Differential surface marker expression in patients with CD-16+ lymphoproliferative disorders: in vivo model for NK differentiation

In this study, we report on three patients, each with a CD-16+ lymphoproliferative disorder. Peripheral blood lymphocyte from all three patients were evaluated for lymphocyte morphology, natural killer (NK) function, and surface marker expression. In addition, two-color flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine the phenotype of the CD-16+ cells. Our findings indicate that the presence of increased numbers of CD-16+ cells alone is not a good predictor of NK activity. However, we observed a differential expression of the HLA class II molecules DR and DQ on the CD-16+ cells obtained from these patients that was associated with NK function. Hence, a CD-16+, Leu-7-, Leu-19+ (NKH-1A) and HLA class II+ phenotype did correlate with NK function in contrast to a CD-16+, Leu-7+, Leu-19- (NKH-1A) and HLA class II- phenotype. Of importance was the fact that the CD-16+, HLA class II+ cells did not express CD-25 or TFR, nor did they mediate cytotoxicity against solid tumor targets, suggesting that these CD-16+ cells are not activated. Thus, in contrast to previous studies of NK ontogeny that utilized in vitro activated NK cells, studies of patients with CD-16+ lymphoproliferative disorders may provide an alternative approach for examining NK differentiation.     

Occult abdominal wall peristomal abscess following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

This case report describes the complication of peristomal abscess formation associated with the insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The formation of a peristomal anterior abdominal wall abscess in this patient was associated with the failure to give prophylactic antibiotics. The development of this potentially fatal complication may be avoided by strict observance of insertion protocols. This case was treated by removal of the gastrostomy tube after diagnosis which allowed drainage of the abscess. In similar cases of occult abscess formation, where symptoms are present but signs are absent, ultrasonography may be useful in diagnosis.     

The Warm Homes for Health project: exploring the cost-effectiveness of improving population health through better housing

Housing has a major effect on the health and wellbeing of individuals. There are an estimated 40 000 more deaths in the UK during the coldest months of the year (December to March) than during the rest of the year. Two-thirds of these excess deaths are related to dangerously cold homes. An estimated 20% of the National Health Service clinical budget is spent on avoidable illness (such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease) caused or exacerbated by issues such as poor housing. Housing modifications to improve warmth and damp can help to improve population health. At present there are no data on the cost-effectiveness of improving the warmth of homes through housing modification. The Warm Homes for Health project is a collaboration between public health economists at Bangor University and UK housing providers Gentoo Green and Nottingham City Homes. The project will measure the effect of housing improvements on the health, quality of life, and wellbeing of residents in some of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of the UK.Data will be collected from occupants of retrofitted homes. We will collect data at baseline before housing modification installation and then 6 and 12 months after installation. Outcome measures will include the EQ-5D (for health related quality of life) and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. We will also collect individual health and social service use data. We will explore how a cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for housing modification can be calculated for the purpose of comparing relative cost-effectiveness with medical interventions and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20 000 to £30 000 per QALY. We will produce an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to examine the incremental cost and quality of life effects of housing improvements. We will use independent t tests between individuals to test the hypothesis that different housing improvements have different effects on quality of life. If we require additional analysis of subgroups we will use one-way repeated measures and between-groups ANOVAs with ad-hoc comparisons. Sensitivity analyses will be used to test uncertainty.We aim to establish whether housing improvements are a cost-effective approach to improving population health. The project is currently ongoing, so there are no results to report.FundingThe Warm Homes for Health project is jointly funded by Gentoo Green and Nottingham City Homes. The funders are also represented on the research team and have provided input into the design of the study, recruitment, data collection, and follow-up.     

Low levels of polymorphism at novel microsatellite loci developed for bathyergid mole-rats from South Africa

Eight microsatellite markers were developed for African mole-rats using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol and pyrosequencing. The markers were developed in Bathyergus suillus and applied to a selection of individuals from seven related taxa: Bathyergus janetta, Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus, C. h. pretoriae, Fukomys damarensis, F. darlingi, F. mechowii and Georychus capensis. The markers displayed low to moderate variation with allele numbers ranging between one and six per species. We propose that larger repeat numbers at di-, tri- and tetranucleotide repeat loci generally yield higher levels of polymorphism.     

Fructose: Pure,White, and Deadly? Fructose,by Any Other Name,Is a Health Hazard

The worldwide consumption of sucrose, and thus fructose, has risen logarithmically since 1800. Many concerns about the health hazards of calorie-sweetened beverages, including soft drinks and fruit drinks and the fructose they provide, have been voiced over the past 10 years. These concerns are related to higher energy intake, risk of obesity, risk of diabetes, risk of cardiovascular disease, risk of gout in men, and risk of metabolic syndrome. Fructose appears to be responsible for most of the metabolic risks, including high production of lipids, increased thermogenesis, and higher blood pressure associated with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Some claim that sugar is natural, but natural does not assure safety.