SEIS: Insight's Seismic Experiment for Internal Structure of Mars

By the end of 2018, 42 years after the landing of the two Viking seismometers on Mars, InSight will deploy onto Mars' surface the SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Internal Structure) instrument; a six-axes seismometer equipped with both a long-period three-axes Very Broad Band (VBB) instrument and a three-axes short-period (SP) instrument. These six sensors will cover a broad range of the seismic bandwidth, from 0.01 Hz to 50 Hz, with possible extension to longer periods. Data will be transmitted in the form of three continuous VBB components at 2 sample per second (sps), an estimation of the short period energy content from the SP at 1 sps and a continuous compound VBB/SP vertical axis at 10 sps. The continuous streams will be augmented by requested event data with sample rates from 20 to 100 sps. SEIS will improve upon the existing resolution of Viking's Mars seismic monitoring by a factor of ∼ 2500 at 1 Hz and ∼ 200 000 at 0.1 Hz. An additional major improvement is that, contrary to Viking, the seismometers will be deployed via a robotic arm directly onto Mars' surface and will be protected against temperature and wind by highly efficient thermal and wind shielding. Based on existing knowledge of Mars, it is reasonable to infer a moment magnitude detection threshold of M w ∼ 3 at 40 ∘ epicentral distance and a potential to detect several tens of quakes and about five impacts per year. In this paper, we first describe the science goals of the experiment and the rationale used to define its requirements. We then provide a detailed description of the hardware, from the sensors to the deployment system and associated performance, including transfer functions of the seismic sensors and temperature sensors. We conclude by describing the experiment ground segment, including data processing services, outreach and education networks and provide a description of the format to be used for future data distribution.

ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11214-018-0574-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nuclear pore complexes: guardians of the nuclear genome

Eukaryotic cell function depends on the physical separation of nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic components by the nuclear envelope (NE). Molecular communication between the two compartments involves active, signal-mediated trafficking, a function that is exclusively performed by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). The individual NPC components and the mechanisms that are involved in nuclear trafficking are well documented and have become textbook knowledge. However, in addition to their roles as nuclear gatekeepers, NPC components-nucleoporins-have been shown to have critical roles in chromatin organization and gene regulation. These findings have sparked new enthusiasm to study the roles of this multiprotein complex in nuclear organization and explore novel functions that in some cases appear to go beyond a role in transport. Here, we discuss our present view of NPC biogenesis, which is tightly linked to proper cell cycle progression and cell differentiation. In addition, we summarize new data suggesting that NPCs represent dynamic hubs for the integration of gene regulation and nuclear transport processes.

Abnormalities of the gallbladder, clinical effects

The aim of this review of the literature was to present and discuss the anatomical and embryological basis of congenital abnormalities of the gallbladder, based on a case of volvulus. In the rare cases of ectopic gallbladder, diagnosis of a biliary disease could be difficult. In such cases surgery can also be dangerous, especially when it is associated with abnormalities of the intra-hepatic biliary and vascular tree. This study, based on the embryology of the extra hepatic bile duct, focused on the most frequent gallbladder abnormalities to keep them in mind.

New approach to radiation burn treatment by dosimetry-guided surgery combined with autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy

The therapeutic management of severe radiation burns remains a challenging issue. Conventional surgical treatment (excision and skin autograft or rotation flap) often fails to prevent unpredictable and uncontrolled extension of the radiation necrotic process. We report here an innovative therapeutic strategy applied to the victim of a radiation accident (December 15, 2005) with an iridium gammagraphy radioactive source (192Ir, 3.3 TBq). The approach combined numerical dosimetry-guided surgery with cellular therapy using mesenchymal stem cells. A very severe buttock radiation burn (2000 Gy at the center of the skin surface lesion) of a 27-year-old Chilean victim was widely excised (10 cm in diameter) using a physical and anatomical dose reconstruction in order to better define the limit of the surgical excision in apparently healthy tissues. A secondary extension of the radiation necrosis led to a new excision of fibronecrotic tissues associated with a local cellular therapy using autologous expanded mesenchymal stem cells as a source of trophic factors to promote tissue regeneration. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were expanded according to a clinical-grade technique using closed culture devices and serum-free medium enriched in human platelet lysate. The clinical evolution (radiation pain and healing progression) was favorable and no recurrence of radiation inflammatory waves was observed during the 11 month patient's follow-up. This novel multidisciplinary therapeutic approach combining physical techniques, surgical procedures and cellular therapy with adult stem cells may be of clinical relevance for improving the medical management of severe localized irradiations. It may open new prospects in the field of radiotherapy complications.

Protective role of selectin ligand inhibition in a large animal model of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury

Experiments in rodents have demonstrated an important role for selectins in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the relevance of this in larger mammals, as well as the impact on long-term structure and function is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that small molecule selectin ligand inhibition attenuates IRI, cellular inflammation, and long-term effects on renal interstitial fibrosis. We used a porcine model of kidney IRI and used Texas Biotechnology Corporation (TBC)-1269, a selectin ligand inhibitor. Renal function, tissue inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis development were evaluated up to 16 weeks. Both warm and cold ischemia models were studied for relevance to native and transplant kidney injury. Pigs treated with TBC-1269 during 45 min of warm ischemia (WI) showed significantly increased glomerular filtration rate compared to control animals. In pigs with severe IRI (WI for 60 min), TBC-1269 treatment during IRI significantly increased renal recovery. Cellular inflammation was strongly reduced, particularly influx of CD4 cells. Quantitative measurement of fibrosis by picrosirius red staining showed strong reduction in TBC-1269-treated groups. TBC-1269 also reduced cold IRI, inflammation, and fibrosis in kidneys preserved for 24 h at 4 degrees C and autotransplanted. The selectin ligand inhibitor TBC-1269 provides a novel and effective approach to attenuate IRI in both warm and cold ischemia in large mammals, in both short and long terms. Selectin ligand inhibition is an attractive strategy for evaluation in human kidney IRI.

Anatomical pitfalls in the technique for total extra peritoneal laparoscopic repair for inguinal hernias

PURPOSE

The totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach for the treatment of inguinal hernia is a well-recognized technique with proven efficacy, low failure rate, and reduced post-operative pain. This laparoscopic technique is reputed to be a more difficult procedure to learn and practice than a laparoscopic trans-abdomino-pre-peritoneal procedure: we hope this is because many surgeons don't well know extra-peritoneal anatomy of groin. So we proposed a "step by step" anatomical analysis, with pitfalls to avoid, of a totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach for treatment of inguinal hernia.

METHODS

Our experience with totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with regard to the morphology of the inguinal-femoral region concerns 23 cadaver dissection and more than 400 surgical procedures, now permits clarification of a surgical technique that has hitherto not been well known.

CONCLUSION

Photographic representations of surgical views are displayed, and detailed descriptions applicable to anatomical structures are presented.

Proteomic Study of Galectin-1 Expression in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to interact with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune cells, and are of potential interest to be used as therapeutic agents for enhancing allogenic hematopoietic engraftment and preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Galectin 1 (Gal1) belongs to a family of structurally related molecules expressed in many vertebrate tissues that exert their functions both by binding to glycoconjugates, and by interaction with protein partners. In this work using a proteomic approach, we looked for the presence and the localization of Gal1 in short- and long-term culture of human (h) hMSC. We first determined, that Gal1 is one of the major proteins expressed in hMSC. We futher demonstrated that its expression is maintained when hMSC are expanded through a subculturing process up to five passages. Moreover, Gal1 is secreted and found at the cell surface of MSC, participating in extra cellular matrix (ECM)-cell interactions. Given the immunomodulatory properties of Gal1, its potential involvement in immunological functions of hMSC could be suggested.

Identification of an HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopic peptide from human dystrophin: application in duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy

Dystrophin-based gene therapy treatments aimed at correcting the Duchenne muscular dystrophy phenotype require stable expression of normal dystrophin (DYST) protein in myocytes without immune responses, which would compromise long-term expression. To predict cytotoxic T-cell-mediated responses elicited by transgenes, we used here H-2-negative HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice and identified human DYST epitopes, which elicit HLA-A*0201-restricted cytotoxic T cell activities. Among a series of eight peptides predicted from the human DYST sequence, not shared with the endogenous mouse DYST sequence, four of them were able to bind to HLA-A*0201 molecules and to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. After human DYST DNA transfer in muscle of HLA-A*0201 mice, only the human DYST1281 epitope, located in the spectrin-like repeat 9 domain, induced strong CD8(+) CTL responses. Using the corresponding human DYST1281 peptide/HLA-A*0201 tetramer, we detected human DYST1281-specific CD8(+) T cells in peripheral lymphoid organs and blood of HLA-A*0201 mice injected with human DYST DNA. Our results demonstrate that muscle injection with human DYST DNA systematically triggers CTL responses against this HLA-A*0201-restricted human DYST1281 peptide, which is present in long human DYST isoforms. Identification of such immunodominant human DYST epitopes and use of peptide/HLA tetramers will allow the immunomonitoring of CTL responses in HLA-phenotyped Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients undergoing gene therapy. Finally, the knowledge of HLA-A*0201-restricted human DYST peptides will be of importance to test, in mouse models, new immunomodulatory interventions allowing long-term engraftment of human dystrophin.

Group therapy for pathological gamblers: a cognitive approach

This study evaluated the efficacy of a group cognitive treatment for pathological gambling. Gamblers, meeting DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, were randomly assigned to treatment (N=34) or wait-list control (N=24) conditions. Cognitive correction techniques were used first to target gamblers' erroneous perceptions about randomness, and then to address issues of relapse prevention. The dependent measures used were the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, perceived self-efficacy, gamblers' perception of control, desire to gamble, and frequency of gambling. Post-treatment results indicated that 88% of the treated gamblers no longer met the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling compared to only 20% in the control group. Similar changes were observed on all outcome measures. Analysis of data from 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups revealed maintenance of therapeutic gains. Recommendations for group interventions are discussed, focusing on the cognitive correction of erroneous perceptions toward the notion of randomness.

Novel anti-inflammatory effects of the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone propionate during lung myofibroblastic differentiation

Asthma is characterized by an irreversible subepithelial fibrosis with the appearance of myofibroblasts, which can be now considered important early participants in inflammatory responses as well as potential targets for anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we show that fluticasone propionate (FP), a powerful inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), displays novel anti-inflammatory effects on human lung fibroblasts during their myofibroblastic differentiation. Indeed, FP inhibits in lung myofibroblasts, at a very early stage of differentiation, the activation of Janus kinase/STAT pathways induced by IL-13 (tyrosine kinase 2, STAT1, STAT3, STAT6, mitogen-activated protein kinase). Contrarily, in mildly or fully differentiated myofibroblastic cultures, FP still displays a potential anti-inflammatory activity even if it only inhibits tyrosine kinase 2 phosphorylation. Moreover, FP inhibits constitutive and TGF-beta-induced expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, the main marker of myofibroblastic differentiation, both in very early and in mild differentiated myofibroblasts. Finally, FP displays an additional powerful anti-inflammatory effect, decreasing nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB independent of the degree of myofibroblastic differentiation. These data 1) suggest that myofibroblasts are priority targets for ICS, which is able to revert them to a normal phenotype even if they appear to be already engaged in their differentiation, and 2) may help to explain why asthma is improved by an early ICS treatment, whereas advanced asthma is more resistant to these drugs.

Cognitive treatment of pathological gambling

This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive treatment package for pathological gambling. Sixty-six gamblers, meeting DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, were randomly assigned to treatment or wait-list control conditions. Cognitive correction techniques were used first to target gamblers' erroneous perceptions about randomness and then to address issues of relapse prevention. The dependent measures used were the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the number of DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling met by participants, as well as gamblers' perception of control, frequency of gambling, perceived self-efficacy, and desire to gamble. Posttest results indicated highly significant changes in the treatment group on all outcome measures, and analysis of data from 6- and 12-month follow-ups revealed maintenance of therapeutic gains. Recommendations for clinical interventions are discussed, focusing on the cognitive correction of erroneous perceptions toward the notion of randomness.

Molecular analysis of apo(a) fragmentation in polygenic hypercholesterolemia: characterization of a new plasma fragment pattern

Hypercholesterolemia is frequently associated with elevated Lp(a) levels, an independent risk factor for coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. A portion of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] circulates as a series of fragments derived from the N-terminal region of apo(a). The relationship of elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels to those of circulating apo(a) fragments in polygenic hypercholesterolemia is indeterminate. Therefore, plasma Lp(a) and plasma and urinary apo(a) fragment levels were measured by ELISA in 82 patients with polygenic type IIa hypercholesterolemia (low density lipoprotein cholesterol >/=4.13 mmol/L and triglycerides <2.24 mmol/L) and in 90 normolipidemic subjects. Lp(a) levels were significantly elevated in patients compared with control subjects (0.35+/-0.4 and 0.24+/-0.31 mg/mL, respectively; median 0.13 and 0.11 mg/mL, respectively; P=0.039), although apo(a) isoform distribution did not differ. Patients displayed significantly higher plasma and urinary apo(a) fragment levels than did control subjects (respective values were as follows: 4.97+/-5.51 and 2.15+/-2.57 [median 2.85 and 1.17] microg/mL in plasma, P<0.0001; 75+/-86 and 40+/-57 [median 38 and 17] ng/mg urinary creatinine in urine, P<0.0001). The ratio of plasma apo(a) fragments to Lp(a) levels was also significantly higher in patients than in control subjects (1.93+/-1.5% and 1.75+/-2.36%, respectively; P<0.0001). We conclude that increased plasma Lp(a) levels in polygenic hypercholesterolemia are associated with elevated circulating levels of apo(a) fragments but that this increase is not due to decreased renal clearance of apo(a) fragments. Furthermore, we identified a new pattern of apo(a) fragmentation characterized by the predominance of a fragment band whose size was related to that of the parent apo(a) isoform and that was superimposed on the series of fragments described previously by Mooser et al (J Clin Invest. 1996; 98:2414-2424). This new pattern was associated with small apo(a) isoforms and did not discriminate between hypercholesterolemic and normal subjects. However, this new apo(a) fragment pattern may constitute a novel marker for cardiovascular risk.

Unusual interleukin-4 and -13 signaling in human normal and tumor lung fibroblasts

IL-4 and IL-13 act on human lung fibroblasts through specific receptors differing in their composition. Indeed, the gammac chain is constitutively expressed in tumor lung myofibroblast but not in normal cells. Here, we have analysed the signal transduction induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in both cell types, in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor stromal development. The IL-4Ralpha chain is constitutively phosphorylated and pre-associated with the JAK1 protein in both cell types. In normal cells, we detected the activation of the classic IRS-2 or JAK1/STAT6 pathways, the phosphorylation of JAK2, while Tyk2 was constitutively phosphorylated and not modified by both cytokines. In addition to these pathways, in lung tumor myofibroblasts, IL-4 and IL-13 induced the phosphorylation of JAK3 and increased the phosphorylation of Tyk2. Interestingly, in both cell types IL-4 and IL-13 triggered an unusual pattern of STAT1 and STAT3 activation. These events probably correspond to a tissue-specific signaling important for the immunoregulatory functions of airways fibroblasts. Indeed, the inflammatory-like pattern of STATs signaling triggered by IL-4 and IL-13 in these cells may favor the homing of inflammatory and/or metastatic cells. In lung myofibroblasts, these properties could be modified through the different pattern of JAK activation.

An event-related potential analysis of extraversion and individual differences in cognitive processing speed and response execution

Individual differences in cognitive processing speed and response execution were examined in relation to extraversion. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded concurrently with reaction time and movement time (MT) measures as participants (N = 67) performed simple reaction time and stimulus-response compatibility tasks. Slower processing speed for extraverts, as indicated by longer latency of a late positive ERP wave, P3, was only evident in conditions in which stimulus information was in conflict with response selection demands. As previously reported, the salient effect in all conditions of both tasks was faster MT for extraverts, an effect that is indicative of differences in fundamental motor processes. On the simple reaction time task, amplitudes of the N1 component, an early negative ERP wave, were smaller for extraverts than for introverts in response to auditory tones, an effect that affirms the enhanced sensory reactivity of introverts to punctate physical stimuli.

[Clinical study of dermatoses as psychosomatic phenomena]

The aim of this presentation is to introduce some aspects of the global problematics of our Phd research in psychopathology. This thesis shows that all the studies on the relations between body and mind agree to say that there are organic symptoms with a psychical etiology. Some of these symptoms can be called, under certain conditions, "psychosomatic phenomena". We are showing that, in case of a disease, a skin disease in the framework of this research, two questions must be raised: does the disease have a function in the psychical structure? which one? In this view, a case study enables us to examine the link between somatic pathology and psychical features of the subject who is affected by it, and that can be done only by examining the event which brought on the disease.

The scripting of activities of daily living in normal aging: anticipation and shifting deficits with preservation of sequencing

The purpose of this study was to elaborate upon Shallice's frontal lobe model by evaluating 20 elderly normal and 20 young adult controls, all women, with cognitive tests, a paper-pencil script generation task and a kitchenette meal preparation task. The elderly were significantly weaker on standardized tests of executive functions and on the paper-pencil script generation task. An anticipation and a sequencing impairment clearly emerged. Though anticipation and shifting were compromised in the kitchenette script task, sequencing was however preserved. This supports Shallice's notion according to which scripting is hierarchically organized with top level components being more frontal lobe dependent (supervisory attentional system or SAS) and the lower level components more tributary to subcortical circuits involving procedural learning (contention scheduling or CS).

Coumarinic derivatives as mechanism-based inhibitors of alpha-chymotrypsin and human leukocyte elastase

Novel coumarinic derivatives were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory potency toward alpha-CT and HLE. Cycloalkyl esters and amides were found to be essentially inactive on both enzymes. On the opposite, aromatic esters strongly inactivated alpha-CT whereas HLE was less efficiently inhibited with dichlorophenyl ester derivatives (kinact/K(I) = 4000 M(-1) s(-1) for 36). Representative examples of amide, ester, thioester and ketone derivatives were prepared in order to evaluate the influence of the link between the coumarinic ring and the phenyl side chain. The irreversible inactivation of alpha-CT by 6-chloromethyl derivatives should be due to alkylation of a histidine residue as suggested by the amino acid analysis of the modified chymotrypsin. Conversely the inhibition of HLE was transient. Intrinsic reactivity of coumarins has been calculated using a model of a nucleophilic reaction between the ligand and the couple methanol-water. From this calculation, it appears that differences in the inhibitory potency expressed by these molecules cannot only be explained by differences in the reactivity of the lactonic carbonyl group toward the nucleophilic attack.

An event-related potential analysis of extraversion and individual differences in cognitive processing speed and response execution

Individual differences in cognitive processing speed and response execution were examined in relation to extraversion. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded concurrently with reaction time and movement time (MT) measures as participants (N = 67) performed simple reaction time and stimulus-response compatibility tasks. Slower processing speed for extraverts, as indicated by longer latency of a late positive ERP wave, P3, was only evident in conditions in which stimulus information was in conflict with response selection demands. As previously reported, the salient effect in all conditions of both tasks was faster MT for extraverts, an effect that is indicative of differences in fundamental motor processes. On the simple reaction time task, amplitudes of the N1 component, an early negative ERP wave, were smaller for extraverts than for introverts in response to auditory tones, an effect that affirms the enhanced sensory reactivity of introverts to punctate physical stimuli.

Chemokines and CD40 expression in human fibroblasts

Chemokines are cytokines specialized for recruiting leukocytes in inflammatory responses. Recent data indicate that besides macrophages and leukocytes fibroblasts may also be a source of these important immune molecules. We assayed chemokine expression (mRNA/ protein) in cultured fibroblasts isolated from a variety of human tissues and different pathologic states: normal bone marrow vs. myelometaplastic spleen, normal lung vs. metastasis stroma, and normal breast vs. radiation fibrosis and tumor stroma. In all fibroblasts, transcripts for chemokines IL-8, stromal cell-derived factor-1, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and eotaxin were detected. Although the production of IL-8 was abundant in most of the fibroblasts studied, fibroblasts from lung and pathologic breast tissue produced significantly less. Conversely, eotaxin production was low in most fibroblasts except in those isolated from myelometaplastic tissue where it was highly produced. Moreover, chemokines MCP-4, RANTES and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha were found to be expressed only in fibroblasts from select tissues. When the expression of CD40, an activating surface molecule for immune cells, was investigated, we found that most of the fibroblasts expressed this antigen. Overall these results indicate that cultured human fibroblasts from various tissues and pathologic settings produce a distinct panel of chemokines and express CD 40, suggesting a possible fundamental role of fibroblasts in immune responses and disease processes.

6-Substituted 2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid as a core structure for specific inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase

Pyridyl esters of 6-substituted 2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid were designed as mechanism-based inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase. Compounds of series 4 specifically inhibited this enzyme. Several of the tested compounds (series 2 and 3) acted as powerful time-dependent inhibitors of both human leukocyte elastase and alpha-chymotrypsin; some compounds of these series inhibited thrombin. Trypsin was not inhibited. A transient inactivation was observed for human leukocyte elastase (k(i)/K(I) = 107 000 M(-1). s(-1) for 4c) and thrombin (k(i)/K(I) = 7 200 M(-1).s(-1) for 3b) as demonstrated by spontaneous or hydroxylamine-accelerated reactivation, irrespective of the nature of the substituent at the 6-position. Conversely, alpha-chymotrypsin was irreversibly inhibited by 6-chloromethyl derivatives (k(i)/K(I) = 107 400 M(-1). s(-1) for 3b). The presence of a latent alkylating function at the 6-position (chloromethyl group) was required for leading to this inactivation. In the absence of such an alkylating function (series 4), human leukocyte elastase was specifically inhibited suggesting that this new series of human leukocyte elastase inhibitors may be of potential therapeutic interest in degradative and degenerative processes involving this enzyme.

The effect of response execution on P3 latency, reaction time, and movement time

This study examined the effect of response selection and execution on P3 latency during the performance of simple reaction time (RT) and stimulus-response compatibility tasks. Response time on these tasks was defined in terms of RT and movement time (MT). Event-related brain potentials were recorded from 67 female participants concurrently with the performance measures. On the simple RT task, the distance of the response button from the home button was varied (7, 15, and 23 cm). When stimulus evaluation demands were minimal, response execution affected P3 latency, with increased response button distance resulting in increased P3 latency. However, these movement effects were modest, and in most protocols, would not be a confounding factor. The stimulus-response compatibility task examined the interaction of stimulus evaluation demands and response requirements. RT, MT, and P3 latency were affected by stimulus congruency, whereas RT and P3 amplitude were affected by response compatibility.

IL-4 and IL-13 specifically increase adhesion molecule and inflammatory cytokine expression in human lung fibroblasts

Subepithelial fibrosis in the bronchi of asthmatics is the result of an irreversible lung fibroblast activation, triggered by cytokines secreted by IL-4- and IL-5-activated inflammatory cells. Here, we provide evidence that human lung fibroblasts (ICIG7 cells) express a single class of high-affinity IL-4 receptor (IL-4R). This receptor is functional and composed of at least the IL-4Ralpha and IL-13Ralpha1 chains in the absence of the IL-2Rgamma chain. The IL-4Ralpha is efficiently internalized at 37 degrees C within 15 min in the presence of IL-4, whereas this process is slower with IL-13. In ICIG7 cells, IL-4 triggers the tyrosine phosphorylation of at least two proteins (110 and 180 kDa), and up-regulates the transcription of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc proto-oncogenes. In addition, the secretion of several cytokines [IL-6, granulocyte colony stimulating factor and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)] as well as the expression of beta1 integrin and VCAM-1 adhesion molecules are augmented by IL-4. IL-13 displays similar biological activities, but less effectively than IL-4. On the other hand, ICIG7 cells could constitute a lung fibroblast population defined by the spontaneous release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-11 and GM-CSF) and cell surface phenotype (CD4 and Thy-1). Through this peculiar cytokine pattern and the IL-4/IL-13-dependent activities, these cells could act as effector cells in the pathogenesis of asthma, triggering and maintaining the recruitment, homing and activation of bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells, and playing a role in the remodeling process of the airways.

Phenotypic diversity in human fibroblasts from myelometaplasic and non-myelometaplasic hematopoietic tissues

Fibroblasts from a variety of tissues interact with and influence the behavior of the cell types they are associated with by producing specific proteins that mediate these interactions. Thus, it is not surprising that fibroblasts have been shown to differ phenotypically and functionally depending on the tissue they are isolated from and its physiologic state. To study fibroblasts of hematopoietic tissues, cultures were established from human normal bone marrow (BM), and from non-myelometaplasic (NS) and myelometaplasic spleen (MMS) tissues and analyzed for phenotypic characteristics. The results are summarized as follows: (1) cytoskeletal elements: virtually all the MMS fibroblasts were stained positively for alpha-sm-actin while only a small fraction of BM and of NS fibroblasts were positive for this antigen; (2) extracellular matrix elements: MMS fibroblasts stained positively for ED-B fibronectin and tenascin while the other 2 fibroblast cell types did not; (3) cell surface molecules: NS and MMS fibroblasts expressed significantly higher levels of ICAM-1, VLA-4 and CD9 than BM fibroblasts. Moreover, MMS fibroblasts showed a higher expression of ICAM-1 and VLA-4 than NS fibroblasts; and (4) cytokines: IL-II, RANTES and MIP-1alpha were produced in higher amounts by BM than by NS fibroblasts. Conversely, production of GM-CSF, SCF, M-CSF and MCP-1alpha was elevated in NS compared with BM fibroblasts. The production of these cytokines was generally reduced in MMS cells. Overall, our results demonstrate that phenotypic characteristics can be identified to distinguish fibroblasts from normal and pathologic hematopoietic tissues. Such phenotypic characteristics suggest functional differences of each type of fibroblast in their influence on the blood cells with which they are associated.

Interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-13 act on human lung fibroblasts. Implication in asthma

Airway hyperresponsiveness leading to subepithelial fibrosis is mediated by inflammatory cells activated by T helper (Th) 2-derived cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5. By analyzing the phenotype and response of human lung fibroblasts derived from either fetal (ICIG7) or adult (CCL202) tissue as well as from a Th2-type stromal reaction (FPA) to IL-4 and IL-13, we provide evidence that human lung fibroblasts may behave as inflammatory cells upon activation by IL-4 and IL-13. We show that the three types of fibroblasts constitute different populations that display a distinct pattern in cell surface molecule expression and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine release. All fibroblasts express functional but different IL-4/IL-13 receptors. Thus, while IL-4 receptor (R) alpha and IL-13Ralpha1 chains are present in all the cells, CCL202 and FPA fibroblasts coexpress the IL-13Ralpha2 and the IL-2Rgamma chain, respectively, suggesting the existence of a heterotrimeric receptor (IL-4Ralpha/IL-13Ralpha/IL-2Rgamma) able to bind IL-4 and IL-13. Stimulation with IL-4 or IL-13 triggers in the fibroblasts a differential signal transduction and upregulation in the expression of beta1 integrin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and in the production of IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, two inflammatory cytokines important in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. Our results suggest that when activated by IL-4 and IL-13, different subsets of lung fibroblasts may act as effector cells not only in the pathogenesis of asthma but also in lung remodeling processes. They may also differentially contribute to trigger and maintain the recruitment, homing, and activation of inflammatory cells.

IL-15 is produced by a subset of human melanomas, and is involved in the regulation of markers of melanoma progression through juxtacrine loops

IL-15 is a novel cytokine active through the IL-2R/betagamma. Since several human melanoma cell lines display functional IL-2Rs, we studied the IL-15/melanoma cells interactions. Ten out of 17 melanoma cell lines express the IL-15 transcript and four of them express levels of IL-15 mRNA similar to those detected in control activated monocytes. Nine out of ten cell lines also express two transcripts for the IL-15R alpha originated by the alternative splicing of exon'3'. Two melanoma cell lines, MELP and MELREO, derived from patients with rapidly progressive primary melanomas, co-express the two IL-15 transcripts, originated by alternative splicing of exon 'A'. Intracellular IL-15 protein was only detected in these two cells lines and it is mainly retained in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). However, a small amount of IL-15 is also found in the Golgi apparatus and in the early endosomes, suggesting production and intercellular trafficking of endogenous IL-15 protein. Nevertheless, no biologically active IL-15 could be detected in the supernatant of all melanoma cells. The anti IL-15 blocking mAb M111 causes the up regulation of HLA Class I in dense MELP and MELREO cultures. These data suggest that IL-15 is probably active through juxtacrine loops negatively controlling HLA Class I molecules expression. These data offer, for the first time, a likely explanation to the controversial issue of IL-15 secretion and constitute a natural model for understanding IL-15 routing. Moreover, we identify a subset of melanoma cells producing IL-15, possibly involved in tumor escape mechanisms.

[Attitude and behavior of hospital personnel toward smoking]

Due to a lack of data available at the national level, on smoking behaviour of hospital staff, a survey was carried out in a representative sample of hospitals. This survey, which will be repeated in the future, should enable to evaluate preventive actions at hospital and to measure the implication level of the hospital staff in tobacco prevention. The analysis of data collected among 3082 persons shows that a third of the hospital staff smokes. Among these persons a certain part smoke at their working place, this proportion is varying considerably with the working area in the hospital. The more this area is close to the patient the less is hospital staff smoking. More than one third of the interviewers (37.3%) think that trying to convince people to stop smoking is part of their role: this opinion varies considerably depending on the professional activity in the hospital. In addition a very large majority (81.4%) of the hospital staff considers that it has an exemplary role to play in front of patients. This belief is shared equally by all the different groups of staff. The smoking prevalence among hospital staff is equivalent to that of the general population; this underlines the need and the necessity to realize anti-tobacco campaigns among this health care population. Moreover since the exemplary role they have to play, is very well accepted, preventive actions could rely on a good level of participation.

Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels and small apo(a) isoforms are compatible with longevity: evidence from a large population of French centenarians

Epidemiological studies have shown lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) is a cholesterol-rich, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle to which a large glycoprotein, apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) is attached. Plasma Lp(a) levels are highly genetically determined and influenced to a minor degree by environmental factors. In an effort to determine whether Lp(a) might be associated with longevity, we have evaluated Lp(a) levels and apo(a) isoform sizes in a population of French centenarians (n = 109) compared to a control group (n = 227). The mean age of centenarians was 101.5 +/- 2.4 years while the control group was 39.4 +/- 7.2 years. Plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride were within the normal range in both centenarian and control subjects. Lp(a) levels were higher in centenarians (both male and female) than in the normolipidemic control group (mean Lp(a) level = 0.33 +/- 0.42 and 0.22 +/- 0.27 mg/ml, respectively, P < 0.005). The distribution of apo(a) isoforms was significantly shifted towards small isoform size in the centenarian population as compared to the controls (54.4 and 41.4% of isoforms < or = 27 kringles (kr), respectively, P = 0.04). Nonetheless, the apo(a) size distribution in centenarians did not entirely explain the high Lp(a) levels observed in this population. Factors other than apo(a) size, and which may be either genetic or environmental in nature, appear to contribute to the elevated plasma Lp(a) levels of our centenarian population. We conclude therefore that high plasma Lp(a) levels are compatible with longevity.

Chimpanzee lipoprotein(A): Relationship between apolipoprotein(A) isoform size and the density profile of lipoprotein(A) in animals with different heterozygous apo(A) phenotypes

In a previous study [C. Doucet et al., J. Lipid Res 35:263-270, 1994], we have shown that plasma lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels were significantly elevated in a population of unrelated chimpanzees as compared to those in normolipidemic human subjects. Nonetheless, the inverse correlation between Lp(a) levels and apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] isoforms typical of man was maintained in the chimpanzee. In the present study, we describe the density profiles of apo B- and apo A1-containing lipoproteins and of Lp(a) in chimpanzee plasmas heterozygous for apo(a) isoforms after fractionation by single spin ultracentrifugation in an isopycnic gradient. The distribution of apo(a) isoforms in the density gradient was also examined by SDS-agarose gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting using chemiluminescence detection. In all double-band phenotypes examined, the smallest isoform was present along the entire length of the density gradient. The density distribution of the second isoform varied according to the size difference between the respective isoforms. Two isoforms close in size (difference in apparent molecular mass = 60 kDa) were present together in every gradient subfraction. On the contrary, when the two isoforms displayed distinct molecular mass (maximal difference in apparent molecular mass = 340 kDa), then the largest was principally present in the densest fractions of the gradient (d > 1.1 mg/ml). These observations suggest that Lp(a) particles with small apo(a) isoforms are more susceptible to interact with other lipoproteins than are Lp(a) particles with large isoforms.

Role of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 in the tumour progression of a melanoma cell line MELP, derived from an IL-2 progressor patient

MELP is an interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (IL-2R; alpha+ beta+ gamma-) melanoma cell line that was derived, before the beginning of the immunotherapy, from a patient whose metastasis increased in size during treatment with IL-2/interferon-alpha. In these cells, continuous culture in the presence IL-2 (1000 UI/ml) causes the selection of a cell sub-line (termed MILG) expressing the gamma-chain which is tumorigenic in nude mice. Here, we further analysed the characteristics of MELP and MILG cells as well as clones selected at limiting dilution in the presence of high concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15, or those selected after transfection for the expression of a human IL-2 transgene (MELP-CL1). MELP cells, but not six other melanomas cell lines, shed two soluble immunosuppressive molecules, CD25 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, whose levels also strongly increase in vivo during immunotherapy. In vitro MELP cells express transcripts for IL-6, transforming growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular-endothelial growth factor. Cloning at limiting dilution was obtained in culture fed with IL-2 or IL-15. All these clones, as MILG cells, express the transcript for the IL-2R gamma chain. This could favour improved interactions with cytokines using this chain. By contrast, MELP-CL1 cells, which secrete low amounts of biologically active IL-2 (200 UI/10(6) cells) exhibit a phenotype and growth characteristics similar to those of the parental MELP cells. Indeed, a crosslinking experiment with 125I-IL-2, has showed that MELP and MELP-CL1 cells display a scant IL-2 binding ability that is strongly increased in MELP cells fed for 1 week with 1000 UI/ml IL-2. These cells, as well as MILG cells express a betagamma-complex which can also bind IL-15. IL-2 induces a rapid tyrosine phoshorylation in MILG cells, which is followed by a prolonged induction of c-fos and c-jun genes. By contrast, in MELP cells IL-2 only causes a delayed induction of c-myc gene. All MELP derivatives, but not MILG cells, express the transcripts for IL-15, which is not secreted but is present as an intracellular protein. All MELP cells express the transcript for the IL-15R alpha chain. MELP-CL1 cells are not tumorigenic in nude mice, whereas MILG cells form rapidly growing tumours in 75% of the mice. Coinjection at the same site of MILG and MELP-CL1 cells causes the rapid regression of MILG tumours in 80% of the mice, whereas their bilateral injection causes the rapid development of MILG tumours in 100% of the nude mice. Finally, treatment in nude mice of MILG cells with low amounts of IL-2 (1000 UI per mouse) and IL-15 (50 ng per mouse) induces the development of much more aggressive tumours.The expression of functional IL-2Rs in a subset of human melanomas could be responsible for tumour progression.