IGF-1 deficiency in combination with a low basic hBD-2 and hBD-3 gene expression might counteract malignant transformation in pleomorphic adenomas in vitro

This study investigated the IGF-1-influence on oncological relevant genes in pleomorphic adenomas. Therefore A64-tumor cells were stimulated by recombinant IGF-1. After RNA-extraction, transcript levels of hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3, DEFA1/3, DEFA4, S100A4, Psoriasin, DOC-1, EGF, EGFR, and IGFR were analyzed by qRT-PCR at t = 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hr. The gene-products were visualized by immunostaining. A64-tumor-cells were deficient for hBD-1 and IGF-1. IGF-1 downregulates hBD-2 and hBD-3 without influencing hBD-1-expression. IGF-1 only slightly affects DEFA1/3-, DEFA4-, S100A4-, Psoriasin-, DOC-1-, EGF-, EGFR-, and IGFR-gene-expression. IGF-1-deficiency combined with low basic hBD-2-gene-expression and hBD-3-gene-expression might counteract, whereas hBD-1-deficiency promotes malignant transformation in pleomorphic adenomas.

Modulation of gastric pH by a buffered soluble effervescent formulation: A possible means of improving gastric tolerability of alendronate

Gastrointestinal side-effects of alendronate (ALN) are believed to be associated with oesophageal lodging of tablets and perhaps reflux of gastric contents with alendronate under strongly acidic pH conditions. This leads to unfavourable posture restrictions when dosing. This clinical study evaluated gastric emptying and gastric pH after administration of Fosamax(®) tablets and a novel effervescent ALN formulation with a high buffering capacity. This novel formulation, EX101, was developed to potentially improve gastric tolerance. Gastric pH was monitored by nasogastric probes. Gastric emptying was determined simultaneously by scintigraphic imaging of (99m)Tc-DTPA labelled formulations. Both formulations tested rapidly cleared the oesophagus and there were no statistically significant or physiologically relevant differences in gastric emptying times. Mean pH at time to 50% gastric emptying of the radiolabel was significantly higher in EX101-treated subjects compared to those treated with Fosamax(®). At time to 90% gastric emptying of the radiolabel, mean pH values were comparable. Mucosal exposure to ALN at pH less than 3 is irritating to gastro-oesophageal tissue. Ingestion of Fosamax(®) resulted in ALN being present in the stomach at a pH below 3 within minutes. EX101 minimised the possibility of exposing the oesophagus (in case of reflux) to acidified ALN.

A randomized trial investigating the efficacy and safety of water soluble micellar paclitaxel (Paccal Vet) for treatment of nonresectable grade 2 or 3 mast cell tumors in dogs

BACKGROUND

Effective treatments for dogs with advanced stage mast cell tumors (MCT) remain a pressing need. A micellar formulation of paclitaxel (paclitaxel [micellar]) has shown promise in early-phase studies.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

The objective was to demonstrate greater activity for paclitaxel (micellar) compared with lomustine. The null hypothesis was μ(p) = μ(L) (ie, proportion of responders for the paclitaxel [micellar] and lomustine groups, respectively).

ANIMALS

Two hundred and fifty-two dogs with advanced stage nonresectable grade 2 or 3 MCT.

METHODS

Prospective multicenter randomized double-blind positive-controlled clinical trial. The primary endpoint was confirmed overall response rate (CORR) at 14 weeks. A secondary endpoint, biologic observed response rate (BORR), also was calculated. Safety was assessed by the characterization and grading of adverse events (AE).

RESULTS

Overall CORR (7% versus 1%; P = .048) and BORR (23% versus 10%; P = .012) were greater for paclitaxel (micellar) compared with lomustine. Paclitaxel (micellar)-treated dogs were 6.5 times more likely to have a confirmed response and 3.1 times more likely to experience a biologic observed response. The majority of AE with paclitaxel (micellar) were transient and clinically manageable. Twenty-seven dogs (33%) receiving lomustine were discontinued because of hepatopathy compared with 3 dogs (2%) receiving paclitaxel (micellar) (P < .0001; odds ratio 26.7).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Paclitaxel (micellar)'s activity and safety profile are superior to lomustine. The addition of an active and novel taxane to the veterinary armamentarium could fill a substantial need and, as its mechanism of action and AE profile do not overlap with currently available TKI, its availability could lead to effective combination protocols.

Human mucosal CD4+ T cells but not blood CD4+ T cells respond vigorously towards CD28 engagement

Human lamina propria T lymphocytes (LPT) possess functional properties profoundly different from those of peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBT). While they are characterized by a low proliferative response to T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 stimulation in vitro their responsiveness to activation through the 'co-stimulatory' CD2-receptor is enhanced when compared to PBT. In this study, we demonstrate that engagement of another co-stimulatory receptor on both LPT and PBT, namely CD28, by a single monoclonal antibody (mAb), respectively, strongly activates the former but not the latter through a PI3-kinase dependent signalling pathway leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In addition to the high sensitivity of LPT to CD2 stimulation, this finding supports the notion that 'non-specific/innate' mechanisms to activate T lymphocytes play a predominant role vis-à-vis'TCR driven/adaptive' responses in the intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, it suggests that results from preclinical tests for therapeutic antibodies performed with human blood derived T cells are probably insufficient to predict reactivities of tissue-resident immune cells, which--given their quantitative predominance--may critically determine the in-vivo response to such compounds.

First evidence of pep solar neutrinos by direct detection in Borexino

We observed, for the first time, solar neutrinos in the 1.0-1.5 MeV energy range. We determined the rate of pep solar neutrino interactions in Borexino to be 3.1±0.6{stat}±0.3{syst}  counts/(day·100  ton). Assuming the pep neutrino flux predicted by the standard solar model, we obtained a constraint on the CNO solar neutrino interaction rate of <7.9  counts/(day·100  ton) (95% C.L.). The absence of the solar neutrino signal is disfavored at 99.97% C.L., while the absence of the pep signal is disfavored at 98% C.L. The necessary sensitivity was achieved by adopting data analysis techniques for the rejection of cosmogenic {11}C, the dominant background in the 1-2 MeV region. Assuming the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein large mixing angle solution to solar neutrino oscillations, these values correspond to solar neutrino fluxes of (1.6±0.3)×10{8}  cm{-2} s^{-1} and <7.7×10{8}  cm{-2} s{-1} (95% C.L.), respectively, in agreement with both the high and low metallicity standard solar models. These results represent the first direct evidence of the pep neutrino signal and the strongest constraint of the CNO solar neutrino flux to date.

Human periodontal ligament cells facilitate leukocyte recruitment and are influenced in their immunomodulatory function by Th17 cytokine release

The objective of this in vitro study was to examine the immunomodulatory impact of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on the nature and magnitude of the leukocyte infiltrate in periodontal inflammation, particularly with regard to Th17 cells. PDL cells were challenged with pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-17A, and IFN-γ) and analyzed for the expression of cytokines involved in periodontal immunoinflammatory processes (IL-6, MIP-3 alpha, IL-23A, TGFß1, IDO, and CD274). In order to further investigate a direct involvement of PDL cells in leukocyte function, co-culture experiments were conducted. The expression of the immunomodulatory cytokines studied was significantly increased under pro-inflammatory conditions in PDL cells. Although PDL cells did not stimulate leukocyte proliferation or Th17 differentiation, these cells induced the recruitment of leukocytes. The results of our study suggest that PDL cells might be involved in chronic inflammatory mechanisms in periodontal tissues and thus in the transition to an adaptive immune response in periodontitis.

Daily profiles of energy and nutrient intakes: are eating profiles changing over time?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:

Associations between timing of eating occasions and their nutrient composition and health have been described in interventional and cross-sectional studies. However, data from longitudinal data are limited. This study examined 17-year changes in energy and macronutrient intake across eating occasions in the 1946 British birth cohort.

SUBJECTS/METHODS:

Data were obtained from the 1946 British birth cohort. Cohort members completed 5d-estimated diaries at ages 36 (1982), 43 (1989) and 53 years (1999). Data from subjects who provided dietary data at all three time points were analysed (n=1253). Repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni's adjustment was used to examine changes in energy and macronutrient at breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, mid-afternoon, evening and extra meal slots between 1982 and 1999. Analyses were stratified by sex and social class.

RESULTS:

The proportion of energy and macronutrients consumed at lunch declined between 1982 and 1999, which was compensated by a greater intake in the mid-afternoon and evening. This trend was seen across sex and social class, although women and adults with a non-manual occupation reported greater energy, carbohydrate and non-starch polysaccharide intake at breakfast in 1982 and had a higher protein intake in the evening compared with men and adults with a manual occupation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The timing of energy and nutrient intake has shifted slightly over time, with a greater proportion of intake later in the day. The association between the observed sex and occupational social class differences in eating profiles and chronic disease warrants investigation.

Precision measurement of the (7)Be solar neutrino interaction rate in Borexino

The rate of neutrino-electron elastic scattering interactions from 862 keV (7)Be solar neutrinos in Borexino is determined to be 46.0±1.5(stat)(-1.6)(+1.5)(syst) counts/(day·100  ton). This corresponds to a ν(e)-equivalent (7)Be solar neutrino flux of (3.10±0.15)×10(9)  cm(-2) s(-1) and, under the assumption of ν(e) transition to other active neutrino flavours, yields an electron neutrino survival probability of 0.51±0.07 at 862 keV. The no flavor change hypothesis is ruled out at 5.0 σ. A global solar neutrino analysis with free fluxes determines Φ(pp)=6.06(-0.06)(+0.02)×10(10)  cm(-2) s(-1) and Φ(CNO)<1.3×10(9)  cm(-2) s(-1) (95% C.L.). These results significantly improve the precision with which the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein large mixing angle neutrino oscillation model is experimentally tested at low energy.

Interactions of regenerative, inflammatory and biomechanical signals on bone morphogenetic protein-2 in periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Regeneration of periodontal tissues by EMD remains a major challenge because a number of modifying factors are as yet unknown. The effects of EMD seem to be mediated, at least in part, by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). This in vitro study was performed to examine whether the effects of EMD on BMP-2 activity are modulated by inflammatory and/or biomechanical signals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

  Periodontal ligament cells were seeded on BioFlex(®) plates and exposed to EMD under normal, inflammatory or biomechanical loading conditions for 1 and 6 d. In order to mimic proinflammatory or biomechanical loading conditions in vitro, cells were stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which is increased at inflamed periodontal sites, and cyclic tensile strain of various magnitudes, respectively. The synthesis of BMP-2, its receptors (BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B and BMPR-2) and its inhibitors (follistatin, matrix gla protein and noggin) were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA.

RESULTS

In EMD-treated cells, BMP-2 synthesis was increased significantly at 1 d. EMD also induced the expression of all BMP receptors, and of the BMP inhibitors follistatin and noggin. In general, IL-1β and biomechanical loading neither down-regulated BMP-2 nor up-regulated BMP inhibitors in EMD-stimulated cells. However, IL-1β and biomechanical loading, when applied for a longer time period, caused a down-regulation of EMD-induced BMP receptors.

CONCLUSION

EMD induces not only BMP-2, but also its receptors and inhibitors, in PDL cells. IL-1β and biomechanical forces may counteract the beneficial effects of EMD on BMP-2 activity via the down-regulation of BMP receptors.

Effect of varying salinity, temperature, ammonia and nitrous acid concentrations on nitrification of saline wastewater in fixed-bed reactors

Nitrification under changing salinities (0-9%), temperatures (6-50°C), ammonia (0-5 g NL(-1)) and nitrite concentrations (0-0.4 g NL(-1)) was investigated in fixed-bed reactors. For all conditions ammonia oxidation rates (AOR) were lower than nitrite oxidation rates (NOR). AORs and NORs increased from 12.5 to 40°C and were very low at 6°C and almost zero at 50°C. No recovery of nitrification was obtained after incubation at 50°C, whereas nitrification was restorable after incubation at 6°C. Ammonia concentrations of 5 g NL(-1) or nitrite concentrations up to 0.125 g NL(-1) decreased AOR to almost zero. AORs and NORs recovered if ammonia or nitrite was removed. At concentrations of 1 and 5 g NL(-1) ammonia AOR and NOR were inhibited by 50%, whereas 27 mg N/L nitrite inhibited AOR by 50%.

The acute inotropic effects of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) are associated with action potential duration shortening and mediated by β1-adrenoceptor signalling

Despite promising results in clinical trials conducted to date, little is known about how cardiac contractile modulation (CCM) mediated inotropic enhancement occurs and how CCM affects the electrophysiological characteristics of the heart. The aims of the present study were to 1) investigate how the stimulation parameters of the CCM signal and the location of stimulus delivery influence the contractile response, 2) characterise the effect of CCM on ventricular electrophysiology, and 3) investigate the potential physiological mechanisms underlying these acute inotropic and electrophysiological effects. Experiments were conducted in isolated rabbit hearts with simultaneous measurement of ventricular contractility and monophasic action potential duration (MAPD). Biphasic square wave pulses were applied to the left ventricle, timed to coincide with the absolute refractory period. CCM mediated responses were assessed over a range of signal amplitudes (2–30 mA), durations (2–15 ms) and delays from the activation of the locally recorded monophasic action potential (0–30 ms). Responses were assessed during perfusion with the β1-adrenoceptor antagonist metoprolol (1.8 μM) and HMR 1556 (500 nM), an inhibitor of the slow delayed rectifying potassium current. Norepinephrine content was collected and assessed by ELISA from samples of coronary effluent collected during CCM. CCM induced a significant increase in left ventricular pressure (LVP) in a manner dependent upon the amplitude and duration of the CCM signal but independent of the delay of the stimulus within the action potential plateau and was associated with an increase in norepinephrine in coronary effluent (Mean: 46 ± 9 pg/ml). CCM promoted a shortening of MAPD-90% close to the site of stimulation (− 19 ± 3%) but had no effect on those recorded at distant sites (0 ± 1%). The increase in LVP (4.7 ± 1.8 vs. 0.7 ± 0.9%, P < 0.01) and shortening of local MAPD-90% (− 15 ± 3 vs. 1 ± 1%, P < 0.01) was abolished with metoprolol. Perfusion with HMR 1556 caused a significant inhibition of local MAPD shortening (− 27 ± 2 vs. − 21 ± 3 ms, P < 0.05). CCM is associated with a shortening of ventricular MAPD in a manner dependent upon β-adrenoceptor stimulation resulting from catecholamine release, a finding which may be of clinical significance in regard to the development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Possible Editorial.

Tolerogenic T cells, Th1/Th17 cytokines and TLR2/TLR4 expressing dendritic cells predominate the microenvironment within distinct oral mucosal sites

BACKGROUND

Most local oral vaccine strategies use the sublingual region for drug application. Only little is known about the cytokine micromilieu, the nature of T cell subtypes and expression of target structures for adjuvants at different oral mucosal regions (OMR). However, targeting the optimal OMR might ensure highest efficiency of drug uptake and lowest risk for adverse effects.

METHODS

Expression of TGF-β1, IL10 as well as Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines and transcription factors was investigated at different OMR and skin by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Highest number of T cells was located in vestibular/buccal region (VBR). In contrast to skin (SK), OMR T cells produced TGF-β1, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-17. Significantly higher TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the VBR compared with the sublingual region (SLR) and skin could be detected, while equal transcripts of IL-10 and regulatory T cell-associated transcription factor FoxP3 could be demonstrated. Expression of Th17-associated IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22 and IL-26 mRNA could be demonstrated in VBR and SLR but not in SK. Interestingly, compared to SK, significantly higher expression of TGF-β1 and IFN-γ could be detected in OMR. Moreover, expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 was highest in VBR with significant expression on dendritic cells in OMR.

CONCLUSION

From this data, we conclude that (i) VBR and SLR represent a protolerogenic micromilieu, (ii) both regions form a Th1 cytokine-predominated microenvironment, but also express mRNA for Th17 cytokines and (iii) TLRs detectable in VBR and SLR might serve as a target structures for adjuvants.

Heat shock protein hsp70 cognate gene expression in vegetative and reproductive organs of Lycopersicon esculentum

We have detected hsc70 gene expression (heat shock protein hsp70 cognate) during vegetative growth and reproductive development in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Using RNA from a tomato hsc70 cDNA as a probe in in situ hybridizations, we have determined expression patterns of hsc70 in nonstressed tomato roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and developing fruits. We have localized high levels of hsc70 transcript to the vascular system of the ovary, dividing cells of the lateral root tips, and the inner integument of developing seeds. We also see expression in the transmitting tissue, in immature anthers, and in embryos. We cannot detect expression in mature pollen, xylem, or ovules. These data indicate that the expression of at least some tomato hsp70 family members is developmentally regulated.

Immediate reinforcement in delayed reward learning in pigeons

Pigeons were trained on simultaneous red-green discrimination procedures with delayed reward and sequences of stimuli during the delay. In Experiment 1, three stimuli appeared during the 60-second intervals between the correct responses and reward, and the incorrect responses and nonreward. The stimulus that immediately followed a correct response also preceded nonreward, and the stimulus that followed an incorrect response preceded reward. These stimuli were 10 or .33 second in duration for different groups. Stimuli during the remainder of the delay interval differed following correct and incorrect responses. Group 10 initially persisted in the nonrewarded choice, but shifted to a preponderance of rewarded responses after further training. Group .33 rapidly acquired the correct response. Similar results were obtained in Experiment 2 where delay intervals consisted of opposite sequences of two stimuli of equal duration and total delays were 6, 20, or 60 seconds. Early in training, generalization of differential conditioned-reinforcing properties from the conditions preceding reward and nonreward to postchoice conditions had a greater effect relative to backchaining than it did later. It was concluded that delayed-reward learning is best analyzed in terms of the conditioned-reinforcing value of the patterns of cues that follow immediately after rewarded and nonrewarded responses.

Optical scattering lengths in large liquid-scintillator neutrino detectors

For liquid-scintillator neutrino detectors of kiloton scale, the transparency of the organic solvent is of central importance. The present paper reports on laboratory measurements of the optical scattering lengths of the organic solvents phenylxylylethane, linear alkylbenzene (LAB), and dodecane, which are under discussion for next-generation experiments such as SNO+ (Sudbury Neutrino Observatory), HanoHano, or LENA (Low Energy Neutrino Astronomy). Results comprise the wavelength range of 415-440 nm. The contributions from Rayleigh and Mie scattering as well as from absorption/re-emission processes are discussed. Based on the present results, LAB seems to be the preferred solvent for a large-volume detector.