DNA–ANTI-DNA Complexes account for part of the antihistone activity found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

We examined the effect of DNase treatment of sera with antihistone activity. In non–systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera, antihistone levels remained unmodified, but a significant decrease was observed in 7 of 11 SLE sera with anti-DNA antibodies. This was accompanied in some by an increase in anti-DNA levels. We therefore considered that DNA–anti-DNA complexes were being detected, as part of the antihistone activity in SLE patients, by binding of the complexes through their DNA to the histones used in the assay. This was confirmed by demonstrating that DNA–anti-DNA complexes formed in vitro, and by studies performed with monoclonal antibodies with affinity to double-stranded DNA and/or histones.     

Possible mechanism of the stimulatory effect of 4-aminopyridine on toad skin

1. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the facilitatory effects of 4-aminopyridine on transmitter release in the toad skin preparation. 2. A dose-dependent increase in the bioelectric parameters was found. 3. This effect was blocked by propranolol and by verapamil but not by dibenamine, and was mimicked by the calcium ionophore A-23187 but not by potassium channel blockers. 4. These results support the hypothesis that 4-aminopyridine increases presynaptic nerve terminal permeability of calcium and thus the release of noradrenaline.     

Functional polymorphism of the NFKB1 gene promoter is not relevant in predisposition to celiac disease

Abstract

Objective. There is a discrepancy between clinical activity and biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease. The Harvey–Bradshaw index (HBi) is steadfast to evaluate disease activity. A set of biological markers (high sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], calprotectin, total nitrite, soluble urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor [suPAR], ghrelin and endothelin) are investigated to study inflammatory activity and correlation with HBi during infliximab therapy. Material and methods. Patients with Crohn'sdisease (n = 22) were assessed and blood samples drawn before and 1 week after infliximab infusion (5 mg/kg) and repeated after 6 months, and compared to healthy volunteers. Hs-CRP, calprotectin, suPAR, ghrelin and endothelin were analyzed with immunoassays, and total nitrite with Griess-reaction. Results were analyzed with Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, Mann–Whitney test and Spearman correlations. Results. After the first infusion visit, HBi and calprotectin values decreased while nitrite increased (p < 0.05). At the 6-month visit, pre-infusion index and biomarkers had returned to baseline levels. Post-infusion, again the values of HBi, hs-CRP and calprotectin decreased (p < 0.05). The suPAR levels did not change between pre- and post-infusion periods at either visit. Calprotectin, nitrite and suPAR differed from healthy controls throughout the study (p < 0.05). Endothelin decreased with each treatment but was, like ghrelin, not different from controls. We found HBi to correlate with hs-CRP (Spearman r = 0.32, p < 0.05), but calprotectin did not, neither did nitrate nor suPAR. Conclusions. Although infliximab ameliorates Crohn'sdisease symptoms, inflammatory markers are not persistently normalized, indicating a chronic inflammatory condition that may require continued infliximab therapy.     

Diffusion tensor tractography of the limbic system

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The limbic system, relevant to memory and emotion, is an interesting subject of study in healthy and diseased individuals. It consists of a network of gray matter structures interconnected by white matter fibers. Although gray matter components of this system have been studied by using MR imaging, the connecting fibers have not been analyzed to the same degree. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal intensity contamination of the fornix and cingulum, the 2 major white matter tracts of the limbic system, can alter diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) measurements and affect tractography. We investigated the effect of CSF signal intensity suppression on fiber tracking of the limbic connections and characterized the diffusion properties of these structures in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Nine healthy individuals were scanned with standard and CSF-suppressed DTI. Tractography of the fornix and cingulum was performed for both acquisition methods. We report mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy measurements of the crus, body, and columns of the fornix, and descending, superior, and anterior portions of the cingulum. RESULTS: Diffusion measurements were improved and tractography was facilitated by using CSF-suppressed DTI. In particular, tract volume increased, whereas decreases of the mean diffusivity and increases of diffusion anisotropy more accurately represented the underlying tissue by minimizing deleterious partial volume averaging from CSF. This was particularly true for the fornix because it is in closest contact to CSF. Diffusion measurements throughout the limbic connections were consistent in healthy volunteers. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of CSF suppression when performing diffusion-tensor tractography of the limbic system.     

Analgesia after thoracotomy: epidural fentanyl/bupivacaine compared with intercostal nerve block plus intravenous morphine

OBJECTIVES: Intercostal nerve blockade plus intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) could be an easier and safer alternative to epidural analgesia for postthoracotomy pain, but information about the efficacy of this technique is scarce. The objective of this randomized study was to compare the quality of analgesia and lung function in 2 groups of patients undergoing pulmonary surgery through a posterolateral thoracotomy. METHODS: Two groups were studied: G1 (n = 16) patients received a 5-segment intercostal block plus IV PCA morphine, and G2 (n = 15) patients received a bupivacaine and fentanyl PCA infusion through a thoracic epidural catheter. Resting and dynamic visual analog pain scale (VAS) measurements, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second were measured basally, on arrival in the recovery room, then hourly up to 4 hours and then 12, 24 and 48 hours later. Results were analyzed with a 2-way analysis of variance, chi-square, or Fisher exact test. A p value < or =0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Resting and dynamic VAS scores were slightly lower in G2 patients, although only resting scores were significant. After the first hour, mean scores were below 4 in both groups. No significant difference was observed between groups in relation to respiratory parameters or side effects. CONCLUSION: The fact that the difference in pain scores is probably not clinically significant shows that an intercostal block with bupivacaine plus IV morphine PCA is a good alternative for postthoracotomy pain management.     

Tuning: tuning in nursing for the European role of higher education

The author describes the challenge of European Convergence for Spanish universities, citing some difficulties in the nursing field. Emphasis is placed on the conditions which should exist in general and particularly on the facilities and difficulties nurses encounter in Spain and in Europe.