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Gower DJ, Dharne M, Bhatta G, Giri V, Vyas R, Govindappa V, Oommen OV, George J, Shouche Y, Wilkinson M. Remarkable genetic homogeneity in unstriped, long-tailedIchthyophisalong 1500 km of the Western Ghats, India. J Zool (1987) 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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George J, Tsutsumi M. siRNA-mediated knockdown of connective tissue growth factor prevents N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Gene Ther 2007; 14:790-803. [PMID: 17344905 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process that involves the interplay of different cell types in the hepatic tissue. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a highly profibrogenic molecule and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. The aim of the present investigation was three-fold. First, we studied the expression of CTGF in the cultured hepatic stellate cells using immunohistochemical technique. Second, we induced hepatic fibrosis in rats through serial intraperitoneal injections of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA; dimethylnitrosamine, DMN) and studied the upregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 during hepatic fibrogenesis. Third, we downregulated CTGF expression using CTGF siRNA and examined the role of CTGF siRNA to prevent the progression of NDMA-induced hepatic fibrosis. The results depicted strong staining of CTGF in the transformed hepatic stellate cells in culture. Serial administrations of NDMA resulted in activation of hepatic stellate cells, upregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 both at mRNA and protein levels and well-developed fibrosis in the liver. Immunostaining, Western blot analysis, semiquantitative and real-time RT-PCR studies showed downregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 after treatment with CTGF siRNA. The results of the present study demonstrated that CTGF gene silencing through siRNA reduces activation of hepatic stellate cells, prevents the upregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 gene expression and inhibits accumulation of connective tissue proteins in the liver. The data further suggest that knockdown of CTGF upregulation using siRNA has potential therapeutic application to prevent hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Volokhov D, Duperrier S, Neverov A, George J, Buchrieser C, Hitchins A. P590 Internalin gene in natural atypically haemolytic Listeria innocua strains suggests descent from L. monocytogenes. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(07)70433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Subbanna PK, Margaret Shanti FX, George J, Tharion G, Neelakantan N, Durai S, Chandy SJ, Mathew BS, Suresh R. Topical phenytoin solution for treating pressure ulcers: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Spinal Cord 2007; 45:739-43. [PMID: 17279096 DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of topical phenytoin solution in treating pressure ulcers among patients with spinal cord disorders and to evaluate the systemic absorption of topical phenytoin. SETTING Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. METHODS Twenty-eight patients with stage 2 pressure ulcers were randomized to receive either phenytoin solution (5 mg/ml) or normal saline dressing on their ulcers once daily for 15 days. Efficacy of the treatment was determined by assessing the reduction in Pressure Ulcer Scores for Healing (PUSH 3.0), ulcer volume and ulcer size as on day 16. Serum phenytoin concentrations were estimated to determine the systemic absorption of topical phenytoin. RESULTS Statistically insignificant but marginally higher reduction in PUSH 3.0 scores and ulcer size were seen with topical phenytoin treatment. Systemic absorption of topical phenytoin was negligible. No adverse drug events were detected during the study. CONCLUSIONS Phenytoin solution is a safe topical agent that accelerates healing of pressure ulcers. However, its efficacy is only slightly more than normal saline treatment.
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Wahab NA, Ramasamy U, George J, Madhavan M, Arif AR, Abdullah J. Intra-cranial metastatic lacrimal gland tumour. THE MEDICAL JOURNAL OF MALAYSIA 2006; 61:641-3. [PMID: 17623971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of an adult who presented with progressive swelling in the right eye with suggestive of intracranial lesion on imaging. Histopathological revealed a lacrimal gland malignant mixed tumour.
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Cua IHY, Kwan V, Henriquez M, Kench J, George J. Long term suppressive therapy with pegylated interferon for chronic hepatitis C associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Gut 2006; 55:1521-2. [PMID: 16966706 PMCID: PMC1856412 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2006.094508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Sayuthi S, Tharakan J, George J, Pieter MS, Salmah WM, Madhavan M, Biswa BM, Abdullah J. Epilepsy surgery on dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours. THE MEDICAL JOURNAL OF MALAYSIA 2006; 61:374-6. [PMID: 17240596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Two rare cases of intractable epilepsy caused by Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumours (DNET) are reported and their different management discussed. The first case required vagal nerve stimulation and radiosurgery while the later was operated with the help of neuronavigation. Both had good outcome according to Engel classification after a one year follow up.
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Jayshree RS, Shafiulla M, George J, David JK, Bapsy PP, Chakrabarti A. Microscopic, cultural and molecular evidence of disseminated invasive aspergillosis involving the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. J Med Microbiol 2006; 55:961-964. [PMID: 16772427 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A patient with acute promyelocytic leukaemia developed invasive aspergillosis post chemotherapy during a pancytopenic episode, clinically involving the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Dichotomously branched septate fungal hyphae were demonstrated microscopically in stools and sputa. Cultures of the samples yielded Aspergillus flavus, which were identical by RFLP and random amplification of polymorphic DNA analyses and antifungal MICs, proving disseminated disease. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first time that boluses of fungal hyphae have been demonstrated microscopically in the stools of a patient with gastrointestinal aspergillosis.
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George J, Patal S, Wexler D, Sharabi Y, Peleg E, Kamari Y, Grossman E, Sheps D, Keren G, Roth A. Circulating adiponectin concentrations in patients with congestive heart failure. Heart 2006; 92:1420-4. [PMID: 16621874 PMCID: PMC1861042 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2005.083345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine concentrations of adiponectin and its predictive value on outcome in a cohort of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS Serum and clinical data were obtained for outpatients with clinically controlled CHF (n = 175). Serum concentrations of adiponectin, C reactive protein, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin (IL) -1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor alpha and CD-40 ligand were determined. The association of adiponectin with the clinical severity of CHF was sought as well as the predictive value of this adipokine on mortality, CHF hospitalisations or the occurrence of each of these end points. RESULTS Concentrations of adiponectin were significantly increased in patients with CHF. Patients with higher New York Heart Association class had significantly higher serum concentrations of adiponectin. Adiponectin serum concentrations were lower in patients with diabetes and CHF as well as in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Serum adiponectin concentration was positively associated with age and NT-proBNP but was negatively correlated with C reactive protein concentrations. Serum adiponectin above the 75th centile was found to be an independent predictor of total mortality, CHF hospitalisations or a composite of these end points over a two-year prospective follow up. CONCLUSION Adiponectin is increased in CHF patients and predicts mortality and morbidity.
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Lai V, George J, Richey L, Cannon T, Kim H, Shores C, Couch M. Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors on Tumor Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome in Patients with Cancer of the Head and Neck and Gastrointestinal Tract. J Investig Med 2006. [DOI: 10.1177/108155890605402s96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Lai V, George J, Richey L, Cannon T, Kim HJ, Shores C, Couch M. 17 EFFICACY OF CYCLOOXYGENASE 2 INHIBITORS ON TUMOR ANOREXIA-CACHEXIA SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK AND GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT. J Investig Med 2006. [DOI: 10.2310/6650.2005.x0015.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Tariq SM, George J, Srinivasan S. Inhaled foreign bodies in adolescents and adults. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2006; 63:193-8. [PMID: 16454218 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2005.620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accidental foreign body inhalation is not uncommon. The incidence is high in children, especially the very young ones. We evaluated the management of inhaled foreign bodies in an adult respiratory medical unit, highlighting circumstances leading to inhalation, associated complications and difficulties encountered at bronchoscopic retrieval. METHODS We reviewed all cases of inhaled foreign bodies presenting over a period of 12 years (1991-2003). RESULTS 5 of 8 cases were teenagers whereas 3 were aged over 55 years. The older patients had co-morbidities and had aspirated food particles. In 2 cases, a bronchoscopy was performed primarily to exclude lung cancer, and the discovery of a foreign body was a surprise. Pulmonary complications related to foreign body inhalation were common among this group. All 5 teenage patients presented after inhalation of small objects. 4 patients from the teenage group had general anaesthesia; in 2 of them a laryngeal mask airway was employed, whilst 2 had endotracheal intubation. Only one patient was given a rigid bronchoscopy following failure of the fiberoptic instrument. Difficulties at retrieval of foreign body were frequently encountered. CONCLUSIONS In the adolescent and adult patients, most inhaled foreign bodies are retrievable by flexible bronchoscopy. However, facilities for rigid bronchoscopy should be available as a back-up. Pulmonary complications are common after foreign body inhalation especially in the older patients. Difficulties at bronchoscopic removal may occur due to late presentation or to the site and/or position of the foreign body within the tracheobronchial tree.
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Salmond S, George J, Strasser S, Batey R. P.236 Hep573 study of complementary medicine for chronic hepatitis C. J Clin Virol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(06)80416-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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366
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Das DK, Pathan SK, Francis IM, Sheikh ZA, Al-Juwaiser A, Shaheen A, Prabha K, George J, Kapila K. Cytoplasmic colloid inclusions in thyroid lesions: a cytomorphological study based on fine needle aspiration. Cytopathology 2005; 16:233-9. [PMID: 16181309 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2303.2005.00267.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracytoplasmic lumens (ICL) with or without magenta material and transgressing vessels are features of Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCN). After detection of intracytoplasmic colloid inclusions (CIs) including targetoid (magenta) body-like structures in the Hürthle cells (HC) in a case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), we reviewed cases of HT, thyroid neoplasms, hyperplastic nodules (HN) and colloid goitres to determine the frequency of these structures. Further, an attempt was made to find out the significance of CIs. METHODS FNA smears of 120 HT, 101 colloid goitres, 11 HN, and 76 neoplastic goitres were examined. The presence of CIs and empty ICL were noted in epithelial cells in these lesions. An attempt was made to find out the difference between HT with and without CIs in respect of various cytomorphologic features. The groups were compared using the Fisher's exact test of probability. RESULTS The CIs were present in 36 (30.0%) of HT, 26 (34.2%) of neoplastic goitres, 3 (27.3%) of HN, and 4 (4.0%) colloid goitres. As compared to colloid goitres, CIs were present in a significant higher number of cases in HN (P = 0.0202), neoplastic goitres (P < 0.0001), and HT (P < 0.0001). Among neoplasms the frequency of CIs in HCN (75.0%) was significantly higher than that of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (33.3%, P = 0.0466), and follicular neoplasm (14.3%, P = 0.0083). The CIs were more frequent in HC in HT and HCN but in follicular cells (FC) in other lesions. The HT cases with CIs differed significantly from those without CIs in respect of HC and their cellularity, cellularity of reactive lymphoid cells, extracellular colloid and empty ICL. CONCLUSION Care should be taken not to diagnose HT cases with an excessive Hürthle cell component and CIs, and PTC cases with Hürthlization and CIs, as HCN in FNA smears. Based on review of the literature and our findings, it is suggested that the Hürthle cell metaplasia in HT is a survival response of FC and the presence of CIs in Hürthle cell may represent their limited ability to synthesize colloid.
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Cervera R, Abarca-Costalago M, Abramovicz D, Allegri F, Annunziata P, Aydintug AO, Bacarelli MR, Bellisai F, Bernardino I, Biernat-Kaluza E, Blockmans D, Boki K, Bracci L, Campanella V, Camps MT, Carcassi C, Cattaneo R, Cauli A, Cervera R, Chwalinska-Sadowska H, Contu L, Cosyns JP, Danieli MG, DCruz D, Depresseux G, Direskeneli H, Domènech I, Espinosa G, Fernández-Nebro A, Ferrara GB, Font J, Frutos MA, Galeazzi M, Garcìa-Carrasco M, García Iglesias MF, García-Tobaruela A, George J, Gil A, González-Santos P, Grana M, Gül A, Haga HJ, de Haro-Liger M, Houssiau F, Hughes GRV, Ingelmo M, Jedryka-Góral A, Khamashta MA, Lavilla P, Levi Y, López-Dulpa M, López-Soto A, Maldykowa H, Marcolongo R, Mathieu A, Morozzi G, Nicolopoulou N, Papasteriades C, Passiu G, Perelló I, Petera P, Petrovic R, Piette JC, Pintado V, de Pita O, Popovic R, Pucci G, Puddu P, de Ramón E, Ramos-Casals M, Rodríguez-Andreu J, Ruiz-Irastorza G, Sanchez-Lora J, Sanna G, Scorza R, Sebastiani GD, Sherer Y, Shoenfeld Y, Simpatico A, Sinico RA, Smolen J, Tincani A, Tokgöz G, Urbano-Márquez A, Vasconcelos C, Vázquez JJ, Veronesi J, Vianna J, Vivancos J. Systemic lupus erythematosus in Europe at the change of the millennium: lessons from the "Euro-Lupus Project". Autoimmun Rev 2005; 5:180-6. [PMID: 16483917 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2005.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The "Euro-Lupus Cohort" is composed by 1000 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that have been followed prospectively since 1991. These patients have been gathered by a European consortium--the "Euro-Lupus Project Group". This consortium was originated as part of the network promoted by the "European Working Party on SLE", a working group created in 1990 in order to promote research in Europe on the different problems related to this disease. The "Euro-Lupus Cohort" provides an updated information on the SLE morbidity and mortality characteristics in the present decade as well as defines several clinical and immunological prognostic factors.
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Freter SH, George J, Dunbar MJ, Morrison M, Macknight C, Rockwood K. Prediction of delirium in fractured neck of femur as part of routine preoperative nursing care. Age Ageing 2005; 34:387-8. [PMID: 15955758 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afi099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Perry JF, Poustchi H, George J, Farrell GC, McCaughan GW, Strasser SI. Current approaches to the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2005; 5:1-13. [PMID: 15928877 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-005-0058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2005] [Accepted: 03/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and incidence rates in Western countries are on the rise. Despite many options, no ideal treatment yet exists for this highly malignant tumour, and management strategies have varied accordingly. This review summarises current strategies for the diagnosis and management of HCC.
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Helbig KJ, George J, Beard MR. A novel I-TAC promoter polymorphic variant is functional in the presence of replicating HCV in vitro. J Clin Virol 2005; 32:137-43. [PMID: 15653416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2004.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2004] [Accepted: 10/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines are strong candidate genes for outcome of HCV infection. I-TAC is a chemokine known to be involved in the inflammatory process of HCV infection, and its expression is upregulated in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate genetic variability in the I-TAC promoter and to determine the correlation of these variants with HCV disease progression. STUDY DESIGN I-TAC genotyping was performed in 60 chronic HCV patients and 60 controls using GeneScan analysis. Functional analysis of the I-TAC promoter was performed with the aid of luciferase reporter constructs transfected into Huh-7 cells or Huh-7 cells harbouring HCV genomic and sub-genomic replicons. Cytokine induced production of I-TAC from whole blood cultures was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Sequencing of approximately 1 kb upstream of the I-TAC gene start codon revealed the presence of a novel 5 bp deletion mutant (-599del5) in a number of chronic HCV patients. Analysis of the functional potential of this deletion revealed no transcriptional change in Huh-7 cells transfected with luciferase reporter constructs, and this was confirmed in cytokine stimulated whole blood cultures where similar levels of I-TAC were liberated regardless of -599del5 genotype. Conversely, the -599del5 deletion variant significantly reduced transcriptional activity of the I-TAC promoter in the presence of replicating HCV. The distribution frequency of the allele was found to be significantly increased in a chronically HCV infected population compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS The novel I-TAC -599del5 promoter polymorphism is a functional variant in the presence of replicating HCV. Furthermore, this deletion mutant is significantly increased in a chronic HCV cohort and may predispose to HCV disease susceptibility.
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Afek A, Zurgil N, Bar-Dayan Y, Polak-Charcon S, Goldberg I, Deutsch M, Kopolovich J, Keren G, Harats D, George J. Overexpression of 15-lipoxygenase in the vascular endothelium is associated with increased thymic apoptosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice. Pathobiology 2005; 71:261-6. [PMID: 15459485 DOI: 10.1159/000080060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2003] [Accepted: 04/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LO) is a nonheme iron-containing enzyme that catalyzes the peroxidation of fatty acids. Herein, we studied the effect of 15-LO overexpression in the vascular endothelium on thymocyte apoptosis by evaluating thymuses from low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDL-RD) mice and LDL-RD/15-LO mice. Thymuses were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and by TUNEL whereas in vitro studies were carried out by employing freshly isolated thymocytes from the respective mice and evaluation of apoptosis by propidium iodide and annexin V cytometry. METHODS AND RESULTS The apoptotic index in LDL-RD/15-LO mice was significantly higher than in the LDL-RD mice. In the thymic medulla the difference was smaller, although still significant. Freshly isolated thymus cells from LDL-RD/15-LO mice exhibited a higher rate of spontaneous cell death than controls. Incubation of thymus cells in the presence of the cell-permeable caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CMK resulted in a decrease in the frequency of apoptotic cells in LDL-RD/15-LO thymocytes, whereas no effect was evident in control thymocytes. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine causes the increase in apoptosis in both groups. CONCLUSION LDL-RD/15-LO mice exhibit increased thymocyte apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. These findings may suggest a role for 15-LO in the natural selection of thymocytes.
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George J, Eatough JP, Mountford PJ, Koller CJ, Oxtoby J, Frain G. Patient dose optimization in plain radiography based on standard exposure factors. Br J Radiol 2004; 77:858-63. [PMID: 15482998 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/21484847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A computational technique for assessing patient dose in plain radiography is described allowing a large number of examinations to be assessed and enabling dose optimization to be promoted. Entrance surface dose (ESD) was calculated for more than 1500 standard exposure settings in an initial dose assessment. Validation of the technique showed good agreement with thermoluminescent dosimetry and showed broad agreement between the standard exposures and the exposure settings used in practice. The dose assessment was repeated 18 months later using the same techniques for almost 2000 standard exposure settings. In both cases, calculated doses showed good compliance with national diagnostic reference levels where available. Suggested investigation levels were established and set at twice the mean dose for each of 47 examinations. Radiology departments were encouraged to review and optimize doses exceeding these levels. The computed mean ESD in the review study was less than the corresponding value in the initial study in 37 of the 47 examinations. The dose reduction was attributable partly to equipment replacement, but primarily to optimization of exposure settings. The technique employed here provides a valid and cost effective method of complying with statutory requirements for the assessment of representative patient dose and is useful in assisting the ongoing process of dose optimization.
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Abstract
Liver disease due to parenteral and enteral nutrition is a well-recognized iatrogenic phenomenon, but its cause and pathogenesis have not been clearly elucidated. Various mechanisms have been postulated, but it is likely that the cause is multifactorial with significant interplay among several factors. A preventive approach to management is ideal but awaits a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology. A variety of management strategies has been proposed in small case series, but level 1 evidence-based guidelines have yet to be established. Although an abundance of both clinical and animal studies exist regarding liver disease associated with parenteral nutrition (PN), there is a paucity of data regarding enteral nutrition (EN)-associated hepatic disease. The latter probably reflects differences in the frequency and severity of PN- versus EN-associated liver disease. This article addresses the two routes of nutritional support individually, with the major focus on PN-associated liver disease.
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George J. Artificial liver support systems. THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIA 2004; 52:719-22. [PMID: 15839451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Though artificial support systems for kidney failure have been widely available for the past several decades, it is only recently that they have become a promising treatment modality for liver failure. The various liver support systems include conventional dialysis, charcoal hemoperfusion, high volume plasma exchange, liver dialysis using sorbent technology, molecular readsorption recirculating system using albumin as the dialysate, bioartificial livers, extracorporeal liver assist device and extracorporeal organ perfusion. They are mainly used as a bridge to liver transplantation and occasionally in acute liver failure till the liver regenerates. The various methods of extracorporeal liver support that are available at present are assessed and those that appear to be promising are described.
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George J, Nabell LM, Peters G, Carroll W, Ove R. Radiation and chemotherapy sensitization with a cox-2 inhibitor in treatment of cancer of the head and neck. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.5542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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