Mycoplasma iguanae sp. nov., from a green iguana (Iguana iguana) with vertebral disease.

Strain 2327T, first cultured from vertebral abscesses of green iguanas (Iguana iguana) collected in Florida, USA, was readily distinguished from all previously described mollicutes by 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons. Strain 2327T lacks a cell wall, ferments glucose, does not hydrolyse arginine, aesculin or urea and is sensitive to digitonin. Western blots distinguished the novel isolate serologically from the most closely related members of the Mycoplasma neurolyticum cluster. On the basis of these data, the isolate represents a novel species for which the name Mycoplasma iguanae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain 2327T (=ATCC BAA-1050T = NCTC 11745T).

Mycoplasma alligatoris infection promotes CD95 (FasR) expression and apoptosis of primary cardiac fibroblasts.

Mycoplasma alligatoris causes acute lethal primary infection of susceptible hosts. A genome survey implicated sialidase and hyaluronidase, potential promoters of CD95-mediated eukaryotic cell death, as virulence factors of M. alligatoris. We used immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry to examine the effects of M. alligatoris infection in vitro on CD95 expression and apoptosis by alligator cardiac fibroblasts, a major cell type of a target organ of M. alligatoris infection in vivo. A uniform distribution of CD95 in primary cultured cardiac, skeletal muscle, and embryonic fibroblasts was demonstrated by using polyclonal antibodies against the N or C terminus of mouse or human CD95. Anti-CD95 antibodies reacted on Western blots of fibroblast lysates with a band with the predicted apparent molecular weight of CD95, but soluble CD95 was not detected in plasma from control or M. alligatoris-infected alligators. The proportion of CD95-gated cardiac fibroblasts increased threefold (P<0.01) 48 h after inoculation with M. alligatoris. Infection induced morphological changes in cardiac fibroblasts, including translocation of CD95 characteristic of apoptosis and an eightfold increase (P<0.16) in 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation measured in a terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end-labeling apoptosis assay. The proportion of BrdU-gated controls activated with agonistic immunoglobulin M against human CD95 also increased threefold (P<0.03 for muscle). Heat-inactivated M. alligatoris and sterile M. alligatoris-conditioned culture supernatant had no effect. This is the first report of a CD95 homolog in the class Reptilia and establishes a new model that can be used to test the direct bacterial interaction with upstream components of the CD95 signal transduction pathway.

C-reactive protein is not associated with the presence or extent of calcified subclinical atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) coronary artery calcification (CAC) are valid markers of cardiovascular risk. It is unknown whether hsCRP is a marker of atherosclerotic burden or whether it reflects a process (eg, inflammatory fibrous cap degradation) leading to acute coronary events. METHODS: A nested case-control study was performed of 188 men enrolled in the Prospective Army Coronary Calcium study. The serum hsCRP levels (latex agglutination assay) were evaluated in subjects with CAC (CAC score >0, n = 94) and compared with age- and smoking status-matched control subjects (CAC score 0, n = 94). RESULTS: Levels of hsCRP in the highest quartile were related to the following coronary risk factors: smoking status, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin, fibrinogen, and homocysteine. The mean hsCRP level was similar in cases (+CAC, 0.20 +/- 0.22 mg/dL) and controls (-CAC, 0.19 +/- 0.21 mg/dL; P =.81) and was unrelated to the log-transformed CAC score (r < 0.01, P =.91). Multivariable analysis controlling for standard risk factors, aspirin, and statin therapy found only that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was related to CAC. CONCLUSIONS: Despite associations with standard and emerging cardiovascular risk factors, hsCRP is unrelated to the presence and extent of calcified subclinical atherosclerosis. This implies that CAC (a disease marker) and hsCRP (a process marker) may be complementary for the prediction of cardiovascular risk.

A comparison between MMPI and CPI adult profiles of children of alcoholics and nonalcoholics.

Findings of a comparison of CPI and MMPI subscale score means between 31 children of alcoholics/problem drinkers (COAs) and 120 non-COAs in a longitudinal panel only minimally support the oft-quoted clinical literature's assertions concerning differences in adult outcome between COAs and non-COAs. However, findings appear to be congruent with the findings of other panel studies in the United States and Sweden. Implications for further research are noted.

A comparison of family of origin factors between children of alcoholics and children of non-alcoholics in a longitudinal panel.

Secondary analysis of longitudinal panel data reveals minimal differences in family of origin factors between children of alcoholics (COAs) and children of non-alcoholics (non-COAs). From 220 subjects, 37 parents were identified as alcoholic. The COA subjects' retrospective reports about family of origin factors were compared to those of non-COAs. Contrary to the assertions of the COA clinical literature, few differences were found between the two groups. However, these differences are congruent with the findings of other panel studies which have investigated family of origin factors and adult outcome among COAs.

Prefrontal cortex and working memory for spatial response, spatial location, and visual object information in the rat.

In the first experiment, rats were trained on a working memory task for a spatial response (right-left turn) information using a delayed matching-to-sample procedure. Following lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPF), which includes anterior cingulate and medial precentral cortex, there was a profound working memory deficit even at the shortest delay. In the second experiment, rats were trained on a working memory task for spatial location information using a delayed matching-to-sample procedure. Following lesions of the MPF, there was only a mild working memory deficit, whereas following dorsal hippocampal lesions there was a profound working memory deficit even at the shortest delay. In the third experiment, rats were trained on a working memory task for visual object information using a delayed nonmatching-to-sample procedure. Following lesions of the MPF, there were no working memory deficits, whereas following lesions of the prelimbic and infralimbic cortex there was a profound working memory deficit even at the shortest delay. The results suggest that different neural subregions of the prefrontal cortex mediate working memory for specific attribute information.

Reduction in striatal D2 dopamine receptor mRNA and binding following AF64A lesions.

Unilateral lesions by a cholinotoxin, receptor autoradiography, and in situ hybridization techniques were employed to determine if dopaminergic receptors are located on cholinergic interneurons in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Lesion of the CPu with small amounts of the cholinotoxin AF64A resulted in a significant decrease in D2 receptor mRNA and D2 receptor binding. The loss was more pronounced in lateral and central portions of the CPu. Results obtained using [3H] SCH23390 binding to D1 receptors indicated that there was no change in this dopamine receptor subtype in the AF64A-lesioned CPu. A decrease in D2 receptor mRNA and receptor binding in AF64A-lesioned animals indicates that a population of postsynaptic D2 receptors is associated with the cholinergic interneurons. Lack of any change in [3H]SCH23390 binding in the AF64A-lesioned animals suggests that D1 receptors are not located on cholinergic neurons. These results provide evidence to support the selectivity of the lesion when used as indicated.

Characterization of the binding and comparison of the distribution of benzodiazepine receptors labeled with [3H]diazepam and [3H]alprazolam.

The binding characteristics of [3H]diazepam and [3H]alprazolam were obtained by in vitro analysis of sections of rat brain. Dissociation, association, and saturation analyses were performed to optimize the conditions for obtaining selective labeling of benzodiazepine receptors with the two tritiated compounds. Both drugs approached equilibrium rapidly in vitro. Rosenthal analysis (Scatchard plot) of the saturation data indicated a similar finite number of receptors was being occupied by both ligands. Competition studies, using various ligands to inhibit both [3H]diazepam and [3H]alprazolam indicated that these two compounds bind to the tissue sections as typical benzodiazepine drugs and apparently do not overlap onto other subtypes of receptors. These experiments were performed by both binding assay in tissue sections and by light microscopic autoradiography. The major difference between the labeling of the two compounds is represented by the peripheral benzodiazepine sites, which are recognized by [3H]diazepam, but not occupied by [3H]alprazolam (at nanomolar concentrations). This difference was readily apparent in the autoradiograms. Other pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties must distinguish these two benzodiazepines.

Unilateral ibotenic acid lesion of the caudate putamen results in D2 receptor alterations on the contralateral side.

Dopaminergic projections to the caudate putamen (CPu) involve fibers in the nigrostriatal pathway from the ipsilateral substantia nigra-pars compacta. Post-synaptic receptor populations on cells receiving this information are composed of both D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes. In the present study, unilateral lesions of the CPu, with ibotenic acid, caused a significant reduction in D2 receptor mRNA on the ipsilateral side, as evidenced by in situ hybridization. Similarly, a reduction of D2 receptor binding (as demonstrated with [3H]raclopride) was observed on the lesioned side. As expected, there was no significant change in the D2 receptor binding on the contralateral side. However, a significant increase of D2 receptor mRNA (> 100%) was found in the CPu on the contralateral side when compared to sham-lesioned animals. These results indicate that compensatory changes may be occurring on the unlesioned side of the brain. These changes may reflect elevated transcription from DNA to mRNA or decreased translation of the D2 mRNA to protein following unilateral damage in the CPu. The observation of bilateral influence in the striatal dopamine receptor system may be of paramount importance in understanding movement disorders. These findings could influence the interpretation of results obtained in animal models of human disease in which the dopamine receptor system of the basal ganglia is compromised.

Abortion in a just society.

PIP: A female Catholic theologian imagines a just society that does not judge women who decide to undergo an abortion. The Church, practitioners, and the courts must trust that women do make person-enhancing choices about the quality of life. In the last 15 years most progress in securing a woman's right to abortion has been limited to white, well-educated, and middle or upper middle class women. A just society would consider reproductive options a human right. Abortion providers are examples of a move to a just society; they are committed to women's well-being. There are some facts that make one pessimistic about achieving abortion in a just society. The US Supreme Court plans to review important decisions establishing abortion as a civil right. Further, some men insist on suing women who want to make their own reproductive decisions--an anti-choice tactic to wear away women's right to reproductive choice. Bombings of abortion clinics and harassment campaigns by anti-choice groups are common. These behaviors strain pro-choice proponents emotionally, psychically, and spiritually. Their tactics often lead to theologians practicing self-censorship because they fear backlash. Abortion providers also do this. Further, the reaction to AIDS is that sex is bad. Anti-abortion groups use AIDS to further their campaigns, claiming that AIDS is a punishment for sex. Strategies working towards abortion in a just society should be education and persuasion of policymakers and citizens about women's right to choose, since they are the ones most affected by abortion. Moreover, only women can secure their rights to abortion. In a just society, every health maintenance organization, insurance company, and group practice would consider abortion a normal service. A just society provides for the survival needs of the most marginalized.^ieng

The New York Times ad.

PIP: Feminization of patriarchal institutions is necessary in order to eliminate the exclusivity and mutuality of hierarchical, gender, class, and race stratification. The aim of this paper is to explain the history and activities surrounding the New York Times ad on Sunday, October 7, 1984 (the Catholic Statement on Pluralism and Abortion signed by Barbara Ferraro and Patricia Hussey of the Sisters of Note Dame de Namur, Rose Dominic Trapasso of the Maryknoll Sisters, and 67 other signers). The significance of this ad for Roman Catholic feminists and suggestions for new models of relationships between feminists is given. The Statement was written by Daniel Maguire and Frances Kissling and reviewed by 20 Roman Catholic ethicists. A sponsoring committee of early signers sought other support. Catholics for a Free Choice sponsored the funding for circulation of the Statement among professional societies, but not necessarily canonical communities. Publication of the entire statement in the Times was at the height of the presidential campaign. Conservative Bishops Bernard Law of Boston and John O'Connor of Boston publicly denounced Ferraro's position. The first institutional church response came on November 14, 1984, and stated that the Statement was personal opinion and contradictory to clear and constant church teachings about abortion. On November 30, 1984, Cardinal Jean Jerome Hamer of the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes responded to most presidents of canonical communities to request a public retraction from signers under threat of dismissal. The issue was obedience to the church. Several members of the canonical community and priests published retractions; negotiations with the Vatican began. Freedom of conscience and empowerment of canonical communities, as agents of their own lives, were given as reasons for the challenge to paternalism. The response was that women were subject to obedience within their communities and had taken public vows and were public members of the church. The superiors groups (Committee of Concerned Leadership) did not have a united public stand. A compromise was reached on "clarification" rather than retraction. On March 2, 1986, another Times letter declared that reprisals have a chilling effect on dissent.^ieng

D1-receptor antagonists: comparison of [3H]SCH39166 to [3H]SCH23390.

A radiolabeled form of the benzonaphthazephine, SCH39166 was used to characterize the binding of this D1 antagonist in cortex, and an autoradiographic comparison of the localization of [3H]SCH39166 to [3H]SCH23390 (D1 antagonist and forerunner of SCH39166) binding was performed. The Kd for [3H]SCH39166, calculated from dissociation and association rate constants (1.09 nM), was comparable to the Kd value derived from Scatchard analyses of saturation data (1.74 nM). [3H]SCH39166 binds to brain tissue in a saturable manner with high affinity and low non-specific binding. Inhibition of [3H]SCH39166 binding by dopaminergic and serotonergic agents supports the hypothesis that this is indeed a D1-specific compound with little overlap onto serotonin (5-HT) receptors. The affinity of [3H]SCH39166 for 5-HT2 and 5-HT1c receptors is at least an order of magnitude lower than the affinity of [3H]SCH23390 for these same receptor sites. Quantitative autoradiographic analysis of [3H]SCH39166 and [3H]SCH23390 binding indicates high D1-receptor density in the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, substantia nigra and entopeduncular nucleus. Low levels of binding (not significantly above background) were detected with [3H]SCH39166 in lamina IV of the cortex and in choroid plexus; areas which had significant [3H]SCH23390 binding and are known to have a high density of 5-HT (5-HT2 and 5-HT1c respectively) receptors.

Alterations in cortical muscarinic receptors following cholinotoxin (AF64A) lesion of the rat nucleus basalis magnocellularis.

Cortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), muscarinic receptors and sodium-dependent, high-affinity, choline uptake (SDHACU) sites were examined in the rat brain following unilateral stereotaxic injection of the cholinotoxin, AF64A, into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM). Injection of AF64A resulted in a significant loss of presynaptic cholinergic markers in the cortex without alteration in TH and TPH activity. The binding to SDHACU sites was reduced to background values in the NBM and increased in the central amygdala (Ce) and cortex. The increase in cortical [3H]QNB binding was the result of a change in muscarinic receptor number (BMAX) and not a change in receptor affinity (KD). Examination of muscarinic receptor subtypes demonstrated a reduction of M1 receptor binding in the cortex and NBM without any alteration in the Ce. Non-M1 binding was significantly increased in all the laminae of the cortex and in the Ce, but decreased in the NBM. These data suggest that there exists a population of M1 receptors on NBM projections to the cortex and that NBM projections influence a population of postsynaptic receptors in the cortex and Ce which are not of the M1 subtype.

Population policy forum. Men, the Church, and pleasure.

I applaud Marge Berer's initial proposal on feminist population police, demonstrating that feminists are capable of construction as well as criticism. Such creative efforts, while partial, are what keep the conversation going and us in it. Several points deserve to be highlighted as they point toward much needed changes in public policy. One is the need to shift the overwhelming burden of reproduction from women alone to society in general and men in particular. This is not to give an inch on women;s moral agency and primary decision making. To the contrary, it is to insist that male birth control be an integral part of all population policies in action as well as in regulations. Rates of tubal ligations and vasectomies in most countries show that women assume more than a fair share, men doing comparative little. Another important element is the role of religion as a shaper of social policy, the Catholic church worldwide being the prime example of how sex education, birth control, and abortion are regulated as much be theology as by law. Feminist s ignore this reality in our peril, though dealing head on with it, as some religious professions have found out, is also dangerous. The fact that the majority of women of childbearing age in the US ignore the church's pronouncements and use contraception shows that the ideological strangle hold is slipping. We can loosen it further. A related, though perhaps less politically correct, concern in such a feminist proposal is the place of sexual pleasure for its own sake. While public policy is not typically concerned with such matters, education is needed for women to feel entitled to separate sex from procreation, to enjoy the full range of sexual activities for which reproduction is but 1 possible outcome. This, after all, is a major feminist achievement that deserves to made available without delay]

[3H]SCH39166, a D1 dopamine receptor antagonist: binding characteristics and localization.

Schering-Plough Research has developed a new, more specific analogue of SCH23390. This compound, SCH39166, has been shown to be a potent, specific, D1 receptor antagonist with several features which are advantageous over its predecessor. In this report, the binding characteristics of [3H]SCH39166 are described by in vitro analysis in rat brain tissues. The binding was shown to be of high affinity (Kd in the low nM range), saturable, and specific (readily displaceable with SCH23390, but not with the D2 receptor antagonists sulpiride or haloperidol). The binding of SCH39166 is more selective for binding to D1 receptors than SCH23390 with regard to overlap of the latter compound onto 5HT2 and 5HT1C receptors. Autoradiographic localization of D1 receptor sites labeled with [3H]SCH39166 showed a very specific distribution in areas known to contain high quantities of D1 receptors. These regions included the deepest layer of the cerebral cortex, the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, entopeduncular nucleus, and substantia nigra-pars reticulata, as well as less dense binding in a few other areas. At the concentration of ligand used (1 nM), there was a noticeable paucity of labeling in lamina IV of the cerebral cortex and in the choroid plexus, regions of high 5HT2 and 5HT1C receptor binding, respectively. Thus, SCH39166 represents a new D1 receptor antagonist which shows a greater specificity for the D1 receptor than its predecessor SCH23390. As previously shown, another distinct advantage of this compound is its stability in primates which should allow the determination of the effects and utility of D1 receptor antagonism in vivo.

Naturally occurring retirement communities: a multiattribute examination of desirability factors.

This study investigated the factors important in older individuals' attraction to and satisfaction with apartment complexes that become naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs). Quantitative measures examining the relative importance of various apartment complex attributes in attracting older and younger people to apartments that have and have not become NORCs were obtained by using a multiattribute scaling procedure. Results are presented from two main perspectives: a comparison of the factors attracting older residents to NORCs and non-NORCs; and a comparison of the factors attracting older and younger residents to NORCs.

Aging in place: a dilemma for retirement housing administrators.

The phenomenon of aging in place poses fundamental questions for administrators and planners of housing for the elderly. Based on a planning study for one retirement facility in the upper Midwest, we reviewed current knowledge pertinent to aging in place and present the findings of interviews with 13 housing administrators and present some limited market analysis of the host community of the subject retirement facility.