Differentially expressed genes in adult familial myelodysplastic syndromes.

The precise genetic events leading to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and leukemic transformation remain poorly defined. Even less is known about adult familial MDS. We report an adult MDS family in whom enriched tissue-specific transcripts were derived by subtractive hybridization of cDNA from the mononuclear and CD34+ cells of affected and unaffected family members.

Surface tension prediction for hydrocarbons and its application to level swell modelling.

In this article, methods for estimating surface tension are considered where the specific gravity and normal boiling point are known such as when the composition is expressed using petroleum fractions. This is of interest as surface tension is an important parameter in the calculation of outflow conditions from a two-phase vessel undergoing level swell. A new improved correlation for the parachor is presented and the improved accuracy of the surface tension and bubble rise velocity compared to when the original parachor correlation is used is assessed.

Modelling top venting vessels undergoing level swell.

The storage and processing of fluids in a two-phase state at pressure requires the consequences of a failure of the vessel wall or a pipe break due to corrosion or third party interference, be considered as part of a safety analysis. The present paper describes a mathematical model for predicting outflow rates from top venting high-pressure vessels undergoing level swell. A key aspect of the models development is there are no free parameters that require adjustment to predict the correct outflow from a top venting vessel.

Multidrug resistance in leukaemia.

Multidrug resistance hampers successful chemotherapy in many haematological neoplasms and is mediated by several cellular proteins. In some cases, the genes encoding these proteins have been shown to confer resistance on transfer to drug-sensitive cell lines. This is true for the efflux pump product of the MDR1 gene, P-170.

Increased drug accumulation ex vivo with cyclosporin in chronic lymphatic leukemia and its relationship to epitope masking of P-glycoprotein.

The ability of cyclosporin to modify drug accumulation in vitro, measured by the cellular accumulation of daunorubicin, was examined. In 42 patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia this correlates well with the levels of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) measured by immunofluorescent labelling of Pgp after treatment of the cells with neuraminidase to unmask the epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody MRK 16. It is shown that flow cytometric analysis using MRK 16 to detect Pgp expression levels together with drug accumulation studies can rapidly assess the multidrug-resistant phenotype of patients' cells, and enable selection of those suitable for therapy with agents known to circumvent mdr-1 mediated drug resistance.

Listeria meningitis and paté.

Listeria meningitis occurred in a 63 year old man who was in complete haematological remission following chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia. The patient had followed Department of Health advice to immunocompromised patients and had avoided soft cheeses, cook-chill meals, and salads. He had, however, recently eaten paté produced in Belgium.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis due to protein C deficiency.

Protein C deficiency is a known underlying risk factor for thromboembolic disease. Most commonly it presents as thrombophlebitis, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Less common presentations are becoming increasingly recognized now that assays for protein C are more widely available.

Expression of the multiple drug resistance gene (mdr-1) and epitope masking in chronic lymphatic leukaemia.

Resistance to cytotoxic agents is a common clinical problem in the treatment of chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL). The multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype characterized by increased levels of a specific cell membrane p-glycoprotein, confers cross resistance to a wide range of structurally dissimilar antineoplastic drugs. We have studied the expression of this p-glycoprotein in chronic lymphatic leukaemia measured by immunofluorescence using a monoclonal antibody MRK 16 by flow cytometry.

Unusual radiographic features in a female patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

A 71 year old woman suffering from ankylosing spondylitis with aggressive peripheral joint disease for 46 years developed unusual radiographic features in the hips and knees. The pathogenic processes responsible are uncertain, and no histology is yet available. Although she had been treated with radiotherapy to the knees, there was no similar history to explain the hitherto unreported appearance of the hips.

The metabolic effects of thiazide therapy in the elderly: a population study.

The metabolic consequences of thiazide diuretics are well known. The elderly to whom these agents are widely prescribed may be particularly susceptible. To quantify this metabolic risk, plasma and intracellular electrolytes and plasma glucose were measured in the elderly population of a Somerset village.