Representational difference analysis uncovers a novel IS10-like insertion element unique to pathogenic strains of Yersinia enterocolitica

The method of suppressive subtractive hybridization was employed to map out genomic differences between the highly pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica (Ye) biogroup 1B, serotype O:8 strain (WA-314) and the closely related apathogenic Y. enterocolitica biogroup 1A, serotype O:5 strain (NF-O). A novel IS10-like element, IS1330, uncovered by this technique was found to be uniquely present in high copy numbers among the highly pathogenic Y. enterocolitica 1B strains, while a single copy of the element was found in the low pathogenic Ye biogroup 4 serotype O:3 strain. The 1321-bp repetitive element has 19-bp imperfect inverted terminal repeats and is bracketed by a 10-bp duplication of the target sequence. The predicted transposase shares high homology with the IS10 open reading frame of the large virulence plasmid pWR501, of Shigella flexneri, with IS10 transposase of Salmonella typhi, and with IS1999 (tnpA) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The IS1330 tnp gene is transcribed in vitro and in vivo in HeLa cells. At least one copy of IS1330 flanks the recently described chromosomal type III secretion cluster in Y. enterocolitica WA-314, O:8, and future studies should shed light on whether this novel transposase mediates transposition events in highly pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains, thus enhancing the genetic plasticity of this species.

Development of a platinized and ferrocene-mediated cholesterol amperometric biosensor based on electropolymerization of polypyrrole in a flow system

The preparation of a cholesterol amperometric biosensor using a platinized Pt electrode as a support for the electropolymerization of a polypyrrole film, in which cholesterol oxidase and ferrocene monocarboxylic acid (electron-transfer mediator) were co-entrapped, is described. All the biosensor preparation steps (platinization and electropolymerization) and the cholesterol determination take place in the same flow system. The presence of the mediator enhances the sensitivity and selectivity of the platinized biosensor without modifying the dynamic parameters of the response, and the platinized layer improves the operational lifetime of the mediated sensor. The sensitivity obtained was 88.51 nA mM(-1) and the limit of detection was 12.4 microM of cholesterol. The analytical properties of the biosensor for the flow-injection determination of cholesterol were studied and compared with those of other more simple amperometric biosensor configurations.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with early (<2 h), intermediate (2-4 h) and late (>4 h) presentation treated by primary coronary angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction

AIMS

We examined the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with early (<2 h), intermediate (2-4 h) and late (>4 h) presentation treated by primary angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 2635 patients enrolled in 10 randomized trials of primary angioplasty (n=1302) vs thrombolytic therapy (n=1333) in acute myocardial infarction, and baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Increase in presentation delay is associated with older age, female gender, diabetes and an increased heart rate. We classified the patients according to the time delay from symptom onset to presentation into three categories: early presentation (<2 h), intermediate presentation (2-4 h), and late presentation (>or=4 h). At 30 days the combined rate of death, non-fatal reinfarction and stroke in patients presenting early was 5.8% in the angioplasty group vs 12.5% in the thrombolysis group, in patients with intermediate presentation, 8.6% vs 14.2%, respectively, and in patients presenting late 7.7% vs 19.4%, respectively. With increasing time from symptom onset to presentation, all major adverse cardiac event rates show a trend to a larger increase in the thrombolysis group compared to the angioplasty group, both at 30 days and at 6 months after the acute event.

CONCLUSIONS

Major adverse cardiac event rates are lower after angioplasty compared to thrombolysis, irrespective of time to presentation. With increasing time to presentation major adverse cardiac event rates increase after thrombolysis but appear to remain relatively stable after angioplasty.

Patient-controlled epidural fentanyl following spinal fentanyl at Caesarean section

Spinal fentanyl can improve analgesia during Caesarean section. However, there is evidence that, following its relatively short-lived analgesic effect, there is a more prolonged spinal opioid tolerance effect. The effectiveness of postoperative epidural fentanyl analgesia may therefore be reduced following the use of spinal fentanyl at operation. This randomised, double-blind study was designed to assess whether patient-controlled epidural fentanyl could produce effective analgesia following 25 microg of spinal fentanyl at operation. Patients undergoing elective Caesarean section received spinal bupivacaine combined with either fentanyl 25 microg (fentanyl group; n = 18) or normal saline (saline group; n = 18). Patient-controlled epidural fentanyl was used for postoperative analgesia. The fentanyl group used a mean of 23.4 (SD 14.5) microg x h(-1) of fentanyl, compared with 27.0 (10.8) microg x h(-1) for the saline group (p =0.41). Using a 0-100 mm visual analogue score for pain, the maximum pain score recorded at rest for the fentanyl group was median 24 [IQR 15-35] mm, compared with 15 [13-45] mm for the saline group (p = 0.41). The maximum pain score recorded on coughing for the fentanyl group was 29 [24-46] mm, compared with 27 [19-47] mm for the saline group (p = 0.44). Nine of the fentanyl group rated postoperative analgesia as excellent and nine as good, compared with 10 of the saline group who rated it as excellent and eight as good (p = 0.74). Epidural fentanyl can produce effective analgesia following the use of 25 microg spinal fentanyl at Caesarean section.

Energy dependence of particle multiplicities in central Au+Au collisions

We present the first measurement of the pseudorapidity density of primary charged particles in Au+Au collisions at root square[s(NN)] = 200 GeV. For the 6% most central collisions, we obtain dN(ch)/d(eta)/(/eta/<1) = 650+/-35(syst). Compared to collisions at root square[s(NN)] = 130 GeV, the highest energy studied previously, an increase by a factor of 1.14+/-0.05 at 90% confidence level, is found. The energy dependence of the pseudorapidity density is discussed in comparison with data from proton-induced collisions and theoretical predictions.

Antilambda production in Au+Au collisions at 11.7A GeV/c

We present results for antilambda and antiproton production in Au+Au collisions at 11.7 A GeV/c including spectra and extracted invariant yields for both species in central and peripheral collisions in the rapidity range 1.0<y<1.4. The antilambda yield increases from dN(Lambda;)/dy = 1.2(+0.7+0.2)(-0.6-0.2)x10(-3) in peripheral collisions to 19(+4+3)(-5-2)x10(-3) in central collisions. The direct antiproton yield is deduced from the measured total antiproton spectra to extract the ratio of antilambda-to-direct-antiproton production. The Lambda/p ratio near midrapidity increases from 0.26(+0.19+0.5)(-0.15-0.4) in peripheral collisions to 3.6(+4.7+2.7)(-1.8-1.1) in central collisions, a value larger than current theoretical estimates.

One-year follow-up after primary coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction in diabetic patients. A substudy of the STENT PAMI trial

OBJECTIVE

This analysis was undertaken to determine the composite incidence of cumulative adverse events (death, reinfarction, disabling stroke, and target vessel revascularization) at the end of the first year after acute myocardial infarction, in diabetic patients who underwent coronary stenting or primary coronary balloon angioplasty.

METHODS

From the STENT PAMI trial, we analyzed the 6-month angiographic and 1-year clinical outcomes of 135 diabetic (112, noninsulin dependent) patients who underwent the randomization process of the trial and compared them with 758 nondiabetic patients.

RESULTS

Coronary stenting did not significantly reduce the primary composite clinical end point when compared with PTCA (20 vs. 30%, p=0.2). A significant benefit from stenting was observed in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes, with a trend toward a lesser need for new revascularization procedures (10 vs. 21%, p<.001), with a significant reduction in the primary composite clinical end point at 1 year (12 vs. 28%, p=. 04). At 6 months, the restenosis rate were significantly reduced only in nondiabetic patients (18 vs. 33%, p<. 001). Diabetic patients had the same restenosis rate (38%) either with stenting or balloon PTCA.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary Stenting in diabetics noninsulin dependent offered a significant reduction in the composite incidence of major clinical adverse events compared with balloon PTCA.

Importance of time to reperfusion on outcomes with primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (results from the Stent Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction Trial)

The mortality benefit of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is strongly dependent on time to treatment. Recent observations suggest that time to treatment may be less important with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Patients with AMI of <12 hours duration, without cardiogenic shock, who were treated with primary PTCA from the Stent PAMI Trial (n = 1,232) were evaluated to assess the effect of time to reperfusion on outcomes. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow was achieved in a high proportion of patients regardless of time to treatment. Improvement in ejection fraction from baseline to 6 months was substantial with reperfusion at <2 hours but was modest and relatively independent of time to reperfusion after 2 hours (<2 hours, 12.3% vs > or =2 hours, 4.2%, p = 0.004). There were no differences in 1- or 6-month mortality by time to reperfusion (6-month mortality: <2 hours [5.5%], 2 to <4 hours [4.6%], 4 to <6 hours [4.5%], >6 hours [4.2%], p = 0.97). There were also no differences in other clinical outcomes by time to reperfusion, except that reinfarction and infarct artery reocclusion at 6 months were more frequent with later reperfusion. The lack of correlation between time to treatment and mortality in patients without cardiogenic shock suggests that the survival benefit of primary PTCA may be related principally to factors other than myocardial salvage. These data may also have implications regarding the triage of patients with AMI for primary PTCA.

The novel BLM3 gene encodes a protein that protects against lethal effects of oxidative damage

Mutational alteration of the BLM3 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confers hypersensitivities to lethal effects of ionizing radiation, anticancer bleomycins and structurally-related phleomycins. Bleomycin is used clinically in the treatment of many types of cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma. The BLM3 gene was cloned from a genomic library by complementing the drug hypersensitivities conferred by the codominant blm3-1 mutation. The nucleotide sequence of BLM3 encodes a predicted integral protein of 1804 amino acids with seven to ten potential transmembrane domains and additional motifs. The blm3 null mutation was created by gene replacement, and found not to be essential for growth in the absence of the bleomycin-phleomycin antibiotics. Sequence analyses suggest the Blm3p could be a potential member of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) of permeases. Northern dot blot analyses using a human RNA master tissue blot containing RNA from fifty different fetal and adult tissues revealed sequence homology in adult tissues to BLM3, but no sequence homology in fetal tissues. The function of the Blm3p is presently unknown. We propose several functions for the Blm3p in protecting cells against oxidative agents, including roles in detoxification, transport and defending against DNA damage.

Delineation of a 150-kb breakpoint cluster in benign thyroid tumors with 19q13.4 aberrations

Structural rearrangements involving the long arm of chromosome 19 characterize a cytogenetic subgroup of benign thyroid tumors and constitute one of the most frequent specific chromosome abnormalities in epithelial tumors. Recently, we have been able to narrow down the breakpoint region affected in two cell lines to a region covered by a single PAC clone. Close to that region a candidate gene has been identified which we tentatively referred to as RITA (Rearranged In Thyroid Adenomas) now named ZNF331 according to HUGO nomenclature. However, the results had been obtained on two cell lines only making it necessary to extend the studies to a larger number of tumors including primary material. Herein, we have used four further primary tumors showing translocations involving 19q13 for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping studies using a variety of molecular probes from a 470-kbp cosmid/BAC contig. Ten new STSs were characterized and physically mapped within an EcoRI restriction map. The results enabled us to define an approximately 150-kbp breakpoint cluster region of the 19q13 aberrations in benign thyroid tumors flanked by two newly established STS markers.

Ratios of charged antiparticles-to-particles near mid-rapidity in Au + Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV

We have measured the ratios of antiparticles to particles for charged pions, kaons, and protons near mid-rapidity in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV. We observe <pi(-)>/<pi(+)> = 1.00+/-0.01(stat)+/-0.02(syst), <K->/<K+> = 0.91+/-0.07(stat)+/-0.06(syst), and <p>/<p> = 0.60+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.06(syst). The <K->/<K+> and <p>/<p> ratios give a consistent estimate of the baryo-chemical potential mu(B) of 45 MeV, a factor of 5-6 smaller than in central Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 17.2 GeV.

Charged-particle pseudorapidity density distributions from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density dN(ch)/d eta has been measured for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV at RHIC, using the PHOBOS apparatus. The total number of charged particles produced for the 3% most-central Au+Au collisions for /eta/<or=5.4 is found to be 4200+/-470. The evolution of dN(ch)/d eta with centrality is discussed, and compared to model calculations and to data from proton-induced collisions. The data show an enhancement in charged-particle production at midrapidity, while in the fragmentation regions, the results are consistent with expectations from pp and pA scattering.

Neurocysticercosis: validity of ELISA after storage of whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid on paper

Cysticercosis is an infestation of Cysticercus cellulosae. When it occurs in the brain, chronic neurological complications can ensue, most commonly seizures. Neurocysticercosis is usually diagnosed by neuroimaging, a technique not available in most endemic countries. Hence immunological tests are valuable for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys. We evaluated the suitability of paper for storing blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) until subsequent testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), by testing whole blood samples on filter paper from 305 patients and CSF samples from 117 patients stored on ordinary white typing paper and on filter paper. Optimal preservation of biological samples is achieved when whole blood is stored on filter paper, CSF on white paper, and when samples are frozen within 1 week after collection. Our results could improve diagnostic capabilities and facilitate epidemiological surveys in endemic countries where immunodiagnostic tests cannot be rapidly performed because of inadequate laboratory infrastructure.

Daily dietary intake of chromium in southern Spain measured with duplicate diet sampling

We measured daily dietary Cr intake in southern Spain by sampling duplicate diets for seven consecutive days in different population groups. Cr was determined by electrothermal atomization-atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were mineralized in a digestion block with HNO(3), HClO(4) and V(2)O(5). A total of 161 duplicate diets from twenty-three subjects were analysed, and mean levels of Cr intake ranged from 9.39 to 205.16 microg/d. Mean Cr intake (100 microg/d) was similar to levels found for most other countries, and was within the range recommended by the National Research Council for a safe and adequate daily intake (50-200 microg/d). Chromium intake correlated significantly with energy, protein and carbohydrate intake, and with the daily intake of Zn, Fe, Mg, K, Na, Ca and nicotinic acid in the diets analysed.

Normal flow (TIMI-3) before mechanical reperfusion therapy is an independent determinant of survival in acute myocardial infarction: analysis from the primary angioplasty in myocardial infarction trials

BACKGROUND

Whereas survival after lytic therapy for myocardial infarction is strongly dependent on early administration, it is unknown whether the otherwise excellent outcomes in patients undergoing primary PTCA for acute myocardial infarction, in whom TIMI-3 flow rates of >90% may be achieved, can be further improved by early reperfusion.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 2507 patients enrolled in 4 PAMI trials undergoing primary PTCA, spontaneous reperfusion (TIMI-3 flow) was present in 16% at initial angiography. Compared with patients without TIMI-3 flow, those with TIMI-3 flow before PTCA had greater left ventricular ejection fraction (57+/-10% versus 53+/-11%, P=0.003) and were less likely to present in heart failure (7.0% versus 11.6%, P=0.009). Patients with initial TIMI-3 flow had significantly lower in-hospital rates of mortality, new-onset heart failure, and hypotension and had a shorter hospital stay. Cumulative 6-month mortality was 0.5% in patients with initial TIMI-3 flow, 2.8% with TIMI-2 flow, and 4.4% with initial TIMI-0/1 flow (P=0.009). By multivariate analysis, TIMI-3 flow before PTCA was an independent determinant of survival (odds ratio 2.1, P=0.04), even when corrected for by postprocedural TIMI-3 flow.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing primary PTCA in whom TIMI-3 flow is present before angioplasty present with greater clinical and angiographic evidence of myocardial salvage, are less likely to develop complications related to left ventricular failure, and have improved early and late survival. These data warrant prospective randomized trials of pharmacological strategies to promote early reperfusion before definitive mechanical intervention in acute myocardial infarction.

Initial experience with multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention during mechanical reperfusion for acute myocardial infarction

The feasibility and safety of simultaneous multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention during mechanical reperfusion for acute myocardial infarction was analyzed in a retrospective, case-controlled study. Patients who underwent multivessel coronary intervention had a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes through 6 months compared with matched controls in whom coronary intervention was limited to the infarct-related artery.

Tts, a processive beta-glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus pneumoniae, directs the synthesis of the branched type 37 capsular polysaccharide in Pneumococcus and other gram-positive species

The type 37 capsule of Streptococcus pneumoniae is a homopolysaccharide built up from repeating units of [beta-d-Glcp-(1-->2)]-beta-d-Glcp-(1-->3). The elements governing the expression of the tts gene, coding for the glucosyltransferase involved in the synthesis of the type 37 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide, have been studied. Primer extension analysis and functional tests demonstrated the presence of four new transcriptional start points upstream of the previously reported tts promoter (ttsp). Most interesting, three of these transcriptional start points are located in a RUP element thought to be involved in recombinational events (Oggioni, M. R., and Claverys, J. P. (1999) Microbiology 145, 2647-2653). Transformation experiments using either a recombinant plasmid containing the whole transcriptional unit of tts or chromosomal DNA from a type 37 pneumococcus showed that tts is the only gene required to drive the biosynthesis of a type 37 capsule in S. pneumoniae and other Gram-positive bacteria, namely Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, and Bacillus subtilis. The Tts synthase was overproduced in S. pneumoniae and purified as a membrane-associated enzyme. These membrane preparations used UDP-Glc as substrate to catalyze the synthesis of a high molecular weight polysaccharide immunologically identical to the type 37 capsule. In addition, UDP-Gal was also a substrate to produce type 37 polysaccharide since a strong UDP-Glc-4'-epimerase activity is associated to the membrane fraction of S. pneumoniae. These results indicated that Tts has a dual biochemical activity that leads to the synthesis of the branched type 37 polysaccharide.

Upregulation of the Netrin Receptor (DCC) Gene during Activation of B Lymphocytes and Modulation by Interleukins

The DCC (deleted in colon cancer) gene has a brain restricted high expression pattern. It encodes a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily identified as the netrin-1 receptor. It might be a member of the so called "brain-lymphoid" molecules, which control key cell surface events. To test this hypothesis we have assessed the DCC mRNA level in human normal and malignant myeloid and lymphoid cells. A high mRNA content has been observed only in mature B cells at the secreting or presecreting stage. Expression of DCC was also assessed in the anti-CD40 model of immunopoiesis. Activation of purified tonsillar B cells by anti-CD 40 antibody strongly increased the DCC mRNA level and this effect was dramatically enhanced by the association of IL-2 + IL-10, which is a potent and selective in vitro inducer of the B cell memory phenotype. In contrast no effect has been detected after activation of T cells by anti-CD3. These data suggest that the DCC encoded netrin receptor is involved in B cell immunopoiesis.

Baryon rapidity loss in relativistic Au + Au collisions

An excitation function of proton rapidity distributions for different centralities is reported from AGS Experiment E917 for Au+Au collisions at 6, 8, and 10.8 GeV/nucleon. The rapidity distributions from peripheral collisions have a valley at midrapidity which smoothly change to distributions that display a broad peak at midrapidity for central collisions. The mean rapidity loss increases with increasing beam energy, whereas the fraction of protons consistent with isotropic emission from a stationary source at midrapidity decreases with increasing beam energy. The data suggest that the stopping is substantially less than complete at these energies.

Detection and identification of virulence factors in Yersinia pestis using SELDI ProteinChip system

A rapid method for the detection, purification, and identification of proteins in bacterial extracts was developed using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) ProteinChip technology. The effectiveness of this technique for monitoring the expression and identification of temperature- and calcium-regulated virulence factors of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes human plague, is demonstrated. Y. pestis infection of its mammalian host is thought to be accompanied by rapid up-regulation of a number of genes following a shift from 26 degrees C (the temperature of the flea vector) to 37 degrees C (the temperature of the mammalian host). To model this process, Y. pestis cells were grown at 26 degrees C and 37 degrees C in a Ca(2+)-deficient medium. Through an initial protein profiling of the crude bacterial extract on strong anion exchange and copper affinity, ProteinChip arrays detected five proteins that were up-regulated and three proteins that were down-regulated at 37 degrees C. Two of the proteins predominately expressed at 37 degrees C were semi-purified in less than two days. The two proteins were identified as catalase-peroxidase and Antigen 4. Aside from its speed, a salient feature of the SELDI technique is the microgram amounts of crude sample required for analysis.

A comparative analysis of primary stenting and optimal balloon coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction. Six month results from the STENT PAMI trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of balloon PTCA with final coronary stenosis diameter (SD) < or =30 %, with elective coronary stenting.

METHODS

We performed a comparative analysis of the 6 month outcomes in patients treated with primary stenting and those who obtained an optimal balloon PTCA result treated during the first 12 hours of AMI onset included in the STENT PAMI randomized trial.

RESULTS

The results were analysed into 3 groups: primary stenting (441 patients, SD=22+/-6 %), optimal PTCA (245 patients), and non-optimal PTCA (182 patients, SD= 37+/-5 %). At the end of the 6 months primary stent group presented with the lowest restenosis(23 vs. 31 vs. 45 %, p=0.001, respectively). Ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization rate (TVR) (7 vs. 15.5 vs. 19 %, p=0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

At the 6 month follow-up, primary stenting offered the lowest restenosis and ischemia-driven TVR rates. Compared to optimal balloon PTCA. Non-optimal primary balloon PTCA pts (SD=31-50 %), had the worst late angiographic outcomes and should be treated more actively with coronary stent implantation.

Early coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: have novel therapies led to better results?

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock constitute a very high risk subset despite an aggressive management. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the results of early coronary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock have changed over the last years, and to address which role the recent adjuvant therapies have played in this evolution. From 1991 to April 1999, 94 patients with acute MI and cardiogenic shock were treated with coronary angioplasty within the first 12 hours from the onset of symptoms. Temporal changes of the utilization of adjuvant therapies and operators experience were studied over these years, as well as their impact on the angiographic results and in-hospital outcome. Over the years, a progressive and significant increase on the use of coronary stents and c7E3Fab was observed, as well as an increased number of primary angioplasties performed per month. The proportion of patients treated with intraaortic balloon pump did not changed significantly over the years. An angiographic successful result (< 50% residual stenosis and TIMI flow 2 or 3) and a final TIMI grade 3 flow were obtained in 76 (80.9%) and 61 (64.9%) patients, respectively. The angiographic success rate progressively increased over the years, from 72.3% in patients treated before 1994 to 94.1% in those admitted in 1998Eth 1999 (p for trend 0.0409). The proportion of patients with a final TIMI grade 3 flow also grew progressively over the years: from 36.4% before 1994 to 76.5% after 1997 (p for trend 0. 0209). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 63.8% (60 patients), and there was no significant change in mortality rate over the years. Therefore, apart from the growing operators experience, we have observed an incremental change in the use of coronary stents and c7E3 Fab (abciximab) in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock treated with early coronary angioplasty. All these factors have led to an improvement in the angiographic results, although this change has not meant a significant reduction of mortality.

Charged-particle multiplicity near midrapidity in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[SNN]=56 and 130 GeV

We present the first measurement of pseudorapidity densities of primary charged particles near midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 56 and 130 GeV. For the most central collisions, we find the charged-particle pseudorapidity density to be dN/deta|(|eta|<1) = 408+/-12(stat)+/-30(syst) at 56 GeV and 555+/-12(stat)+/-35(syst) at 130 GeV, values that are higher than any previously observed in nuclear collisions. Compared to proton-antiproton collisions, our data show an increase in the pseudorapidity density per participant by more than 40% at the higher energy.

FDF03, a novel inhibitory receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is expressed by human dendritic and myeloid cells

In this study, we describe human FDF03, a novel member of the Ig superfamily expressed as a monomeric 44-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein and containing a single extracellular V-set Ig-like domain. Two potential secreted isoforms were also identified. The gene encoding FDF03 mapped to chromosome 7q22. FDF03 was mostly detected in hemopoietic tissues and was expressed by monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes, but not by lymphocytes (B, T, and NK cells), indicating an expression restricted to cells of the myelomonocytic lineage. FDF03 was also strongly expressed by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) and preferentially by CD14+/CD1a- DC derived from CD34+ progenitors. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis showed FDF03 expression by CD11c+ blood and tonsil DC, but not by CD11c- DC precursors. The FDF03 cytoplasmic tail contained two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-like sequences. When overexpressed in pervanadate-treated U937 cells, FDF03 was tyrosine-phosphorylated and recruited Src homology-2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-2 and to a lesser extent SHP-1. Like engagement of the ITIM-bearing receptor LAIR-1/p40, cross-linking of FDF03 inhibited calcium mobilization in response to CD32/FcgammaRII aggregation in transfected U937 cells, thus demonstrating that FDF03 can function as an inhibitory receptor. However, in contrast to LAIR-1/p40, cross-linking of FDF03 did not inhibit GM-CSF-induced monocyte differentiation into DC. Thus, FDF03 is a novel ITIM-bearing receptor selectively expressed by cells of myeloid origin, including DC, that may regulate functions other than that of the broadly distributed LAIR-1/p40 molecule.

Estradiol stimulation of c-fos and c-jun expressions and activator protein-1 deoxyribonucleic acid binding activity in rat white adipocyte

In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms whereby ovarian hormones, and particularly estrogens, modulate fat cell metabolism, we investigated the effects of estradiol administration on c-fos and c-jun expressions in fat cells from ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Estradiol treatment resulted in a rapid increase in c-fos and c-jun messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels (about 2-fold). These effects of estradiol on c-fos and c-jun mRNAs were blocked by actinomycin D but not by cycloheximide treatment, suggesting that estradiol modulates c-fos and c-jun transcription. Moreover, the estradiol-induction of both transcripts was partially suppressed by the estrogen-receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. In contrast, progesterone administration did not affect c-fos and c-jun mRNA levels indicating a hormonal specificity of estrogen action. However, an antagonism of estradiol-induction of both genes was observed after progesterone treatment. In addition, the estradiol-induced changes in c-fos and c-jun mRNA expressions could not be observed in castrated males suggesting a gender-specific effect of estradiol. Finally, in OVX rats, estradiol treatment stimulated the specific AP-1 DNA binding activity (about 5-fold) in adipocyte nuclear extracts as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. These results suggest that some of the estrogen effects in fat cells from female rats are mediated through induction of the AP-1 complex expression and consequently through modulation of the AP-1 dependent gene expression in adipocytes.

Angiographic and clinical characteristics associated with increased in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous intervention (a pooled analysis of the primary angioplasty in myocardial infarction trials)

Advanced age is associated with increased mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but the mechanism remains unclear. We performed a pooled analysis of 3,032 patients from the Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI)-2, Stent-PAMI, and PAMI-No Surgery On Site trials to determine which clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic characteristics in the elderly were associated with in-hospital death. There were 452 patients aged >/=75 years and 2,580 patients aged <75 years. Older patients had a lower number of risk factors for coronary artery disease but more comorbidities. Acute catheterization demonstrated more 3-vessel disease, higher left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure, lower LV ejection fraction, and higher initial rates of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) trial 2 or 3 flow. Elderly patients were equally likely to undergo percutaneous intervention but had a lower procedural success rate and lower rates of final TIMI 3 flow, and older patients were more likely to have post-AMI complications. In-hospital mortality was 10.2% and 1.8%, respectively (p = 0.001). Cardiac and noncardiac mortality was higher in elderly patients, and no significant differences in causes of death were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed that the strongest predictors of death were age >/=75 years, lower LV ejection fraction, lower final TIMI flow, higher Killip class, need for an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and post-AMI stroke/transient ischemic attack, or significant arrhythmia. Despite avoiding thrombolysis, elderly patients remain at increased risk of bleeding, stroke, and other post-AMI complications, and death. Cardiac risk factor analysis and acute catheterization offer prognostic information but do not completely explain the mechanism of increased in-hospital mortality in the elderly.

A plasmid partition system of the P1-P7par family from the pMT1 virulence plasmid of Yersinia pestis

The complete sequence of the virulence plasmid pMT1 of Yersinia pestis KIM5 revealed a region homologous to the plasmid partition (par) region of the P7 plasmid prophage of Escherichia coli. The essential genes parA and parB and the downstream partition site gene, parS, are highly conserved in sequence and organization. The pMT1parS site and the parA-parB operon were separately inserted into vectors that could be maintained in E. coli. A mini-P1 vector containing pMT1parS was stably maintained when the pMT1 ParA and ParB proteins were supplied in trans, showing that the pMT1par system is fully functional for plasmid partition in E. coli. The pMT1par system exerted a plasmid silencing activity similar to, but weaker than those of P7par and P1par. In spite of the high degree of similarity, especially to P7par, it showed unique specificities with respect to the interactions of key components. Neither the P7 nor P1 Par proteins could support partition via the pMT1parS site, and the pMT1 Par proteins failed to support partition with P1parS or P7parS. Typical of other partition sites, supernumerary copies of pMT1parS exerted incompatibility toward plasmids supported by pMT1par. However, no interspecies incompatibility effect was observed between pMT1par, P7par, and P1par.

Effects of lead exposure before pregnancy and dietary calcium during pregnancy on fetal development and lead accumulation

Millions of women of child-bearing age have substantial bone lead stores due to lead exposure as children. Dietary calcium ingested simultaneously with lead exposure can reduce lead absorption and accumulation. However, the effects of dietary calcium on previously accumulated maternal lead stores and transfer to the fetus have not been investigated. We studied the effects of lead exposure of female rats at an early age on fetal development during a subsequent pregnancy. We gave 5-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats lead as the acetate in their drinking water for 5 weeks; controls received equimolar sodium acetate. This was followed by a 1-month period without lead exposure before mating. We randomly assigned pregnant rats (n = 39) to diets with a deficient (0.1%) or normal (0.5%) calcium content during pregnancy. A total of 345 pups were delivered alive. Lead-exposed dams and their pups had significantly higher blood lead concentrations than controls, but the concentrations were in the range of those found in many pregnant women. Pups born to dams fed the calcium-deficient diet during pregnancy had higher blood and organ lead concentrations than pups born to dams fed the 0. 5% calcium diet. Pups born to lead-exposed dams had significantly (p<0.0001) lower mean birth weights and birth lengths than controls. There were significant inverse univariate associations between dam or pup organ lead concentrations and birth weight or length. The 0.5% calcium diet did not increase in utero growth. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that greater litter size and female sex were significantly associated with reduced pup birth weight and length. However, lead exposure that ended well before pregnancy was significantly (p<0.0001) associated with reduced birth weight and length, even after litter size, pup sex, and dam weight gain during pregnancy were included in the regression analysis. The data demonstrate that an increase in dietary calcium during pregnancy can reduce fetal lead accumulation but cannot prevent lead-induced decreases in birth weight and length. The results provide evidence that dietary nutrients can influence the transfer of toxins to the fetus during pregnancy. If these results are applicable to women, an increase in diet calcium during pregnancy could reduce the transfer of lead from prepregnancy maternal exposures to the fetus.

Asymptomatic intracardiac thrombi and primary antiphospholipid syndrome

Intracardiac thrombi have rarely been reported in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome. We describe a new case revealed by systematic echocardiography in an asymptomatic woman who consulted for mild thrombocytopenia. Our case is characterized by a past history of migraine, fetal loss and psychiatric disturbances and by a high level of antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin, anti-beta(2)-glycoprotein I and lupus anticoagulant). Echography, in the absence of any cardiovascular symptom, showed bulky right intra-atrial thrombi requiring surgical excision. Histopathological analysis revealed the fibrino-cruoric nature of the lesion without myxoma. This case shows that, when faced with a mild thrombocytopenia associated with antiphospholipid antibodies, echocardiography may reveal a life-threatening and completely asymptomatic intracardiac thrombosis.

Chromium levels in spices and aromatic herbs

We determined the presence of chromium in a total of 72 samples of 17 different spices and aromatic herbs. Electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS) was used to determine Cr content in the samples mineralized with HNO3 and V2O5. The analytical characteristics of the proposed method were tested, and the accuracy and precision was also verified against an NBS-certified reference material. Chromium concentrations ranged from not detectable to 1.42 micrograms/g (dry wt.) and Cr presence was detected in 95% of samples. Spices and aromatic herbs are widely consumed in the Spanish diet and in the Mediterranean diet, in general.

Fatal cerebral hemorrhage and severe thrombocytopenia during abciximab treatment

We describe the case of a fatal cerebral hemorrhage associated with a severe thrombocytopenia (4.0 x 10(9)/l), occurring only 90 min after starting treatment with abciximab, in a patient undergoing primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for an acute myocardial infarction. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:177-180, 2000.

Coronary angioplasty with or without stent implantation for acute myocardial infarction. Stent Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction Study Group

BACKGROUND

Coronary-stent implantation is frequently performed for treatment of acute myocardial infarction. However, few studies have compared stent implantation with primary angioplasty alone.

METHODS

We designed a multicenter study to compare primary angioplasty with angioplasty accompanied by implantation of a heparin-coated Palmaz-Schatz stent. Patients with acute myocardial infarction underwent emergency catheterization and angioplasty. Those with vessels suitable for stenting were randomly assigned to undergo angioplasty with stenting (452 patients) or angioplasty alone (448 patients).

RESULTS

The mean (+/-SD) minimal luminal diameter was larger after stenting than after angioplasty alone (2.56+/-0.44 mm vs. 2.12+/-0.45 mm, P<0.001), although fewer patients assigned to stenting had grade 3 blood flow (according to the classification of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trial) (89.4 percent, vs. 92.7 percent in the angioplasty group; P=0.10). After six months, fewer patients in the stent group than in the angioplasty group had angina (11.3 percent vs. 16.9 percent, P=0.02) or needed target-vessel revascularization because of ischemia (7.7 percent vs. 17.0 percent, P<0.001). In addition, the combined primary end point of death, reinfarction, disabling stroke, or target-vessel revascularization because of ischemia occurred in fewer patients in the stent group than in the angioplasty group (12.6 percent vs. 20.1 percent, P<0.01). The decrease in the combined end point was due entirely to the decreased need for target-vessel revascularization. The six-month mortality rates were 4.2 percent in the stent group and 2.7 percent in the angioplasty group (P=0.27). Angiographic follow-up at 6.5 months demonstrated a lower incidence of restenosis in the stent group than in the angioplasty group (20.3 percent vs. 33.5 percent, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute myocardial infarction, routine implantation of a stent has clinical benefits beyond those of primary coronary angioplasty alone.

Metalloproteases in Trypanosoma rangeli-infected Rhodnius prolixus

Protease activities in the haemolymph and fat body in a bloodsucking insect, Rhodnius prolixus, infected with Trypanosoma rangeli, were investigated. After SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis containing gelatin as substrate, analysis of zymograms performed on samples of different tissues of controls and insects inoculated or orally infected with short or long epimastigotes of T. rangeli, demonstrated distinct patterns of protease activities: (i) proteases were detected in the haemolymph of insects which were fed on, or inoculated with, short epimastigotes of T. rangeli (39 kDa and 33 kDa, respectively), but they were not observed in the fat body taken from these insects; (ii) protease was also presented in the fat bodies derived from naive insects or controls inoculated with sterile phosphate-saline buffer (49 kDa), but it was not detected in the haemolymph of these insects; (iii) no protease activity was observed in both haemolymph and fat bodies taken from insects inoculated with, or fed on, long epimastigotes of T. rangeli. Furthermore, in short epimastigotes of T. rangeli extracts, three bands of the protease activities with apparent molecular weights of 297, 198 and 95 kDa were detected while long epimastigotes preparation presented only two bands of protease activities with molecular weights of 297 and 198 kDa. The proteases from the insect infected with T. rangeli and controls belong to the class of either metalloproteases or metal-activated enzymes since they are inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline. The significance of these proteases in the insects infected with short epimastigotes of T. rangeli is discussed in relation to the success of the establishment of infection of these parasites in its vector, R. prolixus.

APCs express DCIR, a novel C-type lectin surface receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif

We have identified a novel member of the calcium-dependent (C-type) lectin family. This molecule, designated DCIR (for dendritic cell (DC) immunoreceptor), is a type II membrane glycoprotein of 237 aa with a single carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), closest in homology to those of the macrophage lectin and hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptors. The intracellular domain of DCIR contains a consensus immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif. A mouse cDNA, encoding a homologous protein has been identified. Northern blot analysis showed DCIR mRNA to be predominantly transcribed in hematopoietic tissues. The gene encoding human DCIR was localized to chromosome 12p13, in a region close to the NK gene complex. Unlike members of this complex, DCIR displays a typical lectin CRD rather than an NK cell type extracellular domain, and was expressed on DC, monocytes, macrophages, B lymphocytes, and granulocytes, but not detected on NK and T cells. DCIR was strongly expressed by DC derived from blood monocytes cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4. DCIR was mostly expressed by monocyte-related rather than Langerhans cell related DC obtained from CD34+ progenitor cells. Finally, DCIR expression was down-regulated by signals inducing DC maturation such as CD40 ligand, LPS, or TNF-alpha. Thus, DCIR is differentially expressed on DC depending on their origin and stage of maturation/activation. DCIR represents a novel surface molecule expressed by Ag presenting cells, and of potential importance in regulation of DC function.