Hox-type and non-Hox homeobox gene sequences in genomic DNA of the sea urchin Holopneustes purpurescens

As a preliminary step in an analysis of Hox gene expression and radial body plan specification in sea urchin development, we amplified partial homeobox sequences in H. purpurescens by PCR using degenerate primers. The primers, HoxE and HoxF (Pendleton et al., 1993), spanned a highly conserved region of 82 nucleotides encompassing amino acids 21-47 of the homeodomain. Seven Hox-type homeobox sequences and two non-Hox homeobox sequences were identified. The seven Hox-type sequences were placed provisionally in Hox paralogous groups, one in paralogous group 3, three in paralogous groups 6-8 and three in paralogous groups 9 13. The non-Hox sequences had similarities with Xlox and Gbx homeobox genes.     

Discriminatory function of serum proteins in liver and biliary tract diseases

In 104 patients with acute virus hepatitis, chronic hepatitides, cirrhoses, fatty livers and biliary diseases with partial and complete obstructive jaundice, respectively, IgG, IgA, IgD, beta1A- and beta1E-globulin, cholinesterase, total protein, and albumin, in 45 of these patients additionally prealbumin, retinol binding protein, thymol turbidity test were determined as well as an electrophoretic separation of the serum was performed. 11 persons with healthy liver served as control group. According to the results of univariate and multivariate variance analyses with following test of redundance (test for indispensability) and analysis of discriminance with calculations of reclassification IgD, beta1E-globulin and retinol binding protein were identified as not evident or redundant. Electrophoresis and thymol turbidity test give sufficient basis informations and can further be recommended for orienting examinations. Immune globulinogrammes from IgB, IgA and IgM are suitable as so-called mesenchyma tests particularly for controls of the course. Prealbumin and cholinesterase prove to be the most sensitive parameter of synthesis, whereas albumin and beta1A-globulin possess a high prognostic evidence.     

The evaluation of the efficacy of hemosorption and plasmapheresis in IHD complicated by chronic heart failure

Hemosorption and plasmapheresis were studied for effects on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant blood activity, platelet hemostasis, microcirculation, myocardial contractility and intracardiac hemodynamics. The results demonstrated that antioxidant blood response is a key criterion responsible for decreased efficacy of hemosorption and plasmapheresis in patients with progressive angina pectoris with chronic heart failure. The results of hemosorption and plasmapheresis in the above patients may become better if an adjuvant antioxidant therapy is used.