In vivo action of Vanillin on delay time determined by magnetic relaxation

The antisickling action on polymerization of 4-hydroxy-3-metoxybenzaldehyde (Vanillin) was demonstrated in vivo in a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical therapeutic trial performed in 30 patients (11 belonging to the control group), through the increment of the delay time (td). The td was observed in the kinetic curve of the polymerization of the Hb S solution at 26 degrees C and pH 7.4. The kinetics of the Hb S aliquots was monitored by measuring the proton spin-spin magnetic relaxation time (T2) at 4 MHz. The kinetic curve families of the control group showed similarities and the td values remained constant during the 8 weeks of the study. This was not so for the patients treated with Vanillin, for which the td increased on average 1.6 times. On the other hand, the relative variation of drepanocytes observed by the Simple Test decreased 24.50% Both results indicate a decrease in the effectiveness of the polymerization process.     

Spondylodiskitis caused by Candida albicans. Report of two new cases

Recently, candidiasis infection is on the increase and several factors have been associated, such us immunodepression, catheters, weakening diseases, prolonged antibiotherapy, HIV infection and IDU. Spondylodiskitis due to Candida sp. is a rare entity. Two cases of spondylodiskitis due to Candida albicans were diagnosed: a 29 year old man and a 35 year old woman. Both were IDUs with a previous history of HIV infection. The most prominent clinical features in both cases were pain, fever and constitutional syndrome. We describe the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of both cases.     

Liver transplantation from maastricht category 2 non-heart-beating donors: a source to increase the donor pool?

INTRODUCTION: The demand for liver transplantation has increasingly exceeded the supply of cadaver donor organs. Non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs) may be an alternative to increase the cadaver donor pool. The outcome of 20 liver transplants from Maastricht category 2 NHBD was compared with that of 40 liver transplants from heart-beating donors (HBDs). After unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cardiopulmonary support with simultaneous application of chest and abdominal compression (CPS; n = 6) or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB; n = 14) was used to maintain the donors. RESULTS: At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, actuarial patient and graft survival rates with livers from Maastricht category 2 NHBD were 80% and 55%, respectively. Transplantation of organs from these donors was associated with a significantly higher incidence of primary nonfunction, biliary complications, and more severe initial liver dysfunction compared with organs from HBDs. The graft survival rates was 83% for livers from NHBDs preserved with CPS and 42% in those maintained with CPB.     

Immunogenicity and safety in infants of a DTwPHib full liquid vaccine

Aim: Combining paediatric vaccines is a rational solution to reduce the number of injections during a single clinical visit, to maintain parents' compliance and to extend vaccine coverage. Different diphtheria, tetanus and whole cell pertussis (DTwP)-containing combination vaccines are licensed and used world-wide. This study assessed the immunogenicity and safety in infants of a combined diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis-Haemophilus influenzae type b-CRM₁₉₇ conjugate full liquid vaccine. Methods: The safety and efficacy of a combined ready-to-use liquid vaccine containing diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, cell suspension of Bordetella pertussis and H. influenzae type b-CRM₁₉₇ conjugate vaccine (DTwPHib) were assessed in infants eligible for the local Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Valencia, Spain. The comparative group received separate injections of reference vaccines DTwP + Hib. Results: Local and systemic reactions and adverse events were generally mild and similar in the two groups. DTwPHib elicited anti-PRP antibody titres ≥0.15 μg ml^-1 in 97% and DTwP + Hib in 94% of infants. Furthermore, 89% of DTwPHib and 78% of DTwP + Hib recipients attained anti-PRP antibody titres ≥1.0 μg ml^-1, signifying long-term protection. The anti-PRP geometric mean titre was significantly higher in the combined DTwPHib vaccine group (6.65 vs 3.57 μg ml^-1). In both groups, 99% of infants achieved protective (≥0.01 IU ml^-1) anti-diphtheria antibody levels and all children achieved protective (≥0.1 IU ml^-1) anti-tetanus antibody levels. DTwPHib caused a ≥2-fold increase in anti-pertactin antibody titres in 91% and a ≥4-fold increase in 82% of recipients. The corresponding proportions in the DTwP + Hib group were 95% and 90%. DTwPHib induced a ≥2-fold increase in anti-Aggl2 and 3 antibody levels in 79% and a ≥4-fold increase in 73% of recipients. The corresponding proportions among DTwP + Hib infants were 85 and 82%. Conclusion: Overall, the combined liquid vaccine DTwPHib is a safe and effective immunogenic vaccine for EPI use in infants.