Increased expression of c-jun, junB, AP-1, and preproenkephalin mRNA in rat striatum following a single injection of caffeine

The effect of a single injection of caffeine on the expression of c-fos, c-jun, junB, and junD, on activator protein 1 (AP-1) and on the levels of preproenkephalin mRNA in rat striatum was studied. Male rats were given caffeine (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and sacrificed at different times (0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 8 hr) after administration. By using in situ hybridization of adjacent sections we found a rapid, transient, and dose-dependent increase of c-fos, c-jun, and junB by caffeine in striatum, especially in the lateral part. The induction peaked after 1 hr, but persisted for 2 hr, and in the case of junB for 4 hr. No induction of junD was found. A strong induction of junB, a weak induction of c-fos and c-jun, but not of junD, was seen in nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, by using gel shift assay we found an induction of AP-1 by caffeine (100 mg/kg) in striatum, which peaked 2 hr after administration and was clearly increased after 4 hr. c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB proteins were components of the AP-1. There was also a dose-dependent induction of preproenkephalin mRNA, which was most pronounced in the lateral and caudal part of striatum; the level peaked 4 hr after injection and was still significantly increased after 8 hr. In a complementary study we could not find increased binding to the AP-1-like site in the 5'-flanking sequence of proenkephalin following caffeine treatment. The data show that a single dose of caffeine induces a temporally and spatially characteristic pattern of c-fos, c-jun, and junB induction, followed by changes in AP-1 and preproenkephalin mRNA. Thus, a single dose of caffeine causes changes in gene transcription in the brain that may be related to the adaptive changes that occur after caffeine administration. However, a direct causal link between the immediate early genes and enkephalin could not be proven.

Growth fraction in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and reactive lymphadenitis determined by Ki-67 monoclonal antibody in fine-needle aspirates

The fraction of proliferation cells was analysed in fine needle aspirates from a series of 448 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and 199 reactive hyperplasias using an immunoperoxidase staining with monoclonal antibody Ki-67. There was a good correlation between proliferation fraction and cytologic assignment to high and low grade lymphomas. Thus high grade lymphomas had a high median percentage of Ki-67 positive cells with a figure of 82.1 for lymphoblastic, 60.0 for immunoblastic, and 59.7 for centroblastic lymphomas. For low grade lymphomas the figures were 17.1 and 11.1 percent for centroblastic/centrocytic and CLL/immunocytoma, respectively. The fraction of proliferation cells in reactive lymphadenitis varied between 1-50% with a median of 11.5%. Analysis of Ki-67 positivity can accordingly not be used to differentiate benign from neoplastic proliferations. Within all lymphoma subgroups but lymphoblastic lymphoma, there was a marked variation in fraction of Ki-67 positive cells, which resulted in a certain overlap between high and low grade lymphomas. The results show that cells procured through fine-needle aspiration can be used to analyse the fraction of proliferating cells which contributes information about the growth rate of the individual tumours that can not be obtained through cytologic classification.

Effect of different xanthines and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on c-fos expression in rat striatum

It has previously been shown that caffeine, in a dose-dependent manner, increases the expression of the protooncogene c-fos in the rat brain, predominantly in the caudate-putamen and tuberculum olfactorium. In this study we examined the effect of related xanthines and of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors on c-fos expression. The effect of caffeine (75 mg kg-1) was mimicked by 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine (IBMX) (25 mg kg-1) and theophylline (100 mg kg-1) but not by 8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline (10 mg kg-1), enprofylline, theobromine or paraxanthine (each at 100 mg kg-1). Moreover, the cyclic AMP-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors rolipram (10 or 20 mg kg-1) and SQ 20,006 (25 mg kg-1) and the cyclic GMP-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast (10 mg kg-1) failed to induce c-fos in striatum, but caused a clear-cut induction in the overlying cerebral cortex. Thus, c-fos is induced in rat striatum following administration of caffeine and other xanthines that (provided they enter the brain) block adenosine receptors, suggesting an involvement of central adenosine receptors. Inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase does not appear to play any important role in c-fos induction by the xanthines.

Properties of liquid ionization chambers at LDR brachytherapy dose rates

Properties such as sensitivity, general recombination and reproducibility of liquid-filled parallel-plate ionization chambers for dosimetry in low-dose-rate brachytherapy radiation fields have been evaluated. Two different dielectric liquids, isooctane (C8H(1)8) and tetramethylsilane (Si(CH3)4), have been used as sensitive media in chambers having a coin-shaped sensitive volume of 3 mm in diameter and 1 mm thickness. An electric field strength of 300 kV m-1 was found to be optimal with respect to sensitivity, leakage current and general recombination. At absorbed dose rates from 0.1-100 mGy min-1 the ionization charge measurements at an irradiation time of 1 min showed a reproducibility better than 1%, and a general recombination not exceeding 0.5%. The calibration--absorbed dose to water against ionization charge at a 60Co reference source--did not show any significant change over an observation time of one year for any of the chambers.

Further characterization of the binding of the adenosine receptor agonist [3H]CGS 21680 to rat brain using autoradiography

2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadeno sine (CGS 21680) is considered a selective ligand for adenosine A2A receptors, which are known to be enriched in striatum and olfactory tubercle. We have investigated the characteristics of [3H]CGS 21680 binding in several brain regions using quantitative autoradiography. In agreement with previous data the radioligand was found to label the caudate-putamen, accumbens nucleus, olfactory tubercle and globus pallidus, but also many other structures, e.g. cerebral and cerebellar cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and some brainstem nuclei, were labelled. Cortical and striatal binding of [3H]CGS 21680 was unaltered by high concentrations of the adenosine transport inhibitor dipyridamole or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram but was displaced by 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine, the A2 selective adenosine antagonist CP 66,713, and the A2A selective agonist SHA 118. These three agents were approximately equipotent in striatum, cortex and hippocampus. The A2 selective agonist CV 1808 was a 4-5 times more potent displacer in cortex and hippocampus than in the striatum. [3H]CGS 21680 binding was strongly magnesium-dependent in all the studied brain regions, in contrast to the binding of adenosine A1 agonists. The binding of [3H]CGS 21680 to cerebral cortex and hippocampus, but not the binding to striatum, was displaced by the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine in nanomolar concentrations. The present study provides evidence that in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, most of the [3H]CGS 21680 binds to a receptor site that is distinct from the striatal A2A receptor and the classical adenosine A1 receptor and may represent a hitherto unrecognized binding site.

Chromosome analysis of 97 primary breast carcinomas: identification of eight karyotypic subgroups

Chromosome banding analysis of 97 short-term cultured primary breast carcinomas revealed clonal aberrations in 79 tumors, whereas 18 were karyotypically normal. In 34 of the 79 tumors with abnormalities, two to eight clones per case were detected; unrelated clones were present in 27 (34%) cases, whereas only related clones were found in seven. These findings indicate that a substantial proportion of breast carcinomas are of polyclonal origin. Altogether eight abnormalities were repeatedly identified both as sole chromosomal anomalies and as part of more complex karyotypes: the structural rearrangements i(1)(q10), der(1:16)(q10;p10), del(1)(q11-12), del(3)(p12-13p14-21), and del(6)(q21-22) and the numerical aberrations +7, +18, and +20. At least one of these changes was found in 41 (52%) of the karyotypically abnormal tumors. They identify a minimum number of cytogenetic subgroups in breast cancer and are likely to represent primary chromosome anomalies in this type of neoplasia. Other candidates for such a role are translocations of 3p12-13 and 4q21 with various partner chromosomes and inversions of chromosome 7, which also were seen repeatedly. Additional chromosomal aberrations that give the impression of occurring nonrandomly in breast carcinomas include structural rearrangements leading to partial monosomies for 1p, 8p, 11p, 11q, 15p, 17p, 19p, and 19q and losses of one copy of chromosomes X, 8, 9, 13, 14, 17, and 22. The latter changes were seen consistently only in complex karyotypes, however, and we therefore interpret them as being secondary anomalies acquired during clonal evolution.

Changes in functional competency in the oldest old. A longitudinal study

Changes in everyday functioning and cognitive abilities are studied longitudinally in a representative sample of the oldest old. Respondents were selected by using census records from all people aged 84, 86, 88, and 90 years old living in an area of South Central Sweden, and then were assessed at 2-year intervals. The findings show high base rates for disabilities and high incidence of cognitive and functional deficits among survivors. Mortality is associated with higher rates of disability at the previous time of assessment. Because of this increased mortality rate among disabled individuals, prevalence does not rise as much as would be expected from the high incidence. Instead, new cases of disabled are partly replacing disabled individuals who died since the previous evaluation.

Quality-of-life assessments in evaluation of laparoscopic Rosetti fundoplication

It has recently been suggested that quality-of-life investigations should be included in the evaluation of new medical and surgical regimens. We present the quality-of-life evaluations for the first 40 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery at our department. Two well-established and validated questionnaires, the Psychological General Well Being (PGWB) Index, and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), were used. The PGWB gives a general measure of patients' well-being while the GSRS concentrates on gastrointestinal complaints. In untreated reflux esophagitis patients, the PGWB score is very low. We found normal PBWB scores preoperatively during optimal medical treatment with potent acid inhibition. The average score became significantly better (than on medical treatment, P < 0.05) 1 month postoperatively, after which it fell off to normal values 3 and 8-12 months after operation. The GSRS scores were good in all subgroups postoperatively, especially regarding reflux syndrome, where scores were significantly (P < 0.05) better than on medical treatment.

IN CONCLUSION

After laparoscopic antireflux surgery, patients had good quality-of-life scores, better than untreated patients and as good as or better than on optimal medical treatment. Different treatment regimens could be discriminated by adding the patients' view of the treatment effect. We suggest that quality-of-life effects should be included when evaluating new regimens in laparoscopic surgery.

CMV PCR monitoring in leucocytes of transplant patients

BACKGROUND

The presumed latency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leucocytes and the sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) raise a question of its clinical value.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and standardize a CMV PCR as a diagnostic tool for CMV infection in solid organ and bone marrow transplant patients by comparing it to a likewise standardized isolation, rapid isolation and to clinical symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

The material comprised 822 EDTA peripheral blood samples from 96 solid organ and 119 bone marrow transplant patients. One sample from each of 21 healthy bone marrow donors and 25 blood donors were used as controls. Two million leucocytes were lysed and one-tenth of a volume was used in a nested PCR employing immediate early gene primers.

RESULTS

The limit of detection was approximately 10 gene copies of a CMV DNA clone and 1 TCID(50) of extracted DNA from a cell suspension. The specificity was >/=0.99 when tested in CMV seronegative individuals. The positive and negative predictive values were 0.62 and 1.00, respectively. When PCR was compared to virus isolation/rapid culture in individual patients, PCR was positive more frequently in solid organ transplant patients than was CMV isolation/rapid culture, but the difference was not significant in bone marrow transplant patients. In isolation-positive patients, PCR became positive in samples taken 1-2 weeks earlier. In 54 solid organ transplant patients with PCR-positive samples, CMV-associated symptoms were present in 29/31 patients with CMV isolated from blood but in only 5/23 patients without viraemia. In 17 bone marrow transplant patients treated with ganciclovir, PCR became negative during or immediately after treatment in 14/20 (70%) episodes. This was true of 5/12 (42%) solid organ transplant patients.

CONCLUSION

Screening of transplant patients with CMV PCR can be standardized at a clinically relevant level so that antiviral therapy can be instituted early.

Studies on the biosorption of uranium by Talaromyces emersonii CBS 814.70 biomass

Residual biomass, produced by the thermophilic fungus, Talaromyces emersonii CBS 814.70, following growth on glucose-containing media, was examined for its ability to take up uranium from aqueous solution. It was found that the biomass had a relatively high observed biosorption capacity for the uranium (280 mg/g dry weight biomass). The calculated maximum biosorption capacity obtained by fitting the data to a Langmuir model was calculated to be 323 mg uranium/g dry weight biomass. Pretreatment of the biomass with either dilute HCl or NaOH brought about a significant decrease in biosorptive capacity for uranium. Studies on the effects of variation in temperature on the biosorptive capacity demonstrated no significant change in binding between 20 degrees C and 60 degrees C. However, a significant decrease in biosorptive capacity was observed at 5 degrees C. Binding of uranium to the biomass at all temperatures reached equilibrium within 2 min. While the routine binding assays were performed at pH 5.0, adjustment of the pH to 3.0 gave rise to a significant decrease in biosorption capacity by the biomass. The biosorptive capacity of the biomass for uranium was increased when extraction from solution in sea-water was examined.

Laparoscopic Rosetti fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Early experiences with laparoscopic fundoplication using the Rosetti technique are presented and compared with retrospective results from conventional fundoplication procedures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have performed 70 consecutive laparoscopic procedures. Conversion to open surgery was done in seven cases because of anatomical reasons and in two because of peroperative progressive subcutaneous emphysema and CO2-retention. The complication rate was low. The range of postoperative hospital stay is 1-4 days for non-converted patients. Symptomatic follow-up has hitherto been performed in 41 patients with a follow-up time of 3-9 months. The follow-up results do not differ from those achieved in patients operated upon with the conventional open Nissen (n = 41) and Rosetti (n = 36) techniques. Pre- and postoperative control of 24 h pH and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in 19 laparoscopically treated patients showed normalization of LESP in all cases and postoperative 24 h pH < 4 ranging between 0 and 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic and reflux surgery is effective for the treatment of reflux esophagitis. Follow-up results compare well with open surgery.

Quality of Life assessments in the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux and peptic ulcer disease before, during and after treatment

BACKGROUND

It has recently been suggested that Quality of Life (QOL) be used in the evaluation of new medical treatment regimens together with cost-benefit, efficacy and safety. In this overview we point out some aspects of use of the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB) in patients with peptic ulcer and reflux disease gained from our own investigations in later years.

METHODS

QOL was assessed using questionnaires before diagnosis, during medical healing treatment and at a 1-year follow-up in peptic ulcer disease or before and after surgery in reflux disease.

RESULTS

Untreated patients with unknown diagnosis had low QOL scores. With treatment, scores increased rapidly to supernormal values and fell off to normal values during the follow-up year.

CONCLUSION

QOL evaluations seem sensitive and reflect the patient's subjective feeling of disease. They add another new aspect of treatment effect not earlier included in treatment evaluations.