Cloning and characterization of zona pellucida genes and cDNAs from a variety of mammalian species: the ZPA, ZPB and ZPC gene families

Full length zona pellucida cDNAs from cat, dog and pig that are homologous to the ZP2/rc75 genes from mouse, human and rabbit, a full length zona pellucida cDNA from cat and a gene and full length cDNA from human that are homologous to the rc55/ZP3 alpha genes from rabbit and pig, and full length zona pellucida cDNAs from cat, cow, dog, pig and rabbit that are homologous to the ZP3 genes from mouse, hamster, human and marmoset have been cloned and characterized. The members of these gene families are herein referred to as ZPA, ZPB and ZPC genes to avoid the confusion that currently exists in the zona pellucida of nomenclature. This report is the first to describe the presence all three major zona pellucida genes within individual mammalian species. Within the ZPA, ZPB and ZPC gene families, the DNA and deduced amino acid sequences are highly homologous to each other, and are most homologous between members of the same order within the class mammalia. These results imply that all or most mammalian species express the ZPA, ZPB and ZPC proteins, which form the zona pellucida layer surrounding the oocyte.

Failures, re-operations, and complications after autologous chondrocyte implantation--a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare failure, re-operation, and complication rates of all generations and techniques of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).

METHODS

A systematic review of multiple medical databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Levels I-IV evidence were included. Generations of ACI and complications after ACI were explicitly defined. All subject and defect demographic data were analyzed. Modified Coleman Methodology Scores (MCMSs) were calculated for all studies.

RESULTS

82 studies were identified for inclusion (5276 subjects were analyzed; 6080 defects). Ninety percent of the studies in this review were rated poor according to the MCMS. There were 305 failures overall (5.8% subjects; mean time to failure 22 months). Failure rate was highest with periosteal ACI (PACI). Failure rates after PACI, collagen-membrane cover ACI (CACI), second generation, and all-arthroscopic, second-generation ACI were 7.7%, 1.5%, 3.3%, and 0.83%, respectively. The failure rate of arthrotomy-based ACI was 6.1% vs 0.83% for all-arthroscopic ACI. Overall rate of re-operation was 33%. Re-operation rate after PACI, CACI, and second-generation ACI was 36%, 40%, and 18%, respectively. However, upon exclusion of planned second-look arthroscopy, re-operation rate was highest after PACI. Unplanned re-operation rates after PACI, CACI, second-generation, and all-arthroscopic second-generation ACI were 27%, 5%, 5%, and 1.4%, respectively. Low numbers of patients undergoing third-generation ACI precluded comparative analysis of this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Failure rate after all ACI generations is low (1.5-7.7%). Failure rate is highest with PACI, and lower with CACI and second-generation techniques. One out of three ACI patients underwent a re-operation. Unplanned re-operations are seen most often following PACI. Hypertrophy and delamination is most commonly seen after PACI. Arthrofibrosis is most commonly seen after arthrotomy-based ACI. Use of a collagen-membrane cover, second-generation techniques, and all-arthroscopic, second-generation approaches have reduced the failure, complication, and re-operation rate after ACI.

New molecular switch architectures

In this paper we elaborate on recently developed molecular switch architectures and how these new systems can help with the realization of new functions and advancement of artificial molecular machines. Progress in chemically and photoinduced switches and motors is summarized and contextualized such that the reader may gain an appreciation for the novel tools that have come about in the past decade. Many of these systems offer distinct advantages over commonly employed switches, including improved fidelity, addressability, and robustness. Thus, this paper serves as a jumping-off point for researchers seeking new switching motifs for specific applications, or ones that address the limitations of presently available systems.

CEDIA, a new homogeneous immunoassay system

Genetic engineering of beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) has led to the development of a new homogeneous assay system, CEDIA. The Z gene of the lac operon of Escherichia coli encodes a large enzymatically inactive polypeptide that spontaneously aggregates and folds to form active beta-galactosidase. Using recombinant DNA techniques, we have been able to engineer beta-galactosidase protein into a large polypeptide (an enzyme acceptor, EA) and a small polypeptide (an enzyme donor, ED). The EAs and EDs are both enzymatically inactive, but spontaneously associate to form enzymatically active tetramers. In the assay, hapten or analyte is attached to an ED, and an analyte-specific antibody is used to inhibit the spontaneous assembly of active enzyme. Analyte in a patient's serum competes with the analyte in the analyte-ED conjugate for antibody, modulating the amount of beta-galactosidase formed. The signal generated by enzyme substrates is directly proportional to the analyte concentrations in the patient's serum. We describe quick (5-15 min) colorimetric tests for digoxin, requiring no serum pretreatments or predilutions and suitable for use with centrifugal and random-access analyzers.

Patient-reported outcome measures after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

Objectives

A lack of connection between surgeons and patients in evaluating the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has led to the search for the ideal patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to evaluate these procedures. We hypothesised that the desired psychometric properties of the ideal outcome tool have not been uniformly addressed in studies describing TKA PROMS.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted investigating one or more facets of patient-reported scores for measuring primary TKA outcome. Studies were analysed by study design, subject demographics, surgical technique, and follow-up adequacy, with the ‘gold standard’ of psychometric properties being systematic development, validity, reliability, and responsiveness.

Results

A total of 38 articles reported outcomes from 47 different PROMS to 85 541 subjects at 26.3 months (standard deviation 30.8) post-operatively. Of the 38, eight developed new scores, 20 evaluated existing scores, and ten were cross-cultural adaptation of existing scores. Only six of 38 surveyed studies acknowledged all ‘gold standard’ psychometric properties. The most commonly studied PROMS were the Oxford Knee Score, New Knee Society Score, Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index.

Conclusions

A single, validated, reliable, and responsive PROM addressing TKA patients’ priorities has not yet been identified. Moreover, a clear definition of a successful procedure remains elusive.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:120–127

Effect of controlled axial micromovement on healing of tibial fractures

The preliminary results are presented from a study in which 85 serious tibial fractures were treated with external skeletal fixation. In group I patients were treated with highly rigid fixation. In group II the same fixation was used but axial micromovement was applied across the fracture site for 30 min per day, starting 1-3 weeks after injury and continuing until partial weight-bearing, which leads to self-induced movement. The overall mean time to independent weight-bearing was longer in group I than group II (p = 0.02); delayed union occurred in more group I patients. Objective measurement of fracture stiffness was made by means of strain gauges placed on the fixation frame for 49 fractures treated consecutively. The time to reach stiffness levels equivalent to clinical union was significantly longer in group I than in group II. The fractures in the treatment groups were of comparable severity. It seems that the fracture healing process is susceptible to small changes in mechanical environment.

A method for analysis of back shape in scoliosis

The shape of the back is an important factor in the clinical assessment of various spinal disorders, in particular scoliosis. A method of analysis of back surface shape is described which was designed to present most of the numerical parameters needed to assess the progress of the disease as it affects body shape. Measurements of back surface shape and manually marked anatomical landmarks were taken from a television/computer surface measurement system in which a plane of light was scanned over the back and from moiré topographs. The anatomical landmarks were used to define reference planes from which successive analyses were matched. Asymmetry in the transverse plane was illustrated by horizontal cross-sections and skin surface angles. The lateral deformity was shown by an estimate of the line of the vertebral bodies beneath the skin, derived by adding an extra lateral displacement to the palpated positions of the spinous processes, proportional to the rotation of the skin in the transverse plane. This model was used to estimate vertebral end-plate angles and Cobb angles. Lateral sections showed kyphosis and lordosis. Correlations of Lateral Asymmetry from the surface shape analysis with Cobb angle from X-ray measurements in three groups of patients (totalling 119 subjects) were in the range r = 0.77 to r = 0.94, p less than 0.0001. The analysis has reduced follow-up X-ray examinations at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre because it indicates quantitatively and with complete safety both lateral asymmetry and deformity in the transverse plane.

Evidence of anhedonia and differential reward processing in prefrontal cortex among post-withdrawal patients with prescription opiate dependence

Anhedonia is an important but understudied element of a neuroadaptive model underlying vulnerability to relapse in opioid dependence. Previous research using fMRI has shown reduced activation to pleasant stimuli in rostral prefrontal cortex among heroin-dependent patients in early recovery. This study evaluated the presence of anhedonia among recently withdrawn prescription opiate dependent patients (PODP) in residential treatment compared to control subjects. Anhedonia was assessed using self-report, affect-modulated startle response (AMSR), and a cue reactivity task during which participant's rostral prefrontal cortex (RPFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) was monitored with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The cue reactivity task included three distinct categories of natural reward stimuli: highly palatable food, positive social situations, and intimate (non-erotic) interactions. PODP reported greater anhedonia on self-report (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale), and showed reduced hedonic response to positive stimuli in the AMSR task relative to controls. PODP also exhibited reduced neural activation in bilateral RPFC and left VLPFC in response to food images and reduced left VLPFC in response to images depicting positive social situations relative to controls. No differences were found for emotionally intimate stimuli. When patients were divided into groups based on the Snaith-Hamilton criteria for the presence or absence of anhedonia, patients endorsing anhedonia showed reduced neural responses to images depicting positive social stimuli and food relative to patients who did not endorse anhedonia. Activations were in areas of RPFC that support the retrieval of episodic memories. The results suggest the presence of anhedonia in a subsample of PODP.

Gene therapy with autologous, interleukin 2-secreting tumor cells in patients with malignant melanoma

We vaccinated metastatic melanoma patients with irradiated, autologous melanoma cells genetically engineered to secrete interleukin 2 (IL-2) to investigate whether an anti-tumor immune response would be induced. Melanoma cell cultures were established from surgical specimens and were engineered to secrete IL-2 by infection with recombinant retrovirus. Twelve patients were vaccinated subcutaneously one, two, or three times with approximately 10(7) irradiated, autologous, IL-2-secreting tumor cells. Treatment was well tolerated, with local reactions at 11 of 24 injection sites and minor systemic symptoms of fever and headache after 6 injections. One patient developed anti-tumor DTH after the first vaccination and showed an increased response after the second vaccination. Anti-autologous tumor CTLs could be detected prevaccination in the peripheral blood of seven patients and their activity increased after vaccination in four patients. No UICC-defined clinical responses were seen, but three patients had stable disease for 7-15 months, one of whom has not yet progressed (15+ months). Thus, patient vaccination with autologous, genetically engineered tumor cells is feasible and safe. Anti-tumor DTH and CTLs can be induced in some patients with such a vaccine.

Normal kinematics of the lumbar spine and pelvis

A study was undertaken to provide a data base of pelvic and lumbar spinal movement during walking. The movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine in 48 male volunteers of age range 16 to 74 years were measured using a television/computer motion analysis system. The results were presented both as a range of movement in each plane and as a wave pattern for the movement in each plane. Cadence, the movements of the pelvis and spine in the sagittal plane, and the movement of the pelvis in the transverse plane all showed a negative correlation with age. Analysis of the wave patterns showed that the movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine relate to identifiable events in the gait cycle.

Strategies for targeted gene therapy

Genetic intervention for the therapy of human disease has long been a dream for scientists and clinicians alike, and the first steps towards reality have already been taken in clinical trials involving over 1000 patients around the world. The technology used in these initial experiments has limited potential for therapeutic effect and it is now appreciated that improvements in targeting gene delivery and gene expression are both required before real clinical benefit is achieved. The enormous advances made in the fields of molecular genetics and molecular biology of the last few years have set the scene for their translation into novel approaches to gene transfer and control, for gene therapy applications.

Asymmetric replication of hepatitis B virus DNA in human liver: demonstration of cytoplasmic minus-strand DNA by blot analyses and in situ hybridization

In situ and blot hybridization techniques have been used with strand- and region-specific probes to characterize the forms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver of a patient with chronic active hepatitis B. The hepatocytes contain a heterogeneous population of rapidly migrating DNA species in the 0.5-1.4 kb position that are localized predominantly in the cytoplasm and are of minus-strand polarity. The findings indicate that the replication is asymmetric, with separate pathways for plus- and minus-strand synthesis of HBV DNA; that viral DNA synthesis is initiated at a site near the nick in the minus strand of virion DNA; and that actively replicating forms of HBV DNA can be identified at the cellular level by in situ hybridization.

Slow virus visna: reproduction in vitro of virus from extrachromosomal DNA

Under permissive conditions of growth in tissue culture, the retrovirus visna multiples over the course of a few days to high titer and kills the host cell. We show that in this lytic life cycle, viral DNA is tightly associated with, but not covalently linked to, chromosomal DNA. This finding provides explanations for a number of the unusual properties of the lentivirus subfamily of retroviruses, and suggests potential mechanisms for the block in virus gene expression in vivo responsible for the slow infection in nature.

Effect of exogenous surfactant instillation on experimental acute lung injury

Pulmonary surfactant replacement has previously been shown to be effective in the human neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. The value of surfactant replacement in models of acute lung injury other than quantitative surfactant deficiency states is, however, uncertain. In this study an acute lung injury model using rats with chronic indwelling arterial catheters, injured with N-nitroso-N-methylurethane (NNNMU), has been developed. The NNNMU injury was found to produce hypoxia, increased mortality, an alveolitis, and alterations in the pulmonary surfactant system. Alterations of surfactant obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage included a reduction in the phospholipid-to-protein ratio, reduced surface activity, and alterations in the relative percentages of the individual phospholipids compared with controls. Treatment of the NNNMU-injured rats with instilled exogenous surfactant (Survanta) improved oxygenation; reduced mortality to control values; and returned the surfactant phospholipid-to-protein ratio, surface activity, and, with the exception of phosphatidylglycerol, the relative percentages of individual surfactant phospholipids to control values.

Monaural-binaural minimum audible angles for a moving sound source

Papers on monaural localization relating to the action of the vestibular apparatus, influence of the auricle, and movements of the head were reviewed. To test one conclusion of the review, that a moving sound source should yield a continuous set of changing loudness/phase/timing cues available to the ear, an experiment was conducted which provides more complete quantification of monaural/binaural comparison. Minimum audible angles (maa) were computed from the responses of three men, highly experienced in listening, to white noise and tones produced by a moving sound source. The men listened (1) with both ears open, and (2) with one ear plugged, muffed, and noise-masked. The monaural maa at 0° and 60° az were as good as the binaural maa for white noise, and for the lowest tone at 0° az, but distinctly inferior elsewhere. Both azimuth and monaural/binaural mode effects reached high significance statistically. The data show much usable directionality for the monaural mode.

Temperature-sensitive Escherichia coli mutant producing a temperature-sensitive sigma subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase

A gene affecting the sigma subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase is tightly linked to dnaG at 66 min on the Escherichia coli chromosome. In order to create an easily selectable marker in this region, we inserted transposon-10, which carries a gene determining resistance to tetracycline (tet) near 66 min, and the order tolC-dnaG-sigma-tet was determined. We used frequency of contransduction with tet as a criterion to screen a collection of spontaneous temperature-sensitive Escherichia coli mutants that might affect the sigma subunit. One such mutant was found to map at the sigma locus. The sigma subunit isolated from this mutant is unstable at 46 degrees C in vitro and has an altered electrophoretic mobility. The temperature sensitivity of RNA synthesis in this mutant indicates that most transcription in E. coli is sigma dependent.

A gene from Escherichia coli affecting the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase

The RNA polymerase sigma subunits of Escherichia coli K, E. coli C, and Salmonella typhimurium can be resolved by electrophoresis. Using this technique, we have analyzed Salmonella strains carrying F' plasmids from E. coli K in order to map the gene for the sigma factor. Partial diploid analyses show the location of the sigma gene at 62-66 min on the E. coli genetic map. This gene is cotransducible with toIC and dnaG, at 66 min.

ISIS scanning: a useful assessment technique in the management of scoliosis

The value of surface topographical measurements in the assessment of curve progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is demonstrated in a group of 51 patients. Cobb angles at the commencement of the study ranged from 10 degrees -55 degrees (mean 34.5 degrees), and the mean follow-up period was greater than 2 years. The surface shape method correctly identified curve evolution in 84% of the patient group. Of these, the eight patients who underwent spinal instrumentation were correctly predicted as candidates for surgery.

Synthesis in cell culture of the gapped linear duplex DNA of the slow virus visna

Visna virus is a nontransforming retrovirus that causes slow infections in animals and a rapidly progressive-lytic infection in cell culture. The results of an analysis of the synthesis of viral DNA in cell culture are reported. Region- and strand-specific probes cloned in M13 have been used to define the dynamics of DNA synthesis and the major nucleic acid species formed. It is shown that (i) within the first hours of infection, a full-length copy of the viral RNA genome is synthesized by reverse transcription, (ii) early in infection a major species of DNA is formed that extends from a site near the center of the molecule to the 3' end, (iii) somewhat later a second major species of plus-strand DNA is generated that extends from the 5' end to the middle of the genome. As a consequence, most viral DNA molecules consist of a full-length minus strand, and two plus strands separated by a gap or nick in the center of the molecule (J. D. Harris, J. V. Scott, B. Traynor, M. Brahic, L. Stowring, P. Ventura, A. T. Haase, and R. Peluso (1981). Virology 113, 573-583). The implications of this viral DNA structure for one unusual aspect of the lentivirus life cycle, the production of viral RNA, and virions from extrachromosomal DNA are discussed (J. D. Harris, H. Blum, J. Scott, B. Traynor, P. Ventura, and A. T. Haase (1984). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 7212-7215).

The measurement of stiffness of fractures treated with external fixation

A method for the measurement of the mechanical stiffness of fractures treated with unilateral external skeletal fixation is described. The procedure for obtaining fracture stiffness results is detailed, and results showing three distinct patterns of healing, which can be related to in vivo biological events, are presented.

Expression and purification of recombinant human zona pellucida proteins

Recombinant human zona pellucida (rhZP) proteins (minus the N-terminal leader and the C-terminal transmembrane-like domain) were expressed in four different expression systems: bacteria, yeast, insect cells, and Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. The recombinant proteins in each system were engineered with a C-terminal six histidine (His6) segment that was used to purify the proteins by metal affinity [either nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co)] column chromatography. Each of the rhZP proteins was a candidate antigen as an immunocontraceptive vaccine. However, the rhZP proteins produced in bacteria, yeast and insect cell culture could only be purified after being solubilized by strong denaturants. After purification the final products of each of these expression systems required 6 M urea to maintain solubility. However, the rhZP proteins expressed by CHO cells were secreted into the media, and the soluble proteins could be purified to near homogeneity. In this report the expression and purification procedures used to produce and isolate these secreted proteins are described.