Incidence of tumor-cell contamination in leukapheresis products of breast cancer patients mobilized with stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or with G-CSF alone

We have assessed tumor contamination of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) in 203 high-risk breast cancer patients who were prospectively randomized to mobilization with stem cell factor (SCF) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) versus G-CSF alone. The patients then received high-dose cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and carmustine (BCNU) with PBPC support. One bone marrow aspirate obtained before treatment, one whole blood specimen obtained before cytokine infusion, and one to five leukapheresis products were tested for the presence of tumor cells by an alkaline phosphatase immunocytochemical technique with a targeted sensitivity of 1.7 tumor cells per 10(6) hematopoietic cells. Tumor cells were detected in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or PBPC of 21 patients (10%). In 14 patients, bone marrow specimens were tumor-positive; in seven patients, premobilization whole blood specimens were tumor-positive, and in eight patients, leukapheresis products were tumor-positive. In five patients, repetitive or multiple specimens were tumor-positive, and in three cases, marrow, peripheral blood, and PBPC products were all tumor-positive. Nine of the patients in whom tumor cells were found in marrow or peripheral blood were clinical stage II to III and 12 were clinical stage IV. Nine of the tumor-positive patients were in the SCF + G-CSF arm and 12 were in the G-CSF arm. Tumor cells were detected in leukapheresis products of eight patients: three in the G-CSF + SCF arm and five in the G-CSF arm. We conclude that detectable tumor-cell contamination of bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or PBPC occurred in approximately 10% of patients in this trial and was observed in stage II to III patients, as well as in stage IV patients. No significant difference could be found in the rate of PBPC tumor-cell contamination between patients who received SCF + G-CSF compared with those who received G-CSF alone. Neither mobilization regimen was found to increase the rate of tumor-cell contamination when control premobilization blood samples were compared with leukapheresis products.

[Bypass surgery vs angioplasty for coronary artery disease]

Revascularization techniques such as coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery play a growing role in the management of coronary artery disease. Angioplasty is the treatment of choice for single coronary lesions while surgery remains the best approach for the revascularization of multivessel disease. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. Bypass surgery may be recommended for the revascularisation of proximal left anterior descending lesions and, of course, for isolated left main stenosis. On the opposite, coronary angioplasty and stenting is used more frequently in the treatment of multivessel lesions amenable to this technique. Choice of either method of revascularization is pragmatic, based on clinical, anatomical and physiological considerations and organized in the setting of a medicosurgical collaboration.

Analysis of phase-shifted fiber Bragg gratings written with phase plates

A method for obtaining phase-shifted Bragg gratings by use of phase plates is presented. A comparison of experimental and theoretical results allows us to describe the utility of such a component.

Inducible binding of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-responsive element binding protein (CREB) to a cAMP-responsive promoter in vivo

In general, DNA-binding factors that activate gene transcription are thought to do so via reversible interaction with DNA. However, most studies, largely performed in vitro, suggest that the transcriptional activator, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), is exceptional in that it is constitutively bound to the promoter, where its phosphorylation leads to the recruitment of CREB-binding protein (CBP) to form a CREB/CBP/promoter complex. We have studied how CREB interacts with DNA in vivo to regulate the cAMP-responsive gene encoding human CRH (hCRH). Protein-DNA complexes were cross-linked in cells expressing the endogenous hCRH gene by exposure to a 10 nsec pulse of high-energy UV-laser light, followed by immunoaffinity purification of CREB-DNA complexes. Binding of CREB to a fragment of the hCRH promoter containing a canonical, functional cAMP response element was absent in untreated cells, but was specifically induced after activation of the protein kinase A pathway with forskolin. These data indicate that, in vivo, CREB, like the majority of other DNA-binding transcriptional activators, undergoes signal-mediated promoter interaction.

HIV/AIDS mental health training for health care providers: an evaluation of three models

Three models of continuing education--full-day, half-day, and brief workshop--for health providers treating patients with HIV/AIDS were compared on measures of effectiveness with regard to knowledge, attitude, and practice outcomes. Analyses of pre- and postintervention data from two years of training events suggest consistent, modest, program effects in the full-day and half-day approaches, specifically in the area of knowledge enhancement.

Effects of pharmacological doses of nandrolone decanoate and progressive resistance training in immunodeficient patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

This nonplacebo-controlled, open label, randomized study was conducted to test the hypotheses that pharmacological doses of nandrolone decanoate would increase lean body tissue, muscle mass, and strength in immunodeficient human immunodeficiency virus-infected men, and that these effects would be enhanced with progressive resistance training (PRT). Thirty human immunodeficiency virus-positive men with fewer than 400 CD4 lymphocytes/mm3 were randomly assigned to receive weekly injections of nandrolone alone or in combination with supervised PRT at 80% of the one-repetition maximum three times weekly for 12 weeks. Total body weight increased significantly in both groups (3.2 +/- 2.7 and 4.0 +/- 2.0 kg, respectively; P < 0.001), with increases due primarily to augmentation of lean tissue. Lean body mass determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry increased significantly more in the PRT group (3.9 +/- 2.3 vs. 5.2 +/- 5.7 kg, respectively; P = 0.03). Body cell mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis increased significantly (P < 0.001) in both groups (2.6 +/- 1.0 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.8 kg), but to a similar magnitude (P = NS). Significant increases in cross-sectional area by magnetic resonance imaging of total thigh muscles (1538 +/- 767 and 1480 +/- 532 mm2), quadriceps (705 +/- 365 and 717 +/- 288 mm2), and hamstrings (842 +/- 409 and 771 +/- 295 mm2) occurred with both treatment strategies (P < 0.001 for the three muscle areas); these increases were similar in both groups (P = NS). By the one-repetition method, strength increased in both upper and lower body exercises, with gains ranging from 10.3-31% in the nandrolone group and from 14.4-53.0% in the PRT group (P < 0.006 with one exception). Gains in strength were of significantly greater magnitude in the PRT group (P < or = 0.005 for all comparisons), even after correction for lean body mass. Thus, pharmacological doses of nandrolone decanoate yielded significant gains in total weight, lean body mass, body cell mass, muscle size, and strength. The increases in lean body mass and muscular strength were significantly augmented with PRT.

Biotrophic Development of Sporisorium reilianum f. sp. zeae in Vegetative Shoot Apex of Maize

ABSTRACT Sporisorium reilianum f. sp. zeae is the causal agent of maize head smut, a disease present in several regions of France. A cytological study was carried out to describe a key step of the fungal etiology, in which the mycelium invades the vegetative shoot apex. Light and transmission electron microscopy observations show that the fungus is mostly intracellular and suggest that it passes through the host cell wall by lysis and mechanical pressure. The hyphae are surrounded by an amorphous vesicle-rich layer limited by a membrane related to the host plasmalemma. The encasement can be considered as an exchange zone between the plant and the fungus. The infected host cells appear normal; therefore, the fungus seems to act like a biotrophic endophyte.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide inhibit endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production by macrophages: in vitro and in vivo studies

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide synthesized by immune cells that can modulate several immune aspects, including the function of cells involved in the inflammatory response, such as macrophages and monocytes. The production and release of cytokines by activated phagocytes are important events in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury. There is abundant evidence that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha is an important mediator of shock and organ failure complicating Gram-negative sepsis. VIP has been shown to attenuate the deleterious consequences of this pathologic phenomenon. In this study we have investigated the effects of VIP and the structurally related neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38) on the production of TNF-alpha by endotoxin-activated murine peritoneal macrophages. Both neuropeptides rapidly and specifically inhibit the LPS-stimulated production of TNF-alpha, exerting their action through the binding to VPAC1 receptor and the subsequent activation of the adenylate cyclase system. VIP and PACAP regulate the production of TNF-alpha at a transcriptional level. In vitro results were correlated with an inhibition of both TNF-alpha expression and release in endotoxemic mice in vivo. The immunomodulatory role of VIP in vivo is supported by the up-regulation of VIP release in serum and peritoneal fluid by LPS and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. These findings support the idea that under toxicity conditions associated with high LPS doses, VIP and PACAP could act as protective mediators that regulate the excessive release of TNF-alpha to reduce inflammation or shock.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activation polypeptide (PACAP) protect mice from lethal endotoxemia through the inhibition of TNF-alpha and IL-6

The neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) down-regulate cytokine production. Because human septic shock involves excessive cytokine production, the effect of VIP/PACAP was investigated in a high endotoxemia murine model. Both peptides protect against endotoxin-induced lethality and prevent septic shock-associated histopathological alterations. VIP/PACAP reduce serum and peritoneal TNF-alpha and IL-6, suggesting that the protective effect is exerted by inhibiting the production of endogenous TNF-alpha/IL-6. Consistent with this mechanism, VIP does not protect against septic shock induced by exogenous TNF-alpha. The immunomodulatory role of VIP in vivo is supported by the appearance of high levels of VIP in serum and peritoneal fluid following LPS administration. Thus, the neuropeptides VIP/PACAP protect from the lethal effect of high endotoxemia, presumably by down-regulating TNF-alpha and IL-6 production, and may offer an alternative in the treatment of human septic shock syndrome.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide in thymus: synthesis, receptors and biological actions

Evidence summarized in this report indicates that thymocytes produce and secrete VIP. Moreover, different stimuli such as Con A, LPS and anti-TCR antibody induce a significant increase in VIP production by thymocytes. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, but not IL-2, stimulate in a similar time-dependent manner VIP production by lymphocytes. We also describe the expression of VIP1 receptor and VIP2 receptor mRNA in murine thymocytes. Thus, VIP released in thymus microenvironment may modulate immune functions through direct binding to VIP receptors on thymocytes. Our functional data support that VIP through the interaction with their specific receptors affect three important aspects of thymocytes function: cytokine production, mobility and apoptosis.

Regulation of VIP production and secretion by murine lymphocytes

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide present in the lymphoid microenvironment with a multiplicity of actions. Two sources for VIP have been described in the immune system, the terminals present in central and peripheral lymphoid organs and the immune cells. Although VIP is synthesized by lymphocytes, there is no evidence demonstrating that VIP is released, and which stimuli are able to induce VIP production and secretion. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time, that agents that mediate important immune functions, such as proliferation and antigenic stimulation (Con A, LPS, and anti-TCR antibody), inflammation (LPS, TNFalpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta) or apoptosis (dexamethasone) induce the production and release of VIP to the lymphoid microenvironment. We conclude that VIP is produced and secreted by lymphocytes and propose that during an immune response, the timely release of VIP within the lymphoid organs and peritoneum should influence the differentiation and/or downregulation of the ongoing response.

Comparative safety evaluation of non-narcotic analgesics

Both spontaneous reports and single outcome studies may distort the overall safety evaluation of drugs. We identified epidemiologic studies, published from January 1970 to December 1995, that investigated the association of serious adverse effects with aspirin, diclofenac, acetaminophen, and dipyrone to determine and compare the excess mortality associated with short-term drug use. The estimated excess mortality due to community-acquired agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, anaphylaxis, and serious upper gastrointestinal complications was 185 per 100 million for aspirin, 592 per 100 million for diclofenac, 20 per 100 million for acetaminophen, and 25 per 100 million for dipyrone. The estimates were largely influenced by the excess mortality associated with upper gastrointestinal complications. A relative risk estimate of 300 or more for the association of dipyrone with agranulocytosis would have been necessary for the excess mortality of dipyrone to be comparable to that of aspirin or diclofenac. Based on published epidemiologic evidence used to determine the excess mortality associated with short-term use of these four non-narcotic analgesics, the current regulatory ranking of the drugs appears inappropriate.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell or bone marrow transplantation from matched related donors. A case-control study. Spanish Group of Allo-PBT

We retrospectively compared the incidence and clinical characteristics of cGVHD in 37 allo-PBT recipients transplanted between July 1994 and October 1996 and 37 historical control allo-BMT recipients in a case-control study. All patients received a first unmanipulated transplant, graft from an HLA-identical sibling donor, with CsA-MTX GVHD prophylaxis and survived more than 100 days after transplant. PBT and BMT groups were well matched for age, grade of acute GVHD, male patients grafted from female donors, and phase of disease. The median CD34+ and CD3+ cell numbers infused in the PBT group were 5.2 x 10(6)/kg and 307 x 10(6)/kg, respectively. The median time to an ANC greater than 0.5 x 10(9)/l was 16 days (range 11-22) after PBT and 22 days (range 14-36) after BMT (P < 0.001). The median time to a platelet count greater than 20 x 10(9)/l was 15 days (range 6-43) after PBT and 28 days (range 12-68) after BMT (P < 0.001). Median follow-up was 12.3 months (range 5.4-30.3) and 58.7 months (range 4-122.3), for patients receiving PBT and BMT, respectively. Seventeen out of 37 (46%) PBT recipients, vs nine out of 37 (24%) BM recipients developed cGVHD. Actuarial probability of cGVHD at 1 year was 59% (95% CI, 39-79) in the PBT group vs 27% (95% CI, 12-42) in the BM group (P = 0.01). Cumulative incidence estimate of cGVHD was 51% and 25%, for patients receiving PBT and BMT respectively (P = 0.03). Clinical characteristics of cGVHD and response to therapy were similar in both groups, except for a higher incidence of de novo cGVHD in the PBT group. Our results suggest that as compared with BMT, PBT may result in an increased incidence of cGVHD.

Love styles among Guatemalans in a local village

81 participants in a village in Guatemala were administered a translated version of the 1986 Love Attitudes Scale of Hendrick and Hendrick. Analysis showed that the men scored significantly higher on the Ludus love style than the women. Research among other Latinos outside the United States is suggested.

Evaluation of iron bioavailability in infant weaning foods fortified with haem concentrate

BACKGROUND

Nutritional iron deficiency in infants over 4 months of age is one of the most common deficiency disorders. Dietary iron is comprised of non-haem and haem iron, the latter being absorbed by a separate pathway and more efficiently than non-haem iron. Fortification of infant weaning foods is one of the strategies adopted for preventing iron deficiency and the aim of this project was to examine the potential use of haem iron concentrate as a fortificant.

METHODS

Sixteen non-anaemic 6-month old infants were recruited and allocated to two groups of 8. Each infant consumed 2 meals/day of a commercial weaning food (100 g) for 7 consecutive days containing 40 mg ascorbic acid and 2.5 mg haem iron/100 g (Group 1) or the same quantity of iron as ferrous sulphate plus 40 mg ascorbic acid (Group 2). Bioavailability was assessed by chemical balance using carmine to mark the beginning and end of the faecal collection. The effect of haem iron concentrate (as a candidate for the factor in meat that enhances iron absorption) was examined by measuring its effect on 57Fe-labelled non-haem iron absorption.

RESULTS

There was no difference in iron balance between the two groups. Mean iron retention was 3.5 (SD 2.1) mg/day in Group 1 (haem iron) and 3.0 (SD 2.4) mg/day in Group 2 (ferrous sulphate). Haem concentrate did not enhance the absorption of 57Fe-labelled non-haem iron, Group 1: 1710 (SD 11.1)%, Group 2: 28.4 (SD 17.7)%.

CONCLUSIONS

Haem iron concentrate appears to be a highly bioavailable form of iron when added to infant weaning foods. This protein is not, however, responsible for the enhancing effect of animal protein on non-haem iron absorption.

Etiology and prevention of pulmonary complications following beta-mimetic mediated tocolysis

OBJECTIVES

This study documents biological (haematocrit variations) and therapeutic parameters (salbutamol doses, volumes perfused) in two groups tocolysed with salbutamol, one with and the other without APO in order to define the risk factors linked to APO and to establish a standard protocol of management.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study includes data from 68 intravenous salbutamol tocolysis with four resulting APOs, carried out between January 1st, 1993 and December 31st, 1995.

RESULTS

There was an excessive level of salbutamol administered over 48 h in the complicated APO-group (122.5+/-52 mg) opposed to the non-APO group (44.9 21 mg) as well as an overload of perfused solute (3.1+/-1.11) versus (1.9+/-1.11). Blood hemodilution was demonstrated in the APO group with a decrease of haematocrit by over 10% between the admission and the control value. No other risk factor was found.

CONCLUSION

Tocolysis should be administered at the lowest possible perfusion rate with incremental doses as long as the heart rate stays under 120 beats/min and stopped after 48 h. Administration of maximal 11 of solute perfused/day is recommended. For the patient's follow-up we estimate daily input and output fluid to avoid hydric overload, and a daily control of haematocrit whose variation must be less than 10%.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury associated with an NA1-specific antigranulocyte antibody

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an infrequent complication of hemotherapy. Antigranulocyte antibodies, most of them present in donor's serum, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. We describe a case of TRALI, following red blood cell transfusion, associated with an antigranulocyte antibody with NA1 specificity in the patient's serum.

Tau expression in model adenocarcinomas correlates with docetaxel sensitivity in tumour-bearing mice

Docetaxel is a new taxoid with clinical activity in breast and lung cancer. Using docetaxel-sensitive and -refractory mammary and pancreatic murine tumours, as well as human-derived neoplasms, we investigated if a determinant of docetaxel sensitivity could be found at the level of its mechanism of action. Because microtubules represent the cellular targets of the drug, we studied their heterogeneity in the tumour models to try to explain the differences in drug sensitivity. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the expression of microtubular components showed that levels of Mbeta4-tubulin and Tau mRNAs were higher in the murine sensitive neoplasms than in the refractory ones. It was also found that Tau protein levels differed markedly among the tumours. In the human-derived sensitive neoplasm, beta-tubulins and some Tau isoforms were found to be more abundant than in the resistant one. Western blot analysis of MAP2 revealed the presence of several immunoreactive species. Some of these polypeptides were also found in higher amounts in the docetaxel-sensitive tumours. The possible meaning of these correlations is discussed in connection with the regulation of microtubule dynamics.

False-Positive Ethylene Glycol Levels in Patients With Diabetic Ketoacidosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe two patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and positive ethylene glycol levels and to call attention to the possibility of a false-positive ethylene glycol determination in patients with ketoacidosis.

METHODS

Clinical manifestations and laboratory tests in the two patients were summarized. Serum specimens for both patients were analyzed for ethylene glycol, serum ketones, glucose, osmolality, pH, and electrolytes.

RESULTS

Respective laboratory findings in our two patients were as follows: serum glucose levels, 56.4 and 45.7 mmol/L; serum acetone, positive in 1:80 and 1:128 dilution; serum osmolality, 366 and 377 mmol/kg; pH, 6.9 and 7.2; and ethylene glycol, 3.46 and 2.45 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Neither of these two elderly women had ingested ethylene glycol; nevertheless, both had positive results for ethylene glycol on a blood toxicology screen. Review of the literature demonstrates that false-positive ethylene glycol levels can be detected in patients with ketoacidosis. This information is documented in this report and should alert practicing physicians to such a possibility.

Interleukin-2 stimulates a late increase in phosphatidic acid production in the absence of phospholipase D activation

The signal transduction pathways involving phospholipid metabolism during T-cell proliferation remain partly undefined. Herein we show that interleukin-2 caused a late (> 12 h) rise in the intracellular phosphatidic acid content of CTLL-2 cells which was a consequence of the activation of the enzyme diacylglycerol kinase. No activation of phospholipase D was observed at similar times. Incubation of the cells with a recognized diacylglycerol kinase a isoform inhibitor, R59499, prior to interleukin-2 stimulation was able to block cell cycle entry, diacyglycerol kinase activation and phosphatidic acid accumulation. In contrast, when R59499 was added 3 h after interleukin-2, few or no observable effects on the above three parameters were noticed. These results suggest that the early signaling employed by IL-2 involving the alpha isoform of diacylglycerol kinase is sufficient to control the late increase in phosphatidic acid and that phosphatidic acid is a mitogenic agent in T-cells.

Analysis of midazolam and metabolites in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography: probe of CYP3A

Hydroxylation of midazolam (MDZ) is mediated almost exclusively by CYP3A isoforms. The authors describe a high-performance liquid chromatography assay involving MDZ, 1'-hydroxymidazolam, and 4-hydroxymidazolam in plasma. The compounds were eluted on an Ultrasphere ODS, 3-microm particle size, 7.5 cm x 4.6 mm reversed-phase column and monitored by ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm. The composition of the mobile phase was 35.2% acetonitrile:4.8% methanol:60% buffer acetate (vol/vol/vol), 0.1 M, pH 4.7; the flow rate was 1 ml/minute. Calibration curves were linear (coefficients of correlation > 0.99) within the range of concentrations established (20 to 640 nM). Within- and between-day coefficients of variation were consistently better than 8%. The overall recovery was >90% and the lowest detectable concentration was 8 nM. This approach provides a simple, rapid, and sensitive assessment of MDZ and metabolites in plasma, with a very good accuracy and precision, which enables it as an in vivo marker of CYP3A activity in humans.

VIP and PACAP enhance IL-6 release and mRNA levels in resting peritoneal macrophages: in vitro and in vivo studies

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a neuropeptide produced by lymphocytes has been previously reported to modulate cytokine expression in T lymphocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of VIP and of the structurally related neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38) on the production of IL-6 in unstimulated murine peritoneal macrophages. Both neuropeptides stimulate rapidly, specifically, and similarly the production of IL-6, exerting their action through two different receptor/signal transduction systems, i.e., primarily through the binding to VIP1/PACAP receptor followed by adenylate cyclase activation, and partially through the activation of protein kinase C following binding to PACAP-R. VIP and PACAP38 regulate the production of IL-6 at a transcriptional level, affecting the de novo synthesis of this cytokine. The stimulatory in vitro effect correlates with the stimulation of IL-6 expression and release in vivo. These studies suggest that VIP/PACAP play a role in immune system homeostasis, participating in the intricate cytokine network and controlling local immune responses. In addition, the understanding of the factors that regulate the expression and release of IL-6 by macrophages is important for the elucidation of the role of IL-6 in health and disease.