Tumor-specific responses in lymph nodes draining murine sarcomas are concentrated in cells expressing P-selectin binding sites

Tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) cells develop substantial antitumor activity after activation on immobilized alphaCD3 and culture in low-dose IL-2. This study found that the minor subset of TDLN T cells expressing binding sites for the adhesion receptor P-selectin (Plig(high) T cells) produced T lymphoblasts with the most tumor-specific IFN-gamma synthesis in vitro and antitumor activity following adoptive transfer in vivo. The Plig(high) T cells constituted <25% of the cells with the phenotype of recently activated cells including high levels of CD69, CD44, or CD25, and low levels of CD62L. The cultured Plig(high) TDLN were 10- to 20-fold more active against established pulmonary micrometastases than cultured unfractionated TDLN, and >30-fold more active than cultured TDLN cells depleted of the Plig(high) fraction before expansion (Plig(low) cells). Tumor-specific IFN-gamma synthesis in vitro paralleled the antitumor activities of the cultured fractions in vivo, implying that increased Tc1 and Th1 effector functions contributed to the tumor suppression. Neither nonspecific interaction with the P-selectin chimera used for sorting nor endogenous costimulatory activity in the Plig(high) fraction accounted for the marked increase in antitumor activities after culture. The cultured Plig(high) fraction contained a variety of potential effector cells; however, the CD8 and CD4 subsets of alphabeta T cells accounted for 95-97% of its antitumor activity. The authors propose that P-selectin sorting increased antitumor activities by concentrating Tc1 and Th1 pre-effector/effector cells before culture.

Shared processes in spatial rotation and musical permutation

An experiment was conducted in which subjects performed a three-dimensional spatial rotation test (24 trials) and a new test involving judgments of musical permutations (64 trials). Two types of musical permutations were used, including retrograde and inverse. In a retrograde permutation, the criterion melody was played backward in the test melody, and in an inverse permutation, an ascending or descending interval in the criterion melody became an opposite in the test melody. Subjects included 32 male and 64 female undergraduates at the University of Toronto. Regression analysis clearly showed that it was easiest to compare short retrograde permutations and that accuracy at discerning retrograde permutations predicted accuracy at judging spatial rotations. The implication is that a higher order ability to discriminate contour underlies both kinds of judgments.

Characterisation of a cluster of genes encoding Theileria annulata AT hook DNA-binding proteins and evidence for localisation to the host cell nucleus

Infection of bovine leukocytes by the apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata results in alteration of host cell gene expression and stimulation of host cell proliferation. At present, the parasite-derived factors involved in these processes are unknown. Recently, we described the characterisation of a parasite gene (TashAT2), whose polypeptide product bears AT hook DNA-binding motifs and may be transported from the parasite to the host nucleus. We now describe the isolation of a further two genes (TashAT1 and TashAT3) that are very closely related to TashAT2. All three TashAT genes are located together in a tight cluster, interspersed by two further small open reading frames, all facing head to tail. TashAT2 was shown to be expressed in all T. annulata cell lines examined, whereas TashAT1 and TashAT3 were expressed in the sporozoite stage of the parasite, and also in infected cell lines, where their expression was found to vary between different cell lines. Evidence for transport was provided by antisera raised against TashAT1 and TashAT3 that reacted with the host nucleus of T. annulata-infected cells. Reactivity was particularly strong against the host nuclei of the T. annulata-infected cloned cell line D7B12, which is attenuated for differentiation. A polypeptide in the size range predicted for TashAT3 was preferentially detected in host enriched D7B12 nuclear extracts. DNA-binding analysis demonstrated that fusion proteins containing the AT hook region of either TashAT1 or TashAT2 bound preferentially to AT rich DNA.

Seasonal assessment of environmental tobacco smoke and respirable suspended particle exposures for nonsmokers in Bremen using personal monitoring

The study was designed to determine seasonal differences in personal exposures to respirable suspended particles (RSP) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for nonsmokers in Bremen, Germany. The subjects were office workers, either living and working in smoking locations or living and working in nonsmoking locations. One hundred and twenty four randomly selected nonsmoking subjects collected air samples close to their breathing zone by wearing personal monitors for 24 h or, in some cases, for 7-day periods during the winter of 1999. The investigation was repeated in the summer with 126 subjects, comprised of as many of the studied winter population (89 subjects) as possible. Saliva cotinine analyses were undertaken to verify the nonsmoking status of the subjects. Subjects wore one personal monitor while at work and one while away from the workplace on weekdays, and a third monitor at the weekend. Collected air samples were analysed for RSP, nicotine, 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP) and ETS particles. The latter were estimated using ultraviolet absorbance (UVPM), fluorescence (FPM) and solanesol (SolPM) measurements. ETS exposure was consistently higher in the winter than in the summer, this pattern being particularly evident for subjects both living and working with smokers. The highest median 24-h time weighted average (TWA) concentrations of ETS particles (SolPM, 25 microg m(-3)) and nicotine (1.3 microg m(-3)) were recorded for subjects performing weekday monitoring during the winter. These were significantly higher than equivalent levels of ETS particles (SolPM, 2.4 microg m(-3)) and nicotine (0.26 microg m(-3)) determined during the summer. There were no appreciable differences between winter and summer percent workplace contributions to median TWA ETS particle and nicotine weekday concentrations, the workplace in Bremen, in general, contributing between 35% and 61% of reported median concentrations. Workers, on average, spent one-third of their time at work during a weekday, indicating that concentrations were either comparable or higher in the workplace than in the home and other locations outside the workplace. Median 24-h weekend ETS particle and nicotine concentrations for smoking locations were not significantly different from equivalent weekday levels during the winter, but were significantly lower during the summer. Based upon median 24-h TWA SolPM and nicotine concentrations for the winter, extrapolated to 1 year's ETS exposure, those subjects both living and working in smoking locations (the most highly exposed group) would potentially inhale 13 cigarette equivalents/year (CEs/y). However, based on a similar extrapolation of summer measurements, the same group of subjects would potentially inhale between 1.3 and 1.9 CEs/y. The most highly exposed subjects in this study, based upon 90th percentile concentrations for those both living and working in smoking locations during the winter, would potentially inhale up to 67 CEs/y in the winter and up to 22 CEs/y in the summer. This clearly demonstrates that seasonal effects should be taken into account in the design and interpretation of ETS exposure studies. Air sampling over a 7-day period was shown to be technically feasible, and subsequent RSP, ETS particle and nicotine levels determined by 7-day monitoring were not found to be significantly different from equivalent levels determined by 24-h monitoring. However, the longer sampling period resulted in the collection of an increased quantity of analytes, which improved the limits of quantitation (LOQ) and allowed a more accurate determination of low level ETS exposure. This was reflected by a reduced percentage of data falling below the LOQ for 7-day monitoring compared with 24-h monitoring. The use of a liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection for saliva cotinine measurement afforded a greatly improved LOQ and greater accuracy at low concentrations compared with the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method used in previous studies by these authors. In this study, 17 subjects out of 180 tested (9.4%) were found to have saliva cotinine levels exceeding the selected threshold of 25 ng ml(-1) used to discriminate between smokers and nonsmokers.

Effect of surface treatment on fatigue life of postceramic soldered joints

PURPOSE

This research investigated the effect of surface treatment on the fatigue life of metal-ceramic postsoldering.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty cylindric specimens were cast in a metal-ceramic alloy. All specimens received appropriate heat treatment simulating ceramic application, although no porcelain was applied. Each specimen was cut in half to form two half specimens. The 40 half specimens were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups, which differed in the type of surface treatment performed on one end of each half specimen (joint surface) prior to soldering: (1) aluminous oxide pink stone; (2) 50-micron aluminum oxide sandblasting; (3) brown rubber point; and (4) gray silicone wheel followed by pink silicone wheel. All surface treatments were performed for 30 seconds. The half specimens were then steam cleaned, aligned, indexed, and oven soldered with #650 postceramic solder. The soldering of two half specimens formed a complete test specimen, and a total of 20 postceramic soldered specimens were prepared. Following soldering, a 241.1 MPa fatigue stress was applied to each solder joint during specimen testing. The test variable was the number of stress cycles required to fail each specimen.

RESULTS

All specimens failed adhesively at the joint interface between the solder and parent metal. There were significant differences in the number of stress cycles to failure between groups 1 and 2, groups 1 and 4, and between groups 2 and 3.

CONCLUSION

The load cycle to failure for postceramic soldered joints was affected by the metal surface treatment.

Temporal co-ordination of macroschizont and merozoite gene expression during stage differentiation of Theileria annulata

The bovine parasite, Theileria annulata has a complex life-cycle involving the expression and repression of genes during development of its morphologically distinct life-cycle stages. In order to detail the molecular events that occur during differentiation of the intracellular multinucleate macroschizont to the extra-cellular uninucleate merozoite, we have isolated two genes, Tash1 and Tash2 which are differentially expressed during differentiation. Nuclear run on data show that Tash1 gene expression is controlled, at least in part, at the level of transcription. Immunofluorescence data identify the macroschizont as the location for both Tash1 and Tash2 gene products. Northern blot analysis of these genes indicated that their mRNA levels decrease during differentiation in vitro, at a time point coincident with major elevation in the mRNA levels of the merozoite antigen, Tams1, shown previously to be associated with commitment to merozoite production. Furthermore, experiments where cultures were incubated at 41 degrees C for 4 days and replaced at 37 degrees C for 2 days demonstrated that re-expression of Tash1 occurred and is probably linked to reversion to the macroschizont and decreased expression of Tams1. These results imply that the control of macroschizont and merozoite gene expression during differentiation is closely co-ordinated temporally. In addition, a comparison of Tash2 and Tams1 expression has indicated that translational or post-translational control of gene expression may operate in the undifferentiated macroschizont.

Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels are correlated with body mass index rather than route of administration in women undergoing in vitro fertilization--embryo transfer using human menopausal gonadotropin and intracytoplasmic sperm injection

OBJECTIVE

To compare subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) hCG administration and their association with body mass index (BMI) in women undergoing IVF-ET using hMG and ICSI.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Private infertility clinic.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-one ovulatory women, 29-39 years, were enrolled. Treatment of one patient who failed to respond to hMG was canceled.

INTERVENTION(S)

A standard IVF-ET treatment plan using an initial dose of 300 U of hMG was followed. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 10,000 IU hCG, either IM in the gluteal region or SC in the lower abdomen. Exactly 12 hours later, serum for hCG determination was obtained. All oocytes were fertilized using ICSI technology.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Human chorionic gonadotropin levels 12 hours after injection, BMI, and oocyte maturity.

RESULT(S)

No significant differences in hCG levels were found, with mean levels of 225 +/- 24 mIU/mL for SC injection versus 213 +/- 26 mIU/mL for IM injection. No differences were observed in the percentage of mature oocytes. A significant negative correlation was found between BMI and hCG levels in all patients, regardless of route of administration.

CONCLUSION(S)

The highest levels of hCG were measured in women with the lowest BMI. Patients' body size, rather than route of hCG delivery, appears to determine circulating levels of hCG.

Differential inhibition of recombinant bovine GH (rbGH) activity in vitro by in vivo enhancing monoclonal antibodies

We have previously described the effects of complexing recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH) with the in vivo enhancing monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) OA11 and OA15 and the non-enhancing Mab OA14 on the subsequent activity of GH in different tissue culture models. We reported that all of these Mabs caused the inhibition of GH-stimulated Jak-2 tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in the GH responsive pre-adipocyte cell line 3T3-F442A. However, using the mouse myeloid cell line FDC-P1 transfected with the full length ovine GH receptor (GHR), we subsequently found that OA11 and OA14 remained inhibitory with respect to the end point measurement of GH stimulated mitogenesis but that OA15 had no inhibitory effect on GH stimulated mitogenesis in this cell line. In order to correlate longer term mitogenic effects of Mab-GH complexes with signalling events in this transfected cell line model, we now report on the effects of complexing with Mab on the subsequent GH stimulated phosphorylation of Stat5b (signal transducer and activator of transcription). In agreement with our data for the mitogenic activity of GH-Mab complexes, we found that OA11 and OA14 inhibit GH activation of Stat5b but that OA15 is not inhibitory. Further to this, the dose-response effect of both OA11 and OA14 on the GH stimulation of Stat5b in the FDC-P1-oGHR transfected cells correlates with the previously described dose-response effects for both Mabs in the context of GH stimulation of mitogenic effects. We conclude that in this oGHR transfected cell line model, Mab effects on short and long term GH signalling events are tightly correlated. The observation that neither of the in vivo enhancing Mabs--OA11 or OA15--amplifies the response to GH in our transfected cell line model, coupled with the differential nature of Mab effects on GH activity (OA11--inhibition; OA15--no effect) may argue for an in vivo mechanism for enhancement of GH activity.

The acrylic occlusal plane guide: a tool for esthetic occlusal reconstruction

A technique has been described that clinically evaluates esthetic problems and transfers that information to the laboratory. This facilitates the fabrication of a diagnostic wax-up, a provisional trial restoration, and a final prosthesis that is functionally and esthetically pleasing.

Implant management for comprehensive occlusal reconstruction

Implant prosthodontics is a predictable treatment modality for patients who require occlusal reconstruction. Specific indications include lack of distal abutment, long span segment, compromised natural abutments, and occlusal dysfunction. With proper treatment planning and an understanding of the occlusion and biomechanics of implant prosthodontics, the restorative team can predictably fabricate a functional, esthetic, and comfortable prosthesis.

Using direct mail to recruit Hispanic adults into a dietary intervention: an experimental study

Identifying strategies for successful recruitment of ethnic minorities into scientific studies is critical. Without effective methods, investigators may fail to recruit the desired sample size, take longer to recruit than planned, and delay progress for research in minority health. Direct mail is an appealing recruitment method because of the potential for reaching large target populations and producing a high volume of inquiries about a study with relatively little staff effort. To determine which of three direct mail strategies yielded higher recruitment, 561 Hispanic employees were randomly assigned to receive either: (a) a flyer about a worksite dietary intervention; (b) the same flyer plus a personalized hand-signed letter containing heart disease risk statistics for the general American population; or (c) the flyer plus a personalized hand-signed letter containing statistics for Hispanics. Two orthogonal chi-square comparisons were examined. The personalized letters plus flyer yielded a significantly higher response rate (7.8%) than the flyer alone (2.1%), X2(1, N = 561) = 7.5, p = .006. However, the personalized letter with Hispanic heart disease risk statistics did not yield a statistically significant higher response rate (9.1%) than the letter with the general population risk statistics (6.5%), X2(1, N = 370) = 0.9, p > .34. These findings suggest that personalized approaches can increase the effectiveness of direct mail efforts for recruiting ethnic minorities into interventions and may be particularly helpful for large-scale interventions.

Ignorance is not bliss. Doctors, managers and development

Current government policy places great emphasis on increased collaboration between disciplines and professions within health care, as in public services across the board. To date, analyses of doctor-manager relations have tended to focus on equipping doctors with management skills, once they have reached consultant level. In contrast, this paper evaluates a new management development initiative, designed to involve doctors and managers at an earlier career stage, and on an inter-disciplinary basis. Interview and questionnaire responses indicate that specialist registrars and young managers share common values; however, they also acknowledge a high degree of mutual ignorance. Evaluation suggests that inter-disciplinary programmes can provide a starting-point for closer collaboration in practice; in conclusion, some options for sustaining this in the long term are identified.

The virtuoso of versatility: POU proteins that flex to fit

During the evolution of eukaryotes, a new structural motif arose by the fusion of genes encoding two different types of DNA-binding domain. The family of transcription factors which contain this domain, the POU proteins, have come to play essential roles not only in the development of highly specialised tissues, such as complex neuronal systems, but also in more general cellular housekeeping. Members of the POU family recognise defined DNA sequences, and a well-studied subset have specificity for a motif known as the octamer element which is found in the promoter region of a variety of genes. The structurally bipartite POU domain has intrinsic conformational flexibility and this feature appears to confer functional diversity to this class of transcription factors. The POU domain for which we have the most structural data is from Oct-1, which binds an eight base-pair target and variants of this octamer site. The two-part DNA-binding domain partially encircles the DNA, with the sub-domains able to assume a variety of conformations, dependent on the DNA element. Crystallographic and biochemical studies have shown that the binary complex provides distinct platforms for the recruitment of specific regulators to control transcription. The conformability of the POU domain in moulding to DNA elements and co-regulators provides a mechanism for combinatorial assembly as well as allosteric molecular recognition. We review here the structure and function of the diverse POU proteins and discuss the role of the proteins' plasticity in recognition and transcriptional regulation.

Characterization of sequence-specific DNA binding by the transcription factor Oct-1

The DNA-binding domain of the Oct-1 transcription factor, POU, recognizes a defined DNA sequence known as the octamer element to regulate the expression of both general and cell-type-specific genes. The two-part DNA-binding domain partially encircles the DNA to recognize the eight base pairs of the octamer element. We have characterized the binding of Oct-1/POU to an octamer element using isothermal titration calorimetry. As found for other cognate protein/DNA complexes, the formation of the Oct-1 POU/DNA complex is associated with a large negative heat capacity change, DeltaC(p)()(, obs). However, the observed change is much greater than expected by empirical relationships with buried surface area. Supported by data from proteolysis studies on the free and DNA-bound protein, we propose that the discrepancy in heat capacity arises principally from the partial folding of the Oct-1 POU protein upon complex formation. Formation of the Oct-1 POU/DNA complex is strongly dependent on ionic strength, and the detailed quantification of this relationship suggests that six charged contacts are made between the protein and the phosphate groups of the DNA. This agrees with observations from the crystal structure of an Oct-1 POU/DNA complex.

A new system for sternal intraosseous infusion in adults

BACKGROUND

Intraosseous (IO) infusion provides an alternative route for the administration of fluids and medications when difficulty with peripheral or central lines is encountered during resuscitation of critically ill and injured patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report the first 50 uses of a new system for emergency IO infusion into the sternum in adults, the Pyng F.A.S.T.1 IO infusion system.

METHODS

Six emergency departments and five prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) sites in Canada and the United States provided clinical and/or research data on their use of the IO system in a pilot study of success rates, insertion times, and complications. Indications for use included adult patient, urgent need for fluids or medications, and unacceptable delay or inability to achieve standard vascular access. A basic data set was standardized for all sites, and some sites collected additional data.

RESULTS

The overall success rate for achieving vascular access with the system was 84%. Success rates were 74% for first-time users, and 95% for experienced users. Failure to achieve vascular access occurred most frequently in patients (5 of 9) described subjectively by the user as "very obese," in whom there was a thick layer of tissue overlying the sternum. Mean time to achieve vascular access was 77 seconds. Flow rates of up to 80 mL/min were reported for gravity drip, and more than 150 mL/min by syringe bolus. Pressure cuffs were also used successfully, although fluid rate was controlled by clamping the line. Further research on flow rates is needed. No complications or complaints were reported at two-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

These early data indicate that sternal IO infusion using the new F.A.S.T.1 IO system may provide rapid, safe vascular access and may be a useful technique for reducing unacceptable delays in the provision of emergency treatment.

Fracture load and mode of failure of ceramic veneers with different preparations

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Fracture is a clinical failure modality for ceramic veneers. Whether design of tooth preparation can affect the strength of ceramic veneers remains controversial.

PURPOSE

This in vitro study evaluated fracture load and mode of failure of ceramic veneers, with 4 tooth preparation designs, that were bonded on extracted human maxillary central incisors. Identical parameters were also measured on unrestored intact teeth for comparison.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into 5 equal groups. Each group was assigned a different tooth preparation design: (1) no incisal reduction, (2) 2 mm incisal reduction without palatal chamfer (butt joint), (3) 1 mm incisal reduction and 1 mm height palatal chamfer, (4) 4 mm incisal reduction and 1 mm height palatal chamfer, and (5) unrestored (control). Forty teeth were prepared to accommodate ceramic veneers of equal thickness and incisocervical length. Stone dies were fabricated and veneers made from IPS Empress ceramic. Ceramic veneers were bonded and all teeth mounted in phenolic rings with epoxy resin. Fracture loads were recorded with a mechanical testing machine.

RESULTS

Mean fracture loads (SD) in kgf were as follows: group 1, 23.7 (6.11); group 2, 27.4 (9.63); group 3, 16.4 (3.44); group 4, 19.2 (6.18); and group 5, 31.0 (10.38). Modes of failure were also analyzed for both ceramic veneers and teeth. One-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons revealed 3 significant subsets: groups 1-2-5, groups 4-1, and groups 3-4 (P <.05). Groups 1 and 2 had no ceramic veneer fractures; group 3 had 3 ceramic veneer fractures, and group 4 had 6 ceramic veneer fractures.

CONCLUSION

Groups 1 and 2 recorded the greatest fracture loads that were comparable to an unrestored control.

Polymorphic markers for the arylsulfatase A gene reveal a greatly expanded meiotic map for the human 22q telomeric region

Two microsatellite markers, D22S1743 and D22S1744, were developed for the arylsulfatase A (ARSA) region of chromosome 22q. Linkage analysis for 171 families, using nine reference markers covering all of 22q, placed these new markers 2.0 Kosambi cM distal to D22S526, making them more distal than any microsatellite markers currently on the Généthon or Marshfield linkage maps. Recombination between proximal markers D22S270/D22S683 and D22S446/D22S311 exhibited increased rates of female meiotic recombination compared to male recombination (P < 0.01). In contrast, the region encompassing sJCW16, D22S526, D22S1743, and D22S1744 exhibited relatively greater recombination in males (1.1 cM for females and 7.5 cM for males; chi(2); P < 0.005). These four distal markers lie in a region of hyperrecombination having a sex-averaged recombination ratio of between 8.3 (D22S1843/D22S1744) and 12 cM (sJCW16/D22S526) per megabase.

Anticholinesterases in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia--the first year's experience in Argyll & Clyde

The local experience of the introduction of a new anticholinesterase treatment for Alzheimer's dementia is described, including the use of a protocol to introduce the use of these drugs. The results in the first 233 patients seen are reported. The protocol seemed to anticipate SMAC. guidelines and to be easy to operate; the drug appeared to have clear clinical effect.

The decision to resuscitate: older people's views

The aim of this study was to explore how a healthy sample of the older population feel about resuscitation and the decision not to resuscitate certain patients. Their views were sought on whether a Do Not Resuscitate decision is appropriate in certain circumstances, whom they think should be involved in the decision, whether they think patients should be consulted, and if they would like to be involved in the decision themselves. Two focus groups were held in a day care setting in order to collect data, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Participants thought that a Do Not Resuscitate decision should be discussed with patients and also with relatives if appropriate. However, there was ambivalence about whether individuals would like to be involved personally in such a decision because of the anxiety this would produce.

Testosterone levels and spatial ability in men

Testosterone (T) levels were measured by salivary assays in 59 males at times of the day when T was expected to be highest and lowest. Relationships were evaluated for mean hormone levels across the two sessions and hormone level changes between sessions with performance on three-dimensional mental rotations, a spatial test which customarily favours males. An anagrams task and the digit symbol test were used as controls. Mental rotations scores showed a significant positive relationship with mean T levels but not with changes in T. There were no significant relationships between control test scores and mean T levels. Findings are discussed in terms of their contributions to the resolution of ambiguities in prior reported data.

A difference in perspective--the North American and European interpretations of tooth wear

PURPOSE

There is considerable interest in the European dental research literature about the problem of tooth wear and specifically about dental erosion, but this interest does not appear to be matched in North America based on the volume of the literature there. The purpose of this article is to consider the possible explanations for this difference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article examines the reasons for this disparity and attempts to explain the difference by reviewing the North American and European literature on the etiology, pathogenesis, and prevalence of tooth wear.

RESULTS

It would appear from the literature that the reason for the difference in interest between the 2 continents is a reflection of how the appearance, etiology, and terminology are interpreted and used to define tooth wear, attrition, and erosion.

CONCLUSION

Attrition is the wear of teeth against teeth; therefore, by definition any worn surface that does not contact the opposing tooth must have another etiology. An appropriate descriptive term is "tooth wear" when the etiology is multifactorial or cannot be determined. A search of the literature shows more studies in the European literature of the etiology and prevalence of tooth wear than in the North American literature. The thrust of the European studies supports the view that erosion is more important than attrition in the etiology of tooth wear.

Regret is what you get: the effects of manipulating anticipated affect and time perspective on risky single-occasion drinking

This study tested anticipated affect as a potential strategy for reducing risky single-occasion drinking (RSOD). The hypothesis was that asking respondents to focus on their anticipated affect following RSOD would lead to higher ratings of negative affect than those obtained when asking respondents to focus on their feelings towards RSOD. In turn, these negative affect ratings were hypothesized as leading to safer behavioural estimates and reductions in RSOD. The study is based on a self-report questionnaire administered at two time points. At Time 1, measures of past drinking and demographic information were collected, along with affect ratings of drinking within safer single-occasion limits and affect ratings of RSOD (within-subjects condition). Time perspective was manipulated whereby the experimental group was asked to focus on affective reactions after RSOD and the control group to focus on affective reactions towards RSOD (between-subjects condition). Two weeks later, drinking behaviour was measured. The findings showed that the time perspective manipulation resulted in significantly higher negative affect ratings in the feeling after condition than in the feeling towards condition. Further, females reported lower negative affect than males. No other main or interaction effects were found. The time perspective manipulation, however, failed to produce safer behavioural estimates and RSOD reduction at follow-up. No significant differences were found between ratings of negative affect when drinking within safe limits as compared with ratings of affect when drinking above such limits. Despite greater negative affect 'after' rather than 'toward' the target behaviour, anticipated affect following RSOD did not yield safer behavioural estimates and subsequent drinking reduction at follow-up. These findings are interpreted in the context of risk perception associated with RSOD. The implications of this study for design of interventions aimed at reducing RSOD are discussed. In particular, ways of intensifying negative affect for RSOD are considered.

Evidence for localisation of a Theileria parasite AT hook DNA-binding protein to the nucleus of immortalised bovine host cells

Immortalisation of bovine leukocytes by the macroschizont stage of the tick transmitted protozoan parasite, Theileria annulata, results in the clonal expansion of infected cells and dissemination throughout the bovine host. The parasite-encoded factors which induce this unique transformation event have not been defined to date. In this study, a gene family (TashAT) has been characterised that encodes polypeptides with homology to known DNA-binding proteins. Expression of TashAT genes occurs at the intracellular macroschizont stage of the parasite life cycle and during differentiation to the merozoite, negative regulation of TashAT genes is detected early relative to other macroschizont genes. Interestingly, the early reduction in TashAT expression coincides with the initial decrease in host cell proliferation. One member of the family, TashAT2, was characterised in detail and the predicted polypeptide sequence was found to harbor three AT hook DNA-binding domains. Antisera generated against two distinct regions of TashAT2 both located the antigen to the host cell nucleus and, combined with protein translation inhibition and immunoprecipitation studies, provide evidence that this polypeptide could be transported from the parasite to this location. Further evidence for this postulation was provided by transfection studies which demonstrated that TashAT2 does encode the structural information required for localisation to the nucleus of a mammalian cell. Thus, TashAT2 is a potential candidate for a parasite-encoded factor that modulates host cell gene expression and may be involved in the control of host cell proliferation.

Sensitivity of three recent questionnaires to mild traumatic brain injury-related effects

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sensitivity of three recently developed questionnaires to mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)-related effects.

DESIGN

Comparison of an MTBI group, within 3 weeks of injury, to a normal control group.

SETTING

Outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

SUBJECTS

120 MTBI patients and 120 age, education, sex, and preinjury socioeconomic status-matched normal control subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Problem Checklist (PCL) from the New York Head Injury Family Interview to assess MTBI symptoms, the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) to assess functional burden associated with health problems, and the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) to assess home, social, and productive activities.

RESULTS

Patients' self-ratings on the PCL and SF-36, but not the CIQ, were generally worse than those of the normal controls. The largest differences were obtained on SF-36 measures that appear to assess musculoskeletal injury effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCL and SF-36 show promise as sensitive measures of MTBI-related effects. The SF-36 may be particularly useful in evaluating associated musculoskeletal injuries, which might otherwise be overlooked by MTBI health care providers.

Oct-1 POU and octamer DNA co-operate to recognise the Bob-1 transcription co-activator via induced folding

The expression of immunoglobulin genes is controlled in part by the DNA-binding protein Oct-1 and the B cell-specific transcription co-activator, Bob1 (also known as OCA-B or OBF-1) that together form a complex on the Igkappa promoter. We have characterised the assembly of the ternary complex using biophysical methods. Bob1 binds specifically as a monomer to the complex of the Oct-1 DNA-binding domain (Oct-1 POU) and the Igkappa promoter, but binds weakly to either Oct-1 POU or the Igkappa promoter alone, indicating that both are required to make an avid complex. Ternary complex formation requires a defined DNA sequence, as the stability of the complex can be strongly affected by a single base-pair change or by removing 5-methyl groups from selected thymine bases.In isolation, Bob1 appears to have little secondary structure, but may become partially structured upon recruitment into the ternary complex as demonstrated by circular dichroism spectra and calorimetry. These and other findings suggest that ternary complex formation requires a defined geometry of the POU/DNA complex, and that the co-activator makes stereo-specific contacts to both the POU protein and the major groove of the DNA that induces its fold.

Low level saliva cotinine determination and its application as a biomarker for environmental tobacco smoke exposure

1. The determination of personal exposures to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and respirable suspended particles (RSP) for housewives, and fixed site monitoring of their homes, have been undertaken by these authors throughout Europe, South East Asia and Australia. Median 24 h time weighted average (TWA) concentrations for ETS particles and nicotine were found to be significantly higher for housewives living in smoking households compared with those living in nonsmoking households. For Europe, median TWA concentrations of 4.1 and <0.26 microg/ml for ETS particles and 0.63 and < 0.08 microg/m3 for nicotine were found for housewives living in smoking and nonsmoking households respectively. 2. In addition to the measurement of RSP, ETS particles and nicotine, saliva cotinine concentrations were determined using a radioimmunoassay method with a limit of quantitation of 1 ng/ml. Median saliva cotinine concentrations of 1.4 and <1 ng/ml were determined for European housewives living in smoking and nonsmoking households respectively, which reflected the poor limit of quantitation of this methodology. A chromatographic method utilising tandem mass-spectrometric detection was developed and validated for the determination of both cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine, two of the main metabolites of nicotine, with lower limits of quantitation of 0.05 and 0.10 ng/ml respectively. This method was applied to samples collected from subjects with a known ETS exposure history and median cotinine concentrations of <0.05 ng/ml for self-reported unexposed nonsmokers, 0.65 ng/ml for nonsmokers reporting some ETS exposure and 1.28 ng/ml for nonsmokers living with smokers were found. 3. In conclusion, the measurement of RSP and ETS concentrations derived from personal or fixed site monitors for housewives may provide some indication of potential exposures to dependent children. The recent development and application of a highly sensitive assay for the determination of cotinine in saliva has provided evidence to suggest that concentrations determined at sub-nanogram levels may be used as a biomarker for ETS exposure. This improved methodology, coupled with non-invasive sampling for saliva, may be of significance when considering the application of cotinine as a biomarker for ETS exposure in children.

Placebo-controlled, multicenter study of sertraline treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder

The safety and efficacy of sertraline versus placebo were examined in a group of nondepressed outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Patients with moderate-to-severe OCD were recruited at 10 sites. After a 1-week placebo lead-in, patients were treated in a double-blind fashion for 12 weeks with sertraline or placebo. Sertraline was administered at a starting dose of 50 mg/day, with flexible titration up to 200 mg/day. The efficacy measures were the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the National Institute of Mental Health Global Obsessive Compulsive Scale (NIMH), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) Severity of Illness and Improvement subscales. One hundred sixty-seven patients were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of double-blind medication: 86 received sertraline and 81 received placebo. All efficacy measures showed significantly greater improvement in the sertraline group from the end of week 8 until the end of week 12. Significantly greater improvement (p < 0.05) in the sertraline group first became apparent by the end of week 3 on the Y-BOCS and the CGI Improvement scale, and by the end of weeks 6 and 8, respectively, on the NIMH and CGI Severity scale. Sertraline was well tolerated, without serious adverse effects. In conclusion, sertraline was safe and effective in the treatment of patients with OCD.

Validation of an assay for the determination of cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine in human saliva using automated solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection

The validation of a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of low level cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine in human saliva is reported. Analytes and deuterated internal standards were extracted from saliva samples using automated solid-phase extraction, the columns containing a hyper cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer sorbent, and analysed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS-MS). Lower limits of quantitation of 0.05 and 0.10 ng/ml for cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine, respectively, were achieved. Intra- and inter-batch precision and accuracy values fell within +/-17% for all quality control samples, with the exception of quality control samples prepared at 0.30 ng/ml for 3-hydroxycotinine (inter-day precision 21.1%). Results from the analysis of saliva samples using this assay were consistent with subjects' self-reported environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposures, enhancing the applicability of cotinine as a biomarker for the assessment of low level ETS exposure.

Renin and hemodynamic responses to exercise in borderline hypertensives

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examined the relationship between baseline plasma renin (REN) and hemodynamic variables during recovery from aerobic exercise in 10 Caucasian (C) and 10 African-American (AA) borderline hypertensive females.

METHODS

Subjects attended three preliminary sessions and an experimental session in which treadmill walking was performed for 40 minutes at a moderate intensity. During this session, blood was drawn at baseline prior to exercise and immediately following. Blood pressure and other hemodynamic variables were recorded at rest before exercise and for 2 hours afterwards. The average difference from baseline during the two hour recovery period was calculated for each variable and used as the dependent variable in a multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

For mean arterial pressure and cardiac output, the regression slopes did not differ between AA and C. However, during recovery, the average difference from baseline for systemic vascular resistance (SVR) increased in AA but decreased in C.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, REN had a significant effect on SVR but no effect on the other hemodynamic variables during recovery from aerobic exercise. It appears as if the peripheral vasculature in AA may be more sensitive than in C to the vasoconstrictive effects of the renin angiotensin system.

Pharmacokinetic interaction between finasteride and terazosin, but not finasteride and doxazosin

The alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists doxazosin and terazosin and the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride are used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The aim of this study was to assess the potential pharmacokinetic interaction of doxazosin or terazosin when coadministered with finasteride. This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center study. Ninety healthy men were assigned to one of six treatment groups: doxazosin; doxazosin plus finasteride; terazosin; terazosin plus finasteride; placebo; and placebo plus finasteride. Plasma concentrations, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum concentration (tmax), and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours (AUC0-24) of doxazosin, terazosin, and finasteride were determined. Ratios of Cmax and AUC for doxazosin and terazosin were not significantly altered by coadministration with finasteride. The Cmax and AUC0-24 of finasteride were not significantly altered by coadministration with doxazosin. However, Cmax and AUC0-24 of finasteride were significantly higher after coadministration with terazosin. There is no statistically significant pharmacokinetic interaction between finasteride and doxazosin; however, there is a statistically significant interaction between finasteride and terazosin, which affects the pharmacokinetics of finasteride but not those of terazosin. The clinical significance of this interaction remains to be determined.

Assessment of environmental tobacco smoke and respirable suspended particle exposures for nonsmokers in Prague using personal monitoring

OBJECTIVE

Exposures to respirable suspended particles (RSP) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were assessed in Prague, Czech Republic, to determine the range and degree of personal exposure by means of personal monitoring over a 24-h period.

DESIGN

Self-reported nonsmokers were randomly selected from a representative sample of the population of Prague. Housewives were recruited into one group, primarily for assessment exposures in the home, and office workers were recruited into a second group for assessment of the contribution from the workplace.

METHODS

A total of 238 randomly selected nonsmoking subjects collected air samples near their breathing zone by wearing personal monitors for 24 h. Samples collected were analyzed for RSP, nicotine, 3-ethenylpyridine, and ETS particles (using ultraviolet absorbance, fluorescence, and solanesol measurements). Saliva cotinine analyses were also undertaken to confirm the nonsmoking status of the subjects.

RESULTS

The most highly exposed subjects in this study were office workers both living and working with smokers. Median time-weighted average exposure concentrations of 60 microg m(-3)RSP, 16 microg m(-3)ETS particles, and 1.6 microg m(-3) nicotine were determined for these subjects, who also had the highest median saliva cotinine level of 2.4 ng ml(-1). Housewives living in nonsmoking households were the least exposed subjects in this study, showing levels of 32 microg m(-3) RSP, 0.17 microg m(-3) ETS particles, and 0.15 microg m(-3) nicotine. As based upon median levels of ETS particles and nicotine, no group would potentially inhale or be exposed to more than 10 cigarette equivalents per year (CE/y) and the least exposed would inhale less than 1 CE/y. The most highly exposed (90th percentile levels) nonsmokers in this study, who both worked and lived with smokers, would potentially inhale up to 29 CE/y. Overall, the workplace was estimated to contribute between 45% and 49% of the annual exposure to nicotine and ETS particles, respectively. On the basis of determined saliva cotinine concentrations, a misclassification rate of between 1.7% and 2.5% was calculated.

CONCLUSION

Highest exposures were apparent for office workers both working and living in smoking environments. and our findings suggest a significant contribution to overall ETS particle and nicotine levels from the workplace where smoking takes place. Overall, the rates at which subjects were determined to have misclassified their smoking status in this study were the lowest observed in any of the European cities investigated to date. Clearly, a more sensitive method of analysis for cotinine in body fluids is needed for more accurate determination of the levels expected for nonsmokers.

Factors that mediate and moderate the link between partner abuse and suicidal behavior in African American women

Findings from a study comparing partner abuse in African American women suicide attempters (n = 148) and nonattempters (n = 137) revealed higher rates of physical and nonphysical partner abuse among attempters than their demographically similar nonsuicidal counterparts. The partner abuse--suicidal behavior link was mediated by psychological distress, hopelessness, and drug use and moderated by social support. Results also revealed that nonphysical partner abuse accounted for unique variance in the prediction of suicide attempt status beyond that attributable to childhood maltreatment. Implications of the findings for assessing both suicidal and abused women are discussed, and recommendations for preventive interventions for women at risk for suicidal behavior are provided.

Diet design for a multicenter controlled feeding trial: the DELTA program. Delta Research Group

OBJECTIVE

To describe the process and results of diet standardization, diet validation, and monitoring of diet composition, which were key components of protocol 1 of Dietary Effects on Lipoproteins and Thrombogenic Activity (DELTA-1), the initial protocol in a program of multicenter human feeding studies designed to evaluate the effects of amount and type of fat on lipoproteins and hemostasis parameters in various demographic groups.

DESIGN

DELTA-1 was based on a randomized, blinded, crossover experimental design. Three diets were fed for 8 weeks to 103 healthy men and women aged 22 to 67 years at 4 field centers. Diet A, an average American diet, was designed to provide 37% of energy from fat, 16% of energy from saturated fatty acids (SFAs); diet B (step 1 diet) was designed to provide 30% of energy from fat, 9% of energy from SFA; and diet C (low SFA diet) was designed to provide 26% of energy from fat, 5% of energy from SFA. Key features of diet standardization included central procurement of fat-containing foods, inclusion of standard ingredients, precision weighing of foods--especially sources of fat and cholesterol--and use of standardized written procedures.

SETTING

For menu validation, a set of 12 menus for each diet was prepared in duplicate and chemically assayed. For monitoring of diet composition during the study, an 8-day diet cycle (6 weekday and 2 weekend menus) was sampled by every field center twice during each of 3 feeding periods.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

Means (+/- standard error) were calculated and compared with target nutrient specifications.

RESULTS

DELTA-1 was able to provide a standardized diet that met nutrient specifications across 4 field centers over 24 weeks of participant feeding spanning a total of 8 months.

APPLICATIONS

Prestudy chemical validation of menus and continuous sampling and assay of diets throughout the study are essential to standardize experimental diets and to ensure that nutrient target goals are met and maintained throughout a controlled multicenter feeding study.

Factors that mediate and moderate the link between partner abuse and suicidal behavior in African American women

Findings from a study comparing partner abuse in African American women suicide attempters (n = 148) and nonattempters (n = 137) revealed higher rates of physical and nonphysical partner abuse among attempters than their demographically similar nonsuicidal counterparts. The partner abuse--suicidal behavior link was mediated by psychological distress, hopelessness, and drug use and moderated by social support. Results also revealed that nonphysical partner abuse accounted for unique variance in the prediction of suicide attempt status beyond that attributable to childhood maltreatment. Implications of the findings for assessing both suicidal and abused women are discussed, and recommendations for preventive interventions for women at risk for suicidal behavior are provided.

Measured exposures by personal monitoring for respirable suspended particles and environmental tobacco smoke of housewives and office workers resident in Bremen, Germany

OBJECTIVE

Exposures to respirable suspended particles (RSP) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were assessed in Bremen, Germany, as part of a European air quality study. The range and level of personal exposures were assessed for housewives and office workers.

DESIGN

Nonsmokers were randomly selected from a representative sample of the population of Bremen. Housewives were recruited into one group primarily for assessment of exposures in the home and office workers, into a second group for assessment of the contribution of the workplace to overall exposure.

METHODS

A total of 190 subjects collected air samples from areas close to their breathing zone by wearing personal monitors for 24 h. Samples collected were analysed for RSP, ultraviolet-absorbing particulate matter (UVPM), fluorescing particulate matter (FPM), solanesol-related particulate matter (SolPM), nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP). Saliva cotinine levels for all subjects were also established.

RESULTS

Overall the levels found were quite low, with the majority of results being below the limit of quantification. Workers both living and working with smokers were exposed to the highest 24-h median quantities of RSP (789 micrograms) and ETS particles (128 micrograms) measured by FPM. The highest nicotine levels, based on median 24-h time-weighted average concentrations, were experienced by office workers working with smokers (0.69 microgram m-3). These workers were also found to have the highest median cotinine levels (1.6 ng ml-1).

CONCLUSIONS

The most highly exposed workers, both living and working with smokers, would potentially inhale over 20 cigarette equivalents (CE) per annum as based on the upper decile levels. Housewives living with smokers could inhale up to 11 CE per annum as based on the upper decile levels. Locations outside the workplace, including the home, contribute most to overall RSP and ETS particle exposure. Consideration should be given to extending the personal monitoring period in cities where levels appear to be quite low.

Sodium lactate affects sensory and objective characteristics of tray-packed broiler chicken breast meat

The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial properties of sodium lactate solutions adjusted to various pH values. The effectiveness of sodium lactate increases with increased concentrations; however, there are off-flavor development problems associated with increasing concentrations of sodium lactate above 2.0%. This study evaluated the effects of 2% sodium lactate treatments, adjusted to various pH values, on sensory characteristics, instrumental texture, and microbial populations of tray-packed broiler breast meat. Breast meat was treated with either tap water (pH 7.85) or 2% sodium lactate solutions (pH 7.30, 5.50, 5.00, 4.50, and 4.00) and stored at 2 +/- 1 C for 12 d. Approximately 15% of the panelists reported acidic aftertastes in samples treated with pH 5.00 sodium lactate solutions, and 10% of the panelists reported slight sodium or metallic off-flavor in all samples treated with sodium lactate. Instrumental texture measurements were similar (P > 0.05) for all treatments. Sodium lactate (pH 7.30 and 5.50) enhanced (P < 0.05) cooking yields and retarded the growth of spoilage bacteria (pH 5.50 and 5.00). Due to the development of severe discoloration and intense acidic off-odors and -flavors, testing was not conducted on samples treated with pH 4.50 and 4.00 sodium lactate solutions.

Tourette's disorder with and without obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults: are they different?

Clinical research has documented a bidirectional overlap between Tourette's disorder (TD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from familial-genetic, phenomenological, comorbidity, and natural history perspectives. Patients with Tourette's disorder plus obsessive-compulsive disorder (TD + OCD), a putative subtype, share features of both. The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate correlates of patients with TD, OCD, and TD + OCD to determine whether TD + OCD is a subtype of TD, OCD, or an additive form of both. Sixty-one subjects with TD, OCD, or TD + OCD were evaluated with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R supplemented with additional modules. The three groups differed in the rates of bipolar disorder (p < .04), social phobia (p < .02), body dysmorphic disorder (p < .002), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (p < .03), and substance use disorders (p < .04). These findings were accounted for by the elevated rates of the disorders in the TD + OCD group compared with the TD and OCD groups. These finding are most consistent with the hypothesis that TD + OCD is a more severe disorder than TD and OCD and may be more etiologically linked to TD than to OCD. These findings highlight the importance of assessment of the full spectrum of psychiatric comorbidity in patients with TD and OCD.