Ceramide generation by two distinct pathways in tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced cell death

Ceramide accumulation in the cell can occur from either hydrolysis of sphingomyelin or by de novo synthesis. In this study, we found that blocking de novo ceramide synthesis significantly inhibits ceramide accumulation and subsequent cell death in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha. When cells were pre-treated with glutathione, a proposed cellular regulator of neutral sphingomyelinase, inhibition of ceramide accumulation at early time points was achieved with attenuation of cell death. Inhibition of both pathways achieved near-complete inhibition of ceramide accumulation and cell death indicating that both pathways of ceramide generation are stimulated. This illustrates the complexity of ceramide generation in cytokine action.

HIV associated pulmonary emphysema: a review of the literature and inquiry into its mechanism

Chronic lung diseases are increasingly recognised complications of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Of these, pulmonary emphysema, characterised by permanent destruction of the lung parenchyma distal to the terminal bronchioles accompanied by various degrees of inflammation, is emerging as a distinct source of morbidity for patients infected with HIV. Similarly, HIV is now frequently cited as a susceptibility factor for the development of emphysema, independent of cigarette smoking status. The presence of common coexistent confounding factors that may predispose patients to chronic lung injury such as drugs, opportunistic infections and malnutrition, limits the scope of studies of direct mechanisms involved in HIV associated emphysematous lung disease. We review the clinical studies supporting a direct association between HIV infection and emphysema. Recent developments in the basic understanding of HIV infection and emphysema are also reviewed, since they may aid in understanding the pathobiology of HIV associated emphysema. The authors emphasise how HIV infection may affect cytotoxic lymphocyte activation, lung capillary endothelial cell injury and apoptosis, sphingolipid imbalance and oxidative stress in the lung. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV associated pulmonary emphysema may provide clues and therapeutic targets that have broader application in this disease, including cigarette smoke induced emphysema.

Rupture of the chordae of the tricuspid valve after knotting of the pulmonary artery catheter

A case is presented in which the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter was complicated by the formation of a knot around the chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve. The catheter was pulled out under fluoroscopic guidance using a guidewire inserted through the femoral vein.

Pseudomonas pericarditis in an immunocompetent newborn: unusual presentation with review of the literature

Acute purulent pericarditis is a rare entity in the neonatal age group. The most common isolated organisms are Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other organisms, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have been seldom implicated with only one case of Pseudomonas pericarditis reported in the neonatal period. The prognosis is often considered very poor in this age group. This article describes Pseudomonas pericarditis in a 1-week-old immunocompetent female newborn who was successfully managed with combined medical and surgical therapy.

A qualitative study exploring family caregivers' support needs in the context of medical assistance in dying

OBJECTIVES

Family members are often involved in the provision of care to a relative at some point in their life. Their role becomes inherently complex when their care recipient is interested in seeking medical assistance in dying (MAID). As assisted death for "grievous and irremediable conditions" was legalized in Canada in 2016, the perspectives of family caregivers have received little attention. To best support caregivers to individuals seeking assisted dying, healthcare practitioners must first understand the perspectives of family caregivers in this context. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and support needs of family caregivers who are or who have provided care to individuals who are seeking or have sought MAID.

METHODS

This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Family caregivers supporting individuals living with grievous and irremediable conditions were recruited through social media outlets and support organizations. Data were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews and online surveys. Data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 11 participants, comprising spouses, parents, and adult children. The research identified three prevalent themes: the caregiver experience including roles and responsibilities and the impact of their role; the MAID experience including the process and their thoughts and feelings about MAID; and caregiver insight into supports and services viewed as valuable or needed for the MAID process.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

Study findings may assist in the provision and development of best practice resources and guidelines to support healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of MAID. Specifically, caregivers need to be supported in the context of their caregiving responsibilities to minimize the impact on their own lives and optimize their MAID experience.

Complex ovarian masses: Diagnostic processes and outcomes in a clinical case series of benign tumors

This case series explores the diagnostic and management complexities of non-malignant ovarian masses, illustrated through three distinct cases: struma ovarii, mature teratoma, and ovarian mass with peritoneal splenosis. The first case details a struma ovarii initially misinterpreted as a potential malignancy due to its complex imaging features, leading to diagnostic uncertainty. The second case involves a mature teratoma, which, despite typical imaging characteristics, presented significant symptoms that necessitated careful clinical management. The third case highlights an ovarian mass with peritoneal splenosis, a condition often mistaken for metastatic disease, underscoring the need for differential diagnosis, particularly in patients with a history of splenic trauma or surgery. These cases emphasize the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach that integrates detailed imaging, surgical findings, and histopathological examination to accurately distinguish between benign and malignant ovarian masses and inform appropriate management strategies.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury during Colistin Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Lebanon

INTRODUCTION

The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and stages of severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by colistimethate sodium (CMS) treatment in patients diagnosed with systemic antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The predictors of all-cause mortality in this patient population were also examined.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who were admitted to a university-affiliated hospital and acute tertiary care referral center in Beirut, Lebanon between January 2015 and December 2018 and underwent CMS treatment for a period of 48 h or more.

RESULTS

The study sample included 298 adult patients, of which 46.3% (n = 138/298) developed AKI (assessed using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria). Of these, 37.7% (n = 51/138) were diagnosed with stage 1 AKI, 23.9% with stage 2 (n = 33/138), and 38.4% with stage 3 (n = 53/138). Nephrotoxicity was reversed in 87.5% of AKI patients who survived until hospital discharge. Independent risk factors for AKI included patient age ≥ 75 years (aOR = 1.854; 95% CI: 1.060-3.241; p-value = 0.03); underlying chronic kidney disease (aOR = 4.849; 95% CI: 2.618-9.264; p-value < 0.0001); and concomitant use of vasopressors (aOR = 4.305; 95% CI: 2.517-7.456; p-value < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that the predictors of severe AKI (stage 2 or 3) included baseline hypoalbuminemia (aOR = 2.542; 95% CI: 1.000-6.564; p-value = 0.05); concomitant use of vasopressors (aOR = 6.396; 95% CI: 2.741-15.87; p-value < 0.0001); and CMS days of therapy (DOT) prior to development of AKI ≥ 7 days (aOR = 4.728; 95% CI: 2.069-11.60; p-value < 0.0001). All-cause mortality was recorded in 51.3% of patients (n = 153/298), and this was significantly higher in patients with AKI (76.8%; n = 106/138) compared to those without (29.4%; n = 47/160; OR = 7.964; 95% CI: 4.727-13.417; p-value < 0.0001). Independent predictors of all-cause mortality included a baseline Charlson comorbidity index score ≥5 (aOR = 4.514; 95% CI: 2.443-8.530; p-value < 0.0001); concomitant use of vasopressors (aOR = 7.76; 95% CI: 4.238-14.56; p-value < 0.0001); and CMS-induced AKI (aOR = 4.117; 95% CI: 2.231-7.695; p-value < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that old age, history of chronic kidney disease, and concomitant vasopressor treatment are all independent predictors of CMS-induced AKI. The risk of developing severe AKI significantly increases with CMS DOT. Understanding the risk factors of nephrotoxicity is essential for improving prognosis and treatment outcomes.