The synthesis and localization of alternatively spliced fibronectin EIIIB in resting and thrombin-treated megakaryocytes

There are several species of alternatively spliced fibronectin (FN). One of these, FN EIIIB, is primarily present in embryonic and in proliferating and migrating cells and is believed to be important for cell maturation. We have studied the synthesis, localization, and secretion of this FN isoform in isolated guinea pig megakaryocytes, nonmegakaryocytic bone marrow cells, and platelets. There was 7.5 times more general FN in megakaryocytes than in nonmegakaryocytic cells based on the analysis of equivalent amounts of protein. FN EIIIB was detected by Western blotting in megakaryocytes but not in nonmegakaryocytic cells present in bone marrow. Neither megakaryocytes nor platelets secreted FN EIIIB, while megakaryocytes secreted 25.3% +/- 4.6% general FN and platelets secreted about 61% general FN in response to thrombin. Analysis of immunostained cells by confocal microscopy revealed that FN EIIIB had been redistributed to the surface of megakaryocytes in response to thrombin. Synthesis was studied by metabolic labeling, and megakaryocytes were shown to synthesize FN and FN EIIIB. Thus, megakaryocytes and platelets are among a small number of adult cells and tissues that synthesize and contain FN EIIIB. The expression of FN EIIIB on the megakaryocyte surface may influence migration and maturation.     

Risk factors and obstetric complications associated with macrosomia.

OBJECTIVE: Macrosomia is associated with adverse maternal outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of macrosomia and related maternal complications. METHOD: Live births (146,526) were identified between 1995 and 1999 in the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program's Northern California Region (KPMCP NCR) database. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for risk factors and complications associated with macrosomia (birth weight >4500 g). RESULT: Male infant sex, multiparity, maternal age 30-40, white race, diabetes, and gestational age >41 weeks were associated with macrosomia (p<0.001). In bivariate and multivariate analyses, macrosomia was associated with higher rates of cesarean birth, chorioamnionitis, shoulder dystocia, fourth-degree perineal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, and prolonged hospital stay (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Macrosomia was associated with adverse maternal outcomes in this cohort. More research is needed to determine how to prevent complications related to excessive birth weight.     

VIRAL ENCEPHALITIS PRESENTING AS CATATONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA (A Case Report)

A rare case of viral encephalitis in an 18 year old recruit who presented with signs of catatonic schizophrenia is reported.KEY WORDS: Viral encephalitis, Catatonic schizophrenia     

ROLE OF EPIDURAL MEDICATION IN LUMBOSCIATIC SYNDROME

Role of epidural medication through caudal route was studied in 109 patients having lumbago with or without sciatica to highlight the value of this mode of treatment which relieved symptoms in more than 70% of cases without hospitalisation and without being off work for long periods as in usual methods of conservative treatment.KEY WORDS: Epidural medication, Backache, Lumbago, Sciatica     

AZATHIOPRINE INDUCED BONE MARROW SUPPRESSION IN LIVE RELATED RENAL ALLOGRAFT RECIPIENTS

Over a follow-up period of 6 years, 4 out of 31 live related renal allograft recipients (12.9%) developed azathioprine induced bone marrow suppression. Presentation in 3 patients was with fever and 2 patients also had associated graft dysfunction. All patients had leucopenia, 2 patients in addition had anaemia and one patient had pancytopenia. Bone marrow suppression developed 9.6 months (3.5-16.0 months) following transplantation and recovery followed over a period of 30 (18-49 days) days after withdrawal of the drug. One patient succumbed during the phase of bicytopenia.KEY WORDS: Azathioprine, Bone marrow suppression, Kidney transplantation     

CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION IN NEONATAL AUTOPSIES

Of the 253 neonates admitted to a neonate intensive care unit during the period Jan 91 to Sep 93, 43 neonates died. Autopsy was done in 23 of these (53%). The mean duration of stay of the neonates in the intensive care unit prior to death was 5.6 days (range 2 hours to 10 days). Antemortem diagnoses included asphyxia neonatorum (4), meconium aspiration syndrome (2), septicemia (5), prematurity (3), birth trauma (2), congenital anomalies (2), hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (1), and non-specific diagnosis (4). There were 6 major autopsy findings that, if known prior to death, would have altered clinical management and might have resulted in cure or prolonged survival. There were 8 additional major findings that, if known prior to death, would not have altered management There were 14 minor findings related to major diagnoses but unrelated to the primary cause of death.KEY WORDS: Autopsy, Cause of death, Perinatal mortality