Functional analysis of Cdc20 reveals a critical role of CRY box in mitotic checkpoint signaling.

Accurate mitosis is coordinated by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) through the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), which inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C). As an essential regulator, Cdc20 promotes mitotic exit through activating APC/C and monitors kinetochore-microtubule attachment through activating SAC. Cdc20 requires multiple interactions with APC/C and MCC subunits to elicit these functions. Functionally assessing these interactions within cells requires efficient depletion of endogenous Cdc20, which is highly difficult to achieve by RNA interference (RNAi). Here we generated Cdc20 RNAi-sensitive cell lines which display a penetrant metaphase arrest by a single RNAi treatment. In this null background, we accurately measured the contribution of each known motif of Cdc20 on APC/C and SAC activation. The CRY box, a previously identified degron, was found critical for SAC by promoting MCC formation and its interaction with APC/C. These data reveal additional regulation within the SAC and establish a novel method to interrogate Cdc20.

Beliefs of older Mexican American women about alcohol and alcohol use.

This exploratory study assessed the belief system regarding alcohol use in a non-clinical population of Mexican American women age 55 and older drawn from a potential population of 1,000 older adults who attend nine senior centers. The overriding research question was: What are the normative attitudes, knowledge, and behavior regarding alcohol in this population of older Mexican American women? Findings from this study can serve as a baseline for comparison for future studies of older Mexican American who are more acculturated or who are second- and third-generation Mexican Americans.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an acute, rapidly evolving mucocutaneous reaction with a high mortality rate characterized by extensive painful cutaneous and mucosal exfoliation and systemic involvement that is frequently associated with medication use. The treatment of this condition is controversial. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a generalized autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by the production of autoantibodies to self antigens. Several case reports in the literature have demonstrated an association between SLE and TEN, and it has been postulated that lupus-associated TEN may exist. In this review, we will explore the association of SLE and TEN, and its diagnosis and treatment.

Administration of oral probiotic bacteria to pregnant women causes temporary infantile colonization.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to permanently change the composition of the complex intestinal microflora of the adult. Orally administered probiotic bacteria produce only temporary colonization of the intestine in patients with a fully developed gut microflora. The gastrointestinal tract of a healthy fetus is sterile. During the birth process and rapidly thereafter, microbes from the mother and the surrounding environment colonize the gastrointestinal tract until a dense, complex microflora develops. Probiotic bacteria have been shown to beneficially influence the intestinal and systemic immune system and mediate protection against nosocomial infections affecting the neonate. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether oral administration of the probiotic micro-organism Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (L. GG) to the pregnant woman leads to colonization of the newborn infant. METHODS: The authors identified six women who were taking L. GG during late pregnancy. None of the children received L. GG after birth, and their mothers discontinued its consumption at the time of delivery. L. GG concentration in fecal samples was determined by colony morphology and molecular analysis. RESULTS: In all four children delivered vaginally and in one of two children delivered by cesarean section, L. GG was present in fecal samples at 1 and 6 months of age. Three children remained colonized for at least 12 months, and in two children L. GG was detected in fecal samples at 24 months of age. Three mothers were tested 1 month post partum and no L. GG was present in fecal samples. No L. GG was found in one of these women 24 months post partum. There was no L. GG detectable in stools of the siblings of two children at the 2-year and 3-years after birth of the index child. L. GG was not isolated from the stools of children whose mothers were not taking L. GG. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary colonization of an infant with L. GG may be possible by colonizing the pregnant mother before delivery. Colonization is stable for as long as 6 months, and in unexplained circumstances may persist for as long as 24 months.