The Essential Role of Circulating Thyroglobulin in Maintaining Dominance of Natural Regulatory T Cell Function to Prevent Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Several key findings from the late 1960s to mid-1970s regarding thyroid hormone metabolism and circulating thyroglobulin composition converged with studies pertaining to the role of T lymphocytes in autoimmune thyroiditis. These studies cemented the foundation for subsequent investigations into the existence and antigenic specificity of thymus-derived natural regulatory T cells (nTregs). These nTregs prevented the development of autoimmune thyroiditis, despite the ever-present genetic predisposition, autoantigen (thyroglobulin), and thyroglobulin-reactive T cells. Guided by the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis as a fixed set-point regulator in thyroid hormone metabolism, we used a murine model and compared at key junctures the capacity of circulating thyroglobulin level (raised by thyroid-stimulating hormone or exogenous thyroglobulin administration) to strengthen self-tolerance and resist autoimmune thyroiditis. The findings clearly demonstrated an essential role for raised circulating thyroglobulin levels in maintaining the dominance of nTreg function and inhibiting thyroid autoimmunity. Subsequent identification of thyroglobulin-specific nTregs as CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) in the early 2000s enabled the examination of probable mechanisms of nTreg function. We observed that whenever nTreg function was perturbed by immunotherapeutic measures, opportunistic autoimmune disorders invariably surfaced. This review highlights the step-wise progression of applying insights from endocrinologic and immunologic studies to advance our understanding of the clonal balance between natural regulatory and autoreactive T cells. Moreover, we focus on how tilting the balance in favor of maintaining peripheral tolerance could be achieved. Thus, murine autoimmune thyroiditis has served as a unique model capable of closely simulating natural physiologic conditions.

Effects of Particle Abrasion Media and Pressure on Flexural Strength and Bond Strength of Zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of particle abrasion medium and pressure on shear bond strength and biaxial flexural strength of three generations of zirconia (Lava Frame, Lava Plus, and Lava Esthetic) with the goal of optimizing the bond to zirconia. METHODS: 280 discs (14 mm diameter; 1 mm thickness) of each zirconia were milled and sintered. Specimens of each material were randomly distributed into 14 groups (n=20); half were tested for shear bond strength and half were tested for biaxial flexural strength. The specimens were particle abraded on one surface by 2 different media (50 µm alumina particles or 50 µm glass beads) for 10 seconds at three different pressures (15, 30, and 45 psi or 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 MPa). Untreated specimens served as positive control. A tube (1.50 mm diameter) filled with dual cured resin cement (Panavia SA) was placed onto the surface and light cured. Specimens were stored in water (37°C for 24 hours) and shear bond strength was measured in a universal testing machine (Instron). Biaxial flexural strength of each specimen was measured according to ISO 6872. Shear bond strength and biaxial flexural strength were compared individually with a 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for factors surface treatment and zirconia composition. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen between surface treatments (p<0.01), zirconia composition (p<0.01) and their interaction (p<0.01) for both bond strength and flexural strength. With alumina particle abrasion, higher pressure produced higher bonds for Lava Frame and Lava Plus zirconia while the bond of Lava Esthetic declined with increased pressure. Higher pressure (>0.2 MPa or 30 psi) with alumina decreased biaxial flexural strength with Lava Esthetic zirconia. CONCLUSIONS: Particle abrasion with alumina produced a significantly better combination of bond strength while maintaining biaxial strength of three zirconia materials than particle abrasion with glass beads. The bond strength also depended upon the pressure of particle abrasion and the generation of zirconia used.

Injury prevention: a strategic priority for environmental health?

Injury results from the acute transfer of energy (or the acute lack of a vital element) from the environment to human tissue. It is thus, ipso facto, an 'environmental health' issue par excellence. This paper argues that injury consequently deserves consideration as a major strategic priority by environmental health professionals. Two international agreements concerning children's health and the environment have major implications for safety. The Children's Environmental Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE) and the European Environmental Health Strategy make reference to the need for improved evidence and greater co-operation between the environmental and health sectors. CEHAPE is particularly relevant to safety as it focuses on four regional priority goals, the second of which refers to the prevention and reduction of health consequences from injuries by promoting safe, secure and supportive human settlements for all children. The natural strategic 'home' for injury prevention may therefore lie within environmental health, a domain from which it has generally been excluded. In support of this assertion, Scotland's recent policy initiative on the environment and human health 'Good Places, Better Health' is cited, where injury in children up to 8 years of age is one of four child health priorities being tackled during its initial implementation. An important test of the initiative may be its capacity to inform policy, practice and research in the field of injury prevention and safety promotion. If successful, it will help to validate the environmental health approach to a field that remains relatively neglected by public agencies, policy makers, practitioners and researchers.

Effect of cell density and HLA-DR incompatibility on T-cell proliferation and forkhead box P3 expression in human mixed lymphocyte reaction.

BACKGROUND: The proliferation rates of human T cells in vitro are affected by some factors such as initial T-cell number, dose of stimulating cells, and duration of culture. The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) has been used to identify regulatory T cells in humans and is thought to correlate with tolerance to allogeneic organ transplant. Thus, it is important to optimize conditions to expand FoxP3 cell proliferation to improve engraftment of allogeneic organ transplants. METHODS: We studied proliferative responses and FoxP3 expression in divided T cells with the use of flow cytometric analysis of Ki-67 in culture of different concentrations of responding cells (6 × 10(6), 4 × 10(6), 2 × 10(6), 1 × 10(6), and 0.5 × 10(6)cells/mL), different types of stimulating cells (lymphocytes and low density cells), and different numbers of HLA mismatches. RESULTS: The proportion of CD3(+) cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, and CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) cells among mononuclear cells were highest at initial cell concentration of 2 × 10(6) responder cells/mL with lymphocytes as stimulators at day-5 mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). They were highest at a concentration of 4 × 10(6) responder cells/mL with low density cells as stimulators. The recovery (%), proportion of CD3(+) cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, and CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) cells with 2 HLA-DR incompatibility were significantly higher than those of 1 HLA-DR incompatibility at day-5 MLR. CONCLUSIONS: Initial cell concentration and HLA-DR incompatibility can affect the generation of FoxP3+ T cells in human MLR. These factors could be considered for efficient generation of Tregs for clinical trials in the future.

Prostaglandins and cellular restitution in the gastric mucosa.

Topical application of "barrier breakers," including drugs such as aspirin and ethanol, produces widespread destruction of the surface epithelium of the stomach. Such damage does not usually develop into hemorrhagic erosions because the integrity of the surface epithelium is reestablished within a few minutes to hours by the process of epithelial restitution. This process involves active migration of cells from the gastric pits and upper regions of the glands. Restitution is independent of cell division but probably requires an intact basal lamina (basement membrane). The process also depends, in vivo, on adequate microvascular perfusion and can be prevented by high local concentrations of acid. Prostaglandins do not appear to directly affect the restitution process. It is unlikely that prostaglandins either "cytoprotect" the epithelium or accelerate the rate of epithelial migration. Exogenous prostaglandins can, however, protect against the development of hemorrhagic erosions by maintaining an environment in which restitution can proceed. By preventing disruption of the mucosal microvasculature, prostaglandins ensure that the migrating epithelial cells are provided with nutrients and oxygen necessary for cellular activity.

The effects of sucralfate and luminal stasis on recovery of the chambered rat gastric mucosa from taurocholate-induced damage.

We have previously shown, using a gastric chamber model, that both sucralfate and luminal stasis protected the rat gastric mucosa against the development of hemorrhagic erosions produced by subsequent exposure for 10 minutes to acidified (50 mM HCl) 80 mM sodium taurocholate (NaT). The protection afforded by sucralfate was abolished by inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity but restored by sucralfate. In this study we demonstrate that indomethacin pretreatment decreases both the depth (in microns) and magnitude (in pH units) of the juxtamucosal pH gradient, but that sucralfate restores these parameters to levels characteristic of normal mucosae. The cytoprotective effect of sucralfate is thus prostaglandin-independent and, at least in part, a consequence of sucralfate-induced increases in the thickness of the juxtamucosal pH gradient/unstirred layer. We have also examined the ability of sucralfate to prevent the otherwise inevitable development of hemorrhagic erosions when it was applied after the gastric mucosa was exposed to NaT. When 100 mg sucralfate in 50 mM HCl was applied for 10 minutes, without stirring, subsequent to a 10-minute exposure of the mucosa to NaT, the average lesion area was reduced from about 15% to less than 3%. Unlike its cytoprotective property, the ability of sucralfate to accelerate the recovery process after damage was abolished by indomethacin pretreatment. Studies using antimony microelectrodes revealed that indomethacin pretreatment resulted in reductions in both the depth and magnitude of the pH gradient that resulted from plasma efflux from the mucosa after exposure to the acidified bile salt. These studies demonstrate that sucralfate is capable not only of prevention or attenuation of acute damage when administered prior to damaging agents, but is also capable of arresting the sequence of events that produces hemorrhage in the previously inflamed or damaged stomach.

Protection of rat gastric mucosa by sucralfate. Effects of luminal stasis and of inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis.

Studies using a gastric chamber model demonstrated that sucralfate protected the rat gastric mucosa against hemorrhagic erosions induced by 40 percent ethanol and by acidified 80 mM sodium taurocholate. Protection required continuous contact of sucralfate with the gastric mucosa but it occurred without the production, by sucralfate alone, of significant damage to the luminal epithelium. Ultrastructural examination indicated that sucralfate stimulated mucus secretion by surface epithelial cells. Furthermore, sucralfate was "cytoprotective" in that, in addition to its anti-ulcer effects, it significantly reduced the damaging effects of luminal ethanol on the surface epithelium. Luminal stasis also significantly reduced the extent of hemorrhagic erosions produced by both ethanol and sodium taurocholate, but the most effective reduction in erosions occurred when sucralfate and luminal stasis were combined. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished the protection provided by luminal stasis, but this protection was restored by sucralfate. Thus, these studies suggest that protection of the gastric mucosa by sucralfate results in part from effects on the unstirred layer. Sucralfate or its products also interact with the epithelial cells and stimulate mucus release and synthesis or release of inflammatory mediators.

The effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on eicosanoid formation in a chronic model of inflammatory bowel disease in the rat.

1. The effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on eicosanoid formation and colonic damage in a chronic model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the rat were investigated. 2. A single colonic instillation of the hapten, trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNB) resulted in ulceration and inflammation which persisted for 3 weeks. 3. The macroscopic colonic damage, present 3 weeks after TNB, was correlated with an increase in immunoreactive 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis by the rat colon. 4. Anti-inflammatory drugs were administered 2 weeks after TNB, when there was substantial colonic damage, and continued for a week. The experimental drug BW755C inhibited the increased formation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and LTB4 by the inflamed colon. Indomethacin and aspirin markedly inhibited prostanoid formation in both inflamed and control colon. Sulphasalazine or prednisolone also inhibited the formation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha but the effects were less marked. 5. None of the anti-inflammatory drugs significantly reduced the colonic damage induced by TNB. 6. The results suggest that eicosanoids, including LTB4, have only a minor role in maintaining the chronic macroscopic damage induced in the rat colon by TNB. The role of such eicosanoids in the underlying infiltration and activity of inflammatory cells in this model of IBD, however, is not known.

Identification, assessment and management of food-related microbiological hazards: historical, fundamental and psycho-social essentials.

Microbiological risk assessment aimed at devising measures of hazard management, should take into account all perceived hazards, including those not empirically identified. It should also recognise that safety cannot be "inspected into" a food. Rather hazard management should be the product of intervention strategies in accordance with the approach made mandatory in the EU Directive 93/43 and the USDA FSIS Pathogen Reduction HACCP system; Final Rule. It is essential too that the inherent variability of the biological attributes affecting food safety is recognised in any risk assessment. The above strategic principles may be conceptualised as a four-step sequence, involving (i) identification and quantification of hazards; (ii) design and codification of longitudinally integrated ("holistic") technological processes and procedures to eliminate, or control growth and metabolism of, pathogenic and toxinogenic organisms; (iii) elaboration of microbiological analytical standard operating procedures, permitting validation of "due diligence" or responsible care, i.e. adherence to adopted intervention strategies. This should be supported by empirically assessed reference ranges, particularly for marker organisms, while the term "zero tolerance" is refined throughout to tolerable safety limit; (iv) when called for, the need to address concerns arising from lay perceptions of risk which may lack scientific foundation. In relation to infectious and toxic hazards in the practical context the following general models for quantitative holistic risk assessment are presented: (i) the first order, basic lethality model; (ii) a second approximation taking into account the amount of food ingested in a given period of time; (iii) a further adjustment accounting for changes in colonization levels during storage and distribution of food commodities and the effects of these on proliferation of pathogens and toxin production by bacteria and moulds. Guidelines are provided to address: (i) unsubstantiated consumer concern over the wholesomeness of foods processed by an innovative procedure; and (ii) reluctance of small food businesses to adopt novel strategies in food safety. Progress here calls for close cooperation with behavioural scientists to ensure that investment in developing measures to contain risk deliver real benefit.

Identification, assessment and management of food-related microbiological hazards: historical, fundamental and psycho-social essentials.

Microbiological risk assessment aimed at devising measures of hazard management, should take into account all perceived hazards, including those not empirically identified. It should also recognise that safety cannot be "inspected into" a food. Rather hazard management should be the product of intervention strategies in accordance with the approach made mandatory in the EU Directive 93/43 and the USDA FSIS Pathogen Reduction HACCP system; Final Rule. It is essential too that the inherent variability of the biological attributes affecting food safety is recognised in any risk assessment. The above strategic principles may be conceptualised as a four-step sequence, involving (i) identification and quantification of hazards; (ii) design and codification of longitudinally integrated ("holistic") technological processes and procedures to eliminate, or control growth and metabolism of, pathogenic and toxinogenic organisms; (iii) elaboration of microbiological analytical standard operating procedures, permitting validation of "due diligence" or responsible care, i.e. adherence to adopted intervention strategies. This should be supported by empirically assessed reference ranges, particularly for marker organisms, while the term "zero tolerance" is refined throughout to tolerable safety limit; (iv) when called for, the need to address concerns arising from lay perceptions of risk which may lack scientific foundation. In relation to infectious and toxic hazards in the practical context the following general models for quantitative holistic risk assessment are presented: (i) the first order, basic lethality model; (ii) a second approximation taking into account the amount of food ingested in a given period of time; (iii) a further adjustment accounting for changes in colonization levels during storage and distribution of food commodities and the effects of these on proliferation of pathogens and toxin production by bacteria and moulds. Guidelines are provided to address: (i) unsubstantiated consumer concern over the wholesomeness of foods processed by an innovative procedure; and (ii) reluctance of small food businesses to adopt novel strategies in food safety. Progress here calls for close cooperation with behavioural scientists to ensure that investment in developing measures to contain risk deliver real benefit.

Cerebral autoregulation before and after blood transfusion in a child.

The authors present the case of an anemic 22-month-old child undergoing lower extremity surgery in whom the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation was shifted to the right.

Esophagitis as the outcome of progressive failures of the defensive repertoire.

Pre-epithelial defences include the coordinated actions of the lower esophageal sphincter and the esophageal muscles, which minimize reflux of gastric contents and promote clearance of refluxed material. The esophageal epithelium also possesses innate resistance to luminal damaging agents and may be protected luminally by a mucus or 'mucus bicarbonate' barrier and possibly a layer of hydrophobic surfactants. These components are derived from submucosal glands located in the submucosal connective tissue and from salivary secretions that may bind to the esophageal surface. Epithelial defences include the glycocalyx, permeability properties of the epithelial cell plasma membrane, junctional barriers to proton permeation through the paracellular pathway and ion transport processes for regulation of intracellular pH. Subepithelial defences involve mainly regulation of blood supply via responses of nerves, mast cells and blood vessels to influxing protons. Although the epithelium can withstand prolonged exposure to physiologically relevant concentrations of acid, the presence of pepsin or bile salts may overcome the permeability barrier, which probably resides in the superficial layers of epithelial cells. Focal destruction of these cells allows access of luminal acid and other aggressive agents to the vulnerable basolateral cell membranes and to the submucosa. The result is lesion production, although an efflux of alkaline plasma may protect the underlying submucosa and allow healing. Salivary-derived epidermal growth factor (EGF) is present in the luminal fluid, and lesion development may also provide access of EGF to receptors within the epithelium and in the underlying vasculature. Accelerated cell proliferation would then contribute to healing. Inflammation and healing should also be viewed as defensive responses, as can the development of Barrett's esophagus, in which the stratified squamous epithelium is replaced by a potentially acid-resistant columnar epithelium. Chronic inflammation and esophagitis only result when this multilayered set of defences is overcome. The challenge for research is to identify those components of the defensive repertoire that are defective in individuals who suffer from chronic esophagitis.

Ultrastructure of neurosecretory cells in the pars intercerebralis of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera).

Six neuron types are distinguished in the pars intercerebralis of the starved fifth instar of Rhodnius prolixus. All neuron types contain electron dense secretory granules derived from Golgi complexes which are of characteristic size and morphology in each type. The neuron types are not thought to represent stages in a secretory cycle. The variety of neuron types described is related to that revealed by staining sections of the same cells with paraldehyde fuchsin. Active synthesis of neurosecretory granules continues throughout starvation and the lysosomal system appears to be involved in the continual degradation of secretory granules. Some of the variations in granule morphology observed may be a consequence of granule fusion and the importance of cytoplasmic events in the development of neurosecretory granules is discussed.

Sequence of ultrastructural changes induced by activation in the posterior neurosecretory cells in the brain of Rhodnius prolixus with special reference to the role of lysosomes.

The posterior neurosecretory cell (PNC) group in the brain of Rhodnius prolixus is composed of five ultrastructurally identical cells. The PNC were examined in the unfed fifth instar and at seven stages (from 15 min to 14 days) after activation was initiated by feeding. Each stage examined revealed successive changes in morphology which can be related to the synthesis, maturation, storage and transport of neurosecretory material. It is suggested, in particular, that the lysosomal system (dense bodies and multivesicular bodies) may play a role in the maturation of the secretory granules.

HACCP implementation in food businesses: the need for a flexible approach.

There is a considerable literature on microbiological hazards which cause food-borne diseases and illnesses, and factors which influence their occurrence and growth in foods. Similarly, stages in the food chain where foods may be mishandled, and practices which often lead to outbreaks of food-borne diseases are well documented. Although these hazards and practices can be controlled in order to prevent or minimise risks to health, food-borne diseases have continued to present a serious challenge to public health. Because the traditional approaches of inspection and end-product testing have proved inadequate in tackling the problem of food-borne diseases, there is an urgent need to apply more rational and effective strategies. One such strategy is the Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points (HACCP) system which is currently in international discussion. This paper examines the epidemiological basis for the application of HACCP to food safety control and describes its advantages. It is concluded that to realise the objectives of HACCP, a flexible and simple approach is needed in its practical application across food businesses. Any argument that the system cannot be applied without fully developed and well structured food systems will ultimately reduce its potential usefulness in food safety control.