Analysis of the UK Government's 10-Year Drugs Strategy-a resource for practitioners and policymakers

In 2021, during a drug-related death crisis in the UK, the Government published its ten-year drugs strategy. This article, written in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health and the Association of Directors of Public Health, assesses whether this Strategy is evidence-based and consistent with international calls to promote public health approaches to drugs, which put 'people, health and human rights at the centre'. Elements of the Strategy are welcome, including the promise of significant funding for drug treatment services, the effects of which will depend on how it is utilized by services and local commissioners and whether it is sustained. However, unevidenced and harmful measures to deter drug use by means of punishment continue to be promoted, which will have deleterious impacts on people who use drugs. An effective public health approach to drugs should tackle population-level risk factors, which may predispose to harmful patterns of drug use, including adverse childhood experiences and socioeconomic deprivation, and institute evidence-based measures to mitigate drug-related harm. This would likely be more effective, and just, than the continuation of policies rooted in enforcement. A more dramatic re-orientation of UK drug policy than that offered by the Strategy is overdue.

"I think people have been in survival mode": a qualitative study of community connectivity in a neighbourhood of North East England before and during COVID-19

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to examine whether and how community-centred approaches facilitate community connectivity by exploring changes that matter to communities.

DESIGN

Qualitative study comprising ethnographic methods, participant observation and interviews.Setting Economically deprived neighbourhood of North East England.

PARTICIPANTS

Interviews with community members (n=14) and staff and stakeholders (n=14) involved in a National Lottery Community-funded initiative and 567 hours of participatory observation were undertaken between September 2019 and July 2020. Data were thematically analysed using a community-centred public health framework.

RESULTS

Communities experiencing disadvantage approached the pandemic adversely affected by stigma, austerity and reductions in public sector funding. Community members' priorities centred on the environment, housing, activities for children and young people, crime, community safety and area reputation. Multiagency efforts to promote connectivity, led by voluntary and community sector organisations, were prerequisites in community-centred approaches to public health. Stakeholders reported that these approaches can help alleviate some of the health, social and financial burdens facing communities that are marginalised. Findings suggest community-centred responses were facilitated by trusting relationships, visionary leadership and lived experience of adversity among staff. Issues which appeared to hamper progress included interorganisational power dynamics and attempts to impose solutions. The strength of stakeholders' connections to the area and to people living there contributed to laying the foundations for local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relational, values-informed work with communities provided a platform to mobilise recovery assets.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-system approaches, codesigned with communities most affected, can help address the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and its negative effects on health and social inequalities. Further comparative implementation research is needed to examine the partnerships, values and principles that drive success and inclusion.

Understanding the life experiences of people with multiple complex needs: peer research in a health needs assessment

BACKGROUND

Multiple complex needs (MCN) describe a population experiencing a combination of homelessness, substance use, offending and/or mental ill-health. Using peer researchers, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of individuals with lived experience of MCN with regards to (i) issues leading to MCN and (ii) key intervention opportunities.

METHODS

As part of a health needs assessment in Gateshead (North East England), trained peer researchers interviewed 27 adults (aged ≥18 years) with experience of MCN, identified using purposive sampling methods. Peer researchers designed a topic guide for interviews which were audio recorded and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Interviewees reported adverse childhood experiences leading to MCN including abuse, bereavement, parental imprisonment, family break-up and inadequate support. Mental ill-health, substance use, poverty, early experiences of unstable housing and acute homelessness were identified as major precedents for adulthood experiences of MCN. Between 16 and 20 years, access to housing, social and mental health support was perceived as having the potential to prevent circumstances worsening. Individuals perceived removing barriers to mental health, housing and welfare and financial supports could help.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the perceived role austerity, adverse childhood events and current service provision have in current and future experiences of MCN. Individuals expressed a need for future interventions and support to be judgement free and provided by workers who are educated about MCN and related adversity. Involving peer researchers and individuals with experience of MCN in future research and service provision could ensure appropriate measures and supports are put in place.

Impact of Universal Credit in North East England: a qualitative study of claimants and support staff

OBJECTIVES

To understand the impact of the roll-out of Universal Credit (UC) from the perspectives of claimants and staff supporting them in North East England.

DESIGN

Qualitative study comprising interviews and focus groups.

SETTING

Gateshead and Newcastle, two localities in North East England characterised by high levels of socioeconomic deprivation, where the roll-out of UC started in 2017 as a new way to deliver welfare benefits for the UK working age population.

PARTICIPANTS

33 UC claimants with complex needs, disabilities and health conditions and 37 staff from local government, housing, voluntary and community sector organisations.

RESULTS

Participants' accounts of the UC claims process and the consequences of managing on UC are reported; UC negatively impacts on material wellbeing, physical and mental health, social and family lives. UC claimants described the digital claims process as complicated, disorientating, impersonal, hostile and demeaning. Claimants reported being pushed into debt, rent arrears, housing insecurity, fuel and food poverty through UC. System failures, indifference and delays in receipt of UC entitlements exacerbated the difficulties of managing on a low income. The threat of punitive sanctions for failing to meet the enhanced conditionality requirements under UC added to claimant's vulnerabilities and distress. Staff reported concerns for claimants and additional pressures on health services, local government and voluntary and community sector organisations as a result of UC.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings add considerable detail to emerging evidence of the deleterious effects of UC on vulnerable claimants' health and wellbeing. Our evidence suggests that UC is undermining vulnerable claimants' mental health, increasing the risk of poverty, hardship, destitution and suicidality. Major, evidence-informed revisions are required to improve the design and implementation of UC to prevent further adverse effects before large numbers of people move on to UC, as planned by the UK government.

"It was the whole picture" a mixed methods study of successful components in an integrated wellness service in North East England

Background

A growing number of Local Authorities (LAs) have introduced integrated wellness services as part of efforts to deliver cost effective, preventive services that address the social determinants of health. This study examined which elements of an integrated wellness service in the north east of England were effective in improving health and wellbeing (HWB).

Methods

The study used a mixed-methods approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews (IVs) were conducted with integrated wellness service users (n = 25) and focus groups (FGs) with group based service users (n = 14) and non-service users (n = 23) to gather the views of stakeholders. Findings are presented here alongside analysis of routine monitoring data. The different data were compared to examine what each data source revealed about the effectiveness of the service.

Results

Findings suggest that integrated wellness services work by addressing the social determinants of health and respond to multiple complex health and social concerns rather than single issues. The paper identifies examples of ‘active ingredients’ at the heart of the programme, such as sustained relationships, peer support and confidence building, as well as the activities through which changes take place, such as sports and leisure opportunities which in turn encourage social interaction. Wider wellbeing outcomes, including reduced social isolation and increased self-efficacy are also reported.

Practical and motivational support helped build community capacity by encouraging community groups to access funding, helped navigate bureaucratic systems, and promoted understanding of marginalised communities. Fully integrated wellness services could support progression opportunities through volunteering and mentoring.

Conclusions

An integrated wellness service that offers a holistic approach was valued by service users and allowed them to address complex issues simultaneously. Few of the reported health gains were captured in routine data. Quantitative and qualitative data each offered a partial view of how effectively services were working.

'It is not a quick fix' structural and contextual issues that affect implementation of integrated health and well-being services: a qualitative study from North East England

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to examine the factors affecting the design, commissioning and delivery of integrated health and well-being services (IHWSs), which seek to address multiple health-related behaviours, improve well-being and tackle health inequalities using holistic approaches.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative studies embedded within iterative process evaluations.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 key informants as part of two separate evaluations of IHWSs in North East England, supplemented by informal observations of service delivery. Transcripts and fieldnotes were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

The study findings identify a challenging organisational context in which to implement innovative service redesign, as a result of budget cuts and changes in NHS and local authority capacity. Pressures to demonstrate outcomes affected the ability to negotiate the practicalities of joint working. Progress is at risk of being undermined by pressures to disinvest before the long-term benefits to population health and well-being are realised. The findings raise important questions about contract management and relationships between commissioners and providers involved in implementing these new ways of working.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide useful learning in terms of the delivery and commissioning of similar IHWSs, contributing to understanding of the benefits and challenges of this model of working.

Protecting the Kidney in Liver Transplant Recipients: Practice-Based Recommendations From the American Society of Transplantation Liver and Intestine Community of Practice

Both acute and chronic kidney disease are common after liver transplantation and result in significant morbidity and mortality. The introduction of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score has directly correlated with an increased prevalence of perioperative renal dysfunction and the number of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantations performed. Kidney dysfunction in this population is typically multifactorial and related to preexisting conditions, pretransplantation renal injury, perioperative events, and posttransplantation nephrotoxic immunosuppressive therapies. The management of kidney disease after liver transplantation is challenging, as by the time the serum creatinine level is significantly elevated, few interventions affect the course of progression. Also, immunological factors such as antibody-mediated kidney rejection have become of greater interest given the rising liver-kidney transplant population. Therefore, this review, assembled by experts in the field and endorsed by the American Society of Transplantation Liver and Intestine Community of Practice, provides a critical assessment of measures of renal function and interventions aimed at preserving renal function early and late after liver and simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation. Key points and practice-based recommendations for the prevention and management of kidney injury in this population are provided to offer guidance for clinicians and identify gaps in knowledge for future investigations.

Dominant negative mutant forms of the cAMP response element binding protein induce apoptosis and decrease the anti-apoptotic action of growth factors in human islets

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Transplantation of islets is a viable option for the treatment of diabetes. A significant proportion of islets is lost during isolation, storage and after transplantation as a result of apoptosis. cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is an important cell survival factor. The aim of the present study was to determine whether preservation of CREB function is needed for survival of human islets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the effects of downregulation of CREB activity on beta cell apoptosis in a transplantation setting, adenoviral vectors were used to express two dominant negative mutant forms of CREB in human islets isolated from cadaveric donors. Markers of apoptosis were determined in these transduced islets under basal conditions and following treatment with growth factor.

RESULTS

Expression of CREB mutants in human islets resulted in significant (p < 0.001) activation of caspase-9, a key regulatory enzyme in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, when compared with islets transduced with adenoviral beta galactosidase. Immunocytochemical analysis showed the activation of caspase-9 to be predominantly in beta cells. Other definitive markers of apoptosis such as parallel activation of caspase-3, accumulation of cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase and nuclear condensation were also observed. Furthermore, the anti-apoptotic action of growth factors exendin-4 and betacellulin in human islets exposed to cytokines was partially lost when CREB function was impaired.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our findings suggest that impairment of CREB-mediated transcription could lead to loss of islets by apoptosis with potential implications in islet transplantation as well as in the mechanism of beta cell loss leading to diabetes.

Efficacy of a quadrivalent vaccine against respiratory diseases caused by BHV-1, PI3V, BVDV and BRSV in experimentally infected calves

The efficacy of a quadrivalent vaccine against viral bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) was assessed in four experimental studies. Calves between 2 and 9 months of age were allocated to one of two treatment groups (n=9-15) and then received either the vaccine or sterile saline in two doses approximately 3 weeks apart. Three to 5 weeks after the second injection, animals were challenged experimentally with one of the viruses, bovine herpes-virus-1 (BHV-1), parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI(3)V), bovine viral-diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV), or bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and were then monitored for at least 2 weeks. The administration of the vaccine was associated with enhanced antibody response to all four viruses post-challenge, with the reduction of the amount or duration (or both) of virus shedding in the BHV-1, PI(3)V, BVDV and BRSV studies and with an improvement of some clinical signs in the BHV-1 (nasal discharge, and rectal temperature) and the PI(3)V studies (abnormal respiration, and depression).

Initial results of screening of nondiabetic organ donors for expression of islet autoantibodies

CONTEXT

Type 1A diabetes is characterized by a long prodromal phase during which autoantibodies to islet antigens are present. Nevertheless, we lack data on the pancreatic pathology of subjects who are positive for islet autoantibodies (to islet autoantigens GAD65, insulin, and ICA512).

OBJECTIVE

In this manuscript, we describe a novel strategy in obtaining pancreata and pancreatic lymph nodes from islet autoantibody-positive organ donors that involves careful coordination among the laboratory and the organ donor provider organization.

DESIGN

We developed a rapid screening protocol for islet autoantibodies measurement of organ donors to allow identification of positive subjects before organ harvesting. In this way we were able to obtain pancreata and pancreatic lymph nodes from subjects with and without islet autoimmunity.

SETTING

The organ donors used in this study were obtained from the general community.

SUBJECTS

The population studied consisted of 112 organ donors (age range 1 month to 86 yr, mean age 39 yr).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure of this study consisted of evaluating the pancreatic histology and identify T cells autoreactive for islet antigens in the pancreatic lymph nodes.

RESULTS

To date we have identified three positive subjects and obtained the pancreas for histological evaluation from one of the autoantibody-positive donors who expressed ICA512 autoantibodies. Although this subject did not exhibit insulitis, lymphocytes derived from pancreatic lymph nodes reacted to the islet antigen phogrin.

CONCLUSION

In summary, these results indicate that it is possible to screen organ donors in real time for antiislet antibodies, characterize pancreatic histology, and obtain viable T cells for immunological studies.

Avoidance of oxidative-stress perturbation in yeast bioprocesses by proteomic and genomic biostrategies?

Aims:  Bioprocess oxidative stress caused by many reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to largely irreversible perturbation of yeast bioprocesses. These include the production of proteins derived from recombinant DNA yeast technology (aerobically grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae). These proteins include rennin, amyloglucosidases (glucamylases), interferons, interleukins, insulin, monoclonal antibodies, tissue plasminogen activators (t‐PA), sexually transmitted disease antigens, and measles, mumps and rubella antigens, growth hormones, somatotropin, blood clotting factors VIII and XIII. In addition, there may be a demand for severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus antigens, hepatitis A, B and C viral‐selected antigens, HIV retroviral antigens, influenza antigens, trypanosomal antigens, and foot and mouth disease antigens. Prevention of oxidative stress has been achieved by application of antioxidant redox metalloenzymes such as superoxide dismutases (containing Cu/Zn cytosolic, Mn mitochondrial and Fe bacterial) glutathione peroxidases (and other Se‐containing proteins and enzymes such as the thioredoxins), catalases (Fe‐containing), cytochrome c peroxidases (Fe‐containing), ceruloplasmins (Cu‐containing), metallothionines (these cysteine thiol‐rich proteins bind ions of cadmium and mercury) and tyrosinases(Cu‐containing).

Methods and Results:  ROS are generated inadvertently by single metal valency couples such as FeII/FeIII and by FeIII/FeV present in 2700 (including 57 human) isoforms in cytochromes P450 mixed‐function oxidases (EC 1·14·14·1; O₂ : mono‐oxygenase NADPH/NADH requiring). In addition, mixed‐metal couples such as valency unmatched forms in CuI/FeII and FeIII/MnIV can recycle electrons. Moreover, proteins/protein chaperone couples can recycle electrons, often where futile‐recycling systems have been instigated. Furthermore, oxidized membrane phospholipids (R) can form ROOH (lipid hydroperoxides) and ROH (lipid alkoxides) that can generate ROS through Fenton chemistry (iron‐catalysed) chain reactions. Utilization of chain‐breaking antioxidants such as vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) in the lipid phase and vitamin C (ascorbate) in the aqueous phase can terminate these ROS‐producing reactions.

Conclusions:  The main significance of the study is that proteomic strategies of relief from bioprocess perturbation by ROS of yeast fermentations (used to manufacture proteins required in the food and therapeutic bioindustries) may become possible through addition of selected proteins (including metalloenzymes). The main impact of the study is that the utilization of genetically modified (GM) yeast produced by recombinant DNA technology genomic strategies could circumvent the bioprocessing problems that otherwise result from the bioprocess perturbations: this is as a result of oxidative stress caused by ROS, which is avoidable by deployment of appropriate antioxidants such as vitamins E, C and D (and antioxidant proteins and enzymes often of microbial origin via recombinant DNA technology).

Duration of immunity of a quadrivalent vaccine against respiratory diseases caused by BHV-1, PI3V, BVDV, and BRSV in experimentally infected calves

Several laboratory studies assessed the duration of immunity of a quadrivalent vaccine (Rispoval 4, Pfizer Animal Health) against bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) caused by bovine herpes-virus type-1 (BHV-1), parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI3V), bovine viral-diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV), or bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Calves between 7 weeks and 6 months of age were allocated to treatment and then were injected with two doses of either the vaccine or the placebo 3 weeks apart. Six to 12 months after the second injection, animals were challenged with BHV-1 (n=16), PI3V (n=31), BVDV (n=16), or BRSV (n=20) and the course of viral infection was monitored by serological, haematological (in the BVDV study only), clinical, and virological means for > or =2 weeks. Infection induced mild clinical signs of respiratory disease and elevated rectal temperature in both vaccinated and control animals and was followed by a dramatic rise in neutralising antibodies in all treatment groups. Titres reached higher levels in vaccinated calves than in control calves after challenge with BHV-1, BVDV, or BRSV. On day 3 after PI3V challenge, virus shedding was reduced from 3.64 log10TCID50 in control animals to 2.59 log10TCID50 in vaccinated animals. On days 6 and 8 after BRSV challenge, there were fewer vaccinated animals (n=2/10 and 0/10, respectively) shedding the virus than control animals (n=8/10 and 3/10, respectively). Moreover, after challenge, the mean duration of virus shedding was reduced from 3.8 days in control animals to 1 day in vaccinated animals in the BVDV study and from 3.4 days in control animals to 1.2 days in vaccinated animals in the BRSV study. The duration of immunity of >or =6 months for PI3V, BHV-1 and BVDV, and 12 months for BRSV, after vaccination with Rispoval 4, was associated mainly with enhanced post-challenge antibody response to all four viruses and reduction of the amount or duration of virus shedding or both.

Novel cytochromes P450 applications arising from the directed-evolution of recombinant micro-organisms

AIMS

Directed (forced) evolution of cytochromes P450 (overall 2700 CYP isoforms in non-recombinant biota) is a method that has been investigated in yeasts (and other micro-organisms) by aerobically growing brewers' yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in very high glucose (20%) media.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mitochondrial repression subverts cytochrome oxidase biosynthesis into manifest cytochromes P450 accumulation in brewers' yeast. A similar phenomenon is observed with the acridine-induced petit mutant. Cytochromes P450 EC 1.14.14.1 (and mimics) display a range of redox iron-mediated bioconversions in food processing, with mixed function oxidase (O2:mono-oxygenase) intervention results. Unfortunately these enzymes generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through redox electron recycling, whilst isoform CYP 1A1 can activate precarcinogens such as benzo(a)pyrene to the ultimate (proximate) carcinogen that binds to nuclear DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, another 5000 CYP isoforms, for example, might be identified in micro-organisms and many more made to order through recombinant DNA technology and utilized both in vitro and in vivo for aimed bioconversions in industry and in the environment, as part of the impact of greener-approach supporting strategies to minimize global pollution.

Protection against oronasal challenge with virulent feline leukaemia virus lasts for at least 12 months following a primary course of immunisation with Leukocell 2 vaccine

The duration of immunity provided by a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine, Leukocell 2, was determined. Kittens were vaccinated when 9 and 12 weeks of age and were challenged 12 months later with FeLV-A/Glasgow-1. An oronasal challenge protocol without corticosteroid enhancement was developed in order to induce a persistent viraemia in a high proportion of adult cats. Fourteen of 18 (80%) of the vaccinated cats challenged in this way remained non-viraemic while 9/15 (60%) of age-matched controls became persistently infected, a preventable fraction of 63%. This difference was statistically significant (P=0.038). For comparison, 10 of 12 (83%) 15-17-week-old kittens challenged in the same way became persistently infected, confirming the relative resistance of adult animals to FeLV. Tests for virus neutralising and anti-feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA) antibodies suggested that the former were more important than the latter in protection. Thus, Leukocell 2 protected a significant proportion of cats from FeLV challenge 1 year after primary vaccination as kittens.

CD4 T cell-mediated cardiac allograft rejection requires donor but not host MHC class II

Numerous studies indicate that CD4 T cells are required for acute cardiac allograft rejection. However, the precise role for CD4 T cells in this response has remained ambiguous owing to the multipotential properties of this T-cell subpopulation. In the current study, we demonstrate the capacity of CD4 T cells to serve as direct effector cells of cardiac allograft rejection. We show that CD4 T cells are both necessary and sufficient for acute graft rejection, as indicated by adoptive transfer experiments in immune-deficient SCID and rag1(-/-) recipients. We have analyzed the contribution of direct (donor MHC class II restricted) and indirect (host MHC class II restricted) antigen recognition in CD4-mediated rejection. Acute CD4 T cell-mediated rejection required MHC class II expression by the allograft, indicating the importance of direct graft recognition. In contrast, reciprocal experiments indicate that CD4 T cells can acutely reject allogeneic cardiac allografts established in rag1(-/-) hosts that were also MHC class II deficient. This latter result indicates that indirect presentation of donor antigens by host MHC class II is not required for acute CD4-mediated rejection. Taken together, these results indicate that CD4 T cells can serve as effector cells for primary acute cardiac allograft rejection, predominantly via direct donor antigen recognition and independent of indirect reactivity.

Molecular modelling of lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae via homology with CYP102, a unique bacterial cytochrome P450 isoform: quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) within two related series of antifungal azole derivatives

The construction of a three-dimensional molecular model of the fungal form of cytochrome P450 (CYP51) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, based on homology with the haemoprotein domain of CYP102 from Bacillus megaterium (a unique bacterial P450 of known crystal structure) is described. It is found that the endogenous substrate, lanosterol, can readily occupy the putative active site of the CYP51 model such that the known mono-oxygenation reaction, leading to C14-demethylation of lanosterol, is the preferred route of metabolism for this particular substrate. Key amino acid contacts within the CYP51 active site appear to orientate lanosterol for oxidative attack at the C14-methyl group, and the position of the substrate relative to the haem moiety is consistent with the phenyl-iron complexation studies reported by Tuck et al. [J. Biol. Chem., 267, 13175-13179 (1992)]. Typical azole inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, are able to fit the putative active site of CYP51 by a combination of haem ligation, hydrogen bonding, pi-pi stacking and hydrophobic interactions within the enzyme's haem environment. The mode of action of azole antifungals, as described by the modelling studies, is supported by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses on two groups of structurally related fungal inhibitors. Moreover, the results of molecular electrostatic isopotential (EIP) energy calculations are compatible with the proposed mode of binding between azole antifungal agents and the putative active site of CYP51, although membrane interactions may also have a role in the antifungal activity of azole derivatives.

Immunogenicity of a low-passage, high-titer modified live canine parvovirus vaccine in pups with maternally derived antibodies

The study evaluated the ability of a low-passage, high-titer modified live canine parvovirus (CPV) vaccine to produce seroconversion in pups with maternally derived hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers ranging from < 8 to < or = 256. The vaccine's low-passage CPV strain was less attenuated and therefore more infective than conventional modified live CPV strains in order to overcome relatively greater levels of maternally derived antibodies, the principal cause of CPV vaccine failures in pups. To assess vaccine performance under field conditions, healthy pups presented at five private veterinary clinics were used as test animals. A single dose of vaccine was given to 59 pups at 12 weeks of age (Group A). To accommodate the protocol of clinics where earlier CPV vaccination was practiced, 87 other pups were vaccinated with two doses, the first at 8-10 weeks of age, and the second at 12 weeks of age (Group B). Geometric mean HI titers were measured for blood samples obtained at the time of vaccination and at 14 weeks of age. Seroconversion was considered to have occurred if pups developed a fourfold or greater increase in HI titer to a level > or = 64. Of the 59 pups in Group A, 100% seroconverted following the single vaccine dose at 12 weeks of age. Of the 87 Group B pups, 82 (94.3%) seroconverted following either of the two vaccine doses. A geometric mean HI titer of 4828 was measured for Group A, and a geometric mean HI titer of 2028 was measured for Group B. An overall seroconversion rate of 96.5% was achieved in pups with maternally derived HI titers < or = 256.

Therapeutic proteins and enzymes from genetically engineered yeasts

Human proteins, including enzymes, manufactured with recombinant-DNA yeasts can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions; some redesign of molecular structure (and production techniques) should increase their specificity, efficacy and immunotolerance. Prevention and treatment of diseases due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) may become possible. Therapeutic vaccines for some diseases may be produced by design-specification for particular desirable protein features, on an individual patient basis.

Mice expressing a bovine basic fibroblast growth factor transgene in the brain show increased resistance to hypoxemic-ischemic cerebral damage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral intraventricular infusion of acidic or basic fibroblast growth factor has been shown to attenuate ischemic damage to hippocampal CA1 neurons in the gerbil. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the basic fibroblast growth factor transgenic mouse has an enhanced ability to resist the effects of severe cerebral hypoxemia-oligemia.

METHODS

Mice that were transgenic for bovine basic fibroblast growth factor were exposed to right carotid artery ligation, hyperglycemia, and 20 minutes of 1% carbon monoxide. After 5 days' recovery, brains were examined for histological damage.

RESULTS

Counts of CA1 neurons in the right hippocampus showed a significantly higher number of neurons per millimeter CA1 in hypoxic-ischemic transgenic mice compared with nontransgenic controls (transgenic, 260 +/- 33; nontransgenic, 151 +/- 37 neurons per millimeter CA1; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that basic fibroblast growth factor transgenic mice, as judged by CA1 hippocampal neuronal survival, have an enhanced ability to resist the effects of a complex hypoxic-ischemic cerebral insult.

Genetically-engineered mammalian cytochromes P-450 from yeasts--potential applications

High-activity forms of mammalian cytochromes P-450 have now been expressed in yeast. Some members of this superfamily of enzymes detoxify drugs, whilst others activate carcinogens, or interconvert steroid hormones. Applications for these previously unavailable forms of cytochrome P-450 can now be developed, including the biosynthesis of hydroxylated compounds, bioanalysis and tests for hazardous substrates of these enzymes, and therapeutic detoxification devices. All of these applications could use protein-engineered, or protein-tailored enzymes in immobilized form.

Designer enzyme and cell applications in industry and in environmental monitoring

Renewed world interest in enzyme biotechnological industries now derives from the expectation that many new biocatalysts will be created by genetic engineering associated with protein engineering designer techniques, or by chemical modification of existing enzymes by use of protein tailoring methods. The biocatalysts produced are mainly enzymes, abzymes (catalytic antibodies) and synzymes (synthetic analogues or mimics), and these will be used in industry, synthesis, therapy: and in bioanalysis of components of foodstuffs, and the environment including water, air and soil. The biocatalysts, including whole cells, are firstly incorporated into a particular bioreactor form by use of enzyme engineering techniques such as immobilization, and are then used, as appropriate, to modify their substrates. Improved processing or enhanced products are thereby achieved in the case of manufacturing industry: or monitoring signals are generated, often in the form of a measurable change in current flow, in the case of environmental biosensors. Designer enzymes and cells can be made now for identified applications where the presently available biocatalysts are inadequate, incompatible or uncompetitive.

Evaluation of an atrophic rhinitis vaccine under controlled conditions

A vaccine containing inactivated cultures of Bordetella bronchiseptica, toxigenic Pasteurella multocida type D and dermonecrotic P multocida type D toxoid in an oil-in-water adjuvant was given to seven sows, with seven others acting as controls. Half the piglets in each litter were exposed intranasally when four days old to B bronchiseptica and when eight days old to toxigenic P multocida type D. There was considerably less sneezing in the litters of the vaccinated sows and when the piglets were 10 weeks old, only 18 per cent had deformed snouts compared with 74 per cent in the litters of the control sows. The average liveweight gain of the piglets born to vaccinated sows was significantly better (P less than 0.05) between two and 10 weeks of age than that of the piglets born to unvaccinated sows, although there were no significant lower respiratory tract lesions in either group. The conchal atrophy scores were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) in the piglets from the vaccinated sows and were negatively correlated (r = -0.37) with increasing liveweight gain. In the liters of the vaccinated sows, P multocida was not isolated from the nasal passages of the in-contact piglets and from only 7 per cent of those deliberately exposed compared with 65 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively, in the litters of the control sows. P multocida was isolated post mortem from the tonsils of 23 per cent of the piglets of vaccinated sows and from 87 per cent of those from unvaccinated sows.