Normal transitions in synthesis of replacement histones H2A.Z and H3.3 during differentiation of dystrophic myotube cells. A brief note

We previously reported that differentiating G0 myotube cells cultured from normal chicken embryos exhibit a histone synthesis pattern that is highlighted by transitions in the expression of the minor replacement variants H3.3 and perhaps H2A.Z (Wunsch and Lough, Dev. Biol. 119 (1987) 94-99). Because these proteins may be synthesized to maintain chromatin structure during the differentiation and maturation of the skeletal muscle fiber, it was of interest to determine whether they are made at normal levels during the differentiation of dystrophic muscle. To this end, the synthesis of histone proteins in cultured myoblasts and myotubes from normal and dystrophic avian embryos has been characterized by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. Proliferating myoblasts (day 1) as well as two stages of differentiating myotubes (days 3, 4) exhibited histone synthesis patterns that were indistinguishable when comparing normal and dystrophic cells. It is noteworthy that this study also revealed that, in both cell types, the change in H2A.Z synthesis during the myoblast/myotube transition was remarkable, increasing from approximately 20% of the non-ubiquitinated H2As in myoblasts to 80% in myotubes. Also, gel staining patterns and immunoblotting detected no differences in the degree of histone ubiquitination between normal and dystrophic cells. These findings indicate that, up to this point in dystrophic differentiation, neither the synthesis nor ubiquitination of histones are perturbed.

[Distribution of manganese and its modification by magnesium and cobalt in the guinea pig]

Five groups of 8 guinea-pigs each had been treated by manganese, magnesium, cobalt or their combination over a period of 26 days. The concentration of the metals administered had been determined in the liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, spleen and brain and been compared with the adequate rates of a sample group of 8 animals. Mutual influences could be stated. Statements on the interaction mechanisms could not be derived.

[Ion pair-HPLC of some aromatic amino- and hydroxycarboxylic acids]

Various factors influencing the ion-pair-HPLC separation of some aromatic amino- and hydroxycarbon acids were described and discussed. Distinct effects of the ion pair formation of organic acids with quarternary alkylammonium salts (CTAB) are recognized on condition that the carboxylic group is not blocked by intramolecular H-bonding or partial betain structure. If the carboxylic group is unconnected the retention time increases depending on the pka of the acid with increasing pH if no complete ionization exists. In order to separate similar compounds at low retention time with distinct resolution an organic modifier of suitable strength and high selectivity have to be added to the mobile phase.

[Osteomyelitis of the sacrum]

In the axial skeleton, osteomyelitis of the os sacrum is rare, although it occurs more frequently than tuberculosis of the sacrum. Secondary osteomyelitis as a complication of tumours, metastases or inflammatory processes of the adjacent areas is seen more often than primary sacral osteomyelitis.

[A method for the determination of the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes]

A method for registration of the haemolysis of erythrocytes as a measure for their osmotic resistance is presented. The technical realization is performed by means of a cuvette head-piece for holding a filter, which separates the investigation material from water. A cuvette insertion guarantees the regular construction of a haemoglobin gradient, serving as a measure for haemolysis, which is photometrically measured in the Spekol (VEB Carl Zeiss JENA) and registered by means of the compensation tape writer G 1 B 1 (VEB Carl Zeiss JENA). 0.3-0.4 ml investigation material are used. The expenditure of time amounts to about 20 minutes.

[Interaction of solvent effects on the plasma membrane]

The combined effect of trichloroethylene and butanol on the behaviour of human erythrocytes during haemolysis in hypotensive milieu was investigated in comparison to the individual effects of solvents. In these cases, among others, appeared statistically significant quantitative changes of the maximum of stability. In a common influence of trichloroethylene and butanol and additional stabilisation of the membrane may be the result, which is traced back to various places of effect of the solvents. When 150 mmol/l butanol are used the haemolysis is suppressed by trichloroethylene in its concentration region of 8-10 mmol/l. This effect can be explained by additional inclusion of trichloroethylene in butanol-free lipid classes. When 200 mmol/l butanol are given the haemolysis much increases already at an application of 4 mmol/l trichloroethylene. Here trichloroethylene cannot infiltrate into other still butanol-free lipid classes, in order to evoke an additional stabilisation. On the contrary, in cooperation the decomposition of the crystal structure of the lipids (emulsification) and thus the haemolysis develops. These results refer to the fact that combined effects of solvents are not always to be valuated additively.

[Cancer-like x-ray findings in the esophagus caused by blood clot-hemorrhage due to coagulopathy]

The case demonstrated here shows that filling defects in the oesophagus do not prove the existence of a tumour. In diffuse haemorrhages of the oesophageal mucosa the blood may not be swallowed completely or vomited; it may coagulate in the oesophagus, adhere to the wall and produce a tumor-like pattern.

The radiological residua of healed diabetic arthropathies

Diabetic arthropathy is a relatively rare manifestation of neuropathic disease, occurring in fewer than 5% of cases. Abnormalities of this type are confined largely to the small joints of the feet, although the larger joints of the lower limbs and the spine occasionally are affected. Some lesions, particularly in the feet, repair spontaneously, leaving radiological residua sufficiently characteristic to prompt suspicion of an unrecognised diabetic state. These include deformity of the head of the second metatarsal (akin to a Freiberg lesion), shortening of the great toe, painless deforming arthrosis of the knee, and ankylosis of interphalangeal joints. In the presence of these signs the patient should be interrogated concerning diabetes and blood sugar estimates, with provocation of necessary, obtained. Should such a diagnosis be sustained, appropriate protective measures may be undertaken to avoid a relapse of the arthropathy.

[Hypervascularisation in diabetic patients shown by angiography (author's transl)]

Two diabetic patients are described who showed widened and tortuous arteries, increased blood flow and increased filling of small arteries, with simultaneous filling of arteries and veins (increased flow through arterio-venous anastomoses). In one patient, during an observation period of four years, occlusion of both common iliacs developed, as well as a block of one femoral artery and mural changes in the other. Inthe second patient, areas of occlusion and hypervascularisation co-existed. The first patient showed osteolytic changes, also involving the joints, whereas the second patient developed diffuse rarefaction of the bones in the leg and foot. Ischaemic necroses developed inthe soft tissues in both patients and leg amputation was therefore carried out. The angiographic and skeletal findings, however, suggest that the soft tissues suffered trophic changes which should be regarded as a secondary complication of the ischaemia.

[Radiological appearances in the near-drowned (author's transl)]

Three patients unconscious when rescued from drowning had radiographic studies of their lungs carried out after several hours, or on the following day. The findings had to be interpreted as pulmonary oedema. The most seriously affected patient showed the picture of massive acute interstitial oedema on the second day. After initial regression, coarse shadows developed, indicating the alveolar form of pulmonary oedema. The sputum contained candida, but there was no evidence of pulmonary candidiasis. In two patients there were transient signs of limited atelectases. Two patients were re-examined after five years. There were no features which could be interpreted as a consequence of the drowning episode. The radiographic appearances showed minor changes which could be due to mild pulmonary fibrosis.

[Necrosis of the head of the femur in hyperuricaemia (author's transl)]

The article reports on two cases of a typical necrosis of the head of the femur, known as "idiopathic necrosis of the femoral head". Hyperuricaemia was present in both cases. In the first female patient, scintigraphy showed accumulation of activity unilaterally in the region of the ankle joint without any pathological x-ray finding in that region. The necrosis of the head of the femur was atypically associated with a lateral narrowing of the joint space and apposition of the bones at the lateral joint edges. Angiography did not yield any abnormal finding in the hip joint. In the case of the second (male) patient, the necrosis of the femoral head was combined with diaphyseal osteonecrotic changes bilaterally, distal to the femoral shaft, and there was also a diffuse decalcification, not recorded so far, metaphyseally distal to the femoral shaft and proximal at the shaft of the tibia, reaching to the epiphyseal cicatrices. Hyperuricaemia was combined with hyperlipidaemia. In both patients, the hyperturicaemia dropped to normal levels under appropriate medication; in the second patient, this was also true of the hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolaemia. No further progress was seen from the time the blood levels had become normal.

[Ossification of the Achilles tendon after surgery of talipes equinus in childhood and condition following Köhler II (author's transl)]

In a 48-year old man, ossification was seen in the right achilles tendon which was to be interpreted as due to surgical extension of tendon in childhood following operation of talipes equinus. Only few reports have been published in literature, but in these, the x-ray findings were largely identical, and in all cases except one, injuries of the tendon or operations had preceded the condition. Ossification is associated with mild complaints only. It presents a typical pattern of x-ray findings distinguishing it from tendon ossifications or calcifications of other origin.

Complete destruction of both femoral heads following idiopathic necrosis of the femoral heads in a diabetic patient with hyperuricemia and hyperlipoproteinemia

A practically complete destruction of both femoral heads including the femoral necks and acetabula was encountered in a 69-year-old patient with diabetes, which varied in intensity. This destruction, documented by radiographs which had been taken 8 years prior, had started as the typical picture of "idiopathic femoral head necrosis". In addition to diabetes, hyperuricemia and hyperlipoproteinemia were present at the time when the femoral head necrosis was first evidenced. One episode of gout was recorded. In recent years, following therapy, the hyperurecemia and hyperlipoproteinemia had normalized. The question is raised, as to whether or not the present radiological findings represent a complication of aseptic femoral head necrosis, combined with a diabetic arthropathy of the hip joints. Details of the angiographic findings and a spondylopathy, which have all the characteristics of a neuropathic spondylopathy, would favor this hypothesis. When associated with a diabetic condition, generalized osteoporosis and hypertrophic spondylosis of such a particular nature require special mention.