5-Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy. Clinical research and future challenges

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer patients has developed into an important new clinical treatment modality in the past 25-years. PDT involves administration of a tumor-localizing photosensitizer or photosensitizer prodrug (5-aminolevulinic acid [ALA], a precursor in the heme biosynthetic pathway) and the subsequent activation of the photosensitizer by light. Although several photosensitizers other than ALA-derived protoprophyrin IX (PpIX) have been used in clinical PDT, ALA-based PDT has been the most active area of clinical PDT research during the past 5 years. Studies have shown that a higher accumulation of ALA-derived PpIX in rapidly proliferating cells may provide a biologic rationale for clinical use of ALA-based PDT and diagnosis. However, no review updating the clinical data has appeared so far.

METHODS

A review of recently published data on clinical ALA-based PDT and diagnosis was conducted.

RESULTS

Several individual studies in which patients with primary nonmelanoma cutaneous tumors received topical ALA-based PDT have reported promising results, including outstanding cosmetic results. However, the modality with present protocols does not in general, appear to be superior to conventional therapies with respect to initial complete response rates and long term recurrence rates, particularly in the treatment of nodular skin tumors. Topical ALA-PDT does have the following advantages over conventional treatments: it is noninvasive; it produces excellent cosmetic results; it is well tolerated by patients; it can be used to treat multiple superficial lesions in short treatment sessions; it can be applied to patients who refuse surgery or have pacemakers and bleeding tendency; it can be used to treat lesions in specific locations, such as the oral mucosa or the genital area; it can be used as a palliative treatment; and it can be applied repeatedly without cumulative toxicity. Topical ALA-PDT also has potential as a treatment for nonneoplastic skin diseases. Systemic administration of ALA does not seem to be severely toxic, but the advantage of using this approach for PDT of superficial lesions of internal hollow organs is still uncertain. The ALA-derived porphyrin fluorescence technique would be useful in the diagnosis of superficial lesions of internal hollow organs.

CONCLUSIONS

Promising results of ALA-based clinical PDT and diagnosis have been obtained. The modality has advantages over conventional treatments. However, some improvements need to be made, such as optimization of parameters of ALA-based PDT and diagnosis; increased tumor selectivity of ALA-derived PpIX; better understanding of light distribution in tissue: improvement of light dosimetry procedure; and development of simpler, cheaper, and more efficient light delivery systems.

Eradication of posterior capsule opacification: documentation of a marked decrease in Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates noted in an analysis of 5416 pseudophakic human eyes obtained postmortem

OBJECTIVE

(1) To report the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy rate (%) of eight rigid and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) designs in a series of 5416 pseudophakic human eyes obtained postmortem, accessioned in our center between January 1988 and January 2000. (2) To identify factors that are instrumental in reducing the incidence of posterior capsule opacification, (PCO, secondary cataract) and hence the need for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

DESIGN

Comparative autopsy tissue analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5416 globes with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOLs) obtained postmortem received from Lions Eye Banks between 1988 and 2000.

METHODS

Miyake-Apple posterior photographic technique. Special reference was given to the presence or absence of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy orifice on the posterior capsule of each eye.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate (%) as of January 2000 was documented. In addition, the Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate for each lens was plotted on a monthly basis for the same period, creating a computerized trend or "timeline" for each IOL style.

RESULTS

Relatively high Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates ranging from 20.3% to 33.4% were noted with four relatively older designs (high incidence of implantation between 1988 and the early 1990s). Four modern foldable IOLs manufactured from silicone and acrylic materials had significantly lower Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates ranging from 0.9% (Alcon Acrysof) to 17.1%. The difference in Nd:YAG rates among the eight IOL designs was found to be significant (P < 0.0001, chi-square test). Comparing foldable versus rigid designs, the foldable IOLs were associated with a much lower Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate (14.1% vs. 31.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

By use of the six factors regarding surgical technique and IOL choice described in this article, we strongly believe that the overall incidence of PCO and hence the incidence of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is now rapidly decreasing from rates as high as 50% in the 1980s to early 1990s. Surgical tools and IOLs are now available to bring these rates down to single digits. Careful application and use of these tools by surgeons can genuinely lead in the direction of virtual eradication of secondary cataract, the second most common cause of visual loss worldwide.

Newly Emerged Porcine Deltacoronavirus Associated With Diarrhoea in Swine in China: Identification, Prevalence and Full-Length Genome Sequence Analysis

To identify and characterize aetiologic agent(s) associated with an outbreak of a severe diarrhoea in piglets in Jiangxi, China, in March 2015, a nested reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for the detection of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) was developed. A survey based on the nested RT‐PCR established indicated that the monoinfection of PDCoV (33.71%) and coinfection of PDCoV (19.66%) with porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) were common in diarrhoeal pigs in Jiangxi, China. A high prevalence of PDCoV (58.33%) in diarrhoeal samples which were PEDV negative was observed. The complete genome sequence of a representative PDCoV strain, PDCoV/CHJXNI2/2015, was determined. Phylogenetic analysis of complete genome and S protein sequences of PDCoV/CHJXNI2/2015 demonstrated that it was most closely related to Hong Kong and US PDCoVs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification, prevalence, complete genome sequencing and molecular characterizations of PDCoV in diarrhoeal samples in pigs in China.

Surgical prevention of posterior capsule opacification. Part 3: Intraocular lens optic barrier effect as a second line of defense

PURPOSE

To emphasize an important aspect of preventing posterior capsule opacification (PCO), the barrier effect established by the optic of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL), and present a new classification regarding capsular bag status after extra-capsular cataract extraction, including phacoemulsification.

SETTING

Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutics and Biodevices, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

METHODS

This analysis included 150 consecutive eyes obtained postmortem with United States-manufactured PC IOLs including (1) poly(methyl methacrylate), (2) silicone, and (3) hydrophobic acrylic designs that were accessioned in the Center from September 1995 to January 1, 1998. Gross photographs from behind (Miyake-Apple views) were taken and serial histologic sections prepared.

RESULTS

Microscopic analysis of the 150 eyes showed that the morphologic appearance of the capsular bag could be grouped into 2 categories: (1) those with little or no evidence of retained cortical material and cells, and (2) those with retained cortical material and cells in which a Soemmering's ring formed. With the latter, when a distinct barricade to cellular migration created by the IOL optic was noted, 2 discrete configurations occurred, depending on the different geometries of the optic components. With a classic biconvex optic with a curved and tapered edge, in many instances some ingrowth of cells proceeded posteriorly around the edge of the IOL optic in the direction of the central axis. With a lens optic that had a squared, truncated, and relatively thick edge, there was often abrupt termination of cells at the peripheral edge of the optic. The posterior capsule subtending the entire optic zone was therefore relatively or totally cell free.

CONCLUSIONS

The barrier effect of the IOL optic appears to be of critical importance in retarding ingrowth of cells, functioning as a second line of defense when cortical cleanup is incomplete. Analysis of PC IOLs obtained postmortem showed that a square, truncated optic edge seemed to provide the maximum impediment to cell growth behind the IOL optic.

Immunoglobulin synthesis and generalized autoimmunity in mice congenitally deficient in alpha beta(+) T cells

Through cognate B-cell-T-cell interactions and provision of cytokines, CD4+ T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) alpha beta+ T cells regulate immunoglobulin isotype synthesis. Murine IgG1 and IgE secretion is therefore substantially T-cell-dependent, whereas IgM and IgG3 secretion is not. Here we report that in the absence of alpha beta T cells, B cells expand, differentiate and secrete copious amounts of antibodies of 'T-dependent' isotypes. Moreover, the antibodies are reactive towards self-antigens, as in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, so autoantibodies of 'T-dependent' type can develop without the help of CD4+ alpha beta T cells. This phenotype is not evident in mice or humans that are congenitally deficient in specific alpha beta T-cell functions, but bears comparison with B-cell hyperactivity and autoimmunity in transplant rejection and in immunodeficiencies such as AIDS.

Selective distribution of porphyrins in skin thick basal cell carcinoma after topical application of methyl 5-aminolevulinate

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has achieved promising clinical results. However, the efficacy of this therapy for thick BCC is dramatically decreased by a limited diffusion of hydrophilic ALA into the tumor. Lipophilic esters of ALA may enhance their penetration into the lesion. In this randomized, open clinical study, microscopic fluorescence photometry incorporating a light-sensitive thermo-electrically cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was employed to investigate the penetration of methyl 5-aminolevulinate-induced porphyrin fluorescence in thick BCC lesions. Both the distribution pattern and the amount of porphyrins in 32 lesions of 16 patients were studied after topical application of 16, 80 or 160 mg/g of methyl 5-aminolevulinate for 3 or 18 h. A highly selective and homogeneous distribution of methyl 5-aminolevulinate-induced porphyrin fluorescence was seen in all lesions studied, with much less fluorescence in the adjacent normal skin tissues. In lesions of up to 2 mm thickness the application of 160 mg/g methyl 5-aminolevulinate for 3 h showed the highest ratio of porphyrin fluorescence depth to tumor depth (0.98+/-0.04), thus providing a biologic rationale for a clinical PDT trial with this regimen.

Apoptosis and necrosis induced with light and 5-aminolaevulinic acid-derived protoporphyrin IX

The mode of cell death induced by photodynamic treatment (PDT) was studied in two cell lines cultured in monolayer, V79 Chinese hamster fibroblasts and WiDr human colon adenocarcinoma cells. The cells were incubated with 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a precursor for the endogenously synthesised protoporphyrin IX, which was activated by light. Free DNA ends, owing to internucleosomal DNA cleavage in apoptotic cells, were stained specifically with a fluorescent dye in the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) assay. The free DNA ends were measured by flow cytometry and the fractions of apoptotic cells determined. Total cell death was measured in a cell survival assay to determine the necrotic fraction after subtraction of the apoptotic fraction. V79 cells did undergo apoptosis while WiDr cells were killed only through necrosis. With time, the apoptotic fraction of V79 cells increased until a maximum was reached about 3-4 h after ALA-PDT treatment. For increasing ALA-PDT doses, a maximal apoptotic fraction 75-85% of the cells was measured at about 85% of total cell death. The flow cytometric assay of apoptosis was confirmed by the typical ladder of oligonucleosomal DNA fragments obtained from agarose gel electrophoresis, by fluorescence micrographs visualising the induced free DNA ends and by electron micrographs showing the typical morphology of apoptotic cells.

Correlation of subcellular and intratumoral photosensitizer localization with ultrastructural features after photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer typically involves systemic administration of tumor-localizing photosensitizers followed 48-72 h later by exposure to light of appropriate wavelengths. Knowledge about the distribution of photosensitizers in tissues is still fragmentary. In particular, little is known as to the detailed localization patterns of photosensitizers in neoplastic and normal tissues as well as the relationship between such patterns and the actual targets for the photosensitizing effect. This review focuses on ultrastructural features seen in treated cells and tumors. An attempt is made to correlate these findings with the subcellular/intratumoral localization pattern of the photosensitizers in tumor cell lines in vitro and in tumor models in vivo. Several subcellular sites are main targets of PDT with different sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanines (AIPcSn) in the human tumor cell line LOX. Nuclei are not among the primary targets. Overall, the ultrastructural changes correlate well with the data about the subcellular localization patterns for each analogue of AIPcSn in the same cell line. Similar findings are also obtained for the family of sulfonated mesotetraphenylporphines (TPPSn) in the NHIK 3025 cell line. The mechanisms involved in the killing of tumors by PDT seem to be a complex interplay between direct and indirect (via vascular damage) effects on neoplastic cells according to the intratumoral localization pattern of the applied dye. Several factors can affect the localization pattern of a drug, such as its chemical character, the mode of drug delivery, the time interval between drug administration and light exposure, and tumor type. Furthermore, whether local immune reactions (such as macrophages) and apoptosis (programmed cell death) are involved in the destruction of neoplastic cells by PDT in vivo is still an enigma. A general model for PDT-induced tumor destruction is suggested.

Anterior capsule opacification: a histopathological study comparing different IOL styles

OBJECTIVE

To compare the degree of anterior capsule opacification (ACO) in human eyes obtained post-mortem containing various rigid and foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) designs.

DESIGN

Comparative autopsy tissue study with clinicopathologic correlations.

MATERIALS

Four hundred sixty human globes containing the following PC-IOL styles were analyzed: (1) one-piece polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) optic-PMMA haptic (n = 50), (2) one-piece silicone-plate IOL, large hole (n = 40), (3) one-piece silicone-plate IOL, small hole (n = 67), (4) three-piece PMMA optic-PMMA/Prolene haptic (n = 51), (5) three-piece acrylic optic-PMMA haptic (n = 96), (6) three-piece silicone optic-PMMA haptic (n = 24), (7) three-piece silicone optic-polyimide haptic (n = 40), and (8) three-piece silicone optic-prolene haptic (n = 92).

TESTING

The globes were sectioned in the equatorial plane for gross examination and then processed through paraffin; sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome stains; and examined by light microscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anterior capsule opacification was scored in each eye by grading the histologic sections from 0 to III, according to the amount (thickness) of proliferative tissue and cells measured in sagittal sections on the inner surface of the anterior capsule at the capsulorhexis margin.

RESULTS

The difference among the eight groups was significant (P < 0.0001). Mean ACO scores were highest with the large and small hole one-piece silicone-plate lenses (1.77 +/- 0.86 and 1.28 +/- 0.77, respectively). The lowest mean score was observed in the group of three-piece acrylic optic-PMMA haptics lenses (0.51 +/- 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm previous clinical observations that the rate of ACO is relatively high with plate-haptic silicone IOLs. The lowest rate was noted with the three-piece acrylic optic-PMMA haptic IOL. The IOL design and IOL material are significant factors in the development of ACO.

Surgical prevention of posterior capsule opacification. Part 1: Progress in eliminating this complication of cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate over almost 2 decades the success of a component of cataract surgery that represents a critical step in reducing the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO); namely, the efficacy of cortical cleanup.

SETTING

Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutics and Biodevices, Storm Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

METHODS

Accessioned from the early 1980s to 1997, 3320 eyes obtained postmortem with posterior chamber intraocular lenses were analyzed with respect to formation of a postoperative Soemmering's ring. This anatomic lesion, the precursor of clinical PCO, represents an important and measurable indication of the quality of cortical cleanup. Its formation was documented using Miyake-Apple posterior photographic analysis.

RESULTS

The quality and thoroughness of cortical cleanup and overall effectiveness in eliminating retained and/or regenerating cortical cells, as measured by scoring of Soemmering's rings, showed virtually no net change since the early 1980s. The intensity of Soemmering's ring was higher in the most recent specimens than in those in the early 1980s.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that renewed attention to cortical cleanup in cataract surgery is warranted for significant reduction in incidence or the elimination of PCO. More attention to the hydrodissection (cortical cleaving hydrodissection) step of the procedure is likely a practical, immediately implementable, and inexpensive remedy.

Surgical prevention of posterior capsule opacification. Part 2: Enhancement of cortical cleanup by focusing on hydrodissection

PURPOSE

To experimentally analyze the role and efficacy of hydrodissection in achieving maximal cortical cleanup.

SETTING

Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutics and Biodevices, Storm Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

METHODS

Phacoemulsification and irrigation/aspiration were performed in 10 pairs of human eyes (20 eyes) obtained postmortem. Ten eyes had previous hydrodissection and 10 eyes, no hydrodissection. The time (seconds) required for complete lens substance removal in each procedure was measured. In addition, a qualitative evaluation of difficulty of surgery was noted.

RESULTS

Phacoemulsification required 28.6% less time in eyes with previous hydrodissection than in those without. Irrigation/aspiration time was reduced by 50.9% when hydrodissection was performed. The total time of each procedure required for complete evacuation of the capsular bag was reduced by an average of 37.7% in eyes with hydrodissection. Furthermore, qualitatively the procedure was far easier, less stressful, and caused less posterior capsule stress or rupture when copious hydrodissection was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrodissection enhances the general safety and efficiency of cortical cleanup, especially at 12 o'clock. Hydrodissection is the best available, practical, immediately implementable, and inexpensive means to help remove equatorial E-cells and thus alleviate the incidence of posterior capsule opacification.

Distribution of 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced porphyrins in noduloulcerative basal cell carcinoma

Microscopic fluorescence photometry incorporating a light-sensitive thermo-electrically cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was employed to investigate the fluorescence distribution of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced porphyrins in 22 patients with a total number of 52 noduloulcerative basal cell carcinomas (BCC) after topical ALA application with or without dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or after intravenous administration of ALA. Both localization patterns and amounts of ALA-induced porphyrins in the BCC were studied. The ALA-induced porphyrins were localized only in the superficial layers of the noduloulcerative BCC lesions after topical application of 20% ALA alone for 3 h. However, both the penetration of ALA into deep lesions and the production of the ALA-induced porphyrin fluorescence were increased after topical administration of 20% ALA and 20% DMSO/4% EDTA for 3 h. Prior treatment with 99% DMSO for 15 min further enhanced the ALA penetration into the BCC lesions after topical application of the ALA/DMSO/EDTA mixture and produced more ALA-induced porphyrins by a factor of about three compared with those treated with ALA alone. The penetration of ALA into the deep BCC lesions could also be increased by prolonging the time of topical application of 20% ALA/4% EDTA to 29-48 h (without DMSO). Intravenous injection of ALA led to a more homogeneous distribution of the ALA-derived porphyrins in the whole noduloulcerative BCC lesions.

Distribution and photosensitizing efficiency of porphyrins induced by application of exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid in mice bearing mammary carcinoma

By means of a chemical extraction procedure and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we investigated the kinetic patterns of uptake and biolocalization of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced porphyrins in s.c. transplanted tumors, adjacent normal skin and muscle, and liver of mice bearing mammary carcinoma, after i.p. injection of 250 mg/kg ALA or topical application of ALA (20% in an oil-in-water emulsion). Furthermore, we evaluated the tumor responses after either i.p. injection or topical application of 5-ALA followed by laser irradiation (632 nm, 150 mW/cm2, 25 min) by measuring the treated tumor regression/regrowth time and by light and electron microscopy. Strong fluorescence of ALA-induced porphyrins was detected in the tumor, skin and liver tissues, while little fluorescence was seen in the adjacent muscle tissue. Moreover, the highest amounts of ALA-induced porphyrins in the tumor and skin tissues were found 1 hr after i.p. injection, whereas the amounts of the porphyrins in both tissues increased with increasing time after topical application of ALA. The fluorescence of the porphyrins was localized in several components of the skin tissue (epidermis, hair follicles and their associated sebaceous glands). Furthermore, the fluorescence was diffusely distributed in the s.c. transplanted tumor tissue. Little could be observed under a confocal laser scan microscope (CLSM) in the muscle tissue. The uptake and biolocalization data correlate well with the results of PCT efficiency of the same tumor model with ALA-induced porphyrins. Light and electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria of the tumor cells and of the endothelial cells and the basal lamina of vascular walls beneath the endothelium in the tumor tissue were initially extensively destroyed after PCT with ALA-induced porphyrins. Thereafter, diffuse degeneration followed by local and/or diffuse severe necrosis of the tumor cells was found. This may be due mainly to the initial damage to mitochondria in the cancerous and endothelial cells and also to the destruction of the vascular wall in the tumor tissue.

Injectable and biodegradable thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with PHBHHx nanoparticles for the sustained and controlled release of insulin

Biodegradable PHBHHx (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)) nanoparticles containing insulin phospholipid complex were loaded in chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels for long-term sustained and controlled delivery of insulin. The injectable hydrogels, prepared by adding β-glycerophosphate disodium salt (GP) solution to chitosan (CS) solution under stirring, showed a rapid solution-to-gel transition at 37 °C, a porous structure and a comparative degradation and swelling rate in vitro. In the in vitro release studies, only 19.11% of total insulin was released from the nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel (NP-CS/GP) within 31 days. However, 96.41% of total insulin was released from the free insulin-loaded hydrogel (INS-CS/GP) within 16 days. Most importantly, the hypoglycemic effect of NP-CS/GP following subcutaneous injection in diabetic rats lasted for >5 days, much longer than the effect caused by INS-CS/GP or other long-acting insulin formulations. The pharmacological availability of NP-CS/GP relative to INS-CS/GP was 379.85%, indicating that the bioavailability of insulin was significantly enhanced by NP-CS/GP gels. Therefore, biodegradable and thermosensitive NP-CS/GP gels have great potential for use in novel ultralong-acting insulin injections. In addition, the NP-loaded hydrogel system also paves the way for long-term delivery of other proteins and peptides.

Computational ligand design in enantio- and diastereoselective ynamide [5+2] cycloisomerization

Transition metals can catalyse the stereoselective synthesis of cyclic organic molecules in a highly atom-efficient process called cycloisomerization. Many diastereoselective (substrate stereocontrol), and enantioselective (catalyst stereocontrol) cycloisomerizations have been developed. However, asymmetric cycloisomerizations where a chiral catalyst specifies the stereochemical outcome of the cyclization of a single enantiomer substrate--regardless of its inherent preference--are unknown. Here we show how a combined theoretical and experimental approach enables the design of a highly reactive rhodium catalyst for the stereoselective cycloisomerization of ynamide-vinylcyclopropanes to [5.3.0]-azabicycles. We first establish highly diastereoselective cycloisomerizations using an achiral catalyst, and then explore phosphoramidite-complexed rhodium catalysts in the enantioselective variant, where theoretical investigations uncover an unexpected reaction pathway in which the electronic structure of the phosphoramidite dramatically influences reaction rate and enantioselectivity. A marked enhancement of both is observed using the optimal theory-designed ligand, which enables double stereodifferentiating cycloisomerizations in both matched and mismatched catalyst-substrate settings.

Polymorphisms in the interleukin-4 and interleukin-4 receptor alpha chain genes confer susceptibility to asthma and atopy in a Caucasian population

BACKGROUND

IL-4 by binding to its receptor (IL-4R) is essential for the development of airway inflammation present in asthma, through the induction of IgE synthesis in B cells and differentiation of T cells to a Th2 phenotype.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of four common polymorphisms in the IL-4 (IL4-34CT and IL4-589CT) and IL-4Ralpha chain (IL4RAI50V and IL4RAQ576R) genes in conferring susceptibility to the development of atopy and/or asthma.

METHODS

Two polymorphisms in the IL-4 gene promoter, IL4-34CT and IL4-589CT, and two polymorphisms in the IL-4Ralpha chain gene, IL4RAI50V and IL4RAQ576R, have been genotyped using PCR-based methods in 341 asthmatic families and in 184 non-asthmatic adults recruited from the south of England.

RESULTS

Case-control analysis did not reveal differences in the distribution of the four polymorphisms between asthmatics and controls. However, the transmission disequilibrium test showed that the IL4-589 T allele was preferentially transmitted to asthmatic children (P=0.036) and that the IL4RAQ576 was preferentially transmitted to children with atopic asthma (P=0.018). Haplotype analysis showed a strong association between the IL4-34T/-589T haplotype and asthma per se (P=0.041), and a strong association between the IL4RA I50/Q576 haplotype and atopic asthma (P=0.006).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that polymorphisms in the IL-4 and IL-4Ralpha chain genes might play a role both conferring susceptibility to and modulating severity of atopy and asthma.

Interlenticular opacification: clinicopathological correlation of a complication of posterior chamber piggyback intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

To present a clinicopathological correlation of 2 pairs of piggyback posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) explanted because of opacification between the lens optics.

SETTING

Gayton Health Center, Eyesight Associates of Middle Georgia, Warner Robins, Georgia, and Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutics and Biodevices, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

METHODS

Two pairs of piggyback AcrySof lenses were explanted from 2 patients with significant visual loss related to opacification between the optics. They were submitted for pathological analysis. Gross and histopathological examinations were performed, and photomicroscopy was used to document the results.

RESULTS

Gross examination showed accumulation of a membrane-like white material between the lenses. Histopathological examination revealed that the tissue consisted of retained/proliferative lens epithelial cells (bladder cells or pearls) mixed with lens cortical material.

CONCLUSION

Piggyback PC IOLs were explanted in 2 cases because of a newly described complication, interlenticular opacification. Three surgical means may help prevent this complication: meticulous cortical cleanup, especially in the equatorial region; creation of a relatively large continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis to sequester retained cells peripheral to the IOL optic within the equatorial fornix; insertion of the posterior IOL in the capsular bag and the anterior IOL in the ciliary sulcus to isolate retained cells from the interlenticular space.

Germinal center formation, immunoglobulin class switching, and autoantibody production driven by "non alpha/beta" T cells

The production of class-switched antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 and IgE, occurs efficiently in T cell receptor (TCR) alpha-/- mice that are congenitally devoid of alpha/beta T cells. This finding runs counter to a wealth of data indicating that IgG1 and IgE synthesis are largely dependent on the collaboration between B and alpha/beta T cells. Furthermore, many of the antibodies synthesized in TCR alpha-/- mice are reactive to a similar spectrum of self-antigens as that targeted by autoantibodies characterizing human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE, too, is most commonly regarded as an alpha/beta T cell-mediated condition. To distinguish whether the development of autoantibodies in TCR alpha-/- mice is due to an intrinsic de-regulation of B cells, or to a heretofore poorly characterized collaboration between B and "non-alpha/beta T" cells, the phenotype has been reconstituted by transfer of various populations of B and non-alpha/beta T cells including cloned gamma/delta T cells derived from TCR alpha-/- mice, to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The results establish that the reproducible production of IgG1 (including autoantibodies) is a product of non-alpha/beta T cell help that can be provided by gamma/delta T cells. This type of B-T collaboration sustains the production of germinal centers, lymphoid follicles that ordinarily are anatomical signatures of alpha/beta T-B cell collaboration. Thus, non-alpha/beta T cell help may drive Ig synthesis and autoreactivity under various circumstances, especially in cases of alpha/beta T cell immunodeficiency.

Effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum B1 on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and short chain fatty acid profiles in broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum B1 on broiler performance, cecal bacteria, and ileal and cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The study also determined whether it was necessary to feed Lactobacillus throughout the entire growth period or if the beneficial effects could be obtained by supplementation during the starter or finisher period only. Experiment 1 was conducted with 72 broilers assigned to 2 treatments (N=6). One treatment was the basal diet (Con), and the other was the basal diet supplemented with 2×10(9) cfu/kg L. plantarum B1 (Wh). In experiment 2, 144 one-day-old broilers were assigned to 4 treatments (N=6) including a basal diet (Con), the basal diet supplemented with 2×10(9) cfu/kgL. plantarum B1 during d one to 21 only (St), the basal diet supplemented with L. plantarum B1 during d 22 to 42 only (Fn), and, finally, the basal diet supplemented with L. plantarum B1 from d one to 42 (Wh). Experiment 1 showed that L. plantarum B1 enhanced broiler average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In experiment 2, during the starter period, broilers in the Wh and St treatments had higher ADG (P<0.05) than broilers in the Con and Fn, while during the finisher period, broilers in the Wh and Fn had higher ADG (P<0.01) and improved FCR (P<0.01) compared with broilers in the Con and St. On d 42, broilers in the Wh and Fn had decreased E. coli (P<0.05) and increased lactic acid bacteria (P<0.05) in their cecal digesta. L. plantarum B1 also increased (P<0.05) ileal mucosal sIgA as well as ileal and cecal SCFA. However, L. plantarum B1 had no effect on intestinal morphology. In conclusion,L. plantarum B1 plays a positive role in broilers. Supplementation during the finisher period or the entire growth period is superior to supplementation during the starter period only.

Roles of inter- and intramolecular vibrations and band-hopping crossover in the charge transport in naphthalene crystal

We calculate the hole and electron mobilities in naphthalene crystal from 10 to 300 K within the framework of the Holstein-Peierls model coupled with first-principles density-functional-theory-projected tight-binding band structures. All the electron-phonon coupling constants, including both local and nonlocal parts for inter- and intramolecular vibrations, have been taken into considerations through density functional theory. The band-hopping crossover transition temperature for the electron transport in the c' axis is calculated to be around 23 K. We have identified a few high frequency intramolecular vibrations which are very important to the charge transport in naphthalene crystal due to their comparatively large electron-phonon coupling constants. However, their contributions to the temperature dependence of mobility are minor because of the small phonon occupations and small nonlocal coupling strengths. The low frequency intermolecular modes (longitudinal optical modes) are found to be the major contributions to the temperature dependent charge transfer properties in naphthalene crystal. Even though the calculated qualitative temperature dependence is in agreement with experiment, the predicted absolute mobility is about one to two orders of magnitude larger.

Subcellular localization, redistribution and photobleaching of sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanines in a human melanoma cell line

Intracellular localization, intracellular translocation and photobleaching following non-lethal laser microirradiation of the fluorescing derivatives of sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanines (Al-PcSn, n = 1-4) in a human melanoma cell line (LOX) were studied by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and image processing. Use of confocal microscopy allowed 3-dimensional information to be obtained. Both Al-PcS1 and Al-PcS2 localized diffusely in the cytoplasm of the cells, while Al-PcS3 and Al-PcS4 exhibited a granular pattern in the extranuclear fraction of the cells. None of the Al-PcSn family was observed in the nuclei of the cells except that a small fraction of fluorescence was occasionally detected in nuclei of some cells treated with Al-PcS1 and Al-PcS2. Furthermore, exactly the same granular localization patterns and positions in the same cells were found after incubation initially with Al-PcS3 (or Al-PcS4) followed by acridine orange (AO) which emits red fluorescence from lysosomes of cells. Thus, the granular fluorescence of Al-PcS3 and Al-PcS4 is confined to the lysosomes of the LOX cells. Non-lethal laser exposure of cells incubated with high concentrations of the 2 dyes resulted in a translocation of the dyes from the lysosomes to the whole cytoplasm and an increase in total intracellular fluorescence intensity. Finally, a small fraction of the dyes localized into the nuclei of the cells. The laser exposure of cells incubated with low concentrations of the lysosomally localized dyes resulted in an increase in the intracellular fluorescence intensity with no translocation of the dyes. Under all conditions, high laser exposure resulted in a decrease in the total intracellular fluorescence intensity.