Red blood cell phenotypes in alpha-thalassemias in the Spanish population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: alpha-thalassemia is very common on all thalassemic geographical regions. The present work aimed at analyzing the relationship between the degree of microcytosis and hematological parameters and the type of alpha-thalassemic mutation. DESIGN AND METHODS: Five hundred and thirty-six subjects with 4 kinds of alpha-thalassemia were examined using established techniques that determined all hematological parameters, and globin synthesis and molecular biological techniques to study the DNA of globin genes by Southern blotting. RESULTS: Adult carriers of alpha (+)-thalassemia (-alpha/alpha alpha) present very few hematological alterations. In a statistical comparison with normal individuals (alpha alpha/alpha alpha), significant differences were found between the hemocytometric data and the MCV and MCH of heterozygous alpha + thalassemia and the heterozygous alpha zero or homozygous alpha + genotype. Hb H disease was detected in 15 patients, presenting a severe degree of anemia, a significant increase in RDW and globin chain synthesis with an alpha/beta ratio of 0.5 +/- 0.1. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: These data provide reference values for geographical areas where alpha + thalassemia is common. These hematocytometric data, together with hemoglobin analysis, could be useful as a future reference data for new patients diagnosed with alpha-thalassemia.

Immunodetection of the large form of the gamma 2 subunit of mammalian GABAA receptor.

Two forms of the GABAA receptor gamma 2-subunit, named short (gamma 2S) and long (gamma 2L), and generated by alternative RNA splicing, have been identified in mammalian brain by molecular cloning techniques. We have produced antibodies against a synthetic peptide containing the 8-amino acid insertion present in the long form but not in the short one. Using the antipeptide serum, we have identified the gamma 2L subunit in membrane preparations of GABAA receptors from rat and mouse cerebellum and its cellular location in cerebellum.

[Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with ulcerative colitis arising after colectomy]. / Anemia hemolítica autoinmune asociada a colitis ulcerosa de aparición tras colectomía.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare, although not exceptional, complication of ulcerative colitis. This report presents a case of this association, which is noteworthy in that the hematologic picture appeared immediately after colectomy was performed due to colonic perforation. The features of the only three reported cases in which anemia developed after colectomy are reviewed, and the role of this surgical technique in the treatment of hemolytic anemia associated with ulcerative colitis is discussed. Although colectomy does not protect patients with ulcerative colitis from the onset of hemolytic anemia, we consider that proctocolectomy should be included among the therapeutic alternatives when this association is present, especially in the case of refractory colitis.

[Sexually transmitted diseases in a high risk subpopulation from the province of Soria]. / Enfermedades de transmisión sexual en una subpoblación de alto riesgo de la provincia de Soria.

BACKGROUND: Women who practise prostitution constitute a high risk group for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The aim of this study was to know the frequency of these processes among prostitutes in the province of Soria. METHODS: A descriptive transversal study including 86 women who voluntarily went to a Family Planning Center (FPC) in Soria was carried out in the period between October 1986 to December 1991. Patients were submitted to: investigation of T. vaginalis, N. gonorrhoeae, G. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, S. agalactiae and yeast infections. Complete clinical history was obtained from all including sociodemographic variables and those of risk of infection. RESULTS: Of the 86 women studied 12 (14%) had positive syphilis tests (treponemic and reaginic). In 12 (14%) N. gonorrhoeae was isolated. The search for C. trachomatis was positive in 16 (18.60%). In 19 (22.10%) T. vaginalis was directly observed. Twenty-three (26.74%) presented some type of positive serology to B virus. Five (5.81%) were HIV-1 seropositive. Candida spp. was isolated in 27 (31.39%) as was G. vaginalis and S. agalactiae in 21 (24.41%). Clinical examination did not show any macroscopic lesion suggesting venereal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Infection by Candida spp. and G. vaginalis were found to be the most frequent. The seroprevalence of HIV-1 in this series was the lowest in the country having a clear relation with the use of intravenous drugs (IVDA). Sexually transmitted diseases maintain a high prevalence in high risk groups such as prostitutes thus requiring energic prevention plans, overall in the group of young IVDA prostitutes.

Effects of several alcohols on glycosidase activities in rat liver and brain.

1. beta-D-Galactosidase, beta-D-glucuronidase and beta-NAc-D-glucosaminidase spec. acts from liver displayed statistically significant differences after treatments with certain alcohols. 2. No statistically significant difference was found for the kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) of the indicated glycosidase activities. 3. beta-D-Glucuronidase and beta-NAc-D-glucosaminidase spec. acts from brain tissue showed statistically significant differences after treatments with certain alcohols. 4. beta-D-Glucuronidase and beta-NAc-D-glucosaminidase activities from liver showed a statistically significant decrease in the presence of in vitro ethanol. Tolerance effects were not observed.