Peptide aptamers: new tools to study protein interactions.

The ability to specifically interfere with the function of proteins of pathological significance has been a goal for molecular medicine for many years. Peptide aptamers comprise a new class of molecules, with a peptide moiety of randomized sequence, which are selected for their ability to bind to a given target protein under intracellular conditions. They have the potential to inhibit the biochemical activities of a target protein, can delineate the interactions of the target protein in regulatory networks, and identify novel therapeutic targets. Peptide aptamers represent a new basis for drug design and protein therapy, with implications for basic and applied research, for a broad variety of different types of diseases.

Growth on indium-tin oxide-coated glass enhances 32P-phosphate uptake and protein labelling of adherent cells.

A method to improve the efficiency of labelling of adherent cells with radioactive 32p is described. Cells are grown on a glass surface which is coated with indium-tin oxide, a commercially available, transparent material which permits excellent cell adhesion and growth. The results show that a 2 to 3-fold increase in 32p uptake by the cells can be achieved by growing cells on this material, compared to conventional tissue culture plastic.

Gap junctional communication in cultured human lung carcinoma cells.

Animal tumor models have demonstrated a close correlation between gap junctional, intercellular communication (GJIC) and tumor metastasis. To examine GJIC levels in human lung carcinoma cells, a novel technique was developed: cells were grown on a glass slide, half of which was coated with electrically conductive, optically transparent, indium-tin oxide. An electric pulse which opens transient pores on the plasma membrane was applied in the presence of the fluorescent dye, Lucifer yellow, causing the dye's penetration into the cells growing on the conductive part of the slide. The migration of the dye through gap junctions to the non-electroporated cells growing on the non-conductive area was then observed microscopically under fluorescence illumination. The results show that this is a rapid, precise and highly reproducible assay for GJIC assessment in lines established from lung carcinomas or freshly explanted lung tumor cells. Out of 17 established lines only two had extensive junctional communication, while out of 16 fresh tumor specimens none displayed GJIC. On the other hand, fibroblasts isolated from the same tumors had extensive junctional permeability. The examination of GJIC in a large number of samples could establish a correlation between GJIC and metastasis which might have prognostic value.

Laparoscopic treatment of uterine myomas.

The treatment of leiomyomas of the uterus has traditionally been by laparotomy. Newer endoscopic instruments are enabling gynecologists to treat these common tumors with minimally invasive surgery, resulting in same day or overnight hospitalization and much shorter recovery times. The laparoscope is one of the endoscopic instruments that is allowing the to occur.

Transient blindness in a preeclamptic patient secondary to cerebral edema.

Blindness associated with a cerebral lesion has been described as cortical blindness. This is the first reported case in which computerized tomography has documented cerebral edema to be the cause of cortical blindness in a preeclamptic patient.

[Differences in the development of Hungarian children, raised at home or in a child day care center]. / Unterschiede in der Entwicklung von ungarischen Kindern, die zu Hause oder in einer Kinderkrippe erzogen wurden.

1. There are differences with regard to development of children educated at home only or at crèches additionally. 2. These differences concern as well the somatic, psychic as social development. 3. The importance of these findings are discussed.