Effect of metabolic or respiratory acidosis on rabbit renal medullary proton-ATPase

Distal urinary acidification is thought to be mediated by an H+-ATPase sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide and dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide. We have studied the effect of chronic metabolic acidosis (NH4Cl for 3 days) or respiratory acidosis (inhalation of 10% CO2 for 2 days) on the H+-ATPase of plasma membranes prepared from the medulla. The enzymatic assay for the H+-ATPase was performed in the presence of ouabain and oligomycin and in the absence of Ca. H+-transport activity was assessed by the quenching of acridine orange in the presence of ATP. The 15-25% sucrose gradient fraction was enriched 40-fold in enzymatic activity over the homogenate, and 8-fold in enzymatic activity and 4-fold in H+-transport activity over the fluffy fraction (38,000 X g). Metabolic acidosis (pH less than 7.31) or chronic hypercapnia (PCO2 greater than 66 mmHg; 1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) was induced for 2-3 days. Both groups showed the same enrichment factor in enzymatic and H+-transport assays as the control rabbits. Enzymatic and H+-transport activities, however, were not different between animals with respiratory acidosis and controls. Kinetic studies failed to disclose an increase in Vmax (673 vs. 702 mumol/(mg protein.min] or a decrease in Km (0.43 vs. 0.48 mM) in chronic hypercapnia as compared with controls. Metabolic acidosis also failed to increase H+-ATPase activity. These data demonstrate that the H+-ATPase of renal medulla does not display the expected increase in activity during acidosis. The role of this H+-ATPase in the adaptation to acidosis remains to be determined.     

mtDNA diversity in rhesus monkeys reveals overestimates of divergence time and paraphyly with neighboring species

Reconstructions of the human-African great ape phylogeny by using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been subject to considerable debate. One confounding factor may be the lack of data on intraspecific variation. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of intraspecific mtDNA diversity on the phylogenetic reconstruction of another Plio- Pleistocene radiation of higher primates, the fascicularis group of macaque (Macaca) monkey species. Fifteen endonucleases were used to identify 10 haplotypes of 40-47 restriction sites in M. mulatta, which were compared with similar data for the other members of this species group. Interpopulational, intraspecific mtDNA diversity was large (0.5%- 4.5%), and estimates of divergence time and branching order incorporating this variation were substantially different from those based on single representatives of each species. We conclude that intraspecific mtDNA diversity is substantial in at least some primate species. Consequently, without prior information on the extent of genetic diversity within a particular species, intraspecific variation must be assessed and accounted for when reconstructing primate phylogenies. Further, we question the reliability of hominoid mtDNA phylogenies, based as they are on one or a few representatives of each species, in an already depauperate superfamily of primates.      

Iodine and IFN-gamma synergistically enhance intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression on NOD.H2h4 mouse thyrocytes

NOD.H2(h4) mice spontaneously develop autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis that mimics human Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease where iodine, IFN-gamma, and adhesion molecules have all been implicated in the pathogenesis. To study how iodine and IFN-gamma modulate the expression of ICAM-1, we analyzed NOD.H2(h4) thyrocytes in baseline conditions (day 0) and at several time points following supplementation of iodine in the drinking water. On day 0, a small percentage ( approximately 10%) of thyrocytes constitutively expressed ICAM-1. The expression gradually increased to 13, 25, and 41% on days 7, 14 and 28, respectively, returning to baseline (9%) on day 35. The initial ICAM-1 kinetics was paralleled by thyroidal infiltration of CD45(+) hemopoietic cells, which increased from an average of 4% on day 0 to an average of 13, 21, and 24% on days 14, 28, and 35, respectively. To distinguish whether the observed ICAM-1 increase was a direct effect of iodine or a consequence of the immune infiltrate, we treated mouse primary thyrocyte cultures with 0.01 mM sodium iodine and showed a 3-fold increased ICAM-1 expression. To assess interaction between IFN-gamma and iodine, we analyzed CD45 and ICAM-1expression on thyrocytes from NOD.H2(h4) wild-type and NOD.H2(h4) thyr-IFN-gamma transgenic littermates. Strikingly, IFN-gamma interacted synergistically with iodine to enhance ICAM-1 expression on thyrocytes. These findings suggest that iodine and IFN-gamma cooperate to promote thyroidal expression of ICAM-1 in this mouse model of thyroiditis, highlighting the complex interplay present in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.     

Identification of Novel Serological Biomarkers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Escherichia coli Proteome Chip

Specific antimicrobial antibodies present in the sera of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been proven to be valuable serological biomarkers for diagnosis/prognosis of the disease. Herein we describe the use of a whole Escherichia coli proteome microarray as a novel high throughput proteomics approach to screen and identify new serological biomarkers for IBD. Each protein array, which contains 4,256 E. coli K12 proteins, was screened using individual serum from healthy controls (n = 39) and clinically well characterized patients with IBD (66 Crohn disease (CD) and 29 ulcerative colitis (UC)). Proteins that could be recognized by serum antibodies were visualized and quantified using Cy3-labeled goat anti-human antibodies. Surprisingly significance analysis of microarrays identified a total of 417 E. coli proteins that were differentially recognized by serum antibodies between healthy controls and CD or UC. Among those, 169 proteins were identified as highly immunogenic in healthy controls, 186 proteins were identified as highly immunogenic in CD, and only 19 were identified as highly immunogenic in UC. Using a supervised learning algorithm (k-top scoring pairs), we identified two sets of serum antibodies that were novel biomarkers for specifically distinguishing CD from healthy controls (accuracy, 86 ± 4%; p < 0.01) and CD from UC (accuracy, 80 ± 2%; p < 0.01), respectively. The Set 1 antibodies recognized three pairs of E. coli proteins: Era versus YbaN, YhgN versus FocA, and GabT versus YcdG, and the Set 2 antibodies recognized YidX versus FrvX. The specificity and sensitivity of Set 1 antibodies were 81 ± 5 and 89 ± 3%, respectively, whereas those of Set 2 antibodies were 84 ± 1 and 70 ± 6%, respectively. Serum antibodies identified for distinguishing healthy controls versus UC were only marginal because their accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity were 66 ± 5, 69 ± 5, and 61 ± 7%, respectively (p < 0.04). Taken together, we identified novel sets of serological biomarkers for diagnosis of CD versus healthy control and CD versus UC.Crohn disease (CD)¹ and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic, idiopathic, and clinically heterogeneous intestinal disorders collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (1, 2). Although the distinction between UC and CD would seem clear based on the combination of clinical, endoscopic, and radiological criteria, indeterminate colitis is present in up to 10 and 20% of adult and pediatric patients with isolated colitis, respectively (3, 4).Serological testing is a non-invasive method for diagnosing IBD and differentiating UC from CD (5–7). Several serological IBD biomarkers have been identified in the past decade, and some have been used in IBD clinics (5–7) (see the list below). Many of these antibodies are produced on intestinal exposure to normal commensal bacteria in genetically susceptible individuals. Although it is not known whether these antibodies are pathogenic or not, they are specific to patients with either CD or UC and may reflect a dysregulated immune inflammatory response to intestinal bacterial antigens (2, 8–10). Several experimental animal models of IBD have led to the theory that the pathogenesis of IBD is the result of an aberrant immune response to normal commensal bacteria in genetically susceptible individuals (11, 12). In fact, most of the major serological biomarkers being used in IBD clinics are antibodies to microbial antigens, including yeast oligomannose (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA)), bacterial outer membrane porin C (OmpC), Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial sequence I2 (anti-I2), and most recently bacterial flagellin (CBir 1) (5–7, 13). All of these antimicrobial antibodies show a preponderance in patients with CD. However, ASCA has been identified in up to 5% of patients with UC (13, 14).In comparison, perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) with perinuclear highlighting was first described in 1990. Although generally considered an autoantibody, the specific antigenic stimulation for pANCA production remains unclear. This autoantibody is present in up to 70% of patients with UC and in up to 20% of patients with CD (6, 10). Recently a panel of five new anti-glycan antibodies have been identified, including anti-chitobioside IgA, anti-laminaribioside IgG, anti-mannobioside IgG, and antibodies against two major chemically synthesized (Σ) oligomannose epitopes, Man α-1,3 Man α-1,2 Man (ΣMan3) and Man α-1,3 Man α-1,2 Man α-1,2 Man (ΣMan4) (5, 13, 15). These new biomarkers serve as valuable complimentary tools to the available serological biomarkers mentioned above. Collectively these antibodies are not generally present in either children or adults with non-IBD disease and may represent serological markers of intestinal inflammation specific to UC or CD.Although encouraging, none of the current commercially available biomarker tests/assays, including all of those mentioned above, can be used as stand alone tools in clinics and therefore are only recommended as an adjunct to endoscopy in diagnosis and prognosis of the disease (5, 7, 16). Therefore, additional specific and sensitive IBD biomarkers are needed as are prospective studies to assess the utility of current and newly identified biomarkers (5, 13). Proteomics technologies such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, various variations of mass spectrometry, and protein chip (array) technology are now proving to be powerful tools in biomarker discovery and are beginning to be utilized in IBD biomarker discovery (5, 17). These technologies enable robust and/or large scale and high throughput identification and analysis of differential protein expression when comparing disease with control. Blood-based (serum- or plasma-based) proteomics holds particular promises for biomarker discovery of various human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancers (18–20). Antigen microarrays are also powerful tools that allow high throughput serum analysis of aberrant immune responses in autoimmune diseases (21–23) as well as efficient discovery of biomarkers for infectious pathogens (24). Herein we describe the use of an Escherichia coli proteome microarray to characterize the differential immune response (serum anti-E. coli antibodies) among patients clinically classified as CD, UC, and healthy controls. We hypothesized that novel IBD-specific antimicrobial antibodies, particularly anti-E. coli antibodies, are present in IBD patients and are likely to be identified by screening the sera with E. coli protein arrays.     

An invisible ubiquitin conformation is required for efficient phosphorylation by PINK1

The Ser/Thr protein kinase PINK1 phosphorylates the well‐folded, globular protein ubiquitin (Ub) at a relatively protected site, Ser65. We previously showed that Ser65 phosphorylation results in a conformational change in which Ub adopts a dynamic equilibrium between the known, common Ub conformation and a distinct, second conformation wherein the last β‐strand is retracted to extend the Ser65 loop and shorten the C‐terminal tail. We show using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) nuclear magnetic resonance experiments that a similar, C‐terminally retracted (Ub‐CR) conformation also exists at low population in wild‐type Ub. Point mutations in the moving β5 and neighbouring β‐strands shift the Ub/Ub‐CR equilibrium. This enabled functional studies of the two states, and we show that while the Ub‐CR conformation is defective for conjugation, it demonstrates improved binding to PINK1 through its extended Ser65 loop, and is a superior PINK1 substrate. Together our data suggest that PINK1 utilises a lowly populated yet more suitable Ub‐CR conformation of Ub for efficient phosphorylation. Our findings could be relevant for many kinases that phosphorylate residues in folded protein domains.     

From recommendation to action: psychosocial factors influencing physician intention to use Health Technology Assessment (HTA) recommendations

Background

The Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project has been investigating the implementation of evidence-based mental health practices (Assertive Community Treatment, Family Psychoeducation, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Illness Management and Recovery, and Supported Employment) in state public mental health systems in the United States since 2001. To date, Project findings have yielded valuable insights into implementation strategy characteristics and effectiveness. This paper reports results of an effort to identify and classify state-level implementation activities and strategies employed across the eight states participating in the Project.

Methods

Content analysis and Greenhalgh et al's (2004) definition of innovation were used to identify and classify state-level activities employed during three phases of EBP implementation: Pre-Implementation, Initial Implementation and Sustainability Planning. Activities were coded from site visit reports created from documents and notes from key informant interviews conducted during two periods, Fall 2002 – Spring 2003, and Spring 2004. Frequency counts and rank-order analyses were used to examine patterns of implementation activities and strategies employed across the three phases of implementation.

Results

One hundred and six discreet implementation activities and strategies were identified as innovative and were classified into five categories: 1) state infrastructure building and commitment, 2) stakeholder relationship building and communications, 3) financing, 4) continuous quality management, and 5) service delivery practices and training. Implementation activities from different categories were employed at different phases of implementation.

Conclusion

Insights into effective strategies for implementing EBPs in mental health and other health sectors require qualitative and quantitative research that seeks to: a) empirically test the effects of tools and methods used to implement EBPs, and b) establish a stronger evidence-base from which to plan, implement and sustain such efforts. This paper offers a classification scheme and list of innovative implementation activities and strategies. The classification scheme offers potential value for future studies that seek to assess the effects of various implementation processes, and helps establish widely accepted standards and criteria that can be used to assess the value of innovative activities and strategies.     

The induction of antigen-specific thymic regulatory cells in the mouse

Regulatory T cells are known to play a role in the termination of the immune response. In this investigation, we bring evidence in support of the induction of antigen-specific regulatory cells in the thymus of the mouse. These thymus-derived regulatory cells depend upon injection with a high dose of antigen for their induction, appear in the thymus early after primary immunization (Days 7-12), are H-2- and strain-restricted in their action, and can by themselves suppress directly the secretion of antibodies from syngeneic antibody-forming cells in vitro. These regulatory cells, therefore, differ from previously reported murine suppressor T cells which exert their effect on antibody formation indirectly, generally by acting on helper T cells.     

PARTAKE Survey of Public Knowledge and Perceptions of Clinical Research in India

Background

A public that is an informed partner in clinical research is important for ethical, methodological, and operational reasons. There are indications that the public is unaware or misinformed, and not sufficiently engaged in clinical research but studies on the topic are lacking. PARTAKE – Public Awareness of Research for Therapeutic Advancements through Knowledge and Empowerment is a program aimed at increasing public awareness and partnership in clinical research. The PARTAKE Survey is a component of the program.

Objective

To study public knowledge and perceptions of clinical research.

Methods

A 40-item questionnaire combining multiple-choice and open-ended questions was administered to 175 English- or Hindi-speaking individuals in 8 public locations representing various socioeconomic strata in New Delhi, India.

Results

Interviewees were 18–84 old (mean: 39.6, SD±16.6), 23.6% female, 68.6% employed, 7.3% illiterate, 26.3% had heard of research, 2.9% had participated and 58.9% expressed willingness to participate in clinical research. The following perceptions were reported (% true/% false/% not aware): ‘research benefits society’ (94.1%/3.5%/2.3%), ‘the government protects against unethical clinical research’ (56.7%/26.3%/16.9%), ‘research hospitals provide better care’ (67.2%/8.7%/23.9%), ‘confidentiality is adequately protected’ (54.1%/12.3%/33.5%), ‘participation in research is voluntary’ (85.3%/5.8%/8.7%); ‘participants treated like ‘guinea pigs’’ (20.7%/53.2%/26.0%), and ‘compensation for participation is adequate’ (24.7%/12.9%/62.3%).

Conclusions

Results suggest the Indian public is aware of some key features of clinical research (e.g., purpose, value, voluntary nature of participation), and supports clinical research in general but is unaware of other key features (e.g., compensation, confidentiality, protection of human participants) and exhibits some distrust in the conduct and reporting of clinical trials. Larger, cross-cultural surveys are required to inform educational programs addressing these issues.     

Methyl isobutyl amiloride: a new probe to assess the number of Na-H antiporters

We measured the binding of [3H]-5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl) amiloride (MIA) to purified rabbit renal brush border membranes. MIA binding was protein, temperature and time dependent with optimal binding at pH 8.0 or above. At low pH MIA binding was inhibited, suggesting competition between H+ ions and MIA for the MIA binding site. There was 70-80% specific binding which reached a plateau at 30 min and remained stable thereafter for 150 min. Scatchard analysis revealed one family of binding sites with Bmax of 3.4 +/- 0.4 pmoles/mg protein and Kd of 30.5 +/- 2.3 nM. MIA inhibited the Vmax of the Na-H antiporter (assessed by acridine orange quenching) in a dose dependent fashion with 100% inhibition at MIA concentration of 10(-3) M and this inhibition was greater than that of amiloride. We conclude that MIA, a potent inhibitor of the Na-H antiporter, displays a high percentage of specific binding to renal brush border membranes and can be used to assess the number of the Na-H antiporters.