Olfactory enseathing glia enhances reentry of axons into the brain from peripheral nerve grafts bridging the substantia nigra with the striatum

Reconstruction of lost axonal pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) is possible with the use of peripheral nerve grafts (PNG). However, these permit the entry of axons, while their reentry back into the CNS is compromised. Olfactory enseathing glia (OEG) may permit this reentry of axons if cografted with PNG. We compared the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase positive (TH+) fibers reinnervating PNGs and crossing the graft–striatum interface in PNG placed between the substantia nigra and the striatum in rats receiving both PNG and OEGs and animals receiving PNG only. More TH fibers were seen inside the grafts when OEG was cografted. Although the number of fibers decreases along the graft's length, this effect is less severe when OEG is present. TH+ fibers are seen crossing the PNG–striatum interface in the OEG group. This is correlated with a higher synaptic density at the striatum near the graft when OEG is co-grafted. While these results must be replicated in animal models of Parkinsonism, their implications may apply both to the treatment of Parkinson's disease and to other pathologies, such as spinal cord lesions, where regeneration of long axonal pathways is necessary.     

In vitro basal cytotoxicity assay applied to estimate acute oral systemic toxicity of grandisin and its major metabolite

Preclinical investigations can start with preliminary in vitro studies before using animal models. Following this approach, the number of animals used in preclinical acute toxicity testing can be reduced. In this study, we employed an in-house validated in vitro cytotoxicity test based on the Spielmann approach for toxicity evaluation of the lignan grandisin, a candidate anticancer agent, and its major metabolite, the 4-O-demethylgrandisin, by neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, on mouse fibroblasts Balb/c 3T3 cell line. Using different concentrations of grandisin and its major metabolite (2.31; 1.16; 0.58; 0.29; 0.14; 0.07; 0.04; 0.002 μM) in Balb/c 3T3-A31 NRU cytotoxicity assay, after incubation for 48 h, we obtained IC₅₀ values for grandisin and its metabolite of 0.078 and 0.043 μM, respectively. The computed LD₅₀ of grandisin and 4-O-demethylgrandisin were 617.72 and 429.95 mg/kg, respectively. Both were classified under the Globally Harmonized System as category 4. Since pharmacological and toxicological data are crucial in the developmental stages of drug discovery, using an in vitro assay we demonstrated that grandisin and its metabolite exhibit distinct toxicity profiles. Furthermore, results presented in this work can contribute to reduce the number of animals required in subsequent pharmacological/toxicological studies.     

The Distribution of CD56dimCD16+ and CD56brightCD16− Cells are Associated with Prolactin Levels during Pregnancy and Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Women

Citation Martínez‐García EA, Sánchez‐Hernández PE, Chavez‐Robles B, Nuñez‐Atahualpa L, Martín‐Márquez BT, Arana‐Argaez VE, García‐Iglesias T, González‐López L, Gamez‐Nava JI, Petri MH, Velazquez‐Rodriguez J, Salazar‐Paramo M, Davalos‐Rodriguez IP, Daneri‐Navarro A, Vázquez‐Del Mercado M. The distribution of CD56^dimCD16⁺ and CD56^brightCD16^? Cells are associated with prolactin levels during pregnancy and menstrual cycle in healthy women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 433–437 Problem The pregnancy and menstrual cycle (MC) are the main physiologic events linked to the human reproduction. An adequate neuroendocrine axis is mandatory for the homeostasis in both events. To analyze the distribution of NK, T, Treg cells, expression of their receptors and to associate with hormone levels in pregnant and MC in healthy women. Method of Study We studied two groups of healthy women: 13 pregnant women followed up at 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters and 11 women in the 5th and 21st day of the MC. The distribution of NK, T, Treg cells population, expression of their receptors and hormone levels were quantified. Results In pregnant women, we found an association of NK cells CD56^dimCD16⁺ with prolactin levels. This finding was also was observed for CD56^brigthCD16^? being statistical significant during 1st trimester for both subpopulations. During MC, correlation of CD56^dimCD16⁺, CD56^brightCD16^? cells with prolactin in follicular and luteal phase was found. Conclusion This is the first report where these cell subpopulations have been analyzed prospectively. Even we can argue the random effect for the small number of women is interesting that prolactin showed the more consistent correlation with CD56^dimCD16⁺, CD56^brigthCD16^? cells during both events studied.     

Virtual hysterosalpingography: experience with over 1000 consecutive patients

With the advent of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), a whole new spectrum of diagnostic imaging techniques and procedures appears. Virtual hysterosalpingography (VHSG) is a novel non-invasive modality for assessing the uterus and female reproductive system that combines hysterosalpingography technique with MDCT technologies. Nowadays, 64-row VHSG offers an excellent diagnostic performance, in concordance with the development of new reproductive interventions and the need of accurate diagnostic procedures. In this article, we review the VHSG technique and describe normal and pathologic findings.     

Defective expression and function of the ILT2/CD85j regulatory receptor in dendritic cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in inducing immune tolerance. Inhibitory receptors, such as ILT2/CD85j, are involved in the tolerogenic effect of DCs and previous studies have indicated the important role of these receptors on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and function of ILT2 in DCs from SLE patients. Peripheral blood from fifty patients with SLE and 38 healthy volunteers was obtained. ILT2 expression was assessed by flow cytometry. DCs were generated in the absence or presence of an anti-ILT2 antibody. The effect of ILT2 in the immunogenic ability of SLE DCs was also evaluated. We observed that SLE patients had significant higher levels of circulating plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and that these levels correlated with disease activity. In contrast, the expression of ILT2 was diminished in both pDCs and myeloid DCs (mDCs) from these patients. However, under our experimental conditions, the in vitro differentiation of DCs was not apparently affected by ILT2 engagement. In contrast, the immunogenic capability of monocyte-derived DCs was not down-regulated by ILT2 cross-linking in a significant proportion of SLE patients. Our results suggest that ILT2 participates in the defective immune-regulation observed in patients with SLE.     

Out-of-pocket expenditures and coping strategies for people living with HIV: Bogotá, Colombia, 2009

Our objective was to estimate the out-of-pocket expenditure related to medical and non-medical items on health care covered by individuals or household members, and to describe coping strategies they use to meet the financial burden. We undertook a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of 540 adults with HIV living in urban areas of Bogotá, Colombia. Univariate and bivariate analyses were done. We found that although 95% of the patients with HIV in the sample had health insurance, individuals and families spent about 13% of their incomes on medical and non-medical items monthly. Those costs increased for patients taking the second or third antiretroviral drug (ARV) treatment scheme and for patients with AIDS-related physical disabilities. We found statistically significant differences in spending among different insurance plans and socioeconomic status (SES; p≤0.05). As a result of the high out-of-pocket expenses, households had to alter their budgets, reducing consumption of basic needs and modifying financial and social family dynamics. Those coping strategies might increase both current and structural poverty. Lack of comprehensive health care increases the economic burden for patients, in terms of financial but also social impact.     

Aplasia cutis congenita: a conservative approach of a case with large,extensive skin,and underlying skull defect

Aplasia cutis congenita is a disease in which skin, bone, and dura mater can be absent. In majority of the cases it affects the scalp. We report a baby girl born at term with a large scalp and skull defect measuring 9 × 10 cm. Conservative treatment led to complete epithelization.     

Management of Posttraumatic Ankle Arthritis: Literature Review

Purpose of Review

Trauma is the principle cause of osteoarthritis in the ankle, which is associated with significant morbidity. This review highlights the current literature for the purpose of bringing the reader up-to-date on the management of posttraumatic ankle arthritis, describing treatment efficacy, indications, contraindications, and complications.

Recent Findings

Recent studies on osteoarthritis have demonstrated variability among anatomic locations regarding the mechanisms and rates of development for posttraumatic osteoarthritis, which are attributed to newly discovered biological differences intrinsic to each joint. Regarding surgical management of posttraumatic ankle arthritis, osteochondral allograft transplantation of the talus, and supramalleolar osteotomies have demonstrated promising results. Additionally, the outpatient setting was found to be appropriate for managing pain following total ankle arthroplasty, associated with low complication rates and no readmission.

Summary

Management for posttraumatic ankle arthritis is generally progressive. Initial treatment entails nonpharmacologic options with surgery reserved for posttraumatic ankle arthritis refractory to conservative treatment. Patient demographics and lifestyles should be carefully considered when formulating a management strategy, as outcomes are dependent upon the satisfaction of each set of respective criteria. Ultimately, the management of posttraumatic ankle arthritis should be individualized to satisfy the needs and desires, which are specific to each patient.