Moving evidence into practice: cost analysis and assessment of macaques' sustained behavioral engagement with videogames and foraging devices.

Environmental enrichment plans for captive nonhuman primates often include provision of foraging devices. The rationale for using foraging devices is to promote species-typical activity patterns that encourage physical engagement and provide multi-sensory stimulation. However, these devices have been shown to be ineffective at sustaining manipulation over long periods of time, and often produce minimal cognitive engagement. Here we use an evidence-based approach to directly compare the amount of object-directed behavior with a foraging device and a computer-based videogame system. We recorded 11 adult male rhesus monkeys' interactions with a foraging device and two tasks within a joystick videogame cognitive test battery. Both techniques successfully produced high levels of engagement during the initial 20 min of observation. After 1 hr the monkeys manipulated the foraging device significantly less than the joystick, F(2,10) = 43.93, P < 0.0001. Subsequent testing showed that the monkeys engaged in videogame play for the majority of a 5 hr period, provided that they received a 94 mg chow pellet upon successful completion of trials. Using a model approach, we developed previously as a basis for standardized cost:benefit analysis to inform facility decisions, we calculated the comprehensive cost of incorporating a videogame system as an enrichment strategy. The videogame system has a higher initial cost compared to widely-used foraging devices, however, the ongoing labor and supply costs are relatively low. Our findings add to two decades of empirical studies by a number of laboratories that have demonstrated the successful use of videogame-based systems to promote sustained non-social cognitive engagement for macaques. The broader significance of the work lies in the application of a systematic approach to compare and contrast enrichment strategies and encourage evidence-based decision making when choosing an enrichment strategy in a manner that promotes meaningful cognitive enrichment to the animals.

A first-in-human study of the anti-LAG-3 antibody favezelimab plus pembrolizumab in previously treated, advanced microsatellite stable colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options are limited for participants with microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that progressed after two or more prior therapies. Studies have shown that blockade of both lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) can improve antitumor activity. Here, we evaluate the antitumor activity of the LAG-3 antibody favezelimab alone or in combination with pembrolizumab in participants with MSS mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible participants with MSS PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) treatment-naive mCRC that progressed on two or more prior therapies received 800 mg favezelimab, 800 mg favezelimab plus 200 mg pembrolizumab, or 800 mg favezelimab/200 mg pembrolizumab co-formulation, every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety, the secondary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), and exploratory endpoints included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: At the data cut-off date of 23 October 2020, a total of 20 participants received favezelimab alone, 89 received favezelimab plus pembrolizumab (including as favezelimab/pembrolizumab co-formulation); 48 had PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 tumors. At this interim analysis median follow-up was 5.8 months with favezelimab and 6.2 with favezelimab plus pembrolizumab. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were 65% with favezelimab and 65.2% with favezelimab plus pembrolizumab. Grade ≥3 TRAEs were 15% with favezelimab and 20% with favezelimab plus pembrolizumab. No grade 5 TRAEs occurred. Common TRAEs (≥15%) included fatigue (20.0%), nausea (15.0%) with favezelimab, and fatigue (16.9%) with favezelimab plus pembrolizumab. Confirmed ORR was 6.3% with favezelimab plus pembrolizumab, with median duration of response of 10.6 months (range 5.6-12.7 months), median OS of 8.3 months (95% confidence interval 5.5-12.9 months), and median PFS of 2.1 months (1.9-2.2 months). In an exploratory analysis of PD-L1 CPS ≥1 tumors, the confirmed ORR was 11.1%, median OS was 12.7 months (4.5 to not reached), and median PFS was 2.2 months (1.8-4.2 months) with favezelimab plus pembrolizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Favezelimab with or without pembrolizumab had a manageable safety profile, with no treatment-related deaths. Promising antitumor activity was observed with combination therapy, particularly in participants with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 tumors.

The measurement of analyte diffusion from hydrogel microcapsules in model aqueous environments.

Model flavor analytes with varying partition coefficients were successfully encapsulated in approximately 150 microm diameter hydrogel microcapsules containing medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Analyte diffusion from the microcapsules into water and dextrose solutions was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer fitted with a fiber optic probe. The diffusion of acetophenone, considered a hydrophilic analyte, was reduced as the dextrose concentration was increased in the water environment. Diffusion comparison was noted as t(1/2) which is the measure of time when 50% of the analyte concentration is released from the microcapsules. The measured t(1/2) for acetophenone in distilled water was 0.40 min. The addition of 20% dextrose to distilled water increased the t(1/2) to 0.60 min while the 40% dextrose addition extended the t(1/2) to 1.4 min. The same t(1/2) trends were also noted with methyl salicylate which is considered a hydrophobic analyte. The measured t(1/2) for methyl salicylate in distilled water was 2.0 min. The addition of 20% dextrose to distilled water increased the t(1/2) to 4.0 min while the 40% dextrose addition extended the t(1/2) to 9.0 min. The addition of dextrose to the water media effectively changes the partitioning media, increasing the resulting partition coefficient (Log P) values. Large changes in the Log P values were confirmed by the GC/FID analysis. In essence, water becomes a poor solvent for the analytes and diffusion is slowed from the hydrophobic MCT contained within the microcapsules as higher concentrations of dextrose is added to the water phase. Since methyl salicylate has a larger Log P(MCT: Water) value compared to acetophenone, the addition of dextrose extends the t(1/2) to a larger extent.

Oligomerizaiton and fibril asssembly of the amyloid-beta protein.

In this chapter, we attempt to analyze the evolution of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) molecular structure from its inception as part of the Abeta precursor protein to its release by the secretases and its extrusion from membrane into an aqueous environment. Biophysical studies suggest that the Abeta peptide sustains a series of transitions from a molecule rich in alpha-helix to a molecule in which beta-strands prevail. It is proposed that initially the extended C-termini of two opposing Abeta dimers form an antiparallel beta-sheet and that the subsequent addition of dimers generates a helical Abeta protofilament. Two or more protofilaments create a strand in which the hydrophobic core of the beta-sheets is shielded from the aqueous environment by the N-terminal polar domains of the Abeta dimers. Once the nucleation has occurred, the Abeta filament grows in length by the addition of dimers or tetramers.

Cellular cofactors potentiating induction of stress and cytotoxicity by amyloid beta-peptide.

Insights into factors underlying causes of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as mutant forms of beta-amyloid precursor protein and presenilins, and those conferring increased risk of sporadic AD, such as isoforms of apolipoprotein E and polymorphisms of alpha2-macroglobulin, have been rapidly emerging. However, mechanisms through which amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), the fibrillogenic peptide most closely associated with neurotoxicity in AD, exerts its effects on cellular targets have only been more generally outlined. Late in the course of AD, when Abeta fibrils are abundant, non-specific interactions of amyloid with cellular elements are likely to induce broad cytotoxicity. However, early in AD, when concentrations of Abeta are much lower and extracellular deposits are infrequent, mechanisms underlying cellular dysfunction have not been clearly defined. The key issue in elucidating the means through which Abeta perturbs cellular properties early in AD is the possibility that protective therapy at such times may prevent cytotoxicity at a point when damage is still reversible. This brief review focusses on two cellular cofactors for Abeta-induced cellular perturbation: the cell surface immunoglobulin superfamily molecule RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts) and ABAD (Abeta binding alcohol dehydrogenase). Although final proof for the involvement of these cofactors in cellular dysfunction in AD must await the results of further in vivo experiments, their increased expression in AD brain, as well as other evidence described below, suggests the possibility of specific pathways for Abeta-induced cellular perturbation which could provide future therapeutic targets.

Regulatory sequences in sigma 54 localise near the start of DNA melting.

Transcription initiation by the enhancer-dependent sigma(54) RNA polymerase holoenzyme is positively regulated after promoter binding. The promoter DNA melting process is subject to activation by an enhancer-bound activator protein with nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis activity. Tethered iron chelate probes attached to amino and carboxyl-terminal domains of sigma(54) were used to map sigma(54)-DNA interaction sites. The two domains localise to form a centre over the -12 promoter region. The use of deletion mutants of sigma(54) suggests that amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal sequences are both needed for the centre to function. Upon activation, the relationship between the centre and promoter DNA changes. We suggest that the activator re-organises the centre to favour stable open complex formation through adjustments in sigma(54)-DNA contact and sigma(54) conformation. The centre is close to the active site of the RNA polymerase and includes sigma(54) regulatory sequences needed for DNA melting upon activation. This contrasts systems where activators recruit RNA polymerase to promoter DNA, and the protein and DNA determinants required for activation localise away from promoter sequences closely associated with the start of DNA melting.

Use of peptide combinatorial libraries in drug design: the identification of a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor derived from a tripeptide cassette library.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal chemistry traditionally requires the identification of biologically active molecules by synthesizing and screening each purified substrate. Further progress in drug discovery then requires definition of the structure-activity relationship of the lead compound. More recently, combinatorial chemistry has emerged as a way to examine structure-activity relationships by screening a large mixture of compounds synthesized in a predictably random manner, without the labor-intensive costs of molecular isolation and purification. We set out to use this approach to examine the structural requirements for peptide binding to serotonin and dopamine transporters. RESULTS: We screened a tripeptide cassette library for serotonin and dopamine reuptake inhibition using cloned transporter assay systems. The method has afforded a number of tripeptide pharmacophores with inhibitory IC50 values ranging from 10 microM to < 1 microM in the dopamine and serotonin reuptake systems. The conformation of one of these tripeptides, N-acetyl-D-Trp-L-Phe-D-Lys-CONH2 (which inhibits serotonin uptake with an IC50 of 10 microM) was compared to that of the serotonin uptake inhibitor s-fluoxetine, and was shown to be more similar in conformation to fluoxetine than was an analogous tripeptide containing L-Lys (IC50 > 50 microM). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified five tripeptides with inhibitory IC50 values of < 10 microM in the serotonin reuptake system. One tripeptide was predicted to have pharmacophore features similar to that of fluoxetine, a selective and potent non-peptide serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Our results suggest that tripeptides derived from combinatorial libraries will help to define the important structural elements of pharmacophores.

Bicyclic and tricyclic ergoline partial structures. Rigid 3-(2-aminoethyl)pyrroles and 3- and 4-(2-aminoethyl)pyrazoles as dopamine agonists.

It is proposed, based upon comparisons with apomorphine, that the rigid pyrroleethylamine moiety of the ergolines is the portion of the molecule responsible for dopamine agonist activity. In support of this hypothesis, bicyclic and tricyclic ergoline partial structures 6, 11, 25, and 35 have been synthesized. In addition, some pyrazole isosters (37, 38, 40, and 45) of these rigid pyrroleethylamines have been made. All of the classes show dopaminergic activity in prolactin inhibition and in lesioned rat turning assays. The most potent drugs, the linear tricyclic pyrazoles 38 (R = Pr) and 40 (R = Pr), are comparable in potency with the highly active ergoline pergolide (41).

Effects of conformationally restricted 4-piperazinyl-10H-thienobenzodiazepine neuroleptics on central dopaminergic and cholinergic systems.

The levels of antidopaminergic and anticholinergic activities of neuroleptics, 4-piperazinyl-10H-thienobenzodiazepines, are modulated by imposing steric impedence to the piperazine ring. The optimum situation in favor of the anticholinergic action is reached in compound 5, 2,3-dimethyl-7-fluoro-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepine, where a maximum activity (equivalent to hyoscine), as measured by the [3H]QNB receptor binding assay, is obtained. The structure-activity relationships found highlight the importance of certain spatial dispositions of the distal piperazine nitrogen (electron lone pair) with respect to the tricyclic system. The evidence for molecular topography of these compounds is presented from X-ray, NMR, and other physical data. The conformational aspects for correspondence to the relevant receptors are discussed.

Synthesis of syn and anti isomers of 6-[[(hydroxyimino)phenyl]methyl]-1-[(1-methylethyl)sulfonyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine. Inhibitors of rhinovirus multiplication.

The synthesis and antirhinovirus activity of syn and anti isomers of 6-[[(hydroxyimino)phenyl]methyl]-1-[(1-methylethyl)sulfonyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (4 and 5) are reported. The structural assignments of 4 and 5 are based upon 13C NMR spectra of both isomers and also X-ray analysis of 5. The anti-isomer 5 was more potent than the syn-isomer 4 when compared as an inhibitor of rhinovirus multiplication in vitro. Both isomers inhibited multiplication of 15 different serotypes of rhinovirus.

Conservation of the sequence of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid peptide in dog, polar bear and five other mammals by cross-species polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Neuritic plaque and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits have been detected in the aged monkey, dog, and polar bear and have rarely been found in aged rodents (Biochem. Biophy. Res. Commun., 12 (1984) 885-890; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 82 (1985) 4245-4249). To determine if the primary structure of the 42-43 residue amyloid peptide is conserved in species that accumulate plaques, the region of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) cDNA that encodes the peptide region was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared to those species where amyloid accumulation has not been detected. The DNA sequences of dog, polar bear, rabbit, cow, sheep, pig and guinea pig were compared and a phylogenetic tree was generated. We conclude that the amino acid sequence of dog and polar bear and other mammals which may form amyloid plaques is conserved and the species where amyloid has not been detected (mouse, rat) may be evolutionarily a distinct group. In addition, the predicted secondary structure of mouse and rat amyloid that differs from that of amyloid bearing species is its lack of propensity to form a beta sheeted structure. Thus, a cross-species examination of the amyloid peptide may suggest what is essential for amyloid deposition.

Methylprednisolone does not benefit patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and early tracheal extubation.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether methylprednisolone, when administered to patients undergoing cardiac surgery, is able to ward off the detrimental hemodynamic and pulmonary alterations associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: After institutional review board approval and informed consent was obtained, 90 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomized to 1 of 3 groups. Group 30MP patients received 30 mg/kg intravenous methylprednisolone during sternotomy and 30 mg/kg during initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, group 15MP patients received 15 mg/kg methylprednisolone at the same 2 times, and group NS patients received similar volumes of isotonic sodium chloride solution at the same 2 times. Perioperative care was standardized, and all caregivers were blinded to treatment group. Various hemodynamic and pulmonary measurements were obtained perioperatively, as well as fluid balance, weight, peak postoperative blood glucose level, and tracheal extubation time. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and intraoperative data were similar among the 3 groups. Patients receiving methylprednisolone (either dose) exhibited significantly increased cardiac index (P =.0006), significantly decreased systemic vascular resistance (P =.0005), and significantly increased shunt flow (P =.0020) during the immediate postoperative period. All 3 groups exhibited significant increases in alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P <.0001), significant decreases in dynamic lung compliance (P <.0001), and significant decreases in static lung compliance (P <.0001) during the immediate postoperative period, with no differences between groups. Perioperative fluid balance and weights were similar between groups. A statistically significant difference in peak postoperative blood glucose level existed (P =.016) among group NS (234 +/- 96 mg/dL), group 15MP (292 +/- 93 mg/dL), and group 30MP (311 +/- 90 mg/dL). In patients extubated within 12 hours of intensive care unit arrival, a statistically significant difference in extubation times existed (P =.025) between group NS (5.7 +/- 2.3 hours), group 15MP (5.9 +/- 2.2 hours), and group 30MP (7.5 +/- 2.7 hours). CONCLUSIONS: Methylprednisolone, as used in this investigation, offers no clinical benefits to patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass and may in fact be detrimental by initiating postoperative hyperglycemia and possibly hindering early postoperative tracheal extubation for undetermined reasons.

Effectiveness of computer-generated telephone messages in increasing clinic visits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of computer-generated telephone reminder calls in increasing kept appointment rates in a public health setting. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Public health clinic, Georgia. PATIENTS: Five hundred seventeen clients with scheduled appointments during a 4-week period at immunization, women, infant, and children; well-child; or family-planning programs. INTERVENTION: A single computer-generated telephone reminder 1 day before each client's scheduled appointment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Rates of kept appointments. RESULTS: Of the 277 clients assigned to receive the intervention, 144 (52%) kept their appointments, compared with only 78 (32.5%) of 240 who were not assigned to receive a message (P < .05). Improvement in kept appointment rates associated with receiving the message was highest for the immunization-program (183% increase, P < .05), with increases of 64%, 53%, and 44% for the well-child; women, infant, and children; and family-planning programs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a simple and effective method to increase kept appointment rates in a variety of public health programs.

The impact of interventions by a community-based organization on inner-city vaccination coverage: Fulton County, Georgia, 1992-1993.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of interventions by a community-based organization on immunization rates. DESIGN: Controlled community intervention trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 3 to 59 months in Fulton County, Georgia, who were patients of 1 of 4 public clinics (clinic based), or residents of 1 of 9 inner-city communities (residence based). INTERVENTIONS: (1) Clinic-based intervention included monthly review of clinic vaccination records to identify undervaccinated children followed by contact with family (reminder-recall strategy); (2) residence-based intervention included door-to-door assessment and education campaigns followed by mobile van vaccinations, temporary on-site vaccination stations, free child care and transportation to providers, incentives of food and baby products, focus groups, and coalitions with local organizations (community saturation with vaccination messages and opportunities). OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in vaccination rates after 1 year based on clinic record reviews and population surveys. RESULTS: For clinic-based intervention, series completion rates improved from 43% (87/204) to 58% (99/170) in intervention clinics (P=.003), while rates in control clinics did not change from the baseline of 52% (81/157 to 78/150), for a net difference between intervention and control arms of +15 percentage points (P=.046). For residence-based intervention, age-appropriate vaccination rates improved from 44% (154/347) to 61% (260/429) in intervention communities (+17 percentage points; P<.001) compared with improvement of 44% (78/178) to 58% (129/221) for control communities (+14 percentage points; P=.004), but the difference between arms was not significant (+3 percentage points, P=.78). CONCLUSIONS: Reminder-recall activities by the community-based organization improved vaccination rates in intervention clinics compared with control clinics. A statistically significant impact on vaccination rates could not be detected for residence-based interventions by the community-based organization.

Hemodynamic effects of methylprednisolone in patients undergoing cardiac operation and early extubation.

BACKGROUND: Whether or not methylprednisolone is beneficial during cardiac operation remains controversial. This study examines the effects of the drug on complement activation and hemodynamics in patients undergoing cardiac operation and early extubation. METHODS: Patients undergoing cardiac operation were randomized to receive either intravenous methylprednisolone (group MP) or intravenous placebo (group NS). Complement 3a (C3a) levels and hemodynamic parameters were obtained perioperatively. Extubation was accomplished at the earliest clinically appropriate time. RESULTS: Both groups exhibited equivalent increases in C3a levels after exposure to bypass. Group MP exhibited increased cardiac index, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and increased shunt flow when compared to group NS. More group MP patients required hemodynamic support and group MP patients had prolonged extubation times. CONCLUSIONS: Methylprednisolone was unable to attenuate complement activation and led to hemodynamic alterations (primarily vasodilation) that may hinder early extubation in patients after cardiac operations.

Expression of potentially amyloidogenic derivatives of the Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein in cultured 293 cells.

The expression of the carboxyl-terminal 100 (C-100) residues of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) may provide a model for studying the processing of APP to the 42-43 residue beta-amyloid peptide (beta A4) implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Expression of human C-100 in mammalian cells reportedly causes 'toxicity' and amyloid-like fibrils. We have expressed the C-100 fragment in human embryonic kidney cells (293 cells) in a transient assay and compared it to the expression of transfected wild type and mutant (Swedish familial Alzheimer's disease) full length APP. Products were characterized by Western blot analysis using antibodies to the carboxyl-terminal region of APP.

The structure of the calcium complex of A23187, a divalent cation ionophore antibiotic.

The crystal and molecular structures of the calcium complex of A23187 has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.

The discovery, fermentation, isolation, and structure of antibiotic A33853 and its tetraacetyl derivative.

The structure of antibiotic A33853, isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp., NRRL 12068, is reported. The structure was deduced from an X-ray crystallographic study of its tetraacetyl derivative. Tetraacetyl A33853 is unique because it contains an anhydride moiety, an unexpected product from the reaction of A33853 with acetic anhydride and pyridine.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel inhibitor of an aminoglycoside-inactivating enzyme.

A novel low-molecular weight inhibitor of an aminoglycoside-inactivating enzyme, initially isolated from fermentation broths of Streptomyces neyagawaensis, was determined to be 7-hydroxytropolone. Its structure was confirmed by synthesis. In vitro synergy was demonstrated between 7-hydroxytropolone and certain aminoglycosides against bacteria which were resistant to those aminoglycosides by virtue of a 2"-O-adenylyltransferase. The synthesis and characterization of some analogs of 7-hydroxytropolone is also described.

Novel fermentation products from Streptomyces fradiae: X-ray crystal structure of 5-O-mycarosyltylactone and proof of the absolute configuration of tylosin.

5-O-Mycarosyltylactone has been isolated as a predominant factor from fermentation broths of a Streptomyces fradiae mutant. The relative configurations of mycarose and tylactone (protylonolide) have been determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Hydrolysis of 5-O-mycarosyltylactone yielded (-)-tylactone and L-(-)-mycarose. Taken together, these two experiments establish the absolute configuration of (-)-tylactone. Bioconversion of (-)-tylactone to tylosin by tyl G mutants of S. fradiae proves the absolute configuration of tylosin. Physicochemical data for tylactone and a unique component piece of tylactone are also reported.