Calcium oscillations induced by gambierol in cerebellar granule cells

Gambierol is a marine polyether ladder toxin derived from the dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus. To date, gambierol has been reported to act either as a partial agonist or as an antagonist of sodium channels or as a blocker of voltage-dependent potassium channels. In this work, we examined the cellular effect of gambierol on cytosolic calcium concentration, membrane potential and sodium and potassium membrane currents in primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells. We found that at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 30 microM, gambierol-evoked [Ca(2+)]c oscillations that were dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium, irreversible and highly synchronous. Gambierol-evoked [Ca(2+)]c oscillations were completely eliminated by the NMDA receptor antagonist APV and by riluzole and delayed by CNQX. In addition, the K(+) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-evoked cytosolic calcium oscillations in this neuronal system that were blocked by APV and delayed in the presence of CNQX. Electrophysiological recordings indicated that gambierol caused membrane potential oscillations, decreased inward sodium current amplitude and decreased also outward IA and IK current amplitude. The results presented here point to a common mechanism of action for gambierol and 4-AP and indicate that gambierol-induced oscillations in cerebellar neurons are most likely secondary to a blocking action of the toxin on voltage-dependent potassium channels and hyperpolarization of sodium current activation.

Combined thermophilic aerobic process and conventional anaerobic digestion: effect on sludge biodegradation and methane production

The efficiency of hyper-thermophilic (65 degrees Celsius) aerobic process coupled with a mesophilic (35 degrees Celsius) digester was evaluated for the activated sludge degradation and was compared to a conventional mesophilic digester. For two Sludge Retention Time (SRT), 21 and 42 days, the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) solubilisation and biodegradation processes, the methanisation yield and the aerobic oxidation were investigated during 180 days. The best results were obtained at SRT of 44 days; the COD removal yield was 30% higher with the Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion/Thermophilic Aerobic Reactor (MAD-TAR) co-treatment. An increase of the sludge intrinsic biodegradability is also observed (20-40%), showing that the unbiodegradable COD in mesophilic conditions becomes bioavailable. However, the methanisation yield was quite similar for both processes at a same SRT. Finally, such a process enables to divide by two the volume of digester with an equivalent efficiency.

Interim Analysis of a Randomized Phase II Study of the Novel Ii-Key Hybrid HER2/Neu Peptide (AE37) Vaccine To Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence: United States Military Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Group Study I-05

BACKGROUND: CD4+ T helper peptides from HER2/neu have been evaluated in vaccine trials. The Ii-Key addition, a 4-amino-acid (LRMK) modification, increases vaccine potency when compared to unmodified class II epitopes. We present results of a prospective, randomized, single-blinded phase II clinical trial of the Ii-Key hybrid HER2/neu peptide (AE37) + GM-CSF immunoadjuvant vaccine versus GM-CSF alone in the adjuvant setting in disease-free, high risk breast cancer (BCa) patients to prevent recurrence.METHODS: Disease-free, high risk BCa patients who have completed standard adjuvant therapy were enrolled and randomized to receive six monthly inoculations of either 500 mcg of AE37 with 62.5 or 125 mcg of GM-CSF (Peptide group; PG) or 62.5 or 125 mcg of GM-CSF alone (adjuvant group; AG). Toxicity was assessed after each inoculation using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0 (CTCAE). Immunologic response was monitored using delayed type hypersensitivity reactions (DTH) and 3H-thymidine proliferative assays for both hybrid AE37 (LRMK+HER2/neu:776-790) and AE36 (unmodified HER2/neu:776-790) peptides. Patients were clinically, radiographically, and pathologically monitored for recurrence of BCa.RESULTS: Thus far, 120 (49 PG, 71 AG) of the planned 200 patients have completed the primary series. The PG and AG have similar demographic/prognostic characteristics (Table 1). Toxicity profiles in the PG and AG were almost identical with no grade 4-5 local toxicities and no grade 3-5 systemic toxicities in either arm. Median DTH reaction to AE36 and AE37 increased significantly from baseline at 1 month after completion of the primary series in the PG group (AE36: 0.0±0.8 cm to 15.3 ±2.1 cm; AE37: 0.0±0.7 cm to 24.5±2.6 cm; p<0.0001) and did not change in the AG group (AE36: 0.0±0.5 cm to 0.0±1.4 cm; AE37: 0.0±0.7 cm to 0.0±1.6 cm; p>0.05). Median proliferation response to AE36 and AE37 increased significantly from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months after the start of the vaccine series in the PG (p<0.015) and did not change significantly in the AG. At a median follow up of 13 months, there have been no (0.0%) recurrences in the PG (0/49) compared to 7.0% (5/71) in the AG (p=0.08).CONCLUSIONS: The modified peptide AE37 is safe with mild toxicities observed primarily due to the GM-CSF immunoadjuvant. AE37 elicits a strong HER2/neu-specific in-vivo and ex-vivo immune response to the modified and unmodified peptides. Importantly, the AE37 peptide vaccine may protect against BCa recurrences. peptideadjuvantp valueN=4971 Age (median)49520.06Node Positive75.5%62.1%0,16Grade 348.9%57.8%0.44Tumor ≥2 cm55.1%56.1%1ER/PR negative38.8%40.9%0.84HER2 over-expressor59.2%60.6%1 

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3183.

NOTE: This abstract was accepted for presentation at the Symposium after the Abstract Book went to press.

Terahertz oscillations in ultra-thin n-In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As ungated channels

Using a self-consistent Monte Carlo simulator we investigate the spectrum of voltage fluctuations of an n-type InGaAs two-terminal layer of variable thickness W in the range 1-100 nm and variable length L in the range 0.01-10 µm embedded in an external dielectric medium. Calculations are performed at T = 300 K for different dopings and in the presence of an external bias of increasing strength. When the bias is well below the threshold for the Gunn effect the spectrum peaks at the plasma oscillations of the electron gas. For W≥100 nm and carrier concentrations of 10(17)-10(18) cm(-3) the peaks are in good agreement with the standard three-dimensional (3D) expression of the plasma frequency. For W≤10 nm the results exhibit a plasma frequency that depends on the length of the layer, thus implying that the oscillation mode is dispersive. The corresponding frequency covers a wide range of values 0.1-10 THz and is in agreement with the two-dimensional (2D) expression of the plasma frequency obtained for a collisionless regime within the in-plane approximation for the electric field. A region of cross-over between the 2D and 3D behaviours of the plasma frequency is shown for W>10 nm. When the bias is above the threshold for the Gunn effect, we observe the washing out of the plasma peak and the onset of a frequency peak associated with the transit time of the Gunn domain located in the sub-terahertz frequency region.

Cyclophilin and the regulation of symbiosis in Aiptasia pallida

The sea anemone Aiptasia pallida, symbiotic with intracellular dinoflagellates, expresses a peptydyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) belonging to the conserved family of cytosolic cyclophilins (ApCypA). Protein extracts from A. pallida exhibited PPIase activity. Given the high degree of conservation of ApCypA and its known function in the cellular stress response, we hypothesized that it plays a similar role in the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. To explore its role, we inhibited the activity of cyclophilin with cyclosporin A (CsA). CsA effectively inhibited the PPIase activity of protein extracts from symbiotic A. pallida. CsA also induced the dose-dependent release of symbiotic algae from host tissues (bleaching). Laser scanning confocal microscopy using superoxide and nitric oxide-sensitive fluorescent dyes on live specimens of A. pallida revealed that CsA strongly induced the production of these known mediators of bleaching. We tested whether the CsA-sensitive isomerase activity is important for maintaining the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD activity of protein extracts was not affected by pre-incubation with CsA in vitro.

Envelope protein Us9 is required for the anterograde transport of bovine herpesvirus type 1 from trigeminal ganglia to nose and eye upon reactivation

In this study, the authors examined the role of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) Us9 in the anterograde transport of the virus from trigeminal ganglia (TG) to nose and eye upon reactivation from latency. During primary infection, both BHV-1 Us9-deleted and BHV-1 Us9-rescued viruses replicated efficiently in the nasal and ocular epithelium. However, upon reactivation from latency, only the BHV-1 Us9-rescued virus could be isolated in the nasal and ocular shedding. By real-time polymerase chain reaction, comparable DNA copy numbers were detected in the TGs during latency and reactivation for both the viruses. Therefore, Us9 is essential for reactivation of the virus in the TG and anterograde axonal transport from TG to nose and eye.

Physical activity and nutrition knowledge and preferences in kindergarten children

The aim of the present study was to determine physical activity and nutritional knowledge and preferences in kindergarten children. Following height and weight measurement, and age and gender adjusted BMI percentile calculation, 202 kindergarten children (4 - 6.5 yr) completed twice in a random order, a photo-pair food and exercise questionnaire. Knowledge was determined by asking the child to choose food/activity that would make a selected doll healthier, while preferences where determined by the child's own choise. Nutritional knowledge score was higher than the physical activity knowledge score (73.4 +/- 1.5 vs. 67.5 +/- 1.9 %, p < 0.006), while the nutrition preference score was lower than the physical activity preference score (42.2 +/- 1. 8 vs. 66.5 +/- 1.6 %, p < 0.0001). There was a difference between nutrition knowledge and preferences (73.4 +/- 1.5 vs. 42.2 +/- 1.8 %, p < 0.0001). No differences were found between physical activity knowledge and preferences. No differences were found between overweight and normal weight kindergartners. Female kindergartners had higher nutrition knowledge and preference scores, but lower physical activity preference scores compared to male kindergartners. Our data suggest that in developing health promotion programs for kindergarten children, an effort should be made to increase physical activity knowledge and to improve nutritional preferences.

Outcome of bilateral hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced fracture of the hip

Our aim was to evaluate the outcome in patients with bilateral non-simultaneous hip fracture treated with hemiarthroplasty at our institution between 1997 and 2003. We looked for any important modification factor that could change the devastating functional and social results. Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 79 at the initial fracture and 82 at the subsequent fracture were evaluated; all were Garden grade III-IV. The second fracture happened a mean of 28 months after the first one. The outcome measurement was the incidence of hip pain, recovery of pre-injury level of ambulation and activities of daily living at a minimum follow-up of one year. Following the first hemiarthroplasty patients deteriorated in their walking capacity and other activities of daily life, and this happened to an even greater extent after the second operation. With respect to walking ability (measured in metres) we concluded that it improved if a modular hemiarthroplasty was used after both fractures (p<0.05) and that worse functional outcomes were observed when different kinds of hemiarthroplasties were used in the same patient.;

The significance of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia compared with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia: risk factors and outcomes

Risk factors and outcomes for patients with nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia were compared with those for patients with nosocomial Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia in a single centre in Israel between 2000 and 2003. Data were collected retrospectively through patient chart review. In total, 112 patients with A. baumannii bacteraemia and 90 patients with K. pneumoniae bacteraemia were identified. A. baumannii was significantly associated with poorer performance status, mechanical ventilation, presence of devices, prior treatment with carbapenems, pneumonia as the source of infection and inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment. All-cause 30-day mortality was higher for A. baumannii bacteraemia compared with K. pneumoniae bacteraemia (61.6% vs 38.9%, P=0.001). Variables significantly associated with mortality at the univariate level (P<0.1) were entered into a multi-variable logistic regression model for mortality. A. baumannii remained significantly associated with mortality when adjusted for all other risk factors (odds ratio 3.61, 95% confidence interval 1.55-8.39). This result did not change when the analysis was repeated for subgroups of less severely ill patients, i.e. those who were not ventilated and those who did not present with septic shock. These results support the view that nosocomial bacteraemia due to A. baumannii is associated with increased mortality.

Functional analysis of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) genes expressed during latency

Bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1) establishes latency in sensory neurons of trigeminal ganglia (TG), and germinal centers of pharyngeal tonsil. Periodically BHV-1 reactivates from latency, virus is shed, and consequently virus transmission occurs. Two transcripts, the latency related (LR) RNA and ORF-E, are abundantly expressed in TG of latently infected cattle. A LR mutant strain of BHV-1 was constructed that contains stop codons near the beginning of the LR-RNA. The LR mutant virus does not express two proteins encoded by the LR gene, or reactivate from latency suggesting that LR protein expression regulates the latency-reactivation cycle. Higher levels of apoptosis occur in TG of calves infected with the LR mutant versus wild type BHV-1 indicating that the anti-apoptotic properties of the LR gene regulate the latency-reactivation cycle. The LR gene also inhibits bICP0 expression and mammalian cell growth, but these functions do not require LR protein expression. In contrast, the ability of the LR gene to inhibit apoptosis appears to require LR protein expression. A small open reading frame (ORF-E) that is located within the LR promoter is expressed in the nucleus of neuroblastoma cells. We predict that the LR gene and ORF-E regulate the BHV-1 latency-reactivation cycle.

Characteristics of candidaemia with Candida-albicans compared with non-albicans Candida species and predictors of mortality

Candidaemia due to non-albicans Candida species is increasing in frequency. We describe 272 episodes of candidaemia, define parameters associated with Candida albicans and other Candida species, and analyse predictors associated with mortality. Patients with C. albicans (55%) had the highest fatality rate and frequently received immunosuppressive therapy, while patients with Candida parapsilosis (16%) had the lowest fatality and complication rates. Candida tropicalis (16%) was associated with youth, severe neutropenia, acute leukaemia or bone marrow transplantation, Candida glabrata (10%) was associated with old age and chronic disease, and Candida krusei (2%) was associated with prior fluconazole therapy. The overall fatality rate was 36%, and predictors of death by multi-variate analysis were shock, impaired performance status, low serum albumin and congestive heart failure. Isolation of non-albicans Candida species, prior surgery and catheter removal were protective factors. When shock was excluded from analysis, antifungal therapy was shown to be protective. Unlike previous concerns, infection with Candida species other than C. albicans has not been shown to result in an increased fatality rate.

Ocular penetration of grepafloxacin after intravitreal administration in albino and pigmented rabbits

Ocular penetration of grepafloxacin into several ocular tissues was determined in albino and pigmented rabbits following a single intravitreal administration. After administration, grepafloxacin was detected in all ocular tissues studied in both breeds of rabbits. The superior mean penetration ratios were found in the chorioretina and lens of albino rabbits, and in the chorioretina, iris and lens of pigmented rabbits. A significantly greater penetration of grepafloxacin was found in the chorioretina and iris of the pigmented rabbits than in those of the albino rabbits. As a final conclusion, grepafloxacin detected in different ocular structures could attain therapeutic concentrations against a variety of ocular conditions.