Characterization of expression of a plant oleate desaturase in yeast

We have expressed the oleate desaturase gene of Arabidopsis thaliana in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by means of a galactose-inducible promoter. Transfer of yeast cells to galactose-containing media and growth at 30°C resulted in the production of active oleate desaturase, as shown by the appearance of the diunsaturated octadecadienoic acid (18:2) and hexadecadienoic acid (16:2). The highest level of these two fatty acids was 46.2%. In induced cultures, 18:2 appeared before 16:2, and we show that both of these fatty acids were present first on phosphatidylcholine and then appeared in other phospholipids and a neutral lipid fraction. We raised antibodies against the C-terminal 100 amino acids of oleate desaturase and demonstrated that this protein was in the microsomal fraction of induced cells.     

Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of solution conformations in C4-V3 hybrid peptides derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 gp120: relation to specificity of peptide-induced anti-HIV neutralizing antibodies

Immunogenic peptides containing epitopes of the gp120 C4 and V3 regions from human immunodeficiency virus strains MN and EV91 have been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular modeling and used as immunogens in rhesus monkeys. The results, combined with those for other peptides, suggest a correlation between solution conformation and immunologic cross-reactivity.     

A view from the family: years after a loved one has died of ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND: Macrosclerotherapy in combination with compression has proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of varicose veins. Local compression is increased by pads, according to Laplace law. Firm rolls of cotton wool are fixed over the course of the entire vein to increase local compression and to reduce complications. Additional compression is given by a combination of a class I (daytime and nighttime) and class II (daytime only) medical compression hosiery. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of sclerocompression therapy with cotton wool rolls in combination with medical compression hosiery. METHOD: Prospective study with 100 patients (120 legs) with primary varicose veins, which are treated with polidocanol as sclerosant with the empty vein technique. Immediately after the injection, a long cotton wool roll is placed over the entire vein and fixed. Additional compression is obtained with class I and class II medical compression hosiery. The interface pressure on the skin, just under the cotton wool roll, is measured on 12 legs with the aid of an interface pressure measuring instrument (Oxford Pressure Monitor). RESULTS: Good sclerosing results are obtained in all patients. Side effects are classified as early and late. In 16 patients, minor side effects which needed no treatment are observed. In only 3 cases (2.5%), intravascular blood clots (2) and phlebitis (1) needed incision and expression. The mean interface pressure of all measuring sensors under the cotton wool roll is 84 mm/Hg (68 to 122 mm/Hg). CONCLUSION: This study proves the high effectiveness of a cotton wool roll compression right at the place of treatment. By using these long cotton wool compression rolls, the compression part of sclerocompression therapy becomes more effective and much easier to perform.     

Entorhinal cortex of aged subjects with Down''s syndrome shows severe neuronal loss caused by neurofibrillary pathology

OBJECTIVE: To examine directly the extent to which ICD-10 hyperkinetic disorder and DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) identify the same children with the same difficulties. METHOD: Participants were children referred for symptoms of overactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, and a normal control group. Diagnostic criteria for ICD-10 hyperkinetic disorder and DSM-IV ADHD were applied retrospectively. Four groups were identified: hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD (n = 21), ADHD only (n = 22), clinic control (n = 15), and normal control (n = 19). The groups were compared on measures reflecting the central characteristics of ADHD, neurodevelopmental functioning, academic and cognitive functioning, and the presence of conduct problems. RESULTS: There is some evidence of increased symptom severity in the combined diagnostic group. Few differences emerged on measures of neurodevelopmental, academic, and cognitive functioning. Rates of conduct disturbance were similar in both ADHD groups. CONCLUSIONS: DSM-IV criteria identify a broader group of children than those identified by ICD-10. However, there is substantial overlap between the groups formed with these different criteria.     

Bone marrow mononuclear cell count does not predict neutrophil and platelet recovery following autologous bone marrow transplant: value of the colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) assay

The common use of the marrow autograft mononuclear cell (MNC) count derives from positive correlative studies following allogeneic transplantation and from earlier conflicting data regarding the value of the bone marrow autograft colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) assay for prediction hematologic recovery after ABMT. We conducted a retrospective analysis at our institution to determine whether autograft CFU-GM levels predict engraftment of neutrophils and platelets after ABMT in heavily pretreated patients with hematologic malignancies. Between 1 January 1993 and 1 March 1995, 58 heavily pretreated patients received only marrow cells as the autograft product. Patients with Hodgkin's disease (n = 25), acute myeloid leukemia (n = 19), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 14) underwent intensive therapy with etoposide and melphalan. Unpurged marrow containing a minimum of 1.5 x 10(8)/kg (range: 1.5-4.8) was infused. Median time to an absolute neutrophil count > or = 0.5 x 10(9)/L was 21 days (range 10-270) and median time to a platelet count > or = 20 x 10(9)/L independent of transfusions was 44 days (range 13-317). There was no correlation between autograft MNC count and neutrophil or platelet engraftment. However, a correlation between autograft CFU-GM and both platelet and neutrophil recovery was demonstrated with a threshold CFU-GM of 3 x 10(4)/kg; delayed neutrophil recovery was observed in 79% of patients below this threshold compared to only 9% in those with an autograft CFU-GM level of more than 3 x 10(4)/kg (p = 0.0001). Similarly, platelet recovery was delayed in 76% of patients below, and 20% of those above this threshold (p = 0.003). We conclude that marrow autograft CFU-GM is predictive of engraftment of both platelets and neutrophils in heavily pretreated patients after ABMT for hematological malignancies.