Rosetting characteristics of uninfected erythrocytes from healthy individuals and malaria patients

The DOM34 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is similar to genes found in diverse eukaryotes and archaebacteria. Analysis of dom34 strains shows that progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle is delayed, mutant cells enter meiosis aberrantly, and their ability to form pseudohyphae is significantly diminisehd. RPS30A, which encodes ribosomal protein S30, was identified in a screen for high-copy suppressors of the dom34delta growth defect. dom34delta mutants display an altered polyribosome profile that is rescued by expression of RPS30A. Taken together, these data indicate that Dom34p functions in protein translation to promote G1 progression and differentiation. A Drosophila homolog of Dom34p, pelota, is required for the proper coordination of meiosis and spermatogenesis. Heterologous expression of pelota in dom34delata mutants restores wild-type growth and differentiation, suggesting conservation of function between the eukaryotic members of the gene family.     

Posture in patients with shoulder overuse injuries and healthy individuals

Assessment of posture is an integral component of patient evaluation with shoulder overuse injuries. However, the professional literature contains relatively few studies that have assessed the relationship between posture, function, and injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship and differences in postural variables within and between subjects with overuse injuries to the shoulder of healthy subjects. Thirty patient subjects and 30 healthy subjects matched for age and gender were recruited. Scapular protraction and rotation, forward head position, midthoracic curvature, and passive humeral elevation in the plane of the scapula were measured randomly in standing. All measurement techniques were standardized and validated. Intrarater and interrater reliability for all clinical measures were established before data collection. Forward head position was significantly greater (p < .001) in the patient group than the healthy group; humeral elevation was significantly greater (p < .001) in the healthy group than in the patient group and in the uninvolved shoulders (p < .01) than the involved shoulders within the patient group. Scapular protraction, rotation, midthoracic curvature, and scapular symmetry were not significantly different between groups. Scapula protraction and rotation were significantly related (p < .05) in the patient group. No other postural variables were related. Conclusions regarding the influence of posture to shoulder injury are inconclusive based on several confounding variables that may have affected the outcome.     

Transformation of serum immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies into polyreactive immunoglobulins

It was shown that polyreactive properties of natural serum immunoglobulins or some monoclonal antibodies (i.e. their ability of binding to various antigenically dissimilar antigens) can be induced by the treatment with chaotropic ions (3.5 M KSCN, 5-30 min at 20 (C). Such transformation of monoclonal antibodies or serum immunoglobulins into polyreactive immunoglobulins (PRIG) seems to result of the changes in immunoglobulin conformation but is not from their unblocking. Interaction of PRIG with some antigens immobilized on the plate is strongly dependent on temperature unlike that of monospecific antibodies.     

Studies of immunoglobulins, bentonite flocculation and IgE, IgG and IgM antibodies in serum from patients with trichinosis

Serial serum samples were obtained from two patients from a family of four who ingested raw pork at a known time and in whom trichinosis developed. Single and occasionally two serum samples were obtained from other patients with proved trichinosis. Studies of these serum samples showed that elevations of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels do occur but not in all serum samples and that even when these levels are elevated, they are not high enough to be of diagnostic value. This is also true for serum immunoglobulin M (IgM). Using a solid phase radioimmunoadsorbent test, IgE, IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in the serums. The IgE antibody activity appeared early but was not present in all samples. The IgM antibody activity appeared later than the IgE and IgG antibody activity, and there was a statistically significant correlation between IgM antibodies as determined by radioimmunoassay and the bentonite flocculation titers suggesting that the bentonite flocculation is due to IgM antibody. IgM antibodies detected by radioimmunoassay were positive in all serum samples from patients with trichinosis except for a sample obtained 3 days after the onset of symptoms. The early increase in IgG antibodies and the occurrence of these antibodies in all serum samples obtained more than 3 days after onset of symptoms suggest a potential diagnostic use if serial samples are available early in the course of the disease.     

HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in hematologic disorder patients, cancer patients, and healthy individuals from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Between 1986 and 1993, 18 patients with complete or impending fractures of the humerus were treated using Hacketall rods in association with semi-liquid methylmetacrylate after excision of the metastatic lesion. Methylmetacrylate was always injected proximally and distally to the curetted bone through drill holes. Fourteen patients had a pathological fracture and four presented with an impending lesion. The mean age at time of surgery was 62 years (range: 42-83). The primary tumour was a breast carcinoma in 10 cases, bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma in three cases and hypernephroma, multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma, rectal adenocarcinoma and unknown primary tumour in one case each. The left arm was involved in seven cases and the right in 11. All patients experienced immediate relief from the pre-operative pain, although three patients complained of a residual discomfort during motion. In these three cases the residual pain can easily be managed with use of oral non-morphinic drugs. The functional aspect was not evaluated in two patients who died in the early post-operative period as a result of their general condition. In 15 patients, the post-operative range of motion was at least 80% of a normal humerus mobility. One patient encountered motion limitation because of an important lymph oedema. There was no infection, one patient had a temporary radial palsy with a complete restoration after a period of 5 days. No migration of the material was observed during an average follow-up of 9 months (range: 1-24).     

The relationship between free and total hydroxyproline concentration in blood serum and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline in healthy individuals

The quantitative measurement of the IgG subclass composition of the sera from sixteen patients with cystic fibrosis has revealed grossly elevated levels of IgG4 in seven patients. The possible significance of this observation is discussed in relation to recent reports of a high incidence of immediate-type hypersensitivity in such patients.     

Association of low C2 and C4 serum levels with the HLA-DW2 allele in healthy individuals

HLA typed unrelated healthy individuals (HLA-DW2 positive n = 64, and HLA-DW2 negative n = 72) were investigated for their C2 functional activity and C4 serum protein levels. For the C2 and C4 levels a bimodal distribution was found in HLA-DW2 positive and HLA-DW2 negative individuals. HLA-DW2 positive persons had a significantly higher incidence of low C2 and C4 serum levels. Our data support the concept that genes governing C2 as well as C4 serum levels are in linkage disequilibrium with the HLA-DW2 allele of the major histocompatibility complex.     

Transformation of serum immunoglobulins to polyreactive antibodies

In order to elucidate the mechanism of induction of serum immunoglobulins polyreactive properties by chaotropic ions, gel-chromatography of immunoglobulins in the medium containing 3.3 M KSCN, has been done. It was found that the transformation of serum immunoglobulins to polyreactive antibodies, which could react with different serological unrelated antigens, was not followed by dissociation of any hypothetical blocking factors. Instead, it was demonstrated that the appearance of polyreactive properties of immunoglobulins was likely to depend on conformational changes of immunoglobulin molecules.     

Complement and immunoglobulins in synovial fluid from synovectomized patients with rheumatoid arthritis

In order to see if the complement (C) consumption and conversion, which are typical of rheumatoid joints, continue after synovectomy, 23 knee joints in which synovectomy had been performed from 4-5 to 6-5 years previously, were studied. The mean ratio of the concentration of C3, C4, and C5 in synovial fluid to that in palsma of the same patient was significantly lower than the corresponding ratio for the total protein content. This was found both in joints with active arthritis and in joints without clinical signs of arthritis, and in both seropositive and seronegative patients. Conversion products of C3 were found in 7 of the synovial fluids. The study thus indicated that the complement alterations in synovectomized joints are very similar to those in nonsynovectomized rheumatoid joints. In one synovial fluid agarose electrophoresis showed multiple sharp bands in the gamma region. By crossed immunoelectrophoresis some bands seemed to contain IgG with one type of light chains only. In plasma of the same patients the bands were much weaker, indicating local production of oligoclonal IgG in the joint.     

Coryneform bacteria in throat cultures of healthy individuals

Throat swabs from 113 healthy individuals from Hamburg, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland, were investigated for coryneform bacteria with nonselective and selective media. Ninety specimens contained 123 strains. Surprisingly, 76% of them were strains of Corynebacterium durum (47%) and Rothia dentocariosa (29%). Only two were strains of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, and none were strains of C. striatum, C. amycolatum, or C. diphtheriae.     

Unmasking of anti-ribosomal P autoantibodies in healthy individuals

Autoantibodies to the ribosomal P proteins (anti-P) are found almost exclusively in a subset of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. To determine if anti-P autoantibodies are present in healthy individuals but in a masked state, sera from healthy adults were applied to affinity columns coated with ribosomes, and the affinity-purified fractions were analyzed for anti-P Abs by ELISA and immunoblot. Anti-P Abs were detectable in serum only after affinity chromatography, were predominantly of the IgG isotype, stained HEp-2 cells in the characteristic anti-P pattern, and demonstrated specificity for all three ribosomal P phosphoproteins. Using batch affinity chromatography, we identified anti-P autoantibodies in the affinity-purified serum fractions of 54 of 55 healthy individuals. Anti-P Abs from healthy adults generally bound less ribosomal P Ag per mg/ml IgG than anti-P from patients. Inhibition studies revealed that autologous serum contained an IgG inhibitor of anti-P Ab. We conclude that masked anti-P autoantibodies are present in the healthy population and hypothesize that detection of these autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus represents disruption of these regulatory networks.     

Postural control--a comparison between patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency and healthy individuals

Postural control in the sagittal plane was evaluated in 22 patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and the result was compared to that of a control group of 20 uninjured subjects. Measurement of the body sway was done on a fixed and sway-referenced force plate in both single-limb and two-limb stance, with the eyes open and closed, respectively. Further, an analysis of the postural reactions to perturbations backwards and forwards, respectively, was made in single-limb stance. The results demonstrated statistically significant deficits of the postural control in the patient group compared to the control group, but also within the patient group. There was a significantly higher body sway within the patient group when standing on a stable support surface on the injured limb than standing on the uninjured limb with the eyes open, but no difference with the eyes closed. When standing on a stable support surface, there was a significantly higher body sway in the patient group standing on the injured leg than in the control group, both with eyes open and closed. The patient group also showed a significantly impaired postural control compared to the control group when standing on the uninjured leg with the eyes closed. There was no difference between the groups in the two-limb stance. When standing on the sway-referenced support surface, the patient group had a significantly larger body sway than the control group when the eyes were open, but there was no significant difference between the groups with the eyes closed. The measurement of the postural corrective responses to perturbations backwards and forwards showed that the reaction time measured from the initiation of the force plate translation, and the amplitude of the body sway was significantly greater in the patient group than in the control group. We conclude that patients with a continuing chronic ACL insufficiency several years after injury have an impaired postural control in the antero-posterior direction in single-limb stance on their injured leg. They also show a greater body sway and a prolonged reaction time when subjected to antero-posterior perturbations when standing on their injured leg.     

Type 2 cytokine serum levels in healthy sickle cell disease patients

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by significant morbidity and early mortality. Children with this hemoglobinopathy exhibit many of the manifestations associated with immunodeficiency disorders. Serum was obtained from 56 healthy SCD subjects and 45 normal healthy controls. Type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-10 serum levels were measured. Concentrations were determined by reference to a standard curve, and results were expressed in pg/mL. Results revealed significant levels of IL-4 in 6 (13%) of 45 SCD patients compared with 1 (2%) of 45 controls. Increased levels of IL-6 were present in 35 (78%) of 45 SCD patients and 12 (41%) of 29 controls. Elevated levels of IL-10 were detectable in 13 (41%) of 42 SCD patients and 1 (4%) of 25 controls. High circulating levels of type 2 cytokines may suppress both humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in SCD, with resultant increased morbidity.     

Blood selenium in healthy persons and individuals with malignant diseases

INTRODUCTION: Dislocation of the long head of biceps tendon, including subluxation to displacement out of the bicipital groove, is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain. We investigated the role of US in the diagnosis of this condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined eight patients with dislocation of the long head of biceps tendon: seven had a displaced, and one a subluxated tendon. All patients had early radiographic and US studies of the shoulder; then, three (37%) were submitted to CT-arthrography and two (25%) to MRI. US was performed at 7.5-13 MHz frequency, CT-arthrography with a volumetric acquisition technique and MRI with a surface coil at 1.5 T. Three patients with tendon dislocation had surgical confirmation of the diagnosis. RESULTS: Dislocation of the long head of biceps tendon was always diagnosed with US in all our eight patients; CT-arthrography and MRI confirmed the US findings. In the patient with subluxation of the long head of biceps tendon, US showed the tendon displaced over the lesser tuberosity whereas, in the 7 cases of complete luxations, the groove was empty and the tendon displaced medially. At CT-arthrography, the tendon was well outlined by contrast medium within its sheath. In dislocations, it was close to the anterior aspect of the humeral head. In two cases of dislocation, MRI showed both the empty bicipital sulcus and the medial tendon displacement. The subscapularis tendon tear was always associated with tendon dislocation; a supraspinatus tendon tear was observed in 6 cases. CONCLUSIONS: When imaging a painful shoulder, we should investigate the integrity and course of the long head of biceps tendon. In clinical practice, dislocation of this tendon can be reliably diagnosed with US. CT-arthrography and MRI should be used only to supplement inconclusive US studies.     

Electrophoretic patterns of serum albumins collected from different blood vessels

Rabbit sera collected from different blood vessels, e.g. vena renales, vena mesenterica, vena portae, vena hepatica and aorta, were electrophoresed in an urea-containing polyacrylamide gel. The albumin fraction was separated into 5-6 sub-bands. The profile of these sub-bands (electrophoretic pattern) of the sample from one blood vessel differed from that of another blood vessel. Especially, the electrophoretic pattern of serum collected from the renal vein 2h after deprivation of food differed from that of other blood vessels. Free fatty acid concentrations of each sample were also measured, and differences in these levels were observed in sera collected from different blood vessels. However, the fatty acid concentrations in serum from the renal vein were not low enough to permit detection of any abnormality in electrophoretic pattern in the albumin. This suggests the possibility of decreased concentration of lysolecithin in the renal vein which binds to albumin and changes the electrophoretic mobility of albumin, as do the free fatty acids.     

Albumin excretion with urine in a population of healthy individuals

Increased urine albumin excretion is the significant prognostic factor for diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Divergences of the evaluation of albuminuria in different ethnic groups were found. The aim of our study was to evaluate albumin excretion in large group of healthy individuals. 301 healthy subjects (110 female and 191 male), age 20-60 years (mean 32.9 +/- 9.7), were admitted. A questionnaire including data concerning familial history, smoking habits was fulfilled. Subsequently nighttime urine sample was collected in all examined subjects and albumin to creatinine ratio (A/K) was counted. A/K value varied between 0.03-14.1 mg/mmol of creatinine median 1.18. Significantly higher albuminuria in female v male group was found (respectively 1.39; 0.14-14.1 and 1.03; 0.03-11.4 p < 0.05). Reference value for albuminuria was estimated at 3.35 mg/mmol in whole group, and respectively 4 mg/mmol in female and 2.6 mg/mmol in male. There were not differences in A/K ratio in relation to familial history however smoking men excreted more albumin v non smoking (respectively 1.27, 0.03-11.4 and 0.95, 0.14-14.1 mg/mmol p < 0.005). Performed analysis allowed to calculate the value for albuminuria in healthy subjects. Analysis also showed significant influence of gender and smoking habits and no influence of familial history for albumin excretion.