The incidence, clustering and characteristics of Burkitt lymphoma in the Northwest province of Cameroon

The epidemiology of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) has never been documented in Cameroon. Data were collected from 16 hospitals, the Delegation of Public Health and the regional pathologist in the Northwest province of Cameroon on all BL cases. The incidence of BL in this region is 5.9/100,000 children aged <15 years/year – the second highest incidence documented to date. Significant clustering was also identified in Ndop, a low-lying region with a high malaria endemicity, at 21.5 cases/100,000 children aged <15 year/year ( P < 0.001).

Causes of lead toxicity in a Nigerian city

BACKGROUND

Up to 70% of young Nigerian children have been reported to have blood lead concentrations > or =10 microg/dl.

AIMS

To better elucidate risk factors for lead toxicity among Nigerian families with children at risk for lead toxicity.

METHODS

Two geographic wards in Jos, Nigeria were selected for study, one previously reported to have a high mean blood lead level (37 (SD 13) microg/dl) and one with a lower mean blood lead level (17 (SD 10) microg/dl) in young children. Data pertaining to potential risk factors for lead exposure were collected from children and adults in 34 households.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) blood lead concentration of 275 subjects, aged 3 weeks to 90 years, was 8.7 (5.7) microg/dl (range 1-34 microg/dl); 92 (34%) had concentrations > or =10 microg/dl. In multivariate analysis, an age of 5 years and under, flaking house paint, residence near a gasoline seller, male gender, increasing maternal and paternal education, and use of a lead ore eye cosmetic were independently associated with greater blood lead concentration. Vehicle ownership was associated with reduced lead concentration. Compared with the low-lead ward, residence in the high-lead ward remained significantly associated with greater lead values, indicating that additional factors likely contribute to lead exposure.

CONCLUSION

Although the cause of increased lead levels in Jos appears to be multi-factorial, several remediable sources contribute to lead exposure in Nigeria.

Amelogenesis imperfecta phenotype-genotype correlations with two amelogenin gene mutations

Amelogenin, the predominant matrix protein in developing dental enamel, is considered essential for normal enamel formation, but its exact functions are undefined. Mutations in the AMELX gene that encodes for amelogenin protein cause X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), with phenotypes characterized by hypoplastic and/or poorly mineralized enamel. Eight different AMELX deletion and substitution mutations have been reported to date. The purpose here was to evaluate the genotype and phenotype of two large kindreds segregating for X-linked AI. Phenotypically affected males in family 1 had yellowish-brown, poorly mineralized enamel; those in family 2 had thin, smooth, hypoplastic enamel. Heterozygous females in both kindreds had vertical hypoplastic grooves in their enamel. DNA was obtained from family members; exons 1-7 of AMELX were amplified and sequenced. Mutational analysis of family 1 revealed a single-base-pair change of A-->T at nucleotide 256, resulting in a His-->Leu change. Analysis of family 2 revealed deletion of a C-nucleotide in codon 119 causing a frameshift alteration of the next six codons, and a premature stop codon resulting in truncation of the protein 18 amino acids shorter than the wild-type. To date, all mutations that alter the C-terminus of amelogenin after the 157th amino acid have resulted in a hypoplastic phenotype. In contrast, other AMELX mutations appear to cause predominantly mineralization defects (e.g. the mutation seen in family 1). This difference suggests that the C-terminus of the normal amelogenin protein is important for controlling enamel thickness.

Genetic manipulation of the odor-evoked distributed neural activity in the Drosophila mushroom body

Odor-induced neural activity was recorded by Ca2+ imaging in the cell body region of the Drosophila mushroom body (MB), which is the second relay of the olfactory central nervous system. The signals recorded are mainly from the cell layers on the brain surface because of the limited penetration of Ca2+-sensitive dyes. The densely packed cell bodies and their accessibility allow visualization of odor-induced population neural activity. It is revealed that odors evoke diffused neural activities in the MB. Although the signals cannot be attributed to individual neurons, patterns of the population neural activity can be analyzed. The activity pattern, but not the amplitude, of an odor-induced population response is specific for the chemical identity of an odor and its concentration. The distribution pattern of neural activity can be altered specifically by genetic manipulation of an odor binding protein and this alteration is closely associated with a behavioral defect of odor preference. These results suggest that the spatial pattern of the distributed neural activity may contribute to coding of odor information at the second relay of the olfactory system.

Serotonin-sensitive leakage channel in Drosophila central neurons

This article reports the analysis of a novel serotonin (5-HT)-sensitive leak channel. The 5-HT responses were recorded in acutely dissociated Drosophila adult and larval central nervous system (CNS) neurons by the patch-clamp method, in an attempt to establish a model preparation suitable for the genetic study of signal transduction underlying central neurotransmission. Focal perfusion or iontophoresis of 5-HT onto some patched neurons induced either an apparent inward or outward current. This apparent outward current is able to cause a strong hyperpolarization of the neuron. This article focuses on the predominant hyperpolarizing response, which is observed in a significant fraction of larger CNS neurons and in different developmental stages. The hyperpolarizing response is in fact mediated by inhibiting an inward leak current, which has a reversal potential around 0 mV. This 5-HT-sensitive leak current appears to be mediated mainly by one type of newly identified leak channel with a similar reversal potential of 0 mV and a conductance of 24 pS. In addition, it was also demonstrated that neurotransmitter-induced responses in both larval and adult Drosophila CNS neurons can be analyzed in this acutely dissociated preparation.

The bladder tumor antigen (BTA) test compared to voided urine cytology in the detection of bladder neoplasms

PURPOSE

Tests to detect recurrent bladder neoplasms are limited and none is consistently accurate. Recent studies suggest that the bladder tumor antigen (BTA) test, an agglutination reaction for basement membrane complexes, is superior to voided urine cytology in clinical practice. We compared BTA and voided urine cytology to bladder washings and cystoscopy, emphasizing diagnostic yield among patients with causes of basement membrane complexes other than bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Random voided urine specimens from 67 patients with a history of bladder neoplasms were collected before cystoscopy and bladder washing. Urine also was obtained from 34 patients with inflammatory bladder conditions including 5 with a history of prostate cancer. Each urine was tested for BTA according to a commercial kit. Positive results were indicated by yellow on a test pad. Blinded to all other results, each urine and each bladder washing were examined microscopically, and a positive test had malignant/suspicious cells. Bladder biopsies were performed when endoscopic lesions were seen. Specimens were grouped into 4 categories: group 1--biopsy proved bladder neoplasm, group 2--history of bladder cancer but not biopsy proved, group 3--history of prostate cancer and group 4--no history of urological cancer.

RESULTS

Voided urine cytology was positive in 54% of specimens from patients with biopsy proved bladder neoplasms compared to 29% for BTA. Relative yield for voided urine cytology versus BTA was not changed if all group 2 cases having a positive bladder washing and positive cystoscopy were assumed to have bladder cancer, nor was relative yield altered by subsequent short-term followup. Of voided urine specimens 14% from group 1 patients and 41% from group 2 patients had scant cells. Overall diagnostic yield was superior for bladder washing. False-positive BTA occurred in 7 of 34 patients with no history of urological or prostate cancer. There were no false-positive voided urine cytology interpretations in these groups.

CONCLUSIONS

BTA is not superior to voided urine cytology in detecting bladder neoplasms and may be limited by false-positive reactions in patients with other causes of basement membrane complexes in urine. Voided urine samples may be limited by high frequency of hypocellularity. Of 34 patients with a hypocellular urine specimen 4 had biopsy proved bladder cancer. Bladder washing yields best results but requires instrumentation. No test, including cystoscopy, is accurate always.

Characterization of K+ currents and the cAMP-dependent modulation in cultured Drosophila mushroom body neurons identified by lacZ expression

Electrophysiological analysis of cultured neurons provides a potential approach toward understanding the physiological defects that may contribute to abnormal behavior exhibited by mutants of the fruit fly Drosophila. However, its application has been restricted by an inability to identify a particular functional or anatomical subpopulation of neurons from the CNS. To study neurons composing the CNS mushroom body proposed as a center for insect olfactory learning, we utilized a Drosophila enhancer detector line that expresses a lacZ reporter gene in these neurons and identified them in acutely dissociated larval CNS cultures by vital fluorescent staining. The patch-clamp analysis suggests that whole-cell voltage-activated K+ currents can be classified into two types in identified mushroom body neurons. Type 1 current comprises a TEA-sensitive slowly inactivating current and noninactivating component while type 2 current contains a 4-AP-sensitive transient A-current and a noninactivating component. Application of cAMP analogs induced distinct modulation of type 1 and type 2 currents. Our results demonstrate that the expression of the lacZ gene and the subsequent staining do not significantly alter the different types of K+ currents. This initial characterization provides a basis for further analysis of mutations that impair learning and memory resulting from an abnormal cAMP cascade preferentially expressed in the mushroom body.

The possible site of action of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 6-hydroxytryptamine, tryptamine and dopamine on identified neurons in the central nervous system of the snail, Helix aspersa

Intracellular recordings were made from identified neurons in the right parietal ganglion of the snail, Helix aspersa. Cells F 4, 5 and 6 were excited by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and inhibited by dopamine while cells in the F 30 area were inhibited by both compounds. Low doses of both tryptamine and 6-HT produced weak excitation of cells F 4, 5 and 6 while higher doses of both compounds inhibit the activity of these cells. In terms of the inhibitory responses, tryptamine and 6-HT are approximately equipotent but between 10 and 100 times less potent than dopamine. d-Tubocurarine reversibly antagonized the excitatory action of 5-HT on cells F 4, 5 and 6 and converted tryptamine and 6-HT excitation to inhibition. In the presence of the antagonist, ergometrine, the dopamine inhibitory response was almost completely abolished while the inhibitory responses to tryptamine and 6-HT were converted to weak excitation. All four agonists inhibited cells in the F 30 area with the following potency ratios: dopamine much greater than tryptamine/6-HT greater than 5-HT. Tubocurarine had no antagonist effects on these responses while ergometrine reduced or blocked all four, often irreversibly. In potassium-free Ringer the inhibitory responses to all four agonists were enhanced. It is concluded that on cells F 4, 5 and 6, low concentrations of tryptamine and 6-HT act on 5-HT receptors while higher concentrations of both agonists act on dopamine receptors. On cells in the F 30 area, 5-HT, 6-HT and tryptamine all act on a dopamine receptor.

Human marrow erythropoiesis in culture: III. Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of cellular interactions

Human erythroblasts cultured with a methylcellulose clonal assay technique were studied with ultrastructural and cytochemical methods. The intact colonies contained only erythroblasts at a similar stage of maturation, and no macrophages were identified within the colonies. The cultured erythroblasts demonstrated many of the morphologic features described in vivo. Neutral and acid glycoconjugates identified on the plasmalemma stained in a similar way to that seen in vivo with a concanavalin A horseradish peroxidase bridge and dialyzed iron technique. Weak acid phosphatase activity and ferritin-like particles were demonstrated in siderosomes, but these structures lacked peroxidase activity and dialyzed iron reactive acid mucosubstance. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy identified numerous processes which connected early erythroblasts and resembled those described in the marrow of patients with dyserythropoietic disorders. These findings suggest the presence of abnormalities in cultured erythrocytes which should be considered when evaluating pathologic specimens in vitro.

Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of bone marrow granulocytes in culture

Leukocytes from human bone marrow, grown in clonal cell culture with methylcellulose medium, were characterized ultrastructurally and cytochemically, utilizing techniques for demonstrating peroxidase, acid phosphatase, dialyzed iron reactive mucosubstance, antimonate reactive cation and Concanavalin A surface receptors. Neutrophils and eosinophils were identified in culture specimens and in many respects resembled those seen in direct marrow specimens. Cultured neutrophils, however, did not develop secondary (specific) granules and the crystalloids of eosinophil granules appeared abnormal. The strong reaction of neutrophil primary granules with antimonate and dialyzed iron afforded differentiation from unreactive monocyte-macrophage granules and thus distinguished these cell types in culture. Basophils were observed in morphologic preparations and their granules stained most intensely for acid mucosubstance with the dialyzed iron method.

The ultrastructural identification of tissue basophils and mast cells in Hodgkin's disease

Numerous basophils were identified ultrastructurally in a tumorous lymph node from one of 10 patients with Hodgkin's disease. The tissue basophils displayed the same morphologic characteristics as peripheral blood basophils and differed ultrastructurally from mast cells in the same specimen. Large numbers of mast cells were occasionally seen in tumor tissue of patients with Hodgkin's disease. Many of the mast cells in Hodgkin's tumor revealed structural alteration of granules as well as evidence of degranulation when compared with mast cells in tumor-free lymph nodes of patients with Hodgkin's disease. These results indicate that basophils and mast cells may play a role in the inflammatory response in Hodgkin's disease.

Cytochemistry of acid mucosubstance and acid phosphatase in Cryptococcus neoformans

At the ultrastructural level, dialyzed iron stains only the mucoid capsule in Cryptococcus neoformans, converting it from the most lucent to an extremely dense layer and thus demonstrating its content of acid mucosubstance. After lead staining of thin sections of dialyzed iron treated specimens, the wall exhibits a dense inner and translucent outer layer. The inner layer and mucoid capsule appear thicker in the mother than the daughter cell of budding organisms. C. neoformans cells fixed in suspension and incubated in acid phosphatase substrate medium exhibit at the ultrastructural level activity confined to the mucoid capsule, cell wall, and internal extensions presumed to be plasmalemmasomes. Organisms in small blocks or cryostat sections of pellets fixed in clotted fibrin, when incubated for acid phosphatase, reveal moderate to no reactivity in cell wall and mucoid capsule but strong activity in surrounding fibrin aggregates. In the latter specimens, reaction product indicative of acid phosphatase also is evident in the nuclear envelope, in some of the profiles of presumed granular reticulum, in complex lamellar profiles presumed to be Golgi elements, and in small cytoplasmic bodies and large vacuoles. The morphological specimens disclose counterparts of acid phosphatase reactive structures and show lucent cytoplasm segregated by circular mitochondrial profiles and a difference between the thickness and density of the plasmalemma and other cell membranes.