Concurrent infections ofTrichinella spiralis andToxoplasma gondii in mice

Concurrent infections with two parasites: a nematode,Trichinella spiralis, and a protozoon,Toxoplasma gondii, were investigated. Antibody production (total immunoglobulin and IgM) was similar in double and single infections. However, the number ofToxoplasma cysts in the brains of mice infected withTrichinella and challenged 1–6 weeks later withToxoplasma was higher than in mice infected withToxoplasma alone, while mice infected withToxoplasma and challenged 4–14 days later withTrichinella had lower worm burdens in the intestine than animals infected withTrichinella alone. Greater loss in body weight was observed in mice infected with both parasites than in those infected with either parasite alone.     

Immunodiagnosis of Prune dwarf virus using antiserum produced to its recombinant coat protein

Certification represents the first line of defense against fruit tree viruses. For certification or surveys dealing with large number of samples, ELISA is still considered the technique of choice and requires a continuous supply of good quality antibodies. Prune dwarf virus (PDV) is among the major viruses affecting stone fruits; it belongs to the genus Ilarvirus named so for its isometric labile particles. Recombinant DNA technology was investigated for production of PDV antiserum to avoid labile virus purification and virus maintenance problems. The PDV coat protein gene (CP) was cloned into a protein expression bacterial plasmid vector which allowed a good level of expression of up to 2mg native protein/L culture. The recombinant PDV CP was injected into rabbits and the crude antiserum was successfully used in indirect ELISA at dilutions of up to 1:5000 to detect PDV in infected leaf samples. Similar results were obtained in dot blot immunoassays (DBIA). The antibodies were used in double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and results were comparable to a reference commercial kit. The crude antiserum was efficiently used for coating ELISA plates, thereby reducing test costs.     

Sequencing of the alpha-synuclein gene in a large series of cases of familial Parkinson's disease fails to reveal any further mutations. The European Consortium on Genetic Susceptibility in Parkinson's Disease (GSPD)

A mutation in exon 4 of the human alpha-synuclein gene was reported recently in four families with autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD). In order to examine whether mutations in this exon or elsewhere in the gene are common in familial PD, all seven exons of the alpha- synuclein gene were amplified by PCR from index cases of 30 European and American Caucasian kindreds affected with autosomal dominant PD. Each product was sequenced directly and examined for mutations in the open reading frame. No mutations were found in any of the samples examined. We conclude that the A53T change described in the alpha- synuclein gene is a rare cause of PD or may even be a rare variant. Mutations in the regulatory or intronic regions of the gene were not excluded by this study.      

Deletion of RBM and DAZ in azoospermia: Evaluation by PRINS

Molecular and cytogenetic studies from infertile men have shown that one or more genes controlling spermatogenesis are located in proximal Yq11.2 in interval 6 of the Y chromosome. Microdeletions within the azoospermia factor region (AZF) are often associated with azoospermia and severe oligospermia in men with idiopathic infertility. We evaluated cells from a normal‐appearing 27‐year‐old man with infertility and initial karyotype of 45,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.3;p11.2)[8]/46,t(X;Y)(p22.3;p11.2)[12]. By fluorescence in situ hybridization with dual‐color whole chromosome paint probes for X and Y chromosomes, we confirmed the Xp‐Yp interchange. By primed in situ labeling, we identified translocation of the SRY gene from its original location on Yp to the patient's X chromosome at band Xp22. We also obtained evidence that the apparent marker was a der(Y) (possibly a ring) containing X and Y domains, and observed that the patient's genome was deleted for RBM and DAZ, two candidate genes for AZF. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Changes in cyclic nucleotides during the calcium paradox in the isolated rat heart

Reperfusion of hearts with a Ca²⁺-containing medium after a perfusion period in Ca²⁺-free medium results in irreversible cell damage (calcium paradox). In this investigation we have studied coronary flow and cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels after several periods of Ca²⁺-free perfusion in isolated rat hearts. We also investigated the effects of papaverine (Pap), noradrenaline (NA), acetylcholine (ACh) and absence of inorganic phosphate during Ca²⁺-free perfusion on coronary flow (CF) and cyclic nucleotide levels. Inability of the heart to recover contractile activity with development of contracture during the reperfusion period was accepted as indicative of the calcium paradox. Ca²⁺-free perfusion alone and NA and absence of inorganic phosphate during the Ca²⁺-free perfusion period increased CF, whereas Pap and ACh decreased it. However, only Ca²⁺-free perfusion and NA elevated cyclic AMP. On the other hand, Pap and ACh increased cyclic GMP (with a transient rise of cyclic AMP in Pap infusion), and absence of inorganic phosphate decreased both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. Pap, ACh and absence of phosphate prevented the calcium paradox. Our study suggests that increased cyclic AMP during the Ca²⁺-free perfusion may contribute, with the other factors, to the occurrence of the calcium paradox.     

Right ventricular free wall perforation during pericardiocentesis,and an inappropriate device selection for percutaneous treatment

Right ventricular (RV) perforation is a rare but life‐threatening complication of pericardiocentesis and is usually treated surgically. We presented a case of RV free wall perforation, which occurred during pericardiocentesis and tried to be closed percutaneously with the Amplatzer vascular plug‐III (AVP‐III) device. The occluder device sealed the perforation, but it was in an insecure position; therefore, the patient underwent surgical repair. As an AVP‐III device, with a middle disk thicker than the RV myocardium, it may cause the RV myocardium to stretch outwards, so it should not be used for the treatment of RV perforation by the transcatheter way.     

Seismic upgrades of healthcare facilities

Before 1989 seismic upgrading of hospital structures was not a primary consideration among hospital owners. However, after extensive earthquake damage to hospital buildings at Loma Prieta in Northern California in 1989 and then at Northridge in Southern California in 1994, hospital owners, legislators, and design teams become concerned about the need for seismic upgrading of existing facilities. Because the damage hospital structures sustained in the earthquakes was so severe and far-reaching, California has enacted laws that mandate seismic upgrading for existing facilities. Now hospital owners will have to upgrade buildings that do not conform to statewide seismic adequacy laws. By 2030, California expects all of its hospital structures to be sufficiently seismic-resistant. Slowly, regions in the Midwest and on the East Coast are following their example. This article outlines reasons and ways for seismic upgrading of existing facilities.     

Amebic Liver Abscess: Changing Trends over 20 Years RID="" ID="" This study was presented to the Turkish Surgical Congress in Izmir, Turkey.

RID=" ID=" <E5>Correspondence to:</E5> Y. Akgun, M.D.