Photothermal effects on ovarian growth and function in the soft-shelled turtle Lissemys punctata punctata

Mycobacterium avium is an intracellular pathogen capable of growing inside the phagosomal compartment of macrophages. In this work, we characterized the superoxide dismutase of M. avium, as a putative candidate to resist the oxidative stress. The gene sodA encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD:EC1.15.1.1) from Mycobacterium avium TMC724 was cloned and sequenced. It encodes a 23 kDa protein (207 aminoacids) showing identity with the Mycobacterium leprae SOD (91%) and the M. tuberculosis SOD (83%). This enzyme was functionally expressed in both Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis, and identified as a manganese (Mn) SOD on the basis of sequence comparison with other MnSODs from different organisms, and by activity inhibition studies. By indirect immunogold labeling of M. avium with a mAb directed against M. leprae SOD, the enzyme was found to be exposed at the cell surface of M. avium. It was also shown that SOD was released in supernates of M. avium TMV724 during exponential growth, suggesting a role of this enzyme during interactions with the environment. When SOD was expressed in the non-pathogenic M. smegmatis, it was also exposed at the surface of bacteria and released in supernates, but this was not sufficient to protect this recombinant mycobacterium from the killing mechanisms of macrophages.     

Nucleotide substitutions at the -6 position in the promoter region of the factor IX gene result in different severity of hemophilia B Leyden: consequences for genetic counseling

A case of vessel perforation by a guide wire during an interventional neuroradiological procedure is reported. The patient was a 59-year-old woman with a left frontal basal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) fed by the left anterior cerebral artery. Transarterial embolization of the AVM was attempted. During the procedure, vessel perforation by the guide wire occurred at the left A1-A2 junction and resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage, which stopped spontaneously. The patient developed progressive obstructive hydrocephalus, and surgical treatment was performed. The AVM was totally removed after ventricular drainage, and the arterial perforation site was explored. When clot around the left A1-A2 junction was removed, hemorrhage recurred. This hemorrhage was similar to what has been observed when a small perforating artery was avulsed. The hemorrhage site was coagulated under temporary occlusion of both A1 segments. Surgical intervention was probably not necessary for this type of bleeding if it had stopped spontaneously, because the rebleeding from the small pinhole would be unlikely, and the operation was more hazardous than the usual aneurysmal surgery.     

Inosine binds to A3 adenosine receptors and stimulates mast cell degranulation

We investigated the mechanism by which inosine, a metabolite of adenosine that accumulates to > 1 mM levels in ischemic tissues, triggers mast cell degranulation. Inosine was found to do the following: (a) compete for [125I]N6-aminobenzyladenosine binding to recombinant rat A3 adenosine receptors (A3AR) with an IC50 of 25+/-6 microM; (b) not bind to A1 or A2A ARs; (c) bind to newly identified A3ARs in guinea pig lung (IC50 = 15+/-4 microM); (d) lower cyclic AMP in HEK-293 cells expressing rat A3ARs (ED50 = 12+/-5 microM); (e) stimulate RBL-2H3 rat mast-like cell degranulation (ED50 = 2.3+/-0.9 microM); and (f) cause mast cell-dependent constriction of hamster cheek pouch arterioles that is attenuated by A3AR blockade. Inosine differs from adenosine in not activating A2AARs that dilate vascular smooth muscle and inhibit mast cell degranulation. The A3 selectivity of inosine may explain why it elicits a monophasic arteriolar constrictor response distinct from the multiphasic dilator/constrictor response to adenosine. Nucleoside accumulation and an increase in the ratio of inosine to adenosine may provide a physiologic stimulus for mast cell degranulation in ischemic or inflamed tissues.     

Few microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis may constitute the pathologic core: a population-based microbiologic study among 3596 pregnant women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reliable for differentiating leiomyoma subtypes. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): Forty-five patients underwent MRI before surgery for leiomyomata. INTERVENTION(S): One radiologist blinded to patient history and histologic diagnosis recorded the MRI characteristics and classification of the largest leiomyoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Comparison of MRI and histologic diagnoses. RESULT(S): Leiomyoma subtypes were diagnosed accurately by MRI in 69% of cases. Magnetic resonance imaging had a 95% sensitivity and 72% specificity for diagnosing an uncomplicated leiomyoma and a 10% sensitivity and 100% specificity for a cellular leiomyoma. For cystic leiomyomata, the sensitivity was 80% and specificity was 98%, and for hemorrhagic leiomyomata, 100% and 86%, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging correctly diagnosed all malignant tumors and did not incorrectly diagnose a leiomyoma as a leiomyosarcoma in any case. Ill-defined MRI margins were significantly more likely to be leiomyosarcoma, whereas well-defined margins were characteristic of benign lesions. Hemorrhagic leiomyomata were significantly more likely to be hyperintense on T1-weighted images than other subtypes. CONCLUSION(S): Although MRI is only fairly accurate in differentiating the subtypes of benign uterine smooth muscle tumors, signal intensities and margin characteristics are useful to distinguish accurately benign from malignant tumors.     

CENP-G: a new centromeric protein that is associated with the alpha-1 satellite DNA subfamily

Lead is a highly toxic metal, the main source of which is contamination from combustion of unleaded petrol. The aims of this work were to detect the degree of lead exposure in a large sample of children; determine the relationship between blood lead levels (BPb) and age, sex, habitat and season of the year; and correlate BPb with zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) values. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Blood from routine extractions drawn at our centre was used. BPb and ZPP were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and haematofluorimetry, respectively. We analysed 1158 blood samples from children. BPb (mean +/- SEM): 0.22 +/- 0.04 mumol l-1. Correlation BPb-age: BPb = 0.19 + 0.086 x age (months), r = 0.129, P < 0.0001. BPb was greater in boys (0.23 +/- 0.007 versus 0.20 +/- 0.006 mumol l-1, P < 0.0002). No differences were observed between habitats (urban versus rural). BPb were higher in the warm months (0.24 +/- 0.013 versus 0.21 +/- 0.007 mumol l-1, P < 0.0001). Prevalence of lead intoxication (BPb > 0.48 mumol l-1) was 4.2%. No differences in prevalence were found among the different groups. The correlation between BPb and ZPP showed r = 0.0969, P = 0.0024. Utility for screening: sensitivity of 53.7% and specificity of 59.3% (cut-off point of 60 mumol ZPP mol-1 haem). We can conclude that lead exposure in children in our sample was in the range reported in similar studies in other areas and countries, and below the toxic limit. None of the factors analysed significantly influenced lead intoxication prevalence. There was no good correlation between ZPP and BPb in our samples and the ZPP cut-off point used did not present good specificity and sensitivity values.     

The origin and evolution of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery

Neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh began more than 60 years ago with the arrival of Stuart Niles Rowe. During the years, the department has been led by four men, each of whom guided the department into the future in his unique way. These men and many other dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff members have contributed to this organization and created an environment where neurosurgery flourishes. This article describes the development of neurosurgery within the "Steel City" and outlines the origin and growth of the Department of Neurological Surgery at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.