[Identification of terpene synthase gene family in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and expression pattern analysis under abiotic stresses]

The present study aimed to investigate the composition of the terpene synthase(TPS) gene family in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and its role in abiotic stresses. The G. pentaphyllum TPS gene family was identified and analyzed at the genome-wide level using bioinformatics analysis, and the expression patterns of these family members were analyzed in different tissues of G. pentaphyllum as well as under various abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 24 TPS gene family members in G. pentaphyllum with protein lengths ranging from 294 to 842 aa. All of them were localized in the cytoplasm or chloroplasts and unevenly distributed on the 11 chromosomes of G. pentaphyllum. The results of the phylogenetic tree showed that the G. pentaphyllum TPS gene family members could be divided into five subfamilies. As revealed by the analysis of promoter cis-acting elements, TPS gene family members in G. pentaphyllum were predicted to respond to a variety of abiotic stresses such as salt, low temperature, and dark stress. The analysis of gene expression patterns in different tissues of G. pentaphyllum revealed that nine TPS genes were tissue-specific in expression. The qPCR results showed that GpTPS16, GpTPS17, and GpTPS21 responded to a variety of abiotic stresses. This study is expected to provide references in guiding the further exploration of the biological functions of G. pentaphyllum TPS genes under abiotic stresses.

The CD4 Leu 8- T helper cell in colonic mucosa: a quantitative and functional analysis

CD4 T cells in the colonic lamina propria are primarily B cell helper as identified by their surface phenotype CD4 Leu 8- (CD4 Leu 8+:CD4 Leu 8- ratio = 1:3.5). This is in contrast to autologous peripheral blood where CD4 Leu 8+ cells predominate (CD4 Leu 8+:CD4 Leu 8- ratio = 2.4:1). Functionally CD4 Leu 8- T cells isolated from the colon are able to provide autologous peripheral blood B cell help comparable to that of peripheral blood CD4 Leu 8- T cells. Immunoperoxidase staining of colonic tissue sections confirmed the relative lack of Leu 8 staining cells in the lamina propria and that when present these cells are located in the outer margins of lymphoid follicles.

Horse pill ("bute") hemorrhage

Phenylbutazone (PBZ) is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that is not commonly prescribed due to the high incidence of serious adverse reactions. However, it is still used extensively in equine medicine, and is readily available to those employed in the care and management of horses. Such persons may take the drug indiscriminately, without medical supervision. We present a 33-year-old male race horse track worker who took phenylbutazone horse pills for a chronic toothache and subsequently suffered a major hemorrhage from a gastric ulcer. Human use of phenylbutazone horse pills should be considered by physicians confronted with patients who have upper gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric injury and who belong to this select group.

Peripheral blood mononuclear-cell interleukin-2 production, receptor generation and lymphokine-activated cytotoxicity in inflammatory bowel disease

The interleukin-2 pathway is essential for the normal immune response to antigen stimulation; we have examined the possibility that this may underlie abnormal peripheral blood lymphocyte immunoregulatory function that has been observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We studied 11 patients with Crohn's disease and 5 with ulcerative colitis, all with quiescent disease activity. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from these patients and from healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Interleukin-2 production after mitogen and phorbol-myristate acetate stimulation was similar in both groups: 381 +/- 71 (mean +/- SE) U/ml by control cells and 451 +/- 70 by patient cells. Interleukin-2 receptor generation was also measured pre- and poststimulation by labeling with anti-Tac antibody. This was 10.45 +/- 1 and 69.95 +/- 3.85% for control cells and 11.41 +/- 1.38 and 60.9 +/- 4.25% for patients cells. Finally, we examined the response of these cells to interleukin-2 stimulation by generating cells with direct cytotoxicity to 51Cr-labeled Daudi-cell targets. Control cells caused 59.5 +/- 46% 51Cr release, whereas patient cells caused 50.8 +/- 5.18% release. None of the above results achieved statistical significance. We conclude that the peripheral blood interleukin-2 pathway is normal in inactive inflammatory bowel disease.

Hepatic hydrothorax is a relative contraindication to chest tube insertion

Two patients with known chronic ascites developed new massive right-sided pleural effusions. Chest tube placement led to massive protein and electrolyte depletion and death of both patients. Patients who have cirrhosis and massive right-sided pleural effusions, in general, have congenital diaphragmatic defects that predispose them to life-threatening fluid depletion when chest tubes are inserted. Hepatic hydrothorax is a relative contraindication to chest tube insertion.

Thyrotoxicosis presenting as dysphagia. A case report

Thyrotoxicosis may manifest with dysphagia. The case of an elderly male with dysphagia as the initial symptom is discussed. It is suggested that thyrotoxicosis is included in the differential diagnosis of dysphagia in the elderly, particularly if muscle weakness is also present.

Pancreatic abscess and computed tomographic scanning

A 42-year-old man presented with acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis. He developed all the major complications of acute pancreatitis including a pancreatic abscess which was shown to progress on serial computed tomography (CT) scans. The diagnostic value of CT in acute pancreatitis is emphasized.