PETAL LOSS, a trihelix transcription factor gene, regulates perianth architecture in the Arabidopsis flower.

Perianth development is specifically disrupted in mutants of the PETAL LOSS (PTL) gene, particularly petal initiation and orientation. We have cloned PTL and show that it encodes a plant-specific trihelix transcription factor, one of a family previously known only as regulators of light-controlled genes. PTL transcripts were detected in the early-developing flower, in four zones between the initiating sepals and in their developing margins.

MAGE-12 and MAGE-6 are frequently expressed in malignant melanoma.

MAGE proteins have been identified as potential specific targets for cancer vaccination. Although MAGE-6 and MAGE-12 were originally identified in malignant melanoma there are no studies reporting the frequency of expression of these antigens in this malignancy. These are of relevance particularly for MAGE-6 as recent studies have identified CTL activity against several epitopes.

Gene duplication of zebrafish JAK2 homologs is accompanied by divergent embryonic expression patterns: only jak2a is expressed during erythropoiesis.

Members of the JAK family of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) proteins are required for the transmission of signals from a variety of cell surface receptors, particularly those of the cytokine receptor family. JAK function has been implicated in hematopoiesis and regulation of the immune system, and recent data suggest that the vertebrate JAK2 gene may play a role in leukemia. We have isolated and characterized jak cDNAs from the zebrafish Danio rerio.

Screening women for gonorrhea: demographic screening criteria for general clinical use.

Objectives: The purpose of this analysis was to derive potential gonorrhea screening criteria for women.

Methods: Data corresponding to 44,366 gonorrhea cultures from women 15 through 44 years of age in Columbus, Ohio, were analyzed.

Results: Characteristics that were associated with gonococcal infection and were suitable for screening decisions included patient's age and marital status and previous prevalence of gonorrhea at provider site.

Trends in the prevalence of chlamydial infections. The impact of community-wide testing.

Background: Evaluation of existing testing programs should guide the national effort to expand programs for the prevention of chlamydial infections. The Columbus (Ohio) Health Department instituted community-wide testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in 1988.

Goals: To assess trends in the prevalence of chlamydial infection, the coverage of screening, and concurrent trends in the prevalence of gonorrhea.