Synovial activation of chondrocytes: Evidence for complex cytokine interactions

Synoviocytes secrete factors which induce the synthesis of neutral metalloproteinases (NMP) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by chondrocytes in a response called chondrocyte activation. We analyzed synovial chondrocyte activating factors (CAF) for the presence of cytokines which modulated the NMP production by articular chondrocytes. These studies suggested the presence of several other cytokines in addition to interleukin-1 (IL-1). Both resting and activated synoviocytes contained mRNA for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) which is a synergist for IL-1 induced NMP production, and secreted bFGF into their culture media. They also expressed mRNA for transforming growth factor (TGF) which inhibits IL-1 induced NMP production. These cells also produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and trace amounts of interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition to these there is evidence for a synovial activator of chondrocytes which is distinct from IL-1. Since a number of recombinant cytokines including TNF, IL-6 and bFGF failed to activate chondrocytes, this could be a novel cytokine.     

Enteric gram‐negative bacilli suppress Candida biofilms on Foley urinary catheters

Mixed Candida‐bacterial biofilms in urinary catheters are common in hospitalized patients. (i) The aims of this study were to evaluate, quantitatively and qualitatively, the in vitro development of mono‐ and dual‐species biofilms (MSBs and DSBs) of Candida albicans and two enteric gram‐negative bacilli (EGNB; Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli) on Foley catheter (FC) discs, (ii) to determine the biofilm growth in tryptic soy broth or glucose supplemented artificial urine (AU) and (iii) to assess the inhibitory effects of EGNB and their lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on Candida biofilm growth. The growth of MSBs and DSBs on FC discs was monitored by cell counts and SEM. The metabolic activity of LPS‐treated Candida biofilms was determined by the XTT reduction assay. Candida albicans and EGNB demonstrated significant inter‐ and intra‐species differences in biofilm growth on FC discs (p < 0.01). Pseudomonas aeruginosa suppressed Candida albicans significantly (p < 0.001) in DSBs. Compared with MSBs, DSB of EGNB in glucose supplemented AU demonstrated robust growth. Escherichia coli and its LPS, significantly suppressed Candida biofilm growth, compared with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its LPS (p < 0.001). Candida albicans and EGNB colonization in FC is significantly increased in AU with glucose, and variably modified by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their corresponding LPS.     

Identifying subtypes of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease using cluster analysis

Journal of Neurology - The concept of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has shown the potential for identifying at-risk dementia patients. Identifying subtypes of...     

Epidemiology of Chronic Kidney Disease,With Special Emphasis on Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology,in the North Central Region of Sri Lanka

Background

The aim of the study was to identify the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out by analyzing health statistics, and three cohort studies were conducted (n = 15 630, 3996, and 2809) to analyze the demographic information, age-specific prevalence, etiology, and stage of presentation. We screened 7604 individuals for chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology.

Results

The results showed that the male:female ratio was 2.4:1, the mean age of patients was 54.7 ± 8 years, 92% of the patients were farmers, and 93% consumed water from shallow dug wells. Familial occurrence was common (36%). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in different age groups was 3% in those aged 30–40 years; 7% in those aged 41–50 years, 20% in those aged 51–60 years, and 29% in those older than 60 years. Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology was diagnosed in 70.2% of patients, while 15.7% and 9.6% were due to hypertension and diabetic mellitus, respectively. The majority of patients were stage 4 (40%) at first presentation, while 31.8% were stage 3 and 24.5% were stage 5. Stage 1 and 2 presentation accounted for only 3.4%.

Conclusions

Low prevalence of CKDU was noticed (1.5%) among those who consumed water from natural springs. Prevalence was highest among males, rice farming communities, and those presenting at later disease stages.Key words: chronic kidney disease, uncertain etiology, epidemiology, North Central Province, male farmers, natural spring water