POS0490 USEFULNESS OF MHC-II IMMUNO-STAINING ON MUSCLE BIOPSIES IN IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) constitute a group of acquired muscular diseases that occur during childhood and adulthood, exhibit a variety of phenotypes and are potentially life-threatening. IIM diagnosis considers clinical, serological, and histological data. Muscle pathological analysis of IIM patients gives relevant elements for the diagnosis (immune cell infiltrate, vascular and connective tissues, as well as myofiber morphology). Immunochemistry (IHC) labeling for major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), and C5b9, that are negative in normal muscle, appeared of interest in IIM diagnosis and the understanding of IIM pathogenesis. In normal muscle, myofibers are negative for MHC-II IHC. Its interest in the neuropathological exam of IIM muscle remains to be better characterized.

Objectives

This study aims to analyze the pattern of MHC-II expression in various IIMs.

Methods

A historical cohort was designed using the MYOLYON register (IIM patients diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 at the University Hospital of Lyon, France). Inclusion criteria were IIM diagnosis that was established histologically and available frozen muscle samples for additional analyses. Exclusion criterium was any treatment before muscle biopsy. Demographical data and final diagnosis were collected retrospectively from medical records. A centralized, standardized, and blind analysis of muscle MHC-II immuno-staining was conducted to define the various patterns of MHC-II by myofibers and by capillaries. The study complied with ethical requirements.

Results

Seventy-three patients were included: 23 dermatomyositis (DM), 13 anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), 13 immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNM), 13 inclusion body myositis (IBM), and 11 overlap myositis (OM). MHC-II immuno-staining of myofibers or capillaries was abnormal for 91.8% of the analyzed biopsies (Figure 1). The analysis of MHC-II myofiber immuno-staining revealed distinguishable patterns according to IIM subtype: the labeling was diffuse in IBM (69.2%, n=9/13), perifascicular in ASS (61.5%, n=8/13), and variable in OM (patchy for 27.3% n=3/11 or clustered for 36.4%, n=4/11). MHC-II immuno-staining was negative in IMNM (84.6%, n=11/13) and in DM (47.8%, n=11/23). DM exhibiting positive MHC-II myofibers (n=12) were associated with the presence of anti-TIF1γ, anti-NXP2 and anti-SAE auto antibodies (n=5, n=3 and n=2, respectively). Among the 12 patients, there were juvenile cases (n=5, 41.7%) or DM associated with ongoing neoplasia (n=4, 33.3%). Three main architectures were described for capillaries: giant, leaky and capillary dropout. Patterns of MHC-II positive capillaries were the following: DM was characterized by capillary dropout (68.2%), IMNM showed leaky capillaries (75.0%), IBM giant capillaries (66.7%), ASS exhibited both giant (61.5%) and/or leaky (58.3%) capillaries, while OM showed giant (63.6%) or/and leaky (80.0%) capillaries and capillaries dropout (60.0%).

Conclusion

The present work establishes the usefulness of MHC-II immuno-staining for IIM diagnosis, and gives additional elements on the impairment of myofibers and capillaries in the various IIM subgroups. MHC-II expression is known to be induced by inflammatory cytokine such as interferon type II. This could be linked to myofiber and/or capillary impairment in some IIMs, such as IBM, ASS and OM. These results also support the implication of vasculopathy in IIM pathogenesis, with various structural and cellular consequences regarding the different subgroups. Finally, MHC-II immuno-staining in IIM muscle biopsies enables a foremost analysis of myofibers and capillaries, and represents an additional biomarker to distinguish IIM subgroups.

References

[1]De Bleecker, J.L. et al. 205th ENMC International Workshop: Pathology diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies part II 28-30 March 2014, Naarden, The Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2015, 25, 268-272.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS0862 INAUGURAL DROPPED HEAD SYNDROME AND CAMPTOCORMIA IN INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES

Background

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that can affect the muscles, skin, lungs, heart, and joints. Increase knowledge about histopathological findings, clinical manifestations and auto-antibodies have allowed further novel classification of IIMs. Today, the main IMs subgroups are: dermatomyositis (DM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNM), overlap myositis (OM) and immune-checkpoint inhibitor-related myositis (ICIrm). Axial muscle involvement results either in a “Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS)”, with a marked weakness of the neck extensors, or in a camptocormia (CC), with a weakness of the thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles. This atypical presentation is poorly described in the course of IMs while it may results in a major disability, and may lead to myositis diagnosis delay.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe IMs revealed by DHS and/or CC. Secondary outcomes were to define subgroups of patients according to clinical, biological and histopathological characteristics. Then, the effects of treatments used were analyzed.

Methods

A historical cohort was designed using the register MYOLYON which includes all IMs followed at the University Hospital of Lyon (France) between 2000 and 2021. All patients with IM revealed by DHS and/or CC and having an histologically proven IMs were included, after exclusion of alternative (e.g., myasthenia gravis, motoneuron disease). Clinical, biological, immunological, histopathological data as well as outcome and care were collected through a standardized form. Agreement for the study was obtained from the French Ministry of the Research and the study was approved by the Local Research Ethics Committee.

Results

Twenty-two patients were fully characterized: DM (n=4), IBM (n=7), OM (n=8), ICIrm (n=2) and one myositis with anti-Hu antibodies. Two groups of patients were identified according to the age at first symptoms and to the type of muscle axial involvement (e.g, DHS and/or CC). Before the age of 70 (n=13/22), the two most common diagnoses (n=11/13) were DM (n=4/4) and OM (n=7/8). Axial muscle involvement was diffuse (DHS and CC) in 10/13 patients. After 70 years old (n=9/22), there were a majority of IBM (n=6/9) and all cases of ICIrm (n=2). Axial involvement was restricted to one group of muscles (DHS or CC) in 5/9 patients. Finally, 77% (17/22) of patients had refractory disease and required a second line treatment (e.g, immunoglobulins). All of these results are summarized in the Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Conclusion

While IM diagnosis is challenging in the presence of inaugural axial involvement, these results highlight the subset of IM to be considered according to the age at first symptoms and the type of axial involvement (e.g., DHS and/or CC).

References

[1]Mariampillai, K. et al. Development of a New Classification System for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies Based on Clinical Manifestations and Myositis-Specific Autoantibodies. JAMA Neurol75, 1528-1537 (2018).

[2]Landon-Cardinal, O. et al. Recognising the spectrum of scleromyositis: HEp-2 ANA patterns allow identification of a novel clinical subset with anti-SMN autoantibodies. RMD Open6 (2020).

[3]Suarez, G.A. & Kelly, J.J., Jr. The dropped head syndrome. Neurology42, 1625-1627 (1992).

[4]Oerlemans, W.G. & de Visser, M. Dropped head syndrome and bent spine syndrome: two separate clinical entities or different manifestations of axial myopathy? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry65, 258-259 (1998).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Epigenetic status of LINE-1 predicts clinical outcome in early-stage rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the clinical prognostic value of methylation of two non-coding repeat sequences, long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu, in rectal tumour tissues. In addition to DNA methylation, expression of histone modifications H3K27me3 and H3K9Ac was studied in this patient cohort.

METHODS

LINE-1 and Alu methylation were assessed in DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. A pilot (30 tumour and 25 normal tissues) and validation study (189 tumour and 53 normal tissues) were performed. Histone modifications H3K27me3 and H3K9Ac were immunohistochemically stained on tissue microarrays of the study cohort.

RESULTS

In early-stage rectal cancer (stage I-II), hypomethylation of LINE-1 was an independent clinical prognostic factor, showing shorter patient survival (P=0.014; HR: 4.6) and a higher chance of tumour recurrence (P=0.001; HR: 9.6). Alu methylation did not show any significant correlation with clinical parameters, suggesting an active role of LINE-1 in tumour development. Expression of H3K27me3 (silencing gene expression) and H3K9Ac (activating gene expression) in relation to methylation status of LINE-1 and Alu supported this specific role of LINE-1 methylation.

CONCLUSION

The epigenetic status of LINE-1, but not of Alu, is prognostic in rectal cancer, indicating an active role for LINE-1 in determining clinical outcome.

Giant thoracic neurofibromatosis type 1 with massive intratumoral haemorrhage: a case report

A 44-year-old man known to have neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presented with an acute enlargement of a long-standing pedunculated thoracic mass and a 4.5 kg weight gain. He was recently treated with anticoagulation for a newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. Intratumoral bleed was thus suspected to explain the sudden enlargement. Chest computerised tomography confirmed the presence of a large extrathoracic tumour of soft tissue density compatible with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and a recent massive intratumoral haematoma. Perioperative angiography demonstrated remarkable hypervascularity. The treatment plan involved embolisation and surgical resection. The histological specimen confirmed a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type I without malignant transformation. Neurofibromatosis associated with an intratumoral haemorrhage is rare. This is the first scientific report of a massive intratumoral bleed in NF1 subsequent to anticoagulant administration. Anticoagulation should be monitored very closely in neurofibromatosis patients due to their propensity to bleed secondary to the abnormal vascular intima.

Gamma-Secretase, ErbB4 nuclear localization and neuregulin expression correlates with prostate cancer patient clinical outcome

10587

Background: Membrane protein ErbB4 is a member of ErbB growth factor receptor family, which can be activated by neuregulins (NRG). Upon neuregulin activation, ErbB4 is cleaved within its transmembrane domain by presenilin γ-secratase (PSN) to release an intracellular domain that translocates into the nucleus. Although, ErbB4 ligand-dependant translocation of ErbB4 to the nucleus and its nuclear activity has been reported in breast cancer cell lines, there are few reports concerning ErbB4 nuclear localization and its clinical relevance. Here, we report for the first time the clinical relevance of ErbB4 nuclear localization, NRG, and PSN expression in prostate cancer tissues. Methods: Immunostaining using anti-ErbB4, anti-PSN2 and anti-neuregulin antibodies was done on a set of tissue microarrays (TMA) from 140 patients. The TMAs contained, 92 cores of normal prostate tissue obtained from 46 autopsy specimens from young males, 373 tumor and normal adjacent cores from 63 hormone sensitive PCa (HSPCa) patients, and 146 cores from 31 hormone refractory PCa (HRPCa) patients. Results: We found a statistically significant increase (p<0.01) in the percentage of ErbB4 nuclear localization (68.7% vs 53.2%), NRG expression (2.06 vs 1.41) and PSN2 expression (2.14 vs 1.53) when comparing cancerous tissues to normal tissue adjacent to cancer. Interestingly, a similar statistically significant increase in nuclear ErbB4 and NRG expression was observed when comparing HRPCa to HSPCa (p<0.001). In cancerous tissues, a strong correlation was found between nuclear ErbB4 and NRG expression (r=0.672), between nuclear ErbB4 and PSN2 expression (r=0.51), and between PSN2 and NRG expression (r=0.71). Nuclear ErbB4 and PSN2 inversely correlated with tumor stage and lymph node invasion. Kaplan Meier analysis of nuclear ErbB4 (p=0.030) and PSN2 expression (p=0.018) showed an inverse association with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of PCa. In multivariate analyses including these three markers and clinical parameters, only nuclear ErbB4 retained an independent prognosis value. Conclusion: Our results suggest that high nuclear ErbB4 along with increased PSN2 expression have a protective effect against prostate cancer progression and BCR.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A ligand-independent androgen receptor function protects from inositol hexakisphosphate-induced cell death

14566

Background: The androgen receptor (AR) is often aberrantly expressed or activated in hormone-refractory (HR) prostate cancer (PCa). Though it is not clear whether this is directly linked to AR expression, various cell survival pathways are over-activated in HR-PCa, which is characterized by its poor clinical outcome and resistance to available therapies. Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) is a phytochemical anti-cancer agent, which we have found to be more effective in PCa cell lines that do not express the AR. Our goal was to address the mechanism of IP6-induced cell death and to evaluate if and how the AR may interfere with its activity. Methods: We used LNCaP, DU145, 22Rv1 as well as wild-type PC3 and AR-expressing PC3 (PC3AR) cell lines to assess the metabolic toxicity of IP6 by WST-1 assay in normal, androgen-supplemented, and androgen-depleted cell culture conditions. A siRNA targeting the androgen receptor (AR) was used to control for genuine AR-mediated effects in the PC3/PC3AR cell lines. Apoptosis was quantified using fluorogenic caspase-3 assays as well as quantitative DNA fragmentation assays. Expression of a variety of genes involved in apoptosis and cell survival pathways was evaluated by real time PCR. Results: While the activity of IP6 was not modulated by the presence of androgens for any cell line, PC3AR cells were significantly more resistant to IP6 than wild-type PC3 cells according to WST-1, caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation assays (p < 0.05). Down-regulation of the AR in the PC3AR cell line resulted in increased metabolic toxicity of IP6 on these cells (p < 10−5). Although treatment with IP6 resulted in the up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic genes Puma, Noxa, as well as of IRF-2 and IkB-αλπηα in PC3 cells, this did not occur in PC3AR cells (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that, at least in PC3/PC3AR, cells IP6 sensitivity is linked to a ligand-independent function of the AR. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a ligand-independent AR function involved in resistance to a cytotoxic compound. Establishing the molecular details of this novel function is a major part of our ongoing research.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Regulation of IKKe expression by androgen receptor and NF-kB transcriptional factor in prostate cancer

10106

Background: In unstimulated cells, NF-kB transcription factor is sequestered in the cytoplasm as an inactive p65/p50 dimer through interaction with a member of the inhibitor of kB protein family (IkBa). Prominent constitutive activation of NF-kB was observed in prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines lacking androgen receptor (AR) expression (PC3 and DU145) whereas only very low levels of NF-kB activity were seen in androgen-dependent cell lines (LNCaP and CWR22Rv1). As IkB kinase-e (IKKe) has recently been shown to be controlled by NF-kB, we hypothesize that IKKe may be involved in PCa progression based on its interaction with the NF-kB protein, and that these interactions are influenced by AR signaling. Methods: LNCaP cells were used to study IKKe expression with or without stimulation by the analog of androgen R1881 and by the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a. IKKe protein and RNA expression were characterized by immunoblot assay and quantitative PCR, respectively. IKKe expression was then correlated with p65 nuclear localisation. NF-kB activity was inhibited using an IkBa dominant negative construction. Inhibition of AR synthesis was performed using a siRNA against AR. Results: IKKe gene expression was stimulated by TNF-a treatment in LNCaP cells and inhibited by transfection of a dominant negative form of IkBa which prevented the nuclear translocation of p65. We also observed constitutive IKKe expression in hormone-refractory cells. Furthermore, we showed that TNF-a-induced IKKe expression is inhibited by R1881 in hormone-responsive PCa cells and this inhibition was correlated with the modulation of IkBa expression by R1881. Finally, we observed that the expression of IKKe is constitutively induced after blocking AR expression in LNCaP cells. Conclusions:. Our results show that IKKe expression is regulated by NF-kB in PCa cell lines. Moreover, IKKe appears to be down-regulated by ligand-dependent AR signaling through the control of IkBa expression. Further studies will be needed in order to determine the implications of this phenomenon with regard to NF-kB regulation, androgen resistance and effect on PCa progression.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Nuclear localization of NF-kappaB p65 in primary prostate tumors is predictive of pelvic lymph node metastases

10077

Background: Pelvic lymph node metastases are associated with a greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence and peripheral metastasis. Unfortunately, markers predictive of lymph node metastasis and/or recurrence after radical prostatectomy are limited and new molecular markers are needed to identify patients at higher risk of progression. NF-kB (p65) is a candidate molecular marker already associated with poor clinical outcomes such as biochemical recurrence and bone metastasis. We have also reported elevated nuclear p65 expression in prostate cancer lymph node metastasis. Pertinent to this issue, we tested whether the nuclear localization of p65 in radical prostatectomy specimens could predict the presence of lymph node metastases. Methods: Following informed consent, 51 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were included in the study: 20 patients had lymph node metastasis at surgery and 31 patients had no evidence of lymph node metastasis and were used as the control group. All cases in the control group had no biochemical relapse 5 years following radical prostatectomy. NF-kB expression in prostate tumor sections was assessed by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal NF-kB p65 antibody. The relation between nuclear p65 expression in primary tumors and lymph node metastasis was tested in univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results: Primary tumors of metastatic patients had an average of 21.25% of tumor cells with nuclear p65 expression as opposed to 9.42% of tumor cells of control patients (p=0.001). Univariate Cox regression demonstrated a 7.5% increased risk of having lymph node metastases for each percent increase in p65 nuclear staining (p=0.003). In the multivariate model, after controlling for pre-operative PSA (p=0.175), Gleason patterns (p=0.382), pathological stage (p=0.436), extracapsular extension (p=0.243) and seminal vesicle invasion (p=0.016), nuclear p65 was associated with an 8.8% increased risk for lymph node metastases (p=0.024). Conclusion: In univariate and multivariate analyses, p65 nuclear expression was strongly predictive of lymph node invasion. We propose that nuclear NF-kB (p65) may serve as a useful independent molecular marker for stratifying patients at risk for lymph node metastases.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Direct dark matter search using large-mass superheated droplet detectors in the PICASSO experiment

The PICASSO experiment investigates the presence and nature of dark matter in the Universe. The experiment is based on the detection of acoustic signals generated in explosive phase transitions induced by dark matter particles. This technique is an alternative more traditional detection technique like scintillation and ionisation, which are largely employed for dark matter search. One of the main advantages of this technique, besides its sensitivity to very low nuclear recoil energies (few keV), is its excellent background suppression features. A pilot experiment consisting of six superheated droplet detectors (40 g of active mass) is presently taking data at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) at a depth of 2000 m. We discuss the operation, calibration and data acquisition of the experiment and also the ongoing work to increase the sensitivity and the active mass of the detectors.

Simulation of special bubble detectors for PICASSO

The PICASSO project is a cold dark matter (CDM) search experiment relying on the superheated droplet technique. The detectors use superheated freon liquid droplets (active material) dispersed and trapped in a polymerised gel. This detection technique is based on the phase transition of superheated droplets at about room temperature and ambient pressure. The phase transition is induced by nuclear recoils when an atomic nucleus in the droplets interacts with incoming subatomic particles. This includes CDM particles candidate as the neutralino (a yet-to-discover particle predicted in extensions of the standard model of particle physics). Simulations performed to understand the detector response to neutrons and alpha particles are presented along with corresponding data obtained at the Montreal Laboratory.

Nuclear localisation of nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factors in prostate cancer: an immunohistochemical study

Several reports suggest that the canonical nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway is constitutively activated in a subset of prostate cancer cells. However, except for RelA (p65), little is known about the status of NF-κB transcription factors in prostate cancer tissues. To clarify the status of NF-κB subunits, we analysed the expression and subcellular localisation of RelA, RelB, c-Rel, p50, and p52 on tissue array sections containing respectively 344, 346, 369, 343, and 344 cores from 75 patients. The subcellular localisation of NF-κB factors was tested against relevant clinical parameters (preoperative prostate-specific antigen, pathological stage, and postoperative Gleason grade). With the exception of c-Rel, each subunit was detected in the nucleus of cancer cells: significant nuclear expression of RelB, RelA, p52, and p50 was seen in 26.6, 15.6, 10.7, and 10.5% of cores, respectively. Surprisingly, cores expressing both nuclear RelA and p50 canonical pathway proteins were less frequently observed than cores expressing other subunit combinations such as RelB–p52 and RelA–RelB. In addition, the nuclear localisation of RelB correlated with patient's Gleason scores (Spearman correlation: 0.167; P=0.018). The nuclear localisation of both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB subunits in prostate cancer cells suggests for the first time that different NF-κB pathways and dimers may be activated in the progression of the disease.

NF-kappa B nuclear localization and its prognostic significance in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To detect the subcellular localization of NF-kappa B (p65) in human prostate cancer tissues of different histological grades, and to test whether NF-kappa B localization alone, or combined with the histological grade, can be used to predict patient outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prostate cancer tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy specimens; the histological grade was determined using the Gleason grading system. Clinical outcomes were defined as good (5-year disease-free survival with undetectable levels of prostate specific antigen) or poor (progression to bone metastases). The subcellular localization of NF-kappa B was visualized by immunohistochemistry using an anti-p65 antibody.

RESULTS

The NF-kappa B subcellular localization was initially assessed in 45 specimens; in these samples a nuclear localization of NF-kappa B was specific to cancer tissues, but did not correlate with the Gleason score (P = 0.089). NF-kappa B was then assessed as a prognostic marker to complement Gleason score in predicting cancer progression. Tumour tissues from 30 men with a known clinical outcome were included; 10 of 17 patients who had a poor outcome were positive for NF-kappa B nuclear staining, whereas only two of 13 with a good outcome were positive (P = 0.026). When NF-kappa B subcellular localization and Gleason score were combined, two risk categories of progression were defined. Eleven of 13 specimens from those with a good outcome were in the low-risk category (Gleason 2-4 or Gleason 5-7 with negative nuclear NF-kappa B) and 12 of 17 in the poor outcome group were in the high-risk category (Gleason 8-10 or Gleason 5-7 with positive nuclear NF-kappa B; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

NF-kappa B is detectable in the nucleus in prostate cancer tissues and positivity can be used to help predict patient outcome. Multivariate analyses using other clinical and molecular variables are underway, and will validate the usefulness of NF-kappa B as a prognostic factor.

Host response to various treatments to reduce Salmonella infections in swine

Host response was evaluated following the administration of various treatments, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vaccination, to reduce Salmonella in swine. Response to the treatments were studied by the evaluation of phagocytosis rates by flow cytometry, by studying the activation of whole-blood phagocytes by bioluminescence, the production of IgA against S. Typhimurium, and by histopathology. Significant differences were observed in the activation of whole-blood phagocytes in all groups of treated pigs (P = 0.0001). In SC54 vaccinated pigs, a significant reduction of Salmonella in the ileum was observed (P < 0.05) and the production of IgA against S. Typhimurium was higher in this group in comparison to uninfected control pigs (P = 0.0007). Furthermore, significant histopathological (P < 0.05) changes were observed in SC54 vaccinated pigs. Villus height and mucus and goblet cells density in the small intestine were reduced in vaccinated pigs in comparison to infected control pigs. Taken together, these findings suggest that SC54 vaccine can stimulate local immunity and reduce the presence of Salmonella in the ileum in swine. Use of SC54 vaccine should thus be considered in further field experiments.

Skull Base Meningioma: Delayed Extracranial Presentation

Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors that rarely extend to extracranial sites. When they occur extracranially near the skull base, their diagnosis and management represent tremendous challenges. Although the extracranial component tends to manifest at the same time as the intracranial component, this is not always the case. In the patient reported in this article, 13 years separated the diagnosis of the intracranial tumor from the appearance of an extracranial component. The clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and management of this large skull base meningioma are discussed with reference to the literature. A high index of suspicion and clinical acumen are needed to ensure that the extracranial component of these frequent tumors is discovered, especially when it presents later than the intracranial component.

Assessment of various treatments to reduce carriage of Salmonella in swine

In this study, different strategies to reduce carriage of Salmonella spp. in pigs were evaluated. Probiotics, prebiotics, vaccination, and acidification of drinking water were assessed as means of reducing Salmonella. Acidification of water, use of egg yolk-specific immunoglobulins, and vaccination with an endotoxin vaccine did not reduce Salmonella excretion in experimentally infected pigs. A reduction of Salmonella in the colonization of mesenteric lymph nodes was observed with the use of bambermycins and a live attenuated vaccine. A reduction in the shedding of S. Typhimurium was also observed after supplementation with fructooligosaccharides in drinking water. The use of probiotics and prebiotics appeared to change the pig fecal bacterial flora as indicated by Gram staining of smears from rectal swabs.

Characterization of the risk to human health of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from chicken carcasses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk for human health associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from airsacculitis and cellulitis in chickens, by comparing the genotypic and phenotypic profiles of avian E. coli isolates and E. coli strains isolated from sick humans during the same period and in the same geographical area as the avian isolates. A total of 96 isolates and 46 isolates from lesions of cellulitis and airsacculitis, respectively, were obtained. Isolates from the backs of some of the affected and healthy birds and 91 intestinal and extraintestinal isolates from humans with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, or septicemia were examined. The frequency of antimicrobial resistance was in general higher in the avian than in the human isolates. VT1-VT2-Eae and VT2-Eae, pathotypes associated with hemolytic and uremic syndrome and bloody diarrhea in humans, were the most frequently encountered pathotypes in human intestinal isolates but were not recovered from the avian isolates. Aero-Pap-TSH and Aero-TSH were the most frequently encountered pathotypes in avian isolates but were rarely observed in human isolates. No avian isolate was of serogroup O157, whereas many human isolates belonged to this O group. O78 and O2 were the most frequently observed O groups in avian isolates but were rarely found in human isolates. Only two avian isolates demonstrated possible relatedness to human isolates based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles, but they belonged to different pathotypes. Our results suggest that avian isolates recovered from cellulitis and air sacullitis possess very few of the attributes required to cause diseases in humans. It is also concluded that isolates from cellulitis and airsacculitis do not represent a greater hazard than isolates from the back of healthy birds.

EMG analysis of harmaline-induced tremor in normal and three strains of mutant mice with Purkinje cell degeneration and the role of the inferior olive

1. The effects of intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg harmaline were tested in normal mice and three strains of cerebellar mutant mice with Purkinje cell degeneration. Ten normal (wild-type) mice (+/+), as well as five lurcher (lc/+), six nervous (nr/nr), and eight Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd/pcd) mutants were implanted with chronic electromyogram (EMG) electrodes in the hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups of the right hindlimb. 2. EMGs were recorded in each of the mice during spontaneous activity before and after intraperitoneal injections of 0.3 ml harmaline (10 mg/kg). Spectral analysis was used to quantify the amplitude and frequency of tremor found in the EMGs after harmaline administration. Normal mice responded to harmaline with strong, continuous 11- to 14-Hz tremor. Mutants from the pcd/pcd strain also reacted with continuous tremor, but of lower amplitude and frequency. In contrast, nr/nr mutants exhibited intermittent paroxysmal tremor lasting for only a few seconds, and lc/+ mutants showed no evidence of tremor whatsoever. 3. In order to detect covert tremor that was possibly not revealed by focal intramuscular EMG recordings, several mutant and normal mice were also tested on a suspended platform to which an accelerometer was attached. The results confirmed the findings from EMG recordings. 4. An incidental observation made during the course of this study was that harmaline tremor disappeared from the normal mouse during swimming and reappeared when the animal was withdrawn from the water. 5. Although Purkinje cells appeared to increase both the depth of modulation and the frequency of tremor, the inhibitory action of the cerebellar cortex does not seem to be essential for the generation of tremor. 6. Parasagittal cerebellar sections of the normal, wild-type mice and the three strains of cerebellar mutant mice of various ages were stained with cresyl violet and examined for Purkinje cell degeneration. Purkinje cell degeneration was found to be complete in the pcd/pcd and lc/+ strains. Although an initial examination of parasagittal sections of the nr/nr strain failed to find any surviving Purkinje cells, further examination of sections cut in the coronal plane revealed small clusters of Purkinje cells in the vermal area of the posterior lobe. 7. The retrograde transport of wheat-germ-agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) pressure-injected into the cerebellar cortex was used to study the olivocerebellar projections in the wild-type mice and the three strains of cerebellar mutant mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The use of preformed HTR polymer implants for chin augmentation. A preliminary report

Ten patients with microgenia had their chins augmented with HTR polymer implants. The implants were inserted intraorally and fixed rigidly with a titanium screw. The postoperative course was uneventful except in one patient who had wound dehiscence and was resutured. This patient and all the others were clinically and radiographically stable at one year follow up.

Selective release of inner core proteins from intestinal microvillus membrane by lithium diiodosalicylate

Lithium diiodosalicylate (LIS) was used to selectively solubilize proteins from purified intestinal brush border membrane vesicles. Incubation of the vesicles with increasing concentrations of LIS resulted in the progressive release of proteins with total disruption of the membranes being obtained at 200 mM. Maximum selectivity was observed at 20-30 mM LIS which preferentially released actin and other non-glycosylated proteins while all the glycoproteins remained associated with the membrane. Electron micrographs showed that, after LIS treatment, brush border vesicles are partially disrupted and have lost their inner core of microfilaments. Sucrase, trehalase, leucylnaphthylamide hydrolase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase all retained more than 70% of their activities and remained associated with the membrane fraction after LIS solubilization (30 mM). The results indicate that lithium diiodosalicylate treatment provides an efficient method for the separation of cytoskeletal proteins from intrinsic membrane glycoproteins and should be very useful for the purification of microvilli proteins and for the study of membrane-protein interactions.

Prolonged and variable intervals between EEG complexes in subacute inclusion body encephalitis

Should effective therapy of SIBE ever depend upon early diagnosis, periodic EEG complexes must be sought carefully when the condition is suspected, bearing in mind that initially the duration of intervals between complexes may be more prolonged and more variable than commonly appreciated. Prolonged, uninterrupted recording at reduced speed, taken both while the patient is awake and asleep, may well facilitate recognition of periodic events as unusual as those observed in the 20-year-old young man described in this paper, who was examined during the early stage of the disease. When initial EEG complexes are separated, as in our patient, by variable and prolonged intervals - up to 86 seconds' duration - their periodicity and diagnostic implication can be overlooked, particularly in a so-called routine electroencephalogram. Optimal dispaly of such unusual findings calls for suitable electroencephalographic techniques.