Construction and characterization of recombinant adenoviruses expressing human BRCA1 or murine Brca1 genes

Recombinant adenoviruses expressing human BRCA1 (AdBRCA1), murine Brca1 (AdBrca1), three clinically relevant human mutant BRCA1 proteins (t340, C61G, and 1853Stop), or a murine Brca1 C-terminal deletion mutant were constructed and evaluated in vitro. These recombinants were capable of transducing high-level transgene expression to a wide variety of cell lines in vitro. Three independent methods were utilized to monitor cell growth following transduction with these recombinants. High-level expression of either the human or mouse wild-type BRCA1 protein was incompatible with maximal levels of cell growth. AdBRCA1 transduction inhibited the outgrowth of several human breast and ovarian cell lines in colony formation assays. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an accumulation of the transduced cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. This BRCA1-mediated accumulation of cells in G0/G1 was accompanied by an increase in the cellular level of hypophosphorylated pRB. Ad mutant BRCA1 t340, C61G, and 1853Stop viruses were impaired, to varying degrees, in their ability to transduce a growth-arrested state to the target cells. Using these same three criteria, overexpression of murine Brca1 by AdBrca1 was also capable of transducing a growth-arrested state to human cells. Deletion of the C-terminus of Brca1 diminished this activity. This panel of adenoviruses may be useful reagents as part of an approach to understand the function of BRCA1/Brca1 in normal breast and ovary and help to define the tumor suppressor defect (s) conferred by clinical BRCA1 mutations in breast and ovarian cell tumorigenesis.

Achieving optimal diabetic control in adolescence: the continuing enigma

The transition from childhood through adolescence to adulthood is a difficult stage, particularly for patients with type 1 diabetes. The yearning for autonomy and independence, as well as the hormonal changes around the time of puberty, can manifest in poor glycaemic control. The focus on diet and weight increases the prevalence of eating disorders, compounding the difficulties in supervising diabetes patients. This can be exacerbated by the realisation that hyperglycaemia induces weight loss and the use of this knowledge to further manipulate diabetes control to gain a desired body image. The management of adolescents with type 1 diabetes is therefore challenging and requires close collaboration between psychological medicine and diabetes teams. This review describes the difficulties frequently encountered, with a description of four cases illustrating these points. Case 1 demonstrates the problem of needle phobia in a newly diagnosed patient with type 1 diabetes leading to persistent hyperglycaemia, the recognition of weight loss associated with this and the development of bulimia. The patient's overall management was further complicated by risk-taking behaviour. By the age of 24 years, she has developed diabetic retinopathy and autonomic neuropathy and continues to partake in risk-taking behaviour. Case 2 illustrates how the lack of parental support shortly after the development of type 1 diabetes led to poor glycaemic control and how teenagers often omit insulin to accommodate lifestyle and risk-taking behaviour. Case 3 further exemplifies the difficulty in managing patients with needle phobia and the fear of hypoglycaemia. Case 4 adds further weight to the need for parental support and the impact of deleterious life events on glycaemic control by manipulation of insulin dosage.

Comparison of cellulose, modified cellulose and synthetic membranes in the haemodialysis of patients with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

When the kidney fails the blood borne metabolites of protein breakdown and water cannot be excreted. The principle of haemodialysis is that such substances can be removed when blood is passed over a semipermeable membrane. Natural membrane materials can be used including cellulose or modified cellulose, more recently various synthetic membranes have been developed. Synthetic membranes are regarded as being more "biocompatible" in that they incite less of an immune response than cellulose-based membranes.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of different haemodialysis membrane material in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched Medline (1966 to December 2000), Embase (1981 to November 2000), PreMedline (29 November 2000), HealthStar (1975 to December 2000), Cinahl (1982 to October 2000), The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 1, 1996), Biosis (1989 to June 1995), Sigle (1980 to June 1996), Crib (10th edition, 1995), UK National Research Register (September 1996), and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted biomedical companies, investigators and we hand searched Kidney International (1980 to 1997). Date of the most recent searches: November 2000.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials comparing different haemodialysis membrane material in patients with ESRD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of studies. Data was abstracted from included studies onto a standard form by one reviewer and checked by another.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty seven studies met our inclusion criteria and where possible data from these were summated by meta-analyses (Peto's odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)). Twenty two outcome measures were sought in 10 broad areas. For two (number of episodes of significant infection per year and quality of life) no data were available. For the comparison of cellulose with synthetic membranes, data for 12/20 outcome measures were available in only a single trial. For modified cellulose and synthetic membranes, data for three outcome measures were available in one trial only and for 12 of the outcomes no data were found, crossover studies were analysed separately and studies which randomised by patient yet analysed by dialysis sessions adjusted for clustering. Pre-dialysis beta2 microglobulin concentrations were significantly lower at the end of the studies in patients treated with synthetic membranes (WMD - 14.5; 95% CI -17.4 to -11.6). One crossover study showed a lowering of beta2 microglobulin when low flux synthetic membranes were used. When analysed for a change in beta2 microglobulin across a trial a fall was only noted when high flux membranes were used. In one very small study the incidence of amyloid was less in patients who were dialysed for six years with high flux synthetic membranes (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.18). In the single study which measured triglyceride values there was a significant difference in favour of the synthetic (high flux) membrane (WMD -0.66; 95% CI -1.18 to -0.14). Serum albumin was higher in patients treated with synthetic membranes (both low and high flux) although this just bordered statistical significance (WMD -0.09; 95% CI -0.18 to 0.00). Dialysis adequacy measured by Kt/V was marginally higher when cellulose membranes were used (WMD 0.10; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.16). There was no significant difference between these membranes for any of the other clinical outcomes measures but confidence intervals were generally wide. No differences were found between modified cellulose and synthetic membranes although many fewer trials were carried out for this comparison.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

For clinical practice This systematic literature review has generated no evidence of benefit when synthetic membranes were used compared with cellulose/modified cellulose membranes in terms of reduced mortality nor reduction in dialysis related adverse symptoms. Despite the relatively large number of RCTs undertaken in this area none of the included studies reported any measures of quality of life. End-of-study beta2 microglobulin values, and possibly the development of amyloid disease, were less in patients treated with synthetic membranes compared with cellulose membranes. Plasma triglyceride values were also lower with synthetic membranes in the single study that measured this outcome. Differences in these outcomes may have reflected the high flux of the synthetic membrane. Serum albumin was higher when synthetic membranes of both high and low flux were used. Kt/V and urea reduction ratio were higher when cellulose or modified cellulose membranes were used in the few studies that measured these outcomes. We are hesitant to recommend the universal use of synthetic membranes for haemodialysis in patients with ESRD because of; the small number of trials (particularly for modified cellulose membranes, most with low patient numbers), the heterogeneity of many of the trials compared, the variations in membrane flux, the differences in exclusion criteria, particularly relating to comorbidity and the relative lack of patient-centred outcomes studied. Such evidence as we have favours synthetic membranes but even if we assume extra benefit it may be at considerable cost, particularly if high flux synthetic membranes were to be used. For further research A further systematic review of RCTs comparing high and low flux haemodialysis membranes, subgrouped according to membrane composition (cellulose, modified cellulose, synthetic) and reporting clinical outcomes of major importance to patients needs to be undertaken. Further pragmatic RCTs are required to compare the different dialysis membranes available. We recommend that they: - Take into account other properties including flux as well as the material from which the membrane is made and test modified cellulose membranes as well as standard ones. - Record an agreed minimum dataset on primary outcomes of major importance to patients. - Explicitly record whether symptoms are patient- or staff-reported recognising that generally patient reporting will be more appropriate for evaluating effectiveness but staff reported data may be necessary for calculating the cost of treating complications. - Be multi-centre (and possibly multinational) to have sufficient patients to complete the study to allow for a considerable number of withdrawals and dropouts. - Have sufficient length of follow up to draw conclusions for important clinical outcome measures and continue to follow patients who have renal transplants. - Include older patients and those with comorbid illnesses and take into account age and comorbidity when assessing outcomes (possibly by stratification at trial entry). - Carry out, in parallel, an economic evaluation of the different policies being compared in the trial.

Double bag or Y-set versus standard transfer systems for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

Peritonitis is the most frequent serious complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). It has a major influence on the number of patients switching from CAPD to haemodialysis and has probably restricted the wider acceptance and uptake of CAPD as an alternative mode of dialysis.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review sought to determine if modifications of the transfer set (Y-set or double bag systems) used in CAPD exchanges are associated with a reduction in peritonitis and an improvement in other relevant outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A broad search strategy was employed which attempted to identify all RCTs or quasi-RCTs relevant to the management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Five electronic databases were searched (Medline 1966-1999, EMBASE 1984-1999, CINAHL 1982-1996, BIOSIS 1985-1996 and the Cochrane Library), authors of included studies and relevant biomedical companies were contacted, reference lists of identified RCTs and relevant narrative reviews were screened and Kidney International 1980-1997 was hand searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing double bag, Y-set and standard CAPD exchange systems in patients with ESRD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted by a single investigator onto a standard form and subsequently entered into Review Manager 4.0.4. Odds Ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and a (Weighted) Mean Difference (WMD) for continuous data were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve eligible trials with a total of 991 randomised patients were identified. In trials comparing either the Y-set or double bag systems with the standard systems significantly fewer patients (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.46) experienced peritonitis and the number of patient-months on CAPD per episode of peritonitis were consistently greater. When the double bag systems were compared with the Y-set systems significantly fewer patients experienced peritonitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.71) and the numbers of patient-months on CAPD/ episode of peritonitis were also greater.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Double bag systems should be the preferred exchange systems in CAPD.

Recombinant human erythropoietin for chronic renal failure anaemia in pre-dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHu EPO) in dialysis patients has been shown to be highly effective in terms of correcting anaemia and improving quality of life. There is debate concerning the benefits of rHu EPO use in pre-dialysis patients. There is a concern that rHu EPO may accelerate the deterioration in renal function, however the opposing view is that if rHu EPO is as effective in pre-dialysis patients that by improving the patients sense of well-being the onset of dialysis could be delayed.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of rHu EPO use in pre-dialysis patients with renal anaemia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched MEDLINE (1980 to May Week 3 2001), EMBASE (1984 to Week 24 2001), BIOSIS (1985 to January 1997), CINAHL (1982 to October 1997), The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 1997), CHEMABS (1984 to November 1996), SIGLE (1980 to June 1996), CRIB (10th edition, 1995), UK NRR (14TH consolidation, September 1996), RSC ( 1980 to February 1997), HealthSTAR (1995 to October 1997), IBSS (1984 to July 1997), NEED (July 1997) and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted biomedical companies and investigators in the field and we hand searched Kidney International (including all supplements but excluding all conference proceedings except for 1994) July 1983 to May 1997 inclusive. The internet was also searched on: August 1997. We had also identified some studies from a previous broad search for all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) relevant to the management of end-stage renal disease. Date of the most recent search: June 2001.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs or quasi-RCTs comparing the use of rHu EPO with no rHu EPO or placebo in pre-dialysis patients.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Only published data were used. Data were abstracted by a single investigator onto a standard form. A sample of the data abstracted was double-checked by another reviewer. The data abstracted were relevant to the predetermined outcome measures. Some authors were contacted to clarify how patients were allocated to groups. All authors from included studies were contacted for missing information.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve studies with a total of 232 participants met the inclusion criteria and where possible data from these were summated by meta-analyses (Peto's Odds Ratio (OR) and Weighted Mean Difference (WMD)). The majority of the trials included small numbers and were of short duration (8-10 weeks) with the exception of three trials. There was a marked improvement in haemoglobin (mean difference 2.3g/dL, 95% CI 1.37 to 3.23) and haematocrit (WMD 9.92%, 95% CI 8.78 to 11.05) with the treatment and a decrease in the number of patients requiring blood transfusion (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.69). The data from all studies which reported quality of life or exercise capacity demonstrated an improvement in the rHu EPO group. None of the measures of progression of renal disease (when a summary statistic was calculated) demonstrated a statistically significant difference. Though the requirement for antihypertensive treatment appears to be increased by rHu EPO (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.32), there was no other statistically significant increase in adverse events. Based on the limited current evidence, decisions therefore have to be made on whether the putative benefits in terms of quality of life identified in the review are worth the extra costs of pre-dialysis rHu EPO.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

This review has shown that treatment with rHu EPO in pre-dialysis patients corrects anaemia and avoids the requirement for blood transfusions. There are also improvements in quality of life and exercise capacity. There may be increased hypertension. Most of the trials were not of sufficient duration to assess the effects of rHu EPO on progression of renal disease. In the long term, questions still remain about whether pre-dialysis rHu EPO either speeds up or delays the onset of dialysis. Thus there is insufficient evidence on the total costs and benefits of treating pre-dialysis patients with rHu EPO.

Ductal growth is impeded in mammary glands of C-neu transgenic mice

The steroid hormone, estradiol, is essential for both the growth of normal breast and induction of mammary carcinomas. The growth promoting effects of estrogen are presumed to be mediated by growth factors, in particular, epidermal growth factor, which mediates its effects through erbB receptors, erbB1 and erbB2/C-neu. C-neu is amplified and over-expressed in a large number of human cancers and transgenic mice over-expressing C-neu also develop mammary tumors. However, as yet, the impact of C-neu over-expression on estrogen action during normal mammary development and hence, its precise role in carcinogenesis, remains unclear. In the present studies, we demonstrate that estradiol-dependent mammary ductal growth accompanying puberty is impaired in transgenic mice expressing wild type Cneu, and is intrinsic to the tissue. The impairment is not due to an overall impairment in estrogen action, since progesterone receptor expression is unaffected in C-neu mice. It is also not due to an intrinsic inability of the epithelial cells to proliferate, since impeded ductal growth co-exists with alveolar growth during pregnancy. Therefore, we propose that, depending on the physiological state, C-neu may either promote or inhibit the growth of mammary epithelial cells, and discuss its potential significance to carcinogenesis.

Evaluation of random amplified polymorphic DNA typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A method for distinguishing among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing was evaluated for reproducibility and discriminatory power. A total of 200 isolates, blinded in triplicate, were evaluated by RAPD. All 600 samples were typeable; 197 of 200 isolates gave identical results on all three occasions, and 131 distinct RAPD types were identified.

Hamster bite peritonitis: Pasteurella pneumotropica peritonitis in a dialysis patient

We report the first case of Pasteurella pneumotropica peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient. This rare infection was the result of contamination of the dialysis tubing by a pet hamster. We stress the importance of household pets as a source of infection in the peritoneal dialysis population.

Food stamps are associated with food security and dietary intake of inner-city preschoolers from Hartford, Connecticut

The goal of the present study was to examine the association of the Food Stamp Program with the food security and dietary intake of low-income children from Hartford, CT, who were enrolled in the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). We compared the food and nutrition situation of low-income preschoolers who received food stamps (FS, n = 59) with that of those who did not receive food stamps (NFS, n = 40). Children were an average age of 2.7 +/- 0.6 y, and 95% were receiving WIC benefits at the time of the study. Groups were comparable in demographic characteristics, but the socioeconomic status of the FS group was lower than that of the NFS group (P < 0.05). Food security was assessed with the Radimer/Cornell hunger scale, and dietary intake was assessed with a single 24-h recall and a 14-item food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate analyses within the FS group indicated that a monthly duration of food stamps of <4 wk was a predictor of household food security (odds ratio 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.56). Food stamp use was associated with above-median energy-adjusted intakes of vitamin B-6 (3.13, 1.16-8.45), folate (2.92, 1.09-7.81) and iron (3.72, 1.31-10.54). The NFS children were more likely to consume <8 mg iron/d (3.73, 1.09-12.80). These results suggest that the Food Stamp Program is associated with food security and preschoolers' micronutrient intake.

Measurement of J/psi and psi(2S) polarization in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV

We have measured the polarization of J/psi and psi(2S) mesons produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV, using data collected at the Collider Detector at Fermilab during 1992-1995. The polarization of promptly produced J/psi [psi(2S)] mesons is isolated from those produced in B-hadron decay, and measured over the kinematic range 4 [5.5]<P(T)<20 GeV/c and |y|<0.6. For P(T) greater than or approximately equal 12 GeV/c we do not observe significant polarization in the prompt component.

Academic and clinical collaboration

Australian nurses have been slow to embrace and subsequently publish research that has been achieved through collaboration between academic and clinical nurses. If nursing is to continue its push towards greater professionalism, nurses from both areas must recognise the importance of collaboration in producing meaningful high quality research. Collaboration between nurse academics and clinical nurses has been advocated as a means of ensuring clinically relevant research. This paper explores collaboration and the issues that impinge on nurses conducting such research.

Development of California Public Health Goals (PHGs) for chemicals in drinking water

As part of a program for evaluation of environmental contaminants in drinking water, risk assessments are being conducted to develop Public Health Goals (PHGs) for chemicals in drinking water, based solely on public health considerations. California's Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 mandated the development of PHGs for over 80 chemicals by 31 December 1999. The law allowed these levels to be set higher or lower than federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), including a level of zero if data are insufficient to determine a specific level. The estimated safe levels and toxicological rationale for the first 26 of these chemicals are described here. The chemicals include alachlor, antimony, benzo[a]pyrene, chlordane, copper, cyanide, dalapon, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, diethylhexylphthalate, dinoseb, endothall, ethylbenzene, fluoride, glyphosate, lead, nitrate, nitrite, oxamyl, pentachlorophenol, picloram, trichlorofluoromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, uranium and xylene(s). These risk assessments are to be considered by the State of California in revising and developing state MCLs for chemicals in drinking water (which must not exceed federal MCLs). The estimates are also notable for incorporation or consideration of newer guidelines and principles for risk assessment extrapolations.

The role of the physician extender in radiology

This article examines the role of the radiology practitioner assistant (RPA), a physician extender first defined in the 1970s. The purpose of the research was to determine RPAs' accuracy in recognizing abnormal image patterns and their ability to independently perform gastrointestinal fluoroscopic procedures. The results support previous research indicating that technologists with additional education, training and radiologist supervision can detect abnormal image patterns and perform fluoroscopy successfully.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of lithium in hospitalized aggressive children and adolescents with conduct disorder

BACKGROUND

A subgroup of children and adolescents with conduct disorder are characterized by severe and persistent aggression. Although there is no agreed on treatment for such aggression, lithium carbonate has shown promise in some studies involving children. Our study was designed to critically assess the efficacy of lithium in the treatment of aggression in children and adolescents using a measure specific for aggression.

METHODS

Subjects were inpatients with conduct disorder hospitalized because of severe and chronic aggression. A parallel-groups design was used in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with randomization to lithium or placebo. Only those who met the aggression criterion during the 2-week placebo-baseline period were randomized to 4 weeks of treatment. Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impressions, the Global Clinical Judgements (Consensus) Scale, and the Overt Aggression Scale.

RESULTS

Eighty-six inpatients enrolled in the study; 40 (33 male and 7 female; median age, 12.5 years) entered and completed the treatment phase. Lithium was statistically and clinically superior to placebo. Sixteen of 20 subjects in the lithium group were responders on the Consensus ratings vs 6 of 20 in the placebo group (P=.004). Ratings on the Overt Aggression Scale decreased significantly for the lithium group vs the placebo group (P=.04). More than half of the subjects in the lithium group experienced nausea, vomiting, and urinary frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Lithium is a safe and effective short-term treatment for aggression in inpatients with conduct disorder, although its use is associated with adverse effects.

The BMP1 gene is essential for pathogenicity in the gray mold fungus Botrytis cinerea

In Magnaporthe grisea, a well-conserved mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase gene, PMK1, is essential for fungal pathogenesis. In this study, we tested whether the same MAP kinase is essential for plant infection in the gray mold fungus Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic pathogen that employs infection mechanisms different from those of M. grisea. We used a polymerase chain reaction-based approach to isolate MAP kinase homologues from B. cinerea. The Botrytis MAP kinase required for pathogenesis (BMP) MAP kinase gene is highly homologous to the M. grisea PMK1. BMP1 is a single-copy gene. bmp1 gene replacement mutants produced normal conidia and mycelia but were reduced in growth rate on nutrient-rich medium. bmp1 mutants were nonpathogenic on carnation flowers and tomato leaves. Re-introduction of the wild-type BMP1 allele into the bmp1 mutant restored both normal growth rate and pathogenicity. Further studies indicated that conidia from bmp1 mutants germinated on plant surfaces but failed to penetrate and macerate plant tissues. bmp1 mutants also appeared to be defective in infecting through wounds. These results indicated that BMP1 is essential for plant infection in B. cinerea, and this MAP kinase pathway may be widely conserved in pathogenic fungi for regulating infection processes.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of environmental awareness interventions

PURPOSE

To evaluate and summarize evidence on the effectiveness of interventions available to public health staff regarding the protection of the public from environmental risks.

METHOD

This systematic review involved a comprehensive literature search, screening for relevance, quality assessment of relevant studies, data extraction and synthesis.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 65 relevant studies were of 'moderate' or 'strong' quality. Intervention types in these 14 studies included: mass campaign, counselling, school curriculum, educational sessions, and distribution of printed materials. Short-term improvements in awareness or knowledge were observed in 13 of the 14 studies. Eight of 13 studies that examined behavioural outcomes observed short-term improvements in self-reported behavioural outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive short-term changes in health-protective awareness, knowledge and self-reported behaviour appear to be associated with relatively intensive interventions that use multiple methods and settings, and/or are delivered over multiple sessions.

Search for scalar top and scalar bottom quarks in pp collisions at square root s=1.8 TeV

We have searched for direct pair production of scalar top and scalar bottom quarks in 88 pb-1 of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.8 TeV with the CDF detector. We looked for events with a pair of heavy flavor jets and missing energy, consistent with scalar top (bottom) quark decays to a charm (bottom) quark and a neutralino. The numbers of events that pass our selections show no significant deviation from standard model expectations. We compare our results to the next-to-leading order scalar quark production cross sections to exclude regions in scalar quark-neutralino mass parameter space.