The origins of the immunoglobulins in the mucous secretions of cattle

The predominating immunoglobulin in the mucous secretions of cattle appears to be IgG1. Radioactive tracer studies using ¹³¹I-labelled IgG1 and ¹²⁵I-labelled IgG2 suggest that the larger part of this immunoglobulin is not derived from the plasma but is locally synthesized. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that this immunoglobulin is produced by lymphoid cells which can be observed in the lamina propria and at the base of the villi in the mucosae of the gut and respiratory system. There appears to be some degree of selectivity of transport of IgG1 from the plasma compared with IgG2, although this varies with the tissues.     

Analysis of chromosome 1 microsatellite markers and the FHM2-ATP1A2 gene mutations in migraine pedigrees

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were: (i) to extend our linkage analysis of chromosome 1q microsatellite markers in predominantly migraine with aura pedigrees and (ii) to test the novel FHM-2 ATP1A2 gene for involvement in these migraine affected pedigrees and a previous pedigree (MF14) showing evidence of linkage of markers to C1q31.METHODS: A chromosome 1 scan (31 markers) was performed in 21 multiplex pedigrees affected predominantly with migraine with aura (MA). The known FHM-2 ATP1A2 gene mutations were tested, by sequencing, for the involvement in MA and migraine without aura (MO) in these pedigrees. Sequencing was performed in the coding areas of the ATP1A2 gene through three MA individuals from MF14.RESULTS: Evidence for linkage was obtained at C1q23 to markers spanning the ATP1A2 gene. However, testing of the known ATP1A2 gene mutations (for FHM) in common migraine probands of pedigrees showing excess allele sharing was negative. Sequencing of the entire coding areas of the gene through all the three MA affected from MF14 was also negative for mutations.DISCUSSION: Microsatellite markers on chromosome 1q23 show evidence of excess allele sharing in MA and some MO pedigrees, suggesting linkage to the common forms of migraine and the presence of a susceptibility gene in this region. The FHM-2 (ATP1A2 gene) does not seem to be involved in the common types of migraine. Despite certain clinical characteristics, the genetic correlation between FHM and familial typical migraine remains unclear. Several candidate genes lie within the C1q23 and C1q31 cytogenetic regions; therefore, further studies are needed.     

Investigation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene and cholesterol as a risk factor for migraine

The Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) gene is a cell surface receptor that plays an important role in cholesterol homeostasis. We investigated the (TA)n polymorphism in exon 18 of the LDLR gene on chromosome 19p13.2 performing an association analysis in 244 typical migraine-affected patients, 151 suffering from migraine with aura (MA), 96 with migraine without aura (MO) and 244 unaffected controls. The populations consisted of Caucasians only, and controls were age- and sex-matched. The results showed no significant difference between groups for allele frequency distributions of the (TA)n polymorphism even after separation of the migraine-affected individuals into subgroups of MA and MO affected patients. This is in contradiction to Mochi et al. who found a positive association of this variant with MO. Our study discusses possible differences between the two studies and extends this research by investigating circulating cholesterol levels in a migraine-affected population.     

Silicone rubber replacement of the severely fractured radial head

Ten patients, at an average of 3.4 years after Swanson silicone rubber radial head replacement following acute trauma, were evaluated for pain, motion, and grip strength. Three had excellent results, one had a fair result, and two had poor results. Three patients had arthritis at the distal radioulnar joint. The arthritis was correlated with a positive ulnar variance in the uninjured wrist. Degenerative arthritis at the elbow was present in 56% (five out of nine). Ulnar variance was increased significantly in the wrists on the injured side, compared with the opposite wrist and to a control group. A 20-kg grip stress radiograph analysis showed the silicone rubber prostheses to deform and wrist subluxation to occur. A biomechanical study of six human cadaver upper extremities indicated that the flexible implants transferred minimal forces across the radiocapitellar joint. A radial head replacement with a modulus of elasticity similar to bone showed a more physiologic loading at the elbow. Both the clinical and biomechanical studies indicated that the silicone rubber prostheses is unable to transmit physiologic forces from the proximal radius to the capitellum. A less flexible radial head prosthesis should provide more normal physiologic stresses and may lead to improved clinical results.     

Immunocytochemical localization of the immunoglobulin factors Gm(a), Gm(b) and Inv(a) in human lymphoid tissue

Fluorescent antibodies to the human immunoglobulin allelic characters Gm(a) and Gm(b) were found to be localized in different plasma cells in the red pulp of the spleen and the medullary cords of the lymph nodes of heterozygous Gm(a⁺ b⁺) individuals. Approximately 45 per cent of the cells, which were subsequently shown to contain immunoglobulin after bleaching the section and restaining with fluorescent anti-whole human immunoglobulin, reacted with the fluorescent anti-Gm(a), 25 per cent with the fluorescent anti-Gm(b) and 30 per cent did not react at all. Sections already labelled with the fluorescein anti-Gm(a) and rhodamine anti-Gm(b) upon staining with fluorescein anti-Inv(a) showed approximately 60 per cent of all cells with mixed fluorescence and 25 per cent previously unlabelled cells fluorescing with the Inv(a) label only. In Gm(a⁺ b⁺ x⁺) individuals Gm(a) and Gm(x) seemed to be localized in the same plasma cells. However, in the germinal centres of the lymph nodes and the white pulp of the spleen Gm(a), Gm(b) and Inv(a) appeared to be contained in the same cells.     

Association analysis of a highly polymorphic CAG Repeat in the human potassium channel gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">KCNN3</Emphasis> and migraine susceptibility

Background  

Migraine is a polygenic multifactorial disease, possessing environmental and genetic causative factors with multiple involved genes. Mutations in various ion channel genes are responsible for a number of neurological disorders. KCNN3 is a neuronal small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel gene that contains two polyglutamine tracts, encoded by polymorphic CAG repeats in the gene. This gene plays a critical role in determining the firing pattern of neurons and acts to regulate intracellular calcium channels.     

Use of Smartphone Applications for Diabetes Management in Kuwait: A Pilot Study

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dasman Diabetes Institute (Kuwait) to investigate the attitudes to smartphone diabetes-related applications used by diabetic patients. In total, 111 patients aged 59.0?±?9.0?years completed the questionnaires. Most of the respondents were Kuwaiti (83%), with type 2 diabetes (79%) and had had diabetes for more than five years (93%). Although most respondents owned a smartphone (94%), only 12% were using diabetes-related applications. Barriers included unawareness, language, losing interest, lack of time and complicated use. Medical appointment reminder was an important desired feature. Designing apps in the Arabic-language with easy to use features is recommended.     

Prognosis of multi-lobar pneumonia in community-acquired pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPneumonia is the leading cause of infection related mortality. Multilobar pneumonia (MLP) may have poorer outcomes and is a constituent of some prognostic indices. Our aim was to systematically-review and meta-analyse the impact of multi-lobar involvement in pneumonia.MethodsWe searched PubMed in June 2012 for studies reporting on the association between MLP and clinical outcomes. Potentially relevant studies were cross checked by two independent reviewers before final inclusion. Odds-ratios (OR) for the association between MLP and mortality, unfavourable outcomes, and poor treatment response were pooled using random effects meta-analysis.ResultsTwenty-two studies were included in this report. There were a total of 11,456 pneumonia patients including 2897 (25.3%) patients with MLP. As there was substantial clinical and statistical heterogeneity in the overall dataset, we limited the main meta-analysis to patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This showed that MLP was associated with increased mortality, OR 2.57 (95% CI: 1.83–3.61), with no statistical heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Evidence from other settings suggests that MLP may also be associated with higher likelihood of other poor outcomes such as worsening clinical/radiological status, delayed resolution, and need for mechanical ventilation.ConclusionMLP appears to be an independent risk factor for mortality in CAP. It may be possible to improve commonly used prognostic indices in CAP by addition of MLP as a criterion.     

An automatic multiple column apparatus for analytical zone electrophoresis

A multiple column analytical zone electrophoresis apparatus is described. Twelve columns 0·7×15 cm packed with acetylated cellulose powder are arranged radially around 2 circular electrode vessels. The columns are isolated from the vessels by semi-permeable plugs. At the end of the run of the columns are discharged in sequence through an ultraviolet photometer by means of an automatically operated rotary cock. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an automatic integrating and printing mechanism.