Feeding mode and prey detectability half-lives in molecular gut-content analysis: an example with two predators of the Colorado potato beetle

The time during which prey remains are detectable in the gut of a predator is an important consideration in the interpretation of molecular gut-content data, because predators with longer detectability times may appear on the basis of unweighted data to be disproportionately important agents of prey population suppression. The rate of decay in detectability, typically expressed as the half-life, depends on many variables; one that has not been explicitly examined is the manner in which the predator processes prey items. The influence of differences in feeding mode and digestive physiology on the half-life of DNA for a single prey species, the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is examined in two predators that differ dramatically in these attributes: the pink ladybeetle, Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), which feeds by chewing and then ingesting the macerated material into the gut for digestion; and the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say), which physically and enzymatically processes the prey extra-orally before ingestion and further digestion in the gut. In order to standardize the amount of DNA consumed per predator, a single L. decemlineata egg was used as the prey item; all predators were third instars. The PCR assay yields estimated prey DNA half-lives, for animals maintained under field temperatures, of 7.0 h in C. maculata and 50.9 h in P. maculiventris. The difference in the prey DNA half-lives from these two predators underscores the need to determine detectabilities from assemblages of predators differing in feeding mode and digestive physiology, in order to weight positives properly, and hence determine the predators' relative impacts on prey population suppression.

Barcoding generalist predators by polymerase chain reaction: carabids and spiders

Identification of arthropod predators is challenging when closely related species are found at a given locality. Identification of the immature stages is especially problematic, because distinguishing morphological features are difficult to use or have not been described. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to distinguish closely related carabids and spiders, and to match eggs and larvae (or nymphs) with identified adult parents. Within the Carabidae, we amplified species-specific mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) fragments for three species each in the genera Poecilus and Harpalus, and two each in Chlaenius and Bembidion. Within the Araneae, we amplified species-specific COI fragments for two Hibana species (Anyphaenidae), Pardosa milvina and Rabidosa rabida (Lycosidae), Frontinella communis and Grammonota texana (Linyphiidae), and Cheiracanthium inclusum (Miturgidae). We are able to correctly identify all immature stages tested--eggs, larvae (or nymphs) and pupae--by comparison of the amplified fragments with those of the adults. Using COI markers as species identifiers is a tenet of the Barcode of Life initiative, an international consortium to provide a molecular identifier for every animal species.

Murine inter-strain polymorphisms alter gene targeting frequencies at the mu opioid receptor locus in embryonic stem cells

Chromosomal regions near the mu opioid receptor gene are implicated in morphine preference by quantitative trait loci studies. Differences in expression of the mu opioid receptor are expected to contribute to differences in inter-individual (humans) or strain-specific (mice) responses to painful stimuli, opiate drugs, and addictive behaviors. The search for relevant genetic elements is hindered by a lack of inter-strain (or inter-individual) genomic sequence information. This work describes 9.3 kb of DNA sequence surrounding exons 2 and 3 of the murine mu opioid receptor gene from both 129/Sv and C57BL/6 strains. While the exons are perfectly conserved, intronic sequences demonstrate approximately a 2.5% divergence between the strains. Polymorphism within these intronic regions may effect either primary transcript stability or C-terminal splicing. Homologous recombination frequencies of targeting vectors harboring mu opioid receptor gene sequences have also been compared in embryonic stem cells derived from these strains. Non-isogenic targeting reduces homologous recombination in both 129/Sv and C57BL/6 embryonic stem cells by greater than 15-fold. These findings are the first to examine C57BL/6 embryonic stem cells for non-isogenic targeting frequencies and to define polymorphisms that exist between these mouse strains which might contribute to opioid behaviors.

A murine dopamine neuron-specific cDNA library and microarray: increased COX1 expression during methamphetamine neurotoxicity

Due to brain tissue heterogeneity, the molecular genetic profile of any neurotransmitter-specific neuronal subtype is unknown. The purpose of this study was to purify a population of dopamine neurons, construct a cDNA library, and generate an initial gene expression profile and a microarray representative of dopamine neuron transcripts. Ventral mesencephalic dopamine neurons were purified by fluorescent-activated cell sorting from embryonic day 13.5 transgenic mice harboring a 4.5-kb rat tyrosine hydroxylase promoter-lacZ fusion. Nine-hundred sixty dopamine neuron cDNA clones were sequenced and arrayed for use in studies of gene expression changes during methamphetamine neurotoxicity. A neurotoxic dose of methamphetamine produced a greater than twofold up-regulation of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase polypeptide I transcript from adult mouse substantia nigra at 12 h posttreatment. This is the first work to describe a gene expression profile for a neuronal subtype and to identify gene expression changes during methamphetamine neurotoxicity.

Closing the gap, opening the process: why study social contributors to preterm delivery among black women

In the United States, the excess rates of infant mortality, VLBW, and preterm delivery among African American families relative to white families are known as "the gap." A group of researchers in the Division of Reproductive Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proposed that the study of causes of the gap in preterm delivery and the potential interventions to eliminate this disparity required a multidisciplinary approach to elucidate the biologic pathways, stressors, and social environment associated with preterm birth. They encouraged studies that examined the social and political impact of being an African American woman in the United States, racism, and the combined effects of gender, racism, and relative social position, as potential unmeasured etiologic factors that contribute to the gap. The studies conducted represent the expertise of anthropologists, sociologists, medical researchers, and epidemiologists who study both individual and social causes and then also provide a theoretical interpretation by those who lived the experience, (e.g., the study participants) rather than just the researchers' interpretation of the causes of and prevention strategies for the gap.

Measuring the effects of seating on people with profound and multiple disabilities--a preliminary study

This paper describes a preliminary study to investigate a range of approaches that might be used for measuring the effects of special seating on people with profound and multiple disabilities and their carers. A number of tools are proposed for measuring the effects on quality of life, function and carer satisfaction. The results of applying these tools to measure the effects of intervention with customized molded seating on nine people with multiple disabilities are described. The results suggest that these tools are sensitive to this intervention, showing a general beneficial effect with good carer satisfaction. The study points the way towards application of these tools to people with a wider range of disabilities and to different interventions.

Esophagogastric adenocarcinoma in an E1A/E1B transgenic model involves p53 disruption

We studied tumorigenesis and p53 immunostaining in a murine transgenic model introducing E1A/E1B under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR) promoter in which adenocarcinoma occurs at the squamocolumnar junction in the foregut, predominantly in males, and at no other site. Mutations of p53 are frequent in human esophageal adenocarcinoma and the E1B gene product interferes with p53-mediated apoptosis, inhibiting tumor suppression at the G(1)/S checkpoint. Transgenic animals were generated utilizing a purified linear 6.7 kb fragment of plasmid DNA containing MMTV-LTR/E1A/E1B and were confirmed by dot blot hybridization of tail DNA to (32)P-labeled E1A/E1B probe and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of E1A. Transgenic and control animals were observed for morbidity and weight changes. Eleven of 45 animals were transgenic (24% efficiency) with an estimated 5 to 57 copies of the gene per genome. Profound weight loss (>20%) led to sacrifice or death of one of five females (at 12 weeks) and four of six males (at 16 to 17 weeks). Grossly visible tumors (2 to 10 mm) were noted in the forestomach at the visible margin between the proximal (squamous-lined) stomach and the distal glandular stomach. Histologic sections confirmed adenocarcinoma arising in each case at the squamocolumnar junction with glandular formation, pleomorphism, and frequent mitotic figures. Immunostaining was positive for p53 indicating accumulation of mutated or altered p53 protein. E1A/E1B transgenic animals developed macroscopic and microscopic adenocarcinoma at the squamocolumnar junction, which corresponds to adenocarcinoma at the human esophagogastric junction. Disruption of p53 was present in the transgenic model as in the human cancer.

Violence and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a review of the literature and directions for future research

INTRODUCTION

Violence during pregnancy has been estimated to affect between 0.9% and 20.1% of pregnant women in the United States. This article presents a review of the research on the potential association between violence during pregnancy and adverse outcomes, explores mechanisms by which violence might influence pregnancy outcomes, and suggests directions for future research aimed at the development of successful interventions.

METHODS

A review of the literature pertaining to violence during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, trauma, and stress during pregnancy was completed.

RESULTS

Overall, no pregnancy outcome was consistently found to be associated with violence during pregnancy. The trauma literature offers insight about the effects that injuries caused by physical violence might have on pregnancy outcomes. Information from the stress literature investigates potential mechanisms through which physical violence could indirectly affect pregnancy outcomes. The trauma and stress literature offers methodologic approaches that could be employed in future research on violence during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This review lays the groundwork for the development of a future research agenda to investigate the association between violence during pregnancy and adverse outcomes. Future research should include quantitative and qualitative approaches, and investigation into the mechanisms and antecedents of how violence during pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes. Only with such information can successful interventions to limit violence and its potential effects during pregnancy be implemented.

The upstream domain of soybean oleosin genes contains regulatory elements similar to those of legume storage proteins

Seed reserve storage products consisting of proteins, oil and starch are accumulated in a developmentally coordinated pattern. The control of the vacuolar storage protein expression has been shown to be transcriptionally regulated and involves a series of positive and negative regulatory as well as enhancing gene elements. We have analyzed the upstream sequence of the genes encoding the soybean oleosins, the protein that encases the oil body. We have found that soybean oleosin genes possess regulatory elements in upstream domain that are similar to those found in vacuolar storage protein genes.

Phenotypic expression of Pseudomonas syringae avr genes in E. coli is linked to the activities of the hrp-encoded secretion system

The specific recognition of elicitors produced by plant pathogenic bacteria carrying avirulence (avr) genes is postulated to initiate cellular defense responses in plants expressing corresponding resistance genes. The biochemical functions of most avr genes, however, are not known. A heterologous system was developed to phenotypically express Pseudomonas syringae avr genes in Escherichia coli cells that required the P. syringae hrp cluster. E. coli MC4100 transformants carrying the plasmic-borne P. syringae pv. syringae Pss61 hrp cluster and p. syringae pv. glycinea avrB expressed from a triple lacUV5 promoter gained the ability to elicit the hypersensitive response in soybean cultivars expressing Rpg1 and in an Arabidopsis thaliana accession expressing RPM1. Inactivation of energy transducing or outer membrane components of the hrp-encoded secretion system blocked phenotypic expression expression of avrB in E. coli, but deletions abolishing harpinPSS production had little effect on the production of the AvrB phenotype by the E. coli transformants. Phenotypic expression of avrA, AvrPto, avrRpm1, avrRpt2, and avrPph3 in E. coli was also shown to require the hrp cluster. The results indicate that generation of the Avr phenotype in P. syringae strains is specifically dependent on the secretion activities of the hrp cluster.

Framing the debate: can prenatal care help to reduce the black-white disparity in infant mortality?

Prenatal care has been identified as necessary to reducing the disparity in infant mortality between black and white infants. The purpose of this paper is to review determinants of the disparity and describe the contribution that prenatal care can make to modifying those determinants, biologic or social. When examined by birthweight categories, 25% of the disparity is due to excess deaths among normal birthweight infants (> or = 2500 g); 13% is due to excess deaths among moderate low birthweight infants (1500-2499g); and 62% of the disparity is due to excess deaths among very low birthweight infants. Normal birthweight black infants have higher rates of death due to infections, injuries, and sudden infant death syndrome. Very low birthweight black infants account for the increasing disparity in infant mortality. Social determinants of the disparity in infant mortality include the effects of poverty and the accompanying problems of limited access to health care services, preventive care, and good nutrition. Prenatal care may reduce the disparity by using both high-risk and population-based prevention strategies. This combination of strategies would identify and treat medically high-risk women before delivery and provide preventive care to all women, regardless of their risk status. Although both strategies have a potential for producing modest reductions, neither has proved to be effective.

Binding-protein expression is subject to temporal, developmental and stress-induced regulation in terminally differentiated soybean organs

Binding protein (BiP) is a widely distributed and highly conserved endoplasmic-reticulum luminal protein that has been implicated in cotranslational folding of nascent polypeptides, and in the recognition and disposal of misfolded polypeptides. Analysis of cDNA sequences and genomic blots indicates that soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) possess a small gene family encoding BiP. The deduced sequence of BiP is very similar to that of other plant BiPs. We have examined the expression of BiP in several different terminally differentiated soybean organs including leaves, pods and seed cotyledons. Expression of BiP mRNA increases during leaf expansion while levels of BiP protein decrease. Leaf BiP mRNA is subject to temporal control, exhibiting a large difference in expression in a few hours between dusk and night. The expression of BiP mRNA varies in direct correlation with accumulation of seed storage proteins. The hybridization suggests that maturing-seed BiP is likely to be a different isoform from vegetative BiPs. Levels of BiP protein in maturing seeds vary with BiP mRNA. High levels of BiP mRNA are detected after 3 d of seedling growth. Little change in either BiP mRNA or protein levels was detected in maturing soybean pods, although BiP-protein levels decrease in fully mature pods. Persistent wounding of leaves by whiteflies induces massive overexpression of BiP mRNA while only slightly increasing BiP-protein levels. In contrast single-event puncture wounding only slightly induces additional BiP expression above the temporal variations. These observations indicate that BiP is not constitutively expressed in terminally differentiated plant organs. Expression of BiP is highest during the developmental stages of leaves, pods and seeds when their constituent cells are producing seed or vegetative storage proteins, and appears to be subject to complex regulation, including developmental, temporal and wounding.

Research issues in the study of very low birthweight and preterm delivery among African-American women

Very low birthweight and preterm delivery explain two thirds of the excess deaths experienced by African-American infants. Although comprehensive, good quality services for all African-American women will help to reduce the twofold higher rate of infant mortality experienced by African-American infants compared with white infants, the infant mortality gap will not be closed until prevention research is conducted that incorporates the social, cultural, and political context of life for African-American women; the environmental stressors and the physiologic responses associated with stress; and the protective mechanisms available in the community for responding to stress. Discrimination may be an important stressor that influences a woman's susceptibility to a poor pregnancy outcome. Strategies already exist in the community to cope with discrimination and other environmental stressors. To capture the effects of discrimination and other environmental factors and the protective factors important for prevention, the research approach must involve African-American women and their communities as collaborators in the research. Such collaboration will help to avoid problems with scientific racism.

The epidemiology of placenta previa in the United States, 1979 through 1987

OBJECTIVE

Placenta previa can cause serious, occasionally fatal complications for fetuses and mothers; however, data on its national incidence and sociodemographic risk factors have not been available.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey for the years 1979 through 1987 and from the Retrospective Maternal Mortality Study (1979 through 1986).

RESULTS

We found that placenta previa complicated 4.8 per 1000 deliveries annually and was fatal in 0.03% of cases. Incidence rates remained stable among white women but increased among black and other minority women (p < 0.1). In addition, the risk of placenta previa was higher for black and other minority women than for white women (rate ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.0 to 1.7), and it was higher for women > or = 35 years old than for women <20 years old (rate ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 3.3 to 7.0). Women with placenta previa were at an increased risk of abruptio placentae (rate ratio 13.8), cesarean delivery (rate ratio 3.9), fetal malpresentation (rate ratio 2.8), and postpartum hemorrhage (rate ratio 1.7).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the need for improved prenatal and intrapartum care to reduce the serious complications and deaths associated with placenta previa.

Impact of very low birthweight on the black-white infant mortality gap

In recent years, the rate of decline for the black infant mortality risk (IMR) has been slower than that for whites. The resultant widening in the black-white infant mortality gap has been accompanied by an increased percentage of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants (227 g-1,499 g) among black live births. Restricting our analysis to non-Hispanic black and white single live births, we used the 1983 national linked birth-death file to assess the relative contribution of VLBW infants to the black-white gap in IMR. VLBW occurred among 2.3% of all black live births and among 0.8% of all white live births. Deaths among VLBW infants accounted for 62.5% of the black-white gap in IMR. Although VLBW newborns represent a fraction of all live births in the United States, they account for almost two-thirds of the black-white gap in IMR. Since preterm delivery is associated with most VLBW infant deaths, our findings indicate the crucial need to identify strategies that reduce preterm births, among blacks in particular, to reduce significantly the infant mortality gap in the United States.

Preterm delivery and low birth weight among first-born infants of black and white college graduates

Reproductive outcomes were investigated in black and white female college graduates, presumed to be of similar socioeconomic status and similar risk profile with respect to environmental factors. Data were gathered by mail survey from graduates (1973-1985) of four Atlanta, Georgia, colleges between February and June 1988. Of 6,867 alumnae to whom questionnaires were mailed, 3,084 responded. A follow-up study of black nonrespondents yielded responses from 14% (335) of those who did not respond to the mail survey. For all graduates with a first live born at the time of survey (n = 1,089), the rates of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality were 80.8, 82.6, and 14.6 per thousand births (primigravida), respectively. Compared with white graduates, black graduates had 1.67 times the risk of preterm delivery and 2.48 times the risk of low birth weight. Measures of social and economic status differed significantly by race. However, adjustment for these variables did not reduce the estimated risk for black graduates compared with whites. Analysis of the nonresponder survey suggested that respondent data alone overestimates the incidence of adverse outcomes in blacks; using nonresponder data, relative risks of 1.28 (preterm delivery) and 1.75 (low birth weight) were calculated as lower limits of the increased risk for blacks.

Molecular characterization of mutations affecting expression level and growth rate-dependent regulation of the Escherichia coli zwf gene

We characterized three cis dominant mutations which elevate glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase level. Growth rate-dependent regulation and oxidative stress control of enzyme level were altered by the mutations. DNA sequencing and transcript mapping showed that the "up" mutations created new promoters whose hyperactive expression overrides the normal regulation of the native promoter.

Morbidity estimates of conditions originating in the perinatal period: United States, 1986 through 1987

Morbidity estimates of conditions originating in the perinatal period have not been reported in the United States. Conditions originating in the perinatal period were identified according to the International Classification of Diseases. The National Hospital Discharge Survey provided a weighted, nationally representative sample of newborns discharged each year from short-stay, nonfederal hospitals. From 1986 through 1987, 33.7% of all newborns had at least one nonteratologic perinatal condition. However, 6.8% of all newborns had physiologic jaundice as their only discharge diagnosis. Nonphysiologic jaundice was diagnosed in 4.4%, maternal causes of perinatal morbidity in 3.1%, birth trauma in 2.5%, fetal distress in 2.3%, birth asphyxia in 2.1%, and infections specific to the perinatal period in 2.0% of all newborn discharges. The average hospital stay for all newborns was 3.5 days, but it was 5.3 days for newborns with at least one nonteratologic perinatal condition and 2.6 for newborns discharged without a morbid condition. This study provides nationally representative estimates of perinatal morbidity useful for comparisons with smaller hospital-based samples. In addition, the study provides estimates of the public health impact of these conditions in terms of hospital stay days.

Genetic and physical analyses of the growth rate-dependent regulation of Escherichia coli zwf expression

Growth rate-dependent regulation of the level of Escherichia coli glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, encoded by zwf, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, encoded by gnd, is similar during steady-state growth and after nutritional upshifts. To determine whether the mechanism regulating zwf expression is like that of gnd, which involves a site of posttranscriptional control located within the structural gene, we prepared and analyzed a set of zwf-lacZ protein fusions in which the fusion joints are distributed across the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase coding sequence. Expression of beta-galactosidase from the protein fusions was as growth rate dependent as that of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase itself, indicating that regulation does not involve an internal regulatory region. The level of beta-galactosidase in zwf-lac operon fusion strains and the level of zwf mRNA from a wild-type strain increased with increasing growth rate, which suggests that growth rate control is exerted on the mRNA level. The half-life of the zwf mRNA mass was 3.0 min during growth on glucose and 3.4 min during growth on acetate. Thus, zwf transcription appears to be the target for growth rate control of the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase level.

Molecular characterization of the Escherichia coli K-12 zwf gene encoding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase

In Escherichia coli K-12, expression of zwf, the gene for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, is coordinated with the cellular growth rate and induced by superoxide-generating agents. To initiate the study of the molecular mechanisms regulating its expression, the gene was cloned and its DNA sequence was determined. The 5' ends of zwf mRNA isolated from cells growing in glucose and acetate minimal media were mapped. The map was complex in that transcripts mapped to -45, -52, and -62, with respect to the beginning of the coding sequence. Three analytical methods were used to search the DNA sequence for putative promoters. Only one sequence for a promoter recognized by the sigma 70 form of RNA polymerase was found by all three search routines that could be aligned with a mapped transcript, indicating that the other transcripts arise by processing of the mRNA. A computer-assisted search did not reveal a thermodynamically stable long-range mRNA secondary structure that is capable of sequestering the translation initiation region, which suggests that growth-rate-dependent regulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase level may not be carried out by a mechanism similar to the one for the gene (gnd) for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. The DNA segment between the -10 hexamer and the start point of transcription resembles the discriminator sequence of stable RNA genes, which has been implicated in stringent control and growth-rate-dependent regulation.

Recent trends in neonatal mortality in South Carolina

This study examines some of the primary factors responsible for the decline in South Carolina's neonatal mortality rate during the 1980s. Essentially all of the observed decline between 1980-82 and 1984-86 could be attributed to improved birthweight-specific survival rather than improvements in the infant birthweight distribution. Improved survival of 500-1,499 g infants accounted for 64% of the decline in white neonatal mortality and 70% of the decline among blacks. Also, during this period, the percentage of 500-1,499 g infants delivered at Level III hospitals increased significantly for both race groups. Comparisons with other southeastern states suggest that further reductions in South Carolina's neonatal mortality rate are possible through continued efforts aimed at improving birthweight-specific survival. Existing state-supported programs such as regional perinatal referral networks and the High Risk Channeling Project will continue to play an important role in maintaining the decline in the state's neonatal mortality rate.

Convulsions caused by endrin poisoning in Pakistan

From July through September 1984, acute convulsions caused by endrin poisoning occurred in the subdistrict of Talagang, Attock District, Punjab province, Pakistan. Eighteen of the 21 affected villages were surveyed; 70% of the cases for which ages were known (106 of 152) were in children 1 to 9 years of age; 9.8% of all affected persons (19 of 194) died. The outbreak occurred in villages on the main roads of the subdistrict and peaked in early September. Endrin was detected in the blood of 12 of 18 patients with a history of convulsions but was not found in the blood of four hospitalized control patients. One composite sugar sample taken from the homes of three persons had an endrin level of 0.04 ppm. Because of the high toxicity, repeated association with large-scale outbreaks of neurologic illness, and the difficulties of monitoring distribution, endrin should not be used for agricultural purposes.

National Reye syndrome surveillance, 1982

Despite the fact that influenza B was the primary influenza virus strain during the winter of 1981-1982, only 213 cases of Reye syndrome were reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) between Dec 1, 1981 and Nov 30, 1982. This national reported incidence of 0.33 cases per 100,000 children less than 18 years of age is the lowest reported incidence since the Centers for Disease Control began surveillance in 1973. This relatively low incidence probably reflected, at least in part, the fact the influenza B activity was spotty and the illness relatively mild the winter of 1981-1982. The 213 cases were reported from 43 states; and in 56% of the patients, Reye syndrome occurred following a respiratory illness. The mean age of the children was 7.0 years; there were equal numbers of girls and boys; and 93% were white. Of the ten black patients, 80% were less than 1 year of age compared with 9% of the white patients. Of the 208 patients with reported admission stage, 45% were admitted in stage I or 0, a slightly lower proportion than that observed in the previous 2 years. Salicylate levels were obtained in 55% of the patients and were reported as "detectable" in 81% compared with 96% in 1981 (P = .003, chi 2). Of the 200 patients with known outcome, 70 patients died (a case fatality ratio of 35%).

Aseptic meningitis and high school football players. 1978 and 1980

During 1978 and 1980, epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control investigated seven outbreaks of aseptic meningitis-like illness (AMLI) occurring in high school football players in four different states. One or more enterovirus types were isolated from affected students at all seven schools. Attack rates were highest among the varsity football teams (range, 21% to 68%), although junior varsity teams were also affected at most schools (range, 5% to 63%). Non-football athletes were relatively spared. The illness was also reported by nonathletes at all three schools where more extensive investigations were undertaken. At one school, the AMLI attack rate was higher among students who were close friends of football players than among students who were not close friends; at the other two schools, these rates were similar. Hospitalization was more likely for football players with AMLI than for affected nonfootball players. Transmission of enteroviruses among football players was probably from person to person, although there was additional evidence to implicate common vehicle transmission at two schools. We conclude that football players may or may not have been more likely to be exposed to the enteroviruses circulating in their communities, but once introduction of a virus into a team occurred, transmission potential may have been enhanced, resulting in a large number of AMLI cases in players.

Gluconeogenesis by isolated guinea-pig liver parenchymal cells

1. Guinea-pig hepatocytes were prepared by collagenase digestion of the perfused liver. 2. The highest rates of gluconeogenesis were obtained from fructose, followed by pyruvate, xylitol and lactate, glycerol and propionate in that order. Maximum rates of gluconeogenesis were attained at 6-10mm substrate. 3. An initial 15-min lag period occurred during gluconeogenesis from lactate. This lag was abolished by preincubating the cells or by preincubation plus the addition of NH(4)Cl or lysine. 4. The lactate/pyruvate and 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratios were increased during the lag and adjusted to values favouring rapid gluconeogenesis from lactate after 15min. 5. The data suggest that the low glucose synthesis during the lag resulted from a limitation of the glutamate-aspartate shuttle and from the unusual redox state of the NAD(+) couple prevailing during this period. 6. At 0.1mm, amino-oxyacetate, a transaminase inhibitor, decreased gluconeogenesis from lactate by 80%, but had a negligible effect on glucose production from pyruvate. Gluconeogenesis from lactate was also inhibited (20%) by 10mm-dl-3-hydroxybutyrate.