Dimerization of recombinant horseradish peroxidase in a reversed micellar system

Recombinant horseradish peroxidase reactivated from E. coli inclusion bodies was studied in a reversed micellar system of AOT in octane. The ability of the recombinant enzyme, in contrast to native horseradish peroxidase, to form a dimeric structure was found. The existence of the dimer was proved by results of sedimentation analysis. Dimer/monomer ratio in the enzyme-containing micelles and dimer catalytic activity were found to depend on the substrate used (pyrogallol, guaiacol, o-dianisidine, o-phenylenediamine). Computer modelling was used to describe possible structures of the dimeric recombinant horseradish peroxidase.     

Antibiotic phenol nor-triterpenes from Maytenus canariensis

OBJECTIVE: To calculate and compare the costs of the treatment of varicocele by antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy with other modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 2305 operations using antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy to treat varicocele in childhood and adolescence were analysed for cost factors and compared with different surgical treatment methods for varicocele. RESULTS: Calculation of the pre-, intra- and post-operative costs showed that antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy was the most economically effective of all forms of surgical management for varicocele. CONCLUSIONS: Because antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a cost-effective treatment for varicocele, the indications for treatment may be widened to include more men with potential infertility, and thus avoid the need for expensive methods of artificial fertilization.     

Training of policemen in emotional control and awareness.

Describes a new technique designed to increase emotional control and awareness of policemen. The method has grown out of research in stimulated recall. Policemen were confronted with films which encourage them to simulate stressful interactions with demonstrators or rioters. Following the films, a group discussion took place focusing on the Ss' feelings, reactions, and responses to the film actor. The rationale of such a procedure is presented as well as its potential as a tool which can facilitate the training of police through a series of simulated interpersonal situations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of contrast agents on the activity of acid phosphatase in mouse neutrophils]

We report a case of Pasteurella multocida pneumonia and empyema in an otherwise healthy patient. The most frequently observed human complication with this microorganism is a local wound infection. Only a few cases of pneumonia have been described, and most of the patients were immunodeficient.     

Computed tomographic angiography of the thoracic vessels: the method, initial experience and outlook for its use

The paper presents the data available in the literature on computed tomographic angiography and the first experience with it to study thoracic vessels. It details the principles of spiral computed tomography and CT angiography. Practical aspects of their implementation, as well as basic concepts are outlined. It is concluded that CT angiography is promising in studying thoracic vessels in various abnormalities.     

Changes in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoproteins responsible for the pathogenicity of a multiply passaged simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV-HXBc2)

In vivo passage of a poorly replicating, nonpathogenic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV-HXBc2) generated an efficiently replicating virus, KU-1, that caused rapid CD4(+) T-lymphocyte depletion and AIDS-like illness in monkeys (S. V. Joag, Z. Li, L. Foresman, E. B. Stephens, L.-J. Zhao, I. Adany, D. M. Pinson, H. M. McClure, and O. Narayan, J. Virol. 70:3189-3197, 1996). The env gene of the KU-1 virus was used to create a molecularly cloned virus, SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2, that differed from a nonpathogenic SHIV-HXBc2 virus in only 12 envelope glycoprotein residues. SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 replicated efficiently and caused rapid and persistent CD4(+) T-lymphocyte depletion in inoculated rhesus macaques. Compared with the envelope glycoproteins of the parental SHIV-HXBc2, the SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 envelope glycoproteins supported more efficient infection of rhesus monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Both the parental SHIV-HXBc2 and the pathogenic SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 used CXCR4 but none of the other seven transmembrane segment receptors tested as a second receptor. Compared with the parental virus, viruses with the SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 envelope glycoproteins were more resistant to neutralization by soluble CD4 and antibodies. Thus, changes in the envelope glycoproteins account for the ability of the passaged virus to deplete CD4(+) T lymphocytes rapidly and specify increased replicative capacity and resistance to neutralization.