SERS analysis of cancer cell-secreted purines reveals a unique paracrine crosstalk in MTAP-deficient tumors

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic pseudoorgan that shapes the development and progression of cancers. It is a complex ecosystem shaped by interactions between tumor and stromal cells. Although the traditional focus has been on the paracrine communication mediated by protein messengers, recent attention has turned to the metabolic secretome in tumors. Metabolic enzymes, together with exchanged substrates and products, have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, traditional techniques for profiling secreted metabolites in complex cellular contexts are limited. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its nontargeted nature and simplicity of operation. Although SERS has demonstrated its potential for detecting metabolites in biological settings, its application in deciphering metabolic interactions within multicellular systems like the TME remains underexplored. In this study, we introduce a SERS-based strategy to investigate the secreted purine metabolites of tumor cells lacking methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), a common genetic event associated with poor prognosis in various cancers. Our SERS analysis reveals that MTAP-deficient cancer cells selectively produce methylthioadenosine (MTA), which is taken up and metabolized by fibroblasts. Fibroblasts exposed to MTA exhibit: i) molecular reprogramming compatible with cancer aggressiveness, ii) a significant production of purine derivatives that could be readily recycled by cancer cells, and iii) the capacity to secrete purine derivatives that induce macrophage polarization. Our study supports the potential of SERS for cancer metabolism research and reveals an unprecedented paracrine crosstalk that explains TME reprogramming in MTAP-deleted cancers.

Striving for humane deaths for laboratory mice: hypobaric hypoxia provides a potential alternative to carbon dioxide exposure

Killing is often an unavoidable and necessary procedure for laboratory mice involved in scientific research, and providing a humane death is vital for public acceptance. Exposure to carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas is the most widely used methodology despite well proven welfare concerns. Consequently, the continued use of CO₂ and its globally permitted status in legislation and guidelines presents an ethical dilemma for users. We investigated whether killing with hypobaric hypoxia via gradual decompression was associated with better welfare outcomes for killing laboratory mice. We compared the spontaneous behaviour of mice exposed to CO₂, decompression or sham conditions, and used analgesic or anxiolytic interventions to determine their relative welfare impact. Gradual decompression resulted in longer times to unconsciousness and death and the pharmacological interventions support the notion of a minimally negative animal experience, while providing further evidence for pain and anxiety associated with exposure to CO₂. Decompression resulted in moderate ear haemorrhage, but our welfare assessment suggests this may happen when mice are unconscious. Hence, gradual decompression could be the basis of significant refinement for killing laboratory mice. Future work should corroborate behaviour with neurobiological markers of loss of consciousness to verify the conscious phase of concern for animal welfare.

Calcium isotopes offer clues on resource partitioning among Cretaceous predatory dinosaurs

Large predators are overabundant in mid-Cretaceous continental dinosaur assemblages of North Africa. Such unbalanced ecosystem structure involves, among predatory dinosaurs, typical abelisaurid or carcharodontosaurid theropods co-occurring with long-snouted spinosaurids of debated ecology. Here, we report calcium (Ca) isotope values from tooth enamel (expressed as δ^44/42Ca) to investigate resource partitioning in mid-Cretaceous assemblages from Niger (Gadoufaoua) and Morocco (Kem Kem Beds). In both assemblages, spinosaurids display a distinct isotopic signature, the most negative in our dataset. This distinct taxonomic clustering in Ca isotope values observed between spinosaurids and other predators provides unambiguous evidence for niche partitioning at the top of the trophic chains: spinosaurids foraged on aquatic environments while abelisaurid and carcharodontosaurid theropods relied almost exclusively on terrestrial resources.

Evaluation of the potential killing performance of novel percussive and cervical dislocation tools in chicken cadavers

1. Four mechanical poultry killing devices; modified Armadillo (MARM), modified Rabbit Zinger (MZIN), modified pliers (MPLI) and a novel mechanical cervical dislocation (NMCD) gloved device, were assessed for their killing potential in the cadavers of euthanised birds. 2. A 4 × 4 × 4 factorial design (batch × device × bird type + age) was employed. Ten bird cadavers per bird type and age were tested with each of the 4 devices (N = 160 birds). All cadavers were examined post-mortem to establish the anatomical damage caused. 3. NMCD, MARM and MZIN demonstrated killing potential, as well as consistency in their anatomical effects. NMCD had the highest killing potential, with 100% of birds sustaining the required physical trauma to have caused rapid death. 4. The MPLI was inconsistent, and only performed optimally for 27.5% of birds. Severe crushing injury was seen in >50% of MPLI birds, suggesting that birds would die of asphyxia rather than cerebral ischaemia, a major welfare concern. As a result, the MPLI are not recommended as a humane on-farm killing device for chickens. 5. This experiment provides important data on the killing potential of untried novel percussive and mechanical cervical dislocation methods, informing future studies.

Effects of light on responses to low atmospheric pressure stunning in broilers

Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is a novel approach to poultry stunning involving the application of gradual decompression lasting 280 s according to a prescribed pressure curve. The aim of this study was to determine how behavioural, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) responses to LAPS are influenced by illumination of the decompression chamber. A secondary aim was to examine responses to the decompression chamber without LAPS being applied, as such a "sham" control has been absent in previous studies. A two by two factorial design was employed, with LAPS/light, LAPS/dark, sham/light and sham/dark treatments (N = 20 per treatment). Broilers were exposed to each treatment in pairs, in each of which one bird was instrumented for recording EEG and ECG. Illumination was applied at 500 lx, and in sham treatments, birds were identically handled but remained undisturbed in the LAPS chamber without decompression for 280 s. Birds which underwent the sham treatment exhibited behaviours which were also observed in LAPS (e.g. sitting) while those exposed to LAPS exhibited hypoxia-related behaviours (e.g. ataxia, loss of posture). Behavioural latencies and durations were increased in the sham treatments, since the whole cycle time was available (in LAPS; birds were motionless by 186 s). Within the sham treatments, illumination increased active behaviour and darkness induced sleep, but slow-wave EEG was seen in both. The pattern of EEG response to LAPS (steep reduction in median frequency in the first 60 s and increased total power) was similar, irrespective of illumination, though birds in darkness had shorter latencies to loss of consciousness and isoelectric EEG. Cardiac responses to LAPS (pronounced bradycardia) closely matched those reported previously and were not affected by illumination. The effects of LAPS/sham treatment primarily reflected the presence/absence of hypoxia, while illumination affected activity/sleep levels in sham-treated birds and slowed time to unconsciousness in birds undergoing LAPS. Therefore, it is recommended that LAPS be conducted in darkness for poultry.

Regional- and agonist-dependent facilitation of human neurogastrointestinal functions by motilin receptor agonists

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Delayed gastric emptying is poorly managed. Motilin agonists are potential treatments but inadequate understanding into how enteric nerve functions are stimulated compromises drug/dose selection. Resolution is hampered by extreme species dependency so methods were developed to study human gastrointestinal neuromuscular activities and the neurobiology of motilin.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Protocols to study neuromuscular activities were developed for different regions of human stomach and intestine (71 patients) using circular muscle preparations and electrical field stimulation (EFS) of intrinsic nerves. Other tissues were fixed for immunohistochemistry.

KEY RESULTS

EFS evoked contractions and/or relaxations via cholinergic and nitrergic neurons, with additional tachykinergic activity in colon; these were consistent after 154 min (longer if stored overnight). Motilin 1-300 nM and the selective motilin agonist GSK962040 0.1-30 µM acted pre-junctionally to strongly facilitate cholinergic contractions of the antrum (E(max) ≈ 1000% for motilin), with smaller increases in fundus, duodenum and ileum; high concentrations increased baseline muscle tension in fundus and small intestine. There were minimal effects in the colon. In the antrum, cholinergic facilitation by motilin faded irregularly, even with peptidase inhibitors, whereas facilitation by GSK962040 was long lasting. Motilin receptor immunoreactivity was identified in muscle and myenteric plexus predominantly in the upper gut, co-expressed with choline acetyltransferase in neurons.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Motilin and GSK962040 strongly facilitated cholinergic activity in the antrum, with lower activity in fundus and small intestine only. Facilitation by motilin was short lived, consistent with participation in migrating motor complexes. Long-lasting facilitation by GSK962040 suggests different receptor interactions and potential for clinical evaluation.

Voltage-gated potassium channel (K(v) 1) autoantibodies in patients with chagasic gut dysmotility and distribution of K(v) 1 channels in human enteric neuromusculature (autoantibodies in GI dysmotility)

BACKGROUND

Autoantibodies directed against specific neuronal antigens are found in a significant number of patients with gastrointestinal neuromuscular diseases (GINMDs) secondary to neoplasia. This study examined the presence of antineuronal antibodies in idiopathic GINMD and GINMD secondary to South American Trypanosomiasis. The GI distribution of voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) was also investigated.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients were included in the study with diagnoses of primary achalasia, enteric dysmotility, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, esophageal or colonic dysmotility secondary to Chagas' disease. Sera were screened for specific antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase, voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs; P/Q subtype), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs; α3 subtype), and voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs, K(V) 1 subtype) using validated immunoprecipitation assays. The distribution of six VGKC subunits (K(V) 1.1-1.6), including those known to be antigenic targets of anti-VGKC antibodies was immunohistochemically investigated in all main human GI tract regions.

KEY RESULTS

Three patients (14%) with chagasic GI dysmotility were found to have positive anti-VGKC antibody titers. No antibodies were detected in patients with idiopathic GINMD. The VGKCs were found in enteric neurons at every level of the gut in unique yet overlapping distributions. The VGKC expression in GI smooth muscle was found to be limited to the esophagus.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

A small proportion of patients with GI dysfunction secondary to Chagas' disease have antibodies against VGKCs. The presence of these channels in the human enteric nervous system may have pathological relevance to the growing number of GINMDs with which anti-VGKC antibodies have been associated.

Fetal haemopoiesis marking low-grade urinary bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The immunohistochemical features of fetal haemoglobin cells and their distribution patterns in solid tumours, such as colorectal cancer and blastomas, suggest that fetal haemopoiesis may take place in these tumour tissues. These locally highly concentrated fetal haemoglobin (HbF) cells may promote tumour growth by providing a more efficient oxygen supply.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biomarkers of HbF were checked in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder, assessing this as a new parameter for disease management. Fetal haemoglobin was immunohistochemically examined in tumours from 60 patients with TCC of the bladder. Fetal haemoglobin erythrocytes and erythroblasts were mainly clonally distributed in proliferating blood vessels and not mixed with normal haemoglobin erythrocytes. The proportion of such HbF blood vessels could reach more than half of the total number of vessels. There were often many HbF erythroblasts distributed in one-cell or two-cell capillaries and present as 5-15% of cells in multi-cell vessels. This suggests a local proliferation of HbF-cell progenitors. Fetal haemoglobin cells were prominently marking lower grades of tumours, as 76% (n=21) of the patients with G1pTa were HbF+, whereas only 6.7% (n=30) of the patients with G3pT1-pT2a were HbF+.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that HbF, besides being a potential new marker for early tumour detection, might be an essential factor of early tumour development, as in fetal life. Inhibiting HbF upregulation may provide a therapeutic target for the inhibition of tumour growth.

Lack of association of ACP1 gene with inflammatory bowel disease: a case-control study

The red cell acid phosphatease (ACP1) gene, which encodes a low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP), has been suggested as a common genetic factor of autoimmunity. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible influence of ACP1 polymorphisms in the susceptibility of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 1271 IBD Spanish patients [720 Crohn's disease (CD) and 551 ulcerative colitis (UC)] and 1877 healthy subjects were included. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs10167992, rs11553742, rs7576247 and rs3828329, were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Common ACP1 alleles (i.e. ACP1*A, ACP1*B and ACP1*C) were determined by two of these SNPs. After the analysis, no evidence of association of the ACP1 genetic variants was found with CD or UC. Therefore, our results suggest that the ACP1 gene may not play a relevant role in the development of IBD.

Circumventing the polydactyly 'constraint': the mole's 'thumb'

Talpid moles across all northern continents exhibit a remarkably large, sickle-like radial sesamoid bone anterior to their five digits, always coupled with a smaller tibial sesamoid bone. A possible developmental mechanism behind this phenomenon was revealed using molecular markers during limb development in the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis) and a shrew (Cryptotis parva), as shrews represent the closest relatives of moles but do not show these conspicuous elements. The mole's radial sesamoid develops later than true digits, as shown by Sox9, and extends into the digit area, developing in relation to an Msx2-domain at the anterior border of the digital plate. Fgf8 expression, marking the apical ectodermal ridge, is comparable in both species. Developmental peculiarities facilitated the inclusion of the mole's radial sesamoid into the digit series; talpid moles circumvent the almost universal pentadactyly constraint by recruiting wrist sesamoids into their digital region using a novel developmental pathway and timing.

Quantitation of cellular components of the enteric nervous system in the normal human gastrointestinal tract--report on behalf of the Gastro 2009 International Working Group

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastrointestinal neuromuscular diseases may undergo operative procedures that yield tissue appropriate to diagnosis of underlying neuromuscular pathology. Critical to accurate diagnosis is the determination of limits of normality based on the study of control human tissues. Although robust diagnostic criteria exist for many qualitative alterations in the neuromuscular apparatus, these do not include quantitative values due to lack of adequate control data.

PURPOSE

The aim of this report was to summarize all relevant available published quantitative data for elements of the human enteric nervous system (neuronal cell bodies, glial cells, and nerve fibers) from the perspective of the practicing pathologist. Forty studies meeting inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed with data tabulated in detail and discussed in the context of methodological variations and limitations. The results reveal a lack of concordance between observations of different investigators resulting in data insufficient to produce robust normal ranges. This diversity highlights the need to standardize the way pathologists collect, process, and quantitate neuronal and glial elements in enteric neuropathologic samples, as suggested by recent international guidelines on gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology.

Particulate Fractions of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Passage of gonococcal cells through a Ribi cell fractionator produced a mixture of protoplasm and cell particulates, the latter being separable in sucrose solutions. Separation of these particulates resulted in the detection of objects identified as cell walls and "plasts." The latter objects had an average diameter of 1.00 +/- 0.05 mum and consisted of spatially oriented granules surrounded by a membrane-like structure only. Cell wall structures were not observed with these plasts. Plasts were morphologically stable in distilled water and at low pH values. Although 50% more pressure was required to rupture plasts than whole cells, plast morphology was destroyed by organic solvents. Whole cell and plast morphology was examined by electron and phase microscopy, and certain correlations were made between structure and morphological stability. Cell wall antiserum reactivities were quantitatively different for plasts and cell walls. Serological reactivities of plasts were separable by sonic oscillation and differential centrifugation of the sonically treated material.

Continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (CHART) and non-conventionally fractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: a review and consideration of future directions

There is a well-established role for radiation treatment in the management of non-small cell lung cancer. As a single modality, it is indicated as a radical treatment option for patients deemed unsuitable for chemotherapy with inoperable locoregional disease or who decline surgery. In this patient group, the evidence shows advantages for accelerated treatment regimes, e.g. continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (CHART). Research efforts should be directed towards dose escalation with the application of the new technologies available. The multi-modality approach of chemoradiotherapy is established in the radical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in those who are inoperable, radically treatable and fit enough to receive chemotherapy. How best these two modalities are combined remains unclear, and the combination of CHART and other non-conventionally fractionated radiotherapy schedules with chemotherapy and targeted agents is another potentially productive research area.

A hypothesis and model of reduced fetal movement as a common pathogenetic mechanism in clubfoot

BACKGROUND

Clubfoot or Talipes equinovarus is characterised by an adducted forefoot, hindfoot varus, and ankle equinus deformity, varying in severity and ease of correction. It is one of the most common congenital defects, with a prevalence of around 1 per 1000. Ambiguity still surrounds the classification and pathogenesis of clubfoot.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using Pubmed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Databases, using search terms in isolation or combination: clubfoot, Talipes equinovarus, congenital foot deformities and joint development, identified articles were further hand searched and relevant references identified.

CONCLUSION

We propose that the underlying unifying factor in all cases of clubfoot is a lack of fetal movement. Fetal movement is a key developmental signal in the development of joints, and we suggest that this applies to the morphogenesis of the forefoot. Theories exist to explain specific individual features of clubfoot in certain cases and to explain experimental studies, however no common final pathway has been described. We believe that our hypothesis brings together key elements of these and will simplify understanding and classification of clubfoot.

Full-thickness biopsy findings in chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and enteric dysmotility

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Small bowel manometry is increasingly used in the clinical investigation of patients with symptoms of intestinal motor dysfunction. Enteric dysmotility (ED) has been suggested as a new diagnostic term for patients with abnormal intestinal motor activity but no radiological signs of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP). Histopathological features of adult patients with ED and CIP have been compared in a large case series to study differences and similarities between the two diagnostic groups.

METHODS

Routine staining and an extensive panel of immunohistochemical stains on transversal and tangential cuts from full-thickness biopsies of the small bowel were used.

RESULTS

39 females and 11 males with CIP and 58 females and 7 males with ED were investigated. The underlying lesion was more often a visceral myopathy (22% vs 5%) or neuromyopathy (30% vs 12%) in patients with CIP than in those with ED, whereas the predominant lesion in ED was neuropathy with inflammation.

CONCLUSION

CIP in adults is associated with very different underlying pathology, whereas ED is more homogeneously associated with neuropathy in the enteric nervous system. Neuropathy of enteric ganglia with inflammation seems to be the most common cause for measurable disturbances of intestinal motor function.

Safety and diagnostic yield of laparoscopically assisted full-thickness bowel biospy

Advances in minimally invasive surgery have made laparoscopy and full-thickness bowel biopsy possible in the investigation of patients with suspected gastrointestinal neuromuscular disorders. The safety and diagnostic yield of this investigation have not been formally reported. A prospective study was undertaken of 124 patients with clinico-physiological diagnoses of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, enteric dysmotility and severe irritable bowel syndrome undergoing LFTB in three European teaching centres with expertise in the management of gastrointestinal neuromuscular disorders. Perioperative data were collected including complications. Diagnostic yield was expressed as proportion with well-established specific neuromuscular abnormalities based on a protocol of routine and immunohistochemical techniques. The majority of patients underwent a laparoscopically assisted procedure with extracorporeal biopsy. Median operating time was 50 min, conversion rate 2% and length of stay 1 day. There was an 8% readmission rate for obstructive symptoms but minimal other morbidity and no mortality. Overall specific diagnostic yield was 81%, being high for jejunal biopsies (89%) but low for a small number of ileal and colonic biopsies. Laparoscopy and full-thickness biopsy of the bowel appears acceptable in terms of safety. It should be performed in a jejunal site to achieve a high diagnostic yield.

Rapid, single-subject genotyping to predict red blood cell antigen expression

Genotyping is useful to predict the expression of those RBC antigens for which antisera are difficult to obtain and to determine the probable phenotype of highly transfused patients, and it can be used to test stored DNA when a blood sample is not available. This study assessed a sequence-specific primer (SSP)-based genotyping system for blood group alleles suitable for the rapid testing of a small number of samples and assessed the use of stored whole blood. Genomic DNA was isolated from fresh and 1- and 2-week-old stored blood from 20 donors with known ABO and Rh phenotypes and was used for ABO, RHD, and RHCE genotyping using SSPs. The amplicons were analyzed using gel electrophoresis and a novel microfluidic on-chip electrophoresis system. Analysis of DNA from fresh and 1- and 2-week-old blood by SSP and gel electrophoresis yielded the correct ABO, RHD, and RHCE type in all samples, but with DNA from 2-week-old stored blood the amplicons were more difficult to visualize. Analysis of the same samples with the SSP on-chip electrophoresis assay correctly typed all samples except for one RHCE typing discrepancy of a fresh sample and one RHCE typing discrepancy of a 2-week-old sample. Analysis of amplicons by on-chip electrophoresis required one tenth the DNA that gel electrophoresis did and could be completed within 30 minutes compared with 2 hours with gel electrophoresis. Amplicons were also more readily visualized with on-chip electrophoresis. Fresh and 1- and 2-week-old samples could be ABO and RH genotyped with SSP. Analysis using on-chip electrophoresis was easier and more rapid than that using gel electrophoresis, but test reliability was slightly more variable.

Renal ageing

The function of the kidney, as well as its morphology, changes markedly with age. The glomerular filtration rate falls progressively, independent of overt pathology. Glomerular, vascular and accompanying parenchymal changes occur and other disorders associated with ageing, such as diabetes and hypertension, have a stochastic deleterious effect on both form and function. Declining renal function with age has important implications, not only for individual homeostasis but also for the use of drug therapy and for the receipt and donation of organs for transplantation. Molecular mechanisms and cellular changes underlying some of the functional and structural changes associated with ageing are becoming clearer, as are some of the ways in which genetic background, age and disease can combine to produce functional damage.

Foetal haemoglobin-blood cells (F-cells) as a feature of embryonic tumours (blastomas)

Tumour markers are important in the diagnosis and monitoring of many tumours. This study tested the hypothesis that an oncofoetal protein, foetal haemoglobin (HbF) is a potential tumour marker in embryonic tumours, useful for management. An immunohistochemical investigation of HbF blood cell (Fc) distribution was carried out in tumours and in bone marrow samples from 83 children and 13 adults with various embryonic tumours (blastomas), and in bone marrow samples of 24 leukaemia patients. In the three, main blastoma types, nephroblastoma (Wilms' tumour), neuroblastoma and retinoblastoma, where all the patients, except two, were children, around 80% of the tumour samples had Fc within proliferating blood vessels and spaces between tumour cells. In parallel, clusters of Fc, mostly F-erythroblasts (Feb), were distributed in the bone marrow of some of those patients and in the bone marrow of 79% of the leukaemia patients. Foetal haemoglobin, as well as being a potential prognostic cancer marker, is a potential indicator of DNA hypomethylation implicated in the development of these tumours, as well as in others previously noted for the presence of HbF.

Helminth infracommunities of a population of the Gran Canaria giant lizard Gallotia stehlini

A survey of gastro-intestinal helminth communities of Gallotia stehlini (Sauria: Lacertidae) from Gran Canaria island (Canary Archipelago, Spain), was conducted to determine the prevalence, abundance and species diversity of intestinal parasites in these lizards. Pharyngodonid nematodes were the most common intestinal helminths, three species being Gallotia specialists. Helminth infracommunities of G. stehlini were rich and appear to be closer to the interactive end of the continuum isolationist–interactive helminth communities, according to the high values of helminth diversity. It is the first case of a saurian reptile showing this kind of diverse helminth infracommunity, produced by a large size, a wide-ranging plant diet and exposure to helminths with direct life-cycles.

The pathology of ageing: concepts and mechanisms

The rising numbers and proportion of aged individuals in the population is a global demographic trend. The diseases associated with ageing are becoming more prevalent, and the associated healthcare costs are having a significant economic impact in all countries. With these changes have come great advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of ageing. The mechanisms of cellular ageing at a genetic, protein and organelle level are becoming clearer, as are some of the more complex associations between environment and ageing. System ageing is also becoming better understood, and the potential biological advantages of ageing are being explored. Many of the advances in these fields are opening up the prospect of targeted therapeutic intervention for ageing and age related disease.

Aryepiglottoplasty for laryngomalacia: the Alder Hey experience

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in infants. Severely affected children are at risk of feeding difficulties, apnoeic episodes and cor pulmonale secondary to upper airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of aryepiglottoplasty. This is a simple surgical procedure that relieves the obstruction by dividing the aryepiglottic folds. Thirty children had an aryepiglottoplasty at the Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital between January 1995 and June 2001. The case notes of all 30 children were reviewed for age, sex, age at operation, indications, operative technique, complications and long-term outcomes. Complete resolution of stridor was obtained in 83 per cent of patients, with an improvement in a further 7 per cent. Post-operative complications included lower respiratory tract infections (13 per cent) and vomiting (7 per cent). In conclusion, simple endoscopic aryepiglottoplasty remains an effective way of treating upper airway obstruction in children. Its high resolution and low complication rate make it a safe, first choice procedure for treatment of moderate to severe laryngomalacia.

Development of fetal haemoglobin-blood cells (F cells) within colorectal tumour tissues

AIM

To evaluate the sources of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) as an indicator in cancer. An immunohistochemical study was carried out on some of the most common kinds of cancer. All of these cancers had serologically high levels of HbF as evaluated previously.

METHODS

Immunoaffinity-purified anti-HbF was immunohistochemically used to study F cell distribution in the following cancers: colorectal adenocarcinoma, urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma, brain tumours, lung carcinoma, breast adenocarcinoma, leukaemia, Burkitt's lymphoma and endometrial carcinoma.

RESULTS

In colorectal adenocarcinoma, HbF-containing red blood cells (FRBC) were present within thin-walled vessels or were disposed in dense clusters within the tumour. Some of these cells were nucleated or binucleated HbF-erythroblasts or HbF-normoblasts (FNBS). In two cases, high levels of mitoses within HbF-erythroblasts were observed. In half of the cases with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, regional intratumoral blood vessels were found to contain 5-50% FRBC. In the other tumours examined, F cells were not observed. FRBCs, however, were occasionally observed in the regional lymph nodes of some of these cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of HbF as a potential plasma marker is suggested by the high concentration of FRBCs in colorectal tumours. The apparent development of FRBCs in colorectal tumour tissues is an interesting observation, as these cells were previously thought to develop in medullary or lymphoid tissues. It is thus suggested that the colonic microenvironment may stimulate extramedullary fetal-type haematopoiesis.

Noninvasive ventilation during gastrostomy tube placement in patients with severe duchenne muscular dystrophy: case reports and review of the literature

Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may benefit from gastrostomy tube feeding due to progressive dysphagia and malnutrition. However, due to their severely impaired pulmonary function, these individuals are at risk of severe complications when they are sedated or undergo anesthesia for the procedure. We previously described a technique of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to provide respiratory support during gastrostomy tube placement in such patients, but this technique had risks and limitations. In this case report, we examine two alternative techniques we used to provide respiratory support successfully to patients with severe muscular dystrophy and malnutrition who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. We then review the literature and discuss the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of the above techniques and of other options for gastrostomy placement in people with severe muscular dystrophy.

Relationship between diet and helminths in Gallotia caesaris (Sauria: Lacertidae)

Diet and helminth fauna were analysed in Gallotia caesaris, a small lacertid lizard endemic to El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) in order to study the evolutionary and functional relationships between the two traits. This species is omnivorous but consumed a high proportion (82.13%) of plant matter including not only seeds but also leaves and other vegetative parts. Helminth fauna included many helminth species typical of herbivorous reptiles. Both herbivory and helminth presence were higher than expected for a lizard of its size. Comparison with other lacertids suggests that both traits result from an adaptation to insular conditions but that some "evolutionary time" to develop them is needed. Canarian Gallotia lizards, a separate lineage evolving for a long time in insularity, constitutes the most advanced lacertid group in this way. Nevertheless, results for G. caesaris indicate that helminth fauna also changes seasonally tracking variation in diet (and herbivory) throughout the year, which suggests a dynamic interaction between diet and helminth parasites.

Deranged smooth muscle alpha-actin as a biomarker of intestinal pseudo-obstruction: a controlled multinational case series

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIIP) is a severe motility disorder associated with significant morbidity. Several histopathological (neuropathic and myopathic) phenotypes have been described but only a single adult with jejunal smooth (circular) muscle alpha-actin deficiency. We present a prospective multinational case series investigating smooth muscle alpha-actin deficiency as a biomarker of this disease.

METHODS

A total of 115 fully clinically and physiologically (including prolonged (24 hour) ambulatory jejunal manometry) characterised CIIP patients from three European centres were studied. Immunohistochemical localisation of actins and other cytoskeletal proteins were performed on laparoscopic full thickness jejunal biopsies and compared with adult controls. Distribution of alpha-actin was also characterised in other gut regions and in the developing human alimentary tract.

RESULTS

Twenty eight of 115 (24%) CIIP patient biopsies had absent (n = 22) or partial (n = 6) jejunal smooth muscle alpha-actin immunostaining in the circular muscle layer. In contrast, smooth muscle alpha-actin staining was preserved in the longitudinal muscle and in adult jejunal controls (n = 20). Comparative study of other adult alimentary tract regions and fetal small intestine, suggested significant spatial and temporal variations in smooth muscle alpha-actin expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to modulate alpha-smooth muscle actin expression, evident in development, is maintained in adult life and may be influenced by disease, rendering it a valuable biomarker even in the absence of other structural abnormalities.

Blood cells with fetal haemoglobin (F-cells) detected by immunohistochemistry as indicators of solid tumours

AIMS

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is an established serological indicator of cancer. However, its distribution in tumour tissues is rarely investigated. Therefore, HbF was studied immunohistologically in different cancers characterised by high blood HbF concentrations.

METHODS

Anti-HbF was immunoaffinity purified and used to study HbF immunohistochemically in the following cancers: germ cell tumour (GCT), trophoblastic disease (TD), lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), multiple myeloma (MM), and ovarian adenocarcinoma (OA).

RESULTS

In GCT a distinction was made between tumours substantially without HbF positive red blood cells (F-RBC) and those with F-RBC. Those without F-RBC were non-metastatic mature teratomas and dermoid cysts. Those containing F-RBC were mainly embryonal carcinomas and metastatic teratomas. HbF positive myeloid cells (F-MLC), HbF positive normoblasts (F-NBS), and F-RBC were common in the bone marrow and in the lymphoid tissues of lymphoma, MDS, and MM. In TD, normal and nucleated F-RBC were seen in the trophoblastic villi in one case with incomplete molar pregnancy (ICM) but not in other cases of ICM and complete molar pregnancy. However, F-RBC and F-MLC were seen in the decidua of both types of TD. Generally, F-cells were observed either within blood vessels or concentrated in certain areas of the neoplastic tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

HbF was evaluated as an inducible marker within different tumour tissue blood cells. The dual distribution of these cells-circulating in the blood or concentrated in areas of the neoplastic tissues-might reflect the two independent serological indicators of HbF: one in whole blood and the other in plasma of patients with cancer.

Vitamin E deficiency and metabolic deficits in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis described by bioinformatics

The mnd mouse, a model of neuronal ceroid lipofusinosis (NCL), has a profound vitamin E deficiency in sera and brain, associated with cerebral deterioration characteristic of NCL. In this study, the vitamin E deficiency is corrected using dietary supplementation. However, the histopathological features associated with NCL remained. With use of a bioinformatics approach based on high-resolution solid and solution state 1H-NMR spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA), the deficits associated with NCL are defined in terms of a metabolic phenotype. Although vitamin E supplementation reversed some of the metabolic abnormalities, in particular the concentration of phenylalanine in extracts of cerebral tissue, PCA demonstrated that metabolic deficits associated with NCL were greater than any effects produced from vitamin E supplementation. These deficits included increased glutamate and N-acetyl-L-aspartate and decreased creatine and glutamine concentrations in aqueous extracts of the cortex, as well as profound accumulation of lipid in intact cerebral tissue. This is discussed in terms of faulty production of mitochondrial-associated membranes, thought to be central to the deficits in mnd mice.

A role for autoantibodies in some cases of acquired non-paraneoplastic gut dysmotility

BACKGROUND

Antibody-mediated autoimmunity underlies a diverse range of disorders, particularly in the nervous system where domains of ion channels and receptors are potential targets. The aetiology of many adult-onset conditions of severe gut dysmotility is not known. We looked for antibodies to neuronal antigens in patients with severe (slow-transit-type) constipation (STC).

METHODS

Eleven sera from adult-onset STC patients and 18 from childhood onset cases were tested by routine immunoprecipitation assays for antibodies against neuronal antigens including voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs), calcium channels (VGCCs), both muscle and neuronal acetylcholine receptor and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Results were compared with positive and negative control populations.

RESULTS

Two of the 11 sera from patients with adult-onset STC showed highly positive anti-VGKC antibodies. Both had onset of symptoms de novo in adulthood without evidence of autoimmune, neoplastic or neurological disease. One of these patients, and one other, had anti-GAD antibodies. None of the childhood-onset STC had evidence of anti-neuronal antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-neuronal antibodies are found in some patients with a condition of severe acquired gut dysmotility of previously unknown aetiology. Future studies may demonstrate an autoimmune role for such antibodies.

Behavioral treatment for smokers with a history of alcoholism: predictors of successful outcome

This study examined baseline predictors associated with smoking abstinence among 205 smokers (113 men, 92 women) with a past history of alcoholism. Their mean age was 41.8 years, and 93% were Caucasian. Participants were randomly assigned to standard treatment (ST), behavioral counseling plus exercise (BEX), or behavioral counseling plus nicotine gum (BNIC). Factors multivariately associated with point-prevalence smoking abstinence at posttreatment (1 week after target quit date) were a longer duration of prior smoking abstinence and an interaction between treatment group and having an active 12-step sponsor. ST was more effective for those with an active sponsor, whereas both BEX and BNIC were more effective for those without an active sponsor. At 1-year follow-up, independent predictors of point-prevalence smoking abstinence were a lower Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire score (K. O. Fagerström, 1978) and fewer years of smoking.

Non-toxic ubiquitous over-expression of utrophin in the mdx mouse

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited, severe muscle wasting disease caused by the loss of the cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin. Patients usually die in their late teens or early twenties of cardiac or respiratory failure. We have previously demonstrated that the dystrophin related protein, utrophin is able to compensate for the loss of dystrophin in the mdx mouse, the mouse model of the disease. Expression of a utrophin transgene under the control of an HSA promoter results in localization of utrophin to the sarcolemma and prevents the muscle pathology. Here we show that the over-expression of full-length utrophin in a broad range of tissues is not detrimental in the mdx mouse. These findings have important implications for the feasibility of the up-regulation of utrophin in therapy for DMD since they suggest that tissue specific up-regulation may not be necessary.

Radiological control for 203Hg radiotracer determinations of mercury inventories at chlor-alkali plants

20Hg has been used safely to determine mercury inventories in large electrochemical process cells in the chlorine industry by a process of isotopic dilution. Laboratory conversion and processing of irradiated HgO can be done in closed systems with non-detectable releases to work areas or the environment and with exposure to whole body <0.25 mSv (25 mrem) and <3 mSv (300 mrem) to extremities. Personnel exposures during plant operations are controlled to non-detectable levels for whole body exposure and <0.3 mSv (30 mrem) to extremities for the operator; exposures for other plant personnel are non-detectable.

Behavioral treatment for smokers with a history of alcoholism: predictors of successful outcome

This study examined baseline predictors associated with smoking abstinence among 205 smokers (113 men, 92 women) with a past history of alcoholism. Their mean age was 41.8 years, and 93% were Caucasian. Participants were randomly assigned to standard treatment (ST), behavioral counseling plus exercise (BEX), or behavioral counseling plus nicotine gum (BNIC). Factors multivariately associated with point-prevalence smoking abstinence at posttreatment (1 week after target quit date) were a longer duration of prior smoking abstinence and an interaction between treatment group and having an active 12-step sponsor. ST was more effective for those with an active sponsor, whereas both BEX and BNIC were more effective for those without an active sponsor. At 1-year follow-up, independent predictors of point-prevalence smoking abstinence were a lower Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire score (K. O. Fagerström, 1978) and fewer years of smoking.

SHIRPA, a protocol for behavioral assessment: validation for longitudinal study of neurological dysfunction in mice

Mouse models of neurological abnormalities are only valuable if accurately assessed. The three-stage SHIRPA procedure is used for the standardised assessment of mouse phenotype and has been reported in a high throughput experiment in which different mutants were ascertained at one age point using stage 1 of the protocol. In this study we have validated SHIRPA using a large cohort with one single mutation, 'legs at odd angles that causes neurological dysfunction. The cohort aged from 1 to 16 months during this study and this is the first longitudinal SHIRPA analysis.

Smooth muscle inclusion bodies in slow transit constipation

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a disorder of intestinal motility of unknown aetiology. Myopathies, including those characterized by the finding of inclusion bodies, have been described in enteric disorders. Amphophilic inclusion bodies have been reported in the muscularis externa of the colon of STC patients. This study formally tested the hypothesis that these represent a primary muscle disorder, specific to STC. In a systematic, blinded, dual observer qualitative and quantitative analysis, colonic and ileal tissue from patients with STC (n=36) were compared with selected control populations: total colonic aganglionosis (n=10), Chagas' disease (n=6), isolated rectal evacuation disorders (n=6), and a control population of a range of ages (n=80). All sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff. Further immunostains were used in an attempt to determine inclusion body composition. Round or ovoid (4-22 microm diameter) amphophilic inclusions increased in number in normal subjects with age. Inclusions were more frequent in idiopathic STC than in age-matched controls or rectal evacuation disorders [ileum (33% vs. 9%), ascending (50% vs. 19%, p<0.05), and sigmoid colon (43% vs. 20%)] and were very frequent in the sigmoid (71%) of patients with STC arising after pelvic surgery. The number of inclusions per unit area was significantly higher in patients with STC (p<0.001). Inclusions were found in all Chagas' patients, but not with aganglionosis. It was not possible to determine inclusion body composition, despite the use of a wide range of conventional and immunostains. This study demonstrates that inclusion body myopathy is identifiable in patients with STC and that it may arise secondary to denervation.

Smooth muscle inclusion bodies in slow transit constipation

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a disorder of intestinal motility of unknown aetiology. Myopathies, including those characterized by the finding of inclusion bodies, have been described in enteric disorders. Amphophilic inclusion bodies have been reported in the muscularis externa of the colon of STC patients. This study formally tested the hypothesis that these represent a primary muscle disorder, specific to STC. In a systematic, blinded, dual observer qualitative and quantitative analysis, colonic and ileal tissue from patients with STC (n=36) were compared with selected control populations: total colonic aganglionosis (n=10), Chagas' disease (n=6), isolated rectal evacuation disorders (n=6), and a control population of a range of ages (n=80). All sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff. Further immunostains were used in an attempt to determine inclusion body composition. Round or ovoid (4-22 microm diameter) amphophilic inclusions increased in number in normal subjects with age. Inclusions were more frequent in idiopathic STC than in age-matched controls or rectal evacuation disorders [ileum (33% vs. 9%), ascending (50% vs. 19%, p<0.05), and sigmoid colon (43% vs. 20%)] and were very frequent in the sigmoid (71%) of patients with STC arising after pelvic surgery. The number of inclusions per unit area was significantly higher in patients with STC (p<0.001). Inclusions were found in all Chagas' patients, but not with aganglionosis. It was not possible to determine inclusion body composition, despite the use of a wide range of conventional and immunostains. This study demonstrates that inclusion body myopathy is identifiable in patients with STC and that it may arise secondary to denervation.

Smooth muscle inclusion bodies in slow transit constipation

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a disorder of intestinal motility of unknown aetiology. Myopathies, including those characterized by the finding of inclusion bodies, have been described in enteric disorders. Amphophilic inclusion bodies have been reported in the muscularis externa of the colon of STC patients. This study formally tested the hypothesis that these represent a primary muscle disorder, specific to STC. In a systematic, blinded, dual observer qualitative and quantitative analysis, colonic and ileal tissue from patients with STC (n=36) were compared with selected control populations: total colonic aganglionosis (n=10), Chagas' disease (n=6), isolated rectal evacuation disorders (n=6), and a control population of a range of ages (n=80). All sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff. Further immunostains were used in an attempt to determine inclusion body composition. Round or ovoid (4-22 microm diameter) amphophilic inclusions increased in number in normal subjects with age. Inclusions were more frequent in idiopathic STC than in age-matched controls or rectal evacuation disorders [ileum (33% vs. 9%), ascending (50% vs. 19%, p<0.05), and sigmoid colon (43% vs. 20%)] and were very frequent in the sigmoid (71%) of patients with STC arising after pelvic surgery. The number of inclusions per unit area was significantly higher in patients with STC (p<0.001). Inclusions were found in all Chagas' patients, but not with aganglionosis. It was not possible to determine inclusion body composition, despite the use of a wide range of conventional and immunostains. This study demonstrates that inclusion body myopathy is identifiable in patients with STC and that it may arise secondary to denervation.

A mouse Mecp2-null mutation causes neurological symptoms that mimic Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an inherited neurodevelopmental disorder of females that occurs once in 10,000-15,000 births. Affected females develop normally for 6-18 months, but then lose voluntary movements, including speech and hand skills. Most RTT patients are heterozygous for mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 (refs. 3-12), encoding a protein that binds to methylated sites in genomic DNA and facilitates gene silencing. Previous work with Mecp2-null embryonic stem cells indicated that MeCP2 is essential for mouse embryogenesis. Here we generate mice lacking Mecp2 using Cre-loxP technology. Both Mecp2-null mice and mice in which Mecp2 was deleted in brain showed severe neurological symptoms at approximately six weeks of age. Compensation for absence of MeCP2 in other tissues by MeCP1 (refs. 19,20) was not apparent in genetic or biochemical tests. After several months, heterozygous female mice also showed behavioral symptoms. The overlapping delay before symptom onset in humans and mice, despite their profoundly different rates of development, raises the possibility that stability of brain function, not brain development per se, is compromised by the absence of MeCP2.