Ferritin in cultured human cytotrophoblasts: synthesis and subunit distribution

The present study aims at the role of ferritin in the regulation of syncytiotrophoblast free iron levels. The differentiated cytotrophoblast cell in culture is used as a model for this maternal-fetal interface. Cytotrophoblast cells isolated from term placentae are cultured in iron-poor (Medium 199), iron-depleted [desferrioxamine(DFO)] and iron-supplemented [diferric transferrin (hTF-2Fe), ferric ammonium citrate (FAC)] medium. Distribution and de novo synthesis of isoferritins is studied, together with the cellular iron concentration and the ferritin iron saturation. Compared to ferritin isolated from total placenta, ferritin obtained from villous tissue is enriched with acidic isoforms. This observation is in agreement with measured light (L) to heavy (H) subunit ratios < 1 of de novo synthesized ferritin in cultured cytotrophoblast cells. Neither iron-poor culture medium, nor hTf-2Fe supplemented medium affects the cellular iron or ferritin concentration. FAC increased the cellular ferritin iron saturation and (by synthesis) the acidic isoferritin concentrations. The results strongly suggest, that the term syncytiotrophoblast is able to balance transferrin-mediated iron uptake and iron release. In case of FAC supplementation, the syncytiotrophoblast is unable to keep intracellular iron low, and ferritin synthesis is stimulated. The predominance of acidic ferritins and the preferential synthesis of H subunits can be functionally explained by the established fact that iron incorporation in acidic ferritins is faster due to the presence of ferroxidase centres. Damage by free iron catalysed hydroxyl radical formation is therefore minimized.     

Sarcocystis spp in Western Australian sheep

The Jamaican Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Survey (1986-1987) revealed nine cases of a previously unreported form of birth-related injury in the English-speaking Caribbean--occipital osteodiastasis. Aspects of the clinical and pathological features of this form of occipital bone injury are presented and discussed. Our findings suggest that this lesion might occur more often than is currently accepted.     

Multiple Z plasty as an adjunct procedure for the correction of contracted fifth digit

This article describes the technique of the Z and multiple Z plasty. The plasty is used to lengthen skin. It is especially useful when used as an additional procedure in the surgical treatment of the contracted fifth digit.     

Alcohol in Munich secondary school students--a study for dissemination of experiences, knowledge, attitude and behavior

The Munich Community Health Service (Medical School-Service Department) conducted an alcohol prevention project in ten public secondary schools. The 423 pupils (11-17 years of age) filled in a questionnaire on alcohol and discussed it afterwards under the guidance of a school physician and a teacher using guideline information. The results of the survey are presented in this paper. Additionally, suggestions for transferring the results to conceptualize and carry out preventive measures are made. The results indicate that the first experience with alcohol occurred early in life. One-fifth of the sample had already tried alcohol at the age of six. Immediate effects of alcohol (e.g. state of drunkenness) were experienced by 35.7 percent of the sample group. Kiosks, shops, and beverage stores were named most frequently as sources for alcohol. The sources of social support varied with respect to sex and age. With increasing age of the children, parents were contacted less frequently whereas the role of peers increased. The present results supply possible paths of action for the development of successful prevention strategies, e.g. by pointing out the early age of onset as well as specific sources of alcohol acquisition.     

Bacillary angiomatosis and bacillary peliosis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus: clinical characteristics in a case-control study

Clinical characteristics associated with bacillary angiomatosis and bacillary peliosis (BAP) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were evaluated in a case-control study; 42 case-patients and 84 controls were matched by clinical care institution. Case-patients presented with fever (temperature, > 37.8 degrees C; 93%), a median CD4 lymphocyte count of 21/mm3, cutaneous or subcutaneous vascular lesions (55%), lymphadenopathy (21%), and/or abdominal symptoms (24%). Many case-patients experienced long delays between medical evaluation and diagnosis of BAP (median, 4 weeks; range, 1 day to 24 months). Case-patients were more likely than controls to have fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, a low CD4 lymphocyte count, anemia, or an elevated serum level of alkaline phosphatase (AP) (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, a CD4 lymphocyte count of < 200/mm3 (matched odds ratio [OR], 9.9; P < .09), anemia reflected by a hematocrit value of < 0.36 (OR, 19.7; P < .04), and an elevated AP level of > or = 2.6 mukat/L (OR, 23.9; P < .05) remained associated with disease after therapy with zidovudine was controlled for. BAP should be considered an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection and should be included in the differential diagnosis for febrile, HIV-infected patients with cutaneous or osteolytic lesions, lymphadenopathy, abdominal symptoms, anemia, or an elevated serum level of AP.