A microprocessor-controlled tracheal insufflation-assisted total liquid ventilation system

A prototype time cycled, constant volume, closed circuit perfluorocarbon (PFC) total liquid ventilator system is described. The system utilizes microcontroller-driven display and master control boards, gear motor pumps, and three-way solenoid valves to direct flow. A constant tidal volume and functional residual capacity (FRC) are maintained with feedback control using end-expiratory and end-inspiratory stop-flow pressures. The system can also provide a unique continuous perfusion (bias flow, tracheal insufflation) through one lumen of a double-lumen endotracheal catheter to increase washout of dead space liquid. FRC and arterial blood gases were maintained during ventilation with Rimar 101 PFC over 2–3 h in normal piglets and piglets with simulated pulmonary edema induced by instillation of albumin solution. Addition of tracheal insufflation flow significantly improved the blood gases and enhanced clearance of instilled albumin solution during simulated edema.     

Potts Anastomosis for Children with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension

Mortality in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is high, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. A surgical approach consisting in the creation of anastomosis between descending aorta and left pulmonary artery, the Potts shunt, has been proposed to decompress right ventricle. We reported two cases of severe idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in children with right heart failure refractory to medical treatment who benefited of Potts shunt.     

Inhibition of the binding of HCV serum particles to human hepatocytes by E1E2‐specific D32.10 monoclonal antibody

The aim of this study was to determine the inhibition of binding activity of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) D32.10 which recognizes a highly conserved discontinuous antigenic determinant (E1:297–306, E2:480–494, and E2:613–621) expressed on the surface of serum‐derived HCV particles (HCVsp) of genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 3a. To this end, an in vitro direct cell‐binding assay based on the attachment of radiolabeled HCVsp was developed, and Scatchard plots were used to analyze ligand–receptor binding data. HCV adsorption was also assessed by quantitating cell‐associated viral RNA by a real‐time RT‐PCR method. Saturable concentration‐dependent specific binding of HCVsp to Huh‐7 or HepaRG cells was demonstrated. The Scatchard transformed data showed two‐site interaction for Huh‐7 and proliferative HepaRG cells: the high‐affinity binding sites (K_d1 = 0.1–0.5 µg/ml) and the low‐affinity binding sites (K_d1 = 5–10 µg/ml), and one‐site high‐affinity binding model between E1E2/D32.10‐positive HCVsp and hepatocyte‐like differentiated HepaRG cells. The E1E2‐specific mAb D32.10 inhibited efficiently (>60%) and selectively the binding with an IC₅₀ ≤0.5 µg/ml in all the experimental approaches using serum HCV of genotype either 3 or 1b. This supports the involvement of the E1E2/D32.10 discontinuous antigenic determinant in the interactions between human hepatocytes and HCVsp, and suggests that D32.10‐like antibodies present in sera from patients infected with HCV could play a protective role. J. Med. Virol. 81:1726–1733, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

New trends in dual 5-LOX/COX inhibition

Dual inhibitors are drugs able to block both the COX and the 5-LOX metabolic pathways. The interest of developing such compounds is supported by a large number of pharmacological studies. Compared to COX or LOX pathways single inhibitors, dual inhibitors present at least two major advantages. First, dual inhibitors, by acting on the two major arachidonic acid metabolic pathways, possess a wide range of anti-inflammatory activity. Secondly, dual inhibitors appear to be almost exempt from gastric toxicity, which is the most troublesome side effect of COX inhibitors. The mechanism of their gastric-sparing properties is not completely understood, although it has been demonstrated that leukotrienes significantly contribute to the gastric epithelial injury. Finally, both COX and LOX derivatives (prostanoids and leukotrienes, respectively) are involved in other diseases than inflammation such as cancer proliferation where the use of dual inhibitors could be an interesting approach.