Detection of atmospheric nuclear explosions: the infrasound component of the International Monitoring System

The infrasound component of the International Monitoring System (IMS') for Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty verification will consist of 60 array stations distributed as uniformly as possible over the surface of the globe. This network will be far larger and more sensitive than any other previously operated infrasound network. In this paper, we discuss the design and performance characteristics of this monitoring network and the current status of the site survey and installation programs. A brief review of significant developments in infrasound monitoring technology in the last few years is also presented along with a summary of the various areas where data from this unique global network is likely to be of value to the scientific community.

Impact of moderate exercise on fatty acid oxidation in pancreatic β-cells and skeletal muscle

Fatty acids (FA) play a crucial role in glycaemia regulation in healthy and metabolic disorders conditions through various mechanisms. FA oxidation is one of the processes involved in lipid metabolism and can be modulated by exercise. Nowadays, physical activity is known to be an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Moreover, its intensity, its duration, the sex-gender, the prandial state, exerkines… are as many parameters that can influence glycaemic control. However, the widely debated question is to determine the best type of exercise for patients with metabolic disorders. In this review, we will discuss the impact of exercise intensity, especially moderate activity, on glycaemic control by focussing on FA oxidation in pancreatic β-cells and skeletal muscle. Finally, thanks to all the recent data, we will determine whether moderate physical activity is a good therapeutic strategy and if FA oxidation represents a target of interest to treat diabetic, obese and insulin-resistant patients.

Improvement of islet graft function using liraglutide is correlated with its anti-inflammatory properties

Background and Purpose

Liraglutide improves the metabolic control of diabetic animals after islet transplantation. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties of liraglutide on rat pancreatic islets in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Approach

In vitro, rat islets were incubated with 10 μmol·L⁻¹ liraglutide for 12 and 24 h. Islet viability functionality was assessed. The anti‐inflammatory properties of liraglutide were evaluated by measuring CCL2, IL‐6 and IL‐10 secretion and macrophage chemotaxis. The anti‐oxidative effect of liraglutide was evaluated by measuring intracellular ROS and the total anti‐oxidative capacity. In vivo, 1000 islets were cultured for 24 h with or without liraglutide and then transplanted into the liver of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Lewis rats with or without injections of liraglutide. Effects of liraglutide on metabolic control were evaluated for 1 month.

Key Results

Islet viability and function were preserved and enhanced with liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide decreased CCL2 and IL‐6 secretion and macrophage activation after 12 h of culture, while IL‐10 secretion was unchanged. However, intracellular levels of ROS were increased with liraglutide treatment at 12 h. This result was correlated with an increase of anti‐oxidative capacity. In vivo, liraglutide decreased macrophage infiltration and reduced fasting blood glucose in transplanted rats.

Conclusions and Implications

The beneficial effects of liraglutide on pancreatic islets appear to be linked to its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties. These findings indicated that analogues of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 could be used to improve graft survival.

Impact of Pancreatic Rat Islet Density on Cell Survival during Hypoxia

In bioartificial pancreases (BP), the number of islets needed to restore normoglycaemia in the diabetic patient is critical. However, the confinement of a high quantity of islets in a limited space may impact islet survival, particularly in regard to the low oxygen partial pressure (PO2) in such environments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of islet number in a confined space under hypoxia on cell survival. Rat islets were seeded at three different concentrations (150, 300, and 600 Islet Equivalents (IEQ)/cm(2)) and cultured in normal atmospheric pressure (160 mmHg) as well as hypoxic conditions (15 mmHg) for 24 hours. Cell viability, function, hypoxia-induced changes in gene expression, and cytokine secretion were then assessed. Notably, hypoxia appeared to induce a decrease in viability and increasing islet density exacerbated the observed increase in cellular apoptosis as well as the loss of function. These changes were also associated with an increase in inflammatory gene transcription. Taken together, these data indicate that when a high number of islets are confined to a small space under hypoxia, cell viability and function are significantly impacted. Thus, in order to improve islet survival in this environment during transplantation, oxygenation is of critical importance.

Impact of the Type of Continuous Insulin Administration on Metabolism in a Diabetic Rat Model

Exogenous insulin is the only treatment available for type 1 diabetic patients and is mostly administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection in a basal and bolus scheme using insulin pens (injection) or pumps (preimplanted SC catheter). Some divergence exists between these two modes of administration, since pumps provide better glycaemic control compared to injections in humans. The aim of this study was to compare the impacts of two modes of insulin administration (single injections of long-acting insulin or pump delivery of rapid-acting insulin) at the same dosage (4 IU/200 g/day) on rat metabolism and tissues. The rat weight and blood glucose levels were measured periodically after treatment. Immunostaining for signs of oxidative stress and for macrophages was performed on the liver and omental tissues. The continuous insulin delivery by pumps restored normoglycaemia, which induced the reduction of both reactive oxygen species and macrophage infiltration into the liver and omentum. Injections controlled the glucose levels for only a short period of time and therefore tissue stress and inflammation were elevated. In conclusion, the insulin administration mode has a crucial impact on rat metabolic parameters, which has to be taken into account when studies are designed.

Impact of an autologous oxygenating matrix culture system on rat islet transplantation outcome

Disruption of the pancreatic islet environment combined with the decrease in oxygen supply that occurs during isolation leads to poor islet survival. The aim of this study was to validate the benefit of using a plasma-based scaffold supplemented with perfluorodecalin to improve islet transplantation outcome. Rat islets were cultured in three conditions: i) control group, ii) plasma based-matrix (P-matrix), and iii) P-matrix supplemented with emulsified perfluorodecalin. After 24 h culture, matrix/cell contacts (Integrinβ1, p-FAK/FAK, p-Akt/Akt), survival (caspase 3, TUNEL, FDA/PI), function, and HIF-1α translocation were assessed. Afterwards, P-matrices were dissolved and the islets were intraportally transplanted. Graft function was monitored for 31 days with glycaemia and C-peptide follow up. Inflammation was assessed by histology (macrophage and granulocyte staining) and thrombin/anti-thrombin complex measurement. Islet survival correlated with an increase in integrin, FAK, and Akt activation in P-matrices and function was maintained. Perfluorodecalin supplementation decreased translocation of HIF-1α in the nucleus and post-transplantation islet structure was better preserved in P-matrices, but a quicker activation of IBMIR resulted in early loss of graft function. "Oxygenating" P-matrices provided a real benefit to islet survival and resistance in vivo. However, intraportal transplantation is not suitable for this kind of culture due to IBMIR; thus, alternative sites must be explored.

Role of islet culture on angiogenic and inflammatory mechanisms

Early events hampering islet engraftment may relate to instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) and to insufficient islet revascularization inducing β-cell death. We evaluated the influence of time of culture on angiogenic and inflammatory cellular mechanisms in islet loss in vitro. Rat pancreatic islets cultured for 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours were assessed for functionality using glucose stimulation tests and identification of signaling pathways using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays. Islet functionality decreased significantly immediately. Index of stimulation (IS) was decreased to 2.29 ± 1.05 after 48 hours of culture versus 18.47 ± 4.84 at 0 hours (P < .001). Gene expression studies at 12 hours of culture showed significant overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines--interleukin (IL)-6 884.22 ± 282.58 (P < .001) and Cxcl-1 448.09 ± 196.05-fold change (P < .01). Moreover, islets exhibited significant under-expression after 48 hours of genes encoding angiogenic growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, a major protein involved in angiogenesis: 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.11 ± 0.08 (P < .001), and 0.17 ± 0.15-fold change (P < .01) respectively. Moreover, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, an inhibitor of metallopeptidase, was significantly more over-expressed, namely 54.58 ± 18.08 at 12 hours of culture versus 0.93 ± 0.15/fold change at 0 hours. This study revealed current culture conditions to be deleterious for islet engraftment, possibly due to expression of angiogenic genes and proinflamatory genes during culture.

Dysregulation of alveolar macrophages unleashes dendritic cell-mediated mechanisms of allergic airway inflammation

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by eosinophilia and T helper type 2 (Th2) cell activation. However, little information is available on the mechanisms leading to this pathology. We previously showed that alveolar macrophages (AM) from rats with experimental asthma lose their ability to prevent asthma symptoms. To understand the implication of AM in lung immunity, we investigated the influence of AM sensitization status on lung dendritic cell (DC) activation induced by allergen challenge in vivo. Rat sensitized to ovalbumin developed airway inflammation (eosinophils and Th2 cells) and demonstrated myeloid DC (mDC) activation following allergen exposure. The replacement of AM of sensitized animals by AM from naive animals did not affect allergen-triggered eosinophilia but completely abolished lung mDC allergen capture and migration to the lymph nodes, as well as Th2 cell polarization. Moreover, immunosuppressive functions of naive AM occurred in conjunction with low engulfment of allergens but without variation of major histocompatibility complex II and CD23 expression. Interestingly, sensitized AM that were withdrawn from the inflammatory environment regained their immunosuppressive functions when transferred to sensitized rats. Thus, these are the first in vivo evidences showing that dysregulation of AM functions is sufficient to induce DC-triggered allergic response.

Perfluorocarbon Emulsions Prevent Hypoxia of Pancreatic β-Cells

As oxygen carriers, perfluorocarbon emulsions might be useful to decrease hypoxia of pancreatic islets before transplantation. However, their hydrophobicity prevents their homogenisation in culture medium. To increase the surface of contact between islets and Perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB), and consequently oxygen delivery, we tested effect of a PFOB emulsion in culture medium on β-cell lines and rat pancreatic islets. RINm5F β-cell line or pancreatic rat islets were incubated for 3 days in the presence of PFOB emulsion in media (3.5% w/v). Preoxygenation of the medium was performed before culture. Cell viability was assessed by apoptotic markers (Bax and Bcl-2) and by staining (fluoresceine diacetate and propidium iodide). β-Cell functionality was determined by insulin release during a glucose stimulation test and. Hypoxia markers, HIF-1α and VEGF, were studied at days 1 and 3 using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. PFOB emulsions preserved viability and functionality of RINm5F cells with a decrease of HIF-1α and VEGF expression. Islets viability was preserved during 3 days of culture. Secretion of VEGF was higher in untreated control (0.09 ± 0.041 μg VEGF/mg total protein) than in PFOB emulsion incubated islets (0.02 ± 0.19 μg VEGF/mg total protein, n = 4, p < 0.05) at day 1. At day 3, VEGF secretion was increased as compared to day 1 in control (0.23 ± 0.04 μg VEGF/mg total protein) but it was imbalance by the presence of PFOB emulsion (0.09 ± 0.03 μg VEGF/mg total protein, n = 5, p < 0.05). While insulin secretion was maintained in response to a glucose stimulation test until day 3 when islets were incubated in the presence of PFOB emulsion preoxygenated (0.81 ± 0.16 at day 1 vs. 0.75 ± 0.24 at day 3), the ability to secrete insulin in the presence of high glucose concentration was lost in islets controls (0.51 ± 0.18 at day 1 vs. 0.21 ± 0.13 at day 3). Atmospheric oxygen delivery by PFOB emulsion might be sufficient to decrease islets hypoxia. However, to improve islets functionality, overoxygenation is needed. Finally, maintenance of islet viability and functionality for several days after isolation could improve the outcome of islets transplantation.

Improvement of Rat Islet Viability during Transplantation: Validation of Pharmacological Approach to Induce VEGF Overexpression

Delayed and insufficient revascularization during islet transplantation deprives islets of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in graft failure. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could play a critical role in islet revascularization. We aimed to develop pharmacological strategies for VEGF overexpression in pancreatic islets using the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO), thus avoiding obstacles or safety risks associated with gene therapy. Rat pancreatic islets were infected in vivo using an adenovirus (ADE) encoding human VEGF gene (4.108 pfu/pancreas) or were incubated in the presence of DFO (10 μmol/L). In vitro viability, functionality, and the secretion of VEGF were evaluated in islets 1 and 3 days after treatment. Infected islets or islets incubated with DFO were transplanted into the liver of syngenic diabetic rats and the graft efficiency was estimated in vivo by measuring body weight, glycemia, C-peptide secretion, and animal survival over a period of 2 months. DFO induced transient VEGF overexpression over 3 days, whereas infection with ADE resulted in prolonged VEGF overexpression lasting 14 days; however, this was toxic and decreased islet viability and functionality. The in vivo study showed a decrease in rat deaths after the transplantation of islets treated with DFO or ADE compared with the sham and control group. ADE treatment improved body weight and C-peptide levels. Gene therapy and DFO improved metabolic control in diabetic rats after transplantation, but this effect was limited in the presence of DFO. The pharmacological approach is an interesting strategy for improving graft efficiency during transplantation, but this approach needs to be improved with drugs that are more specific.

Extracellular matrix proteins involved in pseudoislets formation

Extracellular matrix proteins are known to mediate, through integrins, cell adhesion and are involved in a number of cellular processes, including insulin expression and secretion in pancreatic islets. We investigated whether expression of some extracellular matrix proteins were implied in islets-like structure formation, named pseudoislets. For this purpose, we cultured the β-cell line, RINm5F, during 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of culture on treated or untreated culture plate to form adherent cells or pseudoislets and analysed insulin, collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin 5 and β1-integrin expression. We observed that insulin expression and secretion were increased during pseudoislets formation. Moreover, we showed by immunohistochemistry an aggregation of insulin secreting cells in the centre of the pseudoislets. Peripheral β-cells of pseudoislets did not express insulin after 7 days of culture. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry studies showed a transient expression of type IV collagen in pseudoislets for the first 3 days of culture. Study of fibronectin expression indicated that adherent cells expressed more fibronectin than pseudoislets. In contrast, laminin 5 was more expressed in pseudoislets than in adherent cells. Finally, expression of β1-integrin was increased in pseudoislets as compared to adherent cells. In conclusion, laminin 5 and collagen IV might be implicated in pseudoislets formation whereas fibronectin might be involved in cell adhesion. These data suggested that extracellular matrix proteins may enhance the function of pseudoislets.

Influence of rapamycin on rat macrophage viability and chemotaxis toward allogenic pancreatic islet supernates

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of rapamycin on rat macrophage viability and chemotaxis toward allogereic pancreatic islet supernates. Macrophages were isolated from rats by peritoneal lavage at 3 days after intraperitoneal injection of thioglycolate. Macrophage viability was studied after 7 days of culture by Cell Titer assays in the presence of rapamycin at 0.1, 1, and 10 ng/mL (n = 6). After 48 hours of culture, pancreatic rat islet supernates were studied for there chemotactic properties toward freshly isolated macrophages in the presence of rapamycin at 0.1, 1, and 10 ng/mL. Chemotaxis was expressed as a migration index defined as the number of macrophages attracted by the test solution (islet supernate +/- rapamycin)/number of macrophages attracted by the supernate (n = 6). After 3 days of culture, macrophage viability decreased significantly by 22%, 36%, and 32% in the presence of 0.1, 1, and 10 ng/mL rapamycin, respectively (P = .008). Macrophage viability remained stable at about 70% after 7 days of culture. In the presence of islet supernates, macrophage migration increased two-fold compared with those obtained by culture medium. Rapamycin did not influence macrophage migration toward culture medium. However, the drug significantly reduced the migration of macrophages toward islet supernates from 2 +/- 0.6 to 0.9 +/- 0.4, 0.7 +/- 0.3, or 0.8 +/- 0.4 in the presence of 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/mL rapamycin, respectively (P = .04). Rapamycin decreased the survival of cultured rat macrophages and their migration toward allogenic islet supernates. These results suggested that, besides its anti-proliferative effect on T cells, rapamycin reduced macrophage attraction to the graft site.

Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro using deferoxamine: a new drug to increase islet vascularization during transplantation

During pancreatic islet transplantation, delayed and insufficient revascularization can deprive islets of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in cell death and early graft failure. Deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in cells. The aim of this work was to study the effect of DFO on beta-cell and pancreatic islet viability as well as VEGF expression. beta-cell lines from rat insulinoma (Rin m5f) and primary cultures of pancreatic islets from Wistar rats were incubated with DFO (10, 100, and 1000 micromol/L). The viability was evaluated using fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide for dying pancreatic islets and using cell titers for Rin m5f. Expression of VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) was quantified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, VEGF secretion was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays at 1 to 3 days after treatment. The addition of 10 micromol/L of DFO preserved Rin m5F viability at 24 hours after treatment (10 micromol/L; 101.33% +/- 5.66%; n = 7). However, 100 and 1000 micromol/L of DFO induced cell death (68.92% +/- 5.83% and 65.89% +/- 5.83%, respectively; n = 4). In the same way, viability of pancreatic islets in the presence of DFO was preserved. RT-PCR analysis showed stimulation of VEGF mRNA in the presence of 10 micromol/L of DFO in islets at 3 days after culture. Finally, 10 micromol/L of DFO stimulated secretion of VEGF 7.95 +/- 0.84 versus 1.80 +/- 1.10 pg/microg total protein with 10 micromol/L of DFO in rat islets at 3 days after culture, n = 3; P < .001). The use of DFO to stimulate VEGF expression and increase islet vascularization may be a realistic approach to improve islet viability during transplantation.

Investigations of the Malagasy species Tachiadenus longiflorus Grisebach (Gentianaceae): linking chemical finding and traditional usage

A decoction of the aerial parts of Tachiadenus longiflorus, a Gentianaceae endemic to Madagascar, is drunk to relieve stomach pains and dyspepsia; while a leaf decoction is drunk as a purgative or to relieve gall bladder ailments in folk medicine in Madagascar. The stem and bark have yielded a large amount of the triterpenoid, oleanolic acid, and the coumarins, scoparone and scopoletin. These compounds have been isolated previously from other sources and have shown broad pharmacological properties. We report the possible link between the compounds isolated and the traditional use of Tachiadenus longiflorus.

Role of chemokine signaling pathways in pancreatic islet rejection during allo- and xenotransplantation

During transplantation, pancreatic islets release chemokines promoting macrophage attraction, hampering engraftment of islets. The aim of this work was to examine the mechanism of macrophage-pancreatic islets interaction that mediates islet rejection during transplantation. Human macrophages exposed to supernates of human and porcine pancreatic islets for the allogeneic and xenogeneic models, respectively, were evaluated for chemotaxis and expression of chemokine receptors (CCR-5). To modulate migration and identify the signaling pathway of macrophages, we tested pertussis toxin (PTX) to block Gi protein, and staurosporin and wortmannin to inhibit the protein kinase, and phosphoinositol-3 kinase, respectively. The addition of these agents significantly reduced macrophage migration induced by human islet supernates from 3.2 +/- 0.5 to 1.5 +/- 0.2, 0.9 +/- 0.1, and 1 +/- 0.1, respectively (P < .001, n = 3). In a xenotransplantation model, the reduction was less decreased, from 4.1 +/- 0.4 to 2.7 +/- 0.3 (P < .01), to 2.5 +/- 0.3 (P < .01), or to 1 +/- 0.1 (P < .001). Western blot analysis of chemokine receptor expression showed increased CCR-5 expression with human pancreatic islet supernates. Moreover, decreased islet purity increased CCR-5 expression. Pharmacologic study showed that PTX induced an increase in CCR-5 expression in allogeneic transplantation, whereas only staurosporin induced an increased receptor expression in the xenogeneic model, suggesting that chemokines participate in islet rejection even though the chemokine signaling pathways differ between allo- and xenotransplantation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of islet rejection may improve graft survival.

The structural elucidation of a novel iridoid derivative from Tachiadenus longiflorus (Gentianaceae) using the LSD programme and quantum chemical computations

Oleanolic acid, scoparone, scopoletin and a novel iridoid derivative, angelone, were isolated from Tachiadenus longiflorus (Gentianaceae). The structure of angelone was determined from NMR data, given as input to the Logic for Structure Determination Programme, and was finally confirmed by comparison of experimental 13C-NMR chemical shifts with those obtained by quantum mechanical calculations.

Molecular biology and neurosurgery in the third millennium

The application of techniques in molecular biology to human neurosurgical conditions has led to an increased understanding of disease processes that affect the brain and to novel forms of therapy that favorably modify the natural history of many of these conditions. Molecular strategies are currently being either used or sought for brain tumors, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, vascular malformations, spinal degenerative diseases, and congenital malformations of the central nervous system. Considering that the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid was ascertained by Watson and Crick as recently as 1953, the progress that has been made to implement molecular medicine in clinical practice has been meteoric. More than 2000 patients have been treated in approved gene therapy trials throughout the world. Many of these patients have been treated for neurological diseases for which conventional medical therapies have been of limited utility. As part of this continuing series on advances in neurosurgery in the third millennium, we first reflect on the history of the nascent field of molecular biology. We then describe the powerful techniques that have evolved from knowledge in this field and have been used in many publications in Neurosurgery, particularly within the past decade. These methods include commonly used techniques such as advanced cytogenetics, differential display, microarray technology, molecular cell imaging, yeast two-hybrid assays, gene therapy, and stem cell utilization. We conclude with a description of the rapidly growing field of bioinformatics. Because the Human Genome Project will be completed within 5 years, providing a virtual blueprint of the human race, the next frontier (and perhaps our greatest challenge) will involve the development of the field of "proteomics," in which protein structure and function are determined from the deoxyribonucleic acid blueprint. It is our conviction that neurosurgeons will continue to be at the forefront of the treatment of patients with neurological diseases using molecular strategies, by performing essential research leading to increased understanding of diseases, by conducting carefully controlled studies to test the effects of treatments on disease processes, and by directly administering (by neurosurgical, endovascular, endoscopic, or stereotactic means) the treatments to patients.

Behavioral evaluation of visceral pain in a rat model of colonic inflammation

A new rat model was established up to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of compounds in visceral pain. The test consisted in measuring the performance of rats in an aversive light stimulus avoidance experimental device. Rats with TNBS-induced colitis had a lower number of total active lever pressings and did not discriminate the active lever from the inactive one. Morphine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and CI-977 (0.001 mg/kg, s.c.) treatment restored the level of pressing activity of animals and their ability to discriminate the active lever from the inactive one. Naloxone treatment antagonized the improvement of performance produced by morphine. The results obtained indicate that this behavioral paradigm may be used to evaluate the antinociceptive potential of compounds.

Fedotozine blocks hypersensitive visceral pain in conscious rats: action at peripheral kappa-opioid receptors

The effect of fedotozine on visceral hypersensitivity was evaluated in conscious rats. One hour after colonic irritation (0.6% acetic acid intracolonically), a 30 mmHg colonic distension was applied for 10 min. Irritation increased the number of abdominal contractions induced by colonic distension (23.4 +/- 4.1 versus 4.8 +/- 1.4 in saline-treated rats, P < 0.001). Facilitation of colonic pain was reversed in a dose-dependent manner by fedotozine ((+)-(-1R1)-1-phenyl-1-[(3,4,5-trimethoxy)benzyloxymethyl]-N ,N-dimethyl-n-propylamine), (+/-)-U-50,488H (trans-(+/-)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-1-pyrrolidinyl]cyclohexyl)benzen eacetamide) and morphine (respective ED50 values 0.67, 0.51 and 0.23 mg/kg s.c.). The kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine, abolished the effects of fedotozine and (+/-)-U-50,488H but not those of morphine. Low doses of naloxone (30 microg/kg s.c.) blocked the effect of morphine but not of fedotozine or (+/-)-U-50,488H. After intracerebroventricular administration, morphine was very potent (ED50 1.7 microg/rat), (+/-)-U-50,488H poorly active (58% of antinociception at 300 microg/rat) and fedotozine inactive up to 300 microg/rat. These results show that fedotozine blocks hypersensitive visceral pain by acting on peripheral kappa-opioid receptors in animals.

Response heterogeneity of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in a rat visceral hypersensitivity model

Subcutaneous administration of granisetron (BRL 43694, endo-1-methyl-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1.]non-3-yl-1 H-indazole-3-carboxamide) and zacopride (4-amino-N-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2.]oct-3-yl)-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide), two 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, at doses ranging from 3 to 1000 micrograms/kg, inhibited abdominal contractions induced by distension (30 mmHg, 10 min) of irritated colon (0.6% acetic acid) in conscious rats with a bell-shaped dose-response curve. The ED50 of granisetron and zacopride were 17.6 and 8.2 micrograms/kg, respectively. In contrast, both tropisetron (ICS 205-930, (3-a-tropanyl)t-indole-3-carboxylic ester) and ondansetron (GR38032F, 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-1 H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]-4 H-carbazol-4-one hydrocloride dihydrate) were inactive in this model. These data further support the concept of a heterogeneity in the potency of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in modulating visceral hypersensitivity in conscious rats. This finding is in agreement with a reported efficacy of granisetron but not of ondansetron in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

The V3 domain of SIVmac251 gp120 contains a linear neutralizing epitope

Antisera to 21 synthetic peptides containing hydrophilic sequences of simian immunodeficiency virus strain mac251 (SIVmac251) gp120 and gp32 were tested for the ability to neutralize SIVmac251. Goat antisera raised to peptides SP-1 and SP-1V containing the carboxy-terminal portion of the V3 domain of SIVmac251 gp120 between amino acids 327 and 339 inhibited syncytium formation (90% inhibition at a 1/1024 dilution) and cell killing of CEMx174 cells by SIVmac251 (50%) inhibition of cell killing at a dilution of 1/5832), SIVDeltaB670 (1/568), and SIVsmH4 (1/740). Neutralizing antibodies to SIVmac251, SIVDeltaB670, and SIVsmH4 could be adsorbed by peptides containing a neutralizing V3 sequence of SIVmac251 gp120 (GLVFHSQPIND, amino acids 329-339) but not by peptides lacking this sequence. This V3 neutralizing region corresponds to a homologous V3 neutralizing site within HIV-2 gp120 reported by Björling et al. 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 6082-6086, 1994, J. Immunol. 152, 1952-1959). Antibodies in 20 of 31 sera obtained from rhesus macaques infected with SIVmac251 reacted with a peptide containing the entire V3 sequence of SIVmac251 gp120, whereas no sera contained antibodies reacting with the V3 neutralizing site between amino acids 329 and 339. Low levels of antibody-mediated recognition and subsequent lack of selective pressure against this linear V3 neutralizing site might in part explain why this region is not a dominant neutralizing site and also why sequences within V3 do not vary during the course of SIV infection.

Effect of fedotozine on the cardiovascular pain reflex induced by distension of the irritated colon in the anesthetized rat

The effect of fedotozine was evaluated in a model of colonic hypersensibility to balloon distension in anesthetized rats. Acetic acid (0.6%, intracolonically) significantly enhanced the hypotension reflex response to colonic distension (P < 0.05). At a noxious pain pressure (75 mm Hg), fedotozine ((+)-(-1R)-1-phenyl-1-[(3,4,5- trimethoxy)benzyloxymethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-n-propylamine) had no effect at 0.6 and 1 mg/kg i.v. in saline-treated rats and higher doses were required to produce antinociception (ED50 = 2.57 mg/kg i.v.). By contrast, fedotozine at 0.6 and 1 mg/kg i.v. displayed 38 and 54% antinociception (P < 0.05) respectively, in acetic acid-treated animals, leading to a decrease in its ED50 (1.15 mg/kg i.v.). Similar results were obtained with (+/-)-trans-N-methyl-N-[2-(pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzo[b]-thiophene- 4-acetamide (PD-117,302), a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, while the antinociceptive action of morphine and a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, trans-(+/-)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-[1- pyrrolidinyl]cyclohexyl)benzenacetamide ((+/-)-U-50,488H), was identical in control and acetic acid-treated animals. Nor-binaltorphimine, a selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, reversed the enhanced antinociceptive activity of fedotozine and PD-117,302. It is concluded that acetic acid induces colonic hypersensibility to painful mechanical stimuli and that some but not all kappa-opioid receptor ligands can have enhanced efficacy in this pathological situation.

[Geo-linguistic mobility of the Francophone population of Quebec and Ontario]

"The relation between geographic and linguistic mobility among the population of French mother tongue in Ontario and Quebec [Canada] is explored. The results show that language behaviour, in particular the use of English as home language, is fairly regularly and coherently related to spatial behaviour. A distinct positive correlation between geographic and linguistic mobility is observed. It would seem, furthermore, that the ability of various linguistic environments to impose the dominant language is notably stronger when the dominant language is English." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

[Francophone migratory flows between Quebec and Ontario: toward spatio-linguistic polarization?]

"The link between linguistic mobility and spatial mobility is investigated through the analysis of francophone migratory flows between Quebec and Ontario during the 1981-1986 period. Using 1986 census data, the analysis shows that these flows are indeed part of a more polarized spatio-linguistic situation. However, the results also show that this phenomenon is closely related to another one, that is to the return migration flow toward Quebec. Due to this relation, the role of Quebec as a true migration pole for French population outside Quebec is more problematic." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Pretransplant and posttransplant antibodies in human corneal transplantation

The purpose of this study was to measure the association between antibody formation and endothelial corneal allograft reactions in 533 consecutive corneal graft recipients. The median follow-up time of these recipients was 732 days. Pretransplant panel-reactive antibodies were not found to be associated with endothelial corneal allograft reactions. Out of 533 recipients, 239 developed posttransplant antibodies during the course of this study. The formation of posttransplant antibodies was frequent in recipients with pretransplant antibodies and in HLA-A,-B-incompatible recipients. Posttransplant antibodies most often appeared within the first six months after transplantation whereas endothelial allograft reactions most often occurred later. Out of 65 recipients who developed PPRA and underwent an allograft reaction, 53 had a PPRA peak prior to, or at about the time of, the allograft reaction. Corneal allograft reaction events diagnosed during the second and third year after surgery were correlated with PPRA formation during the first year after grafting. The 36-month reaction-free survival rate of transplants was estimated at 72% in recipients with PPRA compared with 86% in recipients without PPRA (log rank P value = 0.002). Furthermore, posttransplant antibody formation altered the outcome of corneal allografts in both HLA-A and -B-compatible and -incompatible recipients. These findings suggest that posttransplant antibody development represents a high risk of endothelial corneal allograft reactions.

Effects of feeding, fasting, and caerulein treatment on ornithine decarboxylase in rat pancreas

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis. We examined circadian variations in pancreatic ODC activity and time-course effects of caerulein in fed and fasted rats. Significant circadian variations in amount of ODC activity were observed. The highest values were obtained during the dark period (1855 +/- 406 pmoles CO2/h), and the lowest during the light period (359 +/- 84 pmoles CO2/h). Caerulein treatment induced hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pancreas in fed rats; increases in pancreatic ODC activity preceded the rise in protein and DNA contents (447 +/- 44 pmoles CO2/h and 5573 +/- 893 pmoles CO2/h, 6 and 12 h after the first injection of caerulein, respectively). In fasted rats, pancreatic ODC activity was very low (149 +/- 37 pmoles CO2/h) and caerulein treatment induced a transient increase in this activity 12 h after the first injection; hypertrophy but not hyperplasia of the pancreas was observed. In caerulein-treated fasted rats, refeeding during the night following a 48 h fasting period was not enough to increase either ODC activity or DNA content. These findings demonstrate that nutritional status is an important factor in the regulation of ODC activity and, thereby, in caerulein-induced pancreatic growth.

[Altruism and the donor]

On December 20, 1988, the government of France passed a law to protect people who voluntarily participate in biomedical research. This article makes extensive reference to a major study, titled From Biology to Ethics, by Jean Bernard, a well-respected authority in the field of bioethics. The author looks at models proposed by Bernard, as examples for health volunteers, in particular, the blood donor and the self-experimenter. To set the tone of the article, she recalls the concept of altruism, as first proposed by Auguste Comte, then makes a linkage between his philosophy and Bernard's point of view. By trial and error, in their discussions, various ethics committees and the French State Council have agreed upon what constitutes fair compensation under the law. Unlike their Canadian counterparts, medical researchers in France have free access to volunteers who are not in perfect health--e.g., the elderly, people suffering from kidney deficiency, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.--but these "experimental subjects" receive no monetary compensation. Thus, healthy and less-than-healthy volunteers do not receive equal treatment under the law. This inequity, added to the fear of what amounts to a tax on the human body and the difficulty of ensuring just compensation, is giving rise to a great deal of uncertainty.

Human monoclonal antibody that recognizes the V3 region of human immunodeficiency virus gp120 and neutralizes the human T-lymphotropic virus type IIIMN strain

We describe a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody (N701.9b) derived by Epstein-Barr virus transformation of B cells from a human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive asymptomatic donor. This antibody was shown to recognize the principal neutralizing domain contained within the V3 region of gp120 of the MN strain of human immunodeficiency virus and MN-like strains, as determined by binding to the PB-1 fragment of MN gp120 and to synthetic peptides corresponding to the V3 region of MN and related virus strains. The epitope identified by monoclonal antibody N701.9b was mapped to a segment of V3 containing at least 7 amino acids (amino acids 316-322), which is located in the "tip" and "right" side of the V3 loop of the MN strain. Furthermore, this antibody manifested potent type-specific fusion-inhibitory activity against the MN strain but not against the IIIB or RF virus strains. This antibody also neutralized four virus isolates that had MN-like V3 region sequences and failed to neutralize three other strains containing unrelated V3 region sequences. Our findings confirm that the V3 region stimulates type-specific neutralizing antibody during natural human immunodeficiency virus infection in humans. The potential clinical use of this antibody is discussed.

Effects of pancreatic polypeptide on biliary flow and bile acid secretion stimulated by secretin and cholecystokinin in the conscious pig

Fourteen castrated male Large White pigs, weighing 42.5 +/- 1.0 kg, were fitted with biliary and duodenal fistulae for biliary secretion studies. Furthermore, catheters were placed in a carotid artery for blood sampling and in a jugular vein for peptide infusion. Bile was automatically restituted to the animals and continuously sampled for analysis on experimental days. Following an 8 day recovery period, infusion studies were performed after an overnight fast. After a 30 min basal period, sustained biliary flow and bile acid output were obtained and maintained throughout the assay with secretin (36 pmol/kg/h) and CCK-8 (600 pmol/kg/h) infusion. Then, 200, 400, 600, 800 or 1200 pmol/kg/h of porcine pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were infused for 60 min. Secretin plus CCK infusion was continued for 1 h after PP infusion was stopped. Each dose of PP was given on a separate day. Biliary flow was not affected by PP except for the dose of 400 pmol/kg/h. On the contrary, bile acid concentration and output decreased with the lowest dose of PP (200 pmol/kg/h). As soon as the first dose of PP was infused, bile acid concentration and output fell to about 60% of values obtained with secretin plus CCK. Plasma levels of PP were below or similar to postprandial values for 200, 400 and 600 pmol/kg/h and they were significantly larger with 800 and 1200 pmol/kg/h. Bile acid concentration and output did not return to values obtained with secretin plus CCK infusion after cessation of PP infusion. In conclusion, porcine PP given in physiological doses to the pig decreases bile acid output whereas biliary flow remains unaffected.

Polyvalent human immunodeficiency virus synthetic immunogen comprised of envelope gp120 T helper cell sites and B cell neutralization epitopes

In previous studies, we have used antisera raised to envelope (env)-gene-encoded synthetic peptides to identify a region of (HIV) glycoprotein (gp) 120 env protein designated SP10 that contains a type-specific neutralizing determinant. To develop a polyvalent, synthetic peptide inoculum that can evoke both neutralizing antibodies and T cell proliferative responses to more than one HIV isolate, synthetic peptides containing type-specific neutralizing determinants of gp120 from HIV isolates HTLV-IIIB (IIIB), HTLV-IIIMN (MN) and HTLV-IIIRF (RF) were coupled to a 16 amino acid T cell epitope (T1) of HIV-IIIB gp120 and used to immunize goats. Goat antisera to each T1-SP10 peptide derived from the SP10 region of gp120 of IIIB, MN, and RF neutralized HIV isolates IIIB, MN and RF in a type-specific manner. Moreover, peripheral blood T cells from immunized goats also proliferated in a type-specific manner to peptides derived from gp120 of IIIB, MN, and RF. When combined in a trivalent inoculum, T1-SP10 peptides from HIV-1 isolates IIIB, MN, and RF evoked a high titered neutralizing antibody response to isolates IIIB, MN, and RF in goats and as well induced immune T cells to undergo blast transformation in the presence of peptides derived from gp120 of all three HIV isolates. The T1 portion of the T1-SP10 construct was shown to induce a B cell antibody response against determinants within the T1 peptide in addition to inducing T cell proliferative responses in immune goat T cells. Moreover, the SP10 portion of the T1-SP10 constructs not only induced B cell antibody production but also induced type-specific T cell proliferative responses localized to the C-terminal variable sequences of the SP10 peptides. Finally, the T1-SP10 peptide construct induced memory T cell proliferative responses to native gp120 env protein. Thus, combinations of homologous SP10 region synthetic peptides containing type-specific neutralizing determinants and T cell epitopes of HIV gp120 may be useful in man to elicit high titered neutralizing B cell responses and, as well, T cell responses to more than one HIV isolate.

Polyvalent human immunodeficiency virus synthetic immunogen comprised of envelope gp120 T helper cell sites and B cell neutralization epitopes

In previous studies, we have used antisera raised to envelope (env)-gene-encoded synthetic peptides to identify a region of (HIV) glycoprotein (gp) 120 env protein designated SP10 that contains a type-specific neutralizing determinant. To develop a polyvalent, synthetic peptide inoculum that can evoke both neutralizing antibodies and T cell proliferative responses to more than one HIV isolate, synthetic peptides containing type-specific neutralizing determinants of gp120 from HIV isolates HTLV-IIIB (IIIB), HTLV-IIIMN (MN) and HTLV-IIIRF (RF) were coupled to a 16 amino acid T cell epitope (T1) of HIV-IIIB gp120 and used to immunize goats. Goat antisera to each T1-SP10 peptide derived from the SP10 region of gp120 of IIIB, MN, and RF neutralized HIV isolates IIIB, MN and RF in a type-specific manner. Moreover, peripheral blood T cells from immunized goats also proliferated in a type-specific manner to peptides derived from gp120 of IIIB, MN, and RF. When combined in a trivalent inoculum, T1-SP10 peptides from HIV-1 isolates IIIB, MN, and RF evoked a high titered neutralizing antibody response to isolates IIIB, MN, and RF in goats and as well induced immune T cells to undergo blast transformation in the presence of peptides derived from gp120 of all three HIV isolates. The T1 portion of the T1-SP10 construct was shown to induce a B cell antibody response against determinants within the T1 peptide in addition to inducing T cell proliferative responses in immune goat T cells. Moreover, the SP10 portion of the T1-SP10 constructs not only induced B cell antibody production but also induced type-specific T cell proliferative responses localized to the C-terminal variable sequences of the SP10 peptides. Finally, the T1-SP10 peptide construct induced memory T cell proliferative responses to native gp120 env protein. Thus, combinations of homologous SP10 region synthetic peptides containing type-specific neutralizing determinants and T cell epitopes of HIV gp120 may be useful in man to elicit high titered neutralizing B cell responses and, as well, T cell responses to more than one HIV isolate.

Effects of pancreatic polypeptide on the pancreatic exocrine secretion stimulated by secretin and cholecystokinin in the conscious pig

Fourteen castrated male Large White pigs, weighing 42.5 +/- 1.0 kg, were fitted with pancreatic and duodenal fistulae for pancreatic secretion studies. Moreover, catheters were placed in a carotid artery for blood sampling and in a jugular vein for peptide infusion. Pancreatic juice was automatically restituted to the animals and continuously sampled for analysis on experimental days. Following an 8-day recovery period, perfusion studies were performed after an overnight fast. After a 30-min basal period, sustained pancreatic flow and protein output were obtained and maintained throughout the assay with secretin (36 pmol/kg/h) and CCK-8 (600 pmol/kg/h) infusion. Then, 200, 400, 600, 800 or 1200 pmol/kg/h of porcine pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were infused for 60 min. Secretin + CCK infusion was continued for 1 h after PP infusion was stopped. Each dose of PP was given on a separate day. Neither pancreatic flow nor bicarbonate output were affected whatever the dose of infused PP. On the contrary, protein concentration and output decreased with the lowest dose of PP (200 pmol/kg/h) and the diminution was more pronounced with the other doses. With 600 pmol/kg/h as well as with 800 and 1200 pmol/kg/h of PP, pancreatic protein output fell to about 20% of values obtained with secretin + CCK. Plasma levels of PP were below or similar to postprandial values for 200, 400 and 600 pmol/kg/h and they were significantly larger with 800 and 1200 pmol/kg/h. Protein concentration and output returned to values obtained with secretin + CCK infusion after cessation of PP infusion. In conclusion, porcine PP given in physiological doses to the pig decreases pancreatic protein output whereas pancreatic flow remains unaffected.

Functional replacement of the HIV-1 rev protein by the HTLV-1 rex protein

Two evolutionarily distinct families of human retroviruses, the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and the human T-cell leukaemia viruses (HTLV), have been defined (reviewed in ref. 1). Although these virus groups share tropism for human CD4+ T cells, they differ markedly in primary sequence, genetic organization and disease association (AIDS versus adult T-cell leukaemia), but show similar general strategies for the regulation of viral gene expression. Each encodes a protein able to trans-activate transcription from the homologous viral long terminal repeat (tat in HIV, tax in HTLV), although these proteins act by different mechanisms and do not appear to be interchangeable. Each virus also produces a second trans-acting protein that induces the expression of the unspliced messenger RNAs encoding the viral structural proteins (rev in HIV and rex in HTLV). Here we show that the rex protein of HTLV-I can functionally replace the rev protein of HIV-1 in transient expression assays. This genetic complementation by rex is adequate for the rescue of a replication-defective rev mutant of HIV-1. This unexpected shared function between the structurally distinct rex and rev proteins emphasizes the importance of this highly conserved pathway for the regulation of human retrovirus gene expression.

Patterns of language comprehension deficit in abused and neglected children

The similarity between factors associated with child abuse/neglect and those associated with language disability suggests that maltreated children are a population at risk for language problems. This study investigated the performance of three groups of abused/neglected children and a matched group of nonmaltreated subjects on three tests of language comprehension. Results revealed significant differences among groups for all measures. Severely neglected children obtained the lowest scores on all tests; the abused children consistently obtained lower scores than the controls; and generally neglected children showed the smallest difference in performance from the control group. These findings suggest a model for understanding relationships between abuse/neglect and language disability.

Antibodies that inhibit fusion of human immunodeficiency virus-infected cells bind a 24-amino acid sequence of the viral envelope, gp120

Antisera to recombinant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteins containing the entire envelope, gp160, or the central portion of the envelope, PB1, can inhibit fusion of virally infected cells in culture. This fusion inhibition is HIV-variant specific--that is, anti-gp160-IIIB inhibits fusion of isolate HTLV-IIIB-infected cells but not of isolate HTLV-IIIRF-infected cells. Both anti-gp160 and anti-PB1 are completely blocked in fusion inhibition activity by the addition of PB1 protein. A 24-amino acid peptide (RP135, amino acids 307-330) completely blocks fusion inhibition activity of both antisera and also blocks the activity of serum from a chimpanzee infected with HTLV-IIIB. Thus, the principal epitope that elicits fusion-inhibiting antibodies is located in the central portion of gp120.

More on the geographical distribution of physicians

This paper presents more empirical evidence on the geographical distribution of physicians. Probit procedure and data for the Province of Quebec were used. The results are consistent with the standard location theory and therefore with those of Newhouse et al. (1982a). They also show that quality of leisure, distance to central city areas, average income and presence of a hospital are significant in explaining the probability that at least one physician (specialist or general practitioner) is present in a given town. Other variables were also considered.