A mouse model for polycystic kidney disease through a somatic in-frame deletion in the 5' end of Pkd1

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of end-stage renal disease in adults, is characterized by progressive focal cyst formation in the kidney. Embryonic lethality of Pkd1-targeted mice limits the use of these mice. Here we developed a floxed allele of Pkd1 exons 2-6. Global deletion mutants developed polyhydramnios, hydrops fetalis, polycystic kidney and pancreatic disease. Somatic Pkd1 inactivation in the kidney was achieved by crossing Pkd1(flox) mice with transgenic mice expressing Cre controlled by a gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase promoter. These mutants developed cysts in both proximal and distal nephron segments and survived for about 4 weeks. Somatic loss of heterozygosity was shown in a reporter mouse strain to cause cystogenesis. Some cysts in young mice are positive for multiple tubular markers and a mesenchymal marker, suggesting a delay in tubular epithelial differentiation. A higher cell proliferation rate was observed in distal nephron segments probably accounting for the faster growth rate of distal cysts. Although we observed an overall increase in apoptosis in cystic kidneys, there was no difference between proximal or distal nephron segments. We also found increased cyclic AMP, aquaporin 2 and vasopressin type 2 receptor mRNA levels, and apical membrane translocation of aquaporin 2 in cystic kidneys, all of which may contribute to the differential cyst growth rate observed. The accelerated polycystic kidney phenotype of these mice provides an excellent model for studying molecular pathways of cystogenesis and to test therapeutic strategies.

The construction of a novel kind of non-viral gene delivery vector based on protein as core backbone

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A novel kind of non-viral gene delivery vector based on transferrin (Tf) as the core component was constructed with high transfection efficiency and low toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The synthesis vector of Tf-PEI600 was confirmed by different physicochemical methods, including (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, X-ray and thermogravimetric analysis. The cytotoxicity and gene delivery efficiency of the synthesized vector were verified by in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The agarose gel electrophoresis assay indicated that the novel copolymer Tf-PEI600 could efficiently condense plasmid DNA and the condensed nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape. As the weight ratio of Tf-PEI600 to DNA reached 15.0, the particle size (about 200 nm) and the zeta potential (about 20 mV) of the nanoparticles became optimal for gene delivery. The methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay showed the cytotoxicity of Tf-PEI600 to be similar to that of PEI600 and much lower than that of PEI25kDa. In gene-delivery experiments with COS-7 cells and HepG2 cells, the Tf-PEI600 showed about a 30- to 53-fold higher efficiency than PEI600 and nearly equal to that of PEI25kDa.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that Tf-PEI600, with the advantages of low toxicity and high gene-delivery efficiency, might have great prospects in the practice of gene delivery. The core-shell structure of Tf-PEI600 also provided a novel strategy for the construction of non-viral gene delivery vectors.

Morphology and adhesion of human fibroblast cells cultured on bioactive polymer grafted ligament prosthesis

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most important ligament for the knee stabilization. Unfortunately, it is also the most commonly injured. Synthetic polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are widely used to fabricate ligament prostheses. In this study, we reported how to graft poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (pNaSS) onto PET fabrics used to prepare ligament at a rate of about 4.5 x 10(-6) mol/g. In this study, we analyzed the morphology of human fibroblast MacCoy adhering onto the pNaSS grafted fabrics. Cell adhesion strength onto grafted and non grafted fabrics previously adsorbed with serum proteins was also evaluated after the application of shear stresses. Results showed that human fibroblast MacCoy adhered more strongly on the pNaSS grafted fabric compared to the non grafted one. The cell spreading is well on the grafted fiber even after the shear stress application: about 65% of cells remained adhered on the pNaSS grafted fabric as compared to 32% on the non grafted one. We concluded that Mac Coy human fibroblast cells strongly adhered onto the pNaSS functionalized PET prosthesis surface and showed a better spread cell morphology as well as a more homogeneous distribution than on the non grafted sample surfaces.

Prior antiretroviral therapy experience protects against zidovudine-related anaemia

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the use of antiretroviral therapy regimens containing zidovudine or stavudine, using data from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), a multicentre, prospective, observational study of an HIV-infected cohort in the Asia-Pacific Region.

METHODS

A proportional hazards regression analysis of factors associated with the time to discontinuation of initial regimens containing zidovudine or stavudine and a logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with a diagnosis of anaemia within 6 months of commencement of zidovudine in initial or subsequent regimens were performed.

RESULTS

Patients who started zidovudine were more likely to stop within the first 9 months of treatment than those who started on stavudine; the reverse was true after 9 months. Anaemia (haemoglobin<or=10 g/dL) occurred in the first 6 months in 57 of 433 patients (13%) on zidovudine. Baseline anaemia was the strongest predictive factor for subsequent anaemia, and prior antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience was protective for development of anaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support baseline haemoglobin testing and avoidance of zidovudine if the patient is anaemic. The protective effect of prior ART for development of anaemia on zidovudine supports the short-term safety of a stavudine to zidovudine switch with routine haemoglobin monitoring in this cohort. Further studies in resource-poor settings of longer term efficacy and toxicities of ART switch strategies are needed.

Co-inheritance of a PKD1 mutation and homozygous PKD2 variant: a potential modifier in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which is caused by mutations in polycystins 1 (PC1) and 2 (PC2), is one of the most commonly inherited renal diseases, affecting ~1 : 1000 Caucasians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened Greek ADPKD patients with the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) assay and direct sequencing.

RESULTS

We identified a patient homozygous for a nucleotide change c.1445T > G, resulting in a novel homozygous substitution of the non-polar hydrophobic phenylalanine to the polar hydrophilic cysteine in exon 6 at codon 482 (p.F482C) of the PKD2 gene and a de-novo PKD1 splice-site variant IVS21-2delAG. We did not find this PKD2 variant in a screen of 280 chromosomes of healthy subjects, supporting its pathogenicity. The proband's parents did not have the PKD1 mutation. Real-time PCR of the PKD2 transcript from a skin biopsy revealed 20-fold higher expression in the patient than in a healthy subject and was higher in the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) than in those of her heterozygote daughter and a healthy subject. The greater gene expression was also supported by Western blotting. Inner medullar collecting duct (IMCD) cells transfected with the mutant PKD2 mouse gene presented a perinuclear and diffuse cytoplasmic localization compared with the wild type ER localization. Patch-clamping of PBMCs from the p.F482C homozygous and heterozygous subjects revealed lower polycystin-2 channel function than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time a patient with ADPKD who is heterozygous for a de novo PKD1 variant and homozygous for a novel PKD2 mutation.

Fluorescence component in the reflectance spectra from coastal waters. II. Performance of retrieval algorithms

Retrieval of chlorophyll fluorescence magnitude using Fluorescence Height algorithms in coastal waters is more complicated than in the open ocean because of the strong deviations of elastic reflectance within the fluorescence band from the derived fluorescence baseline. We use results of our recently established relationship between fluorescence magnitude and concentrations of water constituents together with extensive HYDROLIGHT simulations, field and satellite data to analyze the performance and retrieval limitations of MODIS and MERIS FLH algorithms in the variety of coastal waters and to examine improvements for spectral band selection suitable for future sensors.

Learning in multilevel games with incomplete information. II

Multilevel games are abstractions of situations where decision makers are distributed in a network environment. In Part I of this paper, the authors present several of the challenging problems that arise in the analysis of multilevel games. In this paper a specific set up is considered where the two games being played are zero-sum games and where the decision makers use the linear reward-inaction algorithm of stochastic learning automata. It is shown that the effective game matrix is decided by the willingness and the ability to cooperate and is a convex combination of two zero-sum game matrices. Analysis of the properties of this effective game matrix and the convergence of the decision process shows that players tend toward noncooperation in these specific environments. Simulation results illustrate this noncooperative behavior.

Low-temperature synthesis and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 pillared montmorillonite

TiO2 pillared montmorillonite (PILM) was synthesized by hydrolyzing TiO2 sol into the interlayers of montmorillonite (MMT) at low temperatures. It is novel that all the as-prepared catalysts without calcination show a high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of acid red G (ARG) under UV light irradiation. The as-prepared powders were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, BET, and FT-IR. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the (001) plane of MMT in the composites disappeared and that the layered structure became disordered, which also was confirmed by the TEM photographs. The UV absorption edge of the composites shows a red-shift in comparison to that of pure TiO2 particles. The obtained catalyst has the highest photocatalytic activity when the composite temperature is 70 degrees C, which could be attributed to the synergetic effects of the adsorbability of MMT and the photocatalytic property of TiO2 in it.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels in ventromedial hypothalamic neurones of postnatal rats: modulation by oestradiol and phenylephrine

Oestradiol actions in the hypothalamus play an important role in reproductive behaviour. Oestradiol treatment in vivo induces alpha(1b)-adrenoceptor mRNA and increases the density of alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor binding in the hypothalamus. Oestradiol is also known to modulate neuronal excitability, in some cases by modulating calcium channels. We assessed the effects of phenylephrine, an alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist, on low-voltage-activated (LVA) and high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channels in ventromedial hypothalamic (VMN) neurones from vehicle- and oestradiol-treated female rats. Whole-cell and gramicidin perforated-patch recordings were obtained, with barium as the charge carrier. In the absence of phenylephrine, oestradiol treatment increased the magnitude of LVA currents compared to controls, but had no effect on HVA currents. Phenylephrine enhanced HVA currents in a significantly greater proportion of neurones from oestradiol-treated rats (76%) than from vehicle-treated (41%) rats. The L-channel blocker nifedipine abolished this oestradiol effect on phenylephrine-enhanced HVA currents. Preincubating slices with the N-type channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA completely blocked the phenylephrine response, suggesting that the N-type channel is essential. Phenylephrine also stimulated LVA currents in approximately two-thirds of neurones in slices from both vehicle- and oestradiol-treated rats. Our data show that oestradiol increases LVA currents in the VMN. Oestradiol also amplifies alpha(1)-adrenergic signalling by increasing the proportion of neurones showing phenylephrine-stimulated HVA currents mediated by N- and L-type calcium channels. In this way, oestradiol may increase excitatory responses to arousing adrenergic inputs to VMN neurones governing oestradiol-dependent reproductive behaviour.

Search for exclusive gammagamma production in Hadron-Hadron collisions

We have searched for exclusive gammagamma production in proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, using 532 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity taken by the run II Collider Detector at Fermilab. The event signature requires two electromagnetic showers, each with transverse energy E(T)>5 GeV and pseudorapidity |eta|<1.0, with no other particles detected in the event. Three candidate events are observed. We discuss the consistency of the three events with gammagamma, pi(0)pi(0), or eta eta production. The probability that other processes fluctuate to >or=3 events is 1.7x10(-4). An upper limit on the cross section of pp-->p + gammagamma + p production is set at 410 fb with 95% confidence level.

M-Entropy guidance vs standard practice during propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial

Seventy-two patients undergoing routine surgical procedures under propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either standard clinical practice (n = 35) or standard practice plus monitoring of depth of anaesthesia with M-Entropy (n = 37). Patients in the standard practice group received more propofol than the entropy group (mean (SD) 95 (14) vs 81 (22) microg.kg(-1).min(-1), respectively; p < 0.01), and less remifentanil (0.39 (0.08) vs 0.46 (0.08) microg.kg(-1).min(-1), respectively; p < 0.001). Loss of consciousness was best predicted by BIS (prediction probability (P(K)) 0.96) and response entropy (P(K) 0.93), whereas emergence was best predicted by response entropy (P(K) 0.94). The frequency of unwanted patient responses was higher in the standard practice group than in the entropy group (47 vs 27 total events, respectively; p < 0.01). Both regimens resulted in fast recovery with no clinical advantage for either one. There were no significant differences in haemodynamic parameters, postoperative nausea and vomiting or satisfaction with the procedure.

The interaction of superoxide with nitric oxide destabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha

In renal carcinoma cells (RCC4) hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is constitutively expressed due to a von Hippel Lindau protein deficiency, but can be degraded by calpain, independently of the 26S proteasome, when exposed to hypoxia/nitric oxide (NO). In this study we examined molecular mechanisms to explain calpain activation. The inability of hypoxia/NO to degrade HIF-1alpha in respiratory-deficient RCC4-rho0 cells pointed to the requirement for mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species. A prerequisite for O(2)(-) in combination with NO to destabilize HIF-1alpha was corroborated in RCC4-rho0 cells, when the redox cycler 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone was used as a source of superoxide. Degradation of HIF-1alpha required intracellular calcium transients and calpain activation. Using uric acid to interfere with signal transmission elicited by NO/O(2)(-) blocked HIF-1alpha degradation and attenuated a calcium increase. We conclude that an oxidative signal as a result of NO/O(2)(-) coformation triggers a calcium increase that activates calpain to degrade HIF-1alpha, independently of the proteasome.

Fluorescence component in the reflectance spectra from coastal waters. Dependence on water composition

Based on HYDROLIGHT simulations of more than 2000 reflectance spectra from datasets typical of coastal waters with highly variable optically active constituents as well as on intercomparisons with field measurements, the magnitude of chlorophyll fluorescence was analyzed and parameterized as a function of phytoplankton, CDOM, and suspended inorganic matter concentrations. Using the parameterizations developed, we show that variations in the fluorescence component of water leaving radiance in coastal waters are due more to the variability of attenuation in the water than to the variability of the fluorescence quantum yield, which we estimate to be relatively stable at around 1%. Finally, the ranges of water conditions where fluorescence plays a significant role in the reflectance NIR peak and where it is effectively undetectable are also determined.

Observation of the Heavy Baryons Sigma b and Sigma b*

We report an observation of new bottom baryons produced in pp collisions at the Tevatron. Using 1.1 fb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II detector, we observe four Lambda b 0 pi+/- resonances in the fully reconstructed decay mode Lambda b 0-->Lambda c + pi-, where Lambda c+-->pK* pi+. We interpret these states as the Sigma b(*)+/- baryons and measure the following masses: m Sigma b+=5807.8 -2.2 +2.0(stat.)+/-1.7(syst.) MeV/c2, m Sigma b- =5815.2+/-1.0(stat.)+/-1.7(syst.) MeV/c2, and m(Sigma b*)-m(Sigma b)=21.2-1.9 +2.0(stat.)-0.3+0.4(syst.) MeV/c2.

Search for chargino-neutralino production in pp collisions at sq rt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for associated production of the chargino and neutralino supersymmetric particles using up to 1.1 fb{-1} of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF II experiment at the Tevatron pp collider at sq rt[s]=1.96 TeV. We analyze events with a large transverse momentum imbalance and either three charged leptons or two charged leptons of the same electric charge. The numbers of observed events are consistent with standard model expectations. Upper limits on the production cross section are derived in different theoretical models.

Intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile duct. A distinct entity like its counterpart in pancreas

To recognize the new entity-intraductal papillary neoplasia of bile duct in liver, the authors reviewed the clinical records of sixteen patients, analyzed the microscopic features, and selected immunohistochemical reactivity (cytokeratins and mucins) that might correlate with classification. Ten patients were male and six were female, with a mean age of 58 years (range, 21-73 years). According to their cell phenotypes, these papillary tumors were classified as intestinal type (6 cases), pancratobiliary type (4 cases), gastric type (5 cases) and oncocytic type (1 case). Most were located in the left hepatic duct and accompanied with bile duct dilatation (10 cases). Eight showed minimal expansile invasion into the ductal wall and eight were noninvasive. Five patients were treated with a hepatectomy, three underwent segmental resections, and one underwent a left hepatic lobectomy. One patient died of unrelated causes 6 years after operation, and another died of postoperative complications. The remaining 7 patients are alive and disease free 1-5 years after surgery. Because of its distinct clinical, pathological features and a favorable prognosis can be expected after complete surgical resection, we suggested that intraductal papillary neoplasia should be distinguished from other types of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, as a distinct entity, like its counterparts in the pancreas. Neoexpressed and overexpressed mucins are of clinical value as a marker for supportive diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring therapy.

Precise measurement of the top-quark mass in the lepton+jets topology at CDF II

We present a measurement of the mass of the top quark from proton-antiproton collisions recorded at the CDF experiment in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron. We analyze events from the single lepton plus jets final state (tt-->W(+)bW(-)b-->lnubqq'b). The top-quark mass is extracted using a direct calculation of the probability density that each event corresponds to the tt final state. The probability is a function of both the mass of the top quark and the energy scale of the calorimeter jets, which is constrained in situ by the hadronic W boson mass. Using 167 events observed in 955 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we achieve the single most precise measurement of the top-quark mass, 170.8+/-2.2(stat.)+/-1.4(syst.) GeV/c(2).