Ecto-CD38-NADase inhibition modulates cardiac metabolism and protects mice against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

AIMS

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a chemotherapeutic agent that causes dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Recently, it has been proposed that the NADase CD38 may play a role in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). CD38 is the main NAD+-catabolizing enzyme in mammalian tissues. Interestingly, in the heart, CD38 is mostly expressed as an ecto-enzyme that can be targeted by specific inhibitory antibodies. The goal of the present study is to characterize the role of CD38 ecto-enzymatic activity in cardiac metabolism and the development of DIC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using both a transgenic animal model and a non-cytotoxic enzymatic anti-CD38 antibody, we investigated the role of CD38 and its ecto-NADase activity in DIC in pre-clinical models. First, we observed that DIC was prevented in the CD38 catalytically inactive (CD38-CI) transgenic mice. Both left ventricular systolic function and exercise capacity were decreased in wild-type but not in CD38-CI mice treated with DXR. Second, blocking CD38-NADase activity with the specific antibody 68 (Ab68) likewise protected mice against DIC and decreased DXR-related mortality by 50%. A reduction of DXR-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, energy deficiency, and inflammation gene expression were identified as the main mechanisms mediating the protective effects.

CONCLUSION

NAD+-preserving strategies by inactivation of CD38 via a genetic or a pharmacological-based approach improve cardiac energetics and reduce cardiac inflammation and dysfunction otherwise seen in an acute DXR cardiotoxicity model.

A nitroalkene derivative of salicylate alleviates diet-induced obesity by activating creatine metabolism and non-shivering thermogenesis

Obesity-related type II diabetes (diabesity) has increased global morbidity and mortality dramatically. Previously, the ancient drug salicylate demonstrated promise for the treatment of type II diabetes, but its clinical use was precluded due to high dose requirements. In this study, we present a nitroalkene derivative of salicylate, 5-(2-nitroethenyl)salicylic acid (SANA), a molecule with unprecedented beneficial effects in diet-induced obesity (DIO). SANA reduces DIO, liver steatosis and insulin resistance at doses up to 40 times lower than salicylate. Mechanistically, SANA stimulated mitochondrial respiration and increased creatine-dependent energy expenditure in adipose tissue. Indeed, depletion of creatine resulted in the loss of SANA action. Moreover, we found that SANA binds to creatine kinases CKMT1/2, and downregulation CKMT1 interferes with the effect of SANA in vivo. Together, these data demonstrate that SANA is a first-in-class activator of creatine-dependent energy expenditure and thermogenesis in adipose tissue and emerges as a candidate for the treatment of diabesity.

CD38 inhibitor 78c increases mice lifespan and healthspan in a model of chronological aging

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels decline during aging, contributing to physical and metabolic dysfunction. The NADase CD38 plays a key role in age‐related NAD decline. Whether the inhibition of CD38 increases lifespan is not known. Here, we show that the CD38 inhibitor 78c increases lifespan and healthspan of naturally aged mice. In addition to a 10% increase in median survival, 78c improved exercise performance, endurance, and metabolic function in mice. The effects of 78c were different between sexes. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of CD38 inhibition in naturally aged animals.

The CD38 glycohydrolase and the NAD sink: implications for pathological conditions

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) acts as a cofactor in several oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions and is a substrate for a number of nonredox enzymes. NAD is fundamental to a variety of cellular processes including energy metabolism, cell signaling, and epigenetics. NAD homeostasis appears to be of paramount importance to health span and longevity, and its dysregulation is associated with multiple diseases. NAD metabolism is dynamic and maintained by synthesis and degradation. The enzyme CD38, one of the main NAD-consuming enzymes, is a key component of NAD homeostasis. The majority of CD38 is localized in the plasma membrane with its catalytic domain facing the extracellular environment, likely for the purpose of controlling systemic levels of NAD. Several cell types express CD38, but its expression predominates on endothelial cells and immune cells capable of infiltrating organs and tissues. Here we review potential roles of CD38 in health and disease and postulate ways in which CD38 dysregulation causes changes in NAD homeostasis and contributes to the pathophysiology of multiple conditions. Indeed, in animal models the development of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, fibrosis, metabolic diseases, and age-associated diseases including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegeneration are associated with altered CD38 enzymatic activity. Many of these conditions are modified in CD38-deficient mice or by blocking CD38 NADase activity. In diseases in which CD38 appears to play a role, CD38-dependent NAD decline is often a common denominator of pathophysiology. Thus, understanding dysregulation of NAD homeostasis by CD38 may open new avenues for the treatment of human diseases.

Low NAD+ Levels Are Associated With a Decline of Spermatogenesis in Transgenic ANDY and Aging Mice

Advanced paternal age has increasingly been recognized as a risk factor for male fertility and progeny health. While underlying causes are not well understood, aging is associated with a continuous decline of blood and tissue NAD⁺ levels, as well as a decline of testicular functions. The important basic question to what extent ageing-related NAD⁺ decline is functionally linked to decreased male fertility has been difficult to address due to the pleiotropic effects of aging, and the lack of a suitable animal model in which NAD⁺ levels can be lowered experimentally in chronologically young adult males. We therefore developed a transgenic mouse model of acquired niacin dependency (ANDY), in which NAD⁺ levels can be experimentally lowered using a niacin-deficient, chemically defined diet. Using ANDY mice, this report demonstrates for the first time that decreasing body-wide NAD⁺ levels in young adult mice, including in the testes, to levels that match or exceed the natural NAD⁺ decline observed in old mice, results in the disruption of spermatogenesis with small testis sizes and reduced sperm counts. ANDY mice are dependent on dietary vitamin B3 (niacin) for NAD⁺ synthesis, similar to humans. NAD⁺-deficiency the animals develop on a niacin-free diet is reversed by niacin supplementation. Providing niacin to NAD⁺-depleted ANDY mice fully rescued spermatogenesis and restored normal testis weight in the animals. The results suggest that NAD⁺ is important for proper spermatogenesis and that its declining levels during aging are functionally linked to declining spermatogenesis and male fertility. Functions of NAD⁺ in retinoic acid synthesis, which is an essential testicular signaling pathway regulating spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation, may offer a plausible mechanism for the hypospermatogenesis observed in NAD⁺-deficient mice.

Improved Constraints on Primordial Gravitational Waves using Planck, WMAP, and BICEP/Keck Observations through the 2018 Observing Season

We present results from an analysis of all data taken by the BICEP2, Keck Array, and BICEP3 CMB polarization experiments up to and including the 2018 observing season. We add additional Keck Array observations at 220 GHz and BICEP3 observations at 95 GHz to the previous 95/150/220  GHz dataset. The Q/U maps now reach depths of 2.8, 2.8, and 8.8  μK_{CMB} arcmin at 95, 150, and 220 GHz, respectively, over an effective area of ≈600 square degrees at 95 GHz and ≈400 square degrees at 150 and 220 GHz. The 220 GHz maps now achieve a signal-to-noise ratio on polarized dust emission exceeding that of Planck at 353 GHz. We take auto- and cross-spectra between these maps and publicly available WMAP and Planck maps at frequencies from 23 to 353 GHz and evaluate the joint likelihood of the spectra versus a multicomponent model of lensed ΛCDM+r+dust+synchrotron+noise. The foreground model has seven parameters, and no longer requires a prior on the frequency spectral index of the dust emission taken from measurements on other regions of the sky. This model is an adequate description of the data at the current noise levels. The likelihood analysis yields the constraint r_{0.05}<0.036 at 95% confidence. Running maximum likelihood search on simulations we obtain unbiased results and find that σ(r)=0.009. These are the strongest constraints to date on primordial gravitational waves.

CD38 ecto-enzyme in immune cells is induced during aging and regulates NAD+ and NMN levels

Decreased NAD⁺ levels have been shown to contribute to metabolic dysfunction during aging. NAD⁺ decline can be partially prevented by knockout of the enzyme CD38. However, it is not known how CD38 is regulated during aging, and how its ecto-enzymatic activity impacts NAD⁺ homeostasis. Here we show that an increase in CD38 in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the liver during aging is mediated by accumulation of CD38⁺ immune cells. Inflammation increases CD38 and decreases NAD⁺. In addition, senescent cells and their secreted signals promote accumulation of CD38⁺ cells in WAT, and ablation of senescent cells or their secretory phenotype decreases CD38, partially reversing NAD⁺ decline. Finally, blocking the ecto-enzymatic activity of CD38 can increase NAD⁺ through a nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)-dependent process. Our findings demonstrate that senescence-induced inflammation promotes accumulation of CD38 in immune cells that, through its ecto-enzymatic activity, decreases levels of NMN and NAD⁺.

Broadband, millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for large-format, cryogenic aluminum oxide optics

We present two prescriptions for broadband ($ {\sim} 77 - 252\;{\rm GHz} $), millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for cryogenic, sintered polycrystalline aluminum oxide optics: one for large-format (700 mm diameter) planar and plano-convex elements, the other for densely packed arrays of quasi-optical elements-in our case, 5 mm diameter half-spheres (called "lenslets"). The coatings comprise three layers of commercially available, polytetrafluoroethylene-based, dielectric sheet material. The lenslet coating is molded to fit the 150 mm diameter arrays directly, while the large-diameter lenses are coated using a tiled approach. We review the fabrication processes for both prescriptions, then discuss laboratory measurements of their transmittance and reflectance. In addition, we present the inferred refractive indices and loss tangents for the coating materials and the aluminum oxide substrate. We find that at 150 GHz and 300 K the large-format coating sample achieves $ (97 \pm 2)\% $ transmittance, and the lenslet coating sample achieves $ (94 \pm 3)\% $ transmittance.

Constraints on Primordial Gravitational Waves Using Planck, WMAP, and New BICEP2/Keck Observations through the 2015 Season

We present results from an analysis of all data taken by the bicep2/Keck CMB polarization experiments up to and including the 2015 observing season. This includes the first Keck Array observations at 220 GHz and additional observations at 95 and 150 GHz. The Q and U maps reach depths of 5.2, 2.9, and 26  μK_{CMB} arcmin at 95, 150, and 220 GHz, respectively, over an effective area of ≈400 square degrees. The 220 GHz maps achieve a signal to noise on polarized dust emission approximately equal to that of Planck at 353 GHz. We take auto and cross spectra between these maps and publicly available WMAP and Planck maps at frequencies from 23 to 353 GHz. We evaluate the joint likelihood of the spectra versus a multicomponent model of lensed-ΛCDM+r+dust+synchrotron+noise. The foreground model has seven parameters, and we impose priors on some of these using external information from Planck and WMAP derived from larger regions of sky. The model is shown to be an adequate description of the data at the current noise levels. The likelihood analysis yields the constraint r_{0.05}<0.07 at 95% confidence, which tightens to r_{0.05}<0.06 in conjunction with Planck temperature measurements and other data. The lensing signal is detected at 8.8σ significance. Running a maximum likelihood search on simulations we obtain unbiased results and find that σ(r)=0.020. These are the strongest constraints to date on primordial gravitational waves.

Distinct habitat use strategies of sympatric rorqual whales within a fjord system

We used ecosystem sampling during systematic surveys and opportunistic focal follows, comparison tests, and random forest models to evaluate fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) habitat associations within an inland feeding ground (Kitimat Fjord System, British Columbia, Canada). Though these species are sympatric and share a common prey source, they were attuned to different aspects of the local habitat. The fin whales were associated with habitat properties reminiscent of the open ocean. Humpback whales, in contrast, were associated with features more commonly associated with the inland waters of fjords. Fixed habitat features, such as seafloor depth and distance from the fjord mouth, were the most important predictors of fin whale presence, but fixed and dynamic variables, such as surface properties, predicted humpback whale presence with equal (moderate) success. With the exception of strong salinity gradients for humpback whales, habitat conditions were poor predictors of feeding state. Fin whales practiced a spatially confined, seasonally stable, and thus more predictable use of certain channels within the fjord system. These findings are compatible with site loyal behavior, which is interesting in light of the species' historical, unique use of this fjord system. The relatively lackluster performance of humpback-habitat models, coupled with the importance of oceanographic properties, makes the humpback's habitat use strategy more uncertain. The fact that two sympatric species sharing a common prey source exhibited different habitat use strategies suggests that at least one species was informed by something in addition to prey. Given that the two species are attuned to different aspects of the fjord habitat, their responses to habitat changes, including anthropogenic impacts, would likely be different in both nature and degree. Our findings highlight the value of comparative studies and the complexity of rorqual habitat use, which must be understood in order for critical habitat to be identified and protected.

Complementary sex determination, inbreeding depression and inbreeding avoidance in a gregarious sawfly

Although most Hymenoptera reproduce via arrhenotokous haplodiploidy, the underlying genetic mechanisms vary. Of these, the most widespread mechanism appears to be single-locus complementary sex determination (sl-CSD), in which individuals that are diploid and heterozygous at a sex-determining locus are female, and individuals that are homozygous or hemizygous are male. Because inbreeding increases the probability of producing diploid males, which are often sterile or inviable, sl-CSD can generate substantial inbreeding depression. To counteract this, Hymenoptera with traits that promote inbreeding, such as gregariousness, may evolve one or more of the following: inbreeding avoidance, functional diploid males or alternative sex determination mechanisms. Here, we investigate sex determination, inbreeding depression and inbreeding avoidance in Neodiprion lecontei, a gregarious, pine-feeding sawfly in the family Diprionidae. First, via inbreeding experiments and flow cytometry, we demonstrate that this species has CSD. By modeling expected sex ratios under different conditions, we also show that our data are consistent with sl-CSD. Second, via tracking survival in inbred and outbred families, we demonstrate that inbred families have reduced larval survival and that this mortality is partly attributable to the death of diploid males. Third, using a no-choice mating assay, we demonstrate that females are less willing to mate with siblings than nonsiblings. Together, these results suggest that inbreeding depression stemming from CSD has shaped mating behavior in N. lecontei. These results also set the stage for future comparative work that will investigate the interplay between sex determination, ecology and behavior in additional diprionid species that vary in larval gregariousness.

ABC Triblock Copolymer Worms: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation as Pickering Emulsifiers for Millimeter-Sized Droplets

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is used to prepare linear poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)–poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate)–poly(benzyl methacrylate) [PGMA–PHPMA–PBzMA] triblock copolymer nano-objects in the form of a concentrated aqueous dispersion via a three-step synthesis based on reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. First, GMA is polymerized via RAFT solution polymerization in ethanol, then HPMA is polymerized via RAFT aqueous solution polymerization, and finally BzMA is polymerized via “seeded” RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization. For certain block compositions, highly anisotropic worm-like particles are obtained, which are characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The design rules for accessing higher order morphologies (i.e., worms or vesicles) are briefly explored. Surprisingly, vesicular morphologies cannot be accessed by targeting longer PBzMA blocks—instead, only spherical nanoparticles are formed. SAXS is used to rationalize these counterintuitive observations, which are best explained by considering subtle changes in the relative enthalpic incompatibilities between the three blocks during the growth of the PBzMA block. Finally, the PGMA–PHPMA–PBzMA worms are evaluated as Pickering emulsifiers for the stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions. Millimeter-sized oil droplets can be obtained using low-shear homogenization (hand-shaking) in the presence of 20 vol % n-dodecane. In contrast, control experiments performed using PGMA–PHPMA diblock copolymer worms indicate that these more delicate nanostructures do not survive even these mild conditions.

Improved Constraints on Cosmology and Foregrounds from BICEP2 and Keck Array Cosmic Microwave Background Data with Inclusion of 95 GHz Band

We present results from an analysis of all data taken by the BICEP2 and Keck Array cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization experiments up to and including the 2014 observing season. This includes the first Keck Array observations at 95 GHz. The maps reach a depth of 50 nK deg in Stokes Q and U in the 150 GHz band and 127 nK deg in the 95 GHz band. We take auto- and cross-spectra between these maps and publicly available maps from WMAP and Planck at frequencies from 23 to 353 GHz. An excess over lensed ΛCDM is detected at modest significance in the 95×150 BB spectrum, and is consistent with the dust contribution expected from our previous work. No significant evidence for synchrotron emission is found in spectra such as 23×95, or for correlation between the dust and synchrotron sky patterns in spectra such as 23×353. We take the likelihood of all the spectra for a multicomponent model including lensed ΛCDM, dust, synchrotron, and a possible contribution from inflationary gravitational waves (as parametrized by the tensor-to-scalar ratio r) using priors on the frequency spectral behaviors of dust and synchrotron emission from previous analyses of WMAP and Planck data in other regions of the sky. This analysis yields an upper limit r_{0.05}<0.09 at 95% confidence, which is robust to variations explored in analysis and priors. Combining these B-mode results with the (more model-dependent) constraints from Planck analysis of CMB temperature plus baryon acoustic oscillations and other data yields a combined limit r_{0.05}<0.07 at 95% confidence. These are the strongest constraints to date on inflationary gravitational waves.

Framboidal ABC triblock copolymer vesicles: a new class of efficient Pickering emulsifier

Pickering emulsions offer important advantages over conventional surfactant-stabilized emulsions, including enhanced long-term stability, more reproducible formulations and reduced foaming problems. The recent development of polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) offers considerable scope for the design of a wide range of block copolymer nanoparticles with tunable surface wettability that may serve as bespoke Pickering emulsifiers. In the present study, we exploit PISA to design a series of model framboidal ABC triblock copolymer vesicles with exquisite control over surface roughness. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were utilized to characterize these nanoparticles, which were subsequently used to stabilize n-dodecane emulsion droplets in water. The adsorption efficiency, A_eff, of the nanoparticles at the n-dodecane/water interface was determined as a function of increasing vesicle surface roughness using a turbidimetry assay. A strong correlation between surface roughness and A_eff was observed, with A_eff increasing from 36% up to 94%. This is a significant improvement in Pickering emulsifier efficiency compared to that reported previously for similar vesicles with smooth surfaces. In summary, nanoparticles with appreciable surface roughness are much more effective Pickering emulsifiers and this parameter can be readily fine-tuned using a highly efficient PISA formulation.

Vermicious thermo-responsive Pickering emulsifiers

Thermo-responsive vermicious (or worm-like) diblock copolymer nanoparticles prepared directly in n-dodecane are used to stabilise water-in-oil Pickering emulsions.

Thermo-responsive vermicious (or worm-like) diblock copolymer nanoparticles prepared directly in n-dodecane via polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) were used to stabilise water-in-oil Pickering emulsions. Mean droplet diameters could be tuned from 8 to 117 μm by varying the worm copolymer concentration and the water volume fraction and very high worm adsorption efficiencies (∼100%) could be obtained below a certain critical copolymer concentration (∼0.50%). Heating a worm dispersion up to 150 °C led to a worm-to-sphere transition, which proved to be irreversible if conducted at sufficiently low copolymer concentration. This affords a rare opportunity to directly compare the Pickering emulsifier performance of chemically identical worms and spheres. It is found that the former nanoparticles are markedly more efficient, since worm-stabilised water droplets are always smaller than the equivalent sphere-stabilised droplets prepared under identical conditions. Moreover, the latter emulsions are appreciably flocculated, whereas the former emulsions proved to be stable. SAXS studies indicate that the mean thickness of the adsorbed worm layer surrounding the water droplets is comparable to that of the worm cross-section diameter determined for non-adsorbed worms dispersed in the continuous phase. Thus the adsorbed worms form a monolayer shell around the water droplets, rather than ill-defined multilayers. Under certain conditions, demulsification occurs on heating as a result of a partial worm-to-sphere morphological transition.

Joint analysis of BICEP2/keck array and Planck Data

We report the results of a joint analysis of data from BICEP2/Keck Array and Planck. BICEP2 and Keck Array have observed the same approximately 400  deg^{2} patch of sky centered on RA 0 h, Dec. -57.5°. The combined maps reach a depth of 57 nK deg in Stokes Q and U in a band centered at 150 GHz. Planck has observed the full sky in polarization at seven frequencies from 30 to 353 GHz, but much less deeply in any given region (1.2  μK deg in Q and U at 143 GHz). We detect 150×353 cross-correlation in B modes at high significance. We fit the single- and cross-frequency power spectra at frequencies ≥150  GHz to a lensed-ΛCDM model that includes dust and a possible contribution from inflationary gravitational waves (as parametrized by the tensor-to-scalar ratio r), using a prior on the frequency spectral behavior of polarized dust emission from previous Planck analysis of other regions of the sky. We find strong evidence for dust and no statistically significant evidence for tensor modes. We probe various model variations and extensions, including adding a synchrotron component in combination with lower frequency data, and find that these make little difference to the r constraint. Finally, we present an alternative analysis which is similar to a map-based cleaning of the dust contribution, and show that this gives similar constraints. The final result is expressed as a likelihood curve for r, and yields an upper limit r_{0.05}<0.12 at 95% confidence. Marginalizing over dust and r, lensing B modes are detected at 7.0σ significance.

Are block copolymer worms more effective Pickering emulsifiers than block copolymer spheres?

RAFT-mediated polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) is used to prepare six types of amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticles which were subsequently evaluated as putative Pickering emulsifiers for the stabilisation of n-dodecane-in-water emulsions. It was found that linear poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PGMA-PHPMA) diblock copolymer spheres and worms do not survive the high shear homogenisation conditions used for emulsification. Stable emulsions are obtained, but the copolymer acts as a polymeric surfactant; individual chains rather than particles are adsorbed at the oil-water interface. Particle dissociation during emulsification is attributed to the weakly hydrophobic character of the PHPMA block. Covalent stabilisation of these copolymer spheres or worms can be readily achieved by addition of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) during the PISA synthesis. TEM studies confirm that the resulting cross-linked spherical or worm-like nanoparticles survive emulsification and produce genuine Pickering emulsions. Alternatively, stabilisation can be achieved by either replacing or supplementing the PHPMA block with the more hydrophobic poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA). The resulting linear spheres or worms also survive emulsification and produce stable n-dodecane-in-water Pickering emulsions. The intrinsic advantages of anisotropic worms over isotropic spheres for the preparation of Pickering emulsions are highlighted. The former particles are more strongly adsorbed at similar efficiencies compared to spheres and also enable smaller oil droplets to be produced for a given copolymer concentration. The scalable nature of PISA formulations augurs well for potential applications of anisotropic block copolymer nanoparticles as Pickering emulsifiers.

Novel Pickering emulsifiers based on pH-responsive poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) latexes

The emulsion copolymerization of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEA) with a divinylbenzene cross-linker in the presence of monomethoxy-capped poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) at 70 °C afforded near-monodisperse, sterically stabilized PEGMA-PDEA latexes at 10% solids. Dynamic light scattering studies indicated intensity-average diameters of 190 to 240 nm for these latexes at pH 9. A latex-to-microgel transition occurred on lowering the solution pH to below the latex pKa of 6.9. When dilute HCl/KOH was used to adjust the aqueous pH, a systematic reduction in the cationic microgel hydrodynamic diameter of 80 nm was observed over ten pH cycles as a result of the gradual buildup of background salt. However, no such size reduction was observed when using CO2/N2 gases to regulate the aqueous pH because this protocol does not generate background salt. Thus, the latter approach offers better reversibility, albeit at the cost of slower response times. PEGMA-PDEA microgel does not stabilize Pickering emulsions when homogenized at pH 3 with n-dodecane, sunflower oil, isononyl isononanoate, or isopropyl myristate. In contrast, PEGMA-PDEA latex proved to be a ubiquitous Pickering emulsifier at pH 10, forming stable oil-in-water emulsions with each of these four model oils. Lowering the solution pH from 10 to 3 resulted in demulsification within seconds. This is because these pH-responsive particles undergo a latex-to-microgel transition, which leads to their interfacial desorption. Six successive demulsification/emulsification cycles were performed on these Pickering emulsions using HCl/KOH to adjust the solution pH. Demulsification could also be achieved by purging the emulsion solution with CO2 gas to lower the aqueous pH to 4.8. However, complete phase separation required CO2 purging for 4 h at 20 °C. A subsequent N2 purge raised the aqueous pH sufficiently to induce a microgel-to-latex transition, but rehomogenization did not produce a stable Pickering emulsion. Presumably, a higher pH is required, which cannot be achieved by a N2 purge alone.

Novel Pickering emulsifiers based on pH-responsive poly(tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate) latexes

Emulsion copolymerization of 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate in the presence of divinylbenzene (DVB) cross-linker and monomethoxy-capped poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) macromonomer at 70 °C afforded sterically-stabilized latexes at approximately 10% solids at pH 9. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that relatively narrow size distributions were obtained. SEM confirmed the formation of spherical particles in the absence of any DVB cross-linker using a simple batch protocol, but in the presence of DVB it was necessary to use seeded emulsion polymerization under monomer-starved conditions to prevent the formation of latexes with ill-defined non-spherical morphologies. Lightly cross-linked latexes acquired cationic microgel character upon lowering the solution pH due to protonation of the secondary amine groups. Increasing the degree of cross-linking led to a progressively lower effective pK(a) of the copolymer chains from 8.0 to 7.3, which implies a gradual reduction in their basicity. Poly(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate latex proved to be an effective Pickering emulsifier at pH 10, forming stable oil-in-water emulsions when homogenized with either n-dodecane or sunflower oil at 12,000 rpm for 2 min. These Pickering emulsions exhibited pH-responsive behavior: lowering the solution pH to 3 resulted in immediate demulsification due to the spontaneous desorption of the cationic microgels from the oil/water interface. Following rehomogenization at high pH, four successive demulsification/emulsification pH cycles could be achieved without a discernible loss in performance. However, no demulsification occurred on acidification of the fifth cycle, due to the progressive build-up of background salt.

Adsorption of sterically stabilized latex particles at liquid surfaces: effects of steric stabilizer surface coverage, particle size, and chain length on particle wettability

A series of five near-monodisperse sterically stabilized polystyrene (PS) latexes were synthesized using three well-defined poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) (PGMA) macromonomers with mean degrees of polymerization (DP) of 30, 50, or 70. The surface coverage and grafting density of the PGMA chains on the particle surface were determined using XPS and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, respectively. The wettability of individual latex particles adsorbed at the air-water and n-dodecane-water interfaces was studied using both the gel trapping technique and the film calliper method. The particle equilibrium contact angle at both interfaces is relatively insensitive to the mean DP of the PGMA stabilizer chains. For a fixed stabilizer DP of 30, particle contact angles were only weakly dependent on the particle size. The results are consistent with a model of compact hydrated layers of PGMA stabilizer chains at the particle surface over a wide range of grafting densities. Our approach could be utilized for studying the adsorption behavior of a broader range of sterically stabilized inorganic and polymeric particles of practical importance.

Color and fatty acid profile of abdominal fat pads from broiler chickens fed lobster meal

Consumer demands for food products enriched with healthful n-3 fatty acids are steadily increasing. Feeding marine byproducts may provide an economical means of increasing the long-chain n-3 content of broiler tissues. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary lobster meal (LM) on the color and fatty acid profile of broiler chicken fatty tissue. Broilers were fed increasing levels (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) of LM for 35 d. Fat pad samples were collected at slaughter and color and fatty acid concentrations were determined. A linear effect was found of LM on red coloration (P < 0.05) as dietary LM increased. Fat pad eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels also increased (P < 0.0001) in a linear fashion. The essential long-chain fatty acids were lower for the 10% LM diet (0.37 mg of EPA/g; 0.16 mg of DHA/g) compared with the 8% LM diet (0.51 mg of EPA/g; 0.27 mg of DHA/g). Using lobster meal as a feed ingredient resulted in broiler abdominal fat pads with a favorable increase in n-3 fatty acids.

Preparation of Pickering emulsions and colloidosomes with relatively narrow size distributions by stirred cell membrane emulsification

Stirred cell membrane emulsification has been used to prepare Pickering emulsions and covalently cross-linked colloidosomes using poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) stabilized polystyrene particles as the sole emulsifier. Pickering emulsions of 44-269 μm in size can be prepared with coefficients of variation as low as 25%, by varying the emulsification parameters. The cell membranes consisted of 5 μm pores with a pore-to-pore spacing of 200 μm. Significantly more uniform emulsions are produced when these open pores are restricted to a narrow ring around the membrane surface. Increasing the oil flux rate through this annular ring membrane increases both the size and polydispersity of the resulting emulsion droplets. There was no evidence for a "push off" force contributing to droplet detachment over the oil flux range investigated. Increasing the paddle stirrer speed from 500 to 1500 rpm reduces the average droplet diameter from 269 to 51 μm while simultaneously decreasing the coefficient of variation from 47% to 25%. Any further increase in surface shear led to droplet breakup within the dispersion cell and resulted in a significantly more polydisperse emulsion. The Pickering emulsions reported here have much narrower droplet size distributions than those prepared in control experiments by conventional homogenization (25% vs 74% coefficients of variation). Finally, low polydispersity colloidosomes can be conveniently prepared by the addition of an oil soluble polymeric cross-linker to the dispersed phase to react with the stabilizer chains.

Polyamine-functional sterically stabilized latexes for covalently cross-linkable colloidosomes

Sterically stabilized polystyrene latexes were prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization using a poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) stabilizer in the presence of 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (4-VBC; 1.0 wt % based on styrene). Partial quaternization of the amine groups on the PEI chains by 4-VBC occurs in situ, hence producing a chemically grafted steric stabilizer. Such 4-VBC-modified PEI chains were grafted more efficiently onto the polystyrene particles than unmodified PEI, as judged by aqueous electrophoresis, XPS, and nitrogen microanalysis. Moreover, partially quaternized PEI gave significantly smaller polystyrene particles than those synthesized in the absence of any PEI stabilizer or those synthesized using unmodified PEI. The partially quaternized PEI-stabilized polystyrene latex proved to be an effective emulsifier at pH 9, forming stable oil-in-water Pickering emulsions when homogenized (12,000 rpm, 2 min, 20 °C) with four model oils, namely, n-dodecane, methyl myristate, isononyl isononanoate, and sunflower oil. The primary and/or secondary amine groups on the PEI stabilizer chains were successfully cross-linked using three commercially available polymeric reagents, namely, tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate-terminated poly(propylene glycol) (PPG-TDI), poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PPG-DGE), or poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG-DGE). Cross-linking with the former reagent led to robust colloidosomes that survived the removal of the internal oil phase on washing with excess alcohol, as judged by optical microscopy and SEM. PPG-TDI reacted very rapidly with the PEI stabilizer chains, with cross-linking being achieved during homogenization. Well-defined colloidosomes could be formed only by using sunflower oil and isononyl isononanoate with this cross-linker at 20 °C. However, cooling to 0 °C allowed colloidosomes to be formed using n-dodecane, presumably because of the slower rate of cross-linking at this reduced temperature. PPG-DGE proved to be a more generic cross-linker because it formed robust colloidosomes with all four model oils. However, cross-linking was much slower than that achieved using PPG-TDI, with intact colloidosomes being formed only after ∼12 h at 20 °C. The PEG-DGE cross-linker allowed cross-linking to be conducted at 20 °C from the aqueous phase (rather from within the oil droplets for the oil-soluble PPG-TDI or PPG-DGE cross-linkers). In this case, well-defined colloidosomes were obtained at 50 vol % with surprisingly little intercolloidosome aggregation, as judged by laser diffraction studies.

Phosphorylation sites of Epstein-Barr virus EBNA1 regulate its function

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and a risk factor for developing a variety of lymphomas and carcinomas. EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is the only viral protein found in all EBV-related malignancies. It plays a key role in establishing and maintaining the altered state of cells transformed with EBV. EBNA1 is required for a variety of functions, including gene regulation, replication and maintenance of the viral genome, but the regulation of EBNA1's functions is poorly understood. We demonstrate that phosphorylation affects the functions of EBNA1. By using electron-transfer dissociation tandem mass spectrometry, ten specific phosphorylated EBNA1 residues were identified. A mutant derivative preventing the phosphorylation of all ten phosphosites retained the unusually long half-life and the ability to translocate into the nucleus of wild-type EBNA1. This phosphorylation-deficient mutant, however, had a significantly reduced ability to activate transcription and to maintain EBV's plasmids in cells.

Parity violation constraints using cosmic microwave background polarization spectra from 2006 and 2007 observations by the QUaD polarimeter

We constrain parity-violating interactions to the surface of last scattering using spectra from the QUaD experiment's second and third seasons of observations by searching for a possible systematic rotation of the polarization directions of cosmic microwave background photons. We measure the rotation angle due to such a possible "cosmological birefringence" to be 0.55 degrees +/-0.82 degrees (random) +/-0.5 degrees (systematic) using QUaD's 100 and 150 GHz temperature-curl and gradient-curl spectra over the spectra over the multipole range 200<l<2000, consistent with null, and constrain Lorentz-violating interactions to <2 x 10;{-43} GeV (68% confidence limit). This is the best constraint to date on electrodynamic parity violation on cosmological scales.

Use of diagnostic accuracy as a metric for evaluating laboratory proficiency with microarray assays using mixed-tissue RNA reference samples

Effective use of microarray technology in clinical and regulatory settings is contingent on the adoption of standard methods for assessing performance. The MicroArray Quality Control project evaluated the repeatability and comparability of microarray data on the major commercial platforms and laid the groundwork for the application of microarray technology to regulatory assessments. However, methods for assessing performance that are commonly applied to diagnostic assays used in laboratory medicine remain to be developed for microarray assays. A reference system for microarray performance evaluation and process improvement was developed that includes reference samples, metrics and reference datasets. The reference material is composed of two mixes of four different rat tissue RNAs that allow defined target ratios to be assayed using a set of tissue-selective analytes that are distributed along the dynamic range of measurement. The diagnostic accuracy of detected changes in expression ratios, measured as the area under the curve from receiver operating characteristic plots, provides a single commutable value for comparing assay specificity and sensitivity. The utility of this system for assessing overall performance was evaluated for relevant applications like multi-laboratory proficiency testing programs and single-laboratory process drift monitoring. The diagnostic accuracy of detection of a 1.5-fold change in signal level was found to be a sensitive metric for comparing overall performance. This test approaches the technical limit for reliable discrimination of differences between two samples using this technology. We describe a reference system that provides a mechanism for internal and external assessment of laboratory proficiency with microarray technology and is translatable to performance assessments on other whole-genome expression arrays used for basic and clinical research.

Tandem phosphorylation of Ser-911 and Thr-912 at the C terminus of yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase leads to glucose-dependent activation

In recent years there has been growing interest in the post-translational regulation of P-type ATPases by protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation. Pma1 H(+)-ATPase, which is responsible for H(+)-dependent nutrient uptake in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), is one such example, displaying a rapid 5-10-fold increase in activity when carbon-starved cells are exposed to glucose. Activation has been linked to Ser/Thr phosphorylation in the C-terminal tail of the ATPase, but the specific phosphorylation sites have not previously been mapped. The present study has used nanoflow high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray electron transfer dissociation tandem mass spectrometry to identify Ser-911 and Thr-912 as two major phosphorylation sites that are clearly related to glucose activation. In carbon-starved cells with low Pma1 activity, peptide 896-918, which was derived from the C terminus upon Lys-C proteolysis, was found to be singly phosphorylated at Thr-912, whereas in glucose-metabolizing cells with high ATPase activity, the same peptide was doubly phosphorylated at Ser-911 and Thr-912. Reciprocal (14)N/(15)N metabolic labeling of cells was used to measure the relative phosphorylation levels at the two sites. The addition of glucose to carbon-starved cells led to a 3-fold reduction in the singly phosphorylated form and an 11-fold increase in the doubly phosphorylated form. These results point to a mechanism in which the stepwise phosphorylation of two tandemly positioned residues near the C terminus mediates glucose-dependent activation of the H(+)-ATPase.

Feed withdrawal alters small-intestinal morphology and mucus of broilers

In an effort to reduce carcass contamination and consequent reprocessing, market-age broilers are often subjected to feed withdrawal (FW) before processing to reduce intestinal content and intestinal ruptures during processing. However, little is known regarding the effects of FW on mucus content and intestinal morphology. Therefore, 2 experiments were conducted to determine the effects of FW on intestinal characteristics. Male broilers were raised in floor pens on standard industry diets to 42 and 39 d of age for Experiments (Exp.) 1 and 2, respectively. In Exp. 1, feed was removed 24, 12, 8, and 0 h before sampling, respectively (n = 5 birds/time). Birds remained on litter with access to water for the first 4-h of the FW period and were then placed in crates. Body weights, left pectoralis major weights, and distal ileal and jejunal segments were collected for determination of morphological characteristics. For Exp. 2, birds (n = 8 birds/time) were subjected to 0, 12, and 24 h of FW. Birds were injected with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and thymidine at 24 and 21 h, respectively, before sampling to determine epithelial cell migration rates. One-centimeter distal ileal segments were collected for mucus quantification at 0, 12, and 24 h. In Exp. 1, ileal villi heights were unaffected by FW, but villus width and crypt depth decreased with increasing FW time (P < or = 0.05). Jejunal villus height increased as FW progressed. Jejunal crypt depths increased until 12 h of FW and then declined at 24 h. Mucus content decreased linearly and was reduced by 46% from 0 to 24 h FW (P < 0.05). The intestinal morphology alterations and the depletion of intestinal mucus that occur during a short-term FW may reduce the integrity of the intestine.

Effect of dietary calcium and vitamin D3 on calcium and phosphorus retention in white Pekin ducklings

Higher concentrations of Ca in the diet may decrease phytate-phosphorus hydrolysis because of chelation of Ca with the phytin molecule. In experiment 1, drakes were fed 0.74, 0.85, 0.95, or 1.11% Ca (analyzed) from 7 to 18 d of age (6 birds/cage, 8 cages/diet). Intestinal mucosa was collected at 18 d of age from birds fed 0.74 and 1.11% Ca for determination of intestinal phytase activity. In experiment 1, 17 d BW gain and feed consumption exhibited a quadratic response to increasing concentrations of Ca and were found to be maximal for ducks fed the 0.95% Ca diet. Toe ash percentage (18 d) had a quadratic response to increasing concentrations of Ca with a maximal response for birds fed the 0.85% Ca diet. Increasing dietary Ca did not affect P retention from 15 to 17 d of age or intestinal phytase activity and brush border vesicle Ca concentration. A positive correlation was found between the Vmax and the Ca concentration within the vesicles (r = 0.59, P < 0.02), suggesting that the vesicle Ca concentration did not negatively affect the kinetics of the phytase assay. In experiment 2, drakes were fed 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, or 1.2% Ca (formulated) with 826 or 8,260 ICU/kg of vitamin D3 from 0 to 13 d of age. There was no response to increasing concentrations of Ca for performance characteristics or bone ash measurements.

Performance and nutrient retention responses of broilers to dietary oxyhalogenic and ionic salts

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of 2 ionic and antimicrobial mixtures on broiler performance and nutrient retention. In experiment 1, male broilers were fed 6 diets in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment (5 cages/diet, 9 chicks/cage) from 0 to 21d of age. Diets with 2 nutrient densities [normal industry diet (ND) and a low nutrient density diet (82% of ND)] and 3 ionic and antimicrobial mixtures [none (control) or 1 of 2 formulations containing different mixtures of ionic salts and oxyhalogenic compounds (sodium salts of chlorite, chlorate, chloride, borate, sulfate, bromide, salicylate, and hydrogen peroxide) at 4.4 mL/kg of feed (mix A and B)]. Birds fed mix B (568.6 g) were heavier (P < 0.05) at 21d of age than birds fed the control diet (501.7 g) and BW of birds fed mix A (536.1 g) did not differ from mix B or controls. Phosphorus and nitrogen retention from 18 to 20 d in birds fed mix B (78.05% and 82.23%, respectively) was greater (P < 0.05) than birds fed mix A (60.21 and 71.22%, respectively) and birds fed mix A had greater (P < 0.05) retention than birds fed the control diet (45.94 and 69.06%, respectively). In experiment 2, chicks were fed either 4.4 mL of mix B/kg feed, a diet with salinomycin and bacitracin, or a control diet. Birds fed the control or mix B diet had greater (P < 0.05) BW at 18 d than birds on the antibiotic treatment, whereas diet or nutrient retention differences were not present at 42 d of age. In conclusion, the ionic and antimicrobial mixtures improved performance and nutrient retention in young broilers but these did not last until market age.

The effects of copper on the efficacy of phytase, growth, and phosphorus retention in broiler chicks

Copper is often added to broiler diets at prophylactic concentrations as an antimicrobial despite purported chelation with and reduced utilization of phytin phosphorus. Therefore, male chicks were fed 0, 62.5, 125, 250, or 375 ppm Cu from Cu sulfate in combination with 600 phytase units (FTU)/kg phytase from 9 to 22 d of age (6 cages/diet, 8 birds/cage). Nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) and Ca were formulated to 0.2 and 0.7% of the diet, respectively. Three additional control diets were formulated to contain 0.27, 0.34, and 0.40% NPP, each with 0.7% Ca. Birds fed increasing concentrations of Cu with 600 FTU phytase/kg had linear reductions in performance characteristics (P < or = 0.05). Birds fed increasing concentrations of Cu with 600 FTU phytase/kg had linear increases in toe ash percentage (P < or = 0.027), but tibia ash percentage was not affected (P > 0.05). Birds fed increasing Cu concentrations with 600 FTU phytase/kg had linear reductions in apparent P retention as a percentage of total P (P < or = 0.0005). Supplementation with increasing concentrations of Cu to a diet containing 600 FTU phytase/kg resulted in decreases in 21 d BW, BW gain, feed consumption, feed conversion, tibia and toe ash weights, and apparent P retention as a percentage of total P. In this experiment, Cu supplementation did not reduce the efficacy of phytase (i.e., improvement in apparent P retention with phytase supplementation) but did decrease apparent P retention, BW gain, feed consumption, feed conversion, and tibia ash and toe ash weights.

Effects of copper source on phosphorus retention in broiler chicks and laying hens

Copper sulfate is often added to broiler and laying hen diets at prophylactic dosages due to its antimicrobial and growth promoting effects despite reduced P digestibility, whereas P use from other Cu sources is unknown. Therefore, male broiler chicks were fed diets containing 0 or 250 ppm Cu from Cu sulfate (Cu SUL), Cu citrate (Cu CIT), Cu lysinate (Cu LYS), or CuCl from 9 to 22 d of age (8 cages/diet, 6 birds/cage) to determine the effect of each Cu source on performance characteristics, bone mineralization, and P retention. Body weight gain was not different among treatments (P > 0.05). Supplementation with 250 ppm Cu from Cu LYS resulted in chicks having greater toe and tibia ash weights as compared with chicks fed Cu SUL (P < or = 0.05) but was not significantly different from those of birds fed Cu CL, Cu CIT, and 0 ppm Cu diets. Supplementation with Cu LYS resulted in birds with greater toe ash percentage as compared with birds fed Cu CIT, Cu SUL, and the 0 ppm Cu diets (P < or = 0.05) but was not significantly different than those of birds fed the CuCl diet. Birds fed the Cu LYS diet had greater tibia ash percentage as compared with birds fed Cu SUL and 0 ppm Cu diets (P < or = 0.05) but were not significantly different than birds fed the Cu CL or Cu CIT diet. Supplementation with 250 ppm Cu SUL or Cu CIT reduced apparent P retention by 0.029 and 0.053 percentage-units of the diet, respectively (P < or = 0.05) as compared with the 0 ppm diet; whereas the apparent P retention when 250 ppm Cu LYS or Cu CL was fed was not different from the 0 ppm Cu diet (P > 0.05). Feeding of different Cu sources in a subsequent experiment had no influence on P retention in laying hens (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 250 ppm Cu from Cu CIT or Cu SUL resulted in decreased apparent P retention. Supplementation with 250 ppm Cu CL or Cu LYS, however, improved apparent P retentions as compared with Cu CIT or Cu SUL.

Loss of critical palindromic transgene promoter sequence in chemically induced Tg.AC mouse skin papillomas expressing transgene-derived mRNA

The Tg.AC transgenic mouse carries a v-Ha-ras transgene. Skin papillomas develop in Tg.AC mice upon repeated dermal application of tumor promoters and carcinogens. The transgene is inserted at a single site on chromosome 11 in a multiple-copy array. Although most of the >or= 40 copies are arranged in a direct-repeat orientation, two copies of the transgene are inserted in a palindromic, inverted-repeat orientation. Deletion of the palindromic transgene promoter sequence is associated strongly with and diagnostic of loss of phenotypic responsiveness to Tg.AC papillomagens, such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Unexpectedly, a loss of palindromic transgene sequence, in the absence of an observable reduction in copy number of the direct-repeat-oriented transgene sequence, is seen in DNA from papillomas when compared to genomic DNA from tail clips or skin samples away from the application site. Transgene-derived transcripts were detectable in all Tg.AC papillomas sampled. The transgene locus was hypomethylated in papillomas but not in samples from tail clips from the same animal or from skin samples away from the application site in responder Tg.AC mice, as shown by loss of resistance to digestion by HpaII. A cell line derived from a Tg.AC squamous cell carcinoma showed complete loss of the palindromic transgene sequence, hypomethylation of the transgene locus, and strong expression of v-Ha-ras mRNA. These data indicate that the palindromic transgene sequence, which appears to be necessary for initial responsiveness to tumorigens, may be susceptible to deletion during rapid cellular proliferation and is not required for transgene expression in later phases of papilloma growth.

Psychological predictors of sexual behaviors related to AIDS transmission

This study was designed to assess the differential value of several psychological variables with regard to predicting safe-sex behavior. A sample of 94 male and 179 female undergraduate students, ranging in age from 16 to 66 years, were surveyed about sexual issues related to safe-sex practices. The survey included scales measuring participants' knowledge of transmission of AIDS, self-perception of safe-sex communication, fear and concern about AIDS, attitudes toward AIDS victims, and self-report of risky behavior. Several interesting relationships among predictor variables were found. For instance, favorable attitudes toward AIDS victims were positively correlated with knowledge about AIDS transmission, perceived communication with partners about safe sex, and fear of acquiring AIDS. However, only two predictor variables were independently predictive of self-reports of risky sexual behavior; specifically, fear about AIDS transmission was positively correlated with risky behavior, while communication was negatively correlated with risky behavior. These data suggest a need for a model that allows for complex, reciprocal relationships between the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components of safe-sex practice. Implications are applied to research with college populations.

Loss of palindromic symmetry in Tg.AC mice with a nonresponder phenotype

The Tg.AC transgenic mouse carries the v-Ha-ras oncogene under the control of the zeta-globin promoter and is currently being used in a short-term carcinogenesis assay for safety testing of pharmaceuticals. A subset of hemizygous Tg.AC mice was found to be nonresponsive to the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, which characteristically induces skin papillomas in these mice with repeated dermal applications. We previously showed that responder and nonresponder hemizygous Tg.AC mice carry about 40 copies of transgene but that the nonresponders had lost a 2-kb BamHI fragment containing the zeta-globin promoter sequence. The present restriction enzyme and S1 nuclease digestion experiments strongly suggested that the 2-kb BamHI fragment resulted from the orientation of two transgenes in an inverted repeat formation. Two subsets of nonresponder Tg.AC mice were identified. Restriction enzyme and S1 nuclease digestion experiments suggested that one nonresponder genotype was produced by a large deletion of one or more near complete copies of transgene sequence and the other genotype was produced by a small deletion near the apex of the "head-to-head" juncture of the inverted repeat. Polymerase chain reaction amplification, cloning, and sequencing results confirmed the palindromic orientation of transgene in Tg.AC mice. Our results indicated that, despite the presence of multiple copies of transgene in a direct repeat orientation, loss of symmetry in the palindromic array of transgene sequence results in the loss of the responder phenotype in Tg.AC mice. Mol. Carcinog. 30:99-110, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evaluation of in vitro reporter gene induction assays for use in a rapid prescreen for compound selection to test specificity in the Tg.AC mouse short-term carcinogenicity assay

Under ICH guidelines, short-term carcinogenicity assays such as the Tg.AC assay are allowed alternatives for one species in the 2-year rodent bioassay. The Tg.AC transgenic mouse, which carries the v-Ha-ras oncogene under control of the zeta-globin promoter, develops skin papillomas in response to dermal application of carcinogens and tumor promoters. The appropriate specificity of the Tg.AC model for testing pharmaceuticals has not been systematically evaluated. The selection of candidate test compounds among noncarcinogenic pharmaceuticals would be aided by a high-throughput in vitro prescreen correlative of activity in the in vivo Tg.AC assay. Here we describe the development of a prescreen based on correct response to 24 compounds tested previously in Tg.AC mice. The in vitro prescreens, chosen to reflect molecular pathways possibly involved in Tg.AC papilloma formation, consisted of a zeta-globin promoter-luciferase construct stably expressed in K562 cells (Zeta-Luc) and three of the stress-response element-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) fusion constructs stably expressed in HepG2 cells that are part of the CAT-Tox (L)iver assay. The stress response elements chosen were the c-fos promoter, the gadd153 promoter, and p53 response element repeats. Of the four assays, the gadd153-CAT assay showed the strongest concordance with activity in the Tg.AC assay, correctly classifying 78% of Tg.AC positive and 83% of Tg.AC negative compounds. The correlation was further improved by adding the Zeta-Luc assay as a second-stage screen. These cell-based assays will be used in a novel approach to selecting candidate compounds that challenge the specificity of the Tg.AC assay toward pharmaceuticals.

Relationship between quadriceps strength and rate of loading during gait in women

One function of skeletal muscle is to serve as the body's shock absorbers and thus dampen rates of loading during activity. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the significance of muscle strength on rates of loading during gait. Thirty-seven women (mean age: 34.5 +/- 8.2 years) were solicited by advertisement and placed into one of two groups-strength-trained or sedentary-on the basis of training history. They walked (10 trials) over a 10-m walkway at a controlled speed of 1.22-1.35 m/s while the rate of loading was sampled with a 1,000-Hz force platform. Quadriceps and hamstring strength was measured at 90 degrees/s with an isokinetic dynamometer. Statistical analyses (p < 0.05) included descriptive statistics and unpaired t tests for comparison between groups. The women in the sedentary group weighed more and had significantly less concentric and eccentric strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings relative to body weight than did those in the strength-trained group. In addition, they demonstrated significantly higher rates of loading (2.21 +/- 0.15 compared with 1.75 +/- 0.08%wt/ms) than those in the strength-trained group.

An evaluation of the hemizygous transgenic Tg.AC mouse for carcinogenicity testing of pharmaceuticals. II. A genotypic marker that predicts tumorigenic responsiveness

The Tg.AC transgenic mouse skin paint assay is one of the short-term carcinogenesis models that has been proposed as a replacement for 1 species in the conventional 2-yr bioassay required for safety testing of pharmaceuticals. In our initial efforts to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of this model for human pharmaceuticals, 61% of the hemizygous Tg.AC mice in the positive control groups were refractory to treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Tg.AC mice are reported to carry < or = 10 copies of a transgene consisting of a zeta-globin promoter fused to the v-Ha-ras structural gene with a terminal simian virus 40 (SV40) polyadenylation signal. Southern blot hybridization of genomic DNA from 66 tail biopsies using a zeta-globin probe revealed that all of the hemizygous. Tg.AC mice screened contained approximately 40 copies of the transgene and that mice unresponsive to TPA had lost a 2-kb BamHI fragment containing zeta-globin promoter sequence. By systematic screening of Tg.AC breeder mice for this diagnostic marker of phenotypic responsiveness, it should be possible to selectively enrich the Tg.AC mouse colony to consist exclusively of responders and to guard against further genetic instability.

An evaluation of the hemizygous transgenic Tg.AC mouse for carcinogenicity testing of pharmaceuticals. I. Evidence for a confounding nonresponder phenotype

We have completed 2 26-wk studies to evaluate the hemizygous transgenic Tg.AC mouse, which has been proposed as an alternative short term model for testing carcinogenicity. We attempted to evaluate the response to the known rodent carcinogens cyclophosphamide, phenolphthalein, and tamoxifen and to the noncarcinogen chlorpheniramine following topical application. In the first study, a weak response (2/17 animals) was observed to the positive control 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA in ethanol, 1.25 micrograms), and no response was observed to cyclophosphamide, phenolphthalein, or chlorpheniramine, despite evidence for skin penetration. The second study compared 1.25 micrograms and 6.25 micrograms of TPA in ethanol and acetone solutions. Tamoxifen was also evaluated in both solvents and orally. No significant response was observed to tamoxifen by skin paint or oral routes. Over 60% of the high dose TPA-treated animals showed no (0 or 1) papilloma response, and 30% of the animals each developed more than 32 papillomas. The heterogenous response to high dose TPA may be related to variability in the responsiveness of hemizygous animals. In light of these findings, further Tg.AC studies should employ homozygous animals, and the underlying cause for heterogeneity in the tumorigenic response of Tg.AC mice should be identified and eliminated.

Rupture of the distal biceps tendon in a collegiate football player: a case report

OBJECTIVE

To provide health care personnel with guidelines for the management of a distal biceps tendon rupture.

BACKGROUND

Traumatic ruptures of the biceps tendon are rare, but serious, and usually involve the long head of the proximal insertion. Ruptures of the distal tendon account for only 3% of all biceps tendon ruptures. A history of tendinitis, overuse, or anabolic steroid abuse may predispose tendons to rupture. Surgical repair, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program, is indicated to regain full strength and range of motion in both flexion and supination.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Rupture of the distal head of the biceps brachii muscle at the insertion on the radial tuberosity.

TREATMENT

After the injury, the athlete continued to compete for the remainder of the collegiate football season. He then underwent surgery to repair the tendon at its insertion. Post- operatively, the athlete was immobilized in a cast and then a brace to prevent any movement of the muscle. Rehabilitation proceeded with isometric exercises and manual resistive exercises of the shoulder and wrist. At 16 weeks, the athlete was cleared for biceps curls and wrist supination. At 6 months, the athlete had regained full use of the muscle.

UNIQUENESS

This is a relatively rare injury, usually occurring at the proximal tendon insertion and in those who are middle aged (30 to 50 years old). Also, the surgical intervention in this case was delayed without detrimental effects to the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that, while surgical intervention to repair a ruptured distal biceps tendon is necessary, appropriate conservative measures can be taken to allow surgery to be delayed without harm to the patient. The athletic trainer should be aware of how to recognize and treat this injury.

Pharmacokinetics and disposition of the oxytocin receptor antagonist L-368,899 in rats and dogs

L-368,899 is a potent, orally-active oxytocin antagonist that completed phase I clinical trials for the prevention of preterm labor. The pharmacokinetics and disposition of L-368,899 were studied in rats (female and male) and dogs (female), the two species used in the toxicology studies. L-368,899 exhibited similar pharmacokinetics in rats and dogs. After iv dosing at 1, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg, the compound had a t1/2 of approximately 2 hr and plasma clearance between 23 and 36 ml/min/kg at all doses and in both species. The exception was female rats at the 10 mg/kg dose where plasma clearance decreased to 18 ml/min/kg. The Vdss was between 2.0 and 2.6 liters/kg for rats and 3.4 to 4.9 liters/kg for dogs. After oral doing, L-368,899 was rapidly absorbed. Mean Cmax values were achieved at <1 hr at the low doses (25 mg/kg in rats and 5 mg/kg in dogs) and between 1 and 4 hr at the higher doses (100 mg/kg in rats and 33 mg/kg in dogs). In bile duct-cannulated female rats, approximately 70% of a radioactive 28 mg/kg dose was recovered in bile and urine within 72 hr post dose. Plasma drug concentrations were higher in female than in male rats especially at the 25 mg/kg dose, where mean AUC values were 4.5-fold higher in the females. In both rats and dogs, plasma drug levels increased more than proportionally with increasing oral dose. In female rats, the mean AUC increased by approximately 8-fold between 25 and 100 mg/kg, while in female dogs, the mean AUC at the 33 mg/kg dose was 12-fold higher than that at 5 mg/kg. Oral bioavailability was estimated at 14% and 18% for the 5 mg/kg dose in female and male rats, respectively, 41% for the 25 mg/kg dose in male rats and 17% and 41%, respectively, for the 5 and 33 mg/kg doses in dogs. Owing to nonlinear kinetics, bioavailability could not be calculated for the other oral doses. L-368,899 was metabolized extensively in both species after iv and oral dosing, with <10% of the dose excreted unchanged. The main route of elimination was via the feces, which contained >70% of the radioactive dose by 48 hr, primarily as metabolites. The gender and dose dependence of the pharmacokinetics of L-389,899 in rats were attributed to gender differences in metabolizing capacity and saturation of hepatic metabolism, respectively. This conclusion was based primarily on results from experiments comparing the rate of in vitro metabolism of L-368,899 in liver microsomes, which showed that the Vmax and KM values for L-368,899 were 4-fold lower in female than in male rat liver microsomes.

T3 receptor suppression of Sp1-dependent transcription from the epidermal growth factor receptor promoter via overlapping DNA-binding sites

Expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is inhibited by ligand-activated thyroid hormone receptor (T3R). Binding sites for Sp1 and for the T3R.retinoid X receptor (RXR) complex overlap in a functional core of the EGFR promoter. Sp1 inhibited binding of the T3R complex to this 36-base pair (bp) EGFR element in vitro but did not affect binding of the T3R complex to a positive thyroid hormone response element (TRE). In Drosophila SL2 cells, which lack Sp1 and T3R, function of the EGFR promoter was strongly dependent on Sp1. Sp1-dependent promoter function was inhibited by ligand-activated T3R but not by mutant T3R defective in DNA or T3 binding. RXR increased the extent of inhibition. Sp1 enhanced activity of the 36-bp element placed 5' to a minimal TATA promoter and this enhancement was also repressed by T3R. Mutations in the 36-bp element were unable to separate Sp1 and T3R functions. However, addition of a second half-site 5' to the existing site in an inverted repeat configuration created a positive TRE. In the absence of ligand, T3R inhibited Sp1 stimulation from this altered element; addition of T3 reversed the inhibition. When a dimeric TRE is separated from Sp1-binding sites strong synergism was observed. The nature and location of the TRE thus strongly influence biological responses. A TRE site in the EGFR promoter that overlaps an Sp1-binding site inhibits Sp1 function but is unable to direct positive function.

A nuclear protein is required for thyroid hormone receptor binding to an inhibitory half-site in the epidermal growth factor receptor promoter

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) promoter is negatively regulated by thyroid hormone and retinoic acid. This regulation can be mapped to a 36-basepair GC-rich region of the promoter (EGFR P/E) that functions autonomously as a promoter and an enhancer when placed in front of the thymidine kinase gene TATA element. Direct high affinity binding of the thyroid hormone receptor (T3R) to this element requires a nuclear protein. Through ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration of HeLa nuclear extract, this activity was identified as a protein of approximately 67 kilodaltons. This protein did not bind to DNA alone, but greatly augmented T3R binding to the EGFR P/E sequence in gel mobility shift and DNA precipitation assays. When combined with the T3R auxillary protein (TRAP), the T3R migrated as a larger complex on the DNA. Chemical cross-linking identified this complex as a heterodimer between T3R and TRAP. T3R-TRAP binds to a 7-basepair site in the EGFR P/E (GGGACTC) that has weak homology to a consensus thyroid response element half-site. Thus, on this element, T3R-TRAP heterodimers contact the DNA primarily on a single site that comprises an inhibitory thyroid response element.

Identification and characterization of a regulated promoter element in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene

We have identified a 36-base-pair proximal element (-112 to -77 relative to the AUG translation initiation codon) in the epidermal growth factor receptor 5' region that functions as a promoter; mediates inductive responses to epidermal growth factor, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and cyclic AMP; and acts in an orientation-independent manner. This region functions as an enhancer when transferred to a heterologous promoter containing a TATA box. Mutations within the 36-base-pair region alter function as assayed by reporter gene expression in recipient cells. A protein has been identified that demonstrates appropriate binding specificity to mutant DNA sequences that correlates with promoter activity observed in vivo. On the basis of DNA binding characteristics and size, the identified protein appears distinct from several previously identified transcription factors known to bind to G+C-rich regions.

Regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor gene expression by retinoic acid and epidermal growth factor

In normal rat kidney fibroblasts, retinoic acid increases the level of epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding and synergizes with EGF and transforming growth factor-beta to stimulate anchorage-independent growth. We now demonstrate that retinoids act by increasing the rate of transcription of the EGF receptor gene, resulting in elevated mRNA levels. No effect of retinoic acid on EGF receptor mRNA half-life, measured after actinomycin D treatment, was observed. In the same system, EGF was also able to increase expression of its own receptor through an elevation in mRNA levels. These effects were specific since retinoids and EGF did not alter transcript levels for fibronectin, alpha-tubulin, or beta 2-microglobulin. These results demonstrate that the EGF receptor gene is a target for regulation by multiple growth-stimulating factors.

Transforming growth factor-beta increases transcription of the genes encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor and fibronectin in normal rat kidney fibroblasts

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent modulator of cell growth in many systems. In normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts, TGF-beta synergizes with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to stimulate growth in soft agar, a characteristic of the transformed phenotype. Many biochemical effects of TGF-beta occur at the cell surface. Increased binding of EGF and synthesis of extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin and collagen are primary responses of NRK cells to TGF-beta. Although specific membrane receptors for TGF-beta have been identified, the mechanism of action of this factor is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that TGF-beta enhances the expression of the EGF receptor in NRK cells through an increase in the level of EGF receptor gene transcripts. Analysis of nuclear run-off transcription levels and mRNA half-lives indicate that the elevation in EGF-receptor mRNA results from an increase in the rate of transcription. Dose-response and kinetic studies suggest that the EGF receptor response to TGF-beta is biphasic, possibly resulting from the action of multiple TGF-beta receptors. TGF-beta also elevates the levels of fibronectin and tubulin transcripts in NRK cells; however, the mechanism differs for each gene. The increase in fibronectin mRNA in response to TGF-beta results from an increased rate of gene transcription. Tubulin mRNA levels, in contrast, appear to be post-transcriptionally regulated. These results implicate TGF-beta as a transcriptional activator of the genes for both the EGF receptor and fibronectin and suggest the two genes may be regulated through a common pathway in this cell type.

Metabolism of kadsurenone and 9,10-dihydrokadsurenone in rhesus monkeys and rat liver microsomes

The metabolism of the PAF antagonists kadsurenone and tritium-labeled 9,10-dihydrokadsurenone was studied in rhesus monkeys and rat liver microsomes. The monkey metabolites of the two drugs were isolated as their glucuronide conjugates from the urine of iv dosed males. The metabolites from both monkey and microsomal metabolism were purified by reverse phase HPLC and identified by spectral (NMR, UV, and mass spectrometric) analysis. The principal pathway of biotransformation of the tritium-labeled 9,10-dihydrokadsurenone in monkeys was hydroxylation of the C-5 propyl side chain to give two metabolites, 10-hydroxy-9,10-dihydrokadsurenone and 9-hydroxy-9,10-dihydrokadsurenone. These compounds were excreted as glucuronides. Microsomal incubation of tritium-labeled 9,10-dihydrokadsurenone yielded the 10-, 9-, and 8-hydroxy-9,10-dihydrokadsurenone as major metabolites. Kadsurenone was also metabolized at the C-5 side chain, an allyl group. The monoglucuronide of 9,10-dihydroxykadsurenone was isolated from monkey urine. Spectral analysis was not definitive as to the site of conjugation, and the structure of the metabolite was assigned as the C-10 conjugate. A major metabolite of rat liver microsomal incubation of kadsurenone was 9,10-dihydroxykadsurenone.

Determinants of morbidity in obese women delivered by cesarean

Studies examining the increased surgical morbidity among obese gravidas have focused mainly on differences in outcome between obese and nonobese mothers. Little is known, however, about the cause for worsened operative outcome in obese mothers or the potential impact of perioperative interventions. To define more precisely the clinical determinants of postoperative morbidity, multivariate analysis was used to relate antepartum and intrapartum variables to three measures of morbidity in 107 consecutively delivered obese women undergoing cesarean. Although obesity is clearly an operative risk factor, this study suggested that among obese gravidas, varying degrees of maternal obesity and accompanying medical complications, such as diabetes and hypertension, were not associated with greater operative morbidity. Furthermore, neither choice of skin incision nor type of anesthesia appeared to be related to operative morbidity. However, two factors potentially under the control of the clinician, increased length of surgery and operative blood loss, were associated significantly with measures of operative morbidity. A finding of worsened outcome with prophylactic antibiotics and heparin requires further study.