Vibrio cholerae hemolysin is apoptogenic to peritoneal B-1a cells but its oligomer shepherd the cells for IgA response

Vibrio cholerae hemolysin (HlyA) can exist as a monomer with hemolytic activity and an oligomer that agglutinates erythrocytes. Biochemical differences accompanying the change in state of aggregation led us to weigh possible differences between the two forms from mucosal immunoregulation perspective. HlyA oligomer-treated murine B-1a cells up-regulated TLR2 and involved the signaling molecules MyD88, TRAF6 and NF-kappaB. The cells subsequently expressed IgM and IgA. HlyA monomer treatment although resulted in TLR2 up-regulation, could not induce these effects. Apoptosis was detected in majority of the monomer-treated cells that involved caspase-9 and caspase-3. This study shows for the first time that two forms of the same protein could drive the host immune cell to two different outcomes, one of death and the other towards activation.     

Frequent alterations of the candidate genes hMLH1, ITGA9 and RBSP3 in early dysplastic lesions of head and neck: Clinical and prognostic significance

To understand the association between candidate tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) human mismatch repair protein homologue 1 (hMLH1), AP20 region gene 1 (APRG1), integrin α RLC (ITGA9), RB1 serine phosphates from human chromosome 3 (RBSP3) at chromosomal 3p22.3 region and development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), alterations (deletion/promoter methylation/expression) of these genes were analyzed in 65 dysplastic lesions and 84 HNSCC samples. Clinicopathological correlations were made with alterations of the genes. In HNSCC, deletion frequencies of hMLH1, ITGA9, and RBSP3 were comparatively higher than APRG1. Overall alterations (deletion/methylation) of hMLH1, ITGA9, and RBSP3 were high (45–55%) in mild dysplasia and comparable in subsequent stages of tumor progression. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed reduced expression of these genes in tumors concordant to their molecular alterations. An in vitro demethylation experiment by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine confirmed the promoter hypermethylation of RBSP3 in Hep2 and UPCI:SCC084 cell lines. Functionally less‐active RBSP3A isoform was predominant in tumor tissues contrary to the adjacent normal tissue of tumors where more active RBSP3B isoform was prevalent. In immunohistochemical analysis, intense nuclear staining of hMLH1 and pRB (phosphorylated RB, the substrate of RBSP3) proteins were seen in the basal layer of normal epithelium. In tumors, concordance was seen between (i) low/intermediate level of hMLH1 expression and its molecular alterations; and (ii) intense nuclear staining of pRB and RBSP3 alterations. Poor patient outcome was seen with hMLH1 and RBSP3 alterations. Moreover, in absence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, tobacco‐addicted patients with hMLH1, RBSP3 alterations, and nodal invasions showed poor prognosis. Thus our data suggests that dysregulation of hMLH1, ITGA9, and RBSP3 associated multiple cellular pathways are needed for the development of early dysplastic lesions of the head and neck. (Cancer Sci 2010)     

An attempt to define the type of biopsy in a sinonasal lesion showing bony erosion

Objectives

To present a case of sino-nasal destructive mass initially diagnosed as an inflammatory lesion following punch biopsy from the lesion however the post surgical histopathology was diagnostic of Grade 2 angiocentric immunoproliferative lesion (AIL). The reasons for the initial misdiagnosis are analyzed.

Materials and methods

A 76-year-old male patient presenting with progressive bilateral nasal obstruction for 1 year. Repeated punch biopsies from the mass were suggestive of an inflammatory lesion.

Result

The patient underwent surgical exenteration of the mass and the final histopathology report suggested AIL Grade 2. The patient was thereafter treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Initial superficial punch biopsies lead to incorrect diagnosis leading to an unnecessary surgical exenteration. The explanations for the initial misdiagnosis are given below and appropriate diagnostic protocols, mode and depth of biopsy are suggested based on the case study.     

Intracranial pressure monitoring: Gold standard and recent innovations

Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) is based on the doctrine proposed by Monroe and Kellie centuries ago. With the advancement of technology and science, various invasive and non-invasive modalities of monitoring ICP continue to be developed. An ideal monitor to track ICP should be easy to use, accurate, reliable, reproducible, inexpensive and should not be associated with infection or haemorrhagic complications. Although the transducers connected to the extra ventricular drainage continue to be Gold Standard, its association with the likelihood of infection and haemorrhage have led to the search for alternate non-invasive methods of monitoring ICP. While Camino transducers, Strain gauge micro transducer based ICP monitoring devices and the Spiegelberg ICP monitor are the emerging technology in invasive ICP monitoring, optic nerve sheath diameter measurement, venous opthalmodynamometry, tympanic membrane displacement, tissue resonance analysis, tonometry, acoustoelasticity, distortion-product oto-acoustic emissions, trans cranial doppler, electro encephalogram, near infra-red spectroscopy, pupillometry, anterior fontanelle pressure monitoring, skull elasticity, jugular bulb monitoring, visual evoked response and radiological based assessment of ICP are the non-invasive methods which are assessed against the gold standard.     

Empowerment and its Associations in Schizophrenia: A Cross-sectional Study

Empowerment denotes a sense of personal competence which is considered an essential requisite of fair outcome in schizophrenia. The current study assessed empowerment along with other relevant variables in patients with schizophrenia and a comparison group. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis identified independent living skills survey score and perceived social support as predicting empowerment in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a correlational relationship. Empowerment could be a treatment goal in schizophrenia and independent living skills as well as perceived social support could be the mediating factors.     

A Cadaveric Study of the First Dorsal Compartment of the Wrist and Its Content Tendons: Anatomical Variations in the Indian Population

de Quervain’s disease is a commonly encountered problem; its management is multimodal, and often, there is recurrence which is commonly associated with anatomical variation in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Our purpose was to find out the anatomical variation of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist in the general population to assess the anatomical basis of de Quervain’s disease and its recurrence. In this cadaveric study, 86 wrists in 46 patients were dissected to search out the first dorsal compartment of the wrist and its content tendons, presence of septa in the compartment, and insertion of the tendons. Supernumerary tendons in the first dorsal compartment were seen in 74.41 % of cases. The most commonly found tendon arrangement was two abductor pollicis longus (APL) and one extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). In all cases, there was a fixed insertion of APL to the base of the first metacarpal. Among other sites, the most common site of insertion of APL is the trapezium, which was 56.14 %. Variations of EPB with respect to number, site of insertion, thickness, and bilaterality were also found. The presence of septations was found in 37.20 % of dissected cadaveric wrists. We had found supernumerary tendons or slips in the first dorsal compartment very commonly. The presence of a septum was less frequently found. So, it may be concluded that there is immense anatomical variation present in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, supernumerary tendons/tendon slips are commonly found, there is a variation of insertions present in the population, septum/aberrant compartment are also present, and bilateral variations are present in the population. These variations may be responsible for recurrence and unilateral affection in de Quervain’s disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12593-012-0073-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">LIMD1</Emphasis> is more frequently altered than <Emphasis Type="Italic">RB1</Emphasis> in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and prognostic implications

Introduction  

To understand the role of two interacting proteins LIMD1 and pRB in development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), alterations of these genes were analyzed in 25 dysplastic head and neck lesions, 58 primary HNSCC samples and two HNSCC cell lines.     

Highly sensitive and selective colorimetric detection of dual metal ions (Hg2+ and Sn2+) in water: an eco-friendly approach

Application of an alliin-based precursor for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) which is an emerging, reliable and rapid sensor of heavy metal ion contaminants in water is reported here. The Ag NPs were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy analysis techniques. The Ag NPs simultaneously and selectively detect Hg²⁺ and Sn²⁺ ions from aqueous solution. The sensitivity and selectivity of the prepared Ag NPs towards other representative transition-metal ions, alkali metal ions and alkaline earth metal ions were also studied. For more precise evidence, a density functional theory study was carried out to understand the possible mechanism and interaction in the detection of Hg²⁺ and Sn²⁺ by Ag NPs. The limits of detection for Hg²⁺ and Sn²⁺ ions were found as 15.7 nM and 11.25 nM, respectively. This assay indicates the possible use of garlic extract-synthesized Ag NPs for sensing Hg²⁺ and Sn²⁺ in aqueous solution very significantly. So, the simple, green, eco-friendly and easy method to detect the dual metal ions may further lead to a potential sensor of heavy metal ion contaminants in water of industrial importance.

Synthesis of Ag nanoparticles using Allin based garlic extract for highly sensitive and selective detection of metal ions Hg²⁺ and Sn²⁺ in water. The limit of detection (LoD) for Hg²⁺ and Sn²⁺ ions were found as 15.7 nM and 11.25 nM respectively.     

Fourth branchial pouch sinus — an unusually late initial presentation

Objective  Here we present an unusual case of a male patient with 4th branchial pouch sinus with an initial presentation of pseudothyroiditis at an unusually late age of 20 years. Method  Case report and a review of the world literature concerning 4th branchial pouch sinus is presented. Result  The patient was diagnosed by radiology and endoscopy and treated surgically. Histopathology revealed chronic inflammatory changes, which pointed towards recurrent sub clinical low-grade inflammations over the years keeping the condition occult till 20 years of age. Conclusion  According to available literature it almost always presents in the first decade of life when it might be misdiagnosed. However our report shows it may also exist with sub clinical inflammations or infections and present at a much later stage in life, when the possibility of such a sinus shouldn’t be ruled out on the basis of lack of history of recurrent neck inflammations.