Recombinant human growth-regulated oncogene-alpha induces T lymphocyte chemotaxis. A process regulated via IL-8 receptors by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13

The human cytokine growth-regulated oncogene (GRO)-alpha is a small glycoprotein secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells, glycoprotein secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, synovial cells, and some tumor cells such as melanoma cells. It is structurally related to IL-8 and can activate neutrophils, whereas it induces chemotaxis, exocytosis, and a respiratory burst in neutrophils. To date, its functions on T lymphocytes have not been well established. We report here that recombinant human (rh)GRO-alpha is a potent chemoattractant for freshly isolated T lymphocytes, but not for anti-CD3 mAb-activated T lymphocytes. It attracts CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets to an equal extent. The migrating T lymphocytes toward rhGRO-alpha are predominantly CD45RO+ memory CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. The chemotactic migration of T lymphocytes toward rhGRO-alpha is stimulated via the IL-8 receptors on the cells. This process can be augmented by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, and inhibited by IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. In addition, we also document that on T lymphocytes there exist IL-8 receptors that can be up-regulated by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-2. Our results demonstrate that rhGRO-alpha gene encodes for an inflammatory mediator that stimulates the directional migration of T lymphocytes. It may thus be another important mediator in the diseases in which T lymphocytes form the major constituent of the cellular infiltration.     

Co-integration of ICE Gas oil and Crude oil futures

In this paper, the relationship between Gas oil and Brent Crude oil futures prices is investigated. The analysis is based on daily price series for five different contract lengths traded on ICE Futures Europe. The price series and their first differences are tested for stationarity. Linear relationships between the pair-wise Gas oil and Crude oil contracts are then tested for co-integration. A co-integrated relationship is found for the 1 and 2 month contracts covering data from 1994 to 2009, and Error Correction Models are established to estimate the relationships. No co-integrated relationships are found for the 3, 6 and 12 month contracts covering the period 2002-2009, nor for the 1 and 2 month contracts for this period. The futures prices for this period are collected from a volatile market, including hurricane Katrina, the economic boom and the following financial crises which might explain these results. Thus, in such volatile periods the spread between Gas oil and Crude oil is likely to deviate, and it might take several years until it reverts to its equilibrium value. For energy traders and hedgers, this will imply that exposures to the crack spread should be treated with great care in such market environments.     

May results from randomized clinical trials be generalized? An example from psychopharmacology

Exemplified by a randomized trial on antimanic treatment, this paper addresses the question whether selection of patients for drug trials may limit the applicability of study results from the randomized patients to a wider population. During a two-year period, all consecutively admitted patients from a defined catchment area were screened for fulfilling the inclusion criteria concerning age, diagnosis and severity of illness. The subsequently excluded subgroups of patients were compared with the randomized patients by means of multivariate data analysis. One hundred and sixty four patients met the inclusion criteria. However, after exclusion for various reasons, only 27 (17%) patients remained for randomization. The randomized patients and the excluded patients differed substantially. The generalizability of trial results is limited. Reports of randomized drug trials should carefully describe the screening procedure for inclusion, and, when possible, present relevant comparisons between the randomized patients and the various subgroups of patients meeting the exclusion criteria.     

Understanding children's coping.

Reviews the book, A handbook of children's coping: Linking theory and intervention by Sharlene A. Wolchik and Irwin N. Sandler (1997). The aim of the editors was to bring together "some of the best thinking" in the field, and to facilitate the development and evaluation of theory-based interventions directed at building resilience in youth. A major achievement of the volume is the comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge in the field. The contributors followed guidelines that required them to (a) assess the number of children experiencing the stressor in a given field; (b) evaluate critically the short- or long-term effects of the stress on mental health outcomes; (c) discuss the effect of the most stressful component on coping; (d) reflect on social environmental resources; and (e) consider coping and children's adjustment. Each contributor also reviewed the literature on preventive interventions. This volume provides a major resource for the student or researcher who is interested in youth, and for practitioners in a wide range of health and educational settings. The chapters will appeal selectively, according to the readers' areas of interest. Practitioners should use the chapters as building blocks with which they can enhance their practice rather than expect a how-to manual. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)