These properties of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in human placenta are similar to those of the chicken intestinal 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor.

✓ Nontraumatic subdural hematoma following disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) due to advanced cancer was encountered in four patients. It is suggested that DIC plays an important role in the formation of subdural hematoma in cancer patients.

To elucidate whether breast milk, vaginal discharge and contamination with maternal blood at birth are possible routes of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), we examined HCV RNA in the cord and peripheral blood of infants, and in the blood, vaginal discharge, and breast milk of anti-HCV seropositive mothers. From July 1991 to July 1992, we studied 20 healthy pregnant women, who were seropositive with the Ortho anti-HCV EIA, and their infants. Using a sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR), we investigated the presence or absence of hepatitis C virus in the above-mentioned specimens. Moderate elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed in only one woman in the first and third trimesters. The nested PCR and subsequent Southern hybridization detected 0.5-5.5 copies of HCV c-DNA. HCV RNA was detected in 17/20 blood samples (85%), 7/14 vaginal discharge samples (50%) and 4/10 cord blood samples (40%). However, no HCV RNA was identified in the peripheral blood of infants or breast milk. The mother-to-child transmission of HCV at delivery or via breast milk does not appear to contribute much to maintaining the global HCV reservoir.

beta-Endorphin was measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma in patients with cerebral infarction at acute (4 to 48 hours) and chronic (1 month) stages. Only CSF samples obtained in the acute stage showed beta-endorphin values that were statistically higher than those measured in a control population. This finding suggests that infarction at its acute stage gives rise to an increased release of beta-endorphin. Such a mechanism is consistent with the possibility that the reported therapeutic effect of naloxone in cerebral ischemic lesions may result in part from the antagonism of the centrally released endorphin, beta-endorphin.

The authors describe an indwelling intraluminal shunt for carotid endarterectomy. The device is equipped with balloons at both ends to prevent bleeding and to hold the tube in place. The design permits use of a small tube which facilitates insertion, and prevents intimal damage and limitation of exposure of arterial plaque.