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Hurtado-Lorenzo A, Honig G, Weaver SA, Larkin PB, Heller C. Chronic Abdominal Pain in IBD Research Initiative: Unraveling Biological Mechanisms and Patient Heterogeneity to Personalize Treatment and Improve Clinical Outcomes. Crohns Colitis 360 2021; 3:otab034. [PMID: 36776666 PMCID: PMC9802354 DOI: 10.1093/crocol/otab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Hurtado-Lorenzo
- Research Department, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, New York, New York, USA,Address correspondence to: Andrés Hurtado-Lorenzo, PhD, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 3rd Ave Suite 510, New York, NY 10017, USA ()
| | - Gerard Honig
- Research Department, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Paul B Larkin
- Research Department, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, New York, New York, USA
| | - Caren Heller
- Research Department, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, New York, New York, USA
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Morris MC, Weaver SA. Re: Advances in animal welfare in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2005; 50:211. [PMID: 16032274 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2002.36314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
Intrusive agricultural experiments published in New Zealand in the last five years are reviewed in terms of the degree of animal suffering involved, and the necessity for this suffering in relation to research findings. When measured against animal welfare criteria of the Ministry of Agriculture, thirty-six studies inflicted "severe" or "very severe" suffering. Many of these experiments had questionable short-term applications, had an application restricted to agricultural production or economic growth, or could have been modified to prevent or reduce suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Morris
- Environmental Studies, School of Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
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Abstract
Carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract is the most common internal malignancy affecting men and women in Western countries. Chronic intestinal inflammation, especially of the colon, is also a Western disease and correlates with a significantly increased risk of developing cancer. This has suggested that the immune processes involved in both conditions might share some common pathways. Indeed, there is increasing evidence that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI 3-kinases) are involved in both the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma and intestinal inflammation. Here, we discuss this rapidly progressing area of research, presenting evidence for a pivotal role of PI 3-kinase(s) in intestinal pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK BA2 7AY
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Abstract
Malignant biliary obstruction is a common problem that is regarded as having a poor prognosis and is usually managed with palliation. Our aim was to investigate the survival of 182 consecutive subjects with malignant biliary obstruction where management was palliative with an [corrected] endoscopically placed biliary stent. We undertook a retrospective longitudinal study with date of death or confirmed survival of at least 23 months, as the primary end point. Diagnosis and blood indices from the 24 hr prior to first ERCP were obtained from hospital records. Of the 182 eligible subjects follow-up of date of death or confirmed survival of at least 23 months was obtained in 181 (99.5%). Of these 181 patients, 37 (20.4%) survived for more than one year. Histological confirmation was obtained in 47 of 182 subjects (25.8%). Increased age at first ERCP predicted increased survival (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in patients with malignant biliary obstruction, where management was endoscopic and palliative, 20.4% survived for more than one year with increased age at diagnosis being the only significant predictive marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, UK
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Weaver SA, Russo MP, Wright KL, Kolios G, Jobin C, Robertson DA, Ward SG. Regulatory role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase on TNF-alpha-induced cyclooxygenase 2 expression in colonic epithelial cells. Gastroenterology 2001; 120:1117-27. [PMID: 11266376 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2001.23257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is up-regulated in most colonic cancers and in inflammatory bowel disease in which tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is believed to play a central role. There has been recent speculation on the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) by TNF-alpha and its role in the regulation of genes controlled by NF-kappaB. We investigated the regulatory role of PI 3-kinase on COX-2 expression in colonic epithelial cells. METHODS In HT-29 and Caco-2 colonic epithelial cells, COX-2 expression was induced by either TNF-alpha or interleukin (IL)-1alpha as observed by Northern and Western analyses. COX-2 activity was assessed by measuring prostaglandin E(2) (PGE2) production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-kappaB binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. PI 3-kinase activity was measured by quantifying the accumulation of PI 3-kinase-dependent D-3 lipid products by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin up-regulated induced COX-2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner in both HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. An alternative PI 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, caused up-regulation of induced COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in HT-29 cells at concentrations of < or =1 micromol/L. IL-4 and IL-13, which are known to activate PI 3-kinase, down-regulated HT-29 COX-2 mRNA, protein, and PGE2 production. NF-kappaB binding activity was unaltered by PI 3-kinase inhibition in HT-29 cells, in which TNF-alpha was shown to activate PI 3-kinase directly. CONCLUSIONS COX-2 is negatively regulated by PI 3-kinase; we propose that the inhibitory effect of IL-4 and IL-13 is mediated via a PI 3-kinase-dependent pathway. This mechanism does not appear to involve NF-kappaB because PI 3-kinase inhibition did not alter NF-kappaB binding activity. TNF-alpha can activate PI 3-kinase directly in addition to inducing COX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, England.
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Abstract
The objectives of the experiments presented here were to develop a method for measuring total glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), in adrenal intact pigs, and to describe the distribution of this receptor in the pituitary gland and selected brain regions. Six male pigs, 14 days of age, were euthanized and the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were prepared for western blotting using a traditional soluble cytosolic preparation or a whole cell extract preparation. Samples were electrophoresed and immunoblotted using the anti-human GR antibodies #57 and #51. The #57 antibody labeled a doublet at 95 and 87 kDa whereas the #51 GR antibody labeled a single band at 87 kDa. Affinity labeling of GR with [(3)H] dexamethasone mesylate revealed a single band at 87 kDa. Using the soluble cytosolic preparation GR concentrations were highest in the pituitary gland followed by the hypothalamus (P<0. 0001). The amount of GR in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was equivalent but lesser (P<0.0001) than that found in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. With the whole cell extract tissue preparation, GR concentrations were highest (P<0.05) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus with lower (P<0.05) levels detected in the hypothalamus. Taken together, these results indicated that the 87-kDa band was the functional GR and that regional distribution of GRs is specific to the type of tissue preparation used. In addition, we have described a procedure (from whole cell extracts) for measuring total GRs in neural and nonneural tissues from adrenal intact pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Edmonton, Canada.
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Weaver SA, Dixon WT, Schaefer AL. The effects of mutated skeletal ryanodine receptors on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in boars. J Anim Sci 2000; 78:1319-30. [PMID: 10834589 DOI: 10.2527/2000.7851319x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the current experiment were to determine whether boars heterozygous for the mutation in skeletal ryanodine receptors (sRyR), known to cause porcine stress syndrome, differed from wild-type boars in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) function. We have examined basal plasma ACTH, cortisol, and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations; plasma ACTH and cortisol responses to a nose-snare stressor and at slaughter; dexamethasone suppression of plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations; and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) density in the pituitary gland, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and frontal cortex. We have also examined carcass yields, composition, and meat quality to determine whether differences in HPA activity were accompanied by an increased incidence of meat quality characteristics associated with pale, soft, exudative (PSE) meat. Thirty boars either heterozygous or wild-type (n = 15 per genotype) for mutated sRyR were tested for HPA function at 7 mo of age. Heterozygous boars had lower basal plasma ACTH (P < .05) and cortisol (P < .04) concentrations. Integrated basal plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were also lower (P < .05 and P < .005, respectively). Genotype had no significant effect on basal CBG, stressor-induced (nose snare or slaughter) or dexamethasone suppression of plasma ACTH or cortisol concentrations. No differences in immunoreactive GR levels were found in the pituitary gland or any brain region examined. We did find a significant, negative correlation (r = -.62, P < .02) between peak (0800) basal plasma ACTH concentrations and hippocampal GR levels. The alterations in basal HPA function in heterozygous boars were accompanied by lighter body weights (P < .03), decreased carcass fat depth (P < .04), and increased carcass lean yields (P < .02). There was a higher incidence of meat quality characteristics associated with PSE meat in heterozygous boars indicated by higher carcass temperatures (P < .04) and meat brightness (P < .0001) with lower carcass pH at slaughter (P < .03) and after chilling (P < .003). In conclusion, we have found differences in basal and not stressor-induced HPA function between boars heterozygous and wild-type for mutated sRyR. This altered basal HPA activity was accompanied by an increased incidence of meat quality aspects associated with PSE meat in heterozygous boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, Alberta.
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Weaver SA, Aherne FX, Meaney MJ, Schaefer AL, Dixon WT. Neonatal handling permanently alters hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis function, behaviour, and body weight in boars. J Endocrinol 2000; 164:349-59. [PMID: 10694375 DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.1640349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal handling permanently alters hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) function in rats. In the rat, this treatment increases hippocampal glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and dampens plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses to stressors. The objectives of this study were to determine whether neonatal handling of pigs would effect permanent changes in plasma corticosteroid binding capacity (CBG), basal or stressor-induced plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations, brain or pituitary GR levels, dexamethasone suppression of plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations, behaviour in an open field-test pen, and body weights. Twelve litters of pigs were randomly assigned to either neonatal handling or no disturbance. Handled litters were removed from the farrowing crate for 10 min per day for the first 14 days of life. Male pigs were kept for the study and the boars were weighed monthly. At 7 months of age, boars were tested for locomotory behaviour in an open field-test pen. The boars were implanted with indwelling ear-vein catheters and blood samples were obtained basally, during and after application of a nose snare, and after 0.04 mg/kg dexamethasone. Boars were killed and blood samples were obtained and the brain and pituitary glands collected. Handled boars had greater (P<0.05) plasma CBG binding and lower basal total (P<0.05) and calculated free (P<0.03) plasma cortisol concentrations. No significant differences between treatments were found in plasma ACTH or cortisol responses to a nose-snare stressor; however, when killed, handled boars had greater (P<0.02) plasma ACTH concentrations. Handled and non-handled boars did not differ in plasma ACTH or cortisol responses to dexamethasone. There was no treatment effect on GR expression in the pituitary gland, frontal cortex, hippocampus, or hypothalamus. Behaviourally, the handled boars had higher (P<0.03) locomotor scores over inner squares and a lower (P<0.05) ratio of outer:inner squares entered in open field-tests. During the first 7 months of life, body weights were lower (P<0.004) for handled boars. In conclusion, neonatal handling permanently altered HPA function in pigs, but in a manner dissimilar to that found in the rat. These changes induced in the pig were not beneficial for commercial production with respect to body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Canada.
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Weaver SA, Schaefer AL, Dixon WT. The effects of mutated skeletal ryanodine receptors on calreticulin and calsequestrin expression in the brain and pituitary gland of boars. Brain Res Mol Brain Res 2000; 75:46-53. [PMID: 10648886 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(99)00289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in skeletal ryanodine receptors (sRyR) result in malignant hyperthermia in humans and Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS) in pigs. Whether the sRyR is expressed in neuronal tissue and what impact it has on neuronal function is relatively unexplored. We have hypothesized that the presence of mutated sRyR may be accompanied by compensatory changes in Ca(2+)-binding protein expression. We were interested in whether pigs heterozygous for mutated sRyR would show changes in the expression of Ca(2+)-binding proteins, in specific regions of the brain, and whether changes in this expression would be accompanied by the presence of sRyR within that region. The objectives of the current experiments were to determine (1) whether calreticulin (CR) and calsequestrin (CS) are expressed in the pituitary gland and brain of the pig, (2) if boars heterozygous for mutated sRyR differed from wild-type boars in the expression of CR or CS, and (3) if altered Ca(2+)-binding protein expression would be accompanied by the presence of sRyR mRNA. Boars either heterozygous or wild-type (n=6) for the mutation in sRyR known to cause PSS, were euthanized and the pituitary gland and brains were collected for western blotting for CR and CS. An additional four wild-type boars were sacrificed and brains were collected for in situ hybridization for sRyR mRNA. Immunoreactive CR was expressed in porcine tissues with highest (p<0.0001) expression in the pituitary gland and lower but equivalent expression in the hypothalamus, frontal cortex, and hippocampus. Immunoreactive CS was not detectable in the pituitary gland while low levels were observed in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex. Dramatically higher (p<0.0001) levels of CS were found in the hippocampus. Genotype did not affect CR expression in the pituitary gland or any brain region examined. Immunoreactive CS levels were lower (p<0.002) in the hippocampus of heterozygous compared to wild-type boars. In situ hybridization experiments revealed the presence of sRyR mRNA in the hippocampus equally distributed across all cell subfields. In conclusion, both CR and CS were expressed in the porcine brain with specific patterns of expression across the brain regions examined. Boars heterozygous for mutated sRyR had lower CS in the hippocampus, which was accompanied by the expression of mRNA for sRyR.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Abstract
Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare, often unrecognized condition in which there is a deposition of intracellular and extracellular hemosiderin in the leptomeninges, subpial tissue, spinal cord, and cranial nerves as a result of chronic bleeding in the subarachnoid space. On the basis of our cases and a review of the literature, the majority of patients manifest sensorineural hearing loss in addition to cerebellar dysfunction, pyramidal tract signs, and progressive mental deterioration. Recent imaging techniques--particularly CT and MRI--can define the presence of iron deposition, confirming the diagnosis ante mortem. From post mortem specimens, histologic sections demonstrate severe damage to the eighth nerve, with microglial metabolism of iron. Cases will be presented to illustrate these points.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Parnes
- Department of Otolaryngology, Albany Medical Center, NY 12208
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Abstract
We questioned whether myoelectric prostheses were a reasonable alternative to conventional prostheses for adolescents with unilateral, congenital, below-elbow amputations in respect to fit, function, cosmesis, and cost. Ten patients were studied. Each received a physical, functional, and psychosocial evaluation prior to prosthetic fitting. The physical evaluation included myopotential, residual limb length and circumference, active range of motion, terminal device grasp force, and mechanical range. The functional evaluation consisted of a questionnaire of 38 bimanual activities. The psychosocial evaluation included an assessment of both the patient and the family. Following prosthesis fabrication, each patient received 10 days of training, a 3-month checkup, and a 6-month reevaluation. Wearing patterns, perception of cosmesis, change in physical attributes of the residual limb, and functional performance were documented. Results indicate that for these subjects myoelectric prostheses with a hand were an acceptable alternative to conventional prostheses with a hook.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Weaver
- Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Philadelphia Unit, Pennsylvania 19152
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Weaver SA. Beefs and bouquets. CMAJ 1987; 136:569-70. [PMID: 3815224 PMCID: PMC1491907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Ford CW, Weaver SA. A protocol for identifying extramural clinical practice sites for a dental assisting program. Dent Assist (1931) 1977; 46:18-22. [PMID: 273522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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