[Evaluation of a new device for sample collection, transport and detection of Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women]. / Evaluación de un nuevo dispositivo para la recogida de la muestra, transporte y detección del estreptococo del grupo B en mujeres embarazadas.

We have designed a new device that combines sample collection, transportation, culture and detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), requiring no additional processing in the clinical laboratory. The objective was to evaluate the performance of this device for GBS detection in pregnant women. The new prototype was compared to direct plating of vaginal-rectal swabs onto Granada solid media plates. Direct plating method detected 124 positive samples out of 600 (20.6%) whereas the new device detected 10 additional positive samples (134/600, 22.3%). This new device (patent-protected) could be considered for routine GBS screening.

Correlation between fluorescence and structure in the orange-emitting GFP-like protein, monomeric Kusabira Orange.

The mKO is the monomeric version of Kusabira Orange, a GFP-like protein emitting bright orange fluorescence at 559 nm. This protein shows the characteristic ß-barrel motif typical of the fluorescent protein family which it belongs to, similar spectral properties to the tetrameric form and an exceptional photo-stability to pH changes. Here, we demonstrate that mKO in solution at physiological pH exhibits a secondary structure analogue to that of the crystal. Moreover, we describe the thermal unfolding, revealing an outstanding structural stability with a denaturation temperature close to 90 °C and identifying the existence of a thermodynamic intermediate. The denaturation process of mKO results to be absolutely irreversible because of the complete lost of the native structure and the consequent aggregation, while the presence of the intermediate state is most likely due to coexistence of two different species of mKO, with protonated and deprotonated chromophore respectively, that affects the fluorescence properties and the structural stability of the protein.

Membrane permeabilization induced by sphingosine: effect of negatively charged lipids.

Sphingosine [(2S, 3R, 4E)-2-amino-4-octadecen-1, 3-diol] is the most common sphingoid long chain base in sphingolipids. It is the precursor of important cell signaling molecules, such as ceramides. In the last decade it has been shown to act itself as a potent metabolic signaling molecule, by activating a number of protein kinases. Moreover, sphingosine has been found to permeabilize phospholipid bilayers, giving rise to vesicle leakage. The present contribution intends to analyze the mechanism by which this bioactive lipid induces vesicle contents release, and the effect of negatively charged bilayers in the release process. Fluorescence lifetime measurements and confocal fluorescence microscopy have been applied to observe the mechanism of sphingosine efflux from large and giant unilamellar vesicles; a graded-release efflux has been detected. Additionally, stopped-flow measurements have shown that the rate of vesicle permeabilization increases with sphingosine concentration. Because at the physiological pH sphingosine has a net positive charge, its interaction with negatively charged phospholipids (e.g., bilayers containing phosphatidic acid together with sphingomyelins, phosphatidylethanolamine, and cholesterol) gives rise to a release of vesicular contents, faster than with electrically neutral bilayers. Furthermore, phosphorous 31-NMR and x-ray data show the capacity of sphingosine to facilitate the formation of nonbilayer (cubic phase) intermediates in negatively charged membranes. The data might explain the pathogenesis of Niemann-Pick type C1 disease.

Addition of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins to the thawing extender: effects on boar sperm quality.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect that the addition of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins (CLC) to the thawing extender has on the quality of frozen-thawed boar sperm. Pooled semen (n = 5) from three boars was used for the experiments. The semen was cryopreserved with an egg-yolk-based extender, it was diluted after thawing in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) supplemented with different concentrations of CLC (0, 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mg/500 × 10(6) sperm), and these samples were incubated at 37°C for 150 min. The following parameters of sperm quality were evaluated 30 and 150 min after incubation: sperm with intact plasma membrane (SIPM; %), sperm with normal acrosomal ridge (NAR; %), total motile sperm (TMS; %), progressively motile sperm (PMS; %) and kinetic parameters. Both SIPM and NAR increased (p < 0.05) when the thawing extender was supplemented with 12.5, 25 and 50 mg CLC/500 × 10(6) sperm. Nevertheless, motility decreased (p < 0.05) when the concentration of CLC exceeded 12.5 mg CLC/500 × 10(6) sperm. In conclusion, our results suggest that the supplementation of thawing extenders with CLC improves sperm viability and reduces acrosome damage after freezing/thawing.

[Palmar scaphoid dislocation associated with dorsal perilunate dislocation. A case report and review of the literature]. / Luxación palmar del escafoides carpiano asociado a una luxación perilunar dorsal. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía.

Most carpal dislocations occur in the lunate bone or around it (perilunate). An isolated dislocation of the carpal scaphoid is a rare injury. We report a case of a palmar scaphoid dislocation combined with a dorsal perilunate dislocation, which was treated with open reduction, fixed with two Kirschner wires and ligament repair, with a good result.

Luxación palmar del escafoides carpiano asociado a una luxación perilunar dorsal. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Palmar scaphoid dislocation associated with dorsal perilunate dislocation. A case report and review of the literature

La mayoría de las luxaciones del carpo ocurren en el semilunar o a su alrededor (perilunar). La luxación aislada del escafoides carpiano es una entidad rara. Presentamos un caso clínico de luxación palmar del escafoides asociada con una luxación perilunar dorsal, tratado con reducción abierta, y estabilizado con 2 agujas de Kirschner y reparación ligamentosa, con buen resultado (AU)

Most carpal dislocations occur in the lunate bone or around it (perilunate). An isolated dislocation of the carpal scaphoid is a rare injury. We report a case of a palmar scaphoid dislocation combined with a dorsal perilunate dislocation, which was treated with open reduction, fixed with two Kirschner wires and ligament repair, with a good result (AU)

Is sperm freezability related to the post-thaw lipid peroxidation and the formation of reactive oxygen species in boars?

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) substances production and the levels of lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane were related to the quality that the ejaculates exhibited after cryopreservation in boars. Ejaculates from 42 healthy boars were used in this study and they were cryopreserved with the lactose-egg yolk extender (LEY). Several sperm quality parameters were assessed by flow cytometry in samples incubated for 30 and 150 min at 37 °C after thawing: the percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane (SIPM), intracellular reactive oxygen substances production through mean of DCF fluorescence intensity of total sperm (mean-DCF) and the percentage of viable and non-viable sperm containing oxidized BODIPY (VSOB and NVSOB). In addition, the percentages of total motile (TMS) and progressively motile sperm (PMS) were assessed at the same incubation times with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. The classification of the ejaculates into good or bad freezers was performed through hierarchical cluster analysis from SIPM and TMS at 150 min post-thawing. The ejaculates of those males classified as good freezers exhibited higher (p < 0.05) SPIM, TMS and PMS than the bad freezers, although both groups presented similar (p > 0.05) VSOB, NVSOB and mean-DCF. Therefore, these results show that lipid peroxidation and the amount of reactive oxygen substances in the sperm after cryopreservation are similar between boars classified as good or bad freezers.

Ausencia congénita unilateral del escafoides carpiano y displasia del hueso grande. A propósito de un caso / Unilateral congenital absence of the carpal scaphoid associated with dysplasia of the capitate. Presentation of a case

Presentamos un caso de aplasia o ausencia congénita unilateral del escafoides carpiano asociado a displasia del hueso grande. La ausencia congénita del escafoides carpiano es una entidad rara e infrecuente, pero bien documentada. Es el séptimo caso presentado en la literatura. A diferencia de la mayoría de los casos publicados de aplasia/hipoplasia de escafoides carpiano, en nuestro caso no se ha detectado asociación de otras anomalías congénitas tipo hipoplasia o aplasia de musculatura tenar y antebrazo, malformaciones del esqueleto del pulgar, ausencia de huesos sesamoideos o alteraciones del desarrollo de los huesos del antebrazo. El estudio radiológico revela la ausencia congénita del escafoides asociado a una displasia del hueso grande e hipoplasia de la estiloides radial. Se completa el estudio con resonancia magnética nuclear (AU)

We report on a case of aplasia or unilateral congenital absence of the carpal scaphoid associated with dysplasia of the capitate. Congenital absence of the carpal scaphoid is a rare but well-documented condition. As far as we know, the present case is the seventh one reported in the medical literature. Imaging studies (X-ray and MRI) confirmed the absence of the carpal scaphoid associated with a dysplasia of the capitate and malformation of the radial styloid process. Congenital absence of the scaphoid when other congenital abnormalities (such as hypoplasia or aplasia of either forearm bones or thenar eminence, malformations of the skeletal elements of the thumb, absence of sesamoid bones or abnormal development of the forearm bones) do not exist is probably the main feature of the present case report (AU)

Encondroma gigante falange distal del pulgar. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Giant enchondroma of the thumb distal phalanx. Presentation of a case and review of the literature

Presentamos un caso de encondroma gigante de la falange distal del pulgar, con importante deformidad clínica y radiológica, extremadamente infrecuente en dicha localización y cuyo tratamiento es quirúrgico mediante curetaje de la cavidad lesional y relleno con autoinjerto óseo. En este caso realizamos diagnóstico diferencial con tumor de células gigantes y quiste óseo aneurismático (radiológico y resonancia magnética nuclear) (AU)

We report on a case of giant enchondroma of the distal phalanx of the thumb, with a significant degree of clinical and radiographic deformity. It is extremely rare in this location and its treatment should be surgical, with curettage of the lesional cavity and filling with autologous bone graft. In this case, we performed a differential diagnosis of a giant cell tumour and aneurysmatic bone cyst (X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]) (AU)

[Unilateral congenital absence of the carpal scaphoid associated with dysplasia of the capitate. Presentation of a case]. / Ausencia congénita unilateral del escafoides carpiano y displasia del hueso grande. A propósito de un caso.

We report on a case of aplasia or unilateral congenital absence of the carpal scaphoid associated with dysplasia of the capitate. Congenital absence of the carpal scaphoid is a rare but well-documented condition. As far as we know, the present case is the seventh one reported in the medical literature. Imaging studies (X-ray and MRI) confirmed the absence of the carpal scaphoid associated with a dysplasia of the capitate and malformation of the radial styloid process. Congenital absence of the scaphoid when other congenital abnormalities (such as hypoplasia or aplasia of either forearm bones or thenar eminence, malformations of the skeletal elements of the thumb, absence of sesamoid bones or abnormal development of the forearm bones) do not exist is probably the main feature of the present case report.

[Giant enchondroma of the thumb distal phalanx. Presentation of a case and review of the literature]. / Encondroma gigante falange distal del pulgar. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía.

We report on a case of giant enchondroma of the distal phalanx of the thumb, with a significant degree of clinical and radiographic deformity. It is extremely rare in this location and its treatment should be surgical, with curettage of the lesional cavity and filling with autologous bone graft. In this case, we performed a differential diagnosis of a giant cell tumour and aneurysmatic bone cyst (X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]).

Arrancamiento del flexor profundo a través de un encodroma: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Avulsion of the deep flexor muscle enchondroma through an enchondroma: presentation of a case and review of the literature

Se presenta un caso clínico donde coexis en un arrancamiento del flexor profundo del dedo meñique con un encondroma en la base de la tercera falange. Se trata de una combinación poco frecuente; se expone el tratamiento realizado y se revisa la bibliografía existente (AU)

We report a case with coexistence of an avulsion of the deep flexor muscle of the 5th finger with an enchodroma at the base of the third phalanx. This is a rare combination; we describe the treatment given and review the literature (AU)

Síndrome metabólico en obstetricia / The metabolic syndrome in obstetrics

Objetivo Revisar las características que tiene el Síndrome Metabólico en la Obstetricia, así como describir el manejo de la gestante obesa. Material y métodos Se hace una revisión bibliográfica actualizada, indicando los criterios diagnósticos del SM, haciendo mención especial a las complicaciones que pueden surgir cuando el SM se presenta durante la gestación. Igualmente, se indica el manejo de la gestante obesa. Resultados Destacan que el SM en la gestante ocasiona resultados adversos, como preeclampsia, diabetes gestacional, enfermedad cardiovascular, crecimiento intrauterino retardado y muerte fetal. Del mismo modo, se establece que la obesidad, criterio básico para la existencia de SM, también ocasiona importantes complicaciones durante la gestación, con aumento de la morbimortalidad materno-fetal. Conclusiones Se pone en evidencia que hay una alta tasa de complicaciones en el embarazo asociadas a la presencia del SM. Por otra parte, el embarazo en la gestante obesa debe considerarse siempre como de alto riesgo (AU)

Objective To review the features that have Metabolic Syndrome in Obstetrics and describe the management of obese pregnant women. Material and methods A review updated literature, indicating the diagnostic criteria for SM, with special reference to the complications that can arise when the SM occurs during pregnancy. It also shows the management of obese pregnant women. Results Emphasize that the SM in pregnancy causes adverse outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease, intrauterine growth retardation and fetal death. Similarly, obesity is established, the basic criterion for the existence of SM, also causes significant complications during pregnancy, with increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Conclusions This demonstrates that there is a high rate of pregnancy complications associated with the presence of SM. Moreover, pregnancy in obese pregnant women should always be considered high risk (AU)

Sección completa del ciático poplíteo externo durante una meniscectomía externa por artroscopia / Complete section of the external popliteal sciatic nerve during arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy

Objetivo: Comunicar la lesión del nervio ciático poplíteo externo (CPE) como complicación inusual tras una artroscopia de rodilla. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente que presenta una sección completa del nervio CPE, tras una meniscectomía externa por artroscopia, que precisó la realización de injerto nervioso para conseguir la recuperación. Discusión: Las lesiones neurológicas tras la artroscopia de rodilla son infrecuentes, no hemos encontrado un caso de sección completa con pérdida de continuidad neurológica tras una meniscectomía y existen casos publicados similares que son comentados. Conclusiones: Aunque infrecuente, es posible la lesión de estructuras nerviosas durante la práctica de una artroscopia de rodilla (AU)

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present a case of external popliteal sciatic nerve injury, which is an unusual complication following knee arthroscopy. Clinical case: We present the case of a patient who suffered a complete rupture of the external popliteal sciatic nerve (EPSN), following arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy, which required the use of a nerve graft to facilitate recovery. Discussion: Nerve lesions following knee arthroscopy are rare. We have found no instances of complete nerve rupture accompanied by a break in neurologic continuity following meniscectomy. We have however found a few similar cases, which we report on in the paper. Conclusions: Although uncommon, injury to nerve structures is possible during knee arthroscopy (AU)

Embolización selectiva de las arterias uterinas en el tratamiento de miomas sintomáticos: dos años de seguimiento / Selective uterine artery embolization in the treatment of symptomatic myomas: A two-year follow-up

El leiomioma es el tumor ginecológico más frecuente. Entre las opciones terapéuticas, la embolización de arterias uterinas (EAU) se emplea como alternativa a la miomectomía o a la histerectomía. Resumen El objetivo es conocer las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de las pacientes sometidas a EAU y analizar los resultados a los dos años. Material y métodos Estudio observacional y descriptivo de 93 pacientes que fueron sometidas a EAU para el tratamiento del mioma uterino. A las pacientes se les realizó una anamnesis completa, exploración clínica y analítica. Además un seguimiento en consulta a los 2, a los 6, a los 12 y a los 24 meses. Resultados La media de días de sangrado fue de 6,74 (4–14). La tasa media de hemoglobina fue de 11,94g/dl (7–16). La media de los días de ingreso fue de 4,2 (2–10) y la media de los días de dolor posterior fue de 5,8 (1–15). Hubo 3 casos de amenorrea transitoria (3,2%) y 3 casos de amenorrea definitiva (3,2%).Resultados En el volumen uterino y en el tamaño del mioma se apreciaba una reducción significativa en cada revisión hasta los dos años de la embolización. Respecto a la variación clínica, se aprecia una disminución significativa en la sintomatología, el sangrado y el dolor. Discusión En el estudio, la EAU se revela como una técnica bien tolerada y eficaz con una respuesta estadísticamente significativa de todos los parámetros clínicos y ecográficos. Sus indicaciones deben ser especificadas y respetadas para mantener su eficacia y utilidad (AU)

Leiomyoma is the most common gynecologic tumor. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is used as an alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy to treat uterine leiomyoma. Objective To determinate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing UAE and to analyze the results of UAE at 2 years. Material and methods An observational, descriptive study was carried out in 93 patients who underwent UAE for the treatment of uterine myoma. A complete history and physical examination were performed and laboratory data were collected. Follow-up visits were performed at 2, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure. Results The mean number of days of bleeding was 6.74 (4–14). The mean hemoglobin was 11.94g/dl (7–16). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.2 days (2–10), and the number of subsequent days of pain was 5.8 (1–15). There were three cases of transient amenorrhea (3.2%) and three of permanent amenorrhea (3.2%).Results The volume and size of uterine myoma were significantly reduced at each follow-up visit until 2 years after the embolization. A significant decrease in symptoms, bleeding and pain was confirmed in this period. Discussion UAE is a well-tolerated and effective technique, with a statistically significant response of all clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. The indications for UAE should be clearly defined and followed to maintain the efficacy and utility of this procedure (AU)

Combined closed avulsion of the central slip and terminal tendon of the finger extensor mechanism.

This clinical case describes a patient who suffered a combined closed avulsion of the central slip and the terminal tendon of the index finger extensor mechanism, associated with a unicondylar fracture of the middle phalanx and a spiroid fracture of the second metacarpal.

The C2 domains of classical/conventional PKCs are specific PtdIns(4,5)P(2)-sensing domains.

The C2 domains of cPKCs [classical/conventional PKCs (protein kinase Cs)] bind to membranes in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner and thereby act as cellular Ca(2+) effectors. Recent findings have demonstrated that the C2 domain of cPKCs interacts specifically with PtdIns(4,5)P(2) through its polybasic cluster located in the beta3-beta4-strands, this interaction being critical for the membrane localization of these enzymes in living cells. In addition, these C2 domains exhibit higher affinity to bind PtdIns(4,5)P(2) than any other polyphosphate phosphatidylinositols. It has also been shown that the presence of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) in model membranes decreases the Ca(2+) concentration required for classical C2 domains to bind them. Overall, the studies reviewed here suggest a new mechanism of membrane docking by the C2 domains of cPKCs in which the local densities of phosphatidylserine and PtdIns(4,5)P(2) on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane are sufficient to drive Ca(2+)-activated membrane docking during a physiological Ca(2+) signal.

Relación de alcohol etílico en aire espirado y en sangre en la casuística del Instituto Nacional de Toxicología, Dpto. de Madrid

La determinación de alcohol etílico en aliento en controles de Tráfico es práctica habitual en nuestro país, siendo rutinariamente utilizada como prueba ante los Tribunales de Justicia. Su uso suscita múltiples dudas relacionadas con el significado del resultado obtenido y con la práctica operatoria de la medición. Su utilización en controles de tráfico conlleva el derecho de contrastar el resultado con un análisis de sangre. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de las concentraciones de etanol en muestras de sangre obtenidas en estos controles rutinarios y analizadas en el Servicio de Química del Departamento de Madrid del Instituto Nacional de Toxicología y se comparan con los resultados obtenidos en aire espirado con el etilómetro. Para ello se han estudiado 157 casos en los que se conocen las concentraciones en sangre y aire espirado, de los que se obtiene un subgrupo de 89 casos (57 por ciento) en los que se conocen las horas de las medidas con el etilómetro y de la extracción de sangre. Se estudia la razón obtenida entre sangre y aliento que refleja una media de 2.100, unos límites para un 95 por ciento de confianza entre 1559 y 2718 y una linealidad con un coeficiente de correlación de 0,96. Se obtiene un resultado compatible o se infravalora el grado de impregnación alcohólica con el etilómetro en el 76 por ciento de los casos. Se valora asimismo la práctica operatoria, estudiando el período de tiempo transcurrido entre las dos medidas del etilómetro y el tiempo trascurrido hasta la extracción de sangre, comprobando que se siguen, habitualmente, las pautas aconsejadas. La finalidad de este trabajo es contestar las dudas suscitadas por la utilización de esta prueba en condiciones reales, con muestras extraídas de diferentes maneras, con distintos conservantes y se analizan los datos relativos a la cadena de custodia de muestra, fundamentales para la posterior interpretación de los resultados, y que muchas veces no quedan convenientemente reflejados (AU)

Activation of protein kinase C alpha by lipid mixtures containing different proportions of diacylglycerols.

Lipid activation of protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha) was studied using a model mixture containing POPC/POPS (molar ratio 4:1) and different proportions of either DPG or POG. The lipid mixtures containing DPG were physically characterized by using different physical techniques, and a phase diagram was constructed by keeping a constant POPC/POPS molar ratio of 4:1 and changing the concentration of 1,2-DPG. The phase diagram displayed three regions delimited by two compounds: compound 1 (CO(1)) with 35 mol % of 1,2-DPG and compound 2 (CO(2)) with 65 mol % of 1,2-DPG. PKC alpha activity was assayed at increasing concentrations of 1,2-DPG, maximum activity being reached at 30 mol % 1,2-DPG, which decreased at higher concentrations. Maximum activity occurred, then, at concentrations of 1,2-DPG which corresponded to the transition from region 1 to region 2 of the phase diagram. It was interesting that this protein was maximally bound to the membrane at all DPG concentrations. Similar results were observed when the enzyme was activated by POG, when a maximum was reached at about 10 mol %. This remained practically constant up to 50 mol %, about which it decreased, the binding level remaining maximal and constant at all POG concentrations. The fact that in the assay conditions used maximal binding was already reached even in the absence of diacylglycerol was attributed to the interaction of the C2 domain with the POPS present in the membrane through the Ca(2+) ions also present. To confirm this, the isolated C2 domain was used, and it was also found to be maximally bound at all DPG concentrations and even in its absence. Since the intriguing interaction patterns observed seemed to be due then to the C1 domain, the PKC alpha mutant D246/248N was used. This mutant has a decreased Ca(2+)-binding capacity through the C2 domain and was not activated nor bound to membranes by increasing concentrations of DPG. However, POG was able to activate the mutant, which showed a similar dependence on POG concentration with respect to activity and binding to membranes. These data underline the importance of unsaturation in one of the fatty acyl chains of the diacylglycerol.

Correlation between the effect of the anti-neoplastic ether lipid 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine on the membrane and the activity of protein kinase Calpha.

The antineoplastic ether phospholipid 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phophocholine (ET-18-OCH3) was incorporated into dimyristoylglycerophosphocholine (Myr2Gro-PCho)/dimyristoylglycerophosphoserine (Myr2Gro-PSer) (4 : 1 molar ratio) mixtures. Electron microscopy showed that the addition of ET-18-OCH3 reduced the size of the vesicles. Small vesicles could be detected even at 60 mol% ET-18-OCH3. Sedimentation studies showed the increasing presence of phospholipids in the supernatant, while turbidity measurements indicated a decrease in absorbance as the ET-18-OCH3 concentration was increased. These findings may be explained by the formation of small vesicles and/or mixed micelles. Infrared spectroscopy showed that at 60 mol% the fluidity of the membrane was considerably increased at temperatures below the phase transition, with only a small increase in the proportion of gauche isomers after the gel-to-fluid phase transition of this sample. On the other hand, protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) activity progressively decreased when ET-18-OCH3 was incorporated into multilamellar vesicles, reaching a minimum value at 20 mol%, this inhibition being attributed to the modification of the membrane produced by a cone-shaped molecule. At higher concentrations, however, ET-18-OCH3 activated the enzyme with a maximum being attained at 50 mol%. This activation being attributed to the formation of small vesicles and/or micelles. At still higher concentrations of ET-18-OCH3 the enzyme was once again inhibited, inhibition being almost complete at 80 mol%. When PKC was assayed using large unilamellar vesicles a slight activation was observed at very low ET-18-OCH3 concentrations.