Body size indices at different ages and epithelial ovarian cancer risk

The relationship between body mass measures at diagnosis and/or at different ages and ovarian cancer risk was investigated using an Italian multicentre case-control study. The study, conducted between 1992 and 1999, included 1031 cases of incident, histologically-confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer and 2411 controls admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute non-neoplastic conditions. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained using unconditional multiple logistic regression analyses. Weight and body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) 1 year prior to diagnosis/interview were not associated with ovarian cancer risk. A direct association emerged with waist-to-hip ratio (W/H) (OR=1.45 in the highest category), particularly among women with stage I-II cancers. Cases also had a higher BMI at age 30 years (OR=1.22). Conversely, cases had lower weight gain between age 30 years and the year prior to diagnosis/interview, both for cases with stage I-II and those with stage III-IV cancers.

Coffee and alcohol intake and risk of ovarian cancer: an Italian case-control study

The relation between coffee and alcohol intake and ovarian cancer risk was analyzed in a case-control study conducted in Italy between 1992 and 1999. Cases were 1,031 women, aged 18-79 years, with incident, histologically confirmed invasive epithelial ovarian cancer, and controls were 2,411 women, aged 17-79 years, admitted to the hospital for acute nonneoplastic non-hormone-related diseases. Coffee intake (mostly espresso and mocha) was not associated with ovarian cancer risk, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.69-1.27] in drinkers of > or = 4 cups/day compared with drinkers of < 1 cup/day. No meaningful relation was observed with cappuccino (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.85-1.32 for drinkers compared with nondrinkers), decaffeinated coffee (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96), and tea intake (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.75-1.08). Total alcohol intake was not associated with ovarian cancer risk (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.76-1.57 in drinkers of > or = 36 g/day compared with never drinkers). No relationship was found with wine (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.70-1.50 for > 39 g/day compared with never drinkers), beer, amari, grappa, and spirits. No significant heterogeneity was found for coffee or total alcohol intake across strata of age, education, parity, oral contraceptive use, family history of ovarian/breast cancer, body mass index, and calorie intake. This study, based on a large data set; provides no support for a causal association between invasive epithelial ovarian cancer risk and coffee and alcohol intake.

Risk management of HBsAg or anti-HCV positive healthcare workers in hospital

Recommendations are made for controlling the transmission of the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses from healthcare workers to patients. These recommendations were based both on the literature and on experts' opinions, obtained during a Consensus Conference. The quality of the published information and of the experts' opinions was classified into 6 levels, based on the source of the information. The recommendations can be summarised as follows: all healthcare workers must undergo hepatitis B virus vaccination and adopt the standard measures for infection control in hospitals; healthcare workers who directly perform invasive procedures must undergo serological testing and the evaluation of markers of viral infection. Those found to be positive for: 1) HBsAg and HBeAg, 2) HBsAg and hepatitis B virus DNA, or 3) anti-hepatitis C virus and hepatitis C virus RNA must abstain from directly performing invasive procedures; no other limitations in their activities are necessary. Infected healthcare workers are urged to inform their patients of their infectious status, although this is left to the discretion of the healthcare worker; whose privacy is guaranteed by law. If exposure to hepatitis B virus occurs, the healthcare worker must undergo prophylaxis with specific immunoglobulins, in addition to vaccination.

Dietary fibres and ovarian cancer risk

Data from an Italian multicentre case-control study on ovarian cancer were used to analyse the relationship between various types of fibres and ovarian cancer risk. The study, conducted between 1992 and 1999, included 1031 cases of incident, histologically-confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer. Controls were 2411 women admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute, non-malignant, non-hormonal-related diseases. Cases and controls were interviewed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Odds ratios (ORs), and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models. For total (Englyst) fibre, the OR for the highest versus the lowest quintile of intake was 0.68, and the continuous OR for the difference between the 80th and the 20th percentile of intake was 0.87. For most types of fibre, the continuous OR was significantly below 1. The OR was 0.83 for cellulose, 0.89 for soluble non-cellulose polysaccharides (NCPs), 0.86 for total insoluble fibre, 0.92 for insoluble NCP, and 0.95 (non-significant) for lignin. The inverse association was consistent across strata of age, family history and menopausal status, even if the association was apparently stronger in postmenopausal women. When fibre was classified according to the source, vegetable (but not grain) fibres, showed a significant protective effect, with an OR of 0.78.

Micronutrients and ovarian cancer: a case-control study in Italy

BACKGROUND

The role of selected micronutrients, vitamins and minerals in the aetiology of epithelial ovarian cancer was investigated using data from a case-control study conducted between 1992 and 1999 in five Italian areas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cases were 1,031 patients with histologically confirmed incident epithelial ovarian cancer. Controls were 2,411 subjects admitted for acute, non-neoplastic diseases to major hospitals in the same catchment areas. Dietary habits were elicited using a validated food frequency questionnaire including 78 food groups and recipes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed by quintiles of intake of nutrients.

RESULTS

Inverse associations emerged for vitamin E (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5-0.8), beta-carotene (OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6-1.0), lutein/zeaxanthin (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5-0.8 for the highest vs. the lowest quintile of intake), and calcium intake (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-1.0). When the combined effect of calcium and vitamin E was considered, the OR reached 0.4 (95% CI: 0.3-0.7) for subjects in the highest compared to those in the lowest intake tertile of both micronutrients. Results were consistent across strata of menopausal status, parity and family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The intake of selected micronutrients, which were positively correlated to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, was inversely associated with ovarian cancer.

Structural basis for the recognition of a nucleoporin FG repeat by the NTF2-like domain of the TAP/p15 mRNA nuclear export factor

TAP-p15 heterodimers have been implicated in the export of mRNAs through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). We report a structural analysis of the interaction domains of TAP and p15 in a ternary complex with a Phe-Gly (FG) repeat of an NPC component. The TAP-p15 heterodimer is structurally similar to the homodimeric transport factor NTF2, but unlike NTF2, it is incompatible with either homodimerization or Ran binding. The NTF2-like heterodimer functions as a single structural unit in recognizing an FG repeat at a hydrophobic pocket present only on TAP and not on p15. This FG binding site interacts synergistically with a second site at the C terminus of TAP to mediate mRNA transport through the pore. In general, our findings suggest that FG repeats bind with a similar conformation to different classes of transport factors.

Diet and ovarian cancer risk: a case-control study in Italy

To assess the dietary correlates of cancer of the ovary, the consumption of a wide range of food groups has been investigated in a case-control study conducted between January 1992 and September 1999 in 4 Italian areas. Cases were 1,031 women with incident, histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer; controls were 2,411 women admitted to the same network of hospitals as the cases for acute, non-malignant and non-gynecological conditions, unrelated to hormonal or digestive tract diseases or to long-term modifications of diet. The subjects' usual diet was investigated through a validated food frequency questionnaire including 78 foods and recipes, then grouped into 18 food groups. Odds ratios (OR), and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models including terms for age, study center, education, year at interview, parity, oral contraceptive use and energy intake. Significant trends of increasing risk emerged for red meat (OR = 1.53 for the highest compared with the lowest quintile of consumption), whereas inverse associations were observed for consumption of fish (OR = 0.51), raw (OR = 0.47) and cooked vegetables (OR = 0.65), and pulses (OR = 0.77).

Association study of a promoter polymorphism of UFD1L gene with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders are often found in patients affected by DiGeorge/velo-cardio-facial syndrome (DGS/VCFS) as a result of hemizygosity of chromosome 22q11.2. We evaluated the UFD1L gene, mapping within the DGS/VCFS region, as a potential candidate for schizophrenia susceptibility. UFD1L encodes for the ubiquitin fusion degradation 1 protein, which is expressed in the medial telencephalon during mouse development. Using case control, simplex families (trios), and functional studies, we provided evidence for association between schizophrenia and a single nucleotide functional polymorphism, -277A/G, located within the noncoding region upstream the first exon of the UFD1L gene. The results are supportive of UFD1L involvement in the neurodevelopmental origin of schizophrenia and contribute in delineating etiological and pathogenetic mechanism of the schizophrenia subtype related to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Cloning and molecular characterization of three ubiquitin fusion degradation 1 (Ufd1) ortholog genes from Xenopus laevis, Gallus gallus and Drosophila melanogaster

The yeast ubiquitin fusion degradation 1 (Ufd1) protein is involved in a degradation pathway for ubiquitin fused products. The human ortholog gene (UFD1-like, UFD1L) is deleted in patients affected by the DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndromes. We report the cloning of UFD1L orthologs from Drosophila melanogaster (dufd1l), Xenopus laevis and Gallus gallus. The 1,125-bp Drosophila cDNA encodes a protein of 316 amino acids, showing 60% identity with the human and murine proteins. The identity to the G. gallus, X. laevis, C. elegans and S. cerevisiae proteins is 95%, 83%, 32%, and 36%, respectively. Northern expression data in Drosophila indicate that dufd1l is expressed through embryonic, larval and pupal development, as well as in the adult fly.

Markedly reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 in the acute phase of myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is reduced in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and whether such a decrease might influence prognosis.

BACKGROUND

Insulin-like growth factor-1 protects against insulin resistance and apoptosis. Although insulin resistance has been reported in AMI, IGF-1 levels have not been investigated.

METHODS

We measured serum IGF-1 in 23 patients with AMI within 24 h of symptom onset and in 11 matched controls. In the first 12 patients and controls, we also measured fasting insulin, diurnal growth hormone (GH) and insulin sensitivity (assessed as glucose disappearance or T/2 after an insulin bolus), and repeated IGF-1, insulin and GH after one year. In all patients, 90-day cardiovascular death, recurrent ischemia, reinfarction, revascularization and late malignant arrhythmias were assessed.

RESULTS

The AMI patients versus controls showed markedly reduced IGF-1 (115 +/- 112 vs. 615 +/- 300 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) and slower T/2 (-0.98 +/- 1.5 vs. -2.57 +/- 1.0 mg/dl/min, p = 0.01). Low IGF-1 often preceded the rise of myocardial necrosis markers. Patients with 90-day events (n = 12) versus those without had lower IGF-1 (47 +/- 54 vs. 189 +/- 110 ng/ml, p < 0.0001). Acute phase GH and insulin concentrations did not differ significantly from controls. After one year, the patients' IGF-1 values had risen to 460 +/- 242 ng/ml (p = 0.1 vs. controls, p < 0.0005 vs. acute phase), whereas GH levels were lower (0.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.5 +/- 2.3 ng/ml, p = 0.01) and insulin levels higher (12.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.9 +/- 2.6 microU/ml, p < 0.0001) compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In the early phase of AMI, serum IGF-1 levels are markedly reduced and may contribute to adverse outcomes. Reduced IGF-1 preceding the rise of myocardial necrosis markers suggests a possible pathogenetic role. A compensatory increase in IGF-1 appears to occur by one year.

Isolation and characterization of a novel gene from the DiGeorge chromosomal region that encodes for a mediator subunit

Hemizygous deletions on chromosome 22q11.2 result in developmental disorders referred to as DiGeorge syndrome (DGS)/velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS). We report the isolation of a novel gene, PCQAP (PC2 glutamine/Q-rich-associated protein), that maps to the DiGeorge typically deleted region and encodes a protein identified as a subunit of the large multiprotein complex PC2. PC2 belongs to the family of the human Mediator complexes, which exhibit coactivator function in RNA polymerase II transcription. Furthermore, we cloned the homologous mouse Pcqap cDNA. There is 83% amino acid identity between the human and the mouse predicted protein sequences, with 96% similarity at the amino- and carboxy-terminal ends. To assess the potential involvement of PCQAP in DGS/VCFS, its developmental expression pattern was analyzed. In situ hybridization of mouse embryos at different developmental stages revealed that Pcqap is ubiquitously expressed. However, higher expression was detected in the frontonasal region, pharyngeal arches, and limb buds. Moreover, analysis of subjects carrying a typical 22q11 deletion revealed that the human PCQAP gene was deleted in all patients. Many of the structures affected in DGS/VCFS evolve from Pcqap-expressing cells. Together with the observed haploinsufficiency of PCQAP in DGS/VCFS patients, this finding is consistent with a possible role for this novel Mediator subunit in the development of some of the structures affected in DGS/VCFS.

Overexpression of TAP/p15 heterodimers bypasses nuclear retention and stimulates nuclear mRNA export

Human TAP and its yeast orthologue Mex67p are members of the multigene family of NXF proteins. A conserved feature of NXFs is a leucine-rich repeat domain (LRR) followed by a region related to the nuclear transport factor 2 (the NTF2-like domain). The NTF2-like domain of metazoan NXFs heterodimerizes with a protein known as p15 or NXT. A C-terminal region related to ubiquitin-associated domains (the UBA-like domain) is present in most, but not all NXF proteins. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mex67p and Caenorhabditis elegans NXF1 are essential for the export of messenger RNA from the nucleus. Human TAP mediates the export of simian type D retroviral RNAs bearing the constitutive transport element, but the precise role of TAP and p15 in mRNA nuclear export has not yet been established. Here we show that overexpression of TAP/p15 heterodimers bypasses nuclear retention and stimulates the export of mRNAs that are otherwise exported inefficiently. This stimulation of mRNA export is strongly reduced by removing the UBA-like domain of TAP and abolished by deleting the LRR domain or the NTF2-like domain. Similar results are obtained when TAP/p15 heterodimers are directly tethered to the RNA export cargo. Our data indicate that formation of TAP/p15 heterodimers is required for TAP-mediated export of mRNA and show that the LRR domain of TAP plays an essential role in this process.

Nucleocytoplasmic transport enters the atomic age

Nucleocytoplasmic transport occurs through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and is mediated by saturable transport receptors that shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Our understanding of the molecular interactions underlying this process has improved dramatically as a result of the elucidation of the crystal structures of several nuclear transport factors either alone or in a complex with other components of the nuclear transport machinery. Furthermore, a conserved family of proteins, which is distinct from the well characterized family of importin beta-like nuclear export receptors, is implicated in the export of messenger RNA to the cytoplasm.

Native Lygus spp. (Heteroptera: Miridae) damaging introduced Hibiscus cannabinus in Italy

Kenaf, Hibiscus cannabinus L, an introduced tropical fiber crop, is attacked in central Italy by the native mirid bugs Lygus rugulipennis Poppius and L. pratensis (L.), thus establishing novel insect-plant associations. Feeding by Lygus bugs damages the apical meristem, with consequent development of secondary stems and leaf tattering. In a laboratory experiment, both species caused apical meristem damage on potted kenaf. In a field experiment with caged plots, the percentage of damaged plants was significantly higher in plots artificially infested with multiple releases of Lygus spp. compared with a single release and with the protected control without Lygus spp. In naturally infested control plots, the percentage of damaged plants was intermediate. Plant height decreased as a function of the number of damaged meristems. Mean plant height was significantly lower in the multiple-release treatment compared with the single-release treatment and the protected control. Dry biomass was significantly lower in the multiple-release plots compared with the protected control, and intermediate in the single-release plots. In a field experiment with three kenaf cultivars naturally infested by Lygus spp., plant height and stem diameter were significantly lower in damaged plants compared with healthy plants. Dry weights of plants, stems, and basts were also lower, depending on the cultivar, whereas the bast/core ratio was not affected. Stem lesions developed due to feeding or incisions made by ovipositing females. Lesions and eggs were significantly more abundant on plants with damaged apical meristems compared with healthy plants. Damage mechanisms by Lygus spp. and consequences of new crop introductions are discussed.

Isolation and characterization of the exopolysaccharide produced by Streptococcus thermophilus SFi20

This paper reports isolation, structural characterization and some physico-chemical properties in aqueous solution of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Streptococcus thermophilus strain SFi20. The yield of the purified EPS was found to be reproducible and close to the average value of 143 mg/l. The chemical structure, previously suggested, has been confirmed on the basis of NMR data. Viscometric, chiro-optical and rheological measurements have been carried out with the aim of characterizing the conformational state of the polysaccharide in aqueous solution. All the data reported indicate that the EPS does not undergo a cooperative conformational transition under the investigated experimental conditions. Furthermore, the viscosity data and the viscoelastic behaviour suggest that the polymer is rather flexible and adopts a random coil conformation in aqueous solution.

Fiber intake and the risk of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer

The relation between various types of fiber and oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer was investigated using data from a case-control study conducted between 1992 and 1997 in Italy. Cases were 271 hospital patients with incident, histologically confirmed oral cancer, 327 with pharyngeal cancer and 304 with esophageal cancer. Controls were 1,950 subjects admitted to the same network of hospitals as the cases for acute, nonneoplastic diseases. Cases and controls were interviewed during their hospital stay using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were computed after allowance for age, sex, and other potential confounding factors, including alcohol, tobacco consumption, and energy intake. The ORs for the highest vs. the lowest quintile of intake of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer combined were 0.40 for total (Englyst) fiber, 0.37 for soluble fiber, 0.52 for cellulose, 0.48 for insoluble non cellulose polysaccharide, 0.33 for total insoluble fiber and 0.38 for lignin. The inverse relation were similar for vegetable fiber (OR = 0.51), fruit fiber (OR = 0.60) and grain fiber (OR = 0.56), and were somewhat stronger for oral and pharyngeal cancer than for esophageal cancer. The ORs were similar for the two sexes and strata of age, education, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and total non-alcohol energy intake. Our study indicates that fiber intake may have a protective role on oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer.

Reproductive and hormonal factors and ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Menstrual, reproductive and hormonal factors have been related to ovarian cancer risk, but further quantification of their role in various populations is required.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cases were 1031 women, below age 79, with incident, histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer, and controls 2411 women, admitted between 1992 and 1999 to a network of hospitals in 4 Italian areas for acute, non-neoplastic, diseases. Odds ratios (OR) were obtained using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Multiparity was associated with a significant reduction in risk of ovarian cancer (OR = 0.6 for 3, and 0.5 for > or = 4 births). No consistent association was observed with time since first or last birth, nor with spontaneous or induced abortions. Late age at menarche (OR = 0.8), and early menopause (OR = 0.6) were inversely related to risk, as did long-term oral contraceptive use (OR = 0.5, for > or = 5 years). Hormone replacement therapy in menopause was associated with a non-significantly elevated risk (OR = 1.4). The pattern of risk was similar for women with and for those without family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This uniquely large study confirms and further quantities the relation between hormonal and reproductive factors and ovarian cancer. The pattern of risk observed cannot be totally explained by a role of ovulation in ovarian carcinogenesis.

Leanness as early marker of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether the purported association of leanness with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx was due to cancer-related weight loss or to the influence of factors associated with leanness.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven hundred fifty-four incident cases of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx and 1775 controls, admitted to hospital for acute, non-neoplastic diseases, in Italy and Switzerland. Questionnaire included height, lifetime history of weight and of physical activity, waist and hip measurements, and a validated food-frequency section.

RESULTS

Leanness at diagnosis was associated with elevated risk in men (adjusted odds ratio, OR for 5-unit decrease in body-mass index, BMI = 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-2.2 in men). Male cases were significantly leaner than control subjects at the age of 30 and of 50. Thinner women also had an increased risk, but the inverse association with BMI was non linear. In both sexes, the association with leanness was restricted to smokers and moderate/heavy drinkers, but was not accounted for by drinking and smoking habits, nor by differences in physical activity or dietary habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Leanness appears to be an early marker of some unknown biological effect of smoking and/or of alcohol abuse, which may contribute to the prediction of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx. Cessation of smoking and substantial reduction of alcohol intake may improve nutritional status, besides stopping carcinogen exposure.

Physical activity and risk of ovarian cancer: an Italian case-control study

The relationship between physical activity and the risk of ovarian cancer was analyzed using data from a case-control study conducted between 1992 and 1999 in Italy. Cases were 1,031 women with incident, histologically confirmed, invasive epithelial ovarian cancer and controls were 2,411 women admitted to hospital for acute non-neoplastic, non-hormonal conditions. Compared to women with the lowest level of occupational physical activity, the ORs of ovarian cancer obtained adjusting for center, year of interview and age for women with the highest level of physical activity were 0.70, 0.52 and 0.64 (all statistically significant) respectively, at ages 15-19, 30-39 and 50-59 years, with significant trends in risk for the 2 youngest age groups. The corresponding ORs became 0.89, 0.67 and 0.76 after further allowance for several co-variates of ovarian cancer, including education, which was positively associated with cancer risk. No significant association was found with leisure-time physical activity though the risk was below unity in women with the highest level of activity. The multivariate OR was 0.44 for women with the highest level of combined occupational plus leisure-time physical activity. The inverse relationship between occupational physical activity and ovarian cancer risk was not heterogeneous across strata of selected co-variates.

Fiber intake and the risk of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer

The relation between various types of fiber and oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer was investigated using data from a case-control study conducted between 1992 and 1997 in Italy. Cases were 271 hospital patients with incident, histologically confirmed oral cancer, 327 with pharyngeal cancer and 304 with esophageal cancer. Controls were 1,950 subjects admitted to the same network of hospitals as the cases for acute, nonneoplastic diseases. Cases and controls were interviewed during their hospital stay using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were computed after allowance for age, sex, and other potential confounding factors, including alcohol, tobacco consumption, and energy intake. The ORs for the highest vs. the lowest quintile of intake of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer combined were 0.40 for total (Englyst) fiber, 0.37 for soluble fiber, 0.52 for cellulose, 0.48 for insoluble non cellulose polysaccharide, 0.33 for total insoluble fiber and 0.38 for lignin. The inverse relation were similar for vegetable fiber (OR = 0.51), fruit fiber (OR = 0.60) and grain fiber (OR = 0.56), and were somewhat stronger for oral and pharyngeal cancer than for esophageal cancer. The ORs were similar for the two sexes and strata of age, education, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and total non-alcohol energy intake. Our study indicates that fiber intake may have a protective role on oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer.

gamma-Linolenic acid production by solid-state fermentation of Mucorales strains on cereals

Oleaginous fungi of the genus Mucorales were screened for gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) production on solid substrates containing moistened cereals. Cunninghamella elegans CCF 1318 produced the highest yields of GLA when cultivated on barley. Substrate moisture and cultivation temperature proved critical for effective GLA production. Vegetable oil supplied to the cultures improved GLA production. Rotating bottles and plastic bags were used as cultivation vessels to reproduce the conditions found in rotating drums and tray bioreactors, respectively. After 11 days of cultivation at 21 degrees C, C. elegans produced 14.2 mg of GLA per gram of dry substrate, composed of a mixture of barley, spent malt grains (SMG) and peanut oil. GLA represented 15.6% of the total fatty acids in the lipid extract.

Anticoagulants (heparin, low molecular weight heparin and oral anticoagulants) for intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulant treatment for intermittent claudication might improve functional capacity, and prevent acute cardiovascular complications caused by peripheral obstructive arterial disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of anticoagulant drugs (heparin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and oral anticoagulants) in patients with intermittent claudication (Fontaine stage II) in terms of improving walking capacity (pain-free walking distance or absolute walking distance), mortality, cardiovascular events, ankle/brachial pressure index, progression to surgery, amputation-free survival and side effects of these drugs.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Randomised trials of anticoagulants for intermittent claudication were sought using the search strategy described by the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Review Group. Additional trials were sought through: reference lists resulting from this search; recent conference proceedings; contact with authors of published trials and pharmaceutical companies producing anticoagulants.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials of anticoagulants used to treat patients with intermittent claudication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Thirteen trials were initially considered eligible for inclusion in the review. Two studies evaluated oral anticoagulants, five evaluated standard heparin, and six evaluated LMWHs. Only three studies (two evaluating oral anticoagulants, one evaluating heparin) met the high quality methodological inclusion criteria and were included in the primary analysis. Four other studies were included in the sensitivity analysis. The reviewers extracted the data independently.

MAIN RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between heparin treatment and control groups for pain-free walking distance or maximum walking distance at the end of treatment. There were no data to indicate that LMWHs benefit walking distance. Revascularisation or amputation-free survival rates were reported in one study only with a five year follow-up. No study reported a significant effect on overall mortality or cardiovascular events and the pooled odds ratios were not significant for these outcomes either. Major and minor bleeding events were significantly more frequent in the group treated with oral anticoagulants compared to control, with a non-significant increase in fatal bleeding events. No major bleeding events were reported in the study evaluating heparin, while a non-significant increase in minor bleeding events was reported.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

No benefit of heparin, LMWHs or oral anticoagulants has been established for intermittent claudication. An increased risk of major bleeding events has been observed especially with oral anticoagulants. The use of anticoagulants for intermittent claudication cannot be recommended at this stage.

The structure of the mRNA export factor TAP reveals a cis arrangement of a non-canonical RNP domain and an LRR domain

Human TAP is implicated in mRNA nuclear export and is used by simian type D retroviruses to export their unspliced genomic RNA to the cytoplasm of the host cell. We have determined the crystal structure of the minimal TAP fragment that binds the constitutive transport element (CTE) of retroviral RNAs. Unexpectedly, we find the fragment consists of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) domain, which is not identifiable by its sequence, and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. The non-canonical RNP domain functions as the general RNA-binding portion of the fragment. The LRR domain is required in cis to the RNP domain for CTE RNA binding. The structural and biochemical properties of the domains point to a remarkable similarity with the U2B"(RNP)-U2A'(LRR) spliceosomal heterodimer. Our in vitro and in vivo functional studies using structure-based mutants suggest that a phylogenetically conserved surface of the LRR domain of TAP may have different roles in the export of viral and cellular RNAs.