Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and N-WASP are critical for peripheral B-cell development and function

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) is a key cytoskeletal regulator of hematopoietic cells. Although WASP-knockout (WKO) mice have aberrant B-cell cytoskeletal responses, B-cell development is relatively normal. We hypothesized that N-WASP, a ubiquitously expressed homolog of WASP, may serve some redundant functions with WASP in B cells. In the present study, we generated mice lacking WASP and N-WASP in B cells (conditional double knockout [cDKO] B cells) and show that cDKO mice had decreased numbers of follicular and marginal zone B cells in the spleen. Receptor-induced activation of cDKO B cells led to normal proliferation but a marked reduction of spreading compared with wild-type and WKO B cells. Whereas WKO B cells showed decreased migration in vitro and homing in vivo compared with wild-type cells, cDKO B cells showed an even more pronounced decrease in the migratory response in vivo. After injection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP)-Ficoll, cDKO B cells had reduced antigen uptake in the splenic marginal zone. Despite high basal serum IgM, cDKO mice mounted a reduced immune response to the T cell-independent antigen TNP-Ficoll and to the T cell-dependent antigen TNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Our results reveal that the combined activity of WASP and N-WASP is required for peripheral B-cell development and function.     

Central airway obstruction due to malignant fibrous histiocytoma metastasis in a case with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome

Malign fibrous histiocytoma is one of the most observed soft tissue sarcomas seen in the adults. The most common metastasis region is the lung and metastasis. Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is characterized by the highly dilatation of the trachea and bronchi. We may encounter with the major airway obstruction in the endoluminal or extraluminal lung and mediastinal masses or those with both components together. In this article, we would like to highlight the occurrence of a rare seen clinical situation secondary to the giant mediastinal malign fibrous histiocytoma metastasis and the clinical difficulties experienced in resolving of the main airway obstruction caused by the mass. Since the lack of the similar studies conducted previously, we found the case worth presenting.     

Agreement of keratometric readings measured using rotating Scheimpflug imaging,auto-refractokeratometer,and biograph in eyes with keratoconus

International Ophthalmology - To determine agreement in keratometric readings obtained using rotating Scheimpflug imaging with Pentacam, biograph with Lenstar LS900, and Topcon KR-8100P...     

A conservative treatment of ingrown toenails: splinting technique with cyanoacrylate

Toenail ingrowing is a common and serious disease which affects social life. This article focuses on a noninvasive technique of nail splinting using cyanoacrylate. The cyanoacrylate splinting technique is an effective, noninvasive, easy-to-learn, quick, and inexpensive method with good cosmetic outcomes which aims to minimize the problems of surgical treatments. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.     

Aminoguanidine prevents testicular damage–induced‐2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) in male rats

In this study, it was aimed to determinate protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) against reproductive toxicity caused by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), an environmental contaminant. Thirty‐two rats were equally divided into four groups; the first group was kept as control and given corn oil as carrier. In second and third groups, TCDD and AG were orally administered at the dose of 2 μg kg^?1 per week and 100 mg kg^?1 per day for 45 days, respectively. In fourth group, TCDD and AG were given together at the same doses. Although TCDD significantly increased the formation of TBARS, it caused a significant decline in the levels of GSH, CAT, GPx and SOD in rats. On the other hand, AG, given together TCDD, reversed TCDD effects on TBARS SOD, GSH, GPx and CAT. In addition, sperm characteristics negatively affected and histopathological deformation occurred with TCDD exposure. However, AG treatment partly prevented these toxic effects of TCDD on spermatological parameters and histopathological changes. In conclusion, TCDD exposure induces testicular damage (oxidative stress, histopathological damage and sperm parameters), and AG treatment reversed TCDD‐induced testicular damage in rats. Thus, AG may be useful for the prevention and treatment of TCDD‐induced male infertility problems.     

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with thromboembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

BackgroundNeutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the role of NLR in patients with thromboembolic stroke due to atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to compare the NLR ratios between non-valvular AF patients with or without thromboembolic stroke.MethodsA total of 126 non-valvular AF patients with or without stroke were included in the study; 126 consecutive patients (52 males and 74 females), mean age, 70 ± 10.2 years old. No patient had a recent history of an acute infection or an inflammatory disease. Baseline NLR was measured by dividing neutrophil count to lymphocyte count. WBC count > 12.000 cells per μL or < 4.000 cells per μL and high body temperature > 38 º are excluded from the study.ResultsMean NLR was significantly higher among persons with stroke compared to individuals without a stroke (5.6 ± 3.4 vs. 3.1 ± 2.1, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in RDW levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). HAS-BLED and CHADS₂ scores were significantly higher in the stroke group.ConclusionHigher NLR, an emerging marker of inflammation, is associated with thromboembolic stroke in non-valvular AF patients.