LymphTF-DB: a database of transcription factors involved in lymphocyte development.

B and T cells develop following a similar early stepwise progression to later stages where multiple developmental options are available. These developmental regimes necessitate differential gene expression regulated by a large number of transcription factors (TFs). The resultant burgeoning amount of information has opened a knowledge gap between TF activities during lymphocyte development and a researcher's experiments. We have created the LymphTF database (DB) to fill this gap. This DB holds interactions between individual TFs and their specific targets at a given developmental time. By storing such interactions as a function of developmental progression, we hope to advance the elucidation of regulatory networks that guide lymphocyte development. Besides queries for TF-target gene interactions in developmental stages, the DB provides a graphical representation of downloadable target gene regulatory sequences with locations of the transcriptional start sites and TF-binding sites. The LymphTF-DB can be accessed freely on the web at http://www.iupui.edu/~tfinterx/.

Observations on the mechanisms of attachment of some marine fouling blue-green algae.

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential interference contrast microscopy (DICM) and cytochemical staining techniques, preliminary observations have been made on the mechanisms of attachment of some common, marine, benthic fouling blue-green algae ("cyanobacteria") isolated into culture from various toxic and non-toxic surfaces in Langstone Harbour, south coast of England. Blue-green algae investigated included species of Calothrix, Dermocarpa, Plectonema, Phormidium and Xenococcus. The blue-green algae are rapid colonisers and can make an important contribution to the pioneering communities on both toxic and non-toxic surfaces. A characteristic feature of the colonization process is the production of variable quantities of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which appear to function as adhesives. Cytochemical staining revealed the EPS to be an acidic polysaccharide and, therefore, chemically similar to the EPS produced by sessile diatoms. It is suggested that the EPS additionally assists in cell motility, acts as an antidesiccant and may influence the fouling process by combining with antifouling paint toxins and modifying the surface energy of substrata.

Case report of factor VII deficiency.

The case of a 57-year-old woman with no personal or family history of coagulopathy or blood dyscrasia who was found to be factor VII deficient by routine laboratory testing is reported. The patient was also found to have type 2 diabetes mellitus and adenocarcinoma of the uterus in the course of her hospitalization.

Multiple primary malignancies in black patients.

Charts of 42 black patients with multiple malignant neoplasms were among 1,953 cancer patients selected for review during the period of 1959 through 1979. The incidence was 2.15 percent. Most patients were female and the breast was the most frequent initial primary carcinoma. With this relatively small number of cases, there was no consistent cluster of initial and second primaries about which to make inferences. In the absence of a regional registry of primary tumor incidence, no generalities could be obtained concerning a matched non-black population on the incidence of multiple primaries. However, comparison of this group could be made with data previously recorded.

Cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epithelialopathy.

Two patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epithelialopathy also had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and elevated protein levels. A 24-year-old white women had visual acuity of counting fingers in each eye. The cerebrospinal fluid contained 56 lymphocytes per cubic millimeter and a protein level of 48 mg/100 ml. When the retinopathy resolved, visual acuity returned to R.E.: 6/60 (20/200), AND L.E.: 6/9 (20/30). A 22-year-old white man had visual acuity of counting fingers bilaterally. The initial lumbar puncture showed 70 lymphocytes and a protein level of 76 mg/100 ml. A second cerebrospinal tab showed 64 lymphocytes and a protein level of 86 mg/100 ml. Final visual acuity was R.E.: 6/15 (20/50), and L.E.: 6/6 (20/20). Neither patient received treatment for this disorder. The findings of cerebrospinal fluid cells and elevated protein levels in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epithelialopathy probably represent a mild viral meningitis as part of a systemic viral infection that also involves the retinal pigment epithelium or choriocapillaris.