Radial pseudoaneurysm following diagnostic coronary angiography

The radial artery access has gained popularity as a method of diagnostic coronary catheterization compared to femoral artery puncture in terms of vascular complications and early ambulation. However, very rare complication like radial artery pseudoaneurysm may occur following cardiac catheterization which may give rise to serious consequences. Here, we report a patient with radial pseudoaneurysm following diagnostic coronary angiography. Adequate and correct methodology of compression of radial artery following puncture for maintaining hemostasis is the key to prevention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i3.12776 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 48-50

Differential expression of candidate salivary effector proteins in field collections of Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor

Evidence is emerging that some proteins secreted by gall-forming parasites of plants act as effectors responsible for systemic changes in the host plant, such as galling and nutrient tissue formation. A large number of secreted salivary gland proteins (SSGPs) that are the putative effectors responsible for the physiological changes elicited in susceptible seedling wheat by Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), larvae have been documented. However, how the genes encoding these candidate effectors might respond under field conditions is unknown. The goal of this study was to use microarray analysis to investigate variation in SSGP transcript abundance amongst field collections from different geographical regions (southeastern USA, central USA, and the Middle East). Results revealed significant variation in SSGP transcript abundance amongst the field collections studied. The field collections separated into three distinct groups that corresponded to the wheat classes grown in the different geographical regions as well as to recently described Hessian fly populations. These data support previous reports correlating Hessian fly population structure with micropopulation differences owing to agro-ecosystem parameters such as cultivation of regionally adapted wheat varieties, deployment of resistance genes and variation in climatic conditions.

Prevention of endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats by benfotiamine, a lipophilic analogue of vitamin B1

PURPOSE

To study the amelioration of ocular inflammation in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats by benfotiamine, a lipid-soluble analogue of thiamine.

METHODS

EIU in Lewis rats was induced by subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by treatment with benfotiamine. The rats were killed 3 or 24 hours after LPS injection, eyes were enucleated, aqueous humor (AqH) was collected, and the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration, and inflammatory marker levels were determined. Immunohistochemical analysis of eye sections was performed to determine the expression of inducible-nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2, protein kinase C (PKC), and transcription factor NF-kappaB.

RESULTS

Infiltrating leukocytes, protein concentrations, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly elevated in the AqH of EIU rats compared with control rats, and benfotiamine treatment suppressed these increases. Similarly increased expression of inflammatory markers iNOS and Cox-2 in ciliary body and retinal wall was also significantly inhibited by benfotiamine. The increased phosphorylation of PKC and the activation of NF-kappaB in the ciliary body and in the retinal wall of EIU rat eyes were suppressed by benfotiamine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that benfotiamine suppresses oxidative stress-induced NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory signaling leading to uveitis. Therefore, benfotiamine could be used as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of ocular inflammation, especially uveitis.

Rare presentation of unruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm involving all three sinuses

A patient aged 35yrs presented with the complaint of exertional breathlessness, chest pain and palpitations of 6 months duration. She was not a known diabetic or hypertensive. CVS and RS systems examination did not reveal any positive findings. ECG showed T wave inversion in lead I, avL,V5 and V6. Chest X ray showed no Cardiomegaly. 2D echocardiography showed situs solitus, unruptured aneurysm of sinus of valsalva involving the left sinus filled with SEC and clot, Aneurysm measuring 6.2X3.5 cm, Mild MR, normal LV function, Aortic root angiogram done showed hugely dilated left aortic sinus with stasis, moderately dilated non-coronary sinus and mildly dilated right coronary sinus. Patient was taken up for surgery. All the 3 sinuses were dilated and filled with organized clot. Organized thrombus was removed from all the 3 sinuses and reconstruction of all the sinuses was done with pericardial patch avoiding injury to respective coronary ostia. Post op period was uneventful. Follow up echocardiogram showed near normal dimensions of all the 3 sinuses of valsalva, normal biventricular function and no regional wall motion abnormalities.

Tuberculin skin test results in HIV-infected patients in India: implications for latent tuberculosis treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in detecting latent and active tuberculosis (TB) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients in South India.

DESIGN

TSTs and CD4 counts were collected from 631 HIV-infected individuals without active TB and 209 antiretroviral and anti-tuberculosis treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients with TB. We calculated the proportion of TST-positive individuals, as well as the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value of TST in the diagnosis of TB.

RESULTS

Among subjects without active TB, 28% with a CD4 count <100 cells/microl vs. 43% of the total cohort had a TST >5 mm (P = 0.14), while the proportions with induration >10 mm were 14% vs. 36%, respectively (P < 0.01). Among those with active TB, using a 5 mm cut-off, the sensitivity was 42% for those with CD4 counts <200 cells/mul compared to 70% for those with CD4 counts >or=200 cells/microl (P < 0.001). The PPV for detecting active TB was 29%.

CONCLUSIONS

TST is a poor predictor of both latent and active TB in HIV-infected individuals in TB endemic countries. Programmes offering treatment for latent TB should consider including all HIV-positive patients regardless of TST status, or use other indicators, such as CD4 count.

Spontaneous and inheritable R555Q mutation in the TGFBI/BIGH3 gene in two unrelated families exhibiting Bowman's layer corneal dystrophy

PURPOSE

Bowman's layer corneal dystrophies (CDBs) include 2 distinct types: CDB1, or Reis-Bücklers (RBCD), and CDB2, or Thiel-Behnke (TBCD). We studied the genetic basis of 2 cases of apparent spontaneous CDB mutations and attempted to determine if these are sporadic and inheritable mutations.

DESIGN

Retrospective molecular genetic study and case report.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve patients were recruited from 2 unrelated families for this study, including 2 affected individuals from one family (family A) and 1 affected individual from another (family B).

METHODS

Slit-lamp examination was performed for each patient to determine the disease phenotype. Histological analysis of affected cornea specimens was used for identification of pathogenic corneal opacities in 2 affected patients from family A.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood samples and used for mutation screening of the TGFBI/BIGH3 gene. Sixteen polymorphic DNA markers from 9 different chromosomes were used to establish the maternity and paternity of the 2 probands.

RESULTS

The 2 families were confirmed to be unrelated. The age onset of ocular symptoms was <2 years for all 3 affected patients. Clinical diagnoses of CDB1 (RBCD) and CDB2 (TBCD) were made for probands A and B, respectively. The affected corneas showed epithelial haze with diffuse, irregular, patchy opacities in a honeycomb and geographic pattern. Subepithelial plaques, increased trichome staining of anterior stroma, and irregular Bowman's layer were observed. An R555Q mutation was found in TGFBI/BIGH3 in the 2 probands but not in their parents. The son of proband A was also affected and apparently inherited his disease allele from his father.

CONCLUSION

The R555Q mutation occurred spontaneously and independently in the 2 unrelated CDB families and was confirmed to be transmitted to the next generation in 1 of the 2 families. These findings strongly support the notion that a genetic diagnosis should be determined for CDB and other dystrophies associated with mutations in TGFBI/BIGH3. The discovery of a spontaneous mutation should alert clinicians to be aware of the existence of genetic alterations for their patients without apparent family history of the disease.

Identification and mapping of H32, a new wheat gene conferring resistance to Hessian fly

H32 is a newly identified gene that confers resistance to the highly pervasive Biotype L of the Hessian fly [ Mayetiola destructor (Say)]. The gene was identified in a synthetic amphihexaploid wheat, W-7984, that was constructed from the durum 'Altar 84' and Aegilops tauschii. This synthetic wheat is one of the parents of the marker-rich ITMI population, which consists of 150 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived by single-seed descent from a cross with 'Opata 85'. Linkage analysis of the H32 locus in the ITMI population placed the gene between flanking microsatellite (SSR) markers, Xgwm3 and Xcfd223, at distances of 3.7 and 1.7 cM, respectively, on the long arm of chromosome 3D. The Xgwm3 primers amplified codominant SSR alleles, a 72 bp fragment linked in coupling to the resistance allele and an 84 bp fragment linked in repulsion. Primers for the SSR Xcfd223 amplified a 153 bp fragment from the resistant Synthetic parent and a 183 bp fragment from the susceptible Opata line. Deletion mapping of the flanking Xgwm3 and Xcfd223 markers located them within the 3DL-3 deletion on the distal 19% of the long arm of chromosome 3D. This location is at least 20 cM proximal to the reported 3DL location of H24, a gene that confers resistance to Biotype D of the Hessian fly. Tight linkage of the markers will provide a means of detecting H32 presence in marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding as an effective strategy for extending durability of deployed resistance.

HIV alters plasma and M. tuberculosis-induced cytokine production in patients with tuberculosis

To test the hypothesis that HIV infection brings about an alteration in the immune response to tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterial antigen-induced production and plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and its regulatory cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-18, and IL-10 were determined in patients infected dually with HIV and TB and compared with individuals with either disease and with healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of TB patients with HIV infection produced lesser amounts of IFN-gamma and IL-12 compared with TB patients without HIV infection after in vitro stimulation with mycobacterial antigens. There was no difference in antigen-induced IL-18 production in TB patients with or without HIV infection. The in vivo cytokine pattern did not correlate with that seen in vitro. Higher levels of IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-18 were detected in the plasma of TB patients infected with HIV compared with TB patients without HIV infection. The presence of significantly higher plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines suggests a greater degree of immune activation in individuals with HIV and TB, particularly those with low CD4 counts. In vitro IL-10 production by HIV-positive TB patients was similar to that of the HIV-negative TB group and higher than in HIV-positive individuals without TB, but the plasma levels were similar. HIV infection downregulates the in vitro Th1 cytokine response to TB and simultaneously increases systemic levels of these cytokines.

A chemically intelligent antimicrobial coating for urologic devices

Contact biocides are a relatively new form of infection-resistant materials. Surfacine is a silver based antimicrobial coating that can be immobilized on the surface of most alloplastic materials used to fabricate devices. It exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity exclusively at the surface without elution and does not induce antimicrobial activity in contacting fluids such as urine regardless of volume. Because it is permanently immobilized on the material surface, the coating is nontoxic to cells and is not anticipated to exhibit immunogenicity, teratogenicity, or carcinogenicity.

Genotoxic evaluation of Ara-C by multiple parameters

The cytogenetic effects of the antimetabolite, cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) are evaluated using in vivo and in vitro test systems and applying multiple parameters. The in vivo assay was carried out on 8-10-week-old inbred Swiss albino male mice using bone marrow as the somatic test system and the cells of testis as the meiotic test system. In vitro human leukocyte cultures were also employed. In vivo experimental doses were computed on surface area basis within the therapeutic dose range and injected intraperitoneally and for in vitro they were calculated on blood volume basis. Evaluation of somatic chromosome mutations included conventional screening for chromosome aberrations, variations in mitotic index and sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) by in vivo and in vitro methods besides studies on meiotic test systems using conventional screening for chromosome and sperm-head abnormalities. The quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis by applying appropriate tests to evaluate their significance. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments reveal the chromosome mutational activity of the compound. This is further supported by data on SCEs from both systems. However, a comparison of both demonstrated a differential mutagenic response of the drug, more in vivo than in vitro. This is also true for SCEs. Even though the mechanisms involved in causing chromosome aberrations and SCEs are different, the data on both corroborate each other on induction of chromosome mutations.

Evaluation of genotoxic potential of vincristine from multiple parameters

The genotoxic potential of vincristine is assessed by in vivo and in vitro cytogenetic assays on two test systems using multiple parameters. In in vivo experiments it was administered intraperitoneally to Swiss albino mice at doses computed on a surface area basis to lie within the therapeutic range. The parameters employed include screening of chromosome mutational activity in bone marrow and meiotic cells for periods covering one spermatogenetic cycle, in vivo SCE analysis and sperm head abnormality assay. In vitro studies included conventional scoring for chromosome mutations from human leucocyte cultures following administration of the drug at doses within the therapeutic range on the basis of blood volume. Strict controls were employed in both test systems. The data were treated by appropriate statistical tests to evaluate their validity. The results of in vivo experiments on somatic as well as meiotic test systems reveal a lack of clastogenic action of the compound. Both sexes respond in an identical fashion regarding this activity. The SCE analysis supports the in vivo nonclastogenic action of vincristine. Total univalents significantly seen with the highest dose after 1 and 2 weeks must be considered as being important as they can lead to aneuploidy. Evidence is adduced from sperm head abnormality assay that the drug induces point mutations. The results from in vitro test system indicate a positive chromosome mutational property. This is substantiated by results of in vitro SCE analysis. A comparison of data from in vivo and in vitro test systems suggests that a metabolic conversion of the compound in the former might render it innocuous for expressing the chromosome mutational activity. They also point out that vincristine evokes a differential clastogenic response in the two test systems despite bringing about an anaphase arrest commonly in both by acting on cytokinesis.

Some aspects of chromosome cytology in the cestode Acanthotaenia multitesticulata

The diploid chromosome number of the proteocephalid cestode Acanthotaenia multitesticulata is reported for the first time to be fourteen from mitotic as well as meiotic stages of gametogenesis. A chiasma frequency of 2.42 was found. Variation in chromosome numbers in cestodes with reference to this parasite is discussed from an evolutionary point of view.

Clastogenic effects of frusemide on human leukocytes in culture

The clastogenic effects of frusemide were investigated in vitro for 24 and 72 h. A mitodepressive activity was observed at both times. Chromosomal anomalies showed a dose response. There was a propensity for chromatid abnormalities. The chromosome mutational property of the drug is discussed in the light of earlier studies in vivo by the authors.