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Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases capable of enzymatic digestion of subendothelial basement membrane and other components of the extracellular matrix. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -7 and -9 is increased around multiple sclerosis plaques and in brain tissue in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. To measure quantitatively the expression of these MMPs and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1 and -2), we analysed samples from 52 patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and substrate-gel electrophoresis (zymography). MMP-9 was increased over controls in 100% of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cases, with similar levels detected in relapses and clinically stable phases of disease. In primary progressive multiple sclerosis, MMP-9 was increased in 57% of CSF samples, but concentrations were below those encountered in the relapsing-remitting form. The selective upregulation of MMP-9 suggests that T-cells and macrophages invading the brain parenchyma and the CSF space are the predominant source of MMP-9 in multiple sclerosis. TIMPs and other MMPs (MMP-2 and -3) were not upregulated or not detectable (MMP-7) in CSF of patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The sustained increase of MMP-9 in clinically stable multiple sclerosis supports the concept that multiple sclerosis is associated with ongoing proteolysis that may result in progressive tissue damage. The selective inhibition of MMP-9 could be a useful approach for the prevention of disease progression in multiple sclerosis

AIMS: Improving glycaemic control in people with Type 1 diabetes is known to reduce complications. Our aim was to compare glycaemic control among people with Type 1 diabetes using data gathered in regional or national registries.METHODS: Data were obtained for children and/or adults with Type 1 diabetes from the following countries (or regions): Western Australia, Austria, Denmark, England, Champagne-Ardenne (France), Germany, Epirus, Thessaly and Thessaloniki (Greece), Galway (Ireland), several Italian regions, Latvia, Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Otago (New Zealand), Norway, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Volyn (Ukraine), USA and Wales) from population or clinic-based registries. The sample size with available data varied from 355 to 173 880. Proportions with HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (< 7.5%) and ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥ 9.0%) were compared by age and sex.RESULTS: Data were available for 324 501 people. The proportions with HbA1c 58 mmol/mol (< 7.5%) varied from 15.7% to 46.4% among 44 058 people aged < 15 years, from 8.9% to 49.5% among 50 766 people aged 15-24 years and from 20.5% to 53.6% among 229 677 people aged ≥ 25 years. Sex differences in glycaemic control were small. Proportions of people using insulin pumps varied between the 12 sources with data available.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there are substantial variations in glycaemic control among people with Type 1 diabetes between the data sources and that there is room for improvement in all populations, especially in young adults.

There is widespread acceptance among the scientific community that human activities are the primary cause of present day climate change. But, how a changing climate impacts ecosystems is still a source of confusion to the public. Some of this confusion is associated with a lack of clear communication among journalists and scientists, particularly when it comes to addressing variability and uncertainty in ecological datasets. Here we use long-term surface water temperature data sets from Narragansett Bay and a recent misunderstanding of long-term temperature data that occurred on the national stage as a case study. Specifically, we re-evaluate and update the record and examine the variability inherent in long-term data sets. We found that despite high year to year variations the surface waters of Narragansett Bay have increased between 1.4°C to 1.6°C total rise over the last fifty years. Winter warming has been especially high over this time period, increasing between 1.6°C to 2.0°C. Finally, we identify the need for scientists, politicians, and journalists to appropriately address data variability and we argue for increased communication among these groups.

The Belvoir Research, Development and Engineering Center (BRDEC) tested three Migrating Combustion Chamber (MCC) engines built by Engine Research Associates (ERA) for Natick RD and E Center. The MCC concept attempts to provide a lightweight, quiet engine having a cool exhaust gas stream. The cool exhaust is attained by capturing additional energy from expansion beyond that achievable in conventional engines by the use of gas porting to multiple expansion chambers; this provides a more efficient engine operation than is otherwise attainable for the configuration. The testing included determining the engine torque-speed-power characteristics and the Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) under a variety of load conditions Startability and operability were concerns; starting under normal ambient conditions was difficult. All testing was performed using a 10: I fuel/oil mixture of low lead gasoline with AMZOIL synthetic lubricating oil for two-stroke engines. The maximum power achieved was 0.25 horsepower at 4,400 rpm. The peak torque observed was 69 oz.-in. at 3,200 rpm. It was not possible to make noise and vibration measurements during the testing cycle, but they appeared to be low. The MCC engines tested had relatively short lives, operating for less than 25 hours. Performance and durability improvements are necessary before this MCC design can be considered as a viable alternative to commercially available two-cycle engines.

An important part of development of electronic packages for space use is verification of performance under expected environmental conditions. The system developed at NRL is designed to provide thermal vacuum testing of atomic clocks in the Global Positioning System (GPS). It is capable of testing all pertinent clock parameters in a preprogrammed sequence. Test durations from minutes to months may be selected. Real time as well as historical data presentation and reductions are available. (Author)

To evaluate the spectrum and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in bacterial meningitis (BM), concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, and MMP-9 and endogenous inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 27 children with BM. MMP-8 and MMP-9 were detected in 91% and 97%, respectively, of CSF speci-mens from patients but were not detected in control patients. CSF levels of MMP-9 were higher (P <.05) in 5 patients who developed hearing impairment or secondary epilepsy than in those who recovered without neurological deficits. Levels of MMP-9 correlated with concentrations of TIMP-1 (P <.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P =.03). Repeated lumbar punctures showed that levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 were regulated independently and did not correlate with the CSF cell count. Therefore, MMPs may derive not only from granulocytes infiltrating the CSF space but also from parenchymal cells of the meninges and brain. High concentrations of MMP-9 are a risk factor for the development of postmeningitidal neurological sequelae

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases capable of enzymatic digestion of subendothelial basement membrane and other components of the extracellular matrix. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -7 and -9 is increased around multiple sclerosis plaques and in brain tissue in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. To measure quantitatively the expression of these MMPs and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1 and -2), we analysed samples from 52 patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and substrate-gel electrophoresis (zymography). MMP-9 was increased over controls in 100% of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cases, with similar levels detected in relapses and clinically stable phases of disease. In primary progressive multiple sclerosis, MMP-9 was increased in 57% of CSF samples, but concentrations were below those encountered in the relapsing-remitting form. The selective upregulation of MMP-9 suggests that T-cells and macrophages invading the brain parenchyma and the CSF space are the predominant source of MMP-9 in multiple sclerosis. TIMPs and other MMPs (MMP-2 and -3) were not upregulated or not detectable (MMP-7) in CSF of patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The sustained increase of MMP-9 in clinically stable multiple sclerosis supports the concept that multiple sclerosis is associated with ongoing proteolysis that may result in progressive tissue damage. The selective inhibition of MMP-9 could be a useful approach for the prevention of disease progression in multiple sclerosis