Role of five platelet membrane glycoprotein polymorphisms in branch retinal vein occlusion.

To determine whether polymorphisms of platelet surface glycoprotein associated with arterial thrombosis are risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion. A case-control study in which 69 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion and 147 controls who attended the eye clinic for nonvascular complications participated. DNA was extracted from whole blood and analyzed for genotyping of platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms by polymerase chain reactions and specific restricted enzymes. No relationship was found between the four platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms i.e. GPIa C807T, VNTR and Kozak of glycoprotein Ibalpha, the HPA-1 of glycoprotein IIIa and the occurrence of branch retinal vein occlusion. The HPA-2 polymorphism was found in 18 out 60 (30%) patients with branch retinal vein occlusion in comparison with 27 out 142 (19%) of controls, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-3.65). The four platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms are not risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion and therefore it seems unnecessary to screen those patients for it. A larger study is required, however, to determine whether HPA-2 is a novel risk factor for branch retinal vein occlusion.     

Searching for the Favorable Donor Site for Fat Injection: In Vivo Study Using the Nude Mice Model

BACKGROUND: The use of suctioned fat grafts for correction of soft tissue defects is a widespread procedure in esthetic and reconstructive surgery. The main disadvantage of this simple and sensible procedure is the unpredictable absorption rate of the fat graft. A lot of research has been performed aiming for enhancement of the take of the fat grafts. OBJECTIVE: Our study was performed to find if there is any favorable donor site for fat harvesting. METHODS: This in vivo experiment using the nude mice model enables the study of the long-term survival of human fat in an animal model. The fat was harvested from three donor areas: the thigh, abdomen, and breast of a 48-year-old woman who came for an elective esthetic procedure. After centrifugation, 1 cc of fat was injected subcutaneously into the scalp of the nude mouse. There were 15 mice in each of the three groups, according to the selected donor sites. The animals were sacrificed 16 weeks after the procedure. The extracted fat was evaluated in terms of weight, volume, and six histologic parameters: integrity, vascularization, cyst formation, fibrosis, necrosis, and inflammation. RESULTS: This study could not find any statistically significant differences between the three investigated donor sites in the evaluated parameters. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this study, there is no favorable area for harvesting fat grafts. The donor site can be chosen according to the preference of the surgeon and the patient.     

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with polycystic ovaries with and without hyperandrogenism

BACKGROUND: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is expressed in pre- and small-antral follicles. High serum levels are found in women with polycystic ovaries (PCO), accordant with their increased content of small follicles. To evaluate the relationship between AMH, folliculogenesis and hyperandrogenism, we compared serum AMH levels between women with PCO with and without hyperandrogenism and normal controls during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). METHODS: Nineteen women with PCO and hyperandrogenism (group A), 10 women with PCO but no hyperandrogenism (group B) and 23 ovulatory women with normal ovarian morphology (group C, controls) underwent COH with the long protocol. Serum levels of AMH, estradiol, androstenedione and follicular tracking were determined before gonadotropins treatment (day 0) and every 2-4 days up to the day of HCG administration. RESULTS: AMH levels declined gradually throughout COH in the three groups, but remained higher in groups A and B compared with the controls. Significantly higher levels were found in group A compared with group B, despite comparable numbers of small follicles. Multiple regression analysis revealed that both the number of small follicles and serum androgens were correlated to AMH. CONCLUSIONS: Women with PCO have higher serum AMH levels during COH than controls. Hyperandrogenism is associated with an additional increase in AMH. It is conceivable that hyperandrogenism may reflect more severe disruption of folliculogenesis in women with PCO or may affect AMH secretion.     

Effect of leukocyte hydrolases on bacteria

The bactericidal and bacteriolytic effects of lysolecithin (LL) and egg-white lysozyme (LYZ) on Staph. aureus and group A streptococci and the solubilization of phospholipids from the bacterial membranes by these agents was studied. Low concentrations of lysolecithin (1--10 microgrames/ml) are highly bactericidal for Steph. aureus and group A streptococci, but induce neither bacteriolysis nor solubilization of a substantial amount of membrane phospholipids. On the other hand, while LL at greater than 50 micrograms/ml causes substantial lipid release, a combination of LL and LYZ is absolutely needed to solubilize lipids from streptococci. This combination is, however, not bacteriolytic for this microrganism. The solubilization of lipids from staphylococci by LL is much faster than that induced in streptococci by LL + LYZ. The solubilization of the bulk of membrane lipids from staphylococci can also be achieved by Triton X-100 and by sodium lauryl sulfate and from group A streptococci by Triton X-100 plus LYZ. A variety of other detergents (e.g., Cetavlon, sodium taurocholate, cetyl pyrdinium chloride) have no lipid-releasing properties even in the presence of LYZ. The release of lipids by LYZ (in the presence of LL) from group A streptococci is related to its enzymatic activity, on a still unknown substrate, but not to its cationic nature as this muramidase cannot be replaced by a variety of cation substances (histone, polylysin, leukocyte cationic proteins, polymyxin B, and spermidine). The release of lipids from staphylococci by LL is not inhibited by a variety of anionic and cationic polyelectrocytes (heparin, liquoid, chondroitin sulfate, DNA histone, and polylysine) which markedly inhibit the release of lipids from group A streptococci by LL and LYZ. Streptococci that had been cultivated in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of penicillin G lose their membrane phospholipids to a larger extent and by much smaller concentrations of LL and LYZ, as compared to controls, suggesting that the interference with the synthesis of the peptidoglycan increases the accessibility of the cell membrane to the lipid-releasing agents. The mechanism by which LL collaborates with LYZ in lipid release is still not known. The possible role of bacterial lipids and lyso compounds in the control of bacterial survival in inflammatory sites is briefly discussed.     

Superconnections and internal supersymmetry dynamics

In previous papers we proposed a theory of internal supersymmetry using the superalgebra su(n/1) to give rise to a unified structure that included quarks and leptons in 2n-5 generations. In the present paper we suggest that the notion of superconnections as introduced by Quillen provides a natural setting for the dynamics of an internally supersymmetric theory with the Higgs field occurring as the "zero-th order part" of the superconnection. The Higgs mechanism enters quadratically into the curvature of the superconnection and hence quartically into the Lagrangian. The supercovariant derivative gives a coupling of the Higgs field to the matter field similar to that put in "by hand" in the Lagrangian of the Weinberg-Salam theory.     

Nutrient Intake following Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or Gastric Bypass

Background: This study explored eating habits, nutrient intake, and blood vitamin and mineral levels to determine whether severely obese subjects (BMI 40-50 kg m⁻²) post-vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or gastric bypass Roux-en-Y (GBR) are at risk of developing compounded under-nutrition. Methods: A dietary follow-up of 36 VBG and 19 GBR was maintained for 18 months via 7-day food intake diaries and 24-h recalls. Food intake was analysed for energy and nutrient composition and for its relative amount to recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Results: Weight loss was greatest during the first 6 months, continued at a slower rate for the next 6 months, nearly ceasing thereafter. The results following GBR were not substantially different from those following VBG 18 months postoperatively. The median weight loss at 1 year postoperatively was 48, 46, 48 and 36 kg; expressed as residual excess body weight: 0.2, 16, 13 and 22% for GBR Men, Women, VBG Men, Women, respectively. According to the classification proposed by Reinhold, all subjects achieved excellent treatment outcomes 18 months postoperatively. Despite the relatively low reported energy intake (20-50% below RDA), no correlation was found between rate of weight loss and energy intake at 6 months postoperatively. The intake of most vitamins and minerals was below 50% of RDA during the 18 months follow-up. The increase in energy intake did not improve the level of the nonenergy-contributing nutrients. Compliance to multivitamin and mineral supplement intake deteriorated with time. Conclusion: The low to within-normal range of blood vitamin and mineral levels 12 months postoperatively suggests the slow development of subclinical nutritional deficiency which could jeopardize the subjects' long-term health status.     

The product of gene P of coliphage λ

The product of gene P of phage λ was identified. The P protein has an apparent molecular weight of 23,000 as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The phage λimmP22c2ts 30 which carries gene 12 of phage P22 in place of the λ P gene, is unable to synthesize the 23,000-molecular weight protein band. This phage synthesizes a protein of molecular weight 50,000.     

Acute renal embolism. Forty-four cases of renal infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation

Acute renal embolus is rarely reported in the medical literature; thus, accurate data regarding presentation, laboratory tests, diagnostic techniques, and treatment are lacking. To better define this condition, we examined the medical records of all patients admitted to Kaplan Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center in central Israel from 1984 to 2002 who had a diagnosis of renal infarction and atrial fibrillation. We noted demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters; method of diagnosis; treatment received; and patient outcome. We identified 44 cases of renal embolus: 23 females and 21 males, with an average age of 69.5 +/- 12.6 years. Thirty (68%) patients had abdominal pain, and 6 (14%) had a previous embolic event. Nine patients were being treated with warfarin on admission, 6 (66%) of whom had an international normalized ratio (INR) < 1.8. Hematuria was present in 21/39 (54%), and 41 (93%) patients had a serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level > 400 U/dL. The mean LDH was 1100 +/- 985 U/dL. Diagnostic techniques included renal isotope scan, which was abnormal in 36/37 cases (97%); contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, which was diagnostic in 12/15 cases (80%); and ultrasound, which was positive in only 3/27 cases (11%). Angiography was positive in 10/10 cases (100%). Twenty-three (61%) of 38 patients had normal renal function on follow-up. The 30-day mortality was 11.4%. Renal embolus was diagnosed mainly in patients aged more than 60 years, some of whom had a previous embolic event. Most of those receiving anticoagulant therapy had a subtherapeutic INR. Abdominal pain was common, as well as hematuria and an elevated LDH. These patients are at risk of subsequent embolic events to other organs. The most sensitive diagnostic technique in this population is a renal isotope scan, but contrast-enhanced CT scan requires further assessment.     

The contribution of genotypes at the MEFV and SAA1 loci to amyloidosis and disease severity in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

OBJECTIVE: The clinical profile in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), including its major manifestation, amyloidosis, is influenced by MEFV allelic heterogeneity and other genetic and/or environmental factors. In this study, we analyzed the contribution of genotypes at the MEFV and SAA1 loci to disease severity and to the development of amyloidosis, and further defined the factors affecting the clinical profile of FMF. METHODS: We investigated a sample of 277 FMF patients (154 men and 123 women), including 62 patients with nephropathic amyloidosis, in whom both FMF alleles had been identified. A detailed chart review, interview, and physical examination were undertaken to determine the patients' demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical manifestations, and treatment. The disease severity score was calculated from the Tel-Hashomer key. Genotypes at the SAA1 locus (isoforms alpha, beta, and gamma) were determined in all patients. The SAA1 13C/T polymorphism of the SAA1 promotor was analyzed in a subset of cases. RESULTS: The male:female ratio (154:123, or 1.3) was higher among patients with amyloidosis (40:22, or 1.8) compared with patients without amyloidosis (114:101, or 1.1). Logistic regression analysis showed that homozygosity for the M694V allele (odds ratio [OR] 4.27, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.01-9.07), the presence of the SAAalpha/alpha genotype (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.47-6.09), the occurrence of arthritis attacks (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.17-5.06), and male sex (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.90-3.33) were significantly and independently associated with renal amyloidosis. Disease severity was mainly influenced by MEFV mutations and was not associated with genotypes at the SAA1 locus. The SAA1 13T allele was rare, being associated mainly with the SAA gamma isoform, and not related to renal amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: Overall, disease severity and the development of amyloidosis in FMF are differentially affected by genetic variations within and outside the MEFV gene.