Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger

On September 14, 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory simultaneously observed a transient gravitational-wave signal. The signal sweeps upwards in frequency from 35 to 250 Hz with a peak gravitational-wave strain of 1.0×10(-21). It matches the waveform predicted by general relativity for the inspiral and merger of a pair of black holes and the ringdown of the resulting single black hole. The signal was observed with a matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 24 and a false alarm rate estimated to be less than 1 event per 203,000 years, equivalent to a significance greater than 5.1σ. The source lies at a luminosity distance of 410(-180)(+160)  Mpc corresponding to a redshift z=0.09(-0.04)(+0.03). In the source frame, the initial black hole masses are 36(-4)(+5)M⊙ and 29(-4)(+4)M⊙, and the final black hole mass is 62(-4)(+4)M⊙, with 3.0(-0.5)(+0.5)M⊙c(2) radiated in gravitational waves. All uncertainties define 90% credible intervals. These observations demonstrate the existence of binary stellar-mass black hole systems. This is the first direct detection of gravitational waves and the first observation of a binary black hole merger.

Proteomic characterization of the human centrosome by protein correlation profiling

The centrosome is the major microtubule-organizing centre of animal cells and through its influence on the cytoskeleton is involved in cell shape, polarity and motility. It also has a crucial function in cell division because it determines the poles of the mitotic spindle that segregates duplicated chromosomes between dividing cells. Despite the importance of this organelle to cell biology and more than 100 years of study, many aspects of its function remain enigmatic and its structure and composition are still largely unknown. We performed a mass-spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of human centrosomes in the interphase of the cell cycle by quantitatively profiling hundreds of proteins across several centrifugation fractions. True centrosomal proteins were revealed by both correlation with already known centrosomal proteins and in vivo localization. We identified and validated 23 novel components and identified 41 likely candidates as well as the vast majority of the known centrosomal proteins in a large background of nonspecific proteins. Protein correlation profiling permits the analysis of any multiprotein complex that can be enriched by fractionation but not purified to homogeneity.

Topographical control of cells

We review the literature on the reaction of cells to their surrounding topography. The topography may be that of surrounding cells, intercellular materials or biomaterials. The reactions include cell orientation, rates of movement, and activations of the cells. We concentrate on those papers where quantitative measurements of the reactions have been made and largely ignore those on subjective impressions. A wide range of topographies are considered but special attention is given to results on groove-ridge topographies. The question of whether the cells are reacting to the topography directly or to patterned substratum chemistry formed on the topography is discussed. The review ends with a summary of the types of prosthesis where advantage has been taken of the ability to fabricate topography.

Is increased time to diagnosis and treatment in symptomatic cancer associated with poorer outcomes? Systematic review

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether more timely cancer diagnosis brings favourable outcomes, with much of the previous evidence, in some cancers, being equivocal. We set out to determine whether there is an association between time to diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcomes, across all cancers for symptomatic presentations.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

We included 177 articles reporting 209 studies. These studies varied in study design, the time intervals assessed and the outcomes reported. Study quality was variable, with a small number of higher-quality studies. Heterogeneity precluded definitive findings. The cancers with more reports of an association between shorter times to diagnosis and more favourable outcomes were breast, colorectal, head and neck, testicular and melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first review encompassing many cancer types, and we have demonstrated those cancers in which more evidence of an association between shorter times to diagnosis and more favourable outcomes exists, and where it is lacking. We believe that it is reasonable to assume that efforts to expedite the diagnosis of symptomatic cancer are likely to have benefits for patients in terms of improved survival, earlier-stage diagnosis and improved quality of life, although these benefits vary between cancers.

The Polo kinase Plk4 functions in centriole duplication

The human Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and its functional homologues that are present in other eukaryotes have multiple, crucial roles in meiotic and mitotic cell division. By contrast, the functions of other mammalian Polo family members remain largely unknown. Plk4 is the most structurally divergent Polo family member; it is maximally expressed in actively dividing tissues and is essential for mouse embryonic development. Here, we identify Plk4 as a key regulator of centriole duplication. Both gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate that Plk4 is required--in cooperation with Cdk2, CP110 and Hs-SAS6--for the precise reproduction of centrosomes during the cell cycle. These findings provide an attractive explanation for the crucial function of Plk4 in cell proliferation and have implications for the role of Polo kinases in tumorigenesis.

The association football medical research programme: an audit of injuries in professional football

OBJECTIVES

To undertake a prospective epidemiological study of the injuries sustained in English professional football over two competitive seasons.

METHODS

Player injuries were annotated by club medical staff at 91 professional football clubs. A specific injury audit questionnaire was used together with a weekly form that documented each club's current injury status.

RESULTS

A total of 6,030 injuries were reported over the two seasons with an average of 1.3 injuries per player per season. The mean (SD) number of days absent for each injury was 24.2 (40.2), with 78% of the injuries leading to a minimum of one competitive match being missed. The injury incidence varied throughout the season, with training injuries peaking during July (p<0.05) and match injuries peaking during August (p<0.05). Competition injuries represented 63% of those reported, significantly (p<0.01) more of these injuries occurring towards the end of both halves. Strains (37%) and sprains (19%) were the major injury types, the lower extremity being the site of 87% of the injuries reported. Most injury mechanisms were classified as being non-contact (58%). Re-injuries accounted for 7% of all injuries, 66% of these being classified as either a strain or a sprain. The severity of re-injuries was greater than the initial injury (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Professional football players are exposed to a high risk of injury and there is a need to investigate ways of reducing this risk. Areas that warrant attention include the training programmes implemented by clubs during various stages of the season, the factors contributing to the pattern of injuries during matches with respect to time, and the rehabilitation protocols employed by clubs.

The centrosomal protein nephrocystin-6 is mutated in Joubert syndrome and activates transcription factor ATF4

The molecular basis of nephronophthisis, the most frequent genetic cause of renal failure in children and young adults, and its association with retinal degeneration and cerebellar vermis aplasia in Joubert syndrome are poorly understood. Using positional cloning, we here identify mutations in the gene CEP290 as causing nephronophthisis. It encodes a protein with several domains also present in CENPF, a protein involved in chromosome segregation. CEP290 (also known as NPHP6) interacts with and modulates the activity of ATF4, a transcription factor implicated in cAMP-dependent renal cyst formation. NPHP6 is found at centrosomes and in the nucleus of renal epithelial cells in a cell cycle-dependent manner and in connecting cilia of photoreceptors. Abrogation of its function in zebrafish recapitulates the renal, retinal and cerebellar phenotypes of Joubert syndrome. Our findings help establish the link between centrosome function, tissue architecture and transcriptional control in the pathogenesis of cystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and central nervous system development.

Depressive disorders in Europe: prevalence figures from the ODIN study

BACKGROUND

This is the first report on the epidemiology of depressive disorders from the European Outcome of Depression International Network (ODIN) study.

AIMS

To assess the prevalence of depressive disorders in randomly selected samples of the general population in five European countries.

METHOD

The study was designed as a cross-sectional two-phase community study using the Beck Depression inventory during Phase 1, and the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry during Phase 2.

RESULTS

An analysis of the combined sample (n=8.764) gave an overall prevalence of depressive disorders of 8.56% (95% CI 7.05-10.37). The figures were 10.05% (95% CI 7.80-12.85) for women and 6.61% (95% CI 4.92-8.83) for men. The centres fall into three categories: high prevalence (urban Ireland and urban UK), low prevalence (urban Spain) and medium prevalence (the remaining sites).

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive disorder is a highly prevalent condition in Europe. The major finding is the wide difference in the prevalence of depressive disorders found across the study sites.

Centrosome-associated Chk1 prevents premature activation of cyclin-B-Cdk1 kinase

Entry into mitosis occurs after activation of Cdk1, resulting in chromosome condensation in the nucleus and centrosome separation, as well as increased microtubule nucleation activity in the cytoplasm. The active cyclin-B1-Cdk1 complex first appears at the centrosome, suggesting that the centrosome may facilitate the activation of mitotic regulators required for the commitment of cells to mitosis. However, the signalling pathways involved in controlling the initial activation of Cdk1 at the centrosome remain largely unknown. Here, we show that human Chk1 kinase localizes to interphase, but not mitotic, centrosomes. Chemical inhibition of Chk1 resulted in premature centrosome separation and activation of centrosome-associated Cdk1. Forced immobilization of kinase-inactive Chk1 to centrosomes also resulted in premature Cdk1 activation. Conversely, under such conditions wild-type Chk1 impaired activation of centrosome-associated Cdk1, thereby resulting in DNA endoreplication and centrosome amplification. Activation of centrosomal Cdk1 in late prophase seemed to be mediated by cytoplasmic Cdc25B, whose activity is controlled by centrosome-associated Chk1. These results suggest that centrosome-associated Chk1 shields centrosomal Cdk1 from unscheduled activation by cytoplasmic Cdc25B, thereby contributing to proper timing of the initial steps of cell division, including mitotic spindle formation.

Guidance and activation of murine macrophages by nanometric scale topography

We studied the guidance and activation of macrophages from the P388D1 cell line and rat peritoneum by topographic features on a nanometric scale. Cells were plated on plain fused silica substrata or substrata with microfabricated grooves and steps, 30-282 nm deep. The contact of cells with the patterned surface activated cell spreading and adhesion and increased the number of protrusions of the cell membrane. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the amount of F-actin in cells. The accumulation of F-actin and vinculin in cells was observed along the edges of single steps or grooves. Formation of focal contacts along discontinuities in the substratum was accompanied by the phosphorylation of tyrosine colocalized with F-actin and vinculin. A similar pattern of staining was seen in cells stained for vitronectin receptor, alphaV integrin, but not for integrins alpha5beta1 or alpha3beta1. Cells cultured on nanogrooves showed a higher phagocytotic activity than cells cultured on plain substrata. We show that macrophages can react to ultrafine features of topography of a size comparable to that of a single collagen fiber and become activated by the contact with topographic features.

Nantotechniques and approaches in biotechnology

Nanotechnology has enabled the development of an amazing variety of methods for fabricating nanotopography and nanopatterned chemistry in recent years. Some of these techniques are directed towards producing single component particles, as well as multi-component assembly or self-assembly. Other methods are aimed at nanofeaturing and patterning surfaces that have a specific chemistry or topography. This article concentrates mainly on surface-directed nanobiotechnologies because they are nearer to commercial realisation, such as use in tissue engineering, control of biofouling and cell culture, than those directed at producing nanoparticles.

Rootletin forms centriole-associated filaments and functions in centrosome cohesion

After duplication of the centriole pair during S phase, the centrosome functions as a single microtubule-organizing center until the onset of mitosis, when the duplicated centrosomes separate for bipolar spindle formation. The mechanisms regulating centrosome cohesion and separation during the cell cycle are not well understood. In this study, we analyze the protein rootletin as a candidate centrosome linker component. As shown by immunoelectron microscopy, endogenous rootletin forms striking fibers emanating from the proximal ends of centrioles. Moreover, rootletin interacts with C-Nap1, a protein previously implicated in centrosome cohesion. Similar to C-Nap1, rootletin is phosphorylated by Nek2 kinase and is displaced from centrosomes at the onset of mitosis. Whereas the overexpression of rootletin results in the formation of extensive fibers, small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of either rootletin or C-Nap1 causes centrosome splitting, suggesting that both proteins contribute to maintaining centrosome cohesion. The ability of rootletin to form centriole-associated fibers suggests a dynamic model for centrosome cohesion based on entangling filaments rather than continuous polymeric linkers.

A cancer risk assessment of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate: application of the new U.S. EPA Risk Assessment Guidelines

The current United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) as a B2 "probable human" carcinogen is based on outdated information. New toxicology data and a considerable amount of new mechanistic evidence were used to reconsider the cancer classification of DEHP under EPA's proposed new cancer risk assessment guidelines. The total weight-of-evidence clearly indicates that DEHP is not genotoxic. In vivo administration of DEHP to rats and mice results in peroxisome proliferation in the liver, and there is strong evidence and scientific consensus that, in rodents, peroxisome proliferation is directly associated with the onset of liver cancer. Peroxisome proliferation is a transcription-mediated process that involves activation by the peroxisome proliferator of a nuclear receptor in rodent liver called the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARalpha). The critical role of PPARalpha in peroxisomal proliferation and carcinogenicity in mice is clearly established by the lack of either response in mice genetically modified to remove the PPARalpha. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how, in rodents, peroxisome proliferation can lead to the formation of hepatocellular tumors. The general consensus of scientific opinion is that PPARalpha-induced mitogenesis and cell proliferation are probably the major mechanisms responsible for peroxisome proliferator-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents. Oxidative stress appears to play a significant role in this increased cell proliferation. It triggers the release of TNFalpha by Kupffer cells, which in turn acts as a potent mitogen in hepatocytes. Rats and mice are uniquely responsive to the morphological, biochemical, and chronic carcinogenic effects of peroxisome proliferators, while guinea pigs, dogs, nonhuman primates, and humans are essentially nonresponsive or refractory; Syrian hamsters exhibit intermediate responsiveness. These differences are explained, in part, by marked interspecies variations in the expression of PPARalpha, with levels of expression in humans being only 1-10% of the levels found in rat and mouse liver. Recent studies of DEHP clearly indicate a nonlinear dose-response curve that strongly suggests the existence of a dose threshold below which tumors in rodents are not induced. Thus, the hepatocarcinogenic effects of DEHP in rodents result directly from the receptor-mediated, threshold-based mechanism of peroxisome proliferation, a well-understood process associated uniquely with rodents. Since humans are quite refractory to peroxisomal proliferation, even following exposure to potent proliferators such as hypolipidemic drugs, it is concluded that the hepatocarcinogenic response of rodents to DEHP is not relevant to human cancer risk at any anticipated exposure level. DEHP should be classified an unlikely human carcinogen with a margin of exposure (MOE) approach to risk assessment. The most appropriate and conservative point of reference for assessing MOEs should be 20 mg/kg/day, which is the mouse NOEL for peroxisome proliferation and increased liver weight. Exposure of the general human population to DEHP is approximately 30 microg/kg body wt/day, the major source being from residues in food. Higher exposures occur occupationally [up to about 700 microg/kg body wt/day (mainly by inhalation) based on current workplace standards] and through use of certain medical devices [e.g., up to 457 microg/kg body wt/day for hemodialysis patients (intravenous)], although these have little relevance because the routes of exposure bypass critical activation enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Polarization and orientation of retinal ganglion cells in vivo

In the absence of external cues, neurons in vitro polarize by using intrinsic mechanisms. For example, cultured hippocampal neurons extend arbitrarily oriented neurites and then one of these, usually the one nearest the centrosome, begins to grow more quickly than the others. This neurite becomes the axon as it accumulates molecular components of the apical junctional complex. All the other neurites become dendrites. It is unclear, however, whether neurons in vivo, which differentiate within a polarized epithelium, break symmetry by using similar intrinsic mechanisms. To investigate this, we use four-dimensional microscopy of developing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in live zebrafish embryos. We find that the situation is indeed very different in vivo, where axons emerge directly from uniformly polarized cells in the absence of other neurites. In vivo, moreover, components of the apical complex do not localize to the emerging axon, nor does the centrosome predict the site of axon emergence. Mosaic analysis in four dimensions, using mutants in which neuroepithelial polarity is disrupted, indicates that extrinsic factors such as access to the basal lamina are critical for normal axon emergence from RGCs in vivo.

The hTERTalpha splice variant is a dominant negative inhibitor of telomerase activity

The telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) is an essential component of the holoenzyme complex that adds telomeric repeats to the ends of human chromosomes. Maintenance of telomeres by telomerase or another mechanism is required for cell immortalization, and loss of telomeric DNA has been proposed as a trigger for cellular senescence. Available evidence suggests that regulation of telomerase activity primarily depends on transcriptional control of hTERT. However, several human tissues as well as some normal cell strains have been shown to express low levels of hTERT mRNA even though they lack telomerase activity. We have previously identified six splice variants of hTERT, including a "deletion" variant (hTERTalpha) that is missing conserved residues from the catalytic core of the protein. Several of the deletion variants have been detected in normal and developing human tissues. We now show that hTERTalpha inhibits endogenous telomerase activity, which results in telomere shortening and chromosome end-to-end fusions. Telomerase inhibition induced a senescence-like state in HT1080 cells and apoptosis in a jejunal fibroblast cell line. These results suggest a possible role for hTERT splice variants in the regulation of telomerase activity.

Homocysteine and cognitive decline in healthy elderly

Serum homocysteine is increased, and correlates inversely with cognitive scores, in Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia and "age-associated memory impairment". Elevated levels might signal accelerated cognitive decline, although this remains to be established. We therefore repeated Mini-Mental State Examinations, together with additional ADAS-Cog assessments, in 32 healthy elderly individuals to determine whether prior homocysteine levels predicted cognitive changes over a 5-year period. Homocysteine predicted follow-up cognitive scores and rate of decline in cognitive performance independently of age, sex, education, renal function, vitamin B status, smoking and hypertension (p < 0.001). Homocysteine predicted word recall (p = 0.01), orientation (p = 0.02) and constructional praxis scores (p < 0.0001). One subject, with the second highest initial homocysteine, had developed probable AD at follow-up. Fasting total serum homocysteine appears to be an independent predictor of cognitive decline in healthy elderly and exerts a maximal effect on spatial copying skills.

Measuring the involvement of patients in shared decision-making: a systematic review of instruments

We wanted to determine whether research instruments exist which focus on measuring to what extent health professionals involve patients in treatment and management decisions. A systematic search and appraisal of the relevant literature was conducted by electronic searching techniques, snowball sampling and correspondence with field specialists. The instruments had to concentrate on assessing patient involvement in decision-making by observation techniques (either direct or using audio or videotaped data) and contain assessments of the core aspects of 'involvement', namely evidence of patients being involved (explicitly or implicitly) in decision-making processes, a portrayal of options and a decision-making or deferring stage. Eight instruments met the inclusion criteria. But we did not find any instruments that had been specifically designed to measure the concept of 'involving patients' in decisions. The results reveal that little attention has been given to a detailed assessment of the processes of patient involvement in decision-making. The existing instrumentation only includes these concepts as sub-units within broader assessments, and does not allow the construct of patient involvement to be measured accurately. Instruments developed to measure 'patient-centeredness' are unable to provide enough focus on 'involvement' because of their attempt to cover so many dimensions. The concept of patient involvement (shared decision-making; informed collaborative choice) is emerging in the literature and requires an accurate method of assessment.

The effectiveness of one-to-one risk communication interventions in health care: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether risk-communication interventions are associated with changes in patient knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and to identify aspects of these interventions that modify these effects.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

96 studies from the period 1985-1996 retrieved by electronic searching of eight databases, hand searching of four journals, contacting key authors, and reference list searching.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect size of the principal outcome was identified from each study. Outcomes measuring behavioral change were preferred; if these were not available, knowledge, anxiety, or risk perceptions were used, according to the focus of the study. Data were available to calculate the principal effect sizes for 82 of the studies.

ANALYSIS

Meta-regression.

RESULTS

The methodologic qualities of the studies varied. Nevertheless, risk-communication interventions generally had positive (beneficial) effects. Interventions addressing treatment choices were associated with larger effects than were those in other contexts, such as prevention or screening. Interventions using individual risk estimates were associated with larger effects than were those using more general risk information. Two design variables were identified as effect modifiers: randomized controlled trials were associated with smaller effects than other designs, and dichotomous outcomes were associated with larger effects than continuous outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk communication interventions may be most productive if they include individual risk estimates in the discussion between professional and patient. Patient decisions about treatment appear more amenable to change by these interventions than attendance for screening or modification of risky behavior.

Problem solving treatment and group psychoeducation for depression: multicentre randomised controlled trial. Outcomes of Depression International Network (ODIN) Group

OBJECTIVES

To determine the acceptability of two psychological interventions for depressed adults in the community and their effect on caseness, symptoms, and subjective function.

DESIGN

A pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial, stratified by centre.

SETTING

Nine urban and rural communities in Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

452 participants aged 18 to 65, identified through a community survey with depressive or adjustment disorders according to the international classification of diseases, 10th revision or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition.

INTERVENTIONS

Six individual sessions of problem solving treatment (n=128), eight group sessions of the course on prevention of depression (n=108), and controls (n=189).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Completion rates for each intervention, diagnosis of depression, and depressive symptoms and subjective function.

RESULTS

63% of participants assigned to problem solving and 44% assigned to prevention of depression completed their intervention. The proportion of problem solving participants depressed at six months was 17% less than that for controls, giving a number needed to treat of 6; the mean difference in Beck depression inventory score was -2. 63 (95% confidence interval -4.95 to -0.32), and there were significant improvements in SF-36 scores. For depression prevention, the difference in proportions of depressed participants was 14% (number needed to treat of 7); the mean difference in Beck depression inventory score was -1.50 (-4.16 to 1.17), and there were significant improvements in SF-36 scores. Such differences were not observed at 12 months. Neither specific diagnosis nor treatment with antidepressants affected outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

When offered to adults with depressive disorders in the community, problem solving treatment was more acceptable than the course on prevention of depression. Both interventions reduced caseness and improved subjective function.

Analysis of the biosynthetic gene cluster for the polyether antibiotic monensin in Streptomyces cinnamonensis and evidence for the role of monB and monC genes in oxidative cyclization

The analysis of a candidate biosynthetic gene cluster (97 kbp) for the polyether ionophore monensin from Streptomyces cinnamonensis has revealed a modular polyketide synthase composed of eight separate multienzyme subunits housing a total of 12 extension modules, and flanked by numerous other genes for which a plausible function in monensin biosynthesis can be ascribed. Deletion of essentially all these clustered genes specifically abolished monensin production, while overexpression in S. cinnamonensis of the putative pathway-specific regulatory gene monR led to a fivefold increase in monensin production. Experimental support is presented for a recently-proposed mechanism, for oxidative cyclization of a linear polyketide intermediate, involving four enzymes, the products of monBI, monBII, monCI and monCII. In frame deletion of either of the individual genes monCII (encoding a putative cyclase) or monBII (encoding a putative novel isomerase) specifically abolished monensin production. Also, heterologous expression of monCI, encoding a flavin-linked epoxidase, in S. coelicolor was shown to significantly increase the ability of S. coelicolor to epoxidize linalool, a model substrate for the presumed linear polyketide intermediate in monensin biosynthesis.

Activation of macrophage-like cells by multiple grooved substrata. Topographical control of cell behaviour

We studied the influence of substrata topography on the behaviour of murine P388D1 macrophage cell line. Cells were plated on plain fused silica substrata or substrata with microfabricated grooves of varying depth and width. Cell spread area, elongation, orientation and F-actin content were measured on plain substratum and 6 sets of gratings. The speed and persistence of cell movement were also studied. We found that patterned substrata substantially activated cell spreading and elongation and significantly increased the persistence and speed of cell movement, shallow grooves being more effective than deep ones. The contact of cells with micropatterned substrata significantly increased the F-actin content in cells. The sensitivity of LPS (lipopolisaccharide) stimulated and unstimulated macrophages to topographical cues was also compared.

Estimating psychological treatment effects from a randomised controlled trial with both non-compliance and loss to follow-up

BACKGROUND

The Outcomes of Depression International Network (ODIN) trial evaluated the effect of two psychological interventions for the treatment of depression in primary care. Only about half of the patients in the treatment arm complied with the offer of treatment, prompting the question:'what was the effect of treatment in those patients who actually received it?'

AIMS

To illustrate the estimation of the effect of receipt of treatment in a randomised controlled trial subject to non-compliance and loss to follow-up.

METHOD

We estimated the complier average causal effect (CACE) of treatment.

RESULTS

In the ODIN trial the effect of receipt of psychological intervention (an average of about 4 points on the Beck Depression Inventory) is about twice that of offering it.

CONCLUSIONS

The statistical analysis of the results of a clinical trial subject to non-compliance to allocated treatment is now reasonably straightforward through estimation of a CACE and investigators should be encouraged to present the results of analyses of this type as a routine component of a trial report.

The centriolar satellite proteins Cep72 and Cep290 interact and are required for recruitment of BBS proteins to the cilium

The ciliopathy-associated proteins Cep290 and BBS4 localize to cytoplasmic particles called centriolar satellites, yet the significance of this association is unknown. A new component of satellites, Cep72, is identified. Its role in the regulation of Cep290 and BBS4 is described, as are developmental defects resulting from loss of satellites in zebrafish.

Defects in centrosome and cilium function are associated with phenotypically related syndromes called ciliopathies. Centriolar satellites are centrosome-associated structures, defined by the protein PCM1, that are implicated in centrosomal protein trafficking. We identify Cep72 as a PCM1-interacting protein required for recruitment of the ciliopathy-associated protein Cep290 to centriolar satellites. Loss of centriolar satellites by depletion of PCM1 causes relocalization of Cep72 and Cep290 from satellites to the centrosome, suggesting that their association with centriolar satellites normally restricts their centrosomal localization. We identify interactions between PCM1, Cep72, and Cep290 and find that disruption of centriolar satellites by overexpression of Cep72 results in specific aggregation of these proteins and the BBSome component BBS4. During ciliogenesis, BBS4 relocalizes from centriolar satellites to the primary cilium. This relocalization occurs normally in the absence of centriolar satellites (PCM1 depletion) but is impaired by depletion of Cep290 or Cep72, resulting in defective ciliary recruitment of the BBSome subunit BBS8. We propose that Cep290 and Cep72 in centriolar satellites regulate the ciliary localization of BBS4, which in turn affects assembly and recruitment of the BBSome. Finally, we show that loss of centriolar satellites in zebrafish leads to phenotypes consistent with cilium dysfunction and analogous to those observed in human ciliopathies.