Extensor digitorum brevis manus: A case of fourth-compartment syndrome

The presence of an extensor digitorum brevis manus represents a variation of the normal anatomy of the fourth extensor compartment of the wrist. It usually presents as a swelling on the dorsum of the wrist and is often inaccurately diagnosed. An awareness of its existence and of its characteristic appearance on diagnostic imaging studies is the basis for diagnosis. Symptomatic cases require division of the extensor retinaculum or excision of the muscle, depending on subtype, while asymptomatic cases require no intervention.     

Multiple serotonergic brainstem abnormalities in sudden infant death syndrome

Context  The serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) neurons in the medulla oblongata project extensively to autonomic and respiratory nuclei in the brainstem and spinal cord and help regulate homeostatic function. Previously, abnormalities in 5-HT receptor binding in the medullae of infants dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were identified, suggesting that medullary 5-HT dysfunction may be responsible for a subset of SIDS cases. Objective  To investigate cellular defects associated with altered 5-HT receptor binding in the 5-HT pathways of the medulla in SIDS cases. Design, Setting, and Participants  Frozen medullae from infants dying from SIDS (cases) or from causes other than SIDS (controls) were obtained from the San Diego Medical Examiner's office between 1997 and 2005. Markers of 5-HT function were compared between SIDS cases and controls, adjusted for postconceptional age and postmortem interval. The number of samples available for each analysis ranged from 16 to 31 for SIDS cases and 6 to 10 for controls. An exploratory analysis of the correlation between markers and 6 recognized risk factors for SIDS was performed. Main Outcome Measures  5-HT neuron count and density, 5-HT_1A receptor binding density, and 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) binding density in the medullary 5-HT system; correlation between these markers and 6 recognized risk factors for SIDS. Results  Compared with controls, SIDS cases had a significantly higher 5-HT neuron count (mean [SD], 148.04 [51.96] vs 72.56 [52.36] cells, respectively; P<.001) and 5-HT neuron density (P<.001), as well as a significantly lower density of 5-HT_1A receptor binding sites (P.01 for all 9 nuclei) in regions of the medulla involved in homeostatic function. The ratio of 5-HTT binding density to 5-HT neuron count in the medulla was significantly lower in SIDS cases compared with controls (mean [SD], 0.70 [0.33] vs 1.93 [1.25] fmol/mg, respectively; P = .001). Male SIDS cases had significantly lower 5-HT_1A binding density in the raphé obscurus compared with female cases (mean [SD], 16.2 [2.0] vs 29.6 [16.5] fmol/mg, respectively; P = .04) or with male and female controls combined (mean [SD], 53.9 [19.8] fmol/mg; P = .005). No association was found between 5-HT neuron count or density, 5-HT_1A receptor binding density, or 5-HTT receptor binding density and other risk factors. Conclusions  Medullary 5-HT pathology in SIDS is more extensive than previously delineated, potentially including abnormal 5-HT neuron firing, synthesis, release, and clearance. This study also provides preliminary neurochemical evidence that may help explain the increased vulnerability of boys to SIDS.      

Phosphorylation of platelet actin-binding protein during platelet activation

In this study we have followed the 32P-labeling of actin-binding protein as a function of platelet activation. Utilizing polyacrylamide- sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis to resolve total platelet protein samples, we found 2--3-fold labeling increases in actin-binding protein 30--60 sec after thrombin stimulation. Somewhat larger increases were observed for 40,000 and 20,000 apparent molecular weight peptides. The actin-binding protein was identified on the gels by coelectrophoresis with purified actin-binding protein, its presence in cytoskeletal cores prepared by detergent extraction of activated 32P- labeled platelets, and by direct immunoprecipitation with antibodies against guinea pig vas deferens filamin (actin-binding protein). In addition, these cytoskeletal cores indicated that the 32P-labeled actin- binding protein was closely associated with the activated platelet's cytoskeleton. Following the 32P-labeling of actin-binding protein over an 8-min time course revealed that in aggregating platelet samples rapid dephosphorylation to almost initial levels occurred between 3 and 5 min. A similar curve was obtained for the 20,000 apparent molecular weight peptide. However, rapid dephosphorylation was not observed if platelet aggregation was prevented by chelating external calcium or by using thrombasthenic platelets lacking the aggregation response. Thus, cell-cell contact would seem to be crucial in initiating the rapid dephosphorylation response.     

Escherichia coli carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase: domains of glutaminase and synthetase subunit interaction.

Three catalytic domains of the Escherichia coli carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase (EC 6.3.5.5) have been identified in previous studies. These include the glutamine amide-N transfer domain in the carboxyl-terminal half of the glutaminase component and at least two adenine nucleotide binding sites in the synthetase component. To delineate the domains involved in subunit interactions, we have examined the effects of deletions and point mutations in the glutaminase and synthetase subunits on formation of the alpha beta holoenzyme. Deletion of the amino-terminal third of the glutaminase subunit abolishes interactions with the synthetase subunit, suggesting that this domain functions to stabilize the complex. Two subunit binding domains have been identified in the synthetase subunit. They are homologous to one another and are located in the amino-terminal and central regions of the synthetase component. These domains are adjacent to regions of the synthetase previously proposed to be involved in ATP binding and, possibly, activation of CO2. The new data enlarge the definition of the structural and functional domains in the two interdependent components of carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase.     

Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in East European countries

The present guidelines aim to provide comprehensive information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in East European countries. These recommendations contain important information for laboratory staff working with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or STI-related issues. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country.