Decreased temperature increases the expression of a disordered bacterial late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein that enhances natural transformation.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are important players in the management of responses to stressful conditions, such as drought, high salinity, and changes in temperature. Many LEA proteins do not have defined three-dimensional structures, so they are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and are often highly hydrophilic. Although LEA-like sequences have been identified in bacterial genomes, the functions of bacterial LEA proteins have been studied only recently.

Glucose metabolism in identical twins discordant for obesity. The critical role of visceral fat.

Obesity, especially intraabdominally deposited fatness, is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity. However, it is not well established whether this association is confounded by genetic factors. We studied 23 monozygous twin pairs (14 female, 9 male), 33-59 yr old, who had, on the average, 18 kg intrapair difference in body weight.

Spondylodesis in the treatment of segmental instability of the lumbar spine with special reference to clinically verified instability.

We analysed the outcome of 42 consecutive patients suffering from low back pain and segmental instability of the lumbar spine who underwent spondylodesis with transpedicular fixation. There were 29 (69%) females and 13 (31%) males with a mean age of 47 +/- 9 years (range 23 to 66 years). The presence of clinically verified instability was a basic requirement for operative treatment, with at least one clinical sign of instability positive in all patients.

Minor axial shortening of the radius affects outcome of Colles' fracture treatment.

Functional disability after a Colles' fracture was correlated to the degree of axial shortening of the radius measured at the site of distal radioulnar joint. According to the sum of demerit points, the functional end result was unsatisfactory (fair or poor) in 4% of the patients with an acceptable anatomic result, in 25% of the patients with grade 1 shortening (corresponding to a shortening of 3 to 5 mm), and in 31% of the patients with grade 2 shortening (shortening of more than 5 mm). The results suggest that even a minor axial shortening of the radius, without concomitant malalignment of the articular surface, carries an increased risk of permanent disability.

Double-blind group comparative study of 2% nedocromil sodium eye drops with placebo eye drops in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

A multicenter double-blind group comparative study was carried out in 126 patients, 64 of whom received 2% nedocromil sodium eye drops, and 62 placebo eyedrops twice each day for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis to birch pollen. The patients were evaluated at 2 week intervals for clinical signs of conjunctivitis and kept daily diary records of eye symptoms (0-4 severity scales) and concomitant therapy. Diary trends favored active treatment, and reached significance for excessive lacrimation (P less than .

Late compression neuropathies after Colles' fractures.

Conservative management of 166 Colles' fractures was associated with a 12% rate of late compression neuropathies (mean follow-up period, 28 months). Compression of the median nerve (8%) was twice as common as ulnar nerve compression (4%). Eighty-five percent of the patients with median nerve compression had malunion with radial collapse with or without other deformities (dorsal angulation/radial displacement).