Cancer Prevention Literacy among Different Population Subgroups: Challenges and Enabling Factors for Adopting and Complying with Cancer Prevention Recommendations

It is estimated that 40% of the cancer cases in Europe could be prevented if people had better information and tools to make healthier choices and thereby reduce some of the most important cancer risk factors. The aim of this study is to gain knowledge and understanding about cancer prevention literacy among people with intellectual disabilities, immigrants, young people and young cancer survivors. In this qualitative study, we conducted six online focus-group interviews, including forty participants, to explore the cancer prevention literacy of four population subgroups and determine how cancer prevention recommendations according to the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) were perceived. The analysis resulted in the following main categories: current health beliefs and their impacts on how the ECAC recommendations were perceived, communication strategies and sources benefiting or hindering cancer prevention information from reaching out, and how vulnerabilities in these subgroups impact cancer prevention literacy. To improve cancer prevention literacy in Europe, more attention is needed this topic to overcome barriers among different population subgroups. Recommendations include improved and adapted cancer prevention information, support to individuals, as well as societal support, such as easy-access screening and vaccination programmes and regulations related to tobacco, alcohol, and diet.

Adult North Star Network (ANSN): Consensus Guideline For The Standard Of Care Of Adults With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

There are growing numbers of adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy living well into their fourth decade. These patients have complex medical needs that to date have not been addressed in the International standards of care. We sought to create a consensus based standard of care through a series of multi-disciplinary workshops with specialists from a wide range of clinical areas: Neurology, Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Palliative Care Medicine, Rehabilitation, Renal, Anaesthetics and Clinical Psychology. Detailed reports of evidence reviewed and the consensus building process were produced following each workshop and condensed into this final document which was approved by all members of the Adult North Star Network including service users. The aim of this document is to provide a framework to improve clinical services and multi-disciplinary care for adults living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

0986 Positive Airway Pressure Care And Cleaning Practices In The Pediatric Home

Introduction

The Sleep Clinic at Arkansas Children’s follows approximately 300 children who require positive airway pressure (PAP) at home. The clinic respiratory therapist provides oral and written cleaning instructions while some physicians choose to provide their own instructions. The home equipment company who supplies PAP in the home also gives cleaning instructions. The different routes of information given may result in inconsistent practices. It is extremely important to clean PAP equipment as directed as infection and illness may result from improper cleaning.

Methods

Caregivers of children who utilize home PAP devices were invited to complete an anonymous survey regarding cleaning practices during a Sleep clinic appointment. Data were collected electronically. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize results.

Results

There were 96 participants of whom 90% (87/96) were parents/caregivers. The mean age of the equipment user was 12 years and most were male (69%, 66/96). The mean length of time the equipment had been used was 2.6 years (SD 3.2). The majority of respondents, 67% (64/95), identified the parent/caregiver as responsible for cleaning. Only 25% (24/96) reported cleaning the mask daily as recommended; 43% (41/96) of participants reported cleaning tubing weekly; 27% (26/96) reported cleaning the water chamber daily by while most reported at least weekly (47%, 45/96). The majority, 58% (56/96) reported emptying the water chamber daily and using distilled water (81%, 74/96). Most respondents did not note respiratory symptoms starting/increasing with PAP (67%, 64/96). Of those with respiratory symptoms attributed to PAP, congestion was the most common (79%, 11/14).

Conclusion

There is a discrepancy between recommended and actual practices for cleaning PAP equipment. No significant association was found between the duration of PAP use and cleaning practices. However, a moderately low correlation between age and cleaning was identified. Increased age was associated with decreased cleaning practices.

Support

 

Determination of Ethoxyquin in Feeds by Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study

Ethoxyquin is a chemical antioxidant used in feeds, ingredients, fats, and oils. A liquid chromatographic (LC) method for determination of ethoxyquin was developed. The method involves acetonitrile extraction of the sample and isocratic Cis reversed-phase chromatography with ammonium acetate buffer-acetonitrile as mobile phase and fluorescence detection. A collaborative study of the determination of ethoxyquin in various meals and extruded pet foods was conducted by The lams Company Research Laboratory. Eleven laboratories analyzed 16 samples (including 2 blind duplicates) consisting of 7 meat meals and 9 extruded pet foods. Sample means ranged from 0.25 to 289 ppm. Repeatability standard deviations ranged from 0.08 to 3.2 ppm, and repeatability relative standard deviations ranged from 4.5 to 32%. Reproducibility standard deviations ranged from 0.12 to 13 ppm, and reproducibility relative standard deviations ranged from 4.5 to 55%. The LC method for determination of ethoxyquin in feeds has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

Determination of Vitamins A (Retinol) and E (alpha-Tocopherol) in Foods by Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted for the determination of vitamins A and E. Existing AOAC liquid chromatographic (LC) methods are suited for specific vitamins A and E analytical applications. This method differs from existing methods in that it can be used to assay samples in all 9 sectors of the food matrix. Standards and test samples are saponified in basic ethanol–water solution, neutralized, and diluted, converting fats to fatty acids and retinol esters and tocopherol esters to retinol and tocopherol, respectively. Retinol and alpha-tocopherol are quantitated on separate LC systems, using UV detection at 313 or 328 nm for retinol, and fluorescence detection (excitation 290 nm, emission 330 nm) for alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin concentrations are calculated by comparison of the peak heights or peak areas of vitamins in test samples with those of standards.

Historical Analysis: Editors' Reflections on 50 Years of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology

OBJECTIVE

This article provides an historical perspective on the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (JPP) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

METHODS

Former and current editors of JPP participated in a symposium at the 2019 Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference (SPPAC), each highlighting prominent types of articles published during their terms, the influence of these papers over time, and their reflections on the next 50 years of the journal. Their presentations were summarized and integrated for this article. Additional data on editorial teams, special issues, and publication metrics over time are included.

RESULTS

The data demonstrate changes over time in the growth, scope, and impact of JPP. The article also shows the consistency in areas of emphasis over time. Anticipated topics for the future were quite consistent across editors and included increased use of technology, broader attention to teams and approaches, and methodological advances as the field will continue to grow.

CONCLUSIONS

This article provides an unusual collaboration among editors of JPP, providing an historical perspective on the journal's growth over time and anticipation of continued impact into the future.

Colorectal Cancer in People with Intellectual Disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs) are now living longer; thus, the incidence of cancer within this population is increasing. Available data indicate an excess of digestive tract cancers in PWIDs, but colorectal cancer has rarely been specifically studied and has not been extensively reviewed. This is despite risk factors such as being overweight, obesity, and lack of exercise being more frequent in PWIDs. In this article, we examine the literature on the frequency, screening, and treatment of colorectal cancer in PWIDs by as sessing 4 databases, Medline, EBSCO-CINHL, ASSIA, and PsychLIT, from 1970 to February 2017. Findings indicate that the frequency trends slightly higher than that found in the general population. Screening presents a unique opportunity to discover early colorectal cancer, but is underused in PWIDs compared to the general population. Furthermore, the clinical presentation is frequently masked, particularly by challenging behaviours, and colorectal cancer is therefore often diagnosed late, making treatment difficult due to the advanced stage of these tumours. To improve the care of PWIDs, we need more resources to support them and their caregivers, and to increase awareness of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.

The Rey Figure Copy as a Screening Instrument for Perceptual Deficits after Stroke

The aim of the study was to investigate the use of the Rey figure for screening patients for perceptual impairment following stroke. Stroke patients in a trial of a stroke unit were assessed using the Rey figure copy at entry to the study. Those admitted to the stroke unit were also assessed on the Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery (RPAB). In 61 patients assessed consecutively on both tests, using conventional clinical cut-off points the Rey figure copy was impaired in 31 out of 32 patients who were impaired on the RPAB. Fifteen patients who failed the Rey figure did not have perceptual problems on the RPAB, indicating that deficits on the Rey figure are not only due to perceptual problems. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to compare different cut-off points. The Rey figure may be used as a brief screening assessment for perceptual deficits following stroke.

Herpes simplex virus: 'to disclose or not to disclose.' An exploration of the multi-disciplinary team's role in advising patients about disclosure when diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus

The first UK prosecution for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) transmission in 2011 attracted strong criticism from medical experts. To address the dearth of research on the topic, this study aimed to explore the nature of advice given to patients by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the West of Scotland on HSV disclosure to partners. Ten semi-structured interviews with members of the MDT were conducted and the interviews were analysed using Burnard's Thematic Content Analysis. Four themes emerged which explored practitioners' knowledge of HSV and their feelings regarding the emotional aspects of the diagnosis on clients including the challenges of discussing disclosure. Within this framework, participants' attitudes to the legal prosecution were also surveyed. This study revealed that participants had good knowledge about HSV. Furthermore, participants believed disclosure to be the patient's choice and had not altered their practice to advise disclosure to all partners in accordance with local protocol. However, there was a general consensus that disclosure was not required due to the prevalence of HSV and prevalence was used to dissipate emotional reactions to HSV diagnosis.

Evaluation of multiplex polymerase chain reaction utilising multiple targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test negative but culture positive cases: a potential method for enhancing the diagnosis of tuberculosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (MPCR) utilising multiple targets (IS6110, Protein b [Pab] and MPB64 genes) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct Test (MTD) negative but culture positive cases and comparison of MPCR with Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for diagnosis of tuberculosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MPCR was carried out on 28 culture positive sputum samples. Out of 28 culture positive samples, 17 were originally reported, as MTD test negative and 11 were MTD test positive, respectively. The results of MPCR were compared with RT-PCR. To check the specificity of the tests, MPCR and RT-PCR were also evaluated with 16 non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) isolates.

RESULTS

Out of 28 culture positive sputum samples, MPCR was positive in all 28/28 samples, whereas RT-PCR was positive in 27/28 samples and MTD test was originally tested positive in six sputum samples and on repeating MTD testing, five more sputum samples were positive and thus total number of MTD positive were 11/28 sputum samples, respectively. All the tests were negative on evaluation with all the 16 NTMs, thus giving specificity of 100% to all the tests; sensitivity of MPCR, RT-PCR and MTD tests were 100%, 96.42% and 39.28%, respectively, in these specifically selected samples.

CONCLUSIONS

MPCR may be an important tool in the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis especially in disease endemic, resource limited countries.

Confirming positive results of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Chlamydia trachomatis: all NAATs are not created equal

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended confirming positive screening tests for Chlamydia trachomatis when positive predictive values are <90%. It is accepted that less sensitive tests (i.e., culture and immunoassays) should not be used to confirm the results of more sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). We show that the same principle applies when NAATs are used for confirmation.

Ability of new APTIMA CT and APTIMA GC assays to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in male urine and urethral swabs

A clinical evaluation was conducted in six North American centers to determine the ability of APTIMA CT (ACT) and APTIMA GC (AGC) nucleic acid amplification assays to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in 1,322 men by testing their urethral swabs and first-catch urine (FCU). The results obtained with ACT and AGC assays were compared to an infected patient status determined by testing the specimens with the APTIMA Combo 2 and the BD ProbeTec energy transfer multiplex assays. Symptoms did not influence the values. Positive and negative agreements of the ACT and AGC assays for individual specimens were high, with each comparator assay ranging between 94.3 and 100% for positives and 93.9 and 99.4% for negatives. The ACT and AGC assays performed on noninvasive specimens such as FCU effectively identified C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic men and should be suitable for screening male populations.

Attenuation of bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using the heme oxygenase inhibitor Zn-deuteroporphyrin IX-2,4-bisethylene glycol

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis is associated with a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of fibrotic lung disorders remains unclear, but the extent of tissue damage due to the persistent presence of oxidants or proteases is believed to be important. The heme degrading enzyme heme oxygenase (HO) has been found to be expressed in experimental fibrosis, and generation of free iron and carbon monoxide (CO) by HO has been implicated in oxidant induced lung damage. A study was undertaken to examine the effects of the HO inhibitor Zn-deuteroporphyrin-IX-2,4-bisethylene glycol (Zndtp) on the development of pulmonary fibrosis in the bleomycin model of lung injury and repair.

METHODS

Zndtp (10 micro mol/kg) was administered subcutaneously twice daily to mice 1 week following the intratracheal instillation of 0.025 U bleomycin. Animals were killed 10 or 21 days after bleomycin instillation and indices of lung damage and fibrosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Bleomycin treatment induced pulmonary cytotoxicity, increased levels of active transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), enhanced lung collagen accumulation, and decreased glutathione content. Zndtp administration significantly attenuated these indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of Zndtp in the bleomycin model resulted in appreciable alveolar cytoprotection and amelioration of pulmonary fibrosis. This molecule and its analogues may warrant further consideration in the treatment of acute lung injury and fibrotic lung disorders.

Formation of LID vector complexes in water alters physicochemical properties and enhances pulmonary gene expression in vivo

There is currently an urgent need to develop efficient gene-delivery systems for the lung that are free of inflammatory effects. The LID vector is a synthetic gene delivery system, comprised of lipofectin (L), an integrin-targeting peptide (I) and DNA (D) that has previously been shown to have high transfection efficiency in the lung. We have assessed the effect of alternative methods of complex preparation on structural features of the complex, levels and duration of reporter gene expression and the host response to the LID vector. We have demonstrated that making the complex in water affects the structure of the LID complexes making them smaller and more stable with a more cationic surface charge than complexes prepared in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). When the LID vector was constituted in water and instilled intratracheally into the lungs of mice there was a 10-fold increase in luciferase activity compared with preparation in PBS. Furthermore, luciferase activity was still evident 1 week following vector instillation. This enhancement may be because of altered complex structure, although effects of the hypotonic vector solution on the lung cannot be excluded. The inflammatory effects of instilling the LID vector in water were minimal, even after three administrations of the LID vector, with only mild alterations in cytokine and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell profiles. These results demonstrate that the LID vector can generate high, and prolonged, levels of gene expression in the lung from small quantities of DNA and that careful attention to synthetic polyplex structure may be important to optimize efficiency of gene expression in vivo.

Generation of heme oxygenase-1-transgenic rats

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression protects cells from a variety of cellular insults and inhibits inflammation. However, its role in the regulation of immune responses has not yet been clearly established. We generated HO-1 transgenic rats to directly test the impact of HO-1 on the different immune mechanisms. To temporally control the expression of HO-1, we used a one-plasmid tetracycline (tet)-inducible system. This plasmid contains the H-2K(b) promoter, which transcribes the tet transactivator (tTA) and expression of a human HO-1 cDNA is obtained in the absence of tetracycline. The DNA construct was microinjected into one-cell rat embryos and mothers and pups were maintained with tetracycline. Eight transgenic founders were obtained. Analysis of transgene expression in the absence of tet showed that 2 lines (12.4 and 12.6) expressed HO-1 mRNA in several organs (as detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and at the protein level only in the thymus. Expression levels of transgene-derived HO-1 increased after withdrawal of tet compared with transgenic rats maintained with tet, as detected by analysis of mRNA levels by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gross examination and histopathological analysis of several organs in both lines showed no anomalies. Thymocytes and splenocytes of both lines showed normal cell subpopulations and allogeneic proliferation compared with controls. Systemic immune responses against cognate antigens were normal in both lines, as evaluated by the proliferation of lymph node cells and the production of antibodies against keyhole limpet hemocyanin after immunization. Animals from line 12.6 rejected transplanted allogeneic hearts with the same kinetics as controls. In conclusion, short-term induction of HO-1 overexpression did not modify immune responses compared to those of control non-transgenic animals.

Performance of the APTIMA Combo 2 assay for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in female urine and endocervical swab specimens

The greater sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae permits the use of urine and other noninvasive specimens, which can increase the reach and decrease the costs of public health screening programs aimed at controlling these infections. This study evaluated the performance of the APTIMA Combo 2 assay, a multiplex assay based on the transcription-mediated amplification reaction, for the simultaneous detection of both pathogens in endocervical swab and urine specimens from females. Combo 2 assay results were compared with patient infected status, which were available by using other commercial NAATs. Sensitivity and specificity for C. trachomatis were 94.2 and 97.6%, respectively, in swabs and 94.7 and 98.9%, respectively, in first-catch urine (FCU). Sensitivity and specificity for N. gonorrhoeae were 99.2 and 98.7%, respectively, in swabs and 91.3 and 99.3%, respectively, in FCU. The assay reliably detected both infections in coinfected patients. The Combo 2 assay can be recommended for use with endocervical swab and urine specimens from females, especially for screening tests for asymptomatic women in sexually transmitted disease surveillance programs. This Food and Drug Administration-cleared assay can be a useful tool in efforts to reduce the prevalence and incidence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections in sexually active women and to prevent their costly and serious sequelae.

Mononuclear cell adhesion and cell adhesion molecule liberation after X-irradiation of activated endothelial cells in vitro

PURPOSE

Increased expression of cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells is an important early event in inflammation. Low-dose radiotherapy is very effective anti-inflammatory treatment. The hypothesis that it may act by modulation of cell adhesion molecule expression in activated endothelial cells and the subsequent adhesion of mononuclear cells onto the activated endothelial cells was tested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EA.hy.926 endothelial cells were irradiated with 0.3-10 Gy X-rays at different times before or after stimulation with TNFalpha. ICAM-1 or E-selectin expression was measured by ELISA and FACS. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with an activated and irradiated confluent monolayer of endothelial cells 4 h, 12 h or 24 h after stimulation, and adhesion was determined in dynamic and static adhesion assays.

RESULTS

In the static adhesion assay, where integrin-mediated adhesion dominates, radiation doses of 0.3-0.6 Gy reduced the adhesion of mononuclear cells onto EA.hy.926-EC in vitro by 25-40% and 15-25% of the control level 4 h and 24 h after stimulation, respectively, but increased adhesion 12 h after stimulation. In the dynamic adhesion assay, where selectin-mediated adhesion dominates, radiation doses of 0.3-0.6 Gy reduced the adhesion events by 40-50% and 30-40% of the control level 4 h and 24 h after stimulation, respectively, and again increased adhesion 12h after stimulation. X-ray doses of < or =5 Gy did not induce ICAM-1 expression, or modulate TNFalpha-induced ICAM-1 expression. E-selectin expression was, however, increased in a dose-dependent way 6 h after irradiation. In contrast, X-irradiation 2-5 h before stimulation decreased the characteristic transient expression of E-selectin after TNFalpha stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Modulation of E-selectin liberation on activated endothelial cells may be one mechanism to decrease leukocyte adhesion after low-dose irradiation in vitro, and could be involved in the therapeutic action of anti-inflammatory radiotherapy.

"Haemoxygenase-1 induction and exhaled markers of oxidative stress in lung diseases", summary of the ERS Research Seminar in Budapest, Hungary, September, 1999

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in noninvasive monitoring of airway inflammation and oxidative stress. Several volatile and nonvolatile substances can be measured in exhaled breath and have been suggested as potential biomarkers of these events. Exhaled gases, including carbon monoxide (CO), alkanes (ethane, pentane), and substances measured in breath condensate, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and isoprostanes were all suggested as potential markers of oxidative stress in the lung. A European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Research Seminar entitled "Haemoxygenase-1 induction and exhaled markers of oxidative stress in lung diseases" was organized by the Airway Regulation and Provocation Group of the Clinical Allergy and Immunology Assembly in Budapest, Hungary in September, 1999 to integrate the latest knowledge on these issues and accelerate further improvement in this area. During this 2-day event several issues were raised about: the use and standardization of measurements in exhaled breath; problems of measuring expired H2O2 and other mediators in breath condensate; role and regulation of haemoxygenase (HO)-1 in the lung; and conditions and factors influencing exhaled CO. This report is a summary of the main presentations at the seminar, together with the current areas of research in this rapidly expanding field.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors have opposite effects on acute inflammation depending on their route of administration

The bulk of published data has shown that NO is proinflammatory. However, there also exists the conflicting notion that NO may be protective during an inflammatory insult. In an attempt to resolve this issue, we have compared the effects on inflammation of a range of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors given either directly to the site of the inflammatory lesion or systemically. It was found that in the carrageenin-induced pleurisy, a single intrapleural injection of the selective inducible NO inhibitors S-(2-aminoethyl) isothiourea (AE-ITU; 3 and 10 mg/kg) and N-(3-(aminomethyl)-benzyl) acetamidine (1400W; 10 mg/kg) or the selective endothelial cell NOS inhibitor L-N(5)(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine (10 mg/kg) not only exacerbated inflammation at the very early stages of the lesion (1-6 h), but also prevented inflammatory resolution. By contrast, administering NOS inhibitors systemically ameliorated the severity of inflammation throughout the reaction. To elucidate the mechanisms by which inhibition of NO synthesis locally worsened inflammation, we found an increase in histamine, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, superoxide, and leukotriene B(4) levels at the inflammatory site. In conclusion, this work shows that the local production of NO is protective by virtue of its ability to regulate the release of typical proinflammatory mediators and, importantly, that NOS inhibitors have differential anti-inflammatory effects depending on their route of administration.

In-vitro ovarian steroidogenesis in women with pelvic congestion

Follicular fluid steroid content and theca and granulosa cell steroidogenesis in pelvic congestion cystic ovaries were compared with steroidogenic function in both normal and polycystic ovaries. Ovaries were obtained at oophorectomy for benign gynaecological conditions, and classified according to gross morphology at dissection. Individual follicles were dissected out, follicular fluid aspirated, and granulosa and theca cells cultured in vitro. Androstenedione, progesterone and oestradiol content of the follicular fluid and overlying culture medium were measured by radioimmunoassay. There was a significant elevation of both basal and LH-stimulated androstenedione production by theca from both polycystic ovaries (n = 10; P < 0.005) and pelvic congestion cystic ovaries (n = 8; P < 0.05 and < 0.01 respectively) as compared with normal ovaries (n = 5). Granulosa cells from pelvic congestion ovaries (n = 7) had a diminished oestradiol response to FSH as compared with those from normal ovaries (n = 8). Follicular fluid from the majority of follicles in the pelvic congestion cystic ovaries had a high androgen:oestrogen ratio consistent with atresia. For the first time, pelvic congestion ovaries characterized by predominantly atretic follicles scattered throughout the stroma in a normal volume ovary are reported. Follicular atresia was reflected by reduced granulosa cell responsiveness to FSH, theca cell hyperplasia and increased basal and LH-stimulated androgen production. These ovaries are functionally distinct from polycystic ovaries, which do not have a higher proportion of atretic follicles than normal ovaries.

Dexamethasone for pulmonary interstitial emphysema in preterm infants

The efficacy of a 3-day course of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/ day) in 10 preterm infants (< or = 30 weeks gestation) with pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) was studied in a retrospective case review. PIE was diagnosed at a median age of 7.5 days and treatment with dexamethasone began at 8.5 days. Seven of the 10 subjects had at least 2 days of conservative treatment (lowered mean airway pressure) preceding dexamethasone during which the mean airway pressure (MAP), oxygenation index (OI) and mechanical ventilation index (MVI) were not significantly different although within 3 days of dexamethasone each variable improved significantly (p < 0.05). Similarly, for all 10 infants, OI and MAP were significantly lower at 3 and 7 days from baseline (p < 0.005). By day 7, FiO2 (p = 0.022) and MVI (p = 0.011) were significantly lower and PIE had resolved on chest X-ray in 7/9 (78%) and improved in the remaining 2/9 (22%). Nine of the 10 infants survived to term. Three days of dexamethasone was associated with significant clinical improvement in most of these infants. The mechanism may relate to reduced airway oedema and inflammation and reduced airway obstruction.

Heme oxygenase isoform expression in cellular and antibody-mediated models of acute inflammation in the rat

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and free iron. The enzyme exists as a constitutive isoform (HO-2) and an inducible isoform (HO-1), which is also a stress protein (HSP32). HO-1 has previously been shown to be associated with the resolution phase of a non-immune model of acute inflammation. In addition, elevation of the enzyme was markedly anti-inflammatory. In the present study, these observations have been extended to two pleural models of immune-driven inflammation in the rat, an immediate type III hypersensitivity (Arthus) reaction and a delayed type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Whilst these models have differing inflammatory mechanisms and time courses, they both showed HO activity to be maximal during the resolution phase. This activity was associated with increases in exudate bilirubin (a breakdown product of biliverdin) and increased expression of HO-1. Immunocytochemical analysis of inflammatory cell smears from the two models showed that HO-1 and HO-2 expression was restricted to mononuclear cells in the type IV hypersensitivity reaction, but included the polymorphonuclear cell population in the type III hypersensitivity reaction. Thus, irrespective of the pathogenesis of the lesion, evidence is accumulating to suggest that HO-1 has a universal role in the resolution of inflammation.

Follicular dynamics in the polycystic ovary syndrome

Anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by arrested growth of antral follicles. A relative lack of FSH may contribute to the persistence of anovulation but is unlikely, by itself, to be a major cause of it. Granulosa cells from anovulatory women with polycystic ovaries hypersecrete oestradiol, compared with size-matched follicles from normal ovaries or polycystic ovaries from ovulatory women. This phenomenon appears to reflect a condition of advanced maturation of medium-sized antral follicles. The underlying basis for the abnormalities in anovulatory PCOS remains uncertain, but it is possible that there are intrinsic differences in folliculogenesis between polycystic and normal ovaries which affect preantral as well as antral follicles. An alternative - but not mutually exclusive - explanation of this disorder is the abnormal endocrine environment. Hypersecretion of both LH and insulin are typical of anovulatory women with PCOS. Studies in isolated granulosa cells, have shown, that insulin greatly augments the action of LH on steroidogenesis but this interaction may compromise further growth of medium-sized antral follicles by generation of 'preovulatory' concentrations of cAMP within the granulosa cell and thereby leading, prematurely, to terminal differentiation of granulosa cells.

Heme oxygenase isoform expression in cellular and antibody-mediated models of acute inflammation in the rat

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and free iron. The enzyme exists as a constitutive isoform (HO-2) and an inducible isoform (HO-1), which is also a stress protein (HSP32). HO-1 has previously been shown to be associated with the resolution phase of a non-immune model of acute inflammation. In addition, elevation of the enzyme was markedly anti-inflammatory. In the present study, these observations have been extended to two pleural models of immune-driven inflammation in the rat, an immediate type III hypersensitivity (Arthus) reaction and a delayed type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Whilst these models have differing inflammatory mechanisms and time courses, they both showed HO activity to be maximal during the resolution phase. This activity was associated with increases in exudate bilirubin (a breakdown product of biliverdin) and increased expression of HO-1. Immunocytochemical analysis of inflammatory cell smears from the two models showed that HO-1 and HO-2 expression was restricted to mononuclear cells in the type IV hypersensitivity reaction, but included the polymorphonuclear cell population in the type III hypersensitivity reaction. Thus, irrespective of the pathogenesis of the lesion, evidence is accumulating to suggest that HO-1 has a universal role in the resolution of inflammation.

Encephalopathy as the presenting symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

In recent years, encephalopathy has increasingly been recognized as a complication of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It can begin abruptly as a stroke-like event, acute seizures, or confusion, or as an insidious decline in cognitive function. Most reported cases have been on adult patients, although this encephalopathy does affect children as well. This form of encephalopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children and adults with unexplained neurologic deterioration. We describe the case of a child in whom acute encephalopathy was the presenting symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Conditions providing enhanced transfection efficiency in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells permit analysis of the activity of the far-upstream and proximal promoter of the brain creatine kinase gene

While brain creatine kinase (CKB) is expressed at highest levels in the brain, where it functions in regenerating ATP, the gene elements and protein factors regulating CKB transcription in neuronal and glial cells have not been identified. To investigate the regulation of CKB in neuronal cells, we examined the expression of the promoter proximal and 5' far-upstream regions of the rat CKB gene transiently transfected into rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Initially, these experiments were hampered by the extremely low transfection efficiency of PC12 cells. We increased efficiency by greater than 200-fold by employing CaPO4-precipitated DNA transfection into PC12 cells which were optimized for transient transfection by: (i) culturing cells in polylysine-coated dishes to insure attachment throughout transfection; (ii) exposing cells to transfected DNA for an optimal time and employing a glycerol shock; and, most importantly, (iii) dissociating the characteristic self-adhesive clumps of PC12 into mostly single cells. Use of the plasmid expressing green fluorescent protein allowed identification of the transfected cells that averaged 10-20% of the total. Analyses of CKB promoter-CAT gene constructs showed that in PC12 cells expression of the proximal (0.2 kb) CKB promoter was low while expression of the 1.4 kb promoter was three fold higher and the 2.9 kb promoter was ten fold higher, suggesting the presence of at least two upstream cis-acting, positive regulatory elements. In agreement, the steady-state CKB mRNA level was higher in PC12 than in other neuronal cell lines examined, possibly reflecting the effects of positive upstream factors. The results are discussed in relation to how this economical and straightforward transfection procedure may be useful in identify factors regulating the transcription of CKB and other genes expressed in neuronal cells.

Insulin action in the normal and polycystic ovary

Insulin has a stimulatory effect on steroidogenesis by granulosa cells of normal and polycystic ovaries and interacts with gonadotropins in an additive or, as in the case of LH, a synergistic manner. These actions seem to be mediated specifically by the insulin receptor rather than by cross-reaction with the type I IGF receptor, even in tissue obtained from women with PCOS with biochemical evidence of insulin resistance. The authors suggest that hyperinsulinemia makes a significant contribution to premature arrest of follicle growth, which is characteristic of anovulation in women with PCOS, and that the interaction of insulin with LH is a key element in this process. Insulin may also have a role in amplifying LH-induced androgen production by theca cells, which may help explain the prominence of symptoms of hyperandrogenism in obese subjects with PCOS. The results of recent clinical studies of insulin-sensitizing agents such as metformin and the thiazoladinedione troglitazone in PCOS have provided encouragement that improvement of insulin sensitivity and consequent lowering of circulating insulin levels by these agents may be of therapeutic value in the management of both anovulation and hirsutism.

Inducible cyclooxygenase may have anti-inflammatory properties

Cyclooxygenase (COX) has two isoforms. Generally, COX 1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues, where it maintains physiological processes; inducible COX 2 is considered a pro-inflammatory enzyme and a chief target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Here we present evidence that COX 2 may have anti-inflammatory properties. In carrageenin-induced pleurisy in rats, the predominant cells at 2 hours are polymorphonuclear leucocytes, whereas mononuclear cells dominate from 24 hours until resolution at 48 hours. In this model, COX 2 protein expression peaked initially at 2 hours, associated with maximal prostaglandin E2 synthesis. However, at 48 hours there was a second increase in COX 2 expression, 350% greater than that at 2 hours. Paradoxically, this coincided with inflammatory resolution and was associated with minimal prostaglandin E2 synthesis. In contrast, levels of prostaglandin D2, and 15deoxy delta(12-14)prostaglandin J2 were high at 2 hours, decreased as inflammation increased, but were increased again at 48 hours. The selective COX 2 inhibitor NS-398 and the dual COX 1/COX 2 inhibitor indomethacin inhibited inflammation at 2 hours but significantly exacerbated inflammation at 48 hours. This exacerbation was associated with reduced exudate prostaglandin D2 and 15deoxy delta(12-14)prostaglandin J2 concentrations, and was reversed by replacement of these prostaglandins. Thus, COX 2 may be pro-inflammatory during the early phase of a carrageenin-induced pleurisy, dominated by polymorphonuclear leucocytes, but may aid resolution at the later, mononuclear cell-dominated phase by generating an alternative set of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

The identification and expression of heme oxygenase-2 alternative transcripts in the mouse

Murine heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) cDNA sequences were determined through the assembly of mouse expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences using the rat HO-2 sequence as a template. The sequence analysis revealed two mRNA isoforms, probably arising through alternative splicing, which differed in their 5'-untranslated region (UTR), and were named HO-2a and HO-2b. One EST sequence included an extended 3'-UTR and suggested there may be a choice of poly-adenylation (poly-A) signal sequence. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) suggested that HO-2a mRNA may be specifically expressed in the testis, while HO-2b mRNA was present in all tissues analysed. Furthermore, HO-2a and HO-2b transcripts were both found to include the extended 3'-UTR, but these transcripts were detected only in the testis. Northern analysis of a greater range of tissues confirmed the testis-specific expression of HO-2a mRNA and suggested that the transcripts which included the extended 3'-UTR were a small minority of the HO-2 mRNA population. These alternative murine HO-2 transcripts suggest that mechanisms such as mRNA transport, translational efficiency or mRNA turnover may be implicated in the regulation of HO-2 gene expression, most notably in the testis.

Mortality from lower respiratory infection in nursing home residents. A pilot prospective community-based study

BACKGROUND

Lower respiratory infections (LRI) are an important cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization of nursing home residents, yet treatment recommendations have primarily been based on the minority who are hospitalized. We sought to prospectively evaluate risk factors for mortality from LRI in community nursing home residents.

METHODS

We studied residents of 10 central Missouri nursing homes (910 beds) from January 1994 to September 1994. Attending physicians authorized nurse evaluations of ill residents who showed symptoms of an LRI. Those residents who met the study definition of LRI received a more detailed assessment and follow ups at 30 and 90 days.

RESULTS

The 231 evaluations identified 141 LRIs in 121 individuals. Sixteen (11%) residents died within 30 days of evaluation. The most important univariate predictor of 30-day mortality was severe activities of daily living (ADL) dependency (relative risk = 8.8, 95% confidence interval, 2.55-30.1). Several other clinical and laboratory findings were also significant predictors. In multivariable logistic regression, ADL dependency, respiratory rate, and pneumonia on chest radiograph independently predicted mortality; the model showed good discriminating ability (c = .83).

CONCLUSIONS

For nursing home residents with LRI, ADL dependency is an important mortality predictor. Further research with a larger sample should lead to a useful prediction rule for outcome from nursing home-acquired LRI.

Retrospective analysis of infectious disease in patients who received recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor versus patients not receiving a cytokine who underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation for treatment of lymphoid cancer

Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) significantly shortens the number of days required to achieve an absolute neutrophil count of >500/mm3 after autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT); however, the ability of rhGM-CSF to enhance neutrophil and macrophage function in vivo has been incompletely characterized. In this retrospective study, the authors compared the incidence of infection from the day of transplantation to 28 days posttransplantation between two groups of previously studied patients who underwent ABMT at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. A control group that received no cytokine was compared with a study group that received rhGM-CSF while participating in phase I, II, or III trials. During the posttransplantation period when both study groups had severe neutropenia, 40% (38 of 95) of control patients were found to have an infection, whereas only 13% (6 of 46) of rhGM-CSF patients developed an infection (p = 0.001). Most infections occurred before an absolute neutrophil count of > 100/mm3 was achieved. There was a trend toward fewer fungal infections (14% vs. 4%; p = 0.093); gram-negative bacterial infections (6% vs. 0%; p = 0.083); pulmonary infections (12% vs. 2%; p = 0.062); fewer days of amphotericin B (p = 0.0305); and fewer days of intravenous antibiotics (p = 0.0791) in rhGM-CSF-treated patients. These results support in vivo findings that the function-enhancing effect of rhGM-CSF may reduce infection-related complications.

Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists: correlation with induction of heme oxygenase 1

Genetic knock-out in mice of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR alpha) can prolong inflammation in response to leukotriene B4. Although cyclooxygenase 2 has been shown to be induced by PPAR activation, the effect of PPAR agonists on the key inflammatory enzyme systems of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and stress proteins has not been investigated. The effect on these of naturally occurring eicosanoid PPAR agonists (leukotriene B4 and 8(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which are PPAR alpha selective; PGA2, PGD2, PGJ2, and delta12PGJ2, which are PPAR gamma selective) and the synthetic PPAR alpha agonist Wy14,643 was examined in activated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. Leukotriene B4 and 8(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid stimulated nitrite accumulation, indicative of enhanced NOS activity. PGA2, PGD2, PGJ2, delta12PGJ2, and Wy14,643 reduced nitrite accumulation, with delta12PGJ2 being the most effective. The mechanism behind this reduction was examined using Western blotting. Inhibition of nitrite accumulation was associated with a fall in inducible NOS protein and an induction of heme oxygenase 1, correlating both dose dependently and temporally. Other proteins examined (cyclooxygenase 2, heme oxygenase 2, heat shock protein 70, and glucose-regulated protein 78) were unaffected. The data suggest that naturally occurring PPAR agonists can inhibit the inducible NOS enzyme pathway. This inhibition may be mediated by modulation of the stress protein, heme oxygenase 1. Thus, the generation of eicosanoid breakdown products during inflammation may contribute to its eventual resolution by activation of the PPAR system. This system may thus represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory disease.

Etiology of anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome

Various endocrine factors may contribute to the phenomenon of arrested follicular development, which is the hallmark of anovulatory infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome. Hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone and/or insulin, together with high intrafollicular concentrations of androgens, can interact to produce supraphysiological levels of cyclic AMP in granulosa cells, resulting in premature activation of terminal differentiation and, hence, arrest of follicle growth.