Evidence of Increased Gc: Actin Complexes in Pregnant Serum: A Possible Result of Trophoblast Embolism

ABSTRACT: The molecular configuration of group-specific component Gc protein in sera from pregnant and nonpregnant individuals was compared by analytical isoelectric focusing and by print immunofixation in conjunction with known standards of Gc:actin and Gc:vitamin D₃ complexes. These studies revealed that while complexes of Gc with actin and with vitamin D were detectable in small amounts in nonpregnant sera, much larger quantities of both types of complexes were consistently visualized in pregnancy. In addition, when actin was added to pregnant sera containing Gc:vitamin D₃ complexes, a third anodal complex was revealed which presented the molecular configuration of actin: Gc: vitamin D₃. These results demonstrate that Gc:actin complexes may be present under physiological circumstances in the circulation. Since large amounts of trophoblast enter the maternal circulation during both normal and abnormal human pregnancy, experiments were undertaken that showed that actin was released from isolated trophoblast membranes and also upon lysis of other viable cells under physiological conditions similar to those obtained in serum, and such actin complexed rapidly with Gc. Although the effects of this phenomenon upon the immunobiology of pregnancy are unknown, these findings are consistent with the concept that Gc protein may exert a “scavenger” function in mopping up actin released from damaged cells.     

Towards a new methodology for making sense of case material: an illustrative case involving attempted multiple murder

Functional analysis provides a method of understanding behaviour in terms of its consequences for the individual concerned. The suggestion is made here that the application of this method to past behaviour will be useful to both practitioners and researchers. It offers benefits in terms of organising case material, understanding the aetiology of the behaviour, planning interventions and predicting dangerousness. It should be noted, however, that this is not an exercise in developing causal models of specific offences. In this paper multiple sequential functional analysis methodology is described and the problems of applying it retrospectively to criminal behaviours discussed. The methodology is illustrated with the case of a man who formulated a plan to kill 20 people and was convicted of two counts of attempted murder.     

Effect of iron supplementation on serum ferritin levels during and after pregnancy

Summary. Serum ferritin, total plasma ferritin and haematological indices were determined during and for 6 months after normal pregnancy in 45 healthy women, 21 of whom took oral iron supplements. The physiological effect of pregnancy was to markedly depress serum ferritin concentration. During unsupplemented pregnancy median serum ferritin concentration decreased to approx. 6.0 μg/l by 28 weeks gestation, this concentration was maintained until term and was associated with the appearance of erythrocyte microcytosis during the third trimester. At 6 months postpartum, individual and average serum and total plasma ferritin values showed a deficit compared with the values recorded at the beginning of pregnancy. Oral iron supplementation during pregnancy modified the fall in serum ferritin, median serum ferritin concentrations remained about 14.0μg/I after 28 weeks gestation; normocytic erythropoiesis was maintained throughout the third trimester and no deficit in serum and total plasma ferritin occurred as a result of pregnancy. It is concluded that routine oral iron administration should be recommended during pregnancy, certainly after 28 weeks gestation.     

Sclrosing Cholangitis of the Bifurcation of the Common Hepatic Duct

Primary sclerosing cholangitis localized in a segment of the extrahepatic biliary tree is extremely rare.
This article describes the case of a 23-year old male who had obstructive jaundice and was found to have primary sclerosing cholangitis of the bifurcation of the common hepatic duct. The lesion was successfully resected.     

Quantitative structure-activity relationships: the Van't Hoff heats of transfer of resorcinol monoethers from water to n-octanol

The partition coefficients of resorcinol and some resorcinol monoalkyl-ethers from water to n-octanol have been measured as a function of temperature. These data are used to evaluate ΔG, ΔH and ΔS for the solute transfer process. The data suggest direct calorimetric measurement of these parameters should be performed. Correlation with calori-metrically determined ‘biological response’ will permit a more detailed and precise commentary upon the quantitative structure-activity relationships for these compounds.