Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using staphylococcal protein A for detecting virus antibodies

A modification of the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed which used staphylococcal protein A linked to horseradish peroxidase. Virus antibodies in equine, bovine, porcine, feline, canine, lagomorphic (rabbit), and human sera were detected, using the indirect ELISA in which the antiglobulin enzyme conjugate was replaced by protein A linked to horseradish peroxidase. Results of the ELISA were compared with the results of the serum-virus neutralization test. The application of the test in laboratories performing serologic assays with sera from diverse animal species is discussed.     

Use of conduction anesthesia for the development of movements in the knee joint after arthrotomy

An investigation of the possible significance of 'stress' as a factor in the retention of bovine fetal membranes has been carried out, together with the investigation as to the possible variation of progesterone levels at parturition, as a cause of retention. No evidence of abnormal progesterone levels has been established, but from the evidence it is concluded that retention may well be yet another example of production disease.     

Neglected victims of homicide: the needs of young siblings of murder victims

Fifteen children, aged 7-18 years, were interviewed an average of five months after the murder of an older sibling. Although most showed significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosocial impairment, few had received any community or mental health system support or services for these symptoms. Specific problems and needs are identified, and implications for research and practice are discussed.     

The effect of nonablative laser energy on the ultrastructure of joint capsular collagen

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of laser energy at nonablative levels on the ultrastructure of joint capsular collagen. The femoropatellar joint capsules of six mature New Zealand white rabbits were harvested immediately after death. Specimens were divided into three treatment groups (5, 10, and 15 watts) and one control group. Laser energy was applied using a holmium: YAG laser. Transmission electron microscopy showed significant ultrastructural alterations in collagenous architecture for all laser treatment groups, with increased fibril cross-sectional diameter for each of the treated groups. The fibrils began to lose their distinct edges and their periodical cross-striations at subsequently higher energy densities. A morphometric analysis showed that each subsequently higher laser energy caused a significant increase in collagen fibril diameter. Ultrastructural alteration of collagen fibril architecture caused by the thermal effect of laser energy is probably the dominant mechanism of laser-induced tissue shrinkage.     

Bilateral Wilms' tumor. Current treatment

Partial nephrectomy combined with chemotherapy has been the most effective treatment in bilateral Wilms tumors. We present two cases. The bilateral synchronous tumor are present in 4.2% and the metachronous tumor in 1.6%, in the world statistics. The synchronous bilateral Wilms tumor, Stage V, have an excellent prognosis: over 87% survival, compared to 40% of the metachronous bilateral Wilms tumors.     

Hb Malm? [beta-97(FG-4)His-->Gln] leading to polycythemia in a Dutch family

We have examined six individuals from a two-generation Dutch family for a suspected hemoglobin (Hb) abnormality. The propositus presented with polycythemia and complained of persistent weakness, headache, and epistaxis. All family members initially showed a normal Hb-electrophoretic pattern, but on isoelectric focusing, three of them displayed a fast-moving band associated with high packed red cell volumes (PCV) and increased red blood cell count. The Hb mutant was analyzed at the DNA level by specific gene fragment amplification (PCR), followed by direct DNA sequencing, and the mutation was confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis. We found a C-->G transversion (CAC-->CAG) at codon 97 of the beta-chain, which corresponded to the His-->Gln amino acid substitution previously described as Hb Malm?. We report here the clinical history of the patient, the effects of phlebotomy treatment, and the effect of subnormal iron conditions on the erythropoietic recovery after phlebotomy. The mechanism responsible for the induction of the higher oxygen affinity is discussed, as are some aspects concerning the occurrence, pathology treatment, and the genetic risk of Hb variants with high O2 affinity.