T cells specific for alpha-beta interface regions of hemoglobin recognize the isolated subunit but not the tetramer and indicate presentation without processing.

Processing of a protein antigen into fragments is believed to be a prerequisite for its presentation by the antigen-presenting cell to the T cell. This model would predict that, in oligomeric proteins, T cells prepared with specificity for regions that are buried within subunit association surfaces should recognize the respective regions in vitro equally well on the isolated subunit or on the oligomer. Three hemoglobin (Hb) alpha-chain synthetic peptides, corresponding to areas that are situated either completely [alpha-(31-45)] or partially [alpha-(41-45) and alpha-(81-95)] within the interface between the alpha and beta subunits of Hb, and a fourth peptide representing a completely exposed area in tetrameric Hb were used as immunogens in SJL/J (H-2s) mice. Peptide-primed T cells were passaged in vitro with the respective peptide to obtain peptide-specific T-lymphocyte lines. T-cell clones were isolated from these lines by limiting dilution. T-cell lines and clones that were specific for buried regions in the subunit association surfaces recognized the free peptide and the isolated subunit but not the Hb tetramer. On the other hand, T cells with specificity against regions that are not involved in subunit interaction and are completely exposed in the tetramer recognized the peptide, the isolated subunit, and the oligomeric protein equally well. The responses of the T-cell lines and clones were major histocompatibility complex-restricted. Since the same x-irradiated antigen-presenting cells were employed, the results could not be attributed to differences or defects in Hb processing. The findings indicate that in vitro the native (unprocessed and undissociated) oligomeric protein was the trigger of major histocompatibility complex-restricted T-cell responses.     

Human parotid proline-rich proteins: correlation of genetic polymorphisms to dental caries

Parotid saliva contains a variety of proline-rich proteins. This study found that, among 306 children between the ages of 5 to 15 years, there is a significant increase in the decayed-missing-filled tooth surface (DMFS) score of the permanent teeth with age in children with the specific proline-rich protein phenotypes Pa and Pr. However, the increase in DMFS score of the permanent teeth of children was significantly greater in children with Pa+ and Pr22 than in those with the other phenotypes (Pa- or Pr11 and Pr12). The previously established close correlation between the Pa and Pr phenotypes and the genetic variants of salivary peroxidase (a powerful antibacterial system in the oral cavity) may provide an explanation for the relationship of certain proline-rich protein phenotypes to dental caries.     

Differences in nocturnal and daytime sleep between primary and psychiatric hypersomnia: diagnostic and treatment implications

OBJECTIVE: The differential diagnosis of primary (idiopathic) vs. psychiatric hypersomnia is challenging because of the lack of specific clinical or laboratory criteria differentiating these two disorders and the frequent comorbidity of mental disorders in patients with primary hypersomnia. The aim of this study was to assess whether polysomnography aids in the differential diagnosis of these two disorders. METHODS: After excluding patients taking medication and those with an additional diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing, we compared the nocturnal and daytime sleep of 82 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of either primary hypersomnia (N = 59) or psychiatric hypersomnia (N = 23) and normal control subjects (N = 50). RESULTS: During nocturnal sleep, patients with psychiatric hypersomnia showed significantly higher sleep latency, wake time after sleep onset, and total wake time and a significantly lower percentage of sleep time than patients with primary hypersomnia and control subjects (p < .05). In addition, the daytime sleep of patients with psychiatric hypersomnia was significantly higher in terms of sleep latency, total wake time, and percentage of light (stage 1) sleep and lower in terms of percentage of sleep time and stage 2 sleep than in patients with primary hypersomnia and control subjects (p < .05). The daytime sleep of patients with primary hypersomnia as compared with that of control subjects was characterized by lower sleep latency and total wake time and a higher percentage of sleep time (p < .05). Finally, a sleep latency of less than 10 minutes or a sleep time percentage greater than 70% in either of the two daytime naps was associated with a sensitivity of 78.0% and a specificity of 95.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that psychiatric hypersomnia is a disorder of hyperarousal, whereas primary hypersomnia is a disorder of hypoarousal. Polysomnographic measures may provide useful information in the differential diagnosis and treatment of these two disorders.     

On the classification of the acrocephalosyndactyly syndromes

This report describes a family in which two different types of acrocephalosyndactyly (ACS) were clinically identified. The proband presented with the classic stigmata of Pfeiffer syndrome, while her cousin was considered to be a typical case of Apert syndrome. Seven other family members also have unusually shaped heads and the facial appearance reminiscent of Crouzon disease.
Observations made in this family and from previous reports in the literature, we feel there is substantial reason to re-evaluate the ACS classification and to consider that the Apert and Pfeiffer types of ACS may be one and the same.     

The syndrome of multisynostotic osteodysgenesis with long-bone fractures

Described here are two patients with a newly recognized syndrome of bone and cartilage maldevelopment which, we believe, results from a single embryonic defect, probably of genetic origin. The cardinal manifestations of this association are craniosynostosis, radiohumeral synostosis (RHS), and femoral bowing. Specific secondary defects include midface hypoplasia with characteristic facial appearance and ears, neonatal femoral fractures, and multiple minor anomalies of the limbs. Though the differential diagnosis includes such disorders as the campomelic syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and certain of acrocephalosyndactyly syndromes, the unique combination of clinical and radiographic abnormalities allows ready differentiation. The cause cannot be determined from these two cases.     

Marjolin's Ulcer of the Leg Secondary to Nonhealing Chronic Venous Stasis Ulcer

We report on a 79-year-old man with a chronic venous stasis ulceration of >20 years' duration in the left medial leg presenting to our clinic after admission for bleeding and suspected infection of his ulceration. This lesion had been biopsied in 1999 and was found to be a benign, chronic venous insufficiency ulceration. Plain film radiographs as well as a bone scan did not identify osteomyelitis. Because of the hypertrophic, nodular appearance of this ulceration, it was the clinicians' discretion to perform a repeat biopsy of the lesion. Biopsy revealed invasive, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. A computed tomography scan subsequently identified a suspicious inguinal lymph node, and an ultrasound-guided needle aspiration revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the biopsied lymph node. Above-knee amputation was indicated at this time and was performed in conjunction with local superficial inguinal lymph node resection, after which the patient was discharged from our service.