Evaluation of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses relating to postoperative nausea and vomiting

INTRODUCTION

Spin - the beautification of study results to emphasise benefits or minimise harms - is a deceptive reporting strategy with the potential to affect clinical decision-making adversely. Few studies have investigated the extent of spin in systematic reviews. Here, we sought to address this gap by evaluating the presence of the nine most severe forms of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews on treatments for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). PONV has the potential to increase hospital costs and patient burden, adversely affecting outcomes.

METHODS

We developed search strategies for MEDLINE and Embase to identify systematic reviews focused on PONV. Following title and abstract screening of the reviews identified during the initial search, those that met inclusion criteria were evaluated for the presence of spin and received a revised AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) appraisal by two investigators in a masked, duplicate manner. Study characteristics for each review were also extracted in duplicate.

RESULTS

Our systematic search returned 3513 studies, of which 130 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were eligible for data extraction. We found that 29.2% of included systematic reviews contained spin (38/130). Eight of the nine types of spin were identified, with spin type 3 ('selective reporting of or overemphasis on efficacy outcomes or analysis favouring the beneficial effect of the experimental intervention') being the most common. Associations were found between spin and funding source. Spin was more likely in the abstracts of privately funded than nonfunded studies, odds ratio (OR) 2.81 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66 to 11.98]. In the abstracts of studies not mentioning funding spin was also more likely than in nonfunded studies, OR 2.30 (95% CI, 0.61 to 8.70). Neither of these results were statistically significant. Significance was found in the association between the presence of spin and AMSTAR-2 ratings: 'low' quality studies were less likely to contain spin than 'high' quality, OR 0.24 (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.88): 'critically low' studies were also less likely to contain spin than 'high' quality studies, OR 0.21 (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.65). There were no other associations between spin and the remaining extracted study characteristics or AMSTAR-2 ratings.

CONCLUSION

Spin was present in greater than 29% of abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding PONV. Various stakeholders must take steps to improve the reporting quality of abstracts on PONV.

Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) is transferred by exosomes and contributes to the regulation of hypoxia and estrogen signaling in breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles that contribute to tumor progression and metastasis by mediating cell-to-cell communication and modifying the tumor microenvironment at both local and distant sites. However, little is known about the predominant factors in exosomes that contribute to breast cancer (BC) progression. MTA1 is a transcriptional co-regulator that can act as both a co-activator and co-repressor to regulate pathways that contribute to cancer development. MTA1 is also one of the most up-regulated proteins in cancer, whose expression correlates with cancer progression, poor prognosis and increased metastatic potential.

METHODS

We identified MTA1 in BC exosomes by antibody array and confirmed expression of exosome-MTA1 across five breast cancer cells lines. Ectopic expression of tdTomato-tagged MTA1 and exosome transfer were examined by fluorescent microscopy. CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering was implemented to knockout MTA1 in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Reporter assays were used to monitor hypoxia and estrogen receptor signaling regulation by exosome-MTA1 transfer.

RESULTS

Ectopic overexpression of tdTomato-MTA1 in BC cell lines demonstrated exosome transfer of MTA1 to BC and vascular endothelial cells. MTA1 knockout in BC cells reduced cell proliferation and attenuated the hypoxic response in these cells, presumably through its co-repressor function, which could be rescued by the addition of exosomes containing MTA1. On the other hand, consistent with its co-activator function, estrogen receptor signaling was enhanced in MTA1 knockout cells and could be reversed by addition of MTA1-exosomes. Importantly, MTA1 knockout sensitized hormone receptor negative cells to 4-hydroxy tamoxifen treatment, which could be reversed by the addition of MTA1-exosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report showing that BC exosomes contain MTA1 and can transfer it to other cells resulting in changes to hypoxia and estrogen receptor signaling in the tumor microenvironment. These results, collectively, provide evidence suggesting that exosome-mediated transfer of MTA1 contributes to BC progression by modifying cellular responses to important signaling pathways and that exosome-MTA1 may be developed as a biomarker and therapeutic target for BC.

Light-induced cross-linking and post-cross-linking modification of polyglycidol

The photoinduced radical generation process has received renewed interest due to its economic and ecological appeal. Herein the light-induced cross-linking of functional polyglycidol and its post-cross-linking modification are presented. Linear polyglycidol was first functionalized with a tertiary amine in a two-step reaction. Dimethylaminopropyl functional polyglycidol was cross-linked in a UV-light mediated reaction with camphorquinone as a type II photoinitiator. The cross-linked polyglycidol was further functionalized by quaternization with various organoiodine compounds. Aqueous dispersions of the cross-linked polymers were investigated by means of DLS and zeta potential measurements. Polymer films were evaluated by DSC and XPS.

Proceedings of the First Workshop Organized by the IAFSS Working Group on Measurement and Computation of Fire Phenomena (MaCFP)

This paper provides a report of the discussions held at the first workshop on Measurement and Computation of Fire Phenomena (MaCFP) on June 10-11 2017. The first MaCFP work-shop was both a technical meeting for the gas phase subgroup and a planning meeting for the condensed phase subgroup. The gas phase subgroup reported on a first suite of experimental- computational comparisons corresponding to an initial list of target experiments. The initial list of target experiments identifies a series of benchmark configurations with databases deemed suitable for validation of fire models based on a Computational Fluid Dynamics approach. The simulations presented at the first MaCFP workshop feature fine grid resolution at the millimeter- or centimeter- scale: these simulations allow an evaluation of the performance of fire models under high-resolution conditions in which the impact of numerical errors is reduced and many of the discrepancies between experimental data and computational results may be attributed to modeling errors. The experimental-computational comparisons are archived on the MaCFP repository [1]. Furthermore, the condensed phase subgroup presented a review of the main issues associated with measurements and modeling of pyrolysis phenomena. Overall, the first workshop provided an illustration of the potential of MaCFP in providing a response to the general need for greater levels of integration and coordination in fire research, and specifically to the particular needs of model validation.

QTc prolongation during erythromycin used as prokinetic agent in ICU patients

Background

High-dose erythromycin used as antibiotic prolongs QTc interval. Low-dose erythromycin is frequently used as a prokinetic agent, especially in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is unknown whether low-dose erythromycin affects cardiac repolarisation and puts patients at risk for torsades de pointes.

Methods

In this prospective study, we included ICU patients treated with erythromycin as prokinetic in a dose of 200 mg twice a day. An ECG was performed before, 15 min and 24 hours after the start of erythromycin. Cardiac repolarisation was assessed by rate-corrected analysis of the QT interval (QTc) on the ECG by two independent investigators. Starting or stopping other possibly QTc prolonging drugs during the study period was an exclusion criterion. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman's test were used for statistical analysis to assess prolongation of QTc. Primary outcome was defined by the prolongation of QTc after 15 min and 24 hours.

Results

51 patients were eligible for this study. In these patients, QTc increased significantly from 430 ms at baseline to 439 ms (p=0.03) after 15 min and 444 ms (p=0.01) after 24 hours. After 15 min and 24 hours, the upper limit of 95% CI for prolongation of QTc was well above 10 ms. No QTc-related arrhythmias were seen.

Conclusions

During treatment with erythromycin in a dose of 200 mg twice a day. QTc prolonged mildly but significantly. Sequential ECG registration should be performed when low-dose erythromycin is prescribed, especially in the presence of other risk factor for QTc prolongation.

Development of scalable and versatile nanomaterial libraries for nanosafety studies: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capped metal oxide nanoparticles

A simple synthesis protocol produced a library of PVP-capped metal oxide nanomaterials with systematically varied properties for hypothesis-driven nano(eco)toxicological studies.

Protection of yttria-stabilized zirconia for dental applications by oxidic PVD coating

In this study, the application of transparent physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings on zirconia ceramics was examined as an approach to retard the low-temperature degradation of zirconia for dental applications. Transparent monolayers of titanium oxide (TixOy) and multilayers consisting of titanium oxide-alumina-titanium oxide (TixOy-AlxOy-TixOy) were deposited onto standardized discs of 3Y-TZP using magnetron sputtering. Using X-ray photospectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry, the compositions of the coatings were verified, and an approximate thickness of 50 nm for each type of coating was ascertained. After aging the coated and uncoated samples in water vapor at 134°C and 3 bar for 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 h, the monoclinic phase content was determined using X-ray diffraction, and its impact on mechanical properties was assessed in biaxial flexural strength tests. In addition, the depth of the transformation zone was measured from scanning electron microscopy images of the fracture surfaces of hydrothermally aged samples. The results revealed that the tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation of the zirconia ceramic was retarded by the application of PVD coatings. During the first stages of aging, the coated samples exhibited a significantly lower monoclinic phase content than the uncoated samples and, after 128 h of aging, showed a transformation zone which was only ∼12-15 μm thick compared to ∼30 μm in the control group. Biaxial flexural strength decreased by ∼10% during aging and was not influenced by the application of a PVD coating.

Darstellung und spektroskopische Charakterisierung von Hexachloroosmat(V) / Preparation and Spectroscopical Characterisation of Hexachloroosmate(V)

(TEA)[OSCl6] is formed quantitatively by heating solid trans-(TEA)[OsX4(CO)2] (X = Br, I) in a stream of chlorine at 120 °C, and can be purified by recrystallisation from CH2Cl2 without decomposition. It is reduced immediately by acetone, methanol, Cl-, Br-, I- to give [OsCl6]2-. The standard potential [OsCl6]-/[OsCl6]2- in acetonitrile referred to the saturated mercury-mercurous sulphate electrode is 0.840 V. The IR and Ra bands of (TEA)[OsCl6], assigned according to point group Oh, are shifted to higher frequencies compared with (TEA)2[OsCl6]. The excitation at 488.0 nm gives a resonance Raman spectrum exhibiting 6 overtones of vi and combination tones up to 4ν1 + v5. The electronic absorption spectrum shows five spin-forbidden intraconfigurational transitions coupled with odd vibrational modes in the near infrared region. The spin-allowed 4A2g → 4T2g,4T1g-transitions are observed at 347 and 305 nm. The excited levels can be fitted with the parameters ⊿ = 28500 cm-1, B = 340 cm-1, ξ = 2500 cm-1 , allowing to calculate the nephelauxetic ratio β55 to 0.47. In the visible region extensive charge transfer transitions are observed. Based on the strong oxidizing character of Os(V) there is a bathochromic shift of corresponding bands of [OsCl6]- in relation to [OsCl6]2- of about 6600 cm-1 and to the isoelectronic [ReCl6]2- of about 13700 cm-1, respectively. From πt1u→dt2g the optical electronegativity is calculated to Xopt(Osv) = 2.49.

Reaktionen und Strukturen von [(C2H5)4N][OsCl6] und [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Os2Cl10] / Reactions and Structures of [(C2H5)4N][OsCl6] and [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Os2Cl10]

On heating of [(C2H5)4N][OsCl6] for a short time at 240 °C , Cl2 is lost and [(C2H5)4N]2[Os2Cl10] is formed quantitatively. Both complexes are connected by a temperature dependent redox equilibrium so that by treatment at 120 °C with Cl2 gas the hexachloroosmate(V) is recovered from the decachlorodiosmate(IV). The crystal structures of salts of both an ions were determined from single crystal X -ray diffraction analyses. [(C2H5)4N][OsCl6] is monoclinic, space group P2 1 with a = 7 .020 (1), b = 10 .163 (2), c = 11.609 (2) Å , β = 103.91(1)° (at - 133 °C ). The strongly pseudocentrosymmetric structure shows a reversible phase transition at ca. 85 °C. The Os -Cl bond length (mean value 2.303 Å) in the regular [OsCl6]-octahedra is significantly smaller than in [OsCl6]2− , in accordance with vibrational spectra. [(n -C4H9)4N]2 [Os2Cl10] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with a = 15 .496 (2), b = 15 .965 (3), c = 19 .431(3) Å and contains centrosymmetric [Os2Cl10]2− ions with approximate D2h symmetry. Within the edge-sharing [OsCl6] octahedra the mean terminal and bridging Os -Cl bond lengths are 2.307 and 2.411 Å , respectively.

The Intensity Dependence of the Receptor Potential of the Limulus Ventral Nerve Photoreceptor in Two Defined States of Light-and Dark Adaptation

Receptor potentials of Limulus ventral nerve photoreceptors were evoked in reproducible states of moderate light- and considerable dark adaptation (LA, DA) with light stimulus intensities from threshold to saturation values using a repeated flash sequence.

With increasing light intensities latent period and time-to-peak shortened in the state of both LA and DA The decrease-time is prolonged by increasing stimulus intensities (LA and DA) and continues to rise even when the amplitude of the receptor potential is already saturated.

The sigmoid response height vs. log stimulus intensity curve is shifted upon LA towards higher stimulus intensities, and its steepness is increased. LA prolongs latent period and time-to-peak at low light intensities; at high light intensities, however, the DA-values are longer. The decreasetime of the receptor potential is always shorter in the light-adapted state.

The results are discussed according to the assumption that size and duration of the receptor potential are primarily determined by the distribution of bum p latencies. Changes of the receptor potential parameters are explained by changes of bum p size and of bum p latency distribution due to light adaptation.

The Sensitivity Shift Due to Light Adaptation Depending on the Extracellular Calcium Ion Concentration in Limulus Ventral Nerve Photoreceptor

Receptor potentials of Limulus ventral photoreceptors were recorded in two defined states of moderate light- and considerable dark adaptation (LA, DA) by a repeated stimulus sequence consisting of a conditioning 2 s illumination (white light, response saturating intensity) followed by two 10 ms test flashes at fixed intervals evoking LA and DA responses (intensity varied from threshold to saturation of response amplitude). The half saturating intensity I50 was determined from response height vs log stimulus intensity curves for LA and DA, while the photoreceptor was superfused either by reference saline (physiological ion concentrations, including 10 mmol/l Ca2+) or by test salines in which the [Ca2+] was varied between 40 μmol/l and 100 mmol/l. The sensitivity of the dark-adapted receptor does not significantly depend on the [Ca2+]ex, but the sensitivity shift due to LA (measured by /50) is reduced when the [Ca2+]ex is lowered, and augmented when the [Ca2+]ex is increased. Additional reduction of the [Na2+]ex from 463 mmol/l to 46 mmol/l or increase of the [Mg2+]ex from 50 mmol/l to 100 mmol/l does not counteract the effect of lowered [Ca2+]ex on LA. The results confirm the assumption that a transient increase of the intracellular [Ca2+] supplied from extracellular sources during the light response is the main cause for LA This calcium effect on light adaptation is neither characterized by a calcium/sodium antagonism, nor mimicked by magnesium, in contrast to the calcium effect on the gating of the light-activated ion channels.

Darstellung, spektroskopische und elektrochemische Charakterisierung von Pentachloromonocarbonylosmat(IV), [OsCl5(CO)]- / Preparation, Spectroscopical and Electrochemical Characterization of Pentachlorom onocarbonylosm ate(IV), [OsCl5(CO)]-

The first carbonyl compound of quadrivalent osmium [OsCl5(CO)]- is prepared by chlorination of trans-[OsX4(CO)2]- (X = Br, I) dissolved in CH2Cl2. It is reduced immediately by Br- and I- to give [OsCl5(CO)]2-. The standard potential [OsCl5(CO)]-/ [OsCl5(CO)]2- in acetonitrile referred to the saturated mercury-mercurous sulphate electrode is 0.623 V. The IR and Ra bands of [OsCl5(CO)]- are assigned according to point group C4v. Compared with the corresponding Os(III) complex there is a shift to higher frequencies of ν(CO) and ν(OsCI) of about 170 and 25 cm-1, whereas ν(OsC) and δ(OsCO) are lowered by 158 and 110cm-1, respectively. The electronic absorption spectrum shows six d - d bands coupled with vibrations in the near infrared region. The O - O transitions are calculated from the vibrational fine structure, taking into consideration shifts by 13C isotopic substitution. The lowest levels are confirmed by peaks in the electronic Raman spectrum. From the estimated Racah parameter B = 280 cm-1 the low nephelauxetic ratio β55 = 0.41 is deduced indicating the high covalency in [OsCl5(CO)]-. Owing to the strong oxidizing character of Os(IV) the intensive charge transfer transitions in the visible region are shifted bathochromicly by about 4000 cm1 in relation to corresponding bands of [OsCl5(CO)]2-.

Exploiting end group functionalization for the design of antifouling bioactive brushes

The Diels–Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and maleimide is exploited to immobilize proteins on the chain-end of polymer brushes.

Strain relaxation and vacancy creation in thin platinum films

Synchrotron based combined in situ x-ray diffractometry and reflectometry is used to investigate the role of vacancies for the relaxation of residual stress in thin metallic Pt films. From the experimentally determined relative changes of the lattice parameter a and of the film thickness L the modification of vacancy concentration and residual strain was derived as a function of annealing time at 130 °C. The results indicate that relaxation of strain resulting from compressive stress is accompanied by the creation of vacancies at the free film surface. This proves experimentally the postulated dominant role of vacancies for stress relaxation in thin metal films close to room temperature.

Characterization of non-stoichiometric co-sputtered Ba0.6Sr0.4(Ti (1-x)Fe(x))(1+x)O(3-δ) thin films for tunable passive microwave applications

The fabrication of novel iron-doped barium strontium titanate thin films by means of radio frequency (RF) magnetron co-sputtering is shown. Investigations of the elemental composition and the dopant distribution in the thin films obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy reveal a homogeneous dopant concentration throughout the thin film. The incorporation of the iron dopant and the temperature-dependent evolution of the crystal structure and morphology are analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In summary, these results emphasize the RF magnetron co-sputter process as a versatile way to fabricate doped thin films.

[Problems in the vocational rehabilitation of mentally ill subjects--a simple procedure to identify persons with an increased risk for premature termination of a training programme]

A small number of young mentally ill persons consumes a disproportionate amount of psychiatric service resources. These persons are characterised by emotional instability, aggressive or delinquent behaviour, substance misuse and personality disorders. They are sometimes referred to as young adult chronic patients (YACP). To date there has been no investigation as to what impact this pattern of problem behaviour has on vocational rehabilitation.

AIM

The aim of this study was to find out whether belonging to the YACP group, as determined by an operational definition, reduces the outcome of vocational rehabilitation.

METHOD

A chart review was done of the files of all 174 participants of a 15-month vocational training course held between 1.1.1993 and 2.5.1998 in the vocational training centre at Cologne. A 15-item score was used to assess YACP status.

RESULTS

30 % were classified as high scorers, i. e. YACP. 59 % of the high scorers vs. 22 % of the low scorers terminated training prematurely. Of the high scorers who completed training, only 47 (vs. 74 % of low scorers) were judged to be able to work at the end of training.

CONCLUSION

At the very beginning of the vocational training persons in need of a highly individualised format can be discerned by a few, easy to assess items. Concepts of vocational training should be developed to better suit the needs of young mentally ill persons with personality disorders and substance abuse.

Nitrogen diffusion in amorphous silicon nitride isotope multilayers probed by neutron reflectometry

Amorphous silicon nitride is a model system for a covalently bound amorphous solid with a low atomic mobility where reasonable values of self-diffusivities are still lacking. We used neutron reflectometry on isotope enriched Si3 14N4/Si3 15N4 multilayers to determine nitrogen self-diffusivities ranging from 10(-24) to 10(-21) m2/s between 950 and 1250 degrees C. Time dependent diffusivities observed at 1150 degrees C indicate the presence of structural relaxation. For long annealing times (relaxed state) the diffusivities follow an Arrhenius law with an activation enthalpy of (3.6 +/- 0.4) eV. The results are indicative of a direct diffusion mechanism without the involvement of thermal point defects.

Cutting edge: neosynthesis is required for the presentation of a T cell epitope from a long-lived viral protein

CTLs recognize peptide epitopes which are proteolytically generated by the proteasome and presented on MHC class I molecules. According to the defective ribosomal product (DRiP) hypothesis, epitopes originate from newly synthesized polypeptides which are degraded shortly after their translation. The DRiP hypothesis would explain how epitopes can be generated from long-lived proteins. We examined whether neosynthesis is required for presentation of the immunodominant epitope NP118 of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus nucleoprotein, which has a half-life of >3 days. Two days after nucleoprotein biosynthesis was terminated in a tetracycline-regulated transfectant, the presentation of the NP118 epitope ceased. This indicates that NP118 epitopes are generated from newly synthesized nucleoproteins rather than from the long-lived pool of nucleoproteins in the cell. Therefore, the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus nucleoprotein is the first substrate for which a major prediction of the DRiP hypothesis, namely the requirement for neosynthesis, is shown to hold true.

Identification and analysis of a new hepadnavirus in white storks

We identified, cloned, and functionally characterized a new avian hepadnavirus infecting storks (STHBV). STHBV has the largest DNA genome of all avian hepadnaviruses and, based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis, is most closely related to, but distinct from, heron hepatitis B virus (HHBV). Unique for STHBV among the other avian hepadnaviruses is a potential HNF1 binding site in the preS promoter. In common only with HHBV, STHBV has a myristylation signal on the S and not the preS protein, two C terminally located glycosylation sites on the precore/core proteins and lacks the phosphorylation site essential for the transcriptional transactivation activity of duck-HBV preS protein. The cloned STHBV genomes were competent in gene expression, replication, and viral particle secretion. STHBV infected primary duck hepatocytes very inefficiently suggesting a restricted host range, similar to other hepadnaviruses. This discovery of stork infections unravels novel evolutionary aspects of hepadnaviruses and provides new opportunities for hepadnavirus research.

Al(22)Cl(20).12L (L = THF, THP): the first polyhedral aluminum chlorides

Aluminum subhalides of the type Al(22)X(20).12L (X = Cl, Br; L = THF, THP) are the only known representatives of polyhedral aluminum subhalides and exhibit interesting multicenter bonding properties. Herein, we report on the synthesis and structural investigation of the first chlorides of this type. Additional investigations applying solid-state (27)Al NMR (MAS), XPS (of Al(4)Cp(4) and Al(22)X(20).12L), and quantum chemical calculations shed more light upon the structure of the molecules and possible Al modifications.

Cytogenetic analyses of culture failures by comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH)-Re-evaluation of chromosome aberration rates in early spontaneous abortions

Comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) represents an alternative molecular-cytogenetic technique capable of detecting chromosomal imbalances by reverse fluorescence in situ hybridisation. As the technique uses genomic DNA for assessment it does not rely on metaphase chromosomes in the test material and thus circumvents technical problems associated with tissue culturing. In the present study, we applied CGH to identify chromosome anomalies in 60 spontaneous abortions of the first trimester, that had failed to grow in culture. In 57 out of 60 cases CGH analyses were successful. The overall aneuploidy rate detected was 72%. Trisomy was the predominant chromosome anomaly accounting for 68.0% of abnormal abortions, followed by triploidy (17.1%) and monosomy X (9.8%). An unbalanced structural rearrangement was found in one (2.4%) abortion. Most frequently involved in trisomies were chromosomes 16 (32.1%), 7 and 22 (10.7% each), 4, 13, 15, and 21 (7.2 % each). Three triploid cases and one complete mole were detected by microsatellite analysis as supplementary method. CGH data on culture failures were compared with data derived from 4693 successfully karyotyped first trimester spontaneous abortions, resulting in a chromosome aberration rate of 64.8%. The distribution of the different chromosome anomalies was similar with the exception of a higher rate of trisomies 7 and of XYY-triploidies in the culture failures. Based on our data we suggest that the genetic contribution to pregnancy loss is still underestimated. Investigating abortion tissues hitherto unassessed by conventional methods, we suggest that the contribution of chromosome aberrations to first trimester pregnancy loss is nearly 70%.

First outbreak of callitrichid hepatitis in Germany: genetic characterization of the causative lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus strains

Callitrichid hepatitis (CH) is a highly fatal, rodent-borne zoonosis of New World primates (family Callitrichidae) caused by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). It is unclear whether virulence in Callitrichidae is associated with specific genetic or phylogenetic markers of the virus as only a partial S RNA sequence of a single CH-associated isolate is known. In a period of 10 months, three pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea) and one Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii) died from CH in a German zoo. LCMV was most likely transmitted by wild mice. Infection was associated with characteristic histopathological lesions in liver, brain, and lymphoid tissue. Virus sequences from all callitrichids and a captured mouse were > or =99.2% identical. LCMV strains from a pygmy marmoset and the Goeldi's monkey were isolated in cell culture and the 3.4-kb S RNA was completely sequenced. Both strains differed considerably in their genetic and phylogenetic characteristics from known LCMV strains, including the previously described CH-associated strain. These data show that CH is widespread and can be caused by distantly related LCMV strains.

A new avian hepadnavirus infecting snow geese (Anser caerulescens) produces a significant fraction of virions containing single-stranded DNA

We describe the identification and functional analysis of an evolutionary distinct new avian hepadnavirus. Infection of snow geese (Anser caerulescens) with a duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV)-related virus, designated SGHBV, was demonstrated by detection of envelope proteins in sera with anti-DHBV preS and S antibodies. Comparative sequence analysis of the PCR-amplified SGHBV genomes revealed unique SGHBV sequence features compared with other avian hepadnaviruses. Unlike DHBV, SGHBV shows an open reading frame in an analogous position to orthohepadnavirus X genes. Four of five cloned genomes were competent in replication, gene expression, and virus particle secretion in chicken hepatoma cells. Primary duck hepatocytes were permissive for infection with SGHBV, suggesting a similar or identical host range. SGHBV was found to secrete a significant fraction of virion-like particles containing single-stranded viral DNA. This was observed both in cell culture medium of SGHBV DNA-transfected LMH cells and in viremic sera of several birds, suggesting that it is a stable trait of SGHBV. Taken together, SGHBV has several unique features that expand the knowledge of the functional and evolutionary diversity of hepadnaviruses and offers new experimental opportunities for studies on the life cycle of hepadnaviruses.

Retroviral vectors pseudotyped with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Pseudotyping can improve retroviral vector stability and transduction efficiency. Here, we describe a novel pseudotype of murine leukemia virus packaged with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). This pseudotype was stable during ultracentrifugation and infected several cell lines from different species. Moreover, LCMV glycoproteins were not cell toxic.

Induction of protective cytotoxic T cell responses in the presence of high titers of virus-neutralizing antibodies: implications for passive and active immunization

The effect of preexistent virus-neutralizing antibodies on the active induction of antiviral T cell responses was studied in two model infections in mice. Against the noncytopathic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), pretreatment with neutralizing antibodies conferred immediate protection against systemic virus spread and controlled the virus below detectable levels. However, presence of protective antibody serum titers did not impair induction of antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses after infection with 10(2) PFU of LCMV. These CTLs efficiently protected mice independent of antibodies against challenge with LCMV-glycoprotein recombinant vaccinia virus; they also protected against otherwise lethal lymphocytic choriomeningitis caused by intracerebral challenge with LCMV-WE, whereas transfused antibodies alone did not protect, and in some cases even enhanced, lethal lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Against the cytopathic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), specific CTLs and Th cells were induced in the presence of high titers of VSV-neutralizing antibodies after infection with 10(6) PFU of VSV, but not at lower virus doses. Taken together, preexistent protective antibody titers controlled infection but did not impair induction of protective T cell immunity. This is particularly relevant for noncytopathic virus infections since both virus-neutralizing antibodies and CTLs are essential for continuous virus control. Therefore, to vaccinate against such viruses parallel or sequential passive and active immunization may be a suitable vaccination strategy to combine advantages of both virus-neutralizing antibodies and CTLs.

Enhancement of hepatitis B virus infection by noninfectious subviral particles

The biological function of the huge excess of subviral particles over virions in hepatitis B virus infections is unknown. Using the duck hepatitis B virus as a model, we unexpectedly found that subviral particles strongly enhance intracellular viral replication and gene expression. This effect is dependent on the multiplicity of infection, the ratio of virions over subviral particles, and the time point of addition of subviral particles. Most importantly, we show that the pre-S protein of the subviral particles triggers enhancement and requires the presence of the binding regions for putative cell-encoded virus receptor proteins. These data suggest that enhancement is due either to the recently described transactivation function of the pre-S protein or to signalling pathways which become activated upon binding of subviral particles to cellular receptors. The findings are of clinical importance, since they imply that infectivity of sera containing hepadnaviruses depends not only on the amount of infectious virions but also decisively on the number of particles devoid of nucleic acids. A similarly dramatic enhancing effect of noninfectious particles in other virus infections is well conceivable.

Protection of mice by an attenuated variant against the wild-type lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

L cells persistently infected with strain Armstrong lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus generated a variant which failed to develop the lethal neurologic disease after application to the brain. This virus was able to protect mice from the fatal consequences when inoculated intracerebrally prior to challenge with wild-type (wt) virus. After infection of mice with the attenuated variant and thereafter with the wt virus, production of the latter was extraordinarily reduced. As expected, virus elimination was finally achieved by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, whose activation was accelerated. Furthermore, two events seem to play an important part in this enhanced virus reduction. First, from the beginning of the infection with wt virus, neutralizing antibodies could be noticed. The second observation was an excessive production of interferon-alpha 1 day after the challenge infection.

Novel fibroblast-specific monoclonal antibodies: properties and specificities

Specific detection of fibroblasts has been one of the unsolved problems in cell biology. Because monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) might provide an easy and reproducible method of fibroblast detection, we have produced a panel of MoAbs raised against cell surface proteins of human dermal fibroblasts. Using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, we have shown that two of these MoAbs, FibAS01 and FibAS02, react exclusively with human fibroblasts. They do not react in vitro with human keratinocytes, endothelial cells, or blood cells. Immunohistologic experiments investigating the binding pattern of the MoAbs FibAS01 and FibAS02 in cryostat sections of different tissues confirmed the flow cytometric results. In human skin, the antibodies exclusively labeled fibroblasts. In other human tissues such as lymph nodes, placenta, kidney, muscle, thyroid gland, gall bladder, cartilage, and tendon, the specificity for fibroblasts was borne out. Neither antibody reacts with fibroblasts from mouse, rat, or pig. The isotype was defined as an IgG1 for both. By western blot analysis, both antibodies detected a molecule of 60-65 kDa under reducing and nonreducing conditions. By immunoelectron microscopy, we observed the antigens on the cell surface without any clustering at specific sites. These data demonstrate that the two MoAbs, FibAS01 and FibAS02, exclusively recognize human fibroblasts.

ISFETs with sputtered sodium alumino-silicate glass membranes

Sodium ion sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) based on reactively sputtered sodium aluminosilicate (NAS) glass membranes are investigated. Using an inverted cylindrical magnetron, NAS films with defined and reproducible composition are obtained. Radiation damage in the gate dielectric is largely eliminated by annealing at 450 degrees C. The Na(+) sensitivity, the selectivity with respect to H(+) and K(+) ions, the response time, the conditioning period, the long-term drift, and the lifetime are evaluated. The ISFETs exhibit a near-Nernstian Na(+) response down to 10(-4) mol/l in solutions of pH>/=7. The NAS films are physically very robust and have excellent chemical durability, e.g., a sensor with a 110 nm thick membrane lasts for about 8 months. The overall sensor properties compare well with those of a commercial Na(+) selective glass electrode.

Skin fibroblasts are the only source of nidogen during early basal lamina formation in vitro

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nidogen, the linkage protein of the basal lamina, is of epidermal or dermal origin. The development of the basal lamina was studied in an in vitro skin model. Preputial fibroblasts seeded onto a nylon mesh attached, proliferated, and developed a rich extracellular matrix (dermal model). Preputial keratinocytes were added to the dermal model to form a keratinocyte dermal model that ultrastructurally resembled in many respects human skin. Ultrastructural analysis revealed early stages of dermal development, including an incomplete basal lamina, aggregates of dermal filamentous material connecting to the lamina densa, bundles of 10-nm microfibrils, formation of premature hemidesmosomes, anchoring filaments, and anchoring fibrils. The cell origin of nidogen was determined in the dermal model and in the epidermal and dermal components of the keratinocyte dermal model. Specific antibodies and a cDNA probe for nidogen were used for immunofluorescence microscopy, Western and Northern blots, and for in situ hybridization studies. Our data show that fibroblasts are the only source of nidogen during early basal lamina formation. Although fibroblasts can synthesize nidogen and deposit it in the dermal matrix, no basal lamina will form unless they are recombined with keratinocytes. This suggests that the epidermis plays a major regulatory role in the production and assembly of nidogen into the basal lamina.

Characterization of a virus variant produced by L cells persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Continuous cultivation of murine L cells infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus strain Armstrong leads to production of L(Arm) cells, which produce a predominantly cell-associated attenuated variant, the L(Arm) virus. The relatively few infectious particles that are released have lost the ability to form plaques on L cells and to cause illness in mice even if inoculated intracerebrally. Based on equal protein M(r)s, antigenicity and protein kinase activity, essentially identical results were obtained for the purified Armstrong and L(Arm) viruses. There was also no difference in production and release of particles with the potential to cause homologous interference. Such particles consisted of two types, one of which was highly susceptible to u.v.-irradiation, the other was highly resistant. In the case of the L(Arm) virus interfering particles, it appears that the u.v.-irradiation-susceptible forms represented infectious virus. Purified L(Arm) virus particles contained considerable quantities of subgenomic forms of (small) S- and (large) L-RNA and their complementary counterparts, which all appeared to be replicated autonomously in an unenriched manner.

Intranasal sphenoethmoidectomy: an evolution of technique

Intranasal sphenoethmoidectomy was originally used primarily for the provision of adequate drainage of acute and subacute bacterial sinusitis. However, the spectrum of inflammatory sinus disease has changed dramatically since the popularization of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis has replaced acute sinusitis as the primary indication for ethmoidectomy. In such cases total or almost total disease removal is crucial to providing long-term drainage and ventilation. We describe several modifications of the Yankauer sphenoethmoidectomy technique that enable the sinus surgeon to provide clearance of disease and excellent drainage for all sinuses by complete marsupialization of the sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. These modifications include (1) complete rather than partial removal of the middle turbinate, (2) extended middle meatal antrostomy with palatine bone resection to the pterygoid process with delineation of the inferior and medial orbital wall, and (3) introduction of operative endoscopes as adjunctive tools in areas inaccessible to conventional visualization. The current technique and results in nearly 2000 procedures are described.