Cardiac malformation in neonatal mice lacking connexin43

Gap junctions are made up of connexin proteins, which comprise a multigene family in mammals. Targeted mutagenesis of connexin43 (Cx43), one of the most prevalent connexin proteins, showed that its absence was compatible with survival of mouse embryos to term, even though mutant cell lines showed reduced dye coupling in vitro. However, mutant embryos died at birth, as a result of a failure in pulmonary gas exchange caused by a swelling and blockage of the right ventricular outflow tract from the heart. This finding suggests that Cx43 plays an essential role in heart development but that there is functional compensation among connexins in other parts of the developing fetus.

Detection of psychiatric morbidity in gynecology patients by two brief screening methods

Psychiatric morbidity was studied in 100 women attending gynecological outpatient and inpatient set-ups using two brief screening instruments: the General Health Questionnaire, 12 items, and the Present State Examination, ten short questions. Psychiatric morbidity was detected in 36% and was found to be higher in women with uterine prolapse and infections but not in those with menstrual irregularities (p < 0.001). The commonest psychiatric symptoms detected in this population were worrying (50%), aches and pains (51%), depression (50%) and disturbances of biological function (51%). The commonest diagnoses were neurotic depression (70%) and adjustment disorders (23%). The screening instruments used were found to be simple, sensitive, specific, with high identification indices and easy to administer.

Estrogen receptor mutations in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer

Clinical resistance to antiestrogens like tamoxifen is a major problem in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancers. Since the estrogen receptor plays a central role in mediating the effects of estrogens and antiestrogens, we hypothesized that mutations in the estrogen receptor could be one mechanism by which breast tumors evolve from a hormone-dependent to a hormone-independent phenotype. The eight exons of the estrogen receptor complementary DNA from 20 tamoxifen-resistant and 20 tamoxifen-sensitive tumors were screened by Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP), and the variant conformers were sequenced to identify the nucleotide changes. A 42-base pair replacement was found in exon 6 of a tamoxifen-resistant tumor. A single base pair deletion in exon 6 of a tamoxifen-resistant metastatic tumor but not in the primary tumor was detected in another case. If translated, both these mutations could generate truncated receptors with an intact DNA-binding domain and a defective hormone-binding domain that could constitutively activate transcription of previously estrogen-responsive genes. The remaining 18 of 20 tamoxifen-resistant tumors did not contain mutations in any of the 8 exons of the estrogen receptor complementary DNA. These results suggest that mutations in the estrogen receptor occur at a low frequency and do not account for most estrogen-independent, tamoxifen-resistant breast tumors.

Invasive bladder cancer and uremia: dilemma in management

Invasive bladder cancer presenting with uremia is a rare phenomenon. The management of these sick patients becomes problematic since one does not know how aggressive the treatment should be and what possible outcome to expect. In this retrospective review of 117 patients with invasive bladder cancer we describe 8 patients with uremia, and discuss our management strategy and prognosis.

Disposition of salmeterol xinafoate in laboratory animals and humans

The disposition of [14C]salmeterol xinafoate, a new inhaled beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist with both bronchodilator and antiinflammatory activity, has been studied in laboratory animals and humans following intravenous and oral administration. [14C]Salmeterol was rapidly absorbed in animal species and humans with Cmax observed within 2 hr. Cmax was similar for normalized oral dose level in mice, rats, and rabbits. In dogs, Cmax was higher and reflected the greater oral bioavailability in this species. The plasma t1/2, after intravenous administration, was 5 hr in rats and 2 hr in dogs. The volume of distribution of salmeterol was significantly greater than total body water in both rats (40 liters/kg) and dogs (6 liters/kg) and indicated high tissue uptake of the compound. Plasma clearance was high in rats (95 ml/min/kg) and dogs (30 ml/min/kg). Radioactive drug-related material was widely distributed throughout body tissues in rats. The highest concentrations were present in kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract, pituitary, lung, heart, and bone marrow. Transfer of radioactive drug-related material across the placental barrier or into milk, studied in rats, was low. In all species the majority of an oral or intravenous dose (55-75%) was excreted in feces. Biliary excretion in rats and dogs accounted for 53% (0-27 hr) and 40% (0-8 hr) of an oral dose, respectively, indicating good absorption across the gastrointestinal tract. Enterohepatic circulation was significant in rats. Salmeterol was cleared predominantly by metabolism in animals and humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hysteroscopic assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding in users of the intrauterine contraceptive device

Sixty users of the IUD who complained of abnormal menstrual blood loss were evaluated by hysteroscopy, and the findings were compared with a matched group who had this investigation for "missing strings". Submucous fibroids and endometritis were more frequent in the study group whereas malposition of the IUD was commoner in the controls (p < 0.05).

Surgery for post-hysterectomy vaginal prolapse

Nine cases treated by surgery for post-hysterectomy vaginal prolapse are reviewed. The mean time between presentation and the antecedent hysterectomy was 12.8 years. Two patients who had abdominal sacral colpopexy alone developed recurrence of prolapse. Additional culdoplasty and colposuspension improved the cure rate but prolonged the mean operating time. Restoration of vaginal anatomy and function is best achieved with the combined operation.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

Diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed on 100 patients. The most frequent indication was abnormal uterine bleeding. In premenopausal women, submucous fibroids were the main findings and in post-menopausal women, 59 per cent had an atrophic endometrium. Precise localization of the missing intrauterine contraceptive devices was achieved in all cases. Hysteroscopy improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced the need for blind curettage.

HIV-2 antibodies in serum samples from Maharashtra state

Two hundred serum samples were tested to detect the presence of HIV-2 infection in Maharashtra state. The serum samples were derived from various groups including those with high risk behaviour for HIV infection. All samples were tested by three combined HIV-1 and HIV-2 ELISA kits. The reactivity was confirmed by LiaTek HIV 1+2 immunoblot. The study confirmed that HIV-2 infection exists in Maharashtra, as 14 samples showed antibodies to HIV-2 and 14 showed antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2. Antibodies to HIV-2 or HIV-1 and HIV-2 were detected mainly in persons with high risk behaviour.

Differential cell behaviour on polylysine and gelatin in primary culture of mouse mammary adenocarcinoma

Cells dissociated from spontaneous and transplanted tumours of C3HJax mammary gland have been cultured on polylysine and gelatin substrates. The isolated cells proliferated to form monolayers with high degree of organoid structure as indicated by formation of alveolar cavities. Differences were observed in the cell attachment, growth pattern, number and size of alveolar cavities, cells which lined the cavity and cell morphology on polylysine and gelatin substrates as compared to conventional cell culture plastic surface. On polylysine more than 90% cells attached rapidly, within 15-45 min after plating, with or without serum and formed confluent monolayers marked by presence of large and small alveolar cavities. Multiple interacting cell types took part in organization of the cavity. Cells lining the cavity constantly proliferated and rearranged to expand it. On gelatin, 60-70% cells attached over a period of 6-24 hr in presence of serum and formed confluent monolayers dominated by small alveolar cavities. Cells forming the cavities were epithelial in nature and cavities once formed did not increase in size. Upon subculture, the cell morphology on these substrates was strikingly different. On polylysine, the predominant cell type had numerous irregular microvilli whereas on gelatin, cells had smoother boundaries with a few stunted cytoplasmic extensions. The cell attachment on conventional surface was low, 40-50%. When seeded at high cell density, formation of alveolar cavities was suppressed and at low cell density, cultures were marked by contact inhibition of cells and failure to attain confluence. These results suggest differential behaviour and interaction of mammary tumour epithelium with the substrates used.

Pregnancy outcome in paraplegic women

Six cases of paraplegia in pregnancy are reviewed. The major medical complications were urinary tract infection and anaemia. The obstetrical problems were pre-term labour and one perinatal loss due to unattended birth.

Isolation & characterization of angiogenic factors from cultured cells & conditioned media

Angiogenic factors were isolated by ion exchange chromatography from three established cell lines viz., HEp 2, HeLa and CHO, a primary culture of mouse mammary adenocarcinoma and from conditioned media of HEp2 and cultured mammary adenocarcinoma cells. The angiogenic activity was assayed by chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay. The angiogenic factor eluted at 0.5 M, exhibited lambda max at 258 +/- 1 nm, contained protein and nucleic acid. The cellular angiogenic factor showed a ratio of 1:1 for protein and nucleic acid whereas the secreted angiogenic factor had 3-5 parts of protein to 1 part of nucleic acid. The angiogenic factor from HEp2 and CHO cells did not bind to heparin-agarose. Microheterogeneity of the angiogenic factors was established by SDS-PAGE. Antiserum raised against the cellular angiogenic factor from HEp2 cells, showed a titre of 1:1600 by ELISA. The angiogenic factor was directly localized on whole cells by ELISA. Cellular as well as secreted angiogenic factors crossreacted with the antibody. Neutralizing effect of the antiserum on induction of angiogenesis was detected on chicken chorioallantoic membrane.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in pregnancy

We herein report the case of a black pregnant teenager with Type 1 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A successful abdominal delivery was achieved at 38 weeks' gestation.

A longitudinal follow up of development of preterm infants

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the development of preterm (PT) babies (gestation less than 37 weeks). One hundred and seventy two preterm babies and 36 control babies were followed up for a period of 18-24 months. Psychomotor development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, using the corrected or post conceptional age. Preterm babies, as a group, caught up with normal babies between 18-24 months, both on the motor and mental scale. Higher the birth weight, better was the mean motor development quotient at 18 months. Uncomplicated preterm babies showed higher mean development quotients at 18 months than preterm babies with additional complications and they also caught up earlier (12-18 months) than the latter group who caught up between 18-24 months. Similarly, PT appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies showed, earlier 'catch up' than PT small for gestational age (SGA) babies. The incidence of cerebral palsy was low (4%).

A study of Baroda Development Screening Test for infants

Baroda Development Screening Test for Infants based on Baroda Norms on BSID-Research Form 1961 were studied at the Child Development Unit of the Department of Pediatrics in the K.E.M. Hospital, Pune. Screening validity, sensitivity, specificity, over-referrals and under-referrals were calculated in three samples--(i) 730 records of 130 babies evaluated on BSID-Baroda Norms during 1979 and December 1984; (ii) 101 records of babies tested at six months out of the first sample; and (iii) 50 babies screened by interviewing the mothers and tested on the full scales by the experts. Screening validity, sensitivity and specificity were more than 76, 66 and 77%, respectively. Over-referrals were highest (35%) in the sample screened by interview. Suggestions are made to improve the screening by interview. Baroda Development Screening Test for Infants is recommended for use in the field for further evaluation.

The regulatory light chain of nonmuscle myosin is encoded by spaghetti-squash, a gene required for cytokinesis in Drosophila

Two independent approaches to understanding the molecular mechanism of cytokinesis have converged on the gene spaghetti-squash (sqh). A genetic screen for mitotic mutants identified sqh1, a mutation that disrupts cytokinesis, which was then cloned by transposon tagging. Independently, the gene that encodes the regulatory light chain of the biochemically defined nonmuscle myosin (MRLC-C) was also cloned. We show here that sqh encodes MRLC-C and that in sqh1 mutants, the level of stable light chain transcript is greatly reduced. Reversion by transposon excision or transformation with a wild-type copy of the sqh transcription unit rescues cytokinesis failure and other defects in sqh1. Vertebrate homologs of MRLC-C are phosphorylatable and regulate myosin activity in vitro. These studies provide genetic proof that MRLC-C is required for cytokinesis, suggest a role for the protein in regulating contractile ring function, and establish a genetic system to evaluate its function.

Circulating immune complexes in healthy, HIV-antibody positive subjects

The components of the circulating immune complexes (CICs) were characterised in asymptomatic HIV seropositive individuals. Forty four of 214 individuals (20.56%) showed the presence of CICs. Specific HIV anti-HIV CICs were detected in 33 of them (75%). The isotypic specificity of antibodies found to these CICs was measured. IgG and IgA immunoglobulin classes were detected in CICs.

Reproductive motivation: a comparison of wives and husbands in Maharashtra, India

This study compares family size preferences, ideal sex compositions, and the motivation underlying these preferences between currently married women and their husbands in a transitional rural society in India. Reasons for having children, though similar, differ in some important respects: women's family size preferences are shaped largely by their dependence on sons for old age and other support; their husbands are affected by this motive as well, but they are also influenced by a desire to continue the family line and perform ritual obligations. However, it is primarily the women who feel the constraints imposed on their time, resources, and other opportunities by large numbers of children, which affect their family size preferences negatively. Finally, both spouses are similarly concerned about the health risks to the mother imposed by frequent childbearing. The net effect of the wives' two opposing motivations results in their having family size desires almost the same as their husbands' desires. As female status improves, the old age security motive is likely to diminish, and concern with utilization of time and resources is likely to become more important, leading ultimately to a reduction in desired family size among women.

A monoclonal antibody cocktail for detection of micrometastatic tumor cells in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients

We investigated whether monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) reactive against both acidic and basic cytokeratins alone were sufficient to detect minimal numbers of contaminating epithelial tumor cells in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients. Monoclonal anti-cytokeratin antibodies (AE1 and AE3) were used to stain 14 breast carcinomas by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Nine tumors (64.3%) showed high reactivity and five (35.7%) showed low or moderate reactivity. Nine MoAbs that proved to be unreactive to light density bone marrow cells by immunoalkaline phosphatase histochemistry were screened for reactivity to breast carcinomas having only low or moderate positivity to cytokeratin antibodies. Three of nine MoAbs showed high percentages of positivity and were selected to supplement the anti-cytokeratin antibodies for immunohistochemical detection of minimal marrow disease in breast cancer patients. A MoAb cocktail was prepared, further tested for reactivity to another five breast carcinomas, and compared with cytokeratin staining alone. The cocktail labeled 100% of carcinoma cells in all the examined specimens. To determine the sensitivity of this panel for detecting minimal numbers of contaminating tumor cells in bone marrow, in vitro mixing experiments were performed. T47D breast carcinoma cells were mixed with bone marrow mononuclear cells at ratios from one tumor cell per 10 bone marrow cells up to one tumor cell per 1 x 10(6) marrow cells, and cytospin preparations were subsequently stained with the MoAb cocktail by the immunoalkaline phosphatase method. Our approach could detect one tumor cell in 1 x 10(5) hematopoietic cells.

Reaction of trimethylsilylimidazole with 5,10 beta-epoxy-3-ketosteroids: enolization and aromatization of the A-ring

The reaction of trimethylsilylimidazole (TSIM) and 3-keto-5,10-epoxy-nor-19-methylandrostanone 3 and its 17-acetate analog 4 was examined at two different temperatures. In both compounds, reaction at 90 degrees C gave predominantly a delta 3-silyl-enol ether plus a minor product as a result of the epoxide ring opening. Under reflux conditions, besides the aforementioned products, aromatization of the A-ring was observed as a major process. The results suggest the potential use of silylation reactions with epoxyketones towards the synthesis of aromatic compounds.

The influence of hepatocellular function on NK and T cell tumoricidal activity

Recent studies by this group have demonstrated that hepatocellular integrity is important in the preservation of host cellular immune function. This study evaluated the effect of experimental hepatocellular dysfunction (EHD) on host antineoplastic defense mechanisms. In nonspecific immune studies, we examined the effect of EHD on Wistar Furth (WF) natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity; in specific immune studies, we assessed WF C3H/HeJ lymphocytic responsiveness to both T cell mitogen and unmodified syngeneic fibrosarcoma. In concurrent studies, we evaluated the effect of EHD on interleukin-2 (IL-2) synthesis, an important NK and T cell trophic factor. WF rats and C3H/HeJ mice were assigned to three groups: EHD induced by bile duct ligation, sham, and normal control (NC). At day 21 serum bilirubin, WF NK cytotoxicity to YAC-1 tumor cells, WF and C3H/HeJ lymphocytic responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and syngeneic MCA-fibrosarcoma (MCA-F), and WF T-helper IL-2 production were determined in respective groups. Serum total bilirubin was elevated in EHD rats and mice with respect to controls (p less than 0.01). Wistar Furth cytotoxicity to the YAC-1 tumor cells was depressed in EHD animals with respect to sham and NC groups at 12.5:1 (p less than 0.01), 25:1 (p less than 0.05), 50:1 (p less than 0.05), and 100:1 (p less than 0.05) effector/target cell ratios. WF T cell responsiveness to PHA was depressed in EHD with respect to controls (p less than 0.01). C3H/HeJ lymphoproliferative response to MCA-F tumor antigen was also depressed in EHD animals when compared with control groups with the addition of 12.5 X 10(3) (p less than 0.05) and 50 X 10(3) (p less than 0.05) MCA-F cells. These impairments in NK and T cell function in EHD could not be attributed to diminished IL-2 production (EHD vs sham and NC: 112,141 +/- 5232 vs 106,691 +/- 1419 and 120,759 +/- 3248 cpm, respectively). These results demonstrate that hepatocellular failure compromises NK and T cell tumoricidal function, an effect not resultant on diminished T helper IL-2 production.

Nucleophilic Displacements of Imidazoles. II. Displacements of Halogen by S-Nucleophiles and Displacements of Mesyl Groups Activated by Nitro; Oxidation of Imidazolethiols

In basic medium arylthiols displace bromo and iodo groups activated by nitro substituents in 5(4)-halo-4(5)- nitroimidazoles . The bromo compounds are slightly more reactive than the iodo analogues. Substituents at C5 are more readily displaced than those at C4. Methylsulfonyl groups, similarly activated by an adjacent nitro substituent, are displaced by a variety of nucleophiles. The imidazolethiol products are readily oxidized to the sulfones.

Nucleophilic Displacements of Imidazoles. I. Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Nucleophiles

4(5)- Bromo - and - iodo-imidazoles, activated by an adjacent nitro substituent, undergo nucleophilic displacement with methoxide, phenoxide , cyclic secondary chines and cyanide. The regiochemistry of the reactions of 5-iodo-4-nitroimidazole with methoxide has been confirmed by spectroscopic and X-ray methods, and a number of erroneous structures from the literature have been revised. Some apparently anomalous reactions of methoxide with 5-halo-1,2-dimethyl-4- nitroimidazoles, and of cyanide with 4-halo-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole have been noted. The crystal and molecular structure of 5-methoxy-1-methyl-4-nitroimidazole has been determine: by direct methods. Crystals are monoclinic, P21/c, a 10.929(3), b 8 899(2), c 7.290(2) �; β 92.87(2)�; Z 4. The structure was refined to R = 0.095 for 818 reflections (I > 2σI).

Cross-reactions in cell mediated immunity induced by atypical mycobacteria

Cross-reactivity in the delayed hypersensitivity response to mycobacteria of different Runyon groups was tested in Swiss white mice immunised with live mycobacteria. All the strains tested gave cross-reactions and, generally, slow growers gave stronger cross-reactions with other slow growers than with rapid growers and vice versa. Sonicates of cross-reacting mycobacteria were also tested for their ability to generate activated macrophages in mice immunised with Mycobacterium avium. All the mycobacterial sonicates generated activated macrophages but a sonicate of Salmonella typhi did not. The sonicate of M. tuberculosis H37Rv also generated activated macrophages, which indicates that there might be protective cross-reactions between M. tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria.

Cell mediated immunity cross-reactions of mycobacteria: polymorphism of target bacterial antigens

Swiss white mice were immunized with different mycobacteria and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were studied by the foot-pad swelling technique of Gray and Jennings (1955). Extensive cross-reactions in DTH, outside the limits of Runyon's groups were observed. As a general trend slow growing mycobacteria showed greater cross-reactivity with slow growers than with rapid growers and vice versa. The implied cross-protective significance of DTH cross-reactions was further confirmed by demonstration of the ability of DTH cross-reacting sonicates to generate activated macrophages in M. avium immunized mice. An antiserum was raised against the earlier reported DTH eliciting antigen of M. tuberculosis H37Rv (DTH-H37Rv). The sero-reactivity of anti-DTH-H37Rv against the sonicates of different mycobacteria was studied with the objective of investigating the molecular basis of DTH cross-reactivity. Immunoprecipitation reactions of different mycobacterial sonicates with anti-DTH-H37Rv showed that the antigen was shared by all the mycobacteria tested irrespective of their cross-reactivity in a DTH response. All of the slow growers showed reactions of total identity with DTH-H37Rv. However with rapid growers DTH-H37Rv showed only a partial identity. From these data it was concluded that an antigen participating in DTH response is shared by all mycobacteria and that it is polymorphous, having genus specific and group specific (as slow and rapid grower groups) determinants.

The Bromination in Aqueous-Solution of Imidazole Coordinated to Co(NH3)5(3+)

Bromination of imidazole coordinated to (NH3)5Co3+ (abbreviated Co) has been studied in aqueous Br- media, I = 0.1, 0.5 mol dm-3, 25.0°C; Co(4,5- Br2ImH)3+ and Co(2,4,5-Br3ImH)3+ result from treatment with Br2(aq). Co(4-BrImH )3+ has also been prepared and characterized. Rate data correspond to reaction of the conjugate base of the imidazole complex, Co(BrxIm)2+ (x = 0, 1, 2), with Br2, with successive bimolecular rate constants 6×109, 3×108 and 3.5×103 mol-1 dm3 s-1. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Pseudoaneurysm of anterior tibial artery after occlusion from blunt trauma: nonoperative management

The angiographic finding of occluded isolated tibial artery after blunt trauma to the leg generally is ignored. A case of pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula that evolved from an occluded anterior tibial artery is presented. The pathology was treated successfully by percutaneous transfemoral placement of Gianturco coils in the tibial artery proximal and distal to the aneurysm. The nonsurgical approach in this patient avoided the risks of anesthesia, blood loss associated with a surgical procedure, the dilemma of the surgical approach in the presence of medial and lateral fasciotomy wounds, and of contamination and destabilization of the comminuted tibia-fibular fractures. This report raises the question of the proper management and followup procedures of occlusions of noncritical arteries found on angiography immediately after trauma.

The New Milky Way

Our understanding of the large-scale structure of the Milky Way has undergone considerable revision during the past few years. The Galaxy is larger and much more massive than was previously supposed; the newly discovered mass consists of nonluminous matter which is likely to be the dominant form of matter in the universe. New analyses of the atomic hydrogen gas show that the disk of the Galaxy is about twice as extended as was previously thought. Beyond the sun, the gas is concentrated in large-scale, coherent spiral arms indicative of a regular four-armed spiral pattern. The outer edge of the disk has a remarkable scalloping.

A comparison of EMG and SCL in normal and depressed subjects

Skin conductance level (SCL) and electromyograms (EMGs) recorded from three muscle sites were compared for 15 female hospitalized psychiatric patients meeting diagnostic criteria for primary affective disorder and 15 age-and race-matched controls. The depressed subjects had significantly lower SCL and significantly higher resting EMG levels recorded from one muscle site. Electromyogram and SCL were not found to be significantly correlated with each other or with measures of anxiety or depression for the patients with primary affective disorder. Normal controls, however, showed significant correlations between a measure of depression and both EMG and SCL. These results are discussed with suggestions for future research.