Scratching the sporocyst surface: characterisation of European Aggregata species by atomic force microscopy

The application of atomic force microscopy to the understanding of surface structure and atomic-scale measurements on the sporocyst of European Aggregata species, intracellular coccidia of the cephalopods Octopus vulgaris and Sepia officinalis, is presented here. Using the roughness mean surface (RMS) as an index, we reveal texture to be a key parameter for characterisation of the sporocyst surface properties, which resolve the historical synonymy within the European Aggregatidae. Roughness measurements from RMS algorithms may also be an important diagnostic taxonomic character for the differentiation of Aggregata species in the future.

Regulation of high affinity taurine transport in goldfish and rat retinal cells

Adaptive regulation and modulation by phosphorylation are mechanisms by which some cells control taurine transport. Goldfish and rat retinal cells were incubated with the activator of protein kinase C, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), or the inhibitor of protein phosphatases, okadaic acid (OKA). OKA, 1 nM, inhibited the uptake of taurine at short period of incubation in goldfish retinal cells, and at low concentrations in rat retinal cells incubated with the inhibitor for 1 h. PDBu treatment did not produce significant effects. Isolated Müller cells from the goldfish retina presented a clear adaptive regulation and a decrease of taurine uptake by increasing phosphorylation either by the stimulation of PKC with PDBu or the inhibition of phosphatases with OKA.

Lipid profile and redox status in high performance rhythmic female teenagers gymnasts

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the lipid profile and some parameters of oxi-redox status in a group of teenage female athletes. All gymnasts of the Portuguese National Team of Rhythmic (n=20) were included in the study. A group of untrained healthy female adolescents, matched for age, was also included (n=28).

METHODS

Auxology, nutritional status and body composition were evaluated as well as biological parameters, dietary and training habits. Statistics included descriptive analysis, t-Student and Mann-Whitney for comparative study, and Pearson and Spearman correlations, according to variable distribution.

RESULTS

Chronological age was 14.3+/-1.7 and 14.6+/-1,7 years, respectively for gymnasts and untrained adolescents. Gymnasts showed lower body mass index (p<0.001) and fat mass (p<0.001) and also a hypoenergetic diet, with higher supply in protein (p<0.05) and saturated fat (p<0.01). Lipid profile showed higher HDL-cholesterol (p<0.01) and lower apo B values (p<0.001) in gymnasts, compared to untrained. Red blood cell's enzymes studied were higher for transmembrane NADH reductase of ferricyanide (TMR), (p<0.01), methaemoglobin reductase (MetHbRed), (p<0.01), and low-molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP), (p<0.0001) in untrained adolescents. Susceptibility of LDL to peroxidation (LDL-TBARS) were higher in gymnasts (76.3+/-20.3 microM/l versus 35+/-21.7 microM/l), (p<0.001). Correlations were positive and significant in both gymnasts and untrained, between LDL-TBARS and LDL-cholesterol (r=0.674, p<0.01 and r=0.544, p<0.05 respectively) and apolipoprotein B (r=0.721, p<0.001 and r=0.659, p<0.01, respectively). LDL-TBARS were negative and significatively correlated to TMR (t=-0.608; p<0.01) only in gymnasts.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors conclude that the practice of intense physical exercise in rhythmic gymnasts induces a compromise of nutritional status and unbalanced food habits. The intensive exercise also induces not only a protective lipid profile, but also a higher lipid peroxidation. Further prospective studies are important to evaluate the influence of intensive training on atherosclerosis development.

Exogenous sphingosine enters Xenopus laevis embryos grown in petri dishes and it is metabolized

Xenopus embryos of different developmental stages were exposed to 0.1 microM [1-3H]sphingosine. Labeled sphingosine was quickly absorbed by Xenopus embryos. The amount of radioactivity absorbed increased with embryo age and appeared to be linearly correlated (R = 0.97) to the embryo surface area. About 45% of the total radioactivity associated to the embryos was found in the skin, 22% in the intestine, 15% in the heart, 12% in the liver and 6% in the brain. A portion of [1-3H]sphingosine entered very rapidly the biosynthetic pathway of sphingolipids; after 30 min of incubation, in fact, only a small amount of free radioactive sphingosine could be detected. Sphingomyelin was the main radioactive sphingolipid synthesized; radioactive ceramide, galactosylceramide and lactosylceramide could also be recognized and quantified. On the contrary, the amount of radioactive gangliosides was hardly detectable. A portion of [1-3H]sphinogosine absorbed by Xenopus embryos (30 to 60% depending on the developmental stage) entered the catabolic pathway producing radioactive phosphoethanolamine that was recycled for the biosynthesis of radioactive phosphatidylethanolamine. This phospholipid was produced mainly in the intestine and in the skin, while sphingomyelin was the main radioactive lipid in the heart, liver and brain.

Dermatoglyphics and abnormal palmar flexion creases as markers of early prenatal stress in children with idiopathic intellectual disability

A number of studies have shown the importance of dermatoglyphics as markers of prenatal disturbance in developmental disorders of unknown origin. Genetic and non-genetic factors are involved in the aetiology of intellectual disability (ID), although the cause remains unknown in up to 50% of cases. The aim of the present study was to analyse dermatoglyphic traits and abnormal palmar flexion creases as markers of environmental prenatal stress in children with idiopathic ID (IID) using a case-control study design. Three dermatoglyphic variables, which have been reported as altered in other congenital disorders, were considered were studied in a sample of 62 children with IID (IQ < 70) and 75 healthy controls (IQ > 70): (1) fingerprint patterns; (2) total a-b ridge count (TABRC); and (3) abnormal palmar flexion creases (APFCs). More arches, the simplest fingerprint pattern, and more radial loops, an unusual pattern, were found in IID cases in comparison to controls (chi23 = 9.26; P = 0.02), with especially marked differences in boys (chi23 = 6.5; P = 0.0008). A significant increase of APFCs was also found in the affected children (chi24 = 28.52; P < 0.00; odds ration = 3.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.77-8.47). For TABRC, the differences between IID cases and controls failed to reach the conventional level of significance. These findings suggest that environmental factors acting early in development, or mechanisms involving an interaction of genotype and environment could be involved in the aetiology of some cases of ID.

A review of reproductive strategies in cephalopods

Cephalopod reproductive strategies are reviewed in order to clarify their current, confusing status. Based on the type of ovulation, spawning pattern and growth between egg batches or spawning periods, five comprehensive and flexible cephalopod reproductive strategies are defined. Accordingly, with these three factors the following classification is proposed. (a) Spawning once (formerly semelparity) consisting of simultaneous terminal spawning, with synchronous ovulation, monocyclic spawning and absence of growth between egg batches. (b) Spawning more than once (formerly iteroparity) including: (i) polycyclic spawning with egg-laying occurring in separate batches during the spawning season and growth occurring between production of egg batches and spawning seasons; (ii) multiple spawning, with group-synchronous ovulation, monocyclic spawning and growth between egg batches; (iii) intermittent terminal spawning, with group-synchronous ovulation, monocyclic spawning and no growth between egg batches; (iv) continuous spawning, with asynchronous ovulation, monocyclic spawning and growth between egg batches. Examples of species exhibiting each of these reproductive strategies are given. The large amount of inter-species variation in several life-history traits related to reproductive events is discussed.

Fatty Acid Composition of Plasma Lipids in Healthy Portuguese Children: Is the Mediterranean Diet Disappearing?

BACKGROUND

Adults and children in Mediterranean countries are believed to consume a Mediterranean-type diet which is higher in monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than compared to central and northern parts of Europe and has preventive effects for cardiovascular risks.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In preschool children from Porto, Portugal (n = 35) and Munich, Germany (n = 18) we determined the plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition considered as a biomarker for dietary fat intake.

RESULTS

The plasma phospholipid contents of total saturated fatty acids are similar in both groups, but the Portuguese children have lower values of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results indicate that the food habits of Portuguese children are even less close to the traditional Mediterranean diet than those of German children.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts should be made to encourage young families as well as manufacturers and distributors of food products in Portugal to emphasize traditional Mediterranean food habits, especially in young children.

Prevalence of iron deficiency in 12-mo-old infants from 11 European areas and influence of dietary factors on iron status (Euro-Growth study)

A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency in European infants at 12 mo of age, and to study the influence of socio-economic status, dietary factors, growth and morbidity on iron status. The cohort consisted of 488 normal term infants from primary healthcare centres in 11 European areas. Assessed were socio-economic variables, dietary intake, anthropometry and morbidity at regular intervals from birth to 12 mo, and haemoglobin, serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, transferrin saturation and serum transferrin receptor concentrations at age 12 mo. The prevalence of anaemia was 9.4%, of iron deficiency 7.2%, and of iron deficiency anaemia 2.3%. More than 40% of anaemia was associated with normal iron status and associated with an increased frequency of recent infections. Iron deficiency anaemia was significantly more frequent with low (5.1%) than high socio-economic status (0%). Dietary factors accounted for most of this variation in multiple regression analysis. Early introduction of cows' milk was the strongest negative determinant of iron status. Feeding of iron-fortified formula was the main factor positively influencing iron status. Other dietary factors, including breastfeeding, did not play a significant role as determinants of iron status at age 12 mo. Conclusion. Iron deficiency anaemia is present in 2.3% of 12-mo-old European infants. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia varies strongly with socio-economic status. Avoidance of cows' milk feeding during the first year of life is the key measure in the prevention of iron deficiency.

Surgical treatment of synchronous hepatocellular and esophageal carcinoma: case report and review of literature

Simultaneous presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma is rare. Few cases have been reported as surgically curable. We treated a caucasian man of 68 years who presented a voluminous hepatocellular carcinoma in the right lobe of the liver and a superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus. Both tumors seemed curable with surgery. We adopted a treatment consisting of two steps: 1) curative hepatic right trisegmentectomy; 2) three months later transhiatal esophagectomy. Two units of blood were transfused for both operations. Simultaneous hepatectomy and esophagectomy have been published in seven cases. We opted for resecting the tumors in two distinct procedures to lower the operative risk. Because of the large size of the hepatocellular carcinoma and the small size of the esophageal carcinoma, hepatectomy was performed first. The delay between the two interventions did not compromise the prognosis that is actually dependent of the hepatocellular carcinoma.

Modulation of taurine uptake in the goldfish retina and axonal transport to the tectum. Effect of crushing the optic nerve or axotomy

Although there are a great number of studies concerning the uptake of taurine in several tissues, the regulation of taurine transport has not been studied in the retina after lesioning the optic nerve. In the present study, isolated retinal cells of the goldfish retina were used either immediatly after cell suspension or in culture. The high-affinity transport system of [3H]taurine in these cells was sodium-, temperature- and energy-dependent, and was inhibited by hypotaurine and beta-alanine, but not by gamma-aminobutyric acid. There was a decrease in the maximal velocity (Vmax) without modifications in the substrate affinity (Km) after optic axotomy. These changes were mantained for up to 15 days after the lesion. The results might be the summation of mechanisms for providing extracellular taurine to be taken up by other retinal cells or eye structures, or regulation by the substrate taurine, which increases after lesioning the optic nerve. The in vivo accumulation of [3H]taurine in the retina after intraocular injection of [3H]taurine was affected by crushing the optic nerve or by axotomy. A progressive retinal decrease in taurine transport was observed after crushing the optic nerve, starting at 7 hours after surgery on the nerve. The uptake of [3H]taurine by the tectum was compensated in the animals that were subjected to crushing of the optic nerve, since the concentration of [3H]taurine was only different from the control value 24 hours after the lesion, indicating an efficient transport by the remaining axons. On the contrary, the low levels of [3H]taurine in the tectum after axotomy might be an index of the non-axonal origin of taurine in the tectum. Axonal transport was illustrated by the differential presence of [3H]taurine in the intact or crushed optic nerve. The uptake of [3H]taurine into retinal cells in culture in the absence or in the presence of taurine might indicate the existence of an adaptive regulation of taurine transport in this tissue, however taurine transport probably differentially occurs in specific populations of retinal cells. The use of a purified preparation of cells might be useful for future studies on the modulation of taurine transport by taurine in the retina and its role during regeneration.

Leukocyte activation, erythrocyte damage, lipid profile and oxidative stress imposed by high competition physical exercise in adolescents

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the lipid profile and the levels of leukocyte activation, red blood cell (RBC) damage and of oxidative stress in two groups of adolescents, with similar body mass index: high competition swimmers and adolescents practising moderate regular physical exercise.

METHODS

As markers of leukocyte activation, we measured plasma lactoferrin, elastase and granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor. We studied RBC membrane band 3 profile and membrane-bound hemoglobin, as markers of RBC damage and aging; total and differential leukocyte count and RBC count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and hematimetric indexes were also measured. Lipid profile included the evaluation of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (Chol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), apolipoproteins AI and B (Apo AI and B), and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). To evaluate oxidative stress, lipoperoxidation products and total antioxidant capacity were measured.

RESULTS

We found that high competition adolescents presented increased plasma levels of leukocyte activation products, increased RBC damage suggesting aging and premature removal, and higher oxidative stress. Lipid profile showed some risk and some protective changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that high competition exercise, by imposing a higher and sustained oxidative and proteolytic stress, may contribute in the future to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We believe these findings warrant a reevaluation of current views in the intensity, duration and regularity of physical exercise, and that the evaluation of leukocyte activation products, RBC damage, oxidative stress and lipid profile may represent good markers to establish putative protective thresholds.

Molecular weight distribution and structural characteristics of polymers obtained from acid soluble lignin treated by oxidative enzymes

Brown precipitates were obtained by polymerization of low molecular weight lignin fragments contained in a model effluent. Polymerization reactions were initiated by potato-polyphenoloxidase (PPO) or horseradish peroxidase/H(2)O(2) system (HRP/H(2)O(2)). The insolubilization processes occurred after a molecular weight increase of the lignin, as shown by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The effect of reaction time, pH and amount of soluble lignin per unit of enzyme activity on the molecular weight distribution was evaluated for PPO-initiated reactions. For HRP-initiated system the amount of H(2)O(2) per unit of enzyme activity was also evaluated. Chemical characterization of the macromolecules obtained under optimized conditions and the soluble lignin fragments present in the effluent suggests that the polymerization reactions occur by oxidative cleavage of alpha-beta unsaturated bonds of the soluble lignin fragments. Methoxyl group analysis showed that p-hydroxycoumaryl units were preferentially oxidized by PPO. In contrast, HRP oxidized preferentially guaiacyl and siringyl units giving more condensed polymers.

Phospholipid distribution in murine mammary adenocarcinomas induced by activated neu oncogene

The aim of this study was to analyze possible changes in the total phospholipid distribution in murine mammary adenocarcinomas induced in transgenic mice by the tissue-specific expression of the neu oncogene, as compared with normal tissues. To understand whether the altered phospholipid profile might be specifically tissue-related to the oncogene expression, phospholipid composition also has been analyzed in liver, kidney, lung, and spleen. The data indicate that only tumor mammary tissues show a drastic increase of the total phospholipid content (P < 0.0001) associated with a significant increment of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin (P < 0.05). Moreover, gas-chromatography analysis of total phospholipid-derived fatty acids shows a decrease in the percentage content of linoleic acid in tumor tissues, suggesting an altered metabolism of this fatty acid related to the enhanced epithelial proliferation. We conclude that neu transgenic mice provide a good model to clarify the involvement of phospholipids in neu-induced neoplastic transformation and to study in vivo the metabolic pathways related to the intracellular signaling.

Aggregata sagittata n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Aggregatidae), a coccidian parasite from the European flying squid Todarodes sagittatus (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)

A new species of the coccidian genus Aggregata Frenzel, 1885 (Apicomplexa, Aggregatidae) is described from the digestive tract of Todarodes sagittatus (Lamarck), an ommastrephid squid that lives in temperate waters in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Using light microscopy. oöcysts were 225-333 microm in length and 220-323 microm in width. Each oöcyst contained 600-1,000 sporocysts. Sporocysts were 16-18 microm in length and 15-17 microm in width, with a smooth surface and thick wall. Each sporocyst contained 4-8 sporozoites each with a length of 11-13 microm. This paper presents the description of a new Agregata species in a nerito-oceanic flying squid. Moreover. it extends the distribution of Aggregata to oceanic cephalopod host species. A. sagittata represents the third named species in the genus Aggregata in European waters and the seventh worldwide.

LDL peroxidation in adolescent female gymnasts

Physical exercise may in vivo promote an increase of free radical formation. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are highly susceptible to oxidation, probably because of their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, since lipid oxidation is an important factor in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect in a group of adolescent gymnasts, of intense and regular physical exercise on lipid profile and redox status.

POPULATION

All members of the Portuguese National Team of Rhythm Gymnastics (1996) (n = 20).

METHODS

1. Clinical evaluation 1.1 Anthropometric evaluation: weight, height, triceps, biceps, subscapular and supra- and supra-iliac skinfolds. NCHS were used as the standard of reference for weight and height, and Frisancho for the sum of skinfolds; 1.2. Evaluation of nutritional status (Quetelet body mass index) and body composition (Durnin and Siri). 2. Evaluation of biological parameters: a blood sample was collected after 12 hours fasting and 24 hours detraining, to evaluate: 2.1 Lipid profile: total cholesterol, high (HDL) and low (LDL) density lipoproteins, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B, were measured using internationally recommended laboratory methods; 2.2. Plasma trace elements: zinc, copper and selenium, by atomic absorption; 2.3 Red blood cell enzymes; transmembranar reductase (TMR), metahemoglobin reductase (MethaHbRed) and acid phosphatase, by spectrophotometry; 2.4. Redox status: MDA and MDA-LDL were evaluated by spectrophotometry. 3. Evaluation of eating habits: 24 hr recall.

RESULTS

Chronological age is 14.3 +/- 1.7 years. Nutritional assessment shows a mean value for height near the 50th percentile (99% +/- 3.8), and low mean values respectively for BMI (89.3% +/- 9) and sum of triceps and subscapular skinfolds (51.9% +/- 14). Study of lipid profile shows low mean values for total cholesterol (162.3 mg/dl +/- 27.7) LDL-cholesterol (87.6 mg/dl +/- 22.6) and Apo B (64.4 mg/dl +/- 11.5), but high values for HDL-cholesterol (61.3 mg/dl +/- 14.5) and Apo A1 (173.1 mg/dl +/- 25.1). We observe higher values for total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in those with lower Cu plasmatic levels. We also observe a negative significative correlation between MDA-LDL and Zn (r = -0.469), Cu (r = -0.524) and RTM (r = -0.608).

CONCLUSIONS

The AA concluded that in this group of gymnasts intense physical exercise induces, a favorable lipid profile, but a clear susceptibility to LDL peroxidation in those with lower plasma Cu and Zn values. It is possible that the negative correlation observed between MDA-LDL and TMR is caused by higher consumption of TMR induced by the action of exercise on the oxidative system.

Urine volume: stone risk factor and preventive measure

BACKGROUND

A high fluid intake is the oldest existing treatment for kidney stones, and, up until a few decades ago, it was the only preventive measure at the physician's disposal for stone recurrences.

METHODS

Using the data available in literature and partly unpublished personal research, we examine the role of urine volume as a stone risk factor, its impact on calcium crystallization mechanisms and its real importance as a means of prevention.

RESULTS

To sum up, the most important findings are: (1) a low urine volume must be considered as a real risk factor, both as regards the onset of renal calculi and stone relapses; (2) an increase in urine volume induced by a high water intake produces favourable effects on the crystallization of calcium oxalate and does not reduce the activity of natural inhibitors; (3) a sufficiently high intake of water and probably other fluids such as coffee, tea, beer and wine has a preventive effect on nephrolithiasis and its recurrence, and (4) the role of fruit juice is still to be defined.

CONCLUSIONS

A high intake of fluids, especially water, is still the most powerful and certainly the most economical means of prevention of nephrolithiasis, and it is often not used to advantage by stone formers.

Acid phosphatase, genetic polymorphism and cardiovascular risk factors in a pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Although the clinical expression of cardiovascular disease usually occurs in adulthood, it is unanimously accepted that atherosclerosis begins in the pediatric age. Because of the early onset of the disease, it is of great importance to screen for major risk factors since pre-school age, especially in risk families. Recent investigations have shown a great interest not only in studying the classic risk factors, but also in the evaluation of oxidative stress and the main antioxidant defense systems. The major cause of this interest is the knowledge of the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species on lipids, the endothelial membrane of arteries and, finally, on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

POPULATION AND METHODS

51 children of both genders, aged 9-12 years, randomly selected from a rural community, were observed. A possible association between low molecular acid phosphatase genetic polymorphism of the erythrocyte and the prooxidant status markers (epinephrine oxidase and low molecular protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase from the erythrocyte), some enzymatic systems of the body antioxidant defense (transmembranar reductase of ferricyanide and metahemoglobin reductase) and finally some intermediate phenotypes of cardiovascular disease (lipid profile and blood pressure) were studied.

RESULTS

The study of prooxidant status markers and antioxidant enzymes shows significant differences for acid phosphatase and epinephrine oxidase activities in relation to low molecular acid phosphatase genetic polymorphism, the highest values observed being in those homozygous to the B allele (p < 0.05). The inter-relation study between variables showed, among other things, a significant inverse correlation between acid phosphatase and transmembrane reductase and a direct correlation between apolipoprotein B, acid phosphatase and metahemoglobin reductase. A positive family history for cardiovascular disease also showed a direct and significant correlation to total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B.

CONCLUSIONS

The polymorphic variants of low molecular acid phosphatase and protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase with greater activity are strongly associated, not with the classic parameters of cardiovascular risk factors, but with oxidative stress indicators, such as low molecular protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase and epinephrine oxidase. Family history indicators of cardiovascular risk are clearly associated, since early ages, to some conventional risk factors, such as lipid profile and blood pressure.

Growth increments and biomineralization process in cephalopod statoliths

A study on morphological, structural and biochemical composition of Sepia officinalis and Loligo vulgaris statoliths and statocyst endolymph was undertaken with the aim of determining the major factors affecting the deposition process of statolith formation and to clarify the cause for the poor definition of the growth increments in S. officinalis statoliths. It is suggested that the different biochemical composition of the statocyst endolymph found in the two species accounts for distinct statolith crystallisation processes, which results in a different microstructure. This explains the better definition of growth increments in L. vulgaris statoliths comparing with those of S. officinalis. The protein content as well as Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) concentrations in the endolymph are more implicated in growth increments formation than Sr(2+) ion concentration. Moreover, the daily variations of the three factors mentioned, allowed us to formulate a working hypothesis to explain the daily deposition of growth increments: a dark ring (rich in organic matter) is deposited during daylight whereas a light ring (rich in CaCO(3)) during darkness. These results are discussed in the light of alternative hypotheses explaining the deposition mechanisms in statoliths.

Initial experience with the harmonic scalpel in liver surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatectomies are generally performed using a crushing clamp or by finger fracture. New instruments such as ultrasonic aspirators or water jet dissectors are increasingly used for precise dissection of intrahepatic structures. An ultrasonically activated scalpel has been introduced, mainly for laparoscopic procedures. The potential of this instrument in liver surgery remains to be defined.

METHODOLOGY

In a prospective study, we have tested the harmonic scalpel (Ultracision, Ethicon Endo-surgery) in 16 consecutive patients undergoing liver surgery. The ease of parenchymal dissection and the hemostatic effect of the ultrasonically vibrating blade was assessed in each operation. Blood loss and transfusions were recorded.

RESULTS

One patient underwent excision of a liver cyst and 15 patients 16 hepatectomies for colorectal metastases (7 cases), hepatocarcinoma (5 cases) and other benign or malignant conditions (4 cases). The liver was cirrhotic in 4 cases. The performance of the harmonic scalpel for dissection, cutting and hemostasis was good or excellent in 16 operations, and poor in 1 hepatectomy in a cirrhotic liver. Median blood loss was 400 mL (range: 0-1200 mL) and 4 patients received blood transfusions.

CONCLUSIONS

The harmonic scalpel allows efficient section of liver parenchyma, precise dissection of intrahepatic structures, good hemostasis and section of small intrahepatic vessels.

Compound heterozygosity for a new (S259G) and a previously described (G188E) mutation in lipoprotein lipase (LpL) as a cause of chylomicronemia. Mutations in brief no. 183. Online

Familial chylomicronemia is an autosomal recessive disease characterised by fasting triglyceridemia and an absence of lipoprotein lipase (LpL) activity in post-heparin plasma. The disease is a result of mutation in either the lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) gene or in the apoCII gene which codes for an essential co-factor. To date, over 80 mutations in the LpL gene have been reported. The proband, a 30 month old female, presented with fasting triglycerides of 3192 mg/dl, and no detectable LpL mass or activity in post-heparin plasma. Sequencing of all of the exons and exon/intron boundaries of the LpL gene showed that she was a compound heterozygote with G-A transitions in codon 188 (G188E:GGG to GAG) generating an avall restriction site and in codon 259 (S259G:AGT to GGT) generating a bssKI site. Restriction digests confirmed the mutations and determined the incidence within the family. The father (55%LPL activity), paternal aunt (82%) and paternal grandmother (29%) were all heterozygous for the S259G mutation whilst her sister (55%), mother (73%) and maternal grandfather (45%) were heterozygous for the G188E mutation. The maternal grandmother (114%) was unaffected.

Allozyme differentiation in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Mollusca: cephalopoda) from the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean

The Atlantic-Mediterranean area has recently been proposed as a new phylogeographical area on the basis of concordance of genetic differentiation patterns observed in several marine species. However, additional taxa need to be studied to establish the phylogeographical relationship between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Eleven samples of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis around the Iberian Peninsula, one from the Canary Islands, and another from Fiumicino (Italy) were screened for 33 allozyme loci. Genetic variability was low in all samples (He between 0.022 and 0. 076). Intersample genetic differentiation was high (FST=0.220), mainly because of genetic variation in the non-Iberian samples. One locus (PEPD*), diagnostic between the Italian sample and all others, suggests the possible existence of hitherto unrecognized species or subspecies of Sepia in the Mediterranean Sea. The 11 Iberian samples exhibited moderate genetic differentiation (FST=0.100), which could be explained on the basis of genetic differentiation between Atlantic and Mediterranean samples. Significant clines in allele frequencies were observed for five out of six polymorphic loci. These results support a model of secondary intergradation (i.e. secondary contact of populations that were previously differentiated in isolation) similar to that previously proposed for other marine species from the Atlantic-Mediterranean area.