have on the development of a protective humoral response in multiply immunized animals. We found that multiply immunized/IL-12-treated mice displayed a marked increase in resistance to challenge infection, with some animals demonstrating complete protection. The IL-12-vaccinated mice developed strongly polarized Th1 responses but, importantly, also showed significant increases in parasite-specific Ab and, in particular, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG1 isotypes. Passive transfer demonstrated an enhanced ability of serum from these animals to protect naive recipients. In addition, animals vaccinated in the presence of IL-12 also developed macrophages with increased nitric oxide-dependent killing activity against the parasites. Together, these data demonstrate that IL-12, initially described as an adjuvant for cell-mediated immunity, may be used to simultaneously to promote both humoral and cell-mediated protective responses against infection.

Professional development support for community nurses

This article presents the outline of a programme developed to support quality nursing care and provide professional development for staff nurses in a grade mixed, community nursing team. The initiative has been a joint venture between First Community Health NHS Trust and the University of Wolverhampton, School of Health Sciences, and shows the value of working together to establish a sound underpinning for practice.

Prion diseases: transmission from mad cows?

Prion diseases in humans show considerable clinical and pathological heterogeneity. The identification of a new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and its interpretation as evidence of transmission of mad cow disease to man, rely critically on our understanding of the epidemiology of prion diseases.

Capacity building in health economics opportunities for training in developing countries

This paper provides an overview of the opportunities available for training in health economics in the regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America, following a WHO forum on Capacity Building in Health Economics held in Geneva in December 1995. It describes in brief the training opportunities available throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America. It then gives a detailed resume of courses available for students and professionals at Chulanlongkorn University, Thailand, the University of Cape Town, South Africa and the University of the West Indies, Trinidad. It also describes the international and regional networks which have developed and now provide further opportunities for training. The final section of this paper looks to the future and suggests that although continued financial and academic support will be needed from the countries of the North, the development of regional capacities in health economics should be as much as possible through regional resources, and regional strategies should be a priority.

The hairpin stack fold, a novel protein architecture for a new family of protein growth factors

The granulin/epithelin protein motif has an unusual structure consisting of a parallel stack of beta-hairpins stapled together by six disulphide bonds. The new structure also contains a folding subdomain shared by small toxins, protease inhibitors as well as the EGF-like protein modules.

Inhibition of common fouling organisms by marine bacterial isolates ith special reference to the role of pigmented bacteria

Two questions of relevance to the establishment of marine biofouling communities were addressed, viz (1) what is the frequency with which bacterial strains isolated from living and inanimate surfaces in the marine environment show inhibitory activity against the settlement of common fouling organisms, and (2) is the antifouling bacterium, D2, an inhabitant of different marine waters, and how unique is this bacterium, in its mode of action against different target organisms? With respect to the first question, ninety three marine bacteria isolated from various rock surfaces from the marine environment were tested against larvae of Balanus amphitrite and spores of Ulva lactuca. Settlement assays against the diatom Amphora sp. were also performed on 10 of these strains. Nine bacterial isolates were shown to be inhibitory against larval settlement and eight of these strains were also inhibitory against algal spores. Altogether 16 strains were inhibitory against the settlement of algal spores while none of the bacterial strains inhibited diatom settlement. With respect to the second question, D2, a dark green pigmented bacterium, isolated from an adult tunicate off the Swedish west coast, has been found to be a very effective inhibitor against common fouling organisms. In order to see if this bacterium can be found in other marine waters, bacteria from living surfaces of marine plants and animals from waters around Sydney, Australia, were isolated and screened for inhibitory activity against barnacle larvae. Seventy four percent of the 23 plant isolates were shown to be inhibitory against larval settlement while only 30% of the 23 isolates from marine animals reduced settlement. Twenty two of the isolates from different seaweeds were dark pigmented and 20 of these strains inhibited settlement of barnacle larvae and algal spores. Three of the strains showed the same phenotypic expression as D2, and the results indicate that these strains may be D2 or closely related strains, suggesting that D2 may be a common inhabitant in the marine environment.

The chill chain "from carcass to consumer"

To provide safe meat and meat products of high organoleptic quality, attention must be paid to every aspect of the chill chain. The process commences with the initial chilling of the freshly slaughtered carcass and continues through to the storage of the chilled retail portion within the home. Within the chill chain are two different categories of refrigeration processes. In the first group are those such as primary and secondary chilling, where the aim is to change the average temperature of the meat. In the others, such as chilled storage, transport and retail display, maintaining the initial temperature of the meat or meat product is the prime aim. Failure to understand the needs of each process results in excessive weight loss, higher energy use, reduced shelf life or a deterioration in product quality.

Gossip, stories and friendship: confidentiality in midwifery practice

Women often seek midwifery care as an alternative to the maternity services that are readily available within the insured health care system in Alberta. Some aspects of community-based, primary care midwifery in Alberta that characterize this alternative are the use of story-telling as a form of knowledge, the development of social connections among women seeking midwifery care, and nonauthoritarian relationships between midwives and women. In this paper, the concept of confidentiality, as it relates to these aspects of midwifery practice, is explored, using traditional, caring and feminist models of ethics.

Injury patterns in recreational rock climbers

We studied 39 recreational rock climbers to determine the incidence and pattern of injuries sustained in the sport at their level. Eleven climbers (26%), who climbed beyond the sport level, had sustained a major injury from a fall. Thirty-five climbers (89%) sustained at least one significant injury. Fifty percent of the injuries involved the hand or wrist. Only seven climbers (19%) had evidence of a digital pulley injury (climber's finger). Four climbers (11%) had evidence of a carpal tunnel syndrome. Twenty climbers (50%) had tendinitis in an upper extremity on physical examination.

Immuno-enhancement and -inhibition of GH-releasing factor by site-directed anti peptide antibodies in vivo and in vitro

It is now well established that specific antibodies and binding proteins can potentiate rather than inhibit hormone activity. In order to investigate this phenomenon further, the current study was undertaken using a hormone with a characterised structure, in terms of receptor binding, and for which activity has already been manipulated in specific ways (prolongation of half-life, increased receptor affinity) using synthetic hormone analogues. GH-releasing factor (GRF) is a 40 or 44 residue peptide and is, together with somatostatin, responsible for the regulation of GH secretion. The effects of site-directed anti peptide antibodies were determined on the activity of GRF in vivo and in vitro as GH release. The peptide regions of GRF were: 1-14 (part of putative receptor-binding region) and 31-44 and 35-44 (sites thought to be distant from the receptor-binding region). Five sheep were administered GRF (1 microgram/kg), anti peptide immunoglobulin (Ig; a calculated tenfold excess binding to GRF dose), or GRF together with anti peptide Ig (preincubated for 1 h). GRF induced a significant increase in plasma GH concentration over the next 240 min, this was abolished when GRF was administered with anti 1-14 Ig (P < 0.05) and augmented (P < 0.05) when GRF was administered with anti 35-44 Ig; anti 31-44 had no effect on GRF activity. Anti 35-44 Ig alone induced an increase in GH secretion which was equivalent to that for GRF alone, implying that the antibody had interacted and potentiated with endogenous GRF. The Ig effects on exogenous GRF activity were confirmed for GH release in vitro using primary cultures of sheep pituitary cells, except that anti 31-44 Ig also augmented GH release (P < 0.05) when co-administered with GRF. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A subpopulation of intracardiac neurons from the guinea pig heart expresses substance P binding sites

The distribution of binding sites for substance P labeled with [125I]-Bolton-Hunter-reagent was studied in a mixed cell culture preparation from newborn guinea-pig atria and interatrial septum. A relatively small subpopulation of intracardiac neurons expressed substance P binding sites. These neurons exhibited a range of densities of labeling and could be heavily, moderately or lightly labeled with autoradiographic grains. In most cases, the autoradiographic grains were restricted to the neuronal cell body and more proximal regions of the neurites in culture. Intracardiac neurons expressing substance P binding sites were seen in close association with unlabeled neurons. The density of labeling and the distribution of autoradiographic grains over individual intracardiac neurons did not appear to be related to whether they were mono- or binucleate or their associated cell types. The possibility that the substance P binding sites demonstrated here represent functional receptors on intracardiac neurons and their potential role in the heart is discussed.

Mass spectrometric and biological characterization of guinea-pig corticotrophin

Guinea-pig ACTH has been found to be distinct from other mammalian ACTHs in having an alanine for proline substitution at position 24 and in having superagonist aldosterone-stimulating activity relative to synthetic ACTH(1-24) in an isolated rat glomerulosa cell bioassay. We have purified ACTH from extracts of guinea-pig anterior pituitary and confirmed its unusual structural characteristics by amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry. Using isolated rat adrenal fasciculata-reticularis and glomerulosa cell bioassays, guinea pig ACTH was found to have similar activity to that of human ACTH with respect to corticosterone- and aldosterone-stimulating activity, in terms of maximal steroid output but was slightly more potent in terms of the concentration which elicited half-maximal steroid secretion. Under the assay conditions used, guinea-pig ACTH appeared not to be a superagonist as previously suggested. Various biosynthetic derivatives of guinea-pig pro-opiomelanocortin were identified by amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry. Joining peptide, a major product of pro-opiomelanocortin processing, was found in extracts of both anterior and neurointermediate lobes of the pituitary. Post-translational modification of other products of intermediate lobe processing were observed. N- and O-acetylation of alpha-melanotropin, partial O-phosphorylation of corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide and carboxyl-terminal amidation of beta-melanotropin were identified.

Hypothalamic processing of beta-endorphin in female C57BL/6J mice is altered at middle age

beta-Endorphin (beta-endo) (1-31) is the active opioid peptide product of pro-opiomelanocortin processing. Further post-translational modifications of beta-endo(1-31) yield beta-endo(1-27), (1-26) and their acetylated forms which are considered to be opiate receptor antagonists. Mechanistically, alteration in opiatergic properties is likely to result in the loss of a number of physiological functions including reproductive capacity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are changes in the way beta-endo neurones process the peptide with age in female C57BL/6J mice. Pooled extracts of arcuate nucleus (ARC) and preoptic area (POA) of 3- to 4-month-old normally cycling (4-5 days at dioestrus), 12- to 13-month-old irregularly cycling (5-7 days at dioestrus), 23- to 24-month-old acyclic (in persistent dioestrus) animals were subjected to reversed-phase HPLC (n = 4 experiments). Column fractions were assayed for beta-endo-like-immunoreactivity by sequence-specific RIAs. The opiate receptor active as well as opiate receptor antagonist forms of beta-endo were present in both ARC and POA at all three age groups although their ratios varied. beta-Endo(1-31), the active opiate, was the predominant form in young animals. At middle age there was a threefold (P < 0.05, ANOVA) increase in the antagonist forms of beta-endo and this was associated with a significant (P < 0.05, ANOVA) increase in the ratio of antagonist to active forms. This was accompanied by a trend toward an increase in acetylated forms of beta-endo in middle-aged mice. HPLC profiles from hypothalami of old animals more closely resembled those of young females. The increase in the antagonist forms of beta-endo at middle age may contribute to a decline of opiatergic influences in the female C57BL/6J mouse and suggest a mechanism whereby alterations in opiate influence over gonadotrophin control may occur.

Renal and neuromuscular respiratory failure--is this a syndrome associated with cantharidin poisoning?

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and laboratory features of patients with renal and neuromuscular respiratory failure due to suspected cantharidin poisoning.

DESIGN

Retrospective record review of cases with neuromuscular respiratory failure.

SETTING

Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Hillbrow Hospital, Johannesburg.

PATIENTS

Out of a total of 47 patients with neuromuscular respiratory failure admitted to the ICU between January 1983 and December 1990, 10 with suspected cantharidin poisoning were selected and studied further.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Description of clinical features, laboratory data, treatment and prognosis.

RESULTS

In 10 of the 47 patients, the cause of renal and neuromuscular respiratory failure that which precipitated the need for ICU admission was suspected to be cantharidin poisoning. This was based on the history and clinical and laboratory features. In 4 cases trace amounts of cantharidin were detected in blood and/or urine, strengthening the diagnosis. There were 8 males and 2 females. All had evidence of renal injury and 9 had gastro-intestinal symptoms. All presented with fixed dilated pupils, varying cranial nerve palsies and muscle weakness, usually ascending and progressive, necessitating admission to the ICU. All but 1 of the patients were mechanically ventilated, 5 required significant inotropic support of the blood pressure, and 6 dialysed. Four patients died soon after admission and the remainder survived with relatively complete return of neurological function.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the possibility that cantharidin poisoning may be a cause of a 'Guillain-Barrè-like' syndrome.

Effect of recombinant porcine somatotropin and monoclonal antibody directed to ovine somatotrophic hormone on nitrogen retention and immune parameters in pigs

Single and combined effects of administration and withdrawal of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) and an enhancing murine antiovine growth hormone monoclonal antibody (OA15) on nitrogen retention, and serological and immunological measurements in pigs were examined in a placebo-controlled experiment. Thirty-six barrows were allotted to one of four treatments: control, rpST, OA15, and OA15+rpST. The trial phase was four balance periods: a preperiod, two periods of treatment, and a postperiod. Weight- and nitrogen gain were higher for the rpST group by 13% (P < .01) and 15% (P < .001), for the OA15 group by 8% (P < .05) and 9% (P < .05), and for the OA15+rpST group by 25% (P < .001) and 20% (P < .001), respectively compared with the control group. During the postperiod, weight gain of the OA15- and the OA15+rpST group was 23% (P < .001) and 22% (P < .001) lower than that of the control group. Nitrogen gain during the postperiod was decreased by 19% (P < .01) for the OA15 group compared with the control group. Single or combined administration of rpST or OA15 did not affect (P > .10) cellular constituents in the blood of all groups during the periods of observation. Animals treated solely with rpST mounted a humoral immune response directed to rpST. This anti-rpST antibody response was, however, decreased (P < .01) in barrows treated with rpST and OA15 simultaneously. Also, a slight anti-rpST antibody response was noticed in barrows solely treated with OA15.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differentiation of the spoilage yeast Zygosaccharomyces bailii from other Zygosaccharomyces species using 18S rDNA as target for a non-radioactive ligase detection reaction

A non-radioactive PCR coupled ligase detection reaction was developed to discriminate the food spoilage yeasts Zygosaccharomyces bailii and Z. bisporus from each other and from other members of the genus. A short region of the 18S rRNA gene was amplified from boiled cell lysates and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products used as target in the template directed ligation of two adjacent oligonucleotides. Ligated products were captured using biotin-streptavidin chemistry and detected using digoxigenin immuno-chemiluminescence. The ligase detection reaction was able to discriminate to the species level, targeting a single base deletion. The specificity of the reaction was assessed using seven species of the genus Zygosaccharomyces. Only strains of Z. bailii and Z. bisporus gave positive results with their respective primer sets. The lower detection limit of the strategy was 10pg (3 x 10(7) targets) of amplified product.