Expression of a novel gene, MafB, in Dupuytren's disease

PURPOSE: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is characterized by fibroblastic proliferation of the palmar fascia, often leading to flexion contracture in the hand. Although there is a strong genetic component the genome-wide expression of novel genes is not known. The purpose of this study was to use DNA microarray technology to identify upregulated genes in DD. METHODS: Human tissue samples were harvested from 3 patient sources: DD cord tissue (n = 20), normal-appearing adjacent control fascia (n = 15), and palmar fascia from patients having carpal tunnel release (n = 15). DNA microarray analysis was performed on amplified sample RNA. Novel genes were compared with known gene functions. A candidate gene of interest was studied further by using immunohistochemistry on DD tissue samples and controls. RESULTS: Several novel genes not described previously in the study of DD were upregulated significantly, including MafB, collagen type V, alpha-2 (COL5A2), collagen type VIII, alpha-1 (COL8A1), contactin I (CNTN1), and leucine-rich repeat containing 17 (LRRC17). These upregulated genes were compared with their known gene-expression profiles in other tissues and their purported functions. MafB was found to be of particular interest because of its prominent role in tissue development and cellular differentiation. MafB immunohistochemistry showed positive staining in 50% of the DD specimens but complete absence of MafB in all control tissues (adjacent control fascia, carpal tunnel fascia). Co-localization experiments with MafB and alpha-smooth muscle actin showed staining properties in similar regions but these 2 proteins were not confined solely to the same cells. CONCLUSIONS: Microarray analysis of DD tissue has identified significant upregulated gene expression of MafB. MafB protein also is found in Dupuytren's cords but not in control fascia. Co-localization data suggest that the association of MafB with DD is not related exclusively to myofibroblast proliferation. Because of its role in fibroblastic transformation in other models MafB and its relationship to the pathogenesis of DD deserves further study.     

Investigations into the free-living phase of the cat hookworm life cycle

Summary Laboratory studies were undertaken to evaluate the role of environmental factors on the development of free-living stages of the cat hookwormAncylostoma tubaeforme. An index of development calculated from the proportion of eggs that developed to the infective stage and the reciprocal of the development period, has suggested that the absence of high temperatures (26°–30°C) would significantly affect the L₃ population in contaminated soils.There were, however, no significant differences in the size and lipid content of L₃ that had developed at the different temperatures.     

Optimization of microsurgery: improved coverage of the latissimus dorsi vascular pedicle with vascularized serratus fascia

The latissimus dorsi free flap is a workhorse for extremity reconstruction. One of its benefits is a long vascular pedicle that spans the zone of injury. However, it may be difficult to adequately cover this pedicle. Direct closure may be too tight, and skin grafting over the pedicle risks exposure if graft take is poor. We report a technique in which the serratus branch of the thoracodorsal artery and its overlying fascia are harvested en bloc with the thoracodorsal artery and latissimus muscle. This provides 2 flaps on a common pedicle that can easily be rotated to allow positioning and insetting. We successfully used this technique in the reconstruction of both upper and lower extremities. The serratus fascia provides excellent padded covering and is a good bed for skin grafting. The versatility of this hybrid flap will allow its use in a range of complex reconstructive procedures.     

Effect of chloroquine on the urinary excretion of ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is an inexpensive antibacterial, whereas chloroquine is an inexpensive antimalarial. The coadministration of chloroquine and ciprofloxacin is easily encountered because both drugs are commonly prescribed to patients in the tropics. Five healthy male volunteers aged 19 to 31 years who were not taking any of the prescribed medications and who had no sensitivity to either ciprofloxacin or chloroquine each received 500 mg ciprofloxacin orally with 250 mL of water, and after a 2-week washout period, 500 mg ciprofloxacin plus 600 mg chloroquine was administered orally with 250 mL of water after providing informed consent. A urine sample (7 mL) was collected just before taking the drug at 8:00 AM representing 0 hour and continued afterward at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours the next day. The samples were stored at -20 degrees C until analyzed. The minimum inhibitory concentrations by diffusion through agar technique were used for the assay of urine ciprofloxacin. The rate of ciprofloxacin excretion and cumulative urine ciprofloxacin were significantly increased. The coadministration of chloroquine increased the cumulative urinary concentration and excretion rate of ciprofloxacin.