Effect of short-term recombinant human erythropoietin therapy in the prevention of anemia of prematurity in very low birth weight neonates

Premature infants especially those with birth weight < 1500 g suffer from Anaemia of prematurity (AOP) and associated problems. Erythropoietin therapy is a safe effective way to prevent and to treat anaemia of prematurity. To evaluate the effect of short-term administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) with iron and folic acid in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates in the prevention of anaemia of prematurity. A randomized controlled trial was carried out at Dhaka Shishu Hospital. Sixty preterm very low birth weight (PTVLBW) babies were enrolled in this study. Thirty were assigned to rHuEPO group and 30 as control. Baseline haematologic values were estimated before administration of rHuEPO. From day 7 of life rHuEPO-200 IU/kg/dose subcutaneously every alternate day for 2 weeks was administered to rHuEPO group. All infants in both groups have received oral iron, folic acid from day 14. Clinical and haematological assessment was done at 6 and 10 weeks of life. Baseline clinical characteristics and haematologic values were almost similar in both groups. This study has shown increase in haematological values (haemoglobin and haematocrit) and reduction in the number of blood transfusions during both the 1st and 2nd follow up in rHuEPO group in comparison to control group (p < 0.01). Short-term rHuEPO appears to be very effective in prevention of Anaemia of prematurity.

Physicians' perceptions of a national consensus guideline on insulin therapy: Data from the IMPACT study

INTRODUCTION

The effectiveness and impact of the Indian insulin guideline in clinical practice was evaluated by the Improving Management Practices and Clinical Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (IMPACT) Study. The study also evaluated the participating physicians' perceptions on the use of IIG versus RCP for management of diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This 26 week multicenter, open label, randomized, prospective study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of Indian insulin guideline (IIG) versus routine clinical practice (RCP) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESULTS

Out of 426 physicians who completed the physicians' perception questionnaire, 189 (44.4%) felt that it was "easy" to initiate insulin in their patients using IIG. Cost of therapy (52.3%), followed by poor adherence (40.3%), and lack of motivation among physicians (40.4%) were the most important reasons cited for delay in initiation of insulin therapy. Two hundred and thirty three (54.7%) physicians felt that insulin titration was made "easy" in their patients using IIG, while 104 (24.4%) had a neutral approach. A total of 222 physicians (52.1%) felt it was "convenient" applying IIG in their practice, and 239 (67.8%) physicians felt "satisfied" with using IIG for achieving the targeted HbA1c <7%. One hundred and seventy seven (41.5%) physicians felt that there was scope for improving the IIG further by simplifying and revising the titration charts [117 (27.5%)].

CONCLUSION

Primary care physicians in India have perceived the IIG to be easy algorithm to initiate and titrate insulin therapy. These results will encourage the use and facilitate future revision of the guideline.

Baseline results indicate poor glycemic control and delay in initiation and optimization of insulin therapy: results from the improving management practices and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes study

INTRODUCTION

Improving management practices and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes (IMPACT), was a prospective, open-label, 26- week, comparative, multi-center study to compare efficacy and safety of the Indian insulin guideline (IIG) group versus routine clinical practice (RCP) group in patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20,653 patients from 885 centers across India were enrolled and treated with premixed insulin therapy as per IIG or routine care.

RESULTS

Most of the participating centers (81.7%) reported following a diabetes guideline in their practice routinely but only 20.4% targeted HbA1c <7%. Very few of the physicians (2.7%) reported that most of their patients (>75%) achieved an HbA1c <7%. Most of the physicians (39.8%) also agreed that only 10-25% of the patients agree to start insulin therapy at the first counseling. Mean duration of diabetes before initiating insulin in patients using oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs) was 7 years, indicating a delay in initiating insulin therapy. The difference in mean daily dose of insulin at initiation vs. at 26 weeks was only 0.8 U (25.8 ± 11.3 at initiation compared to 26.6 ± 9.5, respectively, p = ns) suggesting lack of treatment optimization. Weekly titration till achieving HbA1c <7% was done in 51.1% of the patients and only 8.9% performed self-titration.

CONCLUSION

Baseline glycemic control in these patients was poor and reflects a delay in initiating insulin therapy. Data also reflect a lack of optimization of insulin doses.

Baseline characteristics of the IMPROVE control study population: A study to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized healthcare professionals training program

INTRODUCTION

The IMPROVE Control Training program was designed by Indian Academy of Diabetes (IAD), and a non-intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this standardized healthcare professionals (HCPs) training program on achieving treatment goals in patients with diabetes mellitus and its impact on standard of care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multi-center, parallel group, open-label, non-randomized, non-intervention study included patients with type 2 diabetes who had an HbA1c >9 at time of diagnosis or an HbA1c >7% even after 6 months of initiation of therapy with anti-diabetic agents (Oral anti diabetic agents (OADs) and/or insulin). The data recorded at baseline included demographic characteristics, medical history, and the treatment regimens.

RESULTS

The study included 20,493 patients with diabetes, of which 13,295 (64.9%) were men. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] duration of diabetes was 6.4 (4.2) years and 6608 (32.2%) reported complications of diabetes. Poor glycemic control [HbA1c = 9.4 (1.3), FPG (mg/dl) = 181.2 (45.7); mean (SD)] was observed. The postprandial glucose was also high [post-breakfast, lunch, and dinner values in mg/dl were 263.6 (68.5), 278.1 (69.6), and 250.2 (63.7), respectively] in these patients. Failure of OADs was the most common reason cited for initiation of insulin. Premixed insulin was rated the regimen of choice for initiating therapy by the physicians (62.2% vs. 34.5% who preferred basal insulin).

CONCLUSION

The baseline results confirm the poor glycemic control and the delayed initiation and/or inadequacy of treatment in subjects with type 2 diabetes. These results also highlight the need for early and optimal insulin-based therapy.

Identification of Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus in Papaya in Oman

Papaya is an important fruit crop in Oman covering some 130 ha with an annual production of 20 tonnes. In 2011, during surveys of farms in the Quriyat region of Oman, papaya plants were found severely affected by leaf curl disease. Leaves with severe curling, vein darkening, and vein thickening were collected for study. Disease incidence ranged from 30 to 50%, particularly in fields with young papaya. A begomovirus (family Geminiviridae) was suspected as the causal agent based on symptoms (1) and the presence of whiteflies in the field. Samples (four to five) were collected from three farms. Total nucleic acids extracted from symptomatic leaves using the CTAB method were used as templates to amplify circular DNAs using Φ29 DNA polymerase and products were digested with restriction enzymes to identify fragments of 2.6 to 2.8 kb typical of geminiviruses. PstI yielded a fragment of ~1.8 kb when the digested product was analyzed by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel. The fragment was cloned and sequenced using primer walking strategy in both directions. The sequencing confirmed the exact size (1,764 bp) and the sequence was deposited in GenBank (HE800524). The viral sequence from Oman (isolate Pap-2) showed four open reading frames (ORFs) in the complementary sense (replication associated protein [Rep] gene, the C2 gene, the replication enhancer protein [REn] gene, and the C4 gene) and the virion-sense ORFs (V1 and V2) were missing in the sequence. An initial comparison to NCBI database sequences using BLAST showed the clone from Oman had the highest level of sequence identity to Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGeV) (FJ868828) cloned from okra in Sudan. Subsequent pair wise sequence comparison was done using ClustalV algorithm. Full length sequences of CLCuGeV from database were trimmed according to the size and genomic coordinates of Pap-2 isolate. The Pap-2 isolate sequence was found to have 83.3 to 95.1% sequence identity to CLCuGeV sequences with maximum value to the Sudan isolate. Amino acid sequence comparison showed that the four predicted proteins (Rep, C2, REn, and C4) encoded by the Pap-2 isolate shared 95.3%, 97.8%, 97.7%, and 87.6% sequence identity, respectively, with the homologous proteins of CLCuGeV-SD (FJ868828). The absence of virion-sense protein sequences indicated it to be a subgenomic molecule of CLCuGeV. According to the recommendations of International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, these results indicate that the virus identified in association with papaya leaf curl disease in Oman is a variant of CLCuGeV. CLCuGeV is a begomovirus of African origin which is distinct from the begomoviruses of the Middle East and Asia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CLCuGeV, or any other cotton infecting begomovirus, from papaya in Oman. The presence of a recombinant fragment of CLCuGeV in a Tomato yellow leaf curl virus isolate from Iran (2), and the association of CLCuGeV with cotton in Pakistan (3) and hollyhock in Jordan (GU945265) suggests this virus has moved into the Middle East and Asia from Africa. The identification of CLCuGeV in Oman shows the widespread occurrence of this virus species. This discovery is important since Oman, and other countries in the area, are a hub of international trade and travel, particularly by air and sea, meaning that the virus could spread further. References: (1) R. W. Briddon and P. G. Markham. Virus Res. 71:151, 2000. (2) P. Lefeuvre et al. PLoS Pathog. 6:e1001164, 2010. (3) M. N. Tahir et al. PLoS ONE 6:e20366, 2011.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Obese Children and Adolescents

Objectives: The Prevalence and magnitude of childhood obesity are increasing dramatically. The study was undertaken to see the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents with obesity, attending the Paediatric Endocrine OPD, BIRDEM. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from January 2006 to December 2008 among obese children and adolescents (6-18 years) attending Paediatric endocrine out patient department of BIRDEM. Children with any other endocrine disorder, dysmorphism/syndrome were excluded. Obesity was defined as BMIe”95th percentile for age and sex using CDC growth chart. Children underwent two-hour oral glucose tolerance test, anthropometric and blood pressure measurement. Fasting serum insulin and lipid profile were measured. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <7 mmol/L and 2 hr post glucose load e”7.8 mmol/L to<11.1 mmol/L. Metabolic syndrome was identified if 3 or more of following criteria were met: BMI > 97th percentile for age and sex, high triglyceride (TGe”150 mg/dl), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol<40mg/dl), Systolic or diastolic blood pressure>95th percentile for age and sex, IGT. Results: A total of 161 children presented with obesity. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1. Mean age was 10.3±2.5 years. Metabolic syndrome was identified in 36.6% subjects (59 out of 161, twenty five male and 34 female). Higher BMI and hip circumference, systolic and diastolic hypertension, high TG, low HDL cholesterol and IGT were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high among obese children and adolescents. Factors contributing towards obesity needs to be identified and strategies should be planned for prevention and management of this health problem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v1i1.12382 Birdem Med J 2011; 1(1): 21-25

Impact of matrix properties on the survival of freeze-dried bacteria

BACKGROUND

Disaccharides are, in general, the first choice as formulation compounds when freeze-drying microorganisms. Although polysaccharides and other biopolymers are considered too large to stabilise and interact with cell components in the same beneficial way as disaccharides, polymers have been reported to support cell survival. In the present study we compare the efficiency of sucrose and the polymers Ficoll, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and polyvinylalcohol to support the survival of three bacterial strains during freeze drying. The initial osmotic conditions were adjusted to be similar for all formulations. Formulation characterisation was used to interpret the impact that different compound properties had on cell survival.

RESULTS

Despite differences in molecular size, both sucrose and the sucrose-based polymer Ficoll supported cell survival after freeze drying equally well. All formulations became amorphous upon dehydration. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction data showed that the discerned differences in structure of the dry formulations had little impact on the survival rates. The capability of the polymers to support cell survival correlated with the surface activity of the polymers in a similar way for all investigated bacterial strains.

CONCLUSION

Polymer-based formulations can support cell survival as effectively as disaccharides if formulation properties of importance for maintaining cell viability are identified and controlled.

Xanthium strumarium: a weed host of components of begomovirus-betasatellite complexes affecting crops

Xanthium strumarium is a common weed that often shows symptoms typical of begomovirus infection, such as leaf curling and vein thickening. The virus complex isolated from the weed consisted of two begomoviruses along with a betasatellite and an alphasatellite. The first begomovirus was shown to be an isolate of Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus, a new recombinant begomovirus species that is associated with resistance breaking in previously resistant cotton varieties in Pakistan, whereas the second was shown to be an isolate of Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus (ToLCGV), a begomovirus previously reported to be bipartite. However, there was no evidence for the presence of the second genomic component, DNA B, of ToLCGV in X. strumarium. The betasatellite was shown to be an isolate of Tomato yellow leaf curl Thailand betasatellite, the first time this satellite has been identified in Pakistan. The alphasatellite associated with infection of X. strumarium was shown to be a species recently identified in potato and various weeds; Potato leaf curl alphasatellite. Although each component has been identified previously, this is the first time they have been identified in a single host. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that weeds are reservoirs of crop-infecting begomoviruses that may contribute to virus diversity by virtue of harboring multiple viruses and virus associated components, which may lead to interspecific recombination and component exchange.

Effect of inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system and IκB kinase on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

The current treatment of asthma is far from optimal and there is a need for novel therapeutic approaches. NFkB has recently been highlighted as an important pro-inflammatory transcriptional factor and its blockade is believed to represent a new therapeutic approach for asthma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of blocking the actions of NFkB, through inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) or IkB kinase (IKK), in a murine model of asthma. Treatment with the UPS inhibitor, MG-132 (0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg), did not significantly affect the ovalbumin-induced increase in total and differential cell numbers, histological changes such as perivascular and peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, perivascular and peribronchial fibrosis or the increased Penh to methacholine. In contrast, treatment of mice with the IKK inhibitor, BAY 11-7085, (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the ovalbumin-induced increase in airway leukocyte influx and decreased the percentage of airway lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. Also, BAY 11-7085-treated (10 mg/kg) mice showed a significant decrease in the histologically assessed inflammatory indices as well as a significant reduction in the ovalbumin-induced increase in Penh to inhaled methacholine. Furthermore, BAY 11-7085 significantly inhibited the ovalbumin-induced increase in the level of phosphorylation of IkBalpha and extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, whilst MG-132 significantly increased the phosphorylation of (ERK) 1/2. These findings confirm the critical role that NFkB plays in airway inflammation, highlight the importance of IKK in regulating the pro-inflammatory activity of NFkB and also suggest that UPS may not be a useful drug target for asthma treatment.

Cohort analysis of directly observed treatment outcomes for tuberculosis patients in urban Pakistan

BACKGROUND

This quasi-experimental cohort study aimed to evaluate World Health Organization (WHO) defined tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes for patients under directly observed treatment at a health facility (clinic DOT) or at home (family DOT) in urban Pakistan.

METHODS

We enrolled 582 sputum smear-positive TB patients being treated by either clinic DOT (n = 295) or family DOT (n = 287) in 11 treatment centres. Patients and/or family members were interviewed for baseline measurements. WHO-defined treatment outcomes were evaluated at the end of treatment. Proportions of 'cured' patients were computed. A log-binomial model was used to evaluate the associations of various factors with 'cured' status.

RESULTS

The proportion of 'cured' patients was respectively 66% and 34% in the clinic DOT and family DOT groups (risk difference 0.32; 95%CI 0.24-0.39). Patients on clinic DOT were more likely to achieve cure (adjusted relative risk [RR(adj)] 1.85; 95%CI 1.43-2.39) than those on family DOT, as were patients satisfied with their health care worker's attitude (RR(adj) 5.73; 95%CI 2.54-12.96).

CONCLUSION

Clinic DOT nearly doubled the proportion of cured patients compared to family DOT. Efforts to improve care-provider attitudes to enhance patient satisfaction, and effective implementation of the WHO's public-private mix approach, may enhance TB control in this and similar settings.

Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in a patient with an anomalous inferior vena cava

A patient with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was catheterized for device closure. Anomalous systemic venous drainage was found with interrupted inferior vena cava and persistence of hepatic vessel plexus. Using the superior vena cava route, the PDA was closed successfully.

Role of keratan sulphate (sulphated poly -N-acetyllactosamine repeats) in keratoconic cornea, histochemical, and ultrastructural analysis

AIMS

Keratan sulphate (KS) is the predominant glycosaminoglycan (GAG) present in the corneal stroma where it is thought to regulate collagen fibril diameter. In this study we investigated the distribution of KS in normal and keratoconic corneas.

METHODS

Four normal, one mild, and four severe keratoconic corneas were used for the study. Distribution of keratan sulphate proteoglycans (KS-PG) was investigated using a primary monoclonal antibody (5-D-4) that recognizes disulphated disaccharides in the poly-N-acetyllactosamine repeats of KS. The immuno-reactivity of 5-D-4 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immuno-electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Immuno-histochemistry showed diffuse 5-D-4 staining in keratoconic cornea compared to the punctuate staining in normal corneas. In the single cornea with mild keratoconus, immunogold microscopy revealed a very high density of KS-PG staining, especially in the posterior stroma, compared to severe keratoconic and normal cornea. The amount of KS-PG in the stroma in severe keratoconus was slightly less compared to the normal cornea. In the mild keratoconic cornea, a higher quantity of KS-PG was present around the keratocytes. In severe keratoconic corneas, a higher quantity of KS-PG was present within the keratocytes compared to normal cornea.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of an altered expression of KS in our keratoconic corneas, in particular the strong expression of KS in keratocytes, is in keeping with reports of an altered expression of proteoglycan metabolism in keratoconus. KS-PG plays an important role in stromal collagen fibril assembly and a dysregulation of KS-PG synthesis or catabolism could explain changes in collagen fibril spacing and diameter, which we have reported elsewhere.

Pregnancy in the early stages following DIEP flap breast reconstruction--a review and case report

We report a case of a 30-year-old lady who became pregnant 3 months after undergoing a DIEP breast reconstruction. There are reports of pregnancy following TRAM, DIEP flap breast reconstruction and abdominoplasty performed after breast reconstruction, however this is the only case in the literature of a pregnancy within 3 months of DIEP breast reconstruction. The literature on breast reconstruction and pregnancy is reviewed.

Atropine-induced rhabdomyolysis: an uncommon and potentially fatal adverse drug reaction

A 25 year old woman received daily injection of 0.6 mg atropine for seven days by the intra-venous route. In addition to fever, incomprehensible speech and alteration of sensorium she developed albuminuria, hemoglobinuria and myoglobinuria. A diagnosis of atropine-induced rhabdomyolysis was made on the basis of clinical presentations and investigations. Although, datura poisoning and intoxication with wild mushrooms are known to result in rhabdomyolysis, this can be considered to be the first case of atropine-induced rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria.

Role of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in altering vascular reactivity in diabetes

1 This study examined the role of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (20-HETE) in altering vascular function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. 2 The expression of CYP4A protein and the formation of 20-HETE were elevated in the kidney, but not in the renal or mesenteric vasculature, of diabetic animals. The vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine (NE), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and angiotensin II (Ang II) were significantly enhanced in the isolated perfused mesenteric vascular bed and renal artery segments of diabetic rats. Chronic treatment of the diabetic rats with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT, 50 mg kg(-1) alt(-1) diem) or N-hydroxy-N'-(4-butyl-2-methylphenyl) formamidine (HET0016, 2.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) attenuated the responses to these vasoconstrictors in both vascular beds. 3 The synthesis of 20-HETE in renal microsomes was reduced by >80% confirming that the doses of ABT and HET0016 were sufficient to achieve system blockade. Addition of HET0016 (1 microM) in vitro also normalized the enhanced vascular responsiveness of renal and mesenteric vessels obtained from diabetic animals to NE and inhibited the formation of 20-HETE by >90% while having no effect on the formation of epoxides. Vasodilator responses to carbachol and histamine were reduced in the mesenteric vasculature, but not in renal arteries, of diabetic rats. Treatment of the diabetic animals with HET0016 improved vasodilator responses in both vascular beds. Vascular sensitivity to exogenous 20-HETE was elevated in the mesenteric bed of diabetic animals compared to controls. 4 These results suggest that 20-HETE contributes to the elevation in vascular reactivity in diabetic animals. This effect is not due to increased vascular expression of CYP4A but may be related to either enhanced agonist-induced release of substrate (arachidonic acid) by the CaMKII/Ras-GTPase system and/or elevated vascular responsiveness to 20-HETE by the CaMKII/Ras-GTPase system and/or elevated vascular responsiveness to 20-HETE.

Social development of children with mental retardation

BACKGROUND

Social development of children with mental retardation has implications for prognosis. The present study evaluated whether the social maturity scale alone can reflect on the social maturity, intellectual level and consequent adjustment in family and society of children with mental retardation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five mentally retarded children were administered Vineland Social Maturity Scale and Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale.

RESULTS

It was found that there was significant relationship between the measures of social maturity scale and the IQ of the subjects. Further it was found that with increasing severity of retardation, social development also decreases and age does not have any effect on social development.

CONCLUSION

Social quotient increases from profound to mild level of retardation.

Awareness of risk factors amongst first degree relative patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The association between family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) in first degree relatives (FDRs) and the risk of developing the disease has been well established. However, little is known about the degree of awareness of CRC risk factors amongst FDRs. This study examined awareness of familial, dietary and lifestyle risk amongst FDRs.

METHOD

Consent to approach relatives was obtained from CRC patients who attended outpatients following surgery for CRC. A study specific questionnaire was sent by post to their FDRs. The dietary and lifestyle risk factors tested in the questionnaire were those promoted in CRC educational material.

RESULTS

One hundred and four questionnaires were returned out of 137 sent (76%). Fifty-nine per cent (n = 61) of FDRs were aware of their increased risk. Fifty-five per cent (n = 57) were aware of the link between CRC and smoking; however, knowledge of association of CRC with excessive alcohol consumption (32%) and lack of exercise (40%) was less well appreciated. Higher awareness scores were obtained by those with a university education (P < 0.001). Ninety four per cent believed that relatives of CRC patients were not provided with enough information as to their being at risk and risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an initial assessment of the awareness of CRC risk factors in a population at increased risk. It demonstrates a poor level of knowledge. Improved education strategies allowing FDRs to make dietary and lifestyle modifications that could reduce their lifetime risk of developing CRC are necessary.

Effect of lidocaine on endothelin-1-mediated airway smooth muscle contraction in the rat trachea

BACKGROUND

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid peptide that induces airway smooth muscle (ASM) constriction by activating G-protein-coupled endothelin receptors A (ETA) and B (ETB), thereby increasing intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i). Lidocaine can cause direct ASM relaxation by decreasing [Ca(2+)]i. This study investigated the direct relaxant effects of lidocaine on ET-1-induced contraction in rat tracheas.

METHODS

Mid-tracheal rings (2-3 mm diameter) were excised and attached to a force transducer suspended in Krebs-Henseliet solution. Carbachol concentration-response curves (10 nM and 100 microM) were generated to determine maximal contractility (C(max)). ET-1 (3 nM to 200 nM) responses to lidocaine (100 nM, 10 microM, and 1 mM) were measured in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium. Contractile responses to ET-1 are presented as percentage of Cmax (% Cmax). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and unpaired t-tests with Welsh correction.

RESULTS

No significant effect on ET-1-induced constriction was noted in the presence of low concentrations of lidocaine (100 nM and 1 muM), with and without extracellular calcium. At a concentration of 1 mM, lidocaine decreased the response to 100 nM and 200 nM ET-1 by 26% in the presence of extracellular calcium and by 37 and 44%, respectively, in the absence of calcium.

CONCLUSION

The attenuating effect of lidocaine (1 mM) on ET-1-induced ASM contraction is not exclusively dependent on the blockade of intracellular calcium entry.

Polypropylenimine dendrimer-induced gene expression changes: The effect of complexation with DNA, dendrimer generation and cell type

Polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimers appear attractive non-viral vectors for the delivery of genes, antisense oligonucleotides, and small interfering RNA (siRNA). However, the effects of these synthetic gene delivery vectors on global gene expression are poorly understood. Here we have examined the toxicogenomics of generation 2 (DAB-8) and generation 3 (DAB-16) PPI dendrimers in two human cell lines. At concentrations and treatment protocols routinely used for gene and oligonucleotide transfection, PPI dendrimers alone elicited marked changes in endogenous gene expression in A431 epithelial cells. The extent of PPI-induced gene changes appeared to be dependent on the dendrimer generation as the number of genes affected was greater with G3 compared to G2 PPI dendrimers in A431 cells. The signature of DAB16-induced gene changes in A549 cells was different to those elicited in A431 cells implying a strong dependence on cell type. The DAB-16 polymer complexed with DNA (dendriplexes) also elicited marked gene expression changes in A549 cells but with a signature that was different from the polymer alone implying that dendriplexes are "recognised" by cells as chemical entities that are distinct from the polymer alone. Alterations in expression of a variety of gene ontologies were observed including those involved in defence responses, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Although there was a tendency for increased DNA damage in cells treated with DAB16 alone or its DNA dendriplexes as detected by the COMET assay, these differences were not statistically significant. These data show for the first time that PPI-dendrimers, separate from their capability as transfection reagents, can intrinsically alter the expression of many endogenous genes that could potentially lead to them exerting multiple biological effects in cells. The impact and consequences of polymer-induced gene changes should guide their rational use as delivery systems for gene-based therapeutics.

Stress in mothers of preterm infants in Bangladesh: associations with family, child and maternal factors and children's neuro-development

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper was to ascertain stress experienced by mothers of prospectively followed up preterm infants, and associations with family, child and maternal factors and children's neuro-development.

METHODS

Within a follow-up study of preterm infants<33 weeks gestational age at a Child Development Center in Dhaka Shishu Hospital, mothers were interviewed with the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) at each visit. Association between SRQ scores and child, family and maternal variables at first and final visit and children's neuro-developmental outcomes was determined.

RESULTS

Low income mothers were more compliant (54%) compared with the defaulters (31%) (P=0.0001) among the 159 mothers enrolled. Of the 88 mothers who were followed up until a mean age of 22 months of their child, 29.3% were at high risk for psychiatric morbidity at first visit compared with 23.9% on their last visit. Use of abortifacients (P=0.026) and higher maternal age (P=0.040) were significantly associated with maternal stress at first visit; while at last follow-up, total number of visits had the most significant association (P=0.041). Twenty-five per cent and 19% of mothers were at risk for psychiatric morbidity in children developing normally and those with neuro-developmental impairments respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers at risk for psychiatric morbidity can be helped through follow-up support within public hospitals close to their homes, which is most availed by low income families. Neuro-developmental monitoring of high-risk infants closer to homes may be more feasible in resource poor countries than reliance on hospital visits, which increase stress. Biological markers of stress and coping strategies need further research.

Coding: an audit of its accuracy and implications

As part of ongoing changes undergone by the NHS in recent years, the Department of Health (DH) published new reforms proposing payment by results. This was introduced in April 2004. Under this system, providers are no longer paid by block contracts but by activity adjusted for case mix.

Diabetes and schizophrenia - effect of disease or drug? Results from a randomized, double-blind, controlled prospective study in first-episode schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

There have been innumerable advances in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia, but problems have emerged hand-in-glove, such as the presence of treatment-emergent glucose intolerance and frank diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHOD

Medication-naïve patients with schizophrenia (n = 99) underwent baseline fasting and 2 h post-prandial plasma glucose measurements repeated after 6 weeks after randomization to receive olanzapine, risperidone or haloperidol. The results were compared with a matched healthy control group.

RESULTS

A significant difference (P = 0.002) in baseline 2 h post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS) was noted between the control group and the treatment group along with a significant increase in weight (P < 0.001), fasting blood sugar (P = 0.01) and 2 h PPBS (P < 0.001) from baseline to endpoint between the groups. A statistical significance in the incidence of DM at endpoint by the WHO criteria (10.1%) was also noted.

CONCLUSION

Male patients with schizophrenia are liable to develop DM. Antipsychotic treatment leads to the development of DM in a significant 10.1% within 6 weeks.

Study to assess differences in outcome following open carpal tunnel decompressions performed by surgeons of differing grade

INTRODUCTION

Carpal tunnel decompression is the most commonly performed surgical procedure within a hand unit. Although very effective, the complications following the procedure can be significant. In an attempt to identify the causes of such complications, we assessed whether seniority of the surgeon impacts on outcome for open carpal tunnel decompression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were jointly and prospectively gathered from two units from either side of the Atlantic - the Pulvertaft Hand Center, UK and the Curtis Hand Center, USA. The aim of the study was to assess outcome following carpal tunnel decompression. Completed data were gathered following open carpal tunnel decompression on 352 hands. Surgeons of a consultant grade had performed 123 of these procedures whilst surgical trainees had performed 229 of the procedures. Assessment was by Levine Katz questionnaire results, Semmes-Weinstein testing, grip strength and pinch grip strength testing performed both pre-operatively and 6 months' postoperatively. Complications following the procedure were also recorded.

RESULTS

Mean results were found to be better in those patients where the surgeon was of a consultant grade. However, this was only found to be of statistical significance on Semmes-Weinstein testing. Complications following the procedure were also noted to be higher in the group of patients operated on by trainee grades.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show the carpal tunnel decompression performed by a surgeon of consultant grade offers slightly better results in objective neurological testing when compared with those performed by a more junior grade.

An MRI derived articular cartilage visualization framework

OBJECTIVE

We present a multi-dimensional framework for the visualization of femoral articular cartilage. The framework comprises methods for visualizing and quantifying changes in cartilage thickness and surface morphology derived from MRI based cartilage segmentation. Adequate visualization of cartilage allows accurate and clinically meaningful assessment of cartilage surface morphology and thickness. In current practice the routine use of conventional 2D MR images provides limited qualitative information and is inconvenient because the imaged volume has to be reviewed slice by slice.

METHOD

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) that encapsulates the framework described above was developed. In the first stage of the analysis MR images of the knee are segmented to delineate cartilage boundaries. Cartilage thicknesses are subsequently measured. The detected points and corresponding thickness data are utilized to produce a visualization framework.

RESULTS

The system was tested using data from six example patients. The spatial distribution of cartilage on the articular surface was visualized using a 3D WearMap. The 2D WearMap allowed the entire cartilage surface to be studied at once. Quantitative interaction with the 2D WearMap was assisted by the ability to ascertain cartilage surface dimensions and TrackBack from a point of interest to the original MR image. As a result, the detection of wear patterns and lesions was efficiently carried out.

CONCLUSION

A means of quantitatively visualizing cartilage defects non-invasively is presented. This stands to reduce clinician reporting times, as well as allowing quantitative follow-up that facilitates osteoarthritis (OA) screening and planning/evaluating interventions.

Primary refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma: outcome after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous SCT and impact of various prognostic factors on overall and event-free survival. A single institution result of 66 patients

We report our experience with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous SCT (ASCT) in 66 patients with primary refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (PR-HL) who received salvage chemotherapy followed by BEAM as HDC. Median age at ASCT was 23 years. Before salvage chemotherapy, stages I:II:III:IV were 2:21:14:29, bulky disease 27%, involvement of mediastinum 79%, spleen 26% and extranodal site 47%, 92% had ESHAP as salvage. Post-ASCT evaluation showed response in 50 patients (76%); complete response (CR) 37 (56%), partial response 14 (21%), no response or stable disease 3 (5%) and progressive disease in 10 (15%). Another five patients achieved CR after radiation therapy and one after surgery, making total CR 43 (65%). From diagnosis and HDC, median follow-up is 38.5 and 22.8 months and median overall survival (OS) 78 and 57 months, respectively. Event-free survival (EFS) and OS are 36 and 64%, respectively. In all, 47% patients are in CR. Twenty-two patients (33%) died due to disease. Multivariate analysis showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for EFS (P=0.041) and mediastinal involvement for OS (P=0.038) as negative prognostic factors. In conclusion, EFS and OS are only 36 and 64%, respectively. Elevated LDH and mediastinal involvement are poor prognostic factors.

Prevalence and predictors of smokeless tobacco use among high-school males in Karachi, Pakistan

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 towns in Karachi, Pakistan to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with the use of smokeless tobacco among 772 high-school adolescent males. A structured questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic factors and history of cigarette and smokeless tobacco use. Prevalence of smokeless tobacco use (gutka, snuff, niswar) was 16.1% (95% CI: 13.5%-18.9%). On multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors significantly related to smokeless tobacco use among the sample were: attending government school [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.3], smoking cigarettes (OR 3.2), not seeing anti-tobacco advertisements (OR 1.5), family history of tobacco use (OR 3.9), use of betel quid (OR 2.9) and use of areca nut (OR 3.2).

Combined treatment with high-dose methotrexate and whole brain radiation improves survival in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

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Background: Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive primary brain tumor, cranial irradiation alone rarely result in long term disease control or prolonged survival. We analyzed our data for the impact of adding high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) prior to whole brain irradiation (WBI). Methods: All patients with PCNSL diagnosed and managed during 1991–2004 were identified from Oncology Data Unit. Patient’s characteristics, prognostic factors, details of treatment and outcome were reviewed. Sixty-two patients were identified, 10 were excluded (4 had WBI < 40 Gy and 6 had no treatment). Radiation alone was considered curative with a dose ≥ 40 Gy. Combined modality therapy included 3–4 cycles of HDMTX (3gm/m2) followed by WBI Results: 52 patients were analyzed for outcome. 36 had WBI, dose ≥40 Gy, 16 received 3–4 cycle of HDMTX followed by WBI (chemo-radiotherapy (CRT)). Median age was 48.2 years; 42 years in CRT group, 51 years in WBI. Patients characteristics were comparable between two groups except for higher multifocal tumor in CRT group (92% vs. x22%, p=0.029). Median follow is 12.83±6.4 months. Results are shown in Table . HR for event is 0.64 (95% CI was 0.52–0.98) and for death 0.58 (95% CI was 0.48–0.92), both in favor of CRT. Univariate regression analysis using one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate Cox regression analysis for prognostic factors including age (< 60 vs. ≥60), ECOG PS (0–2 vs. 3–4), extent of surgery (biopsy vs. debulking), solitary vs mutifocal tumor and dose of radiation therapy (< 50Gy vs. ≥50Gy) failed to identify any prognostic factor. Conclusions: This retrospective comparison supports other phase II trials results that high dose methotrexate followed by WBI in PCNSL improves outcome.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.