Poor concordance between interferon-γ release assays and tuberculin skin tests in diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection among HIV-infected individuals

Background  

A new generation of diagnostic tests, the interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs), have been developed for the detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Limited data are available on their use in HIV-infected persons.     

Genetically inspired prognostic scoring system (GIPSS) outperforms dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS) in myelofibrosis patients

A genetically inspired prognostic scoring system (GIPSS) that stratifies primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients by genetic variants alone was recently proposed. While non-inferior to the dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS), the lack of overlapping prognostic variables between the models leads to increased risk for disagreement between two valid prognostic models and presents a challenging clinical situation. In an external cohort of 266 molecularly annotated myelofibrosis (MF) patients, we demonstrated that the GIPSS model significantly differentiated between four risk groups (low, int-1, int-2, high) with median OS that was not reached, not reached, 60.5 and 28.9 months, respectively. High-risk patients had significantly inferior leukemia-free survival (LFS) (P < 0.0001). We identified a cohort of prognostically ambiguous patients (n = 39) in which GIPSS and DIPSS models differed by ≥2 risk groups. Among these patients, a similar proportion were up-staged by DIPSS (n = 19) and GIPSS (n = 20). Patients upstaged by GIPSS (genetically high-risk) had a trend toward inferior OS compared with patients upstaged by DIPSS (clinically high-risk) (P = .08) and significantly worse LFS (P = .04). Patients deemed intermediate-2 and high-risk by GIPSS who underwent allogeneic transplant had improved OS compared with those that did not (P = .04). GIPSS is a valid disease-specific prognostic system and outperforms DIPSS in patients where the two models disagree. Additionally, while GIPSS was developed for PMF; the current study shows, however, that the contemporary genetic model performs equally well for both primary and secondary myelofibrosis.     

Correction to: Objective understanding of the Nutri-score front-of-pack label by European consumers and its effect on food choices: an online experimental study

There is increasing concern about the time people spend in sedentary behaviour, including screen time, leisure and occupational sitting. The number of both primary research studies (published trials) and reviews has been growing rapidly in this research area. A summary of the highest level of evidence that provides a broader quantitative synthesis of diverse types of interventions is needed. This research is to articulate the evidence of efficacy of sedentary behaviour interventions to inform interventions to reduce sitting time. The umbrella review, therefore, synthesised systematic reviews that conducted meta-analyses of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour outcomes across all age group and settings. A systematic search was conducted on six databases (MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Global Health via EBSCOhost platform, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Systematic Reviews). Included articles were systematic reviews with meta-analysis of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour (screen time, sitting time or sedentary time) in the general population across all age group. Seventeen reviews met the inclusion criteria (7 in children and adolescent, 10 in adults). All reviews of sedentary behaviour interventions in children and adolescents investigated intervention effectiveness in reducing screen time. Six out of 11 meta-analyses (reported in 7 reviews) showed small but significant changes in viewing time. All reviews of sedentary behaviour interventions in office workplaces indicated substantial reduction in occupational sitting time (range: 39.6 to 100 min per 8-h workday). Sub-group analyses reported a trend favouring environmental change components such as sit-stand desks, active permissive workstations etc. Meta-analyses indicated that sedentary behaviour interventions were superior to physical activity alone interventions or combined physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions in reducing sitting time. The current systematic reviews and meta-analyses supported sedentary behaviour interventions for reducing occupational sitting time in particular, with small changes seen in screen time in children and adolescents. Future research should explore approaches to maintaining behaviour change beyond the intervention period and investigate the potential of sedentary behaviour reduction interventions in older age groups in non-occupational settings.     

Reduction of radiation exposure to patients in the follow-up of shockwave lithotripsy

OBJECTIVES: To assess, in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), if a policy of using unilateral X-rays of the kidney, ureter and bladder (hemi-KUB) whenever possible and appropriate during diagnosis and follow-up, was successful in reducing the radiation exposure associated with ESWL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two groups of patients of statistically comparable size and demography were assessed retrospectively before and after the implementation of the policy. All had undergone ESWL for radio-opaque upper urinary tract stones and all were finally rendered stone-free. The number and type of all radiological procedures from initial diagnosis of the stone to documented stone-free status were recorded and the dose calculated. RESULTS: The appropriate use of hemi-KUB X-rays resulted in a significant mean reduction of radiation exposure after treatment of 2.28 mSv per patient (P<0.05). Furthermore, as expected, the radiation dose was clearly but not closely correlated with stone size (r = 0.419). CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate use of hemi-KUB X-rays during the follow-up after ESWL is a simple and effective way of significantly reducing the radiation exposure of such patients.     

Placenta percreta with bladder invasion as a cause of life threatening hemorrhage

PURPOSE: Abnormal placental penetration through the myometrium with bladder invasion is a rare obstetric complication with potential for massive blood loss. Urologists are usually consulted after a life threatening emergency has already arisen. Their familiarity with this condition is crucial for effective management. We describe 2 cases of placenta percreta with bladder invasion to highlight the catastrophic nature of this clinical entity, and review the literature on current diagnostic and management strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1986 and 1998, 250 cases of adherent placenta (0.9%) were identified in 25,254 births at our institution, including 2 (0.008%) of placenta percreta with bladder invasion. We treated these 2 multiparous women who were 33 and 30 years old, respectively. Each had undergone 2 previous cesarean sections. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were severe hematuria in 1 patient and prepartum hemorrhage with shock in the other. Ultrasound showed complete placenta previa in each with evidence of bladder invasion in 1 patient. Hysterectomy, bladder wall resection and repair, and bilateral internal iliac artery ligation were required to control massive intraoperative hemorrhage. The patients received 22 and 15 units of packed red blood cells, respectively. Fetal death occurred in each case. Convalescence was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation in patient 1 but subsequent recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion for placenta percreta with bladder invasion is required when evaluating pregnant women with a history of cesarean delivery and placenta previa who present with hematuria and lower urinary tract symptoms. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging may assist in establishing the diagnosis preoperatively. With proper planning and a multidisciplinary approach fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality may be decreased.     

Persistent pulmonary hypertension after maternal naproxen ingestion in a term newborn: a case report

Constricting effect of indomethacin on the ductus arteriosus of the fetus is well known. The fetal effects of other nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen are not well reported. We report here a case of a 3,790-g term neonate who developed persistent pulmonary hypertension after birth with a closed ductus arteriosus. The mother admitted to taking naproxen sodium immediately prior to the birth of the infant. The course of illness was progressively better on conservative management. Like indomethacin, other NSAIDs can also cause premature closure of fetal ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension, and life-threatening problems to the neonate. Patient education regarding over-the-counter pain medication during pregnancy should be emphasized.     

Sarcomas of the head and neck

Sarcomas are rare malignancies of mesenchymal origin. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics, as well as histologic findings and epidemiology, of sarcomas of the head and neck are reviewed. The sarcomas discussed include rhabdomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, leiomyosarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and synovial sarcoma. The imaging findings of these entities frequently are nonspecific. Imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, has a major role in defining the extent of these tumors. This is important because complete surgical excision is the preferred method of treatment. Imaging also is useful in planning radiation therapy and determining prognosis.     

Autonomic alterations in cocaine-exposed neonates following orthostatic stress

We investigated the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in the presence of orthostatic stress among near- and full-term neonates. PCE infants (n = 21) and controls (n = 23) were enrolled within 120 h of birth. ECG was recorded for an hour during quiet sleep, 30 min in supine position and then 30 min in an inclined position. Linear mixed models were used to analyze HR and HRV in the time domain and wavelet and power spectrum analyses in the frequency domain. PCE infants had tachycardia both before (p = 0.091) and after tilting (p = 0.015), but with a clear interaction between PCE and orthostatic stress (p = 0.049). Compared with controls, PCE infants had a delayed and prolonged reaction to orthostatic stress. There was also a pronounced interaction with regard to log-transformed SDDRR, a measure of HRV (p = 0.049). Controls experienced an instantaneous increase in log (SDDRR) followed by a prompt return to normal levels, while PCE infants had a gradual increase that did not dissipate quickly. Frequency-domain analyses also distinguished between the cocaine-exposed infants and the controls. Results suggest that the effects of PCE on the development of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems could lead to altered cardiovascular function.