Analysis of mouse beta-haptoglobin chain by lectin affinoblotting detection.

Two different human mammary carcinoma cell lines were xenotransplanted into nude mice. Serum samples were obtained prior to and after transplantation and investigated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). By comparison of these silver-stained patterns additional protein spots were detected resulting either from proteins secreted or shed by the tumor itself or from mouse proteins induced by the tumor or the transplantation procedure.

Epigenetic inheritance in the mouse.

Acquired epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation or stable chromatin structures, are not normally thought to be inherited through the germline to future generations in mammals [1] [2]. Studies in the mouse have shown that specific manipulations of early embryos, such as nuclear transplantation, can result in altered patterns of gene expression and induce phenotypic alterations at later stages of development [3] [4] [5]. These effects are consistent with acquired epigenetic modifications that are somatically heritable, such as DNA methylation.

Phototherapy in Gunn rats. A study to assess the photobiologically most effective radiant energy and dose/response relationships.

In order to get a more realistic spectral efficiency curve and to evaluate dose/response relationships in phototherapy, homozygous weanling Gunn rats -- nondepilated, with fur -- were illuminated under standardized conditions with 8 different fluorescent tubes. Some of the tubes were operated with different electric power. Clear spectal differences in the extent and the rapidity of the bilirubin decay could be ascertained.

Does social security support for medical care weaken public health programs?

Social security programs for medical care in Latin American countires have long been regareded as rivals to the Ministries of Health. Although they typically cover only a small fraction of the population theoretically served by the Ministries, they often have larger health budgets; on a per beneficiary basis, their expenditures are invariably much higher. Analysis of relative strengths of social security programs (percentage of economically active persons covered and national per capita outlays), in twelve Latin American countries, however, shows them to have correlation (virtually zero) to the strengths of Ministries of Health (percentage national budgets devoted to public health).