A C. elegans mutant that lives twice as long as wild type

We have found that mutations in the gene daf-2 can cause fertile, active, adult Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites to live more than twice as long as wild type. This lifespan extension, the largest yet reported in any organism, requires the activity of a second gene, daf-16. Both genes also regulate formation of the dauer larva, a developmentally arrested larval form that is induced by crowding and starvation and is very long-lived. Our findings raise the possibility that the longevity of the dauer is not simply a consequence of its arrested growth, but instead results from a regulated lifespan extension mechanism that can be uncoupled from other aspects of dauer formation. daf-2 and daf-16 provide entry points into understanding how lifespan can be extended.

Cryo-electron microscopy of vitrified specimens

Cryo-electron microscopy of vitrified specimens was just emerging as a practical method when Richard Henderson proposed that we should teach an EMBO course on the new technique. The request seemed to come too early because at that moment the method looked more like a laboratory game than a useful tool. However, during the months which ellapsed before the start of the course, several of the major difficulties associated with electron microscopy of vitrified specimens found surprisingly elegant solutions or simply became non-existent. The course could therefore take place under favourable circumstances in the summer of 1983. It was repeated the following years and cryo-electron microscopy spread rapidly. Since that time, water, which was once the arch enemy of all electronmicroscopists, became what it always was in nature – an integral part of biological matter and a beautiful substance.

Modulation of C-reactive protein-mediated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induction in human endothelial cells by anti-atherosclerosis drugs

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) induces adhesion molecule expression by endothelial cells. However, the effects of CRP on chemokine expression by endothelial cells are not known.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We tested the effects of CRP on the production of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The secretion of chemokines was assessed by ELISA. Incubation with 100 microgram/mL recombinant human CRP induced a 7-fold increase in MCP-1 but no change in RANTES secretion. We showed that the effect of CRP on MCP-1 was present even at 5 microgram/mL CRP, with stepwise increases as the CRP concentration was increased to 10, 50, and 100 microgram/mL. The effect of CRP on MCP-1 induction was not influenced by aspirin (at concentrations up to 1 mmol/L), but it was significantly inhibited by 5 micromol/L simvastatin. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha activators fenofibrate (100 micromol/L) and Wy-14649 (100 micromol/L) almost completely abolished the induction of MCP-1, but the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma activator ciglitazone had only a moderate effect.

CONCLUSIONS

These results further strengthen the role of CRP in the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation and, likely, atherosclerosis and provide a crucial insight into a novel mechanism of action of anti-atherosclerosis drugs such as simvastatin and fenofibrate.

Child maltreatment in the United States: prevalence, risk factors, and adolescent health consequences

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of child maltreatment in the United States and examine its relationship to sociodemographic factors and major adolescent health risks.

METHODS

The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health is a prospective cohort study following a national sample of adolescents into adulthood. The wave III interview, completed by 15 197 young adults in 2001-2002 (77.4% response rate), included retrospective measures of child maltreatment. We used these measures to estimate the prevalence of self-reported supervision neglect, physical neglect, physical assault, and contact sexual abuse during childhood. Next, we investigated the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and maltreatment. Finally, we examined the association between child maltreatment and adolescent self-rated health; overweight status; depression; cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and inhalant use; and violent behavior.

RESULTS

Having been left home alone as a child, indicating possible supervision neglect, was most prevalent (reported by 41.5% of respondents), followed by physical assault (28.4%), physical neglect (11.8%), and contact sexual abuse (4.5%). Each sociodemographic characteristic was associated with > or = 1 type of maltreatment, and race/ethnicity was associated with all 4. Each type of maltreatment was associated with no fewer than 8 of the 10 adolescent health risks examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported childhood maltreatment was common. The likelihood of maltreatment varied across many sociodemographic characteristics. Each type of maltreatment was associated with multiple adolescent health risks.

Interim analysis of the incidence of breast cancer in the Royal Marsden Hospital tamoxifen randomised chemoprevention trial

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen, a drug with antioestrogenic effects, is predicted to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer. We have undertaken a trial of tamoxifen in healthy women who are at increased risk of breast cancer because of family history. We report a planned interim analysis.

METHODS

Between October, 1986, and April, 1996, we accrued 2494 healthy women aged between 30 and 70 with a family history of breast cancer. They have been randomised (double blind) to receive tamoxifen 20 mg per day orally or placebo for up to 8 years. Follow-up included clinical assessment, annual mammography, and assessment of toxicity and compliance. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of breast cancer, which was analysed on an intention-to-treat basis with a survival curve.

FINDINGS

With a median follow-up of 70 months, 2471 women (tamoxifen 1238, placebo 1233) were suitable for analysis. The groups were evenly matched at baseline, and compliance was good. The overall frequency of breast cancer is the same for women on tamoxifen or placebo (tamoxifen 34, placebo 36, relative risk 1.06 [95% CI 0.7-1.7], p=0.8). Participants who were already on hormone-replacement therapy when they entered the study had an increased risk of breast cancer compared with non-users. Those participants who started such therapy while on trial had a significantly reduced risk. The safety profile of tamoxifen was as expected.

INTERPRETATION

We have been unable to show any effect of tamoxifen on breast-cancer incidence in healthy women, contrary to the report from the NSABP-P1 study showing a 45% reduction in healthy women given tamoxifen versus placebo. Differences in the study populations for the two trials may underlie these conflicting findings: eligibility in our trial was based predominantly on a strong family history of breast cancer whereas in the NSABP trial was mostly based on non-genetic risk factors. The importance of oestrogen promotion may vary between such populations.

NK cell transcripts and NK cells in kidney biopsies from patients with donor-specific antibodies: evidence for NK cell involvement in antibody-mediated rejection

To explore the mechanisms of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in kidney transplants, we studied the transcripts expressed in clinically indicated biopsies from patients with donor-specific antibody (DSA). Comparison of biopsies from DSA-positive versus DSA-negative patients revealed 132 differentially expressed transcripts: all were associated with class II DSA but none with class I DSA. Many transcripts were expressed in DSA-positive ABMR but were also expressed in T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), reflecting shared molecular features. Removal of shared transcripts created 23 DSA selective transcripts (DSASTs). Some DSASTs (6/23) showed selective high expression in NK cells, whereas others (8/23) were expressed in endothelium or in endothelium plus other cell types (7/23). Of 145 biopsies ranked by DSAST expression, the 25 with highest DSAST expression primarily consisted of ABMR (22/25, 88%), either C4d-positive or C4d-negative. By immunostaining, CD56+ and CD68+ cells in peritubular capillaries, but not CD3+ cells, were increased in ABMR compared to TCMR, compatible with a role for NK cells, as well as macrophages, as effectors in endothelial injury during ABMR. Thus, the strategy of using DSASTs in the biopsy to identify mechanism-related transcripts in biopsies from patients with clinical phenotypes indicates the selective involvement of NK cells in ABMR.

Local structural elements in the mostly unstructured transcriptional activation domain of human p53

DNA transcription is initiated by a small regulatory region of transactivators known as the transactivation domain. In contrast to the rapid progress made on the functional aspect of this promiscuous domain, its structural feature is still poorly characterized. Here, our multidimensional NMR study reveals that an unbound full-length p53 transactivation domain, although similar to the recently discovered group of loosely folded proteins in that it does not have tertiary structure, is nevertheless populated by an amphipathic helix and two nascent turns. The helix is formed by residues Thr(18)-Leu(26) (Thr-Phe-Ser-Asp-Leu-Trp-Lys-Leu-Leu), whereas the two turns are formed by residues Met(40)-Met(44) and Asp(48)-Trp(53), respectively. It is remarkable that these local secondary structures are selectively formed by functionally critical and positionally conserved hydrophobic residues present in several acidic transactivation domains. This observation suggests that such local structures are general features of acidic transactivation domains and may represent "specificity determinants" (Ptashne, M., and Gann, A. A. F. (1997), Nature 386, 569-577) that are important for transcriptional activity.

De novo donor-specific antibody at the time of kidney transplant biopsy associates with microvascular pathology and late graft failure

We studied whether de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) in sera from patients undergoing kidney transplant biopsies associate with specific histologic lesions in the biopsy and prognosis. DSA were assessed in 145 patients at the time of biopsy between 7 days to 31 years posttransplant. DSA was detected in 54 patients (37%), of which 32 represented de novo DSA. De novo DSA was more frequent in patients having late biopsies (34%) versus early biopsies (4%), and was usually either against class II alone or class I and II but rarely against class I alone. Microcirculation inflammation (glomerulitis, capillaritis) and damage (glomuerulopathy, capillary basement membrane multilayering), and C4d staining were associated with de novo DSA. However, the degree of scarring, arterial fibrosis and tubulo-interstitial inflammation did not correlate with the presence of de novo DSA. De novo DSA correlated with reduced graft survival after the biopsy. Thus, de novo DSA at the time of a late biopsy for clinical indication is primarily against class II, and associates with microcirculation changes in the biopsy and subsequent graft failure. We propose careful assessment of de novo DSA, particularly against class II, be performed in all late kidney transplant biopsies.

Modulation of mouse ear edema by cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors and other pharmacologic agents

Inhibitors of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and other pharmacologic agents were evaluated against ear edema produced in mice by tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) or AA. Drugs were administered orally and topically either 30 min prior to AA or 30 min after TPA, except for steroids which were administered 2.5-3 hr prior to AA. Several cyclooxygenase (CO) inhibitors including indomethacin, aspirin, piroxicam and timegadine were without effect when administered orally against either irritant; the same drugs inhibited TPA edema when they were administered topically. Mixed CO/lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitors, phenidone and BW755C, were active orally against AA edema (ED50S of 84 and 65 mg/kg, respectively) and against TPA edema (ED50S of 235 and 88 mg/kg, respectively). Phenidone was more active topically against AA edema (ED50, 0.1 mg/ear) than BW755C (ED50, 2.8 mg/ear); however, BW755C was more active topically against TPA edema (ED50, 0.2 mg/ear) than phenidone (ED50, 0.6 mg/ear). Methylprednisolone was very effective in the AA (oral ED50, 17 mg/kg; topical ED50, greater than 1 mg/ear) and TPA models (oral ED50, 4.3 mg/kg; topical ED50, 0.03 mg/ear. MK-447 was topically and orally effective only in the TPA model. Not surprisingly, drugs were more effective topically than orally in both mouse ear edema assays. The models were somewhat selective for CO and CO/LO inhibitors; however, dapsone was orally effective in the ear models, and a number of mediator antagonists and CNS drugs, especially anti-psychotics, were topically active primarily against TPA edema. These models may be useful for the detection of in vivo activity of CO/LO or 5-LO inhibitors.

A reduction in the requirements for mastectomy in a randomized trial of neoadjuvant chemoendocrine therapy in primary breast cancer

BACKGROUND

A prospective randomised trial was undertaken to evaluate the role of neoadjuvant chemoendocrine therapy prior to surgery in primary operable breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred nine women (median age 56 years, range 27-70) with primary operable breast cancer confirmed on fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology were recruited to this study. They were treated with a combination of mitozantrone and methotrexate (+/- mitomycin-C) combined with tamoxifen (2MT). Patients received eight cycles of 2MT (four prior to surgery in the neoadjuvant group) and tamoxifen for five years with appropriate surgery and radiotherapy. The two groups were comparable for age, menopausal status, stage and surgical requirements.

RESULTS

The clinical response rates to neoadjuvant therapy were as follows: 22% complete response (CR), 29% minimal residual disease (MRD), 33% partial response (PR), 15% no change (NC) and only two patients had clinical evidence of progressive disease. Surgical requirements were reduced from 31 patients (22%) of the adjuvant group having mastectomy to 14 (10%) in the neoadjuvant group (P < 0.003). At a median follow-up of 48 months (range 10-70 months) there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of local relapse, metastatic relapse or overall survival. Symptomatic and haematologic acute toxicity was low and similar for adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSION

This randomised trial has shown a significant reduction in the surgical requirements for mastectomy, after treatment with neoadjuvant chemoendocrine therapy, with no deterioration in local or distal relapse.

Targeted disruption of the ubiquitous CNC-bZIP transcription factor, Nrf-1, results in anemia and embryonic lethality in mice

The CNC-basic leucine zipper (CNC-bZIP) family is a subfamily of bZIP proteins identified from independent searches for factors that bind the AP-1-like cis-elements in the beta-globin locus control region. Three members, p45-Nf-e2, Nrf-1 and Nrf-2 have been identified in mammals. Expression of p45-Nf-e2 is largely restricted to hematopoietic cells while Nrf-1 and Nrf-2 are expressed in a wide range of tissues. To determine the function of Nrf-1, targeted disruption of the Nrf-1 gene was carried out. Homozygous Nrf-1 mutant mice are anemic due to a non-cell autonomous defect in definitive erythropoiesis and die in utero.

The physical and functional behavior of capture antibodies adsorbed on polystyrene

Six monoclonal and two polyclonal antibodies to fluorescein (FLU) were affinity purified and immobilized on Immulon 2 polystyrene as capture antibodies (CAbs): (a) by passive adsorption at pH 9.6, (b) via a streptavidin bridge to a biotinylated carrier molecule, and (c) via an antiglobulin which had been previously adsorbed passively to the polystyrene. Data show that less than 3.0% of the binding sites of monoclonal CAbs and approximately 5-10% of those of polyclonal CAbs were capable of capturing antigen (FLU4.2-BSA) after passive adsorption. Immobilization of CAbs via an antiglobulin or a streptavidin bridge, resulted in the preservation of antibody binding sites to greater than 70% for some monoclonals although immobilization via the streptavidin bridge resulted in the highest number of functional sites/well. The data presented are consistent with studies on other adsorbed proteins which demonstrate that passive adsorption on polystyrene results in the loss of protein function. Furthermore, these data show that generally less than half of the binding sites of antibodies available in solution are available after solid-phase immobilization even when non-adsorptive methods are employed. Some polyclonal anti-FLU also have lower average avidity following passive adsorption compared with CAbs immobilization via a streptavidin bridge. Immunochemical studies revealed that adsorbed polyclonal-CAbs performed like monoclonals when tested with multivalent antigens (FLU10-IgA) but in an expected heterogeneous manner in Scatchard plots when tested using univalent FLU-insulin. This observation implied cross-linking of immobilized CAbs by the multivalent antigen. Because only 5-10% of adsorbed polyclonal CAbs are active, the survivors must be non-randomly distributed in clusters to explain the cross-linking. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy which gave rise to the hypothesis that antibodies which retain activity after adsorption, are those present in clusters, i.e., the functional adsorbed CAb is an antibody cluster. Data presented in this report on the behavior of adsorbed CAbs, and reviewed from the work of others for various adsorbed proteins, indicate that the method of passive adsorption at pH 9.6, which is widely used in popular microtiter ELISAs, and which has in many ways revolutionized immunoassay, is a method of protein denaturation. Assayists that utilize passive adsorption of proteins on hydrophobic supports as part of their research need to be cognizant of this phenomenon, while inventors of immunoassay should develop alternative methods of immobilization which do not destroy 90% of the functional activity of solid-phase reactant.

The kinetics of human granulopoiesis following treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in vivo

Cell proliferation in the bone marrow and blood of two patients with metastatic breast cancer who were treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was studied by using [3H]thymidine labeling and autoradiography. Additionally, the fate of neutrophils labeled with 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime was observed following granulocyte colony-stimulating factor infusion. Proliferation increased in all stages of granulopoiesis, but a significant amount of the increased production stemmed from a greater input to the myeloblast compartment. Changes in the myelogram combined with the increased labeling indicated a faster throughput of cells, which resulted in labeled cells appearing in the circulation within 1 day compared to the normal 4 or 5 days. The 99mTc studies demonstrated no sequestration of circulating neutrophils by spleen, lungs, or liver. The half-life of the circulating neutrophils was not significantly changed, and calculations from the flow of labeled cells to the peripheral blood indicated an increase of 3.2 extra amplification divisions during neutrophil development. The dramatic neutrophil response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor can therefore be accommodated by a relatively modest increase in granulopoietic activity.

Repression of the gene encoding the TGF-beta type II receptor is a major target of the EWS-FLI1 oncoprotein

Chromosomal translocations resulting in the expression of chimaeric transcription factors are frequently observed in tumour cells, and have been suggested to be a common mechanism in human carcinogenesis. Ewing sarcoma and related peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumours share recurrent translocations that fuse the gene EWSR1 (formerly EWS) from 22q-12 to FLI1 and genes encoding other ETS transcription factors (which bind DNA through the conserved ETS domain). It has been shown that transduction of the gene EWSR1-FLI1 (encoding EWS-FLI1 protein) can transform NIH3T3 cells, and that mutants containing a deletion in either the EWS domain or the DNA-binding domain in FLI1 lose this ability. This indicates that the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein may act as an aberrant transcription factor, but the exact mechanism of oncogenesis remains unknown. Because ETS transcription factors regulate expression of TGFBR2 (encoding the TGF-beta type II receptor, TGF-beta RII; Refs 9,14), a putative tumour suppressor gene, we hypothesized that TGFBR2 may be a target of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. We show here that Ewing sarcoma [corrected] (ES) cell lines with the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion have reduced TGF-beta sensitivity, and that fusion-positive ES cells and primary tumours both express low or undetectable levels of TGFBR2 mRNA and protein product. Co-transfection of FLI1 and the TGFBR2 promoter induces promoter activity, whereas EWSR1-FLI1 leads to suppression of TGFBR2 promoter activity and FLI1-induced promoter activity. Introduction of EWSR1-FLI1 into cells lacking the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion suppresses TGF-beta RII expression, whereas antisense to EWSR1-FLI1 in ES cell lines positive for this gene fusion restores TGF-beta RII expression. Furthermore, introduction of normal TGF-beta RII into ES cell lines restores TGF-beta sensitivity and blocks tumorigenicity. Our results implicate TGF-beta RII as a direct target of EWS-FLI1.

Functional vision and corneal changes after laser in situ keratomileusis determined by contrast sensitivity, glare testing, and corneal topography

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the functional vision and corneal changes following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) determined by contrast sensitivity, glare testing, and corneal topography.

SETTING

University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.

METHODS

Seven patients ranging in age from 20 to 61 years who had bilateral LASIK were evaluated preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Visual acuity, using letters on the Baylor Visual Acuity Testor (BVAT) at 98% (standard acuity) and 13% contrast, and the contrast threshold were determined at 3 light levels (darkness, medium brightness acuity testor [BAT], high BAT). Pupil sizes were measured at each level, and corneal topography was performed at each visit.

RESULTS

The greatest changes were found 1 day postoperatively: The contrast threshold worsened by a mean of 0.6 lines +/- 1.0 (SD) (P = .05) in darkness, 0.4 +/- 0.7 lines (P = .05) at medium BAT, and 0.8 +/- 0.7 lines (P = .002) at high BAT. The 98% contrast acuity decreased a mean of 1.4 +/- 1.6 lines (P = .01) in darkness, 1.0 +/- 2.0 lines (P = .09) at medium BAT, and 0.8 +/- 2.3 lines (P = .22) at high BAT. The 13% contrast acuity decreased a mean of 2.2 +/- 2.6 lines (P = .01) in darkness, 1.3 +/- 1.9 lines (P = .02) at medium BAT, and 1.4 +/- 2.5 lines (P = .07) at high BAT. The predicted corneal acuity (PCA) obtained from corneal topography decreased by a mean of 3.3 +/- 3.1 lines (P = .002), and the asphericity (Q-value) increased by an average of +0.35 +/- 0.67 (P = .07). All values returned to the preoperative levels by 1 week except PCA, asphericity, visual acuity at 13%, and contrast threshold in darkness, which improved slightly but had not returned to baseline by 6 months. The 98% contrast acuity at medium BAT improved by 0.2 +/- 1.0 lines (P = .34) and 0.3 +/- 0.8 lines (P = .16) at high BAT at 1 month. The 98% contrast acuity values remained 0.3 lines over baseline through 6 months. Corneal topography showed that all corneas became oblate after LASIK to a mean Q-value of +0.47 +/- 0.40 (P = .0001) and PCA was decreased by 1.6 +/- 1.1 lines (P = .0002) at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional vision changes do occur after LASIK. The optical quality of the cornea is reduced and the asphericity becomes oblate. Changes in functional vision worsen as the target contrast diminishes and the pupil size increases. These findings indicate that the oblate shape of the cornea following LASIK is the predominant factor in the functional vision decrease.

Telomerase-independent lengthening of yeast telomeres occurs by an abrupt Rad50p-dependent, Rif-inhibited recombinational process

Type II survivors arise in Saccharomyces cells lacking telomerase by a recombinational pathway that results in very long and heterogeneous length telomeres. Here we show that type II telomeres appeared abruptly in a population of cells with very short telomeres. Once established, these long telomeres progressively shortened. Short telomeres were substrates for rare, one-step lengthening events. The generation of type II survivors was absolutely Rad50p dependent. In a telomerase-proficient cell, the telomere-binding Rif proteins inhibited telomerase lengthening of telomeres. In a telomerase-deficient strain, Rif proteins, especially Rif2p, inhibited type II recombination. These data argue that only short telomeres are substrates for type II recombination and suggest that the donor for this recombination is not a chromosomal telomere.

Sleep deprivation during pregnancy and maternal and fetal outcomes: is there a relationship?

Sleep duration in the population has been declining. Women occupy an increasingly prominent place in the work force without reducing most of their responsibilities at home. Consequently, sleep needs are often pushed to the bottom of women's daily priority list. Prior research has indicated that sleep deprivation is associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory serum cytokines. This is important because higher plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory serum cytokine levels are associated with postpartum depression and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm delivery. However, little research has directly examined how sleep deprivation may affect maternal and fetal outcomes. This review summarizes the existing data on the effect of sleep deprivation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes. We review supporting evidence for the hypotheses that sleep deprivation during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery and postpartum depression, and that systemic inflammation is the causal mechanism in the association. Prior research on sleep in pregnancy has been limited by varying data collection methods, subjective self-reported sleep measures, small and non-representative samples, cross-sectional designs; descriptive or non-hypothesis driven studies. Future research with longitudinal study designs is needed to allow examination of the effect of sleep deprivation on adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Bioactive silicate materials stimulate angiogenesis in fibroblast and endothelial cell co-culture system through paracrine effect

Angiogenesis is critical in tissue engineering, and bioceramic-induced angiogenesis has been reported. However, the role of other types of cells such as fibroblasts in this bioceramic-induced angiogenesis process has not been reported, and is closer to the in vivo situation of tissue regeneration. In this study, the paracrine effect of silicate bioceramic-induced angiogenesis in the presence of fibroblasts was confirmed by investigating the effects of calcium silicate (CS), one of the simplest silicate bioactive ceramics, on angiogenesis in co-cultures of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Results showed that CS extracts stimulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from co-cultured HDF and subsequently enhanced the expression of VEGF receptor 2 on co-cultured HUVEC (co-HUVEC). The endothelial nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production in co-HUVEC was then increased to finally initiate the proangiogenesis. During this process, the expression of vascular endothelial cadherin from co-HUVEC was up-regulated, and cadherin proteins were concentrated at the cell junctions to facilitate tube formation. Silicon ions are confirmed to play an important role during silicate bioceramic-inducing angiogenesis, and effective silicon ion concentrations (0.7-1.8μgml(-1)) are proposed.

Electron microscopy of frozen hydrated sections of vitreous ice and vitrified biological samples

The preparation and high resolution observation of frozen hydrated thin sections has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM and STEM) on model systems, including pure water, protein solutions, catalase crystals, myelin sheath and various tissues. The state of the ice is determined by electron diffraction. Mass measurement in the electron microscope is used to determine section thickness and control hydration. An adequate depth of vitrified material for sectioning can be obtained from many biological suspensions or untreated tissues. Frozen hydrated sections around 100 nm thick can be produced under optimal conditions from vitreous ice or from vitrified biological samples. Sectioning, transfer and observation in the electron microscope is feasible without alteration of the sample hydration or its initial vitrification. Biological structures can be preserved and observed down to 10 nm. Under favourable working conditions, specimen compression during sectioning and electron beam damage are the factors limiting high resolution observations.

LRRK2 levels in immune cells are increased in Parkinson's disease

Mutations associated with leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 are the most common known cause of Parkinson’s disease. The known expression of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 in immune cells and its negative regulatory function of nuclear factor of activated T cells implicates leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 in the development of the inflammatory environment characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. The aim of this study was to determine the expression pattern of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 in immune cell subsets and correlate it with the immunophenotype of cells from Parkinson’s disease and healthy subjects. For immunophenotyping, blood cells from 40 Parkinson’s disease patients and 32 age and environment matched-healthy control subjects were analyzed by flow cytometry. Multiplexed immunoassays were used to measure cytokine output of stimulated cells. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 expression was increased in B cells (p = 0.0095), T cells (p = 0.029), and CD16⁺ monocytes (p = 0.01) of Parkinson’s disease patients compared to healthy controls. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 induction was also increased in monocytes and dividing T cells in Parkinson’s disease patients compared to healthy controls. In addition, Parkinson’s disease patient monocytes secreted more inflammatory cytokines compared to healthy control, and cytokine expression positively correlated with leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 expression in T cells from Parkinson’s disease but not healthy controls. Finally, the regulatory surface protein that limits T-cell activation signals, CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4), was decreased in Parkinson’s disease compared to HC in T cells (p = 0.029). In sum, these findings suggest that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 has a regulatory role in immune cells and Parkinson’s disease. Functionally, the positive correlations between leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 expression levels in T-cell subsets, cytokine expression and secretion, and T-cell activation states suggest that targeting leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 with therapeutic interventions could have direct effects on immune cell function.

High levels of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in immune cells disrupt immune system function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mutations in LRRK2 are the most common genetic cause of PD. Although LRRK2 is found in many immune cells, research efforts have focussed on determining its effects on neuronal function. Malu G. Tansey at Emory University, USA, and colleagues compared the levels and function of LRKK2 in immune cells from 40 late-onset PD patients and 32 age- and environment-matched healthy controls. The cells from PD patients had higher levels of LRKK2 protein and produced more pro-inflammatory molecules in response to stimulation than the control cells. As exacerbated inflammatory responses are known to aggravate neurodegeneration, monitoring LRKK2 levels may aid the assessment of disease progression in both inherited and sporadic cases of PD.

Studies in flexor tendon wound healing: neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1 increases postoperative range of motion

The postoperative outcome of hand flexor tendon repair remains limited by tendon adhesions that prevent normal range of motion. Recent studies using in situ hybridization techniques have implicated transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) in both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of repair. TGF-beta1 is a growth factor that plays multiple roles in wound healing and has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of excessive scar formation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1 in a rabbit zone II flexor tendon wound-healing model. Twenty-two adult New Zealand White rabbits underwent complete transection of the middle digit flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone II. The tendons were immediately repaired and received intraoperative infiltration of one of the following substances: (1) control phosphate-buffered saline; (2) 50 microg neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1; (3) 50 microg each of neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1 and to TGF-beta2. Eight rabbits that had not been operated on underwent analysis for determination of normal flexion range of motion at their proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, using a 1.2-N axial load applied to the flexor digitorum profundus tendon. All rabbits that had been operated on were placed in casts for 8 weeks to allow maximal tendon adhesion and were then killed to determine their flexion range of motion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's unpaired t test. When a 1.2-N load was used on rabbit forepaws that had not been operated on, normal combined flexion range of motion at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints was 93+/-6 degrees. Previous immobilization in casts did not reduce the range of motion in these forepaws (93+/-4 degrees). In the experimental groups, complete transection and repair of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon with infiltration of control phosphate-buffered saline solution resulted in significantly decreased range of motion between the proximal and distal phalanges [15+/-6 degrees (n = 8)]. However, in the tendon repairs infiltrated with neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1, flexion range of motion increased to 32+/-9 degrees (n = 7; p = 0.002). Interestingly, a combination of neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1 and that to TGF-beta2 did not improve postoperative range of motion [18+/-4 degrees (n = 7; p = 0.234)]. These data demonstrate that (1) the rabbit flexor tendon repair model is useful for quantifying tendon scar formation on the basis of degrees of flexion between proximal and distal phalanges; (2) intraoperative infiltration of neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1 improves flexor tendon excursion; and (3) simultaneous infiltration of neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta2 nullifies this effect. Because TGF-beta1 is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of excessive scar formation, the findings presented here suggest that intraoperative biochemical modulation of TGF-beta1 levels limits flexor tendon adhesion formation.

The psychological effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome on emergency department staff

BACKGROUND

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 affected 29 countries. The SARS outbreak was unique in its rapid transmission and it resulted in heavy stress in first-line healthcare workers, particularly in the emergency department.

AIM

: To determine the influence of SARS on the psychological status, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, of the staff in the emergency department.

METHODS

To investigate whether different working conditions in the hospital led to different psychological effects on healthcare workers, the psychological effect on emergency department staff in the high-risk ward was compared with that on psychiatric ward staff in the medium-risk ward. Davidson Trauma Scale-Chinese version (DTS-C) and Chinese Health Questionnaire-12 (CHQ-12) items were designed to check the psychological status of the staff in the month after the end of the SARS outbreak.

RESULTS

86 of 92 (93.5%) medical staff considered the SARS outbreak to be a traumatic experience. The DTS-C scores of staff in the emergency department and in the psychiatric ward were significantly different (p = 0.04). No significant difference in CHQ score was observed between the two groups. Emergency department staff had more severe PTSD symptoms than staff in the psychiatric ward.

CONCLUSION

SARS was a traumatic experience for healthcare providers in Taiwan. Most staff in the emergency department and in the psychiatric ward had PTSD. Emergency department staff had more severe PTSD symptoms than staff in the psychiatric ward.

Measuring the environment for friendliness toward physical activity: a comparison of the reliability of 3 questionnaires

OBJECTIVES

We tested the reliability of 3 instruments that assessed social and physical environments.

METHODS

We conducted a test-retest study among US adults (n = 289). We used telephone survey methods to measure suitableness of the perceived (vs objective) environment for recreational physical activity and nonmotorized transportation.

RESULTS

Most questions in our surveys that attempted to measure specific characteristics of the built environment showed moderate to high reliability. Questions about the social environment showed lower reliability than those that assessed the physical environment. Certain blocks of questions appeared to be selectively more reliable for urban or rural respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite differences in content and in response formats, all 3 surveys showed evidence of reliability, and most items are now ready for use in research and in public health surveillance.