Feasibility of Implementing a Modified SENSE Program to Increase Positive Sensory Experiences for Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A Pilot Study

AIMS

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) program with adaptations to increase positive sensory exposure for infants born preterm, support neonatal neurodevelopment, and decrease parent stress.

METHODS

Eight infants born between 28 and 33 weeks were recruited within one week of birth. Parents, trained in the program, delivered the SENSE protocol. The first author provided up to 1 h of sensory input on weekdays when a parent could not be present.

RESULTS

Recruitment and retention rates were 87.5% and 100%, respectively. Recruitment and initial parent education and training averaged 37.5 min. On average, parents were present in the NICU 85.1% of days; they participated in SENSE for an average of 515.5 min. SENSE dose recommendations were not consistently met. Weekly infant assessments and regular parent check ins averaged 22.5 and 13.8 min, respectively. Post-assessments revealed normal scores on a neurodevelopmental assessment, low parent stress, and high parent satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The recruitment and retention rates suggest high demand to participate. Outcomes for parent stress and neonatal neurodevelopment support continuation of SENSE. Time commitment for implementation, coupled with supporting families in meeting dose recommendations, suggest a need for a neonatal therapist to promote sustainability.

Comparison of dilute and nondilute osmotic equilibrium models for erythrocytes

Successful cryopreservation requires the addition of cryoprotective agents (CPAs). The addition of permeating CPAs, such as glycerol, is associated with some risk to the cells and tissues. These risks are both related to the CPA themselves (CPA toxicity) and to the volume response of the cell (osmotic damage). To minimize the potential for damage during cryopreservation, mathematical models are often employed to understand the interactions between protocols and cell volume responses. In the literature, this volume response is usually captured using ideal and dilute approximations of chemical potential and osmolality, an approach that has been called into question for cells in high concentrations of CPAs. To address this, the relevance of non-ideal and non-dilute models has been explored in a number of cell types in the presence of permeating CPAs. However, it has not been explored in erythrocytes, which have a cytosolic hemoglobin content of more than 20% by volume and are cryopreserved in 40% glycerol. Because hemoglobin has been suggested to be a highly non-ideal solute, if the non-ideal and non-dilute transport model is relevant to any cells, it should be relevant to erythrocytes. Here we investigate the use, and accuracy, of both the dilute and non-dilute models in predicting cell volume changes during CPA equilibration in erythrocytes, and demonstrate that using published values for the non-ideal and non-dilute model, applied to erythrocytes, leads to model predictions inconsistent with experimental data, whereas dilute approximations align well with experimental data.

Effect of a Sensory Activity Schedule on the On-Task Behaviors of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Date Presented 03/31/2022

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have challenges with classroom participation, many of which are attributed to sensory processing. This study used an individualized sensory activity schedule (SAS) during work time to determine the impact of the SAS on on-task behavior. Results indicate that use of an SAS embedded within classroom work may result in a decrease in the number of teacher-provided cues required during classwork. A school is the primary context for children with ASD, and the use of an SAS may support participation.

Primary Author and Speaker: Jeryl D. Benson

Additional Authors and Speakers: Meghan Blaskowitz

Contributing Authors: Deborah Smitsky, Aleyna Collins, Erica Chippich, Claire Connell

Phenomenological Study of the Transition Process for Adolescents With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

IMPORTANCE

Occupational therapy practitioners should understand the barriers faced by young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are attempting a successful transition to postsecondary work, higher education, community and social activities, and living opportunities so they can better advocate for them and tailor their involvement in the transition process.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the lived experience of parents of adolescents with IDD participating in the transition process.

DESIGN

Phenomenological design.

SETTING

Community-based setting with interviews occurring face-to-face in the participants' home or via telephone.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven parents of adolescents and young adults (ages 16-22 yr) with IDD. Outcomes and Measures: Semistructured interviews focusing on parent and family experiences with the transition process.

RESULTS

Seven themes emerged from the data representing parent perceptions related to the use or lack of person-centered practices, needing more communication from the team, frustration with being the driving force of progress, feelings of defeat, gaps between programming options, positive team collaboration, and planning for the future.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Parents identified person-centered planning, guidance from school staff, and resource sharing as desired practices in the transition planning process. The outcomes indicate that some aspects of the transition process have not changed in several decades. What This Article Adds: Occupational therapy practitioners are optimally positioned to remediate transition issues; therefore, it is essential that they assert their integral role in the transition planning process to increase self-determination and quality of life for all adolescents and young adults with IDD.

Bringing Interprofessional Case-Based Learning into the Classroom for Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology Students

Instructors are increasingly integrating interprofessional education (IPE) activities into academic programs to address curricular demands. IPE aims to increase the quality of collaborative services provided to patients. This article describes a case-based IPE activity designed for occupational therapy and speech-language pathology graduate students. This activity was designed as a small-scale integration of IPE to compliment large scale, multi-discipline learning activities. Students from two courses participated in an IPE activity that included one online and one in-class activity. The purpose of the activity was for students to gain knowledge of their respective roles in augmentative and alternative communication services. Students perceived increased knowledge and skills following this activity. Despite the somewhat small scale of this educational intervention, the instructors viewed the activity a valuable addition to their courses.

Student Response System and Learning: Perceptions of the Student

Date Presented 3/30/2017

Student perceptions of a student response system (SRS) were examined. Students were surveyed to determine perceptions of the impact the SRS has on learning. Results indicate that using an SRS may help support engagement and learning by using pedagogical methods perceived by the learner as current and familiar.

Primary Author and Speaker: Meredith Taylor

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jeryl D. Benson, Kimberly Szucs

Using a Guided Journal Club as a Teaching Strategy to Enhance Learning Skills for Evidence-Based Practice

Journal clubs are used in both clinical and academic settings in order for clinicians and students to utilize current best-practices, become competent in evidence based practice and develop critical appraisal skills. Journal clubs encourage students to practice searching for relevant research, critically appraising articles, and contributing to open discussions with peers. Establishing the practice of reading and critiquing literature in the classroom can enable the creation of a habit of using current evidence when students enter practice. This article describes a strategy for delivering a structured academic journal club to support the learning of evidence based practice skills and students' perception of the journal club, including their overall satisfaction, knowledge base skills, and presentation skills. Students had an overall positive experience and perception of the guided journal club activity. From the instructor's perspective, this assignment was an excellent opportunity to engage students in learning the process of evidence based practice.

Impact of Student Response Systems on Initial Learning and Retention of Course Content in Health Sciences Students

OBJECTIVE

To assess student learning in two intervention courses when using a student response system (SRS) in combination with content quizzes (CQ) as a teaching/ learning strategy.

METHODS

A within-subject design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SRS use in combination with CQ on initial learning and retention of course content across two health science graduate-level courses. Thirty-three graduate students were enrolled in each course, and 24 participated in the study. Course exam questions were divided between content covered with standard course instruction including CQ and content covered with CQ and the SRS (CQ-SRS). Performance on these exam questions was analyzed with a two-tailed t-test, and odds ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

Students performed significantly better 6 months later on CQ-SRS-based questions.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study suggest that use of a SRS with CQ supports initial learning and enhances long-term retention of course content better than use of CQ alone.

Student Response Systems and Learning: Perceptions of the Student

To assess student perception of learning and use of a student response system (SRS) as a teaching/learning strategy. Survey methods were used to explore student perceptions of learning and use of student response systems as a pedagogical strategy. Fifty-nine graduate students participated in the survey post completion of two graduate intervention courses. Overall, there was a positive response to the use of SRS's in the classroom. All of the students (100%) recommended the continued use of the clickers for various reasons. The primary benefit reported by students related to providing immediate feedback, the opportunity to manipulate and revisit the content, and the ability to check for understanding within a class session. Students recommended the continued use of the SRS in classes to support acquisition of content and exam preparation. The student reported technology difficulties as the only the negative to SRS use in the classroom. Instructor perception was that the addition of the SRS devices added a new way to interact with the students. Suggestions for incorporating the use of a SRS devices into classroom instruction are offered.

The cryobiology of spermatozoa

The impact of successful cryopreservation of spermatozoa can be found in many fields, including agriculture, laboratory animal medicine, and human assisted reproduction, providing a cost-effective and efficient method to preserve genetic material for decades. The success of any cryobiologic protocol depends critically on understanding the fundamentals that underlie the process. In this review, we summarize the biophysical fundamentals critical to much of the research in sperm cryobiology, provide a synopsis of the development of sperm cryobiology as a discipline, and present the current state and directions for future research in sperm cryobiology in the three major areas outlined above-agriculture, laboratory animal medicine, and human clinical assisted reproduction. There is much room for new research, both empiric and fundamental, in all areas, including refinement of mathematical models, optimization of cryoprotective agent addition and removal procedures for spermatozoa from many species, development of effective, efficient, and facile cryopreservation protocols and freezing containers for agricultural sperm cryopreservation, and tailoring cryopreservation protocols for individual human samples.

An experiential learning lab embedded in a didactic course: outcomes from a pediatric intervention course

ABSTRACT This paper examines the outcomes of an experiential learning lab embedded in a didactic course. Program evaluation results were derived from student surveys and reflective journaling. The outcomes indicate that students valued the opportunity for experiential learning citing the primary benefits as the opportunity to, apply and manipulate knowledge, build clinical reasoning skills, and develop the professional skills to engage in and effectively manage an intervention session.

Moving the classroom to the clinic: the experiences of occupational therapy students during a "living lab"

This paper describes an experiential learning lab which emerged from designing a "living lab" that was embedded into an intervention course. The lab resulted in a teaching-learning experience that provided students with consistent opportunity to engage in clinical application of theory with feedback from peers and professionals. Results of a qualitative program evaluation indicated that this experience had a positive effect on the professional growth and development of the students and increased their ability to apply clinical reasoning skills. It also provided the students with the opportunity to examine their emotions and their change of emotions over time as they were presented with clinical challenges. A surprise outcome identified by the students was their clarity and understanding about disability. Recommendations for future community experiences for occupational therapy students as well as suggestions for program evaluation of such experiences are provided.

The good beginnings clinic: an interdisciplinary collaboration

The purpose of this paper is to present the development, implementation and outcomes of an interdisciplinary clinic that models "best practices" in pediatric occupational therapy and speech language pathology. The collaborative process is presented through the use of a case example as well as information about the program's logistics, benefits, limitations and future goals.

Papillomavirus E2 induces senescence in HPV-positive cells via pRB- and p21(CIP)-dependent pathways

A hallmark of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated carcinogenesis is the integration of the viral DNA into the cellular genome, usually accompanied by the loss of expression of the viral E2 gene. E2 binds to and represses the viral promoter directing expression of the E6 and E7 oncogenes. The re-introduction and expression of exogenous E2 in HPV-positive cancer cells results in cellular growth arrest, while growth in the context of exogenous E2 can be restored through the expression of exogenous E6 and E7. Here we examine the individual contributions of the viral E6 and E7 genes to this phenotype. E6 alone displays moderate activity, whereas both E7 and adenovirus E1A display high activity in reversing E2-mediated cellular growth suppression. Using defined mutants of E7 and E1A, we show that an intact retinoblastoma interaction domain is required for this function. In addition, we show that the E2-mediated growth arrest of HPV-positive cells results in cellular senescence, and implicate the cyclin/cdk inhibitor p21(CIP) as a downstream E2 effector in this phenotype.

Effects of Percoll separation, cryoprotective agents, and temperature on plasma membrane permeability characteristics of murine spermatozoa and their relevance to cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of murine spermatozoa would provide an efficient method for preserving important genotypes. However, to date such methods have resulted in low survivals with significant variability. To address this issue, a series of five experiments was performed to determine the cryobiological characteristics of murine spermatozoa. Experiments 1 and 2 investigated the effect of Percoll separation on the hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) of murine spermatozoa. Both Percoll separation and cryoprotective agents (CPAs) decreased the L(p). However, these effects were not additive. Experiment 3 was performed to determine the effect of temperature on L(p) in the presence of cryoprotectants (L(p)(CPA)), cryoprotectant permeability (P(CPA)), and the reflection coefficient (sigma) in spermatozoa from both ICR and B6C3F1 mice. Permeability parameters decreased as temperature decreased, and permeability characteristics differed between strains. In experiments 4 and 5, theoretical simulations for CPA addition and removal were developed and empirically tested. Strain-specific methods for CPA addition and removal based upon the fundamental cryobiological characteristics of murine spermatozoa resulted in higher survivals than current methods or procedures, which were used as controls.

Hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and its activation energy (Ea), cryoprotectant agent permeability (Ps) and its Ea, and reflection coefficients (sigma) for golden hamster individual pancreatic islet cell membranes

Long-term cryopreservation of islets of Langerhans would be advantageous to a clinical islet transplantation program. Fundamental cryobiology utilizes knowledge of basic biophysical characteristics to increase the understanding of the preservation process and possibly increase survival rate. In this study several of these previously unreported characteristics have been determined for individual islet cells isolated from Golden hamster islets. Using an electronic particle counting device and a temperature control apparatus, dynamic volumetric response of individual islet cells to anisosmotic challenges of 1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1.5 M ethylene glycol (EG) were recorded at four temperatures (8, 22, 28, and 37 degreesC). The resulting curves were fitted using Kedem and Katchalsky equations which describe water flux and cryoprotectant agent (CPA) flux based on hydraulic conductivity (Lp), CPA permeability (Ps), and reflection coefficient (final sigma) for the membrane. For Golden hamster islet cells, Lp, Ps, and final sigma for DMSO at 22 degreesC were found to be 0.23 +/- 0.06 microm/min/atm, 0.79 +/- 0.32 x 10(-3) cm/min, and 0.55 +/- 0.37 (n = 11) (mean +/- SD), respectively. For EG at 22 degreesC, Lp equaled 0.23 +/- 0.06 microm/min/atm, Ps equaled 0.63 +/- 0.20 x 10(-3) cm/min, and final sigma was 0.75 +/- 0.17 (n = 9). Arrhenius plots (ln Lp or ln Ps versus 1/temperature (K)) were created by adding the data from the other three temperatures and the resulting linear regression yielded correlation coefficients (r) of 0.99 for all four plots (Lp and Ps for both CPAs). Activation energies (Ea) of Lp and Ps were calculated from the slopes of the regressions. The values for DMSO were found to be 12.43 and 18.34 kcal/mol for Lp and Ps (four temperatures, total n = 52), respectively. For EG, Ea of Lp was 11.69 kcal/mol and Ea of Ps was 20.35 kcal/mol (four temperatures, total n = 58).

Association of distinct yeast Not2 functional domains with components of Gcn5 histone acetylase and Ccr4 transcriptional regulatory complexes

The NOT genes were originally identified in a yeast genetic screen that selected mutations resulting in increased utilization of a non-consensus TC TATA element of the HIS3 promoter. Here, we present evidence that the N-terminus of Not2 interacts with components of the Ada/Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase complex. Loss of this interaction either through abrogation of Not2 N-terminal function or deletion of ada2 or gcn5 results in derepression of the HIS3 TC element. This suggests that association of Not2 with the Ada/Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase complex is involved in regulation of the HIS3 promoter. Association between the Not and CCR4 transcriptional regulatory complexes has also been observed recently. Our phenotypic analyses suggest that these CCR4-related Not2 functions are mediated by a functionally independent domain of Not2 that includes the highly conserved C-terminus. Chimeric proteins containing the yeast Not2 N-terminus fused to the human C-terminus function in yeast, suggesting that the Not2 C-terminus represents a distinct modular domain whose function is conserved between higher and lower eukaryotes.

A fifteen-amino-acid peptide inhibits human papillomavirus E1-E2 interaction and human papillomavirus DNA replication in vitro

Mutation of the conserved glutamic acid residue at position 39 of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E2 to alanine (E39A) disrupts its E1 interaction activity and its replication function in transient replication assays but does not affect E2 transcriptional activation. This E39A mutation also disrupts replication activity of HPV-16 E2 in HPV-16 in vitro DNA replication. On this basis, we designed 23- and 15-amino-acid peptides derived from HPV-16 E2 sequences flanking the E39 residue and tested the ability of these peptides to inhibit interaction between HPV-16 E1 and E2 in vitro. The inhibitory activity of these peptides was specific, since analogous peptides in which alanine was substituted for the E39 residue did not inhibit interaction. The 15-amino-acid peptide E2N-WP15 was the smallest peptide tested that effectively inhibited HPV-16 E1-E2 interaction. This peptide also inhibited in vitro replication of HPV-16 DNA. The efficacy of E2N-WP15 was not exclusive to HPV-16: this peptide also inhibited interaction of HPV-11 E1 with the E2 proteins of both HPV-11 and HPV-16 and inhibited in vitro replication with these same combinations of E1 and E2 proteins. These results provide further evidence that E1-E2 interaction is required for papillomavirus DNA replication and constitute the first demonstration that inhibition of this interaction is sufficient to prevent HPV DNA replication in vitro.

Conserved interaction of the papillomavirus E2 transcriptional activator proteins with human and yeast TFIIB proteins

Papillomavirus early gene expression is regulated by the virus gene-encoded E2 proteins. The best-characterized E2 protein, encoded by bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1), has been shown to interact with basal transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) and the TATA binding protein basal transcription factor (N. M. Rank and P. F. Lambert, J. Virol. 69:6323-6334, 1995). We demonstrate that the potent E2 transcriptional activator protein encoded by a gene of human PV type 16 also interacts with TFIIB in vitro. Moreover, a direct comparison of domains within human TFIIB (hTFIIB) required for VP16 and BPV-1 E2 indicates that these acidic activators interact with hTFIIB in a qualitatively similar manner. Our mapping experiments identify hTFIIB interaction domains within the amino-terminal activation domain of BPV-1 E2. Finally, we demonstrate in vitro interaction between Saccharomyces cerevisiae TFIIB and BPV-1 E2, an observation that is consistent with the importance of the E2-TFIIB interaction for BPV-1 E2 transactivation in both systems.

Two classes of human papillomavirus type 16 E1 mutants suggest pleiotropic conformational constraints affecting E1 multimerization, E2 interaction, and interaction with cellular proteins

Random mutagenesis of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E1 was used to generate E1 missense mutants defective for interaction with either hUBC9 or 16E1-BP, two cDNAs encoding proteins that have been identified by their ability to interact with HPV16 E1 in two-hybrid assays. hUBC9, the human counterpart of Saccharomyces cerevisiae UBC9, is a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme known to be involved in cell cycle progression. 16E1-BP encodes a protein of no known function but does contain an ATPase signature motif. Eight hUBC9 or 16E1-BP interaction-defective HPV16 E1 missense mutants were identified and characterized for origin-dependent transient DNA replication, ATPase activity, and various protein-protein interaction phenotypes. Six of these mutant E1 proteins were significantly impaired for replication. Among these, two classes of replication-defective HPV16 E1 missense mutants were observed. One class, represented by the S330R replication-defective mutant (containing an S-to-R change at position 330), remained competent for all protein-protein interactions tested, with the exception of hUBC9 association. Furthermore, this mutant, unlike the other replication-defective HPV16 E1 missense mutants, had a strong dominant negative replication phenotype in transient-replication assays. The other class, represented by five of the missense mutants, was defective for multiple protein-protein interactions, usually including, but not limited to, the interaction defect for which each mutant was originally selected. In many cases, a single missense mutation in one region of HPV16 E1 had pleiotropic effects, even upon activities thought to be associated with other domains of HPV16 E1. This suggests that E1 proteins are not modular but may instead be composed of multiple structurally and/or functionally interdependent domains.

Mapping and characterization of the interaction domains of human papillomavirus type 16 E1 and E2 proteins

The papillomavirus E1 and E2 proteins are both necessary and sufficient in vivo for efficient origin-dependent viral DNA replication. The ability of E1 and E2 to complex with each other appears to be essential for efficient viral DNA replication. In this study, we used the yeast two-hybrid system and in vitro binding assays to map the domains of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E1 and E2 proteins required for complex formation. The amino-terminal 190-amino-acid domain of HPV16 E2 was both required and sufficient for E1 binding. The carboxyl-terminal 229 amino acids of E 1 were essential for binding E2, and the amino-terminal 143 amino acids of HPV16 E1 were dispensable. Although the ability of the E1 minimal domain (amino acids [aa] 421 to 649) to interact with E2 was strong at 4 degrees C, it was significantly reduced at temperatures above 25 degrees C. A larger domain of E1 from aa 144 to 649 bound E2 efficiently at any temperature, suggesting that aa 144 to 420 of E1 may play a role in the HPV16 E1-E2 interaction at physiological temperatures.

Cloning of the mouse fusin gene, homologue to a human HIV-1 co-factor

Previous studies have demonstrated that mouse cells do not become infected with HIV-1 despite transfection with human CD4. Recently, a human protein termed "fusin" with characteristics of a seven-transmembrane-spanning receptor was found to be a co-factor required for the entry and fusion of HIV-1 with human CD4-bearing lymphocytes. Thus, cloning of the murine homologue of the human fusin (also termed CXCR-4) gene could provide an important comparative tool for identification of the structures crucial for fusin function. Using degenerate PCR, the mouse homologue of human fusin was cloned from a peritoneal exudate cell cDNA library. The predicted amino acid sequence is 91% identical to human fusin. Twenty-eight of the 37 amino acid differences between mouse and human fusin are located in the ectodomains, suggesting that the intracytoplasmic components that mediate G protein binding and signaling are highly conserved. Northern blot analysis showed a message of 2.2 kb in thymus, spleen, neutrophils, and primary astrocyte cultures. Lymphoid and monocyte cell lines also expressed message for fusin. The coding regions of most chemokine receptors lack introns. In contrast, cloning of genomic DNA for mouse fusin revealed the presence of a 2.3-Kb intron separating the first seven amino acids from the remaining 352 residues. Therefore, the mouse fusin gene has a unique genomic organization compared with other chemokine receptors.

Cloning of the mouse fusin gene, homologue to a human HIV-1 co-factor

Previous studies have demonstrated that mouse cells do not become infected with HIV-1 despite transfection with human CD4. Recently, a human protein termed "fusin" with characteristics of a seven-transmembrane-spanning receptor was found to be a co-factor required for the entry and fusion of HIV-1 with human CD4-bearing lymphocytes. Thus, cloning of the murine homologue of the human fusin (also termed CXCR-4) gene could provide an important comparative tool for identification of the structures crucial for fusin function. Using degenerate PCR, the mouse homologue of human fusin was cloned from a peritoneal exudate cell cDNA library. The predicted amino acid sequence is 91% identical to human fusin. Twenty-eight of the 37 amino acid differences between mouse and human fusin are located in the ectodomains, suggesting that the intracytoplasmic components that mediate G protein binding and signaling are highly conserved. Northern blot analysis showed a message of 2.2 kb in thymus, spleen, neutrophils, and primary astrocyte cultures. Lymphoid and monocyte cell lines also expressed message for fusin. The coding regions of most chemokine receptors lack introns. In contrast, cloning of genomic DNA for mouse fusin revealed the presence of a 2.3-Kb intron separating the first seven amino acids from the remaining 352 residues. Therefore, the mouse fusin gene has a unique genomic organization compared with other chemokine receptors.

Targeted mutagenesis of the human papillomavirus type 16 E2 transactivation domain reveals separable transcriptional activation and DNA replication functions

The E2 gene products of papillomavirus play key roles in viral replication, both as regulators of viral transcription and as auxiliary factors that act with E1 in viral DNA replication. We have carried out a detailed structure-function analysis of conserved amino acids within the N-terminal domain of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E2 protein. These mutants were tested for their transcriptional activation activities as well as transient DNA replication and E1 binding activities. Analysis of the stably expressed mutants revealed that the transcriptional activation and replication activities of HPV16 E2 could be dissociated. The 173A mutant was defective for the transcriptional activation function but retained wild-type DNA replication activity, whereas the E39A mutant wild-type transcriptional activation function but was defective in transient DNA replication assays. The E39A mutant was also defective for HPV16 E1 binding in vitro, suggesting that the ability of E2 protein to form a complex with E1 appears to be essential for its function as an auxiliary replication factor.

Amino-terminal domains of the bovine papillomavirus type 1 E1 and E2 proteins participate in complex formation

Interaction between the E1 and E2 papillomavirus proteins appear to play an important role in viral DNA replication, although the exact domains of each protein involved in this interaction have not been identified. Using bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) as a model for examining interactions between E1 and E2, we have used the two-hybrid and glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion systems to map domains of BPV-1 E1 and E2 that interact in vivo and in vitro. In the two-hybrid system experiments, portions of BPV-1 E2 were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as LexA fusion proteins, which were tested for interaction with various domains of BPV-1 E1. These assays indicated that domains sufficient for E1-E2 interaction are present within the amino-terminal 250 amino acids of E1 and within the first 91 amino acids of E2. Interestingly, a LexA fusion protein that included amino acid residues 53 to 161 of BPV E2 demonstrated transcriptional activation in this system. In vitro binding assays using combinations of BPV-1 E1-GST fusion proteins and BPV-1 E2 expressed by in vitro translation confirmed the observations from the yeast system; a GST fusion protein containing the first 222 amino acids of BPV-1 E1 bound specifically to full-length BPV-1 E2 in vitro. Furthermore, E1(1-222)-GST bound to forms of E2 deleted of the carboxy-terminal DNA binding-dimerization domain, suggesting that E2 dimerization is not required for this interaction. Finally, in vitro interaction between E1-GST and E2 was observed at 22 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C.

Infant formula development: past, present and future

Currently available infant formulas can be separated into those intended for normal term infants and those designed for infants with special needs, i.e. infants with low-birth-weight, with allergies to milk proteins, or with metabolic disorders. New formulas are developed when groups of infants with special nutritional needs are identified. A recent example is the introduction of a soy fiber-containing formula for refeeding infants after diarrhea. Existing formulas continually change with new nutritional knowledge; an example is the addition of taurine when its role is visual function became known. The composition of human milk serves as a valuable reference for improving infant formula. However, human milk contains living cells, hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobulins and components with unique molecular structures that can not be replicated in infant formula. Additionally, unlike human milk, infant formula must remain stable on the shelf for up to 36 months. These fundamental differences between human milk and infant formula often mandate differences in composition to achieve similar clinical outcomes. New formulas or changes in formulas should confer a demonstrable advantage to the infant and not be based on compositional changes alone. Before changes are made in formulations or new formulas developed, a thorough assessment of available research needs to be made and any gaps of knowledge identified. Then a research program specific for the question at hand is developed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Docosahexaenoic acid status of term infants fed breast milk or infant formula containing soy oil or corn oil

The objective of this study was to compare circulating lipid docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3), DHA] levels in term infants fed a powdered (CORN oil) or liquid (SOY oil) infant formula or human milk (HM). Infants whose mothers chose not to breast feed were randomly assigned to the CORN or SOY formula group. The formula fat differed in linolenic acid [18:3(n-3)] content: it was 0.8% for the CORN and 4.8% for the SOY. Linoleic acid [18:2(n-6)] was 31.5 and 34.2% fatty acids in the CORN and SOY formula, respectively. The formulas or HM were fed from birth through 8 wk of age, and growth and the plasma and red blood cell (RBC) phospholipid fatty acid composition was determined at 3 d, 4 wk, and 8 wk of age. Growth did not differ among groups. The plasma phospholipid and RBC phosphatidylethanolamine DHA was similar in the CORN and SOY formula groups at all ages. Plasma and RBC phosphatidylethanolamine levels of DHA were significantly lower in infants fed the CORN or SOY formula than in infants fed HM during wk 4 and 8. Plasma and RBC 22:5(n-6) was not increased in the formula groups at any age. The formula content of linolenic acid had no effect on the RBC or plasma DHA levels of the infants. The biologic or functional significance of the lower plasma and RBC DHA in infants fed formula rather than HM is unknown. The need for a dietary source of DHA and specificity of plasma or RBC phospholipid DHA as a measure of desaturation and elongation of linolenic acid in developing organs remains uncertain.

Insulin-like growth factors I and II expression in the healing wound

Demonstrating temporal variation in the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for growth factors may give some indication as to whether growth factor synthesis is regulated in wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II in the wound. Two wound models, an incisional model and a subcutaneous sponge implant model, were used in this study. The RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed and mRNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Semiquantitation of PCR products was accomplished using [3H]dGTP incorporation. Levels of expression for both IGF-I and -II were found to be low in unwounded skin and at 12 hr postwounding. However, in both wound models expression increased substantially from 1 to 21 days postwounding. Both factors also were found to be expressed by fibroblasts and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Additionally, two transcripts were found for IGF-II, the larger of which appeared to be specific for PMN and possibly cells involved in angiogenesis. Levels of message expressed in healing wounds for IGF-I and -II appear to be regulated with the highest levels of message found at time points coinciding with fibroblast predominance in the wound. Since fibroblasts are known to both secrete and respond to IGF-I, it is possible that IGF-I and IGF-II are acting to influence fibroblast differentiation and function in the later stages of wound healing.

Irreversible inhibition of human cytomegalovirus replication by topoisomerase II inhibitor, etoposide: a new strategy for the treatment of human cytomegalovirus infection

We demonstrated previously that human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections could enhance the expression of cellular topoisomerase II and this enzyme activity is essential for CMV to replicate in vitro (Benson and Huang, 1988; Benson and Huang, 1990). In this study, we further show that in addition to m-AMSA and VM26 which we had previously reported, a widely used and clinically available drug, etoposide (VP-16 or VePesid) can irreversibly inhibit CMV replication at the drug concentration (2.5 micrograms/ml) greatly below toxic levels to stationary phase cells. Growing cells were more sensitive to etoposide than stationary phase cells and slight growth inhibition occurred at 2.5 micrograms/ml level. This inhibitor does not prevent the expression of CMV immediate-early and early genes, but can inhibit viral DNA and late viral-proteins synthesis. Because of their irreversible inhibitory effects and approval usage in clinical oncology, it is suggested that this group of compounds, particularly etoposide (VP-16), can be used to control life-threatening CMV infections, such as CMV pneumonitis and CMV retinitis, in cancer and immunocompromised patients or patients with AIDS.

Human cytomegalovirus induces expression of cellular topoisomerase II

Previous work from our laboratory has suggested that topoisomerase II is required for replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In assays of confluent human embryonic lung cells infected with HCMV, topoisomerase II inhibitors exhibited an irreversible inhibition of viral DNA replication. However, Northern (RNA blot) and Western (immunoblot) analyses of confluent uninfected human embryonic lung cells detected very low levels of cellular topoisomerase II RNA and protein. Quantitation of human topoisomerase II RNA and protein levels at various times after HCMV infection revealed that HCMV induces increased intracellular levels of both topoisomerase II RNA and protein. Such accumulation began at early times of infection, continued through late in infection, and was not reduced by inhibition of viral DNA synthesis. This is the first report of such induction by a viral infection. Topoisomerase II was also detected in isolated HCMV virions.

Hypophosphatemia in breast-fed low-birth-weight infants following initial hospital discharge

The present study evaluated 12 infants with birth weights less than 2000 g who received human milk plus a multivitamin supplement and 20 similar infants who received standard cow's milk formula for 16 weeks from the time of initial hospital discharge. Examination at birth, at hospital discharge (study entry), at 4 and 16 weeks after hospitalization, and at 52 weeks of age revealed no intergroup differences in body weight, length, and head circumference. Hypophosphatemia (plasma phosphorus concentration less than or equal to 1.45 mmol/L) developed in 6 infants fed human milk (5 infants at 4 weeks and 1 infant at 16 weeks of study). Mean vitamin D intakes, but not calcium and phosphorus intakes, were significantly lower during hospitalization in human milk-fed infants with hypophosphatemia (44 [25, SD] IU/d) compared with those without hypophosphatemia (322 [180] IU/d). These data indicate that human milk-fed, low-birth-weight infants are at risk for hypophosphatemia following initial hospital discharge. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations at hospital discharge may not predict the infants at risk. Vitamin D supplementation early in the infants' hospital course may prevent hypophosphatemia.

Growth, serum biochemistries, and amino acids of term infants fed formulas with amino acid and protein concentrations similar to human milk

We tested the hypothesis that amino acid intake from infant formulas modified to be similar to human milk would result in indices of protein metabolism more like those in human milk-fed infants. Formula-fed infants received for 12 weeks one of three isocaloric formulations of a whey-adapted formula that differed in protein concentration: 11, 13, or 15 g/L. Infants consumed similar volumes of formula or human milk. Serum urea nitrogen concentrations reflected the protein content of the diets. Plasma indices of protein nutritional status were normal and did not differ among groups. Growth rates of all infants were normal and similar. Serum indicators of protein nutritional status varied with age, which made comparisons of formula-fed infants with human milk-fed infants difficult. Plasma concentrations of leucine and isoleucine at 4 weeks of age were higher in infants fed the formula containing 15 g protein/L when compared with those of infants fed the other two formulas or human milk. At 8 and 12 weeks of age, all formula-fed infants had plasma amino acid profiles that did not differ significantly from each other except for isoleucine, which was lower in the 11-g/L group. We found that providing formulas with an amino acid pattern similar to that of human milk did not produce a plasma amino acid pattern identical to that of the breast-fed infant. This observation suggests that other factors, such as the hormonal response to feeding, differing nutritional bioavailability of amino acids from human and bovine milk proteins, and the changing quantity and type of amino acids with advancing lactation, influence plasma amino acid concentrations.

Two specific topoisomerase II inhibitors prevent replication of human cytomegalovirus DNA: an implied role in replication of the viral genome

In this study, we show that human cytomegalovirus DNA synthesis is inhibited in infected confluent human embryonic lung cells treated with the DNA-intercalative topoisomerase II inhibitor 4-9'-(acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA). Similar inhibitory effects were observed with VM-26, a nonintercalative topoisomerase II inhibitor. This antiviral effect is not attributable to cytotoxic effects per se. Furthermore, m-AMSA appears to have a notably irreversible inhibitory effect on human cytomegalovirus DNA replication. No inhibition of viral DNA synthesis was observed with o-AMSA, a DNA-intercalative isomer of m-AMSA that does not inhibit topoisomerase II.

Nutrient intakes of older infants: effect of different milk feedings

Using 24-hour dietary and nutrient intake of 293 infants 7-12 months of age from NHANES II, 1976-80, we determined the hypothetical effects of different milk feedings on total intake of 12 nutrients. Infants were grouped by age at 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 months. Human milk (HM), Fe-fortified infant formula (I-FM), whole cow's milk (WCM), and 2% lowfat milk (2%) were substituted to provide the same energy as that calculated from the difference between median energy intake provided by solid foods and the total diet. Nutrients from milk feedings were added to median nutrient intake from solid foods. Use of WCM or 2% resulted in low total intakes of Fe (6.3-11.1 mg) and linoleic acid (0.5-2.5 g) and high intakes of protein (32-47 g), Na (630-1,200 mg), K (1,400-1,900 mg), and Ca (920-1,170 mg) relative to the RDA. Feeding of HM provided total intakes that met the RDA for each nutrient except Fe (6.1-10.8 mg) and Ca (350-370 mg). When I-FM was fed, the RDA was met for each nutrient except Ca (370-490 mg) at all ages and Fe (13.1 mg) at 11-12 months. Estimated safe and adequate daily intake of Na was exceeded at 9-10 months by infants fed WCM/2% and at 11-12 months by all infants regardless of milk feeding, primarily because of the high Na content of solid foods. These data confirm that the milk feeding is still the major determinant of total nutrient intake in the second 6 months of life.

Nutrient intakes of formula-fed infants and infants fed cow's milk

Twenty-four-hour dietary intake data from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II), 1976-1980, were analyzed to compare nutrient intakes among infants 7 to 12 months of age who were fed mixed diets containing solid foods and either infant formula or cow's milk. Solid foods fed to the infants in both groups were low in iron and linoleic acid, and high in sodium, potassium, and protein, relative to Recommended Dietary Allowances. Infants who were fed cow's milk received lower median intakes of iron (7.8 mg v 14.9 mg), linoleic acid (1.8 g v 6.1 g), and vitamin C (39 mg v 64 mg), and higher median intakes of protein (41 g v 25 g), sodium (1,000 mg v 580 mg), and potassium (1,630 mg v 1,020 mg) than formula-fed infants. Seventy-five percent of the infants fed cow's milk had iron intakes below the Recommended Dietary Allowance; 69% had sodium intakes above the range of estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake. Linoleic acid provided less than 3% of energy intake for 74% of the infants fed cow's milk. Differences in nutrient intakes were due not only to different concentrations of nutrients in each of the milk feedings but also to the different amounts and types of solid foods fed to the two groups of infants.

Malignant melanoma of soft parts: an ultrastructural study of four cases

Malignant melanomas of soft parts from 4 patients were studied by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry for S-100 protein, and electron microscopy. Each patient presented with a deep soft tissue mass in an extremity. Histologically, the tumors were composed of epithelioid and spindle cells, and in one, neoplastic giant cells were present. The tumors did not stain for melanin but were all positive for S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, premelanosomes were identified in every tumor and in a cell line established from one tumor. Schwann cell features were present in one of the tumors. Although the clinical presentation of malignant melanoma of soft parts is similar to that of epithelioid sarcoma and synovial sarcoma, the combined light microscopic, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural features should serve to distinguish it from other soft tissue sarcomas.

IgD myeloma with intracytoplasmic crystalline inclusions

Plasma cells from an IgD myeloma contained intracytoplasmic crystals. By electron microscopy, these crystals had 13-nm periodicity and were contained within vacuoles formed of smooth membranes. Immunofluorescence microscopy of the neoplastic plasma cells demonstrated diffuse cytoplasmic staining with accentuated Golgi region staining specific for immunoglobulin delta heavy and lambda light chains. The observations support an association between the crystal-containing vacuoles and the Golgi apparatus. Previously reported plasma cell and lymphocyte crystalline inclusions are reviewed, and compared with the crystals described in this report.

Influence of diet on adiposal lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triacylglyceride synthetase activities in the developing pullet (Gallus domesticus)

1. Lipoprotein lipase activity of the abdominal fat pad and hepatic triacylglyceride synthetase activity were determined at 2, 7.5, 9, 12.5 and 20 weeks of age. 2. Specific activity of lipoprotein lipase in fat pad was constant at 2-9 weeks, decreasing until 20 weeks. Hepatic triacylglyceride synthetase activity decreased from 2 to 12.5 weeks, increasing by 20 weeks. 3. Lipoprotein lipase activity was higher throughout 20 weeks and triacylglyceride synthetase activity was higher at 7.5 weeks with energy restricted diet. 4. An inverse relationship existed between fat pad weight and specific activity of lipoprotein lipase; higher activity in adipose tissue of energy restricted pullets may have been a function of smaller fat pad size.

Lipoprotein lipase of ovarian follicles in the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus) (38537)

A lipase, bearing the characteristics of adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) has been characterized in avian ovarian granulosa cells. The activity is low in cells from follicles weighing less than 0.5 g; in heavier follicles which have entered the rapid growth phase, significant activity (1 mumole fatty acid/mg protein/hr) could be identified. Granulosa LPL provides follicular tissues with the requisite enzyme system to hydrolyze very low density lipoprotein triglyceride en route to the oocyte.