Narcotics at street level in Denmark. A prospective investigation from 1995 to 2000

This article describes an investigation of illicit drugs at street level in six selected police districts in different regions of Denmark. The investigation was carried out during a 6-year period from 1995 to 2000. During the period, a total of 1244 samples were examined, as about 200 samples were seized each year. A total of 94% of the seized samples were familiar drugs: heroin base, heroin hydrochloride, cocaine hydrochloride and amphetamine sulphate. Only 2% of the samples contained designer drugs. From having constituted 53% of the samples in 1995, the frequency of heroin base fell during the period to 27% of the samples in 2000. The frequency of heroin hydrochloride was unchanged. In the same period, the frequency of cocaine hydrochloride increased from 10% of the samples in 1995 to about 25% of the samples in 2000. Apart from a few exceptions, cocaine had the same extension in all regions of Denmark after 1996. Amphetamine was more frequent in the west of Denmark, while heroin hydrochloride was more frequent in central Denmark. The purity of heroin base was lower in the period 1997-1999 than in the other years. During the entire period, the purity of cocaine hydrochloride and amphetamine sulphate fell, while the purity of heroin hydrochloride was unchanged. No significant differences between the various regions of Denmark were detected during the period in the purity of heroin hydrochloride, heroin base, cocaine hydrochloride or amphetamine sulphate. MDMA was the most frequent designer drug, but other types of designer drugs such as MDA and MDE and the less common PMA, PMMA and MBDB were also found.

Rabenosyn-5, a novel Rab5 effector, is complexed with hVPS45 and recruited to endosomes through a FYVE finger domain

Rab5 regulates endocytic membrane traffic by specifically recruiting cytosolic effector proteins to their site of action on early endosomal membranes. We have characterized a new Rab5 effector complex involved in endosomal fusion events. This complex includes a novel protein, Rabenosyn-5, which, like the previously characterized Rab5 effector early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1), contains an FYVE finger domain and is recruited in a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-dependent fashion to early endosomes. Rabenosyn-5 is complexed to the Sec1-like protein hVPS45. hVPS45 does not interact directly with Rab5, therefore Rabenosyn-5 serves as a molecular link between hVPS45 and the Rab5 GTPase. This property suggests that Rabenosyn-5 is a closer mammalian functional homologue of yeast Vac1p than EEA1. Furthermore, although both EEA1 and Rabenosyn-5 are required for early endosomal fusion, only overexpression of Rabenosyn-5 inhibits cathepsin D processing, suggesting that the two proteins play distinct roles in endosomal trafficking. We propose that Rab5-dependent formation of membrane domains enriched in phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate has evolved as a mechanism for the recruitment of multiple effector proteins to mammalian early endosomes, and that these domains are multifunctional, depending on the differing activities of the effector proteins recruited.

[Hantavirus disease during pregnancy]

Hantavirus infection is known to occur in mice and rats without symptoms. In contrast, an infection with Hantavirus in humans gives influenzalike symptoms and acute renal failure. The treatment is symptomatic, but treatment with dialysis can be necessary for a while. A case of Hantavirus infection in Denmark in a 30 week pregnant woman is reported.

Estrogenic activity of flavonoids in mice. The importance of estrogen receptor distribution, metabolism and bioavailability

The in vivo estrogenic potential of the flavonoids apigenin, kaempferol, genistein and equol was investigated in immature female mice. Genistein and equol, administered by gavage for 4 consecutive days [post-natal day (PND) 17-20, 100 mg/kg body weight], was found to significantly increase uterine weights and the overall uterine concentration of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). In kaempferol- and equol-exposed mice the cytosolic ERalpha concentration was significantly increased as compared to the solvent control, which is speculated to result in an increased sensitivity of the uterus to subsequently encountered estrogens. Oral administration of equol, genistein, biochanin A and daidzein to 6-week-old female mice revealed a great variation in their systemic bioavailability. The urinary recovery of equol was thus over 90% of a single gavage administered dose, whereas the urinary recoveries of biochanin A, genistein and daidzein were 16, 11 and 3%, respectively. Most of the metabolites were either hydroxylated or dehydrogenated forms of the parent compounds. The in vitro estrogenic potency of some of the metabolites was greater than that of the parent compounds, whereas others were of similar or lower potency. Bioavailability, metabolism, the ability to alter ERalpha distribution in the uterus and the estrogenic potential of parent compound and metabolites may thus contribute to the differences in in vivo estrogenicity of dietary flavonoids.

Direct analysis of artemisinin in plasma and saliva using coupled-column high-performance liquid chromatography with a restricted-access material pre-column

A previously established HPLC system with post-column derivatization for the analysis of artemisinin was coupled to an ADS (alkyl-diol silica) pre-column, allowing direct and repetitive injection of protein-rich fluids such as plasma. The limit of quantitation for 100 microl of plasma was 10 ng/ml (CV=10.5%) while concentrations down to 2 ng/ml could be quantified for 1.00 ml saliva samples (CV=11.1%). The system was linear in the tested range of 10-2000 ng/ml for plasma and 2-240 ng/ml for saliva samples, respectively. This paper introduces coupled column HPLC as a simplified method for the routine analysis of artemisinin in biological fluids.

Distinct membrane domains on endosomes in the recycling pathway visualized by multicolor imaging of Rab4, Rab5, and Rab11

Two endosome populations involved in recycling of membranes and receptors to the plasma membrane have been described, the early and the recycling endosome. However, this distinction is mainly based on the flow of cargo molecules and the spatial distribution of these membranes within the cell. To get insights into the membrane organization of the recycling pathway, we have studied Rab4, Rab5, and Rab11, three regulatory components of the transport machinery. Following transferrin as cargo molecule and GFP-tagged Rab proteins we could show that cargo moves through distinct domains on endosomes. These domains are occupied by different Rab proteins, revealing compartmentalization within the same continuous membrane. Endosomes are comprised of multiple combinations of Rab4, Rab5, and Rab11 domains that are dynamic but do not significantly intermix over time. Three major populations were observed: one that contains only Rab5, a second with Rab4 and Rab5, and a third containing Rab4 and Rab11. These membrane domains display differential pharmacological sensitivity, reflecting their biochemical and functional diversity. We propose that endosomes are organized as a mosaic of different Rab domains created through the recruitment of specific effector proteins, which cooperatively act to generate a restricted environment on the membrane.

Intracranial sarcoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2 treated with gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the possible relationship between stereotactic radiation therapy and the development of a meningosarcoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

PATIENT

A 19-year-old woman with bilateral vestibular schwannomas (neurofibromatosis type 2). One large tumor was removed totally by the translabyrinthine approach; the other smaller tumor was treated with stereotactic radiation (SRT). Six years after SRT, a malignant tumor (meningosarcoma) developed at the exact site of radiation. The patient subsequently died of this tumor.

OUTCOME MEASURE

On the basis of literature surveys, the possibility and risk of postirradiation neoplasia after SRT is discussed. Furthermore, the possible causal association between SRT and the development of the meningosarcoma in this case is evaluated.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of statistical considerations, the development of the reported mesenchymal sarcoma was most likely caused by the stereotactic radiation therapy.

Rab5 regulates motility of early endosomes on microtubules

The small GTPase Rab5 regulates membrane docking and fusion in the early endocytic pathway. Here we reveal a new role for Rab5 in the regulation of endosome interactions with the microtubule network. Using Rab5 fused to green fluorescent protein we show that Rab5-positive endosomes move on microtubules in vivo. In vitro, Rab5 stimulates both association of early endosomes with microtubules and early-endosome motility towards the minus ends of microtubules. Moreover, similarly to endosome membrane docking and fusion, Rab5-dependent endosome movement depends on the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase hVPS34. Thus, Rab5 functionally links regulation of membrane transport, motility and intracellular distribution of early endosomes.

One-on-one peer support and quality of life for breast cancer patients

The Canadian Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program provides one-on-one support for breast cancer patients that is delivered by breast cancer survivors. Professionally-led social support programs have generally been found to influence positively the quality of life of cancer patients. However, there is a lack of evidence on the benefits of one-on-one peer support programs. An evaluation of the Reach to Recovery program was completed in 1995 to determine if cancer patients who received the program were satisfied with the program and to determine if participation in Reach to Recovery affected the quality of life of program participants compared to patients who did not receive the program. We found that Reach to Recovery program participants were generally satisfied with the program they received and that the program has incremental benefits to the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Peer-led, volunteer breast cancer support programs can be effective in enhancing the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Effects of sevoflurane on intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism. A dose-response study in patients subjected to craniotomy for cerebral tumours

BACKGROUND

Studies concerning the cerebrovascular effects of sevoflurane in patients with space-occupying lesions are few. This study was carried out as a dose-response study comparing the effects of increasing sevoflurane concentration (1.5% (0.7 MAC) to 2.5% (1.3 MAC)) on cerebral blood flow (CBF), intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebrovascular resistance (CVR), metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) and CO2-reactivity in patients subjected to craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumours.

METHODS

Anaesthesia was induced with propofol/fentanyl/atracurium and maintained with 1.5% sevoflurane in air/oxygen at normocapnia. Blood pressure was maintained constant by ephedrine. In group 1 (n = 10), the patients received continuously 1.5% sevoflurane. Subdural ICP, CBF and CMRO2 were measured twice at 30-min intervals. In group 2 (n = 10), sevoflurane concentration was increased from 1.5% to 2.5% after CBF1. CBF2 was measured after 20 min during 2.5% sevoflurane. Finally, CO2-reactivity was studied in both groups.

RESULTS

In group 1, no time-dependent alterations in CBF, CVR, ICP and CMRO2 were found. In group 2, an increase in sevoflurane from 1.5% to 2.5% resulted in an increase in CBF from 29 +/- 10 to 34 +/- 12 ml 100 g-1 min-1 and a decrease in CVR from 2.7 +/- 0.9 to 2.3 +/- 1.2 mmHg ml-1 min 100 g (P < 0.05), while ICP and CMRO2 were unchanged. CO2-reactivity was maintained at 1.5% and 2.5% sevoflurane.

CONCLUSION

Sevoflurane is a cerebral vasodilator in patients with cerebral tumours. Sevoflurane increases CBF and decreases CVR in a dose-dependent manner. CO2-reactivity is preserved during 1.5% and 2.5% sevoflurane.

[delta]1-Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Dehydrogenase from Cultured Cells of Potato (Purification and Properties)

[delta]1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.1.12), the second enzyme in the proline catabolic pathway and a catalyst for the oxidation of P5C to glutamate, was purified from cultured potato (Solanum tuberosum L. var Desiree) cells. Homogeneous enzyme preparations were obtained by a three-step procedure that used anion-exchange, adsorption, and substrate elution chromatography. A 1600-fold purification was achieved, with a recovery of one-third of the initial activity. The purified enzyme was characterized with respect to structural, kinetic, and biochemical properties. It appeared to be an [alpha]-4 tetramer with subunits of an apparent molecular mass of about 60 kD and had a mildly acidic isoelectric point value. Potato P5C dehydrogenase had Michaelis constant values of 0.11 and 0.46 mM for NAD+ and P5C, respectively. Although NAD+ was the preferred electron acceptor, NADP+ also yielded an unusually high rate, and thus was found to serve as a substrate. Maximal activity was observed at pH values in the 7.3 to 8.3 range, and was progressively inhibited by chloride ions, a finding that strengthens recent suggestions that hyperosmotic stress negatively modulates in vivo proline oxidation.

Identification of protein transport complexes in the chloroplastic envelope membranes via chemical cross-linking

Transport of cytoplasmically synthesized proteins into chloroplasts uses an import machinery present in the envelope membranes. To identify the components of this machinery and to begin to examine how these components interact during transport, chemical cross-linking was performed on intact chloroplasts containing precursor proteins trapped at a particular stage of transport by ATP limitation. Large cross-linked complexes were observed using three different reversible homobifunctional cross-linkers. Three outer envelope membrane proteins (OEP86, OEP75, and OEP34) and one inner envelope membrane protein (IEP110), previously reported to be involved in protein import, were identified as components of these complexes. In addition to these membrane proteins, a stromal member of the hsp100 family, ClpC, was also present in the complexes. We propose that ClpC functions as a molecular chaperone, cooperating with other components to accomplish the transport of precursor proteins into chloroplasts. We also propose that each envelope membrane contains distinct translocation complexes and that a portion of these interact to form contact sites even in the absence of precursor proteins.

Stable association of chloroplastic precursors with protein translocation complexes that contain proteins from both envelope membranes and a stromal Hsp100 molecular chaperone

Cytoplasmically synthesized precursors interact with translocation components in both the outer and inner envelope membranes during transport into chloroplasts. Using co-immunoprecipitation techniques, with antibodies specific to known translocation components, we identified stable interactions between precursor proteins and their associated membrane translocation components in detergent-solubilized chloroplastic membrane fractions. Antibodies specific to the outer envelope translocation components OEP75 and OEP34, the inner envelope translocation component IEP110 and the stromal Hsp100, ClpC, specifically co-immunoprecipitated precursor proteins under limiting ATP conditions, a stage we have called docking. A portion of these same translocation components was co-immunoprecipitated as a complex, and could also be detected by co-sedimentation through a sucrose density gradient. ClpC was observed only in complexes with those precursors utilizing the general import apparatus, and its interaction with precursor-containing translocation complexes was destabilized by ATP. Finally, ClpC was co-immunoprecipitated with a portion of the translocation components of both outer and inner envelope membranes, even in the absence of added precursors. We discuss possible roles for stromal Hsp100 in protein import and mechanisms of precursor binding in chloroplasts.

Drugs in blood samples from unconscious drug addicts after the intake of an overdose

This investigation includes whole blood samples from 53 drug addicts found unconscious in the Copenhagen area with evidence of a heroin overdose. Heroin/morphine was detected in 85% of the patients and other opioids in 11%. One or more benzodiazepines, most often diazepam, were detected in 75% of the patients. A blood alcohol concentration higher than 1.00 mg/g was detected in 57% of the patients. Methadone was detected in seven patients, ketobemidone in four, amphetamine in five and cocaine in one. This investigation showed widespread multi-drug abuse and heroin/morphine alone was detected in only one patient. As indicators of heroin intake, 6-mono-acetylmorphine (MAM) and morphine were detected in this investigation.

Topology of IEP110, a component of the chloroplastic protein import machinery present in the inner envelope membrane

Proteins from both the inner and outer envelope membranes are engaged in the recognition and translocation of precursor proteins into chloroplasts. A 110 kDa protein of the chloroplastic inner envelope membrane was identified as a component of the protein import apparatus by two methods. First, this protein was part of a 600 kDa complex generated by cross-linking of precursors trapped in the translocation process. Second, solubilization with detergents of chloroplasts containing trapped precursors resulted in the identification of a complex containing both radiolabeled precursor and IEP110. Trypsin treatment of intact purified chloroplasts was used to study the topology of IEP110. The protease treatment left the inner membrane intact while simultaneously degrading domains of inner envelope proteins exposed to the intermembrane space. About 90 kDa of IEP110 was proteolitically removed, indicating that large portions protrude into the intermembrane space. Hydropathy analysis of the protein sequence deduced from the isolated cDNA clone in addition to Western blot analysis using an antiserum of IEP110 specific to the N-terminal 20 kDa, suggests that the N-terminus serves to anchor the protein in the membrane. We speculate that IEP110 could be involved in the formation of translocation contact sites due to its specific topology.