No evidence for linkage of autosomal dominant proximal spinal muscular atrophies to chromosome 5q markers

Summary Two recent articles have reported the linkage of a gene for recessive spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) on the chromosome region 5q11.2–13.3. Our data show no linkage of the dominantly inherited forms of SMA to this chromosome region.     

Vernonia galamensis,Potential new crop source of epoxy acid

Vernonia galamensis is a good source of seed oil rich in epoxy acid, which can be used to manufacture plastic formulations, protective coatings, and other products. Seed from a natural stand in Ethiopia contained 31% epoxy acid. Under cultivation in Kenya, this unimproved germplasm produced a substantial yield of seed with 32% epoxy acid. This African species has good natural seed retention and is a promising new crop for semiarid tropical areas.     

Calcium at the surface of cardiac plasma membrane vesicles: Cation binding,surface charge screening,and Na−Ca exchange

Summary Calcium binding and Na–Ca exchange activity were measured in isolated cardiac plasma membrane vesicles under various ionic conditions. A model was developed to describe the Ca binding characteristics of cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles using the Gouy-Chapman theory of the diffuse double layer with specific cation binding to phospholipid carboxyl and phosphate groups. The surface association constants used for Ca, Na, K and H binding to both of these groups were 7, 0.63, 0.3 and 3800m ^–1, respectively. This model allows the estimation of surface [Ca] under any specific ionic conditions. The effects of the divalent screening cation, dimethonium, on Ca binding and Na–Ca exchange were compared. Dimethonium had no significant effect on Ca binding at high ionic strength (150mm KCl), but strongly depressed Ca binding at low ionic strength. Dimethonium had no significant effect on Na–Ca exchange (Na-inside dependent Ca influx) at either high or low ionic strength. These results suggest that the Ca sites of the Na–Ca exchanger are in a physical environment where they are either not exposed to or not sensitive to surface [Ca].     

A simple sensitive radioreceptor assay for calcium antagonist drugs

A radioreceptor assay for calcium channel antagonist drugs described here is based on the ability of these drugs to affect ³H-nitrendipine binding to calcium channels. All the known calcium channel antagonists may be assayed in this manner. The assay can detect 10–100 nM (4 – 40 ng/ml) nimodipine, 10–100 nM (3.5 – 35 ng/ml) nifedipine, 3–30 μM (1.2 – 12 μm/ml) prenylamine, 0.1 – 1.0 μM (49 – 490 ng/ml) verapamil and 3–30 μM (1.2 – 12 μg/ml) diltiazem. These values cover the range of concentrations of calcium channel antagonists that are clinically important. As the radioreceptor assay detects active metabolites as well as the parent drugs, it should prove a useful adjunct in cardiovascular therapy. The method is more reproducible, simpler and less expensive than other methods such as high pressure liquid chromatography.     

Unprocessed Bran in Treatment of Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Seventy patients with diverticular disease of the colon were treated with a high-residue, low-sugar diet including unprocessed bran. Follow-up for an average of 22 months showed marked relief of symptoms in 62 patients. Bowel habit was restored towards normal and abdominal discomfort relieved. Only seven patients were unable to give up the use of laxatives. Eight patients did not tolerate the bran diet, and one of these needed surgical treatment. None of the 62 patients who took the diet needed surgery.     

CYTOKINESIS AND PLASMODESMATA IN ULOTHRIX1

Cytokinesis essentially similar to that of vascular plants occurs in Ulothrix, an unbranched filamentous green alga. Plasmodesmata, similar to those of vascular plants, but different from those of many other algae, are also present. Cell plate formation and plasmodesmata also occur in Stigeoclonium, a branched green alga.     

Enhanced extractability of articular cartilage proteoglycans in osteoarthrosis (Short Communication)

Tissue contents of small, easily extracted, proteoglycans, relatively poor in keratan sulphate, were compared in normal and osteoarthrotic cartilage. Although the amounts of small proteoglycans were similar in each tissue, as were the collagen contents, some proteoglycans in the diseased cartilage were much more readily extracted than those in the normal tissue.