1140919448CD200-dependent suppression of human NK activity by IVIG requires CD200 receptor type 2

Problem: IVIG prepared from plasma of stored human blood can be efficacious in improving pregnancy success in a selected subgroup of patients but RCTs using an IVIG showing inferior suppression of NK activity in vitro have been negative (J Assist Reprod Genet 2006). A significant component of NK suppression by IVIG appears to be due to CD200 released into plasma from PBL during storage at 4C. CD200 receptors (CD200R) are expressed at the fetomaternal interface prior to onset of abortion; CD200R1 mediates direct effects on gamma‐delta T cell development and suppresses alpha‐beta T cell responses in vitro, whereas CD200R2 alters DC so as to facilitate development of alpha‐beta Treg cells. Which receptor(s) mediate NK cell suppression? Methods: Purified human PBL or the CD56⁺ NK cell subset of PBL were used to lyse 51Cr‐labeled K562 cells in vitro. Different IVIG preparations were tested for suppressive ability, and suppression was blocked by either anti‐huCD200 mAb or rabbit anti‐huCD200R1 or R2 antibodies. Results: CD200‐dependent IVIG NK suppressive potency differed among IVIG types (Gammagard>Gamunex>>Gamimmune). CD200‐dependent suppression was blocked by anti‐CD200R antibody able to react with the type 2 receptor. K562 cells did not express receptor, and purified CD56⁺ NK cells were suppressed effectively without the need for non‐NK cells. Conclusions: IVIG may directly express NK cell activity via CD200 binding to CD200R2.     

半导体激光联合药物治疗带状疱疹

目的观察半导体激光联合药物治疗带状疱疹的疗效。方法将97例带状疱疹患者随机分成2组。对照组45例单纯药物治疗(静脉注射5%葡萄糖注射液250 ml加入阿昔洛韦0.5 g,每日2次;本院自制中药冷湿敷患处,每次15 min,每日2次)。治疗组在上述药物治疗基础上加用半导体激光照射受损的神经根部和皮损部位。疗程7 d。结果治疗组与对照组治疗后病情积分均有所下降(P<0.01),治疗组的病情积分下降明显大于对照组(P<0.01);治疗组的疼痛积分明显下降(P<0.01);对照组的疼痛积分无明显下降,治疗组有效率大于对照组,后遗神经痛发生率低于对照组。结论半导体激光联合药物治疗带状疱疹疗效优于单纯药物治疗,且可明显减轻疼痛症状,降低后遗神经痛发生率。     

Studies with the Folate Binding Protein in Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia Cells: I. SYNTHESIS AND RELEASE OF BINDER BY CELLS IN SHORT-TERM CULTURE

Chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL) cells which contained a high concentration of unsaturated folate binding protein were incubated in suspension culture for a period of 5 h. Cell samples were periodically assayed for binder and these demonstrated active synthesis which was inhibited by puromycin, cyclo heximide, N-ethylmaleimide, and by incubation at 4 degrees C, but not by actinomycin D. Folate binding activity could also be demonstrated in the culture medium and this increased with the duration of incubation. This release of binder was inhibited by culturing the cells at 4 degrees C and by the addition of N-ethylmaleimide, but not by actinomycin D, puromycin, or cycloheximide. When the pre- and post-culture cell lysates were saturated with tritiated folic acid ([3H]PteGlu) and subjected to chromatography on DEAE-agrarose, approximately half of the bound folate eluted with 0.001 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 and the other half eluted with 0.2 M buffer at pH 7.2. The culture medium and plasma from this patient with CGL was well as serum from two normal subjects saturated with [3H]PteGlu and similarly chromatographed contained primarily the acidic binder and much less of the binder eluting with the low molarity buffer. Since a folate binding protein immunochemically similar to the binder in CGL cells has been identified in the serum of non-leukaemic subjects, these experiments suggest that the source of circulating folate binding protein may be the immature granulocyte.     

The kidneys in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Long-term study of 21 PNH patients revealed an unexpectedly high incidence of functional and anatomic renal abnormalities. Most patients demonstrated varying degrees of hematuria and proteinuria distinct from hemoglobinuria. Evaluation of renal function revealed hyposthenuria, abnormal tubular function, and declining creatinine clearance. Radiologically these patients had enlarged kidneys, cortical infarcts, cortical thinning, and papillary necrosis which were confirmed by autopsy studies. Hypertension developed in eight patients. Urinary tract infection was uncommon. The renal findings bear striking similarity to those of sickle cell anemia. Contrary to the usual opinion, out studies clearly showed evidence of widespread renal pathology in PNH most likely due to repeated microvascular thrombosis similar to the venous thrombosis involving other organs in this disorder.     

脊髓延髓肌萎缩症临床及电生理特点分析

目的分析5例脊髓延髓肌萎缩症患者的临床特征,以便临床医生对该病的认识。方法收集基因确诊的5例脊髓延髓肌萎缩症患者的临床资料,分析其临床特点及血清性激素、各生化指标水平、脑脊液及肌电图特点。结果脊髓延髓肌萎缩症患者青年发病,病情进展缓慢。神经系统表现为以肢体近端和延髓部受累为主的瘫痪。舌肌受累较早,运动功能损害较轻。血清睾酮(969.3±234.9ng/dl)、雌二醇(57.1±5.3pg/ml)水平增高,男性乳腺发育出现在病史较长的患者。三核苷酸(CAG)重复序列数目43～51(平均47.2±3.6pg/ml)。患者的肌酸激酶(CK,481.8±264.8 IU/L)均增高,脑脊液检查均正常。肌电图为广泛神经源性损害。结论脊髓延髓肌萎缩症患者的早期症状不典型,易误诊,临床特征为青年起病,缓慢加重,以肢体近端无力为主的瘫痪。     

Driving After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Literature on driving capacities of ventricular assist device patients is rare and driving restrictions differ from center to center. Currently, no guidelines exist on whether and when left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients are allowed to begin driving cars after device implantation. In this study, we assess the driving abilities of patients after LVAD implantation. Three hundred and ninety LVAD patients have been surveyed in a worldwide, multicenter study. The single survey followed a multi‐method design, including online, phone, and face‐to‐face interviews. Out of 390 patients, 72% are still driving and 28% did not continue driving after LVAD implantation. Reasons for discontinuation were capability (24%), insecurity (17%), and disapproval by family members (9%) or doctors (5%). Ninety percent of the patients describe their ability to drive as perfect or adequate. Sixty‐nine percent state that they are not restricted in their general driving capacity. Forty‐nine percent report not to be restricted in agility to drive by the device equipment. The majority of patients have not been involved in car accidents or major complications (94%). Eight accidents were reported (3%). Out of those, all were minor collisions. No patient reported the occurrence of a fatal accident or casualties. LVAD alarms did occur in six incidents (2%) with the majority being low battery alarms. The results of this study suggest that driving with a left ventricular assist device is safe for stable patients and driving can be resumed 3 months after LVAD implantation after careful patient assessment.     

Microvascular reconstructions of full-thickness oncological chest wall defects

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the suitability of microvascular flaps for the reconstruction of extensive full-thickness defects of the chest wall. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Chest wall defects are conventionally reconstructed with pedicular musculocutaneous flaps or the omentum. Sometimes, however, these flaps have already been used, are not reliable due to previous operations or radiotherapy, or are of inadequate size. In such cases, microvascular flaps offer the only option for reconstruction. METHODS: From 1988 to 2001, 26 patients with full-thickness resections of the chest wall underwent reconstruction with microvascular flaps. There were 8 soft tissue sarcomas, 8 recurrent breast cancers, 5 chondrosarcomas, 2 desmoid tumors, 1 large cell pulmonary cancer metastasis, 1 renal cancer metastasis, and 1 bronchopleural fistula. The surgery comprised 5 extended forequarter amputations, 5 lateral resections, 8 thoracoabdominal resections, and 8 sternal resections. The mean diameter of a resection was 28 cm. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with 16 tensor fasciae latae, 5 tensor fascia latae combined with rectus femoris, and 3 transversus rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps. In 2 patients with a forequarter amputation, the remnant forearm was used as the osteomusculocutaneous free flap. RESULTS: There were no flap losses or perioperative mortality. Four patients needed tracheostomy owing to prolonged respiratory difficulties. The mean survival time for patients with sarcomas was 39 months and for those with recurrent breast cancer 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive chest wall resections are possible with acceptable results. In patients with breast cancer, the surgery may offer valuable palliation and in those with sarcomas it can be curative.