Sympathetic Innervation in the 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine Primate Model of Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT Cardiac sympathetic denervation occurs commonly in Parkinson's disease. This study explored whether analogous denervation occurs in primates with Parkinsonism from systemic administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). 6-[ 18 F]Fluorodopamine positron emission tomographic scanning and plasma levels of catecholamines and their deaminated metabolites were used to assess sympathetic and adrenomedullary function in rhesus monkeys, in the untreated state (n ϭ 3), 2 weeks after a series of four MPTP injections, before establishment of Parkinsonism (acute phase, n ϭ 1); a month later, after four more MPTP doses, associated with severe Parkinsonism (subacute phase, n ϭ 1); or more than 2 years from the last dose (remote phase, n ϭ 3), with persistent severe Parkinsonism. A positive control received i.v. 6-hydroxydopamine 1 week before 6-[ 18 F]fluorodopamine scanning. Acute MPTP treatment increased cardiac 6-[ 18 F]fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity, whereas 6-hydroxydopamine markedly decreased cardiac radioactivity, despite similarly low plasma levels of catecholamines and metabolites after either treatment. Subacutely, plasma catecholamines remained decreased, but now with myocardial 6-[ 18 F]fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity also decreased. Remotely, MPTP-treated monkeys had lower plasma catecholamines and higher myocardial 6-[ 18 F]fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity than did untreated animals. The results indicate that in nonhuman primates, systemic MPTP administration produces multiphasic effects on peripheral catecholamine systems, with nearly complete recovery by 2 years. MPTP-and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced changes differ markedly, probably from ganglionic or preganglionic neurotoxicity with the former and more severe cardiac sympathetic neurotoxicity with the latter. Because of multiphasic sympathetic and adrenomedullary effects, without cardioselective sympathetic denervation at any time, the primate MPTP model does not mimic the changes in peripheral catecholamine systems that characterize the human disease. Parkinson's disease features cardiac sympathetic denervation, as evidenced by decreased myocardial concentrations of radioactivity after administration of the sympathoneural imaging agents 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (Satoh et a

‘It makes me feel alive’: the socio-motivational impact of drama and theatre on marginalised young people

An in-depth, longitudinal, idiographic study examined the impact of theatre and drama involvement on marginalised young people. Semi-structured interviews, at three separate time points over 2 years, were conducted with four young people (15–21 years of age) involved in a theatre project. Interpretative phenomenological analysis suggested that drama and theatre create space and support for the authentic self, and provide optimal conditions for promoting growth and resilience through voluntary engagement in a positive activity. In particular, the analysis highlighted the pivotal role of interpersonal relationships and a nurturing environment in re-engaging young people. Some participants’ accounts also suggested that drama provides a uniquely engaging and therapeutic way to reflect on, express and explore experiences. The results are discussed in relation to core psychological processes underpinning self-development and key directions for further research

Group B Streptococcus GAPDH Is Released upon Cell Lysis, Associates with Bacterial Surface, and Induces Apoptosis in Murine Macrophages

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDH) are cytoplasmic glycolytic enzymes that, despite lacking identifiable secretion signals, have been detected at the surface of several prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms where they exhibit non-glycolytic functions including adhesion to host components. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a human commensal bacterium that has the capacity to cause life-threatening meningitis and septicemia in newborns. Electron microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis demonstrated the surface localization of GAPDH in GBS. By addressing the question of GAPDH export to the cell surface of GBS strain NEM316 and isogenic mutant derivatives of our collection, we found that impaired GAPDH presence in the surface and supernatant of GBS was associated with a lower level of bacterial lysis. We also found that following GBS lysis, GAPDH can associate to the surface of many living bacteria. Finally, we provide evidence for a novel function of the secreted GAPDH as an inducer of apoptosis of murine macrophages

Gastrointestinal nematode infections in German sheep

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and variation of natural gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in lambs according to birth type, gender and breed based on individual faecal egg counts (FEC) from various regions in Germany. A total of 3,924 lambs (3 to 15 months old) with different genetic backgrounds (Merinoland, German Blackhead Mutton, Rhoen, Texel and Merino long-wool) were individually sampled during the grazing period between 2006 and 2008. Furthermore, pooled faecal samples from each of the farms were cultured in order to differentiate the third-stage larvae of the nematode spp. Sixty-three percent of the lambs were infected with GIN. The infections were mostly low to moderate and involved several nematode species. The Trichostrongylus spp. was the predominant species based on the percentage of larvae in faecal cultures. Only 11.4% of the lambs were free of Eimeria oocysts. Tapeworm eggs were encountered in 13.2% of all samples. The prevalence of GIN infections varied significantly (P < 0.001) among farms. A significantly higher FEC (P < 0.05) was observed in multiple-born lambs when compared with singletons. Moreover, male lambs were more susceptible to infection than females (P < 0.001). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between breeds regarding FEC. Inter-individual variations were higher than inter-breed differences, which may indicate the possibility of selection within these breeds for parasites resistance as described in earlier studies

Prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia with granulocyte colony-stimulating factors: where are we now?

Updated international guidelines published in 2006 have broadened the scope for the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in supporting delivery of myelosuppressive chemotherapy. G-CSF prophylaxis is now recommended when the overall risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) due to regimen and individual patient factors is ≥20%, for supporting dose-dense and dose-intense chemotherapy and to help maintain dose density where dose reductions have been shown to compromise outcomes. Indeed, there is now a large body of evidence for the efficacy of G-CSFs in supporting dose-dense chemotherapy. Predictive tools that can help target those patients who are most at risk of FN are now becoming available. Recent analyses have shown that, by reducing the risk of FN and chemotherapy dose delays and reductions, G-CSF prophylaxis can potentially enhance survival benefits in patients receiving chemotherapy in curative settings. Accumulating data from ‘real-world’ clinical practice settings indicate that patients often receive abbreviated courses of daily G-CSF and consequently obtain a reduced level of FN protection. A single dose of PEGylated G-CSF (pegfilgrastim) may provide a more effective, as well as a more convenient, alternative to daily G-CSF. Prospective studies are needed to validate the importance of delivering the full dose intensity of standard chemotherapy regimens, with G-CSF support where appropriate, across a range of settings. These studies should also incorporate prospective evaluation of risk stratification for neutropenia and its complications