Expanded phenotypic spectrum of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder Bryant-Li-Bhoj syndrome with 38 additional individuals

Bryant-Li-Bhoj syndrome (BLBS), which became OMIM-classified in 2022 (OMIM: 619720, 619721), is caused by germline variants in the two genes that encode histone H3.3 (H3-3A/H3F3A and H3-3B/H3F3B) [1-4]. This syndrome is characterized by developmental delay/intellectual disability, craniofacial anomalies, hyper/hypotonia, and abnormal neuroimaging [1, 5]. BLBS was initially categorized as a progressive neurodegenerative syndrome caused by de novo heterozygous variants in either H3-3A or H3-3B [1-4]. Here, we analyze the data of the 58 previously published individuals along 38 unpublished, unrelated individuals. In this larger cohort of 96 people, we identify causative missense, synonymous, and stop-loss variants. We also expand upon the phenotypic characterization by elaborating on the neurodevelopmental component of BLBS. Notably, phenotypic heterogeneity was present even amongst individuals harboring the same variant. To explore the complex phenotypic variation in this expanded cohort, the relationships between syndromic phenotypes with three variables of interest were interrogated: sex, gene containing the causative variant, and variant location in the H3.3 protein. While specific genotype-phenotype correlations have not been conclusively delineated, the results presented here suggest that the location of the variants within the H3.3 protein and the affected gene (H3-3A or H3-3B) contribute more to the severity of distinct phenotypes than sex. Since these variables do not account for all BLBS phenotypic variability, these findings suggest that additional factors may play a role in modifying the phenotypes of affected individuals. Histones are poised at the interface of genetics and epigenetics, highlighting the potential role for gene-environment interactions and the importance of future research.

NeuroTri2-VISDOT: An open-access tool to harness the power of second trimester human single cell data to inform models of Mendelian neurodevelopmental disorders

Whole exome and genome sequencing, coupled with refined bioinformatic pipelines, have enabled improved diagnostic yields for individuals with Mendelian conditions and have led to the rapid identification of novel syndromes. For many Mendelian neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), there is a lack of pre-existing model systems for mechanistic work. Thus, it is critical for translational researchers to have an accessible phenotype- and genotype-informed approach for model system selection. Single-cell RNA sequencing data can be informative in such an approach, as it can indicate which cell types express a gene of interest at the highest levels across time. For Mendelian NDDs, such data for the developing human brain is especially useful. A valuable single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of the second trimester developing human brain was produced by Bhaduri et al in 2021, but access to these data can be limited by computing power and the learning curve of single-cell data analysis. To reduce these barriers for translational research on Mendelian NDDs, we have built the web-based tool, Neurodevelopment in Trimester 2 - VIsualization of Single cell Data Online Tool (NeuroTri2-VISDOT), for exploring this single-cell dataset, and we have employed it in several different settings to demonstrate its utility for the translational research community.

Federal and State Pharmacy Regulations and Dispensing Barriers to Buprenorphine Access at Retail Pharmacies in the US

This Viewpoint describes federal and state pharmacy regulations that may create barriers to buprenorphine access at pharmacies and suggests policy changes to address those barriers.

Peripartum anesthetic management in patients with left ventricular noncompaction: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

This retrospective review focuses on peripartum anesthetic management and outcome of a series of five pregnant women with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC).

METHODS

The Mayo Clinic Advanced Cohort Explorer medical database was utilized to identify women diagnosed with LVNC who had been admitted for delivery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota between January 2001 and September 2021. Echocardiograms were independently reviewed by two board-certified echocardiographers, and those determined by both to meet the Jenni criteria and/or having compatible findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed for information pertaining to cardiac function, labor, delivery, and postpartum management.

RESULTS

We identified 44 patients whose medical record included the term "noncompaction" or "hypertrabeculation" and who had delivered at our institution during the study period. Upon detailed review of the medical records, 36 did not meet criteria for LVNC, and three additional patients did not receive the diagnosis until after delivery, leaving five patients with confirmed LVNC who had undergone six deliveries during the study interval. All five patients had a history of arrhythmias or had developed arrhythmias during pregnancy. One patient underwent emergency cesarean delivery due to sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring three intra-operative cardioversions.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series adds new evidence to that already available about pregnancies among women with LVNC. Favorable obstetrical outcomes were achievable when multidisciplinary teams were prepared to manage the maternal and fetal consequences of intrapartum cardiac arrhythmias and hemodynamic instability.

Kinetics of Plasma Cell-Free DNA and Creatine Kinase in a Canine Model of Tissue Injury

Background

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) comprises short, double‐stranded circulating DNA sequences released from damaged cells. In people, cfDNA concentrations correlate well with disease severity and tissue damage. No reports are available regarding cfDNA kinetics in dogs.

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cell‐free DNA will have a short biological half‐life and would be able to stratify mild, moderate, and severe tissue injury. Our study aims were to determine the kinetics and biological half‐life of cfDNA and to contrast them with those of creatine kinase (CK).

Animals

Three groups of 10 dogs undergoing open ovariohysterectomy, surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), or hemilaminectomy.

Methods

Plasma for cfDNA and CK analysis was collected at admission, at induction of anesthesia, postsurgery (time 0) and at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours after surgery.

Results

The biological half‐life of plasma cfDNA and CK were 5.64 hours (95% confidence interval [CI 95], 4.36–7.98 hours) and 28.7 hours (CI95, 25.3–33.3 hours), respectively. In the hemilaminectomy group, cfDNA concentrations differed significantly from admission at 6–12 hours after surgery. Creatine kinase activity differed among the surgical groups and reached a peak 6 hours after surgery. In the ovariohysterectomy and CCLR groups, plasma CK activity 72 hours after surgery did not differ from admission activity of the ovariohysterectomy group. In contrast, in the hemilaminectomy group, plasma CK activity after 72 hours did not return to the ovariohysterectomy group admission activity.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma CK activity has a longer biological half‐life than previously thought. In contrast to plasma CK activity, cfDNA has a short half‐life and could be a useful marker for peracute severe tissue injury.

The zebrafish genome editing toolkit

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a unique model organism at the functional intersection between a high fecundity and conserved vertebrate physiology while being amenable to a multitude of genome editing techniques. The genome engineering field has experienced an unprecedented rate of growth in the recent years since the introduction of designer endonucleases, such as zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 systems. With the ever-evolving toolset available to the scientific community, the important question one should ask is not simply how to make a mutant line, but rather how best to do so. For this purpose, understanding the toolset is just one end of the equation; understanding how DNA is repaired once double-strand breaks are induced by designer endonucleases, as well as understanding proper fish handling and line maintenance techniques, are also essential to rapidly edit the zebrafish genome. This chapter is outlined to provide a bird's-eye view on each of these three components. The goal of this chapter is to facilitate the adoption of the zebrafish as a model to study human genetic disease and to rapidly analyze the function of the vertebrate genome.

Identification and characterization of intestinal lactobacilli strains capable of degrading immunotoxic peptides present in gluten

AIM

Identify and characterize bacteria from the proximal gastrointestinal tract of pigs capable of degrading immunogenic gluten peptides.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacteria were cultured from the small intestine of pigs fed a 20% gluten diet and from an enrichment media with the 18-mer peptide LQLQPFPQPQLPYPQPQL. Isolates were screened for the production of specialized proteolytic enzymes and the ability to degrade and remove metastable peptides from α-gliadin (16-mer and 33-mer) and ω-gliadin (17-mer), with established roles in the aetiology of coeliac disease. Degradation was determined by ELISA and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS in MRM mode), and hydrolysis fragments were characterized by LC-MS/MS. Four strains from the species Lactobacillus ruminis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus salivarius showed the highest peptide-degrading activities. Strains displayed different degradation rates and cleavage patterns that resulted in reduction but not complete removal of immunotoxic epitopes.

CONCLUSIONS

We employed a unique enrichment process to select for bacteria adapted to the conditions of the proximal gastrointestinal tract with the ability to partially detoxify well-characterized peptides involved in coeliac disease.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides a basis for the selection of Lactobacillus strains for probiotic applications aimed to reduce epitope-containing gluten peptides before reaching the epithelium of the small intestine of patients with coeliac disease.

A transgenic zebrafish model for monitoring glucocorticoid receptor activity

Gene regulation resulting from glucocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid response element interactions is a hallmark feature of stress response signaling. Imbalanced glucocorticoid production and glucocorticoid receptor activity have been linked to socioeconomically crippling neuropsychiatric disorders, and accordingly there is a need to develop in vivo models to help understand disease progression and management. Therefore, we developed the transgenic SR4G zebrafish reporter line with six glucocorticoid response elements used to promote expression of a short half-life green fluorescent protein following glucocorticoid receptor activation. Herein, we document the ability of this reporter line to respond to both chronic and acute exogenous glucocorticoid treatment. The green fluorescent protein expression in response to transgene activation was high in a variety of tissues including the brain, and provided single-cell resolution in the effected regions. The specificity of these responses is demonstrated using the partial agonist mifepristone and mutation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Importantly, the reporter line also modeled the temporal dynamics of endogenous stress response signaling, including the increased production of the glucocorticoid cortisol following hyperosmotic stress and the fluctuations of basal cortisol concentrations with the circadian rhythm. Taken together, these results characterize our newly developed reporter line for elucidating environmental or genetic modifiers of stress response signaling, which may provide insights to the neuronal mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder.

The pharmacist "toolbox" for smoking cessation: a review of methods, medicines, and novel means to help patients along the path of smoking reduction to smoking cessation

Annually there are 500 000 preventable deaths in the United States caused by smoking; as health care professionals, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to advise, assess, and assist patients to quit smoking. This review article provides pharmacists with a "toolbox" containing an overview of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for smoking cessation. Currently approved over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion) are summarized, and nonpharmacologic therapies discussed include cognitive therapy and hypnosis. In addition to traditional therapies some potential approaches to smoking cessation are addressed, including nicotine immunizations and electronic cigarettes.

Surgical management of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head in three dogs

CASE HISTORIES

Three dogs, aged between 11 and 20 weeks, were presented with unilateral forelimb lameness, with an associated bony prominence on the lateral elbow.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS

Radiographs revealed a caudolateral luxation of the radial head in all cases, consistent with a diagnosis of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head. Surgical reduction and stabilisation involved open reduction of the radial head, and in two cases the use of a trans articular pin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Congenital luxation of the radial head is an uncommon condition that has conflicting reports in the literature regarding its cause, heritability, breed predisposition, treatment and prognosis. The three cases here occurred in young dogs of English Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. Surgical reduction and stabilisation provided successful outcomes, in all cases. Only six cases of congenital luxation of the radial head managed surgically have previously been reported in the literature.

Inadequate lung development and bronchial hyperplasia in mice with a targeted deletion in the Dutt1/Robo1 gene

Chromosome 3 allele loss in preinvasive bronchial abnormalities and carcinogen-exposed, histologically normal bronchial epithelium indicates that it is an early, possibly the first, somatic genetic change in lung tumor development. Candidate tumor suppressor genes have been isolated from within distinct 3p regions implicated by heterozygous and homozygous allele loss. We have proposed that DUTT1, nested within homozygously deleted regions at 3p12-13, is the tumor suppressor gene that deletion-mapping and tumor suppression assays indicate is located in proximal 3p. The same gene, ROBO1 (accession number ), was independently isolated as the human homologue of the Drosophila gene, Roundabout. The gene, coding for a receptor with a domain structure of the neural-cell adhesion molecule family, is widely expressed and has been implicated in the guidance and migration of axons, myoblasts, and leukocytes in vertebrates. A deleted form of the gene, which mimics a naturally occurring, tumor-associated human homozygous deletion of exon 2 of DUTT1/ROBO1, was introduced into the mouse germ line. Mice homozygous for this targeted mutation, which eliminates the first Ig domain of Dutt1/Robo1, frequently die at birth of respiratory failure because of delayed lung maturation. Lungs from these mice have reduced air spaces and increased mesenchyme, features that are present some days before birth. Survivors acquire extensive bronchial epithelial abnormalities including hyperplasia, providing evidence of a functional relationship between a 3p gene and the development of bronchial abnormalities associated with early lung cancer.

Microsatellite mutation of type II transforming growth factor-beta receptor is rare in atherosclerotic plaques

A somatic mutation within a microsatellite polyA tract in the coding region of the type II transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor gene was reported to occur in human atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions. This mutation occurs frequently in colorectal cancer with the replication error repair phenotype and results in loss of sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta in cells from the tumors. The mutation was proposed to account for the clonal expansion of vascular smooth muscle cells observed in atherosclerotic plaques, through loss of the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-beta. The frequency of the mutation and the extent of clonal expansion of the mutated cells have major implications for the mechanism of atherogenesis and therapeutic strategies. We analyzed a set of 22 coronary arterial and 9 aortic samples containing early to advanced atherosclerotic lesions for the mutation in the type II TGF-beta receptor polyA tract. Only 1 coronary arterial sample from an advanced lesion showed detectable amounts of the mutation, present at a low level (8% of the DNA sample). The data imply that the mutation occurs only at low frequency and is not a major mechanistic contributor to the development of atherosclerosis.

Underutilization of the V kappa 10C gene in the B cell repertoire is due to the loss of productive VJ rearrangements during B cell development

The V kappa10 family of murine light chain Ig genes is composed of three members, two of which (V kappa 10A and V kappa 10B) are well used. V kappa 10C, the third member of this family, is not detected in any expressed Abs. Our previous work showed that V kappa 10C is structurally functional and can recombine, but mRNA levels in spleen were extremely low relative to those of V kappa 10A and V kappa 10B. Furthermore, while the V kappa 10C promoter was efficient in B cells, it was shown to work inefficiently in pre-B cell lines. Here, we extend our analysis of the V kappa 10 family and examine V kappa 10 gene accessibility, their representation in V kappa cDNA phage libraries, and the frequency and nature of rearrangements during different stages of B cell development. We demonstrate that V kappa 10C is under-represented in V kappa cDNA libraries, but that the frequency of its sterile transcripts in pre-B cells surpasses both V kappa 10A and V kappa 10B, indicating that the gene is as accessible as V kappa 10A and V kappa 10B to the recombination machinery. We also demonstrate that V kappa 10C recombines at a frequency equal to that of V kappa 10A in pre-B cells and has a normal nonproductive to productive recombination ratio. As B cells develop, however, both the frequency of V kappa 10C rearrangements and the presence of productive rearrangements decline, indicating that these cells are in some fashion being eliminated.

A novel activation induced lymphocyte surface antigen, 90.12, is also expressed on apoptotic cells

We describe a monoclonal antibody, mAb 90.12, which recognizes a novel activation induced lymphocyte surface antigen. Flow cytometric analysis of normal tissues shows the antigen to be expressed on higher percentages of B lymphocytes in the bone marrow than in the spleen and the lymph node. Similarly, the 90.12 antigen is expressed on higher percentages of thymocytes than peripheral T cells. MAb 90. 12 immunoprecipitates three proteins with a molecular weight of 12-18 kDa which are not linked to the membrane by phosphotidylinositol. Expression of the 90.12 antigen is increased on activated B cells and the extent of upregulation varies with the stimulus. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation results in expression on most B cells, while expression is upregulated on only a subset of B cells stimulated with anti-immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin(IL)4 and IL5. Finally, we show that 90.12 antigen expression is also increased on apoptotic cells.

Dynamic and tissue-specific expression of eIF4E during zebrafish embryogenesis

The regulation of protein synthesis is critical to diverse cellular processes and plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis. The cap-binding protein eIF4E is a translational factor whose activity appears to be both ubiquitous and central to the regulation of protein synthesis in all cell-types. As a cell-cycle regulator, mesoderm inducer and proto-oncogene, the amount and activity of the translational factor eIF4E must be under strict control, but the range of its expression and its concentration as a function of position and time in the developing embryo are unknown. Consequently, we have initiated studies to elucidate the expression of the eIF4E gene and its role in the regulating embryonic development. We have cloned a zebrafish gene encoding eIF4E, zeIF4E, and measured its developmental expression. Unexpectedly, we found that the zeIF4E gene produces two alternatively spliced transcripts that potentially encode different forms of the initiation factor. Molecular analyses and in situ hybridization reveal a potential role for eIF4E in regulating protein synthesis during vertebrate oogenesis, gastrulation, and erythropoiesis. The dynamic and asymmetric expression of eIF4E during zebrafish embryogenesis reveals that this ostensibly general translation factor may act as a tissue-specific translational enhancer.

Increased protein kinase C delta in mammary tumor cells: relationship to transformtion and metastatic progression

Relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms of tumor promotion/progression in mammary carcinogenesis. Increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity is known to promote tumor formation in several tissues; however, its role in mammary carcinogenesis is not yet known. To determine if individual PKCs may selectively regulate properties of mammary tumor cells, we compared PKC isozyme levels in mammary tumor cell lines with low, moderate and high metastatic potential. All three cell lines expressed alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta PKCs; however, PKC delta levels were relatively increased in the highly metastatic cells. To determine if increased PKC delta could contribute to promotion/progression, we overexpressed PKC delta in the low and moderately metastatic cell lines. PKC delta overexpression had no significant effect on growth of adherent cells, but significantly increased anchorage-independent growth. Conversely, expressing the regulatory domain of PKC delta (RD delta), a putative PKC delta inhibitory fragment, inhibited anchorage-independent growth. The efficacy of RD delta as a PKC delta inhibitor was demonstrated by showing that RD delta selectively interfered with PKC delta subcellular location and significantly interfered with phosphorylation of the PKC cytoskeletal substrate, adducin. PKC-dependent phosphorylation of cytoskeletal substrate proteins, such as adducin, provides a mechanistic link between increased PKC delta activity and phenotypic changes in cytoskeletal-dependent processes such as migration and attachment, two processes that are relevant to metastatic potential. The reciprocal growth effects of expressing PKC delta and RD delta as gain and loss of function constructs, respectively, provide strong evidence that PKC delta regulates processes important for anchorage-independent growth in these mammary tumor cells.

Dicistronic Gene Expression in Developing Zebrafish

Internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) allow ribosomal access to messenger RNA without a requirement for cap recognition and subsequent scanning to an initiator AUG. Hence, IRESs have been adapted into dicistronic vectors for the expression of more than one gene from a single mRNA. Dicistronic vectors have been used for many applications in mammalian tissue culture and transgenesis. However, whether the IRESs from mammalian viruses function without temporal or spatial restrictions in nonmammalian organisms like zebra fish (Danio rerio) is unknown. Therefore, we have examined the expression capabilities of the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES during zebrafish embryogenesis. We determined that the EMCV IRES was sufficient to permit detectable expression of several second cistron reporters during zebrafish embryogenesis, including luciferase and green fluorescent protein. This suggests that our dicistronic vectors are suitable for general use in any vertebrate system, from fish to humans.

Characterization of a B cell surface antigen with homology to the S100 protein MRP8

The S100 proteins comprise a large sub-family of the EF-hand calcium-binding proteins. Here we describe a novel monoclonal antibody recognizing a B cell surface antigen. This monoclonal antibody immunoprecipitates three proteins in the 12-18 kDa range and the smallest of these proteins has a striking homology at its amino-terminus to human MRP8, a myeloid specific member of the S100 family. Similarly to MRP8 in myeloid cells, this antigen is expressed in the cytoplasm of B cells and is secreted by LPS-induced activated B cells. This surface antigen is not B cell specific. Since MRP8 is not expressed by lymphoid cells, however, this antibody appears to recognize a new member of the S100 family.

Protein kinase C delta involvement in mammary tumor cell metastasis

Metastasis requires cytoskeletal remodeling for migration, adhesion, and extravasation of metastatic cells. Although protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in tumor promotion/progression and cytoskeletal remodeling, its role in metastasis has not been defined. PKCdelta levels are increased in highly metastatic 13762NF mammary tumor cells (MTLn3) compared with less metastatic, parental cell lines. To determine whether the increase in endogenous PKCdelta is functionally related to their increased metastatic potential, we prepared MTLn3 cells that express the inhibitory regulatory domain fragment of PKCdelta (RDdelta) under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter. RDdelta expression attenuated endogenous PKCdelta activity, as demonstrated by decreased phosphorylation of the PKCdelta substrate adducin in migrating cells. Thus, in MT cells, RDdelta appears to primarily influence cytoskeleton-dependent processes rather than cell cycle progression. To determine whether RDdelta expression influenced metastatic potential in vivo, MTLn3/RDdelta cells were either grown in the mammary fat pad or injected into the tail vein of syngeneic rats, and effects of doxycycline-induced RDdelta expression on pulmonary metastases were studied. Consistent with the in vitro data, induction of RDdelta significantly reduced the number of lung metastases without affecting growth of the primary tumor. These results suggest that interfering with endogenous PKCdelta activity by expressing the inhibitory RDdelta fragment inhibits cytoskeleton-regulated processes important for MTLn3 cell metastasis.

Crop grouping: a proposal for public aquaculture

Production in US aquaculture is limited by the few FDA-approved drugs available for use. The problem is compounded by the high costs and long time frames associated with extending the approved label of an existing drug to treat additional fish species. An FDA approved crop grouping plan could significantly reduce the costs associated with extending or expanding the label of a currently approved drug to other species. Before FDA could sanction such a plan, they require scientific data with which to make an informed decision. Under a crop grouping plan, a surrogate fish species would represent a single group of fish for the purposes of gaining drug approvals. The concept, if practical, would conserve substantial public resources expended to gain drug approvals and yet give regulators assurance that the extended label use provides necessary regulatory safeguards to protect human food safety and the environment. A crop grouping plan should include development of a data base that is sufficiently sensitive to discriminate differences of one group from another and yet would be able to identify potential similarities between like-species for grouping. The proposed crop grouping action plan should include data sets for fish grouped by temperature preference, activity level, and phylogenetic classification. Initially, two representative species would be identified for testing as surrogates for candidate groups; rainbow trout representing a coldwater, active, and conservative phylogenetic group, and channel catfish representing a warmwater, relatively sedentary and more phylogenetically advanced group. Additional species representing more primitive (sturgeon) and more advanced (striped bass and walleye) groups would be added. A waterborne (benzocaine) and an orally administered drug (sarafloxacin) would initially be tested among the major species groups. The integrity of the group will be tested by comparing the variability of response between major species against variability within cohort species identified for inclusion within each specific group.

Color Doppler ultrasonographic detection of a vibrating needle system

The purpose of this study was to compare needle detection using a commercially available vibrating needle system that is used with color Doppler sonography and conventional real-time needle guidance during ultrasonographically guided intervention. Twenty-four paired (48 total) sonographically guided needle placements were performed in 22 patients for fine needle biopsy. Two patients underwent two additional needle placements at later times and, therefore, underwent a total of four needle passes each. Twenty-four of the needles were placed utilizing conventional real-time ultrasonographic guidance, and 24 were guided using a commercially available vibrating needle system. The Color Mark System was compared with standard technique for needle visualization and graded according to ease of needle visualization (improved, no change, or more difficult visualization). This was done for both needle tip and needle shaft visualization. Visualization was graded in both superficial (less than 3 cm deep) and deep structures. Overall needle tip and shaft visualization improved in 14 of 24 cases in superficial tissues and in three of 24 cases in superficial and deep tissues with the Color Mark System. The vibrating needle system also was judged to be somewhat cumbersome when used with a 22 gauge needle, as its weight tended to bend the needle shaft. The needle vibrating system may enhance needle visualization in superficial structures, but with the present design it is of limited use in deep tissues.

An unusual group-A rotavirus associated with an epidemic of diarrhea among three-month-old calves

During the 1992 and 1993 breeding seasons, epidemics of diarrhea among calves approximately 3 months old in a cow/calf operation were reported. Rotavirus was determined to be the probable cause, but because rotavirus typically affects younger calves, further investigations were conducted to determine the characteristics of the virus. Virus isolated from the feces of 1 affected calf was found to be antigenically distinct from the vaccine strain used. The primary water source was a slough, and rapid spread of infection may have been a result of fecal contamination of the slough. In both years, the epidemic began shortly after migrating cattle egrets arrived in the district.

Color Doppler sonography: anatomic and physiologic assessment of the thyroid

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential application of color Doppler sonography in thyroid imaging. Thyroid nodules and other thyroid pathology detected by color Doppler ultrasound and nuclear scintigraphy were compared in 115 patients. The majority of "cold" nodules demonstrated a peripheral rim of color flow and no internal color flow with color Doppler sonography. A large number of "hot" nodules demonstrated internal color flow. Color Doppler sonography was helpful in delineating nodules in otherwise inhomogeneous glands. We determined that color Doppler cannot reliably distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules; fine-needle aspiration biopsy remains the most accurate method in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. We suggest that color Doppler sonography plays only a limited role in the evaluation of nodular thyroid disease at this time. The color Doppler appearance of other thyroid disorders (including toxic multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, and thyroiditis) is discussed.

Evidence that the bradykinin-induced activation of phospholipase D and of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade involve different protein kinase C isoforms

The effect of alkylglycerol supplementation on protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signaling events has been studied in fibroblasts from Zellweger patients (SF 3271 cells). Western blotting analysis established that Zellweger fibroblasts express PKC alpha, epsilon, and zeta. Incubation with bradykinin induced a rapid transient translocation of PKC alpha and a more sustained translocation of PKC epsilon to the particulate fraction; translocation of PKC zeta was unaffected. Bradykinin-induced translocation and activation of PKC alpha, but not translocation of PKC epsilon, was blocked in SF 3271 cells which had been incubated with 1-O-hexadecylglycerol (1-O-HDG; 20 micrograms/ml) for 24 h and then incubated in the absence of 1-O-HDG and serum for a further 24 h. Supplementation with 1-O-HDG increased the mass of ether-linked phospholipid. Bradykinin initiated a transient increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in both control and 1-O-HDG supplemented cells, indicating that the initial receptor linked events were not affected by 1-O-HDG supplementation. Bradykinin also caused a rapid activation of phospholipase D (PLD), measured by phosphatidylbutanol accumulation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) determined by myelin basic protein phosphorylation of Mono Q fractions. Both events were blocked by preincubation of the cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate for 24 h to deplete PKC protein. 1-O-HDG supplementation prevented the bradykinin-induced activation of PLD, but had no effect on the stimulation of MAPK activity. These results establish that modulation of the ether lipid composition of membranes can alter PKC isozyme translocation and indicate that a PKC isozyme other than PKC alpha, most likely PKC epsilon, is involved in MAPK activation.

Lysophosphatidic acid inhibits gap-junctional communication and stimulates phosphorylation of connexin-43 in WB cells: possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) was shown to be a powerful inhibitor of gap-junctional communication between cultured rat liver WB cells, as determined by the transfer of Lucifer Yellow, with 50% inhibition obtained at about 0.3 microM LPA. Inhibition of communication was rapid (5 min) and was maintained for at least 80 min. After incubation for 3 h with LPA, communication competence was partially restored and dye transfer was refractory to further addition of LPA. Communication in LPA-refractory cells retained sensitivity to inhibition by phorbol ester and by epidermal growth factor (EGF). LPA-induced inhibition was associated with phosphorylation of connexin-43 protein, as detected by slower migration of the protein detected on Western blots, which could be eliminated by incubation of samples with alkaline phosphatase. A close correspondence was observed between the time- and dose-dependency of LPA effects on communication and the induction of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase). Activation of both the 42 kDa and 44 kDa subspecies were confirmed by mobility shifts on Western blots using an anti-(MAP kinase R1) (erk 1-III) antibody and by fractionation on Mono Q columns. Cells pretreated with phorbol ester for 24 h were insensitive to phorbol ester inhibition of communication or activation of MAP kinase, but retained their sensitivity to LPA. The results indicate that LPA initiates the activation of protein kinase cascades in WB cells that are probably independent of protein kinase C and identifies connexin-43 as one substrate for the activated kinases.

In vitro activation of rat brain protein kinase C by polyenoic very-long-chain fatty acids

A variety of fatty acids including the cis-polyunsaturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) (> 22 carbon atoms) common in retina, spermatozoa, and brain were examined for their ability to activate protein kinase C (PKC) purified from rat brain. Arachidonic [20:4(n-6)], eicosapentaenoic [20:5(n-3)], and docosahexaenoic [22:6(n-3)] acids as well as the VLCFA dotriacontatetraenoic [32:4(n-6)] and tetratriacontahexaenoic [34:6(n-3)] were equally capable of activating PKC in vitro with maximal activity being between 25 and 50 microM. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate further enhanced the in vitro activation of PKC when added to the protein kinase assay system with the fatty acids. The fully saturated arachidic acid (20:0) was inactive in both assay systems. The potential significance of the in vitro activation of PKC by the VLCFA is discussed.

Neglected subjects in sex research: a survey of sexologists

This study surveyed registered diplomates of the American Board of Sexology on neglected areas in sex research. Three rounds of questionnaires were completed by the diplomates as they identified and narrowed the most neglected sexual research questions. Results indicate that among three of the four specialty groups, marital sexual behavior was ranked as the most neglected sex research subject in the literature. In reviewing the individual research questions under each subject, more outcome studies on the treatment of various sexual disorders and dysfunctions were identified and ranked consistently higher than any questions under another subject area. The single exception was among sex educators, where individual research questions concerning sex education received the highest priority. These findings may suggest the need for new directions in sex research.

Further development of hydrogen bond functions for use in determining energetically favorable binding sites on molecules of known structure. 1. Ligand probe groups with the ability to form two hydrogen bonds

The directional properties of hydrogen bonds play a major role in determining the specificity of intermolecular interactions. An energy function which takes explicit account of these properties has been developed for use in the determination of energetically favorable ligand binding sites on molecules of known structure by the GRID method (Goodford, P.J.J. Med. Chem. 1985, 28, 849. Boobbyer, D.N.A.; Goodford, P.J.; McWhinnie, P.M.; Wade, R.C.J. Med. Chem. 1989, 32, 1083). In this method, the interaction energy between a target molecule and a small chemical group (a probe), which may be part of a larger ligand, was calculated using an energy function consisting of Lennard-Jones, electrostatic, and hydrogen bond terms. The latter term was a function of the length of the hydrogen bond, its orientation at the hydrogen-bonding atoms, and their chemical nature. We now describe hydrogen bond energy functions which take account of the spatial distribution of the hydrogen bonds made by probes with the ability to form two hydrogen bonds. These functions were designed so as to model the experimentally observed angular dependence of the hydrogen bonds. We also describe the procedure to locate the position and orientation of the probe at which the interaction energy is optimized. The use of this procedure is demonstrated by examples of biological and pharmacological interest which show that it can produce results that are consistent with other theoretical approaches and with experimental observations.

Determination of the optimal ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid in infant formulas

The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte total lipids taken from a group of term infants 10 weeks after being fed a commercial infant formula with a high ratio of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) (ALA) (19:1; LA, 14%; ALA, 0.7%; group A, n = 10) was compared with the fatty acid composition of erythrocytes from infants fed formulas that contained LA/ALA ratios reduced by either increasing ALA (4:1; LA, 13%; ALA, 3.3%; group B, n = 11) or decreasing LA (3:1; LA, 3.5%; ALA, 1.1%; group C, n = 8). Results were compared with those in an age-controlled group (n = 9) of breast-fed infants. Decreasing the LA/ALA ratio increased n-3 C20 and C22 fatty acid incorporation (formula B = 8.98% +/- 0.65%; formula C = 9.30% +/- 0.95%) relative to formula A (5.97% +/- 0.76%; p less than 0.05). Although docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) (DHA) incorporation was highest in infants fed formulas B and C (4.78% +/- 0.45% and 4.48% +/- 0.49%, respectively) relative to formula A (3.47% +/- 0.46%; p less than 0.05), it did not reach levels found in breast-fed infants (6.55% +/- 1.23%; p less than 0.05). In addition, levels of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) (AA) were lower in all formula-fed groups (p less than 0.05) relative to those in breast-fed infants. Based on some equations, it is predicted that AA levels in tissues of infants fed lower LA/ALA ratios would be reduced even further. Because both AA and DHA are probably essential for normal neural development of the infant, formulas with LA/ALA ratios below 4:1 are likely to result in fatty acid profiles notably different from those of breast-fed infants.

Carbon dioxide-induced hypoxia causes selective loss of rat brain protein kinase C-gamma

Protein kinase C purified from the brains of rats killed by decapitation contained isozymes -alpha, beta and -gamma, whereas brain from animals killed by CO2-anoxia contained only the -alpha and -beta forms. Immunoblotting experiments established that exposure to CO2 resulted in a selective loss of protein kinase C-gamma protein.

Phorbol esters modulate the turnover of both ether- and ester-linked phospholipids in cultured mammalian cells

The effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) on the metabolism of ester- and ether derivatives of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were studied in HeLa and HEL-37 cells. TPA stimulated the incorporation of [3H]choline into diacyl-, alkylacyl- and alkenylacy/PC in HeLa cells, but inhibited the incorporation of [3H]ethanolamine into the corresponding derivatives of PE. TPA also stimulated the incorporation of [3H]ethanolamine into lysoPE and the release of labelled ethanolamine and phosphoethanolamine from HeLa cells prelabelled with [3H]ethanolamine. All responses to TPA were abolished in HeLa cells preincubated with the phorbol ester and which were deficient in protein kinase C. In HEL-37 cells TPA stimulated label incorporation into both ester- and ether-forms of PE. The marked effects of TPA on ether-lipid metabolism raises the possibility that hydrolysis products of this class of lipid are important in transmembrane signalling pathways.

An anatomy-based coordinate system for the description of the kinematic displacements in the human knee

The effects and interaction of the anatomical displacements in the human knee are a prerequisite to an accurate assessment and communication of the kinematic data. For the kinematic information to be used to improve diagnosis and treatment, and for better prosthetic design and installation, there must be clear, concise, and universal definitions of the displacements. In general, the displacements are defined as three translations and three rotations. In this paper, anatomic landmarks on the femur and on the tibia are used to define the locations and orientations of the six displacement axes; i.e. three translational and three rotational displacement axes. The most commonly accepted kinematic representation of the knee joint, in the literature, is a special geometry three-cylindric open chain in which the axes of the cylindric joints are defined according to the rotational displacement axes. The sequentially adjacent joint axes are assumed to not only intersect but to intersect at right-angles. The open chain permits a total of six degrees of freedom between a Cartesian reference frame attached to the femur and a Cartesian reference frame attached to the tibia. In this paper, the three rotational axes are shown to be skewed and off-set from each other, therefore, a three-cylindric open chain with skewed joint axes is proposed to measure the six displacements between the two reference frames. The authors believe that the proposed open chain is the most general to date and provides a more realistic representation of the displacements in the knee. To illustrate the significance of the reference frames on the interpretation of measured data, the anterior/posterior drawer is plotted against per cent gait cycle for three existing open chains and the proposed open chain.

Phorbol ester induces differential membrane-association of protein kinase C subspecies in human platelets

Human platelets contained proteins which cross-reacted with antisera specific for brain protein kinase C-alpha and -beta. When platelets were incubated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate there was a rapid accumulation of protein kinase C-alpha in the particulate fraction associated with a loss of this subspecies from the soluble fraction. No particulate accumulation or soluble loss of protein kinase C-beta could be detected when platelets were incubated with the phorbol ester.

Methoxychlor residues in milk of cattle treated with Marlate 50 insecticide as a dermal spray

Lactating Holstein cattle were treated twice at an interval of 14 days with methoxychlor (Marlate 50 insecticide) as a 0, .25, or .50% dermal spray, with 2 quarts of spray mix applied to each animal. Residues of methoxychlor in whole milk were highest on the 1st or 2nd day after treatment and, when expressed as part per million equivalent in milk fat, were as high as 2.0 and 3.0 ppm in samples from the low and high dosage sprays. Residues in milk dropped rapidly after residues were at most only slightly above the sensitivity limit (.005 ppm in whole milk) of the analytical method. Applicative specifications for Marlate 50 insecticide use on lactating dairy cattle might result in violative methoxychlor residues in milk during the first 1 to 3 days after treatment.