Imperforate Hymen and Vaginal Atresia and their Associated Anomalies

The presenting features and associated abnormalities of imperforate hymen and vaginal atresia were studied in 24 girls under the age of 16 years. Hydrocolpos or hydrometrocolpos occurred in 8 infants, 13 older girls developed haematocolpos, but 3 of the girls had no distension of the genital tract. Seven of the older girls were diagnosed as having appendicitis. Anorectal anomalies were present in 9 of the children. Intravenous pyelography was performed on 16 girls and was normal in only one. Urinary tract investigations are indicated in all girls with vaginal outlet obstruction, and the vaginal orifice should be inspected in all girls with anorectal abnormalities.

Energy transport in closed quantum systems

We examine energy transport in an ensemble of closed quantum systems driven by stochastic perturbations. One can show that the probability and energy fluxes can be described in terms of quantum advection modes (QAMs) associated with the off-diagonal elements of the density matrix. These QAMs play the role of Landauer channels in a system with discrete energy spectrum and the eigenfunctions that cannot be described as plane waves. In order to determine the type of correlations that exist between the direction and magnitudes of each QAM and the average direction of energy and probability fluxes we have numerically solved the time-dependent Schrödinger equation describing a single particle trapped in a parabolic potential well which is perturbed by stochastic ripples. The ripples serve as a localized energy source and are offset to one side of the potential well. As the result a nonzero net energy flux flows from one part of the potential well to another across the symmetry center of the potential. We find that some modes exhibit positive correlation with the direction of the energy flow. Other modes, that carry a smaller energy per unit of the probability flux, anticorrelate with the energy flow and thus provide a backflow of the probability. The overall picture of energy transport that emerges from our results is very different from the conventional one based on a system with continuous energy spectrum.

Effect of granulocyte chalone on acute and chronic granulocytic leukaemia in man. Report of seven cases

This study reports results from the first clinical tests in which 7 patients with myeloid leukaemia (5 acute and 2 chronic leukaemias in metamorphosis) were treated from 4 to 45 days with granulocyte chalone, the tissue-specific endogenous inhibitor of granulopoiesis. It was observed that i.v. injection of partially purified chalone inhibits proliferation of leukaemic, and presumably also normal granulocytic cells, leaving all other cell types unaffected. Inhibition of leukaemic growth was distinct in 6 of the 7 patients; in 5 cases the inhibition was followed by acutal regression of the leukaemia, lasting up to several months in the absence of any maintenance therapy, and in one case the treatment led to a complete remission. Chalone treatment also resulted in an enhancement of erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis, and in phenomena some of which were totally unexpected, such as immunostimulation and a remarkable resistance to bacterial infections in the presence of extreme granulocytopenia. This study shows that granulocyte chalone is biologically active against myeloid leukaemia in man, but not that the therapeutic value of the impure chalone is superior to modern cytostatic drugs. Long-term therapeutic trials were not possible with the partially purified preparations available, mainly because of side-effects which prevented adequate dosing.

Symptomatic ulnar neural loop at the wrist

A case report is presented of a patient found at surgery to have an anomalous neural loop of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. The literature is reviewed. Although previous cases have been reported with compressive symptoms or as a coincidental finding we believe that this is the first case reported where symptoms were directly related to the presence of the loop without evidence of a compressive lesion.

Leptodictya tabida (Hemiptera: Tingidae): a potential threat to sugarcane production in Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Areawide surveys and replicated cultivar trials were conducted in 2001 and 2002 in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) fields in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas to assess the distribution and incidence of the sugarcane tingid Leptodictya tabida (Herrich-Schaeffer). L. tabida was found in all fields surveyed during both years, infesting 60 and 68% of the plants, respectively. The average percentage of leaves infested was 11% in 2001 and 15% in 2002. In 2001, 'CP70-1133' was the most infested, 'CP72-1210' was the least infested, and intermediate infestation levels were evident in 'CP70-321' and 'TCP87-3388'. In 2002, however, TCP87-3388 and CP70-321 were more heavily infested, and CP71-1240 and CP71-1405 were the least infested. Mean densities of L. tabida recovered per plant varied between 1.2 bugs on CP72-1210 and 5.1 on CP70-1133 in 2001, and in 2002, from zero bugs on CP71-1240 and CP71-1405 to 5.3 on CP72-1210. In the cultivar trials, cultivar differences also were evident in both plant and leaf infestation levels, and the proportion of immatures to total L. tabida populations; 'HoCP91-555' had the lowest L. tabida infestations and 'NCo-310' had the greatest levels in both years. Although >5000 L. tabida from the field were collected and kept in the laboratory, no parasitoids were found. The distribution of the infestations during the surveys and in the field trial evaluations suggested that L. tabida populations have been spreading in sugarcane across the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Potential varietal resistance mechanisms are discussed.

Scapholunate fusion in chronic symptomatic scapholunate instability

Since 1989 scapholunate fusion has been performed on 13 patients with chronic scapholunate instability causing debilitating symptoms. These cases were reviewed at a mean 93 (range, 60-132) months after surgery. Establishing whether bony fusion had been achieved proved extremely difficult even after CT scanning, but fusion was unequivocally achieved in four cases. Ten patients were subjectively satisfied with their treatment. Two patients who had no symptomatic improvement subsequently underwent total wrist arthrodesis. A method of fusing the scaphoid and lunate is described, though we accept that a firm fibrous union may be all that is achieved in most patients. However, this appears sufficient to restore stability with a high patient satisfaction.

Randomized trial of a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, B-sitosterol, vitamin E) on symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Because benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is relatively common, it is important to discover safe and effective means to treat this often debilitating perturbation. Accordingly, we examined the effectiveness of a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, B-sitosterol, vitamin E) in treating symptoms of BPH. We undertook a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients were enrolled from 3 urological practices in the USA. 144 subjects were randomized for study. 17 subjects eventually withdrew, leaving 70 patients in the test group and 57 in the placebo group to complete the study. Inclusion criteria consisted of a diagnosis of BPH, no evidence of cancer, and a maximal urinary flow rate between 5 and 15 ml/second. Patients received either placebo or the combined natural products for 3 months. Evaluations were performed via the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index score, urinary flow rate, PSA measurement, and residual bladder volume. Nocturia showed a markedly significant decrease in severity in patients receiving the combined natural products compared to those taking placebo (p < 0.001). Daytime frequency was also lessened significantly (p < 0.04). When the average individual total AUA Symptom Index score in the test group was compared to that in the placebo group at the end of the study, the difference proved highly significant (p < 0.014). PSA measurements, maximal and average urinary flow rates, and residual volumes showed no statistically significant differences. When taken for 3 months, a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, B-sitosterol, vitamin E) compared to placebo can significantly lessen nocturia and frequency and diminish overall symptomatology of BPH as indicated by an improvement in the total AUA Symptom Index score. The combination of natural products caused no significant adverse side effects.

Corrective osteotomy of malunited fractures of phalanges and metacarpals

We have retrospectively reviewed our experience of corrective osteotomies for phalangeal and metacarpal malunions in eleven patients over a 5-year period. Rotational metacarpal malunion treated by metacarpal osteotomy and AO plate fixation can be performed with confidence of achieving a good or excellent result. Phalangeal osteotomy remains a daunting undertaking for most hand surgeons. Our indifferent results are probably due to the inclusion of three intraarticular malunions treated by extraarticular osteotomy. An alternative approach to these malunions may be appropriate.

Effect of whitefly parasitoids on the cuticular lipid composition of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: aleyrodidae) nymphs

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of whitefly parasitoids on the cuticular lipid composition of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring [=sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Biotype B] nymphs. The cuticular lipids of B. argentifolii nymphs that had been attacked by parasitic wasps, either Eretmocerus mundus Mercet or Encarsia pergandiella Howard, were characterized by capillary gas chromatography and CGC-mass spectrometry and the results compared with the cuticular lipids of unparasitized nymphs. Previous studies with B. argentifolii nymphs had shown that wax esters were the major components of the cuticular lipids with lesser amounts of hydrocarbons, long-chain aldehydes, and long-chain alcohols. No appreciable changes in lipid composition were observed for the cuticular lipids of E. pergandiella-parasitized nymphs as compared to unparasitized controls. However, the cuticular lipids from nymphs parasitized by E. mundus contained measurable quantities of two additional components in their hydrocarbon fraction. Analyses and comparisons with an authentic standard indicated that the two hydrocarbons were the even-numbered chain length methyl-branched alkanes, 2-methyltriacontane and 2-methyldotriacontane. The occurrences and possible functions of 2-methylalkanes as cuticular lipid components of insects are discussed and specifically, in regard to host recognition, acceptance, and discrimination by parasitoids. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Advanced carpal collapse associated with congenital hypoplastic thumb

We present the long term sequelae of two patients with congenital hypoplastic thumbs. Neither had surgical correction in childhood, but maintained adequate function in their hands. However, both have developed progressive carpal collapse in adulthood, leading to painful wrists.

Is gene deletion in eukaryotes sequence-dependent? A study of nine deletion junctions and nineteen other deletion breakpoints in intron 7 of the human dystrophin gene

Although large deletions comprise 65% of the mutations that underlie most cases of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, the DNA sequence characteristics of the deletions and the molecular processes leading to their formation are largely unknown. Intron 7 of the human dystrophin gene is unusually large (110 kb) and a substantial number of deletions have been identified with endpoints within this intron. The distribution of 28 deletion endpoints was mapped to local sequence elements by PCR. The break points were distributed among unique sequence, LINE-1, Alu, MIR, MER and microsatellite sequences with frequencies expected from the frequency of those sequences in the intron. Thus, deletions in this intron are not associated primarily with any one of those sequences in the intron. Nine deletion junctions were amplified and sequenced. Eight were deletions between DNA sequences with minimal homology (0-4 bp) and are therefore unlikely to be products of homologous recombination. In the ninth case, a complex rearrangement was found to be consistent with unequal recombinational exchange between two Alu sequences coupled with a duplication. We have hypothesized that a paucity of matrix attachment regions in this very large intron expanded by the insertion of many mobile elements might provoke a chromatin structure that stimulates deletions (McNaughton et al., 1997, Genomics 40, 294-304). The data presented here are consistent with that idea and demonstrate that the deletion sequences are not usually produced by homologous DNA misalignments.

Factors affecting the outcome in 50 cases of scaphoid nonunion treated with Herbert screw fixation

Our experience in the treatment of 50 scaphoid nonunions treated with Herbert screw fixation is reviewed. Success rates fell off as the duration of nonunion before treatment increased. However, this appeared to be related to the increased incidence of avascular necrosis with time rather than simply the factor of time alone. In this series the major adverse determinants for outcome were avascular necrosis and a history of previous surgery for nonunion. Failure to graft in a selected group with an intact cartilaginous envelope or a stable firm fibrous union did not affect results. The heterogeneous nature of any series of scaphoid nonunions is emphasized and the difficulties in comparing results with cohorts unmatched for the various adverse factors discussed is stressed.

The evolution of an intron: analysis of a long, deletion-prone intron in the human dystrophin gene

The sequence of a 112-kb region of the human dystrophin (DMD/BMD) gene encompassing the deletion prone intron 7 (110 kb) and the much shorter intron 8 (1.1 kb) has been determined. Recognizable insertion sequences account for approximately 40% of intron 7. LINE-1 and THE-1/LTR sequences occur in intron 7 with significantly higher frequency than would be expected statistically while Alu sequences are underrepresented. Intron 7 also contains numerous mammalian-wide interspersed repeats, a diverse range of medium reiteration repeats of unknown origin, and a sequence derived from a mariner transposon. By contrast, the shorter intron 8 contains no detectable insertion sequences. Dating of the LI and Alu sequences suggests that intron 7 has approximately doubled in size within the past 130 million years, and comparison with the corresponding intron from the pufferfish (Fugu rubripes) suggests that the intron has expanded some 44-fold over a period of 400 million years. The possible contribution of the insertion elements to the instability of intron 7 is discussed.

The role of arthroscopy in the investigation of wrist disorders

The findings at arthroscopy of the wrist in 48 consecutive cases carried out over a 4.5 year period have been retrospectively reviewed. In correlating the clinical and arthroscopic findings in the 36 patients with wrist instability and triangular fibrocartilage injuries we found concurrence in 28 of the cases. In the six patients in whom we were unable to make any provisional clinical diagnosis we did not find arthroscopy helpful. Arthroscopy usefully influenced the management in two of the six patients in whom the articular surface was assessed. We feel that a careful clinical examination of the wrist is the mainstay of diagnosis in wrist disorders. Arthroscopy remains useful in selected cases but has a limited specialized role which should continue to be provided from specialist centres.

Phylogenetic relationships among transposon-like elements in human and primate DNA

A THE-1 sequence in intron 7 of the human dystrophin gene has been found to represent a new subfamily of THE-1 elements. The sequence is closely related to the MstII family of repetitive sequences and is more like single-copy sequences found in the galago genome than any other THE-1 sequence previously reported. This new THE-1 sequence has been compared with two other complete THE-1 sequences and three related long-terminal repeat elements that we have previously found in intron 7 of the dystrophin gene, and with members of the same family from elsewhere in the primate genome. Parsimony and deletion analysis show that the cluster of THE-1 sequences in intron 7 of the dystrophin gene has arisen from at least three individual insertion events, rather than from the insertion and duplication of a single progenitor sequence.

Sequence of a transposon identified as Tn1000 (gamma delta)

We report the complete sequence of a transposon found in a cosmid clone of a human DNA sequence. The transposon is identified as the Escherichia coli transposon Tn1000 (also known as gamma delta) on the basis of the identity of the restriction map of the new sequence with that previously recorded for Tn1000 and homology between parts of the new sequence and that of published fragments of Tn1000 sequence. The transposon, which comprises 5,981 nucleotides including two 35 bp inverted terminal repeat sequences (ITRs), contains three open reading frames. The sequence of the resolvase coding region (tnpR) is identical to that published by others. A second reading frame can be identified as the tnpA gene, coding for the transposase, on the grounds of its strong homology with the corresponding gene from transposon Tn3. The third reading frame has the potential to code for a protein of unknown function containing 698 amino acids.

Simple excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb

We have reviewed the results in 34 patients (39 operations) following simple excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb. The average age at operation was 57 years and the average follow-up was 6 years. All the patients were graded clinically and radiologically and were asked their opinion of the procedure. There was dramatic relief of pain following this procedure. Stability of the thumb was not compromised. When compared to the unoperated side, thumb length, thumb abduction and first web span were similar. There was a reduction in pinch strength (operated 8.1 k.p.a., non-operated 9.6 k.p.a.) and grip strength (operated 15.5 k.p.a., non-operated 19.5 k.p.a.) and an increase in MIP extension (operated 5.4 degrees, non-operated 2.9 degrees) following this procedure but the differences were not statistically significant. 11 patients (32%) had scar hyperaesthesia on testing but this was a clinical problem in two patients only (5%). Simple excision of the trapezium is a satisfactory procedure for the majority of patients with this disorder, but has a long post-operative rehabilitation period.

Perinatal morbidity associated with violence experienced by pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether physical assault is independently associated with an adverse obstetric outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

We compared the perinatal outcomes of 32 indigent women who reported being physically abused during pregnancy with those of 352 control subjects who denied ever being assaulted. Patients were classified into the appropriate category on the basis of a structured interview. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the relative risk of adverse outcome while adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Women assaulted in the current pregnancy were twice as likely to have preterm labor as compared with those who denied assault. In addition, crude odds ratios showed a twofold increased risk of chorioamnionitis in assault victims. No difference between abused and nonabused women was noted in the prevalence of preterm delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension, cesarean section, meconium staining, infant birth weight, Apgar scores, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal distress, fetal death, neonatal seizures, sepsis, or admission to the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that physical assault during pregnancy is associated with preterm labor and chorioamnionitis. Screening for ongoing assault should be incorporated into routine prenatal care to identify women at risk of complications.

A cluster of transposon-like repetitive sequences in intron 7 of the human dystrophin gene

A 32 kilobase-pair fragment of intron 7 of the human dystrophin gene has been sequenced and analysed for the presence of repetitive elements and open reading frames. Two transposon-like human elements (THE-1 sequences), and three intervening, and related, long terminal repeat elements, together with three Alu sequences and a LINE sequence have been identified. These represent an unexpected clustering of highly-repetitive sequences within this single segment of intron DNA. Amplification of a region of chimpanzee genomic DNA by the polymerase chain reaction has provided evidence that at least one of the THE-1 sequences is present in the same position in the chimpanzee genome and the high homology between the human and chimpanzee sequences indicates that this element was fixed within the ancestral genome before the divergence of the two species. The possible role of repetitive, transposon-like sequences in natural mutagenesis of the dystrophin gene is discussed.

Scapho-lunate dissociation occurring with scaphoid fracture

In the most widely accepted model of injuries to the carpus, scaphoid fracture and scapho-lunate dissociation are held to be mutually exclusive. Four cases in which they occurred together are reported, and the likely mechanism proposed.

Scapho-lunate diastasis: a component of fractures of the distal radius

Ten cases of fractures of the distal radius associated with scapho-lunate diastasis are reported. The mechanism of injury has been described and an attempt made to analyse the implications in treating such an injury.

Sequencing and expression of a cellodextrinase (ced1) gene from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c cloned in Escherichia coli

The nucleotide sequence of a 2.314 kb DNA segment containing a gene (ced1) expressing cellodextrinase activity from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c was determined. The B. fibrisolvens H17c gene was expressed from a weak internal promoter in Escherichia coli and a putative consensus promoter sequence was identified upstream of a ribosome binding site and a GTG start codon. The complete amino acid sequence (547 residues) was deduced and homology was demonstrated with the Clostridium thermocellum endoglucanase D (EGD), Pseudomonas fluorescens var. cellulosa endoglucanase (EG), and a cellulase from the avocado fruit (Persea americana). The ced1 gene product Ced1 showed cellodextrinase activity and rapidly hydrolysed short-chain cellodextrins to yield either cellobiose or cellobiose and glucose as end products. The Ced1 enzyme released cellobiose from p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-cellobioside and the enzyme was not inhibited by methylcellulose, an inhibitor of endoglucanase activity. Although the major activity of the Ced1 enzyme was that of a cellodextrinase it also showed limited activity against endoglucanase specific substrates [carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), lichenan, laminarin and xylan]. Analysis by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with incorporated CMC showed a major activity band with an apparent Mr of approximately 61,000. The calculated Mr of the ced1 gene product was 61,023.

Early open reduction for congenital dislocation of the hip

We have reviewed 82 children with congenital dislocation of the hip, after treatment by anterior open reduction followed by derotation femoral osteotomy. The clinical and radiological results were significantly better in the group that had open reduction before the appearance of the capital femoral epiphysis; this group also had a lower incidence of avascular necrosis. We conclude that, when it is clearly indicated, the earlier an open reduction is carried out the better the results.

Nucleotide sequence of the Vibrio alginolyticus glnA region

The nucleotide sequence of a 4 kb fragment containing the Vibrio alginolyticus glnA, ntrB and ntrC genes was determined. The upstream region of the glnA gene contained tandem promoters. The upstream promoter resembled the consensus sequence for Escherichia coli sigma 70 promoters whereas the presumptive downstream promoter showed homology with nitrogen regulated promoters. Four putative NRI binding sites were located between the tandem promoters. The ntrB gene was preceded by a single presumptive NRI binding site. The ntrC gene was located 45 base pairs downstream from the ntrB gene. The V. alginolyticus ntrB and ntrC genes were able to complement ntrB, ntrC deletions in E. coli.

Cloning and sequencing of an endoglucanase (end1) gene from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c

The nucleotide sequence of a 2.8 kb DNA segment containing an endoglucanase gene (end1) from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c was determined. The B. fibrisolvens H17c gene was expressed from its own regulatory region in Escherichia coli and three putative consensus promoter sequences were identified upstream of a ribosome binding site and an ATG start codon. The complete amino acid sequence (547 residues) was deduced and homology with the Clostridium thermocellum celE gene product (EGE) was demonstrated. The endoglucanase contained a typical amino-terminal signal sequence and five repeated sequences (PDPTPVD) between amino acids 412-447. The endoglucanase showed relatively high endoglucanase activity against endoglucanase-specific substrates with beta 1-4 linkages but low activity against xylan and an exoglucanase-specific substrate, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-cellobioside.

Molecular analysis and nucleotide sequence of the adh1 gene encoding an NADPH-dependent butanol dehydrogenase in the Gram-positive anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum

The nucleotide sequence of a 2081-bp fragment of Clostridium acetobutylicum DNA containing the adh1 gene was determined. The butanol dehydrogenase gene is referred to as the adh1 gene since it was shown to have activity using butanol and ethanol as substrates. The adh1 gene consisted of 1164 bp and encoded an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme of 388 aa residues with an Mr of 43,274. The adh1 gene was separated from an upstream open reading frame by an intergenic region of 354 bp. No promoter consensus sequences were identified in the intergenic upstream region and the adh1 gene did not appear to be expressed off its own promoter in Escherichia coli. Three separate types of ADH have been recognized. The ADH1 from C. acetobutylicum exhibited 39% homology with the Fe-containing ADH2 from Zymomonas mobilis and 37% homology with the ADH4 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but showed little or no homology with the other characterised types of ADH.

Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report

We describe the development of acute carpal tunnel syndrome in a 53-year-old female following intensive repetitive use of the left wrist for two consecutive days.

Structure of an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase gene from Clostridium acetobutylicum P262 showing homology with endoglucanase genes from Bacillus spp

The nucleotide sequence of an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase gene of Clostridium acetobutylicum contained two putative extended promoter consensus sequences, a Shine-Dalgarno sequence and a TTG initiation codon. The nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for the C-terminal region of this enzyme was not required for activity. Extensive homology in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the endoglucanase genes from C. acetobutylicum and Bacillus spp. was demonstrated.

Beware the sprained wrist. The incidence and diagnosis of scapholunate instability

A consecutive series of 100 cases of wrist injury, other than those referred with a radial fracture, have been reviewed to determine the incidence of acute scapholunate instability; a "clenched fist" radiograph was used in addition to the routine scaphoid views. Of 19 patients with an increase in the scapholunate gap, five were eventually considered to have significant scapholunate instability, two in association with Colles' fractures. Injuries producing significant ligamentous damage and carpal instability may be as common as scaphoid fractures. They require special consideration in diagnosis and management.

Molecular analysis and regulation of the glnA gene of the gram-positive anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum

The nucleotide sequence of a 2.0-kilobase DNA segment containing the Clostridium acetobutylicum glnA gene was determined. The upstream region of the glnA gene contained two putative extended promoter consensus sequences (p1 and p2), characteristic of gram-positive bacteria. A third putative extended gram-positive promoter consensus sequence (p3), oriented towards the glnA gene, was detected downstream of the structural gene. The sequences containing the proposed promoter regions p1 and p2 or p3 were shown to have promoter activity by subcloning into promoter probe vectors. The complete amino acid sequence (444 residues) of the C. acetobutylicum glutamine synthetase (GS) was deduced, and comparisons were made with the reported amino acid sequences of GS from other organisms. To determine whether the putative promoter p3 and a downstream region with an extensive stretch of inverted repeat sequences were involved in regulation of C. acetobutylicum glnA gene expression by nitrogen in Escherichia coli, deletion plasmids were constructed lacking p3 and various downstream sequences. Deletion of the putative promoter p3 and downstream inverted repeat sequences affected the regulation of GS and reduced the levels of GS approximately fivefold under nitrogen-limiting conditions but did not affect the repression of GS levels in cells grown under nitrogen-excess conditions.

Nucleotide sequence of the glutamine synthetase gene and its controlling region from the acidophilic autotroph Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

A 2089-bp chromosomal DNA segment containing the Thiobacillus ferrooxidans glnA gene has been sequenced. Putative glnAp1-type promoter sequences, a consensus ntrC-gene-product-binding site and a catabolite-activating protein consensus recognition sequence were detected upstream of the structural gene. The glnA gene was followed by a sequence resembling a Rho-independent termination sequence. The complete amino acid sequence (468 residues) of the glutamine synthetase (GS) has been deduced, and comparisons are made with reported amino acid sequences of GS from other organisms.

Nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the nitrogenase iron protein of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The DNA sequence was determined for the cloned Thiobacillus ferrooxidans nifH and part of the nifD genes. A putative T. ferrooxidans nifH promoter was identified whose sequences showed perfect consensus with those of the Klebsiella pneumoniae nif promoter. Two putative consensus upstream activator sequences were also identified. The amino acid sequence was deduced from the DNA sequence. In a comparison of nifH DNA sequences from T. ferrooxidans and eight other nitrogen-fixing microbes, a Rhizobium sp. isolated from Parasponia andersonii showed the greatest homology (74%) and Clostridium pasteurianum (nifH 1) showed the least homology (54%). In a comparison of the amino acid sequences of the Fe proteins, the Rhizobium sp. and Rhizobium japonicum showed the greatest homology (both 86%) and C. pasteurianum (nifH 1 gene product) demonstrated the least homology (56%) to the T. ferrooxidans Fe protein.

Percutaneous accessory collateral ligament release in the treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture

A percutaneous release or capsulo-ligamentous proximal interphalangeal joint contracture is described, the indications are outlined and the advantage over open releases are discussed. The results of a small pilot study are reported which we feel are comparable to the results of open techniques. The procedure in itself, however, merely allows operative correction to be achieved. Its maintenance depends upon a stringent post-operative rehabilitation regime.

Benign tendon sheath chondroma

Soft tissue chondromas are uncommon tumours but when they do occur the hands and the feet are a common site (Lichtenstein, 1964; Dahlin, 1974; Chung, 1978). We have experience in the management of two cases each of whom had a chondromatous lesion in the index finger of the left hand which exhibited features that could have been considered sinister to those unfamiliar with this lesion and could lead to over treatment.

Prostacyclin administration during cardiopulmonary bypass in man

In a double-blind trial prostacyclin was given to 12 of 23 patients undergoing coronary vein grafting. The treatment group showed a preservation of platelet number and function, with a halving of blood loss in the first 18 h postoperatively. The heparin sparing effect of prostacyclin was confirmed, as were the vasodilator effects which were not troublesome.

An assay for erythrocyte chalone using chick embryo red blood cells

As mature mammalian erythrocytes do not contain nuclei, erythrocyte chalone has previously been detected by its inhibitory effect on normoblasts, often obtained from a mixed cell source. Chick embryo blood consists entirely of mature nucleated red cells and was used to test the effect of heterologous erythrocytic extracts on haemopoiesis. The model was adapted to detect the presence of inhibitors of erythropoiesis as contaminants of partially purified leucocyte extracts.

Primary adenocarcinoma of bladder

Since 1959, 10 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder were treated at the Virginia Mason Medical Center for an incidence of 1.5 per cent of all bladder cancers. This retrospective study shows that histologic grade and tumor location had a variable influence on survival whereas clinical stage appeared to have a direct effect on survival. The only long-term survivors were the 4 low-stage patients who underwent radical cystectomy.