A comparison of chest radiographic findings in human immunodeficiency virus-positive and -negative children with pulmonary tuberculosis

AIM

To compare chest radiography (CXR) findings in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative children who had microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of CXRs from children with known HIV status and microbiologically confirmed PTB (culture or GeneXpert Xpert MTB/RIF positive), who were hospitalised or seen at a primary healthcare centre over a 5-year period. Radiological findings were compared according to HIV and nutritional status.

RESULTS

CXRs of 130 children were analysed from 35 (27%) HIV- positive and 95 (73%) HIV-negative children with confirmed PTB, median age 45.7 months (interquartile range [IQR] 18-81.3 months). CXR changes consistent with PTB were reported in 21/35 (60%) of HIV-positive and 59/95 (62%) of HIV-negative patients, (p=0.81). Normal CXR was identified in 3/35 (8.6%) of HIV-positive and 5/95 (5.3%) of HIV-negative patients (p=0.81). Airway compression was present in 3/35 (8.6%) of HIV-positive and 7/95 (7.4%) of HIV-negative patients (p>0.99). Overall, lymphadenopathy was identified in 42/130 (32.3%) of patients, 11/35 (31.4 %) were HIV-positive compared with 31/95 (32.6%) HIV-negative patients. Airspace consolidation was present in 60% of both HIV-positive (21/35) and HIV-negative patients (57/95). Pleural effusion was present in 2/35 (5.7 %) of HIV-negative and 9/95 (9.5 %) of HIV-negative patients. There were no statistically significant radiological differences by HIV group.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in the CXR findings between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative children with confirmed PTB.

Comparison of single coronal thick-slab minimum intensity projection with flexible bronchoscopy for airway compression in children with lymphobronchial tuberculosis

AIM

To generate standardised coronal minimum intensity projection (MinIP) computed tomography (CT) reconstructions, and compare these with flexible bronchoscopy in children with lymphobronchial tuberculosis (LBTB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standardised coronal MinIP reconstructions were performed from CT images in children with LBTB and the findings of three readers were compared with the reference standard, flexible bronchoscopy (FB), regarding airway narrowing. Intraluminal lesions, the site of the stenosis, and the degree of stenosis were also evaluated. The length of stenosis was evaluated by CT MinIP only.

RESULTS

Sixty-five children (38 males; 58.5% and 27 females; 41.5%), with ages ranging from 2.5 to 144 months were evaluated. Coronal CT MinIP demonstrated a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 89% against FB. The most common site of stenosis was the bronchus intermedius (91%), followed by the left main bronchus (85%), the right upper lobe bronchus RUL (66%), and the trachea (60%).

CONCLUSION

Coronal CT MinIP reconstruction is useful in demonstrating airway stenosis in children with lymphobronchial TB, with high sensitivity and specificity. CT MinIP had additional advantages over FB in that it allowed objective measurement of the diameter of stenosis, measurement of the length of stenosis, and evaluation of post-stenotic segments of the airways and lung parenchymal abnormalities.

A preliminary report assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of amniotic bladder therapy in patients with chronic radiation cystitis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic radiation cystitis (CRC) can develop between 6 months and 20 years after radiation therapy that presents with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, bladder pain, and nocturia. Amniotic membrane (AM) is known to contain pro-regenerative properties and could thereby be a potential therapeutic modality for radiation-induced tissue injury of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CRC patients recalcitrant to previous treatments received amniotic bladder therapy (ABT) comprised of intra-detrusor injections of 100 mg micronized AM (Clarix Flo) diluted in 10 mL 0.9% preservative-free sodium chloride. Clinical evaluation and questionnaires (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), Bladder Pain/ Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS), Overactive Bladder (OAB) Assessment Tool, and SF-12 Health Survey) were repeated at preop and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-injection.

RESULTS

Five consecutive female patients aged 64.4 ± 20.1 years with a median CRC disease duration of 10 years were included. After ABT, BPIC-SS scores improved from baseline to 12 weeks (36.6 ± 1.1 to 12.6 ± 3.1) and this was associated with an improvement in ICSI, ICPI, OAB, and SF-12 scores. One patient had an acute urinary tract infection at 2 weeks but was successfully treated with oral antibiotics. No other adverse events related to micronized AM injections were observed. Uroflow assessments showed increases in voided volume for all five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This data provides additional evidence for the potential benefit of ABT in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions of bladder such as CRC.

Role of platelet GARP in TGFB activation

Introduction

Transforming growth factor (TGF)β is known to be a central player in the control of cardiac fibroblast properties and fibrosis. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger its activation remain poorly understood. Platelets are considered as a major source of TGFβ and recent evidence suggest that they are involved in TGFβ activation via Glycoprotein A Repetitions Predominant (GARP) present on their surface.

Purpose

The present study sought to evaluate the role of platelet GARP in TGFβ activation using platelet specific GARP knockout mice.

Methods

We generated a new Cre transgenic mouse strain that allowed Megakaryocyte/platelet specific invalidation of GARP (GpIba-Cre x GARPfl/fl). The impact of GARP deficiency on platelet function was measured in vitro by flow cytometry using thrombin and CRP. Serum production of total and active TGFβ was assessed by ELISA.

Results

Platelet count and other hematological parameters were normal in platelet specific GARP knockout mice, except platelet volume, which was increased by 10.3%, as compared to wild-type platelets. Stimulation by thrombin and CRP increased GARP exposure at platelet surface. However, platelets without GARP displayed normal agonist induced activation, as reflected by CD62P and αIIbβ3 exposure. Interestingly, the generation of active TGFβ was drastically impaired in the serum of platelet specific GARP knockout mice, while the amount of total TGFβ was not affected.

Conclusion

We provided evidence that platelet GARP is a crucial contributor to the systemic activation of TGFβ. Future work will aim to determine its role in cardiac fibroblast myodifferentiation and fibrosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): FRIA

An audit of patients clinically deemed as high risk for malignant breast pathology at the Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic

BACKGROUND

The Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic has implemented a clinical triage system for patients presenting with a variety of breast concerns. The goal of this system is to expedite the process from initial presentation to radiological assessment of patients with suspected breast malignancy or breast abscess in a resource limited setting. The objective was to assess the clinical, imaging and histological diagnoses of breast disease in these patients with malignancy and sepsis.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of patients clinically deemed high risk for malignant breast pathology referred to the breast imaging unit (BIU) in 2018. Patients were triaged based on strict clinical criteria: presence of a breast mass with or without lymph nodes or a breast abscess. Patients that were subsequently referred for mammography/ultrasound were identified using the patient files in the BIU. Results were recorded on Microsoft Excel and analysed using SAS version 9.2.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included in this study. Eighty-seven (26.8%) were diagnosed with breast cancer and 236 (72.6%) with benign disease. The most common presenting complaint was a palpable mass (n = 227; 69.9%). Ninety-five per cent of patients characterised as BI-RADS 5 had malignant disease. 55.8% of malignancies diagnosed on ultrasound had locally advanced disease. The most common histological diagnosis of malignancy was invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 67, 77%). The most commonly diagnosed benign disease was breast abscess (n = 42, 17.8%).

CONCLUSION

BI-RADS findings correspond to similar studies, however, a large number of benign breast disease was diagnosed. This may indicate heightened clinical awareness of breast cancer diagnosis and early detection. A significant percentage of malignancies presented as locally advanced. Except for a lower number of invasive lobular carcinoma, the histological spectrum of malignant disease is similar to comparative studies.

An audit of patients clinically deemed as high risk for malignant breast pathology at the Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic has implemented a clinical triage system for patients presenting with a variety of breast concerns. The goal of this system is to expedite the process from initial presentation to radiological assessment of patients with suspected breast malignancy or breast abscess in a resource limited setting. The objective was to assess the clinical, imaging and histological diagnoses of breast disease in these patients with malignancy and sepsis METHODS: A retrospective audit of patients clinically deemed high risk for malignant breast pathology referred to the breast imaging unit (BIU) in 2018. Patients were triaged based on strict clinical criteria: presence of a breast mass with or without lymph nodes or a breast abscess. Patients that were subsequently referred for mammography/ultrasound were identified using the patient files in the BIU. Results were recorded on Microsoft Excel and analysed using SAS version 9.2 RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included in this study. Eighty-seven (26.8%) were diagnosed with breast cancer and 236 (72.6%) with benign disease. The most common presenting complaint was a palpable mass (n = 227; 69.9%). Ninety-five per cent of patients characterised as BI-RADS 5 had malignant disease. 55.8% of malignancies diagnosed on ultrasound had locally advanced disease. The most common histological diagnosis of malignancy was invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 67, 77%). The most commonly diagnosed benign disease was breast abscess (n = 42, 17.8% CONCLUSION: BI-RADS findings correspond to similar studies, however, a large number of benign breast disease was diagnosed. This may indicate heightened clinical awareness of breast cancer diagnosis and early detection. A significant percentage of malignancies presented as locally advanced. Except for a lower number of invasive lobular carcinoma, the histological spectrum of malignant disease is similar to comparative studies Keywords: malignant breast pathology, high risk patient, Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic

Parent use of complementary medicine remedies and services for the management of respiratory tract infection in children: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing globally, in both adults and children. A common condition where CAM is used in children is acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). However, limited information exists regarding specific CAM modalities used in children, and the factors that influence a parent's decision to use CAM for ARTI in children. This research aimed to address this knowledge gap.

METHOD

This research used a qualitative descriptive approach. Parents residing in Greater Melbourne, Australia, who had children aged from 0-12 years, and had used CAM for treating ARTI in their children in the last 12 months, were eligible to participate. Parents' perspectives were captured using individual semi-structured interviews, which were then transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four families were interviewed. Several strategies to improve trustworthiness were implemented. Three themes underpinning the parents' decision to use CAM emerged from the data: safety, internal drivers and external drivers. Parents used a breadth of different treatments, predominantly food as medicine, followed by aromatherapy and other CAM remedies typically found in the kitchen, to manage ARTI in their children. Parents often used both CAM practitioners and mainstream medicine to manage ARTI in their children. While mainstream medicine was typically used to rule out any sinister pathology, CAM was often used as a frontline treatment option, with food as medicine (e.g. soups) dominating. This was due in part to concerns regarding the negative aspects of pharmaceutical use. Parents utilised a diverse range of information sources to inform their decision-making, including friends, families and the internet; traditional sources of research evidence were generally not used.

CONCLUSION

Child safety was a major factor influencing a primary carer's decision to utilise CAM for ARTI. The safety and effectiveness of remedies utilised by parents now warrants further investigation.

Backscattered electron emission after proton impact on gold nanoparticles with and without polymer shell coating

This work aims at measuring experimentally proton induced secondary electron energy spectra after interaction with gold nano particles (GNPs) and polymer-coated GNPs. Backscattered electron energy spectra were collected over a 0 to 1000 eV energy range using a retarding field analyzer (RFA). This paper presents the spectra obtained for proton beam energies of 0.5 and 2 MeV and diameter 2.5 and 3.8 nm GNPs. The spectra were also measured for 3.8 nm GNPs after 5 and 10 MeV proton irradiations. GNPs were deposited on a 100 nm carbon film. Each experimental spectrum was compared with dedicated simulations based on existing numerical models used in the TRAX and Geant4 Monte Carlo codes. For 100 nm carbon target, good agreement between experimental, TRAX and Geant4 simulation results can be observed. For 3.8 nm GNPs, the TRAX simulations reproduce with good agreement the electron energy spectra produced after 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 MeV proton irradiations, while Geant4 spectra display a lower secondary electron yield at low energy (<600 eV) for all the studied energies. This underestimation can mostly be explained by the 790 eV threshold applied in the condensed history model used by Geant4 which impacts the secondary electron energy distribution. Results obtained for carbon and gold targets highlight the impact of the secondary electron production threshold for proton ionization process considered in condensed history models. The experimental results demonstrate that the single interaction approach used in TRAX is adapted to reproduce secondary electron emission from GNPs. On the other hand, the standard electron generation threshold implement in G4BetheBlochModel and G4BraggModel condensed-history models used in Geant4 is not adapted to reproduce low energy electron emission in gold targets. Finally, the results highlight that the GNP coating leads to a decrease of the electron yield and mostly affects low energy electrons (<500 eV) emitted from GNPs.

Nurses' experiences of screening for communication difficulties at 18 months of age

AIM

Early identification of communication disorders is important and may be possible through screening in the child health services. The aim of the study was to investigate nurses' experiences and sense of competence when using the Infant-Toddler Checklist (ITC) communication screening at the 18-month health visit.

METHODS

A mixed-methods design including three focus group interviews (n = 14) and a web-based survey (n = 22) among nurses using the ITC or the standard method. Interview data were analysed through systematic text condensation and a deductive analysis based on implementation theory. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney tests.

RESULT

Three themes emerged: Using a structured evaluation of communication changes, the dynamic, ITC is a beneficial tool and Implementation of the ITC faces a few challenges. Nurses who used the ITC perceived to a greater extent that they used a structured method (p = 0.003, r = 0.9) and felt more secure in describing the child's communication and language development to parents (p = 0.006, r = 0.83) compared to the standard method group.

CONCLUSION

Using the ITC supported the nurses in their assessment of communication at 18 months. Nurses' sense of competence was higher when using the ITC, both in their assessment and in communicating with parents.

Plasma protein adsorption on Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles activates the complement system and induces an inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

Understanding of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) interaction with the body milieu is crucial to guarantee their efficiency and biocompatibility in nanomedicine. Polymer coating to IONP, with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), is an accepted strategy to prevent toxicity and excessive protein binding.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the feature of IONP adsorption of complement proteins, their activation and consequent inflammatory response as a strategy to further elucidate their biocompatibility.

METHODS

Three types of IONP with different surface characteristics were used: bare (IONP-bare), coated with PVP (IONP-PVP) and PEG-coated (IONP-PEG). IONPs were incubated with human plasma and adsorbed proteins were identified. BALB/c mice were intravenously exposed to IONP to evaluate complement activation and proinflammatory response.

RESULTS

Protein corona fingerprinting showed that PEG surface around IONP promoted a selective adsorption of complement recognition molecules which would be responsible for the complement system activation. Furthermore, IONP-PEG activated in vitro, the complement system and induced a substantial increment of C3a and C4a anaphylatoxins while IONP-bare and IONP-PVP did not. In vivo IONP-PEG induced an increment in complement activation markers (C5a and C5b-9), and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).

CONCLUSION

The engineering of nanoparticles must incorporate the association between complement proteins and nanomedicines, which will regulate the immunostimulatory effects through a selective adsorption of plasma proteins and will enable a safer application of IONP in human therapy.

Experimental measurements validate the use of the binary encounter approximation model to accurately compute proton induced dose and radiolysis enhancement from gold nanoparticles

In protontherapy, it has been suggested that nanoparticles of high-Z material like gold (GNP) could be used as radiosensitizers. The origin of this enhancement phenomenon for proton radiation is not yet well understood and additional mechanistic insights are required. Previous works have highlighted the good capabilities of TRAX to reproduce secondary electron emission from gold material. Therefore, TRAX cross sections obtained with the binary encounter approximation (BEA) model for proton ionization were implemented within Geant4 for gold material. Based on the TRAX cross sections, improved Geant4 simulations have been developed to investigate the energy deposition and radical species production around a spherical gold nanoparticle (5 and 10 nm in diameter) placed in a water volume during proton irradiation. Simulations were performed for incident 2 MeV proton. The dose enhancement factor and the radiolysis enhancement factor were quantified. Results obtained with the BEA model were compared with results obtained with condensed-history models. Experimental irradiation of 200 nm gold films were performed to validate the secondary electron emission reproduction capabilities of physical models used in Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. TRAX simulations reproduced the experimental backscattered electron energy spectrum from gold film with better agreement than Geant4. Results on gold film obtained with the BEA model enabled to estimate the electron emission from GNPs. Results obtained in our study tend to support that the use of the BEA discrete model leads to a significant increase of the dose in the near vicinity of GNPs (<20 nm), while condensed history models used in Geant4 seem to overestimate the dose and the number of chemical species for increasing distances from the GNP. Based on discrete BEA model results, no enhancement effect due to secondary electron emitted from the GNP is expected if the GNP is not in close proximity to key cellular functional elements (DNA, mitochondria…).

Cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomized proof-of-concept clinical studies

Objective

Two studies were designed to evaluate the potential cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic, niacinamide‐containing moisturizing cream for the first time in humans.

Methods

In both studies, healthy women were randomized to use two treatments, one for the left side of the body and one for the right, from three options: the test cream, a positive control or no treatment (use of standard cleanser only). Treatments were applied twice daily for 4 weeks to the face and forearms (Study 1) or the face only (Study 2). Instrumental and clinical skin assessments were performed by trained technicians. Study 1 involved tape stripping and a 5‐day no‐treatment (‘regression’) period at the end of the 4 weeks. Independent lay graders were asked to grade the skin texture of subjects in Study 2 from high‐resolution photographs.

Results

In Study 1 (n = 66), the test cream significantly decreased the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values on the forearm, and in the cheek area of the face, relative to baseline and compared to no treatment, and increased skin Corneometer values. The improvements were partially retained during a subsequent 5‐day period of no treatment. Increases in TEWL values on skin subjected to tape stripping were significantly lower after 4 weeks of using the test cream compared to no treatment. In Study 2 (n = 72 subjects with visible signs of ageing), there was a favourable trend in the change from baseline of a skin roughness parameter, R_a, for the test cream compared to no treatment. There were statistically significant improvements in the Fitzpatrick wrinkle score compared to no treatment, decreases in TEWL and increased Corneometer values and Cutometer values (R5 elasticity parameter). Grading of high‐resolution images failed to detect the improvements in skin texture (defined as pores, smoothness and unevenness) for the test cream vs. no treatment. No treatment‐related serious or severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Twice daily application of the test cream over 4 weeks had beneficial effects on skin barrier function, moisturization, wrinkle dimensions and elasticity compared to no treatment. These studies provide proof‐of‐concept evidence and highlight the cosmetic benefit of the biomimetic lamellar cream formulation. Study registration: NCT03216265, NCT03180645.

Deletion of GARP on mouse regulatory T cells is not sufficient to inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors

GARP is a transmembrane protein that presents latent TGF-β1 on the surface of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Neutralizing anti-GARP monoclonal antibodies that prevent the release of active TGF-β1, inhibit the immunosuppressive activity of human Tregs in vivo. In this study, we investigated the contribution of GARP on mouse Tregs to immunosuppression in experimental tumors. Unexpectedly, Foxp3 conditional garp knockout (KO) mice challenged orthotopically with GL261 tumor cells or subcutaneously with MC38 colon carcinoma cells did not show prolonged survival or delayed tumor growth. Also, the suppressive function of KO Tregs was similar to that of wild type Tregs in the T cell transfer model in allogeneic, immunodeficient mice. In conclusion, garp deletion in mouse Tregs is not sufficient to impair their immunosuppressive activity in vivo.

Impact of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score on Surgical Referral Patterns and Outcomes

Background

The Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (sins) was developed to identify patients with spinal metastases who may benefit from surgical consultation. We aimed to assess the distribution of sins in a population-based cohort of patients undergoing palliative spine radiotherapy (rt) and referral rates to spinal surgery pre-rt. Secondary outcomes included referral to a spine surgeon post-rt, overall survival, maintenance of ambulation, need for re-intervention, and presence of spinal adverse events.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed ct simulation scans and charts of consecutive patients receiving palliative spine rt between 2012 and 2013. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests. Patients were stratified into low (<7) and high (≥7) sins groups.

Results

We included 195 patients with a follow-up of 6.1 months. The median sins was 7. The score was 0 to 6 (low, no referral recommended), 7 to 12 (intermediate, consider referral), and 13 to 18 (high, referral suggested) in 34%, 59%, and 7% of patients, respectively. Eleven patients had pre-rt referral to spine surgery, with a surgery performed in 0 of 1 patient with sins 0 to 6, 1 of 7 with sins 7 to 12, and 1 of 3 with sins 13 to 18. Seven patients were referred to a surgeon post-rt with salvage surgery performed in two of those patients. Primary and secondary outcomes did not differ between low and high sins groups.

Conclusion

Higher sins was associated with pre-rt referral to a spine surgeon, but most patients with high sins were not referred. Higher sins was not associated with shorter survival or worse outcome following rt.

Complementary and alternative medicine utilisation for the management of acute respiratory tract infection in children: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

As many as one in two children across the globe use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage a health condition. Despite the high prevalence of use, there is still limited information on the types of CAM used in children, particularly for the management of one of the most common childhood health complaints - acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). This systematic review was undertaken to address this knowledge gap.

METHODS

Eligible studies reporting the use of CAM in children with ARTI were identified using a targeted search of seven electronic databases and the grey literature. Data were extracted using a customised data extraction form and appraised using the McMaster critical review forms for quantitative and qualitative studies. Findings were synthesised in narrative form.

RESULTS

The search identified 2261 papers, of which 22 studies were eligible for inclusion. The 22 studies reported the use of 118 distinct CAM interventions for the management of ARTI in children. Most (53%, n = 63) of these interventions represented biologically-based therapies, followed by whole medical systems/alternative medical systems (46%, n = 55). No studies reported the use of energy therapies, or manipulative and body-based methods, or mind-body therapies.

CONCLUSION

A diverse range of CAM interventions are used in the management of ARTI in children. These interventions largely represent CAM use in the southern region of Asia - India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Further research is needed to better understand the types of CAM used among children with ARTI in western countries.

Entropy Evolution in the Magnetic Phases of Partially Frustrated CePdAl

In the heavy-fermion metal CePdAl, long-range antiferromagnetic order coexists with geometric frustration of one-third of the Ce moments. At low temperatures, the Kondo effect tends to screen the frustrated moments. We use magnetic fields B to suppress the Kondo screening and study the magnetic phase diagram and the evolution of the entropy with B employing thermodynamic probes. We estimate the frustration by introducing a definition of the frustration parameter based on the enhanced entropy, a fundamental feature of frustrated systems. In the field range where the Kondo screening is suppressed, the liberated moments tend to maximize the magnetic entropy and strongly enhance the frustration. Based on our experiments, this field range may be a promising candidate to search for a quantum spin liquid.

The Standard Spending Assessment as a Measure of Spending Needs in Nonmetropolitan Districts

Central government assistance to local government in England is based on the Standard Spending Assessment (SSA), which is intended to reflect the spending needs of each local council. This paper is an evaluation of the methodology used in calculating SSA, with particular reference to the district-level service clement of the All Other Services block of SSA. This element accounts for the vast majority of SSA for nonmetropolitan district councils. The first section of the paper is concerned with the overall structure of the SSA methodology, and the second section is an examination of some of the details of how it was implemented. Barrow-in-Furness is used as an illustrative example. In the conclusion some specific problems are high-lighted and some potential improvements are suggested.

Complete Genome Sequence of Alkaliphilus metalliredigens Strain QYMF, an Alkaliphilic and Metal-Reducing Bacterium Isolated from Borax-Contaminated Leachate Ponds

Alkaliphilus metalliredigens strain QYMF is an anaerobic, alkaliphilic, and metal-reducing bacterium associated with phylum Firmicutes QYMF was isolated from alkaline borax leachate ponds. The genome sequence will help elucidate the role of metal-reducing microorganisms under alkaline environments, a capability that is not commonly observed in metal respiring-microorganisms.

'I felt a little bubbly in my tummy': eliciting pre-schoolers' accounts of their health visit using a computer-assisted interview method

BACKGROUND

In the health care services, children's rights to participate in all matters that concern them are considered important. However, in practice this can be challenging with young children. In My Shoes (IMS) is a computer-assisted interview tool developed to help children talk about their experiences. The aim of the study was to evaluate the IMS' ability to elicit pre-schoolers' subjective experiences and accurate accounts of a routine health visit as well as the children's engagement in the interview process.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 23 children aged 4-5 years, 2-4 weeks after their health visit. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a method inspired by Content Analysis to evaluate IMS's ability to elicit accounts about subjective experiences. Accurate accounts were assessed by comparing the transcribed interviews with the filmed visits at the child health centre. The children's engagement was defined by the completion and length of the interviews, and the children's interaction with the software.

RESULTS

All children gave accounts about their subjective experiences, such as their emotional state during the visit, available toys or rewards they received. All children related to the correct event, they all named at least one person who was present and 87% correctly named at least one examination procedure. The majority of children (91%) completed the interview, which lasted 17-39 min (M = 24), and 96% interacted with the IMS software.

CONCLUSIONS

IMS was feasible to help children describe their health care experiences, in both detail and depth. The children interacted with the software and maintained their interest for an extended period of time.

Protein corona acts as a protective shield against Fe3O4-PEG inflammation and ROS-induced toxicity in human macrophages

Protein corona (PC) is the main biological entity of initial cell interaction and can define the toxicological response to Fe3O4 nanoparticles (IONP). Polymer coating to IONP, polyethilenglycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), is a widely accepted strategy to prevent toxicity and avoid excessive protein binding. The aim of this study was to assess the role of PC as a potential protector for ROS-induced cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory response in THP-1 macrophages (exposed to three different IONP: bare, PVP or PEG coated). Cells were exposed to either IONP in RPMI-1640 media or IONP with a preformed human PC. All three IONP showed cytotoxic effects, which in the presence of PC was abolished. IONP-PEG exposure significantly increased ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and pro-inflammatory cytokines release (IL-1β and TNF-α). PC presence on IONP-PEG promoted a decrease in ROS and prevented cytokine secretion. Also, presence of PC reduced cell uptake for IONP-bare, but had no influence on IONP-PVP or IONP-PEG. Hence, the reduction in IONP-PEG cytotoxicity can be attributed to PC shielding against ROS generation and pro-inflammatory response and not a differential uptake in THP-1 macrophages. The presence of the PC as a structural element of NP biological entity provides in vivo-relevant conditions for nanosafety testing.

Stroke Recurrence and its Prevention in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether medical or invasive (surgical or catheter interventional) treatment is preferable to prevent recurrence of cerebral ischemia in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) as the suspected cause of stroke and what the role of concomitant risk factors is in stroke recurrence.

METHODS

Over a period of ten years, 124 patients (mean age 51 +/- 15 years) with cryptogenic cerebral ischemia and PFO were included into the study and prospectively followed over a mean of 52 +/- 32 months. Of these, 83 were treated medically, 34 underwent transcatheter closure, and seven had surgical closure of the foramen. Of the medically treated patients, 11 stopped medication during follow-up. Recurrent ischemic events and risk factors for recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

Annual stroke recurrence rates were generally low and comparable in catheter and medically treated patients, and in patients who had stopped medication (2.9%/2.1%2.2%/year). Patients suffering from recurrence after transcatheter closure (n = 2) both had residual shunts. No stroke recurrence was observed in the few surgically treated patients. An atrial septal aneurysm was not a predictor of recurrent or multiple strokes (p > 0.05, OR = 0.31, and OR = 0.74). Large shunts and a history of previous ischemic events were considerably more frequent in patients with recurrent strokes (p < 0.05, OR = 5.0, and OR = 4.4). Pulmonary embolism and case fatality rates were significantly higher in patients with stroke recurrence (p < 0.001, and p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with PFO receiving medical or catheter interventional therapy is low. The small group of untreated patients had a comparably low rate of stroke recurrences. Previous ischemic events and shunt size were risk factors in this observational study. Given conflicting findings across multiple studies, enrollment into a randomized controlled trial would be the optimal choice.

On the formation of the porous structure in nanostructured a-Si coatings deposited by dc magnetron sputtering at oblique angles

The formation of the porous structure in dc magnetron sputtered amorphous silicon thin films at low temperatures is studied when using helium and/or argon as the processing gas. In each case, a-Si thin films were simultaneously grown at two different locations in the reactor which led to the assembly of different porous structures. The set of four fabricated samples has been analyzed at the microstructural level to elucidate the characteristics of the porous structure under the different deposition conditions. With the help of a growth model, we conclude that the chemical nature of the sputter gas not only affects the sputtering mechanism of Si atoms from the target and their subsequent transport in the gaseous/plasma phase towards the film, but also the pore formation mechanism and dynamics. When Ar is used, pores emerge as a direct result of the shadowing processes of Si atoms, in agreement with Thornton's structure zone model. The introduction of He produces, in addition to the shadowing effects, a new process where a degree of mobility results in the coarsening of small pores. Our results also highlight the influence of the composition of sputtering gas and tilt angles (for oblique angle deposition) on the formation of open and/or occluded porosity.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome Kaposi sarcoma in the liver manifesting as acute obstructive hepatitis: another potential role for montelukast?

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome has been described in Kaposi sarcoma, but does not usually manifest as acute hepatitis. We describe a case of rapid obstructive jaundice after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, in which the liver biopsy confirmed hepatic Kaposi sarcoma, and the clinical course was altered by the addition of montelukast.

Long-term oncological results after 400 skin-sparing mastectomies

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Skin-sparing mastectomies (SSM) have gained acceptance among teams performing immediate breast reconstruction because this technique provides the best cosmetic outcome. Nevertheless, in France, concerns have been raised that limited skin excision during mastectomy could result in an increased risk of local recurrence especially in invasive breast cancer; many surgeons continue to have reservations regarding the oncologic safety of this operation. This is a retrospective, long-term follow-up study of 400 patients operated and followed by two oncoplastic surgeons.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 400 patients with breast cancer underwent SSM with immediate breast reconstruction from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2002. The American Joint Committee on Cancer pathological staging was Stage 0 (41.5%), Stage I (33.25%), Stage II (16%), Stage III (7.5%), while 1.75% were non-stageable.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up period of 88 months (range: 13-215 months), the locoregional recurrence rate was 3.5%, the rate of distant metastases was 13.5%, and 83% of patients have remained free of recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

This study provides encouraging results suggesting that skin-sparing mastectomy is a safe and reliable option for the management of selected cases of women with invasive or in situ breast cancer.

Reversible khat-induced hepatitis: two case reports and review of the literature

Recreational chewing of Catha edulis (khat) leaves is part of the ethnic culture of Somali, Yemeni and other East African societies for its stimulant properties. With increasing emigration, khat use has become common in these ethnic groups once they move to other areas such as Europe and the USA; one-third of the UK Somali population report khat use within the last month. Cathinone, the active component of the khat leaves, is controlled under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act, but the use of the khat plant and its leaves remains not subject to control in the UK. There have been several previous reports of acute hepatitis related to chronic use of khat leading to acute liver failure, and resulting in transplantation or death. We report two cases with severe acute khat-related hepatitis that resolved on cessation of khat use initially, but relapsed with further use, reinforcing the importance of permanent khat cessation to prevent progression to liver failure. With reference to the current literature, we also consider the difficult diagnosis of this disorder, then go on to consider the pathophysiology, mechanisms of liver injury and potential future areas of research.

Toward computer simulation of high-LET in vitro survival curves

We developed a Monte Carlo based computer program called MCSC (Monte Carlo Survival Curve) able to predict the survival fraction of cells irradiated in vitro with a broad beam of high linear energy transfer particles. Three types of cell responses are studied: the usual high dose response, the bystander effect and the low-dose hypersensitivity (HRS). The program models the broad beam irradiation and double strand break distribution following Poisson statistics. The progression of cells through the cell cycle is taken into account while the repair takes place. Input parameters are experimentally determined for A549 lung carcinoma cells irradiated with 10 and 20 keV µm(-1) protons, 115 keV µm(-1) alpha particles and for EAhy926 endothelial cells exposed to 115 keV µm(-1) alpha particles. Results of simulations are presented and compared with experimental survival curves obtained for A549 and EAhy296 cells. Results are in good agreement with experimental data for both cell lines and all irradiation protocols. The benefits of MCSC are several: the gain of time that would have been spent performing time-consuming clonogenic assays, the capacity to estimate survival fraction of cell lines not forming colonies and possibly the evaluation of radiosensitivity parameters of given individuals.

Type 1 diabetes structured education: What are the core self-management behaviours?

AIMS

Study aims were to (1) describe and compare the way diabetes structured education courses have evolved in the UK, (2) identify and agree components of course curricula perceived as core across courses and (3) identify and classify self-care behaviours in order to develop a questionnaire assessment tool.

METHODS

Structured education courses were selected through the Type 1 diabetes education network. Curricula from five courses were examined and nine educators from those courses were interviewed. Transcripts were analysed using framework analysis. Fourteen key stakeholders attended a consensus meeting, to identify and classify Type 1 diabetes self-care behaviours.

RESULTS

Eighty-three courses were identified. Components of course curricula perceived as core by all diabetes educators were: carbohydrate counting and insulin dose adjustment, hypoglycaemia management, group work, goal setting and empowerment, confidence and control. The broad areas of self-management behaviour identified at the consensus meeting were carbohydrate counting and awareness, insulin dose adjustment, self-monitoring of blood glucose, managing hypoglycaemia, managing equipment and injection sites; and accessing health care. Specific self-care behaviours within each area were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Planned future work will develop an updated questionnaire tool to access self-care behaviours. This will enable assessment of the effectiveness of existing structured education programmes at producing desired changes in behaviour. It will also help people with diabetes and their healthcare team identify areas where additional support is needed to initiate or maintain changes in behaviour. Provision of such support may improve glycaemia and reduce diabetes-related complications and severe hypoglycaemia.

Clinical and histological features of leprosy and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Both leprosy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are infectious diseases, and are an important global health problem. Patients with leprosy who are co-infected with HIV seem to be at higher risk of developing leprosy reactions.

AIM

To examine the histological features of leprosy in patients with HIV and leprosy co-infection, particularly to determine whether the typical leprosy histopathology is present in skin biopsies, and to assess the histological features of leprosy reactions in co-infected patients.

METHODS

This was a matched cohort study with 11 co-infected patients and 31 HIV-negative patients with leprosy. A structured protocol for skin-biopsy evaluation was followed, focusing on inflammation of the skin and dermal nerves.

RESULTS

Of the 11 HIV-positive patients, 7 (63%) had borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy and 5 (70%) of these 7 patients had developed a type 1 reaction. The lesions in these patients were immunologically active, with 100% of biopsies having evidence of compact granulomas, 90% evidence of oedema and 30% evidence of necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients co-infected with HIV and M. leprae had the typical histological lesions of leprosy. There was evidence of immune activation in patients who received combination antiretroviral therapy, and these patients had BT leprosy and leprosy-upgrading reactions.

Making health care safer II: an updated critical analysis of the evidence for patient safety practices

OBJECTIVES

To review important patient safety practices for evidence of effectiveness, implementation, and adoption.

DATA SOURCES

Searches of multiple computerized databases, gray literature, and the judgments of a 20-member panel of patient safety stakeholders.

REVIEW METHODS

The judgments of the stakeholders were used to prioritize patient safety practices for review, and to select which practices received in-depth reviews and which received brief reviews. In-depth reviews consisted of a formal literature search, usually of multiple databases, and included gray literature, where applicable. In-depth reviews assessed practices on the following domains: • How important is the problem? • What is the patient safety practice? • Why should this practice work? • What are the beneficial effects of the practice? • What are the harms of the practice? • How has the practice been implemented, and in what contexts? • Are there any data about costs? • Are there data about the effect of context on effectiveness? We assessed individual studies for risk of bias using tools appropriate to specific study designs. We assessed the strength of evidence of effectiveness using a system developed for this project. Brief reviews had focused literature searches for focused questions. All practices were then summarized on the following domains: scope of the problem, strength of evidence for effectiveness, evidence on potential for harmful unintended consequences, estimate of costs, how much is known about implementation and how difficult the practice is to implement. Stakeholder judgment was then used to identify practices that were "strongly encouraged" for adoption, and those practices that were "encouraged" for adoption.

RESULTS

From an initial list of over 100 patient safety practices, the stakeholders identified 41 practices as a priority for this review: 18 in-depth reviews and 23 brief reviews. Of these, 20 practices had their strength of evidence of effectiveness rated as at least "moderate," and 25 practices had at least "moderate" evidence of how to implement them. Ten practices were classified by the stakeholders as having sufficient evidence of effectiveness and implementation and should be "strongly encouraged" for adoption, and an additional 12 practices were classified as those that should be "encouraged" for adoption.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence supporting the effectiveness of many patient safety practices has improved substantially over the past decade. Evidence about implementation and context has also improved, but continues to lag behind evidence of effectiveness. Twenty-two patient safety practices are sufficiently well understood, and health care providers can consider adopting them now.

The vibrationally mediated photodissociation of Cl2

The photodissociation of vibrationally excited Cl(2)(v = 1) has been investigated experimentally using the velocity mapped ion imaging technique. The experimental measurements presented here are compared with the results of time-dependent wavepacket calculations performed on a set of ab initio potential energy curves. The high level calculations allow prediction of all the dynamical information regarding the dissociation, including electronic polarization effects. Using a combination of theory and experiment it was found that there was negligible cooling of the vibrational degree of freedom of the parent molecule in the molecular beam. The results presented are compared with those following the photodissociation of Cl(2)(v = 0). Although the same electronic states are found to be important for Cl(2)(v = 1) as for Cl(2)(v = 0), significant differences were found regarding many of the observables. The overall level of agreement between theory and experiment was found to be reasonable and confirms previous assignments of the photodissociation mechanism.

Electronic polarization effects in the photodissociation of Cl2

Velocity mapped ion imaging and resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight methods have been used to investigate the photodissociation dynamics of the diatomic molecule Cl(2) following excitation to the first UV absorption band. The experimental results presented here are compared with high level time dependent wavepacket calculations performed on a set of ab initio potential energy curves [D. B. Kokh, A. B. Alekseyev, and R. J. Buenker, J. Chem. Phys. 120, 11549 (2004)]. The theoretical calculations provide the first determination of all dynamical information regarding the dissociation of a system of this complexity, including angular momentum polarization. Both low rank K = 1, 2 and high rank K = 3 electronic polarization are predicted to be important for dissociation into both asymptotic product channels and, in general, good agreement is found between the recent theory and the measurements made here, which include the first experimental determination of high rank K = 3 orientation.

Predictive clinicopathological features derived from systematic autopsy examination of patients who died with A/H1N1 influenza infection in the UK 2009-10 pandemic

BACKGROUND

From April 2009 to January 2010, the pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza affected the UK. There were > 30,000 infections and 457 deaths (all ages). Reports from other countries had indicated that certain comorbidities were associated with a higher risk of death from H1N1 infection, and there was a need to identify these factors in the UK population as knowledge of them could lead to improved treatment in the current epidemic and reduced mortality in future epidemics.

OBJECTIVES

To gather all the available clinical pathology information from autopsies performed on patients dying with known or suspected influenza A/H1N1 infection, across the UK. To evaluate comorbidities present in these deceased patients; correlate them with the H1N1-related pathology and treatment-associated pathology, determine their relative contributions and estimate the significant features associated with death.

METHODS

To obtain the autopsy reports, standard request letters were sent by e-mail to all histopathologists in the UK on the Royal College of Pathologists list, all the coroners' jurisdictions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to procurators fiscal in Scotland. The letters asked for autopsy reports of the autopsied deceased who included: those with H1N1 infection, proven before or after death, and those in whom swine flu was unproven but most likely to have been present; those in whom H1N1 was a minor pathology, as well as those in whom it was the immediate cause of death; those whose cause of death mentioned 'swine flu', 'swine influenza' or 'H1N1 infection'; and those of any age from infancy to old age.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight autopsy reports were received: 19 children (0-15 years) and 49 adults (16 + years). All but two autopsies were medico-legal, and only two (3% of the total) were consented. This sample thus represents 15% of the known 457 deaths from H1N1. Median age for children at death was 6 years, for adults it was 41 years. Deaths in children were associated with congenital diseases (47%, 9/19), particularly of the heart and central nervous system. The autopsied children were not obese. Death in adults were associated with pregnancy (three cases in the study, but nationally 12/457 H1N1-associated deaths were noted), obesity (50% of adults had a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²) and chronic respiratory disease (12%, 6/49 adults). Diabetes did not emerge as a risk factor for death, but learning difficulties did. Nearly all the deaths (94%, 64/68) were a consequence of H1N1 infection in the respiratory tract. In more than one-third (41%, 28/68) of the deaths, bacterial secondary infection was the significant complication; the pneumococcus was the most common agent identified (25%, 7/28).

LIMITATIONS

This review is an incomplete medical study of what happened during the epidemic, and the small sample number (68 reports from 457 deaths) limits further speculation. We have no true measure of whether the cases selected for autopsy are representative of the total deaths in terms of pathology and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

The major comorbidities associated with death from H1N1 infection were obesity, chronic respiratory disease and pregnancy. Young age at death was confirmed. Congenital disease in children and learning difficulties in adults were also important, but diabetes was not. This methodology of gathering data for research has potential for use in other public health questions, but is dependent on the co-operation of the medico-legal services. These results reinforce the need to enquire further into the pathogenesis of severe and fatal H1N1 disease, and the circumstances of clinical presentation and rapid evaluation in a time of epidemic influenza.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Manufacturing polymer/carbon nanotube composite using a novel direct process

A direct process for manufacturing polymer carbon nanotube (CNT)-based composite yarns is reported. The new approach is based on a modified dry spinning method of CNT yarn and gives a high alignment of the CNT bundle structure in yarns. The aligned CNT structure was combined with a polymer resin and, after being stressed through the spinning process, the resin was cured and polymerized, with the CNT structure acting as reinforcement in the composite. Thus the present method obviates the need for special and complex treatments to align and disperse CNTs in a polymer matrix. The new process allows us to produce a polymer/CNT composite with properties that may satisfy various engineering specifications. The structure of the yarn was investigated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with a focused-ion-beam system. The tensile behavior was characterized using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was also used to chemically analyze the presence of polymer on the composites. The process allows development of polymer/CNT-based composites with different mechanical properties suitable for a range of applications by using various resins.