Targeted Generation of 16 Sequence-Tagged Sites for Bovine Chromosome Region 5q21-q25 by Microdissection

The cattle chromosome region BTA5q21-q25 is associated with immune defense and is linked with several economically important traits for growth, ovulation, twinning and milk yield. Chromosome microdissection of the region was performed to generate fragment-specific DNA libraries and to provide new bovine-specific DNA sequences as starting material for physical fine-mapping approaches or linkage studies. A first library screening resulted in the identification of 16 region-specific sequence-tagged sites (STS). Fifteen STS represent new unique cattle DNA sequences, of which one identifies a new microsatellite. Homology with the gene CDK2 was found for the remaining STS.     

Untersuchungen über den Entlastungsreflex des Menschen

Zusammenfassung Es wird eine Methodik beschrieben zum Nachweis der Innervationshemmung bei Entlastung. Dieses Phänomen wurde bei allen 31 normalen Versuchspersonen gefunden. Seine Reflexzeit und sein dem Sehnenreflex entsprechendes Verhalten erhärten die Berechtigung der von Hoffmann geprägten Bezeichnung Entlastungsreflex. Hypothesen über die neuroelektrischen Grundlagen dieses Reflexes scheinen verfrüht.Für die stets bereite Unterstützung bei dieser Arbeit bin ich Herrn Prof. Hoffmann zu großem Danke verpflichtet.     

Syngeneic bone marrow transplantation reduces the hearing loss associated with murine mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

MPS VII mice are deficient in beta-glucuronidase and share many clinical, biochemical, and pathologic characteristics with human mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII). We have shown that syngeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) prolongs survival and reduces lysosomal storage in many organs of the MPS VII mouse. In this report, we quantify the hearing loss and determine the impact of syngeneic BMT on the development of deafness and the associated pathology in the MPS VII mouse. Eleven weeks after syngeneic BMT performed at birth, treated MPS VII mice had normal auditory-evoked brainstem responses (ABR), whereas untreated MPS VII mice had ABR thresholds 43 dB higher than normal. Treated MPS VII mice had beta-glucuronidase-positive cells in the temporal bone and in the subepithelial connective tissue of the external auditory canal. There was less thickening of the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa and decreased distortion of the ossicles and the cochlear bone. Although transplanted MPS VII mice had increased ABR thresholds by 33 weeks of age, four of the six had thresholds 12 to 32 dB lower than untreated mutants. These data indicate that syngeneic BMT in newborn MPS VII mice prevents early hearing loss and, in some animals, results in long-term improved auditory function.     

Bony inlet stenosis as a cause of nasal airway obstruction

Two cases of congenital bony stenosis of the nasal piriform aperture (anterior nares) are presented. Both patients experienced episodes of respiratory distress and clinical symptoms similar to those seen in patients with posterior choanal atresia. The underlying anatomic abnormalities in congenital bony inlet stenosis are quite different from those in choanal atresia and require different surgical approaches for correction. Computed tomography demonstrates in detail the underlying anatomic abnormality and allows differentiation of bony inlet stenosis from choanal atresia.     

Clinicians' appraisal of sonography

The perceived efficacy of sonography in making diagnostic and management decisions in clinical practice was determined through a questionnaire survey of physicians who had recently referred patients to a university radiology department. Of 2,178 questionnaires sent, 1,611 were returned (74%). Sensitivity and specificity of sonography, corrected for verification bias, were 72% and 84%. Referring physicians considered the studies to be of value in arriving at the final diagnosis and in the clinical management of patients in approximately two-thirds of the cases. Results were considered of no value and misleading in 4% of the cases. Sonography was more accurate and was reported to be valuable by approximately 10% more physicians when a specific indication for an examination could be identified rather than when indications were vague and when sonographic findings were abnormal rather than normal (P less than .005). In general, sonography was of equal value to both specialists and nonspecialists. The results of this study suggest that sonography is, and is perceived by clinicians to be, an accurate and valuable clinical diagnostic modality.