The Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity (PAPA): Italian validation of a new tool for the screening of perinatal depression and affective disorders in fathers.

BACKGROUND: Questionnaires for the screening of paternal perinatal psychological distress are based on clinical manifestations expressed by women, showing limitations in capturing the wide array of signs and symptoms exhibited by men. The current study aimed to validate the Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity, a new self-report tool for the screening of paternal depressive and affective disorder. METHOD: This study used a cross-sectional design with a 3-month test-retest, involving respectively 385 (T1) and a sub-sample of 111(T2) fathers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test structural validity and concurrent validity was assessed by Spearman correlations. We assessed reliability using McDonald's ω and ordinal alpha. Group differences in PAPA scores based on sociodemographic were also tested. RESULTS: The CFA reported a one factor structure as the optimal solution. The PAPA also showed adequate reliability and internal consistency as well as acceptable test-retest indices. Concurrent validity was confirmed by significant correlations between PAPA total score and standardized test scores. Non-Italian fathers and fathers who experienced recent stressful life events reported higher PAPA scores. LIMITATIONS: Our sample was not homogeneous in terms of nationality and most of the participants, were from Northern Italy. Some risk factors associated with paternal parental psychological distress (e.g., unplanned pregnancy) have not been considered. CONCLUSION: This study provides initial evidence of validity and reliability of the PAPA as a brief and sensitive screening tool to detect signs and symptoms of paternal affective disorder during both prenatal and postnatal period.

Rubber friction for tire tread compound on road surfaces.

We have measured the surface topography and calculated the surface roughness power spectrum for an asphalt road surface. For the same surface we have measured the friction for a tire tread compound for velocities 10(-6) m s(-1) < v < 10(-3) m s(-1) at three different temperatures (at -8 °C, 20 °C and 48 °C). The friction data was shifted using the bulk viscoelasticity shift factor a(T) to form a master curve. We have measured the effective rubber viscoelastic modulus at large strain and calculated the rubber friction coefficient (and contact area) during stationary sliding and compared it to the measured friction coefficient. We find that for the low velocities and for the relatively smooth road surface we consider, the contribution to friction from the area of real contact is very important, and we interpret this contribution as being due to shearing of a very thin confined rubber smear film.

Body fluid compartments in hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a correlation between the fluid and ionic homeostasis and blood pressure but it is not known if these body fluid changes represent the cause or rather the effect of the blood pressure rise. We have estimated the compartmental distribution of body fluids by means of the Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) analysis in a hypertensive cohort compared to control subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have enrolled 28 hypertensive patients (14 females, 14 males, mean age 47 +/- 5) and a sex- and age-matched control group of 37 healthy subjects (17 females and 20 males, mean age 45 +/- 8). They underwent anthropometric measurements, then extracellular (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) were assessed using BIS. RESULTS: Both mean weight and BMI of hypertensive patients resulted significantly higher than of the control group (p < 0.05). We found higher ICW values in hypertensive compared to normotensive subjects. This difference was proportional to the difference of mean blood pressure values, reaching significance only as regards the stage II hypertensive subgroup (p < 0.03). DISCUSSION: Our data confirm that the blood pressure increases are associated to TBW, and caused mainly by ICW increases. The BIS, a simple, reliable, non invasive and cost effective methodical approach, estimating the distribution of body fluids, offers new possibility of the management of the hypertensive disease, to establish a more appropriate antihypertensive treatment. Moreover, the BIS, estimating the volume restoration of the different body compartments, may be helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the pharmacological treatment.

[Trauma and emergency surgery. Organization and surgeons experience]. / Chirurgia del trauma e chirurgia d'urgenza. Organizzazione ed attività chirurgica.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate if combining operative treatment of patients with trauma and general surgery emergencies offers a good operative experience and can be a model for a Trauma Center organization, we compare our surgical experience with that of our general surgeons. METHODS: We reviewed records to determine number of operation, need of intensive care unit care for patients treated, the after hours practice by the trauma and emergency surgeons and general surgeons over a 1-year period at Ospedale Maggiore of Bologna. RESULTS: Emergency and trauma surgeons performed more operations per surgeons (133.7 vs 102.6) and managed more patients in intensive care unit than general surgeons. 51.8% of emergency and trauma operations were after hours. CONCLUSION: The care of trauma and emergency patients resulted in a breadth and scope of practice for trauma and emergency surgeons compared well with that of general surgeons but in a worse lifestyle.

[Emergency surgery in elderly: experience gained in 198 cases over 80]. / La chirurgia d'urgenza nell'anziano: nostra esperienza su 198 casi di ultraottantenni.

PURPOSE: To evaluate our 2-year experience in the emergency surgical treatment of elderly people (aged > or = 80). METHOD: A retrospective review was conducted of 198 elderly patients admitted to Emergency Surgery Unit of the Ospedale Maggiore in Bologna from 01.07.2001 to 30.06.2003. RESULTS: All the Patients were submitted to emergency operations. Mean age was 84.8 (range 80-96); Female were 152, male 73. Preexisting condition, ASA scores and surgical procedures were recorded. The postoperative mortality was 17.1%. The mean length of stay in our Unit was 9.7 days; 93 patients needed rehabilitation facility at discharge. CONCLUSION: The Authors concluded that emergency surgery entails a high risk to the patients, high cost in hospital resources and rehabilitation facility.

Complicaciones de la Colangiopancreatografia retrogada endoscopica / Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is commonly used to remove bile-duct stones and to treat other problems. We prospectively investigated complications and mortality of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). 2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between june 6, 1998 and june 6, 1999 553 ERCP were performed in our centers. Inclusion criteria for protocol were: ERCP indication, complete follow-up and informed consent. We prospectively studied complications of ECRP in consecutive patients treated at 2 institutions (San Martin Hospital, La Plata, Argentina and Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). The follow-up was done during 365 days with a clinical examination, laboratory test and ultrasonography to determine the possible complications. 3. RESULTS: Of 553 ERCP, 43 had a complications; including pancreatitis in 16 cases, cholangitis in 12, hemorrhage in 5, perforation in 3 and miscellaneous in 7. 3-1) ES frequency: 241 patients (pts). 3-2) Follow-up: 365 days in 504 pts. 3-3) Sex and age: women 274 pts, men 230 pts. Age range 1 month to 90 year old. 3-4) Final diagnoses: choledocholitiasis (38.8%), strictures (18%), pancreatic cancer (4.3%), ampullary cancer (2.3%) and normal ERCP (24.4%). 4. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications after ES can vary in different circumstances and is primarily related to the indication for the procedure and to endoscopic technique. Our percentage of complications (7.53%) coincide with consulted studies. Today, diagnostic ERCP has been challenged by magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). MRC provides images of the billary and pancreatic ducts that are nearly equal to those of ERCP without the procedural risk associated.

Complicaciones de la Colangiopancreatografia retrogada endoscopica / Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is commonly used to remove bile-duct stones and to treat other problems. We prospectively investigated complications and mortality of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). 2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between june 6, 1998 and june 6, 1999 553 ERCP were performed in our centers. Inclusion criteria for protocol were: ERCP indication, complete follow-up and informed consent. We prospectively studied complications of ECRP in consecutive patients treated at 2 institutions (San Martin Hospital, La Plata, Argentina and Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). The follow-up was done during 365 days with a clinical examination, laboratory test and ultrasonography to determine the possible complications. 3. RESULTS: Of 553 ERCP, 43 had a complications; including pancreatitis in 16 cases, cholangitis in 12, hemorrhage in 5, perforation in 3 and miscellaneous in 7. 3-1) ES frequency: 241 patients (pts). 3-2) Follow-up: 365 days in 504 pts. 3-3) Sex and age: women 274 pts, men 230 pts. Age range 1 month to 90 year old. 3-4) Final diagnoses: choledocholitiasis (38.8%), strictures (18%), pancreatic cancer (4.3%), ampullary cancer (2.3%) and normal ERCP (24.4%). 4. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications after ES can vary in different circumstances and is primarily related to the indication for the procedure and to endoscopic technique. Our percentage of complications (7.53%) coincide with consulted studies. Today, diagnostic ERCP has been challenged by magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). MRC provides images of the billary and pancreatic ducts that are nearly equal to those of ERCP without the procedural risk associated. (AU)

[The treatment of splenic injuries from splenectomy to non-operative management: our experience on 429 cases]. / Il trattamento delle lesioni spleniche: dalla splenectomia alla gestione non operatoria. Nostra esperienza su 429 casi.

BACKGROUND: From the first successful splenectomy performed in 1893 the trend, in the management of splenic injuries has been increasingly toward avoiding splenectomy in favor of splenic preservation, either operatively or nonoperatively. The aim of this study is to evaluate our experience in the management of splenic injuries. METHOD: 429 Patients who suffered splenic injuries from 1989 to 2001, were examinated retrospectively. RESULTS: 120 Patients were treated non operatively; 270 were treated with splenectomy and 39 with operative preservation. The mortality rate was 6.8% but no Patient treated nonoperatively or with surgical preservation died. CONCLUSION: The splenic preservation either operatively or nonoperatively is the treatment of choice of splenic injuries in all Patients irrespective of the grade of injury or the age of the Patient.

[Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]. / Complicaciones de la colangiopancreatografía retrógada endoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is commonly used to remove bile-duct stones and to treat other problems. We prospectively investigated complications and mortality of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between june 6, 1998 and june 6, 1999 553 ERCP were performed in our centers. Inclusion criteria for protocol were: ERCP indication, complete follow-up and informed consent. We prospectively studied complications of ECRP in consecutive patients treated at 2 institutions (San Martin Hospital, La Plata, Argentina and Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). The follow-up was done during 365 days with a clinical examination, laboratory test and ultrasonography to determine the possible complications. RESULTS: Of 553 ERCP, 43 had a complications; including pancreatitis in 16 cases, cholangitis in 12, hemorrhage in 5, perforation in 3 and miscellaneous in 7. 3-1) ES frequency: 241 patients (pts). 3-2) FOLLOW-UP: 365 days in 504 pts. 3-3) Sex and age: women 274 pts, men 230 pts. Age range 1 month to 90 year old. 3-4) Final diagnoses: choledocholitiasis (38.8%), strictures (18%), pancreatic cancer (4.3%), ampullary cancer (2.3%) and normal ERCP (24.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications after ES can vary in different circumstances and is primarily related to the indication for the procedure and to endoscopic technique. Our percentage of complications (7.53%) coincide with consulted studies. Today, diagnostic ERCP has been challenged by magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). MRC provides images of the billary and pancreatic ducts that are nearly equal to those of ERCP without the procedural risk associated.

[Role of chromoendoscopy in colorectal polyps handling]. / Rol de la cromoendoscopía en el manejo de los pólipos colorrectales.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endoscopic polipectomy and its further histopathologic study are current gold standard in diagnosis of colorectal polyps is. It was proposed that colonoscopy with high resolution videoendoscopes with or without magnification combined with indigo carmin dye (ICD) could distinguish between adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps according to their pit pattern. The aim of this study was to establish sensitivity and specificity of chromoendoscopy with ICD using conventional videoendoscopes and fiber-endoscopes with videocamera, to make a differential diagnosis of polyp histology and their possible role in colon cancer screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Step 1: Using previous trial data, the first 20 polyps < = 1 cm was retrospectively correlated with their known histology to determine the pit pattern of each histologic type; this data was used in the step 2 patients. Step 2: 46 patients with colorectal polyps were enrolled in this prospective study. Polyps were sprayed with 0.4% ICD, after that the polyps were sorted into adenomatous or non, they were all removed and submitted for histophatologic evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The chi square method was used. RESULTS: 19 patients were evaluated with videoendoscopes (group 1) and 27 with fiberendoscopes (group 2); in seven cases the pattern of the polyps could not be identified and the patients were excluded. Group 1: coincidence prediction/histology 94.7% (p < 0.0001), sensitivity 100% and especificity 88%. Group 2: coincidence prediction/histology 65.8% (p < 0.05), sensitivity 86% and especificity 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Adenomatous and non-adenomatous polyps can be distinguished by chromoendoscopy with high sensitivity and specificity. However, because fiberendoscopy could ot be identify pit pattern in 15.2% and has a low negative predictive value we do not recommend to use it. Nevertheless, the results obtained with ideo-endoscopes involve potential usefulness in colon cancer screening and possible decrease in their risks and costs.

Rol de la cromoendoscopía en el manejo de los pólipos colorrectales / Role of chromoendoscopy in colorectal polyps handling

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endoscopic polipectomy and its further histopathologic study are current gold standard in diagnosis of colorectal polyps is. It was proposed that colonoscopy with high resolution videoendoscopes with or without magnification combined with indigo carmin dye (ICD) could distinguish between adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps according to their pit pattern. The aim of this study was to establish sensitivity and specificity of chromoendoscopy with ICD using conventional videoendoscopes and fiber-endoscopes with videocamera, to make a differential diagnosis of polyp histology and their possible role in colon cancer screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Step 1: Using previous trial data, the first 20 polyps < = 1 cm was retrospectively correlated with their known histology to determine the pit pattern of each histologic type; this data was used in the step 2 patients. Step 2: 46 patients with colorectal polyps were enrolled in this prospective study. Polyps were sprayed with 0.4% ICD, after that the polyps were sorted into adenomatous or non, they were all removed and submitted for histophatologic evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The chi square method was used. RESULTS: 19 patients were evaluated with videoendoscopes (group 1) and 27 with fiberendoscopes (group 2); in seven cases the pattern of the polyps could not be identified and the patients were excluded. Group 1: coincidence prediction/histology 94.7% (p < 0.0001), sensitivity 100% and especificity 88%. Group 2: coincidence prediction/histology 65.8% (p < 0.05), sensitivity 86% and especificity 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Adenomatous and non-adenomatous polyps can be distinguished by chromoendoscopy with high sensitivity and specificity. However, because fiberendoscopy could ot be identify pit pattern in 15.2% and has a low negative predictive value we do not recommend to use it. Nevertheless, the results obtained with ideo-endoscopes involve potential usefulness in colon cancer screening and possible decrease in their risks and costs.

Complicaciones de la colangiopancreatografía retrógada endoscópica. / [Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]

1. INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is commonly used to remove bile-duct stones and to treat other problems. We prospectively investigated complications and mortality of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). 2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between june 6, 1998 and june 6, 1999 553 ERCP were performed in our centers. Inclusion criteria for protocol were: ERCP indication, complete follow-up and informed consent. We prospectively studied complications of ECRP in consecutive patients treated at 2 institutions (San Martin Hospital, La Plata, Argentina and Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). The follow-up was done during 365 days with a clinical examination, laboratory test and ultrasonography to determine the possible complications. 3. RESULTS: Of 553 ERCP, 43 had a complications; including pancreatitis in 16 cases, cholangitis in 12, hemorrhage in 5, perforation in 3 and miscellaneous in 7. 3-1) ES frequency: 241 patients (pts). 3-2) Follow-up: 365 days in 504 pts. 3-3) Sex and age: women 274 pts, men 230 pts. Age range 1 month to 90 year old. 3-4) Final diagnoses: choledocholitiasis (38.8

), strictures (18

), pancreatic cancer (4.3

), ampullary cancer (2.3

) and normal ERCP (24.4

). 4. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications after ES can vary in different circumstances and is primarily related to the indication for the procedure and to endoscopic technique. Our percentage of complications (7.53

) coincide with consulted studies. Today, diagnostic ERCP has been challenged by magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). MRC provides images of the billary and pancreatic ducts that are nearly equal to those of ERCP without the procedural risk associated.

Rol de la cromoendoscopía en el manejo de los pólipos colorrectales. / [Role of chromoendoscopy in colorectal polyps handling]

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endoscopic polipectomy and its further histopathologic study are current gold standard in diagnosis of colorectal polyps is. It was proposed that colonoscopy with high resolution videoendoscopes with or without magnification combined with indigo carmin dye (ICD) could distinguish between adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps according to their pit pattern. The aim of this study was to establish sensitivity and specificity of chromoendoscopy with ICD using conventional videoendoscopes and fiber-endoscopes with videocamera, to make a differential diagnosis of polyp histology and their possible role in colon cancer screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Step 1: Using previous trial data, the first 20 polyps < = 1 cm was retrospectively correlated with their known histology to determine the pit pattern of each histologic type; this data was used in the step 2 patients. Step 2: 46 patients with colorectal polyps were enrolled in this prospective study. Polyps were sprayed with 0.4

ICD, after that the polyps were sorted into adenomatous or non, they were all removed and submitted for histophatologic evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The chi square method was used. RESULTS: 19 patients were evaluated with videoendoscopes (group 1) and 27 with fiberendoscopes (group 2); in seven cases the pattern of the polyps could not be identified and the patients were excluded. Group 1: coincidence prediction/histology 94.7

(p < 0.0001), sensitivity 100

and especificity 88

. Group 2: coincidence prediction/histology 65.8

(p < 0.05), sensitivity 86

and especificity 60

. CONCLUSIONS: Adenomatous and non-adenomatous polyps can be distinguished by chromoendoscopy with high sensitivity and specificity. However, because fiberendoscopy could ot be identify pit pattern in 15.2

and has a low negative predictive value we do not recommend to use it. Nevertheless, the results obtained with ideo-endoscopes involve potential usefulness in colon cancer screening and possible decrease in their risks and costs.

Rol de la cromoendoscopía en el manejo de los pólipos colorrectales / Role of chromoendoscopy in colorectal polyps handling

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endoscopic polipectomy and its further histopathologic study are current gold standard in diagnosis of colorectal polyps is. It was proposed that colonoscopy with high resolution videoendoscopes with or without magnification combined with indigo carmin dye (ICD) could distinguish between adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps according to their pit pattern. The aim of this study was to establish sensitivity and specificity of chromoendoscopy with ICD using conventional videoendoscopes and fiber-endoscopes with videocamera, to make a differential diagnosis of polyp histology and their possible role in colon cancer screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Step 1: Using previous trial data, the first 20 polyps < = 1 cm was retrospectively correlated with their known histology to determine the pit pattern of each histologic type; this data was used in the step 2 patients. Step 2: 46 patients with colorectal polyps were enrolled in this prospective study. Polyps were sprayed with 0.4% ICD, after that the polyps were sorted into adenomatous or non, they were all removed and submitted for histophatologic evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The chi square method was used. RESULTS: 19 patients were evaluated with videoendoscopes (group 1) and 27 with fiberendoscopes (group 2); in seven cases the pattern of the polyps could not be identified and the patients were excluded. Group 1: coincidence prediction/histology 94.7% (p < 0.0001), sensitivity 100% and especificity 88%. Group 2: coincidence prediction/histology 65.8% (p < 0.05), sensitivity 86% and especificity 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Adenomatous and non-adenomatous polyps can be distinguished by chromoendoscopy with high sensitivity and specificity. However, because fiberendoscopy could ot be identify pit pattern in 15.2% and has a low negative predictive value we do not recommend to use it. Nevertheless, the results obtained with ideo-endoscopes involve potential usefulness in colon cancer screening and possible decrease in their risks and costs.(AU)

The ambulatory monitoring documents a more elevated blood pressure regimen (pre-hypertension) in normotensives with endothelial dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the blood pressure (BP) 24-h values in normotensives with and without endothelial dysfunction (ED). The scope is to detect differences in BP regimen supporting the hypothesis that the ED is associated with vasopressant effects that can cause a condition of "pre-hypertension". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight normotensives were investigated in their endothelial function by mean of the non-invasive post-ischemic brachial artery vasodilation test (endothelium-dependent vasomotricity). Their were also automatically and non-invasively monitored in their systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP over the 24-h period in order to confirm that they were not hypertensive. RESULTS: Eight of the investigated normotensives were found to show an ED. A significantly higher daily mean level as well as a more prominent nychtohemeral variability in SBP and DBP 24-h values were observed in the normotensives with ED as compared to the normotensives without ED. The higher BP regimen in the normotensives with ED was found to maintain a circadian rhythm. However, a significant amplification the second harmonic component, with a 12-h period, was observed. The different structure of the BP 24-h pattern in the normotensives with ED was confirmed by the detection of additional ultradian components at the linear-in-period spectral analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study documented a significant elevation of BP 24-h values in normotensives with ED that is the reflex of consistent changes in the frequency organization of the BP circadian pattern. The elevation of BP regimen suggests that the ED is associated with vasopressant effects even in normotensives. Such a condition of higher BP in normotensives with ED can be regarded as a status of "pre-hypertension".

Higher blood pressure load (baric impact) in normotensives with endothelial dysfunction: a paraphysiological status of "pre-hypertension".

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the blood pressure (BP) load (L), namely Baric Impact (BI), in normotensives with and without endothelial dysfunction (ED). The aim was to detect baric differences supporting the thesis that the ED is associated with vasopressant effects that are responsible for a paraphysiological condition of higher BP (pre-hypertension) even in normotensives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight normotensives were investigated in their endothelium-dependent vasomotricity by mean of the non-invasive post-ischemic brachial artery vasodilation test. Additionally, their underwent a non-invasive ambulatory (A) BP monitoring (M) over the 24-h span in order to confirm that they were not hypertensive. The ABPM served also to compute the systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BI. RESULTS: The ED was detected in eight normotensives of the investigated group. These cases with ED were found to show a significantly higher SBI and DBI as compared to the normotensives without ED. CONCLUSIONS: The significant elevation of the SBI and DBI in normotensives with ED is an evidence convincing that a dysfunctional endothelium is responsible for vasopressant effects that cause a paraphysiological status of "pre-hypertension".

Characterization of catechol- and chlorocatechol-degrading activity in the ortho-chlorinated benzoic acid-degrading Pseudomonas sp. CPE2 strain.

Pyrocatechase activity was studied in the Pseudomonas sp. CPE2 strain, which is capable of growing on 2-chlorobenzoic and 2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid, giving rise to catechol and 4-chlorocatechol, respectively, as intermediate metabolites. The CPE2 crude extract was found to metabolize both catechol and 4-chlorocatechol. Enzymatic as well as phenotypic studies performed both on this strain and on a mutant strain lacking the chlorocatechol-degrading genes were consistent with the presence of two catechol-cleaving enzymes, one active mainly against catechol (pyrocatechase I) and the other with broader substrate specificity (pyrocatechase II). The latter enzyme also appeared to be induced when CPE2 cells were grown on 2-chlorobenzoic acid, thus contributing to catechol metabolism, in addition to pyrocatechase I. Despite the presence of a large plasmid in CPE2 cells, the chlorocatechol-degrading genes, highly homologous to the clc operon, were located on the chromosome. The selection at relatively high frequency of mutant strains with altered growth capabilities and which lacked the chlorocatechol-degrading genes suggests a transposon-like character for these catabolic genes in the CPE2 strain.

The aminoterminal phosphotyrosine binding domain of Shc associates with ZAP-70 and mediates TCR dependent gene activation.

T-cell antigen receptor stimulation results in recruitment to the zeta chain and phosphorylation both of the syk family protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 and of the Shc adaptor protein, which transduces activating signals to Ras. Both ZAP-70 and Ras are required for T-cell activation. We have investigated the functional link between these two molecules in TCR signaling. She was found to associate with ZAP-70 in response to TCR triggering. This association was dependent on the presence of the aminoterminal phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain of She. The analysis of She binding to a potential PTB domain binding site on ZAP-70 confirmed the interaction of the She PTB domain with ZAP-70 and identified the ZAP-70 phosphotyrosine residue involved in this interaction. To test the role of the She PTB domain in transducing TCR derived signals we measured the effects of the isolated She PTB domain on the activation of the T-cell specific transcription factor NF-AT. The isolated She PTB domain was designed to compete non productively with endogenous She for binding to up-stream tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and thus interfere with coupling to regulators of Ras activation. A significant inhibition of NF-AT activation by TCR triggering was observed, showing a functional involvement of She in TCR signaling through its PTB domain and suggesting an important role for She association with ZAP-70.