Global biodiversity conservation priorities

The location of and threats to biodiversity are distributed unevenly, so prioritization is essential to minimize biodiversity loss. To address this need, biodiversity conservation organizations have proposed nine templates of global priorities over the past decade. Here, we review the concepts, methods, results, impacts, and challenges of these prioritizations of conservation practice within the theoretical irreplaceability/vulnerability framework of systematic conservation planning. Most of the templates prioritize highly irreplaceable regions; some are reactive (prioritizing high vulnerability), and others are proactive (prioritizing low vulnerability). We hope this synthesis improves understanding of these prioritization approaches and that it results in more efficient allocation of geographically flexible conservation funding.

The effect of aortic valve replacement on survival

We retrospectively studied 252 operated and 47 unoperated patients with isolated aortic valve disease. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was recommended to all patients based on clinical and hemodynamic data. Preoperative hemodynamic and angiographic data were similar in operated and unoperated cohorts. Seventy-one percent of patients received a Björk-Shiley prosthesis. Operative mortality was 7% for the entire surgical series. For patients with predominant aortic stenosis (AS), survival at 3 years was 87% in operated and 21% in unoperated patients (p less than 0.001). For patients with predominant aortic insufficiency (AI), the 5-year survival rate was 86% in operated and 87% in unoperated patients (NS). AVR improved long-term survival in patients with AS who had normal or impaired left ventricular (LV) function. In patients with AI and normal LV function, survival was not improved after AVR, but those with LV dysfunction who were operated on tended to survive longer (NS). Long-term survival of unoperated patients with AI was better than that in unoperated patients with AS. We conclude that AVR improves long-term survival in patients with AS who were normal or abnormal LV function, and that AVR does not change long-term survival in patients with AI, although those with LV dysfunction tended to survive longer.

Calculating Absorption Shifts for Retinal Proteins: Computational Challenges

Rhodopsins can modulate the optical properties of their chromophores over a wide range of wavelengths. The mechanism for this spectral tuning is based on the response of the retinal chromophore to external stress and the interaction with the charged, polar, and polarizable amino acids of the protein environment and is connected to its large change in dipole moment upon excitation, its large electronic polarizability, and its structural flexibility. In this work, we investigate the accuracy of computational approaches for modeling changes in absorption energies with respect to changes in geometry and applied external electric fields. We illustrate the high sensitivity of absorption energies on the ground-state structure of retinal, which varies significantly with the computational method used for geometry optimization. The response to external fields, in particular to point charges which model the protein environment in combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) applications, is a crucial feature, which is not properly represented by previously used methods, such as time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF), and Hartree-Fock (HF) or semiempirical configuration interaction singles (CIS). This is discussed in detail for bacteriorhodopsin (bR), a protein which blue-shifts retinal gas-phase excitation energy by about 0.5 eV. As a result of this study, we propose a procedure which combines structure optimization or molecular dynamics simulation using DFT methods with a semiempirical or ab initio multireference configuration interaction treatment of the excitation energies. Using a conventional QM/MM point charge representation of the protein environment, we obtain an absorption energy for bR of 2.34 eV. This result is already close to the experimental value of 2.18 eV, even without considering the effects of protein polarization, differential dispersion, and conformational sampling.

MSBase: an international, online registry and platform for collaborative outcomes research in multiple sclerosis

Observational cohort studies are a powerful tool to assess the long-term outcome in chronic diseases. This study design has been utilized in local and regional outcome studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) and has yielded invaluable epidemiological information. The World Wide Web now provides an excellent opportunity for an international, collaborative cohort study of MS outcomes. A web platform--MSBase--has been designed to collect prospective data on patients with MS. It is purely observational, enabling participating neurologists to contribute data on diagnosis, treatment and progress, to review anonymous aggregate data and to benchmark their patient population against other patient subsets or the entire dataset. MSBase facilitates collaborative research by allowing the online creation of investigator-initiated regional, national and international substudies. The registry aims to answer epidemiological questions that can only be addressed by prospective assessments of large patient cohorts. The registry is funded through the independent MSBase Foundation, and governed by an International Scientific Advisory Board. The MSBase Foundation commenced operations in July 2004 and since then, 22 neurologists from 11 countries have joined MSBase and are contributing 2400 patients to the total data pool.

Dawn arrives at Ceres: Exploration of a small, volatile-rich world

On 6 March 2015, Dawn arrived at Ceres to find a dark, desiccated surface punctuated by small, bright areas. Parts of Ceres' surface are heavily cratered, but the largest expected craters are absent. Ceres appears gravitationally relaxed at only the longest wavelengths, implying a mechanically strong lithosphere with a weaker deep interior. Ceres' dry exterior displays hydroxylated silicates, including ammoniated clays of endogenous origin. The possibility of abundant volatiles at depth is supported by geomorphologic features such as flat crater floors with pits, lobate flows of materials, and a singular mountain that appears to be an extrusive cryovolcanic dome. On one occasion, Ceres temporarily interacted with the solar wind, producing a bow shock accelerating electrons to energies of tens of kilovolts.

Phosphorylation by G1-specific cdk-cyclin complexes activates the nucleolar transcription factor UBF

Transcription of rRNA genes by RNA polymerase I increases following serum stimulation of quiescent NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. To elucidate the mechanism underlying transcriptional activation during progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle, we have analyzed the activity and phosphorylation pattern of the nucleolar transcription factor upstream binding factor (UBF). Using a combination of tryptic phosphopeptide mapping and site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified Ser484 as a direct target for cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4)-cyclin D1- and cdk2-cyclin E-directed phosphorylation. Mutation of Ser484 impairs rDNA transcription in vivo and in vitro. The data demonstrate that UBF is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner and suggest a link between G1 cdks-cyclins, UBF phosphorylation and rDNA transcription activation.

Unique Thickness-Dependent Properties of the van der Waals Interlayer Antiferromagnet MnBi_{2}Te_{4} Films

Using density functional theory and Monte Carlo calculations, we study the thickness dependence of the magnetic and electronic properties of a van der Waals interlayer antiferromagnet in the two-dimensional limit. Considering MnBi_{2}Te_{4} as a model material, we find it to demonstrate a remarkable set of thickness-dependent magnetic and topological transitions. While a single septuple layer block of MnBi_{2}Te_{4} is a topologically trivial ferromagnet, the thicker films made of an odd (even) number of blocks are uncompensated (compensated) interlayer antiferromagnets, which show wide band gap quantum anomalous Hall (zero plateau quantum anomalous Hall) states. Thus, MnBi_{2}Te_{4} is the first stoichiometric material predicted to realize the zero plateau quantum anomalous Hall state intrinsically. This state has been theoretically shown to host the exotic axion insulator phase.

The Nordic prescription databases as a resource for pharmacoepidemiological research--a literature review

PURPOSE

All five Nordic countries have nationwide prescription databases covering all dispensed drugs, with potential for linkage to outcomes. The aim of this review is to present an overview of therapeutic areas studied and methods applied in pharmacoepidemiologic studies using data from these databases.

METHODS

The study consists of a Medline-based structured literature review of scientific papers published during 2005-2010 using data from the prescription databases in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, covering 25 million inhabitants. Relevant studies were analyzed in terms of pharmacological group, study population, outcomes examined, type of study (drug utilization vs. effect of drug therapy), country of origin, and extent of cross-national collaboration.

RESULTS

A total of 515 studies were identified. Of these, 262 were conducted in Denmark, 97 in Finland, 4 in Iceland, 87 in Norway, and 61 in Sweden. Four studies used data from more than one Nordic country. The most commonly studied drugs were those acting on the nervous system, followed by cardiovascular drugs and gastrointestinal/endocrine drugs. A total of 228 studies examined drug utilization and 263 focused on the effects and safety of drug therapy. Pregnant women were the most commonly studied population in safety studies, whereas prescribers' adherence to guidelines was the most frequent topic of drug utilization studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The Nordic prescription databases, with their possibility of record-linkage, represent an outstanding resource for assessing the beneficial and adverse effects of drug use in large populations, under routine care conditions, and with the potential for long-term follow-up.

Efficacy and safety of infliximab vs. methotrexate in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results of an open-label, active-controlled, randomized trial (RESTORE1)

BACKGROUND

Infliximab is indicated for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults whose disease cannot be controlled with other systemic therapies, including methotrexate (MTX). To date, no studies have directly compared the efficacy and safety of infliximab and MTX.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab vs. MTX in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

MTX-naïve patients (n = 868) were randomized 3:1 to receive infliximab 5 mg kg⁻¹ at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14 and 22 or MTX 15 mg weekly with a dose increase to 20 mg weekly at week 6 if the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response was < 25%. At week 16, patients with < PASI 50 response could switch treatment groups. The primary efficacy endpoint was PASI 75 response at week 16. Major secondary efficacy endpoints were PASI 75 response at week 26, and the proportion of patients achieving a Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score of cleared (0) or minimal (1) at weeks 16 and 26. Others included Dermatology Life Quality Index, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and PGA, PASI 50, PASI 75 and PASI 90 responses over time.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint was achieved by a significantly greater proportion of infliximab-treated patients (508/653, 78%) than MTX-treated patients (90/215, 42%; P < 0·001). Key secondary endpoints also were achieved by a greater proportion of infliximab-treated patients. Similar responses were observed at week 26 in patients who switched from MTX to infliximab at week 16. Overall adverse event (AE) incidence was comparable between groups, but incidence of serious and severe AEs was slightly higher in the infliximab group.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab was well tolerated and more efficacious than MTX in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Infliximab also was efficacious in patients who failed MTX and switched to infliximab.

A critical evaluation of different QM/MM frontier treatments with SCC-DFTB as the QM method

The performance of different link atom based frontier treatments in QM/MM simulations was evaluated critically with SCC-DFTB as the QM method. In addition to the analysis of gas-phase molecules as in previous studies, an important element of the present work is that chemical reactions in realistic enzyme systems were also examined. The schemes tested include all options available in the program CHARMM for SCC-DFTB/MM simulation, which treat electrostatic interactions due to the MM atoms close to the QM/MM boundary in different ways. In addition, a new approach, the divided frontier charge (DIV), has been implemented in which the partial charge associated with the frontier MM atom ("link host") is evenly distributed to the other MM atoms in the same group. The performance of these schemes was evaluated based on properties including proton affinities, deprotonation energies, dipole moments, and energetics of proton transfer reactions. Similar to previous work, it was found that calculated proton affinities and deprotonation energies of alcohols, carbonic acids, amino acids, and model DNA bases are very sensitive to the link atom scheme; the commonly used single link atom approach often gives error on the order of 15 to 20 kcal/mol. Other schemes give better and, on average, mutually comparable results. For proton transfer reactions, encouragingly, both activation barriers and reaction energies are fairly insensitive (within a typical range of 2-4 kcal/mol) to the link atom scheme due to error cancellation, and this was observed for both gas-phase and enzyme systems. Therefore, the effect of using different link atom schemes in QM/MM simulations is rather small for chemical reactions that conserve the total charge. Although the current study used an approximate DFT method as the QM level, the observed trends are expected to be applicable to QM/MM methods with use of other QM approaches. This observation does not mean to encourage QM/MM simulations without careful benchmark in the study of specific systems, rather it emphasizes that other technical details, such as the treatment of long-range electrostatics, tend to play a more important role and need to be handled carefully.

Positron emission tomography with fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F18-FDG) does not visualize extranodal B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type

BACKGROUND

On the basis of promising data on the use of fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F18-FDG) whole body positron emission tomography (WB-FDG-PET) in the staging of patients with lymphoma, we initiated a pilot series to evaluate the role of WB-FDG-PET in the staging of extranodal B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined ten consecutive patients with histologically-verified MALT-type lymphomas of various origin before initiation of therapy. Nine patients had low-grade lymphomas (five cases of gastric lymphoma, two patients with lymphoma arising in the lung, one parotid and one lacrimal gland lymphoma), while one patient had a high-grade gastric lymphoma arising from a low-grade background. Two patients had stage EI, seven had stage EII disease, and one presented with stage EIII. WB-FDG-PET scans were performed 40 min following the injection of 300-380 MBq of F18-FDG. The PET scans were correlated with extensive conventional staging including ophthalmologic investigation, otolaryngologic examination, gastroscopy, endosonography, enteroclysis, colonoscopy, CT of thorax and abdomen, and bone marrow biopsy.

RESULTS

WB-FDG-PET documented no lymphoma in any of the 10 patients studied, as no focal tracer uptake was demonstrated in either gastric or extragastric lesions or in involved lymph nodes, irrespective of histologic grading. In three patients the scan showed a false negative result with respect to the MALT lesions but showed focal tracer uptake indicating tumor spread, which, however, was ruled out by further follow-up and biopsy, respectively, and was thus rated false positive. Due to these results, the study was discontinued prematurely after the first ten patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These discouraging results indicated that WB-FDG-PET is not useful for staging and follow-up of MALT-type lymphoma, and should therefore not be included in the clinical decision making process.

Immune response restoration with macrophage culture supernatants

Depression of the in vitro immune response of mouse spleen cell suspensions to sheep erythrocytes by removal of macrophages can be reversed by the addition of supernatants from peritoneal macrophage cultures. Supernatant activity can be absorbed by the red cell antigen, and supernatant-treated red cells are stimulatory in the absence of macrophages or supernatant.

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Yagil A, Zevi Della Porta G, Bradmiller-Feld J, Campagnari C, Dishaw A, Dutta V, Flowers K, Franco Sevilla M, Geffert P, George C, Golf F, Gouskos L, Gran J, Incandela J, Mccoll N, Mullin SD, Mullin SD, Richman J, Stuart D, Suarez I, West C, Yoo J, Anderson D, Apresyan A, Bornheim A, Bunn J, Chen Y, Duarte J, Mott A, Newman HB, Pena C, Pierini M, Spiropulu M, Vlimant JR, Xie S, Zhu RY, Andrews MB, Azzolini V, Calamba A, Carlson B, Ferguson T, Paulini M, Russ J, Sun M, Vogel H, Vorobiev I, Cumalat JP, Ford WT, Gaz A, Jensen F, Johnson A, Krohn M, Mulholland T, Nauenberg U, Stenson K, Wagner SR, Alexander J, Chatterjee A, Chaves J, Chu J, Dittmer S, Eggert N, Mirman N, Nicolas Kaufman G, Patterson JR, Rinkevicius A, Ryd A, Skinnari L, Soffi L, Sun W, Tan SM, Teo WD, Thom J, Thompson J, Tucker J, Weng Y, Wittich P, Abdullin S, Albrow M, Apollinari G, Banerjee S, Bauerdick LAT, Beretvas A, Berryhill J, Bhat PC, Bolla G, Burkett K, Butler JN, Cheung HWK, Chlebana F, Cihangir S, Elvira VD, 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Martinez G, Rodriguez JL, Adams JR, Ackert A, Adams T, Askew A, Bein S, Bochenek J, Diamond B, Haas J, Hagopian S, Hagopian V, Johnson KF, Khatiwada A, Prosper H, Weinberg M, Baarmand MM, Bhopatkar V, Colafranceschi S, Hohlmann M, Kalakhety H, Noonan D, Roy T, Yumiceva F, Adams MR, Apanasevich L, Berry D, Betts RR, Bucinskaite I, Cavanaugh R, Evdokimov O, Gauthier L, Gerber CE, Hofman DJ, Kurt P, O’Brien C, Sandoval Gonzalez LD, Silkworth C, Turner P, Varelas N, Wu Z, Zakaria M, Bilki B, Clarida W, Dilsiz K, Durgut S, Gandrajula RP, Haytmyradov M, Khristenko V, Merlo JP, Mermerkaya H, Mestvirishvili A, Moeller A, Nachtman J, Ogul H, Onel Y, Ozok F, Penzo A, Snyder C, Tiras E, Wetzel J, Yi K, Anderson I, Anderson I, Barnett BA, Blumenfeld B, Eminizer N, Fehling D, Feng L, Gritsan AV, Maksimovic P, Martin C, Osherson M, Roskes J, Sady A, Sarica U, Swartz M, Xiao M, Xin Y, You C, Xiao M, Baringer P, Bean A, Benelli G, Bruner C, Kenny RP, Majumder D, Majumder D, Malek M, Murray M, Sanders S, Stringer R, Wang Q, Ivanov A, Kaadze K, Khalil S, Makouski M, Maravin Y, Mohammadi A, Saini LK, Skhirtladze N, Toda S, Lange D, Rebassoo F, Wright D, Anelli C, Baden A, Baron O, Belloni A, Calvert B, Eno SC, Ferraioli C, Gomez JA, Hadley NJ, Jabeen S, Jabeen S, Kellogg RG, Kolberg T, Kunkle J, Lu Y, Mignerey AC, Shin YH, Skuja A, Tonjes MB, Tonwar SC, Apyan A, Barbieri R, Baty A, Bierwagen K, Brandt S, Bierwagen K, Busza W, Cali IA, Demiragli Z, Di Matteo L, Gomez Ceballos G, Goncharov M, Gulhan D, Iiyama Y, Innocenti GM, Klute M, Kovalskyi D, Lai YS, Lee YJ, Levin A, Luckey PD, Marini AC, Mcginn C, Mironov C, Narayanan S, Niu X, Paus C, Ralph D, Roland C, Roland G, Salfeld-Nebgen J, Stephans GSF, Sumorok K, Varma M, Velicanu D, Veverka J, Wang J, Wang TW, Wyslouch B, Yang M, Zhukova V, Dahmes B, Evans A, Finkel A, Gude A, Hansen P, Kalafut S, Kao SC, Klapoetke K, Kubota Y, Lesko Z, Mans J, Nourbakhsh S, Ruckstuhl N, Rusack R, Tambe N, Turkewitz J, Acosta JG, Oliveros S, Avdeeva E, Bloom K, Bose S, Claes DR, Dominguez A, Fangmeier C, Gonzalez Suarez R, Kamalieddin R, Keller J, Knowlton D, Kravchenko I, Meier F, Monroy J, Ratnikov F, Siado JE, Snow GR, Alyari M, Dolen J, George J, Godshalk A, Harrington C, Iashvili I, Kaisen J, Kharchilava A, Kumar A, Rappoccio S, Roozbahani B, Alverson G, Barberis E, Baumgartel D, Chasco M, Hortiangtham A, Massironi A, Morse DM, Nash D, Orimoto T, Teixeira De Lima R, Trocino D, Wang RJ, Wood D, Zhang J, Hahn KA, Kubik A, Mucia N, Odell N, Pollack B, Pozdnyakov A, Schmitt M, Stoynev S, Sung K, Trovato M, Velasco M, Brinkerhoff A, Dev N, Hildreth M, Jessop C, Karmgard DJ, Kellams N, Lannon K, Marinelli N, Meng F, Mueller C, Musienko Y, Planer M, Reinsvold A, Ruchti R, Smith G, Taroni S, Valls N, Wayne M, Wolf M, Woodard A, Antonelli L, Brinson J, Bylsma B, Durkin LS, Flowers S, Hart A, Hill C, Hughes R, Ji W, Ling TY, Liu B, Luo W, Puigh D, Rodenburg M, Winer BL, Wulsin HW, Driga O, Elmer P, Hardenbrook J, Hebda P, Koay SA, Lujan P, Marlow D, Medvedeva T, Mooney M, Olsen J, Palmer C, Piroué P, Saka H, Stickland D, Tully C, Zuranski A, Malik S, Barnes VE, Benedetti D, Bortoletto D, Gutay L, Jha MK, Jones M, Jung K, Miller DH, Neumeister N, Primavera F, Radburn-Smith BC, Shi X, Shipsey I, Silvers D, Sun J, Svyatkovskiy A, Wang F, Xie W, Xu L, Parashar N, Stupak J, Adair A, Akgun B, Chen Z, Ecklund KM, Geurts FJM, Guilbaud M, Li W, Michlin B, Northup M, Padley BP, Redjimi R, Roberts J, Rorie J, Tu Z, Zabel J, Betchart B, Bodek A, de Barbaro P, Demina R, Eshaq Y, Ferbel T, Galanti M, Galanti M, Garcia-Bellido A, Han J, Harel A, Hindrichs O, Hindrichs O, Khukhunaishvili A, Petrillo G, Tan P, Verzetti M, Arora S, Barker A, Chou JP, Contreras-Campana C, Contreras-Campana E, Ferencek D, Gershtein Y, Gray R, Halkiadakis E, Hidas D, Hughes E, Kaplan S, Kunnawalkam Elayavalli R, Lath A, Nash K, Panwalkar S, Park M, Salur S, Schnetzer S, Sheffield D, Somalwar S, Stone R, Thomas S, Thomassen P, Walker M, Foerster M, Riley 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Pierro GA, Polese G, Ruggles T, Sarangi T, Savin A, Sharma A, Smith N, Smith WH, Taylor D, Woods N. Event generator tunes obtained from underlying event and multiparton scattering measurements

New sets of parameters ("tunes") for the underlying-event (UE) modelling of the pythia8, pythia6 and herwig++ Monte Carlo event generators are constructed using different parton distribution functions. Combined fits to CMS UE proton-proton ([Formula: see text]) data at [Formula: see text] and to UE proton-antiproton ([Formula: see text]) data from the CDF experiment at lower [Formula: see text], are used to study the UE models and constrain their parameters, providing thereby improved predictions for proton-proton collisions at 13[Formula: see text]. In addition, it is investigated whether the values of the parameters obtained from fits to UE observables are consistent with the values determined from fitting observables sensitive to double-parton scattering processes. Finally, comparisons are presented of the UE tunes to "minimum bias" (MB) events, multijet, and Drell-Yan ([Formula: see text] lepton-antilepton+jets) observables at 7 and 8[Formula: see text], as well as predictions for MB and UE observables at 13[Formula: see text].

Trimipramine in primary insomnia: results of a polysomnographic double-blind controlled study

In recent years, sedating antidepressants have been increasingly used to treat primary insomnia. Up to now, only one open pilot study with trimipramine and one double-blind placebo-controlled study with doxepin have provided scientific support for this approach in treating primary insomnia. In order to test the hypothesis that sedating antidepressants are useful in the treatment of primary insomnia, the effect of trimipramine on objectively and subjectively measured parameters of sleep was investigated in a double-blind placebo- and lormetazepam-controlled study in a sample of 55 patients with primary insomnia attending outpatient sleep-disorder clinics. Trimipramine was selected since it has shown positive effects on sleep continuity with a lack of REM sleep suppression in studies on depressed patients and in one pilot study on patients with primary insomnia. Trimipramine at an average dose of 100 mg over a period of 4 weeks significantly enhanced sleep efficiency, but not total sleep time (which had been the primary target variable) compared to placebo as measured by polysomnography. Changes in objective sleep parameters were paralleled by changes in subjective sleep parameters. Trimipramine did not suppress REM sleep. Lormetazepam decreased wake time and sleep stage 3 and increased REM sleep compared to placebo. After switching trimipramine to placebo, sleep parameters returned to baseline. There was no evidence of any rebound effect from trimipramine. Side effects from trimipramine were only marginal. This first double-blind placebo-controlled study with trimipramine suggests its efficacy in the treatment of primary insomnia. However, due to the large intra- and interindividual variance in the parameters of interest before and during treatment a larger sample size would have been necessary to strengthen the validity of our findings.

In vitro hymenoptera venom allergy diagnosis: improved by screening for cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants and reciprocal inhibition

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin (Ig) E-double positivity for honeybee (HB) and yellow jacket (YJ) venom causes diagnostic difficulties concerning therapeutical strategies. The aim of this study was to clarify the cause and relation of the cross-reactivity in patients with insect venom allergy.

METHODS

For this purpose, 147 patients with suspected stinging insect allergy and CAP-FEIA-double positivity were investigated for specific sIgE to additional cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant (CCD)-containing allergens: timothy grass pollen, rape pollen, natural rubber latex (NRL), bromelain, and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Sera with sIgE to NRL were further investigated with the commercially available recombinant latex allergens. Reciprocal inhibition assays with both venoms and HRP were performed.

RESULTS

About 36 of 147 (24.5%) patients had sIgE to both venoms only. However, 111 of 147 (75.5%) additionally reacted to CCD-carrying allergens. 89 of 111 CCD-reactive sera had NRL-sIgE. In cases where inhibition experiments were performed, the NRL-sIgE binding was completely abolished in the presence of HRP. Only nine of 61 sera were positive for at least one recombinant latex allergen; all of them were negative in history and NRL-skin prick test. In 43 sera containing sIgE to CCD, HRP inhibition revealed unequivocal results: In 28 of 43 (65%) an HRP-inhibition >70% of sIgE to one venom occurred, pointing out the relevant venom. In three of 43 sIgE proved to be entirely CCD-specific.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that in cases of IgE positivity to both insect venoms supplementary screening tests with at least one CCD-containing allergen should be performed; HRP being a suitable tool for this test. In addition, subsequent reciprocal inhibition is an essential diagnostic method to specify cross-reacting sIgE results.

18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) visualizes follicular lymphoma irrespective of grading

BACKGROUND

18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) has become a routine measure for staging and follow-up of patients with aggressive lymphoma. By contrast, its usefulness to visualize indolent lymphomas characterized by a lower cellular turnover has not clearly been defined. We have investigated accuracy and clinical usefulness of 18F-FDG-PET in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 64 patients with FL WHO grade I - III (48, 5, and 11 patients) were imaged at our institution to assess the value of 18F-FDG-PET for imaging of FL of different gradings. A total of 115 scans (48 before therapy and 67 for response assessment after treatment) were performed, and findings were compared to conventional staging including CT-scan of thorax and abdomen, sonography of lymph nodes and bone marrow biopsy.

RESULTS

Overall, 18F-FDG-PET had a sensitivity of 98%, a specificity of 94%, a positive predictive value of 95% and a negative predictive value of 98%. These results were significantly more accurate (P = 0.023) than the conventional radiology studies. There was no significant difference (P = 0.093) in the accuracy between patients with indolent (WHO grade I and II) versus aggressive FL (WHO grade III).

CONCLUSION

18F-FDG-PET scan is a reliable method for staging and follow up of patients with nodal FL irrespective of tumor grading.

The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, zileuton, suppresses prostaglandin biosynthesis by inhibition of arachidonic acid release in macrophages

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Zileuton is the only 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitor marketed as a treatment for asthma, and is often utilized as a selective tool to evaluate the role of 5-LOX and leukotrienes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zileuton on prostaglandin (PG) production in vitro and in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Peritoneal macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon γ (LPS/IFNγ), J774 macrophages and human whole blood stimulated with LPS were used as in vitro models and rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy as an in vivo model.

KEY RESULTS

Zileuton suppressed PG biosynthesis by interference with arachidonic acid (AA) release in macrophages. We found that zileuton significantly reduced PGE2 and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α) levels in activated mouse peritoneal macrophages and in J774 macrophages. This effect was not related to 5-LOX inhibition, because it was also observed in macrophages from 5-LOX knockout mice. Notably, zileuton inhibited PGE2 production in LPS-stimulated human whole blood and suppressed PGE2 and 6-keto PGF1α pleural levels in rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Interestingly, zileuton failed to inhibit the activity of microsomal PGE2 synthase1 and of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and did not affect COX-2 expression. However, zileuton significantly decreased AA release in macrophages accompanied by inhibition of phospholipase A2 translocation to cellular membranes.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION

Zileuton inhibited PG production by interfering at the level of AA release. Its mechanism of action, as well as its use as a pharmacological tool, in experimental models of inflammation should be reassessed.

A murine model of NK cell mediated resorption

There is increasing evidence that some models of immunologically mediated murine embryo demise involve nonspecific lytic effector cells. In this paper, we use two double stranded synthetic RNAs, known as potent interferon inducers and NK cell activators, the Poly (I). Poly (C) and the less toxic Poly (I). Poly (C12U). These polynucleotides enhance fetal resorption rates in both resorption prone and none-resorption prone strains of mice. We have studied the kinetics of the phenomenon, and observed an anti-implantation-like effect of early injection during early pregnancy. The abortifacient effects can be adoptively transferred to naive recipients by spleen cells from Ds RNA injected donors. Such effects are abrogated if the cells are pretreated with anti-NK cell antiserum. The relevance of these findings to the survival of the conceptus is suggested.

A retrospective evaluation of the global decline of carnivores and ungulates

Assessing temporal changes in species extinction risk is necessary for measuring conservation success or failure and for directing conservation resources toward species or regions that would benefit most. Yet, there is no long-term picture of genuine change that allows one to associate species extinction risk trends with drivers of change or conservation actions. Through a review of 40 years of IUCN-related literature sources on species conservation status (e.g., action plans, red-data books), we assigned retrospective red-list categories to the world's carnivores and ungulates (2 groups with relatively long generation times) to examine how their extinction risk has changed since the 1970s. We then aggregated species' categories to calculate a global trend in their extinction risk over time. A decline in the conservation status of carnivores and ungulates was underway 40 years ago and has since accelerated. One quarter of all species (n = 498) moved one or more categories closer to extinction globally, while almost half of the species moved closer to extinction in Southeast Asia. The conservation status of some species improved (toward less threatened categories), but for each species that improved in status 8 deteriorated. The status of large-bodied species, particularly those above 100 kg (including many iconic taxa), deteriorated significantly more than small-bodied species (below 10 kg). The trends we found are likely related to geopolitical events (such as the collapse of Soviet Union), international regulations (such as CITES), shifting cultural values, and natural resource exploitation (e.g., in Southeast Asia). Retrospective assessments of global species extinction risk reduce the risk of a shifting baseline syndrome, which can affect decisions on the desirable conservation status of species. Such assessments can help conservationists identify which conservation policies and strategies are or are not helping safeguard biodiversity and thus can improve future strategies.