Nucleotide levels in human and bovine lenses: a study on regional postmortem changes

Regional lens adenine nucleotide levels were determined in human and bovine lenses using sensitive HPLC techniques. In adult lenses of both species adenine nucleotide levels were highest in the anterior cortex (plus epithelium and capsule) followed by the posterior cortex (plus capsule) and lowest in the nucleus. With increasing lens age ATP level remained steady in the anterior cortex (plus epithelium and capsule) and nucleus, while those in the posterior cortex showed a tendency toward decrease. In both species, human as well as bovine, adenine nucleotide levels of the anterior cortex (plus epithelium and capsule) underwent early postmortem changes. Thus, immediate postmortem sampling as well as regional determinations are a must for detailed studies of lens nucleotide metabolism.     

Multiclefted nuclei. A helpful feature for identification of intermediate trophoblastic cells in uterine curetting specimens.

Intermediate trophoblast is a distinct form of trophoblast, the presence of which in uterine curettings is considered a reliable indicator of intrauterine pregnancy even in the absence of chorionic villi. However, the appearance of intermediate trophoblastic cells have not been described in sufficiently specific terms to permit their reliable identification, and distinction from decidual cells can be difficult. We have noticed for some time that the intermediate trophoblastic cells often show multiple deep clefts in the nuclei, and the present study was performed to address the issue of whether this nuclear feature is reliable for their identification. We reviewed 242 uterine curettings of intrauterine pregnancy, documented by the presence of chorionic villi, and were able to find a distinct population of cells with large, hyperchromatic, multiclefted nuclei scattered in the decidua in 88% of the cases. In most instances, these cells produced a characteristic variegated pattern that was readily recognizable at low magnification. Positive immunostaining for cytokeratin (CAM 5.2) in these isolated cells within the decidua confirmed their trophoblastic nature. In contrast, multiclefted nuclei were absent in the 51 negative control cases, which included decidualized endocervical polyps (40 cases), uterine curettings from patients with tubal pregnancy (10 cases), and endometriosis with decidual change (one case). We conclude that intermediate trophoblastic cells can usually be reliably identified in curettings of intrauterine pregnancy by their characteristic nuclear multiclefting.     

Plasmodium falciparum or P. malariae parasitemia in carriers of sickle cell trait in various Benin biotypes]

The prevalence of malaria and the frequency of gene S were surveyed in two different regions of Benin, savana and coastal lacustrine regions. In both regions, prevalence of malaria was not significantly different between Hb AA people and Hb AS people. Gene S prevalence was not modified by age, excepted for Hb SS which was not found in people upper than 25 years. In holoendemic area, i.e. lacustrine region, means of P. falciparum parasitaemia were significantly lower in Hb AS children than in Hb AA children. Sickle cell trait did not reduce the prevalence of malaria but seemed to decrease the level of parasitaemia.     

Production and characterization of highly specific anti-methotrexate monoclonal antibodies

Spleen cells of a Biozzi HR mouse immunized with a bovine serum albumin-methotrexate conjugate were fused with P3-X63-Ag8.653 mouse myeloma cells. Twenty-three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), selected by indirect ELISA, were produced and partially characterized. Using methotrexate (MTX) and eight structurally related compounds, binding specificities of the MAbs were assessed by inhibition enzyme immunoassay. All the MAbs had very low affinity for folic acid and its analogs and for the major MTX metabolite 7-hydroxymethotrexate. Using a computer cluster analysis program based on the binding specificities, the MAbs were divided into three groups. The thirteen MAbs in group I recognized primarily the pteridine portion of the MTX molecule; the eight group II MAbs recognized the benzene ring as well as the pteridine structure. The two MAbs in group III poorly distinguished between the different parts of the MTX molecule. The apparent equilibrium association constants of the anti-MTX MAbs in groups I, II, and III ranged from 7 x 10(9) to 3 x 10(8) M-1 (except for 1 MAb), from 5 x 10(7) to 6 x 10(6) M-1 (except for 2 MAbs), and from 1 x 10(6) to 3.5 x 10(5) M-1, respectively.     

A table of senile forms of cataract. Clinical picture, prognosis, biochemistry and etiology

The three important types of age-related senile cataract, namely deep supranuclear cortical cataract, superficial subcapsular cortical cataract (sometimes associated with secondary nuclear cataract), and primary nuclear cataract, are arranged in a table which may be used for quick reference with regard to clinical features - slit lamp findings, age at onset of opacification, rate of progression, and related biochemistry (e.g., ATP content, glutathione content, and the cation pump (K+ greater than Na+] - as well as etiological features. The significance of the table is illustrated on the basis of an important example from the literature ("Sunlight and Human Cataracts").     

Muco-cutaneous colonization and nosocomial infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumanii in intensive care patients

This study was designed to assess the frequency and risk factors for colonization with MRSA and A. baumanii in the intensive care unit, and to analyse the relationship between colonization and infection with MRSA or A. baumanii. During a 24-day survey period, colonization was studied weekly with nasal, throat and digit skin swabs; nosocomial infections were routinely monitored according to CDC recommendations. Clinical data and invasive procedures were registered during a one-year non-epidemic period; 103 ICU patients hospitalized for more than 7 days were prospectively included. We investigated acquired colonization and nosocomial infection with SAMR or A. baumanii for 87 patients not colonized by SAMR or A. baumanii on admission. The colonization acquisition rate was 56% for MRSA and 27% for A. baumanii. Infection incidence (cases per 1,000 patient-days) was 6.46 for MRSA and 1.61 for A. baumanii. On univariate analysis, acquired MRSA colonization was associated with longer ICU stays, longer mechanical ventilation and longer central venous catheterization. Multivariate analysis only showed an association with longer ICU stay. Acquired A. baumanii colonization was associated with SAPSII, longer mechanical ventilation, and longer central venous catheterization in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis only showed an association with SAPSII and longer mechanical ventilation. In this study, SAMR or A. baumanii infections were not associated with colonization or clinical setting or invasive procedures.     

Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection with different subtypes using rapid tests

We evaluated six rapid tests for their sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection using 241 specimens (172 HIV-1 positive, 69 HIV-1 negative) representing different HIV-1 subtypes (A [n = 40], B [n = 47], C [n = 28], E [n = 42], and F [n = 7]). HIVCHEK, Multispot, RTD and SeroStrip were 100% sensitive and specific. Capillus failed to identify two of eight subtype C specimens (overall sensitivity of 98. 85%), while the SUDS test (the only test approved by the Food and Drug Administration) gave false-positive results for 5 of 69 seronegative specimens (specificity of 93.24%). Our results suggest that although rapid tests perform well in general, it may be prudent to evaluate a rapid test for sensitivity and specificity in a local population prior to its widespread use.