Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM). II -- Fibronectin and perinatal morbidity

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine fibronectin levels in umbilical cord blood of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and evaluate a possible correlation with perinatal pathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 58 IDM (33 males and 25 females) and 58 control newborns (NB) (33 males and 25 females) was carried out. RESULTS: There were no differences in fibronectin levels between the two groups nor between the sexes. Perinatal morbidity was higher in the IDM group, but there was no correlation between fibronectin levels and the presence of perinatal pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Fibronectin levels are not useful in the perinatal evaluation of infants of diabetic mothers.     

Allelic diversity at the primate Mhc-G locus: exon 3 bears stop codons in all Cercopithecinae sequences

The aim of this study was to determine whether bisaramil-an antiarrhythmic compound under clinical investigation-influences the reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and biochemical parameters characterizing occlusion-reperfusion-induced free-radical reactions. The left descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 60 min in anaesthetized dogs followed by one hour of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken at different times of the occlusion and reperfusion for the determination of plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); furthermore of the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Free-radical generating capacity of polymorph neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) was also measured. At the end of the experiments heart tissue samples were excised from the injured areas and from the intact part of the left ventricular muscle. In tissues samples the concentrations of MDA and GSH and the activity of SOD were determined. Bisaramil was given as an i.v. bolus injection at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 several minutes prior to the end of LAD-occlusion; then the administration was repeated in the 30th minute of reperfusion. In the control group (10 dogs) ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred in seven cases which resulted in death in three. In the bisaramil-treated group, however. VF was seen in three cases and no death was recorded. Bisaramil inhibited the elevation of the plasma concentration of MDA and GSSG during the reperfusion and abolished the decrease in the plasma concentration of GSH during the occlusion and reperfusion. The activity of SOD and catalase in plasma was much better preserved in the bisaramil-treated group then in the controls. Bisaramil significantly inhibited the increase of the superoxide-radical generating capacity of PMNs during the reperfusion. The data obtained from myocardial tissue samples supported the cardioprotective effect of bisaramil. The biochemical investigation of ischemic-reperfused myocardium showed that bisaramil promoted preservation of SOD-activity and of tissue glutathione. Results of this study clearly showed that bisaramil has a significant effect on ischemiareperfusion injury. Besides its inhibitory effects on ischaemia-reperfusion induced arrhythmias it has a special benefit in influencing free-radical mediated damage leading to better preservation of membranes and to limitations of irreversible cell injuries.     

Acute bilateral striatal necrosis in an infant: CT and MRI

We report a case of acute bilateral striatal necrosis in an infant. CT and MRI findings are described.     

Oxalate: its role in lithogenesis and composition of calcium oxalate lithiasis

A prospective study was conducted on 374 patients with urinary lithiasis, aiming to analyze the participation of oxalate in the lithogenesis and composition of the calcium oxalate calculi, alone or associated to other factors. METHODOLOGY: Metabolic urinary study of the patient and analysis of calculi with infrared spectrography and optical microscopy. RESULTS: 26.3% patients had hyperoxaluria and 77.5% of the calculi contain calcium oxalate; these are 167 cases of calcium oxalate, 110 of oxalate and calcium phosphate and 13 cases of mixed calcium oxalate and uric acid lithiasis. 43.4% patients with pure monohydrate calcium oxalate calculi have hypercalciuria, 22.6% hyperoxaluria and 19% hyperuricosuria. Dihydrated calcium oxalate calculi are related to high hypercalciuria in 65% cases and to significant hyperoxaluria in 35% cases. 45% patients present a single lithogenic factor, either hypercalciuria (49.6%), hyperoxaluria (20.6%), hyperuricosuria (13.74%), hypocitraturia (9%), urinary infection (1.5%), A.T.R. (2.25%) or acid oliguria (3%).     

Prevalence of serologic markers of HBV, HDV, HCV and HIV in non-injection drug users compared to injection drug users in Gran Canaria, Spain

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant tumour syndrome caused by germline mutations of the VHL tumour suppressor gene located on chromosome 3p25-26. In VHL tumours may occur in 14 different target organs, including the eye. Retinal angiomas are considered the first manifestation of VHL disease in 43% of cases, and the cumulative probability of developing a retinal angioma in one or both eyes rises during each decade of life, reaching 80% for patients over 80 years old. Since 1976 patients with VHL at the University Hospital of Utrecht and their at-risk relatives have been screened periodically by a multidisciplinary team. Long-term follow-up ophthalmological data were analysed with special attention to natural course and results of treatment. In addition, we looked for a genotype-phenotype correlation. Retinal angiomas were found in all families. In one large family with a missense mutation (V170D) of the VHL gene, in which the complete spectrum of visceral- and central nervous system (CNS) features of VHL is present, macular, parapapillary, optic disc and ora serrata angiomas were also found. In general, however, a clear-cut genotype-phenotype correlation could not be found. Only early detection and treatment of peripheral retinal angiomas can be expected to decrease the percentage of patients with decreased visual acuity. Therefore, early detection and treatment of these tumours is of paramount importance. Ophthalmological screening of patients and persons at risk should start as early as possible. In patients with apparently sporadic retinal angiomas it is advisable to perform germline DNA analysis, since the risk of developing VHL is high, especially if the angiomas are bilateral, or unilateral and multifocal, if the patient is young, or if there is a family history suggestive of VHL.