The AsiDNA™ decoy mimicking DSBs protects the normal tissue from radiation toxicity through a DNA-PK/p53/p21-dependent G1/S arrest

AsiDNA™, a cholesterol-coupled oligonucleotide mimicking double-stranded DNA breaks, was developed to sensitize tumour cells to radio- and chemotherapy. This drug acts as a decoy hijacking the DNA damage response. Previous studies have demonstrated that standalone AsiDNA™ administration is well tolerated with no additional adverse effects when combined with chemo- and/or radiotherapy. The lack of normal tissue complication encouraged further examination into the role of AsiDNA™ in normal cells. This research demonstrates the radioprotective properties of AsiDNA™. In vitro, AsiDNA™ induces a DNA-PK/p53/p21-dependent G1/S arrest in normal epithelial cells and fibroblasts that is absent in p53 deficient and proficient tumour cells. This cell cycle arrest improved survival after irradiation only in p53 proficient normal cells. Combined administration of AsiDNA™ with conventional radiotherapy in mouse models of late and early radiation toxicity resulted in decreased onset of lung fibrosis and increased intestinal crypt survival. Similar results were observed following FLASH radiotherapy in standalone or combined with AsiDNA™. Mechanisms comparable to those identified in vitro were detected both in vivo, in the intestine and ex vivo, in precision cut lung slices. Collectively, the results suggest that AsiDNA™ can partially protect healthy tissues from radiation toxicity by triggering a G1/S arrest in normal cells.

Differential Remodeling of the Oxylipin Pool After FLASH Versus Conventional Dose-Rate Irradiation In Vitro and In Vivo

PURPOSE

The products of lipid peroxidation have been implicated in human diseases and aging. This prompted us to investigate the response to conventional (CONV) versus FLASH irradiation of oxylipins, a family of bioactive lipid metabolites derived from omega-3 or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids through oxygen-dependent non-enzymatic as well as dioxygenase-mediated free radical reactions.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the expression of 37 oxylipins derived from eicosatetraenoic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid in mouse lung and in normal or cancer cells exposed to either radiation modality under precise monitoring of the temperature and oxygenation. Among the 37 isomers assayed, 14-16 were present in high enough amount to enable quantitative analysis. The endpoints were the expression of oxylipins as a function of the dose of radiation, normoxia versus hypoxia, temperature and post-irradiation time.

RESULTS

In normal, normoxic cells at 37°C radiation elicited destruction and neosynthesis of oxylipins acting antagonistically on a background subject to rapid remodeling by oxygenases. Neosynthesis was observed in the CONV mode only, in such a way that the level of oxylipins at 5 minutes after FLASH irradiation was 20-50% lower than in non-irradiated and CONV-irradiated cells. Hypoxia mitigated the differential CONV versus FLASH response in some oxylipins. These patterns were not reproduced in tumor cells. Depression of specific oxylipins following FLASH irradiation was observed in mouse lung at 5 min following irradiation, with near complete recovery in 24 hours and further remodeling at one week and two months post-irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Down-regulation of oxylipins was a hallmark of FLASH irradiation specific of normal cells. Temperature effects suggest that this process occurs via diffusion-controlled, bimolecular recombination of a primary radical species upstream from peroxyl radical formation and evoke a major role of the membrane composition and fluidity in response to the FLASH modality.

Culture-negative TB: clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND: Although culture remains the standard for TB diagnosis, 15-20% of patients diagnosed and treated for TB are culture-negative. We explored clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes for culture-negative TB in a Peruvian cohort.METHODS: We recruited 4,500 index TB patients and 10,160 household contacts in Lima, Peru, and enrolled 692 secondary patients diagnosed with TB during follow-up of household contacts. We analyzed smear and culture status, sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics and TB treatment outcomes to compare culture-negative and positive patients.RESULTS: Of the 4,880 adult patients, 915 (18.8%) were culture-negative. Culture-negative patients were less likely to report symptoms of TB disease and disease of longer duration. A multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant difference in loss to follow-up, treatment failure or recurrence between the culture-negative and -positive groups but a higher rate of death among culture-negative patients with an adjusted OR of 1.65 (95% CI 1.05-2.60). In a multivariate analysis of determinants of culture negativity, older age, substance use and being a secondary case were associated with culture status.CONCLUSIONS: More recognition and awareness of culture-negative TB is key for early and correct diagnosis to reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes.

P468 Aspergillosis in a colony of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) under managed care: a clinical and environmental investigation in a French zoological park

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

 

Objectives

Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection due to Aspergillus spp., and primarily A. fumigatus. The disease is pervasive in avian populations, especially those under managed care. The incidence and the management of avian aspergillosis can be critically impacted by exposure to high levels of spores via environmental contamination and by strains resistant to azole drugs. The present study aimed at assessing the impact of environmental contamination on the clinical incidence of aspergillosis in penguins managed under human care. ZooParc de Beauval was chosen for the investigations, because this zoological facility hosts a large colony of Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and it is geographically located in the rural countryside of the Loir-et-Cher district, France, surrounded by numerous large crop fields

Material and methods

The fungal contamination in the environment was assessed through three serial sessions of surface sampling in bird nests: all isolates were counted, identified by DNA sequencing, and then systematically screened for resistance mutations and MICs (minimal inhibitory concentrations) elevation for the A. fumigatus strains. In addition, the clinical incidence of aspergillosis was evaluated in the penguin population over a 3-year period. A microsatellite-based analysis tracked A. fumigatus isolates circulation.

Results

Environmental investigations highlighted a substantial increase in the fungal load during the Autumn season (>12-fold vs. the other timepoints) and a large overrepresentation of species belonging to the Aspergillus section Fumigati (ranging from 22.7 to 94.6%) (Fig. 1). Only one cryptic species (A. nishimurae) and one isolate exhibiting resistance mutation (G138S in the cyp51A gene; MIC itraconazole >4 μg/ml) were detected. The overall incidence of aspergillosis was measured at ∼3.4% case-years and was observed mostly in juvenile penguins (Fig. 1). The analysis of microsatellite polymorphism revealed a high level of genetic diversity among A. fumigatus isolates, except for one strain that was largely over-represented during the Autumn sampling session. A limited number of isolate genotypes was collected from clinical cases and from the environment.

Conclusions

Fungal environmental contamination and incidence of aspergillosis in penguins appeared variable depending on seasons, but the rural location of the penguin habitat did not seem to influence the emergence of resistant strains.

Implementing 3HP vs. IPT as TB preventive treatment in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: We assessed treatment uptake and completion for 6 months of isoniazid (6H) and 3 months of isoniazid plus rifapentine weekly (3HP) in a programmatic setting in Pakistan.METHODS: All household contacts were clinically evaluated to rule out TB disease. 6H was used for TB preventive treatment (TPT) from October 2016 to April 2017; from May to September 2017, 3HP was used for contacts aged ≥2 years. We compared clinical evaluation, TPT uptake and completion rates between contacts aged ≥2 years in the 6H period and in the 3HP period.RESULTS: We identified 3,442 contacts for the 6H regimen. After clinical evaluation, 744/1,036 (72%) started treatment, while 46% completed treatment. In contrast, 3,722 contacts were identified for 3HP. After clinical evaluation, 990/1,366 (72%) started treatment, while 67% completed treatment. Uptake of TPT did not differ significantly between the 6H and 3HP groups (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.86-1.24). However, people who initiated 3HP had 2.3 times greater odds (95% CI 1.9-2.8) of completing treatment than those who initiated 6H after adjusting for age and sex.CONCLUSION: In programmatic settings in a high-burden country, household contacts of all ages were more likely to complete TPT with shorter weekly regimens, although treatment uptake rate for the two regimens was similar.

pAspergillosis in a colony of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) under managed care: a clinical and environmental investigation in a French zoological park

Aspergillosis is pervasive in bird populations, especially those under human care. Its management can be critically impacted by exposure to high levels of conidia and by resistance to azole drugs. The fungal contamination in the environment of a Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) group, housed in a French zoological park next to numerous large crop fields, was assessed through three serial sessions of surface sampling in nests, in 2018-20: all isolates were counted and characterized by sequencing. When identified as A. fumigatus, they were systematically screened for resistance mutations in the cyp51A gene and tested for MICs determination. In the same time, the clinical incidence of aspergillosis was evaluated in the penguin population by the means of systematic necropsy and mycological investigations. A microsatellite-based analysis tracked the circulation of A. fumigatus strains. Environmental investigations highlighted substantial increase of the fungal load during the summer season (>12-fold vs. the other timepoints) and large overrepresentation of species belonging to the Aspergillus section Fumigati, ranging from 22.7 to 94.6% relative prevalence. Only one cryptic species was detected (A. nishimurae), and one isolate exhibited G138S resistance mutation with elevated MICs. The overall incidence of aspergillosis was measured at ∼3.4% case-years, and mostly in juveniles. The analysis of microsatellite polymorphism revealed a high level of genetic diversity among A. fumigatus clinical isolates. In contrast, one environmental strain appeared largely overrepresented during the summer sampling session. In all, the rural location of the zoo did not influence the emergence of resistant strains.

Dual function of Ixr1 in transcriptional regulation and recognition of cisplatin-DNA adducts is caused by differential binding through its two HMG-boxes

Ixr1 is a transcriptional factor involved in the response to hypoxia, which is also related to DNA repair. It binds to DNA through its two in-tandem high mobility group box (HMG-box) domains. Each function depends on recognition of different DNA structures, B-form DNA at specific consensus sequences for transcriptional regulation, or distorted DNA, like cisplatin-DNA adducts, for DNA repair. However, the contribution of the HMG-box domains in the Ixr1 protein to the formation of different protein-DNA complexes is poorly understood. We have biophysically and biochemically characterized these interactions with specific DNA sequences from the promoters regulated by Ixr1, or with cisplatin-DNA adducts. Both HMG-boxes are necessary for transcriptional regulation, and they are not functionally interchangeable. The in-tandem arrangement of their HMG-boxes is necessary for functional folding and causes sequential cooperative binding to specific DNA sequences, with HMG-box A showing a higher contribution to DNA binding and bending than the HMG-box B. Binding of Ixr1 HMG boxes to specific DNA sequences is entropy driven, whereas binding to platinated DNA is enthalpy driven for HMG-box A and entropy driven for HMG-box B. This is the first proof that HMG-box binding to different DNA structures is associated with predictable thermodynamic differences. Based on our study, we present a model to explain the dual function of Ixr1 in the regulation of gene expression and recognition of distorted DNA structures caused by cisplatin treatment.

Needs and preferences for the prevention of intimate partner violence among Hispanics: a community's perspective

Research suggest that Hispanics in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by the consequences of intimate partner violence. Nevertheless, few intimate partner violence prevention interventions have been developed to address the unique needs and preferences of this population. The Partnership for Domestic Violence Prevention is a community-based participatory research project that assessed the needs and preferences for prevention programs for Hispanics in Miami-Dade County. Nine focus groups with domestic violence service providers, victims and general community members were conducted (N = 76). Four major themes emerged from the focus groups. These included immigrants and teens as the highest priority groups to target in prevention efforts, culture as a double-edged sword, the system that helps and hurts the victim, and the need for wide-scale prevention programs that would reach Hispanics systematically. The results from this study have important implications for the development of intimate violence prevention interventions targeting Hispanics in the U.S.

Frequency and type of microbiological monitoring of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment

Monthly culture is usually recommended to monitor treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). As mycobacterial laboratory capacity is limited in many settings, TB programs need evidence to decide whether monthly cultures are necessary compared to other approaches. We simulated three alternative monitoring strategies (culture every 2 or 3 months, and monthly smears alone) in a cohort of MDR-TB patients in Estonia, Latvia, Philippines, Russia and Peru from 2000 to 2004. This retrospective analysis illustrated that less frequent testing delays confirmation of bacteriological conversion. This would prolong intensive treatment, hospitalization and respiratory isolation, increasing cost and toxicity. After conversion, less frequent testing could delay diagnosis of possible treatment failure.

[Hospital based internal medicine: a review of 2011]

Numerous prospective randomised trials recently demonstrated the importance of an aggressive approach towards controlling cardiovascular risk factors. New studies reinforce the plethora of available data and confirm that interventional revascularisation strategies for stable coronary heart disease or cerebral vascular disease offer few benefits as compared to medical treatment, and can even lead to worse outcomes. This selective review describes some recent studies in the areas of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or screening of lung cancer, and gastroenterology.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of yeast strains carrying slt2, rlm1, and pop2 deletions

The function of the genes SLT2 (encoding the Mpk1 protein), RLM1, and POP2 have previously been related to several stress responses in yeasts. DNA arrays have been used to identify differences among the transcriptomes of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae wild type strain and its derivative Δslt2, Δrlm1, and Δpop2 mutants. Correspondence analyses indicate that the vast majority of genes that show lower expression in Δrlm1 also show lower expression in Δslt2. In contrast, there is little overlap between the results of the transcriptome analyses of the Δpop2 strain and the Δslt2 or Δrlm1 strains. The DNA array data were validated by reverse Northern blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIp). ChIp assays demonstrate Rlm1p binding to specific regions of the promoters of two genes that show expression differences between the Δrlm1 mutant and wild type strains. Interestingly, RLM1 deletion decreases the transcription of SLT2, encoding the Mpk1p kinase that phosphorylates Rlm1p, suggesting a feedback control in the signal transduction pathway. Also, deletion of RLM1 causes a decrease in the mRNA level of KDX1, which is paralogous to SLT2. In contrast, deletion of POP2 is accompanied by an increase of both SLT2 and KDX1 levels. We show that SLT2 mRNA increase in the Δpop2 strain is due to a decrease in RNA turnover, consistent with the expected loss of RNA-deadenylase activity in this strain.

Genome-wide analysis of the yeast transcriptome upon heat and cold shock

DNA arrays were used to measure changes in transcript levels as yeast cells responded to temperature shocks. The number of genes upregulated by temperature shifts from 30 ℃ to 37℃ or 45℃ was correlated with the severity of the stress. Pre-adaptation of cells, by growth at 37 ℃ previous to the 45℃ shift, caused a decrease in the number of genes related to this response. Heat shock also caused downregulation of a set of genes related to metabolism, cell growth and division, transcription, ribosomal proteins, protein synthesis and destination. Probably all of these responses combine to slow down cell growth and division during heat shock, thus saving energy for cell rescue. The presence of putative binding sites for Xbp1p in the promoters of these genes suggests a hypothetical role for this transcriptional repressor, although other mechanisms may be considered. The response to cold shock (4℃) affected a small number of genes, but the vast majority of those genes induced by exposure to 4 ℃ were also induced during heat shock; these genes share in their promoters cis-regulatory elements previously related to other stress responses.

Neurological involvement as a poor prognostic factor in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: autopsy findings in 12 cases

CAPS is an uncommon disease, characterized by clinical evidence of multiple organ involvement and histopathological evidence of multiple vessel occlusions, in patients with either primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. The present series describes the clinical manifestations and autopsy findings of 12 patients with CAPS. Neurological involvement was considered the main cause of death in all of them. CNS pathology revealed thrombotic microangiopathy as well as small and large vessel occlusions in several brain areas. Neurological involvement in CAPS is strongly associated with thrombotic microangiopathy and should be considered a potential cause of death in these patients.

Continuous gastric drip versus intravenous fluids in low birthweight infants

This multicentre randomized study compared a continuous gastric drip (CGD) with intravenous (i.v.) fluid administration. Healthy newborns with birthweight from 1501 to 2000 g whose physician ordered i.v. fluids were randomized before the 2nd hour of life to CGD or i.v. fluids. The major outcome variable was the need for an i.v. line in the CGD group. Serum glucose was measured at 30 min, 1 h and every 6 h thereafter. Serum sodium and potassium were measured at least once during the first 72 h of life. Enteral feedings, feeding intolerance, number of venous lines and i.v. line-related complications were recorded until the interruption of CGD or the i.v. line. Twenty-nine infants were randomized to each group. The two groups were comparable in terms of birthweight and gestational age. Ten percent (3/29) of the infants randomized to the CGD group required i.v. fluids and 90% of them received electrolytes and glucose through an orogastric tube. The incidence of hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia and episodes of feeding intolerance did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Fluid administration by CGD reduces the need for i.v. lines without increasing the risk of complications.

Genome-wide analysis of yeast transcription upon calcium shortage

Several regulatory circuits related to important functions, like membrane excitation, immunoresponse, replication, control of the cell cycle and differentiation, among others, cause an increase in intracellular calcium level that finally has a consequence upon transcription of specific genes. The sequencing of the whole genome of eukaryotic cells enables genome-wide analysis of gene expression under many conditions not yet assessed by conventional methods. Using the array technology, the effect of calcium shortage in yeast cells was studied. Correspondence analysis of data showed that there is a response in transcription that is correlated to calcium shortage. The distribution of up-regulated-genes in functional categories suggests a regulatory connection between the cell-cycle progression and the energetic metabolic requirements for growth and division. In silico analysis of promoters reveals the frequent appearance of the Mlu I cell cycle box (MCB) cis element that binds the transcriptional regulatory factor Mcm1.

Distribution and development of FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neuronal systems in the brain of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario

The distribution of Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFamide) peptide-immunoreactive (FMRF-ir) cells and fibers in the terminal nerve and central nervous system was investigated in developing stages and adults of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario. The first FMRF-ir neurons appeared in the terminal nerve system of 8-mm embryos in and below the olfactory placode. In the brain, FMRF-ir neurons were first observed in the rostral hypothalamus, primordial hypothalamic lobe, mesencephalic laminar nucleus, and locus coeruleus of 12- to 13 -m embryos. After hatching, FMRF-ir cells appeared in the lateral part of the ventral telencephalic area and the anterior tuberal nucleus. In adult trout, FMRF-ir cells were observed in all these areas. The number of FMRF-ir neurons increased markedly in some of these populations during development. Dense innervation by FMRF-ir fibers was observed in the dorsal and lateral parts of the dorsal telencephalic area, and in the ventral telencephalic area, the lateral preoptic area, the medial hypothalamic and posterior tubercle regions, midbrain tegmentum and rhombencephalic reticular areas, the central gray, the superior raphe nucleus, the secondary visceral nucleus, the vagal nuclei, and the area postrema. Fairly rich FMRF-ir innervation was also observed in the optic tectum and some parts of the torus semicircularis. The saccus vasculosus and hypophysis received a moderate amount of FMRF-ir fibers. Innervation of most of these regions appeared either in late alevins or fry, although FMRF-ir fibers in the preoptic area, hypothalamus, and reticular areas appeared in embryos. Comparative analysis of the complex innervation pattern observed in the brain of trout suggests that FMRF is involved in a variety of functions, like the FMRF family of peptides in mammals.

New secretory strategies for Kluyveromyces lactis beta-galactosidase

We examined several strategies for the secretion of Kluyveromyces lactis beta-galactosidase into the culture medium, in order to facilitate the downstream processing and purification of this intracellular enzyme of great industrial interest. We constructed plasmids by fusing the LAC4 gene or engineered variants to the secretion signal of the K.lactis killer toxin or to the secretion signal of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor. With these plasmids we transformed strains of the yeasts K.lactis and S.cerevisiae, respectively and tested beta-galactosidase extracellular activity in different culture media. We achieved partial secretion of beta-galactosidase in the culture medium since the high molecular weight and oligomeric nature of the enzyme, among other factors, preclude full secretion. The percentage of secretion was improved by directed mutagenesis of the N-terminus of the protein. We developed several deletion mutants which helped us to propose structure-function relationships by comparison with the available data on the homologous Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase. The influence of the culture conditions on heterologous beta-galactosidase secretion was also studied.

Presence and development of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive amacrine cells in the retina of a teleost, the brown trout (Salmo trutta fario)

The presence of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive (TRHir) amacrine cells is described for the first time in the retina of a teleost. These amacrine cells were mostly located in the inner nuclear layer, with occasional perikarya in the ganglion cell layer. Their processes formed a conspicuous plexus at the level of the ganglion cell perikarya. The TRHir amacrine cells appeared in posthatching stages, with the total number in retinas of juveniles approximately four times the number of cells in adults. Two types of TRHir cells, large and small, can be distinguished in developing stages, small cells outnumbering large cells. The TRHir cells of adults appears mainly to correspond to large, multistratified amacrine cells of developing stages. The possibility of transient expression of TRH in small amacrine cells during development is discussed.

Development of thyrotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the brain of the brown trout Salmo trutta fario

The development and adult distribution of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive (TRHir) neurons in the brain of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario, was studied with the streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical method. Study of embryos, alevin, and juveniles revealed groups of TRHir neurons in the mesencephalon and rhombencephalon that have not been noted previously in adult teleosts. The earliest TRHir cells observed were those of the trigeminal motor nucleus, which expressed this substance only in embryos and alevins. In the forebrain, early-arising TRH populations were observed in the supra- and postcommissural region of the ventral telencephalic area, the anterior parvocellular preoptic nucleus, the organon vasculosum laminae terminalis, the magnocellular preoptic nucleus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and the posterior tuberal nucleus. TRHir cells of the olfactory bulb, abundant in the adult, appeared later. A small TRHir neuronal population was transiently observed in the habenula of alevins and juveniles. The laminar nucleus of the mesencephalon contained a small population of TRH cells in alevins and juveniles. In the isthmus, TRH was observed in cells of the interpeduncular nucleus, the nucleus isthmi, the dorsolateral tegmental nucleus, the superior reticular nucleus, and the central gray, although perikarya were TRHir only in alevin and/or juvenile stages. Some vagal motoneurons were TRHir from the late embryo stage onward. TRHir fibers were abundant in several forebrain regions of alevins and juveniles, including the medial region of the dorsal telencephalic area, the ventral telencephalic area and commissural region, the preoptic neuropil, the posterior tubercle, the anterior tuberal nucleus, and the posterior hypothalamic lobe. TRHir fibers invaded the neurohypophysis in early alevins, and their number increased subsequently to adulthood. The parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus and the optic tectum received a rich TRHir innervation from juvenile stages onward. The interpeduncular nucleus and the secondary gustatory nucleus contained many TRHir fibers. In the rhombencephalon, TRHir fibers were scarce, except in the ventrolateral regions and the inferior olive. The distribution of TRHir fibers suggests that they were mainly related to hypophysiotropic and visceral centers, although the presence of TRH in centers related to the visual system indicates that TRH also plays other roles in the brain. We discuss the possibility that the strong expression of TRH in the embryonic trigeminal motoneurons plays a role in head morphogenesis.

Number and size of stones in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstones and gallbladder carcinoma: a prospective study of 592 cases

The development of gallbladder carcinoma has been correlated with the presence of a single large gallstone in two retrospective studies. The objective of the present study was to determine the number and size of gallstones in patients with gallbladder carcinoma compared to asymptomatic and symptomatic female patients with gallstones. The following three groups of patients were included in this prospective trial: (A) 78 asymptomatic patients with gallstones; (B) 365 symptomatic patients with gallstones; and (C) 149 patients with gallbladder carcinoma. At the end of the operation, the resected gallbladder was opened and the number of stones counted. The maximum size of the stones was determined using calipers. Patients with gallbladder carcinoma were significantly older than patients in the other two groups (P <0.001). In the group with asymptomatic gallstones, there were significantly more patients with one single stone, whereas in the group with gallbladder carcinoma there were significantly more patients with multiple stones (more than 11; P <0.01). Patients with gallbladder carcinoma had significantly larger stones, regardless of the number of stones present (P <0.001). We postulate that the increase in the number and size of the stones among patients with gallbladder carcinoma could simply be an effect of aging or it could be a reflection of the long-term presence of stones in the gallbladder rather than some particular chemical or physical influence.

Development of immunoreactivity to neuropeptide Y in the brain of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario)

The development of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive (NPY-ir) neurons in the brain of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario, was studied by using the streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical method. Almost all NPY-ir neurons found in the brain of adults already appeared in embryonic stages. The earliest NPY-ir neurons were observed in the laminar nucleus, the locus coeruleus, and the vagal region of 9-mm-long embryos. In the lateral area of the ventral telencephalon, habenula, hypothalamus, optic tectum, and saccus vasculosus, NPY-ir cells appeared shortly after (embryos 12-14 mm in length). The finding of NPY-ir cells in the saccus vasculosus and the vagal region expand the NPY-ir structures known in teleosts. Among the regions of the trout brain most richly innervated by NPY-ir fibers are the hypothalamus, the isthmus, and the complex of the nucleus of the solitary tract/area postrema, suggesting a correlation of NPY with visceral functions. Two patterns of development of NPY-ir populations were observed: Some populations showed a lifetime increase in cell number, whereas, in other populations, cell number was established early in development or even diminished in adulthood. These developmental patterns were compared with those found in other studies of teleosts and with those found in other vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 414:13-32, 1999.

GC/MS analysis of PCB congeners in blood of the harbor seal Phoca vitulina from San Francisco Bay

Here we report a validated technique for quantifying up to 20 specific PCB congeners in 1-2 g samples of whole blood with a detection limit below 1 ng/g (ppb) wet weight. Specimens were analyzed from 14 harbor seals sampled in south San Francisco Bay, California during 1991-1992. Ratios of specific congeners to PCB-153, and other aspects of congener pattern, agreed with published values for PCB's detected in seal blood. PCB-153 constituted 30 percent of our sigma PCB values. The mean sigma PCB concentration for the San Francisco Bay seals was 50 ppb, about three times the average level reported for blood of captive seals fed exclusively on fish from the Baltic's PCB-contaminated Dutch Wadden Sea. Such experimental populations have exhibited depressed reproductive success and impaired immune function. These findings support concerns about the ecological effects of PCB contamination in San Francisco Bay.

Dealing with different methods for Kluyveromyces lactis beta-galactosidase purification

Several micro-scale chromatography-based procedures for purification of the beta-galactosidase from the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis were assayed. Purified enzyme was suitable to be used as antigen to induce polyclonal antibodies production. Specific staining of non-denaturing PAGE gels with chromogenic substrates allowed the determination of the number of subunits forming the native enzyme.

Expression of a low-molecular-weight (10 kDa) calcium binding protein in glial cells of the brain of the trout (Teleostei)

Calcium-binding proteins of the EF-hand family are widely distributed in the vertebrate central nervous system. In the present study of the trout brain, immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against chick gut calbindin-28k and a polyclonal antibody against bovine S100 protein specifically stained ependymocytes and radial glia cells with identical patterns. Western blot analysis of trout brain extracts with the antibodies to S100 and calbindin stained the same low-molecular-weight (10 kDa) protein band. In rat brain extracts, however, the monoclonal antibody to calbindin recognized a major protein band with molecular weight corresponding to that of calbindin-28k. This indicates that the trout protein is a new calcium-binding-like (calbindin-like) molecule that is immunologically related to both S100 and calbindin. Immunocytochemical studies of the trout brain using the antibodies to CaB and S100 showed that ependymocytes were stained in most ventricular regions, except in a few specialized ependymal areas of the ventral telencephalon, epithalamus, hypothalamus (including the paraventricular organ and saccus vasculosus) and brain stem. Immunocytochemistry also indicated the presence of calbindin-like protein in radial glia cells of several regions of the brain (thalamus, pretectal region, optic tectum, and rhombencephalon). Differences in immunoreactivity between neighbouring ependymal areas suggest that this protein may be a useful marker of different territories. All immunoreactive glial cells were nicotin-adenin-dinucleotide-phosphate diaphorase-positive, although this enzymohistochemical reaction is not specific for these glial cells since it reveals oligodendrocytes and some neurons. Immunoreactivity appears at different developmental stages in the different brain regions, with a broadly caudorostral gradient, suggesting that the expression of this protein is developmentally regulated. Comparison of the distribution of the calbindin-like protein with that of glial acidic fibrillary protein indicates that calbindin-like immunocytochemistry is a specific technique for revealing radial glia and ependymocytes in the trout.

Acute abdomen in systemic lupus erythematosus: the importance of early laparotomy

BACKGROUND

Acute abdomen (AA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Most patients are on steroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment and mortality is high.

METHODS

We assessed the relationship between the causes of AA in SLE and the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI).

RESULTS

Of 51 patients with SLE and AA, 36 had active disease (Group 1) and 15 inactive disease (Group 2). Group 1 included 19 patients with vasculitis (mean SLEDAI 15.4, range 13 to 24). Three patients with intraabdominal thrombosis and high titers of anticardiolipin antibodies (mean SLEDAI 18.3) and 14 patients with non-SLE-related AA (SLEDAI 8.2, range 5 to 11). Group 2 consisted of 15 inactive SLE patients (mean SLEDAI 1.7, range 0 to 4). Mortality was high in the active group (14 patients) compared with inactive SLE (2 cases). A delay in surgical exploration (39.3 vs 178.6 hours) had a negative influence on the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In SLE patients with AA, a SLEDAI score below 5 is indicative of non-SLE-related AA. Elevated aCL were found in patients with intraabdominal thrombosis. AA in inactive SLE is non-SLE-related and has low mortality, provided an appropriate surgical treatment is given. Early laparotomy influences positively the prognosis of SLE patients with AA.

Heterologous Kluyveromyces lactis beta-galactosidase production and release by Saccharomyces cerevisiae osmotic-remedial thermosensitive autolytic mutants

The beta-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis is a high molecular weight protein with commercial interest. A major drawback of its industrial production is the high cost associated with extraction and downstream processing due to its intracellular nature. In this work, the effectiveness of the utilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae LD1 and LHDP1 strains, osmotic-remedial mutants which lyse at 37 degrees C, for the heterologous production and release into the extracellular medium of this protein has been proved. The highest absolute values of released beta-galactosidase have been obtained with the protease-deficient strain LHDP1 by osmotic shock.

Sequence analysis of a 10 kb DNA fragment from yeast chromosome VII reveals a novel member of the DnaJ family

We report the sequence analysis of a 10 kb DNA fragment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome VII. This sequence contains four complete open reading frames (ORFs) of greater than 100 amino acids. There are also two incomplete ORFs flanking the extremes: one of these, G2868, is the 5' part of the SCS3 gene (Hosaka et al., 1994). ORFs G2853 and G2856 correspond to the genes CEG1, coding for the alfa subunit of the mRNA guanylyl transferase and a 3' gene of unknown function previously sequenced (Shibagaki et al., 1992). G2864 is identical to SOH1 also reported (Fan and Klein, 1994).

Neurons of the olfactory organ projecting to the caudal telencephalon and hypothalamus: a carbocyanine-dye labelling study in the brown trout (Teleostei)

The caudal extrabulbar projections and their neurons of origin in the trout were studied after carbocyanine-dye (DiI) labelling in either the olfactory organ or the caudal telencephalon. DiI application to the caudal telencephalon labelled bipolar neurons in the olfactory epithelium, where they were sparsely distributed throughout the olfactory lamellae. Labelled fibres ran scattered in the olfactory nerve without forming bundles. DiI application to the olfactory organ labelled extrabulbar projections to the ventral telencephalon, preoptic region and tuberal hypothalamus. These results confirm that primary sensory fibres running in the medial olfactory tract of trout have an olfactory origin.

Ontogeny of somatostatin-immunoreactive systems in the brain of the brown trout (Teleostei)

The development of somatostatin-immunoreactive neurons and fibres was studied, using immunocytochemistry, in the brain of the brown trout. Somatostatinergic perikarya were found in many regions including several telencephalic areas, the preoptic nucleus, anterior tuberal and lateral tuberal nuclei, the lateral recess nucleus, dorsal tuberal nucleus, the pre- and pseudoglomerular nuclei, central thalamic nucleus, optic tectum, interpeduncular nucleus, several isthmal and reticular nuclei and the solitary fascicle nucleus. The ventrolateral area of the telencephalon and the nucleus lateralis tuberis are the first immunoreactive nuclei to appear in ontogeny, and cells of some telencephalic areas and of the lateral optic recess nucleus, the latest. Somatostatin-immunoreactive fibre tracts innervate the hypophysis and different regions of the brain. The most richly innervated areas in adults are the dorsolateral telencephalic area and the organon vasculosum laminae terminalis. Two patterns of production of somatostatinergic cells were observed: that of populations in which cell numbers increase over the lifetime of the fish, and that of populations whose cell number is established early in development or even diminishes in adulthood. These results provide interesting contrasts to those previously reported in birds and mammals.

The structure and development of dopaminergic interplexiform cells in the retina of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario: a tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemical study

The organisation and development of the dopaminergic (DA) system in the retina of the adult brown trout were studied with tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemical techniques. Adult DA cells are rather homogeneous in appearance and possess thick dendritic processes running to the ganglion cell layer and thinner axonal processes which run to the horizontal cell layer, where they form a rich plexus of varicose fibres closely associated with the surface of these cells. Contact of DA fibres with photoreceptor processes was not observed. We therefore consider this DA population to consist mainly of interplexiform cells. These cells appear late in development, being first observed in prehatching (16 mm) embryos (after photoreceptors have begun to differentiate). DA cells increased in number throughout the fry and juvenile stages, but even in the largest juveniles studied (30-35 mm) the size of the DA cell population was only about 20% of that in adults. DA cells appear to arise in the marginal retina. In developing stages (embryos and fry) only inner nuclear layer processes were observed, the horizontal cell layer DA plexus appearing late in development (28 mm juveniles).

Bacteriological studies of bile from the gallbladder in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder, cholelithiasis, common bile duct stones and no gallstones disease

OBJECTIVE

To compare the presence of bacteria of bile from the gallbladder in control subjects, patients with gallstones, and patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder.

DESIGN

Prospective open study.

SETTING

University department of surgery.

SUBJECTS

372 patients of whom 36 had no signs of gallbladder disease; 211 underwent cholecystectomy for either symptomatic gallstone disease (n = 165) or acute cholecystitis (n = 46); 67 had common bile duct stones and 58 were operated on for carcinoma of the gallbladder.

INTERVENTIONS

Aspiration of bile from the gallbladder.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in bile from the gallbladder and correlations between the presence of bacteria, the presence of cancer, and age.

RESULTS

No pathogenic bacteria were grown from the bile of the patients who had no signs of gallstones disease. Among the 165 with symptomatic gallstone disease 52 (32%) had pathogens in their bile, and among the 46 with acute cholecystitis the corresponding figure was 19 (41%) while among patients with common bile duct stones this figure was 39 (58%). Among the 58 patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder the bile grew organism in 47 (81%). Patients over the age of 60 years tended to be more likely to have organism in their bile than patients aged 60 or less, and the difference was significant for symptomatic gallstone disease (p < 0.003). Significant differences were also found between patients with symptomatic gallstone disease and those with carcinoma of the gallbladder in both age groups (p < 0.002 in each case). Most of the organism were aerobic or anaerobic Gram negative species, irrespective of type of disease or age.

CONCLUSION

Bacteria may have a role in the development of carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Primary olfactory fibres project to the ventral telencephalon and preoptic region in trout (Salmo trutta): a developmental immunocytochemical study

We studied the development of the primary olfactory system of a teleost, the brown trout, with the aims of clarifying whether the caudal projection pertains to the olfactory or to the terminal nerve system, of identifying the brain regions receiving this projection, and of investigating its possible functional significance. As olfactory markers (OMs) we used two polyclonal antibodies (to substance P and to alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) that were found to label the olfactory projection strongly after preadsortion of the antibody with the corresponding antigen (OMs), and as a terminal nerve marker we used an antiserum to FMRF-amide peptide. OM labelling was observed in both perikarya and axons of olfactory neurons. In adults, olfactory neurons projected not only to olfactory glomeruli in the olfactory bulb but also, as has been reported previously, to more caudal targets in the forebrain through the medial olfactory tract. Our results show that these targets include the ventral and commissural nuclei of the area ventralis telencephali, the periventricular preoptic region, and the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis. Glomeruli were not observed before hatching, and the extrabulbar olfactory projections appear late in development. Extensive periventricular preoptic olfactory plexuses and olfactory innervation of the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis did not appear until adulthood. The cells of the ganglion nervus terminalis, which form ganglionic groups along the olfactory nerves, were not stained with these olfactory markers at any developmental stage studied, nor was the medial olfactory tract FMRP-amide peptide immunoreactive. Our results thus confirm the existence of primary olfactory projections to extrabulbar targets in trout. The target regions identified in this study are implicated in sexual behaviour: We discuss the related possibility that, in teleosts, these extrabulbar olfactory projections (rather than projections of the terminal nerve, as is widely held) are the primary mediators of neuroendocrine response to pheromones.

Fine structure and development of ionocyte areas in the labyrinth of the trout (Salmo trutta fario)

The distribution of ionocyte areas in the trout labyrinth (in the semicircular canal ampullae, crus communis and utricular vesicle) is very similar to that of areas of dark cells in mammals. In all 3 regions, ionocytes begin to develop after hatching, and are cuboid at fry stages and prismatic in juveniles and adults. On electron microscopy, 3 types of cell can be seen in adult ionocyte areas: ionocytes, associate cells and basal cells. Ionocytes possess many mitochondria, occupying approximately 28% of the cytoplasmic volume, and a well-developed tubulomembranous system which opens on the basal surface at some points. These ultrastructural features, very similar to those of chloride cells, strongly suggest that ionocytes are involved in ion transport. Unlike mammalian dark cells, there are no basal or lateral infoldings of the plasma membrane in trout ionocytes. Trout associate cells have a well developed vacuolar system, few mitochondria and bundles of cytoplasmic filaments. Although less specialised than ionocytes, they may be involved in endolymph secretion.

Distribution of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the elasmobranch Scyliorhinus canicula

Immunohistochemical methods were used to study the distribution of substance P in the brain of the small-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula). Substance P-like immunoreactive (SP-IR) cell bodies and fibers were widely distributed. In the telencephalon, sparse populations of SP-IR neurons are present in the olfactory bulbs, pallium, and subpallium. In the subpallium numerous SP-IR boutons form unusual coats ("pericellular appositions") on SP-immunonegative neurons. In the diencephalon numerous SP-IR cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons are present in the preoptic recess organ and organon vasculosum hypothalami. Numerous SP-IR fibers also run in the hypothalamus, although no immunoreactivity was observed in the habenulo-interpeduncular system. A terminal field of SP-IR fibers is present in the median eminence. In the mesencephalic tegmentum, SP-IR neurons were observed in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. SP-IR fibers are present at high density in the basal tegmentum, forming a conspicuous tract. In the hindbrain, numerous SP-IR fibers were observed in the isthmal region, the trigeminal descending root, the visceral sensory area and commissural nucleus, and the visceromotor column. SP-IR fibers occur at high density in the substantia gelatinosa of the rostral spinal cord.

[Biliary surgery mortality in Chile in 1990. Cooperative study in 17 hospitals]

A survey about surgical procedures performed in 1990 was answered by 17 surgical services. With these data the operative mortality of biliary surgery was analyzed. During 1990, 39,643 patients were subjected to major surgery of which 9,654 (24.3%) corresponded to benign biliary tract diseases. Forty nine percent of patients had chronic cholecystitis, 36% acute cholecystitis and 16% choledocholithiasis. Global mortality of these procedures was 0.58% and mortalities for chronic cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis were 0.06, 0.6 and 2% respectively. These numbers increased significantly in patients over 60 years old, are lower than those reported 10 years ago and could be useful as "gold standards" for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Clinico-pathological conference: a preterm infant with multiple congenital anomalies

A preterm female infant (28 weeks; 880 g) presented with bilateral ectrodactyly of the feet, small cleft palate, esophageal atresia and T-E fistula, multivalvular dysplasia and VSD, thrombocytopenia, and other minor anomalies. Cytogenetic analysis showed trisomy 18.