NiO and Co3O4 nanoparticles induce lung DTH-like responses and alveolar lipoproteinosis

Lung exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) comprising soluble metal haptens may produce T-helper cell type 1 (Th1)- and Th17-associated delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). In order to study this, haptenic metal oxide NPs (NiO, Co(3)O(4), Cr(2)O(3) and CuO) were instilled into the lungs of female Wistar rats, and the immunoinflammatory responses were assessed at 24 h and 4 weeks post-instillation. Primary culture of alveolar macrophages from Wistar rats was used to evaluate the effect of the NPs on the ability to clear surfactant. NiO NPs induced chronic interstitial inflammation and pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 immune responses characterised by increases in the cytokines monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1/CCL2, interleukin (IL)-12 p40, interferon-γ and IL-17A, whilst similar pathological responses induced by Co(3)O(4) NPs were associated with increases in MCP-1/CCL2 and IL-12 p40. However, neither Cr(2)O(3) nor CuO NPs elicited immunoinflammatory reactions. PAP was induced by both NiO and Co(3)O(4) NPs during the chronic phase. PAP was associated with over-production of surfactant by proliferation of type II cells and impaired clearance of surfactant by macrophages. These findings have implications for the risk management of occupational NP exposure and provide evidence that haptenic metal oxide NPs can induce chronic progressive lung immune responses via a DTH-like mechanism.

Endovascular therapy for acute basilar artery occlusion: a review of the literature

Basilar artery occlusion is an infrequent form of acute stroke; clinical outcomes are heterogeneous, but the condition can be fatal. There is a lack of randomized controlled trial data in this field. Case series suggest that patients who are recanalized have much better outcomes than those who are not, and it is generally accepted that intra-arterial techniques achieve high rates of recanalization. Controversially, several studies, including a meta-analysis and registry-based investigation, that have compared intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and intra-arterial treatment suggest similar outcomes. However, there are many potential sources of bias in each of these studies, precluding a firm conclusion. Indeed, there are many confounding factors that can influence the outcome including severity of presentation, site of occlusion, clot load, degree of collateral flow, timing of therapy, agent used for recanalization and dose of thrombolytic agent. Additionally, pretreatment infarct core imaging using diffusion-weighted imaging and the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) scoring systems have been shown to predict outcome and therefore may be useful in selecting patients for aggressive therapy. Protocols combining intravenous agents such as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists or thombolytics agents with intra-arterial techniques ('bridging' therapy) have shown encouraging improvements in neurological outcome and survival. Furthermore, initial case series describing the use of mechanical clot extraction devices or aspiration catheters suggest high rates of recanalization. What would be useful is a randomized trial comparing IVT, endovascular approaches and a combined IVT/endovascular approach. However, the small numbers of patients and multiple confounding factors are barriers to the development of such a trial.

Comparison between subjective and objective assessments of the cervix before induction of labour

The aim of the study was to compare the pre-induction cervical assessment by Bishop's score with the transvaginal ultrasound cervical length as predictors of the induction-delivery interval (IDI) and the success of induction. This prospective study included 104 women with singleton pregnancies who were booked for induction of labour at term over a period of 3 years. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervical length and Bishop's Score were performed by different operators. Data were collected on parity, gestational age, methods of induction, Bishop's score, ultrasound cervical length measurements, IDI and mode of delivery. A total of 87 women (83.7%) delivered vaginally and 17 (16.3%) delivered by caesarean section. Linear regression models demonstrated that ultrasound cervical length was a better indicator of IDI than Bishop's score. The adjusted R2 for the regression including ultrasound cervical length was 0.87 compared with a value of 0.67 for the model including Bishop's score. Although logistic regression analysis confirmed that cervical effacement was the best component of Bishop's score to predict the mode of delivery, ultrasound cervical length assessment provided better prediction. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimised cut-off value for prediction of vaginal delivery was < or =3.4 cm for the cervical length and >5 for the Bishop's score. At those optimised cut-off values the cervical length predicted vaginal delivery with sensitivity of 62.1% (95% CI [51%, 72.3%]) and specificity of 100% (95% CI [80.5%, 100%]) while the Bishop's score predicted vaginal delivery with a sensitivity of 23% (95% CI [14.6%, 33.2%]) and specificity of 88.2% (95% CI [63.5%, 98.5%]). Further analysis showed that ultrasound cervical length has a higher sensitivity in prediction of vaginal delivery in multiparous than nulliparous women (85.1% compared with 35%) at a cut-off value of < or =3.4 cm. On the other hand, it has a higher sensitivity in nulliparous comparable with multiparous women (85.3% compared with 30%) in prediction of IDI at a cut-off value of >3.5 cm. In conclusion, transvaginal ultrasound cervical length assessment is better than Bishop's score in predicting the IDI and the success of induction of labour.

Cornulin, a marker of late epidermal differentiation, is down-regulated in eczema

BACKGROUND

Eczema is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder which shows strong genetic predisposition. To identify new potential molecular determinants of the disease pathogenesis, we performed a gene expression study in an eczema mouse model. This analysis identified a marked down regulation of the cornulin gene (CRNN), a member of the epidermal differentiation complex, in the eczema-like skin. We then investigated CRNN as an eczema candidate gene and studied its polymorphism and the expression in the skin of eczema patients.

METHODS

An eczema-like phenotype was induced in mice by allergen (Der p2) patching. Gene expression analysis was performed with the subtractive suppression hybridization method and validated by real time PCR and the transmission disequilibrium test was used to test for genetic associations in 406 multiplex eczema families.

RESULTS

Der p 2 patched mice developed a localized eczema and a Th 2 skewed systemic response. Real time PCR analysis confirmed a down regulation of CRNN mRNA in eczema-like skin in the mouse model and in human eczema. The CRNN polymorphism rs941934 was significantly associated with atopic eczema in the genetic analysis (P = 0.006), though only as part of an extended haplotype including a known associated variant (2282del4) in the filaggrin gene.

CONCLUSIONS

CRNN mRNA expression is decreased in eczematous skin. Further studies are needed to verify whether the associated cornulin polymorphism contribute to the genetic susceptibility in eczema.

Antiretroviral effects on HIV-1 RNA, CD4 cell count and progression to AIDS or death: a meta-regression analysis

OBJECTIVE

Governments, clinicians and drug-licensing bodies have adopted changes in CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA levels as evidence of effectiveness for new therapeutic interventions. We aimed to determine the strength of the association between the magnitude of the effect of changes in CD4 cell count and HIV-1 RNA and progression to AIDS or death in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era.

METHODS

We identified all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of HAART on both clinical and surrogate endpoints (1994 to September 2006). We performed a meta-regression and weighted linear regression. We additionally estimated potential RCT sample sizes that would be required to assess the effectiveness of new interventions in terms of clinical endpoints.

RESULTS

We included data from 178 RCTs. We were unable to demonstrate a strong relationship at any time-point. Specifically, this was the case when CD4 T-cell change and clinical outcomes were examined at week 24 [coefficient -0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to 0.001, P=0.54], week 48 (coefficient -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.001, P=0.83) and week 96 (coefficient 0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.04, P=0.76). This was also the case when viral load was examined as a surrogate marker. Given the small number of clinical events occurring in new interventional RCTs, any RCT aiming to evaluate clinical endpoints within these time-points would require an exceptionally large sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that, within short-term clinical trial settings, it is not possible to estimate the proportion of treatment effect associated with surrogate endpoints.

Cellular uptake of fluorescent labelled biotin-streptavidin microspheres

Amino functionalized, cross-linked, polystyrene microspheres were covalently loaded with streptavidin to which was coupled fluorescently labeled biotin and biotinylated-tagged DNA. These biotin-streptavidin microsphere conjugates were then successfully delivered into cells. The application of the streptavidin-biotin technology to these microspheres allows the effective delivery of any biotinylated material into intact mammalian cells, without the need for delicate procedures such as micro-injection.

Hip dysplasia and the torn acetabular labrum

The epidemiological data and intra-operative findings from 260 consecutive arthroscopically-diagnosed acetabular labral tears seen over a ten-year period were analysed. Radiographs of 128 of these patients were assessed for dysplasia using established radiological parameters. Patients with acetabular dysplasia were then compared against those without in order to identify any differences in gender, age, the side of the tear, the pattern of the tear, the number of quadrants involved, the quadrant preference and the prevalence of intra-articular comorbidity. Dysplasia was found in 46% (59 of 128) of the hips. No significant differences existed between the dysplastic and non-dysplastic subgroups as regards gender distribution, the side of the lesion, the number of quadrants involved or the distribution of tears among the quadrants. However, tears associated with dysplasia were diagnosed in an older age group, had a different pattern and were associated with a much higher prevalence of osteoarthritis.

A pilot study of myeloablative (MA) autologous stem Cell (Auto SCT) followed by reduced intensity (RI) allogeneic transplantation (AlloSCT) in children with relapsed/refractory(R/R) Hodgkin’s disease (HD)

20007

Background: Allo SCT may benefit patients with R/R HD by providing a graft vs lymphoma effect. Peggs et al (Lancet 2005) demonstrated durable engraftment and reduced non relapse mortality (NRM) in HD pts post RI Allo SCT. Carella et al (JCO2000) and Gutman et al (BMT2005) demonstrated the success of MA Auto SCT followed by RI AlloSCT in adults with refractory lymphoma. We investigated the feasibility of MA Auto SCT followed by RI Allo SCT in children with R/R HD. Methods: MA conditioning prior to AutoSCT was CTX 1,500 mg/m2 x 4 d, BCNU 100 mg/m2 x 3d, VP-16 800 mg/m2 x 3d. AlloSCT conditioning was fludarabine 30 mg/m2 x 5d, busulfan 3.2 mg/kg x 2d, and R ATG 2 mg/kg x 4d (unrel. donor). CD20+ patients received rituximab (375 mg/m2/wk x4) and all pts received involved field radiotherapy (IFRT). Results: Ten pts have enrolled, 2 pts did not proceed (parental withdrawal) to RI AlloSCT (Donors: 1 MRD, 2 MUD, 5 UCB). Median time to RI AlloSCT after MA Auto SCT was 142 d (97–219). The median cell dose was 3.43 x 107 TNC/kg for UCB grafts (n=5). Engraftment was achieved at a median of 20.5 d for PMN and 46.5 d for PLT. Donor chimerism reached ≥ 95% in all pts by day 100 with a median follow up of 703d (128–2025). Toxicities were grade (3) hematuria (n=1), (3–4) infection (n=7), (4) pulmonary fibrosis (n=1), (4) hearing loss (n=1), (4) neurotoxicity (n=1). GVHD: grade II-III aGVHD (3/8), cGVHD (3/8). Six patients are alive and NED post allo SCT. There has been one NRM (cGVHD) and one relapse mortality. The OS at one year is 66.7%. Conclusions: MA AutoSCT followed by RI AlloSCT is feasible and well tolerated in pediatric pts with R/R HD. A larger study with longer follow up is required to determine if this approach will reduce relapse, long term toxicity and/or improve survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Positive serological tests for syphilis and administration of intravenous immunoglobulin

We report the case of a man who tested positive for syphilis following the intravenous administration of human normal immunoglobulin as part of the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The chronology of the testing suggested the passive acquisition of treponemal antibody. This phenomenon is not widely documented in the medical literature, but is a theoretical risk of treatment, and serves as a reminder to be cautious in the interpretation of such serological tests.

Topical ethyl chloride fine spray. Does it have any antimicrobial activity?

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess whether ethyl chloride fine spray (Cryogesic) has antimicrobial activity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Blood agar plates supplemented with 5% horse blood were inoculated with five different organisms, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. The plates were assessed for growth inhibition at 24 and 48 h by the microbiologist and compared with the non-sprayed control plates.

RESULTS

The model showed a highly significant (p<0.0001) reduction in bacterial count for the plates treated with fine ethyl chloride spray. The estimate of the percentage of bacteria remaining after spraying with ethyl chloride was 42.7%, with a 95% confidence interval of 35.9-50.9%. There was no evidence that the effect of ethyl chloride fine spray was different for the different organisms (p=0.49).

CONCLUSION

The use of ethyl chloride shows bacterial count reduction but the clinical implication of this needs to be determined. The authors postulate that any statistically significant reduction can only be helpful in reducing the infection rates. This coupled with the already proven local anaesthetic effects of ethyl chloride will make it an important tool for procedures like arthrocentesis and venepunctures.

Rhabdomyolysis of the masseter muscle: case report

We describe a case of rhabdomyolysis involving the masseter muscle. It involved an episode of muscle lysis of the left upper and lower limb and the left masseter, after ingesting an unknown quantity of alcohol, amphetamines and ecstasy with prolonged immobility for an unknown period after collapse. Musculoskeletal sonography was used to diagnose rhabdomyolysis of the left masseter muscle.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder: A pictorial review

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious and potentially fatal complication after solid organ and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation. The frequency of PTLD varies with the type of organ transplant but overall it affects 2-10% of all solid organ transplant recipients. Most cases develop within 1 year after the transplant, although occasional cases present 5-10 years later. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is clinically and pathologically heterogeneous - the majority are of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma type, whereas Hodgkin's lymphoma arising after transplantation is rare. We have retrospectively reviewed patients with a histological diagnosis of PTLD after a solid organ transplant. We present the imaging features and a clinical review of this condition. Early diagnosis of PTLD may alter the management and outcome of the disease. The radiologist can play a vital role in establishing the diagnosis by imaging features supplemented with percutaneous biopsy and also in monitoring the disease response to treatment.

Genome-wide linkage analysis of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in a Swedish population

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a common complex disorder characterized by itching and irritation in the nose, bouts of sneezing, watery rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion and itchy eyes with tears and swelling. Like other atopic disorders such as allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis, the development involves complex interactions of genes and environmental factors.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify susceptibility loci for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

METHODS

We conducted a genome-wide linkage analysis using a non-parametric, affected-relative-pair method. The 250 families used were collected originally for an atopic dermatitis linkage study.

RESULTS

Three regions showed favour in evidence of linkage to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: 3q13 (D3S1278: logarithm of odds ratio (LOD)=1.64, P<0.003), 4q34-35 (D4S1652: LOD=1.49, P<0.005) and 18q12 (D18S535: LOD=1.94, P<0.002). In addition, four regions showed weaker evidence in favour of linkage: 6p22-24 (D6S1959: LOD=1.39, P<0.006), 9p11-q12 (D9S1118: LOD=1.15, P<0.02), 9q33.2-34.3 (D9S915: LOD=1.29, P<0.01) and 17q11.2 (D17S1294: LOD=1.13, P<0.02). In single-point analysis, one locus on chromosome 3 close to marker D3S1278 reaches the suggestive level (LOD=2.28, P<6 x 10(-4)) while one on chromosome 17 close to marker D17S921 almost reaches this level (LOD=2.17, P<8 x 10(-4), Table 3).

CONCLUSION

Our results support the linkage to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on 3q13, 6p23-p24 and 9q34.3 shown in previous investigations.

Elevated expression and genetic association links the SOCS3 gene to atopic dermatitis

In a systematic analysis of global gene-expression patterns, we found that SOCS3 messenger RNA was significantly more highly expressed in skin from patients with atopic dermatitis than in skin from healthy controls, and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a similar elevation of SOCS3 protein. Furthermore, we found a genetic association between atopic dermatitis and a haplotype in the SOCS3 gene in two independent groups of patients (P<.02 and P<.03). These results strongly suggest that SOCS3, located in a chromosomal region previously linked to the disease (17q25), is a susceptibility gene for atopic dermatitis.

The Bristol Hip View: a new hypothetical radiographic projection for femoral neck fractures

This experimental study is to evaluate a modified radiographic view of the femoral neck in the assessment of femoral fractures. A dry femur and pelvis was set up in a rig to simulate the positioning of a routine anteroposterior (AP) pelvis X-ray view. Films were exposed to create a routine AP pelvis, AP hip and two views with external tube angulation of 15 degrees and 30 degrees. Observers were asked to evaluate the films using a visual analogue score on two separate occasions. The same films were performed on a further fractured femoral neck to assess the fracture clarity. There was good intraobserver and interobserver correlation. Observers ranked the 15 degrees and 30 degrees angled films as showing the femoral neck most clearly, over and above the traditional views (p<0.001). The fracture was best demonstrated on the 30 degrees angled film (p<0.001). The 30 degrees angled view appears to demonstrate the femoral neck anatomy more clearly than the traditional views but also showed increased fracture sharpness. The authors are proceeding to a clinical trial to assess this in trauma practice.