Cellular immunophenotypes in human embryonic, fetal and adult heart

The cellular immunoprofile of cardiac dysfunctions and lesions of ischemic etiology are insufficiently studied to date, especially regarding the contribution of non-cardiomyocytic structures. Aiming to explore this immunoprofile, we used immunohistochemistry applied on embryonic, fetal and adult normal or ischemic myocardium. We observed a decrease of smooth muscle alpha-actin expression in fetal vs. embryonic cardiomyocytes, its absence in normal adult myocardium and its intense expression in the fibrotic scars of ischemic myocardium. DDR2 and vimentin, which are present in the interstitial cells and cardiomyocytes of the embryo, fetus and normal adult heart, are absent in the fibrotic scar tissue and cicatricial infarction, the latter expressing smooth muscle alpha-actin and CD34. This suggested that myofibroblasts and not local fibroblasts that participate in ischemic remodeling. An EGFR-positive vascular network was better represented in the ischemic heart than in the adult normal one, a fact possibly related to EGFR implication in cardiac ischemic pre- and post-conditioning. Therefore, cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytic cells have an undulating immunoprofile according to the intrauterine life stage or age after birth, and a variable contribution in cardiac lesions, mostly in ischemic ones.     

Inflammatory reaction in chronic periodontopathies in patients with diabetes mellitus. Histological and immunohistochemical study

Chronic periodontopathies and diabetes mellitus are two clinical entities, which reciprocally condition one another. The periodontal disease is considered a major complication, which induces an unfavorable evolution of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease which favors the occurrence of periodontopathy through gum's microvascular disorders, the selection and development of an aggressive bacterial plaque and through an exaggerate inflammatory response to the microflora within the oral cavity. Both diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease have an increasing incidence in the whole world. Development of periodontopathy is related to the aggression of bacterial flora in dental plaque, flora that is influenced on its turn by the evolution of diabetes mellitus. In our study, we have evaluated the inflammatory reaction in periodontium in patients with slowly and progressive periodontitis in patients with diabetes mellitus who had diabetes longer than five years. It has been found that all patients presented a chronic inflammatory infiltrate, abundant, with round mononuclear cells of lymphocyte, plasma cells and macrophage type, with non-homogenous arrangement, more intensely where the covering epithelium presented erosions or necrotic areas. Out of the immunity system cells, the most numerous where of T-lymphocytes type.     

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs during third trimester and the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are increasingly being used during pregnancy to treat a variety of conditions. An evaluation of the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus is useful in determining the safety of NSAIDs at different stages of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether NSAID use during the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of MEDLINE (1966-2004), Embase (1980-2004), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1991-2004). Summary estimates of the odds ratios, comparing ductal outcomes in exposed and unexposed fetuses, and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated assuming a random effects model. RESULTS: Based on 217 patients exposed to indomethacin and 221 to placebo, the risk of ductal closure was 15-fold higher in the group of women exposed to NSAIDs compared with those receiving either placebo or other NSAIDs (8 studies; OR = 15.04, 95% CI 3.29 to 68.68). There was no significant increased risk of ductal closure in the infants of women treated with indomethacin compared with those receiving other drugs (4 studies; OR = 2.12, 95% CI 0.48 to 9.25). Similar results were found when calculating rate differences. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term use of NSAIDs in late pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in the risk of premature ductal closure.     

Reversible cardiogenic shock following 5-Fluorouracil infusion

5-fluorouracil remains a major component of chemotherapy regimens for various tumors. We report the case of reversible cardiogenic shock following 5-FU administration and discuss the different pitfalls of such toxicity. Oncologist should be aware of that rare but potentially lethal adverse event.     

Drug related deaths between 2008 and 2011. A retrospective study in 32 Romanian counties

The purpose of this study is to determine the pattern of drug related deaths in Romania between 2008 and 2011 by analyzing the medical-legal cases, from a significant proportion of Romanian Counties (out of 41 plus the capital), in which the direct causal link between drug overdose and death was drug related. Material and methods. 446 forensic toxicology cases were analyzed in a four year period, obtained from more than two thirds of the counties in Romania. Results. 54.26% yielded a positive toxicological analysis, most often with benzodiazepines, opiates, barbiturates and cannabinoids. Males around 31 years old represented the most affected group. Illegal drug related deaths were more frequent in males and non-illegal drug related deaths were proportionally more frequent in females. Discussions and conclusions. The pattern of consumption is similar to the one obtained by similar studies in neighboring countries. The city capital has a very distinct pattern of consumption compared to other cities/counties.     

The roots of evil: the amazing history of trichinellosis and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichinella</Emphasis> parasites

This review aims to investigate, from a historical point of view, the roots of the Trichinella pathogens and the disease they produce, beginning from the times first recorded in the Bible and continuing until the scientific mysteries of the pathogen were finally unveiled. Our journey sheds light on “strange” epidemics developing before the discovery of the parasite and bearing a clinical similitude to trichinellosis; it follows the controversies that erupted after the nineteenth century discovery of the parasite and the subsequent official outbreaks, and then examines the pioneering methods used for its visualization. Finally, it tries to reveal the possible relationship of trichinellosis with the arts. Furthermore, it seems that the saga of the helminth, “destined to remain with us, both in nature and in the laboratory,” will continue to haunt and fascinate scientists from both developing and developed countries, as they try to answer new questions about the parasite's “evil” nature.     

Effect of obesity treatments on eating behavior: psychosocial interventions versus surgical interventions. A systematic review

Objective

(1) To use available research data to estimate the amount of change in eating behavior following obesity treatment; (2) To examine how this change relates to the amount of change in weight loss after treatment and at follow up. A meta-analysis was conducted in September 2009.

Methods

Studies were identified through a computer search of articles in the PubMed and PsychInfo databases. Key terms entered were obesity, treatment, and eating behavior. Effect sizes (Glass d) were calculated according to published procedures.

Results

Eighteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, grouped into two categories: psychosocial interventions and surgical interventions. For psychosocial interventions, we found a medium effect size on eating behavior (d = .73, CI = (.66, .90)), and a low effect size on weight (d = .32, CI = (.28, .36)) at posttreatment and a low effect size for both outcomes at follow-up (for eating behavior d = .47, CI = (.45, .49), for weight d = .37, (CI = .18, .56)). For surgical interventions we found large effect sizes on both outcomes (for eating behavior d = 1.84, CI = (1.26, 2.42); for weight d = 1.40, CI = (1.25, 1.65)).

Conclusions

Surgical interventions have superior results to psychosocial interventions, on both weight loss and eating behavior. Implications for treatment of obesity are discussed.     

Pentosidine in chronic hemodialysis patients: relation with arteriovenous fistula morphology and function

International Urology and Nephrology - It has been suggested that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in atherogenesis, vascular calcification and remodeling, including neointimal...