A novel method for making "tissue" microarrays from small numbers of suspension cells.

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are a highly efficient method for large-scale protein expression studies. To date most TMAs have been constructed using paraffin-embedded specimens. The authors developed a method that allows construction of TMAs from small numbers of cells in suspension. Spun pellets of 1x10 to 1x10 cells are directly processed and embedded in paraffin in an Eppendorf tube. Cylindrical cores of 0.6 mm are taken from these tubes and embedded in a recipient paraffin block to create a TMA. This relatively simple but versatile method enables very small numbers of cells in suspension to be analyzed using the TMA technology and allows for the study of hematolymphoid and related disorders of the blood and bone marrow for which solid tissue samples cannot be readily obtained. With the increasing trend toward obtaining small samples for screening and diagnostic purposes, this method provides a means to manipulate small volume samples for high-throughput immunohistochemical analysis. This method is also amenable for use for cultured cells.     

The homemaker needs of the rural frail elderly from a client versus agency perspective

The clients, aides, and staff of a homemaker services program for the rural frail elderly were individually interviewed concerning client's met and unmet needs. While the overall response from all three groups suggested a highly effective program, significant differences existed among the three groups with regard to what they considered the most important needs, both met and unmet by the program. It was concluded that although the perceptions of all three groups of participants in such programs might differ, such differences may not necessarily work to undermine the program.     

A novel strategy for targeting CD4+ PPD-reactive T cells against tumour cells using PPD monoclonal antibody heteroconjugates.

We have constructed PPD monoclonal antibody heteroconjugates specific for a tumour-associated antigen of C57BL/6 melanomas or for human complement component C3d fixed de novo to murine fibrosarcoma cells (MC6A). The ability of our heteroconjugates to target CD4+ PPD-reactive T cells against the appropriate tumour targets was then determined in vitro. Heteroconjugate-treated B16-F10 and MC6A tumour targets were both able to present PPD to the specific T cells, resulting in activation and concomitant lymphokine secretion. Secreted lymphokines were then demonstrated to cause significant tumour cytolysis and cytostasis in vitro. Preliminary experiments in vivo suggest that this targeting system may provide the basis for a future immunotherapeutic strategy.     

Selective transport of an oligomeric IgA into canine saliva

Evidence is presented which shows that an oligomeric IgA myeloma protein possessing J-chain but lacking secretory component, is selectively transferred from serum into canine saliva. The data also demonstrate that 125I-label remains with the IgA during the transfer process. These data interpreted in the light of findings in humans support the concept that the oligomeric form of IgA, devoid of secretory component, is required to achieve selective transport.     

Improving communication among health professionals through education: a pilot study

Communication can be thought of as a message that is sent, received, and understood. Each discipline of the health profession has its own jargon and means of expressing ideas in shorthand. These separate forms of communicating are effective among those of the same background but are often at the root of misunderstandings between professional groups. This article reviews communication theory and traces the difficulties created when inter-disciplinary teams of healthcare try to work together and communicate. As multi-disciplinary teams are increasingly dealing with the complex problems of today's healthcare system, clear communication and understanding has never been more important. If educators could assist in creating an understanding of vocabulary used for decision processes, communication could improve. The authors of this study performed a multi-stage Delphi survey that grouped terms used by administrators and clinicians and produced a lexicon of corresponding terms. An expert panel then reviewed and modified the list. The result is a lexicon that can be useful to assist clinicians and administrators to communicate with each other. By utilizing clinical terminology, or vice versa, instead of management or clinical jargon, some of the translation done by administration or clinicians could be reduced. Examples of how the lexicon can be utilized are provided in the article. This includes using it in health administration education to demonstrate the variances in clinical/managerial terms. It could also be provided as a primer to physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who assume administrative positions to enhance their communication with administrators.     

Antitumor effects of GBS toxin: a polysaccharide exotoxin from group Bβ-hemolytic streptococcus

A group B streptococcus (GBS) isolated from human neonates diagnosed with sepsis and respiratory distress (early-onset disease) produces a polysaccharide exotoxin (GBS toxin) that, when infused in sheep, causes lung pathophysiology similar to that seen in humans. Histological studies have demonstrated that GBS toxin induces a strong inflammatory response in the lung, with pulmonary sequestration of granulocytes and extensive capillary endothelial damage. The susceptibility of humans to GBS toxin is age-dependent and limited to about 4 days after birth. It is rarely evident thereafter. This suggests that the binding of GBS toxin to the target endothelium occurs via specific components in the developing lung endothelial cells of the newborn that are later lost. We report here that GBS toxin can also bind to developing endothelium associated with neoplasia and induce an inflammatory response. GBS toxin was shown by immunohistochemistry to bind to capillary endothelium of human large-cell carcinomas. In nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts, intravenously administered GBS toxin caused tumor necrosis and hemorrhagic lesions, and substantially inhibited the rate of growth of the tumors. In BALB/c mice bearing Madison lung tumors, GBS toxin induced an inflammatory response resulting in marked changes in tumor morphology, including vasodilation, endothelial and tumor cell necrosis, invasion of lymphocytes and macrophages, and capillary thrombosis. In these tumor models, no evidence of toxicity to the vasculature of other tissues was observed. The reported pathophysiology of GBS in human neonates, the lack of disease in non-neonates colonized with GBS, and these results suggest that GBS toxin may have potential as a well tolerated agent in cancer therapy of some human tumors.Abbreviations GBS group BStreptococcus - PBS phosphate-buffered saline This work was supported in part by a grant from the March of Dimes Foundation