The presence of messenger RNA for HLA class I in human platelets and its capability for protein biosynthesis

Summary. In order to determine whether platelets contain specific messenger RNA encoding for HLA class I molecules, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with RNA from different platelet donors. Two amplified 300 bp and 279 bp cDNA fragments were obtained which encompassed sequences from 321 to 620 and from 795 to 1073. The 300 bp fragment encodes exon 2 and exon 3, the 279 bp encodes a portion of exon 4, exon 5, exon 6 and a portion of exon 7. A 300 bp nested PCR product from one donor, that encoded for the highly polymorphic region α2, was cloned and sequenced. The resulting nucleotide sequences fitted to the expected sequence for HLA B*3801 of this donor. Sequence analysis of the 279 bp PCR product demonstrated the presence of exon 5 encoding for the 117 bp transmembrane domain.
In addition, de novo protein biosynthesis was studied by radioimmunoprecipitation of HLA class I molecules from ³⁵S-methionine metabolically labelled platelet lysates with a monoclonal antibody (mab) w6/32 specific for a monomorphic epitope on the heavy chain of HLA class I antigens. Analysis of the immunoprecipitates on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a specific band with apparent molecular weight (M_r) of 44 kD corresponding to integral membrane HLA protein.
On the basis of these results, we conclude that platelets contain specific messenger RNA encoding for HLA class I molecules and have the capability to synthesize the integral HLA membrane protein.     

Overall nutritional completeness (ONC): A new integrative measure of nutritional and agricultural performance quality of garden crops

In spite of increased efforts to integrate nutrition and agriculture there are relatively few methods developed to effectively do so in the design and analysis of agricultural interventions. In order to develop and test a method to link agricultural production and nutritional benefits, fall gardens were planted by researchers and low‐income households in five locations in the New River Valley, Virginia. Edible portion yield per square meter was calculated as a basic nutrition/agricultural yield measure. In order to use a more discriminating measure, crop nutrient yield equivalents (CNYE) for limiting nutrients (vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium) were calculated. The CNYE indicates the number of days that 100% of the USRDA would be supplied. Summing the CNYE scores across nutrients provided a ranking of the overall nutritional completeness (ONC) of the crops. The ONC ranking thus supplies a measure of yield and nutritional efficiency that can be adapted for different nutrition requirements and gardening conditions.     

A systematic review of patient‐reported outcomes in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a chronic dermatological autoimmune disease marked by photosensitive lesions that can lead to hyperpigmentation changes, scarring and hair loss. Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with CLE is severely impaired. Given the heterogeneous nature of CLE, health perceptions of patients can differ significantly from those of clinicians. It is important to use subjective measures, such as patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), to capture HRQoL data in patients with CLE. We conducted a systematic review of published PRO instruments used in measuring HRQoL in patients with CLE. Also, we examined the disease burden on HRQoL in patients with CLE. To identify studies, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched using ‘CLE/cutaneous lupus erythematosus’ in combination with PRO‐related keywords such as ‘quality of life’, ‘self‐report’ and ‘instrument’. English‐language articles published between 2003 and 2014 were identified. A total of 482 citations were identified in the initial search. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria, and five PRO instruments were found to be used: Skindex (versions 16 and 29), Dermatology Life Quality Index, 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey, and visual analogue scales for pain and pruritus. Patients with CLE reported having poor quality of life and experienced symptoms ranging from pain, pruritus and fatigue to photosensitivity. There is a limited number of studies examining PRO in patients with CLE. While our findings suggest that quality of life in patients with CLE is poor, further studies are needed to understand better the impact of CLE from patients’ perspectives.     

Liver steatosis assessment: Correlations among pathology,radiology, clinical data and automated image analysis software

Quantitating hepatic steatosis is important in many liver diseases and liver transplantation. Since steatosis estimation by pathologists has inherent intra- and inter-observer variability, we compared and contrasted computerized techniques with magnetic resonance imaging measurements, pathologist visual scoring, and clinical parameters. Computerized methods applied to whole slide images included a commercial positive pixel count algorithm and a custom algorithm programmed at our institution. For all liver samples (n = 59), including pediatric, adult, frozen section, and permanent specimens, statistically significant correlations were observed between pathology, radiology, and each image analysis modality (r = 0.75–0.97, p < 0.0001), with the strongest correlations in the pediatric cohort. Statistically significant relationships were observed between each method and with body mass index (r = 0.37–0.56, p from <0.0001 to <0.05) and with albumin (r = 0.55–0.64, p < 0.05) but not with alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase. Although pathologist assessments correlated (r = 0.64–0.86, 0.92–0.97, and 0.78–0.91 for microvesicular, macrovesicular, and overall steatosis, respectively), the absolute values of hepatic steatosis visual assessment were susceptible to intra- and inter-observer variability, particularly for microvesicular steatosis. Image analysis, pathologist assessments, radiology measurements, and several clinical parameters all showed correlations in this study, providing evidence for the utility of each method in different clinical and research settings.     

Electrocardiographic predictors of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in patients with coronary artery disease

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), due mainly to coronary artery disease (CAD), is a leading cause of death. To identify electrocardiographic and clinical differences between patients with CAD with and without SCA, 87 victims of SCA with CAD were compared with 131 patients with CAD without SCA. Patients' latest routine electrocardiograms and clinical variables were compared. Patients with CAD with and without previous myocardial infarctions (MIs) were included. Patients with SCA had a higher incidence of echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy and/or heart failure than controls. The median left ventricular ejection fractions for patients with SCA with and without previous MIs were 0.30 (interquartile range 0.24 to 0.41) and 0.41 (interquartile range 0.25 to 0.56). The median time between the last electrocardiographic assessment and SCA was 59 days (interquartile range 29 to 137). Regarding electrocardiographic characteristics, in patients with and without previous MIs, QRS width (odds ratio 1.032, 95% confidence interval 1.012 to 1.053, p = 0.002, and odds ratio 1.035, 95% confidence interval 1.015 to 1.056, p = 0.001) was the only significant predictor of SCA. In conclusion, in patients with CAD, regardless of a previous MI, a longer QRS width and echocardiographic parameters consistent with heart failure are associated with SCA, even in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy currently not eligible for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.     

Age-related differences in the prevalence and correlates of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders

Age-related differences in the prevalence and correlates of anxiety were cross-sectionally examined in 1316 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who presented for initial evaluation at 14 outpatient autism centers around the country and in Canada. The prevalence of clinical and subclinical anxiety as well as the correlates of anxiety were examined in three age groups of children: preschool, school age and adolescents. Findings showed that the prevalence of anxiety in each age group exceeded the prevalence of anxiety in the general population. Adolescents and school age children had the highest prevalence of clinical (40%) and subclinical anxiety (26%), respectively. Higher IQ and less ASD severity were each weakly correlated with more anxiety in preschool and school age children. Affective symptoms were strongly associated with anxiety in each age group. Age specific psychiatric comorbidities were also present. Anxiety was associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms in the preschool group, ODD and somatic symptoms in the school age children, and ADHD symptoms in adolescents. These data underscore the need for prevention and treatment of anxiety as well as research examining the characteristics of anxiety in children with ASD using a developmental framework.     

Rerouting des Musculus brachioradialis zur Verbesserung der Unterarmsupination oder -pronation

Objective

Improvement of active forearm supination or pronation. Reduction of paralytic pronation or supination posture.

Indications

Disability or impairment of active supination or pronation due to cerebral palsy, obstetric palsy or traumatic brachial plexus palsy, quadriplegia or paralysis from other causes.

Contraindications

Inadequate passive range of motion of forearm supination or pronation. Insufficient power of brachioradialis muscle < M4. Insufficient rehabilitation after conservative treatment or neurosurgical intervention with possible improvement of supination or pronation. Lack of patient’s cooperation and compliance.

Surgical technique

Exposure and mobilisation of brachioradialis muscle. Division of brachioradialis tendon distally with Z-plasty. Passing distal tendon through the interosseus space in dorsal to palmar direction for restoration of supination respectively in palmar to dorsal direction for restoration of pronation. Suturing both tendon ends.

Postoperative management

Management includes an above elbow cast with the elbow in 70° flexion for 4 weeks. Then active physiotherapy to learn new brachioradialis muscle function for supination or pronation over 1–1.5 years. If needed dynamic orthesis.

Results

Özkan et al. performed brachioradialis rerouting to restore supination in 5 children between 4 and 14 years with pronation deformity and to restore pronation in 4 children aged 5–9 years with supination deformity. Mean active gain for supination was 81° (40–140°). Active pronation improved from 28 to 49° (30–75°; Özkan et al., J Hand Surg Br 29:263–268, 2004; Özkan et al., J Hand Surg Am 29:22–27, 2004). Between April 2006 and January 2011 we used this technique in 4 patients aged 7–26 years (mean 14 years). Three patients could be followed up. One patient had preoperative a fixed pronation deformity of the forearm in 80° pronation. In this case active range of motion could be improved to 80/30/0° pronation/supination. One patient improved from preoperative 0/0/90° pronation/supination to 30/0/90° postoperatively. In one case no functional improvement of forearm rotation could be achieved in long-term follow-up. No functional loss in forearm rotation to the opposite direction or of the elbow function was observed. Mean follow-up time was 51 months (21–77 months).     

G(o) protein-dependent survival of primary accessory olfactory neurons

Extensive G protein-coupled receptor families in both the main and accessory olfactory systems have been implicated in axonal targeting, sensory function, and cell survival. Although sensory function seems to be mediated by G proteins, axonal guidance and cell survival may be G protein-independent processes. In the accessory olfactory system, the G(o)-containing neurons in the basal vomeronasal organ (VNO) project to the posterior accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), whereas more apically located VNO neurons contain G(i2) and project to the anterior AOB. Herein, we investigate the organization of the accessory olfactory system in mice with a targeted deletion in the G(o)alpha gene. The accessory olfactory system seems normal at birth; however, postnatally, the number of G(o)-receptor-containing VNO neurons decreases by half, and apoptotic neurons are detected. The axons of VNO neurons remain restricted to the posterior AOB. The posterior AOB is reduced in size but contains a synaptophysin-positive layer with the normal number of glomeruli. The posterior AOB has reduced mitral cell c-Fos immunoreactivity, consistent with decreased sensory activation of G(o) protein-coupled VNO receptor neurons. Thus, in the accessory olfactory system, receptor-coupled G proteins are required for cell survival.     

Probing the function of Drosophila melanogaster accessory glands by directed cell ablation.

The female Drosophila melanogaster fly undergoes behavioral changes after mating, including an increase in egg laying and an avoidance of remating. Accessory-gland products elicit these changes transiently when introduced into unmated female flies. We report here the generation and phenotype of flies that lack functional accessory-gland main cells as a consequence of genetically directed delivery of diphtheria toxin subunit A to those cells. Only main-cell secretions are essential for the short-term inhibition to remating; no other products of the genital tract can replace their function. Long-term inhibition to remating depends only on the storage of sperm in the female. Both sperm and main-cell secretions have roles in the increase of egg laying by the mated female. In addition to full-strength diphtheria toxin, we used low-activity toxins to kill only those cells that express toxin at high levels. These transgenic strains that express diphtheria toxins of different strengths in accessory-gland main cells will be useful in further defining the role of these cells.