Inhibition of TNF-α-induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression by Mycobacterium bovis BCG in Human Alveolar Epithelial A549 Cells

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is implicated in pathophysiological processes associated with the initiation or maintenance of host inflammatory responses to infection. Our results demonstrates that Mycobacterium bovis BCG ( M. bovis BCG) downregulates tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced COX-2 gene expression in alveolar epithelial cells by inhibiting the phosphorylations of Raf-1 and p38 kinases. Further, M. bovis BCG-mediated inhibition of COX-2 or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase could be reversed by Calyculin A, a selective inhibitor of Ser/Thr phosphatases. Moreover, M. bovis BCG inhibited the TNF-α-triggered NF-κB activation following IκB degradation. Taken together, these results suggest that the attenuation of COX-2 expression by vaccine strain, M. bovis BCG, represents a novel strategy to maintain robust host proinflammatory responses to subsequent challenges with virulent tuberculosis bacilli.     

Sirolimus-based calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal immunosuppressive regimen in kidney transplantation: a single center experience

Background/aim  

This observational study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplantation.     

A rare case of closed pantalar dislocation combined with Lisfranc's injury—The unusual complex

Closed pantalar dislocation with associated Lisfranc's injury is a very rare injury. We report a rare case of such injury. Our patient had fall from height and presented with closed pantalar dislocation with Lisfranc's injury of the left foot and other multiple injuries. He was immediately operated and dislocation was reduced and was stabilised with multiple Kirschner wires. At the end of 1 year follow up, he had an AOFAS score of 78 and had painless ankle movements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported with such a rare combination of injury.     

Role of advanced 2 and 3-dimensional ultrasound for detecting prostate cancer

PURPOSE: We explored the clinical usefulness of spectrum analysis and neural networks for classifying prostate tissue and identifying prostate cancer in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on a cohort of 215 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York were included in this study. Radio frequency data necessary for 2 and 3-dimensional (D) computer reconstruction of the prostate were digitally recorded at transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy. The data were spectrally processed and 2-D tissue typing images were generated based on a pre-trained neural network classification. We used manually masked 2-D tissue images as building blocks for generating 3-D tissue images and the images were tissue type color coded using custom software. Radio frequency data on the study cohort were analyzed for cancer probability using the data set pre-trained by neural network methods and compared with conventional B-mode imaging. ROC curves were generated for the 2 methods using biopsy results as the gold standard. RESULTS: The mean area under the ROC curve plus or minus SEM for detecting prostate cancer for the conventional B-mode and neural network methods was 0.66 +/- 0.03 and 0.80 +/- 0.05, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting prostate cancer by the neural network method were significantly increased compared with conventional B-mode imaging. In addition, the 2 and 3-D prostate images provided excellent visual identification of areas with a higher likelihood of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Spectrum analysis could significantly improve the detection and evaluation of prostate cancer. Routine real-time application of spectrum analysis may significantly decrease the number of false-negative biopsies and improve the detection of prostate cancer at transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. It may also provide improved identification of prostate cancer foci during therapeutic intervention, such as brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy or cryotherapy. In addition, 2 and 3-D images with prostate cancer foci specifically identified can help surgical planning and may in the distant future be an additional reliable noninvasive method of selecting patients for prostate biopsy.     

Non-01 Vibrio cholerae septicemia and meningitis in a neonate

Non-01 Vibrio cholerae is known to cause diarrhoea as well as extra-intestinal infections in adults and children. However meningitis in children is a rare occurrence. We report a neonate who developed septicemia and meningitis due toNon-01 Vibrio cholerae.     

Subtypes of codeine cough syrup abusers

This paper highlights the abuse potential of the codeine containing cough syrups, which may take two forms. One, experimental abuse in school or college students which later persists in a dependent pattern. Two, pre-existing opioid abusers, as a substitute which starts after the school or college years. The short term treatment outcome is better in the former group in that they are able to maintain abstinence for a relatively longer period.     

Free fatty acids are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and be contributed to, in part, by free fatty acids (FFAs), produced in excess in centrally obese individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IR and the relationships between FFAs, central obesity, and atherosclerosis in a cohort of prevalent RTRs. METHODS: Observational data were collected on 85 RTRs (mean age 54 years; 49% male, 87% Caucasian). Fasting serum was analyzed for FFAs, glucose, and insulin; IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) score. Vascular structure was assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with IR and atherosclerosis. RESULTS: IR occurred in 75% of RTRs, and FFA levels were independently associated with its occurrence (beta: -0.55, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.07, P = 0.02). Other variables independently associated with IR were male sex, body mass index, central obesity, diabetes, systolic blood pressure and corticosteroid use. There was a significant correlation between FFA levels and IMT (r = 0.3, P=0.01). On multivariate analysis, IMT correlated with elevated FFA (beta: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.12, P = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.05), older age (P < 0.002), and a body mass index >25 kg/m (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: FFAs are associated with the development of IR and may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in RTRs. Additional studies are required to explore these associations further before considering whether an interventional trial aimed at lowering FFA would be a worthwhile undertaking.     

Tissue transglutaminase interacts with protein kinase A anchor protein 13 in prostate cancer

We have previously described that tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a high level phenotypic biomarker in prostate cancer, which is down regulated in prostate cancer and surrounding premalignant field compared to benign prostate glands. To understand the function of tTG in prostate cancer, we sought to identify proteins that interact with the transglutaminase moiety of tTG using a human prostate cancer complementary deoxyribonucleic acid library in a Yeast 2-Hybrid system. The Yeast 2-Hybrid experiments identified a strong and novel interaction between the transglutaminase moiety and protein kinase A anchor protein 13 (AKAP13), which was quantified by β-galactosidase assay, confirmed in vitro by immunoprecipitation experiments using PC3 prostate cancer cell lysates, and in vivo colocalization was confirmed by immunofluorescence studies in PC3 cells. Because AKAP plays a major role in protein kinase A and Rho protein mediated signaling, functional studies are underway to elucidate the significance of tTG-AKAP13 interaction in prostate cancer.     

Robotic transperitoneal detrusor myotomy: description of a novel technique

The da Vinci Surgical Robotic System has recently been added to the armamentarium of minimally invasive surgeon and has been shown to be useful to urologists in performing complex operations. We report the first case of detrusor myotomy performed using the da Vinci, describe the novel technique, and review the indications and published outcomes of detrusor myotomy to identify potential applications of this novel technique in patients with neurogenic bladder.