RE L(3) x-ray absorption study of REO(1-x)F(x)FeAs (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm) oxypnictides

Rare earth L(3)-edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been used to study REOFeAs (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm) oxypnictides. The Nd L(3) XANES due to the [Formula: see text] transition shows a substantial change in both white line (WL) spectral weight and the higher energy multiple scattering resonances with the partial substitution of O by F. A systematic change in the XANES features is seen due to varying lattice parameters with ionic radius of the rare earth. On the other hand, we hardly see any change across the structural phase transition. The results provide timely information on the local atomic correlations showing the importance of the local structural chemistry of the REO spacer layer and interlayer coupling in the competing superconductivity and itinerant striped magnetic phase of the oxypnictides.

A qualitative analysis of a focus group discussion on patient decision making in cancer care

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Background: Patient preferences should play an important role when decision making in cancer care. Literature is increasingly demonstrating that surgeons and physicians have divergent preferences for treatment options compared with their patients and with each other. Cancer psychology is an important aspect of cancer care. Qualitative research is a gateway to explore this. We aim to explore opinions and thoughts among surgical colleagues about “patient decision making in cancer care”. Methods: A pilot focus group discussion among members of the academic surgical unit involving 4 consultants, 3 registrars and 3 research fellows. The discussion was audio-taped and transcribed. Qualitative methodology was adopted for analysis. Thematic analysis using framework approach was done thereby identifying Themes & Outcomes. Results: Themes that emerged are Evidence based clinical practice, Knowledge, Decision making, Patient Information, Risk, Communication, Consent, Socioeconomic factors and Patient empowerment, Outcomes derived are to increase the evidence base, Increase the clinician and patient knowledge, provide adequate information, Decisions to be based on patients best interest, Communicate risk in a understandable manner, Take patients views, knowledge and demands into consideration, Conclusions: Patient decision making in cancer care is slowly evolving, where decisions are not only made taking into account patients views, knowledge and demand but are also driven by them in a minority. Time is a factor and in years to come the patients will play an increased role in their treatments taking into account tradeoffs and risks between survival and quality of life.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase IIb 4-arm open-label randomized study to assess the safety and efficacy of h-R3 monoclonal antibody against EGFR in combination with chemoradiation therapy or radiation therapy in patients with advanced (stage III or IVA) inoperable head and neck cancer

6041

Background: Patients (pt) with advanced inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have poor radiotherapy alone (RT) outcome. EGFR is over-expressed in >90% SCCHN. h-R3mAb (BIOMAb/nimotuzumab/TheraCIM) is a humanized monoclonal antibody, a validated oncotherapeutic-targeting EGFR. Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of concurrent h-R3mAb in combination with chemoradiotherapy of SCCHN. Methods: September 2004–2005, pt 18–70 yrs, SCCHN stageIII-IVA, 113 screened, 92 enrolled and randomly asssigned to, Group A: radical radiotherapy (pt) and Group B: chemoradiotherapy (pt). Randomization within Group A: [RT]v/s[RT+h-R3mAb] and within Group B: [RT+CT]v/s[RT+CT+ h-R3mAb] (n = 23 in each arm). Protocol: Radiotherapy: TD: 66 Gy,2Gy/Fr,5Fr/w,6.5wks. Radiation sensitizer (chemotherapy): CDDP-50mg/wk x 6wks. Study Drug (h-R3mAb): 200 mg/wk I.V.60min x 6weeks. Results: Evaluable (n = 76) in Group A-36 and Group B-40. F/u Analysis at 30 months after end of RT. Survival rate ITT: Group B: CT+RT+hR3- 69.5% v/s CT+RT-21.7% (p - 0.0011), Group A: RT alone - 21.7% v/s RT+ hR3–39.1% (ns). Progression-free survival: RT alone - 3(13.04 %) v/s RT+hR3mAb-8 (34.78 %), RT+CT-5 (21.74 %) v/s RT+CT+hR3mAb-13 (56.52%). Median overall survival (OS): CT+RT+hR3 - NR* v/s CT+RT- 21.96 months (hazard ratio [HR]-0.337, p - 0.0018) and RT alone - 25.02 v/s RT+hR3 - NR*(HR-0.678, p - 0.39). Disease-free survival: CT+RT+hR3- NR*v/sCT+RT-21.30 mths (HR-0.344, p - 0.0052) and RT alone-25.02 v/s RT+hR3- NA* (HR-0.599, p - 0.32). (NR*- median OS is yet to be reached). Safety: few grade - 1/2AE, no HAMA observed. OS per protocol - adding h-R3mAb to chemoradiation resulted in a reduction in risk of death (rrd) by 85% (HR 0.15, p - 0.0006) and to RT a 36 % rrd (HR0.64, p - 0.33). Conclusions: Concurrent use of h-R3mAb with RT or RT+CT is safe and efficacious. It enhances radiation and chemotherapy responses. Concurrent use of h-R3mAb with chemoradiotherapy enhances long-term loco-regional control and survival. Adding biological agents to physically targeted modality improves long-term therapeutic outcome of SCCHN.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Observation of a universal aggregation mechanism and a possible phase transition in Au sputtered by swift heavy ions

Two exponents delta for the size distribution of n-atom clusters, Y(n) approximately n{-delta}, have been found in Au clusters sputtered from embedded Au nanoparticles under swift heavy ion irradiation. For small clusters, below 12.5 nm in size, delta has been found to be 3/2, which can be rationalized as occurring from a steady state aggregation process with size independent aggregation. For larger clusters, a delta value of 7/2 is suggested, which might come from a dynamical transition to another steady state where aggregation and evaporation rates are size dependent. In the present case, the observed decay exponents do not support any possibility of a thermodynamic liquid-gas-type phase transition taking place, resulting in cluster formation.

How do we manage early rectal cancer? A national questionnaire survey among members of the ACPGBI after the preliminary results of the MRC CR07/NCIC CO16 randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy in the management of rectal cancers has not reached a consensus in colorectal surgical practice. In the light of the preliminary results of the CRO7 trial, we undertook a national questionnaire survey to assess the current pattern of practice in the UK. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between CRO7 trial results and current practice amongst consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI).

METHOD

A 14-item questionnaire was designed to inquire into the current management strategy of operable rectal cancers and the possible role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The postal questionnaire survey was sent to all the 400 active consultant surgical members of the ACPGBI.

RESULTS

Of 400 questionnaires, 200 (50%) were returned fully completed. One hundred and sixty-six (83%) of surgeons did not routinely use neoadjuvant short course radiotherapy (NASCRT) in clinically operable rectal cancers (T1/T2) <15 cm from anal verge with no metastases (The CR07 eligible cohort). Sixty-four (32%) used NASCRT for T3 cancers routinely whereas 76 (38%) used neoadjuvant long course radiotherapy instead. One hundred and fifty-sixty (78%) of the surgeons felt the height of the tumour from the anal verge influenced their decision on NASCRT, while 104 (52%) felt position was important (Anterior/Posterior). Positive anticipated margins of excision on magnetic resonance imaging was a deciding factor for 185 (92.5%) of surgeons in favour of neoadjuvant therapy. Postoperatively in patients who have not had preoperative radiotherapy, 154 (77%) recommended radiotherapy and 155 (77.5%) recommended chemotherapy if the circumferential resection margin was +ve on final pathology. Seventy-eight (39%) of the surgeons have changed their practice after the preliminary results of the CRO7 by adopting NASCRT for treating early rectal cancers.

CONCLUSION

Despite the evidence of the CRO7 trial supporting the use of NASCRT for operable rectal cancer, approximately two-third of consultant surgeons in the UK have yet to implement this treatment regime routinely. A change in practice in 39% of surgeons following the early dissemination of trial results indicate that colorectal surgeons practice is guided by scientific evidence. Because the mature trial data have yet to be published, a further survey of practice is warranted after that publication to determine the ultimate impact of this trial. This survey measures the baseline practice to compare changes over the next 2 years.

Culture and HIV/AIDS in Africa: promoting reproductive health in light of spouse-sharing practice among the Okun people, Nigeria

The Okun tribe, numbering about a million persons, accepts sexual relations between men and wives of their male kin. We identified and used features of spouse sharing that affect reproductive health to develop an interactive, community-based intervention. The intervention promoted discussion of spouse sharing as a risk factor in HIV/AIDS transmission, knowledge of AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), perception of risk and alternative behaviors to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS. The intervention effects were evaluated using data collected in baseline and follow-up surveys in May 1999 and June 2000 among 1018 sexually active respondents in two sets of Okun communities - one with and the other without intervention. The intervention significantly increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perception of risk of contracting the disease and the intention to discontinue spouse sharing in the intervention communities. Those who perceived themselves at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS were more likely to express intention to discontinue spouse sharing (odds ratio 2.87) than those who did not. It was recommended that future community-based interventions to address traditional practices that could transmit HIV/AIDS should address the aspects of the practice that could transmit the disease and actively involve the people to make impact.

MeV Au irradiation induced nanoparticle formation and recrystallization in a low energy Au implanted Si layer

Au implantation at 32 keV into Si(100), in a fluence range of 1 x 10(15)-1 x 10(17) cm(-2), has been used to produce a gold-rich damaged Si layer of thickness around 30 nm. Local recrystallization of this layer, induced by 1.5 MeV Au irradiation, to a fluence of 1 x 10(15) cm(-2), has been studied using Raman scattering, photoluminescence (PL) and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). For a sample with a low energy Au fluence of 5 x 10(15) cm(-2), the MeV Au irradiation has been found to result in Si nanocrystal (NC) formation. The size of the NCs, as estimated from the PL data, has been found to be about 4 nm, which agrees well with the result of a thermal spike model calculation. Annealing of the sample at 500 degrees C resulted in an enhanced PL signal, without any significant shift in peak position, indicating an increase in the local concentration of the NCs. In the case of samples with an initial Au fluence above 1 x 10(16) cm(-2), the MeV Au irradiation has been found to result in better overall recrystallization of the amorphous layer, with silicide formation as observed by XPS. However, there was no PL signal, indicating the absence of Si NCs in the system. The results suggest that the initial amorphizing Au fluence plays a crucial role in Si NC formation induced by MeV ion irradiation.

Combinatorial action of the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A and etoposide induces caspase-mediated AIF-dependent apoptotic cell death in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells

Commonly used regimens in cancer therapy rely on the induction of apoptotic cell death, and drug resistance can be attributed, at least in part, to a disabled apoptotic program. Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), exhibit an intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy. Here, we show that co-treatment with etoposide (VP16) and the pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), but not valproic acid (VPA), induced apoptotic cell death in drug-resistant NSCLC cells. Co-treatment, but not single treatment, with VP16 and TSA induced apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner accompanied by a crucial decrease in Bcl-xL expression allowing Bax activation and subsequent initiation of the apoptosis inducing factor (AIF)-dependent death pathway. Importantly, AIF proved to be required for the effects of TSA/VP16 as RNA knockdown of AIF resulted in a complete abolishment of TSA/VP16-induced apoptotic cell death in drug-resistant NSCLC cells. Our results thus provide evidence for the requirement of both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic pathways in TSA/VP16-mediated death of drug-resistant NSCLC cells, and extend previous suggestions that HDAC inhibitors in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs could be valuable in the treatment of NSCLC cancer and other malignancies in which Bcl-xL is overexpressed.

Overcoming chemoresistance of non-small cell lung carcinoma through restoration of an AIF-dependent apoptotic pathway

Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) are typically resistant against apoptosis induced by standard chemotherapy. We evaluated the effects of the two potential antitumor agents of the lamellarin class on a highly apoptosis-resistant NSCLC cell line. Both the marine alkaloid lamellarin-D and its synthetic amino derivative PM031379 induced the activation of Bax, the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), as well as the activation of caspase-3. However, only PM031379 triggered cell death and sign of nuclear apoptosis coupled to the nuclear translocation of AIF. Depletion of AIF with small interfering RNA or microinjection of a neutralizing anti-AIF antibody largely prevented PM031379-induced cytotoxicity, underscoring the essential contribution of AIF to NSCLC killing. Using NSCLC cells lacking mitochondrial DNA, we showed that the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was crucial for the PM031379-induced translocation of AIF to the nucleus and subsequently cell death. Pretreatment of NSCLC cells with menadione, a mitochondrial ROS generator, was able to restore the deficient chemotherapy-induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Altogether, these data suggest that mitochondrial ROS generation is crucial for overriding the chemoresistance of NSCLC cells. Moreover, this study delineates the unique mechanism of action of lamellarins as potential anticancer agents.

Symptomatic Bladder Endocervicosis: Does It Need Surgery?

Endocervicosis of the urinary bladder is a rare benign condition exclusively seen in women, usually of reproductive age. To the best of our knowledge there are only about twenty cases reported so far. It causes non-specific symptoms and is seen as a submucosal lesion on cystoscopy. On histological examination one finds endocervical glands embedded deep within the muscle layers. It can be confused with an adenocarcinoma of the bladder. Unless the correct diagnosis is made these patients can undergo potentially debilitating surgery. As demonstrated in our patient even symptomatic endocervicosis can be managed conservatively.

The cell cycle inhibitor p57(Kip2) promotes cell death via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

The p57(Kip2) gene belongs to the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors and has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor gene, being inactivated in various types of human cancers. However, little is known concerning p57(Kip2) possible interplay with the apoptotic cell death machinery and its possible implication for cancer. Here, we report that selective p57(Kip2) expression sensitizes cancer cells to apoptotic agents such as cisplatin, etoposide and staurosporine (STS) via a mechanism, which does not require p57(Kip2)-mediated inhibition of CDK. Translocation of p57(Kip2) to mitochondria occurs within 20 min after STS application. In fact, p57(Kip2) primarily promotes the intrinsic apoptotic pathways, favoring Bax activation and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, consequent release of cytochrome-c into cytosol, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. In accordance, Bcl2 overexpression or voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) inhibition is able to inhibit p57(Kip2) cell death promoting effect. Thus, in addition to its established function in control of proliferation, these results reveal a mechanism whereby p57(Kip2) influences the mitochondrial apoptotic cell death pathway in cancer cells.

Cellular internalization of proinsulin C-peptide

Proinsulin C-peptide is known to bind specifically to cell membranes and to exert intracellular effects, but whether it is internalized in target cells is unknown. In this study, using confocal microscopy and immunostained or rhodamine-labeled peptide, we show that C-peptide is internalized and localized to the cytosol of Swiss 3T3 and HEK-293 cells. In addition, transport into nuclei was found using the labeled peptide. The internalization was followed at 37 degrees C for up to 1 h, and was reduced at 4 degrees C and after preincubation with pertussis toxin. Hence, it is concluded to occur via an energy-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism and without detectable degradation within the experimental time course. Surface plasmon resonance measurements demonstrated binding of HEK-293 cell extract components to C-peptide, and subsequent elution of bound material revealed the components to be intracellular proteins. The identification of C-peptide cellular internalization, intracellular binding proteins, absence of rapid subsequent C-peptide degradation and apparent nuclear internalization support a maintained activity similar to that of an intracrine peptide hormone. Hence, the data suggest the possibility of one further C-peptide site of action.

The role of p73 in hematological malignancies

The P73 gene is a homologue of the P53 tumor suppressor. Owing to its structural similarity with p53, p73 was originally considered to have tumor suppressor function. However, the discovery of N-terminal truncated isoforms with oncogenic properties showed a 'two in one' structure of its product, p73 protein. The full-length variants are strong inducers of apoptosis, whereas the truncated isoforms inhibit proapoptotic activity of p53 and the full-length p73. Thus, p73 is involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell death and development. Moreover, it plays a role in carcinogenesis and controls tumor sensitivity to treatment. p73 is commonly expressed in tumor cells in hematological malignancies. Overexpression of p73 protein and aberrant expression of its particular isoforms, with very low frequency of P73 hypermethylation or mutations, were found in malignant myeloproliferations, including acute myeloblastic leukemia. In contrast, hypermethylation and subsequent inactivation of the P73 gene are the most common findings in malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Assessment of P73 methylation may provide important prognostic information, as was confirmed in patients with ALL. This review summarizes some aspects of p73 biology with particular reference to its possible pathogenetic role and prognostic significance in hematological malignancies.

Overexpression of PrfA leads to growth inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes in glucose-containing culture media by interfering with glucose uptake

Listeria monocytogenes strains expressing high levels of the virulence regulator PrfA (mutant PrfA* or wild-type PrfA) show strong growth inhibition in minimal media when they are supplemented with glucose but not when they are supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate compared to the growth of isogenic strains expressing low levels of PrfA. A significantly reduced rate of glucose uptake was observed in a PrfA*-overexpressing strain growing in LB supplemented with glucose. Comparative transcriptome analyses were performed with RNA isolated from a prfA mutant and an isogenic strain carrying multiple copies of prfA or prfA* on a plasmid. These analyses revealed that in addition to high transcriptional up-regulation of the known PrfA-regulated virulence genes (group I), there was less pronounced up-regulation of the expression of several phage and metabolic genes (group II) and there was strong down-regulation of several genes involved mainly in carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the PrfA*-overexpressing strain (group III). Among the latter genes are the nrgAB, gltAB, and glnRA operons (involved in nitrogen metabolism), the ilvB operon (involved in biosynthesis of the branched-chain amino acids), and genes for some ABC transporters. Most of the down-regulated genes have been shown previously to belong to a class of genes in Bacillus subtilis whose expression is negatively affected by impaired glucose uptake. Our results lead to the conclusion that excess PrfA (or PrfA*) interferes with a component(s) essential for phosphotransferase system-mediated glucose transport.

Transplantation of endothelial cells corrects the phenotype in hemophilia A mice

BACKGROUND

The deficiency of factor VIII, a co-factor in the intrinsic coagulation pathway results in hemophilia A. Although FVIII is synthesized largely in the liver, the specific liver cell type(s) responsible for FVIII production is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the cellular origin of FVIII synthesis and release in mouse models.

METHODS

We transplanted cells into the peritoneal cavity of hemophilia A knockout mice. Plasma FVIII activity was measured using a Chromogenix assay 2-7 days after cell transplantation, and phenotypic correction was determined with tail-clip challenge 7 days following cell transplantation. Transplanted cells were identified by histologic and molecular assays.

RESULTS

Untreated hemophilia A mice, as well as mice treated with the hepatocyte-enriched fraction, showed extensive mortality following tail-clip challenge. In contrast, recipients of unfractionated liver cells (mixture of hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells) or of the cell fraction enriched in LSECs survived tail-clip challenge (P < 0.001). FVIII was secreted in the blood stream in recipients of unfractionated liver cells, LSECs and pancreatic islet-derived MILE SVEN 1 (MS1) endothelial cells. Although transplanted hepatocytes maintained functional integrity in the peritoneal cavity, these cells did not produce detectable plasma FVIII activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The assay of cell transplantation in the peritoneal cavity showed that endothelial cells but not hepatocytes produced phenotypic correction in hemophilia A mice. Therefore, endothelial cells should be suitable additional targets for cell and gene therapy in hemophilia A.

Ganglion cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint causing foot drop-diagnostic problem of differentiating from neuritic leprosy

A six-year old boy presented with pain around the knee joint and abnormal gait of one month duration. There was no history of hypopigmented anaesthetic patches, neuritis or family history of leprosy. Clinical examination revealed a localized cystic swelling of 1 x 1 cm in size in the region of left common peroneal nerve, with sensory loss on the lateral aspect of the left leg which was mistaken for a nerve abscess.

ompU genes in non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae associated with aquaculture

AIMS

The study was undertaken with the objective of understanding the virulence-associated genes of the CTX and TCP gene clusters in environmental isolates of Vibrio cholerae, an important human pathogen, isolated from the aquaculture environment. The involvement of the ompU gene in conferring bile resistance in these isolates was also evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The V. cholerae isolates were tested by PCR and fluorescent antibody test for O1 (Ogawa and Inaba) and O139 serotypes. All isolates were found to be non-toxigenic V. cholerae confirmed by their positive PCR reaction for toxR but negative for ctx, zot and tcp gene. The hlyA gene was detected in 85% of the strains and ompU in 77%. The results on the bactericidal effect of bile salts suggest that ompU may play a role in conferring bile resistance in non-O1/non-O139 strains.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that most environmental strains lacked the CTX and TCP gene clusters. However, most isolates had the hlyA gene indicating the potential of these environmental strains to cause mild gastroenteritis. It was also observed that strains lacking ompU showed less tolerance to bile salts.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Information on virulence factors of V. cholerae associated with aquaculture environment and products would be of value in risk assessment for human health.

Consanguinity and Ocular Genetic Diseases in South India: Analysis of a Five-Year Study

OBJECTIVE

Consanguineous marriage is a widely practised social custom in Asia and northern Africa. In south India, Dravidian Hindus have contracted consanguineous marriages for over 2,000 years. In the present study, the influence of consanguinity on the prevalence of visual disorders was examined in patients attending a specialist genetic eye clinic.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 2,335 patients attending Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India, were screened for genetic eye disorders over a five-year period. The patients were drawn from all parts of India and from neighbouring countries in south Asia.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Six hundred and seventy-three (28.8%) of the patients tested for ophthalmic genetic disorders reported a family history of consanguinity. The majority (n = 574) of these families were from south India. In the patient group as a whole, the most common form of consanguineous union was between first cousins (n = 367), followed by uncle/niece marriage (n = 177), equivalent to a mean coefficient of inbreeding alpha = 0.0202. Among the consanguineous families, 430 of 673 (63.9%) had retinitis pigmentosa, 167 of these cases were autosomal recessive and 199 were isolated cases. The public in regions such as south India should be made aware of the merits and demerits of consanguineous marriages.

Induction of cell cycle arrest and morphological differentiation by Nurr1 and retinoids in dopamine MN9D cells

Dopamine cells are generated in the ventral midbrain during embryonic development. The progressive degeneration of these cells in patients with Parkinson's disease, and the potential therapeutic benefit by transplantation of in vitro generated dopamine cells, has triggered intense interest in understanding the process whereby these cells develop. Nurr1 is an orphan nuclear receptor essential for the development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. However, the mechanism by which Nurr1 promotes dopamine cell differentiation has remained unknown. In this study we have used a dopamine-synthesizing cell line (MN9D) with immature characteristics to analyze the function of Nurr1 in dopamine cell development. The results demonstrate that Nurr1 can induce cell cycle arrest and a highly differentiated cell morphology in these cells. These two functions were both mediated through a DNA binding-dependent mechanism that did not require Nurr1 interaction with the heterodimerization partner retinoid X receptor. However, retinoids can promote the differentiation of MN9D cells independently of Nurr1. Importantly, the closely related orphan receptors NGFI-B and Nor1 were also able to induce cell cycle arrest and differentiation. Thus, the growth inhibitory activities of the NGFI-B/Nurr1/Nor1 orphan receptors, along with their widespread expression patterns both during development and in the adult, suggest a more general role in control of cell proliferation in the developing embryo and in adult tissues.

Tumor necrosis factor allelic polymorphism with diabetic retinopathy in India

The association of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) with diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been described previously. A total of 207 Asian Indian patients of 15-year duration of type 2 diabetes were identified. This group included (i) 100 patients with DR and (ii) 107 patients without retinopathy (DNR). In this study, we correlated the length of the (GT)n microsatellite di-nucleotide repeat upstream to the promoter region of TNF gene with susceptibility for the development of retinopathy. The microsatellite was polymerase chain reaction amplified and electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gel and silver stained. In our study population, there were 18 alleles ranging from 97 to 131 base pairs (bp). Allele 4 (103 bp) had a higher prevalence (9.81%) in the DNR group compared to that (2.5%) in the DR group (P=0.002). Patients with retinopathy and allele 8 (111 bp) had a tendency to develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In this study of Indian subjects, it is suggested that allele 4 is a low risk allele for developing retinopathy and allele 8 (111 bp) shows an association with PDR.

Perthes' disease in the adolescent

We studied the natural history of Perthes' disease in 62 children in whom the onset of symptoms was in adolescence. Three patterns of disease were noted, namely, late-onset pattern, segmental collapse, or destructive with failure of revascularisation. In the late-onset pattern, the disease followed the sequence of healing seen in younger children, but adequate epiphyseal remodelling did not occur. Consequently, the femoral head was never spherical after revascularisation. With segmental collapse, early and irreversible collapse of part of the epiphysis occurred with gross deformation of the femoral head. The destructive pattern was characterised by a failure of revascularisation and repair of the avascular epiphysis. The radiological outcome was poor in all three patterns. The poorest clinical results were found in the destructive type which was frequently associated with incapacitating pain requiring arthrodesis or excision arthroplasty within three years of onset of the disease.

Value of measurement of hip movements in childhood hip disorders

SUMMARY

After the reproducibility of measurement of hip joint motion by different techniques was ascertained, the ranges of motion of hips of 325 normal schoolchildren ages 5 to 14 years were measured with a fluid level goniometer. All movements of the hip decreased in a nonlinear fashion with increasing age. The regression line with the closest fit to the mean values of each hip movement was that obtained by applying the sixth-order equation. A grid was designed to record the ranges of movement of the hip. The ranges of movement of 93 children with pathology in one or both hips were measured by the same technique and marked on the grid. Characteristic abnormal grid patterns were noted for each condition. Careful documentation of alterations in hip joint movement in children with symptoms related to the hip can be of value in establishing the diagnosis of the underlying pathology.

Perthes’ disease in the adolescent

We studied the natural history of Perthes’ disease in 62 children in whom the onset of symptoms was in adolescence.

Three patterns of disease were noted, namely, late-onset pattern, segmental collapse, or destructive with failure of revascularisation. In the late-onset pattern, the disease followed the sequence of healing seen in younger children, but adequate epiphyseal remodelling did not occur. Consequently, the femoral head was never spherical after revascularisation. With segmental collapse, early and irreversible collapse of part of the epiphysis occurred with gross deformation of the femoral head. The destructive pattern was characterised by a failure of revascularisation and repair of the avascular epiphysis.

The radiological outcome was poor in all three patterns. The poorest clinical results were found in the destructive type which was frequently associated with incapacitating pain requiring arthrodesis or excision arthroplasty within three years of onset of the disease.

Differential outcomes training facilitates memory in people with Korsakoff and Prader-Willi syndromes

This article presents evidence that a teaching procedure called differential outcomes training enhances learning and memory. Differential outcomes training reinforces correct responses with outcomes that are unique and specific to the stimuli that are to be remembered. Teaching with this method enhances performance in people with Korsakoff syndrome and people with Prader-Willi syndrome, populations known to have learning and working memory deficits. This initial evidence that persons with learning and memory deficits benefit from differential outcomes training should encourage future work on the development of an intervention using this type of training to aide daily functioning by people with learning and memory impairments.

5-substituted 3,4-dihydro-3-amino-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives: synthesis and interaction with serotoninergic receptors

A new series of 3,4-dihydro-3-amino-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives (1 and 2) bearing various substituents on the 5-position was successfully prepared via palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions. Some of the new compounds showed high affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors. The best affinity for the 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors was obtained for 2b (Ki = 0.3 nM for 5-HT1A and 3.1 nM for 5-HT7). The anxiolytic activity of compound 2b was evaluated.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor inhibits Fas-triggered apoptosis in bone marrow cells isolated from patients with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts

Treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plus erythropoietin may synergistically improve hemoglobin levels and reduce bone marrow apoptosis in patients with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS). Fas-induced caspase activity is increased in RARS bone marrow cells. We showed that G-CSF significantly reduced Fas-mediated caspase-8 and caspase-3-like activity and the degree of nuclear apoptotic changes in bone marrow from nine RARS patients. A decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species occurred in Fas-treated cells, but became significant only 24 h after changes in caspase activity and decrease in proliferation. G-CSF also reduced the magnitude of these late apoptotic changes. In CD34-selected normal cells, G-CSF induced myeloid colony growth, and an overall small decrease in the number of erythroid colonies. By contrast, G-CSF induced a 33-263% increase of erythroid colony formation in CD34+ cells from four of five RARS patients with severely reduced erythroid growth, while the normal or slightly reduced erythroid growth of three other patients was not influenced by G-CSF. This study suggests that G-CSF may reduce the pathologically increased caspase activity and concomitant apoptotic changes, and promote erythroid growth and differentiation of stem cells from RARS patients. Our data support the clinical benefit of G-CSF in this subgroup of myelodysplastic syndromes.

Synthesis, cytotoxicity, DNA interaction and topoisomerase II inhibition properties of tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3-dione and tetrahydropyrido-[3,2-b]pyrrolo[3,4-g]indole-1,3-dione derivatives

Three tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3-diones (6--8) and two tetrahydropyrido[3,2-b]pyrrolo[3,4-g]indole-1,3-diones (11--12) have been synthesized. Their interaction with DNA was probed by absorption and thermal melting studies. Compounds 8 and 12 both equipped with a hydroxyethyl-aminoethyl side-chain demonstrated higher affinities for poly(dA-dT)(2) than compounds 6, 7 and 11 bearing a dimethylaminoethyl side-chain. Circular and electric linear dichroism measurements showed that all five drugs behave as typical DNA intercalating agents. A plasmid cleavage assay was used to evaluate the capacity of the drugs to inhibit human topoisomerase II. Compounds 8 and 12 which bind strongly to DNA were found to stabilize DNA-topoisomerase II covalent complexes but their topoisomerase II inhibitory properties do not correlate with their cytotoxic potential. Compounds 6 and 7 are essentially inactive whereas compounds 8, 11 and 12 exhibit a high toxicity to P388 murine leukemia cells and provoke a marked accumulation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. These compounds form a new class of DNA-targeted antitumor agents.

Defective caspase-3 relocalization in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Many anticancer drugs exert their cytotoxicity through DNA damage and induction of apoptosis. Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) have different sensitivity to treatment with radiation and chemotherapeutic agents with SCLC being more sensitive than NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. This difference might be related to the different susceptibility of small and non-small cell lung carcinoma to undergo apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if deficiencies in the apoptotic pathways can explain the intrinsic resistance of NSCLC to anti-cancer treatment. Three different triggers were used to induce apoptosis. Etoposide and gamma-radiation, which are important parts of clinical lung cancer treatment, induce DNA-damage, whereas Fas ligation induces receptor-mediated apoptotic pathways. NSCLC cells were cross-resistant to all treatments, whereas SCLC cells, which do not express pro-caspase-8, were resistant to alphaFas-, but not to DNA-damage-induced apoptosis. Cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-9 and the executioner caspase-3 were observed in both types of lung cancer cells. However, cleavage of known nuclear substrates for caspase-3, such as PARP and DFF45/ICAD, was documented only in the sensitive SCLC cells but not in the resistant NSCLC cells. Moreover, relocalization of active caspase-3 from the cytosol into the nucleus upon treatment was observed only in the SCLC cell line. These results indicate that the inhibition of apoptosis in NSCLC occurs downstream of mitochondrial changes and caspase activation, and upstream of nuclear events.

Pregnancy weight gain and its correlation to birth weight

This study was done to determine whether a relationship existed between maternal weight gain during pregnancy and the birth weight and if such a relationship did exist, to establish the minimum weight gain required for a normal birth weight baby. This was a retrospective study involving an audit of all antenatal records at a rural hospital and health centre. The records reviewed belonged to a period between '86-'99. About 2000 antenatal records were scanned and cases with complications and multiple pregnancy were excluded. The records reviewed pertained only to mothers who had delivered at this rural hospital. The final sample size was 935 mothers. The study revealed that a greater weight gain in second trimester resulted in a better birth weight (P < 0.05). Other factors that influenced the birth weight were: age (P < 0.001), regular antenatal check up (P < 0.05) and parity (P < 0.05).

Biofilm formation by salmonella spp. on food contact surfaces and their sensitivity to sanitizers

Biofilm formation by two poultry isolates of Salmonella on three commonly used food contact surfaces viz plastic, cement and stainless steel were studied. Biofilm formation of both the isolates showed a similar trend with the highest density being on plastic followed by cement and steel. Salmonella weltevreden formed biofilm with a cell density of 3.4 x 10(7), 1.57 x 10(6) and 3 x 10(5) cfu/cm2 on plastic, cement and steel respectively while Salmonella FCM 40 biofilm on plastic, cement and steel were of the order of 1.2 x 10(7), 4.96 x 10(6) and 2.23 x 10(5) cfu/cm2 respectively. The sensitivity of the biofilm cells grown on these surfaces to different levels of two sanitizers namely hypochlorite and iodophor for varying exposure times was studied. Biofilm cells offered greater resistance when compared to their planktonic counterparts. Such biofilm cells in a food processing unit are not usually removed by the normal cleaning procedure and therefore could be a source of contamination of foods coming in contact with such surfaces.

High-LET radiation induces apoptosis in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from atazia-telangiectasia patients

PURPOSE

To investigate and compare the propensity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), derived from ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) patients and from unaffected healthy individuals (controls), to undergo apoptosis after exposure to high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four A-T (ARO, BMA, CSA and RJO) and two control (JAC and KKB3) LCL were exposed to doses of up to 4Gy of accelerated nitrogen ions (32-45 MeV/u, 8-12Gy/min). For comparative purposes X-ray irradiation (1.36 Gy/min) was also performed. The induction of apoptosis was studied 0-48 h after irradiation with the use of two methods: (1) monitoring of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA fragments by field inversion pulse gel electrophoresis (FIGE); and (2) morphological characterization ofapoptotic cells after fluorescent staining. In parallel, cell-cycle distribution, monitored by DNA flow cytometry, as well as measurements of p53/p21(WAF1) protein levels by Western blots, were investigated in these cells.

RESULTS

High-LET radiation-induced apoptosis and G2/M-arrest in both A-T and control LCL. No significant increase in the amount of p53/p21(WAF1) proteins preceded apoptosis in control or in A-T LCL after high-LET irradiation. However, low-LET radiation did induce significant enhanced levels of p53 proteins in control but not in A-T LCL.

CONCLUSIONS

LCL from both A-T homozygous and unaffected healthy individuals undergo apoptosis without accumulation of p53/p21(WAF1) proteins after exposure to high-LET radiation. In contrast, low-LET radiation induces apoptosis and significantly increases levels of p53 protein in control but not in A-T LCL.

Role of apoptosis in the response of lung carcinomas to anti-cancer treatment

Resistance of tumor cells to treatment often accounts for the failure of traditional forms of anti-cancer therapy. It is well known that tumors from the same histological group and stage of development are highly heterogeneous in their sensitivity to therapy. Among the factors that can influence tumor sensitivity are DNA repair capacity, distribution of cells throughout the cell cycle, proliferation potential, etc. In many cases, anti-cancer therapy eliminates tumor cells via apoptosis, an active form of cell death characterized by cell shrinkage and the removal of cells in a neat, orderly fashion. However, this process is not always efficient. In the present review, the precise role that apoptosis plays in the response of lung carcinomas to chemotherapy and radiation treatment is discussed.

Possible dosage effect of maternally expressed genes on visual recognition memory in Prader-Willi syndrome

Seventeen patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (7 with paternal deletion of chromosome 15q11-q13 and 10 with maternal uniparental disomy [UPD]), and 9 controls performed a computerized visual recognition task. A series of color digital photographs were presented; most were presented twice, but the remainder appeared only once. Photographs presented twice were separated in their presentation by either 0, 10, 30, 50 or 100 intervening photographs. Subjects indicated whether each photograph had been presented previously. This procedure was implemented twice, once using photographs of foods, and once using photographs of nonfood objects. As the number of intervening photographs between the first and second presentation increased, subjects were less likely to remember having seen the photograph before. Performance by UPD subjects was less affected by increasing the number of intervening photographs relative to the other two groups, suggesting they had superior visual recognition memory. This raises the possibility of a beneficial effect of having two copies maternally expressed genes on chromosome 15. UBE3A is suggested as a possible candidate for this effect.

Talo-calcaneal relationship in clubfoot

Talo-calcaneal angles were measured on anteroposterior, stress dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion lateral radiographs of 75 normal feet and 145 clubfeet. The talus and calcaneum from 15 normal fetal limbs were dissected without disturbing the subtalar capsule. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of these specimens were also obtained. The long axes of the ossific nuclei and the long axes of the cartilaginous anlagen of the bones were marked, and the talo-calcaneal angles were measured. The talo-calcaneal angles were lower in clubfeet than in normal feet, but there was considerable overlap in the ranges of normal and clubfeet for all the angles measured. The lateral talo-calcaneal angles in normal feet were higher in dorsiflexion than in plantarflexion, whereas the converse was true in clubfeet. The talo-calcaneal angles measured from the axes of the ossific nuclei of the fetal specimens were higher than those measured from the axes of the cartilaginous anlagen. Using logistic regression analysis, a mathematical model was made to predict the probability of correction of clubfeet. A lateral talo-calcaneal angle difference (between the stress dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles) of 20 degrees suggests that there is a 93% probability that the hindfoot deformity of clubfoot has been adequately corrected. A talo-calcaneal angle of 30 degrees or a talo-calcaneal index of 40 degrees does not ensure correction of clubfoot. A decrease of the talo-calcaneal angle by up to 10 degrees occurs as the child grows because of the alteration of the shape of the ossific nucleus of the talus that occurs normally with growth.