Protein structural homology: a metric approach

The flexibility of the polypeptide fold of proteins is essentially due to the rotational freedom about the main chain bonds involving C_α atoms. The polypeptide fold can therefore be represented by virtual bonds joining consecutive C_α atoms. The ordered sequence of virtual torsion and bond angles involving these bonds can be used to specify the fold. Such representations can then be compared to reveal structural similarities using the Needleman & Wünsch algorithm, which has been developed for comparison of amino acid sequences. Such an approach is presented and illustrated with examples. The method is suitable for detecting structural similarities that extend over 7 or more residues.     

Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis, by Assay of Immuno-Reactive Trypsin in a Newborn Infant with Jejuno-lleal Atresias

ABSTRACT. A newborn infant with ante-natally ultrasonically diagnosed small bowel obstruction was found to have two isolated jejunal atresias at laparotomy. Assay of immuno-reactive trypsin enabled an early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to be made, later confirmed by an elevated sweat sodium.     

Inhibition of Carcinogen Induced Activity of γ-glutamyl Transpeptidase by Certain Dietary Constituents in Mouse Skin

INTR0DUCTIONCancerchem0preventi0nisadesirableandimP0rtantfacet0fbiomedicalresearchwhichinadditiont0provideapracticalapproachtoidentifyp0tentiallyusefulinhibitorsofcancerdevel0pment,andalsooffersanopPOr-tunitytostudythemechanism0fcarcin0genesis(Wat-tenberg,l992).DuringtherecentpastanuInber0fc0mpoundsespeciallyc0nstituentsofourdiet,havebeentestedf0rtheiranticarcinogenicP0tential.Manychem0theraPeutica-gentsareproductsofbacterialorfungalmetab0lism(AszalosandBerdy,l98l).Higherplants,however…     

The Fragile-X syndrome in twin sisters

ABSTRACT. Two mentally handicapped dizygotic twin sisters were found to possess the Fragile-X lesion. They showed different levels of cognitive deficit. The hypothesis that the level of cognitive function in female carriers of the Fragile-X lesion may be influenced by Lyonization is discussed. The mother of the twins was schizophrenic. Although she was an obligate carrier her psychosis was thought not to be causally connected with the Fragile-X status.     

Midazolam as a sole sedative for computed tomography imaging in pediatric patients

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of i.v. midazolam as a sole agent for sedation in children for computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and Methods: Prospective clinical trial in which 516 children under ASA classification II–IV (273 boys and 243 girls) in the age group of 6 months to 6 years for elective CT scan were enrolled over a 17‐month period. Patients were administered i.v. midazolam 0.2 mg·kg^?1 and further boluses of 0.1 mg·kg^?1 (total 0.5 mg·kg^?1) if required. Measurements included induction time, efficacy, side effects, complications, and degree of sedation. Sedation was graded on the basis of Ramsay sedation score (RSS) as over sedated (RSS 5–6), adequately sedated (AS, RSS 3–4), under sedated (RSS 1–2), or failed if the procedure could not be completed or another agent had to be administered. Results: Of the 516 procedures, 483 brains, 16 chests, and 17 abdomens were scanned with a mean duration of 4.75 ± 1.75 min with a mean dose of 0.212 mg·kg^?1 of i.v. midazolam. Four hundred and sixty‐five (90.12%) patients were AS in 5.9 ± 0.7 min while 40 (7.75%) patients required additional boluses. Of these 40 patients, 24 (4.65%) required a single bolus, 12 (2.32%) required two boluses, whereas the remaining four (0.78%) required three boluses. In 11 (2.13%; P < 0.0001) patients, the scan could not be completed satisfactorily. Side effects were seen in 46 (9.11%) patients in the form of desaturation, hiccups (seven patients, 1.38%), and agitation (four patients, 0.79%). Desaturation (SpO₂ 90–95%) was seen in 35 (6.93%) patients, which was corrected by topical application of oxygen. None of the patients exhibited any complications such as pulmonary aspiration or need to maintain airway. The patients were kept under observation for 1 h after the procedure. Conclusion: The level of sedation achieved in children with midazolam 0.2 mg·kg^?1 is adequate for imaging with minimal side effects, no airway complications, and fast recovery. It can be recommended as the sole agent for sedation in pediatric patients for CT imaging.