Carbonyl reductase: a novel metastasis-modulating function

To explore reasons for differences in the malignancy of tumors, we have compared two cell lines derived from a mouse lung adenocarcinoma cell line that differ 10-fold in their capacity to form lung metastases from s.c. primary tumors or after i.v. injection. One mRNA encoding carbonyl reductase was identified at a relatively high abundance in the subline with low metastatic capacity but was not detectable in the highly metastatic subline. Transfection of the former subline with a plasmid construct expressing antisense carbonyl reductase rendered the cells highly metastatic. Conversely, the capacity of the highly metastatic cells to metastasize was markedly reduced after transfection with a construct expressing carbonyl reductase. We also found that human prostate cancers show loss of carbonyl reductase expression compared with normal prostate epithelia. These data suggest that carbonyl reductase has an important function in modifying the metastatic behavior of malignant tumors.

Reduced gastric mucosal vascularity in patients with chronic gastritis

OBJECTIVES/DESIGN

Chronic inflammation is increasingly being linked to ischaemia, but the mechanism is poorly understood, and little is known about its effect on local gastric endothelial microvessels. We aimed at studying the number and surface area of gastric mucosal endothelial microstructures in the presence or absence of chronic gastritis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical assessments were carried out on gastric antral and body biopsies taken from patients with chronic gastritis and others with normal histology. The primary antibody (QB-END/10) was raised against CD34 antigen within the endothelial cell membranes. A computer attached to a microscope was used to count the number and measure the surface area of mucosal endothelial entities.

RESULTS

In patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis (n = 19), the median number of endothelial microstructures per section was 43 in the antrum and 86 in the gastric body, compared with 205 (P = 0.00004) and 165 (P = 0.002), respectively, in subjects with normal gastric histology (n = 11). The median surface area of the endothelial microstructures was also reduced in patients with gastritis. The normal gastric antrum had more endothelial entities than the normal body (median of 205 vs 165; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the normal stomach, the antrum is more richly vascularized than the gastric body. However, active chronic gastritis is associated with reduction in both the number and surface area of mucosal endothelial microstructures, with the reduction being more marked in the antrum. This is different from acute inflammation, and is relevant to our understanding of the natural history of mucosal defence, particularly the greater susceptibility of the gastric antrum to ulceration, compared with the gastric body.

Interaction patterns between psychiatric aides and patients

The present study investigated the manner in which psychiatric aides used their time when not involved in staff meetings or off-ward activities. Aides' behaviors on two shifts were observed during times they had the greatest likelihood of interacting with patients. It was found that aides were most likely to be observed in the Nursing Station on both shifts. Aides typically had a specific purpose for interacting with patients when they were on the wards. It was concluded that increased structuring of patient-aide interactions was necessary along with more stringent guidelines regarding the use of the Nursing Station.