Perceptions of Health Care, Information, and Social Support Among Women Affected by Zika Virus Infection During Pregnancy in Two U.S. States

OBJECTIVES

To understand the information needs and experiences with health care and social support among women with confirmed or possible Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 women whose pregnancies were part of surveillance efforts in two states, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Using a semi-structured guide available in English and Spanish, we asked women about their experiences. We conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo 11.

RESULTS

Only one participant reported that her infant had been diagnosed with health problems related to congenital Zika virus infection. Most participants said they received the information they needed about Zika virus and their infant's medical care. Most participants primarily spoke Spanish and described satisfactory experiences communicating with providers, either using a mix of Spanish and English or using an interpreter. Coordination of care and clear communication among different providers was a key factor in participants' satisfaction with health care received. Participants noted high levels of stress around the uncertainty associated with Zika virus exposure during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Although participants reported satisfaction with care, they also reported high levels of anxiety and challenges coping with the uncertainties along their journeys. Study findings support the need for guidance for providers about how to talk with women about Zika virus infection during pregnancy and specifically how to discuss the uncertainties about diagnosis and outcomes.

Care of the adult cancer patient at the end of life: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines

•This ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline provides key recommendations for end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer. •It details care that is focused on comfort, quality of life and approaching death of patients with advanced cancer. •All recommendations were compiled by a multidisciplinary group of experts. •Recommendations are based on available scientific data and the authors’ collective expert opinion.

Status of population-based birth defects surveillance programs before and after the Zika public health response in the United States

BACKGROUND

The 2016 Zika public health response in the United States highlighted the need for birth defect surveillance (BDS) programs to collect population-based data on birth defects potentially related to Zika as rapidly as possible through enhanced case ascertainment and reporting. The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) assessed BDS program activities in the United States before and after the Zika response.

METHODS

The NBDPN surveyed 54 BDS programs regarding activities before and after the Zika response, lessons learned, and programmatic needs. Follow-up emails were sent and phone calls were held for programs with incomplete or no response to the online survey. Survey data were cleaned and tallied, and responses to open-ended questions were placed into best-fit categories.

RESULTS

A 100% response rate was achieved. Of the 54 programs surveyed, 42 reported participation in the Zika public health response that included BDS activities. Programs faced challenges in expanding their surveillance effort given the response requirements but reported mitigating factors such as establishing and enhancing partnerships and program experience with surveillance and clinical activities. Beyond funding, reported program needs included training, surveillance tools/resources, and availability of clinical experts.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing BDS programs with experience implementing active case-finding and case verification were able to adapt their surveillance efforts rapidly to collect and report data necessary for the Zika response. Program sustainability for BDS remains challenging; thus, continued support, training, and resource development are important to ensure that the infrastructure built during the Zika response is available for the next public health response.

Three-Dimensional Fermi Surface of Overdoped La-Based Cuprates

We present a soft x-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of overdoped high-temperature superconductors. In-plane and out-of-plane components of the Fermi surface are mapped by varying the photoemission angle and the incident photon energy. No k_{z} dispersion is observed along the nodal direction, whereas a significant antinodal k_{z} dispersion is identified for La-based cuprates. Based on a tight-binding parametrization, we discuss the implications for the density of states near the van Hove singularity. Our results suggest that the large electronic specific heat found in overdoped La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4} cannot be assigned to the van Hove singularity alone. We therefore propose quantum criticality induced by a collapsing pseudogap phase as a plausible explanation for observed enhancement of electronic specific heat.

Direct observation of orbital hybridisation in a cuprate superconductor

The minimal ingredients to explain the essential physics of layered copper-oxide (cuprates) materials remains heavily debated. Effective low-energy single-band models of the copper–oxygen orbitals are widely used because there exists no strong experimental evidence supporting multi-band structures. Here, we report angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on La-based cuprates that provide direct observation of a two-band structure. This electronic structure, qualitatively consistent with density functional theory, is parametrised by a two-orbital (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$d_{x^2 - y^2}$$\end{document}dx2-y2 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$d_{z^2}$$\end{document}dz2) tight-binding model. We quantify the orbital hybridisation which provides an explanation for the Fermi surface topology and the proximity of the van-Hove singularity to the Fermi level. Our analysis leads to a unification of electronic hopping parameters for single-layer cuprates and we conclude that hybridisation, restraining d-wave pairing, is an important optimisation element for superconductivity.

The essential physics of cuprate superconductors is often described by single-band models. Here, Matt et al. report direct observation of a two-band electronic structure in La-based cuprates.

Structure-function correlation of outer membrane protein porin from Paracoccus denitrificans

Porins from outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria have a highly stable structure. Our previous studies on porin from Paracoccus denitrificans showed that the outer membrane protein porin is extremely stable toward heat, pH, and chemical denaturants. The major question we have addressed in this paper is whether the high stability of porin is a consequence of the beta-barrel structure and whether it is required for its function. To explain this we have analyzed two cases: first, we used porin wild-type and mutants and compared their structure and function; second, we compared the activity of porin preheated to different temperatures. Structural changes were monitored by infrared spectroscopy. We observed that the structural stability of porin is not equivalent to functional activity as minor alteration in the structure can result in drastic differences in the activity of porins.

Do pain, depression and fatigue cluster in advanced cancer?

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Background: A cancer symptom cluster of pain, depression and fatigue has been proposed. We evaluated the frequency and strength of association between these symptoms in advanced cancer, and the risk factors for experiencing all three. Methods: Symptoms from 1,000 patients presenting to a palliative medicine program were recorded prospectively. Possible clustering of pain, depression and fatigue was tested (Spearman correlations). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed of demographics, disease site, laboratory and clinical risk factors for the presence all three symptoms. Results: No association was found between pain and depression (r=0.051, p=0.13), or pain and fatigue (r=0.001, p=0.97) and little between depression and fatigue (r=0.173, p<0.001). 27% (n=261) had all three symptoms and in 9% (n=71) all were moderate or severe. Univariate predictors for the presence of all three were: anorexia-cachexia, anxiety, dyspnea, nausea, sleep problems (all p<0.001), vomiting (p=0.007), and younger age (p=0.007). Univariate predictors of moderate-severe pain, depression and fatigue were: anorexia and early satiety (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), dyspnea (p=0.004), low creatinine (p=0.07), poor performance status (p=0.002), sleep problems (p=0.002), >10% weight loss (p=0.046) and vomiting (p=0.047). Those with pain, depression and fatigue had a median 12 (range 2–24) other symptoms vs. 5 (range 1–14) if none were present (p<0.001). Multivariate predictors of pain, depression and fatigue were: anxiety OR 3.81 (95% CI 2.74–5.30, p<0.001); early satiety OR 1.86 (1.35–2.56, p<0.001); nausea OR 1.44 (1.05–1.97, p=0.023); sleep problems OR 1.52 (1.11–2.08, p=0.009); weight loss OR 1.47 (1.08–2.01, p=0.016). Multivariate predictors of moderate-severe pain, depression and fatigue were anorexia OR 3.11 (1.74–5.55, p<0.001); anxiety OR 6.53 (3.64–11.73, p<0.001); poor performance status OR 1.49 (1.09–2.04, p=0.012). Conclusions: The 3 symptoms co-occur in 1 in 4 advanced cancer patients. Risk factors include younger age, symptom burden and the anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Pain, depression and fatigue do not cluster in advanced cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Promoting Pre-Conceptional Use of Folic Acid to Hispanic Women: A Social Marketing Approach

OBJECTIVE

To develop a culturally appropriate communication initiative in an effort to promote the use of pre-conceptional folic acid among Hispanic women of childbearing age. The materials were designed to communicate information about the risks of neural tube defects and the value of folic acid supplementation before conception.

METHODS

The initiative was developed using a social marketing approach. A series of focus groups were conducted with Hispanic women, particularly Mexican and Mexican-American women, to gain an understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding birth defects and folic acid. Additionally focus groups assessed women's preferences for existing folic acid education materials. Qualitative analysis of coded transcripts revealed key themes which were incorporated into a multi-media initiative.

RESULTS

Critical themes of the research highlighted the need to include the role of partners and a sense of family in the promotions aimed at these groups. Another key component was the need to dispel myths which act as barriers to pre-conceptional folic acid use. Other important elements included in the media products were the need for Spanish and English versions, an explanation of neural tube defects, and a reference to the cost of the supplements.

CONCLUSION

The final products of the initiative included Spanish and English versions of a brochure, photo-novella, and radio public service announcement. Pre-testing results showed women understood the message, thought the message was for women like them, and expected to begin taking a folic acid supplement. Results of the overall evaluation of the initiative are on-going.

pH dependence of heme electrochemistry in cytochromes investigated by multiconformation continuum electrostatic calculations

Cytochromes belong to a diverse family of heme-containing redox proteins that function as intermediaries in electron transfer chains. They can be soluble, extrinsic, or intrinsic membrane proteins, and are found in different structural motifs (globin, 4-helix bundles, alpha beta roll, beta sandwich). Measured electrochemical midpoint potentials vary over a wide range even though the basic redox reaction at the heme is the same for all cytochromes. The perturbation of the heme electrochemistry is induced by the protein structure. Also, the pH dependence varies since it depends on the strength of interaction between the heme and surrounding residues as well as the ionization states of these groups. Multiconformation continuum electrostatics (MCCE) has been used to investigate the pH dependence of heme electrochemistry in cytochromes with different folds. Often propionates are the primary contributors for pH dependence especially if they are partially protonated in the reduced heme as it is shown for globin cytochrome c551 P. aeruginosa and cytochrome b5 R. norvegicus (alpha beta roll). However, if the propionates are already fully ionized at a certain pH they do not contribute to the pH dependence even if they have big interaction with the heme. At pH 7 there is no propionate contribution for cytochrome f C. reinhardtii (beta sandwich) and the 4-helix bundle c' R. palustris. Other residues can also change their ionization significantly during heme oxidation and therefore be involved in proton release and pH dependence. These residues have been identified for different cytochrome types.

Non-invasive measurement of the cardiovascular effects of chronic hypoxaemia on dogs living at moderately high altitude

Pulmonary hypertension is a well-recognised condition in dogs, and, among other mechanisms, is caused by hypoxia. In order to evaluate the effect of chronic hypobaric hypoxia on pulmonary arterial pressure in dogs, a colony of 19 clinically and biochemically healthy Greenland sled dogs living permanently at at least 2300 m above sea level (altitude dogs) and 10 clinically healthy Greenland sled dogs living at 700 to 900 m above sea level (control dogs) were examined. Investigations were made of the dogs' packed-cell volume, venous and arterial blood gases, electrocardiogram, blood pressure and echocardiograph, including the calculation of pulmonary arterial pressure by Doppler examination of tricuspid regurgitation. The altitude dogs had a marked arterial hypoxaemia with a mean (sd) oxygen partial pressure of 61.9 (7.4) mmHg and a significantly lower arterial oxygen saturation (90.7 [3.7] per cent) than the control dogs (96.7 [0.8] per cent). In eight of the altitude dogs, tricuspid regurgitation allowed calculation of the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, which was 29.5 (10.4) mmHg. Eight of the control dogs had tricuspid insufficiency, and their derived systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower (17.4 [3.9] mmHg).

Polylactones. 55. A-B-A triblock copolymers of various polypeptides. Syntheses involving 4-aminobenzoyl-terminated poly(epsilon-caprolactone) as B block

A telechelic poly(epsilon-caprolactone) having a degree of polymerization (DP) around 25 and two 4-aminobenzoyl chain ends was used as a macroinitiator for the ring-opening polymerization of various alpha-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). Glycine-NCA, L-alanine-NCA, L-phenylalanine-NCA, and gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate-NCA served as monomers and the NCA/macroinitiator ratio was varied between 20:1, 40:1, and 100:1. In the case of L-Phe-NCA, a ratio of 200:1 was also used. It was demonstrated by means of model studies, that the NCAs may react almost quantitatively with the 4-aminobenzoyl end groups despite their relatively low nucleophilicity. The isolated triblock copolymers were characterized by viscosity measurements and by (1)H NMR spectroscopy with regard to their composition (which in most cases paralleled the feed ratios). However, in the case of gamma-Bzl-Glu-NCA mixtures of di- and triblock copolymer were obtained. The secondary structures of the solid copolymers were examined by IR spectroscopy and (13)C NMR CP/MAS spectroscopy. It was found that the alpha-helix/beta-sheet ratio of the poly(L-Ala) and poly(L-Phe) blocks increases with their average length, according to the NCA/macroinitiator ratio.

Dual neurokinin NK(1)/NK(2) antagonists: N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-arylmethyl-3-(2-oxo-azepan-3-yl)carbamoyl]allyl-N-methyl-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamides and 3-[N'-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl-N-arylmethyl-N'-methylhydrazino]-N-[(R)-2-oxo-azepan-3-yl]propionamides

Based on the structure of N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-(2-oxoazepan-3-yl)carbamoyl]allyl-N-methyl-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (1), attempts to improve the NK(2) affinity have resulted in the discovery of N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-3-(2-oxoazepan-3-yl)carbamoyl]allyl-N-methyl-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (9, DNK333) exhibiting a 5-fold improved affinity to the NK(2) receptor in comparison to 1. Simplification of the structure via elimination of a chiral centre led to 3-[N'-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl-N-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-N'-methylhydrazino]-N-[(R)-2-oxo-azepan-3-yl]propionamide (22), a potent and fairly balanced NK(1)/NK(2) antagonist.

NKP608: a selective NK-1 receptor antagonist with anxiolytic-like effects in the social interaction and social exploration test in rats

NKP608 is a non-peptidic derivative of 4-aminopiperidine which acts as a selective, specific and potent antagonist at the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the binding of NKP608 to bovine retina was characterized by an IC50 of 2.6+/-0.4 nM, whereas the compound's affinity to other receptor binding sites, including NK-2 and NK-3, was much lower. Species differences in IC(50) values with NKP608 were less pronounced than with previously described NK-1 receptor antagonists, being 13+/-2 and 27+/-2 nM in gerbil midbrain and rat striatum, respectively. In vivo, using the hind foot thumping model in gerbils, NKP608 exhibited a potent NK-1 antagonistic activity following oral administration (ID(50)=0.23 mg/kg; 2 h pretreatment), supporting a central activity of NKP608. The compound had a long duration of action with an ID(50) value of 0. 15 mg/kg p.o. and 0.38 mg/kg p.o. following a pretreatment of 5 and 24 h, respectively. Following a subchronic administration for 7 consecutive days (once daily) there was no evidence for the development of tolerance or accumulation. In the social interaction test performed in a highly illuminated, unfamiliar test arena, NKP608 specifically increased the time the two rats spent in social contact, and there was no concomitant increase in parameters reflecting general activity, i.e. ambulation (number of square entries) or the number of rearings. Active social time was maximally increased at a dose range of 0.01-1 mg/kg p.o. NKP608, the effect being weaker or absent at both lower (0.001 mg/kg p.o.) and higher (10 mg/kg p.o.) doses. A comparable bell-shaped dose-response relation was seen in the social exploration test in rats. In this modified resident/intruder paradigm, maximal increase in social contact of the intruder rat directed towards the resident rat was seen at a similar dose range (0.03-3 mg/kg p.o.) The effects observed following an acute oral administration of NKP608 were comparable to those seen following a treatment with the well-known benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide, in both these tests. These findings indicate that NKP608 exhibits an anxiolytic-like effect and that this effect, as concluded from the observed antagonism of the hind foot thumping induced by i.c.v. administration of the NK-1 receptor agonist SPOMe, is centrally mediated. This makes this compound a potentially promising candidate for treating anxiety-related disorders in humans.

Green fluorescent protein-tagged sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase overexpression in Paramecium cells: isoforms, subcellular localization, biogenesis of cortical calcium stores and functional aspects

We have followed the time-dependent transfection of Paramecium cells with a vector containing the gene of green fluorescent protein (GFP) attached to the C-terminus of the PtSERCA1 gene. The outlines of alveolar sacs (ASs) are labelled, as is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) throughout the cell. When GFP fluorescence is compared with previous anti-PtSERCA1 antibody labelling, the much wider distribution of GFP (ER+ASs) indicates that only a small amount of SERCA molecules is normally retained in the ER. A second isoform, PtSERCA2, also occurs and its C-terminal GFP-tagging results in the same distribution pattern. However, when GFP is inserted in the major cytoplasmic loop, PtSERCA1 and two fusion proteins are mostly retained in the ER, probably because of the presence of the overt C-terminal KKXX ER-retention signal and/or masking of a signal for transfer into ASs. On the overall cell surface, new SERCA molecules seem to be permanently delivered from the ER to ASs by vesicle transport, whereas in the fission zone of dividing cells ASs may form anew. In cells overexpressing PtSERCA1 (with C-terminal GFP) in ASs, [Ca2+]i regulation during exocytosis is not significantly different from controls, probably because their Ca2+ pump has to mediate only slow reuptake.

N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-(4-chloro-benzyl)-3-(2-oxo-azepan-3-ylcarbamoyl)-allyl]-N-methyl-3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzamide: an orally active neurokinin NK1/NK2 antagonist

The stereoselective synthesis of N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-(4-chloro-benzyl)-3-(2-oxo-azepan-3-ylcarbamoyl+ ++)-allyl]-N-methyl-3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzamide (4) and its NK1 and NK2 receptor binding properties are reported. In addition the potent inhibitory effects in vivo on sar9-SP- and beta-Ala-NKA-induced airway bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs are demonstrated.

Expression of the green fluorescent protein in Paramecium tetraurelia

In this paper we describe the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter in vivo to monitor transformation in Paramecium cells. This is not trivial because of the limited number of strong promoters available for heterologous expression and the very high AT content of the genomic DNA, the consequence of which is a very aberrant codon usage. Taking into account differences in codon usage we selected and modified the original GFP open reading frame (ORF) from Aequorea victoria and placed the altered ORF into the Paramecium expression vector pPXV. Injection of the linearized plasmid into the macronucleus resulted in a cytoplasmic fluorescence signal in the clonal descendants, which was proportional to the number of copies injected. Southern hybridization indicated the establishment and replication of the plasmid during vegetative growth. Expression was also monitored by Northern and Western analysis. The results indicate that the modified GFP can be used in Paramecium as a reporter for transformation as an alternative to selection with antibiotics and that it may also be used to construct and localize fusion proteins.

Microdomain arrangement of the SERCA-type Ca2+ pump (Ca2+-ATPase) in subplasmalemmal calcium stores of paramecium cells

We localized SERCA pumps to the inner region of alveolar sac membranes, facing the cell interior, by combining ultrastructural and biochemical methods. Immunogold labeling largely predominated in the inner alveolar sac region which displayed aggregates of intramembrane particles (IMPs). On image analysis, these represented oligomeric arrangements of approximately 8-nm large IMP subunits, suggesting formation of SERCA aggregates (as known from sarcoplasmic reticulum). We found not only monomers of typical molecular size ( approximately 106 kD) but also oligomeric forms on Western blots (using anti-SERCA antibodies, also against endogenous SERCA from alveolar sacs) and on electrophoresis gelautoradiographs of 32P-labeled phosphoenzyme intermediates. Selective enrichment of SERCA-pump molecules in the inner alveolar sac membrane region may eliminate Ca2+ after centripetal spread observed during exocytosis activation, while the plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump may maintain or reestablish [Ca2+] in the narrow subplasmalemmal space between the outer alveolar sac membrane region and the cell membrane. We show for the first time the microzonal arrangement of SERCA molecules in a Ca2+ store of a secretory system, an intensely discussed issue in stimulus-secretion coupling research.

Comparison of in vivo and in vitro phosphorylation of the exocytosis-sensitive protein PP63/parafusin by differential MALDI mass spectrometric peptide mapping

PP63 (parafusin) is a 63 kDa phosphoprotein, which exists in at least two different isoforms. It is very rapidly (80 ms) dephosphorylated during triggered trichocyst exocytosis. This occurs selectively in exocytosis-competent Paramecium tetraurelia strains. At least two protein kinases isolated from Paramecium, casein kinase type II kinase and cGMP-dependent kinase, are able to phosphorylate the two recombinant PP63/parafusin isoforms, both with phosphoglucomutase activity, in vitro. By performing mass spectrometric peptide mapping, we have investigated in vitro phosphorylation of recombinant PP63/parafusin by these kinases in comparison to in vivo phosphorylation of native PP63/parafusin isolated from Paramecium homogenates. Low picomolar quantities of proteolytic digests of recombinant and native PP63/parafusin, prior to and following alkaline phosphatase treatment, were directly analyzed by MALDI mass spectrometry. In native PP63-1/parafusin-1, six of 64 serine and threonine residues (S-196, T-205, T-280, T-371, T-373, and T-469) were found definitely, 27 were found possibly phosphorylated, 28 were identified as nonphosphorylated, and three were not covered by mapping. Three of the six certainly phosphorylated amino acids represent consensus phosphorylation sites for casein kinase II or cGMP-dependent protein kinase. In vitro phosphorylation studies of recombinant PP63/parafusin confirm that some of the sites found were used in vivo; however, also significant differences with respect to in vivo phosphorylation of native PP63/parafusin were observed. The two Paramecium protein kinases that were used do not preferably phosphorylate expected consensus sites in vitro. Homology structure modeling of PP63/parafusin with rabbit phosphoglucomutase revealed that the majority of residues found phosphorylated is located on the surface of the molecule.

Subplasmalemmal Ca-stores in Paramecium tetraurelia. Identification and characterisation of a sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum-like Ca(2+)-ATPase by phosphoenzyme intermediate formation and its inhibition by caffeine

Considering increasing interest in calcium stores in protozoa, including parasitic forms, and specifically in subplasmalemmal stores in higher eukaryotes, we have isolated subplasmalemmal calcium stores (alveolar sacs) from the ciliated protozoan, Paramecium tetraurelia. Using antibodies against established sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCAs) we detected in Western blots of subcellular fractions a band of approximately 106 kDa size selectively in alveolar sacs--but not, for example, in plasma membranes--and concomitant restriction of immunofluorecence labelling to the cell cortex of permeabilised cells. These results are the same as with ABs against a peptide derived from a cloned SERCA-like gene from Paramecium [Hauser K., Pavlovic N., Kissmehl R., Plattner H. Molecular characterization of a sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase gene from Paramecium tetraurelia and localisation of its gene product to subplasmalemmal calcium stores. Biochem J 1998; 334: 31-38]. When such isolated alveolar sacs were now tested for phosphoenzyme intermediate (EP) formation, a phosphoprotein of the same apparent molecular mass (approximately 106 kDa) as in blots could be identified in gel autoradiograms. This EP corresponds to that formed in the reaction cycle of different SERCA-types, with dependency on Ca2+ and Mg2+, sensitivity to La3+ or insensitivity towards calmodulin, calmodulin antagonists and vanadate. However, EP formation in alveolar sacs is not inhibited by established SERCA inhibitors (e.g. thapsigargi[ci]n tested up to 100 microM). Surprisingly, caffeine, which is frequently used to mobilise Ca2+ from intracellular stores, strongly inhibits EP formation. In parallel experiments, we did not find any similar effect with sarcoplasmic reticulum isolated from skeletal muscle. We conclude that the approximately 106 kDa protein of alveolar sacs in Paramecium may represent a SERCA-like Ca(2+)-ATPase with some unorthodox features, which might be relevant also for some other protozoan systems. In this case, the established Ca(2+)-mobilizing effect of caffeine may be amplified by inhibiting store refilling.

Molecular characterization of a sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase gene from Paramecium tetraurelia and localization of its gene product to sub-plasmalemmal calcium stores

A cDNA encoding the gene for a sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum-type Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) was isolated from a cDNA library of Paramecium tetraurelia by using degenerated primers according to conserved domains of SERCA-type ATPases. The identified nucleotide sequence (PtSERCA) is 3114 nucleotides in length with an open reading frame of 1037 amino acids. An intron of only 22 nucleotides occurs. Homology searches for the deduced amino acid sequence revealed 38-49% similarity to SERCA-type ATPases from organisms ranging from protozoans to mammals, with no more similarity to some parasitic protozoa of the same phylum. The calculated molecular mass of the encoded protein is 114.7 kDa. It contains the typical 10 transmembrane domains of SERCA-type ATPases and other conserved domains, such as the phosphorylation site and the ATP binding site. However, there are no binding sites for phospholamban and thapsigargin present in the PtSERCA. Antibodies raised against a cytoplasmic loop peptide between the phosphorylation site and the ATP binding site recognize on Western blots a protein of 106 kDa, exclusively in the fraction of sub-plasmalemmal calcium stores ('alveolar sacs'). In immunofluorescence studies the antibodies show labelling exclusively in the cell cortex of permeabilized cells in a pattern characteristic of the arrangement of alveolar sacs. When alveolar sacs where tested for phosphoenzyme-intermediate formation a phosphoprotein of the same molecular mass (106 kDa) could be identified.

Immunolocalization of the exocytosis-sensitive phosphoprotein, PP63/parafusin, in Paramecium cells using antibodies against recombinant protein

We have localized a structure-bound fraction of the exocytosis-sensitive phosphoprotein, PP63/parafusin (PP63/pf), in Paramecium cells by widely different methods. We combined cell fractionation, western blots, as well as light and electron microscopy (pre- and post-embedding immunolabeling), applying antibodies against the recombinant protein. PP63/pf is considerably enriched in certain cortical structures, notably the outlines of regular surface fields (kinetids), docking sites of secretory organelles (trichocysts) and the membranes of subplasmalemmal Ca2+-stores (alveolar sacs). From our localization studies we tentatively derive several potential functions for PP63/pf, including cell surface structuring, assembly of exocytosis sites, and/or Ca2+ homeostasis.

Molecular characterisation of a cDNA sequence encoding the backbone of a style-specific 120 kDa glycoprotein which has features of both extensins and arabinogalactan proteins

Nicotiana alata has a style-specific hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (the 120 kDa glycoprotein) which has properties of both extensins and AGPs [19, 20]. The 120 kDa glycoprotein is a soluble component in the extracellular matrix of the transmitting tract of styles where it accounts for ca. 9% of the total buffer-soluble protein. Here we describe the molecular cloning of a cDNA representing the gene NaPRP5 which encodes the backbone of the 120 kDa glycoprotein. Expression of mRNA is restricted to styles, consistent with observations on the distribution of the 120 kDa glycoprotein. Levels of accumulation of the transcript encoding the 120 kDa protein backbone are not altered significantly by pollination with either compatible or incompatible pollen. The protein backbone of the 120 kDa glycoprotein, as predicted by the cDNA sequence, is composed of three distinct domains. The sequence of these domains, together with linkage analysis of the carbohydrate component of the 120 kDa glycoprotein, allows predictions of the likely distribution of substituent glycosyl chains along the protein backbone. The similarity of the C-terminal domains of the 120 kDa glycoprotein and GaRSGP, the galactose-rich style glycoprotein of N. alata, is consistent with the two molecules sharing a common antigenic domain in their backbones [31]. The sharing of domains between distinct hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins suggests that identification of a glycoprotein of this class solely by its protein or carbohydrate epitope is not valid.

Identification of isoforms of the exocytosis-sensitive phosphoprotein PP63/parafusin in Paramecium tetraurelia and demonstration of phosphoglucomutase activity

PP63 (parafusin) is a 63 kDa phosphoprotein which is very rapidly (within 80 ms) dephosphorylated (to P63) during triggered trichocyst exocytosis; this occurs selectively in exocytosis-competent Paramecium tetraurelia strains. In the present work, two cDNAs coding for PP63/parafusin have been isolated, one of which is a new isoform. These isoforms are 99.6% identical and are derived from two different genes. Similarity searches revealed 43-51% identity of the deduced amino acid sequences with known phosphoglucomutases from yeast and mammals. The sequences of two proteolytic peptides obtained from PP63/parafusin isolated from Paramecium are identical to parts of the amino acid sequence deduced from the major cDNA. The major cDNA was mutated from the macronuclear ciliate genetic code into the universal genetic code and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein shows the same biochemical and immunological characteristics as the (P)P63/parafusin originally isolated from Paramecium. It has the same specific phosphoglucomutase activity as phosphoglucomutase from chicken muscle. We also show that recombinant P63-1 parafusin 1 is a substrate of an endogenous casein kinase from Paramecium, as is the originally isolated P63/parafusin. Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant P63-1/parafusin 1 were raised which recognized phosphoglucomutases from different sources. Thus we show that PP63/parafusin and phosphoglucomutase in Paramecium are identical.

A novel, calcium-inhibitable casein kinase in Paramecium cells

This is the first identification of a Ca2+-inhibitable casein kinase (CPK) which we have isolated from the 100000 x g supernatant of Paramecium cell homogenates. The 1000-fold enriched CPK activity depends on millimolar Mg2+ and is inhibited by low concentrations of heparin or by > or = 100 microM Ca2+. Enzyme activity is stimulated by polylysine or polyarginine with either casein or with specific casein kinase-2 (CK-2) peptide substrates (RRRDDDSDDD and RREEETEEE). The enzymic properties are similar with GTP instead of ATP. CPK does not undergo autophosphorylation. In gel kinase assays, enzyme activity is associated with a 36 kDa band. Calmodulin as another characteristic substrate for mammalian CK-2 has not been phosphorylated by this protein kinase. Besides casein, CPK phosphorylates in vitro the catalytic subunit of bovine brain calcineurin (CaN), a typical substrate of type 1 mammalian casein kinase (CK-1) in vitro. Again this phosphorylation is significantly reduced by Ca2+. Thus, CPK combines aspects of different casein kinases, but it is clearly different from any type known by its Ca2+ inhibition. Since CPK also phosphorylates the exocytosis-sensitive phosphoprotein, PP63, in Paramecium, which is known to be dephosphorylated by CaN, an antagonistic Ca2+-effect during phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycles may be relevant for exocytosis regulation.

[ECG abnormalities in Airedale terriers]

Because of bradyarrhythmic complications under anesthesia in two Airedale Terriers, we performed a prospective search of ECG-abnormalities in healthy dogs of that breed. Resting ECG's were screened for routine abnormalities. None of the 42 dogs investigated so far had a completely normal ECG. Among the common abnormalities were: deviation of the mean electrical axis (MEA) in 32 dogs, low voltage QRS-complexes in 22 dogs, and AV-blocks 1st degree in 14 dogs. None of the recorded abnormalities with the exception of AV-blocks, were considered predictors of anesthetic complications. Because of the high frequency of recorded abnormalities, we are continuing this prospective study.

Long-term clinical course in acute crescentic glomerulonephritis

If non-treated or misdiagnosed, acute crescentic glomerulonephritis, clinically defined as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), may lead to end-stage renal failure (ESRD) within a short time. Histologically, it is characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells in combination with proliferation of epithelial cells in the glomerulus. According to the proposed immunopathogenic classification by Couser [7], predominantly the immunopathogenic type III without immune deposits often represents the renal manifestation of a systemic vasculitic disease, e.g. polyarteriitis or Wegener's granulomatosis. Having investigated 75 patients with acute crescentic glomerulonephritis for long-term results, we concluded that early histopathologic diagnosis by using an activity and chronicity score system may be not only a predictor for renal prognosis but also a valid supposition for differentiated immunosuppressive therapy in supplement to the clinical data on renal function. The therapeutic advantage of plasmapheresis therapy in addition to immunosuppressive therapy could not be proven.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae a- and alpha-agglutinin: characterization of their molecular interaction

An O-glycosylated protein of approximately 18 kDa responsible for mating type specific agglutination has been isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae a cells, purified to homogeneity and via peptide sequences the gene was cloned by PCR. An open reading frame codes for a protein of 69 amino acids. A minimum of five serine and five threonine residues of the mature protein are glycosylated. alpha-Agglutinin is a highly N-glycosylated protein of approximately 250 kDa. Both purified agglutinins form a specific 1:1 complex in vitro. Pretreatment of alpha-agglutinin, but not of alpha-agglutinin, with diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) prevents formation of the complex; treatment of alpha-agglutinin in the presence of alpha-agglutinin protects the former from DEPC inactivation. By carboxy terminal shortening of the alpha-agglutinin gene and by replacing three of its eight histidyl residues by arginine, the active region of alpha-agglutinin for interaction with alpha-agglutinin has been defined. Neither the N- nor the O-linked saccharides of the two agglutinins seem to be essential for their interaction.

CGP 28014, a new inhibitor of cerebral catechol-O-methylation with a non-catechol structure

CGP 28014 (N-(2-pyridone-6-yl)-N',N'-di-n-propylformamidine) or its methanesulfonate salt CGP 28014 A was suspected to be a catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) inhibitor because it was found to reduce the levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) and to increase those of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the rat striatum, after oral or intraperitoneal administration. These effects were maintained after repeated administration. The compound was only weakly active as a COMT inhibitor in vitro. However, its effect on striatal HVA and DOPAC was not prevented by pretreatment with the inhibitor of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver, proadifen, indicating that, if CGP 28014 acts as a prodrug, its conversion to the active compound is not by oxidative metabolism in the liver. Also, there was no evidence that conversion to 2-amino-6-hydroxypyridine could explain its effects. The in vivo effect of CGP 28014 was substantiated in two additional in vivo test systems. Thus, it inhibited the accumulation of 3-methoxytyramine in the rat striatum after MAO inhibition by clorgyline, and the formation of O-methyl-DOPA from exogenously administered DOPA. It proved to be equipotent or nearly so with tropolone, and also showed a similar duration of action. Similar to tropolone, it increased S-adenosylmethionine levels in the striatum. Pyrogallol, on the other hand, decreased them, because being a substrate of COMT, it consumes methyl groups. This suggests that CGP 28014 does not inhibit COMT because it is a substrate of the enzyme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reversal by apomorphine of the gabaculine-induced GABA accumulation in mouse cortex

To test the assumption that in the mice cortex the rate of accumulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) after irreversible inhibition of 4-aminobutyrate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.19; GABA-T) represents an index of GABA turnover, we examined whether the reversal of the gabaculine-induced accumulation of GABA elicited by apomorphine was due to a decrease in GABA turnover or to a modulation of the activity of the GABA-T inhibitor. Therefore, we simultaneously measured the action of apomorphine on gabaculine-induced accumulation of GABA and on GABA-T activity. In vitro, apomorphine (3 and 30 microM) did not alter the concentration-dependent inhibition of GABA-T by gabaculine. Ex vivo, apomorphine (2 x 0.5 mg/kg s.c.) markedly decreased (69%) gabaculine-induced (150 mg/kg i.p.) accumulation of GABA. This drug had no direct effect on GABA-T activity, but significantly reduced from 83 to 71% the inhibition of GABA-T by gabaculine. The linear correlation found between GABA levels and GABA-T activity allowed the quantification of the decrease in GABA turnover elicited by apomorphine. The results showed that apomorphine decreased significantly (P less than 0.001) the rate of GABA synthesis from 7.48 to 3.36 micromol GABA/g per h, if the partial reversal of gabaculine-induced inhibition of GABA-T is considered and 2.44 micromol/g per h if not. Apomorphine effect on GABA accumulation is mainly due to a decrease of the rate of GABA synthesis and to a lesser extent to a reversal of the inhibitory activity of gabaculine. Thus, inhibition of GABA-T by gabaculine is a sensitive and reliable method for the estimation of the rate of synthesis.

CGP 31358 binds to a site on the NMDA receptor that is coupled to both the transmitter recognition site and the channel domain

CGP 31358, a novel triazole, inhibited the binding of L-[3H]glutamate and [3H]MK-801 to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex in rat brain synaptic membrane fractions, and showed anticonvulsant activity in mice. It had no effect on the strychnine-insensitive binding of [3H]glycine. Saturation and Hill analyses indicated that CGP 31358 binds to a site on the NMDA receptor which is separate from, but coupled to, both the transmitter recognition site and the channel domain. Available data indicate that this site is distinct from those with which tricyclic antidepressants and ifenprodil interact. CGP 31358 is a new chemical entity with a novel mechanism of action at the NMDA receptor, and as such may form a tool for understanding the molecular pharmacology of this receptor-channel complex.

Purification of the inducible alpha-agglutinin of S. cerevisiae and molecular cloning of the gene

The alpha-agglutinin responsible for mating type-specific agglutination of S. cerevisiae alpha-cells has been purified to homogeneity. The glycoprotein released from the cell surface under mild conditions has a relative molecular mass of 200 to 300 kDa as determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis. The protein moiety corresponds to 68.2 kDa. With an oligonucleotide corresponding to the N-terminal amino acid sequence, the alpha-agglutinin gene has been cloned and sequenced. From the DNA sequence, a protein of 631 amino acids with 12 potential N-glycosylation sites is predicted. The carboxy terminal one-third of the protein is not required for agglutination activity.

Fibrinogenolysis in the absence of fibrin formation in severe hypobaric hypoxia

Acute exposure to hypoxia causes acceleration of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and a rise in factor VIII precoagulant activity (F VIII:C). To determine whether this activation of coagulation leads to in vivo fibrin formation we investigated 15 army pilots before and at the end of 21 min (range 14-29) of hypobaric hypoxia. Mean final pressure in the decompression chamber was 283 (250-310) mm Hg causing a fall in oxygen saturation to 61.5% (53-69). Hypobaric hypoxia caused acceleration of thrombin time (p less than 0.05), aPTT (p less than 0.01), and euglobulin lysis time (p = 0.05), as well as a rise of F VIII:C (p less than 0.05), beta-thromboglobulin (p less than 0.005), fibrin(ogen) degradation products E (p less than 0.005) and B beta 15-42 (p less than 0.001), as well as lactate (p less than 0.001). Fibrinopeptide A, a marker of in vivo fibrin formation, did not change significantly. It is concluded that severe hypoxemia due to rapid decompression going to the limit of tolerance does not lead to fibrin formation, whereas the rise in fibrin(ogen) degradation products demonstrates activation of the fibrinolytic system.

Topography of substantia nigra innervation by D1 receptor-containing striatal neurons

Iodinated SCH 23390, [125I]SCH 23982, saturably binds in brain to D1 receptors that mostly reside on striatal and striatonigral neurons. [125I]SCH 23982 autoradiography was used to determine the topography of D1 receptor-containing striatal inputs to subregions of the substantia nigra. The concentration of D1 sites was greatest in the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra and exceeded by over 50% the equal concentrations of D1 sites in the lateral substantia nigra, caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, and olfactory tubercle. D1 receptors were uniformly concentrated throughout the caudate-putamen and were absent in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Injections into the rostral striatum of the axon-sparing neurotoxin, quinolinic acid, depleted the concentration of D1 sites in the rostral caudate-putamen by 98% and the concentration of D1 sites in the medial substantia nigra by up to 74%. Quinolinic acid-induced losses of the D1 sites in the central striatum of up to 85% were associated with 87% losses of D1 sites in the central nigra. D1 losses of 91% in the caudal striatum were associated with D1 losses of 85% in the lateral nigra. Thus, most D1 sites in the striatum reside on neurons that are intrinsic to that brain region, and the vast majority of D1 sites in the substantia nigra are on the terminals of striatonigral neurons. These D1 receptor-containing striatonigral neurons have a rostral, central, or caudal origin in the striatum and a corresponding medial, central, or lateral termination in the nigra. This topographical organization of striatal inputs to the substantia nigra indicates that substance P or dynorphin B-containing striatonigral neurons may have D1 receptors on their terminals.

Ifoxetine, a compound with atypical effects on serotonin uptake

Ifoxetine (CGP 15210 G; (+/-)-bis-[cis-3-hydroxy-4-(2,3-dimethyl-phenoxy)]-piperidine sulfate) prevented the depletion of serotonin (5-HT) induced by H 75/12 and p-chloromethamphetamine in the rat brain, and that caused by endogenously released dopamine after the combined administration of haloperidol and amfonelic acid in the rat striatum. These effects are typically caused by compounds that inhibit 5-HT reuptake. Unexpectedly, ifoxetine only weakly inhibited the uptake of radiolabelled 5-HT into rat brain synaptosomes in vitro or ex vivo, the human thrombocytes in vitro or into rat thrombocytes after pretreatment. The following, among the possible explanations for this apparent discrepancy, were considered and regarded as unlikely: the involvement of an active metabolite; the possibility that ifoxetine accumulates in the brain to an extent sufficient to cause in vivo uptake inhibition; a pharmacokinetic interaction with the depleting agents. The possibility that the depletor tests give false positives was also considered. However, ifoxetine lowered brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and reduced the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan after central decarboxylase inhibition. This suggests that it also interferes with 5-HT metabolism in the absence of depleting agents, which means that it interacts in some way with serotonergic transmission. Ifoxetine displayed weak or no interactions with 5-HT1, 5-HT2, alpha 1-, alpha 2- and beta-noradrenoceptors, histamine H1, muscarinic acetylcholine, opiate, GABA A, and benzodiazepine receptors in vitro, and with dopamine and 5-HT2 receptors in vivo. It did not antagonize the noradrenaline (NA) depletion induced by H 77/77 in rat brain and only weakly interfered with the uptake of i.v. injected radiolabelled NA into the rat heart. This suggests that its interaction with the 5-HT system is specific. Due to its atypical properties, among which the rather weak potentiation of the neurological effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan is also important, ifoxetine may exhibit a therapeutic and/or side-effect profile which differs from that of classical 5-HT uptake inhibitors.

Trimipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant exerting atypical actions on the central noradrenergic system

Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant which has only weak effects on noradrenergic systems. Its mechanism of action is not understood, but its clinical effectiveness has been proven over a period of 20 years. In the present investigation, trimipramine was shown to have no effect on noradrenaline (NA)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity after either acute or once daily application for 28 days. There was no change in the KD or Bmax of [3H]DHA binding, demonstrating a lack of effect on beta-adrenergic receptors. However, it did exert effects on the cortical noradrenergic projection of the locus coeruleus and these effects were opposite to those described for typical antidepressants. In acute experiments, systemic injections of trimipramine potently activated locus coeruleus neurons and produced a reduction in the depressant action of noradrenaline administered iontophoretically to neurons in the cingulate cortex. After 4 weeks' treatment with a daily injection of 30 mg/kg i.p. trimipramine, cingulate cortical neurons became supersensitive to the action of iontophoretically applied noradrenaline. Although it is unknown whether these effects are related to the therapeutic efficacy of trimipramine, the results demonstrate that the down-regulation of central noradrenergic sensitivity in the rat is not a prerequisite for clinical efficacy of antidepressants in man.

Effects of subchronic administration of psychoactive substances on the circadian rhythm of urinary corticosterone excretion in rats

Abnormal function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis has been observed in depressed patients. Experiments with laboratory rats were performed to test whether psychoactive substances (among them clinically effective antidepressants) influence circadian HPA activity. For this purpose, corticosterone was measured in urine collected for 24 h at 4 h intervals. Maprotiline, fluoxetine, imipramine, trimipramine, clorgyline and pargyline were given once daily for at least 13 days, by either intraperitoneal or subcutaneous (clorgyline) injection. Only two substances produced significant changes in the circadian pattern of corticosterone excretion: pargyline distinctly delayed the phase of circadian HPA activity, and trimipramine prolonged the nocturnal increase in urinary corticosterone. The present results suggest that psychoactive drugs have no effects in common on the circadian rhythm of HPA activity in rats.

Protective effects of diazepam and valproate on beta-vinyllactic acid-induced seizures

GABA level and the activity of L-glutamate-1-decarboxylase (GAD) (EC 4.1.1.15) were studied in brains of mice treated with beta-vinyllactic acid, a new, selective and pyridoxal phosphate-independent GAD inhibitor. Valproate and diazepam protected mice against convulsions caused by beta-vinyllactic acid although both anti-epileptic drugs antagonized neither the decrease in GABA concentrations nor the inhibition of GAD observed after treatment with beta-vinyllactic acid alone. Assuming that the anticonvulsant effect measured with both antiepileptics is GABA mediated, these results support the hypothesis of a postsynaptic enhancement of GABAergic transmission by diazepam and valproate.

Surface antigens of brain synapses: identification of minor proteins using polyclonal antisera

Antigenic proteins of brain synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) and postsynaptic densities (PSD) were characterized using antisera raised against SPM. Immunostaining of brain sections showed that the antigens were restricted to synapses, and electron microscopy revealed staining at both presynaptic terminals and PSDs. In primary brain cell cultures the antisera were also neuron-specific but the antigens were distributed throughout the entire neuronal plasma membrane, suggesting that some restrictive influence present in whole tissue is absent when neurons are grown dispersed. The antigenic proteins with which these antisera react were identified using SDS gel immunoblots. SPM and PSD differed from one another in their characteristic antigenic proteins. Comparison with amido-black stained gel blots showed that in both cases most of these did not correspond to known abundant proteins of SPM or PSDs revealed by conventional biochemical techniques. None of the antigens revealed by the polyclonal antisera were detected by any of a large series of monoclonal antibodies against SPM.