Impaired regulation of PMCA activity by defective CFTR expression promotes epithelial cell damage in alcoholic pancreatitis and hepatitis.

Alcoholic pancreatitis and hepatitis are frequent, potentially lethal diseases with limited treatment options. Our previous study reported that the expression of CFTR Cl- channel is impaired by ethanol in pancreatic ductal cells leading to more severe alcohol-induced pancreatitis. In addition to determining epithelial ion secretion, CFTR has multiple interactions with other proteins, which may influence intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of ethanol-mediated CFTR damage on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells and cholangiocytes. Human and mouse pancreas and liver samples and organoids were used to study ion secretion, intracellular signaling, protein expression and interaction. The effect of PMCA4 inhibition was analyzed in a mouse model of alcohol-induced pancreatitis. The decreased CFTR expression impaired PMCA function and resulted in sustained intracellular Ca2+ elevation in ethanol-treated and mouse and human pancreatic organoids. Liver samples derived from alcoholic hepatitis patients and ethanol-treated mouse liver organoids showed decreased CFTR expression and function, and impaired PMCA4 activity. PMCA4 co-localizes and physically interacts with CFTR on the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells, where CFTR-dependent calmodulin recruitment determines PMCA4 activity. The sustained intracellular Ca2+ elevation in the absence of CFTR inhibited mitochondrial function and was accompanied with increased apoptosis in pancreatic epithelial cells and PMCA4 inhibition increased the severity of alcohol-induced AP in mice. Our results suggest that improving Ca2+ extrusion in epithelial cells may be a potential novel therapeutic approach to protect the exocrine pancreatic function in alcoholic pancreatitis and prevent the development of cholestasis in alcoholic hepatitis.

Structures and Spectroscopic Properties of Metallocorrole Nanoparticles.

In aqueous media, hydrophobic metallocorroles form nanoparticles that are potential theranostic anticancer agents. We have analyzed the electronic and Raman spectra of Al(III), Ga(III), and Au(III) corrole nanoparticles (and made comparisons with DFT-validated assignments of the IR spectra of corresponding monomers) in order to estimate the strengths of corrole-corrole electronic couplings in these assemblies. We find that these spectra are virtually unchanged upon aggregation, confirming that the intermolecular interactions in these nanoparticles are very weak.

Alcohol disrupts levels and function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator to promote development of pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Excessive consumption of ethanol is one of the most common causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Alterations to the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) also cause pancreatitis. However, little is known about the role of CFTR in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced pancreatitis. METHODS: We measured CFTR activity based on chloride concentrations in sweat from patients with cystic fibrosis, patients admitted to the emergency department because of excessive alcohol consumption, and healthy volunteers. We measured CFTR levels and localization in pancreatic tissues and in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis induced by alcohol. We studied the effects of ethanol, fatty acids, and fatty acid ethyl esters on secretion of pancreatic fluid and HCO3(-), levels and function of CFTR, and exchange of Cl(-) for HCO3(-) in pancreatic cell lines as well as in tissues from guinea pigs and CFTR knockout mice after administration of alcohol. RESULTS: Chloride concentrations increased in sweat samples from patients who acutely abused alcohol but not in samples from healthy volunteers, indicating that alcohol affects CFTR function. Pancreatic tissues from patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis had lower levels of CFTR than tissues from healthy volunteers. Alcohol and fatty acids inhibited secretion of fluid and HCO3(-), as well as CFTR activity, in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. These effects were mediated by sustained increases in concentrations of intracellular calcium and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, depletion of adenosine triphosphate, and depolarization of mitochondrial membranes. In pancreatic cell lines and pancreatic tissues of mice and guinea pigs, administration of ethanol reduced expression of CFTR messenger RNA, reduced the stability of CFTR at the cell surface, and disrupted folding of CFTR at the endoplasmic reticulum. CFTR knockout mice given ethanol or fatty acids developed more severe pancreatitis than mice not given ethanol or fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Based on studies of human, mouse, and guinea pig pancreata, alcohol disrupts expression and localization of the CFTR. This appears to contribute to development of pancreatitis. Strategies to increase CFTR levels or function might be used to treat alcohol-associated pancreatitis.

The role of pancreatic ductal secretion in protection against acute pancreatitis in mice*.

OBJECTIVES: A common potentially fatal disease of the pancreas is acute pancreatitis, for which there is no treatment. Most studies of this disorder focus on the damage to acinar cells since they are assumed to be the primary target of multiple stressors affecting the pancreas. However, increasing evidence suggests that the ducts may also have a crucial role in induction of the disease. To test this hypothesis, we sought to determine the specific role of the duct in the induction of acute pancreatitis using well-established disease models and mice with deletion of the Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1 that have selectively impaired ductal function. DESIGN: Randomized animal study. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Wild-type and Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1 knockout mice. INTERVENTIONS: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis was induced by i.p. administration of cerulein or by intraductal administration of sodium taurocholate. The pancreatic expression of Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1 and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (a key player in the control of ductal secretion) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In vivo pancreatic ductal secretion was studied in anesthetized mice. Functions of pancreatic acinar and ductal cells as well as inflammatory cells were analyzed in vitro. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Deletion of Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1 resulted in gross mislocalization of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, causing marked reduction in pancreatic ductal fluid and bicarbonate secretion. Importantly, deletion of Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1 had no deleterious effect on functions of acinar and inflammatory cells. Deletion of Na/H exchanger regulatory factor-1, which specifically impaired ductal function, increased the severity of acute pancreatitis in the two mouse models tested. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first direct evidence for the crucial role of ductal secretion in protecting the pancreas from acute pancreatitis and strongly suggest that improved ductal function should be an important modality in prevention and treatment of the disease.

Identifying stakeholder priorities in use of wearable cameras for researching parent-child interactions.

Wearable Cameras (WCs) enable researchers to capture objective descriptions of what participants see and experience as they go about their normal lives. When studying interactions between individuals (e.g. between a parent and child), using multiple WCs can provide highly detailed descriptions of interactions with levels of ecological validity not possible with other methods. However, the use of WCs brings challenges too, and understanding these is key to developing and optimising these methods. We captured the challenges experienced by a variety of stakeholders, namely parents and a range of different researcher roles (academics, field-workers and data processors) involved in a large UK study exploring parent-child interactions using low-cost, off-the-shelf WCs. High among the challenges identified were difficulties caused when subjects are temporarily not in view in the video footage captured. This and other factors identified were used as criteria to select a new, improved WC. The new WCs reduced the time faces were not in view by 75%. We report this and the other challenges identified, and suggest how these can be used to guide and help optimise future studies of this kind.

Trypsin reduces pancreatic ductal bicarbonate secretion by inhibiting CFTR Cl⁻ channels and luminal anion exchangers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effects of trypsin on pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) vary among species and depend on the localization of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2). We compared PAR-2 localization in human and guinea-pig PDECs, and used isolated guinea pig ducts to study the effects of trypsin and a PAR-2 agonist on bicarbonate secretion. METHODS: PAR-2 localization was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in guinea pig and human pancreatic tissue samples (from 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 15 without pancreatic disease). Functionally, guinea pig PDECs were studied by microperfusion of isolated ducts, measurements of intracellular pH and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, and patch clamp analysis. The effect of pH on trypsinogen autoactivation was assessed using recombinant human cationic trypsinogen. RESULTS: PAR-2 localized to the apical membrane of human and guinea pig PDECs. Trypsin increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and intracellular pH and inhibited secretion of bicarbonate by the luminal anion exchanger and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel. Autoactivation of human cationic trypsinogen accelerated when the pH was reduced from 8.5 to 6.0. PAR-2 expression was strongly down-regulated, at transcriptional and protein levels, in the ducts of patients with chronic pancreatitis, consistent with increased activity of intraductal trypsin. Importantly, in PAR-2 knockout mice, the effects of trypsin were markedly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Trypsin reduces pancreatic ductal bicarbonate secretion via PAR-2-dependent inhibition of the apical anion exchanger and the CFTR Cl(-) channel. This could contribute to the development of chronic pancreatitis by decreasing luminal pH and promoting premature activation of trypsinogen in the pancreatic ducts.

Epithelial Barrier Integrity Profiling: Combined Approach Using Cellular Junctional Complex Imaging and Transepithelial Electrical Resistance.

A core aspect of epithelial cell function is barrier integrity. A loss of barrier integrity is a feature of a number of respiratory diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Restoration of barrier integrity is a target for respiratory disease drug discovery. Traditional methods for assessing barrier integrity have their limitations. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and dextran permeability methods can give poor in vitro assay robustness. Traditional junctional complex imaging approaches are labor-intensive and tend to be qualitative but not quantitative. To provide a robust and quantitative assessment of barrier integrity, high-content imaging of junctional complexes was combined with TEER. A scalable immunofluorescent high-content imaging technique, with automated quantification of junctional complex proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin, was established in 3D pseudostratified primary human bronchial epithelial cells cultured at an air-liquid interface. Ionic permeability was measured using TEER on the same culture wells.The improvements to current technologies include the design of a novel 24-well holder to enable scalable in situ confocal cell imaging without Transwell membrane excision, the development of image analysis pipelines to quantify in-focus junctional complex structures in each plane of a Z stack, and the enhancement of the TEER data analysis process to enable statistical evaluation of treatment effects on barrier integrity. This novel approach was validated by demonstrating measurable changes in barrier integrity in cells grown under conditions known to perturb epithelial cell function.

In Situ Analysis Reveals That CFTR Is Expressed in Only a Small Minority of ß-Cells in Normal Adult Human Pancreas.

CONTEXT: Although diabetes affects 40% to 50% of adults with cystic fibrosis, remarkably little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms leading to impaired pancreatic ß-cell insulin secretion. Efforts toward improving the functional ß-cell deficit in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) have been hampered by an incomplete understanding of whether ß-cell function is intrinsically regulated by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Definitively excluding meaningful CFTR expression in human ß-cells in situ would contribute significantly to the understanding of CFRD pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To determine CFTR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression within ß-cells in situ in the unmanipulated human pancreas of donors without any known pancreatic pathology. DESIGN: In situ hybridization for CFTR mRNA expression in parallel with insulin immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence co-localization of CFTR with insulin and the ductal marker, Keratin-7 (KRT7), were undertaken in pancreatic tissue blocks from 10 normal adult, nonobese deceased organ donors over a wide age range (23-71 years) with quantitative image analysis. RESULTS: CFTR mRNA was detectable in a mean 0.45% (range 0.17%-0.83%) of insulin-positive cells. CFTR protein expression was co-localized with KRT7. One hundred percent of insulin-positive cells were immunonegative for CFTR. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, in situ CFTR mRNA expression in the unmanipulated pancreas has been shown to be present in only a very small minority (<1%) of normal adult ß-cells. These data signal a need to move away from studying endocrine-intrinsic mechanisms and focus on elucidation of exocrine-endocrine interactions in human cystic fibrosis.

Pediatric organ dose measurements in axial and helical multislice CT.

An anthropomorphic pediatric phantom (5-yr-old equivalent) was used to determine organ doses at specific surface and internal locations resulting from computed tomography (CT) scans. This phantom contains four different tissue-equivalent materials: Soft tissue, bone, brain, and lung. It was imaged on a 64-channel CT scanner with three head protocols (one contiguous axial scan and two helical scans [pitch = 0.516 and 0.984]) and four chest protocols (one contiguous axial scan and three helical scans [pitch = 0.516, 0.984, and 1.375]). Effective mA s [= (tube current x rotation time)/pitch] was kept nearly constant at 200 effective mA s for head and 290 effective mA s for chest protocols. Dose measurements were acquired using thermoluminescent dosimeter powder in capsules placed at locations internal to the phantom and on the phantom surface. The organs of interest were the brain, both eyes, thyroid, sternum, both breasts, and both lungs. The organ dose measurements from helical scans were lower than for contiguous axial scans by 0% to 25% even after adjusting for equivalent effective mA s. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in organ dose values between the 0.516 and 0.984 pitch values for both head and chest scans. The chest organ dose measurements obtained at a pitch of 1.375 were significantly higher than the dose values obtained at the other helical pitches used for chest scans (p < 0.05). This difference was attributed to the automatic selection of the large focal spot due to a higher tube current value. These findings suggest that there may be a previously unsuspected radiation dose benefit associated with the use of helical scan mode during computed tomography scanning.

ACSM Preparticipation Health Screening Guidelines: A UK University Cohort Perspective.

PURPOSE: Preparticipation health screening is recommended to detect individuals susceptible to serious adverse cardiovascular complications during exercise. Although expert opinion and best available scientific evidence have informed recent modifications, there remain limited experimental data to support or refute current practice. We therefore aimed to quantify the impact of change to the preparticipation health screening guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) on risk classification and referral for medical clearance in a large cohort of undergraduate university students. METHODS: Participants attended the laboratory on a single occasion to undergo preparticipation health screening. Information concerning health status was obtained via self-report questionnaire and objective physiological assessment with all data recorded electronically and evaluated against the ACSM screening guidelines (9th and 10th editions). RESULTS: Five hundred and fifty-three students completed the study. The 9th edition screening guidance resulted in 82 subjects (15%) classified as high risk, almost one-quarter (24%) classified as moderate risk, and almost two-thirds (61%) classified as low risk. In comparison, the updated 10th edition screening guidance resulted in a significant reduction in those previously classified as either high risk (5%) or moderate risk (2%), respectively. The majority of subjects (93%) were therefore cleared to begin a structured exercise program. Taken together, approximately one-third (32%) fewer medical referrals were required when applying the updated 10th edition guidance (χ4 = 247.7, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The updated ACSM 10th edition preparticipation screening guidance reduces medical referrals by approximately one-third. These findings are in keeping with previous reports and thus serve to consolidate and justify recent modification-particularly when applied to young adult or adolescent populations. The findings and arguments presented should be used to refine and inform future guidance.

Inefficient cationic lipid-mediated siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide transfer to airway epithelial cells in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The cationic lipid Genzyme lipid (GL) 67 is the current "gold-standard" for in vivo lung gene transfer. Here, we assessed, if GL67 mediated uptake of siRNAs and asODNs into airway epithelium in vivo. METHODS: Anti-lacZ and ENaC (epithelial sodium channel) siRNA and asODN were complexed to GL67 and administered to the mouse airway epithelium in vivo Transfection efficiency and efficacy were assessed using real-time RT-PCR as well as through protein expression and functional studies. In parallel in vitro experiments were carried out to select the most efficient oligonucleotides. RESULTS: In vitro, GL67 efficiently complexed asODNs and siRNAs, and both were stable in exhaled breath condensate. Importantly, during in vitro selection of functional siRNA and asODN we noted that asODNs accumulated rapidly in the nuclei of transfected cells, whereas siRNAs remained in the cytoplasm, a pattern consistent with their presumed site of action. Following in vivo lung transfection siRNAs were only visible in alveolar macrophages, whereas asODN also transfected alveolar epithelial cells, but no significant uptake into conducting airway epithelial cells was seen. SiRNAs and asODNs targeted to beta-galactosidase reduced betagal mRNA levels in the airway epithelium of K18-lacZ mice by 30% and 60%, respectively. However, this was insufficient to reduce protein expression. In an attempt to increase transfection efficiency of the airway epithelium, we increased contact time of siRNA and asODN using the in vivo mouse nose model. Although highly variable and inefficient, transfection of airway epithelium with asODN, but not siRNA, was now seen. As asODNs more effectively transfected nasal airway epithelial cells, we assessed the effect of asODN against ENaC, a potential therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis; no decrease in ENaC mRNA levels or function was detected. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that although siRNAs and asODNs can be developed to inhibit gene expression in culture systems and certain organs in vivo, barriers to nucleic acid transfer in airway epithelial cells seen with large DNA molecules may also affect the efficiency of in vivo uptake of small nucleic acid molecules.

Receiver operating characteristics of the prostate specific antigen test in an unselected population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the operating characteristics of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and prostate cancer diagnosis rates in men who have had an initial PSA test in Tayside. SETTING: A retrospective cohort study in Tayside, Scotland from 1992 to 2001. METHODS: In total, 20,623 men were PSA tested during the period 1992-2001. After exclusions, 19,660 were studied. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for various PSA cut-off values by age group using logistic regression weighted for verification bias (biopsy). Cox regression analysis was performed using six test pattern cohorts. RESULTS: The annual rate of PSA testing increased from 5.1 per 1000 man years in 1992 to 21.3 per 1000 man years in 2001. The average number of PSA tests per patient increased from 1.11 in 1992 to 2.57 in 2001. Prostate cancer diagnosis and death rates remained constant from 1995 onward. The PSA test had generally inadequate sensitivity and specificity values, so a unique cut-off could not be found for the two older age groups which could be used as a recommendation for biopsy. The commonly used 4 ng/mL cut-off was reasonably sensitive and specific only for the under 60 age group with values of 92.4% and 90.7%, respectively. For prostate cancer diagnosis, the hazard ratios (HR) were reported relative to those with a series of all normal tests. For those with an initially normal PSA test who had at least one abnormal retest result the HR for diagnosis was 10.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.17-17.63). For those with initially abnormal tests with normal retests HR = 1.63 (95% CI 0.65-4.07). CONCLUSIONS: There are no optimal PSA cut-off values for older age groups with which to make a confident referral for biopsy. The increase in PSA testing and the questionable cut-off values of the test calls for the development of an alternative screening strategy.

Effect of herpesvirus infection on pancreatic duct cell secretion.

AIM: To examine the effect of acute infection caused by herpesvirus (pseudorabies virus, PRV) on pancreatic ductal secretion. METHODS: The virulent Ba-DupGreen (BDG) and non-virulent Ka-RREp0lacgfp (KEG) genetically modified strains of PRV were used in this study and both of them contain the gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP). Small intra/interlobular ducts were infected with BDG virus (10(7) PFU/mL for 6 h) or with KEG virus (10(10) PFU/mL for 6 h), while non-infected ducts were incubated only with the culture media. The ducts were then cultured for a further 18 h. The rate of HCO(3)(-) secretion (base efflux -J(B-)) was determined from the buffering capacity of the cells and the initial rate of intracellular acidification (1) after sudden blockage of basolateral base loaders with dihydro-4,4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid (500 micromol/L) and amiloride (200 micromol/L), and (2) after alkali loading the ducts by exposure to NH(4)Cl. All the experiments were performed in HCO(3)(-)-buffered Ringer solution at 37 degrees (n = 5 ducts for each experimental condition). Viral structural proteins were visualized by immunohistochemistry. Virally-encoded GFP and immunofluorescence signals were recorded by a confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: The BDG virus infected the majority of accessible cells of the duct as judged by the appearance of GFP and viral antigens in the ductal cells. KEG virus caused a similarly high efficiency of infection. After blockage of basolateral base loaders, BDG infection significantly elevated -J(B-) 24 h after the infection, compared to the non-infected group. However, KEG infection did not modify -J(B-). After alkali loading the ducts, -J(B-) was significantly elevated in the BDG group compared to the control group 24 h after the infection. As we found with the inhibitor stop method, no change was observed in the group KEG compared to the non-infected group. CONCLUSION: Incubation with the BDG or KEG strains of PRV results in an effective infection of ductal epithelial cells. The BDG strain of PRV, which is able to initiate a lytic viral cycle, stimulates HCO(3)(-) secretion in guinea pig pancreatic duct by about four- to fivefold, 24 h after the infection. However, the KEG strain of PRV, which can infect, but fails to replicate, has no effect on HCO(3)(-) secretion. We suggest that this response of pancreatic ducts to virulent PRV infection may represent a defense mechanism against invasive pathogens to avoid pancreatic injury.

Regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in human gastric cancer cells by interleukin-1beta.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a dominant angiogenic factor in gastric cancer, is upregulated by cytokines in the tumor microenvironment. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a proinflammatory cytokine, has been shown to be proangiogenic in vivo, despite its not demonstrating angiogenic activity in vitro. We hypothesized that IL-1beta regulates VEGF expression in human gastric cancer cells and investigated the mechanism by which this occurs. METHODS: We treated the TMK-1 human gastric cancer cell line with IL-1beta for 1 to 24 hours, and then analyzed VEGF mRNA expression by Northern blotting and signaling intermediates by Western blotting. Signaling inhibitors were used to identify the dominant pathways involved in IL-1beta induction of VEGF. VEGF promoter-luciferase constructs and transcription blockers were used to investigate the transcriptional regulation of VEGF by IL-1beta. RESULTS: Treating TMK-1 cells with IL-1beta increased VEGF mRNA levels and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Erk 1/2) and p38, but not Akt. Inhibitors of the Erk and p38 pathways blocked IL-1beta induction of VEGF mRNA. Treating TMK-1 cells with IL-1beta also increased VEGF promoter activity. VEGF transcriptional activity was found to depend on a 120-bp region just proximal to the transcription start site. CONCLUSIONS: In human gastric cancer cells, IL-1beta induced VEGF through Erk- and p38-dependent pathways; this induction of VEGF was transcriptionally regulated.

Bites by Australian mygalomorph spiders (Araneae, Mygalomorphae), including funnel-web spiders (Atracinae) and mouse spiders (Actinopodidae: Missulena spp).

A number of mygalomorph spiders cause bites in Australia, including the funnel-web spiders (Hexathelidae, Atracinae: Hadronyche and Atrax) and mouse spiders (Actinopodidae: Missulena). There is ongoing debate about the significance of bites by mouse spiders and the frequency of severe envenoming by funnel-web spiders. We conducted a prospective cohort study of definite spider bites with expert spider identification and include the analysis of mygalomorph spiders here. Subjects were recruited prospectively from February 1999 to April 2003 from patients presenting to participating hospitals or contacting a state poison information centre. Forty-nine cases of bites by mygalomorph spiders were included: 16 were by funnel-web spiders, 13 by mouse spiders and 20 by other trapdoor spiders (Families Idiopidae and Nemesiidae). Of the 49 bites, 45 (92%) occurred on distal limbs (hands and feet). Local effects included severe pain (53%), puncture marks (61%) and bleeding (27%), local redness (33%). Itchiness did not occur. The following were highly statistically associated with mygalomorph spider bites compared to all other spiders (p<0.0001) circumstances (gardening at the time (likelihood ratio (LR) 7.9) and distal limb bites (LR 2.0)) and early clinical features (presence of puncture marks OR bleeding (2.3), or severe pain (2.0)). Of 16 funnel-web spider bites, there were 10 cases with minor local effects, four with moderate envenoming (non-specific systemic or local neurotoxicity) and two with severe envenoming requiring antivenom. In addition to local effects, mouse spider bites caused local paraesthesia in three cases, local diaphoresis in one case and non-specific systemic effects in five cases, but not severe envenoming. True trapdoor spider bites caused only minor effects. The data from a mixed species sample of funnel-web spiders confirms previous observations suggesting that only a small proportion of funnel-web bites cause severe effects. Mouse spider bites are unlikely to cause major envenoming but the clinical effects are consistent with neurotoxic venom and are more severe than the trapdoor spiders.

An integrated assessment of sediment remediation in a midwestern U.S. stream using sediment chemistry, water quality, bioassessment, and fish biomarkers.

A comprehensive biological, sediment, and water quality study of the lower Little Scioto River near Marion, Ohio, USA, was undertaken to evaluate the changes or improvements in biotic measurements following the removal of creosote-contaminated sediment. The study area covered 7.5 river miles (RMs), including a remediated section between RMs 6.0 and 6.8. Fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages, fish biomarkers (i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [PAH] metabolite levels in white sucker [Castostomus commersoni] and common carp [Cyprinus carpio] bile and DNA damage), sediment chemistry, and water quality were assessed at five locations relative to the primary source of historical PAH contamination-upstream (RM 9.2), adjacent (RM 6.5), and downstream (RMs 5.7, 4.4, and 2.7). Overall, the biomarker results were consistent with the sediment PAH results, showing a pattern of low levels of PAH bile metabolites and DNA damage at the upstream (reference or background location), as well as the remediated section, high levels at the two immediate downstream sites, and somewhat lower levels at the furthest downstream site. Results show that remediation was effective in reducing sediment contaminant concentrations and exposure of fish to PAHs and in improving fish assemblages (60% increase in index of biotic integrity scores) in remediated river sections. Additional remedial investigation and potentially further remediation is needed to improve the downstream benthic fish community, which is still heavily exposed to PAH contaminants.

Is CFTR-delF508 really absent from the apical membrane of the airway epithelium?

BACKGROUND: Understanding where mutant CFTR is localised in airway epithelia is essential in guiding the best therapeutic approach to correct the dysfunction of the CFTR protein. The widely held paradigm is that CF patients harbouring the commonest mutation, CFTR-delF508, trap CFTR within the endoplasmic reticulum and target it for degradation. However there are conflicting reports concerning expression and localisation of CFTR-delF508 in lung tissue. To attempt to resolve this fundamental issue we developed a novel approach to measure CFTR-delF508 in the lower airways of patients who have undergone lung transplantation for advanced CF. By sampling CF and non-CF epithelium simultaneously from the same individual, confounding factors of different airway microenvironments which may have influenced previous observations can be overcome. METHODS: Epithelia sampled by bronchial brushing above (CF) and below (non-CF) the bronchial anastomosis were stained for CFTR and the localisation and level of expression assessed (n = 12). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the proportion of tall columnar cells showing CFTR immunostaining as a discrete band at the apical membrane in cells harbouring the CFTR-delF508 mutation compared to non-CF cells (p = 0.21, n = 12). However, the amount of CFTR expressed at the apical surface was reduced by ∼50% in CF cells compared to non-CF cells (p = 0.04, n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Our novel observation challenges the prevailing paradigm that CFTR is essentially absent from the apical membrane of respiratory cells harbouring the CFTR-delF508 mutation. Moreover, it raises the possibility that the new generation of CFTR potentiators may offer a realistic therapeutic option for CF patients.

Tyrosine kinase receptor RON in human pancreatic cancer: expression, function, and validation as a target.

BACKGROUND: Specific tyrosine kinase receptors such as c-MET mediate epithelial-mesenchymal (EMT) transition, leading to phenotypic alterations associated with increased cell motility. It was hypothesized that RON, a tyrosine kinase receptor related to c-MET, would be expressed in human pancreatic cancer cells, induce EMT, and would thus serve as a target for therapy in a preclinical model. METHODS: RON expression in human pancreatic cancer specimens was assessed by immunohistochemistry. In pancreatic cancer cell lines, RON expression was assessed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis. The human pancreatic cancer cell line L3.6pl, with high RON expression, was exposed to macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), the RON ligand, and assessed for cell migration, invasion, and changes associated with EMT. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining were used to assess alterations in protein expression and cellular location, respectively. A RON monoclonal antibody (MoAb) was used to block ligand-induced activation of RON. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining revealed RON overexpression in 93% of human pancreatic cancer specimens relative to nonmalignant ductal tissue. RON mRNA and protein was expressed in 9 of 9 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Treatment of L3.6pl cells with MSP increased Erk phosphorylation, cell migration, and invasion (P < .001). RON activation led to a decrease in membrane-bound E-cadherin in association with nuclear translocation of beta-catenin. RON MoAb inhibited downstream signaling as well as cell migration and invasion. In nude mice, RON MoAb inhibited subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor growth by about 60%. CONCLUSIONS: RON activation induced molecular and cellular alterations consistent with EMT. Inhibition of RON activation inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Novel antineoplastic therapies designed to inhibit RON activity may hinder mechanisms critical for pancreatic tumor progression.