Laparoscopic and needle colposuspension

A deletion mutant ScrY delta 3-73 of the sucrose-specific porin ScrY was constructed in which 70 amino acids of the mature protein were deleted near the N-terminal end. ScrY delta 3-72 was still able to oligomerize and inserted properly into the outer membrane of an Escherichia coli strain. The protein was isolated and purified by standard procedures. The mutant protein showed, in contrast to wild-type ScrY, a tight association with the murein. Reconstitution experiments with artificial lipid bilayer membranes demonstrated that ScrY delta 3-72 produced defined cation-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers. Its single-channel conductance was reduced to about half of the value of wild-type ScrY. The deletion had a relatively small influence on the stability constants for carbohydrate binding. However, in contrast to wild-type ScrY, [14C]-maltopentaose was efficiently taken up into whole E. coli cells containing ScrY delta 3-72. The sequence of the N-terminus of mature ScrY was identified as starting with glutamine 23. The possible structure of ScrY and ScrY delta 3-72 in the outer membrane is discussed.     

Tetanus toxin-sensitive VAMP-related proteins are present in murine macrophages

The light chain of tetanus neurotoxin (TeTx) is a zinc endopeptidase specific for VAMP/synaptobrevin (VAMP), a 120-amino-acid integral protein previously described in the small synaptic vesicles of neuronal cells. TeTx has been shown to be active also on nonneuronal cells. By SDS-PAGE and quantitative immunoblotting on proteins derived from murine macrophages (Mphi) exposed to TeTx, we have shown that: (1) VAMP-related proteins are also present in Mphi and (2) such proteins are sensitive to TeTx proteolytic cleavage. The demonstration that TeTx acts on VAMP-related proteins also in Mphi offers a new and useful tool for molecular studies on Mphi exocytosis.     

Distribution of bacteria with the arylsulfate sulfotransferase activity

We herein report a simple method using intestinal clamps to prevent intraoperative contamination during an immediate mucocutaneous suture of the intestinal stoma. Using this technique, a protruded intestinal stoma can be constructed reliably without soiling. The technique can be used both for constructing an end as well as a loop intestinal stoma.     

Juvenile xanthogranuloma of the iris with bilateral spontaneous hyphema

Lengthening of the mandible by gradual distraction and ear reconstruction using tissue expanders were performed on nine young patients (6-11 years old) with unilateral hemifacial microsomia. The technique holds promise for reconstruction of ear and mandible at the same time. This is essentially a pilot clinical project. A late follow-up of these patients is necessary.     

Intraoperative high-dose regional urokinase infusion for cerebrovascular occlusion after carotid endarterectomy

Operative stroke complicating carotid endarterectomy is traditionally treated by reexploration of the operative site to correct a potentially causative lesion; however, attempts are not made to diagnose or treat the intracranial arterial occlusion. A 65-year-old man had a right hemiplegia during a left carotid endarterectomy that was caused by premature reversal of heparin, which resulted in thrombosis of his left anterior cerebral artery. On reexploration, the patient was treated with a 1-hour infusion of 1 million U urokinase through an indwelling carotid shunt. A repeat arteriogram demonstrated patency of the left anterior cerebral artery, with complete clot dissolution and resolution of the right hemiplegia on awakening. Natural history studies of stroke and prospective, angiographically controlled clinical trials of intraarterial thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke support the use of intraoperative intraarterial infusion of urokinase as part of a therapeutic approach to patients who have an ischemic stroke during carotid endarterectomy.     

Brain choline-containing compounds are elevated in HIV-positive patients before the onset of AIDS dementia complex: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic study

The CNS is frequently involved in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In recent studies using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, investigators found a significant reduction in N-acetyl aspartate, a metabolic marker of neurons, in late stages of dementia. To further understand the relationship between proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy changes and clinical disease and dementia, we compared 20 HIV-infected patients presenting at varying stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia complex and infection to 10 age-matched controls. We found a significant reduction in N-acetyl aspartate/creatine only in patients who had advanced dementia and CD4 counts less that 200/microliter. By contrast, a significant elevation in compounds containing choline was present in patients in the early stages of HIV infection of who had CD4 counts greater than 200/microliter, in patients with normal MRI scans, and in all AIDS dementia complex groups, including subjects with no or minimal cognitive impairment. An elevated choline level also occurred in later stages of HIV infection (CD4 < 200/microliter). Our results suggest that an increase in choline occurs before N-acetyl aspartate decrements, MRI abnormalities, and the onset of dementia, and may therefore provide a useful marker for early detection of brain injury associated with HIV infection.