Preparation and X-ray studies of crystals of anhydroelastase

The preparation, purification and crystallization of porcine anhydroelastase using affinity chromatography which turkey-ovomucoid inhibitor is described. The structure of the active site at 3.5 Å (0.35 nm) resolution is compared with that of the native enzyme. An attempt is made to locate the substrate(Ala)₄-Lys-Phe bound to anhydroelastase.     

TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF A COMPARATIVE ANATOMICAL STUDY OF INULOIDEAE-COMPOSITAE

Thirty-seven species representing eight of the nine subtribes of the tribe Inuloideae-Compositae were examined for the presence of crystals in the achene wall, fibers within the phloem, and schizogenous resin canals in the aerial stem. Leaf hair type and the size of the widest xylem element were also recorded for each species. These comparative observations point to the presence of two major groups which are completely obscured by current taxonomic practice. Comparative palynological and cytological data already in the literature are readily interpreted in the light of this suggested grouping.     

Solvent encephalopathy.

Nineteen children aged 8-14 years were admitted over a six-year period with an acute encephalopathy due to toluene intoxication. Seven had a history of euphoria and hallucinations. The remainder presented with coma (4), ataxia (3), convulsions (3), and behaviour disturbance with diplopia (2), A history of glue sniffing was elicited in 14, but in the remainder toluene assay confirmed the diagnosis. Thirteen children recovered completely; five still had psychological impairment and personality change on discharge from hospital but were lost to follow-up, and one has a persistent cerebellar ataxia one year after the acute episode, despite absence of further exposure. Toluene inhalation is an important cause of encephalopathy in children and may lead to permanent neurological damage. Diagnosis is most important if further damage due to continued abuse is to be prevented, and toluene assay is a valuable aid to diagnosis.