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We present a case of acute pulmonary oedema as the first presentation of autoimmune cardiomyopathy in primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in a patient who had no previous cardiac history. Five days of methylprednisolone at 500 mg/day followed by 100 mg/day for 10 days and then a weaning course of oral prednisone resulted in effective resolution of the acute diffuse cardiomyopathy. Her cardiac status became clinically and echocardiographically normal. We illustrate the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy as an adjunct to standard anti-failure measures in such presentations and we outline the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and cardiac dysfunction.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been shown to exhibit a specific basolateral release in polarized epithelial cells. Previous investigators have used vaccinia virus recombinants expressing HIV proteins to demonstrate that virus release is nonpolarized in the absence of viral envelope glycoproteins. In this study, we developed a transient expression system which allows the use of Madin-Darby canine kidney polarized epithelial cells directly grown on semipermeable membranes. This procedure allowed us to investigate polarized HIV viral budding following introduction of proviral DNA constructs. Expression of env gene products in trans demonstrated the ability to polarize env-negative viruses in a dose-dependent manner. The targeting signal for polarized virus release was shown to be present in the envelope gp41 transmembrane protein and absent from the gp120 portion of env. At least part of this signal is within the gp41 intracytoplasmic domain. Mutants of the p17gag matrix protein were shown to be nonpolarized only when unable to interact with the envelope glycoproteins. Together, these data are consistent with a model of polarized virus budding in which capsid proteins, lacking a targeting signal, are targeted for specific basolateral release via an interaction of p17 with the envelope glycoprotein containing the polarization signal in its intracytoplasmic domain.

The geology of southwest Lleyn comprises two Late Precambrian terranes: the Gwna Mélange in the west and the Sarn Complex in the east, separated by the Lleyn Shear Zone. The location of the terrane boundary is poorly constrained due to the limited exposure. We undertook a ground magnetic survey and also measured four gravity profiles with the original intention of investigating the cause of a positive aeromagnetic anomaly previously recorded close to the terrane boundary at grid reference [SH 2200 3000]. This ‘Sarn anomaly’ appears to be associated with a shallow body within the Sarn Complex, which is known to be a heterogeneous plutonic igneous unit. Of greater interest was the identification of a much larger-amplitude magnetic anomaly striking roughly N–S for over 7 km close to the mapped position of the Lleyn Shear Zone. It can be modelled as a near-vertical discontinuous body of overall dyke-like form, and is too narrow to have been resolved by the aeromagnetic survey. We discovered a previously unreported outcrop of gabbro at Brynhunog Bach [2100 3127] located on this high-amplitude ‘Brynhunog anomaly’. It seems likely that the whole anomaly is due to a gabbroic body which is an original constituent of the Sarn Complex, but an alternative possibility is that it is a later intrusion along the Lleyn Shear Zone. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

When juvenile specimens of Biomphalaria glabratawere subjected to concentrations of ammonia ranging from 1-100 µg/ml in various media the following effects were observed: the addition of ammonia to borate buffered media caused mortality. Both borate and tris-buffered media caused a decrease in the growth rate of snails when compared with controls in SSW. The growth rates of the snails could be enhanced by increasing the concentration of ammonia to critical thresholds, but further increases beyond these thresholds resulted in growth inhibition. The toxicity of ammonia in ambient water was augmented by an an increase in pH. The possible causation and ecological significance of these effects are discussed. There are indications that the snails are physiologically well-adapted to utilize ammonia when required and also to control its excretion and uptake from the medium.

It has been clearly established that the budding of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), a lentivirus, occurs specifically through the basolateral membrane in polarized epithelial cells. More recently, the signal was assigned to a tyrosine-based motif located in the intracytoplasmic domain of the envelope glycoprotein, as previously observed on various other viral and cellular basolateral proteins. In the present study, expression of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) or Moloney murine leukemia virus envelope glycoproteins was used for trans-complementation of an envelope-negative HIV-1. This demonstrated the potential of oncornaviral retrovirus envelope glycoproteins to confer polarized basolateral budding in epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK cells). Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the importance of a common motif encompassing at least one crucial membrane-proximal intracytoplasmic tyrosine residue. The conservation of a similar basolateral maturation signal in different retroviruses further supports its importance in the biology of this group of viruses.

The most successful method of preoperative parathyroid adenoma localization is achieved by assay of venous samples for parathyroid hormone content. Selective sampling of the small veins draining the parathyroid glands increases the accuracy of prediction. Our review of 95 recent cases confirms an efficacy of prediction in 87.5%. The anatomy of the veins draining the parathyroid glands is outlined and we note variations that may occur in the inferior thyroid venous drainage. We consider contralateral venous flow to be of greater significance than has been recognized hitherto. This cross flow occurs through the thyroid plexus, and also via the vertebral venous plexus posteriorly and the anterior jugular veins in the front of the neck.Recent improvements in hormone assay combined with greater knowledge of the parathyroid venous drainage pattern of the individual patient may further improve the prediction rate.

A double-blind trial was undertaken to assess the effect of bendro-fluazide in lowering the blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension controlled on propranolol. An increased hypotensive effect was found and the greatest fall occurred in the supine systolic blood pressure. Side-effects were mild and transient and did not interfere with treatment.