Antigenic and differentiative heterogeneity among human glioblastomas

Increasing evidence suggests that in mammals, astrocytes are a heterogenous family of cells all of which share certain properties, but differ in lineage, biochemical and functional aspects. It seems likely that glioblastomas, arising from glial precursors, may also represent a family of related but distinct cell types. We have examined the antigenic characteristics and differentiative potential of 7 different human glioblastoma cell lines in vitro. All the cell lines were labeled with a monoclonal antibody 7B11 which labels all classes of astrocytes and their precursors in the rat CNS. U138MG and Tm3 cells expressed antigens on their surfaces recognized by the monoclonal antibodies A2B5 and HNK-1. When grown in serum-free medium in the presence of cAMP and theophylline, U138MG cells assumed a process-bearing morphology and some cells expressed the Gal-C antigen specific for oligodendrocytes. Under identical conditions, Tm3 cells converted to process-bearing cells, some of which expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) specific for astrocytes. Other cell lines with similar antigenic characteristics did not respond similarly to cAMP and theophylline. Finally, A2781 cells were GFAP immunoreactive and unlabeled by either A2B5 or HNK-1 antibodies. These observations suggest that individual glioblastoma cell lines may be derived from distinct glial precursor cells in the vertebrate CNS.     

Association of the subtype 2 of the Epstein-Barr virus with T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the midline granuloma type

Lethal midline granuloma (LMG) is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The latter has at least two subtypes with different biological properties. The subtypes can be identified by their genomic configuration. Using EBV-RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization and EBV polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we have looked for the presence of EBV in six LMGs and six non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) located in the nasopharyngeal region, and determined the subtype of EBV. Six of six LMGs were positive by PCR and EBER in situ hybridization, whereas NHLs were either negative or, in three of six cases, showed few EBER-positive cells considered to be nonneoplastic lymphocytes. The subtype 2 was found in LMG lesions of three of six patients; the remaining three of six patients with LMG had the generally occurring subtype 1. The results indicate that the association of EBV with NHL may depend more on tumor type than on its localization. The occurrence of the rare subtype 2 in LMG may relate to a covert immune defect.     

Lidocaine block of LQT-3 mutant human Na+ channels

In transiently transfected mammalian cells we have identified pharmacological consequences of a naturally occurring deletion mutation, delta KPQ, of the human heart Na+ channel alpha subunit that previously has been linked to one form of the long QT syndrome, an inherited heart disease. Our results show that the Class IB antiarrhythmic agent lidocaine blocks maintained inward current through and slows recovery from inactivation of delta KPQ-encoded Na+ channels. Block is greater for maintained than for peak current. Because incomplete inactivation of mutant Na+ channels is now thought to underlie the prolonged ventricular action potential, which is the phenotype of this disease, and we find that the delta KPQ mutation speeds the recovery from inactivation of drug-free mutant channels, our results provide evidence, for the first time, that clinically relevant dysfunctional properties of an ion channel can be selectively targeted on the basis of the molecular properties conferred on the channel by an inherited genetic disorder.     

Reflections on the evolution of psychology in Manitoba: Past, present and future considerations.

Reflects upon the evolution of psychology in Manitoba which may parallel developments in other jurisdictions. The article highlights those developmental activities of particular historical relevance, identifies current issues, and underscores several key issues which present challenges to the profession into the future. The implications of such issues for interjurisdictional mobility, entry level standards of practice, training, funding of services, advocacy, legislation and recruitment are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A retrospective study of the Swanson great toe hemi-prosthesis

This work is the summation and analysis of data received from a questionnaire forwarded to all Board Certified podiatric surgeons regarding their experience with the Swanson great toe hemi-prosthesis. The responses pertaining to a variety of concerns, including erosive changes, years in vivo, signs and symptoms indicating retrieval, percentage of surgeons polled performing retrieval and perceived reasons for observed erosive changes, were recorded and analyzed. The resultant data reveal significant erosive changes occur early after implantation with a plateau effect within 3 years. Persistent pain following implantation was the most common reason for removal followed by limited range of motion and nonspecific swelling. These three concerns comprised 70% of the reasons for retrieval followed by 18 other cited problems. The results of this poll originate from subjective and objective impressions of surgeons. It is clear that further work is required to scientifically identify and document the specific reasons for these findings, including the circumstances that result in successful implantation of this prosthesis.     

Aflatoxicosis in turkey poults is prevented by treatment of naturally contaminated corn with ozone generated by electrolysis

Previous studies have demonstrated that a novel source of ozone gas (O3) maybe used to chemically degrade numerous mycotoxins, including aflatoxin (AF) B1. Subsequent in vitro analyses demonstrated detoxification of AFB1, suggesting a potential method of remediate AF-contaminated grain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of electrochemically produced ozone to degrade AFB1 in naturally contaminated whole kernel corn and confirm detoxification in turkey poults. Corn was procured from the southern coastal areas of Texas and HPLC revealed 1,220 +/- 73.3 ppb AFB1. Control and contaminated corn were treated for 92 h with O3 at 200 mg/min in 30 kg batches; greater than 95% reduction of AFB1 in contaminated corn was achieved. One-day-old female turkey poults were fed 1) control corn, 2) control corn + O3, 3) AFB1 corn, or 4) AFB1 corn + O3 mixed in rations (46% by wt.) and consumed ad libitum for 3 wk. When compared with controls, turkeys fed AFB1 corn had reduced body weight gain and relative liver weight, whereas turkeys fed control corn + O3 or AFB1 corn + O3 did not differ from controls. Furthermore, alterations in the majority of relative organ weight, liver discoloration, serum enzyme activity, hematological parameters, and blood chemistry caused by AFB1 were eliminated (no difference from controls) by treatment with O3. These data demonstrate that treatment of contaminated corn with electrochemically produced O3 provided protection against AFB1 in young turkey poults. It is important to note that treatment of control corn with O3 did not alter the performance of the turkey poults.     

Credit and civilization

This paper analyses financial credit in order to re-examine the work of Norbert Elias, particularly his association of interdependency complexity with social discipline, and his approach to contradiction. Following a discussion of these issues, the paper examines Elias's writing on money and explores the emergence of financial credit networks in early modern England. Attention is paid to credit networks and social discipline, to credit and the state, and to the contradictory images associated with the transition to modern cash economies. From one perspective, early modern credit networks might be read as a confirmation of Elias, particularly his argument that interdependency complexity, changing power balances and self-restraint are interwoven. Yet the development of modern cash money raises questions, not just in relation to Elias's treatment of money, but also with regard to his assumptions about social discipline and his approach to ambivalence and contradiction. Drawing on the foregoing discussion, the paper argues that the relation between interdependency complexity and social discipline is contingent and variable, and that interdependency complexity may simultaneously encourage contradictory processes, such as those of civilizing and barbarity.