Peripheral and site-specific CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients show distinct characteristics

Proinflammatory CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells are frequently found in the circulation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but are less common in the rheumatic joint. In the present study, we sought to identify functional differences between CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells from blood and synovial fluid in comparison with conventional CD28-expressing CD4(+) T cells. Forty-four patients with RA, displaying a distinct CD4(+) CD28(null) T cell population in blood, were recruited for this study; the methylation status of the IFNG locus was examined in isolated T cell subsets, and intracellular cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF, IL-17) and chemokine receptor expression (CXCR3, CCR6 and CCR7) were assessed by flow cytometry on T cells from the two compartments. Circulating CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells were significantly more hypomethylated in the CNS-1 region of the IFNG locus than conventional CD4(+) CD28(+) T cells and produced higher levels of both IFN-γ and TNF after TCR cross-linking. CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells from the site of inflammation expressed significantly more CXCR3 and CCR6 compared to their counterparts in blood. While IL-17A production could hardly be detected in CD4(+) CD28(null) cells from the blood, a significant production was observed in CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells from synovial fluid. CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells were not only found to differ from conventional CD4(+) CD28(+) T cells in the circulation, but we could also demonstrate that synovial CD4(+) CD28(null) T cells showed additional effector functions (IL-17 coproduction) as compared to the same subset in peripheral blood, suggesting an active role for these cells in the perpetuation of inflammation in the subset of patients having a CD28(null) population.

Altered immunoregulatory profile during anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be treated effectively by anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. We set out to investigate the unclear immunoregulatory mechanisms of the treatment. Thirty-four patients with IBD treated with anti-TNF were included. Lymphocytes from peripheral blood and intestinal biopsies were analysed by flow cytometry. Regulation of antigen-stimulated proliferation was analysed by blocking of interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or depletion of CD25(+) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. No changes in CD4(+)CD25(+), CD25(+)TNF-RII(+) or CD4(+)CD25(+) forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3(+)) T cells could be observed in peripheral blood after, in comparison to before, 6 weeks of treatment. The suppressive ability of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells did not change. There was an initial decrease of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in intestinal mucosa after 2 weeks of treatment, followed by an increase of these cells from weeks 2 to 6 of treatment (P < 0·05). This was accompanied by an increased percentage of CD69(+) cells among these cells after 6 weeks of treatment compared to before treatment (P < 0·01). There was also an increase of mucosal T helper type1 cells from weeks 2 to 6 (P < 0·05). In addition, CD25(+)TNF-RII(+) cells in the mucosa were decreased after 6 weeks of treatment compared to before treatment (P < 0·05). Before treatment, peripheral blood mononuclear cell baseline proliferation was increased when IL-10 was blocked (P < 0·01), but not after. In CD25(+) cell-depleted cultures proliferation increased after treatment (P < 0·05). Our data indicate that anti-TNF treatment leads to an induction of effector T cells. Anti-TNF therapy has no significant impact on regulatory T cells in IBD, although the composition of regulatory T cell subsets may change during treatment.

The genome of M. acetivorans reveals extensive metabolic and physiological diversity

Methanogenesis, the biological production of methane, plays a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle and contributes significantly to global warming. The majority of methane in nature is derived from acetate. Here we report the complete genome sequence of an acetate-utilizing methanogen, Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A. Methanosarcineae are the most metabolically diverse methanogens, thrive in a broad range of environments, and are unique among the Archaea in forming complex multicellular structures. This diversity is reflected in the genome of M. acetivorans. At 5,751,492 base pairs it is by far the largest known archaeal genome. The 4524 open reading frames code for a strikingly wide and unanticipated variety of metabolic and cellular capabilities. The presence of novel methyltransferases indicates the likelihood of undiscovered natural energy sources for methanogenesis, whereas the presence of single-subunit carbon monoxide dehydrogenases raises the possibility of nonmethanogenic growth. Although motility has not been observed in any Methanosarcineae, a flagellin gene cluster and two complete chemotaxis gene clusters were identified. The availability of genetic methods, coupled with its physiological and metabolic diversity, makes M. acetivorans a powerful model organism for the study of archaeal biology. [Sequence, data, annotations and analyses are available at http://www-genome.wi.mit.edu/.]

A map of human genome sequence variation containing 1.42 million single nucleotide polymorphisms

We describe a map of 1.42 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed throughout the human genome, providing an average density on available sequence of one SNP every 1.9 kilobases. These SNPs were primarily discovered by two projects: The SNP Consortium and the analysis of clone overlaps by the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium. The map integrates all publicly available SNPs with described genes and other genomic features. We estimate that 60,000 SNPs fall within exon (coding and untranslated regions), and 85% of exons are within 5 kb of the nearest SNP. Nucleotide diversity varies greatly across the genome, in a manner broadly consistent with a standard population genetic model of human history. This high-density SNP map provides a public resource for defining haplotype variation across the genome, and should help to identify biomedically important genes for diagnosis and therapy.

An SNP map of the human genome generated by reduced representation shotgun sequencing

Most genomic variation is attributable to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which therefore offer the highest resolution for tracking disease genes and population history. It has been proposed that a dense map of 30,000-500,000 SNPs can be used to scan the human genome for haplotypes associated with common diseases. Here we describe a simple but powerful method, called reduced representation shotgun (RRS) sequencing, for creating SNP maps. RRS re-samples specific subsets of the genome from several individuals, and compares the resulting sequences using a highly accurate SNP detection algorithm. The method can be extended by alignment to available genome sequence, increasing the yield of SNPs and providing map positions. These methods are being used by The SNP Consortium, an international collaboration of academic centres, pharmaceutical companies and a private foundation, to discover and release at least 300,000 human SNPs. We have discovered 47,172 human SNPs by RRS, and in total the Consortium has identified 148,459 SNPs. More broadly, RRS facilitates the rapid, inexpensive construction of SNP maps in biomedically and agriculturally important species. SNPs discovered by RRS also offer unique advantages for large-scale genotyping.

Toward real-world sequencing by microdevice electrophoresis

We report results using a microdevice for DNA sequencing using samples from chromosome 17, obtained from the Whitehead Institute Center for Genome Research (WICGR) production line. The device had an effective separation distance of 11.5 cm and a lithographically defined injection width of 150 microm. The four-color raw data were processed, base-called by the sequencing software Trout, and compared to the corresponding ABI 377 sequence from WICGR. With a criteria of 99% accuracy, we achieved average continuous reads of 505 bases in 27 min with 3% linear polyacrylamide (LPA) at 150 V/cm, and 460 bases in 22 min with 4% LPA at 200 V/cm at a temperature of 45 degrees C. In the best case, up to 565 bases could be base-called with the same accuracy in <25 min. In some instances, Trout allowed for accurate base-calling down to a resolution R as low as R = 0.35. This may be due in part to the high signal-to-noise ratio of the microdevice. Unlike many results reported on capillary machines, no additional sample cleanup other than ethanol precipitation was required. In addition, DNA fragment biasing (i.e., discrimination against larger fragments) was reduced significantly through the unique sample injection mechanism of the microfabricated device. This led to increased signal strength for long fragments, which is of great importance for the high performance of the microdevice.

Intact neurons of the lateral habenular nucleus are necessary for the nonhormonal, pup-mediated display of maternal behavior in sensitized virgin female rats

Our research has demonstrated that the lateral habenular nucleus (Lhb) is necessary for the hormonal onset but not the postpartum maintenance of maternal behavior in the rat (K. P. Corodimas, J. S. Rosenblatt, & J. I. Morrell, 1992; K. P. Corodimas, J. S. Rosenblatt, M. E. Canfield, & J. I. Morell, 1993; T. Matthews-Felton, K. P. Corodimas, J. S. Rosenblatt, & J. I. Morell, 1995). To test the role of the Lhb in the nonhormonal onset of maternal behavior, we used the sensitization model in which the continual exposure of females to pups induces maternal behavior. Ovariectomized females received bilateral cytotoxic lesions of neurons of either the Lhb or the dorsal medial cingulate cortex-hippocampus, or they were unoperated. Maternal behavior, activity, and oromotor carrying capability were tested. Complete lesions of the neurons of the Lhb induced significant deficits in pup retrieval and nest building. Sniffing, licking, and crouching behaviors were unaltered. Activity and carrying ability were normal. These results indicate a role for the Lhb that extends to the nonhormonally dependent onset of maternal behavior, but they also indicate a more limited role than in the mediation of the hormonal onset of the behavior.

First and second order maternal behavior related afferents of the lateral habenula

We demonstrated previously that the lateral habenula (Lhb) mediates maternal behavior. Our present goal was to identify the first and second order afferent connections of the Lhb, particularly those relevant for maternal behavior. Using pseudorabies virus (PRV) as a retrograde transneuronal tracer and the retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold, we identified first order Lhb afferent projections from the lateral preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, each important for the display of maternal behavior. Maternally relevant second order neurons originated from the medial preoptic area and amygdala. Additional regions with first and second order neurons afferent to the Lhb were also identified.

Intact neurons of the lateral habenular nucleus are necessary for the nonhormonal, pup-mediated display of maternal behavior in sensitized virgin female rats

Our research has demonstrated that the lateral habenular nucleus (Lhb) is necessary for the hormonal onset but not the postpartum maintenance of maternal behavior in the rat (K. P. Corodimas, J. S. Rosenblatt, & J. I. Morrell, 1992; K. P. Corodimas, J. S. Rosenblatt, M. E. Canfield, & J. I. Morell, 1993; T. Matthews-Felton, K. P. Corodimas, J. S. Rosenblatt, & J. I. Morell, 1995). To test the role of the Lhb in the nonhormonal onset of maternal behavior, we used the sensitization model in which the continual exposure of females to pups induces maternal behavior. Ovariectomized females received bilateral cytotoxic lesions of neurons of either the Lhb or the dorsal medial cingulate cortex-hippocampus, or they were unoperated. Maternal behavior, activity, and oromotor carrying capability were tested. Complete lesions of the neurons of the Lhb induced significant deficits in pup retrieval and nest building. Sniffing, licking, and crouching behaviors were unaltered. Activity and carrying ability were normal. These results indicate a role for the Lhb that extends to the nonhormonally dependent onset of maternal behavior, but they also indicate a more limited role than in the mediation of the hormonal onset of the behavior.

Measuring the psychosocial impact of urinary incontinence: the York Incontinence Perceptions Scale (YIPS)

OBJECTIVE

The York Incontinence Perceptions Scale (YIPS) was developed to measure the psychosocial aspects of urinary incontinence and its management.

DESIGN

Testing of internal consistency and validity of the YIPS.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Subjects were 101 female rural community residents (mean age = 67.4 years) diagnosed with urinary incontinence and participating in a 25-week longitudinal randomized control study testing the efficacy of treating incontinence with a behavioral/educational intervention.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants completed the YIPS, a bladder chart monitoring daily incontinence episodes, the Aids to Living Scale, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and single-item ratings of self-perceptions of amount of leakage, continence status, and overall health status.

MAIN RESULTS

The YIPS had high internal consistency (a = .78). Positive adjustment on the YIPS was correlated with lower frequency of incontinence (r = -.44), and self-ratings of improvement in amount of leakage (r = .60), improved continence status (r = .38), and overall health status (r = .32). At the end of the 25-week treatment period, the participants in the treatment group reported a more positive adjustment on the YIPS than did participants in the control group (t[99] = 4.78, P < .001), which was concordant with a reduction in the incidence of incontinence in the treatment group (F[1,91] = 6.95, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The YIPS is a brief, yet reliable, instrument that addresses such psychosocial issues as coping, control, and acceptance of incontinence.

Testing life-cycle theory by computer simulation--I. Introduction of genetical structure

Computer simulation was used to relax assumptions of analytical life-cycle theory about the eventual outcome of evolution in a constant environment. The computer simulation models, of diploid one-locus genetic systems, are described in detail. Good agreement was obtained between the analytical and simulation outcomes, except in some cases of discrepancy between the male and female life cycles.

Testing life-cycle theory by computer simulation--II. Bet-hedging revisited

Analytical and computer models were used to reexamine bet-hedging, the reduction in fecundity that is evolutionarily advantageous in conditions of greater variation in juvenile survivorship or less variation in adult survivorship. The computer simulation models represent diploid one-locus genetic systems with semidominance. Schaffer's (1974) predictions proved remarkably robust when variations were symmetrical, and a simple modification allowed successful prediction for the asymmetries that occurred in the computer simulations when variations were large.

Competition and coexistance between Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis (Glossiphoniidae: Hirudinoidea)

The prey utilization of Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis from Bruce Lake, Alberta, Canada was examined quantitatively using serological techniques. While considerable prey range overlap occurred between the species, niche overlap was low during the winter, peaked in March and declined through the summer. Temporal differences in feeding and intraspecific weight class differences in prey utilization were found in both species but more distinctly in G. complanata. It is suggested that co-existance of G. complanata and H. stagnalis is based on adjustments of weight class food resource partitioning on a temporal basis.

Analysis of the food niche of Glossiphonia complanata (Hirudinoidea: Glossiphoniidae)

The food niche of Glossiphonia complanata was evaluated in the field using a serological technique. The feeding ecology of the species was similar in the two field sites examined, both populations displaying similar trends in prey utilization on a temporal and weight (size–age) basis. Field "prey range" of G. complanata was determined to consist of Gastropoda, which formed the highest proportion of the diet, followed in decreasing magnitude by Oligochaeta, Chironomidae, and Amphipoda, respectively. Feeding activity was lowest in winter and early spring and highest in late spring and summer. The temporal trend in prey utilization (winter to summer) was a continual decrease in Chironomidae and Amphipoda consumption, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of Gastropoda and Oligochaeta utilized. Glossiphonia complanata was found to partition food resources on the basis of weight (size–age) differences. Separation in food niche utilization by the weight classes was determined to be a function of a decrease in the proportion of Oligochaeta utilized and an increase in the amount of Chironomidae and Amphipoda consumed with increased predator size. Possible explanations for the observed temporal and weight (size–age) differences in prey utilization are forwarded.

Changes in unsignalled avoidance behavior when a pre-shock CS is response-produced

Six rat Ss were trained under a procedure in which signalled shock (CS-US) was superimposed on unsignalled avoidance behavior. The US was delivered for ¼ sec. for three is (Condition S) and given for I sec. to three Ss (Condition L). Then, while the CS-US procedure was maintained, at different times during the session a response briefly produced the pre-shock CS. Blocks of sessions in which the response-produced CS occurred in addition to CS-US were alternated with blocks of CS-US sessions without the response-produced CS. Under the CS-US procedure, avoidance in CS was enhanced for Ss in Condition S and was enhanced to a lesser degree during the response-produced CS. On the other hand, the CS controlled suppressed avoidance when followed by US and when response-produced.