Locomotion defects, together with Pins, regulates heterotrimeric G-protein signaling during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric divisions

Heterotrimeric G proteins mediate asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts. Free Gbetagamma appears to be crucial for the generation of an asymmetric mitotic spindle and consequently daughter cells of distinct size. However, how Gbetagamma is released from the inactive heterotrimer remains unclear. Here we show that Locomotion defects (Loco) interacts and colocalizes with Galphai and, through its GoLoco motif, acts as a guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) for Galphai. Simultaneous removal of the two GoLoco motif proteins, Loco and Pins, results in defects that are essentially indistinguishable from those observed in Gbeta13F or Ggamma1 mutants, suggesting that Loco and Pins act synergistically to release free Gbetagamma in neuroblasts. Furthermore, the RGS domain of Loco can also accelerate the GTPase activity of Galphai to regulate the equilibrium between the GDP- and the GTP-bound forms of Galphai. Thus, Loco can potentially regulate heterotrimeric G-protein signaling via two distinct modes of action during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric divisions.     

Correction to: Factor Structure and Equivalence of Maternal Resources for Care in Bangladesh,Vietnam, and Ethiopia

Maternal and Child Health Journal - The article “Factor Structure and Equivalence of Maternal Resources for Care in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia”, written by Sulochana Basnet,...     

Skeletonization of the atrioventricular node for AV node reentrant tachycardia: experience with 32 patients

We describe our experience with operative therapy for atrioventricular (AV) node tachycardia using an anatomically guided procedure. The operative rationale was to dissect the AV node from most of its atrial inputs (AV node "skeletonization") with the intent of altering the perinodal substrate and preventing reentry. The anteroseptal and posteroseptal regions were initially approached epicardially to facilitate identification of anatomical structures. Under normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the right atrial septum was mobilized and the intermediate AV node was exposed anterior to the tendon of Todaro. Atrioventricular node conduction was monitored electrocardiographically throughout the procedure. Ablation of concomitant accessory pathways was done prior to AV node skeletonization. Thirty-two patients aged 9 to 67 years (mean age, 30 years) underwent operation. Five patients had concomitant accessory pathways in addition to AV node reentry. At electrophysiological study before discharge, no patient had AV block although anterograde and retrograde Wenckebach cycle lengths were significantly prolonged. Six patients had retrograde AV block. Twenty-nine patients are free from arrhythmia and require no antiarrhythmic medication after a follow-up of 1 month to 45 months (mean follow-up, 17 months). Three patients had recurrence of tachycardia ten days, 2 months, and 7 months postoperatively. All patients subsequently had a successful reoperation.     

Nutritional correlates of acute respiratory infections

During October 1992 to June 1993 in eight villages covered by the Primary Health Center Machhra in Meerut District, India, interviews with mothers and examinations of 1600 children aged less than 5 years (under-fives) were conducted to examine the relationship between acute respiratory infection (ARI) and malnutrition. 42.25% of all children had an ARI within the last 15 days. Most ARIs (73.4%) were considered mild (cough and cold with no pneumonia). Pneumonia accounted for 19.5% of all ARI cases, which were considered moderate. The remaining ARI cases were severe (severe and very severe pneumonia). 57.5% of all children suffered from protein energy malnutrition (PEM). 78.6% of children aged 12-14 months had PEM. ARI was more common among malnourished children than well-nourished children (52.2% vs. 28.8%; p 0.001). The incidence of ARI increased as the nutritional status deteriorated (p 0.05). It also increased as the midarm circumference decreased (p 0.001). These findings confirm the synergistic action between malnutrition and infection, in this case ARI. Malnourished children suffer considerable impairment in immunity, especially cellular immunity, which makes them more prone to ARI. These findings reinforce the need to strengthen the quality, quantity, and accessibility of nutritional services, particularly promotion of breast feeding and vitamin A supplementation.     

pH-adjusted periocular anaesthesia for primary vitreoretinal surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of pH-adjusted bupivacaine in conjunction with medial orbital periconal block (periocular anaesthesia). METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing primary vitreoretinal surgery were enrolled prospectively. RESULTS: Adequate anaesthesia and akinesia with no intraoperative supplementation was achieved in 53 eyes (88.3%). Factors influencing intraoperative supplementation were combined vitrectomy with scleral buckling (p = 0.005) and duration of surgery of more than 2 hours (p = 0.001). No ocular or systemic complication resulted. CONCLUSION: pH-adjusted periocular anaesthesia is safe and effective in patients undergoing primary vitreoretinal surgery.     

Basaloid squamous cell cancer arising in Barrett’s esophagus

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare form of cancer that arises primarily in the upper aerodigestive tract. Esophageal BSCC is extremely rare, accounting for less than 2% of primary esophageal malignancies. It is histopathologically distinct from squamous cell carcinoma and has an aggressive biological behavior with poor survival outcomes. There is no known association of Barrett’s esophagus with esophageal BSCC. Here, we report what we believe is the first such case of esophageal BSCC occurring in the setting of Barrett’s esophagus.