Anastral meiotic spindle morphogenesis: role of the non-claret disjunctional kinesin-like protein

We have used time-lapse laser scanning confocal microscopy to directly examine microtubule reorganization during meiotic spindle assembly in living Drosophila oocytes. These studies indicate that the bipolarity of the meiosis I spindle is not the result of a duplication and separation of centrosomal microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). Instead, microtubules first associate with a tight chromatin mass, and then bundle to form a bipolar spindle that lacks asters. Analysis of mutant oocytes indicates that the Non-Claret Disjunctional (NCD) kinesin-like protein is required for normal spindle assembly kinetics and stabilization of the spindle during metaphase arrest. Immunolocalization analyses demonstrate that NCD is associated with spindle microtubules, and that the centrosomal components gamma-tubulin, CP-190, and CP-60 are not concentrated at the meiotic spindle poles. Based on these observations, we propose that microtubule bundling by the NCD kinesin-like protein promotes assembly of a stable bipolar spindle in the absence of typical MTOCs.     

Bartonella species infections, including cat-scratch disease, trench fever, and bacillary angiomatosis--what molecular techniques have revealed

Specialists from Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology have developed a modified method of defrosted red cells deglycerinization which implies 2 cycles of centrifugation and using small quantities (625 ml) of low-cost and available washing solutions of sodium chloride. Simple performance and cost efficacy of this method make red cell cryopreservation more convenient for practice.     

Effect of emodin on c-myc proto-oncongen expression in cultured rat mesangial cells

We report a patient with chronic asymptomatic Chagas' disease that presented Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation after kidney transplantation and immune depression. The only clinical manifestation of the disease was ulcerative skin lesions, which is unusual in Chagas' disease.     

Current nursing practice of point-of-care laboratory diagnostic testing in critical care units

BACKGROUND: The development of user-friendly laboratory analyzers, combined with the need for rapid assessment of critically ill patients, has led to the performance of in vitro diagnostic testing at the point of care by personnel without formal laboratory training. OBJECTIVES: To determine the range of laboratory testing performed by critical care nurses and their attitudes toward this role. METHODS: A survey of critical care nursing consultants was conducted, using a modified Likert scale, to assess objective measures of point-of-care testing practice in critical care units and to determine nurses' attitudes toward the practice of point-of-care testing. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant trends in responses. RESULTS: Of the units responding to the survey, 35% used critical care nurses exclusively to perform point-of-care testing, 32.5% used laboratory technicians and critical care nurses, and 25% used other personnel. Of critical care nurses performing laboratory testing, 95.5% performed blood glucose analysis; 18.7%, arterial blood gas analysis; 4.5%, electrolyte analysis; 4.5%, hematology profiles; and 22.7%, other testing. Most agreed that stat tests were not reported promptly, thereby necessitating bedside testing. Respondents indicated that they would prefer that laboratory personnel operate in vitro diagnostic equipment and that requirements for critical care nurses to perform laboratory testing detracted from other patient care duties. CONCLUSIONS: Most nurses who perform point-of-care testing responded that it was necessary and helpful in patient management. However, they would prefer, because of their other patient care responsibilities, that laboratory personnel take this responsibility.