Toxicity and behavioural effects of ocfentanil and 2-furanylfentanyl in zebrafish larvae and mice

The introduction of the so-called New Psychoactive Substances represents a problem of global concern due to several factors, including multiplicity of structures, poorly known activity, short half-life in the market, lack of pure standards etc. Among these problems, of the highest relevance is also the lack of information about metabolism and adverse effects, which must be faced using simple and low-cost animal models. On these grounds, the present work has been carried out on 5 days post fertilization zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae in comparison with adult mice (Mus musculus). Ocfentanil and 2-furanylfentanyl were administered at different concentrations to zebrafish larvae (1, 10 µM) and mice (0.1, 1, 6, 15 mg/kg). The behavioural assay showed a decrease in basal locomotor activity in zebrafish, whereas in mice this effect was evident only after the mechanical stimulus. Larva extracts and mice urine were analysed by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry to identify the metabolic pathways of the fentanyl analogs. For 2-furanylfentanyl, the most common biotransformations observed were hydroxylation, hydration and oxidation in zebrafish larvae, whereas mice produced mainly the dihydrodiol metabolite. Hydroxylation was the major route of metabolism for ocfentanil in zebrafish larvae, while in mice the O-demethylated derivative was the main metabolite. In addition, a study was conducted to evaluate morphological effects of the two drugs on zebrafish larvae. Malformations were noticeable only at the highest concentration of 2-furanylfentanyl, whereas no significant damage was observed with ocfentanil. In conclusion, the two animal models show similarities in behavioral response and in metabolism, considering the different biological investigated.

Atezolizumab induced new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are novel therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment, promoting anti-tumor response by boosting cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Despite their high effectiveness, they can trigger the activation of diverse autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed individuals. New-onset autoimmune diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1D) is an extremely unusual side effect, described in less than 1% of patients.

CASE REPORT

Here we present a 44-year-old male diagnosed with non-surgical hepatocarcinoma, developing programmed death ligand-1 inhibitor-induced autoimmune endocrinopathies, presented as diabetic ketoacidosis and thyroiditis. After two cycles of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, he consulted the emergency department with abdominal pain and diabetes cardinal features (polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting). Blood tests demonstrated hyperglycemia >800 mg/dL, capillary ketonemia >3 mmol/L, metabolic acidosis (pH 7.24 with HCO3 14 mEq/L). Subsequent studies detected a low level of C-peptide, and positive glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulinoma-associated antigen-2 antibodies. Thyroid examination was compatible with thyroiditis, showing a high free thyroxine level (1.91 ng/dL) with low thyrotropin (TSH) (0.08 mIU/L) and negative anti-TSH receptor antibody.

MANAGEMENT & OUTCOME

After reaching metabolic stabilization, treatment with Atezolizumab was restarted, with no further complications showing size stability in the computed tomography control.

DISCUSSION

T1D related to ICI is a rare condition that presents as a life-threatening emergency and should be recognized and treated early. Blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin determinations should be performed at periodic visits for detection. There are genetic factors that predispose susceptible individuals, but there is no evidence of studies to be performed before the onset of ICI or preventive strategies.

Mitochondrial redox impairment and enhanced autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from type 1 diabetic patients

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) involves critical metabolic disturbances that contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk. Leukocytes are key players in the onset of atherosclerosis due to their interaction with the endothelium. However, whether mitochondrial redox impairment, altered bioenergetics and abnormal autophagy in leukocytes contribute to T1D physiopathology is unclear. In this study we aimed to evaluate the bioenergetic and redox state of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from T1D patients in comparison to those from healthy subjects, and to assess autophagy induction and leukocyte-endothelial interactions. T1D patients presented lower levels of fast-acting and total antioxidants in their blood, and their leukocytes produced higher amounts of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide radical with respect to controls. Basal and ATP-linked respiration were similar in PBMCs from T1D and controls, but T1D PBMCs exhibited reduced spare respiratory capacity and a tendency toward decreased maximal respiration and reduced non-mitochondrial respiration, compared to controls. The autophagy markers P-AMPK, Beclin-1 and LC3-II/LC3-I were increased, while P62 and NBR1 were decreased in T1D PBMCs versus those from controls. Leukocytes from T1D patients displayed lower rolling velocity, higher rolling flux and more adhesion to the endothelium versus controls. Our findings show that T1D impairs mitochondrial function and promotes oxidative stress and autophagy in leukocytes, and suggest that these mechanisms contribute to an increased risk of atherosclerosis by augmenting leukocyte-endothelial interactions.

Zebrafish larvae: A new model to study behavioural effects and metabolism of fentanyl, in comparison to a traditional mice model

In an effort to find alternatives to study in vivo the so-called New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), the present work was undertaken to investigate the use of zebrafish larvae as animal model in pharmaco-toxicology, providing behavioural and metabolism information. For this purpose, fentanyl, the progenitor of an extremely dangerous group of NPS, was administered at different doses to zebrafish larvae (1, 10, 50, 100 µM) in comparison to mice (0.1, 1, 6, 15 mg/kg), as a well-established animal model. A behavioural assay was performed at the time of the peak effect of fentanyl, showing that the results in larvae are consistent with those observed in mice. On the other hand, several morphological abnormalities (namely yolk sac edema, abnormal pericardial edema, jaw defect and spinal curvature) were found in larvae mostly at high fentanyl doses (50, 100 µM). Larva extract and mice urine were analyzed by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry to identify the metabolic pathways of fentanyl. The main metabolites detected were norfentanyl and hydroxyfentanyl in both the tested models. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that fentanyl effects on zebrafish larvae and metabolism are similar to rodents and consequently support the hypothesis of using zebrafish larvae as a suitable rapid screening tool to investigate new drugs, and particularly NPS.

A New Universal Follicular Unit Excision Classification System for Hair Transplantation Difficulty and Patient Outcome

Introduction

The difficulty of the follicular unit excision (FUE) hair transplantation procedure is currently attributed to hair curliness and subsurface angulation. Patients possessing the curliest hair shafts are considered the most challenging. Consequently, patients with these features are often denied FUE. However, this practice does not consider intrapatient variation in the graft attrition rate and the rates themselves, which are frequently low in very curly hair where the skin firmness/thickness is average. To better aid practitioners in predicting FUE performance, we have developed a new scoring system (the Sanusi FUE Score Scale [SFS Scale]) based on two major donor variables (hair and skin characteristics).

Material and Method

The scale assigns scores to each of three hair subtypes (straight-wavy, curly, and coily-kinky) and each of three skin subtypes (thick/firm, soft/thin, and medium thickness/firmness). The scores were weighted based on the assessment of 13 experienced FUE practitioners from around the globe, who were asked to score each of the three skin and hair characteristics for their contribution to FUE difficulty.

Results

On the contribution of skin characteristics to FUE difficulty, 12/13 (92%) practitioners assigned the highest (most difficult) score to thick/firm skin, with medium skin thickness/firmness being the least challenging. The same percentage of practitioners gave the highest difficulty score to coiled-kinky hair subtypes regarding the contribution of hair characteristics to FUE difficulty. All agreed that straight-wavy hair presents the least challenge to FUE performance. Tallying the scores of the skin and hair variables generates a final score range of 2–9, which is associated with five grades/classes of challenge in the FUE procedure, influencing the need for a specialized skill/nuanced approach or equipment.

Conclusion

We developed a universal FUE donor scoring scale that accounts for the diversity of human hair and skin types. Further evaluation to determine the validity of this new classification system in predicting and grading FUE difficulty and patient outcomes is warranted.

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MAM-2201, One of the Most Potent-Naphthoyl Indole Derivative-Synthetic Cannabinoids, Exerts Toxic Effects on Human Cell-Based Models of Neurons and Astrocytes

Considering the consequences on human health, in general population and workplace, associated with the use of new psychoactive substances and their continuous placing on the market, novel in vitro models for neurotoxicology research, applying human-derived CNS cells, may provide a means to understand the mechanistic basis of molecular and cellular alterations in brain. Cytotoxic effects of MAM-2201, a potent-naphthoyl indole derivative-synthetic cannabinoid, have been evaluated applying a panel of human cell-based models of neurons and astrocytes, testing different concentrations (1-30 µM) and exposure times (3-24-48 h). MAM-2201 induced toxicity in primary neuron-like cells (hNLCs), obtained from transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord. Effects occurred in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The lowest concentration affecting cell viability, metabolic function, apoptosis, morphology, and neuronal markers (MAP-2, NSE) was 5 μM, and even 1 μM induced apoptosis. Effects appeared early (3 h) and persisted after 24 and 48 h. Similar behavior was evidenced for human D384-astrocytes treated with MAM-2201. Differently, human SH-SY5Y-neurons, both differentiated and undifferentiated, were not sensitive to MAM-2201. On D384, the different altered endpoints were reversed, attenuated, or not antagonized by AM251 indicating that CB1 receptors may partially mediate MAM-2201-induced cytotoxicity. While in hNLCs, all toxic effects caused by MAM-2201 were apparently unrelated to CB-receptors since they were not evidenced by immunofluorescence. The present in vitro findings demonstrate the cytotoxicity of MAM-2201 on human primary neurons (hNLCs) and astrocytes cell line (D384), and support the use of these cellular models as species-specific in vitro tools suitable to clarify the neurotoxicity mechanisms of synthetic cannabinoids.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the synthetic opioid MT-45

MT-45 is a synthetic opioid that was developed in the 1970s as an analgesic compound. However, in recent years MT-45 has been associated with multiple deaths in Europe and has been included in the class of novel psychoactive substances known as novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). Little is known about the pharmaco-toxicological effects of MT-45. Therefore, we used a dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay to investigate the pharmacodynamic profile of this NSO in vitro compared with morphine. We then used in vivo studies to investigate the effect of the acute systemic administration of MT-45 (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on motor and sensorimotor (visual, acoustic and tactile) responses, mechanical and thermal analgesia, muscle strength and body temperature in CD-1 male mice. Higher doses of MT-45 (6-30 mg/kg i.p.) were used to investigate cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO₂ saturation and pulse distention). All effects of MT-45 were compared with those of morphine. In vitro DMR assay results demonstrated that at human recombinant opioid receptors MT-45 behaves as a potent selective mu agonist with a slightly higher efficacy than morphine. In vivo results showed that MT-45 progressively induces tail elevation at the lowest dose tested (0.01 mg/kg), increased mechanical and thermal antinociception (starting from 1 to 6 mg/kg), decreased visual sensorimotor responses (starting from 3 to 6 mg/kg) and reduced tactile responses, modulated motor performance and induced muscle rigidity at higher doses (15 mg/kg). In addition, at higher doses (15-30 mg/kg) MT-45 impaired the cardiorespiratory functions. All effects were prevented by the administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These findings reveal the risks associated with the ingestion of opioids and the importance of studying these drugs and undertaking more clinical studies of the current molecules to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity.

Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br impair Novel Object Recognition in mice: Behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence

It is well known that an impairment of learning and memory function is one of the major physiological effects caused by natural or synthetic cannabinoid consumption in rodents, nonhuman primates and in humans. JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives (JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br) are synthetic CB1/CB2 cannabinoid agonists, illegally marketed as "Spice" and "herbal blend" for their Cannabis-like psychoactive effects. In the present study the effects of acute exposure to JWH-018, JWH-018-Cl, JWH-018-Br (JWH-018-R compounds) and Δ(9)-THC (for comparison) on Novel Object Recognition test (NOR) has been investigated in mice. Moreover, to better characterize the effects of JWH-018-R compounds on memory function, in vitro electrophysiological and neurochemical studies in hippocampal preparations have been performed. JWH-018, JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br dose-dependently impaired both short- and long-memory retention in mice (respectively 2 and 24 h after training session). Their effects resulted more potent respect to that evoked by Δ(9)-THC. Moreover, in vitro studies showed as JWH-018-R compounds negatively affected electrically evoked synaptic transmission, LTP and aminoacid (glutamate and GABA) release in hippocampal slices. Behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical effects were fully prevented by CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 pretreatment, suggesting a CB1 receptor involvement. These data support the hypothesis that synthetic JWH-018-R compounds, as Δ(9)-THC, impair cognitive function in mice by interfering with hippocampal synaptic transmission and memory mechanisms. This data outline the danger that the use and/or abuse of these synthetic cannabinoids may represent for the cognitive process in human consumer.

Final design of the beam source for the MITICA injector

The megavolt ITER injector and concept advancement experiment is the prototype and the test bed of the ITER heating and current drive neutral beam injectors, currently in the final design phase, in view of the installation in Padova Research on Injector Megavolt Accelerated facility in Padova, Italy. The beam source is the key component of the system, as its goal is the generation of the 1 MeV accelerated beam of deuterium or hydrogen negative ions. This paper presents the highlights of the latest developments for the finalization of the MITICA beam source design, together with a description of the most recent analyses and R&D activities carried out in support of the design.

Stimulation of in vivo dopamine transmission and intravenous self-administration in rats and mice by JWH-018, a Spice cannabinoid

The synthetic cannabinoid 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)-indole (JWH-018) has been detected in about 140 samples of a smokable herbal mixture termed "Spice". JWH-018 is a CB1 and CB2 agonist with a higher affinity than Δ9-THC. In order to investigate the neurobiological substrates of JWH-018 actions, we studied by microdialysis in freely moving rats the effect of JWH-018 on extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core and in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). JWH-018, at the dose of 0.25 mg/kg i.p., increased DA release in the NAc shell but not in the NAc core and mPFC. Lower (0.125 mg/kg) and higher doses (0.50 mg/kg) were ineffective. These effects were blocked by CB1 receptor antagonists (SR-141716A and AM 251) and were absent in mice lacking the CB1 receptor. Ex vivo whole cell patch clamp recordings from rat ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons showed that JWH-018 decreases GABAA-mediated post-synaptic currents in a dose-dependent fashion suggesting that the stimulation of DA release observed in vivo might result from disinhibition of DA neurons. In addition, on the "tetrad" paradigm for screening cannabinoid-like effects (i.e., hypothermia, analgesia, catalepsy, hypomotility), JWH-018, at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg i.p., produced CB1 receptor-dependent behavioural effects in rats. Finally, under appropriate experimental conditions, rats (20 μg/kg/inf i.v., FR3; nose-poking) and mice (30 μg/kg/inf i.v., FR1; lever-pressing) self-administer intravenously JWH-018. In conclusion, JWH-018 shares with the active ingredient of Marijuana, Δ9-THC, CB1-dependent reinforcing and DA stimulant actions.

JWH-018 impairs sensorimotor functions in mice

Naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-018) is a synthetic cannabinoid agonist illegally marketed in "Spice" and "herbal blend" for its psychoactive effect greater than those produced by cannabis. In rodents JWH-018 reproduces typical effects of (-)-Δ(9)-THC or Dronabinol® (Δ(9)-THC) such as hypothermia, analgesia, hypolocomotion and akinesia, while its effects on sensorimotor functions are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of acute administration of JWH-018 (0.01-6mg/kg i.p.) on sensorimotor functions in male CD-1 mice and to compare its effects with those caused by the administration of Δ(9)-THC (0.01-6mg/kg i.p.). A specific battery of behavioral tests were adopted to investigate effects of cannabinoid agonists on sensorimotor functions (visual, auditory, tactile) and neurological changes (convulsion, myoclonia, hyperreflexia) while video-tracking analysis was used to study spontaneous locomotion. JWH-018 administration inhibited sensorimotor responses at lower doses (0.01-0.1mg/kg), reduced spontaneous locomotion at intermediate/high doses (1-6mg/kg) and induced convulsions, myoclonia and hyperreflexia at high doses (6mg/kg). Similarly, administration of Δ(9)-THC reduced sensorimotor responses in mice but it did not inhibit spontaneous locomotion and it did not induce neurological alterations. All behavioral effects and neurological alterations were prevented by the administration of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM 251). For the first time these data demonstrate that JWH-018 impairs sensorimotor responses in mice. This aspect should be carefully evaluated to better understand the potential danger that JWH-018 may pose to public health, with particular reference to decreased performance in driving and hazardous works.

Acute and chronic antiparkinsonian effects of the novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist NiK-21273 in comparison with SB-612111

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor antagonists have been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach to Parkinson's disease. Main limitations of previous studies were the use of structurally similar compounds and the evaluation of their acute effects only. We report here on the acute and long-term antiparkinsonian effects of the novel compound 2-[3-[4-(2-chloro-6-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-ylmethyl]-2-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)-indol-1-yl]-acetamide (NiK-21273) in comparison with the potent and selective NOP receptor antagonist SB-612111.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Basic pharmacological properties of NiK-21273 were studied in cell lines and isolated tissues (mouse and rat vas deferens). Antiparkinsonian effects were studied in reserpinized mice and 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats under both acute and chronic administration protocols.

KEY RESULTS

In vitro, NiK-21273 behaved as a potent (pA(2) 7.7) and selective NOP receptor antagonist. In vivo, it reduced hypokinesia in reserpinized mice at 0.1 and 1 but not 10 mg·kg(-1), whereas SB-612111 (0.01-1 mg·kg(-1)) provided a dose-dependent antiparkinsonian effect. NiK-21273 ameliorated motor performance in 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats at 0.5 and 5 but not 15 mg·kg(-1). SB-612111 replicated these effects in the 0.01-1 mg·kg(-1) range without loss of efficacy. Both antagonists synergized with L-DOPA at subthreshold doses. Chronic administration of NiK-21273 provided delayed improvement in baseline activity at 0.5 and 1.5 mg·kg(-1), although tolerance to the higher dose was observed. Conversely, SB-612111 (1 mg·kg(-1)) maintained its effects over time without modifying baseline activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

NOP receptor antagonists provide motor benefit in parkinsonism models although the 'therapeutic' window and long-term effects may vary between compounds.

All-optical steering of laser-wakefield-accelerated electron beams

We investigate the influence of a tilted laser-pulse-intensity front on laser-wakefield acceleration. Such asymmetric light pulses may be exploited to obtain control over the electron-bunch-pointing direction and in our case allowed for reproducible electron-beam steering in an all-optical way within an 8 mrad opening window with respect to the initial laser axis. We also discovered evidence of collective electron-betatron oscillations due to off-axis electron injection into the wakefield induced by a pulse-front tilt. These findings are supported by 3D particle-in-cell simulations.

Endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) contributes to haloperidol-induced changes of nigral amino acid transmission and parkinsonism: a combined microdialysis and behavioral study in naïve and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor knockout mice

The contribution of endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) to neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism has been evaluated in haloperidol-treated mice. Pharmacological blockade of N/OFQ receptors (NOP) via systemic administration of 1-[(3R,4R)-1-cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H benzimidazol-2-one (J-113397, 0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) or central injection of [Nphe(1),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2) (UFP-101, 10 nmol i.c.v.) attenuated (0.8 mg/kg) haloperidol-induced motor deficits as evaluated by a battery of behavioral tests providing complementary information on motor parameters: the bar, drag and rotarod tests. A combined neurochemical and behavioral approach was then used to investigate whether the substantia nigra reticulata could be involved in antiakinetic actions of J-113397. Microdialysis combined to the bar test revealed that haloperidol (0.3 and 0.8 mg/kg i.p.) caused a dose-dependent and prolonged elevation of immobility time (i.e. akinesia) which was associated with an increase in nigral glutamate and a reduction in GABA release. Conversely, J-113397 (1 mg/kg) alone reduced glutamate and elevated nigral GABA release, and when challenged against haloperidol, counteracted its behavioral and neurochemical effects. Microdialysis coupled to behavioral testing also demonstrated that NOP receptor knockout mice were resistant to haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg) compared to wild-type mice, lack of response being associated with a reversal of glutamate release facilitation into inhibition and no change in nigral GABA release. This study provides pharmacological and genetic evidence that endogenous N/OFQ contributes to haloperidol-induced akinesia and changes of amino acid transmission in mice. Moreover, it confirms the view that NOP receptor antagonists are capable of reversing akinesia across species and genotypes and may prove effective in relieving neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism.

Statistical kinetic treatment of relativistic binary collisions

In particle-based algorithms, the effect of binary collisions is commonly described in a statistical way, using Monte Carlo techniques. It is shown that, in the relativistic regime, stringent constraints should be considered on the sampling of particle pairs for collision, which are critical to ensure physically meaningful results, and that nonrelativistic sampling criteria (e.g., uniform random pairing) yield qualitatively wrong results, including equilibrium distributions that differ from the theoretical Jüttner distribution. A general procedure for relativistically consistent algorithms is provided, and verified with three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations, thus opening the way to the numerical exploration of the statistical properties of collisional relativistic systems.

The genome of the simian and human malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi

Plasmodium knowlesi is an intracellular malaria parasite whose natural vertebrate host is Macaca fascicularis (the 'kra' monkey); however, it is now increasingly recognized as a significant cause of human malaria, particularly in southeast Asia. Plasmodium knowlesi was the first malaria parasite species in which antigenic variation was demonstrated, and it has a close phylogenetic relationship to Plasmodium vivax, the second most important species of human malaria parasite (reviewed in ref. 4). Despite their relatedness, there are important phenotypic differences between them, such as host blood cell preference, absence of a dormant liver stage or 'hypnozoite' in P. knowlesi, and length of the asexual cycle (reviewed in ref. 4). Here we present an analysis of the P. knowlesi (H strain, Pk1(A+) clone) nuclear genome sequence. This is the first monkey malaria parasite genome to be described, and it provides an opportunity for comparison with the recently completed P. vivax genome and other sequenced Plasmodium genomes. In contrast to other Plasmodium genomes, putative variant antigen families are dispersed throughout the genome and are associated with intrachromosomal telomere repeats. One of these families, the KIRs, contains sequences that collectively match over one-half of the host CD99 extracellular domain, which may represent an unusual form of molecular mimicry.

[The bill of rights for children in sport: a tool to promote the health and protect the child in sport]

The Bill of rights for children in sport was developed in response to the need for prevention and protection of children practicing sport. It is the result of an interdisciplinary approach and is used with young sportsmen, sport clubs and in the education of the professionals involved with children's sport. It is an excellent tool to sensitize people to children's vulnerabilities and to establish the bases for prevention and protection. In complete accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, this Bill gives an example of a concrete application in the field of Sports. Used on a regular basis in the field, it contributes to change the adult's vision of children's sport and the approach to coaching;

Very high Mach-number electrostatic shocks in collisionless plasmas

The kinetic theory of collisionless electrostatic shocks resulting from the collision of plasma slabs with different temperatures and densities is presented. The theoretical results are confirmed by self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations, revealing the formation and stable propagation of electrostatic shocks with very high Mach numbers (M>>10), well above the predictions of the classical theories for electrostatic shocks.

In vitro effects of bethanechol on equine gastrointestinal contractility and functional characterization of involved muscarinic receptor subtypes

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of bethanechol (BeCh) on contractility patterns of smooth muscle preparations of equine duodenum descendens, jejunum, caecum and pelvic flexure in vitro. Concentration-response relationships were developed for BeCh using in vitro assays with and without preincubation of muscarinic (M) receptor antagonists for M2 and M3 receptors. BeCh induced a significant, concentration-dependent increase in contractile response in equine intestine in specimens with circular orientation. The maximal effect was largest for jejunal specimens with no difference in EC50 within the different locations investigated. The M2 antagonist, AF-DX 116, caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve and the M3 antagonist, 4-DAMP (1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide), almost completely inhibited the effect of BeCh over the entire concentration-response curve. These data provide evidence that, although the effect of BeCh is predominantly mediated by M3 receptors, M2 muscarinic receptors also play a role in BeCh-induced contraction in specimens of equine intestine. The involvement of other muscarinic receptor subtypes cannot be excluded. Further studies are necessary to understand the effect of BeCh in vivo including diseased animals.

Effects of chemical ischemia in cerebral cortex slices. Focus on nitric oxide

Superfused rat cerebral cortex slices were submitted to a continuous electrical (5 Hz) stimulation and treated with sodium azide (1-10 mM) in the presence of 2 mM 2-deoxyglucose ("chemical ischemia"). Presynaptic cholinergic activity, evaluated as acetylcholine release, was inhibited depending on the sodium azide concentrations and on the length of application (5-30 min). Following a 5-min treatment with 10 mM sodium azide, acetylcholine release was reduced to 45+/-2.3%; simultaneously, there was a 15- and 10-fold increase in glutamate and nitric oxide effluxes, respectively. After restoring normal superfusion conditions, acetylcholine release recovered to 70+/-3.1% of the controls; the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 (10 microM) as well as the nitric oxide scavengers, haemoglobin (20 microM) and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-l-oxyl-3-oxide (150 microM), improved the recovery in presynaptic activity, showing that both glutamate and nitric oxide play detrimental roles in chemical ischemia. On the other hand, the post-ischemic recovery was worsened by the guanylylcyclase inhibitor 1H-[l,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10 microM), suggesting that the activation of such a pathway plays a neuroprotective role and that the nitric oxide-induced harmful effects depend on different mechanisms. Chemical ischemia-evoked nitric oxide efflux partly derived from its calcium-dependent endogenous synthesis, since both the intracellular calcium chelator, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (1 mM), and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 microM), substantially prevented sodium azide effects. Nitric oxide efflux was only weakly reduced by MK-801 and was not modified by either the L-type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (10 microM) or the N-type calcium channel blocker omega-conotoxin (0.5 microM), thus suggesting a prevailing intracellular calcium-dependence of nitric oxide production, although a partial extracellular calcium source cannot be ruled out. These findings show that sodium azide plus 2-deoxyglucose treatment is a useful protocol to induce brain ischemia in vitro and underline the involvement of nitric oxide in the complex events following the ischemic insult.

Phenotypic and transcriptional characterization of the meningococcal PhoPQ system, a magnesium-sensing two-component regulatory system that controls genes involved in remodeling the meningococcal cell surface

We previously identified and characterized a two-component regulatory system in the meningococcus with homology to the phoP-phoQ system in salmonella and showed that allele replacement of the NMB0595 regulator gene led to loss of virulence, sensitivity to antimicrobial peptides, perturbed protein expression, and magnesium-sensitive growth. On the basis of these findings we proposed that the system should be designated the meningococcal PhoPQ system. Here we further characterized the NMB0595 mutant and demonstrated that it had increased membrane permeability and was unable to form colonies on solid media with low magnesium concentrations, features that are consistent with disruption of PhoPQ-mediated modifications to the lipooligosaccharide structure. We examined the transcriptional profiles of wild-type and NMB0595 mutant strains and found that magnesium-regulated changes in gene expression are completely abrogated in the mutant, indicating that, similar to the salmonella PhoPQ system, the meningococcal PhoPQ system is regulated by magnesium. Transcriptional profiling of the mutant indicated that, also similar to the salmonella PhoPQ system, the meningococcal system is involved in control of virulence and remodeling of the bacterial cell surface in response to the host environment. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the PhoP homologue plays a role in the meningococcus similar to the role played by PhoP in salmonella. Elucidating the role that the PhoPQ system and PhoPQ-regulated genes play in the response of the meningococcus to the host environment may provide new insights into the pathogenic process.

Lamotrigine and remacemide protect striatal neurons against in vitro ischemia: an electrophysiological study

In the present study, we investigated the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective action of lamotrigine and remacemide. Both drugs, in fact, have been reported to exert a neuroprotective action in in vivo animal models of ischemia. To address this issue, electrophysiological recordings and cell swelling measurements were performed from striatal neurons in control condition and during combined oxygen and glucose deprivation (in vitro ischemia) in a brain slice preparation. Lamotrigine, remacemide, and the active desglycinyl metabolite of remacemide, D-REMA, induced a concentration-dependent reduction of both repetitive firing discharge and excitatory postsynaptic potentials. However, while remacemide and D-REMA exerted their inhibitory action on glutamatergic transmission by blocking NMDA receptors, lamotrigine exerted a preferential presynaptic action, as indicated by its ability to increase paired-pulse facilitation. Both remacemide and lamotrigine were found to be neuroprotective against the irreversible field potential loss and cell swelling induced by in vitro ischemia, and coadministration of low concentrations of these drugs exerted an additive neuroprotective action. A combined use of lamotrigine and remacemide could be employed in clinical trials to enhance neuroprotection in neurological disorders involving an abnormal striatal glutamatergic transmission.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the lower eyelid

An 80-year-old woman presented with a palpable mass in the central right lower eyelid, with no visible alterations of the overlying skin or eyelid margin, and no signs of inflammation. Eversion of the eyelid revealed an ulcerating lesion approximately 8 mm in diameter, suggesting malignant lesion. Excision with eyelid reconstruction using the Hughes technique was performed. Histopathological analysis revealed a diffuse infiltrate with large atypical lymphocytes. Borders of the surgical resection were free from infiltration. Histochemical staining of the proliferating cells with monoclonal antibodies was positive for CD20 and CD79a, and polyclonal antibodies were positive for Lambda chains, confirming a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. After 24 months' follow-up there has been no local or systemic recurrence of the disease. Lymphoma may present as an ulcerating lesion of the tarsal conjunctiva. Complete surgical excision, with no evidence of systemic disease, may be considered to carry a good prognosis and survival.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors modulate glutamate extracellular levels in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. A microdialysis study in the awake freely moving rat

Intracerebral microdialysis was employed in awake freely moving rats to investigate the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligands on glutamate extracellular levels in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ, ineffective at 0.1 microM, induced a prolonged stimulation of nigral glutamate levels at 1 and 10 microM (mean effect of 137+/-9 and 167+/-13%, respectively, of basal values). These effects were prevented by the novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist [Nphe(1)]nociceptin/orphanin FQ(1-13)NH(2) (100 and 300 microM, respectively) but not by the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (10 microM). [Nphe(1)]nociceptin/orphanin FQ(1-13)NH(2) (100 microM) inhibited by itself glutamate outflow (maximal reduction to 71+/-4%) while naloxone was ineffective. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligand [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]nociceptin/orphanin FQ(1-13)NH(2) also facilitated glutamate outflow at 10 microM (mean effect of 145+/-10%). Intranigral perfusion with tetrodotoxin (1 microM) or with the dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist raclopride (1 microM), failed to affect basal glutamate output and prevented the facilitatory effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (10 microM). However, perfusion with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline (10 microM) increased local glutamate extracellular levels by itself and attenuated the effect of the peptide. Our data suggest that nociceptin/orphanin FQ increases glutamate extracellular levels in the substantia nigra pars reticulata via activation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors located on non-glutamatergic, possibly dopaminergic and GABAergic, neuronal elements.

Presynaptic group I and II metabotropic glutamate receptors oppositely modulate striatal acetylcholine release

The effect of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists on KCl (20 mm)-induced endogenous acetylcholine release from rat striatal synaptosomes was investigated. The group I agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), 1-1000 nm, potentiated in a concentration-dependent way the KCl-induced acetylcholine release, reaching maximal efficacy at 100 nm (+93 +/- 14%). The effect of DHPG (10 nm) was counteracted by coapplication of (7-hydroximino)cyclopropan-b-chromen-1a-carboxylate (CPCCOEt), 10 microm, a metabotropic glutamate receptor type one selective antagonist, and 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), 10 microm, a metabotropic glutamate receptor type five selective antagonist, but not by application of either antagonist alone. The group II agonist (2S, 1'R, 2'R, 3'R)-2-(2,3-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV), 1-1000 nm, inhibited in a concentration-dependent way the KCl-induced acetylcholine release displaying maximal efficacy at 300 nm (-32 +/- 2%). The effect of DCG-IV 300 nm was counteracted by the group II selective antagonist (2S)-alpha-ethylglutamic acid (EGLU), 300 microm. The group III agonist L-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4) failed to alter the KCl-induced acetycholine release up to 300 microm. We conclude that metabotropic glutamate receptors belonging to group I and II are located on the axon terminals of striatal cholinergic interneurons, their activation resulting in facilitation and inhibition, respectively, of acetylcholine release.

Identification of novel HLA-B27 ligands derived from polymorphic regions of its own or other class I molecules based on direct generation by 20 S proteasome

HLA-B27 is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Natural HLA-B27 ligands derived from polymorphic regions of its own or other class I HLA molecules might be involved in autoimmunity or provide diversity among HLA-B27-bound peptide repertoires from individuals. In particular, an 11-mer spanning HLA-B27 residues 169-179 is a natural HLA-B27 ligand with homology to proteins from Gram-negative bacteria. Proteasomal digestion of synthetic substrates demonstrated direct generation of the B27-(169-179) ligand. Cleavage after residue 181 generated a B27-(169-181) 13-mer that was subsequently found as a natural ligand of B*2705 and B*2704. Its binding to HLA-B27 subtypes in vivo correlated better than B27-(169-179) with association to spondyloarthropathy. Proteasomal cleavage generated also a peptide spanning B*2705 residues 150-158. This region is polymorphic among HLA-B27 subtypes and class I HLA antigens. The peptide was a natural B*2704 ligand. Since this subtype differs from B*2705 at residue 152, it was concluded that the ligand arose from HLA-B*3503, synthesized in the cells used as a source for B*2704-bound peptides. Thus, polymorphic HLA-B27 ligands derived from HLA-B27 or other class I molecules are directly produced by the 20 S proteasome in vitro, and this can be used for identification of such ligands in the constitutive HLA-B27-bound peptide pool.

Beta-amino acid scan of a class I major histocompatibility complex-restricted alloreactive T-cell epitope

An HLA-B27-restricted self-octapeptide known to react with an alloreactive T-cell receptor has been modified by systematic substitution of a beta-amino acid for the natural alpha-amino acid residue, over the whole length of the parent epitope. All modified peptides were shown to bind to recombinant HLA-B*2705 and induce stable major histocompatibility complex-peptide complexes, but with some variation depending on the position of the beta-amino acid on the peptide sequence. Alteration of the natural peptide sequence at the two N-terminal positions (positions 1 and 2) decreases binding affinity and thermodynamic stability of the refolded complex, but all other positions (from position 3 to the C-terminal residue) were insensitive to the beta-amino acid substitution. All modified peptides were recognized by an alloreactive T-cell clone specific for the parent epitope with decreased efficiency, to an extent dependent of the position that was modified. Furthermore, the introduction of a single beta-amino acid at the first two positions of the modified peptide was shown to be sufficient to protect them against enzymatic cleavage. Thus, beta-amino acids represent new interesting templates for alteration of T-cell epitopes to design either synthetic vaccines of T-cell receptor antagonists.