Structural and functional variability among DQ beta alleles of DR2 subtypes

Homozygous lymphoblastoid cell lines representing various Dw subtypes of DR2 were examined for polymorphism at the DQ beta locus by molecular and cellular techniques. The subtypes studied included Dw2, Dw12, and a group heterogenous by cellular typing that we shall refer to as non-Dw2/non-Dw12. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of cell lines representing these subtypes revealed DQ beta-specific patterns consistent with cellular typing. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of DQ molecules from representative cell lines revealed a structural polymorphism of DQ beta among the three subtypes. The DQ beta chain migrated to a position that was unique to each subtype and was consistent among various representative cell lines of each subtype. Nucleotide sequence analysis of cDNA clones of DQ beta from Dw2, Dw12, and non-Dw2/non-Dw12 lines confirmed that the variability resided at the genetic level. Variability was found in the form of numerous scattered nucleotide substitutions throughout the first domain of these alleles. The DQ beta gene of the non-Dw2/non-Dw12 cell line AZH was further found to be almost identical with the DQ beta gene of a DR1 line (Bell et al. 1985b), implicating a common evolutionary origin of these alleles. The only difference between these two sequences was due to an apparent gene conversion event at amino acid 57. T-cell cloning experiments resulted in the derivation of Epstein-Barr virus-specific, DQw1-restricted clones that proliferated against only those cell lines that exhibited the DQ beta gene common to AZH and the DR1 cell line. Thus, the polymorphism among DQ beta alleles within DR2 results in subtype-specific restriction.

The renal mitochondrial metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3: a possible role for phospholipids

The effect of exogenous phospholipids on chick kidney mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 metabolism was examined. Phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol had no effect on either the 1- or 24-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3. Phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin both brought about a dose-dependent decrease in the 1-hydroxylase activity in mitochondria from vitamin D-deficient chicks but not from vitamin D-replete chicks. There were no major differences in the phospholipid composition of mitochondria from vitamin D-deficient and -replete chicks nor in the fatty acid composition of these phospholipids. Preliminary kinetic studies suggest that cardiolipin acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of the 1-hydroxylase in mitochondria isolated from vitamin D-deficient chicks. It does not appear to exert its effect by virtue of altering the distribution of substrate or products. Investigation of the effect of fatty acid methyl esters on the hydroxylase activities suggests that it may be the fatty acid moiety of the phospholipid, rather than the phosphate moiety in the polar head group, that is involved in the phospholipid effect on the hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3.

The brachioradialis for restoration of abduction and extension of spastic thumb in children

The surgical technique is described for transfer of the brachioradialis for restoration of abduction and extension of the thumb in spastic children's hands. Long-term followup studies (average: 6.5 years) for 14 children demonstrate satisfactory functional and cosmetic results for patients carefully selected on the basis of Goldner's criteria.

Fertility adaptation of rural-to-urban migrant women: a method of estimation applied to Korean women

This study proposes to test for the existence of an adaptation effect of rural-to-urban migration. The design is to divide migrants into two groups at the time of observation: one group which had migrated by that time, and another group consisting of individuals who had not yet migrated but are known to migrate later. It is presumed that if the former group had not migrated it would have had a birth path similar to the latter group. Adaptation is measured by the difference between this hypothetical birth path and the actual birth path of migrants observed after they migrate. The model is tested on Korean women and found to support the existence of an adaptation effect.

Fracture of the distal radial epiphysis. Characteristics and surgical treatment of premature, post-traumatic epiphyseal closure

Wrist deformities developed in ten children secondary to injury of the growth plate and premature closure of the distal radial epiphysis. Premature closure of the growth plate followed epiphyseal compression injuries or repeated forceful attempts at reduction. These injuries should not require repeated reductions in children with epiphyseal remodeling potential of more than two years if the initial reduction achieves apposition of more than 50%. Gross deformity develops if the discrepancy between radial and ulnar lengths is more than 4 mm. Ulnar shortening and correction of the radiocarpal angle, as required, constitute the surgical treatment of choice for growth deformity.

Evaluation of a tape-recorded method of stuttering therapy: improvement in a speaking task

A stuttering therapy method using two-track tape recorders of the language learning type was evaluated. Thirty-six stutterers, ages 13 to 43, were randomly assigned to one of three conditions for six months: (1) a standard therapy, (2) tape-recorder therapy, and (3) a waiting list without therapy. Using the TAT speaking task, severity ratings were obtained on each subject prior to therapy and at three-month intervals during the six months of therapy or waiting list. Both therapy groups showed significant speech improvement; die waiting list controls did not. Reasons for the therapeutic effects of the tape-recorder therapy method are discussed.