Creation of a stable human reporter cell line suitable for FACS-based, transdominant genetic selection

Quality bioassays are central to all approaches directed at understanding or perturbing the function of proteins. One type of cell-based bioassay involves an engineered reporter whose transcriptional activity serves as a readout for upstream signals of a biochemical pathway(s) that feeds into the reporter. We describe a general strategy for creating a mammalian reporter line with attributes suitable for a high complexity, en masse transdominant genetic screen. The basic criteria required of the mammalian cells engineered with the reporter include ease of maintenance, ease of sorting by FACS, ability to be transduced by retroviruses, and high expression of transduced peptides or cDNAs. For maximal enrichment during selection, the reporter line should have a relatively homogeneous response and a high signal-to-background ratio. We use a melanoma cell line transduced with a retinoic-acid-responsive promoter coupled to a GFP reporter as a case study to demonstrate the strategy. We characterize an optimized retinoic-acid-responsive reporter clone to determine the kinetics of reporter induction and decay in the presence and absence of retinoids. Dose-response studies reveal that the reporter responds to all-trans retinoic acid with an EC50 of approximately 1 nM. The strategy described is general and may be applied to create other reporter lines that respond to a specific stimulus.

Fine mapping of the binding sites of monoclonal antibodies raised against the Pk tag

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) SV5-Pk is used widely in a variety of procedures to detect recombinant proteins tagged with the Pk tag, a 14 amino acid sequence derived from the P and V proteins of the paramyxovirus Simian Virus 5. Here we report on the isolation and characterisation of four additional SV5-Pk mAbs (termed SV5-Pk2 to 5) that bind the Pk tag. All the SV5-Pk mAbs can detect Pk tagged recombinant proteins in a variety of immunological procedures, including ELISA and immunofluorescence. Using SPOT technology, the minimal binding epitope of each SV5-Pk mAb was defined by one-sided terminal truncation analysis from either the amino- or carboxy-ends of the Pk peptide. Each mAb recognises slightly different epitopes within the Pk tag, ranging from 5 to 9 amino acids in length. The equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) of the mAbs, as measured by surface plasmon resonance, ranged from approximately 20 to 60 pmol. Cysteine scanner mutations throughout the Pk tag revealed that some amino acids within the minimal binding epitopes were critical for mAb binding, while others could readily be substituted with little or no effect on antibody binding. The development of the Pk tag as a spacer arm for site-directed chemical coupling, and the use of the mAbs to monitor purification and coupling procedures, is discussed.

Clinically effective leg ulcer care

Leg ulcers are a common and debilitating problem. Despite the presence of evidence to suggest that certain treatments can provide effective management, there are widespread variations in the provision of care. The project examined here brought together staff from both acute hospital and community settings. As a result the availability of education, training and materials to ensure evidence-based practice was improved.

Aerosolized albuterol improves airway reactivity in infants with acute respiratory failure from respiratory syncytial virus

The objective of this investigation was to measure the bronchodilator effect of aerosolized albuterol on infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced respiratory failure. Infants who required intubation and mechanical ventilator support for RSV disease were eligible for this prospective, nonrandomized study. Pulmonary function tests, including respiratory mechanics by least mean square analysis, small airway function by rapid thoraco-abdominal compression, and functional residual capacity by nitrogen washout were performed before and 20 min after inhalation of 20-40 breaths of undiluted (0.5%) albuterol solution via a small-volume nebulizer. Analysis of maximum expiratory flow at functional residual capacity (V'maxFRC) before and after albuterol administration was performed using a t-test for paired comparisons. A two-tailed P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Twenty-five infants (mean +/-SD postconceptional age = 45 +/- 5 weeks) were enrolled. Thirteen of the 25 infants had a prior history of prematurity and/or cardiorespiratory disease. After aerosolized albuterol, mean V'maxFRC increased significantly from 48 +/- 46 ml/sec to 65 +/- 59 ml/sec (P = 0.03); however, only three patients had an increase into the normal range. Three patients had a substantial (40-50%) decrease in V'maxFRC. These findings suggest that during the acute phase of severe RSV respiratory infection some of this group of very young infants had airway reactivity that improved in response to inhaled albuterol.

Lung cancer, proximity to industry, and poverty in northeast England

This study assesses whether deprived populations living close to industry experience greater mortality from lung cancer than populations with comparable socioeconomic characteristics living farther away. Mortality data, census data, a postal survey of living circumstances, historic and contemporary data on air quality and a historic land-use survey were used. Analysis was based on two conurbations in England, Teesside and Sunderland. Housing estates in Teesside were selected based on socioeconomic criteria and distinguished by proximity to steel and chemical industries; they were grouped into three zones: near (A), intermediate (B), and farther (C), with a single zone in Sunderland. We included 14,962 deaths in 27 estates. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) for lung cancer [International Classification of Diseases #9 (ICD-9) 162] and cancers other than lung (ICD-9 140-239, excluding 162), and sex ratios were calculated. Mortality from lung cancer was well above national levels in all zones. For men, a weak gradient corresponding with proximity to industry at younger ages reversed at older ages. In women 0-64 years of age, stronger gradients in lung cancer mortality corresponded with proximity to industry across zones A, B, and C (SMR = 393, 251, 242, respectively). Overall rates in Teesside were higher than Sunderland rates for women aged 0-64 years (SMR = 287 vs. 185) and 65-74 years (SMR = 190 vs. 157). The association between raised lung cancer mortality and proximity to industry in women under 75 years of age could not be explained by smoking, occupation, socioeconomic factors, or artifact. Explanations for differences between men and women may include gender-specific occupational experiences and smoking patterns. Our judgment is that the observed gradient in women points to a role for industrial air pollution.

Nutrition and the client with AIDS

The nutritional problems that go along with HIV infection and AIDS are significant and in fact contribute to death. Nutrition not only affects overall health but one's ability to respond to therapies and quality of life. Malnutrition and "wasting syndrome" result from compromised nutritional status. Early detection and intervention can decrease the dramatic problems caused by these conditions. Regardless of the stage of illness, Medical Nutrition Therapy needs to be individualized and prioritized as an integral part of one's total care.

A comparison of the effectiveness of malignancy detection in body fluid examination by the cytopathology and hematology laboratories

BACKGROUND

Body fluid specimens in many institutions are submitted for cytologic examination as well as for examination in a clinical microscopy or hematology laboratory. The cytology laboratory is generally seen as the standard for detection of malignancy, whereas the clinical microscopy laboratory is often depended on predominantly for cell counting and categorization.

METHODS

To analyze the effectiveness of the hematology laboratory at detecting malignant fluids, this study retrospectively analyzed reports on 397 body fluid specimens (cerebrospinal, pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural) that were concurrently submitted over a 12-month period to both the cytopathology laboratory and the hematology laboratory.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (9.3%) of the cases were diagnosed as malignant by at least one of the two examinations. The cytopathology examination reported 27 (73%) of the 37 malignant cases as malignant and 30 (81.1%) as at least atypical (27 malignant and 3 inconclusive), and the hematology examination reported 34 (91.9%) as malignant and 36 (97.3%) as at least atypical. A concordant malignant diagnosis was given by both laboratories in 24 (64.9%) of the 37 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that examination of specimens by the hematology laboratory can provide a highly sensitive diagnostic evaluation in addition to its more customary role of providing timely cell counts.

Changing care staff approaches to the prevention and management of aggressive behaviour in a residential treatment unit for persons with mental retardation and challenging behaviour

The impact of a new training procedure aimed at improving staff skills in the preventative and reactive management of severely challenging behaviours was investigated within a six-place residential treatment unit. The results showed that there was some evidence to support the notion that the training reduced the number of behavioural incidents for most residents. The rates of major reactive strategy use (restraint and emergency medication) also declined over time, as did rates of staff and resident injury. Although only a limited number of these changes showed statistically significant correlations with time, it is argued that they were clinically significant when viewed against the complexity of the client group under study.

Malnutrition in the elderly

Home care nurses daily work with elderly patients who have various nutritional problems. This article discusses the factors that contribute to malnutrition in the elderly and suggests interventions that can be used by the patient and the family to improve the patient's nutritional status.

Infection and allergy incidence in ambulatory surgery patients using white petrolatum vs bacitracin ointment. A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of white petrolatum vs bacitracin ointment on wound infection incidence, allergic contact dermatitis incidence, and healing characteristics.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, prospective trial comparing white petrolatum with bacitracin ointment in postprocedure wound care.

SETTING

A general outpatient dermatology clinic and a tertiary referral advanced surgical procedure clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.

PATIENTS

A total of 922 patients who had dermatologic surgery with a total of 1249 wounds.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of infection and allergic contact dermatitis during a follow-up period of 4 weeks. Healing characteristics were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 922 patients enrolled, 440 in the white petrolatum group and 444 in the bacitracin group were evaluable for clinical response. The 2 treatment groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Thirteen patients developed postprocedure infection (1.5%), 9 (2.0%) in the white petrolatum group vs 4 (0.9%) in the bacitracin group (95% confidence interval for difference, -0.4% to 2.7%; P=.37). Eight infections (1.8%) in the white petrolatum group were due to Staphylococcus aureus vs none in the bacitracin group (P=.004). No patient in the group using white petrolatum developed allergic contact dermatitis vs 4 patients (0.9%) in the group using bacitracin (P=.12). Additionally, there were no clinically significant differences in healing between the treatment groups on day 1 (P=.98), day 7 (P=.86), or day 28 (P=.28) after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

White petrolatum is a safe, effective wound care ointment for ambulatory surgery. In comparison with bacitracin, white petrolatum possesses an equally low infection rate and minimal risk for induction of allergy.

Region-specific DNA synthesis in brains of F344 rats following a six-day bromodeoxyuridine infusion

Prolonged exposure to certain alkylating chemicals induces glial and meningeal tumours in rats, probably resulting from DNA damage to dividing neural cells. The present work evaluated DNA synthesis in the brains of untreated, young adult male F344 rats in order to define a BrdUrd infusion protocol to more adequately assess proliferation in slowly dividing neural cell populations. BrdUrd (2.5 to 160 mg/ml) was administered for 6 days via subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Clinical toxicity was not observed at any dose. The labelling index (LI; % of cells per brain area that incorporated BrdUrd) and unit length labelling index (ULLI; % of cells per meningeal length that incorporated BrdUrd) were calculated for selected regions by counting labelled neural cells in defined areas of the right hemisphere in coronal brain sections. Intensely stained cells were numerous in the cerebral subependymal layer (LI = 35.8%); scattered in cerebral white matter tracts (e.g. corpus callosum and internal capsule; LI = 6.2%) as well as cerebral (ULLI = 4.2%) and cerebellar (ULLI = 3.6%) meninges; and rare in the hippocampus (LI > 0.1%). Mildy stained cells were dispersed in the pons (LI = 2.1%), deep cerebral (LI = 1.8%) and cerebellar (LI = 1.0%) grey matter, and thalamus (LI = 0.3%). Phenotypically, BrdUrd-positive cells in neuropil were glial cell precursors and their progeny, while those associated with meninges were usually located in the superficial subarachnoid space and appeared to be fibrocytes. Using BrdUrd infusion, LI for glial precursors at these sites ranged from two- to 10-fold higher than those reported previously after a brief parenteral pulse dose. These data indicate that continuous BrdUrd infusion for 6 days by subcutaneous osmotic pump is an efficient means of labelling neural cells throughout the brain.

A controlled trial of remacemide hydrochloride in Huntington's disease

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled tolerability study of a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor ion-channel blocker, remacemide hydrochloride, in 31 independently ambulatory patients (18 men, 13 women) with Huntington's disease (HD). Subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or active remacemide at dosages of 200 mg/day or 600 mg/day. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of subjects able to complete the study with the assigned treatment. Remacemide was generally well tolerated, and no significant differences between the treatment arms were found in the primary outcome measure. A trend toward improvement in chorea was observed among subjects administered remacemide 200 mg/day. Based on the tolerability and safety demonstrated during this short-term trial, remacemide warrants more extended controlled investigation in patients with HD.

Isolation and characterization of conformation sensitive antierythropoietin monoclonal antibodies: effect of disulfide bonds and carbohydrate on recombinant human erythropoietin structure

We have isolated and characterized three anti-recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that recognize nonoverlapping epitopes on rHuEPO. Anti-EPO MoAb D11 neutralizes rHuEPO activity whereas MoAbs F12 and 9G8A do not. This suggests that D11 may bind to the rHuEPO active site. MoAbs F12 and D11 recognize conformation dependent epitopes whereas 9G8A does not. Immunoassays were developed for each monoclonal. The 9G8A immunoassay was novel and useful because immunoreactivity increased when rHuEPO was denatured. Disruption of disulfide bonds or removal of carbohydrate increased 9G8A immunoreactivity, which suggests that these elements are important for rHuEPO structure or stability.

Establishing links between air quality and health: searching for the impossible?

Traditional approaches in environmental spatial epidemiology have relied on assessing postulated links between environmental pollution and ill health, often as a response to a perceived public health problem; clearly it may be necessary to go beyond this stage in order to establish the nature of potential causal mechanisms. Different disciplines approach this issue in different ways. Many toxicologists favour approaches based on air quality monitoring, where raised levels of candidate pollutants may subsequently generate hypotheses about adverse health effects. Epidemiologists, however, assess the health of a population and then look for an associated cause. This paper suggests that neither approach is completely satisfactory and that a combination of both is needed. If spatially referenced data are available for both health status and air quality, then geographical analysis is needed to examine possible links, by using techniques such as atmospheric dispersion modelling and Geographical Information Systems. We discuss the benefits and constraints of these approaches, using empirical examples of environmental epidemiology studies for northern England. Taking into account the problems involved in such studies, allied to the high costs incorporated, the paper asks the question: Are we searching for the impossible?

A status report on transition planning for individuals with learning disabilities

The predominant focus of the transition movement has been on individuals with moderate and severe disabilities. Only recently have professionals begun to comprehensively address the transition needs of individuals with learning disabilities. Although certain transition planning components are applicable to all youth, regardless of disability, the unique needs of specific disability categories must be recognized. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of transition as it relates to students with learning disabilities. Specifically, it provides (a) an overview of state and federal mandates and initiatives that influence transition practices, and (b) a discussion of transition practices for individuals with learning disabilities.

The 21-aminosteroid tirilazad mesylate can ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease in rats

The 21-aminosteroid tirilazad mesylate (U74006F) is a lipophilic antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has been reported to attenuate brain or spinal cord injury caused by trauma, stroke, ischemia and reperfusion injury. In this study, we have examined the effect of U74006F in reducing the inflammatory parameters of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in rats. To induce IBD, rats were given ethanolic TNBS intracolonically. Rats received either 1) TNBS and U74006F 2) TNBS and vehicle or 3) saline and vehicle. Rats were sacrificed 1, 2 and 3 weeks after IBD induction. Colon to body weight ratio (an index of tissue edema) was markedly increased in the vehicle-treated IBD rats after 1 week of administration of TNBS. The ratio was significantly lower after U74006F treatment and the trend remained even after 3 weeks of chronic inflammation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in vehicle-treated IBD rats was substantially increased compared with controls during the entire 3 weeks of the experiment. U74006F-treated animals had significantly reduced MPO activity (60% lower) when compared with vehicle-treated animals at the end of the second and third weeks. These observations were confirmed by histopathology studies showing reduced granulocyte infiltration after drug treatment. U74006F treatment decreased basal (by 70%) and fMLP stimulated (by 75%) superoxide generation from colonic tissue from IBD rats compared with vehicle treatment after 2 weeks, but there was no apparent difference in superoxide generation among all three groups after 3 weeks. The results of this study suggested that administration of U74006F effectively reduces the inflammatory parameters in this chronic rat model of IBD. As such, U74006F may be therapeutically beneficial for the treatment of IBD in humans.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial meningitis: overuse and uncertain efficacy

BACKGROUND

There is little evidence supporting the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing secondary cases of bacterial meningitis, and recent guidance extended the use of prophylactic antibiotics amongst children who attend pre-school groups.

METHODS

We examined the volume of rifampicin prescribed, and that recommended to contacts of cases of meningococcal and Hib meningitis in Somerset over a three-year period using case note records of the Consultant for Communicable Disease Control (CCDC) and PACT data.

RESULTS

There was evidence of excessive prescribing over and above that recommended by the CCDC.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive prescribing increases the chance of serious drug side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. It is suggested that both meningitis contacts and information about early symptoms of meningitis, as well as an explanation of the rationale behind the prescribing of antibiotic prophylaxis to contacts. This may reduce the likelihood of unnecessary prescribing and subsequent complications.

Adhesion-promoting properties of dyes routinely used during fertility surgeries

PURPOSE

With the link between peritoneal adhesions and infertility well established, it is critical that materials used in pelvic surgery be tested for their adhesion-forming properties. The current study examined the adhesion-inducing properties of two dyes routinely used for visualization during pelvic surgery.

DESIGN

In vivo and in vitro examination of the effects of the dyes methylene blue and indigo carmine on adhesion formation in a mouse model.

METHOD

A series of three experiments was conducted. In the first, dyes were injected directly into the peritoneal cavity. The mice were then sacrificed at one of two time points and the peritoneal cavity examined for adhesion formation. In addition, because of their purposed role in adhesion formation, macrophages from the cavity were examined for signs of dye-induced activation. Further studies of macrophage activation were then conducted in vitro to determine the effects of dye concentration and exposure time on the activation process.

RESULTS

Both methylene blue and indigo carmine appeared to induce adhesion formation as well as macrophage activation in vivo. Further, long-term exposure to visual concentrations of both dyes appeared to induce macrophage activation. However, only those macrophages exposed to methylene blue exhibited signs of activation when the exposure time was limited to times equivalent to those which might be expected during surgery.

CONCLUSION

Of the two dyes tested, indigo carmine might be the dye of choice in surgeries where fertility is to be maintained.

Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit

There is widespread belief that the use of aromatherapy and massage in an intensive care environment offers a means of increasing the quality of sensory input that patients receive, as well as reducing levels of stress and anxiety. Despite a wealth of anecdotal evidence in support of these claims, there have been few objective studies to evaluate the effects of these therapies. In this experimental study 122 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit were randomly allocated to receive either massage, aromatherapy using essential oil of lavender, or a period of rest. Both pre- and post-therapy assessments included physiological stress indicators and patients' evaluation of their anxiety levels, mood and ability to cope with their intensive care experience. Ninety-three patients (77%) were able to complete subjective assessments. There were no statistically significant differences in the physiological stress indicators or observed or reported behaviour of patients' ability to cope following any of the three interventions. However, those patients who received aromatherapy reported significantly greater improvement in their mood and perceived levels of anxiety. They also felt less anxious and more positive immediately following the therapy, although this effect was not sustained or cumulative.