The Plasmodium falciparum 11.1 gene locus on chromosome 10 extends over 30 kb and contains approximately 22 kb of a tandemly repeated 27-bp sequence. Biochemical and size similarities have been noted between the reported 11.1 antigen and a variable-Mr, surface-radioiodinatable protein which appears to be involved in the cytoadherence of red blood cells infected with mature intraerythrocytic parasites to venular endothelium. We attempted to determine if these proteins were identical. Using rabbit antibody and affinity purified human immune sera specific for peptides encoded by the 27-bp repeat and a flanking 5' region, we have shown that the 11.1 locus encodes a protein of more than 1000 kDa. This protein cross-reacts with an uncharacterized 260-kDa protein, previously identified as the gene product of the 11.1 locus, and Pf155-RESA, but not with the radioiodinatable protein. The 11.1 protein that we have identified is a malarial protein of unprecedented size.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Isolation and primary structure of gastrin-releasing peptide from a teleost fish, the trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Immunohistochemical studies have established that fish gastrointestinal tissues contain peptides with gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)/bombesin-like immunoreactivity, but the molecular nature of this material is unclear. In this study, the most abundant peptide that was immunoreactive towards an antiserum raised against pig GRP was isolated in pure form from an extract of the stomach of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The primary structure of the peptide was established as: Ser-Glu-Asn-Thr-Gly-Ala-Ile-Gly-Lys-Val10- Phe-Pro-Arg-Gly-Asn-His-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly20-His-Leu-Met-NH2. Although this amino acid sequence is shorter than those of mammalian GRPs by four residues, the COOH-terminal dodecapeptide is identical to the corresponding region in pig GRP. The data indicate, therefore, that the predominant molecular form of GRP in the stomach of a teleost fish is structurally more similar to mammalian GRP than to the amphibian skin peptide, bombesin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Measuring dependence in smokeless tobacco users.

Two scales based on the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire were developed to measure dependence in smokeless tobacco users. The total score for both scales correlated positively with saliva cotinine levels in subjects, and several individual items produced equally positive correlations. Regression analyses yielded two subsets of three items from each scale that predicted cotinine level. Reports of using smokeless tobacco within 30 min of waking served as a predictor in both models. For the purposes of measuring smokeless tobacco dependence, attention should be given to individual items correlated with saliva cotinine levels that could be used to determine the direction of cessation efforts. Future research should also develop additional items specific to the use of snuff or chewing tobacco and eliminate questions not contributing to the overall scale.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Smokeless tobacco use in a population of young adults.

The current study examined characteristics of smokeless tobacco users in a large population of Air Force recruits. In addition, smokeless tobacco users were compared to non-tobacco users, to cigarette smokers, and to users of both smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. Participants were 32,144 individuals who entered Basic Military Training from August 1995 to August 1996. A 53-item questionnaire assessed demographics, tobacco use history, risk taking, and other health-risk factors. Those who both chewed and smoked scored considerably higher on a number of risk factors than did those who limited their tobacco consumption to either cigarettes or chew. Cigarette smokers in turn tended to score consistently higher on self-reported risk factors than did nontobacco users.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Characteristics of smokeless tobacco users seeking treatment.

Previous studies have described smokeless tobacco (ST) treatment seekers with minimal detail. In the present study, ST users (N = 402), who enrolled in a ST cessation treatment study, were asked to complete an extensive questionnaire that inquired about their ST use patterns, use of other tobacco products, extent of dependence, previous attempts to quit, situations associated with use and support for quitting. The results showed that this population experiences a high level of nicotine exposure and physical dependence on ST. ST use frequently is associated with negative affect situations and times of hunger. A high frequency of users have smoked cigarettes as well as cigars. A supportive social environment for ST cessation exists for these individuals. These results have implications for ST treatment content.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of mastitis secondary to empyema necessitatis. A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Empyema necessitatis is a relatively rare entity. Two instances of mastitis secondary to empyema necessitatis, diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy are reported. CASES: One case was tuberculous in etiology and was initially recognized by cytologic findings of epithelioid and granulomatous cellular reactions and the presence of acid-fast bacilli, which were subsequently cultured and speciated as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The other case was due to coexisting Actinomyces and Actinobacillus. These organisms were cytologically suggested by "sulfur" granules of filamentous, gram-positive bacilli, admixed gram-negative coccobacilli and Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon in an exudative cell background and were confirmed by microbiologic culture as Actinomyces israelii and Astinomyces actinomycetemcomitans, respectively. CONCLUSION: The usefulness of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of empyema necessitatis, supported by ancillary microbial culture, histochemistry, and radiographic imaging, is well illustrated by these two cases.

Actinobacillus↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Labyrinthine malformations. Genetical and radiological aspects.

A family is described, three members of which presented progressive deafness, of mixed type, not present at birth. The two living, mother and daughter, exhibited a Mondini-like malformation of the labyrinth. The canaliculus cochleae was delated in the daughter. In addition, a middle ear malformation was found in the mother. The findings, being unique, are discussed in the light of Brown-Farrior og Endicott's paper on progressive, noncongenital deafness, attributed to abnormally wide canaliculus cochlea.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The vestibular aqueduct in Meniere's disease.

The vestibular aquaeduct was evaluated blindly in tomograms from patients with Meniere's disease or chronic otitis and from patients without ear disorders. The descending part of the aquaeduct was clearly visible in 95% of the patients without ear disease. In the two other groups, it was visible only in about 50%. It is suggested that a narrow or invisible vestibular aquaeduct is an unspecific radiological sign in a variety of ear diseases.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Has battle for business carried a cost?

A diversity of opinion surrounds that question. National Research Corp. found a range of answers among hospital CEOs, consumers, employers and physicians. Most hospital administrators believe competition's helped; most employers aren't so sure. But as for costs, administrators believe competition has accelerated expenses, not slowed them down.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMedDate not supplied