Transcriptomic analyses of ovarian clear-cell carcinoma with concurrent endometriosis

Introduction

Endometriosis, a benign inflammatory disease whereby endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, is a risk factor for endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers. In particular, ovarian endometriomas, cystic lesions of deeply invasive endometriosis, are considered the precursor lesion for ovarian clear-cell carcinoma (OCCC).

Methods

To explore this transcriptomic landscape, OCCC from women with pathology-proven concurrent endometriosis (n = 4) were compared to benign endometriomas (n = 4) by bulk RNA and small-RNA sequencing.

Results

Analysis of protein-coding genes identified 2449 upregulated and 3131 downregulated protein-coding genes (DESeq2, P< 0.05, log2 fold-change > |1|) in OCCC with concurrent endometriosis compared to endometriomas. Gene set enrichment analysis showed upregulation of pathways involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA replication and downregulation of pathways involved in cytokine receptor signaling and matrisome. Comparison of pathway activation scores between the clinical samples and publicly-available datasets for OCCC cell lines revealed significant molecular similarities between OCCC with concurrent endometriosis and OVTOKO, OVISE, RMG1, OVMANA, TOV21G, IGROV1, and JHOC5 cell lines. Analysis of miRNAs revealed 64 upregulated and 61 downregulated mature miRNA molecules (DESeq2, P< 0.05, log2 fold-change > |1|). MiR-10a-5p represented over 21% of the miRNA molecules in OCCC with endometriosis and was significantly upregulated (NGS: log2fold change = 4.37, P = 2.43e-18; QPCR: 8.1-fold change, P< 0.05). Correlation between miR-10a expression level in OCCC cell lines and IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) of carboplatin in vitro revealed a positive correlation (R2 = 0.93). MiR-10a overexpression in vitro resulted in a significant decrease in proliferation (n = 6; P< 0.05) compared to transfection with a non-targeting control miRNA. Similarly, the cell-cycle analysis revealed a significant shift in cells from S and G2 to G1 (n = 6; P< 0.0001). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that miR-10a-5p target genes that were downregulated in OCCC with endometriosis were involved in receptor signaling pathways, proliferation, and cell cycle progression. MiR-10a overexpression in vitro was correlated with decreased expression of predicted miR-10a target genes critical for proliferation, cell-cycle regulation, and cell survival including [SERPINE1 (3-fold downregulated; P< 0.05), CDK6 (2.4-fold downregulated; P< 0.05), and RAP2A (2-3-fold downregulated; P< 0.05)].

Discussion

These studies in OCCC suggest that miR-10a-5p is an impactful, potentially oncogenic molecule, which warrants further studies.

Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work

The 2030 United Nations Goal 8 for sustainable development focuses on decent work. There is utility in identifying the occupational safety and health aspects of Goal 8, as they pertain to the four pillars of decent work: job creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue. A workgroup of the International Commission on Occupational Health and collaborators addressed the issue of decent work and occupational safety and health (OSH) with the objective of elaborating a framework for guidance for practitioners, researchers, employers, workers, and authorities. This article presents that framework, which is based on an examination of the literature and the perspectives of the workgroup. The framework encompasses the intersection of the pillars of decent (employment creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue) work with new and emerging hazards and risks related to various selected determinants: new technologies and new forms of work; demographics (aging and gender); globalization; informal work; migration; pandemics; and OSH policies and climate change. The OSH field will need an expanded focus to address the future of decent work. This focus should incorporate the needs of workers and workforces in terms of their well-being. The framework identifies a starting point for the OSH community to begin to promote decent work.

COVID ‐19 vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy among people with opioid use disorder in Barcelona, Spain

Introduction

People with substance use disorders are considered a priority group for SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination as they are at elevated risk of COVID‐19 and its severe complications. However, data are scarce about vaccination coverage in a real‐world setting.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) from three public centres for outpatient drug addiction treatment in Barcelona, Spain, who received brief medical advice and were referred to vaccination clinic sites.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐two individuals were included: 277 (77%) were men with a mean age of 48.1 ± 8.9 years and 77% were Spanish. Most (90%) participants engaged in polysubstance use and all individuals were on opioid agonist therapy. Psychiatric comorbidity was present in 56% subjects and 32% individuals had ≥1 chronic disease, 30% had HIV and 13% hepatitis C. There were 258 fully vaccinated individuals (71%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 67, 76). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% CI 1.01, 1.08; P < 0.01) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.11, 2.5; P < 0.01) were associated with full vaccination. The vaccination hesitancy causes cited were complacency (53, 51%), convenience (40, 39%) and confidence (11, 10%).

Discussion and Conclusions

More than two‐thirds of our sample of people with OUD were fully vaccinated. Complacency and convenience represented a significant barrier to complete vaccination among people with OUD on opioid agonist therapy referred to vaccination clinic sites. Additional measures are necessary to increase vaccination, especially for younger individuals and those with less medical comorbidity. Integrating vaccination services in drug outpatient centres could be a useful alternative.

Randomized clinical trial of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy (IEA trial)

BACKGROUND

Several non-randomized and retrospective studies have suggested that intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) has advantages over extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) in laparoscopic right colectomy, but scientific evidence is lacking. The aim was to compare short-term outcomes and to define the possible benefits of IA compared with EA in elective laparoscopic right colectomy.

METHODS

An RCT was conducted from May 2015 to June 2018. The primary endpoint was duration of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were intraoperative technical events and postoperative clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients were randomized. Duration of surgery was longer for procedures with an IA than in those with an EA (median 149 (range 95-215) versus 123 (60-240) min; P < 0·001). Wound length was shorter in the IA group (median 6·7 (4-9·5) versus 8·7 (5-13) cm; P < 0·001). Digestive function recovered earlier in patients with an IA (median 2·3 versus 3·3 days; P = 0·003) and the incidence of paralytic ileus was lower (13 versus 30 per cent; P = 0·022). Less postoperative analgesia was needed in the IA group (mean(s.d.) weighted analgesia requirement 39(24) versus 53(26); P = 0·001) and the pain score was also lower (P = 0·035). The postoperative decrease in haemoglobin level was smaller (mean(s.d.) 8·8(1·7) versus 17·1(1·7) mg/dl; P = 0·001) and there was less lower gastrointestinal bleeding (3 versus 14 per cent; P = 0·031) in the IA group. IA was associated with a significantly better rate of grade I and II complications (P = 0·016 and P = 0·037 respectively). The duration of hospital stay was slightly shorter in the IA group (median 5·7 (range 2-19) versus 6·6 (2-23) days; P = 0·194).

CONCLUSION

Duration of hospital stay was similar, but IA was associated with less pain and fewer complications. Registration number: NCT02667860 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Publisher Correction: Allele-defined genome of the autopolyploid sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum L

In the version of this article originally published, the accession codes listed in the data availability section were incorrect and the section was incomplete. The text for this section should have read "The genome assembly and gene annotation have been deposited in the NCBI database under accession number QVOL00000000, BioProject number PRJNA483885 and BioSample number SAMN09753102. The data can also be downloaded from the following link: http://www.life.illinois.edu/ming/downloads/Spontaneum_genome/ ." The errors have been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in right hemicolectomy assisted by laparoscopy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer diagnosed in men and the second in women. Laparoscopic surgery has been a technical revolution in colorectal surgery, facilitating a better recovery of patients with lower morbidity and better esthetic results, compared to traditional surgery via laparotomy, without compromising safety and long-term oncological results.

PURPOSE

The trial is a randomized controlled trial indented to evaluate the two interventions with thorough measurements of the postoperative variables and complications to improve the evaluation of the surgical technique. The primary endpoint is to compare the hospital stay, which will be measured in days between both groups. The purpose of the study at secondary endpoints is to compare intraoperative and postoperative events between both groups in terms of operating time, anastomotic performance time, intraoperative complications, number of harvested lymph nodes, need for blood transfusion, length of the surgical wound, start and tolerance of oral intake, beginning of digestive functionality, postoperative pain, need for analgesic administration, surgical wound infection, paralytic ileus, anastomosis leakage or dehiscence, need for surgical reintervention, and hospital readmission within the first 30 days after surgery.

METHODS

This trial is a prospective, randomized, single-blind, and single-center clinical trial comparing intracorporeal anastomosis versus extracorporeal anastomosis for right laparoscopic hemicolectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nowadays, there are several retrospective trials comparing the benefits for extracorporeal anastomosis versus intracorporeal anastomosis in right colon cancer patients. Considering the impact for laparoscopic surgery, we think it is necessary to do a randomized trial comparing extracorporeal versus intracorporeal anastomosis modalities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT02667860 and Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Research Institute No. IIBSP-AIE-2015-01.

Activation of Endothelial Pro-resolving Anti-Inflammatory Pathways by Circulating Microvesicles from Non-muscular Myosin Light Chain Kinase-Deficient Mice

Microvesicles, small membrane vesicles released from cells, have beneficial and/or deleterious effects in sepsis. We previously reported that non-muscle myosin light chain kinase (nmMLCK) deletion protects mice against endotoxic shock by reducing inflammation. Here, we have evaluated the consequences of nmMLCK deletion on microvesicle phenotypes and their effects on mouse aortic endothelial cells in association with vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction during endotoxic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice. Treatment with lipopolysaccharide induced an increase in levels of circulating microvesicles in wild type but not in nmMLCK-deficient mice. Microvesicles from nmMLCK-deficient mice (MVs^nmMLCK-/-) prevented the inflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide with concomitant increase of anti- inflammatory and reduction of pro-inflammatory secretome in mouse aortic endothelial cells. In addition, MVs^nmMLCK-/- reduced the efficacy of lipopolysaccharide to increase aortic oxidative and nitrosative stresses as well as macrophage infiltration in the aorta. Moreover, MVs^nmMLCK-/- prevented ex vivo endothelial dysfunction, vascular hyporeactivity, and in vivo overproduction of nitric oxide in heart and liver in response to lipopolysaccharide. Altogether, these findings provide evidence that nmMLCK deletion generates circulating microvesicles displaying protective effects by activating endothelial pro-resolving anti-inflammatory pathways allowing the effective down-regulation of oxidative and nitrative stresses associated with endotoxic shock. Thus, nmMLCK plays a pivotal role in susceptibility to sepsis via the control of cellular activation and release of circulating microvesicles.

Periodontitis as a risk factor for systemic disease: Are microparticles the missing link?

Periodontitis is an oral inflammatory disease affecting the teeth supportive tissue. Its bacterial infectious etiology is well established. Periodontitis has been associated with increased prevalence of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, preeclampsia, preterm birth and inflammatory bowel disease. The rational of considering periodontitis as risk factor for systemic disease is the passage of inflammatory cytokines and/or bacteria in the bloodstream, thus affecting distant organs. Membrane microparticles are released by multiple cells in inflammatory environment. Recent data suggested the role of these microparticles in the pathogenic process of many systemic diseases, that can be also associated to periodontitis. We hypothesized that periodontitis could be a chronic reservoir of microparticles, hence elucidating partially the interaction with systemic diseases initiation or progression.

Is DNA barcoding actually cheaper and faster than traditional morphological methods: results from a survey of freshwater bioassessment efforts in the United States?

Taxonomic identification accounts for a substantial portion of cost associated with bioassessment programs across the United States. New analytical approaches, such as DNA barcoding have been promoted as a way to reduce monitoring costs and improve efficiency, yet this assumption has not been thoroughly evaluated. We address this question by comparing costs for traditional morphology-based bioassessment, the standard Sanger sequencing-based DNA barcoding approach, and emerging next-generation (NGS) molecular methods. Market demand for molecular approaches is also assessed through a survey of the level of freshwater bioassessment effort in the United States across multiple habitat types (lakes, streams, wetlands) and indicators (benthic invertebrates, fish, algae). All state and regional level programs administered by public agencies and reported via agency web sites were included in the survey. Costs were based on surveys of labs and programs willing to provide such information. More than 19,500 sites are sampled annually across the United States, with the majority of effort occurring in streams. Benthic invertebrates are the most commonly used indicator, but algae and fish comprise between 35% and 21% of total sampling effort, respectively. We estimate that between $104 and $193 million is spent annually on routine freshwater bioassessment in the United States. Approximately 30% of the bioassessment costs are comprised of the cost to conduct traditional morphology-based taxonomy. Current barcoding costs using Sanger sequencing are between 1.7 and 3.4 times as expensive as traditional taxonomic approaches, excluding the cost of field sampling (which is common to both approaches). However, the cost of NGS methods are comparable (or slightly less expensive) than traditional methods depending on the indicator. The promise of barcoding as a cheaper alternative to current practices is not yet realized, although molecular methods may provide other benefits, such as a faster sample processing and increased taxonomic resolution.

Sociocultural tailoring of a healthy lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk among Latinos

Background

Suboptimal lifestyle factors in combination with genetic susceptibility contribute to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk among Latinos. We describe a community–academic collaboration that developed and explored the feasibility of implementing a socioculturally tailored, healthy lifestyle intervention integrating genomics and family history education to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes among Latinos.

Community Context

The community-based participatory research was conducted with communities in Kentucky, which has a rapidly growing Latino population. This growth underscores the need for socioculturally appropriate health resources.

Methods

Su Corazon, Su Vida (Your Heart, Your Life) is a Spanish-language, healthy lifestyle educational program to reduce cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk among Latinos. Twenty natural leaders from an urban Latino community in Kentucky participated in sociocultural tailoring of the program and development of a genomics and family history module. The tailored program was presented to 22 participants to explore implementation feasibility and assess appropriateness for community use. Preintervention and postintervention assessments of genomic knowledge and lifestyle behaviors and qualitative postintervention evaluations were conducted.

Outcomes

Postintervention improvements in health-promoting lifestyle choices and genomic knowledge specific to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes suggested that the program may be effective in reducing risk. Feedback indicated the program was socioculturally acceptable and responsive to community needs.

Interpretation

These findings indicated that a tailored healthy lifestyle program integrating genomics and family history education was socioculturally appropriate and may feasibly be implemented to reduce cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk in a Latino community with limited health care resources. The project highlights contributions of community-based processes in tailoring interventions that are appropriate for community contexts.

An odd case of heteroallelic acute intermittent porphyria in the Argentinean population

AIP is an acute liver disorder caused by a deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) characterized by neuroabdominal symptoms. It is an autosomal dominant disease. However, homozygous dominant AIP (HD-AIP) have been described. In some cases erythrodontia was observed. CEP is an autosomal recessive disease produced by mutations in the uroporphyrinogen III synthase gene (UROS), characterized by severe cutaneous lesions and erythrodontia. The aim of the work was to establish the differential diagnosis of porphyria in a patient with abdominal pain, neurological attacks, skin symptoms and erythrodontia. The PBGD activity was reduced 50% and the genetic analysis indicated the presence of two genetic variants in the PBGD gene, p.G111R and p.E258G, a new genetic variant, revealing a case of heteroallelic HD-AIP. The patient, first diagnosed as a carrier of a dual porphyria: AIP / CEP based on the excretion profile of porphyrins, precursors and her clinical symptoms, would be an atypical case of human HD-AIP. These results would also suggest the presence of a phenocopy of the CEP, induced by an endogenous or exogenous factor. Our findings highlight the importance of genetic studies for a proper diagnosis of porphyria, prevention of its manifestation and its treatment.

A fatally mistaken fruit juice drink: an unordinary way of cocaine intoxication

Cocaine is one of the drugs of abuse more frequently consumed in Spain. Furthermore, Spain due to its geographical position is used by trafficker's organizations as the port of entrance of cocaine in the European Union. We present here a case of a fatal intoxication caused by a mistake in the cocaine distribution net in our country. Cocaine was concealed in a tropical juice only sold by the Internet.

Pneumonia due to Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in a patient with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab

Infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) antibody, is useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease etc. It has been related to increases in the rate of several infections. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia due to Nocardia cyriacigeorgica who was taking infliximab, azathioprine and prednisone for Crohn's disease.

Exercise-induced asthma in asthmatic children. Predisposing factors

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) has a high prevalence in children with asthma, and this is a common problem, even in case of controlled asthma, because of the high levels of physical activity in the childhood.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with the development of EIB in children with controlled asthma.

METHODS

We studied children evaluated for asthma. A personal and familiar history was collected from each patient to estimate asthma severity, precipitating factors, exercise ability, immunotherapy treatment and atopic familiar disorders. Skin prick tests for inhalant allergens, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and exercise challenge test (ECT) measurements were realized in every patient. We used the Chi Squared test to compare qualitative variables, the Student's-t test for quantitative variables and a logistic regression analysis to estimate the independent effect of the variables.

RESULTS

We evaluated 132 asthmatic patients. Eighty-two, 6 to 14 years old (average 110 +/- 36.9 months), were included in the study. Forty one have coughing or wheezing with exercise at least three months ago, in addition to a positive ECT; 9 of these children had solitary EIB (group A), and 32 (group B) had controlled chronic asthma, 27 intermittent and 5 moderately persistent. Forty one controlled asthmatic children, 39 intermittent, 1 mildly persistent and 1 moderately persistent (group C) had a good tolerance for exercise with a negative ECT. No differences were found in familiar history, asthma severity or evolution time in B vs C group. We found that 35 patients (42,68 %) patients were sensitized to indoor allergens: 24 (58,53 %) were patients suffering EIB and 11 (26,8 %) allowed to group C. Precipitating factors of asthma were in group B: respiratory infections in 19 cases, pollen in 20 and in 10 indoor allergens exposure. In group C: 14 patients had asthmatic symptoms with viral respiratory infections, 32 with pollen and 2 with indoor allergens exposure. A patient from group A had allergy rhinitis after exposure to cats. Allergy to indoor allergens demonstrated an direct association to EIB suffering (p = 0,026). Twenty six patients with allergic asthma followed pollen immunotherapy treatment, 7 of group B (33,3 %) and 19 (59,3 %) of group C. This treatment was inversely associated with EIB suffering (p = 0,048). A logistic regression analysis confirmed the independence of both variables as predisposing and protecting factors in EIB suffering.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergy to indoor allergens might be considered a risk factor for EIB. Immunotherapy treatment could be a protective factor against the development of EIB in children with allergic asthma.

CADASIL mutations impair Notch3 glycosylation by Fringe

Mutations in the NOTCH3 gene trigger adult-onset stroke and vascular dementia in patients with CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy). All CADASIL mutations described to date affect the epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) repeats located in the extracellular domain of the Notch3 receptor. These domains are also the target of sequential complex O-linked glycosylation mediated by protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 and Fringe. We investigated whether O-fucosylation or Fringe-mediated elongation of O-fucose on Notch3 is impaired by CADASIL mutations. Biochemical studies of a Notch3 fragment containing the first five EGF-like repeats of Notch3, including the mutational hot spot, showed that CADASIL mutations do not affect the addition of O-fucose but do impair carbohydrate chain elongation by Fringe. CADASIL changes also induced aberrant homodimerization of mutant Notch3 fragments and heterodimerization of mutant Notch3 with Lunatic Fringe itself. Together, these data suggest that Fringe plays a role in CADASIL pathophysiology.

Urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi)

BACKGROUND

Chinese-herb nephropathy is a progressive form of renal fibrosis that develops in some patients who take weight-reducing pills containing Chinese herbs. Because of a manufacturing error, one of the herbs in these pills (Stephania tetrandra) was inadvertently replaced by Aristolochia fangchi, which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic.

METHODS

The diagnosis of a neoplastic lesion in the native urinary tract of a renal-transplant recipient who had Chinese-herb nephropathy prompted us to propose regular cystoscopic examinations and the prophylactic removal of the native kidneys and ureters in all our patients with end-stage Chinese-herb nephropathy who were being treated with either transplantation or dialysis. Surgical specimens were examined histologically and analyzed for the presence of DNA adducts formed by aristolochic acid. All prescriptions written for Chinese-herb weight-reducing compounds during the period of exposure (1990 to 1992) in these patients were obtained, and the cumulative doses were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 39 patients who agreed to undergo prophylactic surgery, there were 18 cases of urothelial carcinoma (prevalence, 46 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 29 to 62 percent): 17 cases of carcinoma of the ureter, renal pelvis, or both and 1 papillary bladder tumor. Nineteen of the remaining patients had mild-to-moderate urothelial dysplasia, and two had normal urothelium. All tissue samples analyzed contained aristolochic acid-related DNA adducts. The cumulative dose of aristolochia was a significant risk factor for urothelial carcinoma, with total doses of more than 200 g associated with a higher risk of urothelial carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of urothelial carcinoma among patients with end-stage Chinese-herb nephropathy (caused by aristolochia species) is a high.

Famotidine in the management of schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use and potential benefit of famotidine in the management of schizophrenia.

DATA SOURCES

Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (February 1998-October 1998). Key search terms included famotidine, schizophrenia, and histamine.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder associated with high morbidity if left unmanaged. Histamine2 (H2)-antagonists may be an alternative to conventional treatments. An evaluation of studies focusing on famotidine in the management of schizophrenic symptoms was conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

Famotidine can improve schizophrenic symptoms that were otherwise refractory to typical antipsychotic agents. Further studies should be conducted to determine if other H2-antagonists are also effective.

Prospective study of Entamoeba dispar infection in a cohort of mothers and their infants: relationship to serum antibody response

The sera of cohorts of newborn infants and their mothers, characterized as cyst passers of Entamoeba with nonpathogenic zymodemes (E. dispar) and seropositive for amoebic antigens, were analyzed. Both cohorts were followed for a period of 12 months by microscopic examination of feces and determination of serum anti-amoebic antibody titers using the indirect hemagglutination assay. Control groups (noncyst passer mothers and their infants) were included and followed. To characterize antigens involved in the induction of IgG and IgA antibody responses, Western blots of serum from all participants were tested and immunoplots of the frequency of antigenic recognition were constructed. Results of clinical follow-up and microscopic examination of feces showed that during the 12-month period none of the cyst passer mothers had episodes of diarrhea attributable to E. histolytica invasion; five of 21 children of cyst passer mothers became infected during the study, five of five infected children developed serum antiamebic antibodies (titers 1:64-1:128); none of the cohort of children from cyst passer mothers had diarrhea due to E. histolytica. Western blot analysis showed that there are antigenic fractions that induce serum antibodies of the IgG and IgA classes against E. dispar very early in the host-parasite relationship. Our results suggest that mechanisms of antibody induction different from intestinal invasion may be operating in amebic infection. Intestinal absorption of antigen, systemic reflection of secretory antibody response, and priming of newborns by maternal anti-idiotypic antibody transfer are discussed.

Iris-fixated Worst claw versus sulcus-fixated posterior chamber lenses in the absence of capsular support

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual outcomes and complications of iris-fixated intraocular lenses (IOLs) (lobster-claw) and sutured sulcus-fixated posterior chamber (PC) IOLs in primary and secondary implantation.

SETTING

Eye Department, University Hospital "La Fe", Valencia, Spain.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed 47 patients who had primary implantation of an iris-fixated (n = 34) or sulcus-fixated (n = 13) IOL and 54 patients who had secondary implantation of an iris-fixated (n = 41) or sulcus-fixated (n = 13) IOL.

RESULTS

Visual acuity in the primary implantation group was similar with both lens types. Overall, 54.0% had a postoperative acuity of 20/40 or better. In eyes without pre-existing pathology, 60.0% with an iris-fixated IOL and 54.6% with a sutured PC IOL had this level of postoperative acuity (P = .768). In the secondary implantation group, the percentage of patients with a postoperative visual acuity of 20/40 or better was significantly higher in iris-fixated IOL eyes (78.0%) than in sulcus-fixated PC IOL eyes (46.2%) (P < .05). In eyes without pre-existing pathology, the difference was maintained. No intraoperative complications directly associated with iris-fixated lens implantation occurred. The incidence of postoperative complications common to either IOL type in primary and secondary implantation did not differ significantly. The incidence of retinal complications was higher in eyes that had primary implantation of either lens type, although the differences between both lenses in either primary or secondary implantation were not significant.

CONCLUSION

The good visual outcomes and low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications in eyes with iris-fixated IOLs indicate that these lenses should be considered an alternative to sutured PC IOLs in eyes in which capsular support is inadequate or absent.

Effects of vasopressin on human renal arteries

The effects of vasopressin were studied in isolated rings from branches (2-3 mm in external diameter) of human renal arteries obtained from 18 patients undergoing nephrectomy for non-obstructive neoplasia. In arterial rings under resting tension, vasopressin produced concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent contractions with an EC50 of 9.1 X 10(-10) molL-1. The vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist d(CH2)Tyr(Me)AVP (10(-6) molL-1) displaced the control curve to vasopressin 564-fold to the right in a parallel manner. In precontracted arterial rings and previously treated with the V1 antagonist (10(-6) molL-1) vasopressin caused endothelium-independent relaxation. The relaxation to vasopressin was reduced significantly by indomethacin (10(-6) molL-1) and unaffected by the V1/V2 receptor antagonist desGly d(CH2)5-D-Tyr(Et)ValAVP(10(-6) molL-1) or by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) molL-1). These observations indicate that vasopressin is primarily a constrictor of human renal arteries by V1-receptor stimulation. Vasopressin causes prostaglandin-mediated dilation of human renal arteries only if V1-receptor blockade is present. The effects of vasopressin on human renal arteries may be relevant in those clinical situations characterized by increased plasma vasopressin levels.

Inorganic pentavalent arsenic methylation by rats: effect of concentration and dichromate

The effect of the administered arsenic (As) dose and the dichromate ion (Cr) on the methylation process of arsenic was studied in rats exposed to arsenate to elucidate the biotransformation of As. After oral administration of different As (V) and Cr (VI) concentrations, the different As metabolites (inorganic, methylarsonic acid [MMA] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA] were separated by cation-exchange chromatography and measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Administration of high doses of As produced enzymatic saturation and non-enzymatic depletion, with decreases in DMA levels. The presence of the dichromate ion supported arsenate methylation as it favored reduction of As (V) to As (III), but Cr (VI) produced a significant decrease in the total As excreted.

Tumor necrosis factor receptors in neuroblastoma SKNBE cells and their regulation by retinoic acid

The human neuroblastoma cell line SKNBE can be differentiated either by serum removal or by adding to the culture medium different morphogens, for instance, retinoic acid (RA), cyclic AMP derivatives, and phorbol esters. Both the differentiated and undifferentiated cells express the two types of membrane tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors (TNFRs) of 55 and 75 kDa (p55 and p75 TNFR, respectively) and also their soluble forms. After RA addition the number of the surface TNFRs per cell is increased approximately twofold, but the kinetics of expression are different, depending on the receptor type. The level of the mRNAs of 2.4 and 4.2 kb, which, respectively, encode the p55 and p75 TNFRs, is also increased during the time course of differentiation, and the kinetics of their expression are biphasic. In contrast, the number of TNFRs and the level of their encoding mRNAs remain unchanged after exposure of the cells to both a phorbol and a cyclic AMP derivative.

Responses to vasopressin and desmopressin of human cerebral arteries

The effects of vasopressin and deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (desmopressin) were studied in isolated rings from branches (0.8-1.2 mm in external diameter) of human middle cerebral arteries obtained during autopsy of 27 patients who had died 3 to 10 hr before. In arterial rings under resting tension, vasopressin produced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC50 of 7.2 x 10(-10) M. The vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist [(1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid)-2- (O-methyl)-tyrosine-8-arginine)vasopressin] (10(-6) M) displaced the control curve to vasopressin 1250-fold to the right in a parallel manner. The mixed V1-V2 receptor antagonist [(1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid)-2- (O-ethyl)-D-tyrosine-4-valine-8-arginine-9-desglycine)vasopressin] (10(-8) M) depressed both the slope and maximal response of the control curve for vasopressin. Vasopressin produced further contractions in arterial rings with or without endothelium precontracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha or norepinephrine. In precontracted arterial rings and previously treated with the V1 vasopressinergic antagonist [(1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid)-2- (O-methyl)-tyrosine-8-arginine)vasopressin] (10(-6) M) vasopressin caused endothelium-independent relaxation. The relaxation to vasopressin was reduced significantly by indomethacin (10(-6) M) and unaffected by the V1-V2 receptor antagonist [(1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid)-2- (O-ethyl)-D-tyrosine-4-valine-8-arginine-9-desglycine)vasopressin] (10(-6) M) or by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-4) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lymphoid cell subpopulations containing vasoactive intestinal peptide in the rat

In the present study we describe the cell types containing immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal peptide (IR-VIP) in rat thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. Indirect immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry indicated that all lymphoid organs studied contained VIP-positive cells, with the spleen and lymph nodes having a higher proportion than the thymus. Vasoactive intestinal peptide was found in both lymphocytes and nonlymphoid cells, lymphocytes predominating among VIP-positive cells. Double immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry showed that all lymphoid subpopulations identified contained variable proportions of VIP-positive lymphocytes. Immunocytochemical staining of cell suspensions for both light and electron microscopy showed the cytoplasmic localization of the IR-VIP. These findings, coupled to our previous results, are consistent with the idea that VIP may have a lymphoid origin and could be active in local immune responses.

Entamoeba histolytica: antibody response to recent and past invasive events

Sero-epidemiological data from endemic amoebiasis areas are difficult to evaluate because the serology of individuals affected by an active process of Entamoeba histolytica tissue invasion is, at present, almost impossible to distinguish from that of individuals who have had an invasive event in the past. The present study compares serum antigenic recognition frequencies among three groups of individuals with different infective conditions: amoebic liver abscess patients; asymptomatic cyst passers; and individuals who have had amoebic liver abscess from one to three years before the study. Control groups consisted of Mexican and Canadian healthy adults. Western blots of E. histolytica membrane extract antigen were reacted with sera from the studied individuals, recognition frequency values were calculated and immunoplots of frequency differences were constructed. The results obtained suggest that the identification and purification of antigenic fractions, which are frequently recognized by sera of amoebic liver abscess patients (136, 132, 93, 70 and 62 kDa), or preferentially associated with past invasive events (144, 140 and 49 kDa), or related to the E. histolytica cyst passer condition (62 and 136 kDa), are important improvements in the use of serology for diagnosis and epidemiological studies in endemic areas of amoebiasis.

Spatial pattern of cdc2 expression in relation to meristem activity and cell proliferation during plant development

The p34 protein kinase encoded by the cdc2 gene is a key component of the eukaryotic cell cycle required for the G1- to S-phase transition and entry into mitosis. To study the regulation of plant meristem activity and cell proliferation, we have examined the tissue-specific accumulation of cdc2 transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana and the related crucifer radish (Raphanus sativus) by in situ hybridization using A. thaliana cdc2 cDNA sequences as a probe. cdc2 transcripts accumulated in leaf primordia and within the vegetative shoot apical meristem. During flower development, high levels of expression were observed in meristems, in the basal regions of developing organs, in the developing vasculature, and associated with rib meristems elaborated late in the development of some floral organs. In root tips, cdc2 transcripts accumulated in the meristematic region and adjacent daughter cells but were not detected in the quiescent center. There was strong hybridization throughout the pericycle, and a further localized accumulation of cdc2 transcripts was observed in the initial stages of the activation of a new meristem at sites of lateral root development. We conclude that cdc2 expression is a critical factor in the regulation of meristem activity and establishment of proliferative competence.

Long term peritoneal nutrition in dogs, both normal and after intestinal resection

We carried out total and prolonged peritoneal nutrition (PN) in a group of healthy dogs and in another group that had previously undergone an 80% resection of the small intestine. A third group of animals underwent the same operation but did not receive intraperitoneal nutrition, as they formed the control group. A nutritive mixture was used, composed of glucose fat emulsion, aminoacids, ions, trace elements, insulin and vitamins. The caloric rate was 45 kcal/kg/day. Peritoneal nutrition lasted 30 days. Periodical clinical controls were made for biochemical, hematological, microbiological and histopathological analyses. We found two episodes of peritonitis out of a total of 19 dogs subjected to PN. Hyper- and hypoglycemia occurred in the animals with PN and that had not undergone intestinal resection there were also increases in triglyceride, free fatty acid and cholesterol levels as well as a reduction of albumin. We observed a greater decrease in albumin and urea nitrogen and a greater weight loss in the animals underwent intestinal resection. The quantity absorbed was greater than 95% of the volume infused over the four week period. In all the animals subjected to PN we found hyperplasia and phagocytic phenomena in the peritoneal mesothelium cells after 30 days of peritoneal nutrition, symptoms which disappeared one month after this kind of nutrition was stopped.

Death following crude oil aspiration

This is a report on three deaths following oil aspiration by workers in petrol tankers. Lung aspiration was demonstrated by the presence of a yellowish-brown material in the alveolar spaces, which was difficult to identify by optic microscopy. Volatile hydrocarbons from petroleum were identified in lung samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Ontogenesis of insulin receptors in human cerebral cortex

This study examines the ontogenesis of insulin receptors in human cerebral cortex. Synaptosomal membrane fraction was obtained after subcellular fractionation of human brain tissue. The 24 cases studied were classified according to the statistical differences found in: Group I, pre-term, up to 30 weeks of gestation; group II, full-term and newborns; group III from one year to adulthood. Scatchard plots of insulin binding to brain membranes were curvilinear and showed a decrease in insulin receptor number as a function of age with slight differences in affinity. Receptor number were 3.0 +/- 0.8 pmol/mg in Group I, 0.6 +/- 0.14 pmol/mg and 0.2 +/- 0.024 pmol/mg in Groups II and III respectively. Values of 5'nucleotidase and Na+ K+ ATPase activities, were similar in all groups, which indicates that the purity of the fraction used for binding was similar in each group. According to the ontogenic profile in insulin binding described in this work, it may be assumed that the higher concentration of insulin receptors in human brain during the fetal period can determine some insulin action in this early stage of maturation, even though the functionality of these receptors remains to be elucidated.

New insolubilized derivatives of ribonuclease and endonuclease for elimination of nucleic acids in single cell protein concentrates

Two derivatives of pancreatic ribonuclease and endonuclease of Staphylococcus aureus, insolubilized on corn cob, have been used to reduce the percentage of nucleic acids in single cell protein (SCP) concentrates from yeasts. These derivatives are thermostable and active at 45 degrees C. At these temperatures the contamination by bacteria is negligible. The thermostability is remarkable, since the native nuclease is deactivated at above 39 degrees C. The hydrolysis of the nucleic acids in SCP is carried out first with the ribonuclease derivative followed by the endonuclease derivative. The catalytic activity of the insolubilized derivatives is similar to that of the native enzymes in the hydrolysis of RNA but not of DNA. The percentage of nucleic acids is reduced from 5-15 to 0.5%, with a loss of protein of 6%. These percentages are lower than those previously reported.

Endothelin action on goat cerebral arteries

Cumulative application of endothelin-1 (human) markedly constricted goat isolated cerebral arteries in a concentration-dependent manner. Contractile responses were not affected by removal of endothelial cells. Removal of extracellular calcium or addition of the calcium channel blocker nicardipine (10(-7) M) failed to abolish responses to endothelin. The results suggest that the endothelium-independent constriction of cerebral arteries produced by endothelin cannot be explained solely by voltage-dependent calcium channels. The contractile responses are likely to be mediated by stimulation of specific receptors for this peptide.

Dosage of nifedipine in hypertensive crises of infants and children

Eight hypertensive crises (HC) were treated with 2.5 mg of sublingual nifedipine in three children with weights below 10 kg (group A); 16 HC in 6 children between 10 and 20 kg with 5 mg (group B); and 40 HC in 10 children over 20 kg with 10 mg of nifedipine (group C). The relative decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was similar in all groups. The decrease was more rapid in groups A and B when the contents were extracted from the capsule and given directly. The hypotensive effect lasted 4 h. There were no side effects. The effective and safe single dose of nifedipine has been established to be 2.5 mg for children weighing less than 10 kg, and 5 mg for children weighing between 10 and 20 kg.

Continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration in children

Continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration (CAVH) was used in 7 critically ill children: a premature neonate with hypervolaemia secondary to hydrops foetalis and six children aged 9 days to 7 years with acute oliguric renal failure. Biospal 0.5 m2, Renaflo 0.25 m2, Gambro 0.15 m2 and Amicon 0.015 m2 filters were used according to the weights and ages of the patients. Adequate removal of water and solutes was obtained in 6 patients. One of the patients with the smallest filter needed a change to a filter with a larger surface area to improve water and solute removal. Haemofiltration was maintained for between 17 hours and 31 days and was well tolerated. CAVH was discontinued because of recovery of renal function in three patients, improvement of the hypervolaemic state in one, death in three, and transfer to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis because of chronic renal failure in one patient. CAVH is a useful technique for the treatment of acute renal failure and hypervolaemia in critically ill children.

Endothelium attenuates contractile responses of goat saphenous arteries to adrenergic nerve stimulation

1. Field electrical stimulation of perfused segments (15 mm long) of the goat saphenous artery caused frequency-dependent increases in perfusion pressure which were blocked by tetrodotoxin, phentolamine or prazosin. 2. Mechanical removal of the endothelium augmented both resting perfusion pressure and responses to electrical stimulation. 3. Methylene blue enhanced responses with intact endothelium only. It is likely that the endothelium exerts part of its inhibitory influence through the activation of guanylate cyclase.

Arsenic content in some Spanish wines. Influence of the wine-making technique on arsenic content in musts and wines

All of the essential technological means of treating grapes, must and wine were examined systematically. The main reasons for the differences in the arsenic (As) content of rosé and red wines are explained. In this study a relationship has been found between the As level and the wine-making technique. Rosé wines contain more As than red wines because they require a shorter period of contact with the skins. In order to prove this, the average values for the rosé and red wine samples from the same winery were compared.

Abscess caused by Salmonella enteritidis within a glioblastoma multiforme

Focal intracranial infections due to Salmonella species are rare. We report a case of brain abscess caused by Salmonella enteritidis within a glioblastoma multiforme.

A possible correlation between the growth rate and the extent of DNA damage induced by radiodecay in mouse lymphoma cells

The extent of DNA single strand breaks resulting from the beta radiodecay of incorporated [3H]thymidine in DNA of mouse lymphoma cells appears to be related to the degree of growth inhibition. The extents of damage to DNA and inhibition of growth seem to be functions of the concentration of radioactivity as well as the specific activity of the radiolabeled precursor in the medium. The differences in both concentration (muCi/ml) and in the specific activity of radiolabeled precursors, may help to explain the different responses encountered when using [3H] and [14C]thymidine. When cells exposed to [3H] TdR are transferred to fresh medium, the DNA damage can be repaired. The repair is followed by an increase in the cell number with the rate of growth being similar to that of unexposed cells. Cells exposed continuously to [3H] TdR in the medium can accommodate to the radioactive stressor by repairing the DNA damage and maintaining this repair capability throughout the exposure.

Isolation, molecular and functional properties of the C-terminal domain of colicin A

Partial proteolytic digestion of colicin A with bromelain allowed the isolation of a 20-kd fragment. This fragment has been purified to homogeneity and its molecular properties have been studied. The sequence of the 54 N-terminal amino acid residues has been determined by automated Edman degradation. This sequence is identical to that of the predicted amino acid sequence of the 20-kd C-terminal part of the colicin A polypeptide deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the caa gene. This polypeptide can produce channels in phospholipid planar bilayers of the same size as those formed by colicin A. However, the voltage-dependence for opening and closing was drastically altered in the peptide fragment channels. The latter, in contrast to colicin A channels, remained open over a wide range of voltage. Large negative potentials were required to close the peptide fragment channels although opening took place in the same voltage range as for colicin A ionic pores.

Hearing loss after Hemophilus influenzae meningitis. Follow-up study with auditory brainstem potentials

Hearing loss was studied prospectively using auditory brainstem potentials in 34 children with Hemophilus influenzae meningitis treated with chloramphenicol and in 36 children with purulent meningitis caused by microorganisms other than H influenzae treated with ampicillin. Our results indicate that high doses of ampicillin are not associated with permanent hearing loss. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of hearing loss following H influenzae meningitis and that following meningitis caused by other microorganisms, either during the acute phase or in the convalescent period. Neurological damage, when present, was probably located in the inner ear or in the auditory nerve. Finally, early hearing loss in purulent meningitis does not always constitute an irreversible lesion.

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of a craniopharyngioma: x-ray microanalytical study of the intratumoral mineralized deposits

This paper discusses the value of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray microanalysis in the classification of craniopharyngiomas. This neoplasm shows epithelial nest, cords of cuboid cells, foci of squamous metaplasia, and microcystic degeneration. SEM reveals that the epithelial cysts are lined with elongated cells that possess numerous microvilli and blebs and that some cysts are lined with polyhedral cells. The microvilli are interpreted as characteristic of the fast growing craniopharyngiomas. A microanalytical study of the calcified areas reveals the presence of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.