Neuroimaging in Pediatric Patients with Juvenile Xanthogranuloma of the CNS

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a rare clonal, myeloid, neoplastic disorder. Typically, juvenile xanthogranuloma is a self-limited disorder of infancy, often presenting as a solitary red-brown or yellow skin papule/nodule. A small subset of patients present with extracutaneous, systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma, which may include the CNS. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate and categorize the neuroimaging findings in a representative cohort of pediatric patients with CNS juvenile xanthogranuloma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The brain and/or spine MR imaging data of 14 pediatric patients with pathology-proven juvenile xanthogranuloma were categorized and evaluated for the location; the signal intensity of xanthogranulomas on T1WI, T2WI, DWI, and a matching ADC map for the pattern and degree of contrast enhancement; and the presence of perilesional edema, cysts, or necrosis.

RESULTS

Fourteen pediatric patients (8 girls, 6 boys; mean age, 84 months) were included in the study. Patients presented with a wide variety of different symptoms, including headache, seizure, ataxia, strabismus, hearing loss, facial paresis, and diabetes insipidus. Juvenile xanthogranuloma lesions were identified in a number of different sites, including supra- and infratentorial as well as intracranial and spinal leptomeningeal. Five patients were categorized into the neuroradiologic pattern unifocal CNS juvenile xanthogranuloma; 8, into multifocal CNS juvenile xanthogranuloma; and 1, into multifocal CNS juvenile xanthogranuloma with intracranial and spinal leptomeningeal disease. In most cases, xanthogranulomas were small-to-medium intra-axial masses with isointense signal on T1WI (compared with cortical GM), iso- or hyperintense signal on T2WI, had restricted diffusion and perilesional edema. Almost all xanthogranulomas showed avid contrast enhancement. However, we also identified less common patterns with large lesions, nonenhancing lesions, or leptomeningeal disease. Four cases had an additional CT available. On CT, all xanthogranulomas were homogeneously hyperdense (solid component) without evident calcifications.

CONCLUSIONS

CNS juvenile xanthogranuloma may demonstrate heterogeneous neuroimaging appearances potentially mimicking other diseases, such as primary brain neoplasms, metastatic disease, lymphoma and leukemia, other histiocytic disorders, infections, or granulomatous diseases.

Characterization of the second conserved domain in the heme uptake protein HtaA from Corynebacterium diphtheriae

HtaA is a heme-binding protein that is part of the heme uptake system in Corynebacterium diphtheriae. HtaA contains two conserved regions (CR1 and CR2). It has been previously reported that both domains can bind heme; the CR2 domain binds hemoglobin more strongly than the CR1 domain. In this study, we report the biophysical characteristics of HtaA-CR2. UV-visible spectroscopy and resonance Raman experiments are consistent with this domain containing a single heme that is bound to the protein through an axial tyrosine ligand. Mutants of conserved tyrosine and histidine residues (Y361, H412, and Y490) have been studied. These mutants are isolated with very little heme (≤5%) in comparison to the wild-type protein (~20%). Reconstitution after removal of the heme with butanone gave an alternative form of the protein. The HtaA-CR2 fold is very stable; it was necessary to perform thermal denaturation experiments in the presence of guanidinium hydrochloride. HtaA-CR2 unfolds extremely slowly; even in 6.8M GdnHCl at 37°C, the half-life was 5h. In contrast, the apo forms of WT HtaA-CR2 and the aforementioned mutants unfolded at much lower concentrations of GdnHCl, indicating the role of heme in stabilizing the structure and implying that heme transfer is effected only to a partner protein in vivo.

Heme Binding by Corynebacterium diphtheriae HmuT: Function and Heme Environment

The heme uptake pathway (hmu) of Corynebacterium diphtheriae utilizes multiple proteins to bind and transport heme into the cell. One of these proteins, HmuT, delivers heme to the ABC transporter HmuUV. In this study, the axial ligation of the heme in ferric HmuT is probed by examination of wild-type (WT) HmuT and a series of conserved heme pocket residue mutants, H136A, Y235A, and M292A. Characterization by UV-visible, resonance Raman, and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopies indicates that H136 and Y235 are the axial ligands in ferric HmuT. Consistent with this assignment of axial ligands, ferric WT and H136A HmuT are difficult to reduce while Y235A is reduced readily in the presence of dithionite. The FeCO Raman shifts in WT, H136A, and Y235A HmuT-CO complexes provide further evidence of the axial ligand assignments. Additionally, these frequencies provide insight into the nonbonding environment of the heme pocket. Ferrous Y235A and the Y235A-CO complex reveal that the imidazole of H136 exists in two forms, one neutral and one with imidazolate character, consistent with a hydrogen bond acceptor on the H136 side of the heme. The ferric fluoride complex of Y235A reveals the presence of at least one hydrogen bond donor on the Y235 side of the heme. Hemoglobin utilization assays showed that the axial Y235 ligand is required for heme uptake in HmuT.

Selection on male sex pheromone composition contributes to butterfly reproductive isolation

Selection can facilitate diversification by inducing character displacement in mate choice traits that reduce the probability of maladaptive mating between lineages. Although reproductive character displacement (RCD) has been demonstrated in two-taxa case studies, the frequency of this process in nature is still debated. Moreover, studies have focused primarily on visual and acoustic traits, despite the fact that chemical communication is probably the most common means of species recognition. Here, we showed in a large, mostly sympatric, butterfly genus, a strong pattern of recurrent RCD for predicted male sex pheromone composition, but not for visual mate choice traits. Our results suggest that RCD is not anecdotal, and that selection for divergence in male sex pheromone composition contributed to reproductive isolation within the Bicyclus genus. We propose that selection may target olfactory mate choice traits as a more common sensory modality to ensure reproductive isolation among diverging lineages than previously envisaged.

Chronic tooth pulp inflammation induces persistent expression of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) and phosphorylated p38 (pp38) in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis

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Chronic inflammation of tooth pulp activates pERK and pp38 in the trigeminal nucleus

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Activation is persistent and bilateral, and further increased by acute stimulation

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This altered signaling may be relevant in the development of chronic pulpitic pain

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pERK and pp38 are more sensitive markers of central change than Fos expression

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Sequential activation in different cell types may be linked to pain progression

Background

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase are transiently phosphorylated (activated) in the spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus by acute noxious stimuli. Acute stimulation of dental pulp induces short-lived ERK activation in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), and p38 inhibition attenuates short-term sensitization in Vc induced by acute pulpal stimulation. We have developed a model to study central changes following chronic inflammation of dental pulp that induces long-term sensitization. Here, we examine the effects of chronic inflammation and acute stimulation on the expression of phosphorylated ERK (pERK), phosphorylated p38 (pp38) and Fos in Vc.

Results

Chronic inflammation alone induced bilateral expression of pERK and pp38 in Vc, but did not induce Fos expression. Stimulation of both non-inflamed and inflamed pulps significantly increased pERK and pp38 bilaterally; expression was greatest in inflamed, stimulated animals, and was similar following 10-min and 60-min stimulation. Stimulation for 60 min, but not 10 min, induced Fos in ipsilateral Vc; Fos expression was significantly greater in inflamed, stimulated animals. pERK was present in both neurons and astrocytes; pp38 was present in neurons and other non-neuronal, non-astrocytic cell types.

Conclusions

This study provides the first demonstration that chronic inflammation of tooth pulp induces persistent bilateral activation of ERK and p38 within Vc, and that this activation is further increased by acute stimulation. This altered activity in intracellular signaling is likely to be linked to the sensitization that is seen in our animal model and in patients with pulpitis. Our data indicate that pERK and pp38 are more accurate markers of central change than Fos expression. In our model, localization of pERK and pp38 within specific cell types differs from that seen following acute stimulation. This may indicate specific roles for different cell types in the induction and maintenance of pulpitic and other types of pain.

Pediatric Burkitt's lymphoma and diffuse B-cell lymphoma: are surveillance scans required?

Outcomes in pediatric B-Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B NHL) have improved with intensive chemotherapy protocols, with long-term survival now over 80%. However, long-term adverse effects of therapy and poor outcomes for patients who relapse remain challenges. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of routine relapse surveillance imaging after the completion of therapy. We reviewed 44 B NHL patients diagnosed and treated at Texas Children's Cancer Center in the period between 2000 to 2011. All cross-sectional diagnostic imaging examinations performed for disease assessment after completion of chemotherapy were reviewed and cumulative radiation dosage from these examinations and the frequency of relapse detection by these examinations were recorded. Only 3 patients of the 44 relapsed (6.8%), though none of the relapses were initially diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans. Median effective dose of ionizing radiation per patient was 40.3 mSv with an average of 49.1 mSv (range 0-276 mSv). This single-institution study highlights the low relapse rate in pediatric B-NHL with complete response at the end of therapy, the low sensitivity of early detection of relapse with surveillance CT or FDG-PET imaging, and the costs and potential increased risk of secondary malignancies from cumulative radiation exposure from surveillance imaging. We propose that routine surveillance CT or FDG-PET scans for these patients may not be necessary.

Characterization of coding synonymous and non-synonymous variants in ADAMTS13 using ex vivo and in silico approaches

Synonymous variations, which are defined as codon substitutions that do not change the encoded amino acid, were previously thought to have no effect on the properties of the synthesized protein(s). However, mounting evidence shows that these “silent” variations can have a significant impact on protein expression and function and should no longer be considered “silent”. Here, the effects of six synonymous and six non-synonymous variations, previously found in the gene of ADAMTS13, the von Willebrand Factor (VWF) cleaving hemostatic protease, have been investigated using a variety of approaches. The ADAMTS13 mRNA and protein expression levels, as well as the conformation and activity of the variants have been compared to that of wild-type ADAMTS13. Interestingly, not only the non-synonymous variants but also the synonymous variants have been found to change the protein expression levels, conformation and function. Bioinformatic analysis of ADAMTS13 mRNA structure, amino acid conservation and codon usage allowed us to establish correlations between mRNA stability, RSCU, and intracellular protein expression. This study demonstrates that variants and more specifically, synonymous variants can have a substantial and definite effect on ADAMTS13 function and that bioinformatic analysis may allow development of predictive tools to identify variants that will have significant effects on the encoded protein.

Detection of a secreted metalloprotease within the nuclei of liver cells

ADAMTS13 is a secreted zinc metalloprotease expressed by various cell types. Here, we investigate its cellular pathway in endogenously expressing liver cell lines and after transient transfection with ADAMTS13. Besides compartmentalizations of the cellular secretory system, we detected an appreciable level of endogenous ADAMTS13 within the nucleus. A positively charged amino acid cluster (R-Q-R-Q-R-Q-R-R) present in the ADAMTS13 propeptide may act as a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Fusing this NLS-containing region to eGFP greatly potentiated its nuclear localization. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the ADAMTS13 CUB-2 domain has a double-stranded beta helix (DSBH) structural architecture characteristic of various protein-protein interaction modules like nucleoplasmins, class I collagenase, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily, supernatant protein factor (SPF) and the B1 domain of neuropilin-2. Based on this contextual evidence and that largely conserved polar residues could be mapped on to a template CUB domain homolog, we hypothesize that a region in the ADAMTS13 CUB-2 domain with conserved polar residues might be involved in protein-protein interaction within the nucleus.

The exclusion of dead bacterial cells is essential for accurate molecular analysis of clinical samples

The DNA-based techniques used to detect bacteria in clinical samples are unable to discriminate between live bacteria, dead bacteria, and extracellular DNA. This failure to limit analysis to viable bacterial cells represents a significant problem, leading to false-positive results, as well as a failure to resolve the impact of antimicrobial therapy. The use of propidium monoazide treatment significantly reduces the contribution of dead cells and extracellular DNA to such culture-independent analyses. Here, the increased ability to resolve the impact of antibiotic therapy on Pseudomonas aeruginosa load in cystic fibrosis respiratory samples reveals statistically significant changes that would otherwise go undetected.

Detection of intracellular ADAMTS13, a secreted zinc-metalloprotease, via flow cytometry

ADAMTS13 is a secreted metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand Factor multimers in order to maintain proper homeostasis. A severe deficiency in ADAMTS13 triggers a disorder known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. At present, ADAMTS13 expression levels are determined by immunoblotting. We established a flow cytometry methodology to detect intracellular ADAMTS13 in liver and kidney cells using a polyclonal antibody, BL154G, and several monoclonal antibodies previously used to detect ADAMTS13 by immunoblotting. The results were validated using confocal microscopy, immunoblotting, and an activity assay (FRETS-VWF73). We show that labeling ADAMTS13 with specific antibodies and detection by flow cytometry yields results that are comparable with previously established methods for ADAMTS13 detection. Specifically, we compared the endogenous expression levels of ADAMTS13 in various liver cell lines using flow cytometry and obtained results that parallel immunoblot analysis. Knockdown of ADAMTS13 expression via targeted siRNA resulted in significantly reduced median signal, displaying the sensitivity of this detection method. A further analysis of reliability and specificity was achieved through plasmid DNA and transfection reagent dose response studies. The flow cytometry method described here is useful in determining the expression of both endogenous and recombinant forms of intracellular ADAMTS13. Flow cytometry is a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective way to measure the expression levels of ADAMTS13.

Characterization of conformation-sensitive antibodies to ADAMTS13, the von Willebrand cleavage protease

Background

The zinc metalloprotease ADAMTS13 is a multidomain protein that cleaves von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and is implicated in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) pathogenesis. Understanding the mechanism of this protein is an important goal. Conformation sensitive antibodies have been used to monitor protein conformation and to decipher the molecular mechanism of proteins as well as to distinguish functional and non-functional mutants.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We have characterized several antibodies against ADAMTS13, both monoclonal and polyclonal. We have used flow cytometry to estimate the binding of these antibodies to ADAMTS13 and demonstrate that antibodies raised against the TSP and disintegrin domains detect conformation changes in the ADAMTS13. Thus for example, increased binding of these antibodies was detected in the presence of the substrate (VWF), mainly at 37°C and not at 4°C. These antibodies could also detect differences between wild-type ADAMTS13 and the catalytically deficient mutant (P475S). The flow cytometry approach also allows us to estimate the reactivity of the antibody as well as its apparent affinity.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggest that these antibodies may serve as useful reagents to distinguish functional and non-functional ADAMTS13 and analyze conformational transitions to understand the catalytic mechanism.

Efflux transporters of the human placenta

The use of pharmaceuticals during pregnancy is often a necessity for the health of the mother. Until recently, the placenta was viewed as a passive organ through which molecules are passed indiscriminately between mother and fetus. In reality, the placenta contains a plethora of transporters, some of which appear to be specifically dedicated to removal of xenobiotics and toxic endogenous compounds. Drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), several multidrug resistant associated proteins (MRPs) and breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) may provide mechanisms that protect the developing fetus. Bile acid transporters may also play a role in exporting compounds back into the maternal compartment. Steroid hormones directly influence the level of expression and function in some of these transporters. Investigating the link between the hormones of pregnancy and these drug efflux transporters is one possible key in developing strategies to deliver drugs to the mother with minimal fetal risk.

The DNA-binding ability of HIVEP3/KRC decreases upon activation of V(D)J recombination

Somatic V(D)J recombination of the immune receptor genes is mediated by the recombination signal sequence (RSS) and the recombination-activating genes RAG1 and RAG2. Previously, proteins binding specifically to the RSS have been characterized in nuclear extracts of T and B lymphocytes. Further elucidation of the role of those RSS-binding proteins in V(D)J recombination, however, has been hampered by the fact that their identities have not been established. Here, we show that the major RSS-binding protein present in the nuclear extracts of B lymphocytes is an Mr 135,000 species. Notably, its affinity for the RSS decreased when RAG1 and RAG2 were induced. In immunoblot analyses and gel supershift assays, we showed that KRC antisera react with the Mr 135,000 RSS-binding protein. We previously cloned KRC from a thymocyte expression library using 32P-RSS as a ligand and showed that KRC fusion proteins bind specifically to the RSS and to the kappaB enhancer motif. The lymphoid expression and DNA-binding characteristics suggest that KRC may be involved in lymphocyte development.

Design and use of a protective jacket to prevent self-inflicted injury following cervical laminoplasty in the goat (Capra hircus)

A group of dairy goats underwent cervical laminoplasty procedures as part of a biomechanics project. Although most animals had minimal incisional complications, several developed excoriations exacerbated by scratching at the incision site 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. Local and systemic treatment was instituted as indicated. Bandages were inadequate to protect the neck from self-trauma, and the potential existed for serious injury to or infection of the old surgical site. We designed and made custom padded jackets for these animals. Treatment continued. While allowing the animals to exercise their scratching behavior, the jackets protected the traumatized area until healing was complete and the pruritus resolved. This jacket or modifications of it may be useful in other goat, sheep, or calf projects in which protection of the neck, shoulders, and thorax is needed.

Structure of the human zinc finger protein HIVEP3: molecular cloning, expression, exon-intron structure, and comparison with paralogous genes HIVEP1 and HIVEP2

Here we report the cloning and characterization of HIVEP3, the newest member in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 enhancer-binding protein family that encodes large zinc finger proteins and regulates transcription via the kappaB enhancer motif. The largest open reading frame of HIVEP3 contains 2406 aa. and is approximately 80% identical to the mouse counterpart. The HIVEP3 gene is located in the chromosomal region 1p34 and is at least 300 kb with 10 exons. RNA studies show that multiple HIVEP3 transcripts are differentially expressed and regulated. Additionally, transcription termination occurs in the ultimate exon, exon 10, or in exon 6. Therefore, HIVEP3 may produce protein isoforms that contain or exclude the carboxyl DNA binding domain and the leucine zipper by alternative RNA splicing and differential polyadenylation. Sequence homologous to HIVEP3 exon 6 is not found in mouse nor are the paralogous genes HIVEP1 and HIVEP2. Zoo-blot analysis suggests that sequences homologous to the human exon 6 are present only in primates and cow. Therefore, a foreign DNA harboring a termination exon likely was inserted into the HIVEP3 locus relatively recently in evolution, resulting in the acquisition of novel gene regulatory mechanisms as well as the generation of structural and functional diversity.

Downregulation of KRC induces proliferation, anchorage independence, and mitotic cell death in HeLa cells

The large zinc finger protein KRC regulates transcription of target genes via the kappaB gene enhancer element. As an attempt to investigate the cellular function of KRC, we have established cell lines stably transfected with KRC expression vectors. Introduction of a vector directing expression of a transcript antisense to KRC mRNAs in several mammalian cell lines resulted in accelerated proliferation. Furthermore, in HeLa cells, downregulation of KRC conferred anchorage-independent growth and promoted cell cycle progression without an intervening cytokinesis, culminating in the formation of multinucleated giant cells. Ultimately these cells died.

The kappaB and V(D)J recombination signal sequence binding protein KRC regulates transcription of the mouse metastasis-associated gene S100A4/mts1

A kappaB-like sequence, Sb, is integral to the composite enhancer located in the first intron of the metastasis-associated gene, S100A4/mts1. Oligonucleotides containing this sequence form three specific complexes with nuclear proteins prepared from S100A4/mts1-expressing CSML100 adenocarcinoma cells. Protein studies show the Sb-interacting complexes include NF-kappaB/Rel proteins, p50.p50 and p50.p65 dimers. Additionally, the Sb sequence was bound by an unrelated approximately 200-kDa protein, p200. Site-directed mutagenesis in conjunction with transient transfections indicate that p200, but not the NF-kappaB/Rel proteins, transactivates S100A4/mts1. To identify candidate genes for p200, double-stranded DNA probes containing multiple copies of Sb were used to screen a randomly primed lambdagt11 cDNA expression library made from CSML100 poly(A)(+) RNA. Two clones corresponding to the DNA-binding proteins KRC and Alf1 were identified. KRC encodes a large zinc finger protein that binds to the kappaB motif and to the signal sequences of V(D)J recombination. In vitro DNA binding assays using bacterially expressed KRC fusion proteins, demonstrate specific binding of KRC to the Sb sequence. In addition, introduction of KRC expression vectors into mammalian cells induces expression of S100A4/mts1 and reporter genes driven by S100A4/mts1 gene regulatory sequences. These data indicate that KRC positively regulates transcription of S100A4/mts1.

KRC transcripts: identification of an unusual alternative splicing event

Mouse KRC is a large zinc finger protein that binds to the kappaB motif of gene transcription and to the recognition signal sequences for the somatic recombination of the immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene segments. The mouse KRC gene is more than 70 kilobases (kb) in size, and contains at least seven exons, with the largest transcript being approximately 9.5 kb. Multiple differentially spliced transcripts of KRC were identified in thymus and brain, which would result in the production of multiple KRC protein isoforms with different N-termini and number of DNA binding domains. Alternative splicing events leading to the production of these multiple transcripts have been elucidated. Of particular interest are the exclusions in some transcripts of sequences from a gigantic exon of 5487 base pairs (bp), or from an exon of 176 bp. Both potentially deleted exons code for zinc finger motifs that are essential components of the N-terminal and C-terminal DNA binding domains, respectively. Another intriguing phenomenon found in some KRC transcripts is the skipping of a 459 bp fragment within the gigantic exon that would code for the N-terminal DNA binding domain. Bacterial fusion proteins derived from this fragment bind specifically to KRC target DNAs. Apparently, distinct alternative splicing events could eliminate the N-terminal DNA binding domain of KRC.

Analysis and management of home health nursing caseloads and workloads

The Easley-Storfjell Instruments for Caseload/Workload Analysis have been used successfully by home health managers to document the type quantity, and complexity of services provided by clinicians, teams, and the entire nursing staff. By measuring both the time requirements and complexity of interventions, these tools have been useful in assigning cases, managing caseloads and workloads establishing benchmarks, and monitoring productivity. Directions for use of these tools and examples are provided.

Nonlinearity of heart rate in the neonate

The relationship between heart rate variability and level of illness was examined. Fifteen patients (10 male and 5 female), gestational ages 25 to 42 weeks, postnatal ages 1 to 42 days, birthweights 545 to 4375 g receiving care in the neonatal intensive care nursery were randomly selected. Data from each infant was transferred from the bedside physiologic monitor to a microcomputer for analysis. A severity of illness index (the Children's Hospital Illness Score [CHILLS]) correlated with heart rate variability. Four patterns of heart rate variability were identified: (1) infants whose CHILLS score indicated that they were cardiovascularly normal demonstrated a modest amount of variability; (2) infants with a CHILLS score indicating a moderate amount of illness had heart rates and heart rate variability greater than the normal infants; (3) three infants exhibited bimodality (period doubling) in their heart rates; each of these infants had a CHILLS score that indicated that they were less ill than the most critically ill patients, but sicker than those moderately ill infants without period doubling; and (4) heart rate decreased in the most critically ill infants identified by the CHILLS, but it remained above the heart rate of a healthy newborn; heart rate variability collapsed below that of a healthy newborn. Our data suggest that the variability of heart rate may increase as an infant becomes sicker. When the infant becomes critically ill and unstable, heart rate variability is less than the normal infant. Nonlinear dynamics theory may be a potential model for fitting the data.

Families in poverty

This article discusses facts and myths about families in poverty. As the poverty rate among women and children has risen, more frequent encounters have occurred between needy families and nurses in the community. Information is presented that will help nurses better to understand poverty in the context of health care.

Effects of undernutrition and refeeding on weights of body parts and chemical components of growing Moroccan lambs

Forty-four intact, male lambs (20 Timahdit and 24 D'man) were used to assess the effects of 22% (from approximately 25 to approximately 20 kg) and 31% (from approximately 25 to approximately 17 kg) live weight loss and the subsequent refeeding to initial BW on changes in body components. Body composition was determined using a serial slaughter technique at 17, 20, and 25 kg live weight during normal growth, weight loss, and refeeding phases. Reduction in live weight from 25 to 20 kg was associated with greater loss of visceral organs (30%) and internal fat (75%) than carcass loss (19%). Further body weight loss (from 20 to 17 kg) involved carcasses to a greater extent than internal organs. The composition of BW loss consisted of 53% water, 28% fat, and 15% protein. Refeeding was associated with a rapid increase in organ weights and less fat regeneration. Although total internal organs recovered only 90% of their original weight, liver and kidneys regained all their weight. At the same slaughter weight, carcass and noncarcass components of refed lambs were leaner because of lower fat content in these components.

Effects of compensatory growth on some body component weights and on carcass and noncarcass composition of growing lambs

A trial was conducted in 1983 and repeated in 1984 to measure effects of restricted feed intake and realimentation on weights of organs and on carcass and noncarcass composition. A total of one hundred six weaned lambs from two breeds (Timahdit and D'man) and a breed cross (Ile de France x D'man) were used in both years. Lambs were allotted to one of six feed intake regimens: HH (ad libitum access to feed from 21 to 30 kg); HM (ad libitum access to feed from 21 to 26 kg then 70% ad libitum to 30 kg); MH (70% ad libitum from 21 to 26 kg then ad libitum to 30 kg); MM (70% ad libitum from 21 to 30 kg); LH (restricted to lose weight from 21 to 17 kg then ad libitum to 30 kg); and LM (restricted to lose weight from 21 to 17 kg then 70% ad libitum to 30 kg). Weights of visceral organs and mesenteric and kidney fat showed dramatic responses to alteration of feed allowances. After recovery from 20% live weight loss, weight of liver equaled or exceeded that of both the ad libitum and 70% refed lambs. Mesenteric and kidney fat did not. Refeeding was accompanied by an increase in water (P less than .05) and a decrease in fat (P less than .01) of both carcass and noncarcass components. These results indicate that weight loss of lambs incurred during feed shortage was largely in internal organ weights, and that these lambs can recover these losses during realimentation and undergo compensatory growth with better feed efficiency and lean carcasses.

Holistic concepts and the professionalization of public health nursing

The sociology of knowledge provided the conceptual and methodologic basis for this study of the relationship between the philosophic concept of holism and the professionalization of public health nursing. Set in the context of the history of ideas, the discussion examines the various meanings of holism and the circumstances surrounding their adoption, modification, and use in public health nursing. The nursing literature from the late 1800s to the 1980s was analyzed to explicate the pragmatic consequences of holism for public health nursing, and to examine holism's moral value and its part in establishing and extending public health nursing's professional domain.

Antimicrobial supplementation of growing pigs: the effect of porcine sera fractions on in vitro muscle cell proliferation

Sera obtained from pigs before and after subtherapeutic levels of ASP250 supplementation (pre and post serum pools) have been subjected to comparative fractionation by using gel filtration and affinity chromatography on immobilized Cibacron Blue F3G-A. Comparable serum fractions obtained from pre- and post-ASP250 blood sera were assayed in muscle cell culture bioassays designed to measure their effect on proliferation. Pre- and post-ASP250 sera were subjected to gel filtration and divided into the following fractions: fraction 1, Kav less than .17; fraction 2, Kav = .17 to .41; fraction 3, Kav = .41 to .59. Post-ASP250 fractions 2 and 3 increased proliferation rate in cultured muscle cells to a greater extent than comparable pre-ASP250 fractions (P less than .001). Chromatography of fraction 3 on immobilized Cibacron Blue F3G-A showed that both pre- and post-ASP250 fraction 3 contained a putative inhibitor of myogenic cell proliferation as well as mitogenic factors. However, negative growth factor activity was greater in pre-ASP250 fraction 3 than in post-ASP250 fraction 3 (P less than .05). Additionally, positive growth factor activity was lower in pre-ASP250 fraction 3 than in post-ASP250 fraction 3 (P less than .05). These data suggest that levels and(or) activities of both positive and negative muscle growth factors in serum may be altered by the addition of antimicrobials to the diets of growing pigs.

In vitro muscle cell proliferation and protein turnover as affected by serum from pigs fed antimicrobials

The effect of antimicrobial supplementation of pigs on the capacity of their sera to influence proliferation and protein turnover in cultured muscle cells was evaluated. Mitogenic activity of sera increased when pigs were fed ASP250 (P less than .005) or carbadox (P less than .001), whereas the mitogenic activity of serum from pigs receiving the basal diet remained unchanged (P = .5). Additionally, sera from ASP250-fed pigs significantly decreased (P less than .001) total cellular protein degradation compared with sera obtained from the same pigs prior to supplementation. Neither ASP250 nor carbadox stimulated proliferation of myogenic cells when added to the culture media. Inclusion of ASP250 in swine diets altered the composition of their sera in a way that stimulated muscle cell proliferation and reduced the rate of protein degradation in cultured myogenic cells. Likewise, the inclusion of carbadox in swine diets increased the ability of their sera to stimulate cultured muscle cell proliferation.

Partial purification of a serum fraction from fasted pigs that inhibits proliferation of cultured myogenic cells

Sera from pigs fasted as little as 24 h appears to contain a factor(s) that inhibits proliferation of myogenic cells in culture. An inhibitor of myogenic cell proliferation has been partially purified from this sera by using a combination of gel filtration and immunoaffinity chromatography. The inhibitory activity elutes from a Sephacryl S-300 column at a Kav (elution minus void volume divided by total minus void column volume) between .41 and .59. Proteins banding at 76 and 67 kilodaltons appear to predominate on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels of this fraction. Small quantities of each of these proteins were electrophoretically purified and used to elicit production of anti-76 and anti-67 immunoglobulin G in rabbits. These antibodies were used to prepare anti-76 and anti-67 column was particularly useful in isolating the inhibitor because it removed mitogens that made detection of the inhibitory activity difficult. The partially purified inhibitor inhibits proliferation of L6 myogenic cells in a concentration-dependent manner. On sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, the predominant proteins in the inhibitor fraction band at approximately 63 and 61 kilodaltons. Inhibitors of myogenic cell proliferation may play an important role in balancing the effects of positive growth factors.

Effect of a Career Decision-Making Course on the Career Planning of Nursing Students

This study assessed whether participation in a structured career decision-making course would enhance the career planning of 42 final semester associate degree nursing students. Levels of career planning were measured by the Career Planning Scale (CPS) (Super, Thompson, Lindman, Jordaan, & Myers, 1982), and the Nursing Career Development Inventory (NCDI) (Savickas, 1984). Subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group received a four-week career decision-making course, which included self-assessment of values, interests, and skills, and information on occupational opportunities in nursing. An ANOVA on the change scores from pretest to post-test revealed significance between the groups on the CPS (p = .002), and on the NCDI (p less than .00001). The experimental group progressed much more in career planning. All subjects were found to have lower levels of career planning than the average college student at pretest. Intercorrelational data and multiple regression analyses indicated that individuals who had worked in a nursing-related field had higher levels of career planning. Overall, the course emerged as being effective in enhancing the career planning of nursing students.

Effect of sera from fed and fasted pigs on proliferation and protein turnover in cultured myogenic cells

The effects of fasting on the ability of swine serum to affect proliferation, protein synthesis and protein degradation in L6 myoblast cell culture bioassays were evaluated. Barrows (15 to 20 kg) were fitted with jugular catheters. Blood samples were collected at four evenly spaced intervals between 0800 and 1700 on collection days. Prefast blood samples were obtained on d 1 and 2 of the study, after which pigs were subjected to a 5-d fast. Fasted samples were obtained on the 1st, 3rd and 5th d of the fast (d 3, 5 and 7 of the study). Serum from each collection day was pooled and tested in the proliferation bioassay for each pig. Prefast and fasted serum pools were formed by pooling prefast days (1 and 2) or fasted days (3, 5 and 7), respectively, from all pigs in a study. These pools were tested in the proliferation and protein turnover bioassays as well as in a Somatomedin-C (SmC) radioimmunoassay. Serum from the fasted collection days showed a decrease in mitogenic activity compared with serum from the two prefast days (P less than .001). At high concentrations, sera obtained from fasted pigs inhibited muscle cell proliferation (P less than .001). Additionally, adding fasted serum to control swine serum (CSS) inhibited the mitogenic activity of CSS in a dose-dependent manner (P less than .025). Therefore, fasted sera showed a decreased ability to promote muscle cell proliferation and, in addition, appeared to contain a factor(s) that inhibits muscle cell proliferation. Fasted serum also caused a 21.6% increase in protein degradation compared with prefast serum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stimulation of in vitro muscle cell proliferation by sera from swine injected with porcine growth hormone

The proliferation-promoting activity of sera obtained from pigs before and after porcine growth hormone injections was tested in a muscle cell culture bioassay. For 3 d, purified porcine growth hormone (pGH) was administered by intramuscular injection to crossbred barrows. Two levels of pGH were administered: 18 micrograms pGH X kg-1 body weight X d-1 (low dose) or 143 micrograms pGH X kg-1 body weight X d-1 (high dose). Multiple blood samples were withdrawn from jugular catheters for 3 d prior to the injection, during the injection period and for 6 d after the last injection. Although serum pGH levels in low-dose pigs were raised from two to three times pre-injection levels, there was no significant change in serum proliferation-promoting activity or somatomedin-C (SmC), insulin or cortisol levels during or after administration of pGH. In contrast, the proliferation-promoting activity of sera obtained during and after the high-dose pGH injections was higher (P less than .005) than the pre-injection levels. Serum pGH levels were increased approximately 30-fold by 4 h after each injection, and increases in SmC levels were observed 10 to 16 h after the pGH injection. During the injection period SmC levels increased from 1.7 to 4 times pre-injection levels. Insulin and cortisol levels did not change significantly during the 3-d treatment period. We believe that this muscle cell culture bioassay system will be a useful addition to traditional radioimmunoassays and whole animal studies in elucidating the mode of action of pGH in pituitary-intact swine.

A statistically standardized muscle cell culture bioassay measuring the effect of swine serum on muscle cell proliferation

We have developed a statistically standardized bioassay for quantifying the effect of swine serum on the proliferation rate of cultured L6 myogenic cells. The intra-assay coefficient of variation for this assay is 2.5%. Over 29 experiments, the relationship between the assays response to 2.5% control swine serum and its response to 2.5% serum plus 10(-7) M insulin is linear (r2 = .9). This relationship can be used to adjust experimental data obtained in different experiment to a common control value so that valid inter-assay comparisons can be made. The inter-assay coefficient of variation is reduced four- to five fold by this adjustment procedure. We believe this standardized assay provides a useful system for identifying and isolating unknown growth factors that affect muscle growth rate in an economically important species.

Suppression of weight gain by glucagon in obese Zucker rats

Glucagon has been shown to lower blood lipids and to decrease food intake and body weight in short-term studies in man and animals. There is evidence of decreased secretion of glucagon in human obesity. The Zucker obese rat suffers from a genetic type of obesity and has an absolute reduction in circulating glucagon concentration. The effect of long-term administration of glucagon on the body weight in obese Zucker rats was studied. Glucagon caused a marked (-20%) reduction of body weight in obese Zucker rats with no change in feed intake. Urine glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and ketone content, as well as serum triglyceride, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and insulin levels remained unchanged. Weights of perirenal fat, kidneys, and heart also remained unchanged. However, glucagon injection in obese Zucker rats caused significant decrease in serum glucose, and increases in SGOT, liver weight, and liver lipid and glycogen content. Further investigations are needed concerning the safety of chronic glucagon administration for weight control.

A comparison of pituitary cells from lean and obese Zucker Rats

Pituitary cells were isolated from lean and obese Zucker rats and compared with the use of two approaches. The first approach was to evaluate the capacity of an equal number of pituitary cells to stimulate growth in hypophysectomized rats. The rats implanted with lean pituitary cells grew at a similar rate as rats implanted with obese pituitary cells. Body composition was also determined to be similar in those rats receiving lean and obese rat pituitary cells. The second approach was to evaluate the in vitro secretory capacity of rat pituitary cells when placed in a superfusion system. Basal and stimulated growth hormone release was the same for lean and obese rat pituitary cells. These data support the hypothesis that the low level of serum growth hormone found in the Zucker obese rat is the result of a hypothalamic disorder and not a pituitary cell defect.

Effect of gestational alloxan diabetes and fasting on fetal lipogenesis and lipid deposition in pigs

Experiments were conducted in pregnant pigs to determine the influence of alloxan diabetes and maternal fasting on fetal development. Maternal fasting and alloxan diabetes both increased adipose tissue thickness in fetuses at 112 days of gestation without altering body weight. Body fat was increased quantitatively only in the fetuses from the diabetic pigs (FDP). Apparently, different factors were affecting the structural development of adipose tissue and the actual storage of lipid. Fetal and maternal hepatic fatty acid synthesis were unaffected by treatments. Maternal subcutaneous adipose fatty acid synthesis were unaffected by treatments. Maternal subcutaneous adipose fatty acid synthesis was depressed by 75% in both fasted and diabetic dams while subcutaneous adipose tissue lipogenesis was increased 40-fold in the FDP. Enzymes normally associated with lipogenesis (shunt enzymes) were also affected in a similar fashion. These observations support the concept that fetal adipose de novo fatty acid synthesis is stimulated by diabetic pregnancies and is a primary mechanism by which increased lipid accumulates in the fetus.

Effects of cell size and animal age on glucose metabolism in pig adipose tissue

Adipose tissue slices were prepared from middle subcutaneous or perirenal adipose tissue excised from pigs of different ages (and obesity) and incubated with [U-14C]glucose. After incubation, the slices were fixed with osmium tetroxide and separated into diameter ranges of 20--63, 63--102, and 102--153 microgram, respectively. Following determination of cell size and number, the fixed adipocytes were decolorized with H2O2 prior to quantification of glucose conversion to total lipid, glyceride fatty acids, glycerideglycerol, and CO2. Glucose conversion to total lipid or CO2 was unaffected by the presence of purified porcine insulin (0, 10, 100, 1000, and 100,000 microM/ml). Within animals, adipocytes of different sizes were not different with regard to insulin sensitivity. Within a weight (age) group, conversion of glucose to total lipid (insulin present) or to glyceride fatty acids and glyceride-glycerol (insulin absent) per cell was significantly greater in large adipocytes compared to small adipocytes, regardless of the group examined. With increasing weight or age, there was a markedly decreased conversion of glucose to total lipid and glyceride fatty acids among adipocytes of similar size within a cell-size fraction. The diminution in glucose metabolism was greater (as a percentage) in 20--63 microgram adipocytes than for 63--102 or 102--153 microgram adipocytes. However, for all cell-size fractions there was a marked decrease in glucose conversion to fatty acids. Glyceride-glycerol synthesis was impaired in adipocytes from older pigs, but the decrease was less than observed for glyceride fatty acid synthesis.

Effect of Rising Temperatures on Growth and Survival of Clostridium perfringens Indigenous to Raw Beef 1

Growth and survival of Clostridium perfringens indigenous to raw beef were compared to that of a composite of eight strains of C. perfringens inoculated into raw ground beef round, beef-round strips, and beef-round cores. A constantly rising temperature rate of 6 C/h and a dynamic rising temperature rate, predetermined from long time-low temperature (LTLT) oven beef cookery processes, were used to evaluate growth and survival. Survivors of C. perfringens were observed in raw ground beef and autoclaved ground beef at temperatures between 59 and 63 C. Growth in raw ground beef was more rapid than in raw beef-round strips. Raw ground beef supported growth of the indigenous flora to a greater extent than did autoclaved ground beef inoculated with the composite. The populations in raw, domestic frozen beef rounds used in commercial cooking processes were low, ranging from < 70/g to 1000/g, and varied among lots.

Metabolic responsiveness of different size adipocytes to fasting and refeeding in the pig

The effects of fasting (F) and fasting-refeeding (FR) on [U-14C]glucose and [1-14C]palmitate metabolism were examined in pig middle subcutaneous (MSQ) adipocytes fractionated into 20--63, 63--102 and 102--153 microns diameter ranges. Fasting caused a similar decrease in de novo glyceride fatty acid (GFA) and glyceride-glycerol (GG) synthesis from glucose among adipocytes of different size. After refeeding for 2 days, glucose metabolism significantly increased in all fractions, however, the increase did not reach non-fasting levels. There was a disparate increase in glucose metabolism among adipocyte fractions after refeeding. Adipocytes 102--153 microns in diameter had a larger increase in glucose metabolism than smaller adipocytes. Fasting suppressed palmitate esterification rates in 20--63 and 63--102 microns fractions. Esterification by adipocyted 102--153 microns in diameter was not diminished after fasting. An "overshoot" in esterification by adipocytes 63--102 and 102--153 microns in diameter relative to control adipocytes was observed after refeeding; no "overshoot" occurred in 20--63 microns adipocytes. These results indicate that adipocytes of different size have markedly different capacities for substrate utilization after F or FR as well as different metabolic adaptations to F or FR.