Delta-F508 cystic fibrosis mutation is not linked to intussusception: implications for rotavirus vaccine

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the cystic fibrosis (CF) delta-F508 gene mutation predisposes to intussusception, and so selects infants who should not receive rotavirus vaccine.

METHODS

Stored neonatal screening blood spots, retrieved from 81 infants with intussusception and from 79 controls, were tested for the presence of the CF delta-F508 gene mutation.

RESULTS

Prevalence of the mutation was similar in blood specimens from intussusception patients and from controls.

CONCLUSION

Testing for the CF delta-F508 mutation at birth is unlikely to identify infants predisposed to intussusception, and therefore is not relevant to rotavirus vaccine programs.

How many positions can we perceptually encode, one or many?

Here we show that our sensitivity for discriminating relative position across the visual field is limited. In experiment 1 we show that we are much worse at detecting a texture defined by the relative position of elements within an array than would be expected if we had access to multiple estimates of relative position across the visual field. In experiment 2 we show that human performance is impaired for positional judgments when there is uncertainty as to which of a number of possible elements is misaligned. This impairment is greater than one would expect from an ideal observer model and greater than that found for a comparable task involving orientation. It is consistent with positional thresholds being determined by only one estimate of relative position. In experiment 3 we estimate the number of suprathreshold positional signals that can be pooled at the same time across the visual field using a standard summation variance paradigm. The results suggest that the human visual system is limited to one estimate of position, but additional estimates can be built up serially over time; however, this process is slow and probably cognitive in nature. These experiments taken as a whole suggest that only one estimate of relative position (i.e. relative to a predefined reference) at a time is accessible at the perceptual level.

CNS angiitis in graft vs host disease

Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a potentially treatable cause of progressive neurologic decline after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The authors present histologic confirmation of CNS granulomatous angiitis in a child with chronic GVHD after BMT. Since cranial MRI showed only nonspecific findings, CNS vasculitis associated with GVHD after BMT may be underdiagnosed.

Implication of a novel multiprotein Dam1p complex in outer kinetochore function

Dam1p, Duo1p, and Dad1p can associate with each other physically and are required for both spindle integrity and kinetochore function in budding yeast. Here, we present our purification from yeast extracts of an approximately 245 kD complex containing Dam1p, Duo1p, and Dad1p and Spc19p, Spc34p, and the previously uncharacterized proteins Dad2p and Ask1p. This Dam1p complex appears to be regulated through the phosphorylation of multiple subunits with at least one phosphorylation event changing during the cell cycle. We also find that purified Dam1p complex binds directly to microtubules in vitro with an affinity of approximately 0.5 microM. To demonstrate that subunits of the Dam1p complex are functionally important for mitosis in vivo, we localized Spc19-green fluorescent protein (GFP), Spc34-GFP, Dad2-GFP, and Ask1-GFP to the mitotic spindle and to kinetochores and generated temperature-sensitive mutants of DAD2 and ASK1. These and other analyses implicate the four newly identified subunits and the Dam1p complex as a whole in outer kinetochore function where they are well positioned to facilitate the association of chromosomes with spindle microtubules.

Functional cooperation of Dam1, Ipl1, and the inner centromere protein (INCENP)-related protein Sli15 during chromosome segregation

We have shown previously that Ipl1 and Sli15 are required for chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sli15 associates directly with the Ipl1 protein kinase and these two proteins colocalize to the mitotic spindle. We show here that Sli15 stimulates the in vitro, and likely in vivo, kinase activity of Ipl1, and Sli15 facilitates the association of Ipl1 with the mitotic spindle. The Ipl1-binding and -stimulating activities of Sli15 both reside within a region containing homology to the metazoan inner centromere protein (INCENP). Ipl1 and Sli15 also bind to Dam1, a microtubule-binding protein required for mitotic spindle integrity and kinetochore function. Sli15 and Dam1 are most likely physiological targets of Ipl1 since Ipl1 can phosphorylate both proteins efficiently in vitro, and the in vivo phosphorylation of both proteins is reduced in ipl1 mutants. Some dam1 mutations exacerbate the phenotype of ipl1 and sli15 mutants, thus providing evidence that Dam1 interactions with Ipl1-Sli15 are functionally important in vivo. Similar to Dam1, Ipl1 and Sli15 each bind to microtubules directly in vitro, and they are associated with yeast centromeric DNA in vivo. Given their dual association with microtubules and kinetochores, Ipl1, Sli15, and Dam1 may play crucial roles in regulating chromosome-spindle interactions or in the movement of kinetochores along microtubules.

Development of the fallopian canal in humans: a morphologic and radiologic study

AIMS

This study investigated the development of the fallopian canal with particular reference to the mode of ossification and dehiscences, sites of incomplete closure around the facial nerve.

BACKGROUND

The precise sequence of events surrounding ossification of the tissues around the facial nerve is uncertain. Incomplete ossification results in dehiscence of the adult structure, which places the nerve at increased risk of damage from disease processes in the middle ear and iatrogenic trauma during otologic surgery.

METHODS

Twenty-four temporal bones from 12-to 36-week human fetuses were resected. Eight temporal bones from 22-to 36-week fetuses were microsliced to produce 1.5-mm horizontal sections and radiographed. Sixteen temporal bones from 12-to 35-week fetuses were serially microtomed to produce 7-microm slices, which were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of these sections were performed to document patterns of closure of the primitive canal and dehiscence formation.

RESULTS

The tympanic part of the primitive fallopian canal, the facial sulcus, developed anteroposteriorly from the geniculate fossa to enclose the facial nerve. The mesenchyme that formed the facial sulcus underwent endochondral ossification, while the bone which capped or closed the sulcus developed in membrane. In the tympanic segment, permanent congenital dehiscences were elliptical and about 1 mm in length.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clarifies the mode of development of the fallopian canal, with particular reference to dehiscences, and provides a scientific basis for otologic practice.

Volitional selection of direction in the generation of anticipatory ocular smooth pursuit in humans

Anticipatory smooth pursuit eye movements cannot normally be generated in the absence of a moving target. However, repeated presentation of identical target motion stimuli, preceded by warning cues, leads to the build up of anticipatory smooth pursuit prior to target onset. These anticipatory responses arguably depend more on motor habit than cognitive expectations. Here, we show that directional cues, concomitant with a timing cue, may be used to initiate predictive (velocity scaled) movements in response to target stimuli of random direction. Furthermore, we show stored velocity and timing information may be directionally transferred, thus allowing predictive movements in a novel direction. This demonstrates the internal origin of these movements and their volitional as opposed to reflexive nature.

Fine-scale mapping of a locus for severe bipolar mood disorder on chromosome 18p11.3 in the Costa Rican population

We have searched for genes predisposing to bipolar disorder (BP) by studying individuals with the most extreme form of the affected phenotype, BP-I, ascertained from the genetically isolated population of the Central Valley of Costa Rica (CVCR). The results of a previous linkage analysis on two extended CVCR BP-I pedigrees, CR001 and CR004, and of linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses of a CVCR population sample of BP-I patients implicated a candidate region on 18p11.3. We further investigated this region by creating a physical map and developing 4 new microsatellite and 26 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers for typing in the pedigree and population samples. We report the results of fine-scale association analyses in the population sample, as well as evaluation of haplotypes in pedigree CR001. Our results suggest a candidate region containing six genes but also highlight the complexities of LD mapping of common disorders.

Assessing payback from NHS reactive research programmes

Aims to assess retrospectively the payback from NHS reactive research programmes in the Northern and Yorkshire region. A questionnaire was sent to all recipients of regional reactive research programme funding (biomedical, health services research (HSR), and primary and community care programmes) between 1 April 1991 and 31 March 1996. The sample available for analysis involved 174 respondents covering 119 projects, with a total financial value of 2.2 million Pounds. The main outcome measures used were peer-reviewed publications, changes in individual practice, changes in NHS service delivery and organisation, and impact on the careers of researchers. Overall, 119 projects produced 230 peer-reviewed publications: this was achieved at an average cost of 10,673 Pounds, 6,386 Pounds and 22,310 Pounds per publication for the biomedical, HSR, and primary and community care programmes respectively. From the qualitative data analysis, important changes in individual practice and NHS service delivery were identified by respondents. The researchers in our sample appeared to have attracted over 6 million Pounds in R&D funding related to the initial regional grant. Although based on self-report, there is evidence to suggest that the return on investment from NHS R&D can be substantial, taking a broad view of benefits to the NHS and to researchers. The findings also confirm the need for more effective dissemination and implementation of research findings.

Dad1p, third component of the Duo1p/Dam1p complex involved in kinetochore function and mitotic spindle integrity

We showed recently that a complex between Duo1p and Dam1p is required for both spindle integrity and kinetochore function in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To extend our understanding of the functions and interactions of the Duo1p/Dam1p complex, we analyzed the novel gene product Dad1p (for Duo1 and Dam1 interacting). Dad1p physically associates with Duo1p by two-hybrid analysis, coimmunoprecipitates with Duo1p and Dam1p out of yeast protein extracts, and shows interdependent localization with Duo1p and Dam1p to the mitotic spindle. These results indicate that Dad1p functions as a component of the Duo1p/Dam1p complex. Like Duo1p and Dam1p, Dad1p also localizes to kinetochore regions in chromosomes spreads. Here, we also demonstrate by chromatin immunoprecipitation that Duo1p, Dam1p, and Dad1p associate specifically with centromeric DNA in a manner that is dependent upon Ndc10 and partially dependent upon the presence of microtubules. To explore the functions of Dad1p in vivo, we generated a temperature-sensitive allele, dad1-1. This allele shows spindle defects and a mitotic arrest phenotype that is dependent upon the spindle assembly checkpoint. In addition, dad1-1 mutants undergo chromosome mis-segregation at the restrictive temperature, resulting in a dramatic decrease in viability.

Alcohol and gambling pathology among U.S. adults: prevalence, demographic patterns and comorbidity

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and demographic distribution of problem gambling, pathological gambling, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in the United States, and to examine the co-occurrence of gambling pathology and alcohol pathology in the United States.

METHOD

A representative sample (N = 2,638) of U.S. adults age 18 and older was surveyed in the year 2000 using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. Respondents' gambling pathology and alcohol dependence were assessed by the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS).

RESULTS

Current pathological gambling had an overall prevalence of 1.3% as measured by the DIS and 1.9% as measured by the SOGS, with a higher prevalence among minorities and lower socioeconomic status (SES) respondents. Current and lifetime alcohol pathology was more common among males and young adults than among females and older adults. Current pathological gambling and alcohol dependence were correlated, and the highest correlation was found among higher SES respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of current pathological gambling in the United States is higher than reported in past surveys. Minorities and lower SES Americans have higher than average rates of current pathological gambling. However, when higher SES persons are classified as current pathological gamblers, they are more likely than lower SES persons to be dependent on alcohol.

Report of the Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program, 2000/2001

The National Rotavirus Reference Centre together with 15 collaborating laboratories Australia-wide conducted rotavirus surveillance from June 1999. The serotypes of rotaviruses that are responsible for the hospitalisation of children with acute diarrhoea were determined for the period June 2000 to May 2001. We examined 1108 rotavirus specimens using a combination of monoclonal antibody immunoassay, reverse transcription-PCR, and Northern hybridisation. Serotype G1 strains were the most prevalent overall (49.5%), and found in all centres. Serotype G9 rotaviruses, which were first identified in 1997, were second in importance (18.1%). Serotype G2 viruses were next (12.5%), followed by the re-emergence of serotype G4 viruses (9.7%). The findings of this study have implications for vaccine development strategies where protection against serotypes additional to G1-G4 may be required.

Asthma care by nurse practitioners in the United States

PURPOSE

To survey nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States on their level of input to asthma care prior to enrolling in The National Asthma and Respiratory Training Centre (NARTC) specialist asthma education program in the UK.

DATA SOURCES

Responses of 134 (66%) of the 202 NPs who self-selected for enrollment in the NARTC program on a preliminary questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all (133 or 99%) currently work with asthmatics and 122 (91%) prescribe asthma drugs. Only 92 (69%) measure peak flow(PF), 84 (63%) check inhaler technique, 76 (57%) teach use of a home PF meter and diary, and 63 (47%) provide written self-management plans on any regular basis. Many have not established follow-up procedures (56 or 42%), or evaluated their asthma management practices (55 or 41%).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Successful asthma management requires correct medication, systematic follow-up, patient education, and self-management. Specialist asthma training should encourage practitioners to combine effective drug usage with a long-term preventative approach.

An fMRI study of anticipation and learning of smooth pursuit eye movements in humans

We studied the neural substrate of anticipation and learning of smooth pursuit eye movements in humans using fMRI. Both predictable and non-predictable eye movements, compared to baseline, activated a common network previously associated with oculomotor function. The temporal dynamics of activity in a subset of these areas suggested a strong correlation with type of condition. Specifically, differential decreases in activity were seen in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the intraparietal sulcus during the predictable condition. During the non-predictable condition the same areas exhibited evidence of high levels of activity that further increased throughout the condition. In contrast, differential increases associated with the predictable condition were seen in anterior cingulate and preSMA cortex regions. These changes in activity mirror the time course of the short-term learning of eye movements seen behaviourally, and are congruent with learning-related changes that have been reported for other motor paradigms.

Effects of experimental glaucoma in macaques on the multifocal ERG. Multifocal ERG in laser-induced glaucoma

Multifocal ERGs (MERGs) of 5 adult monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with inner retinal defects caused by laser-induced glaucoma were compared to MERGs from 3 monkeys with inner retinal activity suppressed pharmacologically. MERGs were recorded with DTL fiber electrodes from anesthetized monkeys. Stimuli consisted of 103 equal size hexagons within 17 degrees of the fovea. Stimuli at each location passed through a typical VERIS m-sequence of white (200 cd/m2) and black (12 cd/m2) presentations. In animals with laser-induced glaucoma, visual field sensitivity was assessed by static perimetry using the Humphrey C24-2 full-threshold program modified for animal behavior. Inner retinal (amacrine and ganglion cell) activity was suppressed by intravitreal injection of TTX (4.7-7.6 microM) and NMDA (1.6-5 mM). In normal eyes the first order response (1st order kernel) was larger and more complex, with more distinct oscillations (>60 Hz) in central than in peripheral locations. The 2nd order kernel also was dominated by oscillatory activity. There were naso-temporal variations in both kernels. Pharmacological suppression of inner retinal activity reduced or eliminated the oscillatory behavior, and naso-temporal variations. The 1st order kernel amplitude was increased most and was largest at the fovea. Removed inner retinal responses also were largest at the fovea. The 2nd order kernel was greatly reduced at all locations. In eyes with advanced glaucoma, the effects were similar to those produced by suppressing inner retinal activity, but the later portion of the 1st order kernel waveform was different, lacking a dip after the large positive wave. Visual sensitivity losses and MERG changes both increased over the timecourse of glaucoma, with changes in the MERG being more diffusely distributed across the visual field. We conclude that 1st and 2nd order responses of the primate MERG can be identified that originate from inner retina and are sensitive indicators of glaucomatous neuropathy.

Selective lymphoscintigraphy: a necessary adjunct to dye-directed sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer?

BACKGROUND

Dye-directed sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for breast cancer provides accurate staging with low morbidity, but for tumors distant from the axilla, its use has been questioned.

HYPOTHESIS

Can preoperative breast lymphoscintigraphy (BL) applied selectively to medial hemisphere tumors predict a subset of patients who may not require surgical staging of the axilla?

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary, multidisciplinary breast center.

PATIENTS

Thirty-two women with breast tumors located in the medial hemisphere (30) or inframammary crease (2).

INTERVENTION

Peritumoral injection of 500 microCi of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid and biplanar imaging. Nonpalpable lesions were localized with ultrasound or mammography. At the time of definitive breast surgery, isosulfan blue dye-directed SNB was performed. Axillary dissection was performed when the SN contained a tumor or could not be identified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Regional nodal basins identified by BL; success rate of SNB.

RESULTS

Preoperative BL demonstrated axillary drainage in 28 patients (88%); 2 patients (6%) had isolated internal mammary radionuclide uptake, and 2 patients had no nodal uptake. Dye-directed axillary SNB succeeded in 27 (87%) of 31 patients, including both patients with failed BL. Breast lymphoscintigraphy had predicted isolated internal mammary drainage in 2 of 4 patients whose SNs could not be identified. Metastases were found in 5 patients (16%).

CONCLUSIONS

Axillary radionuclide uptake predicts but does not augment dye-directed SN identification. In those few patients with isolated internal mammary drainage, BL may obviate the need for surgical staging of the axilla.

Annual report of the Rotavirus Surveillance Programme, 1999/2000

The National Rotavirus Reference Centre has conducted rotavirus surveillance by means of a collaborative laboratory based initiative started in June 1999. The serotypes of rotaviruses that lead to the hospitalisation of children with acute diarrhoea were determined from June 1999 to May 2000. We examined 1126 rotavirus specimens using a combination of monoclonal antibody immunoassay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and hybridisation. The four most common serotypes G1-G4 were represented. More than 50% of isolates tested were serotype G1, with serotype G1 being represented in most centres Australia-wide. Serotype G9 rotaviruses were identified for the first time in Australia, and were second in importance with 10% of samples tested. The significant presence of G9 viruses throughout Australia suggests the emergence of a new serotype and has implications for current rotavirus vaccine strategies that target serotypes G1-G4.

Functional cooperation between the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons

In diverse cell types, microtubule (MT) and actin filament networks cooperate functionally during a wide variety of processes, including vesicle and organelle transport, cleavage furrow placement, directed cell migration, spindle rotation, and nuclear migration. The mechanisms by which MTs and actin filaments cooperate to mediate these different processes can be grouped into two broad categories: coordinated MT- and actin-based transport to move vesicles, organelles, and cell fate determinants; and targeting and capture of MT ends at cortical actin sites. Over the past several years, a growing number of cellular factors that bridge these cytoskeletal systems have been identified. These include 'hetero-motor' complexes (physically associated myosin and kinesin), myosin-CLIP170 complexes, formin homology (FH) proteins, dynein and the dynactin complex, Kar9p, coronin, Kelch repeat-containing proteins, and ERM proteins.

Multiregional evaluation of the SimPlate heterotrophic plate count method compared to the standard plate count agar pour plate method in water

A new SimPlate heterotrophic plate count (HPC) method (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, Maine) was compared with the pour plate method at 35 degrees C for 48 h. Six laboratories tested a total of 632 water samples. The SimPlate HPC method was found to be equivalent to the pour plate method by regression analysis (r = 0. 95; y = 0.99X + 0.06).