Developmental differences in the expression and modulation of extracellular matrix proteases and inhibitors in mouse skin fibroblasts

To investigate developmental differences in the wound repair process between fetal and adult skin fibroblasts, we studied the expression of plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinase, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase in E-15, E-17, newborn and adult mouse skin fibroblasts cultured within three dimensional matrices of either collagen or fibrin. Fibrin overlay and reverse overlay analyses revealed that mouse skin fibroblasts secreted tissue plasminogen activator and type1 plasminogen activator inhibitor. However, only E-15 and E-17 fibroblasts secreted the active form of tissue plasminogen activator, while in newborn and adult fibroblasts tissue plasminogen activator was conjugated to type1 plasminogen activator inhibitor. Only adult fibroblasts expressed a high level of active type1 plasminogen activator inhibitor. Gelatin zymography revealed that the predominant matrix metalloproteinase secreted by all the mouse fibroblasts was gelatinase A (matrix metalloproteinase -2). Matrix metalloproteinase -2 was partially activated in the adult fibroblasts cultured within a collagen matrix. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was expressed by all fibroblasts, but levels were highest in the newborn and adult fibroblasts. When E-15 fibroblasts were cultured within a fibrin matrix, tissue plasminogen activator was downregulated. Transforming growth factor-betadownregulated tissue plasminogen activator while upregulating type1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, and platelet-derived growth factor enhanced tissue plasminogen activator expression in E-15 fibroblasts. Therefore, plasminogen activator and its inhibitor, and matrix metalloproteinase and its associated tissue inhibitor are differentially expressed in fetal and adult fibroblasts, and their expression is controlled by extracellular matrix components and growth factors present in wounds.

Lifestyle and colon cancer: an assessment of factors associated with risk

Studies of the etiology of colon cancer indicate that it is strongly associated with diet and lifestyle factors. The authors use data from a population-based study conducted in northern California, Utah, and Minnesota in 1991-1995 to determine lifestyle patterns and their association with colon cancer. Data obtained from 1,993 cases and 2,410 controls were grouped by using factor analyses to describe various aspects of lifestyle patterns. The first five lifestyle patterns for both men and women loaded heavily on dietary variables and were labeled: "Western," "moderation," "calcium/low-fat dairy;" "meat and mutagens," and "nibblers, smoking, and coffee." Other important lifestyle patterns that emerged were labeled "body size," "medication and supplementation," "alcohol," and "physical activity." Among both men and women, the lifestyle characterized by high levels of physical activity was the most marked lifestyle associated with colon cancer (odds ratios = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 0.32, 0.55 and odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.39, 0.69, for men and women, respectively) followed by medication and supplementation (odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.29, 2.18 and odds ratio = 1.63, 95% CI 1.23, 2.16, respectively). Other lifestyles that were associated with colon cancer were the Western lifestyle, the lifestyle characterized by large body size, and the one characterized by calcium and low-fat dairy. Different lifestyle patterns appear to have age- and tumor site-specific associations.

Hormone replacement therapy and improved survival among postmenopausal women diagnosed with colon cancer (USA)

OBJECTIVES

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been inversely associated with colon cancer incidence in several epidemiologic studies. In this study we used data from a population-based incident case-control study of colon cancer to evaluate the role of HRT use in survival after diagnosis with colon cancer.

METHODS

Data from 815 postmenopausal women living in Utah, California, and Minnesota diagnosed between 1 September 1991 and 30 September 1994 were used to examine associations between HRT and survival.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age at time of diagnosis, stage of disease at time of diagnosis, study center, and body mass index (BMI), we observed that women who had ever used HRT had a 30% lesser probability of dying of any cause and a 40% lower probability of dying from colon cancer specifically during the follow-up period. Further evaluation by years of HRT use showed that those who had used HRT for 4 or more years had the lowest risk of dying of colon cancer (hazard rate ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.3-0.9). Evaluation of other lifestyle variables with HRT use did not show significant confounding or effect modification.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that HRT use may improve short-term survival after diagnosis with colon cancer; there is no suggestion that HRT use is detrimental to survival.

Utilization of the aquatic research facility and fertilization syringe unit to study sea urchin development in space

Methods were developed for the investigation of the effects of microgravity on early development in sea urchins within the Canadian Space Agency's Aquatic Research Facility (ARF). The ARF payload provided light, temperature control, automated fixation capability, and a 1 G on-orbit centrifuge control. Eggs and embryos of either the sea urchin species Lytechinus pictus or Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were loaded into Standard Container Assemblies (SCAs) which comprised the experimental aquaria (33 mL volume) contained within the ARF. A newly developed Fertilization Syringe Unit (FSU) was used to achieve "in-flight" fertilization capability. Fixative solutions were preloaded into fixation blocks maintained adjacent to the SCAs and injected at pre-selected time points, resulting in final (diluted) concentrations of either 0.5% or 2% glutaraldehyde (depending upon embryonic stage). Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy determined that all desired embryonic and cell division stages (16-cell stage, blastula, gastrula, and pluteus) were preserved using the experimental protocols and fixation capability provided by the ARF/FSU system.

Spur reformation after arthroscopic acromioplasty

Rotator cuff pathology has been associated with a hooked acromial morphology. Impingement syndrome has traditionally been considered to be the result of bony encroachment into the subacromial space. This report of a spur recurrence after acromioplasty presents evidence that acromial morphology may be a reactive change attributable to primary rotator cuff insufficiency.

Advances in the biology of multiple myeloma: therapeutic applications

Recent advances in the biology of multiple myeloma cell growth and survival have suggested new avenues for treatment and potential cure of this disease. Adhesion molecules on the myeloma cell surface mediate their localization in the bone marrow via binding to extracellular matrix proteins and stromal cells. Stromal cell to tumor cell contact and the secretion of transforming growth factor by tumor cells triggers interleukin-6 secretion from stromal cells and paracrine tumor cell growth. CD40 activation of myeloma cells changes their cell surface phenotype, triggers autocrine interleukin-6 secretion, and can regulate myeloma cell cycle in a p53-dependent fashion. Interleukin-6 is both a growth and survival factor for myeloma cells, and delineation of the signaling cascades mediating its effects permits the development of novel therapies either to interrupt growth or trigger apoptosis. New immune therapies offer the opportunity to treat minimal residual disease after stem cell transplantation, thereby improving outcome. Selected donor lymphocyte infusions after allografting and infusion of activated autologous T cells following autografting are examples of adoptive immunotherapy. Myeloma cell to dendritic cell fusions have been used in a vaccination strategy both to prevent and treat myeloma in an animal model, providing the rationale for similar clinical trials in humans. For the first time, a variety of novel treatment strategies derived from advances in understanding the disease pathogenesis offer the potential to achieve long-term disease-free survival in patients with multiple myeloma.

Selective in vivo mobilization with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)/granulocyte-CSF as compared to G-CSF alone of dendritic cell progenitors from peripheral blood progenitor cells in patients with advanced breast cancer undergoing autologous transplantation

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that are essential for the initiation of T cell-mediated immunity. DCs develop from myeloid progenitor populations under the influence of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and pass through an intermediate stage of maturation that is characterized by CD14 expression. Interest has focused on generating human-derived DCs for antigen-specific tumor vaccines to be used as adjuvant immunotherapy in minimal disease settings, such as after autologous transplantation. In the present study, mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) were obtained from 18 patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer preparing to undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. PBPCs mobilized in 10 patients with GM-CSF for 1 week, followed by the combination of GM-CSF and G-CSF, were compared with those obtained from patients receiving G-CSF alone with respect to the presence of DC progenitors and the capacity to generate functionally active mature DCs. PBPCs mobilized with GM-CSF/G-CSF were markedly enriched for CD14+ DC progenitor cells as compared with those mobilized with G-CSF alone. Consistent with an immature progenitor population, the CD14+ cells express Ki-67 antigen but not nonspecific esterase. CD14+ cells purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from PBPCs mobilized with either regimen and cultured for 1 week in GM-CSF and interleukin-4 generated nearly pure populations of cells with characteristic DC phenotype and function. The addition of GM-CSF to the mobilization regimen resulted in greater yields of functionally active DCs for potential use in posttransplant immunotherapy.

Reexamining the value of hematuria testing in patients with acute flank pain

PURPOSE

Hematuria testing is routinely performed in patients with acute flank pain to screen for ureterolithiasis and to help determine the need for excretory urography. Unenhanced helical computerized tomography (CT) has recently been shown to be superior to excretory urography in diagnosing ureteral obstruction and can evaluate many other causes of flank pain. Given the speed, accuracy and safety of CT the value of hematuria testing for acute flank pain should be reexamined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 267 consecutive patients with acute flank pain referred for unenhanced helical CT. Microscopic and dipstick urinalysis data were obtained in 195 patients. Using helical CT as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and accuracy of hematuria for diagnosing ureterolithiasis.

RESULTS

Of the patients with ureterolithiasis 33% had 5 or less, 19% had 1 or less and 11% had no red blood cells (RBCs) per high power field. Of the patients without ureterolithiasis 24% had greater than 5 and 51% had greater than 1 RBC per high power field. Of the patients with ureterolithiasis 14% had a negative dipstick test and 1 RBC or less per high power field. There were 25 patients without ureterolithiasis who had CT abnormalities unrelated to the urinary tract, of whom 8 had greater than 1 RBC per high power field.

CONCLUSIONS

Absence of hematuria in the setting of acute flank pain cannot exclude a diagnosis of ureterolithiasis and should not obviate other diagnostic testing. Even when strongly positive on microscopy, hematuria has insufficient positive predictive value for diagnosing ureterolithiasis and may be misleading as other serious conditions resulting in acute flank pain may yield a positive test.

Human phase I vaccine trials of 3 recombinant asexual stage malaria antigens with Montanide ISA720 adjuvant

Two phase I vaccine trials were conducted to test the immunogenicity and safety of a vaccine containing three recombinant malaria antigens from the asexual stage of Plasmodium falciparum. The three antigens are a fragment of MSP1 (190LCS.T3); MSP2 and a portion of RESA and were formulated in Montanide ISA720 adjuvant. These trials investigated the dose response of each antigen for eliciting both antibody and T-cell responses and the immunogenicity of a mixture of the antigens compared with the antigens injected separately. All three antigens elicited both antibody and T-cell responses. Strong T-cell responses were observed with 190LCS.T3 and RESA with stimulation indices exceeding 100 for peripheral blood leucocytes in some individuals. The antibody responses were generally weak. The human antibody responses observed with MSP2 in Montanide ISA720 were not significantly different from those obtained in an earlier trial which used MSP2 with alum as the adjuvant. No antigenic competition was observed: volunteers receiving a mixture of antigens had similar responses to those receiving the three antigens at separate sites. Tenderness and pain at the injection site were common over the first few days following immunization. In some volunteers, especially those receiving the highest doses tested, there was a delayed reaction at the injection site with pain and swelling occurring approximately 10 days after injection.

Functional characterization of the S. cerevisiae genome by gene deletion and parallel analysis

The functions of many open reading frames (ORFs) identified in genome-sequencing projects are unknown. New, whole-genome approaches are required to systematically determine their function. A total of 6925 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were constructed, by a high-throughput strategy, each with a precise deletion of one of 2026 ORFs (more than one-third of the ORFs in the genome). Of the deleted ORFs, 17 percent were essential for viability in rich medium. The phenotypes of more than 500 deletion strains were assayed in parallel. Of the deletion strains, 40 percent showed quantitative growth defects in either rich or minimal medium.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes to Ebola Zaire virus are induced in mice by immunization with liposomes containing lipid A

An eight amino acid sequence (TELRTFSI) present in the carboxy terminal end (aa 577-584) of membrane-anchored GP, the major structural protein of Ebola virus, was identified as an H-2k-specific murine cytotoxic T cell epitope. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to this epitope were induced by immunizing B10.BR mice intravenously with either irradiated Ebola virus or with irradiated Ebola virus encapsulated in liposomes containing lipid A. The CTL response induced by irradiated Ebola virus could not be sustained after the second round of in vitro stimulation of immune splenocytes with the peptide, unless the irradiated virus was encapsulated in liposomes containing lipid A. The identification of an Ebola GP-specific CTL epitope and the requirement of liposomal lipid A for CTL memory recall responses could prove to be a promising approach for developing a vaccine against Ebola virus infection.

Distribution and concordance of N-acetyltransferase genotype and phenotype in an American population

Polymorphic arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) status varies widely between individuals and ethnic groups and has been associated with susceptibility to several cancers. Few studies have reported the distribution of NAT2 status for Caucasian-American populations or evaluated the concordance between methods of assessment for cancer cases and controls. In our study, distribution of NAT2 status was classified by genotype and phenotype measurements in PANCAN, a population-based case-control study of pancreatic cancer, and concordance between measurements was evaluated for 33 cases and 222 controls. Major genotypes and alleles among controls were *5B/*6A, *5B/*5B, *4/*6A, and *5B/*4. One putative new allele was found in a single individual. Genotypes and phenotypes were classified as rapid or slow, according to a bimodal model. Presence of the *4 (wild-type) allele defined a NAT2 genotype as rapid. The NAT2 phenotype was analyzed by the caffeine assay. Ratios of 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil to 1-methylxanthine were determined, and individuals with values of > or =0.66 were identified as having a rapid phenotype. In our population, 58.1 and 59.5% of control subjects were classified as slow acetylators by phenotype and genotype, respectively. Concordance of NAT2 genotype and phenotype classification was 97.8% in the bimodal model. A similar analysis was completed for a trimodal model. Concordance of genotype and phenotype was high in cases (90.9%) and similar to controls; genotyping alone provided an efficient, accurate method of analysis for acetylator status. A comparison with two previous reports revealed subtle differences in genotype and allele distribution but exhibited overall similarity with other Caucasian-American populations.

Sensitivity and value of digital CT scout radiography for detecting ureteral stones in patients with ureterolithiasis diagnosed on unenhanced CT

OBJECTIVE

When unenhanced CT reveals ureterolithiasis, some patients will require baseline or follow-up conventional radiography to help guide clinical management. We sought to determine the sensitivity of routinely obtained scout radiographs for revealing stones to determine if the scout view can be used in place of baseline conventional radiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the CT scout radiographs in conjunction with axial CT images in a series of 215 consecutive patients in whom CT revealed a single ureteral stone. On the scout radiographs, stones were classified as definitely visible, definitely not visible, or indeterminate. In addition, a phantom was constructed using fragments of kidney stones to evaluate the effect of the digital scout kilovoltage settings on stone visualization.

RESULTS

Forty-nine percent of stones were definitely visible on scout radiography, 47% were definitely not visible, and 4% were indeterminate. Four stones larger than 10 mm that were not visible on scout radiography were composed of uric acid (n = 2) or xanthine (n = 2). Scout radiographs of the phantom determined an optimal kilovoltage setting of 80-100 kVp to visualize stones less than 3 mm, whereas stones greater than or equal to 3 mm were visible at all kilovoltage settings.

CONCLUSION

In our series, 49% of ureteral stones were visible on the often-overlooked routine CT scout radiograph. Imaging of phantoms showed that stone visualization can be optimized by using the lowest kilovoltage settings. Therefore, the CT scout view can be used as a baseline study in patients requiring follow-up radiography and for planning treatment of patients requiring lithotripsy or other intervention. Finally, large stones not visible on scout radiographs are likely composed of uric acid or xanthine.

Commitment and differentiation of lung cell lineages

To form a large diffusible interface capable of conducting respiratory gases to and from the circulation, the lung must undergo extensive cell proliferation, branching morphogenesis, and alveolar saccule formation, to generate sufficient surface area. In addition, the cells must differentiate into at least 40 distinct lung cell lineages. Specific transcriptional factors, peptide growth factor receptor-mediated signaling pathways, extracellular matrix components, and integrin-signaling pathways interact to direct lung morphogenesis and lung cell lineage differentiation. Branching mutants of the respiratory tracheae in Drosophila have identified several functionally conserved genes in the fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway that also regulate pulmonary organogenesis in mice and probably also in man. Key transcriptional factors including Nkx2.1, hepatocyte nuclear factor family forkhead homologues, GATA family zinc finger factors, pou and homeodomain proteins, as well as basic helix-loop-helix factors, serve as master genes to integrate the developmental genetic instruction of lung morphogenesis and cell lineage determination. Lung mesenchyme serves as a 'compleat' inducer of lung morphogenesis by secreting soluble peptide growth factors. In general, peptide growth factors signaling through cognate receptors with tyrosine kinase intracellular signaling domains such as epidermal growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptors, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor receptor, c-met, insulin-like growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, stimulate lung morphogenesis, while the cognate receptors with serine/threonine kinase intracellular signaling domains, such as the transforming growth factor-beta receptor family are inhibitory. The extracellular matrix also plays a key role in determining branching morphogenesis. Pulmonary neuroendocrine (PNE) cells differentiate earliest in gestation among lung epithelial cells. PNE cells are principally derived from endoderm and not neural crest. PNE cells have been proposed to function as airway chemoreceptors, while PNE cell secretory granules contain many bioactive substances such as GRP which may direct proliferation of adjacent epithelial cells. Mammalian achaete-schute homolog-1 null mutant mice do not develop PNE cells. Candidate molecular switches in the transition from a quiescent to a proliferative alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) phenotype and back again following acute hyperoxia, include autocrine peptide growth factor signaling pathways and cell cycle regulatory elements. AEC type 2 also appear capable of reversible transdifferentiation into AEC type 1 and intermediate phenotypes in response to cues from extracellular matrix and cell shape, as well as soluble factors. Evidence for expression of telomerase by alveolar epithelial stem cells, which correlates with self-renewal potential, is now beginning to emerge. Lung regeneration following lobectomy in juvenile rodents is associated with co-ordinated cell proliferation, re-expression of elastin and formation of alveoli. Retinoic acid has recently shown promise as a stimulator of alveolization in juvenile rats. Our future goal is to devise new rational and gene therapeutic strategies to stimulating lung growth and maturation, ameliorating lung injury, augmenting lung repair, and inducing lung regeneration. The ideal agent or agents would therefore mimic the instructive role of lung mesenchyme, correctly inducing the temporospatial pattern of lung cell lineages necessary to restore pulmonary gas diffusing capacity.

ERK activation protects against DNA damage and apoptosis in hyperoxic rat AEC2

The survival of type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2) in the lung after hyperoxic injury is regulated by signals from the cellular environment. Keratinocyte growth factor and Matrigel can ameliorate the hallmarks of apoptosis seen in hyperoxic AEC2 after 24-h culture on plastic [S. Buckley, L. Barsky, B. Driscoll, K. Weinberg, K. D. Anderson, and D. Warburton. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 18): L714-L720, 1998]. We used the same model of in vivo short-term hyperoxia to characterize the protective effects of substrate attachment. Culture of hyperoxic AEC2 on various biological adhesion substrates showed reduced DNA end labeling in cells grown on all biological substrates compared with growth on plastic. In contrast, the synthetic substrate poly-D-lysine conferred no protection. Hyperoxic AEC2 cultured on laminin showed an increased ratio of expression of Bcl-2 to interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme compared with culture on plastic. Laminin also partially restored hyperoxia-depleted glutathione levels and conferred improved optimal mitochondrial viability as measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Conversely, attachment to the nonphysiological substrate poly-D-lysine afforded no such protection, suggesting that protection against hyperoxia-induced damage may be associated with integrin signaling. Increased activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), as detected by increased ERK tyrosine phosphorylation, was seen in hyperoxic AEC2 as soon as the cells started to attach to laminin and was sustained after 24 h of culture in contrast to that in control AEC2. To confirm that protection against DNA strand breakage and apoptosis was being conferred by ERK activation, the cells were also plated in the presence of 50 microM PD-98059, an inhibitor of the ERK-activating mitogen-activating kinase. Culture for 24 h with PD-98059 abolished the protective effect of laminin. We speculate that after hyperoxic lung injury, signals through the basement membrane confer specific protection against oxygen-induced DNA strand breakage and apoptosis through an ERK activation-dependent pathway.

Sea urchin fertilization during a KC-135 parabolic flight

For long-term exposure to space it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms for altered physiological functions. We have chosen the sea urchin system to study the effects of microgravity on various cellular processes visible during fertilization and subsequent development. We report here on experiments performed on NASA's KC-135 during parabolic flight trajectories to validate procedures to be implemented as part of the first Aquatic Research Facility Space Shuttle experiment on STS-77.

Abciximab facilitates the rate and extent of thrombolysis: results of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 14 trial. The TIMI 14 Investigators

BACKGROUND

The TIMI 14 trial tested the hypothesis that abciximab, the Fab fragment of a monoclonal antibody directed to the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor, is a potent and safe addition to reduced-dose thrombolytic regimens for ST-segment elevation MI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (n=888) with ST-elevation MI presenting <12 hours from onset of symptoms were treated with aspirin and randomized initially to either 100 mg of accelerated-dose alteplase (control) or abciximab (bolus 0.25 mg/kg and 12-hour infusion of 0.125 microg. kg-1. min-1) alone or in combination with reduced doses of alteplase (20 to 65 mg) or streptokinase (500 000 U to 1.5 MU). Control patients received standard weight-adjusted heparin (70-U/kg bolus; infusion of 15 U. kg-1. h-1), whereas those treated with a regimen including abciximab received low-dose heparin (60-U/kg bolus; infusion of 7 U. kg-1. h-1). The rate of TIMI 3 flow at 90 minutes for patients treated with accelerated alteplase alone was 57% compared with 32% for abciximab alone and 34% to 46% for doses of streptokinase between 500 000 U and 1.25 MU with abciximab. Higher rates of TIMI 3 flow at both 60 and 90 minutes were observed with increasing duration of administration of alteplase, progressing from a bolus alone to a bolus followed by either a 30- or 60-minute infusion (P<0.02). The most promising regimen was 50 mg of alteplase (15-mg bolus; infusion of 35 mg over 60 minutes), which produced a 76% rate of TIMI 3 flow at 90 minutes and was tested subsequently in conjunction with either low-dose or very-low-dose (30-U/kg bolus; infusion of 4 U. kg-1. h-1) heparin. TIMI 3 flow rates were significantly higher in the 50-mg alteplase plus abciximab group versus the alteplase-only group at both 60 minutes (72% versus 43%; P=0.0009) and 90 minutes (77% versus 62%; P=0.02). The rates of major hemorrhage were 6% in patients receiving alteplase alone (n=235), 3% with abciximab alone (n=32), 10% with streptokinase plus abciximab (n=143), 7% with 50 mg of alteplase plus abciximab and low-dose heparin (n=103), and 1% with 50 mg of alteplase plus abciximab with very-low-dose heparin (n=70).

CONCLUSIONS

Abciximab facilitates the rate and extent of thrombolysis, producing early, marked increases in TIMI 3 flow when combined with half the usual dose of alteplase. This improvement in reperfusion with alteplase occurred without an increase in the risk of major bleeding. Substantial reductions in heparin dosing may reduce the risk of bleeding even further. Modest improvements in TIMI 3 flow were seen when abciximab was combined with streptokinase, but there was an increased risk of bleeding.

Vasopressin treats the persistent feeling of coldness after brain injury

In this pilot study, 6 patients who complained of persisting coldness after brain injury were treated with intranasal vasopressin (DDAVP) twice daily for 1 month. Response was assessed after 1 month of treatment, DDAVP was discontinued, and response was reassessed 1 month later. Five of the 6 patients had a dramatic response to DDAVP, as soon as 1 week after initiating treatment, and no longer complained of feeling cold. Response persisted even after discontinuation of treatment. Patients denied any side effects from treatment with DDAVP. The experience of persisting coldness can respond dramatically to brief treatment with intranasal DDAVP. The authors discuss possible mechanisms of action to explain this phenomenon.

Multicenter phase III trial to evaluate CD34(+) selected versus unselected autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous transplantation has been shown to improve response rates and survival in multiple myeloma and other malignancies. However, autografts frequently contain detectable tumor cells. Enrichment for stem cells using anti-CD34 antibodies has been shown to reduce autograft tumor contamination in phase I/II studies. To more definitively assess the safety and efficacy of CD34 selection, a phase III study was completed in 131 multiple myeloma patients randomized to receive an autologous transplant with either CD34-selected or unselected peripheral blood progenitor cells after myeloablative therapy. Tumor contamination in the autografts was assessed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction detection assay using patient-specific, complementarity-determining region (CDR) Ig gene primers before and after CD34 selection. A median 3.1 log reduction in contaminating tumor cells was achieved in the CD34 selected product using the CEPRATE SC System (CellPro, Inc, Bothell, WA). Successful neutrophil engraftment was achieved in all patients by day 15 and no significant between-arm difference for time to platelet engraftment occurred in patients who received an infused dose of at least 2.0 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg. In conclusion, this phase III trial demonstrates that CD34-selection of peripheral blood progenitor cells significantly reduces tumor cell contamination yet provides safe and rapid hematologic recovery for patients receiving myeloablative therapy.

Spaceflight hardware allowing unilateral irradiation and chemical fixation in petri dishes

To accommodate a spaceflight experiment with moss (SPM), experiment-unique equipment (EUE) was developed by engineers at Kennedy Space Center. The hardware allows sterile culture for an extended period of time in commercial petri dishes, lateral illumination of each culture with light of a specific wavelength (660 nm; other wavelengths are possible) and a range of intensities (0.05-5 micromoles photons m-2 s-1), incubation in complete darkness, and chemical fixation to terminate the experiment under conditions of microgravity. The use of a fixative required triple containment to protect the astronaut crew. An external panel on the experiment container allowed the timing of illumination and fixation to be controlled by the crew. Light quality is provided by light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are located in the lid of the outer container, the BRIC (Biological Research In Canisters)-LED. Each canister accommodates 6 Petri Dish Fixation Units (PDFUs), and each PDFU holds one 6 cm petri dish. All components are autoclavable. LED illumination is piped through a transparent glass rod. Each PDFU contains fixative in a reservoir that is released by the depression of an actuator. This hardware performed well during its first flight, the 16-day STS-87 mission in Nov./Dec., 1997 as part of the Collaborative USA and Ukrainian Experiment (CUE). It supported vigorous and sterile moss growth, cells were maintained in position and were well-fixed, and there was a vigorous and consistent response to light. Although here used for moss, in future flight experiments this unique new hardware can be used for many types of organisms normally grown in petri dishes, with or without a requirement for illumination.