Rapid establishment of the European Bank for induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) - the Hot Start experience

A fast track "Hot Start" process was implemented to launch the European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) to provide early release of a range of established control and disease linked human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. Established practice amongst consortium members was surveyed to arrive at harmonised and publically accessible Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) for tissue procurement, bio-sample tracking, iPSC expansion, cryopreservation, qualification and distribution to the research community. These were implemented to create a quality managed foundational collection of lines and associated data made available for distribution. Here we report on the successful outcome of this experience and work flow for banking and facilitating access to an otherwise disparate European resource, with lessons to benefit the international research community. ETOC: The report focuses on the EBiSC experience of rapidly establishing an operational capacity to procure, bank and distribute a foundational collection of established hiPSC lines. It validates the feasibility and defines the challenges of harnessing and integrating the capability and productivity of centres across Europe using commonly available resources currently in the field.

Variations of the Bender-Gestalt Test: Implications for Training and Practice

Although the Bender-Gestalt Visual Motor Test has been a popular and influential clinical assessment instrument for the last half century, authoritative opinion and a substantial research literature are often inconsistent or contradictory. This paper documents variations in designs, administration procedures, forms, and applications to particular populations. A careful review of scoring systems indicates the current status of objective approaches as contrasted with interpretation that is global, intuitive, and subjective. Some implications of these variations and interpretive procedures for training and assessment practice are discussed. The major conclusions of the review are summarized in seven points.

Personality characteristics associated with aerobic exercise in adult males

Using an index of aerobic conditioning 23 adult male exercisers and 23 nonexercisers were identified. During individual interviews with each subject basic demographic data were obtained and blood pressure, resting pulse rate, and body fat were measured. All subjects completed Form A of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). Statistically significant differences occurred on six primary factors and four Secondary dimensions of the 16PF. In comparison to the inactive subjects the exercisers, all of whom were joggers or runners, were more reserved, expedient, suspicious, forthright, liberal, and self-sufficient on the primary traits, and were more alert and independent, less discreet, and evidenced lower super-ego strength on the broader secondary patterns. The statistically significant training effects were lower pulse rate and less body fat, but did not include blood pressure.

Personality characteristics associated with aerobic exercise in adult females

Using an index of aerobic conditioning 27 adult female joggers and 25 nonexercisers were identified. During individual interviews with each subject basic demographic data were obtained and blood pressure, vital capacity, resting pulse rate, and body fat were meaSured. All subjects completed Form A of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). Statistically significant differences occurred on two primary factors, and one secondary dimension of the 16PF. The probability of three marginally significant differences out of 24 comparisons is well within the range of expected chance fluctuation. Thus, the study provided no evidence that personality characteristics are predisposing factors in the adoption of an aerobic jogging program by young adult females. The only statistically significant training effect was lower pulse rate; blood pressure, vital Capacity, and body fat were similar for the two groups. Finally, the results of this study of females were compared to those of a previous investigation of male joggers.

Gliarin and macrolin, two novel intermediate filament proteins specifically expressed in sets and subsets of glial cells in leech central nervous system

Using monoclonal antibodies, we have identified two novel intermediate filament (IF) proteins, Gliarin and Macrolin, which are specifically expressed in the central nervous system of an invertebrate. The two proteins both contain the coiled-coil rod domain typical of the superfamily of IF proteins flanked by unique N- and C-terminal domains. Gliarin was found in all glial cells including macro- and microglial cells, whereas Macrolin was expressed in only a single pair of giant connective glial cells. The identification of Macrolin and Gliarin together with the characterization of the strictly neuronal IF protein Filarin in leech central nervous system demonstrate that multiple neuron- and glial-specific IFs are not unique to the vertebrate nervous system but are also found in invertebrates. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis based on maximum parsimony indicated that the presence of neuron- and glial cell-specific IFs in coelomate protostomes as well as in vertebrates is not of monophyletic origin, but rather represents convergent evolution and appears to have arisen independently.

Amount of calories retained after binge eating and vomiting

While caloric consumption during binge eating has been measured, it is not known how many of the calories are retained in the gastrointestinal tract after vomiting. In 17 normal weight bulimic patients, there appeared to be a ceiling on the number of calories retained after vomiting. That is, whether or not bulimic patients had small (mean = 1,549 kcal, SD = 505) or large (mean = 3,530 kcal, SD = 438) binges, they retained similar amounts of kilocalories (mean = 1,128, SD = 497, versus mean = 1,209, SD = 574, respectively) after vomiting.

DNA fingerprinting--a valuable new technique for the characterisation of cell lines

DNA fingerprinting is an important new development for the authentication of cell lines. Multilocus methods such as those developed by Alec Jeffreys provide information on a wide range of genetic loci throughout the human genome and thus give a useful genetic "snap-shot" of a cell culture. Our work has shown that Jeffreys multilocus fingerprinting method can be applied to cell lines from a wide range of animals including reptiles, birds, fish and diverse mammals. It can also differentiate very closely related cell lines including those from the same mouse strain. Routine fingerprint analysis has enabled an unprecedented level of confidence in the consistency of cell stocks. Our results demonstrate that this straightforward method represents a powerful and readily interpreted system for cell authentication and exclusion of cross-contamination.

Carcinosarcoma: a rare tumour of the breast

This report presents a case of carcinosarcoma, a rare tumour of the breast. The clinical and histological features and management are discussed.

Establishment and characterization of a human CD4 positive cell bank for HIV related studies

The human CD4 positive cell lines JM, CCRF, CEM, U937, HL60 and THP-1 have been cleared of mycoplasma contamination and defined by DNA fingerprinting and cell surface phenotype marker analysis. These cells have been banked and are now available as a source of standardized cell lines for HIV related research.

Role of glutathione in acute N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl) succinimide-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats

N-(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS), an experimental agricultural fungicide, has been shown to be a selective nephrotoxin in Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats. Previous studies have demonstrated that a toxic metabolite contributes to or is responsible for acute NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of glutathione in NDPS-induced renal effects. In 1 set of experiments, male Sprague-Dawley or Fischer 344 rats received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) or sesame oil (2.5 ml/kg). Rats were killed at 1, 3, 6 or 24 h, and reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione concentrations determined in liver and renal cortex. In both rat strains NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) administration produced small decreases in GSH concentrations (1 and 3 h) but moderate increases in GSSG concentrations (1 and 3 h) in liver and kidney. At 24 h both GSH and GSSG concentrations were increased, particularly in kidney. In a second set of experiments, rats were pretreated with the glutathione depletor diethyl maleate (DEM) (0.4 ml/kg, i.p.) 1 h prior to NDPS (0.2, 0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg, i.p.) or sesame oil (2.5 ml/kg, i.p.) administration, and renal function monitored at 24 and 48 h. DEM pretreatment attenuated the increase in urine volume (24 and 48 h), proteinuria, glucosuria, hematuria and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration produced by NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) in both Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats. NDPS-induced increases in kidney weight also were generally prevented by DEM pretreatment. Proximal tubular necrosis produced by NDPS administration was reduced by DEM but not prevented. Pretreatment with the cysteine conjugate beta-lyase inhibitor amino-oxyacetic acid (0.5 mmol/kg, i.p.) 1 h prior to NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg) markedly attenuated all NDPS-induced effects on renal function and morphology. These results suggest that glutathione does not play a protective role against NDPS-induced renal effects and that a glutathione or cysteine conjugate of NDPS might contribute to NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity.

A comparison of six MMPI short forms: code type correspondence and indices of psychopathology

Compared six MMPI short forms for their ability to identify code-types and indices of psychopathology obtained from the full length MMPI for samples of renal dialysis patients (N = 53) and paranoid schizophrenics (N = 58). Results suggest that the accuracy of the short forms fluctuates for different patient populations and diagnostic criteria. The longer abbreviated forms are generally more accurate, especially the MMPI-168 and the FAM.

16PF source traits associated with DSM-III symptoms for four diagnostic groups

Provided evidence of 16PF validity by meta-analysis of source-trait profiles from nine studies for four psychiatric groups (N = 916) (nonparanoid schizophrenics, major depressives, anxiety disorders, alcoholics). All groups had mean sten profiles that deviated markedly from normal personality, and there was considerable convergence between salient traits and diagnostic criteria except for alcoholics.

The validity of the Draw-A-Person Test as an anxiety measure

This review examines the current status of research on indicators of anxiety in the Draw-A-Person Test (DAP). Experimental studies have used stress induction while correlational studies have typically employed the Manifest Anxiety Scale as criterion. Three scoring systems (Engle-Suppes, Handler, Royal) have included most of the available anxiety indices. Methodological problems with this research include failure to control for drawing quality and intelligence, confounding anxiety measurement with defensive response style, and inadequate validation of the scoring systems. Results of the review are summarized in eight specific conclusions.

An evaluation of three Bender-Gestalt scoring systems as indicators of psychopathology

Quantified Bender-Gestalt protocols of 120 clients using the Hutt, Pascal-Suttell, and Pauker scoring systems. Scores were correlated with two criteria of psychopathology, diagnosis of psychiatric disability and self-reported anxiety, and age and IQ. The results suggest that: (a) Ratings of B-G protocols are highly reliable; (b) B-G scores are not predictive of global psychopathology; and (c) B-G scores are correlated moderately with age and IQ. This evidence does not support the validity of B-G scoring systems as indicators of psychopathology.

Issues in validity research on the 16 PF

The 16 PF does not purport to measure those dimensions of severe pathology that characterize the various psychiatric syndromes. Validity studies that violate the theoretical foundation of the 16 PF cannot contribute relevant information about its appropriate diagnostic applications.

The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale and the normal personality sphere (16PF)

An examination of the internal structure of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) and the interrelationship among the TSCS scales and the secondary dimensions of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) supported three conclusions: (a) The primary dimension underlying the TSCS is positive self-evaluation, freedom from neurotic symptoms, or the absence of anxiety, (b) this central dimension of the TSCS aligns with the 16PF secondary Anxiety vs. Adjustment, and is virtually independent of the other dimensions of the normal personality sphere, and (c) the mutual orthogonality of extraversion, anxiety or neuroticism, and an empirically derived psychoticism scale provided some support for Eysenck's PEN theory of personality organization.

The relationship between two personality questionnaires: the Mini-Mult and the 16PF-E

The Mini-Mult and 16PF-E were administered to a heterogeneous sample of 216 clients. Several multivariate analyses were conducted to specify the common and unique information that these two brief instruments generate. While the 16PF-E provides a global estimate of the client's overall level of emotional adjustment, as well as information regarding a wide range of non-pathological traits, the Mini-Mult focuses on subtle aspects of maladjustment corresponding to traditional psychiatric syndromes. For preliminary screening purposes the 16PF-E results in a broader assessment of personality functioning.

A FACTOR ANALYTIC STUDY OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND NONVERBAL ABILITIES OF DEAF REHABILITATION CLIENTS

As part of the routine service procedures, 159 profoundly deaf rehabilitation candidates wre extensively tested on a variety of nonverbal intelligence and ability measures and rated on 10 communication variables. Two principal components factor analyses followed by Varimax rotations were performed, one on the total sample which spanned the age range from 16 to 67 years, and the second on a subsample of 87 clients between the ages of 16 and 25 years.