The mitosis of fibroblasts in cell culture is enhanced by binding GP IIb-IIIa of activated platelets on fibrinogen.

A fibroblast cell culture model enables us to measure the mitogenic ability mediated by growth factors released from stimulated platelets under different conditions. Simultaneously the growth factors secreted in the culture medium were determined. Cell mitotic rate was measured by incorporation of 3H-thymidine on days 3, 5 and 7 of culture.

Pentasomy X and hyper IgE syndrome: co-existence of two distinct genetic disorders.

We describe a 10-year-old girl with features of a penta-X syndrome. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a 49,XXXXX karyotype and molecular analysis of X-linked polymorphic markers showed that this aneuploidy arose by successive maternal non disjunctions. Apart from these features the patient has a lifelong history of eczema, recurrent pneumonia, and staphylococcal abscesses.

Urinary excretion of pyridinium crosslinks and N-terminal crosslinked peptide in preterm and term infants.

Urinary excretion of pyridinium crosslinks of collagen, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, and N-terminal crosslinked peptide are now widely used as biochemical markers of bone resorption. In the present cross-sectional study we measured the urinary excretion of total pyridinoline and total deoxypyridinoline by HPLC and N-terminal crosslinked peptide by ELISA in 43 preterm and term newborns in the first 2 months of life. The infants had no history of endocrine or metabolic diseases, bone, chronic heart, or pulmonary diseases.

Effects of soap and detergents on skin surface pH, stratum corneum hydration and fat content in infants.

Background: In adults the influence of cleansing preparations on the pH, fat content and hydration of the skin is well documented. Studies in newborn and small infants have not been reported.

Objective: Our study aimed at examining whether similar effects can be ascertained in infants.