Identification of glycoprotein Ib as a target for autoantibody in idiopathic (autoimmune) thrombocytopenic purpura

An antibody (DIL) from a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was shown to have autospecificity on the basis of reactions with autologous platelets that were identical to those obtained with platelets from normal subjects. DIL antibody also reacted strongly in an immunofluorescence test with platelets from a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, but failed to react with platelets from a patient with the Bernard-Soulier syndrome who was known to be deficient in glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). Purified GPIb and control platelets, but not Bernard-Soulier platelets, inhibited the lytic activity of DIL. Using the GPIb-specific monoclonal antibody AP1 and one-dimensional rocket electrophoresis into gels containing rabbit antihuman platelet membrane antibody, it was shown that staphylococcal protein A-Sepharose beads coated with DIL antibody selectively remove GPIb from solubilized platelet preparations. By crossed immunoelectrophoresis it was found that DIL recognizes a determinant on GPIb on the membrane side of the cleavage site of the platelet calcium- activated protease (calpain). These studies provide direct evidence for binding of a platelet autoantibody to a determinant on GPIb relatively close to the site of insertion of this protein into the platelet membrane.     

The difference of situational efficiency and indicators of situational-motoric skills between national teams in the World handball championship

This research focused on the establishment of difference in situational-motoric skills and situational efficacy in defence and offence using audio-visual records of the XIX Junior World Handball Championship 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The differences between players of Bosnian and Herzegovinian national team and the first four placed national teams (Sweden, Spain, France and Croatia) by specific playing positions (left back, centre back and right back) were determined. In the case of situational-motoric skills, two indicators (variables) (total/mean number of sprints from the offence to defence, and the total/mean number of jumps in the offence) were analysed, while in the case of the situational efficacy, one variable (total/mean number of fouls 9 m in the game 1:1) was analysed. To establish partial quantitative differences of variables, the pondered mean difference (MD) was used, as well as significance. Observed results indicated that differences existed in situational-motoric skills and situational efficacy between analysed players, according to player’s positions. Therefore, planning of the training process should be directed to improve technical and tactical elements of handball game and the level of the physical preparation to achieve better results, both individually and as a team.     

Pancreatic Metastasectomy—an Analysis of Survival Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

Background

The pancreas and peripancreatic region may be a site of metastasis from distant sites. Recent data suggest that pancreatic metastasectomy may achieve long-term survival. We seek to examine our experience with this metastasectomy by reporting the perioperative and survival outcomes.

Methods

Patients undergoing resection of isolated pancreatic metastasis were identified from a prospective pancreatic surgical database at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, North Shore campus of the University of Sydney between January 2004 and June 2015 and selected for retrospective review. Data on operative morbidity and mortality were reported. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent pancreatic metastasectomy after a median disease-free interval of 63 months (range 0 to 199). Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed in six patients (40 %), distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy in three patients (20 %), and pancreatectomy with other visceral organ resection in six patients (40 %). Major complications occurred in six patients (40 %) without mortality. The median survival was 40 months (95 % CI 24.3 to 53.7), and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 76, 48, and 31 % respectively. Cox proportional hazard model identified margin negative resection (hazard ratio (HR) 10.5; P?=?0.044) as a predictor of improved survival.

Conclusion

Long-term survival may be achieved in selected patients with pancreatic metastasis through pancreatic metastasectomy with acceptable morbidity. Selection of patients should be individualized and based on their primary disease origin, biological behavior of the tumor, resectability of the tumor, and the relative effectiveness of systemic or targeted therapies.