Study of KIR genes in tuberculosis patients.

A total of 97 patients with tuberculosis (TB) and 51 controls from Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, were studied for the presence and absence of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes. The number of patients with either KIR2DL1 or KIR2DL3 differed significantly compared with the controls. However, only the difference in KIR2DL3 remained significant after correction for the number of factors analysed. We also found KIR2DS2 with its presumed C1 group ligand less prevalent in TB patients than in the control group, but this result lost significance after correction.

Estudio comparativo del efecto antiinflamatorio del plantago major "Llantén" y del diclofenaco / Comparative study of the antiinflammatory effect of the plantago major

Se determinó la Dosis Letal 50(DL50) del extracto metanólico del Plantago major "Llantén" administrado por vía intraperitoneal, hallándose como resultado una DL50 equivalente a 4,000 mg/Kg de peso de animal utilizándose para ello 36 ratones divididos en 6 grupos de 6 animales cada uno. Se utilizarón 40 ratas albinas divididas en 4 grupos de 10 animales cada uno, a las cuales se les infiltró en el lomo 2 ml de carragenina al 1 por ciento a las bolsas de aire. Después de 30' de haber colocado la carragenina se administró los extractos y el diclofenaco. A las seis horas fueron sacrificados los animales. Del exudado obtenido se utilizó una parte para el recuento de Leucocitos en el Coulter Counter, el resto se centrifugó para determinar la concentración de proteínas totales por el método colorimétrico de Gornall utilizando el reactivo de Biuret y un patrón de proteína de 70 g/L. Se evidenció las propiedades antiinflamatorias significativas del extracto metanólico, administrado por vía intraperitoneal, a la dosis de 400 mg/Kg y 800 mg/Kg de peso frente al diclofenaco, utilizando la técnica estandarizada de Edwars (CYTED), del Granuloma de Pouche.

We have determined the 50 Lethal dose of the Metanolic extract of Plantago major "Llanten" given by intraperitoneal route. We have found that 50LD was 4000 mg/Kg. Of animal weigtht, using 36 mice divided in six groups with 6 animal s each one. 40 rats divided in four groups of ten animals each one received on the back 2 mI of carragenin 1 % to the air pouch. After 30 minutes, the extract and diclofenac were administered. Six hours afterwards the animal s were killed. The exudate obtained was used to find the leucocyte count in the Coulter Counter. The rest of the material was centrifuged to determine the concentracion of proteins with de Gornall colorimetric method using the Biuret reactive and a model of protein lof 70 g/L. We found the anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract, administered by the intraperitoneal route 400 mg/Kg. and 800mg/Kg and with diclofenac using the standardized technique of Edwards (CYTED) from the granuloma of .. Pouche.

Results from a reference laboratory for prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell disorders in Cuba.

A nationwide programme for the prevention of sickle cell (SS and SC) disorders was initiated in Cuba in 1983. Couples at risk were identified by screening pregnant women and the partners of those who carry an abnormal haemoglobin, followed by genetic counselling and the offer of prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in one laboratory, which had carried out 1068 prenatal tests for Hb SS and SC disorders by the end of 1992. The centralization of the service has permitted rapid identification and resolution of problems.

Cuban programme for prevention of sickle cell disease.

The percentage of carriers of the sickle cell gene in Cuba ranges from 3 to 7% in different regions. In 1983 the National Medical Genetics Centre initiated a programme for the control of sickle cell disease, which was started in Havana and later extended nationwide. The programme is based on mass education, screening and supportive genetic counselling, care of affected individuals, and availability of prenatal diagnosis. 806,935 pregnant women had been screened by the end of 1989: 29,913 (3.7%) were heterozygous, homozygous or doubly heterozygous for abnormal haemoglobin. 19,686 fathers (67%) were also tested: 1268 at-risk couples were detected. 531 elected to have prenatal diagnosis; 404 results were obtained and 98 affected fetuses (SS or SC) found. In 72 cases the pregnancy was terminated.

Cuban Programme for Prevention of of Sikle Cell

The percentage of carriers of the sickle cell gene in Cuba ranges from 3 to 7 percentil in different regions. In 1983 the National Medical Genetics Centre initiated a programme for the control of sickle cell disease, which was started in Havana and later extended nationwide. The programme is based on mass education, screening and supportive genetic counselling, care of affected individuals, and availability of prenatal diagnosis. 806 935 pregnant women had been screened by the end of 1989: 29 913 (3.7 percent) were heterozygous, homozygous or doubly heterozygous for abnormal haemoglobin. 19 686 fathers (67 percent were also tested: 1268 at-risk couples were detected.531 elected to have prenatal diagnosis; 404 results were obtained and 98 affected fetuses (SS or SC) found. In 72 cases the pregnancy was terminated(AU)

Improved screening test for abnormal hemoglobins from dried blood samples.

A method is described wherein blood samples taken from adults or newborns and dried on filter paper can be used for hemoglobin analysis within 2 years after sampling. The samples are eluted in 8 M urea in the presence of 5% 2-mercaptoethanol and 2% of the neutral detergent Nonidet P-40. Then the individual alpha, beta, gamma, and epsilon chains are separated by means of electrofocusing in 8 M urea-PAA gels. Up to 96 samples can be applied to a gel using multiple syringes. Several hundred samples can be analyzed daily by one person. This method may be especially useful for preventive programs against sickle cell anemia as well as for human mutation monitoring systems.

Haemoglobin Porto Alegre in a Cuban family.

During a screening programme for abnormal haemoglobins in Habana, one case of Hb Porto Alegre was found in 23 000 cases analysed. The ability of this variant to polymerise in vitro and the absence of clinical features in the carriers have been confirmed. These observations are now explained by the findings of high levels of glutathione in the red cells of subjects heterozygous for Hb Porto Alegre: it is suggested that the increase of glutathione is responsible for the absence of in vivo polymerisation and accounts for the lack of clinical symptoms.

A new form of the solubility test for hemoglobin S; results from a survey of 3000 cases.

A new form of the solubility test for the detection of Hemoglobin S is described. Glass ampoules containing one ml of the test solution ready for use are employed; they can be stored for more than one year at 4 degrees C. 3000 blood samples were analyzed by the solubility test and electrophoresis. The comparison between the two methods showed that the solubility test is highly satisfactory.