[The role of genetics in the personality and its disorders: a clinical point of view]

The most important bibliography on the role of genetics in personality and its disorders has been reviewed from a clinical point of view. Following the introduction, the most relevant findings on genetics and the personality dimensions are compiled, focusing on Cloninger's Psychobiological Model. Regarding personality disorder, studies have been found on cluster A, mainly related to the schizotypal personality disorder, and on cluster B, mainly related to antisocial personality and borderline disorders. The bibliography on cluster C PD was limited. The review concludes with a discussion that stresses the possible usefulness of personality dimensions, considered as interphenotypes regarding both diagnostic aspects and treatment.

Human pancreatic ribonuclease presents higher endonucleolytic activity than ribonuclease A

Analyzing the pattern of oligonucleotide formation induced by HP-RNase cleavage shows that the enzyme does not act randomly and follows a more endonucleolytic pattern when compared to RNase A. The enzyme prefers the binding and cleavage of longer substrate molecules, especially when the phosphodiester bond that is broken is 8-11 nucleotides away from at least one of the ends of the substrate molecule. This more endonucleolytic pattern is more appropriate for an enzyme with a regulatory role. Deleting two positive charges on the N-terminus (Arg4 and Lys6) modifies this pattern of external/internal phosphodiester bond cleavage preference, and produces a more exonucleolytic enzyme. These residues may reinforce the strength of a non-catalytic secondary phosphate binding (p2) or, alternatively, constitute a new non-catalytic phosphate binding subsite (p3).

Bax deficiency promotes an up-regulation of Bim(EL) and Bak during striatal and cortical postnatal development, and after excitotoxic injury

In this study we analyzed whether other members of the Bcl-2 family are regulated in the absence of Bax during the postnatal development of the striatum and cortex and after striatal excitotoxic lesion. Compared with wild-type animals, Bax knockout mice showed region- and time-dependent increases in pro-apoptotic proteins Bak and Bim(EL). Excitotoxicity induced in the adult striatum increased Bim(EL) in both genotypes whereas Bak and Bcl-x(L) were only increased in Bax knockout mice. However, translocation of Bim(EL) protein to the mitochondrial fraction, cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation were only observed in wild-type striata. Furthermore, analysis of Bim null mutant mice showed that this protein is not essential to excitotoxicity-induced striatal cell death. In conclusion, our results show that in Bax deficient mice Bim(EL) and Bak are specifically regulated during postnatal development, suggesting that these proteins may participate in the compensatory mechanisms triggered in the absence of Bax. In contrast, Bax is required to induce apoptosis after excitotoxicity in the adult striatum.

[Practical aspects in the percutaneous extraction of foreign bodies using a Goose-Neck Snare]

OBJECTIVE

To present our clinical experience in the extraction of different foreign bodies (from vascular or other sites) using a goose-neck snare in 13 patients, with emphasis on practical and technical aspects used during the procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 13 foreign bodies, including 9 intravascular objects and 4 in other locations, were included. The intravascular foreign bodies were stents (n = 2), coils (n = 2), fragments of broken central venous catheters (n = 3), and fragments of broken balloon catheters (n = 2). The nonvascular foreign bodies were fragments of broken double-J catheters (n = 2), one double-J catheter located entirely within the calyces of the kidney, and a fragment of a broken metallic guide wire in an intrahepatic bile duct. Goose-Neck Snares of different diameters (depending on the location) were used to extract the foreign bodies. Forceps were used as an auxiliary device in one patient with a fragment of double-J catheter, and in another case with a catheter fragment in a pulmonary vein, a pigtail catheter was also used to move the fragment and facilitate its extraction with the Goose-Neck Snare.

RESULTS

All of the foreign bodies were successfully extracted except a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt that migrated to the right heart cavities and was correctly repositioned in the right brachiocephalic venous trunk. No complications of any kind were seen during the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The Goose-Neck Snare is very useful, safe, and versatile for the extraction of different types of foreign bodies in different territories. Especially in vascular territories, it is necessary to have ample knowledge about and experience in the different techniques used for catheterization.

The immunodiagnosis of Echinococcus multilocularis infection

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. The infection can have fatal consequences in humans if treatment is not provided, so early diagnosis is fundamental for initiating treatment and reducing morbidity and mortality. In addition, detection of the parasite in the definitive host plays a central role in epidemiological studies and surveillance programmes for control of AE. This review presents an overview of the present situation regarding the immunodiagnosis of E. multilocularis infection. Special attention is given to the description of the native, partially purified and recombinant antigens available currently for immunodiagnostic purposes. Recent advances in the primary serodiagnosis and follow-up of AE patients are highlighted, including the detection of specific cytokine profiles. Progress in the immunodiagnosis of intestinal E. multilocularis infection in definitive hosts, particularly the detection of excretory-secretory and integument products of the worm in faeces (copro-antigens) by ELISA, is also discussed.

A Cytotoxic Ribonuclease Variant with a Discontinuous Nuclear Localization Signal Constituted by Basic Residues Scattered Over Three Areas of the Molecule

Nuclear import of proteins is determined by specific signals that allow them to bind to receptors that mediate their energy-dependent transport through the nuclear pore. These signals are termed nuclear localization signals and do not constitute a specific consensus sequence. Among them, the most characterized correspond to monopartite and bipartite nuclear localization signals, which interact with the importin alpha/beta heterodimer. We previously described a cytotoxic variant of human pancreatic-ribonuclease that is actively transported into the nucleus. Here, we show that this protein interacts with importin alpha through different basic residues, including Lys1 and the arginine clusters 31-33 and 89-91. Although these residues are scattered along the sequence, they are close in the three-dimensional structure of the protein and their topological disposition strongly resembles that of a classical bipartite nuclear localization signal.

In-situ Demonstration of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Erk 1/2 Signalling Pathway in Contagious Respiratory Tumours of Sheep and Goats

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) and enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA) are two contagious neoplastic diseases of secretory epithelial cells in the respiratory system of sheep and goats. Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the aetiological agent of OPA, and enzootic nasal tumour virus (ENTV) is associated with ENA. The genomes of these retroviruses do not contain known oncogenes but products of the env gene are important in the generation of transforming stimuli. However, the cell signalling pathways activated in vivo are not completely understood. This study was based on the use of activation stage antibodies specifically detecting proteins of the extracellular signal regulated kinase Erk 1/2 cell signalling pathway and transcription factors. Tissue sections were collected from four natural cases of OPA, four experimentally induced OPA tumours, four ENA tumours in sheep, four ENA tumours in goats, two normal sheep lungs and two lungs with chronic inflammation. Routine immunohistochemical procedures with phosphorylation stage-specific antibodies were carried out. Representative proteins of the Erk1/2 pathway (Raf-1, Mek1/2 and p44/42MAPK) were activated in natural cases of OPA and ENA in sheep and goats and also in experimentally induced OPA. Transcription factors 90Rsk and Elk-1 were activated in OPA and ENA tumours. However, c-Myc was activated only in OPA tumours. In contagious respiratory neoplasms of sheep and goats the Erk1/2 pathway appears to be important for the in-vivo generation of the transforming stimuli.

Larvae stage description of Anopheles (Cellia) carnevalei from adult individuals collected in Equatorial Guinea

This is the first description of 3rd and 4th instars of Anopheles (Cellia) carnevalei. Adults were caught in the mainland region (Rio Muni) of Equatorial Guinea. Larvae present characteristic palmate setae different from Anopheles nili.

Pressure as a tool to study protein-unfolding/refolding processes: The case of ribonuclease A

This paper gives an overview of the application of high-pressure to study the folding/unfolding processes of proteins using Ribonuclease A as a model protein. A particular focus is the study of pressure-equilibrium unfolding and folding kinetics using variants and the information obtained by comparing these with the wild-type enzyme.

Matuyama-age lithic tools from the Sima del Elefante site, Atapuerca (northern Spain)

Paleomagnetic results obtained from the sedimentary fill at the Sima del Elefante site in Atapuerca, Spain, reveal a geomagnetic reversal, interpreted as the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary (0.78 Ma). The uppermost lithostratigraphic units (E17 through E19), which contain Mode II and III archaeological assemblages, display normal polarity magnetization, whereas the six lowermost units (E9 through E16) yield negative latitudinal virtual geomagnetic pole positions. Units E9 through E13, all of which display reverse magnetic polarity, contain Mode I (Oldowan) lithic tools, testifying to the presence of humans in the early Pleistocene (0.78-1.77 Ma).

An Early Pleistocene hominin mandible from Atapuerca-TD6, Spain

We present a mandible recovered in 2003 from the Aurora Stratum of the TD6 level of the Gran Dolina site (Sierra de Atapuerca, northern Spain). The specimen, catalogued as ATD6-96, adds to the hominin sample recovered from this site in 1994-1996, and assigned to Homo antecessor. ATD6-96 is the left half of a gracile mandible belonging to a probably female adult individual with premolars and molars in place. This mandible shows a primitive structural pattern shared with all African and Asian Homo species. However, it is small and exhibits a remarkable gracility, a trait shared only with the Early and Middle Pleistocene Chinese hominins. Furthermore, none of the mandibular features considered apomorphic in the European Middle and Early Upper Pleistocene hominin lineage are present in ATD6-96. This evidence reinforces the taxonomic identity of H. antecessor and is consistent with the hypothesis of a close relationship between this species and Homo sapiens.

[Cardiac magnetic resonance: clinical applications]

Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of mortality in the developed countries and represents a serious social, economic and health problem. Although very diverse, useful techniques exist for diagnosing cardiac diseases, it is frequently necessary to ask for more than one test to reach a specific diagnosis. Magnetic resonance is a harmless, well tolerated and safe technique, which is currently available in the majority of hospitals. This technique makes it possible in a single exploration to study the anatomy of the heart and to make a qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment of the parameters of cardiac function. It provides information of cardiac and vascular anatomy and function in complex congenital cardiopathies. Besides, with the administration of intravenous contrast, it enables knowledge to be gained of myocardial viability in ischaemic cardiopathy. Hence, cardiac magnetic resonance is emerging as one of the most promising techniques for the study of congenital and acquired cardiac pathology.

Characterization of excretory-secretory products from protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus and evaluation of their potential for immunodiagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis

This study describes, for the first time, the characterization of excretory-secretory antigens (ES-Ag) from Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, evaluating their usefulness in the immunodiagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis. ES-Ag were obtained from the first 50 h maintenance of protoscoleces in vitro. This preparation contained over 20 major protein components which could be distinguished by 1-dimensional SDS-PAGE with apparent masses between 9 and 300 kDa. The culture of of protoscoleces from liver produced a greater variety of excretory-secretory protein components than those from lung. Determination of enzymatic activities of secreted proteins revealed the presence of phosphatases, lipases and glucosidases, but no proteases. These findings were compared to those obtained from somatic extracts of protoscoleces and hydatid cyst fluid products. Immunochemical characterization was performed by immunoblotting with sera from individuals infected by cystic echinococcosis (n = 15), non-hydatidic parasitoses (n = 19), various liver diseases (n = 24), lung neoplasia (n = 16), and healthy donors (n = 18). Antigens with apparent masses of 89, 74, 47/50, 32, and 20 kDa showed specificity for immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis. The 89 and 74 kDa components corresponded to antigens not yet described in E. granulosus, whereas proteins of 41-43 kDa and 91-95 kDa were recognized by the majority of the non-hydatid sera studied.

Prothrombin Fragment 1+2 Is Associated With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Subjects Free of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease

Background and Purpose— Thrombin, a central enzyme in the clotting cascade, plays a role not only in thrombosis but also in the progression of atherosclerosis. We studied the relationship between prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), a specific marker of thrombin generation in vivo, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), an index of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods— We examined 181 asymptomatic middle-aged subjects (mean age 55.6 years, 76.7% men) free of overt clinical atherosclerotic disease. F1+2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and IMT by duplex ultrasonography of carotid artery. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the 2 parameters.

Results— Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of F1+2, those in the upper tertile (>0.55 nmol/L) showed significantly higher IMT ( P <0.01). In correlation analysis, a positive relationship was found between plasma F1+2 and carotid IMT. F1+2 also correlated positively with cholesterol ( P <0.008) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P <0.005), but not with blood pressure or body mass index. In the multivariate analysis, the association of F1+2 with carotid IMT remained significant ( P <0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking.

Conclusions— In a population sample of adults without clinically overt atherosclerotic disease, the plasma levels of F1+2 were significantly associated with carotid IMT, suggesting a relationship between thrombin generation and the development atherosclerosis.

Paget's disease of the glans penis secondary to transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: a report of two cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Extramammary Paget's disease of the glans penis secondary to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We report two new cases, one detected before diagnosing bladder TCC.

METHODS

We describe the clinicopathologic features of two patients with intraepithelial spread of glans TCC and the histochemical and immunohistochemical features of the neoplasm.

RESULTS

Light microscopy detected intraepithelial proliferation of neoplastic, large, pale cells located predominantly in the basal and parabasal layers of the epithelium. The pagetoid cells showed positive cytoplasmic staining for mucosubstances and immunoreactivity for CK20. The previously reported cases are reviewed and the differential diagnosis is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

As many benign and malignant glans lesions may be clinically similar, histologic study is necessary to correctly diagnose primary lesions and promptly detect underlying asymptomatic visceral malignancies initially presenting as Paget's disease.

Malaria vectors in the Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea): estimation of vector dynamics and transmission intensities

The current study was performed on the Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea) with the aim of establishing a rapid assessment technique for mapping malaria risk and measuring vector densities. Human bait collection, tent traps, light traps, indoor resting collection, and window exit traps were used to collect Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles funestus, the two anopheline species involved in malaria transmission in this island. Capture data were used to compare differences in the behavior and vectorial capacity of An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus. Differences in the two species of mosquitoes were found in relation to the season and trapping methods used. Entomological inoculation rates (EIR) for Plasmodium falciparum were calculated using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with individual anopheline mosquitoes from human bait collections in two villages during the dry and rainy seasons. P. falciparum sporozoites were detected from both dissected heads/thorax and abdomens of both species.

Anopheles (Cellia) carnevalei in Equatorial Guinea (West-Central Africa)

Anopheles (Cellia) carnevalei is described in the mainland region (Río Muni) of Equatorial Guinea. Anophelines collected were identical to An. nili with exception of some morphological characters found in wings, head, and legs.

Doppler ultrasound for TIPS: does it work?

The role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the management of complications of portal hypertension such as variceal hemorrhage and ascites is well established. However, TIPS has a limited patency due to dysfunction consisting in occlusion or stenosis of the intrahepatic tract or stenosis of the outflow hepatic vein. Timing of dysfunction cannot be predicted, so routine surveillance and percutaneous intervention are continuously required to maintain TIPS patency. Trans-shunt venography is the gold standard technique in TIPS evaluation, but it is expensive and invasive. Doppler ultrasound (DU) has been the most commonly used noninvasive tool in TIPS patency. Despite many reported series, its role remains controversial. After more than 10 years of experience with TIPS, we followed our patients with DU and trans-shunt venography to establish Doppler criteria of dysfunction and its accuracy in assessing shunt dysfunction.

A New Chromo-chemodosimeter Selective for Sulfide Anion

A new chromo-chemodosimeter for the anion sulfide in aqueous environments has been developed. The recognition concept is based on a pyrylium-thiopyrylium transformation that is conveniently drawn toward "color chemistry" concepts by means of the anchoring of an aniline group. This causes the color of the aniline-pyrylium backbone in L1 to change selectively from magenta to blue when transformed to the corresponding aniline-thiopyrylium in the presence of the sulfide anion. The method is simple and easy, suggesting potential applications in a variety of different environments where easy and rapid determination of sulfide might be required.

Stabilization of human pancreatic ribonuclease through mutation at its N-terminal edge

Enzyme stability can be an important parameter in the design of recombinant toxins because unstable proteins are often degraded before they can reach their cellular target. There is great interest in the design of human pancreatic ribonuclease variants that could be cytotoxic against tumoral cells. To this end, some residues in the protein need to be substituted, but this may result in a loss of stability. Previous papers have reported the production of N- and C-terminal human pancreatic ribonuclease variants with increased thermal stability. Here, we investigated the contribution of the different amino acid changes at the N-terminus of the protein to its thermostability increase. We show that this increase correlates with the helical propensity of the first alpha-helix of the protein. On the other hand, deletion of the four last residues of the protein does not affect its thermal stability. These results set the basis for the design of a human pancreatic ribonuclease template on which amino acid substitutions can be made that could render the enzyme cytotoxic, without an important loss in its stability.

Malaria vectors in Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea): PCR determination of the members of Anopheles gambiae Giles complex (Diptera: Culicidae) and pyrethroid knockdown resistance (kdr) in An. gambiae sensu stricto

Anopheles gambiae sensu lato Giles, 1902 and Anophelesfunestus Giles, 1900 are the main malaria vectors on the island of Bioko (Equatorial Guinea). This study was carried out to determine: a) members of the An. gambiae complex that may be present on the island of Bioko and, b) the sensitivity of An. gambiae sensu stricto to pyrethroids. The analysis by PCR detected the presence of An. gambiae s.s. as the major vector of the complex and the "forest chromosomal form" was demonstrated by cytogenetic analysis. The presence of Anopheles melas in the southwest, north and southeast of the island justifies its study as a vector. The molecular characterization of pyrethroid knockdown resistance (kdr) showed that the populations of An. gambiae s.s. were sensitive and no mutations were found. This fact justifies the implementation on a large scale of pyrethroid-impregnated bednets within the framework of the Malaria Control Program of Equatorial Guinea.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) protocol for genotyping the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum

We have established an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) protocol for identifying anonymous polymorphic loci of the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The method consists of the following steps (i) digestion and ligation in one reaction; (ii) selective fluorescence forward primers labelled; (iii) PCR products resolved in polyacrylamide gels using the ABIPRISM 377 XL DNA sequencer and, (iv) the use of Genescan software to size the fragments. This standardized protocol distinguished between 2 standard reference clones of P. falciparum from West African and Southeast Asian and 2 Central African isolates from patients with clinical malaria. The AFLP protocol resulted in evenly distributed and reproducible band patterns for amplified fragments ranking from 163 to 489 bp long +/-0.5 S.D. The primer Tru ACA labelled with the phosphoramidite 6-carboxifluorescein (FAM-blue) was easy to interpret, with a maximum of 53 bands per clone and of 81 per isolate (mixed falciparum populations) whereas the primer Tru AG labelled with the hexachlorinated analogue (HEX-green) showed a less clear pattern of bands and reproducibility than Tru ACA.

The structure of an engineered domain-swapped ribonuclease dimer and its implications for the evolution of proteins toward oligomerization

BACKGROUND

Domain swapping has been proposed as a mechanism that explains the evolution from monomeric to oligomeric proteins. Bovine and human pancreatic ribonucleases are monomers with no biological properties other than their RNA cleavage ability. In contrast, the closely related bovine seminal ribonuclease is a natural domain-swapped dimer that has special biological properties, such as cytotoxicity to tumour cells. Several recombinant ribonuclease variants are domain-swapped dimers, but a structure of this kind has not yet been reported for the human enzyme.

RESULTS

The crystal structure at 2 A resolution of an engineered ribonuclease variant called PM8 reveals a new kind of domain-swapped dimer, based on the change of N-terminal domains between the two subunits. The swapping is fastened at both hinge peptides by the newly introduced Gln101, involved in two intermolecular hydrogen bonds and in a stacking interaction between residues of different chains. Two antiparallel salt bridges and water-mediated hydrogen bonds complete a new interface between subunits, while the hinge loop becomes organized in a 3(10) helix structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteins capable of domain swapping may quickly evolve toward an oligomeric form. As shown in the present structure, a single residue substitution reinforces the quaternary structure by forming an open interface. An evolutionary advantage derived from the new oligomeric state will fix the mutation and favour others, leading to a more extended complementary dimerization surface, until domain swapping is no longer necessary for dimer formation. The newly engineered swapped dimer reported here follows this hypothetical pathway for the rapid evolution of proteins.

Variation in resistance to high hydrostatic pressure and rpoS heterogeneity in natural isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7

Several natural isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7 have previously been shown to exhibit stationary-phase-dependent variation in their resistance to inactivation by high hydrostatic pressure. In this report we demonstrate that loss of the stationary-phase-inducible sigma factor RpoS resulted in decreased resistance to pressure in E. coli O157:H7 and in a commensal strain. Furthermore, variation in the RpoS activity of the natural isolates of O157:H7 correlated with the pressure resistance of those strains. Heterogeneity was noted in the rpoS alleles of the natural isolates that may explain the differences in RpoS activity. These results are consistent with a role for rpoS in mediating resistance to high hydrostatic pressure in E. coli O157:H7.

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis-like syndrome in hepatitis B virus-negative and hepatitis C virus-negative renal transplant recipients

Cholestatic hepatitis and diffuse liver fibrosis have been described in immunosuppressed patients with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH). FCH is characterized by cholestasis, with only a modest increase in aminotransferase levels. The pathologic picture typically shows periportal and perisinusoidal fibrosis, scarce mixed infiltrates, hepatocellular ballooning, and histologic cholestasis. We report two patients with diffuse fibrosis and cholestasis quite similar to the histologic picture of FCH, but in whom neither hepatitis B virus nor hepatitis C virus infection could be shown, highlighting the potential contribution of cytomegalovirus infection and azathioprine toxicity in the development of this severe complication of solid-organ transplantation.

Bimp1, a MAGUK family member linking protein kinase C activation to Bcl10-mediated NF-kappaB induction

Bcl10 and MALT1, products of distinct chromosomal translocations in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, cooperate in activating NF-kappaB. Mice lacking Bcl10 demonstrate severe immunodeficiency associated with failure of lymphocytes to activate nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in response to antigen receptor stimulation and protein kinase C activation. We characterize Bimp1, a new signaling protein that binds Bcl10 and activates NF-kappaB. Bimp1-mediated NF-kappaB activation requires Bcl10 and IkappaB kinases, indicating that Bimp1 acts upstream of these mediators. Bimp1, Bcl10, and MALT1 form a ternary complex, with Bcl10 bridging the Bimp1/MALT1 interaction. A dominant negative Bimp1 mutant inhibits NF-kappaB activation by anti-CD3 ligation, phorbol ester, and protein kinase C expression. These results suggest that Bimp1 links surface receptor stimulation and protein kinase C activation to Bcl10/MALT1, thus leading to NF-kappaB induction.

Limited level of accuracy provided by available rapid diagnosis tests for malaria enhances the need for PCR-based reference laboratories

The rise of imported malaria cases and the high fatality rate in Europe make the search for new and easy diagnostic methods necessary. Rapid diagnosis tests (RDTs) are, in part, developed to cover the lack of diagnosis experience. Unfortunately, our data suggest that the accuracy of RDTs is insufficient and could increase the number of incorrect malaria diagnoses.

Genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum infections by PCR: a comparative multicentre study

Genetic diversity of malaria parasites represents a major issue in understanding several aspects of malaria infection and disease. Genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum infections with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods has therefore been introduced in epidemiological studies. Polymorphic regions of the msp1, msp2 and glurp genes are the most frequently used markers for genotyping, but methods may differ. A multicentre study was therefore conducted to evaluate the comparability of results from different laboratories when the same samples were analysed. Analyses of laboratory-cloned lines revealed high specificity but varying sensitivity. Detection of low-density clones was hampered in multiclonal infections. Analyses of isolates from Tanzania and Papua New Guinea revealed similar positivity rates with the same allelic types identified. The number of alleles detected per isolate, however, varied systematically between the laboratories especially at high parasite densities. When the analyses were repeated within the laboratories, high agreement was found in getting positive or negative results but with a random variation in the number of alleles detected. The msp2 locus appeared to be the most informative single marker for analyses of multiplicity of infection. Genotyping by PCR is a powerful tool for studies on genetic diversity of P. falciparum but this study has revealed limitations in comparing results on multiplicity of infection derived from different laboratories and emphasizes the need for highly standardized laboratory protocols.

Enhanced acid sensitivity of pressure-damaged Escherichia coli O157 cells

Pressure-damaged Escherichia coli O157 cells were more acid sensitive than native cells and were impaired in pH homeostasis. However differences in acid sensitivity were not related to differences in cytoplasmic pH (pH(i)). Cellular beta-galactosidase was more acid labile in damaged cells. Sensitization to acid may thus involve loss of protective or repair functions.

Nod2, a Nod1/Apaf-1 family member that is restricted to monocytes and activates NF-kappaB

Apaf-1 and Nod1 are members of a protein family, each of which contains a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) linked to a nucleotide-binding domain, which regulate apoptosis and/or NF-kappaB activation. Nod2, a third member of the family, was identified. Nod2 is composed of two N-terminal CARDs, a nucleotide-binding domain, and multiple C-terminal leucine-rich repeats. Although Nod1 and Apaf-1 were broadly expressed in tissues, the expression of Nod2 was highly restricted to monocytes. Nod2 induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, which required IKKgamma and was inhibited by dominant negative mutants of IkappaBalpha, IKKalpha, IKKbeta, and IKKgamma. Nod2 interacted with the serine-threonine kinase RICK via a homophilic CARD-CARD interaction. Furthermore, NF-kappaB activity induced by Nod2 correlated with its ability to interact with RICK and was specifically inhibited by a truncated mutant form of RICK containing its CARD. The identification of Nod2 defines a subfamily of Apaf-1-like proteins that function through RICK to activate a NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

The potential utility of the Semi-Nested Multiplex PCR technique for the diagnosis and investigation of congenital malaria

We report three cases of congenital malaria involving two malarial immune mothers living in Spain. Diagnostic PCR and Genotyping PCR for merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 were essential to show that mothers and new-borns had different Plasmodium population parasites at the moment of the delivery, and that the infection was acquired earlier in gestation by transplacental transmission. In the first case the Plasmodium species founded in both, mother and child were different. Malaria in the twins showed a mixed infection (P. falciparum plus P. malariae) while the mother presented a P. falciparum infection. These facts were confirmed studying the polymorphisms for MSP1 and MSP2. Blood samples of the newborns were analyzed an half hour after delivery excluding the possibility of re-infection by mosquito bite and indicating a vertical transmission during pregnancy.

Three-dimensional structure of a human pancreatic ribonuclease variant, a step forward in the design of cytotoxic ribonucleases

We have determined the crystal structure of a human pancreatic ribonuclease or RNase 1 variant at 1.65 A resolution. Five residues in the N-terminal region were substituted by the corresponding amino acids of the bovine seminal RNase. In addition, a Pro to Ser mutation was present at position 50. The substitution of part of the N terminus has been critical both in improving the expression of this enzyme as a recombinant protein and in achieving its crystallisation. The determination of the crystal structure revealed the characteristic RNase fold including a V-shaped beta-sheet and three alpha-helices. It differs from its bovine RNase orthologue mainly in the loop regions. The active-site cleft shows a similar architecture to that of its bovine counterpart, with the essential residues occupying equivalent positions. In the present structure, however, His119 is displaced as it is in the structure of RNase A at high pH. An interaction model of human ribonuclease with the ribonuclease inhibitor, together with inhibition assays, indicate that, in contrast to RNase A, the modification of the loop beta4beta5 is not enough to avoid inhibition. This study represents the first crystallographic approach to the human enzyme, and should constitute an invaluable tool for the design of ribonuclease variants with acquired cytotoxic properties.

The use of PCR in the diagnosis of hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS)

Between August 1997 and September 1998, 14 cases of hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) were diagnosed in the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. These cases, from Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, were identified using the diagnostic criteria established by Y. M. Fakunle in 1981: gross splenomegaly; high levels of anti-malarial antibodies; IgM in serum at least two standard deviations above the local mean; and clinical and immunological response to antimalarial treatment. Although malarial parasites were only detected in the Giemsa-stained blood films of four of the cases, these four and four others were found to have the DNA of such parasites in their blood when tested using a method based on a semi-nested, multiplex PCR. These result indicate that malarial parasitaemias may be more prevalent in HMS than is usually recognized.

Clinical and economic comparison of allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell and bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children

There is limited experience in the use of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) for allogeneic transplantation in children. In the present study we compared engraftment kinetics, incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and the outcome and economic costs of allogeneic PBPCT vs BMT in children with ALL in a single institution. All children were transplanted in complete remission (CR) with a similar conditioning regimen and the same GVHD prophylaxis. Patients undergoing PBPCT achieved myeloid and platelet engraftment before patients undergoing BMT (P < 0.001). Platelet recovery was faster for the PBPCT group (P < 0.014 for 50 x 10(9)/l and P < 0.039 for 100 x 10(9)/l). Incidence and severity of acute and chronic GVHD were similar in both groups (acute grade 1-2: 9/13 for PBPCT vs 9/11 for BMT; chronic GVHD: 5/12 for PBPCT vs 3/8 for BMT). Hospital stay was shorter for the PBPCT than for the BMT group (28.8 days vs 42.9 days, respectively) and the PBPCT group used less clinical resources, resulting in overall lower cost for PBPCT (US $14,046) compared to BMT (US $19,840). There was no statistically significant difference in DFS between PBPCT and BMT (68.4% vs 50%, respectively).

Specific and rapid induction of the proapoptotic protein Hrk after growth factor withdrawal in hematopoietic progenitor cells

Hrk is a newly described proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that is mainly expressed in hematopoietic tissues and cultured neurons. In this study we have examined the expression and activity of Hrk in hematopoietic progenitors. To address these issues, we used 3 growth factor-dependent murine hematopoietic cell lines, HCD-57, FDCP-Mix, and FL5.12. The expression of Hrk was undetectable in cells cultured with growth factors, but it was rapidly up-regulated on growth factor withdrawal. In contrast, the expression of Bcl-x(L) decreased and that of proapoptotic Bax, Bad, and Bak was unchanged or down-regulated after removal of growth factors. This pattern of expression correlated with the induction of apoptosis. Hrk was also up-regulated in human cell lines and in bone marrow-derived CD34(+) cells cultured in the absence of growth factors. In addition, the levels of Hrk were up-regulated after treatment with the chemotherapeutic drug etoposide. Expression of prosurvival Bcl-x(L) or Bcl-2 proteins blocked the induction of Hrk. Hrk was induced in FDCP-Mix cells treated with ionomicin in the presence of IL-3, suggesting that cytosolic calcium may regulate the expression of this proapoptotic protein. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Hrk induced cell death of hematopoietic progenitors in the presence of IL-3. Thus, Hrk is specifically and rapidly induced in hematopoietic progenitors after growth factor deprivation or treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs, and this may be sufficient to induce apoptosis in these cells. (Blood. 2000;95:2742-2747)

p53 expression in locally advanced pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Prognosis for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma remains poor despite advances in treatment, although a small number of patients may benefit from induction therapy leading to increased local control. Mutations of the p53 gene, which are present in a considerable percentage of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, have been associated with poor response to chemotherapy. The role of p53 protein overexpression (which is associated with p53 gene mutations) in predicting the response to chemotherapeutic agents and survival rates is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of p53 expression with chemotherapy response rates and disease-free survival rates in 62 patients with locally advanced pharyngeal cancer treated with induction cisplatin-5-fluorouracil chemotherapy between 1983 and 1995.

DESIGN

Historical cohort. Archival tissue from biopsies done before chemotherapy was immunohistochemically stained for the p53 tumor suppressor gene (clone D0-7; DAKO Corp, Glostrup, Denmark).

RESULTS

Positive staining for p53 occurred in 45 (73%) of 62 cases, with the percentage of reactive cells ranging from 35% to 98%. Chemotherapy response rates were higher in the p53-negative group (15/17 [88%]) compared with the p53-positive group (27/45 [60%]) (P =.07). The risk of recurrence was lower in the p53-negative group compared with the p53-positive group at 2, 3, and 5 years after treatment (P = .03, P = .01, and P = .007, respectively). The median relapse-free survival rates of patients in the p53-negative group was 16 months, whereas those with p53 protein expression demonstrated a median relapse-free survival time of 9 months (P = .07). In multivariate analyses, the only independent factor of relapse-free survival rates was age older than 70 years.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows a trend favoring p53 overexpression as a predictive and prognostic factor in locally advanced pharyngeal cancer treated with induction chemotherapy.

[Detection of p53 protein in advanced head and neck cancer]

P53 protein expression, synonymous to p53 gene mutation, is a common event in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the correlation between p53 expression and clinico-pathologic parameters remains unclear. Primary tumors for analysis were obtained from 99 patients with HNSCC. The expression of p53 was analyzed with monoclonal D07 antibody (Dako Corp., Glostrup, Denmark). Seventy five percent of 79 valid cases expressed the protein. A correlation was found between alcohol intake and p53 expression. None of the other clinico-pathologic factors were associated to p53 expression. Our results suggest that p53 may be involved in the development of HNSCC. However its clinical significance is still not completely understood.

alpha-Alkyl-alpha-Amino-beta-Lactam Peptides: Design, Synthesis, and Conformational Features

Remarkable asymmetric induction is achieved in the alkylation of the lithium enolate of the beta-lactam 1. This allows the first time access to a new family of peptidomimetics 2 with predictable conformational constraints.

Production of engineered human pancreatic ribonucleases, solving expression and purification problems, and enhancing thermostability

Human pancreatic ribonuclease, the homolog of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease, has a significant therapeutic potential. Its study has been hindered by the difficulty of obtaining the enzyme in a pure and homogeneous form, either from human source or using heterologous expression. Engineering of different variants of human pancreatic ribonuclease has allowed us to study and overcome some problems encountered during its heterologous production in an Escherichia coli system and its purification from inclusion bodies. The 5'-end region of the mRNA that encodes the enzyme is critical for obtaining high expression levels. The results also suggest the importance of the proline 50 residue in the recovery yields of human pancreatic ribonuclease. All the variants produced are pure and homogeneous. Their homogeneity has been demonstrated by cation-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography and by mass spectrometry analysis. Moreover, enhancement of human pancreatic ribonuclease thermal stability is observed when residues R4, K6, Q9, D16, and S17 are changed to the corresponding residues of bovine seminal ribonuclease.