Prenatal plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels to predict spontaneous preterm birth

We investigated whether the src-family tyrosine kinase Lyn is involved in the generation of interferon alpha (IFN alpha) signals in haemopoietic cells. In vitro kinase assays using IFN alpha-sensitive cells of B-cell origin demonstrated the presence of IFN alpha-dependent kinase activity in anti-Lyn immunoprecipitates. Further studies demonstrated that Lyn associates via its src homology 2 (SH2) domain with the Janus family tyrosine kinase Tyk-2. This interaction was IFN alpha-dependent and involved direct binding of the SH2 domain of Lyn to the IFN alpha-activated form of Tyk-2. Thus, during binding of IFN alpha to its receptor in malignant haemopoietic cells, Lyn is engaged in an IFN alpha-signalling pathway, probably downstream of Tyk-2.     

Subtype G and multiple forms of A/G intersubtype recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in Nigeria

Multiple human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genetic subtypes, intersubtype recombinants, and group O have been found in west central Africa. In Nigeria, where HIV-1 prevalence is rising rapidly, characterization of HIV-1 strains has been limited. Each of three full-length genome sequences acquired to date shows evidence of recombination: two are largely subtype G with subtype A segments in the midgenome accessory region; the third, IbNG, is subtype G with the long terminal repeats and two segments of pol from subtype A. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained in 1994-1995 from 10 patients hospitalized in northeastern Nigeria were evaluated by sequencing of the complete envelope and, from 7 patients, a portion of gag. Four patients harbored subtype G viruses and six patients had recombinant viruses. Two had strains sharing the A/G recombinant structure of IbNG. Two had a previously undescribed recombinant, mostly subtype A, whose carboxyl-terminal gp41 could not be classified. An A/G recombinant different from IbNG but similar to CA1, a Cameroonian strain, was found in one patient. The remaining patient had a strain that was otherwise subtype G but shared an unclassified carboxyl-terminal gp41 segment with the CA1-like strains. Other subtypes and group O were not found.     

Development of a hybrid battery system for an implantable biomedical device, especially a defibrillator/cardioverter (ICD)

An implantable defibrillator battery has to provide pulse power capabilities as well as high energy density. Low self-discharge rates are mandatory and a way to check the remaining available capacity is necessary. These requirements are accomplished by a system consisting of a lithium/manganese dioxide 6 V battery, plus a lithium/iodine-cell. The use of a high rate 6 V double-cell design in combination with a high energy density cell reduces the total volume required by the power source within an implantable defibrillator. The design features and performance data of the hybrid system are described.     

Age-related decline in female fertility is not due to diminished capacity of the uterus to sustain embryo implantation

Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome and AEC syndrome are two disorders in which ectodermal dysplasia and clefting are associated. Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by cleft lip and palate, peculiar craniofacial features, and ectodermal dysplasia, consisting of abnormalities of teeth, hair, nails and sweating. AEC syndrome manifests the same defects plus ankyloblepharon and a higher frequency of scalp dermatitis. A child affected by ectodermal dysplasia associated with clefting, ankyloblepharon, severe scalp dermatitis, and the characteristic Rapp-Hodgkin facies is reported. The overlap between Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome and AEC syndrome is discussed. Critical review of both disorders suggest that AEC syndrome and Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome represent the same entity.     

NMR, magnetism and Mössbauer effect in icosahedral Al63Cu24.5Fe12.5 — a thermodynamically stable quasi-periodic alloy

We report results of ²⁷Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetism and iron-site Mössbauer experiments on the thermodynamically stable and “perfectly” quasicrystalline icosahedral alloy Al₆₃Cu_24.5Fe_12.5. NMR experiments were performed at 11.10, 17.8 and 45.7 MHz and at temperatures as low as 50 K. Magnetization was measured at 295, 100 and 5 K, while iron site Mössbauer was measured at 295 and 4.2 K. We find very small NMR Knight shifts and long relaxation times that we interpret as consistent with a pseudo-gap in the density of states near the Fermi level. NMR line shapes in AlCuFe do not show quadrupolar structure consistent with a single aluminum site. We report results of numerical simulations that effectively reproduce the features and trends in observed line shapes by means of a broad distribution of electric field gradients (EFGs) at aluminum sites. Our magnetization and Mössbauer effect experiments show that there is a very small fraction of the material that is magnetically ordered at low temperatures. This magnetic behavior was only observed well below the lowest temperature of NMR experiments and cannot be responsible for the broad NMR lines. Iron-site Mössbauer lines show significant broadening characteristic of a distribution of EFGs that is qualitatively similar to that indicated for the aluminum site.