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Green D, Singh A, Tippett VL, Tattersall L, Shah KM, Siachisumo C, Ward NJ, Thomas P, Carter S, Jeys L, Sumathi V, McNamara I, Elliott DJ, Gartland A, Dalmay T, Fraser WD. YBX1-interacting small RNAs and RUNX2 can be blocked in primary bone cancer using CADD522. J Bone Oncol 2023; 39:100474. [PMID: 36936386 PMCID: PMC10015236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2023.100474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary bone cancer (PBC) comprises several subtypes each underpinned by distinctive genetic drivers. This driver diversity produces novel morphological features and clinical behaviour that serendipitously makes PBC an excellent metastasis model. Here, we report that some transfer RNA-derived small RNAs termed tRNA fragments (tRFs) perform as a constitutive tumour suppressor mechanism by blunting a potential pro-metastatic protein-RNA interaction. This mechanism is reduced in PBC progression with a gradual loss of tRNAGlyTCC cleavage into 5' end tRF-GlyTCC when comparing low-grade, intermediate-grade and high-grade patient tumours. We detected recurrent activation of miR-140 leading to upregulated RUNX2 expression in high-grade patient tumours. Both tRF-GlyTCC and RUNX2 share a sequence motif in their 3' ends that matches the YBX1 recognition site known to stabilise pro-metastatic mRNAs. Investigating some aspects of this interaction network, gain- and loss-of-function experiments using small RNA mimics and antisense LNAs, respectively, showed that ectopic tRF-GlyTCC reduced RUNX2 expression and dispersed 3D micromass architecture in vitro. iCLIP sequencing revealed YBX1 physical binding to the 3' UTR of RUNX2. The interaction between YBX1, tRF-GlyTCC and RUNX2 led to the development of the RUNX2 inhibitor CADD522 as a PBC treatment. CADD522 assessment in vitro revealed significant effects on PBC cell behaviour. In xenograft mouse models, CADD522 as a single agent without surgery significantly reduced tumour volume, increased overall and metastasis-free survival and reduced cancer-induced bone disease. Our results provide insight into PBC molecular abnormalities that have led to the identification of new targets and a new therapeutic.
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Key Words
- CADD522
- CADD522, computer aided drug design molecule 522
- CI, confidence interval
- CNV, copy number variant
- CS, chondrosarcoma
- CTC, circulating tumour cell
- DE, differentially expressed
- ES, Ewing sarcoma
- HD, high definition
- HR, hazard ratio
- OS, osteosarcoma
- RBP, RNA binding protein
- RNU6-1, U6 small nuclear 1
- ROI, region-of-interest
- Rnl, T4 RNA ligase
- SNV, single nucleotide variant
- SV, structural variant
- bone cancer
- iCLIP, individual nucleotide resolution cross-linking and immunoprecipitation
- mRNA, messenger RNA
- miRNA
- miRNA, microRNA
- piRNA, piwi interacting RNA
- sRNA, small RNA
- small RNA
- tRF
- tRF, transfer RNA fragment
- tRNA, transfer RNA
- ysRNA, Y RNA-derived sRNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell Green
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Archana Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Victoria L. Tippett
- The Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Luke Tattersall
- The Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Karan M. Shah
- The Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Nicole J. Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Paul Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Cell Imaging, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Simon Carter
- Orthopaedic Oncology, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lee Jeys
- Orthopaedic Oncology, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vaiyapuri Sumathi
- Musculoskeletal Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Iain McNamara
- Orthopaedics & Trauma, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Alison Gartland
- The Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - William D. Fraser
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Clinical Biochemistry, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
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Godden AM, Antonaci M, Ward NJ, van der Lee M, Abu-Daya A, Guille M, Wheeler GN. An efficient miRNA knockout approach using CRISPR-Cas9 in Xenopus. Dev Biol 2022; 483:66-75. [PMID: 34968443 PMCID: PMC8865746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts (KO) have become increasingly ultilised to study gene function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, 20-22 nucleotides long, which affect gene expression through post-transcriptional repression. We previously identified miRNAs-196a and -219 as implicated in the development of Xenopus neural crest (NC). The NC is a multipotent stem-cell population, specified during early neurulation. Following EMT, NC cells migrate to various points in the developing embryo where they give rise to a number of tissues including parts of the peripheral nervous system, pigment cells and craniofacial skeleton. Dysregulation of NC development results in many diseases grouped under the term neurocristopathies. As miRNAs are so small, it is difficult to design CRISPR sgRNAs that reproducibly lead to a KO. We have therefore designed a novel approach using two guide RNAs to effectively 'drop out' a miRNA. We have knocked out miR-196a and miR-219 and compared the results to morpholino knockdowns (KD) of the same miRNAs. Validation of efficient CRISPR miRNA KO and phenotype analysis included use of whole-mount in situ hybridization of key NC and neural plate border markers such as Pax3, Xhe2, Sox10 and Snail2, q-RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. To show specificity we have also rescued the knockout phenotype using miRNA mimics. MiRNA-219 and miR-196a KO's both show loss of NC, altered neural plate and hatching gland phenotypes. Tadpoles show gross craniofacial and pigment phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Godden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Antonaci
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole J Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael van der Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Abu-Daya
- King Henry Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Guille
- King Henry Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.
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3
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Ward NJ, Green D, Higgins J, Dalmay T, Münsterberg A, Moxon S, Wheeler GN. microRNAs associated with early neural crest development in Xenopus laevis. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:59. [PMID: 29347911 PMCID: PMC5774138 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neural crest (NC) is a class of transitory stem cell-like cells unique to vertebrate embryos. NC cells arise within the dorsal neural tube where they undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition in order to migrate and differentiate throughout the developing embryo. The derivative cell types give rise to multiple tissues, including the craniofacial skeleton, peripheral nervous system and skin pigment cells. Several well-studied gene regulatory networks underpin NC development, which when disrupted can lead to various neurocristopathies such as craniofrontonasal dysplasia, DiGeorge syndrome and some forms of cancer. Small RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules important in post-transcriptional gene silencing and critical for cellular regulation of gene expression. RESULTS To uncover novel small RNAs in NC development we used high definition adapters and next generation sequencing of libraries derived from ectodermal explants of Xenopus laevis embryos induced to form neural and NC tissue. Ectodermal and blastula animal pole (blastula) stage tissues were also sequenced. We show that miR-427 is highly abundant in all four tissue types though in an isoform specific manner and we define a set of 11 miRNAs that are enriched in the NC. In addition, we show miR-301a and miR-338 are highly expressed in both the NC and blastula suggesting a role for these miRNAs in maintaining the stem cell-like phenotype of NC cells. CONCLUSION We have characterised the miRNAs expressed in Xenopus embryonic explants treated to form ectoderm, neural or NC tissue. This has identified novel tissue specific miRNAs and highlighted differential expression of miR-427 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Darrell Green
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Janet Higgins
- Regulatory Genomics, Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ UK
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Andrea Münsterberg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Simon Moxon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Grant N. Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
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Hews CL, Tran SL, Wegmann U, Brett B, Walsham ADS, Kavanaugh D, Ward NJ, Juge N, Schüller S. The StcE metalloprotease of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli reduces the inner mucus layer and promotes adherence to human colonic epithelium ex vivo. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [PMID: 28054754 PMCID: PMC5434857 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a major foodborne pathogen and tightly adheres to human colonic epithelium by forming attaching/effacing lesions. To reach the epithelial surface, EHEC must penetrate the thick mucus layer protecting the colonic epithelium. In this study, we investigated how EHEC interacts with the intestinal mucus layer using mucin‐producing LS174T colon carcinoma cells and human colonic mucosal biopsies. The level of EHEC binding and attaching/effacing lesion formation in LS174T cells was higher compared to mucin‐deficient colon carcinoma cell lines, and initial adherence was independent of the presence of flagellin, Escherichia coli common pilus, or long polar fimbriae. Although EHEC infection did not affect gene expression of secreted mucins, it resulted in reduced MUC2 glycoprotein levels. This effect was dependent on the catalytic activity of the secreted metalloprotease StcE, which reduced the inner mucus layer and thereby promoted EHEC access and binding to the epithelium in vitro and ex vivo. Given the lack of efficient therapies against EHEC infection, StcE may represent a suitable target for future treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Hews
- Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Seav-Ly Tran
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
| | - Udo Wegmann
- Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
| | - Bernard Brett
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, James Paget University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, UK
| | - Alistair D S Walsham
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
| | - Devon Kavanaugh
- Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
| | - Nicole J Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Nathalie Juge
- Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
| | - Stephanie Schüller
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
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5
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Hatch VL, Marin-Barba M, Moxon S, Ford CT, Ward NJ, Tomlinson ML, Desanlis I, Hendry AE, Hontelez S, van Kruijsbergen I, Veenstra GJC, Münsterberg AE, Wheeler GN. The positive transcriptional elongation factor (P-TEFb) is required for neural crest specification. Dev Biol 2016; 416:361-72. [PMID: 27343897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression at the level of transcriptional elongation has been shown to be important in stem cells and tumour cells, but its role in the whole animal is only now being fully explored. Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a multipotent population of cells that migrate during early development from the dorsal neural tube throughout the embryo where they differentiate into a variety of cell types including pigment cells, cranio-facial skeleton and sensory neurons. Specification of NCCs is both spatially and temporally regulated during embryonic development. Here we show that components of the transcriptional elongation regulatory machinery, CDK9 and CYCLINT1 of the P-TEFb complex, are required to regulate neural crest specification. In particular, we show that expression of the proto-oncogene c-Myc and c-Myc responsive genes are affected. Our data suggest that P-TEFb is crucial to drive expression of c-Myc, which acts as a 'gate-keeper' for the correct temporal and spatial development of the neural crest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Hatch
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Marta Marin-Barba
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Simon Moxon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Christopher T Ford
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Nicole J Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew L Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Ines Desanlis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Adam E Hendry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Saartje Hontelez
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ila van Kruijsbergen
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan C Veenstra
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea E Münsterberg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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6
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Ahmed A, Ward NJ, Moxon S, Lopez-Gomollon S, Viaut C, Tomlinson ML, Patrushev I, Gilchrist MJ, Dalmay T, Dotlic D, Münsterberg AE, Wheeler GN. A Database of microRNA Expression Patterns in Xenopus laevis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138313. [PMID: 26506012 PMCID: PMC4624429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs around 22 nucleotides long. They inhibit gene expression either by translational repression or by causing the degradation of the mRNAs they bind to. Many are highly conserved amongst diverse organisms and have restricted spatio-temporal expression patterns during embryonic development where they are thought to be involved in generating accuracy of developmental timing and in supporting cell fate decisions and tissue identity. We determined the expression patterns of 180 miRNAs in Xenopus laevis embryos using LNA oligonucleotides. In addition we carried out small RNA-seq on different stages of early Xenopus development, identified 44 miRNAs belonging to 29 new families and characterized the expression of 5 of these. Our analyses identified miRNA expression in many organs of the developing embryo. In particular a large number were expressed in neural tissue and in the somites. Surprisingly none of the miRNAs we have looked at show expression in the heart. Our results have been made freely available as a resource in both XenMARK and Xenbase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayisha Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole J. Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Moxon
- The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC), Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Lopez-Gomollon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Camille Viaut
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew L. Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ilya Patrushev
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Gilchrist
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Dotlic
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea E. Münsterberg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N. Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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7
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Gatignol A, Daniels SM, Sinck L, Ward NJ, Melendez-Peña CE, Scarborough RJ, Azar I, Daher A, Pang KM, Rossi JJ. Competition between HIV-1-encoded RRE RNA and miRNA-TRBP interactions alters RNA interference activity and gene expression. BMC Infect Dis 2014. [PMCID: PMC4220857 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-s2-o13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Gatignol
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - SM Daniels
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - L Sinck
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - NJ Ward
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - CE Melendez-Peña
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - RJ Scarborough
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - I Azar
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Daher
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - KM Pang
- Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - JJ Rossi
- Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
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Cheetham MD, Wong VNL, Bush RT, Sullivan LA, Ward NJ, Zawadzki A. Mobilisation, alteration, and redistribution of monosulfidic sediments in inland river systems. J Environ Manage 2012; 112:330-339. [PMID: 22964040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of monosulfidic sediments in inland waterways is emerging as a major environmental issue. Mobilisation and suspension of monosulfidic sediments can result in deoxygenation, acidification of the water column and mobilisation of trace metals. The controls on monosulfidic sediment mobilisation and the critical thresholds for its scour and entrainment have not been established. This study examines the effect of a minor flood event (average return interval of 5 years) on sulfidic sediment scour in the Wakool River in southern NSW, Australia. Five profiles were sampled within a small (~300 m) reach before and after a minor flood event to determine the degree of sediment scour and transport. The results indicate substantial scour of both monosulfidic sediments and underlying bed sediments (approximately 2100 m(3)). Changes in the sediment geochemistry suggest large concentrations of monosulfidic sediments had been suspended in the water column, partially-oxidised and redeposited. This is supported by (210)Pb results from one of the profiles. These results suggest that these monosulfidic sediments can move as bed load during minor flood events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Cheetham
- Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University, Military Road, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
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Ward NJ, Bush RT, Burton ED, Appleyard S, Wong S, Sullivan LA, Cheeseman PJ. Monosulfidic black ooze accumulations in sediments of the Geographe Bay area, Western Australia. Mar Pollut Bull 2010; 60:2130-2136. [PMID: 20727554 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Mobilisation of sedimentary monosulfidic black ooze (MBO) may result in rapid deoxygenation and acidification of surface waters, and release of potentially toxic metals. This study examines the extent and nature of MBO accumulation in the Geographe Bay area, Western Australia. MBO accumulations were found to be widespread in benthic sediments of the Geographe Bay area with acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) contents as high as 320 μmol g(-1). The MBO materials often had unusually high dissolved sulfide (S(-II)) concentrations in their pore-waters (up to 610 mg L(-1)) and elevated elemental sulfur (S(0)) contents (up to 51 μmol g(-1)). Dissolved S(-II) is able to accumulate due to limited iron availability and S(0) is largely its partial oxidation product. The availability of organic carbon and Fe limited MBO accumulation at many sites. A comparison of AVS and simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) concentrations has shown that metals are likely to be bound in sulfide complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- Centre for Acid Sulfate Soil Research, Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
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10
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Rahim AA, Wong AMS, Howe SJ, Buckley SMK, Acosta-Saltos AD, Elston KE, Ward NJ, Philpott NJ, Cooper JD, Anderson PN, Waddington SN, Thrasher AJ, Raivich G. Efficient gene delivery to the adult and fetal CNS using pseudotyped non-integrating lentiviral vectors. Gene Ther 2009; 16:509-20. [PMID: 19158847 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2008.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Non-integrating lentiviral vectors show considerable promise for gene therapy applications as they persist as long-term episomes in non-dividing cells and diminish risks of insertional mutagenesis. In this study, non-integrating lentiviral vectors were evaluated for their use in the adult and fetal central nervous system of rodents. Vectors differentially pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus, rabies and baculoviral envelope proteins allowed targeting of varied cell populations. Efficient gene delivery to discrete areas of the brain and spinal cord was observed following stereotactic administration. Furthermore, after direct in utero administration (E14), sustained and strong expression was observed 4 months into adulthood. Quantification of transduction and viral copy number was comparable when using non-integrating lentivirus and conventional integrating vector. These data support the use of non-integrating lentiviral vectors as an effective alternative to their integrating counterparts in gene therapy applications, and highlight their potential for treatment of inherited and acquired neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Rahim
- Perinatal Brain Protection and Repair Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Abstract
Injury to the perforating branch of the peroneal artery has not been reported previously as a cause of acute compartment syndrome following soft-tissue injury to the ankle. We describe the case of a 23-year-old male who sustained such an injury resulting in an acute compartment syndrome. In a review of the literature, we could find only five previous cases, all of which gave rise to a false aneurysm which was detected after the acute event.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Until recently the laparoscopic approach was reserved for uncomplicated diverticular disease. We show that fistulating diverticular disease can be resected safely, with good clinical outcome via a laparoscopic approach. METHOD Between April 1994 and May 2005, 31 consecutive patients [17 male, median age of 63 years (range 40-85)], underwent attempted laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae. Patient data were prospectively recorded. RESULTS There were 22 colovesical and nine colovaginal fistulae. The median operative time was 150 min (range 60-310) and the median postoperative stay was 7 days (range 3-21). Conversion to an open procedure was required in nine of 31 patients (29%). This rate fell to 10% in cases performed after April 2000. There were two nonsurgically related postoperative deaths. Both occurred in the converted group. At 3 months follow-up, two patients complained of frequency of stools, which settled by 6 months. To date there has been no recurrence of symptomatic diverticulosis or fistulation. CONCLUSION Totally laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae is safe and feasible. Fistulae should not be considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic resection for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Engledow
- Colchester General Hospital, Colchester, Essex, UK.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical spine fractures and dislocations are uncommon injuries that can have serious neurological consequences. These injuries require adequate stabilisation to prevent further spinal cord injury during transfer between hospitals. Evacuation often requires a combination of road ambulance, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft from military hospitals. This paper outlines the neck injuries sustained during Op Telic and discusses the need for Halo vests to be available at Role 3. METHODOLOGY The MND(SE) Hospital databases were used to identify all casualties admitted with either a "Cervical" or "Neck" injury. The databases covered the period from 24 March 2003 until 15 April 2004. The diagnoses were categorised into minor and serious cervical spine injuries. We defined a serious cervical spine injury as either a fracture or dislocation. We looked at the discharge letters of all casualties evacuated to a Role 4 hospital to confirm whether the casualties had serious cervical spine injuries. RESULTS Forty seven casualties were admitted and all were British except three, two Iraqi civilians and one US soldier. Thirty three casualties were returned to their unit for duty, or discharged at the airhead on return to the UK. Fourteen casualties required hospital treatment. There were five serious cervical spine injuries over the study period which included one Hangman's fracture of C2, one flexion compression injury of C5, one flexion compression injury of C7, one unifacetal dislocation and one bifacetal dislocation. CONCLUSIONS Five casualties were treated at MND(SE) Hospital for serious injuries to the cervical spine. Two patients were transferred without Halo stabilisation after failing to obtain halos in Iraq. One casualty was kept until a Halo was flown out from the UK. RECOMMENDATIONS All unstable cervical spine fractures should be stabilised with a Halo Vest prior to transfer from Role 3. Halo Rings and Vests should be available at Role 3 facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Bird
- Department of Orthopaedics West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth
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14
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Ward NJ, Okpala E. Analysis of 47 road traffic accident admissions to BMH Shaibah. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2005; 151:37-40. [PMID: 15912683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse road traffic accident (RTA) admissions to British Military Hospital (BMH) Shaibah with respect to seatbelt usage, position in vehicle, age, type of injury and mechanism of injury. METHOD Retrospective analysis of discharge summaries and hospital notes of all service personnel admitted to BMH Shaibah due to RTA, from August 2003 to January 2004. Results During the study there were 315 reported RTA, 3 fatalities, and 47 inpatient admissions. 87% of admissions were male; in 32% of cases the vehicle had rolled and 28% of individuals admitted had been ejected from the vehicle. 85% of individuals had not been wearing their seatbelts and none of the ejected individuals had been restrained. 92% of those ejected were travelling in the rear of the Land Rover. Of those ejected, 38% suffered more than one type of injury, and 62% suffered a fracture, (accounting for 50% of all fractures admitted). 34% of admissions had sustained a fracture, and were evacuated to the UK. CONCLUSIONS These figures correlate well with previous evidence showing the likelihood of serious injury is increased by more than 300% if the patient is ejected. Those travelling in the rear of a Land Rover would appear to be in the most dangerous position. Seatbelts are the single most effective means of reducing fatal and non-fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Standing orders states that seatbelt use mandatory, but compliance is poor. This may be due to misconceptions on the relative dangers faced by soldiers in Iraq. Education and enforcement needs to be more effective if the Army is to reduce the number and seriousness of injuries attributable to RTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- Orthopaedic Dept, Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, Hants PO12 2AB.
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Kearns F, Ekstrom LP, Jones GD, Morrison TP, Mustaffa OM, Price HG, Simister DN, Twin PJ, Wadsworth R, Ward NJ. Heavy-ion gamma-ray spectroscopy of60Ni. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0305-4616/6/9/010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Ward NJ, Beusmans J. Simulation of accident risk displays in motorway driving with traffic. Ergonomics 1998; 41:1478-1499. [PMID: 9802253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The study used a vehicle-based driving simulator to evaluate two graphical displays, one showing risk probability in terms of safety margin (Time Headway, TH), and one showing risk severity in terms of Kinetic Energy (KE). Twenty-seven subjects were randomly allocated to one of three experimental conditions: Control, TH, and KE. Subjects undertook three driving tasks (ABA design). For the second driving task in the TH and KE conditions, subjects drove in the presence of their respective feedback displays. Measures of TH and KE levels were taken, as well as subjective measures of risk and task loading. It was found that the KE display was more effective than the TH display in reducing the proportion of time subjects spent at short headways. The KE display was also effective in reducing the proportion of time subjects spent at high speed. The KE display appeared to affect the perception of risk (severity of potential accidents). It was concluded that further research evaluating displays that combined the positive effects of both parameters within a single representation display is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, UK
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Ward NJ, Parkes A, Crone PR. Effect of background scene complexity and field dependence on the legibility of head-up displays for automotive applications. Hum Factors 1995; 37:735-745. [PMID: 8851776 DOI: 10.1518/001872095778995625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the legibility of information presented on head-up displays (HUDs) for automotive application as a function of background scene complexity, the position of the HUD within field of view relative to the background scene, and the perceptual capacity of the perceiver. Groups of field-dependent and field-independent subjects viewed video footage from the perspective of following a lead car on an open road with low, moderate, and high scene complexity. Subjects were required to track the lead vehicle and identify HUD-presented targets of a specified orientation and specified changes in a HUD-presented speedometer. The results indicate that (a) HUD legibility deteriorated with increased visual complexity of the background scene; (b) positioning the HUD on the roadway reduced the effect of background scene complexity on HUD legibility; and (c) field-dependent subjects made fewer correct and more false positive target identifications than did field-independent subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- Loughborough University of Technology, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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Ward NJ, Wilde GJ. Field observation of advance warning/advisory signage for passive railway crossings with restricted lateral sightline visibility: an experimental investigation. Accid Anal Prev 1995; 27:185-197. [PMID: 7786386 DOI: 10.1016/0001-4575(94)00057-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated a newly proposed series of signs intended for passive crossings with restrictions to lateral sightline visibility. These signs provide advance warning of a crossing and the restriction to lateral visibility. In addition, the signs advise motorists to come to a complete stop before crossing. Motorist behaviour was examined before and after installation of these signs at a rural passive crossing. A second site was observed in parallel to control partially for any confounding effects. Results indicated that motorists reduced speed and searched approach quadrants longer at points in the approachway after installation of the signs. However, there was no reliable increase in the number of motorists coming to complete stop, engaging in search behaviours, or classified as safe. The results are discussed in terms of reasons for the lack of compliance with the sign advisory.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- HUSAT Research Institute, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
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19
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Abstract
In response to the recent innovations to use head-up displays (HUDs) in vehicles, this paper discusses the relevant human factors issues arising from this display format and the potential safety implications. A review is made of the relevant HUD literature, primarily from the aviation field. The primary issues for automotive HUDs relevant to system performance and safety in the driving task involve interference from background scene complexity, system novelty, user perceptual style, cognitive disruption, and perceptual tunnelling. Basic research is necessary to investigate the extent of these issues as well as to resolve fundamental design specifications (e.g. HUD size, shape, placement, information content). It is suggested that the introduction of HUDs into vehicles be carefully considered. This will necessitate not only the reconsideration what constitutes an in-vehicle display, but also what constitutes the information to be conveyed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Ward
- Human Sciences and Advanced Technology Research Institute, Loughborough University of Technology, Leicestershire, U.K
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20
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Abstract
The authors analyzed 23-year mortality (1966-1989) in 2,171 subjects aged > or = 40 years from a Busselton, Western Australia, prospective study. The analysis revealed significant inverse associations between alcohol consumption and mortality, with trends of decreasing mortality shown from nondrinkers to mild drinkers to moderate drinkers. Compared with nondrinkers, moderate drinkers had an adjusted relative risk of death due to all causes of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-0.94). The adjusted relative risk of cardiovascular disease death among moderate drinkers was 0.68 (95% CI 0.51-0.91), and that of coronary heart disease death was 0.66 (95% CI 0.45-0.98). Adjustment for baseline coronary disease risk factors strengthened these trends in the relative risks observed in both women and men. Baseline and follow-up data suggested that 87% of the nondrinkers were long-term abstainers, with 77% having been such for a lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Cullen
- Health Centre, Busselton, Western Australia
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Peters GR, Ward NJ, Antal EG, Lai PY, deMaar EW. Diuretic actions in man of a selective kappa opioid agonist: U-62,066E. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1987; 240:128-31. [PMID: 3027300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of a selective kappa opioid agonist, U-62,066E, on urine formation in human volunteers was assessed. Volunteers received single intramuscular injections of either placebo or 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 micrograms/kg of U-62,066E in a randomized, double-blind study. U-62,066E caused dose-dependent maximal increases in urine volume of 2.6 times control in the first 4 hr after administration. A corresponding decrease in urine osmolality to 20% of base-line values occurred. No changes in total urinary Na, K or Cl excretion were identified. Kappa agonists produce a water-only diuresis at low doses in humans. The mechanism of this effect was not examined in this study but probably relates to alterations in antidiuretic hormone activity.
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Ward NJ, Juola JF. Reading with and without eye movements: reply to Just, Carpenter, and Woolley. J Exp Psychol Gen 1982; 111:239-41. [PMID: 6213736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Just, Carpenter, and Woolley propose that measures of single-word processing times, such as gaze durations during normal reading or durations of reader-controlled exposures, can be used both for developing theories of comprehension and for determining the course of new reading technologies. We argue that better understanding of comprehension processes does not necessarily follow from observed correlations between text variables and eye-fixation parameters. Further, recent rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) research suggests that eye fixation data obtained from studies of normal reading might have little practical value in optimizing the readability of RSVP displays and other means of text presentation.
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