Chemoimmunotherapy with 5-fluouracil, leucovorin and interferon alpha-2b as adjuvant therapy after surgery in Gastric Carcinoma patients

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Background: The main treatment of Gastric Carcinoma(GC) is Surgery, but 5 years recurrence risk is 70% and mortality 50%. So that, effective adyuvant therapy, like chemotherapy, is needed to impact on survival ; results, however have been inconsistent at best. Inmunotherapy with interferon alpha, in gastric carcinoma, has only been employed in metastatic disease. The objective of this study was evaluate chemoimmmunotherapy role of interferon alpha - 2b,5-FU and LCV as adjuvant therapy in GC Methods: This is a randomized prospective study. Beginning 2/Oct /97 and finalizing 31/march/2005. Patiens with gastric adenocarcinoma, clinical stages II, III and non metastatic IV, after gastrectomy, without cancer antecedent were included. Treatment groups were assigned at random: Group A: 5-FU: 400 mg/m2, days (1–3), leucovorin: 50 mg. days (1–3), interferon alpha - 2b: 5x10^6 units sq, every other day, days (1–15). Group B: 5-FU, LCV without interferon alpha, at the same doses. Nine (9) monthly cycles were aplied. Clinical and paraclinical follow up was made appropriately. Statistic analysis was performed by Kaplan Meier method. Results: 52 patients were studied, 25 in group A and 27 in group B. Both of them had similar characteristics in median age, sex, histology, differentiation grade, gastric location, clinical stage: A: II: 28%, III: 72% (IIIB: 56%). B: II: 29,6%, III: 70% (IIIB: 55%).General survival (SG) analysis: Mean SG (%): A: 64%. B: 18,5%. Mean SG (months): A: 68,5 m. (CI 95%: 59–78,15). B: 27,98 ( CI 95%: 18,92–37,04). Survival curves comparison, minimum until 5 years: Log Rank, Breslow, Tarone Ware: P<0,00001, all of them in favor to group A. Mortality: Total:31/52: 59,6%. A: 36%. B: 81,48% (P<0,05). Disease free survival (DFS) analysis: Mean DFS (%): A: 52%. B: 18, 52%. Mean DFS(months): A: 58,85m (CI 95%: 47,4–70.3). B: 24,98m (CI 95 %: 15,3–34.6). DFS curves comparison: Log Rank: 0,0008. Breslow: 0,0003. Tarone Ware: 0,0004. All of them in favor to group A. Recurrence (%): Total: 34/52:65%. A: 48%. B: 81,48% ( P <0,05). Conclusions: This is the first study of adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (CI) that includes interferon alpha - 2b in GC. This study shows CI with 5-FU, LCV and interferon alpha -2b is effective as adjuvant treatment in GC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Time course of intraoperative cytokine levels in liver transplant recipients

We evaluated the levels of several cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, and interferon [IFN]-gamma) in plasma samples obtained before surgical intervention (T0) and during intraoperative liver transplantation: after induction of anesthesia (I-1), 15 minutes of anhepatic phase (I-2), 5 minutes before reperfusion (I-3), 10 minutes after reperfusion (I-4), 20 minutes after reperfusion (I-5), 60 minutes after reperfusion (I-6), and 1 hour after liver transplantation (I-7). Cytokine levels were determined using a technique which combines ELISA technique and flow cytometry. The study was approved by the local clinical research (ethics) committee. Written informed consent was obtained from patients' relatives. Twenty patients (14 men, 6 women) aged 23 to 61 years, recipients of a liver transplantation were studied. The cytokine IL-2 plasma values were maintained during the whole study period, with a slight increase at 15 minutes of anhepatic phase (I-2). IL-4 showed a peak value 20 minutes after reperfusion (I-5). IL-6 increased its plasma value starting at 15 minutes of anhepatic phase (I-2), maintaining high concentrations during the whole intraoperative period. IL-10 increased progressively, reaching a maximum 1 hour after transplantation (I-7). TNF-alpha reached maximum plasma levels 20 minutes after reperfusion (I-5), whereas IFN-gamma showed a peak at 15 minutes of anhepatic phase (I-2). Our results indicate that the anhepatic phase (I-2) is the earliest phase during which proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-10, respectively, are involved during liver transplantation. We conclude that IL-6 is the first cytokine involved in the inflammatory response during liver transplantation.

[Dependence of dielectrophoretic force on the size of cylindrical particles by the example of a suspension of erythrocytes]

For the modeling of erythrocyte rouleaux (linear cell aggregations), we propose an approximation procedure for the dipole moment in short cylinders, which contains the case of ellipsoidal bodies only as a first approximation. The method allows one to introduce corrections that are more representative for these particles. Depending on the number of erythrocytes forming an aggregation, i.e., on different but discrete measures of rouleaux lengths, the dielectrophoretic force is calculated and represented against the frequency of the applied a.c. field. As a result, frequency regions in the upper MHz range appear in which the strength and direction of DEP forces are different for different rouleaux sizes. This property is suitable for the detection and spatial separation of rouleaux populations of different length in blood samples by means of a microelectronic array.

Conditional ablation of C/EBP beta demonstrates its keratinocyte-specific requirement for cell survival and mouse skin tumorigenesis

The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBP beta) is implicated in the regulation of many different molecular and physiological processes. Mice with a germline deletion of C/EBP beta (C/EBP beta(-/-)) display phenotypes in a multitude of cell types and organ systems, including skin where C/EBP beta(-/-) mice exhibit increased apoptosis in epidermal keratinocytes in response to carcinogen treatment and are completely resistant to carcinogen-induced skin tumorigenesis. To determine the contribution of systemic versus cell autonomous functions of C/EBP beta to specific phenotypes, mice with a conditional 'floxed' C/EBP beta null allele were generated. Epidermal-specific deletion of C/EBP beta was achieved by Cre recombinase expression from a keratin 5 (K5) promoter. Similar to C/EBP beta(-/-) mice, K5-Cre;C/EBP beta(fl/fl) mice were completely refractory to 7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin tumorigenesis and these mice displayed increased DMBA-induced apoptosis in epidermal keratinocytes compared to wild-type mice. In contrast, mice lacking the related gene, C/EBP delta, were not resistant to DMBA-induced skin tumorigenesis, indicating a unique role of C/EBP beta in skin tumor development. Our findings demonstrate that C/EBP beta exerts an essential, keratinocyte-intrinsic role in cell survival in response to carcinogen treatment and the elimination of C/EBP beta in keratinocytes is sufficient to confer complete resistance of the skin to chemical carcinogenesis.

Hair cycle and wound healing in mice with a keratinocyte-restricted deletion of FAK

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a critical component in transducing signals downstream of both integrins and growth factor receptors. To determine how the loss of FAK affects the epidermis in vivo, we have generated a mouse model with a keratinocyte-restricted deletion of fak (FAKK5 KO mice). FAK(K5 KO) mice displayed three major phenotypes--irregularities of hair cycle, sebaceous glands hypoplasia, and a thinner epidermis--pointing to defects in the proliferative capacity of multipotent stem cells found in the bulge. FAK-null keratinocytes in conventional primary culture undergo massive apoptosis hindering further analyses, whereas the defects observed in vivo do not shorten the mouse lifespan. These results suggest that the structure and the signaling environment of the native tissue may overcome the lack of signaling through FAK. Our findings point to the importance of in vivo and three-dimensional in vitro models in analyses of cell migration, proliferation, and survival. Surprisingly, the difference between FAKloxP/+ and FAKK5 KO mice in wound closure was not statistically significant, suggesting that in vivo loss of FAK does not affect migration/proliferation of basal keratinocytes in the same way as it affects multipotent stem cells of the skin.

The 2001 epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom: epidemiological and meteorological case studies

The possibility of the airborne spread of foot-and-mouth disease during the 2001 epidemic in the uk has been investigated in three epidemiological case studies. On the basis of evidence from field investigations, and a simple meteorological analysis, it is concluded that the spread of disease was consistent with the airborne transport of virus. The distances ranged from less than 1 km to 16 km; six of the farms were over 6 km from the source and involved the passage of virus over the sea combined with meteorological conditions which strongly favoured airborne disease transmission. The results of detailed atmospheric modelling demonstrated that airborne virus could have challenged livestock on all the farms studied. However, with one exception the 24-hour average daily concentrations of the virus were significantly below the experimentally estimated threshold for infection. A detailed model intercomparison established that, under stable atmospheric conditions, peak concentrations of virus up to two orders of magnitude higher might have been experienced for short periods, owing to fluctuations within the plume of virus, and model limitations. This finding would significantly reduce the apparent discrepancy between the experimentally estimated threshold for infection and the modelling results.

The blood supply of the common peroneal nerve in the popliteal fossa

We investigated the blood supply of the common peroneal nerve. Dissection of 19 lower limbs, including six with intra-vascular injection of latex, allowed gross and microscopic measurements to be made of the blood supply of the common peroneal nerve in the popliteal fossa. This showed that a long segment of the nerve in the vicinity of the fibular neck contained only a few intraneural vessels of fine calibre. By contrast, the tibial nerve received an abundant supply from a constant series of vessels arising directly from the popliteal and posterior tibial arteries. The susceptibility of the common peroneal nerve to injury from a variety of causes and its lack of response to operative treatment may be explained by the tenuous nature of its intrinsic blood supply.

Efficient engraftment of in utero transplanted mice with retrovirally transduced hematopoietic stem cells

Using an experimental mouse model, we have investigated the kinetics of hematopoietic reconstitution of recipients transplanted during fetal development with fresh and transduced hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Total bone marrow (BM) and purified Lin(-)Sca-1(+) cells, either fresh or transduced ex vivo with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-encoding retroviral vectors, were in utero transplanted (IUT) into fetal mice. Data obtained 2 months after transplantation showed a similar proportion of engrafted animals, regardless of the fact that samples were purified or not on HSCs, and subjected or not to ex vivo transduction with retroviral vectors. The transplantation of grafts enriched in HSCs, either fresh or transduced, always improved the levels of donor chimerism of IUT mice in comparison with results obtained in mice transplanted with unpurified BM grafts (6.8 and 7.3% versus 1.15% median values, respectively). Significantly, engrafted recipients that were transplanted with the transduced graft always contained transduced EGFP(+) cells in peripheral blood (around 5% of donor cells were EGFP(+) at 2 months post-transplantation). This proportion was essentially maintained at longer times post-transplantation, as well as in secondary recipients transplanted with the BM of IUT mice. Our study describes for the first time a significant and stable engraftment of unconditioned mice subjected to IUT with HSCs transduced with retroviral vectors.

Major depression in outpatients attending a regional cancer centre: screening and unmet treatment needs

A screening programme designed to identify cases of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in patients attending a Regional Cancer Centre outpatient department was established. It comprised two stages: (1) The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) self-rating questionnaire administered by a touch-screen computer; (2) we interviewed patients with high scores on the HADS (15 or more total score) over the telephone using the depression section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSMIV (SCID). A large consecutive sample (5613) of oncology clinic attenders was screened, and practical difficulties in the screening process were identified. The estimated prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in the sample surveyed was approximately 8% (7.8%; 95% confidence intervals 6.9–8.5%). We assessed a consecutive series of 150 patients identified as having MDD to determine how many had received evidence-based treatment for MDD. Only half had discussed their low mood with their general practitioner, only one-third had been prescribed any antidepressant medication, and very few had taken a therapeutic dose for an adequate period. Very few had received psychological treatment or had been referred to mental health services. Most were receiving no potentially effective therapy.

Management of major depression in outpatients attending a cancer centre: a preliminary evaluation of a multicomponent cancer nurse-delivered intervention

A novel nurse-delivered multicomponent intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD) in cancer outpatients was compared with usual care alone in a nonrandomised matched group design (n=30 per group). At the final 6-month outcome, 38.5% (95% CI, 5.4–57%) fewer patients in the intervention group still met the criteria for MDD.

Efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler compared with placebo, budesonide and formoterol were evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a 12-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in 812 adults (mean age 64 yrs, mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 36% predicted normal), patients received two inhalations twice daily of either budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) 160/4.5 microg (delivered dose), budesonide 200 microg (metered dose), formoterol 4.5 microg or placebo. Severe exacerbations and FEV1 (primary variables), peak expiratory flow (PEF), COPD symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQL), mild exacerbations, use of reliever beta2-agonist and safety variables were recorded. Budesonide/formoterol reduced the mean number of severe exacerbations per patient per year by 24% versus placebo and 23% versus formoterol. FEV1 increased by 15% versus placebo and 9% versus budesonide. Morning PEF improved significantly on day 1 versus placebo and budesonide; after 1 week, morning PEF was improved versus placebo, budesonide and formoterol. Improvements in morning and evening PEF versus comparators were maintained over 12 months. Budesonide/formoterol decreased all symptom scores and use of reliever beta2-agonists significantly versus placebo and budesonide, and improved HRQL versus placebo. All treatments were well tolerated. These results suggest a role for budesonide/formoterol in the long-term management of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Improving the working lives of cancer clinicians

Cancer clinicians have to deal with particular difficulties in their work, including emotionally demanding interactions with patients and a high proportion of patients in whom curative treatment is ineffective. Perhaps, surprisingly, cancer clinicians are at no greater risk of poor mental health than other specialists, although levels among senior doctors are higher than among the employed general population. Being young, being single, feeling inadequately trained in communication and management skills and experiencing high levels of stress at work increase the risk of poor mental health for cancer clinicians and other senior doctors alike. Job satisfaction is important in that it appears to protect the mental health of cancer clinicians. Further work is required using a longitudinal approach to clarify risk factors. There is also a need to examine factors such as stress outside work that are likely to confer risk. We also need to understand how symptoms of poor mental health impair work performance. Having identified the risk factors, we need to begin to formulate interventions to improve the working lives of cancer clinicians through, for example, initiatives to improve communication and management skills, provide support to new consultants and facilitate teamwork.

Changes in psychological distress after cancer genetic counselling: a comparison of affected and unaffected women

This study sought to examine changes in psychological distress following cancer genetic counselling. Women attending a family cancer clinic completed questionnaires before their appointment and at 2 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after their appointment. Twenty-six women were at low risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer, 76 were at moderate risk, 46 were at high risk and 46 women had previously had breast or ovarian cancer. All groups were compared with regard to measures of anxiety, depression, general psychological distress, worry about developing breast and ovarian cancer, and perceived risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer and perceived likelihood of carrying a genetic mutation. General psychological distress did not change over the course of the study and the groups did not differ on these measures. Worry about developing breast cancer and perceptions of the likelihood of carrying a genetic mutation significantly reduced following genetic counselling. On the whole women who had already had breast/ovarian cancer showed more concerns about ovarian cancer and raised perceptions of risk in comparison with the other groups, indicating the need for sensitive counselling of such women.

Dilatation and curettage fails to detect most focal lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of focally growing lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > or = 5 mm and the extent to which such lesions can be correctly diagnosed by D&C.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 105 women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > or = 5 mm at transvaginal ultrasound examination underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, D&C and hysteroscopic resection of any focally growing lesion still left in the uterine cavity after D&C. Twenty-four women also underwent hysterectomy. If the histological diagnosis differed between specimens from the same patient, the most relevant diagnosis was considered the final one.

RESULTS

Eighty percent (84/105) of the women had pathology in the uterine cavity, and 98% (82/84) of the pathological lesions manifested a focal growth pattern at hysteroscopy. In 87% of the women with focal lesions in the uterine cavity, the whole or parts of the lesion remained in situ after D&C. D&C missed 58% (25/43) of polyps, 50% (5/10) of hyperplasias, 60% (3/5) of complex atypical hyperplasias, and 11% (2/19) of endometrial cancers. The agreement between the D&C diagnosis and the final diagnosis was excellent (94%) in women without focally growing lesions at hysteroscopy.

CONCLUSION

If there are focal lesions in the uterine cavity, hysteroscopy with endometrial resection is superior to D&C for obtaining a representative endometrial sample in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > or = 5 mm.

Dilatation and curettage fails to detect most focal lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of focally growing lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > or = 5 mm and the extent to which such lesions can be correctly diagnosed by D&C.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 105 women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > or = 5 mm at transvaginal ultrasound examination underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, D&C and hysteroscopic resection of any focally growing lesion still left in the uterine cavity after D&C. Twenty-four women also underwent hysterectomy. If the histological diagnosis differed between specimens from the same patient, the most relevant diagnosis was considered the final one.

RESULTS

Eighty percent (84/105) of the women had pathology in the uterine cavity, and 98% (82/84) of the pathological lesions manifested a focal growth pattern at hysteroscopy. In 87% of the women with focal lesions in the uterine cavity, the whole or parts of the lesion remained in situ after D&C. D&C missed 58% (25/43) of polyps, 50% (5/10) of hyperplasias, 60% (3/5) of complex atypical hyperplasias, and 11% (2/19) of endometrial cancers. The agreement between the D&C diagnosis and the final diagnosis was excellent (94%) in women without focally growing lesions at hysteroscopy.

CONCLUSION

If there are focal lesions in the uterine cavity, hysteroscopy with endometrial resection is superior to D&C for obtaining a representative endometrial sample in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > or = 5 mm.

Primary care physician supply and colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to determine if increasing primary care physician supply was associated with lower incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed an ecologic study of Florida's 67 counties, using data from the state tumor registry and the American Medical Association physician masterfile.

POPULATION

Florida residents were included.

OUTCOMES MEASURED

We measured age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates for Florida's 67 counties during the period 1993 to 1995.

RESULTS

Increasing primary care physician supply was negatively correlated with both colorectal cancer (CC) incidence (CC = -0.46; P < .0001) and mortality rates (CC = -0.29; P =.02). In linear regression that controlled for other county characteristics, each 1% increase in the proportion of county physicians who were in primary care specialties was associated with a corresponding reduction in colorectal cancer incidence of 0.25 cases per 100,000 (P < .0001) and a reduction in colorectal cancer mortality of 0.08 cases per 100,000 (P =.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer decreased in Florida counties that had an increased supply of primary care physicians. This suggests that a balanced work force may achieve better health outcomes.

Relativistic effects and two-body currents in (H)((-->)e(')p)n using out-of-plane detection

Measurements of the (2)H((-->)e,e(')p)n reaction were performed with the out-of-plane magnetic spectrometers (OOPS) at the MIT-Bates Linear Accelerator. The longitudinal-transverse, f(LT) and f(')(LT), and the transverse-transverse, f(TT), interference responses at a missing momentum of 210 MeV/c were simultaneously extracted in the dip region at Q2 = 0.15 (GeV/c)(2). In comparison to models of deuteron electrodisintegration, the data clearly reveal strong effects of relativity and final-state interactions and the importance of two-body meson-exchange currents and isobar configurations. We demonstrate that such effects can be disentangled by extracting these responses using the novel out-of-plane technique.

Cigarette smoking behavior among US Latino men and women from different countries of origin

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare smoking behavior among Latino men and women from different countries of origin.

METHODS

A telephone-administered survey was conducted in 8 cities with Latino men and women of different national origin living in census tracts with at least 70% Latino individuals.

RESULTS

A total of 8882 participants completed the survey; 53% were women. The average age of respondents was 44 years; 63% were foreign-born, and 59% preferred Spanish for the interview. Current smoking was more prevalent among men (25.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.7, 26.3) than among women (12.1%, 95% CI = 11.1, 13.0). Smoking rates were not significantly different by national origin among men, but Puerto Rican women had higher rates of smoking than other women. Central American men and women had the lowest smoking rates. Foreign-born respondents were less likely to be smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66, 0.90) than US-born respondents, and respondents with 12 years or less of education had an increased odds of smoking (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.35). High ac culturation was associated with more smoking in women (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00-1.25) and less smoking in men (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78-0.95). Puerto Rican and Cuban respondents were more likely to be current smokers and to smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day.

CONCLUSIONS

Older, US-born, and more-educated respondents were less likely to be current smokers. Respondents of Puerto Rican and Cuban origin were more likely to smoke. Acculturation has divergent effects on smoking behavior by sex.

Transvaginal sonography, saline contrast sonohysterography and hysteroscopy for the investigation of women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > 5 mm

OBJECTIVES

To determine the ability of transvaginal ultrasound, with or without saline infusion, to detect focally growing lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > 5 mm, and to determine the accuracy of conventional ultrasound, saline contrast sonohysterography and diagnostic hysteroscopy under general anesthesia to diagnose endometrial polyps, submucous myomas and uterine malignancy.

DESIGN

In a prospective study, 105 women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > 5 mm underwent conventional ultrasound examination and saline contrast sonohysterography. Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy under general anesthesia was then performed. The presence of focally growing lesions and the type of lesion (endometrial polyp, submucous myoma, malignancy or unclear focal lesion) were noted at ultrasound examination and at hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

There was almost perfect agreement (96%) between saline contrast sonohysterography and hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of focally growing lesions. Saline contrast sonohysterography and hysteroscopy both had a sensitivity of approximately 80% with regard to diagnosing endometrial polyps (false-positive rates of 24% and 6%, respectively), whereas conventional ultrasound missed half of the polyps (sensitivity, 49%; false-positive rate, 19%). Hysteroscopy was superior to both saline contrast sonohysterography and conventional ultrasound with regard to discriminating between benign and malignant lesions (sensitivity, 84%, 44%, and 60%; false-positive rate, 15%, 6% and 10%, respectively). The risk of malignancy was increased seven-fold (odds ratio, 7.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-27.8) in women with distension difficulties at saline contrast sonohysterography, and two thirds of the women with a poorly distensible uterine cavity had a malignant diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Saline contrast sonohysterography is as good as hysteroscopy at detecting focally growing lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding. However, neither hysteroscopy nor saline contrast sonohysterography can reliably discriminate between benign and malignant focal lesions. Distension difficulties at saline contrast sonohysterography should raise a suspicion of malignancy.

HPLC-based method using sample pre-column clean-up for the determination of methanethiol and ethanethiol in parenteral amino acid solutions

A method has been developed for the chromatographic determination of methanethiol (MT) and ethanethiol (ET) as contaminants in amino acid parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions. The clean-up of the samples before chromatographic analysis was investigated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on pre-columns filled with polyethylene powder (PE), aluminium oxide (AlOx), silica (SiOx), or polyurethane foam (PUF) as adsorbents. The thiols were more efficiently separated from the matrices by SPE on PUF pre-columns. Simultaneous derivatization and elution with DTNB (5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid)) enabled further discrimination between MT and ET by reversed-phase HPLC with spectrophotometric detection. The retention times for the derivatized MT and ET species were 12.5 and 23.0 min, respectively. Recoveries from spiked PN samples were calculated to be approximately 90%, and the MT and ET content of commercial PN solutions was determined using the methodology described. Detection limits of 15 and 10 microg L(-1) were calculated for MT and ET, respectively.

'Dividing the desolation': clients views on the benefits of a cancer counselling service

This paper describes clients' accounts of the benefits they derived from a short course of cancer counselling provided within a humanist framework. Three hundred and two clients who had attended at least one session of a short course of cancer counselling received an evaluation form, which incorporated both fixed-choice and open-ended questions. One hundred and forty two (47%) clients returned evaluation forms; those who had attended more sessions were significantly more likely to do so. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows and qualitative data using a thematic approach. Almost all clients indicated that they felt they had benefited from counselling. Analysis of the open-ended questions identified nine main benefits of counselling and four key avenues or processes through which clients derived these benefits. Overall, counselling was seen as helping them to work through powerful thoughts and feelings and so to come to terms with cancer and to regain a sense of control in their lives. The benefits of a short course of counselling which clients identified reflect the aims of humanistic counselling which are not well captured by psychiatric assessments or most standard research instruments. In evaluating cancer counselling services, assessments which include these client-defined outcomes may provide a more sensitive way of gauging the value of counselling to a non-clinic population.

Cloning and characterization of SLC26A6, a novel member of the solute carrier 26 gene family

The SLC26 gene family (solute carrier family 26) comprises five mammalian genes that encode anion transporter-related proteins. In addition to sat-1 and prestin, which were cloned from rat and gerbil, respectively, three human members have been identified and associated with specific genetic diseases (DTD, diastrophic dysplasia; CLD, congenital chloride diarrhea; PDS, Pendred syndrome). In this study we used a homology approach combined with RACE PCR to identify human SLC26A6, the sixth member of this gene family. Northern blot analysis showed the highest SLC26A6 transcript levels in kidney and pancreas. Expression in MDCK cells and in Xenopus oocytes demonstrated trafficking of the SLC26A6 protein to the cell membrane but did not reveal anion transport activity with tracer uptake or intracellular pH measurements. We determined the genomic structure of the SLC26A6 gene and excluded mutations in the 21 coding exons as the cause of DFNB6 and USH2B, which closely map to the SLC26A6 chromosomal locus (3p21).

An evaluation of a cancer counselling service

The CancerBACUP London Counselling Service offered short-term face-to-face counselling to self-referred cancer patients and their relatives and friends, provided by experienced supervised counsellors working within a humanistic theoretical framework. This study aimed to identify its clients' characteristics, use of the service, extent of perceived benefits and satisfaction with the service. Sociodemographic data were collected in Data Sheets from all 384 clients who booked an appointment over 18 months; they were predominantly female, < 50 years old and from non-manual social classes. Significantly more people in those classes and in the 30-59 age group attended three or more sessions. Three hundred and nine clients who attended at least once were sent an Evaluation Form; 142 responded. The probability of the Evaluation Forms' return was greater for those who had completed more sessions; the great majority of respondents felt that they had benefited, and were satisfied with the service. This study, notwithstanding its limitations, shows that a short course of counselling may be perceived by clients to be helpful; it also raises other issues of value to those involved in cancer services and/or counselling provision.

Skin and hair follicle integrity is crucially dependent on beta 1 integrin expression on keratinocytes

beta 1 integrins are ubiquitously expressed receptors that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. To analyze the function of beta1 integrin in skin we generated mice with a keratinocyte-restricted deletion of the beta 1 integrin gene using the cre-loxP system. Mutant mice developed severe hair loss due to a reduced proliferation of hair matrix cells and severe hair follicle abnormalities. Eventually, the malformed hair follicles were removed by infiltrating macrophages. The epidermis of the back skin became hyperthickened, the basal keratinocytes showed reduced expression of alpha 6 beta 4 integrin, and the number of hemidesmosomes decreased. Basement membrane components were atypically deposited and, at least in the case of laminin-5, improperly processed, leading to disruption of the basement membrane and blister formation at the dermal-epidermal junction. In contrast, the integrity of the basement membrane surrounding the beta 1-deficient hair follicle was not affected. Finally, the dermis became fibrotic. These results demonstrate an important role of beta 1 integrins in hair follicle morphogenesis, in the processing of basement membrane components, in the maintenance of some, but not all basement membranes, in keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, and in the formation and/or maintenance of hemidesmosomes.

Summary measures and statistics in the analysis of quality of life data: an example from an EORTC-NCIC-SAKK locally advanced breast cancer study

Quality of Life (QL) is now included as an endpoint in many phase III cancer clinical trials. Numerous statistical techniques have been presented in the literature to analyse QL data but there is still no agreement as to what is the optimal approach of analysis. In this paper we, therefore, present and compare various techniques which have all appeared in the literature and which may be globally described as summary measures and summary statistics. These techniques are illustrated using data from an EORTC clinical trial in locally advanced breast cancer (EORTC trial 10921). It is also explained in this paper how and when these techniques may be used in other cancer settings. For EORTC trial 10921, it is shown that by choosing different techniques different conclusions may be drawn concerning the QL outcome. This highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate primary statistical method and for describing it a priori in the protocol and analysis plan. In this paper, we show the importance of performing sensitivity or supportive analysis to support conclusions drawn from the primary analysis.

Deregulated expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 in prostate epithelium leads to neoplasia in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice expressing human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in basal epithelial cells of prostate have been characterized. Transgene expression led to activation of the IGF-1 receptor and spontaneous tumorigenesis in prostate epithelium. Hyperplasia was evident in these mice by 2-3 months of age. Atypical hyperplasias and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were evident by 6-7 months of age. Well differentiated adenocarcinomas appeared in mice 6 months or older. Less differentiated tumors, diagnosed as small cell carcinomas, were also observed in two of the older mice. Both lobes of the mouse prostate gland (dorsolateral and ventral) presented preneoplastic and neoplastic changes. The incidence of tumors in mice >/=6 months of age (38 mice total) was 50%. The development of neoplasia in these transgenic mice appeared to follow a stepwise progression through early preneoplastic changes that ultimately culminated in frank neoplasia. These mice offer an animal model for prostate cancer that will allow study of the stepwise development of this disease and the mechanism(s) whereby IGF-1 mediates this process.

Constitutive expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 in epidermal basal cells of transgenic mice leads to spontaneous tumor promotion

Transgenic mice overexpressing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the basal layer of skin epidermis were generated using the bovine keratin 5 promoter (BK5). Neonatal transgenic mice were slightly smaller at birth and exhibited early ear unfolding, wrinkled and thickened skin, and slightly enlarged ears compared with nontransgenic littermates. Morphological evaluation of the skin revealed that persistent overexpression of IGF-1 in the basal layer of the epidermis resulted in epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and an increased labeling index that persisted in adult mice. Phenotypic changes observed in skin were associated with transgene expression in the basal layer of the epidermis and activation of the IGF-1 receptor. Squamous papillomas (some of which converted to carcinomas) developed in a significant proportion (approximately 50%) of older BK5.IGF-1 mice. Treatment of BK5.IGF-1 transgenic mice with multiple topical applications of the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, in the absence of tumor initiation led to the development of additional skin papillomas. Furthermore, treatment of BK5.IGF-1 transgenic mice with an initiating dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene only led to the formation of additional papillomas in the absence of promotion. In two-stage carcinogenesis experiments, BK5.IGF-1 transgenic mice developed 7-fold more papillomas than nontransgenic littermates. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase B (Akt) activities were elevated (3-4-fold), and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity was elevated approximately 1.7-fold in the epidermis of transgenic mice compared with nontransgenic mice. In addition, UV light-induced epidermal apoptosis was significantly suppressed in BK5.IGF-1 transgenic mice. These data suggest that persistent activation of IGF-1 receptor signaling pathways in basal epithelial cells leads to spontaneous tumor promotion and that up-regulation of both mitogenic and cell survival signaling pathways may play an important role in the action of IGF-1 in this model system.

The efficacy of bilingual health advocacy in ethnic minority patients with cancer

AIM

This research aims to establish the efficacy of introducing trained bilingual health advocates to non-English speaking cancer patients.

METHOD

Male and female Bengali advocates received appropriate training. They were then given a group of patients to manage, while a control group received no such intervention. Outcomes were determined at the baseline and after three months. The study finally concludes in April 2000.

RESULTS

The progress so far shows that the advocates had only recruited half of the expected number of Bengali cancer patients. Focus groups showed, however, that healthcare professionals felt that their training was inadequate to overcome the language and cultural barriers, and many were distressed that they were not meeting the needs of minority ethnic patients.

CONCLUSION

The authors anticipate that this study will concur with research in other health sectors where bilingual health advocacy has been beneficial, and that future care will be better informed as a result.

Central benzodiazepine involvement in clonidine cardiovascular actions

It is well known that the GABAergic and noradrenergic systems play an important role in blood pressure and heart rate regulation. Benzodiazepines and beta-carbolines, respectively, increase or decrease the probability of chloride-channel opening induced by GABA. The aim of this study was to determine, in conscious rats, the interaction existing between the central alpha2-adrenoceptor stimulation induced by clonidine and the facilitation or impairment of benzodiazepine receptor activity through the administration of either diazepam, a benzodiazepine receptor agonist, or methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), an inverse benzodiazepine agonist. Clonidine (5-10 microg, intracerebroventricularly) reduced heart rate and increased mean blood pressure by activation of central alpha2-adrenoceptors. Diazepam (2 mg/kg, intravenously (i.v.)) induced an increase in heart rate, while DMCM (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) elicited a bradycardic effect. The bradycardic effects induced by both clonidine and DMCM were antagonized by the prior administration of methylatropine (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.). DMCM (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) prevented the clonidine effects on heart rate and mean blood pressure, while diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.v.) failed to modify these effects. Our results suggest that the bradycardic effects of clonidine are mediated by a vagal stimulation and are related to the activation of a GABAergic pathway.

Short-term pravastatin mediates growth inhibition and apoptosis, independently of Ras, via the signaling proteins p27Kip1 and P13 kinase

Growth factor-stimulated DNA synthesis in a variety of cell lines has been shown to be decreased after overnight (or longer) treatment with the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors, the statins. Although this anti-mitogenic effect had been presumed to be the result of the impairment of Ras lipidation, a stable modification (T1/2 approximately 20 h), this study provides new data demonstrating that brief (approximately 1 h) pretreatment of rat vascular smooth muscle cells with 100 microM pravastatin before platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulation results in attenuation of DNA synthesis through a Ras-independent mechanism. PDGF-BB-stimulated PDGF-beta receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, Ras activity, and mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity are unaffected by from 10 min to 1 h of pravastatin incubation, while Raf activity is markedly increased after 1 h of pravastatin. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity and phosphorylation of its downstream effector Akt are decreased after 1 h pravastatin incubation. Rho is stabilized by pravastatin, and ADP-ribosylation of Rho by C3 exoenzyme decreases PDGF-stimulated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity, mimicking the effect of pravastatin on this signaling protein. Levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 are increased when cells were preincubated with pravastatin for 1 h and then exposed to PDGF, and apoptosis is induced by pravastatin incubation times as short as 1 to 4 h. Thus, short-term, high-dose pravastatin inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell growth and induces apoptosis independently of Ras, likely by means of the drug's effect on p27Kip1, mediated by Rho and/or phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. This work demonstrates for the first time that the statins may be therapeutically useful when applied for short periods of time such that potential toxicity of long-term statin use (such as chronic Ras inhibition) may be avoided, suggesting future therapeutic directions for statin research.

Sympathectomy inhibits the vasoactive effects of nicotine in conscious rats

OBJECTIVE

The mechanisms underlying the pressor response to nicotine are incompletely understood. Although sympatho-adrenergic activation plays a major role, the relative contribution of adrenal vs. neurally released catecholamines and the possible role of non-adrenergic factors (e.g. vasopressin release) is not established.

METHODS

We examined the cardiovascular responses to graded i.v. injections of nicotine (1 to 100 micrograms kg-1) in conscious Wistar-Kyoto rats under control conditions and (i) after chemical sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine, which destroys sympathetic endings but spares the adrenal medulla; (ii) after an alpha-adrenergic blockade by phenoxybenzamine; (iii) after a V1 vasopressin receptor blockade by a specific antagonist.

RESULTS

In control rats, nicotine caused a dose-dependent tachycardiac and pressor response. Both responses were abolished by sympathectomy, whereas the alpha-blockade left the tachycardiac response unaffected but inhibited the pressor response: the V1 vasopressin receptor blockade had no effect on either the tachycardiac or pressor response.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in the conscious rat; (1) the pressor response to nicotine mainly depends on peripheral alpha-adrenergically-mediated vasoconstriction; (2) the vasomotor effect is caused by neural rather than adrenomedullary catecholamine release; (3) the nicotine-induced increase in heart rate (and presumably cardiac output) is per se unable to raise blood pressure, and (4) the nicotine-induced release of vasopressin plays no significant role in the pressor response.