Cancer Awareness Among Adults in the Kilimanjaro Region

Background: Approximately 14 million new cases were diagnosed with cancer internationally and 8 million of these new cases were diagnosed in low-resource regions according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). For Tanzania, it is estimated that the cancer incidence will double in the year 2030, from 37,000 new cases in 2015 to more than 61,000 cases. In Tanzania is a high prevalence of Burkitt´s lymphoma in children, cervical and breast cancer in women, and prostate and esophagus/stomach cancer in men. Many types of cancer could be prevented by modifying lifestyle choices (e.g., reduce of alcohol consumption and HPV-vaccinations etc). In Tanzania very few studies were published about cancer awareness. A Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) based-registry shows that the majority of patients come in the late stages of cancer to the hospital. In 2017 came in total 760 patient and 85% of them showed up in stage III and IV. Reasons why patients come so late is a lack of knowledge about the cancer symptoms and risk factors and the people in the Kilimanjaro Region are not aware of the new Cancer Care Centre at KCMC which opened in December 2016. Aim: A cross-section study want to gain a deep understanding of the cancer knowledge in the community for future focus programs. This survey want to identify the knowledge of cancer, awareness of cancer risk factors and treatment options among adults in the Kilimanjaro Region. Methods: In collaboration with Berlin Charité in 2017 started a cross-section study about prevention and awareness among adults in the Kilimanjaro Region. In total over 5000 people will be interviewed in all 7 districts in the Kilimanjaro Region from October 2017 until April 2019. The study use will a valid questionnaire with 46 items about cancer awareness, cancer knowledge, risk factors and treatment options. First preliminary results: Since October 2017 over 2000 people were interviewed in Siha, Moshi Urban and Moshi Rural district. First preliminary results give already a overview about the demographic characteristics in the Kilimanjaro Region and the knowledge about cancer and the awareness about cancer risk factors in the community. 52% of the community members consider cancer as a problem in the community. 12% of this people have currently somebody with cancer in the household. Most known cancer types are cervical cancer and breast cancer. 14% of the people have never heard about cancer. Only (35.0%) knew ≥1 risk of cancer. Majority were not even able to justify their specific aspects in related to cancer. Results: About 2 cancer risk factors: 28% of the community members drink 2 times per week and more alcohol, only 3% smoke cigarettes currently and 31% eat more than 3 times a week red meat. Conclusion: Overall about cancer in the community is very poor. Especially in the rural areas is a strong need for more education and awareness.

In vitro microbial protein synthesis, ruminal degradation and post-ruminal digestibility of crude protein of dairy rations containing Quebracho tannin extract

This study evaluated the effects of Quebracho tannin extract (QTE) on in vitro ruminal fermentation, chemical composition of rumen microbes, ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of crude protein (iCPd). Three treatments were tested, the control (basal diet without QTE), the basal diet with 15 g QTE/kg dry matter (DM) and the basal diet with 30 g QTE/kg DM. The basal diet contained (g/kg DM): 339 grass silage, 317 maize silage and 344 concentrate. In vitro gas production kinetic was determined using the Hohenheim gas test (Experiment 1). The Ankom RF technique, a batch system with automatic gas pressure recordings, was used to determine in vitro production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia-nitrogen concentration (NH₃ -N), as well as nitrogen and purine bases content in liquid-associated microbes (LAM) and in a residue of undegraded feed and solid-associated microbes (Feed+SAM) (Experiment 2). Ruminal degradation and iCPd were determined using the nylon bag technique and the mobile nylon bag technique, respectively (Experiment 3). Gas production (Experiment 1), total SCFA and NH₃ -N (Experiment 2) decreased with increasing QTE levels. Microbial mass and composition of LAM were not affected by QTE, but total mass of Feed+SAM linearly increased, likely due to decreased substrate degradation with increasing QTE levels. The total amount of N in microbial mass and undegraded feed after the in vitro incubation increased with increasing QTE levels, suggesting a potential greater N flow from the rumen to the duodenum. In contrast to in vivo studies with the same QTE, no effects were detected on ruminal effective degradability and iCPd, when using the nylon bag techniques. Based on the in vitro procedures, QTE increased the supply of N post-rumen; however, some evidence of a decreased fibre degradation were also observed. Therefore, the benefit of adding QTE to diets of cattle is still questionable.

Correlation of bone marrow micrometastases with nodal status in gastrointestinal tumors

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Background: Presence of bone marrow micrometastases (BMM) is an important prognostic factor for patients (pts) with solid tumors. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping (M) has been found to upstage pts with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. However, a direct correlation between the presence BMM and nodal metastases (mets) is lacking. Hence, a retrospective study was undertaken to determine the relationship between BMM and nodal status in various GI malignancies. Methods: A total of 159 consecutive pts with GI malignancies were analyzed. Of these, 6 pts with non-epithelial tumors were excluded. All pts underwent bilateral posterior-superior-iliac spine bone marrow (BM) aspiration. BM samples were examined for micrometastases by Automated Cellular Imaging System using ChromaVision Cytokeratin Detection Kit to detect cells expressing CK8 as defined by CAM 5.2 monoclonal antibody. When feasible, SLNM was performed followed by standard oncologic resection (n=105). The SLN were examined by H&E and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results: A total of 153 pts were analyzed in the study. Of these 13.72% (21/153) were found to have BMM (CI 8.70–20.21, p=0.05). When analyzed by sites, the incidence of BMM was 33.3% (4/12) for stomach cancer, 9.1% (1/11) for pancreatic cancer, 12.36% (11/89) for colon cancer and 16.13% (5/31) for rectal cancer. No BMM were detected in pts with cancer of esophagus (n=7), small bowel (n=2) and liver (n=1). The BMM was positive bilaterally in 61.9% (13/21), and unilaterally in 38.1% (8/21). In pts who underwent SLNM (n=105), BMM were detected in 11.11% of SLN positive pts vs. 10.14% for SLN negative pts (p=0.87). For a subgroup of pts with colorectal cancer who underwent SLNM (n=97), BMM were detected in 9.67% of SLN positive pts vs. 9.09% for SLN negative pts (p=0.92) Conclusions: BMM did not correlate with nodal status for GI malignancies suggesting a possible different mechanism for metastases. Detection of BMM may have a significant clinical value in SLN negative pts who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemotactic activity of serum obtained from patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Elevated circulating levels of alpha- and beta-chemokines in heart failure have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate the interrelation of chemotactic activity of serum and circulating chemokine levels in patients suffering from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Chemokine serum levels (MCP-1, MIP1-alpha, RANTES, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) were determined in patients with IDCM (n = 10), patients with coronary artery disease with normal (CAD-1; n = 10) or depressed (CAD-2; n = 10) left ventricular function and healthy controls (n = 10). The chemotactic effect of sera obtained from these groups was measured using an in vitro chemotaxis assay. Sera obtained from IDCM (5475 +/- 681 cells) showed the highest chemotactic activity when compared to controls (1850 +/- 215 cells), CAD-1 (3325 +/- 275 cells) and CAD-2 (2800 +/- 275 cells, P < 0.05) associated with significantly higher circulating MCP-1 levels. Sera obtained from IDCM patients show a high chemotactic activity associated with significantly elevated circulating MCP-1.

Heparan sulfates and coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor: each one mediates coxsackievirus B3 PD infection

Amino acid exchanges in the virus capsid protein VP1 allow the coxsackievirus B3 variant PD (CVB3 PD) to replicate in decay accelerating factor (DAF)-negative and coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR)-negative cells. This suggests that molecules other than DAF and CAR are involved in attachment of this CVB3 variant to cell surfaces. The observation that productive infection associated with cytopathic effect occurred in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, whereas heparinase-treated CHO-K1 cells, glucosaminoglycan-negative pgsA-745, heparan sulfate (HS)-negative pgsD-677, and pgsE-606 cells with significantly reduced N-sulfate expression resist CVB3 PD infection, indicates a critical role of highly sulfated HS. 2-O-sulfate-lacking pgsF-17 cells represented the cell line with minimum HS modifications susceptible for CVB3 PD. Inhibition of virus replication in CHO-K1 cells by polycationic compounds, pentosan polysulfate, lung heparin, and several intestinal but not kidney HS supported the hypothesis that CVB3 PD uses specific modified HS for entry. In addition, recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor blocked CVB3 PD infection. However, CAR also mediates CVB3 PD infection, because this CVB3 variant replicates in HS-lacking but CAR-bearing Raji cells, infection could be prevented by pretreatment of cells with CAR antibody, and HS-negative pgsD-677 cells transfected with CAR became susceptible for CVB3 PD. These results demonstrate that the amino acid substitutions in the viral capsid protein VP1 enable CVB3 PD to use specific modified HS as an entry receptor in addition to CAR.

DNA immunization--a new chance in vaccine research?

A novel class of vaccines, based on the immunization with "naked" DNA, may hold the promise of protecting against human disease without the disadvantages associated with vaccines presently used, and may help to prevent infections which are not curable today. Direct intramuscular or intradermal inoculation of plasmid DNA encoding sequences of viral proteins results in the synthesis of these proteins, causing humoral and/or cellular immune responses in the recipient. Several advantages are associated with DNA immunization, e.g., cheap to produce, heat stability, amenable to genetic manipulation, mimic viral infection, and no risk of reversion to pathogenicity. Nevertheless, some concerns remain regarding their safety, e.g., the possible integration of plasmid DNA into host chromosomes. In summary, the results concerning the efficiency of DNA vaccination demonstrate clearly that these new vaccines may have a promising future in human immunization.

The apoptotic capability of coxsackievirus B3 is influenced by the efficient interaction between the capsid protein VP2 and the proapoptotic host protein Siva

Infections with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) are common causes of myocarditis in humans. One detail of CVB3-induced pathogenesis is apoptosis. The interaction between the capsid protein VP2 of the myocardial virus variant CVB3H3 and the proapoptotic host cell protein Siva has recently been observed. In order to characterize the interaction between both proteins more precisely, the binding activity of the CVB3H3 VP2 to Siva was compared to that of the mutant virus CVB3H310A1 VP2. We found that the asparagine at position 165 in VP2 is essential for a stable interaction with Siva influencing also the induction of apoptosis, viral spread, and inflammatory responses in vivo. Furthermore, the specific binding site of Siva to VP2 is located at amino acid positions 118-136. Together, these results show that the interaction between VP2 of CVB3H3 and Siva is a highly specific process involving distinct amino acids on both proteins that most likely influence the outcome of CVB3-caused disease.

Structure-based design and synthesis of potent matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors derived from a 6H-1,3,4-thiadiazine scaffold

We describe a new generation of heterocyclic nonpeptide matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors derived from a 6H-1,3,4-thiadiazine scaffold. A screening effort was utilized to identify some chiral 6-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazines that are weak inhibitors of the catalytic domain of human neutrophil collagenase (cdMMP-8). Further optimization of the lead compounds revealed general design principles that involve the placement of a phenyl or thienyl group at position 5 of the thiadiazine ring, to improve unprimed side affinity; the incorporation of an amino group at position 2 of the thiadiazine ring as the chelating agent for the catalytic zinc; the placement of a N-sulfonamide-substituted amino acid residue at the amino group, to improve primed side affinity; and the attachment of diverse functional groups at position 4 or 5 of the phenyl or thienyl group at the unprimed side, to improve selectivity. The new compounds were assayed against eight different matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-1, cdMMP-2, cdMMP-8, MMP-9, cdMMP-12, cdMMP-13, cdMMP-14, and the ectodomain of MMP-14, respectively. A unique combination of the above-described modifications produced the selective inhibitor (2R)-N-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-6H-1,3,4-thiadiazin-2-yl]-2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]propanamide with high affinity for MMP-9 (K(i) = 40 nM). X-ray crystallographic data obtained for cdMMP-8 cocrystallized with N-allyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-6H-1,3,4-thiadiazin-2-amine hydrobromide gave detailed design information on binding interactions for thiadiazine-based MMP inhibitors.

Expression of immunoregulatory cytokines by recombinant coxsackievirus B3 variants confers protection against virus-caused myocarditis

Clinical and laboratory investigations have demonstrated the involvement of viruses and bacteria as potential causative agents in cardiovascular disease and have specifically found coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) to be a leading cause. Experimental data indicate that cytokines are involved in controlling CVB3 replication. Therefore, recombinant CVB3 (CVB3rec) variants expressing the T-helper-1 (T(H)1)-specific gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) or the T(H)2-specific interleukin-10 (IL-10) as well as the control virus CVB3(muIL-10), which produce only biologically inactive IL-10, were established. Coding regions of murine cytokines were cloned into the 5' end of the CVB3 wild type (CVB3wt) open reading frame and were supplied with an artificial viral 3Cpro-specific Q-G cleavage site. Correct processing releases active cytokines, and the concentration of IFN-gamma and IL-10 was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and bioassays. In mice, CVB3wt was detectable in pancreas and heart tissue, causing massive destruction of the exocrine pancreas as well as myocardial inflammation and heart cell lysis. Most of the CVB3wt-infected mice revealed virus-associated symptoms, and some died within 28 days postinfection. In contrast, CVB3rec variants were present only in the pancreas of infected mice, causing local inflammation with subsequent healing. Four weeks after the first infection, surviving mice were challenged with the lethal CVB3H3 variant, causing casualties in the CVB3wt- and CVB3(muIL-10)-infected groups, whereas almost none of the CVB3(IFN-gamma)- and CVB3(IL-10)-infected mice died and no pathological disorders were detectable. This study demonstrates that expression of immunoregulatory cytokines during CVB3 replication simultaneously protects mice against a lethal disease and prevents virus-caused tissue destruction.

Porcine teschoviruses comprise at least eleven distinct serotypes: molecular and evolutionary aspects

Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 10 recognized prototype strains of the porcine enterovirus (PEV) cytopathic effect (CPE) group I reveals a close relationship of the viral genomes to the previously sequenced strain F65, supporting the concept of a reclassification of this virus group into a new picornavirus genus. Also, nucleotide sequences of the polyprotein-encoding genome region or the P1 region of 28 historic strains and recent field isolates were determined. The data suggest that several closely related but antigenically and molecular distinct serotypes constitute one species within the proposed genus Teschovirus. Based on sequence data and serological data, we propose a new serotype with strain Dresden as prototype. This hitherto unrecognized serotype is closely related to porcine teschovirus 1 (PTV-1, former PEV-1), but induces type-specific neutralizing antibodies. Sequencing of field isolates collected from animals presenting with neurological disorders prove that other serotypes than PTV-1 may also cause polioencephalomyelitis of swine.

DNA vaccine-mediated immune responses in Coxsackie virus B3-infected mice

DNA immunizations with the major structural protein VP1 of Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) have been previously found to protect BALB/c mice from lethal challenge. Here we report that the other CVB3 capsid proteins, VP2, VP3, and VP4, were less effective at preventing CVB3-caused disease. The application of pCMV/VP1 as a vaccine caused decreased myocyte destruction, reduced viral load in the heart tissue, accelerated antibody induction, and an early cytokine expression in heart tissue. In summary, our results indicate that the induction of B cell and/or T cell memory in vaccinated mice prior to challenge is responsible for the protection observed.

Detection of porcine enteroviruses by nRT-PCR: differentiation of CPE groups I-III with specific primer sets

Porcine enteroviruses (PEV) comprising at least 13 serotypes grouped into three species are described as causative agents of neurological disorders, fertility disorders, and dermal lesions of swine. Despite their well-documented acid stability, enteric infection route, and similarity of clinical symptoms, most of the porcine enterovirus (PEV) serotypes are set apart from the genus Enterovirus of the Picornaviridae. Hence, PCR procedures used commonly to detect enteroviruses are not applicable to epizootic relevant PEV serotypes. A nested RT-PCR protocol is described now suited to detect all known porcine enterovirus serotypes using three sets of primer pairs. These primer pairs were designed to amplify either highly conserved sequences of the 5'-nontranslated region (5'-NTR) or the polymerase gene region of the relevant virus species. All 13 acknowledged serotypes of three PEV species and several field isolates of clinical specimens were detectable. The specificity of the PCR procedure is supported by the observation that RT-PCR-positive field isolates coincide with serological PEV classification. PEV PCR is more rapid and less laborious than the time-consuming virus isolation by tissue culture techniques over several passages and serotyping. Because other viruses such as classical swine fever virus, pseudorabies virus, porcine parvovirus, swine vesicular disease virus, and foot-and-mouth disease virus may cause diseases with similar clinical symptoms, PCR detection of all PEVs closes a diagnostic gap and offers the opportunity to use comprehensive PCR procedures for the diagnosis of all relevant viruses causing such symptoms.

Lack of association between 27-bp repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and the risk of coronary artery disease

The gene encoding endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) is a candidate gene for the mediation of initial endothelial cell damage seen in arteriosclerosis. Although the association of ecNOS polymorphisms with hypertension has been studied extensively, there is little information regarding its association with coronary artery disease (CAD). We decided to study a 27 base-pair tandem repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the ecNOS gene in 1043 individuals (413 controls, 630 patients with CAD) who consecutively underwent coronary angiography at our institution. The frequencies of the genotypes drawn from 1038 individuals were 0.69, 0.28 and 0.03 in the controls and 0.73, 0.25 and 0.02 in individulas with CAD for the ecNOS4b/b, ecNOS4b/a and ecNOS4a/a genotypes, respectively (p = n.s). There was no shift of the genotype frequencies from the expected distribution based on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Neither the rare ecNOS4a allele nor the ecNOS4a/a genotype conferred an independent risk factor for CAD in subgroups, e.g. smokers, diabetic individuals, hypertensive individuals and individuals with a low conventional risk for CAD. In five individuals we identified an additional 27-bp repeat in the ecNOS gene (ecNOS4c), which occurred heterozygous with the ecNOS4b allele (ecNOS4b/c genotype). In conclusion, the ecNOS4a allele as well as the ecNOS4a/a genotype did not show a general association with CAD in the studied European population. Even in high-risk subgroups the ecNOS4a/4a genotype did not represent an independent risk factor for CAD. In addition, the severity of CAD was not associated with the ecNOS4a allele/ecNOS4a/a genotype.

Apoptosis in coxsackievirus B3-caused diseases: interaction between the capsid protein VP2 and the proapoptotic protein siva

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a common factor in human myocarditis. Apoptotic events are present in CVB3-induced disease, but it is unclear how CVB3 is involved in apoptosis and which viral proteins may induce the apoptotic pathway. In this report we demonstrate that the human and murine proapoptotic protein Siva specifically interact with the CVB3 capsid protein VP2. Furthermore, the transcription of Siva is strongly induced in tissue of CVB3-infected mice and is present in the same area which is positively stained for apoptosis, CD27, and CD70. It has been proposed that Siva is involved in the CD27/CD70-transduced apoptosis. Therefore, we suggest a molecular mechanism through which apoptotic events contributes to CVB3-caused pathogenesis.

[TEIS--a system for public health offices for assessing, presenting, evaluating and communicating data on the quality of drinking water]

Monitoring the quality of drinking water is a cardinal task of German Public Health Offices and of the relevant Ministries of Health of the German Federal states ("Länder"). Today this can be tackled on a large scale and economically only with computer assistance. A system has been developed in North Rhine Westphalia on behalf of the Ministry of Health, for data assessment and communication which is suitable for practical work and user friendly. It aims at supporting the Public Health Offices in their daily work and at improving and simplifying the monitoring of drinking water supply systems and of drinking water quality control.

Protection of mice against lethal coxsackievirus B3 infection by using DNA immunization

Vaccination with DNA and recombinant vaccinia viruses (rec.VV) has been studied with the coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) model system. Plasmids encoding all structural proteins of CVB3, when injected intramuscularly, induced only low levels of virus-specific antibodies. However, DNA vaccination with the major structural protein VP1 protected 72.2% of mice from lethal challenge, whereas VP1 expressed by rec.VV was much less efficient.

Low-level expression of a mutant coxsackieviral cDNA induces a myocytopathic effect in culture: an approach to the study of enteroviral persistence in cardiac myocytes

BACKGROUND

Enteroviral ribonucleic acids have been identified in heart muscle of a subset of patients with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy as well as in a mouse model of persistent coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection, suggesting that persistent viral infection along with activation of an immune response may contribute to the pathogenesis of ongoing cardiac disease and dilated cardiomyopathy in certain patients. It is still not known whether persistence of the viral genome contributes to the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To determine whether low-level enteroviral gene expression similar to that observed with viral persistence can induce myocytopathic effects without formation of infectious virus progeny, the full-length infectious cDNA copy of CVB3 was mutated at the VP0 maturation cleavage site. This prevented formation of infectious virus progeny. In myocytes transfected with this mutated cDNA copy of the viral genome, both positive- and negative-strand viral RNAs were detected, demonstrating that there was replication of the viral genome by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The level of viral protein expression was found to be below limits of detection by conventional methods of protein detection, thus resembling restricted virus replication. Nonetheless, the CVB3 mutant was found to induce a cytopathic effect in transfected myocytes, which was demonstrated by inhibition of cotransfected MLC-2v luciferase reporter activity and an increase in release of lactate dehydrogenase from transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that restricted replication of enteroviral genomes in myocytes in a pattern similar to that observed in hearts with persistent viral infection can induce myocytopathic effects without generation of infectious virus progeny.

The use of sheet autografts to cover extensive burns in patients

We previously have reported on the enhanced cosmetic and functional outcome with the use of sheet autografts. The recent goal has been to cover larger surface areas with sheet grafts, or for patients with larger burns, covering the hands and face with sheet grafts, if possible. To evaluate the use of sheet grafts in burns of more than 30% total body surface area (TBSA), the percentage covered with sheet and meshed autograft was reviewed in 105 patients admitted between January 1, 1990, and August 30, 1994. Results were that 18 patients (17%), with a mean of 44.3% TBSA burns, had all of their full-thickness wounds (mean, 36.5% +/- 2.2%; range, 20% to 55.5%) covered with sheet grafts (Group 1). Seventeen patients (16%), with mean burn size of 64.3%, had their wounds (mean, 35.1% +/- 4.4%; range, 15% to 79%) covered solely with mesh graft (Group 2). The lower percentage covered by mesh alone was skewed by the high mortality rate (53%) in this group. Seventy patients, 58.4% +/- 19% (range, 30% to 92%) TBSA burn, had their full-thickness wounds covered with a combination of mesh and sheet graft (Group 3). In Group 3, the mean percentage of TBSA covered by sheet grafts was 15.0% +/- 1.4% (range, 1% to 42.5%) and that covered by meshed grafts was 39.4% +/- 2.6% (range, 4% to 93%). Three quarters (73%) of patients in this group had sheet grafts placed on the face, whereas 63% had them placed on the hands. Extremities and the trunk were more often grafted with mesh graft. Sheet grafts were the sole coverage in patients with burns up to 55.5%. With even larger burns, sheet grafts were used to cover the face and hands. Because of its superior cosmetic and functional outcome, sheet autografting should be considered for covering moderately sized burns. Sheet autografting should be considered for more important cosmetic and functional areas, such as the face and hands, for massive burns.

Melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate excretion is inversely correlated with gonadal development in children

To delineate the development of melatonin (MLT) production during childhood, we measured the excretion of MLT and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (MLTS) in the urine of children (n = 134) from the 26th week of gestation until the age of 20 years. MLTS excretion showed a diphasic pattern with declining values in preterm babies with lowest values around term. After birth, the values remained low for the first 6 months of life. The highest values were reached between 4 and 7 years of age with a smooth but steady decline thereafter. A night-day difference was not detectable before the age of 6 months; the greatest night-day variations occurred at the time of the highest MLTS excretions. The MLT values showed an identical pattern but with amounts 1,000 times smaller; the ratio of MLTS to MLT increased from 40:1 in preterm babies to 900:1 in prepubertal children. In summary, the MLT/MLTS excretion exhibits the highest activity with respect to total secretory capacities as well as night-day differences at the time of gonadal quiescence during childhood. The strong inverse correlation of MLT and MLTS excretion with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal activity points to a causal relationship between pineal gland activity and pubertal development.

Decreasing melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate excretion with advancing gestational age in preterm and term newborn male infants

We investigated the ontogeny of melatonin synthesis during fetal maturation by measuring the melatonin (MLT) and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (MLTS) excretion in the urine of male infants aged 2-7 days and gestational age 26-42 weeks. We found a negative correlation between advancing gestational age and the MLT and MLTS excretion expressed as total 24-h amount, ratio of 24-h amount to creatinine and ratio of 24-h amount to body surface area. The ratio of MLT to MLTS was found to be about ten times higher in the study group than in prepubertal children, which might reflect the immaturity of hepatic sulfation capacities. The total amount of excreted MLT and MLTS was only one-tenth the prepubertal values. No day/night differences in MLT and MLTS excretion could be detected. We conclude that the fetal pineal gland is capable of a limited melatonin synthesis from the 26th week of gestation onwards, with decreasing values reaching its nadir around term. This indicates that the amount of fetal MLT excretion is not determined by synthesizing capacities of the pineal gland but by the development of neural connections to the pineal gland.

Oxidative Stress Induces Partial Degradation of the Large Subunit of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase in Isolated Chloroplasts of Barley

The effects of oxidative stress on the degradation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) were studied in isolated chloroplasts from barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Angora). Active oxygen (AO) was generated by varying the light intensity, the oxygen concentration, or the addition of herbicides or ADP-FeCl3-ascorbate to the medium. Oxidative treatments stimulated association of Rubisco with the insoluble fraction of chloroplasts and partial proteolysis of the large subunit (LSU). The most prominent degradation product of the LSU of Rubisco showed an apparent molecular mass of 36 kD. The data suggest that an increase in the amount of AO photogenerated by O2 reduction at photosystem I triggers Rubisco degradation. A possible relationship between AO-mediated denaturation of Rubisco and proteolysis of the LSU is discussed.

The use of haloperidol in the agitated, critically ill pediatric patient with burns

Haloperidol has become the drug of choice for sedation of the acutely agitated, delirious adult patient in the critical care setting because of its well-documented efficacy and lack of major side effects. Its use in the critically ill pediatric patient with burns has not been described. To determine the safety and efficacy of haloperidol in this population, the medical records of 30 critically ill pediatric patients with burns treated with haloperidol during the period 1986 to 1992 were reviewed. Our findings support the safe and effective use of haloperidol to treat severe agitation and delirium in the critically ill pediatric patient. The intravenous route appears to be more effective than the enteral route and should be considered when rapid, acute control of agitation is required.

The role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis

Coxsackievirus infections have previously been shown to cause acute or chronic myocarditis in humans, and several mouse models have been established to study the pathology of this disease. Myocardial injury may result from direct viral effects and/or may be immune mediated. To determine the relative roles of these processes in pathogenesis, we have compared coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infections of normal and immuno-compromised transgenic knockout (ko) mice. CVB3 was able to infect all strains used (C57BL/6, CD4ko, and beta-microglobulin ko [beta 2Mko]), and following intraperitoneal injection, two disease processes could be distinguished. First, the virus caused early (3 to 7 days postinfection) death in a viral dose-dependent manner. Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice were highly susceptible (50% lethal dose = 70 PFU), while immunodeficient transgenic ko mice were less susceptible, showing 10- and 180-fold increases in the 50% lethal dose (for CD4ko and beta 2Mko mice, respectively). Second, a histologic examination of surviving CD4ko mice at 7 days postinfection revealed severe myocarditis; the inflammatory infiltrate comprised 40 to 50% macrophages, 30 to 40% NK cells, and 10 to 20% CD8+ T lymphocytes. The infiltration resolved over the following 2 to 3 weeks, with resultant myocardial fibrosis. In vivo depletion of CD8+ T lymphocytes from these CD4ko mice led to a marked reduction in myocarditis and an increase in myocardial virus titers. beta 2Mko mice, which lack antiviral CD8+ T cells, are much less susceptible to early death and to the development of myocarditis. We conclude that our data support a strong immunopathologic component in CVB3-induced disease and implicate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Compared with immunocompetent animals, (i) mice lacking CD4+ T cells (CD4ko) were more resistant to virus challenge, and (ii) mice lacking CD8+ T cells (beta 2Mko and in vivo-depleted CD4ko) showed enhanced survival and a reduced incidence of the later myocarditis. Nevertheless, the picture is complex, since (iii) removal of the CD4+ component, while protecting against early death, greatly magnified the severity of myocarditis, and (iv) removal of the CD8+ cells from CD4ko mice, although protecting against early death and later myocarditis, led to markedly increased virus titers in the heart. These data underscore the complex balance between the costs and benefits of effective antiviral immune responses.

[Immunocytochemical detection of tumor cells in bone marrow as a prognostic factor in breast carcinoma]

In a prospective study at the University of Erlangen, Dept. Gynaecol, and Obstet., 228 patients with breast cancer during their primary surgery and 20 patients during their metastatic surgery, underwent bone marrow punctions at six punction sides, which were twice at the sternum and twice at both iliac crest. The control group was 20 patients without an invasive carcinoma. Aim of the study was to detect or exclude tumour cells in the bone marrow via examination of the biopsies with monoclonal antibodies EMA and cytokeratin and consequently to find out the meaning of the results as prognostic criteria by statistical measurements. Tumour cells in the bone marrow were detected in 46.5% (106/228) of the patients, who underwent a bone marrow biopsy during primary surgery. 21% (23/106) of the patients who were bone marrow positive, but only 5.75% (7/122) of the patients, who were bone marrow negative, developed metastases during a median follow-up of 20 months. This difference is statistically significant. 17 of the 30 patients with recurrences developed bone metastases; 16 of them were EMA-positive. The median recurrence-free interval was 5 months in the bone marrow positive group and therefore noticeably shorter, than in the bone marrow negative patient group with 11 months. Of the nodal negative patients, 2 bone marrow positive patients developed distant metastases. With the knowledge of the nodal status and bone marrow biopsy result, it was possible to predict 28 of the 30 patients correctly in respect of their risk to metastasize. The result of the bone marrow puncture was proved in a multivariate analysis to be an independent prognostic factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Three distinct types of voltage-dependent K+ channels are expressed by Müller (glial) cells of the rabbit retina

There is ample evidence that retinal radial glial (Müller) cells play a crucial role in retinal ion homeostasis. Nevertheless, data on the particular types of ion channels mediating this function are very rare and incomplete; this holds especially for mammalian Müller cells. Thus, the whole-cell variation of the patch-clamp technique was used to study voltage-dependent currents in Müller cells from adult rabbit retinae. The membrane of Müller cells was almost exclusively permeable to K+ ions, as no significant currents could be evoked in K(+)-free internal and external solutions, external Ba2+ (1 mM) reversibly blocked most membrane currents, and external Cs+ ions (5 mM) blocked all inward currents. All cells expressed inwardly rectifying channels that showed inactivation at strong hyperpolarizing voltages (> or = -120 mV), and the conductance of which varied with the square root of extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]e). Most cells responded to depolarizing voltages (> or = -30 mV) with slowly activating outward currents through delayed rectifier channels. These currents were reversibly blocked by external application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 0.5 mM) or tetraethylammonium (TEA, > 20 mM). Additionally, almost all cells showed rapidly inactivating currents in response to depolarizing (> or = -60 mV) voltage steps. The currents were blocked by Ba2+ (1 mM), and their amplitude increased with the [K+]e. Obviously, these currents belonged to the A-type family of K+ channels. Some of the observed types of K+ channels may contribute to retinal K+ clearance but at least some of them may also be involved in regulation of proliferative activity of the cells.

Genetic map of the human pseudoautosomal region reveals a high rate of recombination in female meiosis at the Xp telomere

This paper describes the genetic map of the pseudoautosomal region bounded by the telomere of the short arms of the X and Y chromosomes. In males, meiotic exchange on Xp/Yp is confined to this region, leading to highly elevated recombination rates. The map was constructed using 11 pseudoautosomal probes (six of which are new) and typing individuals from 38 CEPH families. All markers have been physically mapped, thus providing the opportunity to compare genetic distance to physical distance through all intervals of the map. This comparison reveals an unexpected high rate of recombination in female meiosis between loci DXYS20 and DXYS78, within 20-80 kb from the telomere. Within this telomere-adjacent region no differences in male and female recombination rates are seen. Furthermore, data from this genetic map support the hypothesis of a linear gradient of recombination across most of the region in male meiosis and provide densely spaced anchor points for linkage studies especially in the telomeric portion of the pseudoautosomal region.

The potentiating effect of LPS on tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by influenza A virus-infected macrophages

Infection of murine PU5-1.8 macrophages and human monocytes by influenza A virus was associated with virus replication, release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and subsequent cell death. In the presence of small and by itself rather inefficient concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or free lipid A (1 to 10 ng/ml), TNF-alpha production of virus-infected macrophages was strongly potentiated. LPS-triggered and enhanced TNF-alpha release from virus-infected macrophages was neither due to increased cell survival nor altered virus replication, potentiated TNF-alpha gene transcription, release of intracellularly stored TNF-alpha or shifts in the kinetics of TNF-alpha secretion. Influenza A virus infection alone induced a massive TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation which, however, was only weakly translated into bioactive TNF-alpha protein. When these virus-primed macrophages were exposed to LPS either simultaneously or up to 4 h after infection, an efficient and high translation into TNF-alpha protein occurred. Although the LPS-induced biochemical pathways leading to an augmented TNF-alpha production by virus-infected macrophages still remains unsolved, the findings suggest that the frequently observed serious clinical complications in the course of combined influenza A virus and bacterial infections may be due, at least in part, to an excessive release of cytokines such as TNF-alpha.

Sensitization of rat alveolar macrophages to enhanced TNF-alpha release by in vivo treatment with dexamethasone

Treatment of rats with dexamethasone rapidly induced a marked weight loss which occurred within 3 days and persisted for several weeks. The cachectic state was paralleled by increased serum levels of triglycerides, albumin, and protein and a strong reduction of blood mononuclear leukocytes. In lung sections, an increased number of mononuclear giant cells was found but no bacteria, fungi, or Pneumocystis carinii organisms. Quite strikingly, alveolar macrophages from dexamethasone-treated rats, but not from control animals, were highly sensitive to LPS and released large amounts of TNF-alpha ex vivo. Also under in vivo conditions, high TNF-alpha serum concentrations were found in dexamethasone-treated but not control rats when examined 1 1/2 hr after an intravenous LPS injection. These data suggest that the glucocorticoid-induced cachexia of rats may be linked, at least in part, to readily inducible TNF-alpha release from primed macrophages.

Arrangement and localization of the human GM-CSF receptor α chain gene CSF2RA within the X-Y pseudoautosomal region

The gene encoding one subunit of the receptor for the hemopoietic growth factor, GM-CSF, has been previously localized to the short arm of the human sex chromosomes. By pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, the precise localization of this gene, CSF2RA, within the pseudoautosomal region has been determined. The gene is located 1180 to 1300 kb from the telomere, in close proximity to the CpG island B5. The CSF2RA gene spans at least 45 kb, and a representation of most of the gene on three overlapping cosmid clones has been obtained. The exon(s) encoding the first 35 bp of cDNA sequence lies outside these cosmids. The CSF2RA gene is characterized by abundant hypervariable sequences, and a number of informative restriction fragment length polymorphisms have been defined.

K+ ion regulation in retina

During onset and offset of illumination, considerable changes in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]c) occur within particular retinal layers. There are two ways in which glial cells may control [K+]c: (1) by space-independent processes, for example, by K+ uptake due to the Na(+)-K+ ATPase, and (2) by space-dependent processes, that is, by spatial buffering currents flowing through K+ channels. Rabbit retinal Müller (glial) cells were studied for expression of mechanisms supporting both kinds of processes. This review demonstrates that rabbit Müller cells have Na-K pumps whose distribution and properties are highly adapted to meet the needs of efficient K+ clearance. Furthermore, spatial buffering currents through specialized K+ channels of Müller cells greatly accelerate retinal K+ clearance during and after stimulation.

Physical mapping of 14 new DNA markers isolated from the human distal Xp region

We have isolated 14 new DNA markers from the human Xpter-Xp21 region distal to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene by targeted cloning, employing two somatic cell hybrids containing this region as their sole human material. High-resolution physical localization of these markers within this region was obtained by hybridization to two mapping panels consisting of DNA from patients carrying various translocations and deletions in distal Xp. Five markers were assigned to the pseudoautosomal region where their position on the long-range map of this region was further determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The other nine markers map to the X-specific region. Informative TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphisms were observed for four loci. One of these represents a region-specific low-copy repeated element. These 14 new markers represent useful tools for the understanding of distal Xp deletion and translocation mechanisms and for the positional cloning of disease genes in the region.

Coxsackievirus B3-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 in human monocytes

Infections by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) have previously been shown to cause acute and chronic myocarditis characterized by a heavy mononuclear leukocyte infiltration and myocyte necrosis. Because clinical and experimental evidence suggested that cardiac damage may result from immunologic rather than viral mechanisms, we examined in this study the in vitro interaction of CVB3 with human monocytes. CVB3 was capable of infecting freshly harvested monocytes as revealed by immunofluorescence and release of infectious virus particles. Virus infection did not reduce monocyte viability but, on the contrary, enhanced spreading and adherence. In a dose-dependent manner, CVB3 stimulated the release of cytokines from monocytes. Whereas a potent production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 was dependent on exposure to infectious CVB3, IFN release was also induced by UV-inactivated virus. On a molecular level, CVB3 stimulated cytokine gene expression as shown by a marked TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 mRNA accumulation. Supernatants of CVB3-infected monocytes displayed cytotoxic activity against Girardi heart cells which could be abrogated by an anti-TNF-alpha antiserum. These data suggest that CVB3-induced cytokine release from monocytes may participate in virus-induced organ damage such as myocarditis, which may either occur by a direct cytotoxicity of cytokines or by activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Coxsackievirus B3-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 in human monocytes

Infections by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) have previously been shown to cause acute and chronic myocarditis characterized by a heavy mononuclear leukocyte infiltration and myocyte necrosis. Because clinical and experimental evidence suggested that cardiac damage may result from immunologic rather than viral mechanisms, we examined in this study the in vitro interaction of CVB3 with human monocytes. CVB3 was capable of infecting freshly harvested monocytes as revealed by immunofluorescence and release of infectious virus particles. Virus infection did not reduce monocyte viability but, on the contrary, enhanced spreading and adherence. In a dose-dependent manner, CVB3 stimulated the release of cytokines from monocytes. Whereas a potent production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 was dependent on exposure to infectious CVB3, IFN release was also induced by UV-inactivated virus. On a molecular level, CVB3 stimulated cytokine gene expression as shown by a marked TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 mRNA accumulation. Supernatants of CVB3-infected monocytes displayed cytotoxic activity against Girardi heart cells which could be abrogated by an anti-TNF-alpha antiserum. These data suggest that CVB3-induced cytokine release from monocytes may participate in virus-induced organ damage such as myocarditis, which may either occur by a direct cytotoxicity of cytokines or by activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Pseudoautosomal repeat displays higher variability in blacks than in Caucasians

DNA patterns from a pseudoautosomal variable number tandem repeat-like minisatellite (locus DXYS20) were compared in two samples: a Caucasian and a Black sample. We defined 3 types of DNA patterns named A, B and C, and found that these patterns have different frequencies in the Caucasian and Black groups. A set of alleles (the C group) in 48% of the Black sample is not found in the Caucasian sample. We also found a greater degree of fragment-size variability among Black individuals than among those of Caucasian origin. The large degree of ethnic variation indicates that this locus will be useful in population genetic studies.

Lipopolysaccharide suppresses cytokine release from coxsackie virus-infected human monocytes

Infections by coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) have been reported to be associated with an enhanced influx of mononuclear leukocytes into afflicted tissue. Current evidence indicates that monocytes/macrophages are specifically involved in CVB3-induced myocarditis by maintaining a chronic inflammatory response. To examine susceptibility and reactivity to CVB3, freshly isolated human monocytes were exposed to various virus doses (0.1-10 MOI) in the presence or absence of macrophage-activating lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CVB3 infection alone induced an activation of monocytes as evidenced by enhanced adherence, release of cytokines and secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Simultaneous addition of LPS almost entirely suppressed LPS-specific production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and PGE2, partially inhibited release of interleukin 1 beta (IL 1 beta) and did not affect interleukin 6 (IL6) synthesis of CVB3-infected monocytes. These data show that CVB3 activates monocytes to cytokine production but renders them unreactive to further activating stimuli. Further studies should determine the extent to which continuous cytokine release from persistently CVB3-infected monocytes, and their apparent unresponsiveness to other stimuli, contribute to chronic myocarditis.

Deletions within the pseudoautosomal region help map three new markers and indicate a possible role of this region in linear growth

Short stature is consistently found in individuals with terminal deletions of Xp. In order to refine the localization of a putative locus affecting height, we analyzed two patients with a partial monosomy of the pseudoautosomal region at the molecular level. Eight pseudoautosomal probes were used for the genetic deletion analysis through dose evaluation. Three of them represent new markers (DXS415, DXS419, and DXS406) which were positioned on the pseudoautosomal map by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Our data suggest that a locus affecting height maps in a region of about 1.5 Mbp, distal to the DXS406 locus and proximal to the DXS415 locus, a region which includes two CpG islands, and rule out an involvement of very distal sequences at the X/Y telomeres.