Altered neurometabolism in major depressive disorder: A whole brain 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging study at 3T

INTRODUCTION

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental disorder with a neurobiological basis that is poorly understood. Several studies demonstrated widespread, functional and neurometabolic alterations in MDD. However, little is known about whole brain neurometabolic alterations in MDD.

METHOD

Thirty-two patients with MDD and 32 paired on a one-to-one basis healthy controls (CTRL) underwent ¹H-whole brain spectroscopic (¹H-WBS) imaging. Lobar and cerebellar metabolite concentrations of brain N-acetylaspartate (NAA), total choline (tCho), total creatine (tCr), glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), and myo-Inositol (mI) were assessed in patients and controls.

RESULTS

Decreased NAA, tCho, and tCr were found in the right frontal and right parietal lobe in MDD compared to CTRL, and to a lesser extent in the left frontal lobe. Furthermore, in MDD increased glutamine was observed in the right frontal lobe and bitemporal lobes, and increased glutamate in the cerebellum.

CONCLUSION

Altered global neurometabolism examined using ¹H-WBS imaging in MDD may be interpreted as signs of neuronal dysfunction, altered energy metabolism, and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. In particular, the parallel decrease in NAA, tCr and tCho in the same brain regions may be indicative of neuronal dysfunction that may be counterbalanced by an increase of the neuroprotective metabolite glutamine. Future prospective investigations are warranted to study the functional importance of these findings.

A Phase II Study of Pembrolizumab in EGFR-Mutant, PD-L1+, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Naïve Patients With Advanced NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant antitumor activity of pembrolizumab in NSCLC, clinical benefit has been less frequently observed in patients whose tumors harbor EGFR mutations compared to EGFR wild-type patients. Our single-center experience on the KEYNOTE-001 trial suggested that pembrolizumab-treated EGFR-mutant patients, who were tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) naïve, had superior clinical outcomes to those previously treated with a TKI. As TKI naïve EGFR-mutants have generally been excluded from pembrolizumab studies, data to guide treatment decisions in this patient population is lacking, particularly in patients with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥50%.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II trial (NCT02879994) of pembrolizumab in TKI naive patients with EGFR mutation-positive, advanced NSCLC and PD-L1-positive (≥1%, 22C3 antibody) tumors. Pembrolizumab was administered 200 mg every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included safety of pembrolizumab, additional pembrolizumab efficacy endpoints, and efficacy and safety of an EGFR TKI after pembrolizumab.

RESULTS

Enrollment was ceased due to lack of efficacy after 11 of 25 planned patients were treated. Eighty-two percent of trial patients were treatment naïve, 64% had sensitizing EGFR mutations, and 73% had PD-L1 expression ≥50%. Only 1 patient had an objective response (9%), but repeat analysis of this patient's tumor definitively showed the original report of an EGFR mutation to be erroneous. Observed treatment-related adverse events were similar to prior experience with pembrolizumab, but two deaths within 6 months of enrollment, including one attributed to pneumonitis, were of concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab's lack of efficacy in TKI naïve, PD-L1+, EGFR-mutant patients with advanced NSCLC, including those with PD-L1 expression ≥50%, suggests that it is not an appropriate therapeutic choice in this setting.

Negotiating the radiologically isolated syndrome

Multiple sclerosis, always challenging, hands down a particular gauntlet with the concept of the radiologically isolated syndrome. This article discusses what it is, recent developments in the field and how these patients should be managed.

Cognitive therapy for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders not taking antipsychotic drugs: a single-blind randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic drugs are usually the first line of treatment for schizophrenia; however, many patients refuse or discontinue their pharmacological treatment. We aimed to establish whether cognitive therapy was effective in reducing psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who had chosen not to take antipsychotic drugs.

METHODS

We did a single-blind randomised controlled trial at two UK centres between Feb 15, 2010, and May 30, 2013. Participants aged 16-65 years with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, who had chosen not to take antipsychotic drugs for psychosis, were randomly assigned (1:1), by a computerised system with permuted block sizes of four or six, to receive cognitive therapy plus treatment as usual, or treatment as usual alone. Randomisation was stratified by study site. Outcome assessors were masked to group allocation. Our primary outcome was total score on the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), which we assessed at baseline, and at months 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18. Analysis was by intention to treat, with an ANCOVA model adjusted for site, age, sex, and baseline symptoms. This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number 29607432.

FINDINGS

74 individuals were randomly assigned to receive either cognitive therapy plus treatment as usual (n=37), or treatment as usual alone (n=37). Mean PANSS total scores were consistently lower in the cognitive therapy group than in the treatment as usual group, with an estimated between-group effect size of -6.52 (95% CI -10.79 to -2.25; p=0.003). We recorded eight serious adverse events: two in patients in the cognitive therapy group (one attempted overdose and one patient presenting risk to others, both after therapy), and six in those in the treatment as usual group (two deaths, both of which were deemed unrelated to trial participation or mental health; three compulsory admissions to hospital for treatment under the mental health act; and one attempted overdose).

INTERPRETATION

Cognitive therapy significantly reduced psychiatric symptoms and seems to be a safe and acceptable alternative for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who have chosen not to take antipsychotic drugs. Evidence-based treatments should be available to these individuals. A larger, definitive trial is needed.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research.

Spectral vs. temporal auditory processing in specific language impairment: a developmental ERP study

Pre-linguistic sensory deficits, especially in "temporal" processing, have been implicated in developmental language impairment (LI). However, recent evidence has been equivocal with data suggesting problems in the spectral domain. The present study examined event-related potential (ERP) measures of auditory sensory temporal and spectral processing, and their interaction, in typical children and those with LI (7-17 years; n=25 per group). The stimuli were three CV syllables and three consonant-to-vowel transitions (spectral sweeps) isolated from the syllables. Each of these six stimuli appeared in three durations (transitions: 20, 50, and 80 ms; syllables: 120, 150, and 180 ms). Behaviorally, the group with LIs showed inferior syllable discrimination both with long and short stimuli. In ERPs, trends were observed in the group with LI for diminished long-latency negativities (the N2-N4 peaks) and a developmentally transient enhancement of the P2 peak. Some, but not all, ERP indices of spectral processing also showed trends to be diminished in the group with LI specifically in responses to syllables. Importantly, measures of the transition N2-N4 peaks correlated with expressive language abilities in the LI children. None of the group differences depended on stimulus duration. Therefore, sound brevity did not account for the diminished spectral resolution in these LI children. Rather, the results suggest a deficit in acoustic feature integration at higher levels of auditory sensory processing. The observed maturational trajectory suggests a non-linear developmental deviance rather than simple delay.

Resin-modified glass ionomer, modified composite or conventional glass ionomer for band cementation?--an in vitro evaluation

The aims of this study were to compare the mean shear-peel bond strength and predominant site of bond failure of micro-etched orthodontic bands cemented with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC; Fuji Ortho LC or 3M Multi-Cure), a modified composite or a conventional GIC. The survival time of bands was also assessed following simulated mechanical stress in a ball mill. One hundred and twenty molar bands were cemented to extracted human third molars. Eighty bands (20 cemented with each cement) were used to assess the debonding force and 40 bands (10 cemented with each cement) were used to determine survival time. The specimens were prepared in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for each cement. After storage in a humidor at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, the shear debonding force was assessed for each specimen using a Nene M3000 testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. The predominant site of band failure was recorded visually for all specimens as either at the band/cement or cement/enamel interface. Survival time was assessed following application of mechanical stress in a ball mill. There was no significant difference in mean shear-peel bond strength between the cement groups (P = 0.816). The proportion of specimens failing at each interface differed significantly between cement groups (P < 0.001). The predominant site of bond failure for bands cemented with the RMGIC (Fuji Ortho LC) or the modified composite was at the enamel/cement interface, whereas bands cemented with 3M Multi-Cure failed predominantly at the cement/band interface. Conventional GIC specimens failed mostly at the enamel/cement interface. The mean survival time of bands cemented with either of the RMGICs or with the modified composite was significantly longer than for those cemented with the conventional GIC. The findings indicate that although there appears to be equivalence in the mean shear-peel bond strength of the band cements assessed, the fatigue properties of the conventional GIC when subjected to simulated mechanical stress seem inferior to those of the other cements for band cementation.

Behavior of rigid-porous layers at high levels of continuous acoustic excitation: theory and experiment

A model for the propagation of high amplitude continuous sound through hard-backed rigid-porous layers has been developed which allows for Forchheimer's correction to Darcy's law. The nonlinearity associated with this is shown to be particularly important in the range of frequencies around layer resonance. The model is based on the introduction of particle velocity dependent flow resistivity into the equivalent fluid model expression for complex tortuosity. Thermal effects are accounted for by means of a linear complex compressibility function. The model has been used to derive analytical expressions for surface impedance and reflection coefficient as a function of incident pressure amplitude. Depending on the material parameters, sample thickness, and frequency range the model predicts either growth or decrease of reflection coefficient with sound amplitude. Good agreement between model predictions and data for three rigid-porous materials is demonstrated.

Definitive identification of mammalian 5-hydroxymethyluracil DNA N-glycosylase activity as SMUG1

Purification from calf thymus of a DNA N-glycosylase activity (HMUDG) that released 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5hmUra) from the DNA of Bacillus subtilis phage SPO1 was undertaken. Analysis of the most purified fraction by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a multiplicity of protein species making it impossible to identify HMUDG by inspection. Therefore, we renatured the enzyme after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and assayed slices of the gel for DNA N-glycosylase activity directed against 5hmUra. Maximum enzymatic activity was identified between molecular mass markers 30 and 34 kDa. Protein was extracted from gel slices and subjected to tryptic digestion and analysis by mass spectrometry. Analysis revealed the presence of 11 peptides that were homologous or identical to the sequence of the recently characterized human single-stranded monofunctional uracil DNA N-glycosylase (hSMUG1). The cDNA of hSMUG1 was isolated and expressed as a recombinant glutathione S-transferase fusion protein that was shown to release 5hmUra with 20x the specific activity of the most purified bovine fraction. We conclude that hSMUG1 and HMUDG are the same protein.

Bonded molar tubes--an in vitro evaluation

This study aimed to evaluate the mean shear bond strength of molar tubes with micro-etched bases bonded with either a compomer (Ultra Band-Lok), a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (3M Multi-Cure or Fuji Ortho LC), or a light-cured resin adhesive (Transbond). The amount of adhesive remaining on the tooth surface following tube removal was assessed also. Finally, survival time of molar tubes bonded with each bonding agent was assessed following simulated mechanical fatigue in a ball mill. A total of 120 extracted human third molars were collected and randomly divided into 4 test groups. Thirty teeth (20 to assess debonding force and 10 to assess survival time) were bonded with each adhesive according to the manufacturers' instructions. Debonding was carried out using a Nene M3000 testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The mean shear bond strength of tubes bonded with Transbond was significantly less than that of those bonded with 3M Multi-Cure (P = .0036) or Fuji Ortho LC (P < .0001). Tubes bonded with Ultra Band-Lok also had significantly lower mean shear bond strength than those bonded with Fuji Ortho LC (P = .020). Distribution of adhesive remnant index scores only differed significantly between tubes bonded with 3M Multi-Cure or Transbond. Only I molar tube, bonded with Transbond, debonded in the ball mill at 5 hours, but at 50 hours there was no significant difference in the survival time of tubes bonded with any of the bonding agents. Compomer or resin-modified glass ionomer cements appear to be viable alternatives to light-cured resin adhesive for bonding molar tubes.

General case quasi-pyramidal staff training to promote generalization of teaching skills in supervisory and direct-care staff

The authors employed staff training strategies designed to enhance generalization of teaching skills in staff working with persons with developmental disabilities. Staff training consultants initially employed a general case training approach involving the use of specially selected client program exemplars to provide three supervisory staff with generalized teaching skills. Subsequently, supervisory staff used the general case approach to train teaching skills to direct-care staff, with staff training support from the consultants (quasi-pyramidal training). Supervisors showed improvement in teaching skills after supervisory staff training, but only one of the three supervisors exceeded 70% correct skill use. After participating in the training of their own staff, however, supervisors demonstrated further improvements in skill use. All direct-care staff showed improvement after quasi-pyramidal training, with seven of the nine staff exceeding 70% correct skill use. General case quasi-pyramidal training appears to have potential as a strategy for promoting generalization of staff teaching skills in both trainees and trainers.

Self-control in children with autism: response allocation during delays to reinforcement

This study examined the use of a progressive-delay schedule of reinforcement to increase self-control and decrease disruptive behavior in children with autism. When initially given the choice between an immediate smaller reinforcer and a larger delayed reinforcer, all participants chose the smaller reinforcer. When access to the larger reinforcer required either no activity or engaging in a concurrent task during the delay, all participants demonstrated both self-control and preference for a response requirement. Disruptive behavior decreased during delays that required a concurrent task compared to sessions without an activity requirement.

The transcriptional factor LBP-1c/CP2/LSF gene on chromosome 12 is a genetic determinant of Alzheimer's disease

Although the varepsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene appears as an important biological marker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility, other genetic determinants are clearly implicated in the AD process. Here, we propose that a genetic variation in the transcriptional factor LBP-1c/CP2/LSF gene, located close to the LRP locus, is a genetic susceptibility factor for AD. We report an association between a non-coding polymorphism (G-->A) in the 3'-untranslated region of this gene and sporadic AD in French and British populations and a similar trend in a North American population. The combined analysis of these three independent populations provides evidence of a protective effect of the A allele (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.44-0.75). We describe a potential biologically relevant role for the A allele whereby it reduces binding to nuclear protein(s). The absence of the A allele was associated with a lower LBP-1c/CP2/LSF gene expression in lymphocytes from AD cases compared with controls. Our data suggest that polymorphic variation in the implication of the LBP-1c/CP2/LSF gene may be important for the pathogenesis of AD, particularly since LBP-1c/CP2/LSF interacts with proteins such as GSKbeta, Fe65 and certain factors involved in the inflammatory response.

Exclusion limits on the WIMP-nucleon cross section from the cryogenic dark matter search

The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) employs Ge and Si detectors to search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) via their elastic-scattering interactions with nuclei while discriminating against interactions of background particles. CDMS data, accounting for the neutron background, give limits on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon elastic-scattering cross section that exclude unexplored parameter space above 10 GeV/c2 WIMP mass and, at >75% C.L., the entire 3sigma allowed region for the WIMP signal reported by the DAMA experiment.

Crime scene analysis and the escalation of violence in serial rape

The current study examines the crime scene behavior manifest by 108 serial rapists responsible for the perpetration of 565 rapes across various cities within the US. The goal of the current study is to identify which aspects of crime scene behavior reported to law enforcement by the victim are most useful in predicting, early in a series of offenses, which rapists are most likely to escalate into higher and, at times, life threatening levels of violence. Using 58 scales that quantify the verbal, physical, and sexual behavior manifest by a rapist in his interaction with his victim during his first reported rape and 36 modal variables that summarized approach, timing, demographics, and weapon usage across the series of rapes, the study attempts to differentiate between those rapists who escalate in their use of blunt force (Increasers) from those who do not (Non-Increasers). A logistic regression indicates that rapists who are white rather than of minority status and who, at the time of their first reported rape, rape their victims for longer periods of time and use more profanity are more likely to escalate in their level of blunt force than those rapists who do not exhibit these behaviors. The relevance of this type of predictive framework for law enforcement in its attempts to prioritize particular investigations is discussed.

Female reproductive and developmental toxicology: overview and current approaches

In recent years, concern about possible female reproductive and developmental toxicity due to environmental contaminants, such as PCBs, has been growing. Because this area of toxicology had not been emphasized prior to this time, there are many gaps in current knowledge about female developmental and reproductive toxicology and only a limited number of validated tests to assay effects of toxicants on various parts of the reproductive and developmental cycle. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on this topic and also explores a variety of techniques for assessing female reproductive and developmental toxicity. These include an assay of the state of intercellular communication among the embryo, fetus and placenta; protocols for assessing toxicity in early pregnancy; and techniques for evaluating the role of glutathione in protecting the conceptus from xenobiotics.

The use of a brief movement restriction procedure to eliminate severe inappropriate behavior

The effect of a brief movement restriction (BMR) procedure on the maladaptive behavior of two severely mentally retarded persons was evaluated using a multiple baseline research design. Following a functional analysis of the maladaptive behaviors, baseline data were collected on the frequency of smearing in a six year old boy and the frequency of aggression-destruction and stereotypic behavior in a 24 year old man. Following the baseline period a treatment package that included reinforcement for alternative behavior and BMR were first introduced for feces smearing. After feces smearing had shown a reduction with the first client the treatment package was introduced for aggression and destruction with the second client. After aggression and destruction had been reduced, the treatment package was added for stereotypy. The treatment package completely eliminated each of the target behaviors and they remained absent during a long follow-up period.

Side effects of therapeutic punishment on academic performance and eye contact

The effects of therapeutic punishment delivered following inappropriate behavior on the academic responding and eye-to-face contact of 2 persons with developmental handicaps was examined using a counterbalanced alternating treatment design. Each subject was sequentially taught by two therapists each day. While one of the therapists taught the subject, the second therapist stood in close proximity directly behind the subject. During baseline, neither therapist delivered punishment following inappropriate behavior. During the treatment condition, one of the therapists delivered all punishment regardless of whether she was teaching or standing behind the subject. The therapist who delivered all punishment for 1 subject did not deliver any punishment for the other subject. During the last condition, the therapist delivering all punishment was reversed for 1 of the subjects. The results indicated that the task being taught was mastered by each subject only when the therapist delivering punishment was teaching. Data collected also indicated that each subject made more eye-to-face contact when the therapist delivering all punishment was teaching. Although neither therapist had to deliver punishers often, punishment had to be administered less often when the therapist teaching the subject was also the therapist delivering punishment.

Locomotion, active choice, and spatial memory in children

In two studies, children between 4 and 6 years old were tested on a radial search task requiring nonredundant sampling of eight identically labeled positions in a room. In the training phase (5 days), children made free choices by walking between positions, were passively transported in a pushchair, actively directed their own route from a pushchair, or were led on foot to positions selected by the experimenter. When tested (whether walking or directing while seated in a pushchair), children who had either walked independently or directed the experimenter while being pushed performed competently; those led on foot without spatial choice performed almost as well. Only the children who had neither independent locomotor experience nor autonomous choice performed very poorly. The results are related to neurobiological models of spatial cognition and may have implications for the transportation of children with mobility problems.

Multiple modifications in the phosphoproteins bound to stored messenger RNA in Xenopus oocytes

Messenger RNA molecules accumulated in amphibian oocytes are stabilized and blocked from translation through association with a defined set of phosphoproteins. Phosphoproteins of 60 kDa and 56 kDa (pp60 and pp56) isolated from messenger ribonucleoprotein particles of Xenopus laevis oocytes can be bound in vitro to mRNA sequences. After phospholabelling in vitro, both pp60 and pp56 show a range of ionic forms, which resolve on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as a series of pairs with identical charge. The similarities between pp60 and pp56 in their ionic properties suggest a common protein primary structure. This suggestion gains further support from proteinase digestion analysis of pp60 and pp56: practically identical size patterns of phospholabelled fragments are generated using a range of different proteinases. However, in spite of their structural similarities, pp60 and pp56 are recognised as antigenically distinct from each other by using polyclonal antibodies. It is concluded from these, and other, observations that pp60 and pp56 are members of a family of structurally similar polypeptides which are subjected to multiple secondary modifications. Of these modifications, phosphorylation appears to be instrumental in establishing tight binding to mRNA, while antigenicity appears to be determined by some other modification. The role of microheterogeneity in the structure of RNA-binding proteins is discussed in relation to the differential activation of mRNA sequences for translation during early development.

Protein kinase activity associated with stored messenger ribonucleoprotein particles of Xenopus oocytes

As the oocytes of Xenopus laevis grow and develop they accumulate vast stores of mRNA for use during early embryogenesis. The stored mRNA is stabilized and may be prevented from being translated in oocytes by the binding of a defined set of oocyte-specific proteins to form messenger RNP (mRNP) particles. A key event in the interaction of protein with mRNA is the phosphorylation of those few polypeptides that bind directly to all classes of polyadenylated mRNA. In this study we show that the phosphorylating enzyme (protein kinase), in addition to its target phosphoproteins, is an integral component of the mRNP particles. This association extends through various stages in the formation and use of the mRNP particles. Examination of material from oocytes of an early developmental stage (early stage 1), when the level of accumulated mRNA is low, reveals an excess of protein particles free of RNA, sedimenting at 6-18 S, and containing protein kinase activity and mRNA-binding phosphoproteins. At stages of maximum rate of mRNA accumulation (stages 1 and 2), the phosphoproteins and kinase are found primarily in individual mRNP particles that sediment at 40-80 S. As ribosomes become abundant (stages 2 and 3), the mRNP particles tend to interact with ribosomal subunits, at least in vitro, to form blocked translation initiation complexes that sediment at 80-110 S. These results are compared with observation on stored mRNP in other developmental systems.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine DNA glycosylase activity in mammalian tissue

The enzymatic release of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine from T2 bacteriophage DNA was effected by an extract of calf thymus. Like the previously described 5-hydroxymethyluracil DNA glycosylase, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine DNA glycosylase was not detectable in bacterial extracts. The phylogenetic distribution of these activities indicates that their primary function is the maintenance of methylcytosine residues in differentiated tissue.

Phosphorylation of a 60 kDa polypeptide from Xenopus oocytes blocks messenger RNA translation

The stored mRNP particles of Xenopus oocytes contain protein kinase activity and two major phosphoproteins of 60 kDa (pp60) and 56 kDa (pp56). These proteins can be phospholabelled in the particles either in vivo or in vitro and then isolated by SDS-PAGE. On renaturing pp60 in the presence of globin mRNA, a stable RNA-protein complex is formed. The complex has a uniform density in Cs salt gradients, corresponding to the binding of about 10 protein molecules to each mRNA, probably at the poly(A) sequence. Compared with uncomplexed mRNA, the RNP complex is translated poorly both in vitro and in vivo. Translation of the complex can be regained after treatment with protein phosphatase. It is shown that dephosphorylation destabilizes the binding of protein to RNA, making the mRNA accessible for translation. Studies with native mRNP particles show that their translation also can be enhanced by dephosphorylation.

Definitive characterization of human thymine glycol N-glycosylase activity

An N-glycosylase activity that released cis-[3H]-5,6-dihydroxy-5,6-dihydrothymine (thymine glycol, TG) from chemically oxidized poly(dA-[3H]dT) was unambiguously characterized both in extracts of HeLa cells and in purified Escherichia coli endonuclease III. This was accomplished by use of microderivatization procedure that quantitatively converted cis-TG to 5-hydroxy-5-methylhydantoin (HMH). The reaction products were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography before and after derivatization by using cis-[14C]TG and [14C]HMH, which had been independently synthesized, as reference compounds. This technique facilitated construction of a v/[E]t plot for the enzyme activity in HeLa cells, permitting estimation of its specific activity. The results obtained prove the existence of both human and bacterial N-glycosylase activities that effect removal of TG from DNA.

Quantitative measurement of the diastereoisomers of cis thymidine glycol in gamma-irradiated DNA

A technique for determining the relative content of each of the diastereoisomers of cis thymidine glycol (dTG) in DNA exposed to ionizing radiation has been developed. [3H]thymidine DNA was gamma-irradiated, digested to 2'-deoxyribonucleosides, authentic [14C] (+, -) cis dTG added to the digestate and the mixture resolved by HPLC. 3H fractions coeluting with [14C] (+, -) dTG were collected and acetylated. The acetoxy derivatives of (+) and (-) cis dTG were easily resolved by a second HPLC analysis and their absolute configuration determined by NMR and mass spectroscopies. We have constructed a dose-response curve for formation of each isomer in gamma-irradiated DNA and shown that they are formed in equal amounts. This technique may be used to determine the relative formation of cis dTG isomers in DNA resulting from other oxidative stresses and whether repair of these is influenced by their configuration.

Laboratory studies of visible-light cured fissure sealants: setting times and depth of polymerization

Measurements were made, using an acoustic transmission method, of the setting times of three visible-light curing sealants (two filled, one unfilled). Five commercially available visible-light polymerizing sources were tested with each material. Only three of the light sources gave setting times not significantly different from the manufacturers' recommended times for all three materials tested. The variation in microhardness with depth of sealant was measured to study the depth of polymerization of the sealants, all of which were adequate. The filled sealants had microhardness values greater than the unfilled sealant, at all depths studied.

Further abrasion resistance and bond strength studies of fissure sealants

As part of a laboratory evaluation, measurements of abrasion loss and tensile enamel--sealant bond strengths have been made on three visible light cured sealants (two filled, one unfilled), two chemically cured sealants (one filled and one unfilled) and an experimental sealant with alumina filler particles. A UV-cured filled sealant was used as a control. The unfilled sealants had abrasion loss approximately twice that of the filled commercial sealants. The experimental sealant, with filler content above 50%, had an abrasion loss approximately half that of the filled commercial sealants. The chemical cured sealants had bond strengths lower than the UV-cured control, while the bond strengths of the two visible light-cured filled sealants and the experimental sealant were not statistically different from either the unfilled visible light-cured sealant or from the UV-cured filled sealant.

Quantitative determination of the 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil moiety in the DNA of gamma-irradiated cells

5-(Hydroxymethyl)uracil (HMUra) is a chemically stable derivative of thymine formed through the action of ionizing radiation which we previously identified in the DNA of gamma-irradiated HeLa cells [Teebor, G. W., Frenkel, K., & Goldstein, M. S. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 81, 318-321]. In this report, we determine whether HMUra can be used as a marker of exposure of DNA to ionizing radiation. Dose-response curves for its formation in [3H]thymidine-labeled DNA were constructed by exposing the DNA to increasing amounts of gamma-radiation and measuring the HMUra content. DNA was irradiated both in solution and in intact cells. HMUra was identified as the 2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (HMdU) by subjecting the irradiated DNA to enzymatic digestion and analyzing the mixture of 2'-deoxyribonucleosides by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The identity of the radiogenically formed HMdU was confirmed by acetylation and the structure of the acetyl derivative obtained by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. At two different DNA concentrations in solution, the same number of thymidine moieties were converted to HMdU, indicating that within this range of concentration the formation of HMdU was mediated through the indirect action of ionizing radiation. Equal amounts of HMdU were formed in single- and double-stranded DNA at each radiation dose, indicating that DNA conformation did not affect HMdU formation. Surprisingly, the G value (number of HMdU molecules formed/100 eV) was higher in irradiated cellular DNA than in DNA irradiated in solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Surface treatment studies aimed at streamlining fissure sealant application

Three laboratory studies were carried out with the aim of improving or streamlining enamel surface treatment procedures in fissure sealing. In Study 1, the effect of reducing acid etch time from 60 s to 10 s was assessed by SEM and tensile bond strength measurements. Reduction in etch time produced a finer etch pattern, gave a reduced but still high, bond-strength, albeit with slightly poorer long-term adhesion. Study 2 showed that a conventional acid etch treatment could completely remove acquired pellicle, without prior prophylaxis. SEM studies and bond-strength measurements corroborated this view. In Study 3, compressed air and chemical drying agents were compared for drying speed and efficiency. Compressed air gave more rapid, thorough drying, and greater resultant bond strengths.

An assessment of new dental ultraviolet sources and u.v.-polymerized fissure sealants

The performance of six dental ultraviolet (u.v.) sources was assessed to establish minimum output requirements and possible u.v. hazards. Exposure criteria for u.v.-cured materials (Nuva-seal P.A., Nuva-cote P.A., Nuva-fil P.A., Lee-seal, u.v.-Dentoseal, Uviobond, Visiobond) were assessed by determining setting time-intensity characteristics, u.v. transmission and microhardness as a function of u.v. intensity and depth. A minimum intensity of 10 mW cm-2 was required for adequate curing and both Nuva-seal P.A. and Nuva-cote P.A. set well in depth with realistic exposures. Total u.v. outputs, average intensities and spatial distributions were assessed for the u.v. sources, most of which were well above minimum requirements. Ultraviolet spectra and maximum permissible exposure measurements indicated that all of the sources were safe in normal use.

Microhardness studies on the setting characteristics of fissure sealants

The hardness of five fissure sealants was measured using a Wallace Microhardness Tester and found to continue to increase long after the initial setting. The effect of the intensity of radiation and exposure time on the setting of two u.v. activated sealants (Nuva-seal and Alphaseal) was also investigated, with higher intensities producing both a more rapid set and greater final hardness. Alphaseal required longer exposure at a given intensity of u.v. radiation to achieve the same hardness as Nuva-seal, and displayed relatively slow setting in depth, which could give rise to incomplete polymerization during clinical use, resulting in early sealant loss. Thus special care must be taken to ensure that Alphaseal receives an adequate exposure to u.v. radiation, and sources which are suitable for setting Nuva-seal may not be sufficiently powerful when applying Alphaseal.