The impact of the nonpeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone antagonist antalarmin on behavioral and endocrine responses to stress

The nonpeptide CRH antagonist antalarmin has been shown to block both behavioral and endocrine responses to CRH. However, it's potential activity in blunting behavioral and endocrine sequelae of stressor exposure has not been assessed. Because antagonism of central CRH by alpha-helical CRH attenuates conditioned fear responses, we sought to test antalarmin in this regard. In addition, it remains unclear as to whether this is a result of receptor blockade during conditioning or during testing. Thus, we explored whether CRH mediates the induction or expression of conditioned fear (freezing in a context previously associated with 2 footshocks; 1.0 mA, 5 sec each). Furthermore, because rats previously exposed to inescapable shock (IS; 100 shocks, 1.6 mA, 5 sec each), demonstrate enhanced fear conditioning, we investigated whether this effect would be blocked by antalarmin. Antalarmin (20 mg/kg x 2 ml i.p.) impaired both the induction and expression of conditioned fear. In addition, antalarmin blocked the enhancement of fear conditioning produced by prior exposure to IS. Despite the marked behavioral effects observed in antalarmin-treated rats, antalarmin had no effect on IS-induced rises in ACTH or corticosterone. However, antalarmin did block the ACTH response produced by exposure to 2 footshocks.

Insights into pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma research: Challenges and goals

Overall survival rates for pediatric patients with high-risk or relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have not improved significantly since the 1980s. Recent studies have identified a number of targetable vulnerabilities in RMS, but these discoveries have infrequently translated into clinical trials. We propose streamlining the process by which agents are selected for clinical evaluation in RMS. We believe that strong consideration should be given to the development of combination therapies that add biologically targeted agents to conventional cytotoxic drugs. One example of this type of combination is the addition of the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 to the conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, vincristine and irinotecan.

Spontaneous immortalization of chicken fibroblasts generates stable, high-yield cell lines for serum-free production of cultured meat

Cellular agriculture could meet growing demand for animal products, but yields are typically low and regulatory bodies restrict genetic modification for cultured meat production. Here we demonstrate the spontaneous immortalization and genetic stability of fibroblasts derived from several chicken breeds. Cell lines were adapted to grow as single-cell suspensions using serum-free culture medium, reaching densities of 108 × 106 cells per ml in continuous culture, corresponding to yields of 36% w/v. We show that lecithin activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), inducing adipogenesis in immortalized fibroblasts. Blending cultured adipocyte-like cells with extruded soy protein, formed chicken strips in which texture was supported by animal and plant proteins while aroma and flavour were driven by cultured animal fat. Visual and sensory analysis graded the product 4.5/5.0, with 85% of participants extremely likely to replace their food choice with this cultured meat product. Immortalization without genetic modification and high-yield manufacturing are critical for the market realization of cultured meat.

Peptide nucleic acid-mediated PCR clamping as a useful supplement in the determination of microbial diversity

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated PCR clamping (H. Orum, P. E. Nielsen, M. Egholm, R. H. Berg, O. Buchardt, and C. Stanley, Nucleic Acids Res. 21:5332-5336, 1993) was introduced as a novel procedure to selectively amplify ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) which are not frequently found in clone libraries generated by standard PCR from complex microbial consortia. Three different PNA molecules were used; two of these molecules (PNA-ALF and PNA-EUB353) overlapped with one of the amplification primers, whereas PNA-1114F hybridized to the middle of the amplified region. Thus, PCR clamping was achieved either by competitive binding between the PNA molecules and the forward or reverse primers (competitive clamping) or by hindering polymerase readthrough (elongation arrest). Gene libraries generated from mixed rDNA templates by using PCR clamping are enriched for clones that do not contain sequences homologous to the appropriate PNA oligomer. This effect of PCR clamping was exploited in the following two ways: (i) analysis of gene libraries generated by PCR clamping with PNA-ALF together with standard libraries reduced the number of clones which had to be analyzed to detect all of the different sequences present in an artificial rDNA mixture; and (ii) PCR clamping with PNA-EUB353 and PNA-1114F was used to selectively recover rDNA sequences which represented recently described phylogenetic groups (NKB19, TM6, cluster related to green nonsulfur bacteria) from an anaerobic, dechlorinating consortium described previously. We concluded that PCR clamping might be a useful supplement to standard PCR amplification in rDNA-based studies of microbial diversity and could be used to selectively recover members of undescribed phylogenetic clusters from complex microbial communities.

Psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Several recent studies have found an increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease within psoriasis patients. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms behind these observations are unclear, but are likely related to the high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome within this patient population. Chronic inflammation, mediated by either proinflammatory adipokines or skin-derived cytokines, may contribute to fatty liver disease development by increasing insulin resistance which in turn promotes hepatic lipid accumulation. These same adipokines in addition to hepatic cytokines may act on the skin to influence psoriasis disease severity.

Mother-infant interactions in slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) and pygmy lorises (Nycticebus pygmaeus)

The study had three purposes: (1) to obtain information about mother-infant interactions in a rarely studied nocturnal prosimian, the pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus); (2) to compare pygmy lorises with a closely related and better-studied nocturnal prosimian, the Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis); and (3) to determine how the presence of a second offspring affected mother-infant interactions in pygmy lorises. Three Bengal slow loris mothers and 3 pygmy loris mothers served as subjects, along with their 10 offspring (4 Bengal slow loris singletons, 2 pygmy loris singletons and 2 sets of pygmy loris twins). Observations were carried out in a zoo research facility for the first 24 weeks of the infants' lives. Although the two species differ in size and reproductive patterns, mother-infant interactions were similar. The primary modes of infant and adult contact were ventral and passive contact, respectively. Mothers parked their infants from the first week, and infants followed from the second week. Mothers displayed little protection or rejection, and there was little aggression. Infants solicited play and social grooming from their mothers. Pygmy loris mothers engaged in social grooming and play with their infants more frequently and for longer periods if the infant was a singleton rather than a twin.

Equipotent inhibition of gastric acid secretion by equal doses of oral or intravenous pantoprazole

BACKGROUND

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor characterized by a low potential to interact with the cytochrome P450 system, and linear pharmacokinetics. The recommended oral dose for treatment of acid-related diseases is 40 mg.

METHODS

Using a randomized, crossover study design we compared the ability of 40 mg oral and intravenous pantoprazole to elevate the intragastric pH in healthy volunteers (n = 20, 'per protocol'), during two treatment phases. The duration of each phase was 5 days. Pantoprazole 40 mg was administered once daily either as a tablet or as an intravenous injection. A 24 h pHmetry was used to record the intragastric pH on day 5 of each regimen; this was compared to the baseline curve obtained before each study period. The calculated 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) represent the mean difference in the intragastric pH, attained after intravenous or oral administration. The predefined equivalence range for the 90% CI was +/- 20% for the percentage time at which the gastric pH was at least pH 3 or 4 and +/- 1 unit for the median pH.

RESULTS

Pantoprazole was well tolerated during both treatment phases. The mean of the 24 h median pH was 3.3 and 3.1 for the intravenous and oral treatments, respectively; the corresponding differences were 0.2 (90% CI: - 0.03 to 0.44). For the mean percentage time at which the pH was 3 or above, the respective calculated values were 57% and 51%, with a difference between the two administration routes of only 5.7% (90% CI: 1.8 to 9.6). At an intragastric pH of 4 or above, the mean percentage time was 420% and 38% following intravenous and oral treatment, respectively, with a difference between the treatment routes of only 4.4% (90% CI: 0.6 to 8.3).

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply that the two formulations of pantoprazole can be assumed to be equipotent. Hence, the intravenous formulation of pantoprazole could be considered as an alternative route of administration.

Role of body piercing in the induction of metal allergies

BACKGROUND

Metal allergies have been linked to body piercing in women, but few studies have explored this phenomenon in men. It has been postulated that nickel/cobalt and nickel/palladium exhibit coreactivity in patients allergic to metals.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Determine the incidence rate and the source for the induction of metal allergy in 3 groups of men: unpierced, one site-pierced, and multiple sites-pierced; and (2) evaluate the degree of coreactivity between nickel/cobalt and nickel/palladium.

METHODS

Men aged 18 to 43 years (n = 118) were patch-tested using the North American Contact Dermatitis Group's protocol to nickel sulfate 2.5%, gold sodium thiosulfate 0.5%, cobalt chloride 1%, and palladium chloride 1%.

RESULTS

Eleven (9.3%) subjects had at least 1 positive reaction. When characterized by the number of pierced sites, positive reactions were seen in 2 of 50 (4.0%) unpierced, 3 of 27 (11.1%) one site-pierced, and 6 of 41 (14.6%) multiply pierced men. The number of piercings was a statistically significant predictor of metal allergy (P = .04). Four (66.7%) cobalt and no palladium reactions occurred in nickel-positive subjects. The source for the induction of the allergic response was primarily jewelry, which accounted for 5 of 6 nickel allergies and 2 of 3 gold allergies. Silver jewelry was a significant predictor of an allergic response.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first report that the number of body piercings has positive bearing on the incidence of metal allergy in men. The data also support the theory of coreactivity for nickel/cobalt, but not for nickel/palladium.

Carcinoma of the colon in asbestos-exposed workers: analysis of asbestos content in colon tissue

Epidemiological studies have indicated an increased incidence of carcinoma of the colon in asbestos workers. The present study evaluated the colon tissue asbestos burden, by light and electron microscopic analytic techniques, in patients with a history of occupational asbestos exposure and colon cancer. Asbestos fibers and/or asbestos bodies were present in colon tissue from 14 of 44 (31.8%) asbestos workers with colon carcinoma (range 142,199 to 15,231, 543 fibers/g/wet weight, mean 2,517,823). Chrysotile was identified in 9 patients and amosite in 3 patients. Both amosite and chrysotile were found in the colonic wall in one individual. Other forms of asbestos (e.g., crocidolite, tremolite, or anthophyllite) were not found. Asbestos fibers and asbestos bodies were not found in colon tissue from 20 control patients (colon carcinoma and no asbestos exposure). Asbestos fibers frequently enter and reside in the wall of the colon and are often intimately associated with tumor tissue at the site of colon carcinoma in workers with asbestos exposure and colon carcinoma.

Lichenoid drug eruption to salsalate

Cutaneous lichenoid eruptions can arise as a result of exogenous compound exposures. Pharmaceutical drugs, industrial compounds, and inhaled particles have been implicated as causative agents. To date, there have been no recorded cases of lichenoid drug eruptions (LDEs) caused by clinical use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug salsalate. We describe a patient who experienced a lichenoid eruption after the initiation of salsalate for relief of arthritic pain. This eruption emerged after 1 month of therapy with salsalate, persisted for as long as salsalate was administered, and cleared within 3 weeks of discontinuing the medication. LDEs can clinically and histologically resemble idiopathic or classic lichen planus. Integrating drug history, clinical morphology, clinical distribution, and histopathology can aid in the differentiation. As in our patient's case, curative treatment for LDE requires discontinuation of the drug.

The dual effects of aluminum as activator and inhibitor of adenylate cyclase in the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica

The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, has a very active adenylate cyclase which can be stimulated by NaF or by serotonin and guanine nucleotides. Micromolar amounts of AlCl3 augment the activation by F-. In contrast, when the enzyme is activated with serotonin and guanine nucleotides, AlCl3 inhibits the activation. Aluminum also inhibits the activation by forskolin. Gallium mimics the effects of aluminum.

Comparison of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of pantoprazole (40 mg) as compared to omeprazole MUPS (20 mg) after repeated oral dose administration

The effects on intragastric p11 and gastrin secretion of once daily pantoprazole (40 mg) and a new formulation omeprazole (20 mg) in a Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) were investigated during two treatment periods of 7 days each in a randomized crossover study with 16 healthy Helicobacter pylori-negative male volunteers. Intragastric pH was measured using continuous 24 hour pH-metry on days 1 and 7. The results were compared to the baseline curves obtained before each treatment period. On day 1, pantoprazole raised the intragastric pH significantly higher and more quickly than omeprazole MUPS (pH median 1.9 vs. 1.6, baseline pH 1.4). After 7 days, the 24 h gastric pH medians were still in favor of pantoprazole (pH 3.0 vs. 2.8). With respect to the basal gastrin concentration, both treatments resulted in similar increases. For pantoprazole, no differences were observed in AUC and Cmax after single and repeated dosing. However, the new omeprazole MUPS formulation still showed the well-known effect of initial low bioavailability increasing after repeated dosing. Pantoprazole and omeprazole were well tolerated. There seems to be no advantage in the new omeprazole formulation compared with the conventional capsule with regard to bioavailability and increase in intragastric pH. The results of this study confirm former results in which pantoprazole (40 mg) was shown to be significantly superior to omeprazole (20 mg) in elevating intragastric pH.

Concomitant administration of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor voglibose (AO-128) does not alter the pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide

OBJECTIVE

Voglibose is a new and potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidases used for treatment of diabetes mellitus. It increases gastro-intestinal motility and could thus affect absorption of other concurrently administered antidiabetic drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not voglibose modifies the pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide, a widely used oral antidiabetic, and the glibenclamide-induced decrease in fasting serum glucose.

METHODS

Twelve healthy male subjects were included in this double-blind cross-over study and received a single 1.75-mg dose of glibenclamide on the 8th day of continuous administration of either placebo (reference) or voglibose 5 mg t.i.d. (test). Blood samples were taken to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics of glibenclamide and the test/reference ratios were evaluated according to bioequivalence criteria. Additional blood samples were taken to measure serum glucose on the same day.

RESULTS

The concentration-time course of glibenclamide under concomitant voglibose administration was similar to that under placebo. The equivalence ratio (test/reference) for the pharmacokinetic characteristics AUCnorm was 1.03 (geometric mean; 0.95-1.11, 90% confidence interval) and Cmax.norm 1.01 (0.94-1.08). The parameters were within the accepted range of 0.8-1.25 (AUC) or 0.7-1.43 (Cmax), thus fulfilling equivalence criteria and indicating no effect of voglibose on glibenclamide kinetics. The glibenclamide-induced decrease in fasting serum glucose concentration was similarly independent of placebo or voglibose co-administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Voglibose did not interact with glibenclamide on a pharmacokinetic level. Concomitant treatment was well tolerated and has been proven to be safe for further clinical use.

Formation of ATP-insensitive weakly-binding crossbridges in single rabbit psoas fibers by treatment with phenylmaleimide or para-phenylenedimaleimide

Chaen et al. (1986. J. Biol. Chem. 261:13632-13636) showed that treatment of relaxed single muscle fibers with para-phenylenedimaleimide (pPDM) results in inhibition of a fiber's ability to generate active force and a diminished ATPase activity. They postulated that the inhibition of force production was due to pPDM's ability to prevent crossbridges from participating in the normal ATP hydrolysis cycle. We find that the crossbridges produced by pPDM treatment of relaxed muscle cannot bind strongly to the actin filaments in rigor, but do bind weakly to the actin filaments in the presence and also absence of ATP. After pPDM treatment, fiber stiffness, as measured using ramp stretches of varying duration, is ATP-insensitive and identical to that of untreated relaxed fibers (both at high [165 mM] and low [40 mM] ionic strength). These results suggest that the pPDM-treated crossbridges, in both the presence and absence of ATP, are locked in a state that resembles the weakly-binding myosin ATP state of normal crossbridges. Their resemblance to the ATP-crossbridges of relaxed untreated fibers is quite strong; both bind to actin about equally tightly and have similar attachment and detachment rate constants. We also found that crossbridges are locked in a weakly-binding state after treatment with N-phenylmaleimide (NPM). In muscle fibers, this method of producing weakly-binding crossbridges appears preferable to pPDM treatment because, unlike treatment with pPDM, it does not increase the fiber's resting tension and stiffness and it does not disrupt the titin band seen on SDS-PAGE.

The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor voglibose (AO-128) does not change pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics of warfarin

OBJECTIVE

Voglibose is a new and potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidases and is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Since voglibose increases gastrointestinal motility and could thus affect absorption of concomitantly administered drugs, it was investigated whether or not voglibose modifies the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin, an oral anticoagulant frequently used in cardiovascular disorders likely to arise in diabetic patients.

METHODS

Twelve healthy male subjects were given individually adjusted doses of warfarin to reduce prothrombin time (Quick's method) to a value of about 30-40% of the normal range within the first 8 days. Then, the individuals maintenance dose, given in the morning, was maintained until day 15. On study days 11-15, voglibose was co-administered per os in a dose of 5 mg t.i.d. The prothrombin time was determined on days 10 and 11 (reference) and on days 15 and 16 (test), and the steady-state pharmacokinetic characteristics of the warfarin enantiomers were determined on days 10 (reference) and 15 (test). The ratios test/reference were evaluated according to bioequivalence criteria.

RESULTS

The equivalence ratio (test reference) for the pharmacodynamic parameter prothrombin time was 0.97 and for the pharmacokinetic characteristics AUC0-24 h.t.ss: S-(-)-warfarin, 1.05; R-(+)-warfarin, 1.01; and Cmax.ss: S-(-)-warfarin, 1.08; R-(+)-warfarin, 1.04. All parameters were within the predetermined accepted range of 0.7-1.43 (pharmacodynamics) or 0.8-1.25 (pharmacokinetics), thus fulfilling equivalence criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Voglibose modified neither the pharmacodynamics nor the pharmacokinetics of warfarin under steady-state conditions. Concomitant treatment was well tolerated and has been proven to be safe for further clinical use.

Comparison of laparoscopic and open colonic resection within fast-track and traditional perioperative care pathways: Clinical outcomes and in-hospital costs

BACKGROUND

This study examined short-term clinical outcomes and in-hospital costs of laparoscopic and open colonic resection within fast-track and traditional care pathways.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-control study was performed. From 2007 to 2009, 116 patients underwent laparoscopic or open colonic resection for benign or malignant disease within fast-track care pathway. The control group consisted of 116 age-, sex-, comorbidity-, type of surgery-, and diagnosis-matched patients who received a traditional perioperative care from 2000 to 2007. The main measures of outcome were postoperative hospital stay and in-hospital costs, with 30-day mortality, morbidity, reoperation, and readmission rates as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The study groups were well balanced for baseline characteristics. Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the fast-track than in the control group: laparoscopic resection median 3 versus 5 days (p < 0.001) and open resection 4 versus 7 days (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis fast-track care, laparoscopic surgery and complications were independent determinants affecting the length of hospital stay. Overall, there was a trend toward lower in-hospital costs in the fast-track group compared with the traditional care group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Open surgery within fast-track care was the least costly option compared to laparoscopic or open surgery within traditional care but not significantly so when compared with laparoscopy within fast-track care. Intake of solid food and bowel function recovered 1 day earlier in the fast-track group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Complications were more frequent after open surgery than after laparoscopic surgery (23.3% vs 11.0%, p = 0.012). Reoperation and readmission rates were similar between the study groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy improves the efficiency of fast-track perioperative care without significantly increasing in-hospital costs.

Lack of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction between pantoprazole and phenprocoumon in man

OBJECTIVE

Pantoprazole is a selective proton pump inhibitor characterized by a low potential to interact with the cytochrome P450 enzymes in man. Due to the clinical importance of an interaction with anticoagulants, this study was carried out to investigate the possible influence of pantoprazole on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of phenprocoumon.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy male subjects were given individually adjusted doses of phenprocoumon to reduce prothrombin time ratio (Quick method) to about 30-40% of normal within the first 5-9 days and to maintain this level. The individual maintenance doses remained unaltered from day 9 on and were administered until day 15. Additionally, on study days 11-15, pantoprazole 40 mg was given per once daily. As a pharmacodynamic parameter, the prothrombin time ratio was determined on days 9 and 10 (reference value) and on days 14 and 15 (test value), and the ratio test/reference was evaluated according to equivalence criteria.

RESULTS

The equivalence ratio (test/reference) for prothrombin time ratio was 1.02 (90% confidence interval 0.95-1.09), thus fulfilling predetermined bioequivalence criteria (0.70-1.43). The pharmacokinetic characteristics AUC0-24h and Cmax of S(-)- and R(+)-phenprocoumon were also investigated using equivalence criteria. Equivalence ratios and confidence limits of AUC0-24h and of Cmax of S(-)-phenprocoumon (0.93, 0.87-1.00 for AUC0-24h; 0.95, 0.88-1.03 for Cmax) and of R(+)-phenprocoumon (0.89, 0.82-0.96; 0.9, 0.83-0.98) were within the accepted range of 0.8-1.25.

CONCLUSION

Pantoprazole does not interact with the anticoagulant phenprocoumon on a pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic level. Concomitant treatment was well tolerated.

Mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation versus no bowel preparation in right and left colectomy: subgroup analysis of MOBILE trial

BACKGROUND

In retrospective series, mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation (MOABP) has been reported to reduce surgical-site infections (SSIs) after colectomy compared with no bowel preparation (NBP).

METHOD

This was a subgroup analysis of a multicentre randomized trial that included patients scheduled for elective colectomy. The MOABP group underwent mechanical bowel preparation, and took 2 g neomycin and 2 g metronidazole orally during the day before surgery. The NBP group did not undergo bowel preparation. Patients were categorized according to the side of resection (right versus left colectomy), and these subgroups compared for postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 217 patients undergoing right colectomy (106 in MOABP and 111 in NBP group), SSI was detected in seven (7 per cent) and 10 (9 per cent) patients (odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95 per cent c.i. 0.26 to 1.95; P = 0.510), anastomotic dehiscence in two (2 per cent) and two (2 per cent) patients (OR 1.05, 0.15 to 7.58; P = 1.000), and the mean(s.d.) Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) score was 9.4(12.9) and 10.5(18.0) (mean difference -1.09; 95 per cent c.i. -5.29 to 3.11; P = 0.608) in the MOABP and NBP groups respectively. Among 164 patients undergoing left colectomy (84 in MOABP and 80 in NBP group), SSI was detected in five (6 per cent) and eight (10 per cent) patients (OR 0.57, 0.18 to 1.82; P = 0.338), anastomotic dehiscence in four (5 per cent) and five (6 per cent) patients (OR 0.75, 0.19 to 2.90; P = 0.742), and the CCI score was 10.2(13.1) and 6.5(11.0) (mean difference 3.68, -0.06 to 7.42; P = 0.053) in the MOABP and NBP groups respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MOABP did not decrease the rate of SSI or complications in patients undergoing either right or left colectomy compared with NBP.