Measurement of Parity Nonconservation and an Anapole Moment in Cesium

The amplitude of the parity-nonconserving transition between the 6S and 7S states of cesium was precisely measured with the use of a spin-polarized atomic beam. This measurement gives Im(E1pnc)/beta = -1.5935(56) millivolts per centimeter and provides an improved test of the standard model at low energy, including a value for the S parameter of -1.3(3)exp (11)theory. The nuclear spin-dependent contribution was 0.077(11) millivolts per centimeter; this contribution is a manifestation of parity violation in atomic nuclei and is a measurement of the long-sought anapole moment.

Identification and characterization of inhibitors of multidrug resistance efflux pumps in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: novel agents for combination therapy

Whole-cell assays were implemented to search for efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) of the three multidrug resistance efflux pumps (MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexEF-OprN) that contribute to fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Secondary assays were developed to identify lead compounds with exquisite activities as inhibitors. A broad-spectrum EPI which is active against all three known Mex efflux pumps from P. aeruginosa and their close Escherichia coli efflux pump homolog (AcrAB-TolC) was discovered. When this compound, MC-207,110, was used, the intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to fluoroquinolones was decreased significantly (eightfold for levofloxacin). Acquired resistance due to the overexpression of efflux pumps was also decreased (32- to 64-fold reduction in the MIC of levofloxacin). Similarly, 32- to 64-fold reductions in MICs in the presence of MC-207,110 were observed for strains with overexpressed efflux pumps and various target mutations that confer resistance to levofloxacin (e.g., gyrA and parC). We also compared the frequencies of emergence of levofloxacin-resistant variants in the wild-type strain at four times the MIC of levofloxacin (1 microg/ml) when it was used either alone or in combination with EPI. In the case of levofloxacin alone, the frequency was approximately 10(-7) CFU/ml. In contrast, with an EPI, the frequency was below the level of detection (<10(-11)). In summary, we have demonstrated that inhibition of efflux pumps (i) decreased the level of intrinsic resistance significantly, (ii) reversed acquired resistance, and (iii) resulted in a decreased frequency of emergence of P. aeruginosa strains that are highly resistant to fluoroquinolones.

Unexpected power-law stress relaxation of entangled ring polymers

After many years of intense research, most aspects of the motion of entangled polymers have been understood. Long linear and branched polymers have a characteristic entanglement plateau and their stress relaxes by chain reptation or branch retraction, respectively. In both mechanisms, the presence of chain ends is essential. But how do entangled polymers without ends relax their stress? Using properly purified high-molar-mass ring polymers, we demonstrate that these materials exhibit self-similar dynamics, yielding a power-law stress relaxation. However, trace amounts of linear chains at a concentration almost two decades below their overlap cause an enhanced mechanical response. An entanglement plateau is recovered at higher concentrations of linear chains. These results constitute an important step towards solving an outstanding problem of polymer science and are useful for manipulating properties of materials ranging from DNA to polycarbonate. They also provide possible directions for tuning the rheology of entangled polymers.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein inhibits interleukin-12 production in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse macrophages via direct interactions between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and nuclear factor-kappa B

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increases the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) from mouse macrophages via a kappaB site within the IL-12 p40 promoter. In this study, we found that oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) inhibited this LPS-stimulated production of IL-12 in a dose-dependent manner while native LDL did not. OxLDL inhibited p40 promoter activation in monocytic RAW264.7 cells transiently transfected with p40 promoter/reporter constructs, and the repressive effect mapped to a region in the p40 promoter containing a binding site for nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) (p40-kappaB). Activation of macrophages by LPS in the presence of oxLDL resulted in markedly reduced binding to the kappaB site, as demonstrated by the electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In contrast, native LDL did not inhibit the IL-12 p40 promoter activation and NF-kappaB binding to the kappaB sites, suggesting that oxidative modification of LDL was crucial for the inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated IL-12 production. 9-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, a major oxidized lipid component of oxLDL, significantly inhibited IL-12 production in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages and also suppressed NF-kappaB-mediated activation in IL-12 p40 promoter. The NF-kappaB components p50 and p65 directly bound peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in vitro. In cotransfections of CV-1 and HeLa cells, PPAR-gamma inhibited the NF-kappaB transactivation in an oxLDL-dependent manner. From these results, we propose that oxLDL-mediated suppression of the IL-12 production from LPS-activated mouse macrophages may, at least in part, involve both inhibition of the NF-kappaB-DNA interactions and physical interactions between NF-kappaB and PPAR-gamma.

Pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives reduces the biotransformation of proguanil to cycloguanil

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of late pregnancy and also oestrogen supplementation on the CYP2C19-mediated biotransformation of proguanil (PG) to its active antifol triazine metabolite cycloguanil (CG).

METHODS

Case control study conducted on the NW border of Thailand; a single dose of PG (4 mg/kg) was administered to Karen women in late pregnancy and a single blood and urine sample taken 6 h later. Women were studied in late pregnancy (>36 weeks) and restudied 2 months after delivery. A separate cohort of Karen women newly attending a birth-control clinic were studied before and 3 weeks into their first course of oral contraceptives (OCP: levonorgestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyloestradiol 0.03 mg). Forty-five pregnant women and forty-two healthy OCP users were studied.

RESULTS

The results were similar in both groups; pregnancy and OCP use were both associated with reduced formation of cycloguanil (CG). Impaired PG biotransformation was seen in women with the "extensive metaboliser" phenotype (urine PG/CG ratio <10). CG levels, adjusted for dose, were a median (range) 73% (-59 to 420%) higher following the pregnancy than during the pregnancy in women characterised as extensive metabolisers ( P<0.001). CG levels in women characterised as extensive metabolisers were 34% (-54 to 323%) higher before than while taking the OCP ( P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Late pregnancy and OCP use impair biotransformation of the active antimalarial metabolite CG from the parent PG. This may be mediated by oestrogen inhibition of CYP2C19 activity. The dose of PG should be increased by 50% in these groups.

Randomized comparison of mefloquine-artesunate versus quinine in the treatment of multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria in pregnancy

Since no effective malaria prevention measures have been identified for pregnant women living on the western border of Thailand, prompt diagnosis and efficient treatment are paramount, although drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has narrowed the treatment options. An open randomized comparison of supervised quinine (10 mg salt/kg every 8 h) for 7 days (Q7) versus mefloquine 25 mg base/kg (total dose) plus artesunate 4 mg/kg per day for 3 days (MAS3) was conducted in 1995-97 in 108 Karen women with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. The MAS3 regimen was more effective than the Q7 regimen: day 63 cure rates were 98.2% (95% CI 94.7-100) (n = 65) for MAS3 and 67.0% (95% CI 43x3-90x8) (n = 41) for Q7, P = 0x001. The MAS3 regimen was also associated with less gametocyte carriage; the average person-gametocyte-weeks for MAS3 was 2.3 (95% CI 0-11) and for Q7 was 46x9 (95% CI 26-78) per 1000 person-weeks, respectively (P < 0.001). MAS3 was significantly better tolerated. These evident advantages must be balanced against a possible increased risk of stillbirth with the use of mefloquine in pregnancy. Further randomized studies assessing the safety and efficacy of other artemisinin-containing combination regimens in pregnancy are needed urgently.

Interaction of Hic-5, A senescence-related protein, with focal adhesion kinase

Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone (Hic)-5 is induced during the senescent process in human fibroblasts, and the overexpression of Hic-5 induces a senescence-like phenotype. Structurally, Hic-5 and paxillin, a 68-kDa cytoskeletal protein, share homology such as the LD motifs in the N-terminal half and the LIM domains in the C-terminal half. Here we show that Hic-5 binds to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by its N-terminal domain, and is localized to focal adhesions by its C-terminal LIM domains. However, Hic-5 is not tyrosine phosphorylated either by the coexpressed FAK in COS cells or by integrin stimulation in 293T cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Hic-5 results in a decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin. These findings suggest that putative functions of Hic-5 are the recruitment of FAK to focal adhesions and a competitive inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin.

Adsorption Dynamics of alpha-Lactalbumin and beta-Lactoglobulin at Air-Water Interfaces

Dynamics of adsorption of 14C radiolabeled beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin at the air-water interface was investigated through the measurement of surface pressure (pi) and surface concentration (Gamma) via a radiotracer technique. Adsorption was diffusion controlled at short times, the rates of increase of pi and Gamma being lower at longer times because of an energy barrier. At low concentrations, an apparent time lag was observed in the evolution of pi for beta-lactoglobulin but not for alpha-lactalbumin which was shown to be due to the nonlinear nature of the pi-Gamma relationship for the former. The area per molecule of an adsorbed beta-lactoglobulin during the dynamics of adsorption was smaller than that for spread monolayer since beta-lactoglobulin was not fully unfolded during adsorption. For alpha-lactalbumin, however, no such difference in the molecular areas for adsorbed and spread monolayer was observed indicating thereby that alpha-lactalbumin unfolded much more rapidly than beta-lactoglobulin. Evolution of Gamma for alpha-lactalbumin was found to occur in two steps possibly due to the change in the orientation of the adsorbed protein from a side-on to an end-on orientation. A previously developed mechanistic model (G. Narsimhan and F. Uraizee, Biotechnology Prog. 8, 187 (1992)) was improved to account for the presence of hydrophobic patches on the surface of the protein molecule as well as an adsorbed protein layer at the air-water interface. The model predictions agreed quite well with the experimental evolution of Gamma for beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. The model calculations seem to indicate that alpha-lactalbumin changes its orientation at the air-water interface from side-on to other orientations at higher surface concentrations. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Characterization of polystyrene and polyisoprene by normal-phase temperature gradient interaction chromatography

Temperature gradient interaction chromatography (TGIC) is applied to the characterization of polyisoprene (PI) and polystyrene (PS) using normal-phase (NP) stationary phase--bare silica or diol bonded silica. Tetrahydrofuran-isooctane mixtures are used as a mobile phase. PI and linear and star shaped PS samples are successfully fractionated in terms of the molecular mass with a high resolution comparable to that of reversed-phase (RP) HPLC. Temperature dependence of the retention shows that the enthalpy of adsorption of PS to the stationary phase is exothermic. In addition, some characteristic features of the NP-TGIC system relative to those of RP-TGIC are presented, which include a high sensitivity on the polar end group and the simultaneous size-exclusion chromatographic and TGIC characterization of PS and PI mixtures.

Adsorption Dynamics of Native and Pentylated Bovine Serum Albumin at Air-Water Interfaces: Surface Concentration/ Surface Pressure Measurements

The dynamics of adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and its pentylated derivative (p-BSA) at the air-water interface was investigated through the measurements of surface pressure (Pi) and surface concentration (Gamma) via a radiotracer technique. The steady-state values of Gamma and Pi ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 mg/m2 and from 10 to 17 mN/m, respectively, for bulk concentrations of 0.5 to 10 ppm in sodium phosphate buffer at ambient temperature. The rate of increase as well as the steady state value of Gamma were smaller whereas the rate of increase as well as the steady state value of Pi were slightly larger for p-BSA, which has a surface hydrophobicity higher than that of BSA. The observed apparent time lag for Pi was more pronounced at lower bulk concentrations. At lower ionic strengths and at pH away from pI (the isoelectric point) of BSA, the rates of adsorption at longer times were lower, thus resulting in smaller steady-state values of Gamma. The Pi-Gamma relationship during adsorption dynamics differed from the surface equation of state obtained with the spread monolayer. The area per adsorbed protein molecule (A) during adsorption was smaller than that for spread monolayer, indicating that the protein molecule partially unfolds during adsorption. A for p-BSA was larger than that for BSA due to more unfolding of the p-BSA because of its lower conformational stability, as evidenced by the changes in the CD spectra of protein solution upon heating as well as a decrease in the phase transition temperature. The steady-state Pi-Gamma relationship agrees well with the isotherm obtained from the monolayer experiments, thus indicating that adsorbed BSA molecules unfold more or less completely after sufficiently long times (>20 h). A previously developed model (G. Narsimhan and F. Uraizee, 1992, Biotech. Prog. 8, 187) was modified to better account for the electrostatic energy barrier to adsorption by postulating that the charges are uniformly distributed in an adsorbed protein layer of finite thickness. The predictions of the new model agree better with the data for native and p-BSA than the previous model, especially at low ionic strengths.

Nanowire-Based Biosensors: From Growth to Applications

Over the past decade, synthesized nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotube, nanoparticle, quantum dot, and nanowire, have already made breakthroughs in various fields, including biomedical sensors. Enormous surface area-to-volume ratio of the nanomaterials increases sensitivity dramatically compared with macro-sized material. Herein we present a comprehensive review about the working principle and fabrication process of nanowire sensor. Moreover, its applications for the detection of biomarker, virus, and DNA, as well as for drug discovery, are reviewed. Recent advances including self-powering, reusability, sensitivity in high ionic strength solvent, and long-term stability are surveyed and highlighted as well. Nanowire is expected to lead significant improvement of biomedical sensor in the near future.

Expanded carrier screening in reproductive healthcare: perspectives from genetics professionals

STUDY QUESTION

How do genetics professionals assess the potential benefits and challenges of expanded carrier screening (ECS) in reproductive healthcare?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Genetics professionals believe that current ECS products have major limitations and are not ready for routine use in reproductive healthcare.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Non-targeted approaches to carrier screening have been met with uneven enthusiasm from relevant professional organizations. With declining genotyping costs, it is reasonable to expect that the number of genetic conditions evaluated by carrier-screening products will continue to increase. Reproductive healthcare providers will play a critical role in the adoption of ECS and need to be prepared for the potential challenges that lie ahead.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Focus groups were convened at six academic medical centers in the USA in March 2011 to examine genetics professionals' views on ECS.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Forty genetic professionals participated in six focus groups for this study. A clinical case report was presented to each focus group to examine participants' opinions about the use of highly multiplexed forms of carrier screening in reproductive healthcare. Focus group transcripts were analyzed for major themes and thematic density across sites using qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti v5.8).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Participants believed that current ECS products have major limitations pertaining to the analysis of select alleles and genetic mutations. Participants highlighted multiple interpretive and counseling challenges that reproductive healthcare providers may face in communicating ECS results to patients. Participants stressed the importance of communicating these and other limitations to patients before recommending ECS. Participants recommended collaboration with genetic counselors and medical geneticists in providing ECS.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

To the extent that ECS products have not been widely used to date, participants may have had limited familiarity and direct clinical experience with these products. Given that this study was conducted with genetic professionals from academic medical centers in the USA, participant perspectives may not be representative of professional practices and norms in other healthcare settings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In considering the use of ECS products in their practices, reproductive healthcare providers may find it helpful to consider the perspectives of genetics professionals. These specialists have considerable experience with diverse forms of genetic testing and can provide valuable insights regarding new genomic risk assessment tools such as ECS.

Induction of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation into monocytes by silibinin: involvement of protein kinase C 1 1Abbreviations: 1,25-(OH)2D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; mAb, monoclonal antibody; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NBT, nitroblue tetrazolium; and PKC, protein kinase C

The effect of silibinin, an active component of Silybum marianum, on cellular differentiation was investigated in the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell culture system. Treatment of HL-60 cells with silibinin inhibited cellular proliferation and induced cellular differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Cytofluorometric analysis and morphologic studies indicated that silibinin induced differentiation of HL-60 cells predominantly into monocytes. Importantly, strongly synergistic induction of differentiation into monocytes was observed when silibinin was combined with 5 nM 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)], a well-known differentiation inducer of HL-60 cells into the monocytic lineage. Silibinin enhanced protein kinase C (PKC) activity and increased protein levels of both PKCalpha and PKCbeta in 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-treated HL-60 cells. PKC and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors significantly inhibited HL-60 cell differentiation induced by silibinin alone or in combination with 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3), indicating that PKC and ERK may be involved in silibinin-induced HL-60 cell differentiation.

Outcome and management of spinal tuberculosis according to the severity of disease: a retrospective study of 137 adult patients at Korean teaching hospitals

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study examining the clinical features, management, and treatment outcome of patients with spinal tuberculosis (TB).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of disease severity and treatment modality on outcome of patients with spinal TB.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although anti-TB chemotherapy is now the mainstay treatment for spinal TB, it may not be applicable to all situations, especially in patients with risk of deformity, instability, and progression of neurologic deficit.

METHODS

In this retrospective study (1994-2003), medical records and radiographic findings of patients with spinal TB were reviewed at 7 teaching hospitals in South Korea. The duration of triple chemotherapy with isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol, disease severity, operative procedures, and outcome were analyzed. The outcome was assessed as both favorable and unfavorable according to predefined criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 137 patients were diagnosed with spinal TB during the study period. Twenty-one patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from analysis. The mean age was 44.07 +/- 16.57 years. The most common vertebral area involved was the lumbar (44.8%). The mean number of vertebra involved was 2.25. The mean angle of kyphosis was 21.58 degrees. Forty-seven patients (35.1%) had severe symptoms. Radical surgery was carried out in 84 (62.2%) patients. Twenty patients were treated with short-term chemotherapy, while 96 under long-term. At the end of chemotherapy, 94 patients had achieved a favorable status and 22 an unfavorable one. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of gender, chemotherapy duration, or the severity of spinal TB; however, age (P = 0.025; odds ratio = 0.963; 95% confidence interval 0.932-0.995) and radical surgery (P = 0.043; odds ratio = 3.047; 95% confidence interval 1.038-8.942) were significantly related to a favorable outcome by logistic analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that a younger age and radical surgery in conjunction with anti-TB chemotherapy were significant favorable prognostic factors.

Barriers to physical activity and healthy diet among breast cancer survivors: A multilevel perspective

Cancer survivors engage in suboptimal levels of health behaviours and report many barriers to health behaviours, but we lack a solid understanding of the different levels of barriers and how they relate to enacted health behaviours. To address these issues, we conducted mixed-method research in 97 breast cancer survivors. Participants' barriers to physical activity (PA) and healthy diet, asked as an open-ended question, were coded as individual-level, social-level, and organisational/environmental-level for each health behaviour. Moderate-to-vigorous PA and fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake were assessed. Most participants perceived at least one PA (72.7%) and diet (64.9%) individual-level barrier (e.g. physical symptoms/injury); only 15.2% (PA) and 15.6% (diet) reported at least one social-level barrier (e.g. family obligations). About 28.8% (PA) and 29.9% (diet) perceived at least one organisational/environmental-level barrier (e.g. job demand, cost of F&V). Survivors perceiving individual-level dietary barriers consumed less F&V (-.65 servings/day) than those not perceiving dietary barriers at this level. Survivors perceiving social-level dietary barriers reported marginally lower F&V intake (-.65 servings/day) than their counterparts. Those perceiving organisational/environmental-level PA barriers reported marginally fewer minutes (-44.30/week) of moderate-to-vigorous PA than their counterparts. Barriers at multiple levels should be addressed to improve health behaviours among breast cancer survivors.

New regulatory gene that contributes to control of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron starch utilization genes

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron uses starch as a source of carbon and energy. Early steps in the pathway of starch utilization, such as starch binding and starch hydrolysis, are encoded by sus genes, which have been characterized previously. The sus structural genes are expressed only if cells are grown in medium containing maltose or higher oligomers of glucose. Regulation of the sus structural genes is mediated by SusR, an activator that is encoded by a gene located next to the sus structural genes. A strain with a disruption in susR cannot grow on starch but can still grow on maltose and maltotriose. A search for transposon-generated mutants that could not grow on maltose and maltotriose unexpectedly located a gene, designated malR, which regulates expression of an alpha-glucosidase not controlled by SusR. Although a disruption in susR did not affect expression of the malR controlled gene, a disruption in malR reduced expression of the sus structural genes. Thus, MalR appears to participate with SusR in regulation of the sus genes. Results of transcriptional fusion assays and reverse transcription-PCR experiments showed that malR is expressed constitutively. Moreover, multiple copies of malR provided on a plasmid (5 to 10 copies per cell) more than doubled the amount of alpha-glucosidase activity in cell extracts. Our results demonstrate that the starch utilization system of B. thetaiotaomicron is controlled on at least two levels by the regulatory proteins SusR and MalR.

Doxycycline clearance of experimentally induced chronic Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs

BACKGROUND

Ineffective clearance of Ehrlichia canis after doxycycline administration has been reported despite the fact that the recommended treatment for canine ehrlichiosis is doxycycline. The effectiveness of doxycycline in clearing E canis infection from the blood and tissues of dogs requires additional evaluation.

HYPOTHESIS

Doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q12h), administered for 4 weeks, will eliminate E canis infection from the blood and tissues of experimentally infected dogs.

ANIMALS

Fifteen Walker hound-mixed breed dogs were inoculated subcutaneously with E canis-infected canine histiocytic cells 4 months before doxycycline treatment.

METHODS

Four dogs were treated with doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q12h for 3 weeks), 5 dogs were treated with doxycycline at the same dosage for 4 weeks, and 5 control dogs were not treated. Dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg i.v.) was given after treatment to precipitate recrudescence of any remaining E canis organisms. Platelet counts, anti-E canis immunofluorescent antibodies, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of E canis deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in blood and tissues were evaluated.

RESULTS

E canis DNA was not detected in the blood and tissues of doxycycline-treated dogs after treatment. Platelet counts were within reference intervals, and E canis antibodies decreased. Spontaneous clearance of E canis infection occurred in 2 of 5 control dogs. Three control dogs had E canis DNA detected in blood and tissues, platelet counts remained low or within the reference interval, and E canis antibodies remained high.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

As administered in this study, doxycycline cleared E canis from the blood and tissues of experimentally infected dogs.

The serological and genetic basis of the cis-AB blood group in Korea

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The cis-AB blood group is rare, although relatively common amongst Koreans. The serological characteristics and genetic basis of Korean cis-AB blood donors were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), designed to detect the cis-AB01 allele, was performed on 194 AB samples which demonstrated weak or unusual expression of either or both of the A or B antigens.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Sixty cis-AB01 donors were identified. cis-AB01/O01 or O02 were the most common genotypes (36/60) detected only in A(2)B(3) donors, and cis-AB01/B101 (nine of 60) was the least common genotype identified only in A(2)B donors. Surprisingly cis-AB01/A102 (15/60) was identified in a variety of phenotypes (A(1)B(3), A(1)B(x) or el, A(int)B(3)).

Hydrocortisone suspension and hydrocortisone tablets are not bioequivalent in the treatment of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

In July 1998, Cortef oral suspension (Pharmacia & Upjohn) was reformulated changing the suspending agent tragacanth to xanthan gum. We subsequently observed suboptimal control of hormone levels in a group of children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, despite increasing doses of Cortef suspension and stringent instructions to parents regarding shaking of the bottles of medication. Nineteen children receiving Cortef and fludrocortisone therapy were changed to hydrocortisone tablets and fludrocortisone, with a 10 percent reduction in hydrocortisone dose. A significant decrease in 17-hydroxyprogesterone (235 +/- 120 vs. 27 +/- 7 nmol/L; p</=0.001) and androstenedione (18.9 +/- 18.0 vs. 3.5 +/- 3.5 nmol/L; p=0.002) was observed 4-6 weeks later. Twenty-one percent (4/19) had 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione levels at or below the detection limit of the assay. Despite a significant reduction in glucocorticoid dose (19.6 +/- 4.7 vs. 17.6 +/- 3.9 mg/M(2)/day; p<0.001), eight children experienced significant weight gain and appetite increase, three experienced trouble sleeping, four experienced moodiness, and three developed hypertension requiring a decrease in fludrocortisone therapy. Hydrocortisone dose was further decreased to 15.2 +/- 2.6 mg/M(2)/day with resolution of symptoms. We conclude that Cortef suspension and hydrocortisone tablets are not bioequivalent and the reformulated form of hydrocortisone oral suspension was inadequate in the control of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Cortef suspension has been recalled as a result of these data.

EEG and other effects of naltrexone and heroin in man

This paper reviews older results on EEG and behavioral effects of heroin and opiate antagonists in exaddicts, and presents new findings on the effects of naltrexone in men who have never been addicted. Ten normal volunteers were given on three separate occasions placebo, 50 mg or 100 mg of naltrexone. The average alpha frequency was significantly slower after naltrexone than after placebo. Naltrexone elicited a significant reduction of breathing rate and oral temperature. Those results indicate that naltrexone does not act as a pure narcotic antagonist in non-addicted men.

Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Behavior is Modulated by Alterations in Focal Cell–Substrate Contacts

PURPOSE

To investigate how the cellular behavior of cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was affected by the manipulation of early focal contact.

METHODS

To manipulate early focal contact, a reduced focal cell-substrate contact area on the micropatterned surfaces was implemented by microfabrication with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The micropatterned PDMS surfaces had a circular pillar with a diameter of 5 microm. The human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, ARPE-19, was seeded onto the fibronectin-coated PDMS surfaces. Cell adhesion, growth, cell cycle, morphology, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were observed for 3 weeks.

RESULTS

The fluorescent images of localized vinculin and actin stress fibers appeared to be more prominent on smooth PDMS surfaces. Although there was no significant effect on cell adhesion, a statistically significant inhibition of cell cycle progression was observed for micropatterned PDMS surfaces. Similarly, micropatterned surfaces showed significantly less cell growth than that of smooth surfaces. Cultures over a period of 3 weeks showed a distinct cell-cell phenotype discrepancy. Furthermore, IL-6 mRNA and secreted protein induced by IL-1beta in ARPE-19 were downregulated on micropatterned PDMS surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Disturbed focal contact in ARPE-19 cells grown on micropatterned surfaces altered cell cycle, growth, morphology, and the expression of IL-6 in vitro.

On the identification and biological properties of prostaglandin J2

Prostaglandin D2 spontaneously decomposes at physiological pH and temperature to 9-deoxy-delta 9-PGD2 (designated PGJ2). We developed a TLC procedure for the isolation of PGJ2 which was identified by both proton-NMR and mass spectrometry. Freshly prepared PGJ2 was active in inhibiting aggregation induced by ADP in citrated human platelet rich plasma. As reported by Fukushima et al. (1). PGJ2 was less active (x 0.1-0.25) than PGD2 as an inhibitor. Concentrations of PGJ2 that markedly inhibited aggregation of human platelets were generally incapable of inhibiting aggregation of rat or guinea pig platelets. Using a heterologous system of human platelets mixed with guinea pig plasma samples (2), it was shown that the ability of PGJ2 to inhibit platelet aggregation was lost immediately following intravenous injection in anesthetized guinea pigs. This apparent rapid uptake and/or degradation of PGJ2 might also explain why PGJ2 had no effect on blood pressure of anesthetized guinea pigs. PGJ2 was potent in inhibiting proliferation of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, mouse melanoma cells and mouse fibroblasts. Less potent anti-proliferative effects were seen with two other degradation products of PGD2, one of which was the delta 12 metabolite reported (3,4) to be formed from PGJ2 in a reaction catalyzed by serum albumin.