Alterations in T-lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with head and neck cancer. Correlations with prognosis

Impaired cell-mediated immunity has been consistently demonstrated in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cancer (HNSC); however, the results of prior studies of correlations of cellular immune parameters with treatment outcome have been inconsistent, and routine assessment of immune parameters has been of limited clinical use. To determine the prognostic importance of alterations in the proportions of various T-lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of patients with HNSC, levels of T3, T4, T6, T8, T9, T10, T11, and Leu 7 cells were quantitated by flow cytometry in 80 previously untreated patients and prospectively correlated with tumor characteristics and clinical course (median length of follow-up, 27 months). The mean helper/suppressor cell ratio (T4/T8) increased progressively with increasing tumor stage and was significantly elevated among patients with cancer as a group and in patients with advanced (stage III or IV) disease compared with 40 normal subjects. Decreased disease-free survival was significantly associated with elevated T4/T8 ratios and low percent T8 and T11 cell levels. The prognostic significance of percent T8 (cytotoxic/suppressor) cell levels persisted even after adjusting for known prognostic factors of tumor stage, T class, N class, and tumor site. These correlations provide new insight into immune alterations in HNSC that may prove useful in identifying patients with early clinical disease who have a poor prognosis.

Analysis of immediate-early and early proteins of murine cytomegalovirus in permissive and nonpermissive cells

The immediate-early (IE) and early proteins induced by murine cytomegalovirus (Smith strain) in permissively infected 3T3-L1 murine fibroblasts were identified by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Ten proteins were classified as IE by their time of synthesis and by their synthesis in the presence of actinomycin D following reversal of a cycloheximide mediated protein synthesis block. By exclusion, seven proteins were classified as early class. Eleven of these proteins were precipitated by MCMV antiserum. The role of IE and early proteins in the replication of the virus was studied by infection of a murine macrophage cell line (J 774A.1) and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells. The infections were characterized as nonpermissive by several criteria, including lack of production of infectious virus or viral DNA. However, the major IE and early MCMV proteins were detected in the nonpermissively infected cells. The block to virus replication in the macrophage and human fibroblast cells appeared to occur after the switch from IE to early protein synthesis, but before viral DNA replication.

Adherence to medical regime and related factors in youngsters on dialysis

A pilot study is reported in which 18 children in end-stage renal failure, undergoing either haemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were assessed with regard to adherence to their treatment regime. Measures were used to assess level of depression, locus of control and social desirability. Adherent behaviour was significantly related to high social desirability, and a shorter length of time on dialysis. There was no relationship between adherence and depression or locus of control.

Effect of an inhibitor of DNA methylation on T cells. I. 5-Azacytidine induces T4 expression on T8+ T cells

Maturing thymocytes express a series of cell surface glycoproteins which can be identified by monoclonal antibodies. The stage II or common thymocyte expresses the phenotype T4+T8+T6+T3-. In response to unknown signals, but presumably involving interactions with products of the major histocompatibility complex, the thymocyte suppresses either the T8 or T4 gene, becoming committed to the T4+T8- or T4-T8+ phenotype. With maturation, the thymocyte also becomes T6-T3+. To study whether DNA methylation may be involved in regulating expression of these determinants in mature T cells, we treated cloned interleukin 2-dependent T8- and T4-bearing T cells with 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), a nucleoside analog which inhibits methylation of newly synthesized DNA. In this report, we show that T8+ T cells treated with 5-azaC express the phenotype T8+T4+T6-T3+. Treatment of the same cells with hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, failed to induce T4 on T8+ cells. These results suggest that expression of the T4 gene may be suppressed by DNA methylation in mature T8+ cells.

Effect of an inhibitor of DNA methylation on T cells. I. 5-Azacytidine induces T4 expression on T8+ T cells

Maturing thymocytes express a series of cell surface glycoproteins which can be identified by monoclonal antibodies. The stage II or common thymocyte expresses the phenotype T4+T8+T6+T3-. In response to unknown signals, but presumably involving interactions with products of the major histocompatibility complex, the thymocyte suppresses either the T8 or T4 gene, becoming committed to the T4+T8- or T4-T8+ phenotype. With maturation, the thymocyte also becomes T6-T3+. To study whether DNA methylation may be involved in regulating expression of these determinants in mature T cells, we treated cloned interleukin 2-dependent T8- and T4-bearing T cells with 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), a nucleoside analog which inhibits methylation of newly synthesized DNA. In this report, we show that T8+ T cells treated with 5-azaC express the phenotype T8+T4+T6-T3+. Treatment of the same cells with hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, failed to induce T4 on T8+ cells. These results suggest that expression of the T4 gene may be suppressed by DNA methylation in mature T8+ cells.

Rhinosporidiosis: ultrastructural study of an infection in South Carolina

We have morphologically described and ultrastructurally analyzed Rhinosporidium seeberi, the causative agent of rhinosporidiosis, obtained from a nasal polyp of a man who had never traveled to India or Ceylon. The morphology, endosporulation phases, and cell wall were similar to those in previously described infections. A common etiology is suggested and potential therapy is discussed.

Specific in vitro adenylylation of the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen

Incubation of the simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor antigen (T) from either transformed or lytically infected cells with adenosine [8-3H]-, [alpha-32P]-, or [alpha-[35S]thio]-triphosphate in the presence of Mg2+ resulted in its labeling as defined by the appearance of an intact, appropriately immunoreactive band in NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gels. Radioactivity remained associated with the protein after boiling in buffer containing 3% NaDodSO4, and 2-mercaptoethanol as well as after heating in 0.1 M HCl, 0.1 M NH4OH, or hydroxylamine, but it was dissociated after incubation in 0.1 M NaOH at 37 degrees C. After limited boiling of gel-purified [alpha-32P] ATP + T complex in 5.6 M HCl, o-[32P]phosphoserine was released, and snake venom phosphodiesterase or 0.5 M piperidine treatment of such a complex resulted in the liberation of [alpha-32P]AMP. The reaction proceeded when either purified, soluble T or insoluble, specifically immunoprecipitated antigen was used as substrate. ATP and dATP were the preferred nucleotide substrates by comparison with the other six standard ribonucleoside or deoxynucleoside triphosphates. Partial tryptic digests of T + [alpha-32P]ATP complexes revealed the presence of a single labeled peptide of Mr approximately equal to 12 - 14 X 10(3), and after exhaustive digestion, there was a single radioactive spot in the fingerprint. These data indicate that T can be adenylylated at a specific seryl residue(s) in a limited portion of the protein surface. Furthermore, adenylylation appears to be reversible and to proceed by a pyrophosphorylytic mechanism, since the nucleotide was released from the protein following incubation of adenylylated T with Mg2+, sodium pyrophosphate, and poly(dT).

Play with language: overextensions as analogies

This study experimentally investigated the hypothesis that some of young children's overextensions are analogic expressions by comparing children's labelling of objects in a naming task to their labelling of the same objects in a play situation. All of the 11 children (1; 8–2; 4) renamed substitute objects during pretend play. Criteria were established which identified 27% of children's renamings as analogic. Analysis of children's choice of substitute objects in pretend play showed that older children's (2; 2–2; 4) selections were influenced by their previous naming of the objects. In addition, both younger and older children tended to choose more functionally similar objects over more physically similar objects although ambiguous objects were renamed most often. Records collected by mothers for one week provided further evidence that children spontaneously produce analogic extensions.

The effect of isoproterenol and hydroxyurea on the presence of ubiquitin and protein A24 in the rat salivary gland

The in vivo administration of hydroxyurea for 12 h counteracts DNA synthesis and cell cycling stimulated by 72 h of isoproterenol treatment in rat salivary gland, as determined by fluorescence-activated flow cytometry. Hydroxyurea has little effect on [3H]leucine incorporation (protein synthesis) of the nuclear proteins soluble in 0.35 M NaCl, when examined by polyacrylamide gel chromatography and autoradiography from electrostatically sorted nuclei of (G0 + G1) and (G2 + M) phases of the in vivo cell cycle. Differential incorporation of [3H]leucine into nuclear proteins was observed during various phases of the cell cycle. Proteins 'X' and 'Z', observed in stained gel chromatographs of the 0.35 M NaCl-soluble nuclear proteins, were identified by biochemical analyses as ubiquitin and protein A24, respectively. Ubiquitin appeared transiently while A24 increased in gel chromatograms concomitant with progressive quiescence of the salivary gland induced by hydroxyurea.

Immune regulation in myasthenia gravis: evidence for an increased suppressor T-cell population

The production of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in myasthenia gravis represents a persistent and unexplained break in self-tolerance. The studies reported here demonstrate an altered regulatory T-cell population with an increase in the percentage of circulating T-suppressor cells as defined by two independently developed murine monoclonal antibody markers. Leu 2a- and OKT8a-positive cells were significantly increased within the T-cell population in myasthenia gravis (25.0 +/- 6.4% versus 20.7 +/- 2.9% and 34.9 +/- 7.0% versus 26.0 +/- 3.2%, respectively) compared to an age- and sex-equivalent group. In addition, the circulating total T-cell population was reduced in myasthenia gravis. Patients with symptomatically uncontrolled disease (with or without immunosuppression) demonstrated significantly altered ratios of helper to suppressor T-cells, while patients whose myasthenia symptoms were controlled did not differ from normal subjects.

Sensitization of mice to methylphenidate

Mice that received five daily injection of methylphenidate HCl, 10-75 mg/kg, showed an increased running response to methylphenidate, cocaine, and amphetamine. Sensitization to methylphenidate persisted for at least 50 days. Repeated IP injections of methylphenidate into mice with unilateral striatal lesions increased ipsilateral turning in response to methylphenidate, but decreased contralateral turning after apomorphine. The climbing response to apomorphine in intact, methylphenidate-sensitized mice was also decreased. There was no change in either basal or dopamine-stimulated adenyl cyclase activity in the striata of sensitized mice, but there was a 36% increase in the specific binding of haloperidol. The rate of turnover of striatal dopamine was increased in sensitized mice. These results suggest that pretreatment with methylphenidate may alter the sensitivity of presynaptic dopamine receptors.

Childhood immunization 1979. Disturbing statistics for metropolitan Sydney

Twenty-seven per cent of children (24 out of 90) born consecutively in an inner-city hospital had not completed their primary courses of immunization at the end of the first year of life. Many of the parents of these children had no knowledge of how many doses of vaccine their children required. When 578 schoolchildren aged 12 years were studied, only 40% of these were found to be immune to all three poliovirus serotypes and 12% were not immune to diphtheria. The proportion of children who were not immune to diphtheria varied greatly, and was 24% in one school. The reasons for these low levels of immunity are discussed, and several recommendations are made. It is suggested that a standard immunization record card or book be adopted throughout Australia, and that this card be issued to the newborn child. It is also suggested that consideration be given to the introduction of laws which require that evidence of immunization (or certification of exemption from immunization) be presented at the time of school entry. In the meantime, mopping-up programmes should be conducted in schools where herd immunity is low and a poliomyelitis vaccine (Sabin) booster should be recommended for all children at the age of 12 years.

Intensive care nursing requirements: resource allocation according to patient status

Intensive care nursing allocation seemingly has been a negotiated solution to a never ending battle: an arbitrary nursing/patient ratio. To correct this deficit, a prospective study was proposed to quantitate the time duration of sufficient intensive care to match the severity of illness. A comprehensive list of all nursing actions was compiled and timed. Thereafter, frequencies were observed according to global classifications: serious, critical, or crisis. A simple classification system separates the hourly requirement: serious = 2:1 patient/nurse ratio, critical = 1.0:0.75 full time nursing, and crisis = 1.0:1.2 patient/nurse ratio (or single nurse requires assistance). The increased requirements are created by increased need for ICU skills: vital signs = 1 hour for serious patients, 4 hours for critical, and a maximum of 10 hours for crisis patients (90% crisis patients has pulmonary artery and arterial catheters). Other categories of increased nursing time reflect ventilatory support, increased number of continuous and intermittent medications, etc. Global assessment (serious, critical, or crisis patient status) can be quantitated in terms of nursing hours actually required. Objective, rational, and variable patient/nurse ratios can be easily and accurately achieved in this manner. Staffing requirements and allocation of positions can be objectively quantitated.

Purification of simian virus 40 tumor antigen from a line of simian virus 40-transformed human cells

Simian virus 40 tumor antigen can be isolated in a highly purified state from the nuclei ofSV80 cells, a continuous line of simian virus 40-transformed human fibroblasts. A five-step purification method was used. Its apparent molecular weight (in sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gels) is approximately 90,000-94,000. It contains a detectable amino-terminal residue.

Porcine calcitonin in the treatment of Paget's disease of bone: experience with 32 patients

Thirty-two patients with osteitis deformans were treated with porcine calcitonin for 240 patient-months. Relief of pain occurred in 10 patients, while a fall in the serum alkaline phosphatase level was observed in 22 out of 24 patients whose treatment lasted for more than two weeks. Pain relief occurred predominantly in patients with pain in the lower limbs, although not all patients with lower limb pain showed improvement. Side effects, usually mild in nature, were reported by half the patients. Antiporcine calcitonin antibodies were detected in sera of six out of 14 patients. The presence of circulating antibodies seemed unrelated to the effect of therapy or to the occurrence of side effects.

Identification of regions of the SV40 genome which contain preferred SV40 T antigen-binding sites

SV40 T antigen binds to SV40 DNA. Using a series of purified SV40 DNA restriction fragments, we have obtained evidence indicating that the antigen preferentially binds to three specific regions. These binding regions are contained within Endo R-Hin d(II + III) A, B, and C.

Interaction of partially purified simian virus 40 T antigen with circular viral DNA molecules

Mixing chromatographic fractions containing simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen with SV40 [3H]-DNA I (double-stranded, circular, supercoiled) results in the conversion of the nucleic acid to a form that will bind to a nitrocellulose filter. Unlabeled SV40 DNA I successfully competes with this reaction. Under the conditions employed, the antigen-containing fractions bind a variety of circular, viral DNA molecules. Chromatography of the antigen in three systems reveals that the T immunoreactivity migrates with DNA binding activity. In a kinetic heat inactivation experiment, the antigenic reactivity disappears simultaneously with the DNA binding activity. The data indicate the presence of a discernible DNA binding activity in fractions containing T antigen and suggest that the T antigen is the DNA binding protein being measured.

Characterization of a new murine cellular DNA polymerase

A new DNA polymerase (peak A) has been identified in the high-speed pellet fraction of two subclones of nonvirus producing Balb/3T3 cells. The activity is associated with a molecule of approximately 70,000 molecular weight and chromatographs in two systems like the mouse type-C viral reverse transcriptase and a similar enzyme from the high-speed pellet fraction of a virus producing Balb/3T3 subclone, S(2)Cl(3). Comparable quantities of peak A are present in both nonvirus infected (A31) and mouse sarcoma virus transformed nonproducer (KA31) subclones. Virus producing cells contain 10-20 times more peak A polymerase activity. A31 and KA31 peak A are comparably inhibited by anti-mouse type C virus reverse transcriptase IgG but to a lesser degree than S(2)Cl(3) peak A or authentic viral reverse transcriptase. They can also be differentiated from the latter two enzymes by template preference studies. KA31 peak A can be distinguished from three other KA31 DNA polymerases (R-DNA polymerase and DNA polymerase N and C), and thus appears to be a new species of cellular DNA polymerase.

Erythrocyte and plasma circulation times in haemorrhagic shock

A method has been developed in which the simultaneous administration of 51Cr-labelled red bloodcells and 125I-labelled albumin in the dog has been used to compare the flow rates and transit times of erythrocytes and of plasma in three circulatory beds–the hindlimb, the kidney, and the small intestine. Blood-flow rates calculated from either isotope agreed well and were significantly greater than simultaneous direct measurements and electromagnetic flowmeter readings. This difference was due to in complete recovery of the isotope from the venous cannula, recovery ranging from 23 to 96 per cent. When the isotope-flow results were corrected for these losses they did not differ significantly from direct measurements though they were still greater than the electromagnetic flowmeter readings.

The mean transit time for erythrocytes was, on average, 6–8 per cent shorter than that for plasma. There was no significant difference in this percentage for the three vascular beds studied or between a control period and haemorrhagic shock. Thus, in this shock preparation red-cell ‘sludging’ cannot have been extensive. The rationale for the use of low-molecular-weight dextran as a specific ‘antisludging’ agent in shock is, therefore, not supported.

A study on the transcription of the polyoma viral genome

The transcription of polyoma (Py) viral RNA was studied in primary mouse kidney cell cultures (a) during normal, asynchronous infection, (b) under conditions where Py-induced DNA synthesis was inhibited with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, and (c) after the synchronized onset of Py-induced DNA synthesis. The results obtained suggest that the bulk of Py RNA transcribed after the (asynchronous or synchronized) onset of Py-induced DNA synthesis, designated as "late" Py RNA, corresponds to the polycistronic transcript of most or all of the genetic information contained in a strand of circular Py DNA. The rate at which late Py RNA is transcribed is related to the amount of free Py DNA present in the cultures. Py-infected cultures contain a second, minor component of Py RNA (of one or possibly more species), designated as "early" Py RNA. At least some of this RNA continues to be transcribed if Py-induced DNA synthesis is inhibited with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine and, possibly, also late during normal infection.