Phenotypic Modification of Human Airway Epithelial Cells in Air–Liquid Interface Culture Induced by Exposure to the Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamine 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)

The nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a potent tobacco-specific carcinogen. We used an air–liquid interface epithelial cell culture system to model changes associated with NNK exposure relative to pathologies documented in human tobacco-related illnesses. Although in vitro systems exhibit certain limitations, they often offer accentuation of subtle pathologies. While the distribution of cell types in control cultures typically favors the ciliated cell phenotype, NNK-exposed cultures transitioned to non-ciliated cell phenotypes as well as reflecting features consistent with squamous metaplasia. We conclude that NNK impacts normal growth and differentiation of human airway epithelium in a short interval of time in vitro.     

Brief Report: An Intervention Program for Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate a psychoeducational intervention programfor parents of pediatric cancer patients, using cognitive andbehavioral techniques. Methods: Parents were randomly assigned to an intervention (n= 39) and a control condition (n = 42). Baseline assessmenttook place at diagnosis. Short-term effects were measured immediatelyafter the intervention, long-term effects six months later.Control parents received standard care. Intervention parentsreceived, in addition, a manual-guided program during the firstsix months following the diagnosis. Results: With time all parents became significantly less psychologicallydistressed. However, no between-group differences were notedin psychological functioning, satisfaction with support, andintensity of emotions immediately postintervention and six monthslater. Conclusions: Although the clinical evaluation of the interventionwas positive, it appeared that a structured intervention programas described in this study was not any more effective than standardcare.     

Localization of the gene encoding the α2 subunit of the human VLA-2 receptor to chromosome 5q23-31

The ₂ subunit of the VLA-2 receptor (CD49B) was mapped to human chromosome 5 by several independent approaches. First, the expression of the ₂ subunit at the protein level was investigated in a panel of human-mouse hybrid cell lines. Cell surface expression was detected by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal anti-₂ antibody 12F1. Intracellular ₂ antigen was detected by immunostaining of whole cell extracts or of immunoprecipitated 12F1 antigen with the monoclonal antibodies 3H8 and 5C5. Second, the presence of human genomic ₂ sequences in the panel of human-mouse hybrids was detected by PCR, using primers derived from the published ₂ cDNA sequence. The specificity of the amplification product was shown by direct sequencing. The results of the PCR study were confirmed by amplifying aCD14 gene fragment, known to map to chromosome 5. Finally, in situ hybridization with a³H-labeled 1040-bp cDNA probe, also obtained by PCR, confirmed and refined the localization ofCD49B on chromosome 5 at q23-31.     

Sister chromatid exchanges, hyperdiploidy and chromosomal rearrangements studied in cells from melanoma-prone individuals belonging to families with the dysplastic nevus syndrome

Cytogenetic investigations were performed on 25 individuals belonging to six melanoma-prone families with multiple melanocytic lesions (the dysplastic nevus syndrome, DNS). Patients having DNS with or without a history of melanoma were compared with clinically normal relatives and unrelated normal controls. The results indicate normal frequencies of hyperdiploidy and spontaneous sister chromatid exchanges in the fibroblasts of all individuals studied. Karyotypic analyses were carried out on the members of one family. The patients with DNS had a normal constitutional karyotype. In lymphocytes or fibroblasts from five patients, however, increased frequencies of cells with random chromosomal rearrangements were observed. These abnormalities, mainly translocations and inversions, were not found in two of the patients' spouses and in six clinically normal relatives. In the fibroblast cultures considerable clonal selection of cytogenetically abnormal cells occurred.     

Sustainable effectiveness of single‐treatment autologous fat grafting in adherent scars

Following severe injury, not just the skin but also the subcutis may be destroyed. Consequently, the developing scar can become adherent to underlying structures. Reconstruction of the subcutis can be achieved by autologous fat grafting. Our aim was to evaluate the long‐term scar outcome after single‐treatment autologous fat grafting using a comprehensive scar evaluation protocol. Scar assessment was performed preoperatively in 40 patients. A 12‐month follow‐up assessment was performed in 36 patients, using the Cutometer, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and DSM II ColorMeter. The Cutometer parameters elasticity and maximal extension improved with 28 and 22% (both p < 0.001), respectively. Nearly all scores of the scar assessment scale decreased significantly, which corresponds to improved scar quality. In addition, the mean melanin score was ameliorated over time. Thus, we demonstrated the sustainable effectiveness of single‐treatment autologous fat grafting in adherent scars, indicated by improved pliability, and overall scar quality.     

Assessment of biological responses of EpiAirway 3-D cell constructs versus A549 cells for determining toxicity of ambient air pollution

Context: EpiAirway^TM 3-D constructs are human-derived cell cultures of differentiated airway epithelial cells that may represent a more biologically relevant model of the human lung. However, limited information is available on their utility for exposures to air pollutants at the air-liquid interface (ALI).

Objective: To assess the biological responses of EpiAirway^TM cells in comparison to the responses of A549 human alveolar epithelial cells after exposure to air pollutants at ALI.

Methods: Cells were exposed to filtered air, 400?ppb of ozone (O₃) or a photochemically aged Synthetic Urban Mixture (SynUrb54) consisting of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, O₃ and other secondary oxidation products for 4?h. Basolateral supernatants and apical washes were collected at 9 and 24?h post-exposure. We assessed cytotoxicity by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into the culture medium and apical surface. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) proteins were measured in the culture medium and in the apical washes to determine the inflammatory response after exposure.

Results: Both O₃ and SynUrb54 significantly increased basolateral levels of LDH and IL-8 in A549 cells. No significant changes in LDH and IL-8 levels were observed in the EpiAirway^TM cells, however, IL-6 in the apical surface was significantly elevated at 24?h after O₃ exposure.

Conclusion: LDH and IL-8 are robust endpoints for assessing toxicity in A549 cells. The EpiAirway^TM cells show minimal adverse effects after exposure suggesting that they are more toxicologically resistant compared to A549 cells. Higher concentrations or longer exposure times are needed to induce effects on EpiAirway^TM cells.     

Coronary embolization of the membrane fixing a “multilink” stent to its delivery balloon

We report on a case of coronary embolization of an elastic membrane fixing the ACS RX Multilink stent over its balloon, after a successful stent delivery. The membrane was dislodged from the balloon in the ostium of the right coronary artery as the delivery balloon was being pulled back into the guiding catheter. All attempts to retrieve the membrane, to cover it with another stent, or to push it into a terminal segment of the artery to limit the jeopardized myocardial mass were unsuccessful. No CABG was performed because the left coronary system was normal and the procedure occurred 2 months after an incomplete inferior myocardial infarction. There was no increase in cardiac enzymes nor electrocardiographic signs of a new myocardial infarction at discharge or at 1-mo follow-up. It seems preferable to avoid further use of stents tied to their balloons with an intermediary, and possibly detachable, element. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 43:68–70, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.