Tropism of herpes simplex virus type 1 to nonmelanoma skin cancers

Background Current treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancer include surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, local chemotherapy and application of immunomodulators such as imiquimod. However, all have a 5‐year recurrence rate of 1–40%. Gene therapy for the treatment of skin cancers is a promising new approach, as delivery of the vectors to the skin is simple and safety issues can be properly addressed. Objectives To develop an ex‐vivo organ culture system for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumours, and to test the feasibility of applying oncolytic viruses to these tumours. Methods We first optimized conditions for the maintenance of BCC and SCC tissues in organ culture, and demonstrated viability of the tissues ex vivo for 3–7 days. The tropism of two potential oncolytic viral vectors, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and adenovirus (AD), was next evaluated. Results Immunohistological analysis revealed that HSV‐1 targeted tumour cells that expressed p63 and did not express keratin 15 or keratin 14 markers of keratinocytes. Further examination indicated that uninfected BCC and SCC tissues express two isoforms of p63 mRNA, and HSV‐1 infection specifically enhanced expression of the TAp63 isoform. Furthermore, following infection, both HSV‐1 and AD induced apoptosis in the BCC and SCC cells as indicated by the induction of activated caspase‐3. Conclusions The results indicated a specific pattern of viral tropism to skin cancer cells that are critical for maintenance of the tumour. This new experimental system should aid in the analysis of new therapeutic modalities, such as oncolytic viruses, for future treatment of these skin tumours.     

Respiratory viral infection in lower airways of asymptomatic children

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if asthmatic children have viruses more commonly detected in lower airways during asymptomatic periods than normal children. Methods: Fifty‐five asymptomatic children attending elective surgical procedures (14 with stable asthma, 41 normal controls) underwent non‐bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage. Differential cell count and PCR for 13 common viruses were performed. Results: Nineteen (35%) children were positive for at least one virus, with adenovirus being most common. No differences in the proportion of viruses detected were seen between asthmatic and normal ‘control’ children. Viruses other than adenovirus were associated with higher neutrophil counts, suggesting that they caused an inflammatory response in both asthmatics and controls (median BAL neutrophil count, 6.9% for virus detected vs. 1.5% for virus not detected, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Over one‐third of asymptomatic children have a detectable virus (most commonly adenovirus) in the lower airway; however, this was not more common in asthmatics. Viruses other than adenovirus were associated with elevated neutrophils suggesting that viral infection can be present during relatively asymptomatic periods in asthmatic children.     

Spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions related to oral anticoagulants in the Czech Republic

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - Background Oral anticoagulants are established drugs of choice for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events. However, monitoring their...     

Colorectal Cancer Screening Among American Indians in a Pacific Northwest Tribe: Cowlitz Tribal BRFSS Project, 2009–2010

Objectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is low among American Indians (AIs). We describe the demographics, health status, prevalence of modifiable CRC risk factors, and use of CRC screening modalities in a Pacific Northwest AI tribe.

Methods

We conducted a survey among Cowlitz tribal members using a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questionnaire. We analyzed demographic, health status, behavioral risk factor, and CRC screening variables. Using the Washington State 2010 BRFSS, we compared tribal members with non-Hispanic white (NHW) people. We used logistic regression to examine factors associated with CRC screening for tribal members.

Results

A greater proportion of tribal members than NHW people reported living below the federal poverty level (12% vs. 7%, p=0.013). A greater proportion of tribal members than NHW people aged ≥50 years had poor self-reported health (27% vs. 16%, p=0.006) and were without health insurance (12% vs. 6%, p=0.004). A greater proportion of tribal members than NHW people had a fecal occult blood test within the past year (20% vs. 13%, p=0.006). Being 60–69 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4, 4.9), ≥70 years of age (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.1, 4.5), and having a personal health-care provider (OR=3.7, 95% CI 1.4, 9.6) were associated with increased screening adherence in tribal members.

Conclusion

Data from the Cowlitz Tribal BRFSS demonstrate that members are receiving CRC screening in the same proportions as NHW people despite lower sociodemographic and health status indicators among members. Unique characteristics of the tribe likely contribute to this finding.Cancer is the second leading cause of death among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people; cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.¹ Overall, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer among AI/ANs behind prostate and lung cancer for men and breast and lung cancer for women.^2,3 In the most recent “Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer,” the incidence of CRC decreased among men and women in all racial/ethnic groups except AI/ANs.⁴Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the incidence of CRC is lower for AI/AN people than for those in other racial/ethnic groups.⁵ However, regional diversity in CRC incidence and racial misclassification can bias these nationwide estimates.^3,6,7 One strategy to overcome these biases is to link Indian Health Service (IHS) records with state cancer registries. Using the linkage strategy, researchers in the Pacific Northwest have found that the incidence of CRC is greater, and “one- and five-year CRC-related survival is lower among Pacific Northwest AI/ANs than among non-Hispanic white (NHW) people”⁷ (Unpublished thesis. Peterson PS. Colorectal cancer survival among American Indian and Alaska Native people in the Pacific Northwest. Oregon Health and Science University, 2011). Thus, investigations are needed to understand CRC screening patterns in this region, as well as barriers to screening that are unique to these tribal communities.Self-reported history of CRC screening is lower among AI/ANs than among NHW people.⁸ IHS Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) data indicate improvement in CRC screening adherence among AI/ANs nationwide; however, these numbers are significantly lower than the Healthy People 2020 target of 70.5%.^9,10 According to GPRA 2010 data, the percentage of CRC screening adherence among IHS tribal users in the Pacific Northwest aged ≥50 years was 38%.¹⁰CRC screening behaviors vary regionally and are influenced by a complex set of sociodemographic, health-care-access, and cultural factors.^11–13 Among Northern Plain and Southwest AIs, Perdue et al. found an inverse association between cultural identity measures and screening by endoscopy or colonoscopy, but no trend with fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs).¹¹ In a study conducted in Alaska and the Southwest, researchers demonstrated that age >60 years, state of residence, urban residence, higher education, family history of CRC, former smoking, multiple medical conditions, English language spoken at home, and higher income were factors associated with an increase in age-appropriate CRC screening.¹² In another study conducted among AIs in North Carolina, self-rated health status, nonsmoking, and physical activity were associated with CRC screening.¹³While progress has been made, disparities persist in CRC screening, incidence of CRC cases, and CRC-related mortality in AI/ANs nationwide, including in the Pacific Northwest.^2–10 To date, no published research has addressed factors associated with CRC screening in Pacific Northwest tribes. The Cowlitz Tribal Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Project 2009–2010 provided a unique opportunity to investigate the health information of a tribe that has not been previously studied and to gain a better understanding of factors associated with cancer screening behaviors in this at-risk population.     

水体中克雷伯菌属的分布及其在水源性急性肠道感染中的价值

俄罗斯不同气候地区不同功能水体中克雷伯菌属广泛分布。克雷伯菌属可见于遭受生物、化学污染的集中供水的地表水源,无防护的地下蓄水层,缺乏有效清洁、消毒系统的饮用水。研究表明,水体中的克雷伯菌属具有致病性和毒性,对现代药物和消毒剂(氯、紫外线)具有抗性,很容易穿透进入地下蓄水层。克雷伯菌属细菌有很强的致病性(粘附力、侵袭力、磷酸酯酶、卵磷脂酶、脱氧核糖核酸酶、溶血活性),含有致病性遗传标记cnf-1。克雷伯菌属(100 CFU/dm³)可引起急性肠道感染。在不检测总大肠菌群的情况下,检测水体尤其是饮用水中的克雷伯菌属,可以评估所用水的流行病学危险。     

Duration of temporary disability of patients after selective proximal vagotomy

The investigation of factual terms of temporary invalidity after selective proximal vagotomy without draining operations of the stomach in a number of regions of the Ukrainian SSR has shown their considerable variability (56.4 +/- 13.8 days). Under observation were 178 patients. It has been established that normal indices of homeostasis, functions of the gastro-intestinal tract, regeneration of the postoperative scar and recovery of their physical labour capacity is taking place during 30-33 days. Criteria for the determination of terms of temporary invalidity after selective proximal vagotomy for the ulcer disease of the duodenum have been elaborated.     

Incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in pregnant patients in Vienna

Pregnant women were examined for chlamydia trachomatis-infection on a routine basis during a multicentric study in Vienna. Samples were taken from the cervix and fornix between the 30th and 34th week pregnancy. FTIC-conjugated monoclonal antibodies and immunofluorescence techniques were used to verify chlamydia trachomatis. Out of 1238 pregnant women, 101 (8.16%) were positive for chlamydia trachomatis. Since chlamydia infections can result in severe local or generalized complications and also spread to the newborn baby, screening investigations should be regularly performed during pregnancy and, if indicated, adequate treatment undertaken.