Synthesis of rhodanese in Hep 3B cells

Summary The biosynthesis of rhodanese was studied in human hepatoma cell lines by immunoblotting and pulselabeling experiments using polyclonal antibodies raised against the bovine liver enzyme. Rhodanese, partially purified from human liver, showed an apparent molecular weight of 33,000 daltons, coincident with that of rhodanese from Hep 3B cells. After pulse labeling of Hep 3B cells both at 37°C and 25°C, rhodanese in the cytosol fraction exhibited the same molecular weight as the enzyme isolated from the particulate fraction containing mitochondria. Moreover, newly synthesized rhodanese from total Hep 3B RNA translation products showed the same electrophoretic mobility as rhodanese from Hep 3B cells. These results suggest that rhodanese, unlike most mitochondrial proteins, is not synthesized as a higher molecular weight precursor.     

Development of tool use in a macaque and a gorilla

The development of the capacity to use a stick as a tool was tested in a macaque (Macaca fuscata) and a gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) infants that had previously shown to be able to use strings and supports as dragging tools. Subjects were tested between 15 and 38 months of age. Different levels of competence between the subjects emerged over testing. The macaque developed a stereotyped strategy to cope with the problem, only getting random successes, whilst the gorilla developed a flexible strategy and revealed to be able to mentally represent the solution of the problem. In fact, when not successful using the stick, the gorilla thought out an alternative strategy, choosing and adapting a new object to use it as a tool.     

Intralymphatic administration of BCG in melanoma patients

Summary From November 1973 to December 1974, 20 patients with advanced malignant melanoma were treated with BCG given by intralymphatic route at the Cancer Institute of Milan. The lyophilized Pasteur BCG was used. Patients were treated with a single dose ranging from 0.2–80 mg. Patients' performance status was never severely impaired.The most frequent side effects were fever, lymphangitis, and lymph node enlargement.Variations were observed in white cell count, ERS and immunoglobulins; in no case did we find evidence of liver toxicity or tumor growth enhancement. It is concluded that the intralymphatic route is a safe way of administrating BCG.     

Familial XX true hermaphroditism and the H-Y antigen

Summary Two 46,XX sibs, one of female, one of male gender, and both with ambiguous external genitalia and ovotestis, were H-Y positive. The mother was H-Y negative. It is assumed that the underlying mutation was transmitted by the father, resulting in an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The common origin and the nature of the mutation leading to XX sex reversal are discussed.     

Validity of the reduced version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire

Sleep and Biological Rhythms - The aim of the present work was to validate the reduced version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQr) using circadian motor activity as external...