Measurement of the volume of a leg ulcer using a laser scanner

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Uroporphyrin and protoporphyrin produce alterations on 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and porphobilinogen deaminase, as a result of a direct effect of porphyrins on the protein structure. With the aim of assessing the possible protection from the porphyrins effect on the proteins, some chemicals and the enzyme substrates were assayed. METHODS: Enzymes were pre-incubated with the protecting agents (beta-mercaptoethanol, dithiotreitol, hydroxylamine, succinic anhydride) or the corresponding substrates (delta-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen), and then exposed to the porphyrins. All experiments were performed in the enzyme solutions after removing the porphyrins. RESULTS: The presence of sulfhydryl reagents partially protected both the enzyme activities and the content of total SH and free amino groups, but they did not prevent the appearance of molecular aggregates in the electrophoresis. Similar results were obtained in the presence of the corresponding substrates. Nucleophilic addition of hydroxylamine to the aromatic amino acids on the enzymes and blockage of their free amino groups did not prevent the direct effect of porphyrins, but these agents protected the enzyme activities from the photodynamic action of the tetrapyrroles, and also prevented the formation of molecular aggregates. However, an increased amount of free amino groups was observed, probably due to protein fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Porphyrins mainly affected the SH groups at or near the active site of the enzymes. Most of the free amino groups on the treated enzymes were involved in the formation of cross-links among the protein molecules. Protein fragmentation induced by porphyrins under UV light, and the consequent increased amount of free amino groups, were observed.     

Structural basis for the recognition of carbohydrates by human galectin-7

Knowledge about carbohydrate recognition domains of galectins, formerly known as S-type animal lectins, is important in understanding their role(s) in cell-cell interactions. Here we report the crystal structure of human galectin-7 (hGal-7), in free form and in the presence of galactose, galactosamine, lactose, and N-acetyl-lactosamine at high resolution. This is the first structure of a galectin determined in both free and carbohydrate-bound forms. The structure shows a fold similar to that of the prototype galectins -1 and -2, but has greater similarity to a related galectin molecule, Gal-10. Even though the carbohydrate-binding residues are conserved, there are significant changes in this pocket due to shortening of a loop structure. The monomeric hGal-7 molecule exists as a dimer in the crystals, but adopts a packing arrangement considerably different from that of Gal-1 and Gal-2, which has implications for carbohydrate recognition.     

Three sibs with mild variety of osteopetrosis

We report three sibs with mild autosomal recessive variety of osteopetrosis. The prominent clinical features were short stature, malocclusion of teeth, hepatosplenomegaly and a typical facial appearance. The only atypical features were microcephaly, a normal upper segment to lower segment ratio and a normal arm span.     

Prevalence of morphologic defects in spermatozoa from beef bulls

OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall prevalence of morphologic defects in spermatozoa from beef bulls and to determine whether prevalence varies with the age of the bull. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. ANIMALS: 2,497 beef bulls that were evaluated for breeding soundness in 1994 by 29 practicing veterinarians in a 5-state geographic region. PROCEDURE: Slides of spermatozoa from each bull were made and submitted by practicing veterinarians for morphologic evaluation. One hundred spermatozoa per slide were examined, and each was classified as having 1 of 9 morphologic defects or as normal. RESULTS: 63% of bulls evaluated were 10 to 12 months old, and 20% were 13 to 18 months old. A mean of 70.6% of spermatozoa was classified as normal. Most common defects were proximal droplets (8.4%), distal midpiece reflexes (6.7%), separated heads (5.5%), and distal droplets (3.8%). Other defects were seen < 2% of the time. Bulls 10 to 12 months of age had a higher prevalence of proximal and distal droplet defects than older bulls. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners conducting breeding soundness evaluations in beef bulls must be aware of common spermatozoal defects. Bulls that are evaluated at a young age will have more defects than older bulls and should be reevaluated, particularly for those defects for which prevalence decreases with age.     

Factors influencing survival after gamma knife radiosurgery for patients with single and multiple brain metastases

BACKGROUND: Significant changes are restructurng the U.S. health care delivery system. National health reform is now extending itself into the public sector. Increased health and medical costs by federal and state governments are forcing a reevaluation of major entitlement programs, especially Medicaid. METHODS/RESULTS: Because Medicaid is the single largest item in many state budgets, states are now enrolling Medicaid patients into managed and coordinated care arrangements as a means to control costs and increase access to care. HMOs are not only competing for private patients but also actively seeking the Medicaid population. Nationally, almost one-fourth of all Medicaid patients are now enrolled in managed care plans. Various models and approaches have been developed by individual states. CONCLUSIONS: Because managed care enrollment in the Medicaid program has increased substantially in recent years, selected services including vision care are no longer rendered by any practitioner willing to accept Medicaid fees. Freedom of choice is now restricted to pre-selected and panel practitioners participating with the managed care program. The rules, regulations, billing procedures, fees, and program requisites will differ under managed care programs. Private optometric practitioners must consider entering economic and organizational relationships and linkages that make them attractive to managed care organizations.