Molecular analysis of the short arm of chromosome 3 in small-cell and non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung

Previous studies have suggested that the loss of DNA sequences on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) is associated with small-cell lung carcinoma. We therefore looked for loss of 3p alleles in tumor tissue from 42 patients with either small-cell or non-small-cell lung carcinoma. All 13 patients with small-cell lung carcinoma who were heterozygous for one or more alleles at 3p in normal tissue had the loss of at least one codominant allele in the tumor tissue. Cell lines of small-cell lung carcinoma from an additional eight patients were homozygous for 3p alleles; this result was significantly different from the predicted frequency of homozygosity. The tumor tissue studied included cell lines of small-cell lung carcinoma obtained from biopsy specimens, an autopsy sample, and an excised lymph node containing tumor cells. Loss of alleles at 3p was observed in tumor samples obtained before and after chemotherapy. Four of 15 evaluable patients with non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung had loss of 3p alleles. We conclude that loss of alleles at 3p is a change found consistently in small-cell lung carcinoma and occasionally in non-small-cell lung carcinoma.     

Morphologic and Functional Characteristics of Long-Term Cultures of Murine Myeloma Cells

Although permeation of capillary endothelia by horseradish peroxidase has been related to the presence of narrow channels between cells, junctions between endothelial cells in the aorta contain extensive regions that are occluded by apposition or fusion of the adjacent plasma membranes. Despite this, intravenously infused horseradish peroxidase rapidly appears within both the endothelial cell junctions and the microvesicles and caveoli. This suggests that the enzyme may arrive in the junctional space by some route other than passage between the endothelial cells. One possibility is vesicular transport from the lumen to the junctional cell surface. Alternatively, the occluded regions may represent only a partial permeability barrier, which either incompletely surrounds each cell in the manner of the maculae occludentes of epithelia, or leaves passages open between some cells while completely closing the perimeter of others. The aortic intima also differs from other vessel linings in having a reticular form of basement membrane. The structural role of this reticulum in supporting the endothelium remains undetermined as does its effect on premeability of the intima.     

Expression of a gene encoding the major antigenic protein 2 homolog of ehrlichia chaffeensis and potential application for serodiagnosis

The major antigenic protein 2 (MAP2) homolog of Ehrlichia chaffeensis was cloned and expressed. The recombinant protein was characterized and tested in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format for potential application in the serodiagnosis of human monocytic ehrlichiosis. The recombinant protein, which contained a C-terminal polyhistidine tag, had a molecular mass of approximately 26 kDa. The antigen was clearly identified by Western immunoblotting using antihistidine antibody. However, immune sera failed to react with the recombinant on immunoblots when the antigen was denatured by heat or reduced using beta-mercaptoethanol. The recombinant MAP2 (rMAP2) was used in an ELISA format with 60 blinded serum samples. Twenty of the serum samples were previously demonstrated to contain antibodies reactive with E. chaffeensis by indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs). The remaining 40 samples were seronegative. All samples negative by IFA were also found to be negative for antibodies against the rMAP2 of E. chaffeensis by using the ELISA. Only 1 of 20 IFA-positive samples tested negative in the rMAP2 ELISA. There was 100% agreement using IFA-negative samples and 95% agreement using IFA-positive samples, resulting in a 97.5% overall agreement between the two assays. These data suggest that the rMAP2 homolog of E. chaffeensis may have potential as a test antigen for the serodiagnosis of human monocytic ehrlichiosis. To our knowledge, this recombinant is unique because it is thus far the only E. chaffeensis recombinant antigen that has been shown to work in an ELISA format.     

Multi-Nutrient Fortified Dairy-Based Drink Reduces Anaemia without Observed Adverse Effects on Gut Microbiota in Anaemic Malnourished Nigerian Toddlers: A Randomised Dose–Response Study

Prevalence of anaemia among Nigerian toddlers is reported to be high, and may cause significant morbidity, affects brain development and function, and results in weakness and fatigue. Although, iron fortification can reduce anaemia, yet the effect on gut microbiota is unclear. This open-label randomised study in anaemic malnourished Nigerian toddlers aimed to decrease anaemia without affecting pathogenic gut bacteria using a multi-nutrient fortified dairy-based drink. The test product was provided daily in different amounts (200, 400 or 600 mL, supplying 2.24, 4.48 and 6.72 mg of elemental iron, respectively) for 6 months. Haemoglobin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured to determine anaemia, iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) prevalence. Faecal samples were collected to analyse gut microbiota composition. All three dosages reduced anaemia prevalence, to 47%, 27% and 18%, respectively. ID and IDA prevalence was low and did not significantly decrease over time. Regarding gut microbiota, Enterobacteriaceae decreased over time without differences between groups, whereas Bifidobacteriaceae and pathogenic E. coli were not affected. In conclusion, the multi-nutrient fortified dairy-based drink reduced anaemia in a dose-dependent way, without stimulating intestinal potential pathogenic bacteria, and thus appears to be safe and effective in treating anaemia in Nigerian toddlers.     

The status of indocyanine-green videoangiography

The use of indocyanine-green videoangiography as an adjunctive technique to fluorescein angiography in the diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization has recently gained widespread attention. In January 1993, the first international symposium on indocyanine-green angiography was sponsored by the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. Approximately 300 retina specialists from all over the world convened at this meeting. Our current knowledge of indocyanine-green videoangiography is reviewed.     

Modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte responsiveness by copper (II)2 (niflumate)4

Antiinflammatory activities and modulations of PMNL responses produced by treatment with tetrakis--2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl] aminonicotinatodicopper (II) [Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄] and niflumic acid were studied in isologous serum-induced rat pleurisy. Doses of 10 or 30 mg/kg (35 or 106 µmol/kg) of niflumic acid or Cu(II)₂ (niflumate)₄ (8 or 23 µmol/kg) caused significant (p < 0.01) reductions in pleural exudate and number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) in the exudate. While both doses of Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ produced significant dose-related reductions in both parameters, only the higher dose of niflumic acid produced a significant dose-related reduction in both parameters. Boyden chamber measurements of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-MLP) chemotaxis by PMNLs incubated with 10 or 30 µg/ml niflumic acid (35 or 106 nmol/ml) or Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ (8 or 23 nmol/ml) were significantly (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) decreased in dose-related fashions. Chemotaxis of PMNLs from pleuritic rats treated orally with 10 or 30 mg/kg niflumic acid or Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ was significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited by the larger dose of niflumic acid and both doses of Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄. Opsonized zymosan (OZ)-stimulated chemiluminescence (CL) of PMNLs from pleuritic rats treated orally with these same doses of niflumic acid or Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ was only significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 respectively) decreased by the larger doses. Superoxide (O ₂ ^- ) production by these cells was significantly decreased by the larger dose of niflumic acid (p < 0.05) while both doses of Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ produced significant (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) decreases. Recovery of the decreased PMNL response in burned rats was also studied following treatment with these two compounds. Oral treatment of non-burned rats with 1 mg/kg niflumic acid (4 µmol/kg) or Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ (1 µmol/kg) did not affect OZ-stimulated O ₂ ^- production while decreased O ₂ ^- production in non-treated scald-burned rats was reversed by oral treatment with either niflumic acid or Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄. It is concluded that Cu(II)₂(niflumate)₄ is a more effective antiinflammatory agent than niflumic acid and more effective modulation of PMNL responsiveness may explain its beneficial antipleuritic and burn-injury recovery effects. Formation of the copper complex of niflumic acidin vivo may also account for its beneficial antiinflammatory effects and recovery of depressed PMNL responsiveness in burned rats.     

Indocyanine-green angiography

Indocyanine-green angiography represents a major advance in imaging of the choroidal circulation. Recent technical innovations have permitted this diagnostic technique to find clinical application in many chorioretinal conditions. The indocyanine-green molecule has proven to be safe for human study. In age-related macular degeneration, indocyanine-green angiography may play an important role in the diagnosis of patients with occult choroidal neovascularization, leading to eventual increased efficacy with laser photocoagulation treatment. Histopathologic confirmation of a lesion noted by ICG angiography has been made. In multiple inflammatory conditions, as well as with central serous chorioretinopathy, distinct ICG patterns have emerged that may facilitate better understanding of the disease processes. With greater experience, ICG angiography may provide improved imaging, a better understanding of the pathogenesis, and new treatment approaches for various chorioretinal conditions.     

Mortality among young immigrants to California: injury compared to disease deaths

According to a variety of indicators, immigrants are in better health than the U.S.-born population. Little research, however, has investigated foreign- and U.S.-born differentials in mortality. We investigated adolescent and young adult immigrants' risk of death due to disease and injury, the leading cause of death of young persons in the United States. The death certificates of 15- to 34-year-old California residents who died from 1989 through 1993 comprised the study population. Disease and injury deaths were identified using ICD-9 codes on the California Master Mortality data files. Frequencies and gender-standardized rates and risk ratios were calculated by nativity (U.S., non-U.S.) and by ethnicity and nativity. Immigrants are represented appropriately in unintentional injury deaths but underrepresented in suicides and overrepresented in homicides among 15- to 34-year-old California residents. Hispanics appear to account for the foreign- and U.S.-born differences in suicide and homicide. By contrast, immigrants constitute a lower proportion of disease deaths than expected. Empirical data about health risks to immigrants are needed to develop informed policy. These data indicate that young immigrants, at least in terms of mortality, do not constitute a burden in that they are at lower or similar risk of death than U.S.-born youth. Homicide is the sole exception to this pattern.