Transforming properties of ovine papillomaviruses E6 and E7 oncogenes

An increasing number of studies suggest that cutaneous papillomaviruses (PVs) might be involved in skin carcinogenesis. However, only a few animal PVs have been investigated regard to their transformation properties. Here, we investigate and compare the oncogenic potential of 2 ovine Delta and Dyokappa PVs, isolated from ovine skin lesions, in vitro and ex vivo. We demonstrate that both OaPV4 (Delta) and OaPV3 (Dyokappa) E6 and E7 immortalize primary sheep keratinocytes and efficiently deregulate pRb pathway, although they seem unable to alter p53 activity. Moreover, OaPV3 and OaPV4-E6E7 expressing cells show different shape, doubling time, and clonogenic activities, providing evidence for a stronger transforming potential of OaPV3 respect to OaPV4. Also, similarly to high-risk mucosal and cutaneous PVs, the OaPV3-E7 protein, constantly expressed in sheep squamous cell carcinomas, binds pRb with higher affinity compared to the E7 encoded by OaPV4, a virus associated to fibropapilloma. Finally, we found that OaPV3 and OaPV4-E6E7 determine upregulation of the pro-proliferative proteins cyclin A and cdk1 in both human and ovine primary keratinocytes. Collectively, results provide evidence for implication of ovine PVs in cutaneous proliferative lesions and skin cancer progression, and indicate sheep as a possible animal model for the study of cutaneous lesions and malignancies.

Effect of exposure to CeO2 nanoparticles on ram spermatozoa during storage at 4 °C for 96 hours

BACKGROUND

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are able to store and release oxygen, conferring them scavenger activity against oxidative stress. However, their effects in reproductive systems are not yet well understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of exposure of refrigerated ram semen to CeO2 NPs for 96 h on the main structural and kinematic parameters of spermatozoa.

METHODS

The ejaculates of 5 Sarda rams were collected, pooled and diluted in a soybean lecithin extender. Samples were exposed to increasing doses of CeO2 NPs (0, 44 and 220 μg/mL) and stored at 4 °C for 96 h. Analyses of kinematic parameters (computer assisted sperm analysis, CASA), integrity of membranes (PI/PSA staining), ROS production (H2DCFDA staining) and DNA damage (sperm chromatin structure assay with acridine orange, SCSA) were performed every 24 h (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation). The experiment was carried out in 6 replicates. Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni's as post hoc test. When the assumption of normality was not met (ROS), non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis rank test was carried out.

RESULTS

Exposure of ram spermatozoa to increasing doses of CeO2 NPs had a beneficial effect on the main motility parameters from 48 h of incubation onward. Velocity of sperm cells was enhanced in the groups exposed to CeO2 NPs compared to the control. Incubation with NPs had beneficial effects on the integrity of plasma membranes of spermatozoa, with higher percentage of damaged cells in the control group compared to the exposed ones. Production of ROS was not affected by exposure to NPs and its levels rose at 96 h of incubation. The integrity of DNA remained stable throughout the 96 h of storage regardless of co-incubation with NPs.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported beneficial effects of CeO2 NPs on kinematic and morphologic parameters of ram semen, such as motility and membrane integrity following 96 h of exposure. Furthermore, we also proved no genotoxic effects of CeO2 NPs. These effects could not be related to an antioxidant activity of CeO2 NPs, since ROS levels in exposed cells were similar to those of unexposed ones.

Equus asinus papillomavirus (EaPV1) provides new insights into equine papillomavirus diversity

We detected a novel papillomavirus (EaPV1) from healthy skin and from sun associated cutaneous lesions of an Asinara (Sardinia, Italy) white donkey reared in captivity in a wildlife recovery centre. The entire genome of EaPV1 was cloned, sequenced, and characterised. Genome is 7467 bp long, and shows some characteristic elements of horse papillomaviruses, including a small untranslated region between the early and late regions and the lack of the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor binding domain LXCXE in E7. Additionally, a typical E6 ORF is missing. EaPV1 DNA was detected in low copies in normal skin of white and grey donkeys of the Asinara Island, and does not transform rodent fibroblasts in standard transformation assays. Pairwise nucleotide alignments and phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated E1-E2-L1 amino acid sequences revealed the highest similarity with the Equine papillomavirus type 1. The discovery of EaPV1, the prototype of a novel genus and the first papillomavirus isolated in donkeys, confirms a broad diversity in Equidae papillomaviruses. Taken together, data suggest that EaPV1 is a non-malignant papillomavirus adapted to healthy skin of donkeys.

Mycoplasma agalactiae MAG_5040 is a Mg2+-dependent, sugar-nonspecific SNase recognised by the host humoral response during natural infection

In this study the enzymatic activity of Mycoplasma agalactiae MAG_5040, a magnesium-dependent nuclease homologue to the staphylococcal SNase was characterized and its antigenicity during natural infections was established. A UGA corrected version of MAG_5040, lacking the region encoding the signal peptide, was expressed in Escherichia coli as a GST fusion protein. Recombinant GST-MAG_5040 exhibits nuclease activity similar to typical sugar-nonspecific endo- and exonucleases, with DNA as the preferred substrate and optimal activity in the presence of 20 mM MgCl2 at temperatures ranging from 37 to 45°C. According to in silico analyses, the position of the gene encoding MAG_5040 is consistently located upstream an ABC transporter, in most sequenced mycoplasmas belonging to the Mycoplasma hominis group. In M. agalactiae, MAG_5040 is transcribed in a polycistronic RNA together with the ABC transporter components and with MAG_5030, which is predicted to be a sugar solute binding protein by 3D modeling and homology search. In a natural model of sheep and goats infection, anti-MAG_5040 antibodies were detected up to 9 months post infection. Taking into account its enzymatic activity, MAG_5040 could play a key role in Mycoplasma agalactiae survival into the host, contributing to host pathogenicity. The identification of MAG_5040 opens new perspectives for the development of suitable tools for the control of contagious agalactia in small ruminants.

A randomized controlled trial of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for mild to moderate alcohol dependence

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to conduct a randomized controlled trial of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) with two control conditions: nondirective reflective listening (NDRL) and no further counseling (NFC); and to conduct this study in a sample of patients with a primary diagnosis of mild to moderate alcohol dependence, in a "real-life" clinical setting.

METHOD

Patients with mild to moderate alcohol dependence were recruited, assessed and treated at the Community Alcohol and Drug Service of Christchurch, New Zealand. All patients received a feedback/education session before randomization to either four sessions of MET, four sessions of NDRL, or NFC. Outcome data on 122 subjects (57.4% men) were obtained 6 months following the end of treatment, by an interviewer who was blind to the treatment condition. The primary drinking outcome was unequivocal heavy drinking, defined as drinking 10 or more standard drinks six or more times in the follow-up period. Global assessment scale (GAS) measured general personal/social functioning.

RESULTS

Of patients treated with MET, 42.9% showed unequivocal heavy drinking compared with 62.5% of the NDRL and 65.0% of the NFC groups (p = .04). No significant differences were found for GAS score according to treatment condition.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with mild to moderate alcohol dependence, MET is more effective for reducing unequivocal heavy drinking than either a feedback/education session alone or four sessions of NDRL. MET can be considered an effective "value added" counseling intervention in a real-life clinical setting. In patients with mild to moderate alcohol dependence, nondirective reflective listening provides no additional advantage over a feedback/education session alone.

Methadone maintenance treatment: outcomes from the Otago methadone programme

AIM

To provide information on methadone treatment outcomes for opiate-dependent individuals.

METHODS

Questionnaires and random urine tests were completed for 112 Otago clients comparing outcomes before and during methadone maintenance treatment.

RESULTS

Treatment retention rates were high, with 86% of clients remaining on the programme six months or more. The number of clients on benefits reduced by almost 30% during treatment, with employment rates doubling from 19% to 40% (including attendance at educational programmes). For the 89 clients injecting opiates daily at initial presentation, 64% reported no opiate use in the three months prior to review. Of the remaining 36%, opiate use reduced significantly. Rates of sharing injecting equipment reduced by almost 90%. Almost 50% of cannabis users reduced their use from daily to less than daily use. Clients reporting no current use of illicit benzodiazepines increased by 85%. Heavy binge drinking weekly or more reduced by almost 75%. Use of other illicit drugs reduced by almost 90%. Drug-related convictions reduced by almost 60%, while accidental drug overdoses reduced by over 90%.

CONCLUSION

The widespread benefits of methadone maintenance treatment demonstrated underline the importance of making quality methadone programmes readily accessible within the health system. Currently, there are long waiting lists and many individuals cannot gain access to active treatment. We believe the health system urgently needs to look at expanding existing services and/or establishing private methadone clinics similar to those in New South Wales.

Dependent opioid users assessed for methadone treatment in Otago: patterns of drug use

AIMS

To provide detailed information about the types of drugs used and the patterns of drug use for injecting drug users presenting for methadone treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective case note review was carried out for 126 consecutive clients who were assessed for methadone treatment in the Otago province over a 2 year period. Patterns of drug use in the three months prior to presentation were recorded.

RESULTS

Over 60% of those presenting were using three or more opioid drugs, with the most common being homebake (63%), sustained release morphine sulphate tablets (62%), buprenorphine (52%), opium poppies (50%) and methadone (41%). Use of diacetylmorphine (heroin) was reported primarily by those returning from recent overseas travel. Most clients reported the regular use of multiple other of clients using benzodiazepines daily. Almost 80% of the group were regular tobacco smokers and 11% showed evidence of alcohol disorders (abuse or dependence). Low levels of use were reported for cocaine, amphetamines, and hallucinogens.

CONCLUSION

These patterns of drug use have important implications for the planning of methadone treatment programmes.

The dangers of dextropropoxyphene

OBJECTIVE

Dextropropoxyphene is a commonly used analgesic despite its high toxicity in overdose and potential for abuse and dependence. This case report highlights these dangers.

CLINICAL PICTURE

The case of a female who was addicted to dextropropoxyphene as an alternative to other opioids is described. Its use in high doses with other psychotropic agents resulted in adverse health effects.

TREATMENT

The patient was treated with methadone and psychosocial interventions.

OUTCOME

The patient reduced her drug use and experienced improved physical health and psychosocial functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Caution is needed when prescribing dextropropoxyphene because of its adverse effects compared with equally efficacious analgesics.

Socioeconomic characteristics of a Dunedin sample of bipolar patients

In order to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of people suffering from bipolar affective disorder, a cohort of hospitalised adult patients was compared with the general New Zealand population. A review of the casenotes of all those treated in Dunedin's psychiatric inpatient facilities between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1987 identified 50 women and 41 men. Although their age structure did not differ from the general population, more bipolar patients were unmarried, either never married or divorced. These hospitalised bipolar patients held more secondary school qualifications than the average New Zealander but their subsequent employment record was statistically poorer. A majority were social welfare beneficiaries. Often thought to be a relatively benign condition, bipolar affective disorder has serious and destructive influences on marital and occupational function.