(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibition of ultraviolet B-induced AP-1 activity

Green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit cancer in a variety of tumor models, including ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced non-melanoma skin cancer. In green tea extracts, the major dry mass constituent is the family of catechins, of which (-)-epigallocatechin-(3)-gallate (EGCG) is considered to be important for the chemopreventive activity. EGCG has been shown to have antioxidant properties, but there has been little progress toward identifying the specific targets and mechanisms of its action. Using cultured human keratinocytes, we show that UVB- induced AP-1 activity is inhibited by EGCG in a dose range of 5.45 nM to 54.5 microM. EGCG is effective at inhibiting AP-1 activity when applied before, after or both before and after UVB irradiation. EGCG also inhibits AP-1 activity in the epidermis of a transgenic mouse model. This work begins to define a mechanism by which EGCG could be acting to inhibit UVB-induced tumor formation.      

Pregnancy following intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment with dead husband's spermatozoa: ethical and policy considerations

This paper describes the first pregnancy in a childless widow after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment with her deceased husband's spermatozoa which had been stored for nearly 3 years before use. Before his death the husband had received treatment for testicular cancer and he had given the appropriate written consent for the future use of his spermatozoa. Of the 10 eggs injected, six resulted in normal embryos. Three embryos were transferred and the remaining three embryos are currently stored for possible future use. The treatment resulted in a continuing singleton pregnancy. The case demonstrated the suitability of ICSI in those difficult cases where the sperm quality is extremely poor. This success is also compared with a widely debated case of another widow who was refused permission to use her deceased husband's spermatozoa. It is concluded that in the case of posthumous use of frozen spermatozoa, the current laws are conveniently applicable in a chronic illness but not so in an acute illness leading to death. In the light of the wide public debate on the issues raised by this legal case, the UK Government has also decided to conduct a review of consent procedures involving the storage and use of genetic material.      

Anti B cell targeted immunotherapy for treatment of refractory autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a young infant

We report the case of an 8 week old infant with fulminant autoimmune haemolytic anaemia refractory to conventional immunomodulating treatment. Massive haemolysis resulted in cardiac decompensation and acute renal failure which necessitated mechanical ventilation and peritoneal dialysis. Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, halted progression of the haemolytic process, but the patient died of acute viral pneumonia and disseminated fungal infection. Earlier introduction of rituximab might have prevented the renal complications. Paediatricians should be aware of this useful therapeutic tool for treatment of refractory autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and balance its use against the risk of potential life threatening infection.     

Normal and occluded mediastinal veins: MR imaging

The potential of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to demonstrate the mediastinal veins was evaluated retrospectively in 25 patients with no evidence of a venous abnormality, 28 patients who had narrowing or occlusion of a mediastinal vein, and two patients who had a venous anomaly. In patients with venous occlusion, the MR images graphically demonstrated the sites and extent. MR images also demonstrated slow flow within venous structures proximal to the obstruction. Generally, venous collaterals in the mediastinum and chest wall were better seen with contrast material-enhanced computed tomography scans. The marked contrast on MR images between the signal void of normal vascular structures, the moderate signal intensity of tumor, and the high signal intensity of a thrombus or slowly flowing blood allows ready detection of venous occlusion and may suggest the nature of the occlusion.     

"A Free thenar flap – A case report"

We present a case report of a free thenar flap surgery done for a volar right hand middle finger, distal and middle phalanx degloving injury. A free thenar flap is a fasciocutaneous sensate flap supplied by a constant branch of the superficial radial artery and its variable nerve supply. It has a distinct advantage of low donor site morbidity, better cosmesis and texture of the flap. No immobilization is required postop. The donor site can be closed primiarily.