Repetitive Thoughts and Repetitive Behaviors in Williams Syndrome

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - The purpose of the study was to characterize repetitive phenomena in Williams syndrome (WS). The parents of 60 subjects with WS completed the...     

CTOTC-08: A multicenter randomized controlled trial of rituximab induction to reduce antibody development and improve outcomes in pediatric lung transplant recipients

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of pediatric lung transplant recipients, hypothesizing that rituximab plus rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin induction would reduce de novo donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies (DSA) development and improve outcomes. We serially obtained clinical data, blood, and respiratory samples for at least one year posttransplant. We analyzed peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry, serum for antibody development, and respiratory samples for viral infections using multiplex PCR. Of 45 subjects enrolled, 34 were transplanted and 27 randomized to rituximab (n = 15) or placebo (n = 12). No rituximab-treated subjects versus five placebo-treated subjects developed de novo DSA with mean fluorescence intensity >2000. There was no difference between treatment groups in time to the primary composite outcome endpoint (death, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome [BOS] grade 0-p, obliterative bronchiolitis or listing for retransplant). A post-hoc analysis substituting more stringent chronic lung allograft dysfunction criteria for BOS 0-p showed no difference in outcome (p = .118). The incidence of adverse events including infection and rejection episodes was no different between treatment groups. Although the study was underpowered, we conclude that rituximab induction may have prevented early DSA development in pediatric lung transplant recipients without adverse effects and may improve outcomes (Clinical Trials: NCT02266888).     

Repletion of antioxidant status by EGCG and retardation of oxidative damage induced macromolecular anomalies in aged rats

Ageing is defined as the loss of ability to maintain cellular homeostasis of an organism associated with the free radical-elicited oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the key component of green tea catechins on attenuating the age associated oxidative perturbances by assessing the redox status in mitotic (liver) and post-mitotic (skeletal muscle) tissues of young and aged rats. From the results, we observed an increase in the marker for oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content in aged rats, when compared to young rats. This was accompanied with decreased levels of both enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants and redox index. On supplementation with EGCG (100 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage for 30 days), the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content were significantly decreased in aged rats, possibly by enhancing the GSH redox status, and both enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants status. In conclusion, this study supports the beneficial effect of EGCG in alleviating oxidative disturbances in ageing and retard the age associated derangements in both mitotic and post-mitotic tissues.     

Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in HIV-infected patients in Malaysia using a molecular approach

This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in HIV-infected patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Stool specimens were collected from HIV infected patients who were admitted to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Malaysia, for various indications from December 2004 to December 2005. A modified acid-fast stain was performed on the direct stool smears, then the stool specimens were further tested using nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium parvum, with a built-in internal control (IC). Out of 59 samples, 11 were positives. Nested PCR identified a total of nine samples (16%) compared to microscopy, which identified only three samples. All PCR negative results showed IC amplicons, suggesting that these samples were true negatives and were not due to inhibition of PCR. This study highlights the importance of molecular diagnosis in determining the true prevalence and epidemiology of C. parvum.     

High-performance thin layer chromatography method for estimation of conessine in herbal extract and pharmaceutical dosage formulations

A new, simple, sensitive, precise and robust high-performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed for the estimation of conessine in herbal extracts and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Analysis of conessine was performed on TLC aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F-254 as stationary phase. Linear ascending development was carried out in twin trough glass chamber saturated with mobile phase consisting of toluene-ethylacetate-diethyl amine (6.5:2.5:1, v/v/v) at room temperature (25+/-2 degrees C). After derivatized the plate with modified Dragendroff's reagent, Camag TLC scanner III was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis of the plate in absorbance mode at 520 nm. The system was found to give compact spots for conessine (Rf value of 0.82). The data for calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2=0.9998 in the concentration range of 1-10 microg with respect to peak area. The present method was validated for precision and recovery. The limits of detection and quantification were determined. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the method is reproducible and selective for estimation of conessine.     

Screen-detected breast lesions with an indeterminate (B3) core needle biopsy should be excised

Background

Screen-detected breast lesions in the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) are assessed by core needle biopsy (CB) or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Most core biopsies are diagnostic and representative, but a small proportion is indeterminate (coded “B3” in the NHSBSP). We studied the surgical outcome of screen-detected breast lesions with indeterminate (B3) CB.

Methods

We retrieved and analysed the data on women who were recalled for assessment of a screen-detected abnormality in whom the initial CB was reported as B3 over a six-year period from a prospectively collected database in one breast screening centre. The main outcome measure was final histology following surgical excision.

Results

Among 4080 CB performed, 220 (5.4%) were B3. Mammographically 127 lesions were microcalcifications and 88 were soft tissue lesions. On surgical excision (n = 199, 90%), 67 (34%) were malignant. In patients with malignancy, clinical examination, US and concurrent FNAC were either suspicious or definitive of malignancy only in 2%, 4% and 7%, respectively.

Conclusion

A third of screen-detected breast lesions with indeterminate CB are malignant on excision. Clinical examination, US, and FNAC may identify some of these carcinomas pre-operatively but most malignancies would not be picked up. Thus, these lesions should undergo surgical excision.     

Attenuation of senescence-induced oxidative exacerbations in aged rat brain by (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon which involves free radicals and oxidative stress. Brain is more susceptible and vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high-polyunsaturated fatty acid content and high rate of aerobic metabolism. Since the antioxidant defense system is diminished during aging, antioxidant supplementation might be a protective strategy against age-associated oxidative damage. The present study evaluates the antioxidant potential of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol present in green tea against age-associated oxidative damage in rat brain. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were used in the study. Group I (young) and Group II (aged) rats received saline alone orally for 30 days. Group III (young) and Group IV (aged) rats received EGCG (2mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 30 days. Antioxidant status and oxidative damage were assessed. EGCG brought about an augmentation in the activities of enzymic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and improved the non-enzymic antioxidants like tocopherol, ascorbic acid and glutathione. EGCG ameliorated the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. Thus, EGCG has emerged out as a good antioxidant neutraceutical and a neuroprotective agent in alleviating the age-associated oxidative damage in aged rat brain.     

Measurement of Backscattered Radiation from Secondary Collimator Jaws into the Beam Monitor Chamber from a Dual Energy Linear Accelerator

AIM: The photons and electrons backscattered from the upper and lower secondary collimator jaws give rise to a significant increase in the ion charge measured by the monitor chamber, and this increase varies between different accelerators. We have studied the effect of backscatter into the monitor chamber at 6 MV and 18 MV photon energies for the linear accelerator Clinac-1800. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The variation of the output factor was first studied for variable asymmetric fields of fixed field size defined by variable right upper collimator jaw together with a variable Cerrobend block low melting point alloy, with constant lower jaw position. Output measurements were carried out at Dmax in a polystyrene phantom at the geometric center of the asymmetric field. The backscatter radiation effect was also analyzed applying a pair of 20 x 20 x 7.5 cm Cerrobend alloy blocks with 6.0 mm diameter pin-holes in the center aligned telescopically with the field defining light beam. The ion chamber with build-up cap was placed at 25 cm behind the second pin-hole. The in air measurements were made varying upper and lower collimators individually and together. For comparison, a similar study was conducted in a Theratron-780C cobalt-60 beam. RESULTS: In the asymmetric field experiment it was noticed that till the collimator jaw crosses the midline, the output factor is almost constant for 6 and 18 MV photon beams. For extreme field asymmetry, the decreases in output factor were 3.2% and 4.3% for 6 and 18 MV, respectively. The telescopic experiment demonstrated 4.0% and 3.9% reduction in output factor for 6 and 18 MV beams when only the upper jaws were varied. Field definition by the lower jaws only reduced the output factor by 3.3% and 3% for 6 and 18 MV photon beams. For square fields achieved by both the jaws, the output factor variation was similar to that achieved with the upper collimator for both energies. Cobalt-60 measurements with the telescopic arrangement did not show significant dependency of output with field variation, provided that the field-dependent scatter from source capsule and collimator jaws is excluded. CONCLUSION: From this study a maximum reduction of 4% and 4.3% in dose delivery was observed for 6 MV and 18 MV photon beams due to backscattered radiation originating mainly from upper collimator reaching the beam monitor chamber. For asymmetric fields it is felt that direct output measurement is more reliable in order to avoid errors in output factor due to radiation backscattered from the collimator jaws into beam monitor chamber.     

Pilot randomized controlled study of preservation or division of ilioinguinal nerve in open mesh repair of inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty as to whether preservation or elective division of the ilioinguinal nerve influences pain and sensory loss following inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: In 20 men with primary bilateral inguinal hernias undergoing open tension-free mesh repair, the sides (right or left) were randomized for preservation or division of the ilioinguinal nerve. Patients were reviewed on day 1, 4 weeks and 6 months after operation. Any pain or numbness, as well as any loss of sensation in the area supplied by the nerve, was recorded. RESULTS: No significant difference was seen in pain or numbness between the divided and preserved sides. Sensory loss detected by clinical examination was more common following the division of the nerve compared with preservation. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of a small sample size, elective division of the ilioinguinal nerve during inguinal hernia repair does not appear to be associated with a significant increase in postoperative symptoms.