Comparison of calving and revenue-generating qualities in beef-sired male and female progeny from dairy cows

Although interest in beef-on-dairy breeding strategies is intensifying, little is actually known of the performance differences between beef-sired male and female progeny of dairy cows. The objective was therefore to use a large cross-sectional database of up to 1,389,670 animals to investigate if performance differences existed between male and female progeny generated from beef-on-dairy matings; the focus was on characteristics of interest to both the dairy producer (i.e., gestation length, calving performance, perinatal mortality, and calf sale value) and the beef producer (i.e., slaughter-related traits). While statistical differences existed between both sexes, the observed differences were not always biologically large, with some favoring females (e.g., calving traits and age at slaughter) and some favoring males (i.e., carcass weight). Beef-sired male calves had, on average, a 0.8 d longer gestation than their female counterparts; the sex difference in dairy-sired calves was, on average, 1.1 d, with the advantage to females. The odds of a difficult calving was 2.2 times greater for beef-sired male calves relative to beef-sired female calves; this translated to a difference in predicted probability of dystocia between the sexes of 1.8 percentage units. Male beef-sired calves sold at auctions <42 d of age were worth, on average, €32.40 more than beef-sired female calves. Focusing just on beef-sired progeny, relative to heifer carcasses (mean weight of 280.0 kg), the carcasses of steers (mean weight of 336.9 kg) and bulls (mean weight of 335.4) were 55.4 to 56.9 kg heavier. Based on a 15-point conformation scale, the carcasses of bulls were 1 unit superior to heifers, with the carcasses of the latter being 0.06 units better than steers. Heifers were slaughtered, on average, 79.1 d younger than steers although heifers were slaughtered, on average, 93.8 d older than bulls, the latter generally being finished on a more intensive diet relative to steers and heifers in Ireland. In conclusion, many benefits exist for beef-sired heifer calves in that they had, on average, shorter gestations with less expected assistance required at calving and, although their calf value was less and their carcasses were lighter than their male counterparts, they were slaughtered several months younger than steers.

Mean breed performance of the progeny from beef-on-dairy matings

Gains through breeding can be achieved through a combination of both between-breed and within-breed selection. Two suites of traits of particular interest to dairy producers when selecting beef bulls for mating to dairy females are calving-related attributes and the expected value of the subsequent calf, the latter usually being a function of expected carcass value. Estimated breed effects can be informative, particularly in the absence of across-breed genetic evaluations. The objective of the present study was to use a large national database of the progeny from beef-on-dairy matings to estimate the mean breed effects of the used beef sires. Calving performance (i.e., gestation length, calving difficulty score, and perinatal morality) as well as calf value were investigated; a series of slaughter-related traits (i.e., carcass metrics and age at slaughter) of the prime progeny were also investigated. Phenotypic data on up to 977,037 progeny for calving performance, 79,903 for calf price and 103,175 for carcass traits (including dairy × dairy progeny for comparative purposes) were used; sire breeds represented were Holstein-Friesian, Angus, Aubrac, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Salers, and Simmental. Large interbreed differences existed. The mean gestation length of male calves from beef sires varied from 282.3 d (Angus) to 287.4 d (Limousin) which were all longer than the mean of 280.9 d for Holstein-Friesian sired male calves. Relative to a Holstein-Friesian sire, the odds of dystocia varied from 1.43 (Angus) to 4.77 (Belgian Blue) but, once adjusted for both the estimated maternal genetic merit of the dam and direct genetic merit of the calf for calving difficulty, the range in odds ratios shrunk. A difference of €125.4 existed in calf sale price between the progeny of the different beef breeds investigated which represented over twice the residual standard deviation in calf price within the day of sale-Angus was the cheapest while Charolais calves were, on average, the most expensive calves. Mean carcass weight of steers, not adjusted for age at slaughter or carcass fat, varied from 327.1 kg (Angus) to 363.2 kg (Belgian Blue) for the beef breeds with the mean carcass weight of Holstein-Friesian steer progeny being 322.4 kg. Belgian Blues had, on average, the best carcass conformation with the Herefords and Angus having the worst of all beef breeds. Angus and Hereford steers were slaughtered the youngest of all beef breeds but just 9 d younger than the average of all other beef breeds yet 24 d younger than Holstein-Friesian sired progeny. Clear breed differences in calving and carcass performance exist among beef breeds mated to dairy females. Those breeds excelling in calving performance were not necessarily the best for carcass merit.

ASD and schizophrenia show distinct developmental profiles in common genetic overlap with population-based social communication difficulties

Difficulties in social communication are part of the phenotypic overlap between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia. Both conditions follow, however, distinct developmental patterns. Symptoms of ASD typically occur during early childhood, whereas most symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia do not appear before early adulthood. We investigated whether overlap in common genetic influences between these clinical conditions and impairments in social communication depends on the developmental stage of the assessed trait. Social communication difficulties were measured in typically-developing youth (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, N⩽5553, longitudinal assessments at 8, 11, 14 and 17 years) using the Social Communication Disorder Checklist. Data on clinical ASD (PGC-ASD: 5305 cases, 5305 pseudo-controls; iPSYCH-ASD: 7783 cases, 11 359 controls) and schizophrenia (PGC-SCZ2: 34 241 cases, 45 604 controls, 1235 trios) were either obtained through the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) or the Danish iPSYCH project. Overlap in genetic influences between ASD and social communication difficulties during development decreased with age, both in the PGC-ASD and the iPSYCH-ASD sample. Genetic overlap between schizophrenia and social communication difficulties, by contrast, persisted across age, as observed within two independent PGC-SCZ2 subsamples, and showed an increase in magnitude for traits assessed during later adolescence. ASD- and schizophrenia-related polygenic effects were unrelated to each other and changes in trait-disorder links reflect the heterogeneity of genetic factors influencing social communication difficulties during childhood versus later adolescence. Thus, both clinical ASD and schizophrenia share some genetic influences with impairments in social communication, but reveal distinct developmental profiles in their genetic links, consistent with the onset of clinical symptoms.

Expression of CD73 slows down migration of skin dendritic cells, affecting the sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity reactions in mice

BACKGROUND

Application of haptens to the skin induces release of immune stimulatory ATP into the extracellular space. This "danger" signal can be converted to immunosuppressive adenosine (ADO) by the action of the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, expressed by skin and immune cells. Thus, the expression and regulation of CD73 by skin derived cells may have crucial influence on the outcome of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of CD73 expression during 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) induced CHS reactions.

METHODS

Wild type (wt) and CD73 deficient mice were subjected to TNCB induced CHS. In the different mouse strains the resulting ear swelling reaction was recorded along with a detailed phenotypic analysis of the skin migrating subsets of dendritic cells (DC).

RESULTS

In CD73 deficient animals the motility of DC was higher as compared to wt animals and in particular after sensitization we found increased migration of Langerin⁺ DC from skin to draining lymph nodes (LN). In the TNCB model this led to a stronger sensitization as indicated by increased frequency of interferon-γ producing T cells in the LN and an increased ear thickness after challenge.

CONCLUSION

CD73 derived ADO production slows down migration of Langerin⁺ DC from skin to LN. This may be a crucial mechanism to avoid over boarding immune reactions against haptens.

Lack of replication for the myosin-18B association with mathematical ability in independent cohorts

Twin studies indicate that dyscalculia (or mathematical disability) is caused partly by a genetic component, which is yet to be understood at the molecular level. Recently, a coding variant (rs133885) in the myosin-18B gene was shown to be associated with mathematical abilities with a specific effect among children with dyslexia. This association represents one of the most significant genetic associations reported to date for mathematical abilities and the only one reaching genome-wide statistical significance. We conducted a replication study in different cohorts to assess the effect of rs133885 maths-related measures. The study was conducted primarily using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), (N = 3819). We tested additional cohorts including the York Cohort, the Specific Language Impairment Consortium (SLIC) cohort and the Raine Cohort, and stratified them for a definition of dyslexia whenever possible. We did not observe any associations between rs133885 in myosin-18B and mathematical abilities among individuals with dyslexia or in the general population. Our results suggest that the myosin-18B variant is unlikely to be a main factor contributing to mathematical abilities.

Efficient plasmonic scattering of colloidal silver particles through annealing-induced changes

We present an experimental study on the influence of annealing temperature on morphological changes of colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their optical response. Monodisperse colloidal Ag NPs with diameter of 164 nm ± 15 nm have been fabricated by a facile two-step synthesis approach. The annealing effects on the Ag NPs have been investigated by means of optical measurements, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. By annealing up to 440 °C morphology and chemical compositions of the Ag NPs changed. These changes affect the particle size and distribution, surface morphology, crystallinity and, most importantly, the oxidation state of the surface layer. The removal of an oxide layer leads to stronger light scattering from the nanoparticles and decreases parasitic light absorption at wavelengths above 400 nm. Strong light trapping has been observed for a silicon thin film with embedded annealed Ag NPs. This study demonstrates that colloidal Ag NPs for plasmonic solar cells need to be carefully processed and that they can potentially achieve high scatter efficiencies.

Childhood intelligence is heritable, highly polygenic and associated with FNBP1L

Intelligence in childhood, as measured by psychometric cognitive tests, is a strong predictor of many important life outcomes, including educational attainment, income, health and lifespan. Results from twin, family and adoption studies are consistent with general intelligence being highly heritable and genetically stable throughout the life course. No robustly associated genetic loci or variants for childhood intelligence have been reported. Here, we report the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) on childhood intelligence (age range 6-18 years) from 17,989 individuals in six discovery and three replication samples. Although no individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected with genome-wide significance, we show that the aggregate effects of common SNPs explain 22-46% of phenotypic variation in childhood intelligence in the three largest cohorts (P=3.9 × 10(-15), 0.014 and 0.028). FNBP1L, previously reported to be the most significantly associated gene for adult intelligence, was also significantly associated with childhood intelligence (P=0.003). Polygenic prediction analyses resulted in a significant correlation between predictor and outcome in all replication cohorts. The proportion of childhood intelligence explained by the predictor reached 1.2% (P=6 × 10(-5)), 3.5% (P=10(-3)) and 0.5% (P=6 × 10(-5)) in three independent validation cohorts. Given the sample sizes, these genetic prediction results are consistent with expectations if the genetic architecture of childhood intelligence is like that of body mass index or height. Our study provides molecular support for the heritability and polygenic nature of childhood intelligence. Larger sample sizes will be required to detect individual variants with genome-wide significance.

Maternal cotyledons at birth predict blood pressure in childhood

INTRODUCTION

A small placental surface at birth has been shown to be associated with the development of hypertension in later life. In this study we extend this observation by looking at the relationship between the number of placental cotyledons and blood pressure in childhood. Because the number of cotyledons is correlated with the surface area, we hypothesized that fewer cotyledons would be associated with higher blood pressure.

METHODS

The Alspac study is a longitudinal study of 13,971 children born in Bristol. Their placentas were stored in formalin. We photographed the placentas of a sample of the children and related the number of maternal cotyledons to their blood pressure levels at age 9 years.

RESULTS

Contrary to our hypothesis, a greater number of maternal cotyledons was associated with higher blood pressure. Among boys, a greater number of cotyledons was associated with higher systolic and diastolic pressure but not with higher pulse pressure. Diastolic pressure rose by 2.2 mmHg (95% CI 0.6 to 3.7, p = 0.007) for every 10 additional cotyledons. Among girls, a greater number of cotyledons was associated with higher systolic pressure and pulse pressure but not with higher diastolic pressure. Pulse pressure rose by 2.7 mmHg (1.1-4.3, p < 0.001) for every 10 additional cotyledons. These associations were little changed by adjustment for placental surface area.

CONCLUSION

Our study has shown that a large number of maternal cotyledons is associated with raised blood pressure in childhood. The associations differ in the two sexes.

Mass and collision cross-section determination using a low-vacuum mass spectrometer

A simple low-vacuum mass spectrometer (LVMS) operating in the milliTorr pressure range was developed. The instrument resolves masses by time-of-flight measurements and employs a high-gain, fast-response detector that can operate at these pressures. This instrument allows simultaneous determination of mass and collision cross sections of the ions with the bath gas. Here we demonstrate the LVMS's abilities to determine total collision cross sections for the collisions of organic ions with three background gases, He, N(2), and SF(6). As a demonstration of the system capabilities, the unimolecular interconversion of photochemically produced C(7)H(7)(+) to the tropylium ion structure is investigated.

MRI of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

The key MRI findings in five cases of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) are illustrated with four 'definite' and one 'probable' according to World Health Organization criteria. Close attention to fluid-attenuation inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences are important for diagnosis, noting especially restricted diffusion in cortical and deep grey matter. Our study and those of others show predominant cortical, caudate and thalamic involvement. This pattern is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis. Fluid-attenuation inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging signal abnormality becomes progressively more extensive and bilateral as disease progresses, but may become less pronounced in end-stage disease because of atrophy.

An investigation of FRAXA intermediate allele phenotype in a longitudinal sample

The FRAXA trinucleotide repeat at Xq27.3 gives rise to fragile X syndrome when fully expanded, and both premature ovarian failure (POF) and fragile X tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) when in the premutation range. Reports of phenotypic effects extending into the intermediate repeat range are inconsistent but some studies suggest that these smaller expansions predispose to special educational needs (SEN). This study utilises the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort to investigate cognitive and behavioural variables that might be associated with FRAXA intermediate alleles. The current study failed to find any strong evidence of association of FRAXA intermediate alleles with SEN, behavioural problems or cognitive difficulties. However, our findings illustrate some of the difficulties encountered in identifying individuals with SEN. The power to identify specific components of cognitive and behavioural difficulties was reduced due to elective drop-out, which is characteristic of longitudinal studies. Our findings demonstrate the non-random loss of participants from this cohort and highlight problems that may arise when such data are used in genetic association studies.

Decreased levels of interleukin-12p40 in the serum of patients with Whipple's disease

BACKGROUND

An impaired production of interleukin (IL)-12 and T cell interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) of in vitro stimulated monocytes has been discussed as a pathogenic factor in Whipple's disease (WD). It is unclear whether this defect of cellular immunity is translated to the humoral immune system and to serum correlates.

METHODS

We analyzed the serum of 40 patients with Whipple's disease in various degrees of disease activity by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for differences in cytokine and cell adhesion molecule concentrations compared with age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

We observed a highly significant reduction of IL-12p40 levels (patients, 0.18+/-0.05 ng/ml (mean+/-SEM); controls, 3.19+/-0.39 ng/ml; p<0.01) in all stages of disease activity, whereas the concentration of IL-12p70 was comparable with controls. Furthermore, we observed a slight decrease in tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations in the serum of patients (patients, 6.36+/-0.90 pg/ml; controls, 10.5+/-1.23 pg/ml; p<0,05). The levels of other cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-13 and transforming growth factor beta, as well as soluble cell adhesion molecules lymphocyte function-associated antigen 3 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, were not significantly different compared with controls. Levels of immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) measured in the serum of WD patients were below normal in 24 of 29 patients and were even below the 95% confidence interval in 10 patients.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate a persistent defect of the cellular immune response with decreased serum concentrations of IL-12p40 and TNF-alpha and decreased IgG2 levels in a large group of WD patients. These data support as in vivo finding the results obtained in previous investigations with stimulated monocytes/lymphocytes. The isolated decrease in IL-12p40 may hint at possible defects in the IL-12/IFN-gamma promoter system.

Effect of supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid on human serum lipids and body fat

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a natural component of meat and dairy products with anticarcinogenic, fat lowering, antiatherogenic and anticatabolic activity in animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CLA supplementation to humans on body fat, certain biochemical parameters of serum, and the CLA content of serum lipids. Twenty-two volunteers were divided into a study group and a control group in a doubly blind design. The study group received 0.7 g of CLA for four weeks and 1.4 g of CLA for the next four weeks, while the control group received placebo. Diet was controlled and no significant differences in energy or macronutrient intake were found between the two groups. Measurements were taken at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. The sum of the thickness of ten skinfolds, percentage body fat calculated from it and fat mass was significantly reduced in the CLA group during the second period (P < 0.004) but not overall during the study. Serum HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.001) and triacylglycerols as well as total cholesterol tended to decrease in the CLA group during the first period. The CLA content of serum non-esterified fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and cholesteryl esters increased gradually with supplementation; the CLA content of total serum lipids doubled at the end of the study compared to baseline. Phospholipids had the highest CLA content regardless of supplementation. These data indicate that supplementation with 0.7-1.4 g CLA daily for 4-8 weeks may modulate body fat and serum lipids, as well as increase the CLA content of serum lipids in humans.

Ion motion synchronization in an ion-trap resonator

Using a new type of ion trap, we demonstrate that the length of a packet of charged particles oscillating between two electrostatic mirrors will remain constant under special conditions. The effect can be understood in terms of phase synchronization, where, in a rather counterintuitive way, the repulsive Coulomb interaction between the ions actually holds the packet together. Application of this effect for mass spectrometry is discussed.

Antigen-induced mucosal T cell activation is followed by Th1 T cell suppression in continuously fed ovalbumin TCR-transgenic mice

We investigated kinetics and dose-dependent features of mucosal and peripheral immune responses following oral antigen application in a TCR-transgenic mouse model. Ovalbumin (OVA) TCR-transgenic mice were fed OVA at different doses (5-250 mg) and various frequencies (one to seven times, or continuous feeding). Low- and medium-dose (10, 100 mg) OVA feeding resulted in priming of immune responses, i.e. increased antigen-specific proliferation as well as IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma secretion upon in vitro restimulation in Peyer's patches and spleen. Immune responses were suppressed with doses of one or three times 250 mg OVA feeding in the spleen. However, only the highest OVA feeding doses (7x250 mg OVA) or continuous feeding (5 mg daily in the drinking water over a 12-week period) actively suppressed immune responses and were associated with production of TGF-beta and IL-10 in the spleen and Peyer's patches. Thus, the cell population generated by continuous antigen feeding was characterized by production of suppressive cytokines and seems to be based on a counter-regulation with Th1 cytokines. These data further define the regulation of suppressive immune functions following antigen feeding in the periphery and the mucosal immune system.

Antigen-induced mucosal T cell activation is followed by Th1 T cell suppression in continuously fed ovalbumin TCR-transgenic mice

We investigated kinetics and dose-dependent features of mucosal and peripheral immune responses following oral antigen application in a TCR-transgenic mouse model. Ovalbumin (OVA) TCR-transgenic mice were fed OVA at different doses (5-250 mg) and various frequencies (one to seven times, or continuous feeding). Low- and medium-dose (10, 100 mg) OVA feeding resulted in priming of immune responses, i.e. increased antigen-specific proliferation as well as IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma secretion upon in vitro restimulation in Peyer's patches and spleen. Immune responses were suppressed with doses of one or three times 250 mg OVA feeding in the spleen. However, only the highest OVA feeding doses (7x250 mg OVA) or continuous feeding (5 mg daily in the drinking water over a 12-week period) actively suppressed immune responses and were associated with production of TGF-beta and IL-10 in the spleen and Peyer's patches. Thus, the cell population generated by continuous antigen feeding was characterized by production of suppressive cytokines and seems to be based on a counter-regulation with Th1 cytokines. These data further define the regulation of suppressive immune functions following antigen feeding in the periphery and the mucosal immune system.

A new human genetic resource: a DNA bank established as part of the Avon longitudinal study of pregnancy and childhood (ALSPAC)

We describe a unique human DNA resource forming part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC), a longitudinal cohort study involving 14 000 children and their families living in a geographically defined area of England. The DNA bank will underpin the search for associations between genetic polymorphisms and common health outcomes. The opportunities to collect blood samples suitable for DNA extraction are necessarily limited, and the samples themselves have often been treated in different ways and have varied storage histories. With the need to maximise yields, the choice of DNA extraction method is critical to the success of the bank and we have investigated the suitability of various commercial and in-house methods of DNA extraction. Various steps have been taken to minimise errors in sample address and identification, including the use of a pipetting robot for dilution and transfer of samples between 96-well arrays to provide aliquots suitable for PCR. The robot has been programmed to cope with concentrated viscous DNA solutions.

A comparative study of a liquid and a solid matrix in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and collision cross section measurements

We present experimental matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) results comparing a liquid (glycerol/K(4)[Fe(CN)(6)]) and a solid matrix (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, DHB) with respect to analyte signal stability and initial ion velocity. For applications requiring stable production of analyte ions over a long period of time, the liquid matrix is superior to the solid matrix. The stable analyte ion signal obtained from a liquid matrix allowed the measurement of collision cross sections of small poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG(n)) adduct ions in the flight tube with good resolution. The initial velocity of these adduct ions was measured. It was found that analyte molecules from the liquid matrix have initial ion velocities significantly smaller than those from the solid matrix. MALDI-TOF measurements for large molecules using a liquid matrix are therefore likely to result in smaller systematic errors in mass calibrations due to initial ion velocity.

Phase II trial of doxil for patients with metastatic melanoma refractory to frontline therapy

Treatment options for patients with stage IV melanoma are limited. Based on differences in the toxicity and activity profiles of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (doxil) compared to standard doxorubicin, we have conducted a phase II trial of doxil for patients with metastatic melanoma. Doxil was administered as a 60-90 min intravenous infusion every 21 days. The starting dose was 60 mg/m2 for the initial nine patients, but was subsequently reduced to 50 mg/m2 for the remainder due to toxicity issues. Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the trial. Ninety-one percent had received prior systemic therapy. There were no complete responses and two partial responses for an overall response rate of 6%. The dominant side effects included hand-foot syndrome, rash (occasionally severe), and stomatitis, consistent with reports from other trials using similar doses and schedules. We conclude that doxil does not demonstrate sufficient activity in metastatic melanoma to warrant further investigation into its use in this setting.

17Beta-hydroxy-11alpha-(3'-sulfanylpropyl)oxy-estra-1,3,5(10)- trien-3-yl sulfamate--a novel hapten structure: toward the development of a specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3-yl sulfamates

The title compound 17 has been synthesized for the use as hapten in the development of a competitive enzyme immunoassay for estrogen sulfamates. The synthesis started from estradiol diacetate 2. Oxyfunctionalization at C-11 to give 11alpha-hydroxy steroid 8 was accomplished by hydroboration/alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation of the 9(11)-dehydro derivative 7, which was obtained from compound 2 via 9-hydroxylation with dimethyldioxirane. After transformation of compound 8 into the allyl ether 9, the side chain was thio-functionalized at the omega-position affording the thioate 11 in two steps. Selective silylether deprotection at position 3 followed by sulfamoylation gave the sulfamate 19, which in turn was demasked at position 17 and treated with sodium borohydride/aluminum chloride to liberate the side chain thiol. Alternatively, title compound 17 was synthesized via the disulfides 13-16. For the preparation of the immunogen the title compound 17 was coupled to bovine gamma globulin in a two-step procedure using an amine and thiol specific bifunctional crosslinker. The immunization of rabbits resulted in the formation of antibodies which clearly discriminated the sulfamoylated estrogens from the non-esterified estrogens. The use of a biotinylated hapten derivative as a tracer in combination with a streptavidin-peroxidase-tetramethylbenzidine based detection system allowed the measurement of estradiol 3-sulfamate (1) in the range of about 1 to 1000 pg/well.

Plasma ammonia response to sprint swimming

BACKGROUND

To study the plasma ammonia response after sprint crawl swimming.

METHODS

Nine sprinters (S) and ten non-sprinters (NS) completed a 15-, a 25- and a 50-m crawl at maximal intensity with a 10-min and a 15-min resting period in-between. Capillary blood samples were collected before and at regular intervals after each effort for plasma ammonia determination.

RESULTS

Ammonia kinetics differed among distances, but not between groups, with peak values (observed 2-8 min postexercise) being higher after 50 m as compared to shorter distances. Significant differences between S and NS were found in peak ammonia after 50 m (124.5 +/- 58.2 vs 98.7 +/- 6.3 mumoL-1) and in the change of ammonia relative to swim time (delta NH3/delta t) after 25 m (2.66 +/- 1.87 vs 1.49 +/- 0.84 mumol L-1 s-1) and 50 m (1.87 +/- 1.33 vs 1.01 +/- 0.49 mumol L-1 s-1). delta NH3/delta t was highest after 15 m (3.33 +/- 2.53 in S, 3.92 +/- 1.67 mumol L-1 s-1 in NS).

CONCLUSIONS

These differences in the plasma ammonia response to sprint swimming according to duration and athlete seem to be connected to distinctions in muscle fiber profile and energy providing processes.

Ileal effluent as a fermentation substrate: implications for butyrate production in the colon

Fermentation of fiber can lead to an enhanced production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and, hence, contribute to the proposed anticarcinogenic properties of butyrate in the colon. The fermentation of fiber isolates and the corresponding ileal effluents has been compared under in vitro conditions. Yield of SCFA per gram of substrate fermented was similar for isolates and fiber-enriched effluents (approximately 4.9 mmol/g) and it could be inferred that nonfiber components of effluent also generated SCFA. Butyrate production was highest for glucan-based polymers (approximately 30% total SCFA) and, from the measured acidogenic profile, production of SCFA will occur mainly in the proximal colon. The buffering capacity of ileal effluents during fermentation restrict the potential for a reduction in pH during acidogenesis compared to fiber isolates. This buffering capacity could limit the bioavailability of butyrate in the colon and, hence, the ability to satisfy the proposed antineoplastic properties of butyrate in the colon.

Phase II study of neoadjuvant concurrent biochemotherapy in melanoma patients with local-regional metastases

Our results with concurrent biochemotherapy in patients with stage IV melanoma have been encouraging. Based on these data, we conducted a phase II study to determine the clinical and histological response rate to neoadjuvant concurrent biochemotherapy in patients with local-regional metastases of cutaneous melanoma (stage III). A total of 65 patients with biopsy-proven, measurable and potentially resectable local-regional disease (nodal, satellite/in-transit metastases and/or local recurrence) were treated with cisplatin 20 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) on days 1 to 4, vinblastine 1.5 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 to 4, dacarbazine 800 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 only, interleukin-2 9 MIU/m2 per day i.v. by 96 h continuous infusion on days 1 to 4, and interferon-alpha 2a 5 MU/m2 subcutaneously on days 1 to 5, repeated every 3 weeks. Patients underwent surgery after two to four courses of biochemotherapy. Those with tumour regression after two preoperative courses received two additional postoperative courses. Of the 64 patients assessable for clinical response, 28 (44%) had a partial response. Of the 62 patients whose response was assessed histologically, four (6.5%) had no evidence of viable tumour in the surgical specimen (pathological complete remission, pCR) and 27 (43.5%) had a partial response, giving an overall response rate of 50%. Tumour burden did not correlate with response, although patients who achieved a pCR had a significantly lower tumour burden (P = 0.02). Our phase II study indicates that neoadjuvant biochemotherapy is an active treatment for melanoma patients with local-regional metastases. However, it is unclear if biochemotherapy is more active than chemotherapy alone; phase III randomized trials are ongoing to answer this question in patients with stage IV disease.

Development of a biochemotherapy regimen with concurrent administration of cisplatin, vinblastine, dacarbazine, interferon alfa, and interleukin-2 for patients with metastatic melanoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the antitumor activity and toxicity of concurrent biochemotherapy that uses cisplatin, vinblastine, and docarbazine (DTIC) (CVD) in combination with interferon alfa-2a (IFN-alpha) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in patients with metastatic melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 1992 and October 1993, 53 patients with a documented diagnosis of metastatic melanoma with measurable lesions and an Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or less were enrolled onto this study. Patients were required to have no clinically significant cardiac dysfunction and to be free from symptomatic brain metastases. The treatment consisted of cisplatin 20 mg/m2 daily for 4 days; vinblastine 1.6 mg/m2 daily for 4 days; and DTIC 800 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) day 1 with IL-2 9 x 10(6) IU/m2 i.v. by continuous infusion daily for 4 days and IFN-alpha 5 x 10(6) U/m2 subcutaneously daily for 5 days, repeated at 21-day intervals. Response was assessed after two cycles and patients who responded were continued on treatment for a total of six cycles.

RESULTS

Among 53 assessable patients, 11 patients (21%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 23 patients (43%) achieved a partial response (PR), for an overall objective response rate of 64%. The median time to disease progression for all patients was 5 months. The median survival of all patients entered onto the trial was 11.8 months. Among the 11 patients who achieved a CR, five patients (9%) have remained in continuous CR for 50+ to 61+ months. The toxicity of biochemotherapy consisted of severe myelosuppression, significant nausea and vomiting, and moderately severe hypotension that required inpatient hospital care for each 5-day cycle of treatment. There were no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent biochemotherapy for patients with advanced melanoma is capable of producing high CR and overall response rates and resulted in durable complete remissions in a small fraction of patients. Toxicity, although severe, was manageable in a routine inpatient hospital environment.

Association of the INS VNTR with size at birth. ALSPAC Study Team. Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood

Size at birth is an important determinant of perinatal survival and has also been associated with the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adult life. Common genetic variation that regulates fetal growth could therefore influence perinatal survival and predispose to the development of adult disease. We have tested the insulin gene (INS) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) locus, which in Caucasians has two main allele sizes (class I and class III; ref. 3), as a functional candidate polymorphism for association with size at birth, as it has been shown to influence transcription of INS (refs 3-5). In a cohort of 758 term singletons (Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood; ALSPAC) followed longitudinally from birth to 2 years, we detected significant genetic associations with size at birth: class III homozygotes had larger mean head circumference (P=0.004) than class I homozygotes. These associations were amplified in babies who did not show postnatal realignment of growth (45%), and were also evident for length (P=0.015) and weight (P=0.009) at birth. The INS VNTR III/II genotype might have bestowed a perinatal survival during human history by conferring larger size at birth. Common genetic variation of this kind may contribute to reported associations between birth size and adult disease.

Prognostic factors for survival of patients treated systemically for disseminated melanoma

PURPOSE

The current American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging system distinguishes between soft tissue and visceral metastases in advanced (stage IV) melanoma. We sought to verify these staging criteria and to identify prognostic variables that could be used to evaluate the impact of systemic therapy on long-term survival during the prior decade.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma enrolled in clinical trials between 1979 and 1989 at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Pretreatment age, sex, number of organs with metastases, serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin, and period of enrollment were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model of survival.

RESULTS

In univariate and multivariate analyses that involved 318 stage IV patients, normal serum levels of LDH and albumin, soft tissue and/or single visceral organ metastases (especially lung), female sex, and enrollment late in the decade were independent positive predictors for survival. In multivariate analyses, the current AJCC criteria did not significantly predict outcome. Systemic treatment response did not bias these results, and only 4% of patients had a complete response. Patients who lived more than 2 years (11%) had a mix of favorable prognostic characteristics and a high frequency of systemic or surgically induced complete response.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the use of stratification parameters that reflect the favorable prognostic impact of soft tissue or single visceral organ metastases and normal serum levels of LDH and albumin at time of enrollment in advanced melanoma trials. Improved survival over the prior decade probably reflects advances in diagnostic and palliative interventions.

The remarkable influence of steroid A/B-ring junction on the Wittig olefination reaction of the 11-oxo group: towards the synthesis of 5 alpha- and 5 beta-oriented delta 3-isomers of desogestrel

The 5 alpha- and 5 beta-oriented delta 3-double bond isomers 8, 9 of the widely used progestin desogestrel (7) were synthesized. Wittig olefination reaction of the 5 alpha-intermediate 12 showed a dramatically reduced reaction rate compared with the olefination of the 5 beta-intermediate 13. Computational studies suggest that different energies of the intermediary 1,2-oxaphosphetanes may, at least partially, have been the reason for this phenomenon.

Development and results of biochemotherapy in metastatic melanoma: the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center experience

PURPOSE

Systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma includes chemotherapy, either with dacarbazine alone or a multiagent combination regimen, and biologic therapy with recombinant interferon-alpha and/or recombinant interleukin-2. However, neither of these treatment options has produced long-term control of disease except on rare occasions. We have therefore developed a combined biochemotherapy program in an effort to improve long-term control of metastatic melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 1990 and October 1993, we treated 115 patients with a triple-drug chemotherapy regimen--CVD (cisplatin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)--in combination with biotherapy using recombinant interleukin-2 and recombinant interferon-alpha. This program of biochemotherapy has evolved from an initial protocol of sequential use of CVD followed by biotherapy, called sequential biochemotherapy, to a more recent protocol of concurrent administration of all five drugs, called concurrent biochemotherapy. Sixty-two patients have been treated with the sequential regimen and 53 patients with the concurrent regimen.

RESULTS

Among the 114 evaluable patients, we have observed 24 complete responses (21%) and 45 partial responses (39%) for an overall response rate of 60%. From the group of 24 complete responders, 12 patients (10% of the total) have achieved long-term remissions and have remained disease free for periods of time ranging from 4+ to 6+ years.

CONCLUSION

Although the overall results of sequential versus concurrent biochemotherapy are similar, the toxicity appears to be less severe in patients treated with the concurrent regimen. The overall median survival of patients treated with biochemotherapy appears to be longer compared with our previous experience with CVD chemotherapy used alone (12 vs 9 months). Based on the encouraging results obtained with biochemotherapy, phase III studies have been initiated to compare prospectively biochemotherapy with chemotherapy (CVD regimen) alone.

Treatment of metastatic melanoma with combined chemotherapy containing cisplatin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (CVD) and biotherapy using interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha

BACKGROUND

Metastatic melanoma is commonly treated with chemotherapy and/or biological agents used separately. In this study we have investigated the efficacy of combined chemotherapy using cisplatin, vinblastine, DTIC (CVD) and biological therapy using interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in patients with metastatic melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients had advanced, inoperable melanoma without prior treatment with chemotherapy or biotherapy, a performance status of ECOG 0-2 and no evidence of symptomatic brain metastases. The CVD regimen consisted of cisplatin 20 mg/m2/d x 4, vinblastine 1.6 mg/m2/d x 5 and DTIC 800 mg/m2 x 1, repeated at 21-day intervals. The biotherapy regimen included IL-2, 9 x 10(6) IU/ m2/d x 4 days and IFN-alpha 5 x 10(6) U/m2/d SC x 5 days. The CVD and biotherapy regimens were integrated initially, in an alternating manner at 6-week intervals and subsequently, in a sequential fashion where patients were randomized to receive either CVD immediately followed by biotherapy (CVD/Bio) or the reverse sequence (Bio/CVD). Patients were admitted to the hospital for IL-2 administration and for monitoring and treatment of IL-2 induced side effects. The phase II results of the integrated therapy (biochemotherapy) studies were retrospectively compared to our previously reported results with the CVD regimen used alone.

RESULTS

The alternating biochemotherapy program was used in 40 patients and the sequential biochemotherapy was used in 62 patients. The alternating regimen produced 2 CRs and 11 PRs for an overall response rate of 33% among 39 evaluable patients. The sequential biochemotherapy produced 14 CRs and 23 PRs for an overall response rate of 60% (95% CI, 47% to 72%). The sequence of CVD/Bio resulted in a higher response rate (11 CRs + 11 PRs (69%)) compared to the Bio/CVD sequence (3 CRs + 12 PRs (50%)). Although the duration of PRs was short (median, 8 months), the median duration of CRs was 3+years and 10 of 16 CRs are currently disease free for periods of 3+ to 6+ years. The median survival of patients receiving sequential biochemotherapy was 13 months compared to 9 months for the CVD treated group (P = 0.04). Treatment with biochemotherapy was associated with severe toxicity including intense myelosuppression, infections, IL-2 induced constitutional toxicity and hypotension. However, the IL-2 induced toxicities were generally manageable on a regular ward, except for 15% of the patients who required transfer to an intensive care unit for treatment of complications associated with the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The sequential combination of CVD with IL-2 + IFN-alpha appears to have produced an increase in the number of durable responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. The toxicity of this program, although severe, was manageable. The biochemotherapy regimen produced an apparent increase in the median survival compared to that observed with the CVD regimen. However, a prospective comparison of these two regimens will be required to confirm these observations.

Starch branching enzymes belonging to distinct enzyme families are differentially expressed during pea embryo development

cDNA clones for two isoforms of starch branching enzyme (SBEI and SBEII) have been isolated from pea embryos and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of pea SBEI and SBEII are closely related to starch branching enzymes of maize, rice, potato and cassava and a number of glycogen branching enzymes from yeast, mammals and several prokaryotic species. In comparison with SBEI, the deduced amino acid sequence of SBEII lacks a flexible domain at the N-terminus of the mature protein. This domain is also present in maize SBEII and rice SBEIII and resembles one previously reported for pea granule-bound starch synthase II (GBSSII). However, in each case it is missing from the other isoform of SBE from the same species. On the basis of this structural feature (which exists in some isoforms from both monocots and dicots) and other differences in sequence, SBEs from plants may be divided into two distinct enzyme families. There is strong evidence from our own and other work that the amylopectin products of the enzymes from these two families are qualitatively different. Pea SBEI and SBEII are differentially expressed during embryo development. SBEI is relatively highly expressed in young embryos whilst maximum expression of SBEII occurs in older embryos. The differential expression of isoforms which have distinct catalytic properties means that the contribution of each SBE isoform to starch biosynthesis changes during embryo development. Qualitative measurement of amylopectin from developing and maturing embryos confirms that the nature of amylopectin changes during pea embryo development and that this correlates with the differential expression of SBE isoforms.

Pilot study of preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in patients with local-regional recurrence of melanoma

BACKGROUND

Because the prognosis of patients with local-regional recurrence of melanoma treated with surgery alone usually is poor, the authors conducted a study designed to determine the efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy using cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (CVD) in this patient population.

METHODS

Eligibility included biopsy-proven, measurable, and potentially resectable local-regional disease in the form of lymph node metastases, satellite/in-transit metastases and/or local recurrence. CVD consisted of cisplatin, 20 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on days 2-5; vinblastine, 1.6 mg/m2 IV on days 1-5; and dacarbazine, 800 mg/m2 IV on day 1 only, repeated every 3 weeks. Patients usually received two to three courses of CVD and then underwent surgery. Postoperatively, patients who responded continued CVD for a maximum of 8 courses; nonresponders received no further therapy.

RESULTS

Of 52 consecutive patients (40 with lymph node involvement and 12 with skin metastases), 5 (10%) achieved a pathologic complete response and 20 (38%) achieved a partial response, for an overall response rate of 48% (95% confidence interval, 34-62). Of the five patients who achieved a pathologic complete response, three had attained a clinical complete response and one a partial response, and one had stable disease after initial chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 54 months (range, 32-69 months), 38% of the patients remained disease free.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative chemotherapy with CVD has significant activity in local-regional recurrences of melanoma, resulting in pathologic complete response in 10% of the patients. Because its impact on survival remains unclear, this treatment strategy should currently remain investigational. Preoperative chemotherapy, however, could be offered to certain patients with bulky, borderline resectable, regional disease for whom cytoreduction may make surgery easier or less mutilating.

Mechanism of the anti-tumour effect of biochemotherapy in melanoma: preliminary results

During the conduct of a biochemotherapy trial in which cisplatin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (CVD) were administered concurrently with interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus interferon-alpha 2a (IFN-alpha 2a) (biochemotherapy) in advanced melanoma, we performed a series of laboratory studies in an attempt to understand better the mechanism of anti-tumour effect of the regimen. We initially hypothesized that CVD enhanced the anti-tumour effect of the biotherapy. However, in the first 10 patients studied, of whom eight were responders, we observed no lymphokine-associated killer cell (LAK) and minimal natural killer (NK) cell activities. This prompted us to change our initial hypothesis. Based on the work of others which showed a marked synergism between IL-1 alpha and cisplatin, apparently mediated by H2O2 derived from tumour-infiltrating macrophages, we reasoned that the biotherapy could enhance the cytotoxicity of the CVD regimen. To evaluate macrophage function, we measured serum neopterin levels in eight responders and seven non-responders. An increase of six or more times above baseline levels was observed in seven out of eight responders but in only two of seven non-responders (P = 0.041). We also examined the level of DNA inter-strand cross-link in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in four responders and four responders, as a means to evaluate the DNA repair process. A DNA cross-link index > or = 0.75 was observed in all four responders but only in one non-responder (P = 0.14). Our preliminary results suggest that concurrent biochemotherapy may exert its predominant anti-tumour effect by direct cytotoxicity and that macrophages may be involved in this process.

Efficacy of ondansetron against nausea and vomiting caused by dacarbazine-containing chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

The antiemetic activity of ondansetron (Zofran, Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, Research Triangle Park, NC) was evaluated in 25 patients with recurrent melanoma who were treated sequentially with dacarbazine (DTIC), vinblastine, and cisplatin. The antiemetic regimen included ondansetron alone in 11 patients; ondansetron plus lorazepam (Ativan, Wyeth-Ayerst, Philadelphia, PA) in 9 patients; and ondansetron plus lorazepam plus metoclopramide (Reglan, A. H. Robins Co., Richmond, VA) in 5 patients. Twenty-one patients had no prior exposure to chemotherapy, whereas 4 patients had previously received the same chemotherapy regimen and had severe vomiting despite administration of standard antiemetics.

RESULTS

The antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron was impressive. Administration of a single dose of 10 mg resulted in complete control of nausea and vomiting in 22 patients, and the remaining 3 patients had only mild vomiting.

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron is highly effective in controlling the nausea and vomiting caused by dacarbazine.