FMRFamide-like Peptides in the Nervous and Endocrine Systems of the Digenean Helminth Echinostoma liei

FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity has been demonstrated in the digenean trematode Echinostoma liei. The functions of FMRFamide-like substances appear to be many and varied within the invertebrates, where they are involved in neurotransmission, cardiovascular regulation, muscular contraction and/or relaxation, and in co-ordination of growth and maturation. It is clearly indicated that FMRFamide-like substances function as neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in E. liei by the abundance of positively stained nerve fibres and perikarya seen throughout the CNS and PNS. A single endocrine-like cell also showing FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity is situated within the muscular cirrus pouch.     

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunits encoded within the vaccinia virus genome.

Antiserum to a multisubunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from vaccinia virions was prepared to carry out genetic studies. This antiserum selectively inhibited the activity of the viral polymerase but had no effect on calf thymus RNA polymerase II. The specificity of the antiserum was further demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of RNA polymerase subunits from dissociated virus particles. The presence in vaccinia virus-infected cells of mRNA that encodes the polymerase subunits was determined by in vitro translation. Immunoprecipitable polypeptides with Mrs of about 135,000, 128,000, 36,000, 34,000, 31,000, 23,000, 21,000, 20,000, and 17,000 were made when early mRNA was added to reticulocyte extracts. The subunits were encoded within the vaccinia virus genome, as demonstrated by translation of early mRNA that hybridized to vaccinia virus DNA. The locations of the subunit genes were determined initially by hybridization of RNA to a series of overlapping 40-kilobase-pair DNA fragments that were cloned in a cosmid vector. Further mapping was achieved with cloned HindIII restriction fragments. Results of these studies indicated that RNA polymerase subunit genes are transcribed early in infection and are distributed within the highly conserved central portion of the poxvirus genome in HindIII fragments E, J, H, D, and A.     

Identification of the vaccinia virus gene encoding nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I, a DNA-dependent ATPase.

Vaccinia virus encapsidates a DNA-dependent ATPase known as nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I). A bacteriophage lambda gt11 expression library of poxvirus DNA was screened with antibodies specific for NPH I. Positive clones were used to probe restriction fragments of vaccinia virus genomic DNA to locate the NPH I gene. The identity of the open reading frame (ORF) was confirmed by placing it downstream of a bacteriophage T7 promoter, transcribing the ORF in vitro, and translating the RNA in a reticulocyte lysate. A polypeptide of the correct molecular weight, which was recognized by anti-NPH I antibody, was synthesized. Inspection of the deduced amino acid sequence of the NPH I ORF revealed consensus ATP-binding sites.     

Hynes pharyngoplasty revisited

The treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence remains unsatisfactory because the causes are many, as are the variations in anatomic and physiologic defects. Therefore, full assessment and investigation are essential in tailoring the surgery to the defect. A modified Hynes pharyngoplasty has been used in 40 patients, aged 4 to 52, over a 4-year period for velopharyngeal incompetence of varying etiologic causes. Speech was assessed before and at least 6 months after pharyngoplasty. At the same time, radiologic and, when possible, nasendoscopic investigations were undertaken. Thirty-eight patients had no or variable nasal escape (variable defined as achieving intermittent closure), whereas 33 had normal or slight hyponasal resonance. There was only one complication, an asymptomatic dehiscence of the "bucket handle" flap from the posterior wall. Thirteen patients had an assortment of side effects, none requiring surgical treatment. We believe that patients who are suitable for the described sphincter pharyngoplasty are those with slight or moderate nasal escape having a mobile palate with an anteroposterior gap of 5 mm or less.     

Studies on orthocephalization. 10. Behaviour of the visceral part of the rat head during the first 14 days after gestation

The present paper considers the significance of interosseous flexions of the palatal complex in the process of orthocephalization of the rat skull between birth and 7 d p.n. The study is based on a sample of 90 rats divided into 4 age groups, i.e. 0, 4, 7, and 14 d. These rats have been X-rayed, and their photographs subsequently analysed. During the studied period, the constituents of the bony palate, i.e. the horizontal part of the palatine bone, the palatal process of maxilla and the palatal part of premaxilla, increase markedly in length, but with individual differences in growth rate. There is, in the period, a marked decrease in angulation between the cranial base and the palatal plane. This means that the rat skull becomes more orthocranial. There is also a straightening (orthopalatalization) of the palate, as the angle between maxilla and premaxilla becomes more obtuse, and a marked decrease in angulation between the palatine bone and the cranial base. The patterns of angular changes suggest that the process of orthocephalization in the period between birth and 14 d p.n. primarily is a result of an upwards rotation of the palatine bone relative to the cranial base, while interosseous deflections in the palate only play a minor role.     

HIV testing: changing trends at a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in London.

Trends in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and antibody testing at a London clinic for sexually transmitted diseases showed substantial changes over a 12 month period. From around 100 a month in the summer of 1986 the numbers of people attending rose substantially to 276 in October 1986 and 475 in November at the time of the campaign in the popular press. They rose further still, to 700, at the time of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) week in March 1987. In April they fell to the levels seen six months previously. Apart from this increase in overall numbers the proportions of women and heterosexual men who were seen increased.     

Standardized method for evaluation of hand disinfection by surgical scrub formulations

A standardized protocol for the evaluation of hand disinfection by surgical scrub formulations was applied to volunteers in a multicenter trial. Povidone iodine (PVI), chlorhexidine (CHX), and a nonmedicated soap (NMS) were tested. The scrubbing procedure involved three daily hand washings for five consecutive days; surviving bacteria were counted daily after being collected in a suitable neutralizing solution. Immediate efficacy (IE), cumulative efficacy (CE), and remanent effect (RE) were calculated by reference to the control hand. Statistical analyses of IE, CE, and RE showed significant differences among the three scrub formulations. IEs of PVI and CHX were equivalent and different from IE of NMS; CE and RE of CHX were higher than those of PVI and NMS. On the basis of the statistical analysis, the population size required for further studies aimed at detecting significant differences between surgical scrub formulations could be estimated.