Bispecific-armed, interferon gamma-primed macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

To show that macrophages can be effectively targeted against malignant B cells, bispecific antibodies (BsAb) were constructed from two antibodies having specificity for the high-affinity Fc receptor for IgG (Fc gamma RI/CD64) and the B-cell differentiation antigens CD19 and CD37. Using a flow cytometry-based assay and confocal imaging, we show that these constructs mediated significant phagocytosis of B lymphocytes by macrophages that could be enhanced with interferon gamma (IFN gamma) and IFN gamma in combination with macrophage colony- stimulating factor. BsAb-dependent phagocytosis was triggered through Fc gamma RI and could be blocked only by using F(ab')2 fragments from the parent molecule or by cross-linking Fc gamma RI. BsAb-dependent phagocytosis was not blocked by antibodies to the other Fc receptors, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII. Because these antibody constructs bind to an epitope outside the Fc gamma RI ligand binding site, we show that autologous serum, polyclonal IgG, and monomeric IgG1 did not block BsAb- dependent phagocytosis, whereas autologous serum and the IgG fractions blocked parent molecule monoclonal antibody-dependent phagocytosis due to the avid binding of monomeric IgG to Fc gamma RI. Finally, BsAb- mediated phagocytosis was effective against the malignant B cells of patients with mantle cell lymphoma, prolymphocytic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Based on these studies, we propose that BsAbs may provide an effective means of immunomodulation for patients with B-cell malignancies.     

Initial experience of using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for guiding balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV)

Background and aimsBMV is an established treatment for rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. The procedure is historically guided by fluoroscopy, and the role of intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) guidance is not well defined. We report our initial experience of using ICE to guide BMV procedures.MethodsDuring BMV procedure, ICE catheter was inserted into the right atrium from the right femoral vein, and the septal puncture was monitored by ICE, as well as positioning of the balloon in the mitral valve. Comparisons were made between ICE, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and catheterization derived hemodynamic measurements (cath).ResultsSeventeen patients with mitral stenosis underwent the procedure. The mean age was 44.4 ± 21 years. The mean MV area increased from 0.9 ± 0.1 cm² to 1.7 ± 0.2 cm², P < 0.0001 and the mean gradient decreased from 12.6 ± 5.8 mmHg to 4.9 ± 1.8 mmHg, P < 0.001. Atrial septum puncture and guidance of the balloon into the MV apparatus were obtained in all patients under ICE guidance. Severe MR developed in one patient and was readily detected by ICE. ICE derived gradient measurements were comparable to those obtained by TTE, and cath.ConclusionICE guidance of BMV is feasible, and useful in monitoring safe septal puncture, optimizing balloon positioning, and in detecting complications. The hemodynamic measurements obtained were comparable to those obtained by TTE, and cath.     

HLA antigens in Omani patients with vitiligo

Fifty native Omanis with vitiligo were studied to compare the incidence of HLA ABC and DR antigens with a control population. HLA Bw6 was found in 82% of patients compared with 49% controls (P_c= 0.0009 RR = 4.56) and HLA DR7 occurred in 40% of patients and 9% in controls (P_c= 0.00075 RR = 6.17). HLA DR7 was significantly increased in those patients with acrofacial, compared to focal disease (57% vs. 24%P= 0.038). Sixty-six per cent of the patients in this study had parents who were consanguineous and a positive family history was only found in this group with an incidence of 32%. HLA Bw4 segregated 100% with patients with a positive family history compared with 48% in consanguineous patients without a positive family history (P_c= 0.011 RR = 23). Vitiligo appears to be associated with different HLA antigens in different ethnic groups.     

Quercetin Attenuates Benzo(α)pyrene-induced CYP1A Expression

<正>We studied effects of nutrient quercetin on cytochromes’Р450 1А(CYP1A)activities(measured spectrofluorimetrically using 7-ethoxy-resorufin for CYP1A1 and 7-methoxy-resorufin for CYP1A2 as substrates),on mR NA levels(measured by RT-PCR),and on DNA-binding activities(evaluated by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay)of proteins regulating CYP1A expression in untreated and benzo(α)pyrene(Ba P)-treated rats.Wistar rats     

Compliance of Jordanian dentists with infection control strategies

Objectives : To assess whether dentists in Jordan are employing recommended infection techniques in their clinics and to identify the level of compliance of dentists with the recommended infection techniques commonly found in western countries. Participants : Dentists in Jordan (n=300). Methods : A questionnaire incorporating information regarding: infection control practices, vaccination, personal barrier protection, instrument sterilisation and disinfection, were distributed to 300 dentists in private and public practices. Results : A (93%) response rate (n=279) was available for analysis. Gloves were used by 73.3% of dentists; masks by 69.5%, protective eye wear by 43.8% and white coats worn by 75.9%. About 25% recorded patient medical histories. Offices in Jordan were found to be in compliance with respect to the use of disposable anaesthetic needles and carpules but only 27% use plastic containers for sharps; 72.6% of dentists had been vaccinated against hepatitis B viruses; approximately 70% use an autoclave for sterilisation but only 15% always use plastic bags for packing sterilised instruments. Conclusions : The majority of dental practitioners were found to be in compliance with most of the recommended infection control regulations. In this study the overall compliance with infection control procedures was 61.17% among dentists in Jordan. Further education may be appropriate in taking a medical history of each patient before treatment, wearing of masks and protective glasses and the use of plastic bags to wrap sterilised instruments.     

The effect of fish oil on bone resorption following pulp exposure in rats

Abstract  – The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with fish oil may alter the periapical bone resorption following pulp exposure in rats. Untreated and pulp-exposed animals served as the negative and positive control, respectively. Other pulp-exposed animals were orally treated with fish oil at different concentrations and frequencies. Periapical tissue sections were stained with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and then the numbers of both periapical osteoclasts and preosteoclasts were determined. The levels of bone resorption were assessed using the osteoclast–bone interface (OBI) index. The results showed that no differences between the numbers of both osteoclasts and preosteoclasts in the fish oil-treated animals and the negative control at day 14 could be found. Similarly, the periapical bone resorption in the animals treated with fish oil for 14 days significantly reduced to the levels of that in the negative control. The results of the present study, therefore, suggest that oral treatment with fish oil may inhibit bone resorption following pulp exposure in rats and hence, may have a therapeutic modality for inflamed periradicular tissue.     

Serum Zinc Levels in Cutaneous Disorders

Serum zinc levels were studied in 75 patients of different cutaneous disorders and 24 healthy controls. It was found to be significantly lower in acne vulgaris (71.5 ± 21.5µgm/100ml), leprosy(85.9 ± 26.9µgm/100ml) and psoriasis (93.3 ± 25.9µgm/100ml) as compared to healthy controls (105.3 ± 30.1µgm/100ml). No significant correlation was found in other cutaneous disorders studied i.e. vitiligo and aphthous ulcers where serum zinc levels were found to be 97.3 ± 26.6 µgm/100ml and 105.2 ± 23.5 µgm/100ml respectively.Key Words: Acne vulgaris, Aphthous ulcers, Leprosy, Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Zinc     

High frequency deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus versus continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion therapy: a review

In advanced Parkinson’s disease, several therapeutical option including not only lesional surgery (VIM, GPi) and deep brain stimulation (STN, GPi, VIM) but also continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion therapy can be proposed to the patient. The choice depends on the hope of the patient, patient’s general health condition and the experience and choice of the neurosurgical and neurologist team. Here we report our experience based on 400 STN-DBS cases and we discuss, on the basis of our experience and on the literature, the advantage and disadvantage of DBS strategy as compared with non-surgical option such as continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion therapy.