Using C. elegans for antimicrobial drug discovery

INTRODUCTION: The number of microorganism strains with resistance to known antimicrobials is increasing. Therefore, there is a high demand for new, non-toxic and efficient antimicrobial agents. Research with the microscopic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can address this high demand for the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds. In particular, C. elegans can be used as a model host for in vivo drug discovery through high-throughput screens of chemical libraries. AREAS COVERED: This review introduces the use of substitute model hosts and especially C. elegans in the study of microbial pathogenesis. The authors also highlight recently published literature on the role of C. elegans in drug discovery and outline its use as a promising host with unique advantages in the discovery of new antimicrobial drugs. EXPERT OPINION: C. elegans can be used, as a model host, to research many diseases, including fungal infections and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, high-throughput techniques, for screening chemical libraries, can also be facilitated. Nevertheless, C. elegans and mammals have significant differences that both limit the use of the nematode in research and the degree by which results can be interpreted. That being said, the use of C. elegans in drug discovery still holds promise and the field continues to grow, with attempts to improve the methodology already underway.     

Lung cancer,brucellosis and tuberculosis: remarkable togetherness

A 68 years old male farmer referred with cough, expectorating sputum, intermittant fever, night sweats, fatigue and anorexia persisting for two weeks. There was a history of 80 packs each year of smoking and he was still an active smoker. Pneumonectomy was performed because of pulmonary epidermoid cancer and he received chemotherapy. He was diagnosed lung tuberculosis and using anti-tuberculous treatment for 4 months. He had a weight loss of 8 kg in last month. His body tempereature was 38.5 °C. Heart rate was 100/min. ESR was 51mm/h and CRP was 5.6 mg/dL. There was no proliferation in blood and sputum cultures. Three sputum specimens were examined and AFB wasn''t detected. Fibronodular infiltration was seen in right lower zone of chest X-ray. In thorax CT, fibronodular densities were seen in lower lobe anterior and posterior segments. Brucella melitensis was isolated in blood culture. Second bronchoscopy was performed with suspect of brucellosis pneumonia. Brucella tube agglutination test was positive at titer 1/320 in the bronchial lavage fluid and 1/640 in concurrent serum sample. In cases with chronic cough or pneumonia which is irresponsive to nonspecific antibiotherapy, respiratory brucellosis must be rememberred in endemic areas.     

Lubiprostone induced ischemic colitis

Ischemic colitis accounts for 6%-18% of the causes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding.It is often multifactorial and more commonly encountered in the elderly.Several medications have been implicated in the development of colonic ischemia.We report a case of a 54-year old woman who presented with a two-hour history of nausea,vomiting,abdominal pain,and bloody stool.The patient had recently used lubiprostone with close temporal relationship between the increase in the dose and her symptoms of rectal bleeding.The radiologic,colonoscopic and histopathologic findings were all consistent with ischemic colitis.Her condition improved without any serious complications after the cessation of lubiprostone.This is the first reported case of ischemic colitis with a clear relationship with lubiprostone(Naranjo score of 10).Clinical vigilance for ischemic colitis is recommended for patients receiving lubiprostone who are presenting with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding.     

Use of the Ilizarov apparatus to improve alignment in proximal humeral fractures treated initially by a unilateral external fixator

One of the recommended methods for the management of displaced unstable proximal humeral fractures is the unilateral external fixator. In polytrauma cases this method may be especially useful for the stabilisation of these fractures. However, problems may arise if the fracture is fixed in a malaligned or distracted position. Conversion of the treatment concept to other modalities is difficult because of the problem of pin tract infection. The Ilizarov apparatus provides an useful method in such situations, as it allows distraction, translation and compression without the need for further anaesthesia and additional fixation.     

Large gastric trichobezoar in a normal healthy woman: case report and review of pertinent literature

This report presents a unique case of a gastric trichobezoar in a relatively healthy, young female with no history of psychological or psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, unlike previously reported cases, this patient had no history of gastric surgery. The mode of presentation and the difficulties in diagnosis are discussed. The different modalities of treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical, are evaluated and discussed. The diagnosis of a trichobezoar in a healthy patient requires a high index of suspicion, as it can present with nonspecific symptomatology. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of nonspecific abdominal pain.     

Effects of high-voltage electrical burns and other burns on levels of serum oxidative stress and telomerase in children

Introduction

Electrical burns cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Here we measured changes in levels of serum oxidative stress and telomerase in children suffering from high-voltage electrical burn (HVEB) injuries and other burns and the significance of these parameters in terms of amputation.

Renal aquaporin-4 associated pathology in TG-26 mice

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease in HIV patients, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis and renal tubular dysfunction. Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) is a membrane bound water channel protein that plays a distinct role in water reabsorption from renal tubular fluid. It has been proven that failure of AQP-4 insertion into the renal tubular membrane leads to renal dysfunction. However, the role of AQP-4 in HIVAN is unclear. We hypothesize that impaired water reabsorption leads to renal injury in HIVAN, where AQP-4 plays a crucial role. Renal function is assessed by urinary protein and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Kidneys from HIV Transgenic (TG26) mice (HIVAN animal model) were compared to wild type mice by immunostaining, immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR. TG26 mice had increased proteinuria and BUN. We found decreased AQP-4 levels in the renal medulla, increased endothelin-1, endothelin receptor A and reduced Sirtuin1 (SIRT-1) levels in TG26 mice. Also, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress was enhanced in kidneys of TG26 mice. We provide the first evidence that AQP-4 is inhibited due to induction of HIV associated stress in the kidneys of TG26 mice which limits water reabsorption in the kidney which may be one of the cause associated with HIVAN, impairing kidney physiology. AQP-4 dysregulation in TG26 mice suggests that similar changes may occur in HIVAN patients. This work may identify new therapeutic targets to be evaluated in HIVAN.     

Factors related to diagnostic persistence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Turkish children and adolescents

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently occurring mental disorders in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine diagnostic persistence three years after the first clinical evaluation and to investigate the factors relating to diagnostic persistence in children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods: The study included 183 children and adolescents who were evaluated in the first admission. Of 183 children and adolescents, 142 children and adolescents were evaluated in the second admission and only the data of 142 children and adolescents were analysed in the study. Diagnostic persistence was defined as having met the full criteria for ADHD on second evaluation. Symptom severity of ADHD was determined using the Turgay DSM-IV-based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale-Parents Form (T-DSM-IV-S). Intelligence level was assessed through the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. Results: Of the children included in the study, 77.5% (n?=?110) were determined to have ADHD diagnostic persistence. Low intelligence levels, younger age and higher T-DSM-IV-S inattention and conduct disorder scores were associated with diagnostic persistence. ADHD diagnosis in children and adolescents tends to continue at high rates. Conclusions: Determination of the risks related to ADHD diagnostic persistence may contribute to improved treatment planning and interventions.