Antibody and clinical responses in volunteers to immunization with malaria peptide-diptheria toxoid conjugates.

Twenty residue peptides from the 185-200-kD and 45-kD merozoite surface antigens of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum were covalently linked to diphtheria toxoid as a carrier and used to immunize human volunteers with aluminium hydroxide as an adjuvant. Significant antibody levels were elicited by two boosting injections. The antibodies reacted with acetone-methanol fixed merozoite membranes in an immunofluorescence assay, but no inhibition of merozoite reinvasion could be detected in in vitro cultures containing the antibodies. Antibody levels against the immunizing peptides declined markedly within 77 days after the third injection. No hypersensitivity was observed against the peptides. However, the volunteers developed hypersensitivity against diphteria toxoid, and in particular a pronounced type III (Arthus) hypersensitivity after three injections with the toxoid. This effect might appear to limit the use of peptide-diphtheria toxoid conjugates for human immunization. Several biochemical, haematological and immunological tests done on the volunteers showed no other adverse effects from the immunizations.     

Relationship between serum copper and protein thiols in hyperlipidemic patients

Objective:To measure serum copper and protein thiols along with lipid profile in hyperlipidemic patients and to establish the relationship between serum copper,protein thiols and lipid profile parameters.Methods: The study group consisted of 26 newly diagnosed hyperlipidemic patients not associated with any other systemic diseases and 26 age and sex matched healthy controls.Fasting lipid profile was done by enzymatic method using automated analyzer.Serum copper and protein thiols were measured spectrophotometrically.Results: Serum copper and protein-SH levels were significantly decreased in cases(P<0.01,P<0.01) compared to controls.Serum copper correlated positively with protein thiols(r=0.800,P<0.01) and negatively with LDL cholesterol(r=-0.351 P<0.05).Conclusion: Serum copper and protein thiols were decreased in hyperlipidemia and they correlated positively indicating protective role of copper in preventing homocysteinylation of protein and hence in preventing atherosclerosis.     

Cerivastatin modulates antiatherogenic properties of high-density lipoproteins in patients with coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia

The effects of cerivastatin on antiatherogenic properties of high-density lipoproteins were studied in patients with coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia. Apart from hypolipidemic effects, cerivastatin changed the phospholipid composition of high-density lipoproteins and improved their cholesterol-acceptor properties. This effect was most pronounced in the serum from patients with low content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These data indicate that cerivastatin modulates antiatherogenic properties of high-density lipoproteins. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 10, pp. 433–436, October, 2000     

Mortality and treatment cost estimates for 1075 consecutive patients treated by a regional adult burn service over a five year period: The Liverpool experience

Objective

To assess the clinical outcomes and treatment costs of a regional adult burn service in northwest England.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data on a five year cohort of 1075 patients treated by the Mersey Regional Burn Service between 2006 and 2010 to obtain age-stratified mortality estimates based on the lethal area 50 (LA50) measure. Treatment cost estimates were made for a one year cohort of 262 patients treated between April 2011 and April 2012.

Results

44 (4.1%) of the five year cohort died; 36 had suffered flame burns. Our LA50 was 71.08 for the 15–44 age group, 56.64 for the 45–64 age group, and 28.82 for the 65 and over age group. Mean treatment costs associated with patients allocated to different burn-specific healthcare resource groups ranged from £2527.77 to £31,870.95. Detailed cost estimates for three patients ranged from £12,553.23 to £66,029.33.

Conclusion

The LA50 estimates for the Mersey Regional Burn Service compare favourably with previous reports in the literature. Our treatment costs were substantially lower compared to those reported previously in the United Kingdom. This study demonstrates that high quality and cost effective care can be delivered by a service that treats relatively few major burns (>70% TBSA).     

A Prospective Study Involving the Use of Platelet Rich Plasma in Enhancing the Uptake of Bone Grafts in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product that contains highly concentrated number of platelets in a small volume of plasma, derived from whole blood by gradient density centrifugation. It has been speculated that local growth factors in human platelets (insulin-like growth factor, IGF; transforming growth factor, TGF-β; platelet derived growth factor, PDGF) would enhance healing of grafts and also counteract resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of PRP on early healing after autogenous bone grafting. Of the twenty patients selected ten were treated with autogenous bone graft and PRP (PRP group) and other ten with autogenous bone graft alone (non-PRP group). PRP group consisted of two benign tumor of mandible, one post surgical defect, two unilateral alveolar cleft, one bilateral alveolar cleft with skeletal class III malocclusion, one maxillary hypoplasia, one oronasal fistula, one recurrent tumor of mandible, one multiple impacted mandibular teeth. Non-PRP group consisted of seven benign tumor of jaw, one keratocyst odontogenic tumor, one orbital blow out fracture, one residual traumatic defect. Biopsies were taken in the native bone, PRP treated grafted bone, grafted bone without PRP at 3 months to assess the maturity of bone. Radiographic imaging was performed by panoramic radiography at 3 and 6 months to evaluate bone opacity of grafted bone on comparison with native bone and computerized tomography at 6 months to evaluate grafted bone morphologically and to measure bone density in Hounsfield units. Microscopic results showed that significantly more matured bone was formed at PRP treated sites as that of native bone and immature bone in controls after 3 months of healing. Bone opacity of PRP treated bone grafts was close to that of native bone than that of non-PRP treated bone grafts on panoramic radiograph at 3 and 6 months. There was graft loss in three cases and graft resorption in one case of non-PRP treated bone grafts at 6 months. In PRP group the compact bone was clearly differentiated from cancellous bone as in native bone and thick in five cases, thin in five cases. In non-PRP group the compact bone was thin as a whole. Comparing native bone group and PRP group the CT value of PRP treated bone graft was more or less close to native bone group and comparing native bone group and non-PRP group CT value was low in non-PRP treated bone graft. Whereas when comparing PRP and non-PRP group CT value was higher in PRP group. Autologous PRP was a safe, biocompatible, effective, source for growth factors and carries no risk of transmissible diseases. It enhances and accelerates bone regeneration of autogenous bone grafts.     

A review of the evidence for and against thromboprophylaxis in total hip replacement

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after an unprotected total hip replacement (THR) is common and this review explores the balance between risks and benefits of thrombo-prophylaxis in protecting patients undergoing THR. A literature search for English publications was conducted on Medline & PubMed. Governance bodies and their guidelines were consulted. MESH terms included Deep Vein Thrombosis OR DVT AND Prophylaxis AND Hip AND/OR Surgery AND/OR Total Replacement OR Arthroplasty. THR results in significant risk of thrombo-embolic complications with studies showing that as many as one half of patients suffer from DVT post-operatively. Prophylactic treatments are used to reduce the incidence of DVT. However, there are also risks associated with the use of prophylaxis, including excessive bleeding and major cardio-vascular events. Further investigation is required to determine which patients should be given what prophylaxis and for how long post THR.     

Lung transplantation from donors after circulatory death using portable ex vivo lung perfusion

BACKGROUND:

Donation after circulatory death is a novel method of increasing the number of donor lungs available for transplantation. Using organs from donors after circulatory death has the potential to increase the number of transplants performed.

METHODS:

Three bilateral lung transplants from donors after circulatory death were performed over a six-month period. Following organ retrieval, all sets of lungs were placed on a portable ex vivo lung perfusion device for evaluation and preservation.

RESULTS:

Lung function remained stable during portable ex vivo perfusion, with improvement in partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratios. Mechanical ventilation was discontinued within 48 h for each recipient and no patient stayed in the intensive care unit longer than eight days. There was no postgraft dysfunction at 72 h in two of the three recipients. Ninety-day mortality for all recipients was 0% and all maintain excellent forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity values post-transplantation.

CONCLUSION:

The authors report excellent results with their initial experience using donors after circulatory death after portable ex vivo lung perfusion. It is hoped this will allow for the most efficient use of available donor lungs, leading to more transplants and fewer deaths for potential recipients on wait lists.