Apx toxins in Pasteurellaceae species from animals

Pasteurellaceae species particularly of porcine origin which are closely related to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were analyzed for the presence of analogues to the major A. pleuropneumoniae RTX toxin genes, apxICABD, apxIICA and apxIIICABD and for their expression. Actinobacillus suis contains both apxICABD(var.suis) and apxIICA(var. suis) operons and was shown to produce ApxI and ApxII toxin. Actinobacillus rossii contained the operons apxIICA(var.rossii) and apxIIICABD(var.rossii). However, only the toxin ApxII and not ApxIII could be detected in cultures of A. rossii. The Apx toxins found in A. suis and A. rossi may play a role in virulence of these pathogens. Actinobacillus lignieresii, which was included since it is phylogenetically very closely related to A. pleuropneumoniae, was found to contain a full apxICABD(var.lign.) operon which however lacks the -35 and -10 boxes in the promoter sequences. As expected from these results, no expression of ApxI was detected in A. lignieresii grown under standard culture conditions. Actinobacillus seminis, Actinobacillus equuli, Pasteurella aerogenes, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis, and also Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica, which is known to secrete leukotoxin, were all shown to be devoid of any of the apx toxin genes and did not produce ApxI, ApxII or ApxIII toxin proteins. However, proteins of slightly lower molecular mass than ApxI, ApxII and ApxIII which showed limited cross-reactions with monospecific, polyclonal anti-ApxI, anti-ApxII and anti-ApxIII were detected on immunoblot analysis of A. equuli, A. seminis and P. aerogenes. The presence of Apx toxins and proteins that imunologically cross react with Apx toxins in porcine Actinobacillus species other than A. pleuropneumoniae can be expected to interfere with serodiagnosis of porcine pleuropneumonia.

Characterization of prosystemin expressed in the baculovirus/insect cell system reveals biological activity of the systemin precursor

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) prosystemin in fusion with a viral signal peptide was expressed in Sf21 insect cell cultures after infection with recombinant baculoviruses. Prosystemin was purified from culture supernatants and its identity was confirmed by N-terminal sequence and mass-spectral analyses. Recombinant prosystemin was found to be equally active as compared to systemin in inducing the expression of wound-response genes in tomato plants. In cultured cells of L. peruvianum, prosystemin elicited a rapid alkalinization of the growth medium. The timing and dose-dependence of the alkalinization response were found to be identical for prosystemin and systemin, respectively. Prosystemin-triggered defense responses were inhibited by a competitive antagonist of systemin activity, indicating that the systemin sequence within the primary structure of prosystemin determines its activity.

[Sacrococcygeal teratoma in obstetrics]

MATERIALS/METHODS

5 fetuses with prenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratoma at the Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy during a 30-month period. Modified splint technique according to Duzin, following a Pfannenstiel's incision in 4 cases.

RESULTS

4 infants with uninjured tumor could be transferred to pediatric surgery for treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified splint technique according to Duzin can be applied particularly in the case of a big tumor.

Salicylic acid-independent induction of pathogenesis-related gene expression by fusicoccin

Treatment of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) with fusicoccin (FC), an activator of the plasma-membrane H+-ATPase which maintains an electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane, resulted in a dose-dependent accumulation of transcripts for intra- and extracellular pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. The accumulation of PR protein transcripts was paralleled by an increase in leaf salicylic acid (SA) content. Transcripts of PR proteins and SA started to accumulate 3 h after FC treatment. 2-Aminoindan-2-phosphonic acid, an inhibitor of SA synthesis, was used to assess the role of SA in FC-mediated induction of PR gene expression. 2-Aminoindan-2-phosphonic acid was found to suppress the accumulation of SA but not the induction of PR gene expression in response to FC treatment. Furthermore, in transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing a bacterial salicylate hydroxylase gene (nahG-tobacco), PR transcripts accumulated after FC treatment to levels similar to those observed in control tobacco plants. The data indicate a role for the proton gradient across the plasma membrane in the SA-independent induction of PR gene expression.

LeSBT1, a subtilase from tomato plants. Overexpression in insect cells, purification, and characterization

The cDNA of a tomato subtilase designated LeSBT1 was cloned from a tomato flower cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence indicated for LeSBT1 the structure of a prepro-protein targeted to the secretory pathway by virtue of an amino-terminal signal peptide. LeSBT1 was expressed in the baculovirus/insect cell system and a processed 73-kDa form of LeSBT1, lacking both signal peptide and prodomain, was purified to homogeneity from culture supernatants. This 73-kDa LeSBT1, however, lacked proteolytic activity. Zymogen activation to yield 68-kDa LeSBT1 required the additional processing of an amino-terminal autoinhibitory peptide in a strictly pH-dependent manner. Mature 68-kDa LeSBT1 showed highest activity at acidic pH consistent with its presumed localization in the apoplast of the plant cell. In comparison to other plant subtilases, LeSBT1 exhibited a narrower substrate specificity in that it cleaves only polypeptide substrates preferentially but not exclusively carboxyl-terminal of glutamine residues. The possible involvement of LeSBT1 in selective proprotein processing is discussed with reference to the related mammalian proprotein convertases.

Acardiac twin pregnancy: associated with trisomy 2: case report

Acardiac anomaly is a rare complication of multiple pregnancies. Arterial-to-arterial vascular anastomoses between twins, in the presence of a fused placenta, develop in the first trimester. Consequently the pump twin provides the acardius with blood. The second case of acardiac twin pregnancy with cytogenetic analysis of the acardiac showing the karyotype 47,XX,+2 is presented. Literature of acardiac twin pregnancies with different cytogenetic results and cases with trisomy 2 are reviewed, and a hypothesis of genesis is put forward.

A homolog of old yellow enzyme in tomato. Spectral properties and substrate specificity of the recombinant protein

A cDNA was isolated and characterized from a tomato shoot cDNA library, the deduced amino acid sequence of which exhibited similarity with yeast Old Yellow Enzymes (OYEs) and related enzymes of bacterial and plant origin. Sequence identity was particularly high with 12-oxophytodienoate 10,11-reductase (OPR) from Arabidopsis thaliana. The cDNA-encoded protein was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli and was purified from bacterial extracts. The protein was found to be a flavoprotein catalyzing the NADPH-dependent reduction of the olefinic bond of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, including 12-oxophytodienoic acid. Thus, the tomato enzyme was termed LeOPR. The catalytic efficiency of LeOPR was highest with N-ethylmaleimide followed by 12-oxophytodienoic acid and maleic acid as substrates. Photoreduction of the LeOPR-bound FMN resulted in the formation of a red, anionic semiquinone prior to the formation of the fully reduced flavin dihydroquinone. Spectroscopic characterization of LeOPR revealed the formation of charge transfer complexes upon titration with para-substituted phenolic compounds, a distinctive feature of the enzymes of the OYE family. The ligand binding properties were compared between LeOPR and OYE, and the findings are discussed with respect to structural differences between the active sites of OYE and LeOPR.

Characterization of the subtilase gene family in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

The gene family of subtilisin-like serine proteases (subtilases, SBTs) in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) comprises at least 15 members, 12 of which have been characterized in this study. Sequence comparison revealed that tomato subtilases fall into 5 distinct subfamilies. Single genes were shown to exist for LeSBT1, LeSBT2 and tmp), while 5 and 6 genes were found in the LeSBT3/4 and P69 subfamilies, respectively. With the exception of tmp, tomato subtilase genes were found to lack introns. Expression of subtilase genes was confirmed at the mRNA level by northern blot analysis and/or by primer extension experiments. For each of the 5 subtilase subfamilies, a distinctive pattern of expression was observed in tomato organs. At least one of the subtilases was found to be expressed in each organ analysed. Structural features evident from deduced amino acid sequences are discussed with reference to the related mammalian proprotein convertases.

Modulation of plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity differentially activates wound and pathogen defense responses in tomato plants

Systemin is an important mediator of wound-induced defense gene activation in tomato plants, and it elicits a rapid alkalinization of the growth medium of cultured Lycopersicon peruvianum cells. A possible mechanistic link between proton fluxes across the plasma membrane and the induction of defense genes was investigated by modulating plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity. Inhibitors of H+-ATPase (erythrosin B, diethyl stilbestrol, and vanadate) were found to alkalinize the growth medium of L. peruvianum cell cultures and to induce wound response genes in whole tomato plants. Conversely, an activator of the H+-ATPase (fusicoccin) acidified the growth medium of L. peruvianum cell cultures and suppressed systemin-induced medium alkalinization. Likewise, in fusicoccin-treated tomato plants, the wound- and systemin-triggered accumulation of wound-responsive mRNAs was found to be suppressed. However, fusicoccin treatment of tomato plants led to the accumulation of salicylic acid and the expression of pathogenesis-related genes. Apparently, the wound and pathogen defense signaling pathways are differentially regulated by changes in the proton electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane. In addition, alkalinization of the L. peruvianum cell culture medium was found to depend on the influx of Ca2+ and the activity of a protein kinase. Reversible protein phosphorylation was also shown to be involved in the induction of wound response genes. The plasma membrane H+-ATPase as a possible target of a Ca2+-activated protein kinase and its role in defense signaling are discussed.

Modulation of plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity differentially activates wound and pathogen defense responses in tomato plants

Systemin is an important mediator of wound-induced defense gene activation in tomato plants, and it elicits a rapid alkalinization of the growth medium of cultured Lycopersicon peruvianum cells. A possible mechanistic link between proton fluxes across the plasma membrane and the induction of defense genes was investigated by modulating plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity. Inhibitors of H+-ATPase (erythrosin B, diethyl stilbestrol, and vanadate) were found to alkalinize the growth medium of L. peruvianum cell cultures and to induce wound response genes in whole tomato plants. Conversely, an activator of the H+-ATPase (fusicoccin) acidified the growth medium of L. peruvianum cell cultures and suppressed systemin-induced medium alkalinization. Likewise, in fusicoccin-treated tomato plants, the wound- and systemin-triggered accumulation of wound-responsive mRNAs was found to be suppressed. However, fusicoccin treatment of tomato plants led to the accumulation of salicylic acid and the expression of pathogenesis-related genes. Apparently, the wound and pathogen defense signaling pathways are differentially regulated by changes in the proton electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane. In addition, alkalinization of the L. peruvianum cell culture medium was found to depend on the influx of Ca2+ and the activity of a protein kinase. Reversible protein phosphorylation was also shown to be involved in the induction of wound response genes. The plasma membrane H+-ATPase as a possible target of a Ca2+-activated protein kinase and its role in defense signaling are discussed.

A unique reaction in a common pathway: mechanism and function of chorismate synthase in the shikimate pathway

Chorismate synthase, the seventh enzyme in the shikimate pathway, catalyzes the transformation of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate to chorismate which is the last common precursor in the biosynthesis of numerous aromatic compounds in bacteria, fungi and plants. The enzyme has an absolute requirement for reduced FMN as a cofactor, although the 1,4-anti elimination of phosphate and the C(6proR)-hydrogen does not involve a net redox change. The role of the reduced FMN in catalysis has long been elusive. However, recent detailed kinetic and bioorganic approaches have fundamentally advanced our understanding of the mechanism of action, suggesting an initial electron transfer from tightly bound reduced flavin to the substrate, a process which results in C-O bond cleavage. Studies on chorismate synthases from bacteria, fungi and plants revealed that in these organisms the reduced FMN cofactor is made available in different ways to chorismate synthase: chorismate synthases in fungi--in contrast to those in bacteria and plants--carry a second enzymatic activity which enables them to reduce FMN at the expense of NADPH. Yet, as shown by the analysis of the corresponding genes, all chorismate synthases are derived from a common ancestor. However, several issues revolving around the origin of reduced FMN, as well as the possible regulation of the enzyme activity by means of the availability of reduced FMN, remain poorly understood. This review summarizes recent developments in the biochemical and genetic arena and identifies future aims in this field.

Functional importance of conserved nucleotides at the histone RNA 3' processing site

Histone pre-mRNA 3' processing is controlled by a hairpin element preceding the processing site that interacts with a hairpin-binding protein (HBP) and a downstream spacer element that serves as anchoring site for the U7 snRNP. In addition, the nucleotides following the hairpin and surrounding the processing site (ACCCA'CA) are conserved among vertebrate histone genes. Single to triple nucleotide mutations of this sequence were tested for their ability to be processed in nuclear extract from animal cells. Changing the first four nucleotides had no qualitative and little if any quantitative effects on histone RNA 3' processing in mouse K21 cell extract, where processing of this gene is virtually independent of the HBP. A gel mobility shift assay revealing HBP interactions and a processing assay in HeLa cell extract (where the contribution of HBP to efficient processing is more important) showed that only one of these mutations, predicted to extend the hairpin by one base pair, affected the interaction with HBP. Mutations in the next three nucleotides affected both the cleavage efficiency and the choice of processing sites. Analysis of these novel sites indicated a preference for the nucleotide 5' of the cleavage site in the order A > C > U > G. Moreover, a guanosine in the 3' position inhibited cleavage. The preference for an A is shared with the cleavage/polyadenylation reaction, but the preference order for the other nucleotides is different [Chen F, MacDonald CC, Wilusz J, 1995, Nucleic Acids Res 23:2614-2620].

Action of proteolysis-resistant systemin analogues in wound signalling

In cultured cells of Lycopersicon peruvianum, the oligopeptide systemin which mediates systemic signalling in the tomato wound response is rapidly inactivated by proteolytic cleavage of the bond carboxy-terminal to Lys14. A systemin derivative in which this peptide bond had been modified by N-methylation was resistant to proteolytic inactivation. Systemin elicits a rapid, transient alkalinization of the growth medium in L. peruvianum cells. Consistent with its metabolic stability, the response elicited by the N-methylated peptide was found to be more sustained than that caused by systemin. In differentiated tomato plants, the stabilized peptide was found to be 3 times more active than systemin with respect to the induction of proteinase inhibitors I and II. This result indicates the possible physiological significance of the observed proteolytic degradation for systemin inactivation in planta. The activity of a protease capable of processing systemin carboxy-terminal of Lys14 was detected in tomato plasma membranes and may be responsible for the inactivation process. Two further peptides, N-methylated at the bonds carboxy-terminal of Gln3 and Arg10 had proteinase inhibitor inducing activities lower by a factor of 8 and 80, respectively, as compared to systemin. Correspondingly, the alkalinization response elicited by these two peptides in cultured cells was found to be more transient than the systemin response. The correlation between the duration of the alkalinization response and the proteinase inhibitor inducing activities of systemin analogues may be indicative of a casual relationship between ion fluxes and defense gene induction.

[Delivery following surgically treated sacrococcygeal teratoma in the mother]

The delivery of a 23 para I who was born herself with a sacrococcygeal teratoma of the type II is reported. After the extirpation of the tumor and of the coccyx an anomaly of the pelvis is found in the sense of a pygopagic pelvis (stretching and bending of the sacrum towards the dorsum). This anomaly and the scars in the way of a maternal soft tissue dystocia seem to be the reasons for the insufficient progression of labour. The delivery had to be done by caesarean section. A historical review concerning the surgery of sacrococcygeal teratomas is given.

Characterization of the calf thymus hairpin-binding factor involved in histone pre-mRNA 3' end processing

Using ion exchange chromatography we have enriched the RNA hairpin-binding factor involved in histone pre-mRNA processing from calf thymus whole cell extract. We demonstrate that the interaction of the factor with its target RNA sequence, the hairpin structure located at the 3' end of mature histone mRNA, is sequence-specific and highly salt-resistant. We have developed a simple in vitro system which allows detection of activities stimulating histone pre-mRNA 3' end processing, based on mouse cell nuclear extract fractionated by Mono Q column chromatography. Using this system, we show that the bovine hairpin-binding factor participates in histone pre-mRNA 3' end processing in vitro. We have further purified the hairpin-binding factor in form of a RNA.protein complex by RNA-mediated elution from phosphocellulose. This led to a fraction highly enriched for 2 proteins of 40 and 43 kDa.

The gene for histone RNA hairpin binding protein is located on human chromosome 4 and encodes a novel type of RNA binding protein

The hairpin structure at the 3' end of animal histone mRNAs controls histone RNA 3' processing, nucleocytoplasmic transport, translation and stability of histone mRNA. Functionally overlapping, if not identical, proteins binding to the histone RNA hairpin have been identified in nuclear and polysomal extracts. Our own results indicated that these hairpin binding proteins (HBPs) bind their target RNA as monomers and that the resulting ribonucleoprotein complexes are extremely stable. These features prompted us to select for HBP-encoding human cDNAs by RNA-mediated three-hybrid selection in Saccharomyces cerevesiae. Whole cell extract from one selected clone contained a Gal4 fusion protein that interacted with histone hairpin RNA in a sequence- and structure-specific manner similar to a fraction enriched for bovine HBP, indicating that the cDNA encoded HBP. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the coding sequence did not contain any known RNA binding motifs. The HBP gene is composed of eight exons covering 19.5 kb on the short arm of chromosome 4. Translation of the HBP open reading frame in vitro produced a 43 kDa protein with RNA binding specificity identical to murine or bovine HBP. In addition, recombinant HBP expressed in S. cerevisiae was functional in histone pre-mRNA processing, confirming that we have indeed identified the human HBP gene.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae chorismate synthase has a flavin reductase activity

Chorismate synthase (CS) catalyses the conversion of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate (EPSP) to form chorismate, which is the last common intermediate in the synthesis of the three aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. Despite the overall redox-neutral reaction, catalysis has an absolute requirement for reduced flavin. In the fungus Neurospora crassa, a flavin reductase (FR) activity able to generate reduced flavin mononucleotide in the presence of NADPH is an intrinsic feature of a bifunctional CS. In all bacterial and plant species investigated to date, purified CSs lack an FR activity and are correspondingly 8-10 kDa smaller than the N. crassa CS (on the basis of SDS-PAGE). The cloning of N. crassa CS and subsequent characterization of the purified heterologously expressed enzyme indicates that, surprisingly, the FR probably resides within a region conserved amongst both mono- and bifunctional CSs and is not related to non-homologous sequences which contribute to the larger molecular mass of the N. crassa CS. This information directed this work towards the smaller Saccharomyces cerevisiae CS, the sequence of which was known, although the protein has not been extensively characterized biochemically. Here the characterization of the S. cerevisiae CS is reported in more detail and it is shown that the protein is also bifunctional. With this knowledge, S. cerevisiae could be used as a genetic system for studying the physiological consequences of bifunctionality. The phylogenetic relationship amongst known CSs is discussed.

Molecular cloning of a tomato leaf cDNA encoding an aspartic protease, a systemic wound response protein

A full-length cDNA encoding an aspartic protease (LeAspP) has been cloned from a tomato leaf cDNA library. Using LeAspP cDNA as a probe in gel blots, LeAspP mRNA was shown to be systemically induced in tomato leaves by wounding. Application of methyl jasmonate to leaves of intact tomato plants, or supplying systemin to young tomato plants through their cut stems, induces synthesis of LeAspP mRNA. LeAspP message is regulated in tomato similar to several systemic wound response proteins (swrps) that are part of the defense response in tomato plants directed against herbivore attacks.

[When children "have children"--reproduction biological problems in girls between 11 and 15 years of age]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the obstetric risk in pregnant adolescents under 16 years of age. From July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1993, 188 girls aged 11-15 years were delivered at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vienna; 4569 primiparous women between 20 and 24 years with singleton pregnancies served as a control group. No significant differences between the two groups were found for the frequency of pregnancy-induced hypertension (2.1% vs. 3.5%), premature delivery rates (24.4% vs. 29.8%), percentage of babies weighing less than 2500 g (10.1% vs. 9.1%), mean birthweight (3082 g vs. 3117 g), frequency of intrauterine growth retardation (2.1% vs. 2.4%) and malformations (1.6% vs. 3.1%) and perinatal mortality to the end of the first week (1.1% vs. 0.5%). Adolescent mothers were found to have more spontaneous deliveries (85.1% vs. 74.9% in the control group, p < 0.005), lower Caesarean section rates (6.4% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.05) and fewer babies with a birthweight exceeding 4000 g (1.1% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.05). For the first time, the pregnancy outcome of European adolescents was studied over a period of 23 years. We conclude on the basis of our results that maternal and neonatal risk in mothers under 16 years of age does not exceed the obstetric risk in adult mothers.

[Fracture of a surgical needle in suture management of episiotomy]

The complication of a break of the surgical needle during the suture of an episiotomy and the disappearance of the fragment in the perineal tissue has not been dealt with in the available literature. From our own material, a frequency of 0.17/1000 (n = 22,374) can be calculated. For the authors, the best method of coping with this complication is the removal of the needle fragment under a portable digital imaging system with two needleholders according to Bozemann.

Systemin--a polypeptide defense signal in plants

Insect and pathogen attacks activate plant defense genes within minutes in nearby cells, and within hours in leaves far distant from the sites of the predator attacks. A search for signal molecules involved in both the localized and distal signalling has resulted in the identification of an 18-amino-acid polypeptide, called systemin, that activates defense genes in leaves of tomato plants when supplied at levels as low as fmols/plant. Several lines of evidence support a role for systemin as a wound hormone. As with animal polypeptide hormones, systemin is derived from a larger precursor protein, called prosystemin, by limited proteolysis. Systemin has been shown by autoradiography to be phloemmobile and, by antisense technology, to be an essential component of the wound-inducible, systemic signal transduction system leading to the transcriptional activation of the defensive genes. A search for the receptor of systemin has led to the identification in plant plasma membranes of a systemin-binding protein. However, this protein has properties not of a receptor, but of a furin-like proteinase that cleaves systemin into smaller polypeptides. Systemin and its precursor prosystemin provide prototypes for the emerging possibilities that polypeptide hormones may have broad roles in signalling environmental stress responses, and in regulating plant growth and development as well.

Induction of wound response genes in tomato leaves by bestatin, an inhibitor of aminopeptidases

Bestatin, an inhibitor of some aminopeptidases in plants and animals, is a powerful inducer of defense genes in tomato leaves; these genes are also induced by herbivore attacks, mechanical wounding, systemin, and methyl jasmonate. Unlike wounding and systemin, bestatin does not cause an increase in intracellular jasmonic acid concentrations, and inhibitors of the octadecanoid pathway do not inhibit induction by bestatin. Furthermore, defense genes were induced by bestatin in a mutant tomato line (JL-5) with a defect in the octadecanoid pathway. Bestatin therefore appears to be exerting its effects close to the level of transcriptional control of these genes, where it may be inhibiting a regulatory protease.

[Treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum by electrostimulation of the vestibular apparatus]

26 patients hospitalized with Hyperemesis Gravidarum were treated with electrical stimulation of the vestibular system, as the symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum resemble the symptoms of motion sickness, where the electrical stimulation has been used successfully. The patients were treated for one hour daily, two hours before the standard infusion therapy. 89% reported a decrease in vomiting and nausea during the first application, 85% a lasting improvement. Theoretical considerations concerning the mechanism of the effect are discussed.

[Prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. Report of a case classified as the classical Vrolik lethal type]

Report on prenatal sonographic diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta of the classical type "letalis Vrolik" in the case of a fetus in the 20th/21st week of pregnancy. The prenatal diagnosis of this kind of osteogenesis imperfecta is based on the soft membranous cranium (Caput membranacium), the microthorax caused by the bell-shaped configuration of the ribs and the diaphysis of the long bones which are too short for the age of pregnancy. These symptoms are first of all the consequence of a disturbed bone formation and mineralisation; its basis is a connatal deficit of collagen synthesis. The sonographic differential diagnosis to the type "Ekman Lobstein" of osteogenesis imperfecta and thanatophoric dwarfism are discussed.

[The gate the Kaiser opened for women. Rotenhausgasse (1), Vienna-Alservorstadt]

This paper refers to one of the entrances to the former 'delivery house' of the old Vienna General Hospital, namely the door in Rotenhausgasse. It was used for 70 years, from 1784 to 1854. According to the wishes of Emperor Joseph II, unmarried women could be supported by specialists, anonymously and thus escaping shame. Connected with it was the protection of the newborn against exposure and infanticide.

Identification of a 50-kDa systemin-binding protein in tomato plasma membranes having Kex2p-like properties

A protein of 50-kDa (SBP50) was identified in plasma membranes of tomato leaves which resembles proteases of the family of Kex2p-like prohormone convertases. To our knowledge, proteases of this class have not been reported in plants previously. A biotinylated derivative of systemin, the 18-aa polypeptide inducer of proteinase inhibitors in tomato and potato leaves, was bound by SBP50 with high specificity. When a systemin derivative was labeled with biotin at residue 8 and with [35S]methionine at position 15, the biotin moiety but not the radioactive label was bound by SBP50. At least 4 aa from the C terminus that included [35S]methionine were missing, indicating that proteolytic cleavage had occurred. Whereas residues in systemin most important for binding SBP50 appear to be located in the N-terminal half of the molecule, amino acids crucial for proteinase inhibitor induction are located within the C terminus. The residues important for binding include a cleavage site for furin, a member of the family of Kex2p-like prohormone-processing enzymes. Processing of systemin at the predicted furin cleavage site was confirmed in vitro. An antiserum against a Kex2p-like protease from Drosophila inhibited binding of biotinylsystemin to SBP50 and recognized a protein of about 60 kDa in Western blot analyses of tomato plasma membrane proteins. The data suggest a possible role for a membrane bound, furin-like protease in the mechanism of defense gene signaling by systemin.

Influence of meteorological events on obstetrical data in cattle and swine

In a interdisciplinary scientific cooperation involving human and veterinarian obstetricians and meteorologists, an attempt was made to correlate the obstetrical data of cows and pigs with meteorologically defined weather events. During the observation period of 10 years the parturitions of cattle (n = 645) showed no significant statistical connection to the weather on day of delivery, the day before parturition or the day after. The only significant result in cattle was a shortening of the gestation period by 4.9 days in a group of cows that went into labour on, or after, the sixth day of a constant weather situation. Significant variations in the duration of gestation in swine (n = 786) were related to the weather on the day of delivery; central high-gradient anticyclonic spring, summer and autumn weather was linked to an extension of the pregnancy by nearly 1 day, while cyclonic central low-gradient weather during autumn was related to a shortening of pregnancy by approximately 1 day. The weather on the day before parturition was also correlated with the duration of gestation in swine. In this respect, low-gradient cyclonic autumn weather coincided with gestation periods that were reduced by 0.95 days, while central anticyclonic winter and spring weather coincided with extensions of gestation of 0.98 and 1.12 days, respectively. Compared with labour during low-gradient anticyclonic weather, the course of labour in pigs was significantly protracted by approximately 1.5 h during low-gradient cyclonic weather. Weather fronts on the day before, the day after or on the day of labour had no influence on the gestation and parturition data collected in either species.

[Prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. Report of a case classified as the classical Ekman Lobstein type]

Report on prenatal sonographic diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta of the classical type Ekman Lobstein (osteopsathyrosis) in the 35th week of pregnancy. We could demonstrate the marked penetration of ultrasound through the characteristically very thin long bones even before the occurrence of fractures. Difficulties in attributing our case to one of the four groups of osteogenesis imperfecta according to Sillence are discussed, as well as the obstetrical management of these prenatally diagnosed cases.

[The Wertheim picture. Biography of a painting]

Description of the painting "Wertheim bei einer gynäkologischen Operation" ('Wertheim performing a gynecological operation') by the famous Austrian portraitist John Quincey Adams. The surgeon Ernst Wertheim is being assisted by his private assistant Theodor Micholitsch (1st assistant) and by Wilhelm Weibel (2nd assistant). The names of the doctor performing the anesthesia and of the surgical nurse who is handling him the instruments--a sister of the order of the Sisters of Saint Vincent of Paul--are unknown. The painting--signed 1907--was painted during Ernst Wertheim's period as head of the gynecological department (the Bettina-Stiftungspavillon) at the "Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Spital", Vienna.

[Is premature labor weather-dependent? Correlation of premature labor with meteorologic data]

A preselected cluster of births (12351-4719 = 7632 = n) which was divided into 3 groups (delivery between 28-32 gestational weeks, 33-37 gestational weeks and > 37 gestational weeks) has been correlated with six major weather situations of the four meteorologically defined seasons. The correlation was made with the date of birth and with one day as well as two days before. The duration of pregnancy was longer by an average of 0.45 weeks (i.e. 3 days) when the major weather situation did not change for more than 8 days. The group with delivery 28-32 weeks is more sensitive to meteorological influences than the group with delivery 33-37 weeks. During cyclonic as well as during anticyclonic atmospheric drifts the groups 28-33 wks and 33-37 wks have been statistically over-represented. As far as the season is concerned over-representation is found in autumn. We conclude that pregnancies at risk of premature delivery should be followed up in short intervals during cyclonic and anticyclonic atmospheric drifts especially during the autumn season.

[Paracelsus and gynecology. 500 years ago Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim was born]

500 years ago Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, called Paracelsus, was born near Einsiedeln, the famous place of pilgrimage in Switzerland. Two gynecologists who later on became well-known medicohistorians--Bernhard Aschner (born in Vienna) and Paul Diepgen (born in Aachen)--created the basis for a summary of the etiopathogenetic ideas and therapeutic experiences of Paracelsus in gynecology. One must be aware of the fact that, living in a period between the Middle Ages and modern times, the great physician was not always able to differentiate between metaphysics and physics, e.g. in regard to menstruation, pregnancy, birth, tumors or hysteria. The hostility of his opponents and those who envied him during his lifetime as well as in the centuries after his death seems to continue today in a lack of respect for the great physician's privacy.

[The Vienna obstetric forceps]

The 'Wiener Schulzange' was first used by the Second Medical School in Vienna, the beginning of which must be assumed around the year 1848, and goes back to Sir James Young Simpson in Edinburgh and Carl Braun Ritter von Fernwald in Vienna. The forceps was produced in Vienna by Josef Leiter, who was well known for making surgical instruments. Names like Francis Henry Ramsbotham, John Aitken, David Evans, Dietrich Wilhelm Heinrich Busch and Hermann Josef Brünninghausen are connected with the development of the Viennese forceps; its English lock goes back to William Smellie. The arms of the Viennese forceps, which, being a forceps of the crossed type, forms a two-armed lever, were originally forged from one piece each and brazed with the separately manufactured handles.

[Dermal scars on the trunk of a newborn infant--a case of isolated amniotic band syndrome]

We report about a neonate with multiple scars born at our department. The cause of these alterations is the amniotic band disruption complex which will be discussed. This case is of forensic importance because the mother was battered in the 22nd week of gestation.

Purification and Characterization of Chorismate Synthase from Euglena gracilis: Comparison with Chorismate Synthases of Plant and Microbial Origin

Chorismate synthase was purified 1200-fold from Euglena gracilis. The molecular mass of the native enzyme is in the range of 110 to 138 kilodaltons as judged by gel filtration. The molecular mass of the subunit was determined to be 41.7 kilodaltons by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Purified chorismate synthase is associated with an NADPH-dependent flavin mononucleotide reductase that provides in vivo the reduced flavin necessary for catalytic activity. In vitro, flavin reduction can be mediated by either dithionite or light. The enzyme obtained from E. gracilis was compared with chorismate synthases purified from a higher plant (Corydalis sempervirens), a bacterium (Escherichia coli), and a fungus (Neurospora crassa). These four chorismate synthases were found to be very similar in terms of cofactor specificity, kinetic properties, isoelectric points, and pH optima. All four enzymes react with polyclonal antisera directed against chorismate synthases from C. sempervirens and E. coli. The closely associated flavin mononucleotide reductase that is present in chorismate synthase preparations from E. gracilis and N. crassa is the main difference between those synthases and the monofunctional enzymes from C. sempervirens and E. coli.

Molecular cloning and analysis of a cDNA coding for chorismate synthase from the higher plant Corydalis sempervirens Pers

Chorismate synthase catalyzes the last common step in the biosynthesis of the three aromatic amino acids in microorganisms and plants. We have cloned a cDNA for this enzyme from the higher plant Corydalis sempervirens. This is the first chorismate synthase cDNA from a eukaryotic organism. The nucleotide sequence was determined and the identity of the cDNA was confirmed by the amino acid sequence of tryptic peptides obtained from purified chorismate synthase. The homology to the two known bacterial sequences is about 48%. The cDNA contains an open reading frame of 1341 base pairs, encoding a protein of 447 amino acids. This protein with a molecular mass of 48,100 daltons resembles a chorismate synthase precursor targeted for chloroplast import. Multiple sites of polyadenylation were observed in chorismate synthase mRNAs.

Purification of chorismate synthase from a cell culture of the higher plant Corydalis sempervirens Pers

Chorismate synthase (EC 4.6.1.4) was purified from a cell suspension culture of Corydalis sempervirens almost 1000-fold to near homogeneity. The subunit Mr estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate was 41,900. The Mr of the native enzyme was estimated to be 80,100 by gel filtration, suggesting a dimeric structure. Antisera directed against the 41.9-kDa protein also reacted with the native enzyme. Further confirmation of the identity of the purified protein was obtained by sequence comparison of a tryptic peptide with known sequences of the Escherichia coli and Neurospora crassa chorismate synthases.

[Uterine growth in the endometrium active phase]

Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology still lacks normal values for the size of the uterus from the post partum period up to early puberty. The relevant literature fails to provide reliable information concerning this subject. Anatomical studies by ultrasound yielded controversial results. We have performed a morphometric study on a random sample of corpses and found a longitudinal growth of the uterus of about 10 mm during the period of dormant endometrium i.e. between the first and eleventh year of life. During the 12th to the 14th year we found an accelerated growth, amounting to altogether 20-30 mm. A shift in the cervix-corpus proportions as reported previously was not observed. However, the longitudinal growth, as well as the distance between the portio and fundus, which is clinically more important, seemed to correlate with the girl's body weight and height. The broadwise growth correlated with the girl's age. These observations allow us to speculate on the organ's options for further differentiation, especially during the post partum period and to evaluate the effect of early puberty on the increment of uterine size.