Absence of FGFR3–TACC3 rearrangement in hematological malignancies with numerical chromosomal alteration

FGFR–TACC, found in different tumor types, is characterized by the fusion of a member of fibroblast grown factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) family to a member of the transforming acidic coiled-coil (TACC) proteins. Because chromosome numerical alterations, hallmarks of FGFR–TACC fusions are present in many hematological disorders and there are no data on the prevalence, we studied a series of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome who presented numerical alterations using cytogenetic traditional analysis. None of the analyzed samples showed FGFR3–TACC3 gene fusion, so screening for this mutation at diagnosis is not recommended.     

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in northern Sweden: Clinical characteristics and practical guidance

Conclusion: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) patients with high surgical treatment frequency (≥ 1/year, HF) were significantly younger and had a more widespread laryngeal disease compared to a low frequency treated group (< 1 treatment/year, LF). This study confirms the existence of a clinical RRP group, not primarily related to HPV sub-type, but more care-intensive and in need of more vigilant follow-up. Objectives: RRP is associated with high morbidity due to its influence on breathing and voice. The purpose of this study was to characterize RRP patients in northern Sweden and investigate possible predictor factors affecting therapeutic needs. Method: Patients from the regional referral area (northern Sweden) were categorized for age, disease duration, juvenile or adult onset, profile of disease development, number of surgical sessions in relation to disease duration, laryngeal deposition of papilloma, gender, and HPV sub-types, in order to identify patients with increased need for frequent surgical treatment. Results: The median age of the RRP patients (n = 48) was 44.5 years; 34 (71%) were males and 14 (29%) females, most were infected with HPV 6. Patients with high surgical treatment frequency/year were significantly younger and showed more widespread papillomatous vegetation in the larynx, compared to the low frequency treated group.     

Therapeutic Effect of Dimethyl Dimethoxy Biphenyl Dicarboxylate on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objective:To study the effect of oral administration of dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate(DDB) on adjusting angiogeneic/inflammatory mediators and ameliorating the pathology of bones in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).Methods:Wistar rat model of CIA was set up using bovine collagen type Ⅱ.Fifty rats were divided into five groups randomly:normal,CIA model,DDB treatment,methotrexate(MTX) treatment,and combined DDB+MTX treatment.Ankle joints of rats were imaged with digital X-ray machine to show the destruction of joints.Fore and hind paw and knee joints were removed above the ankle joint then processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining.Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),platelet derived growth factor,interleukin-8(IL-8),IL-4,tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Nitric oxide levels were detected by Griess reagent.Results:Compared with the CIA model group,a remarkable reduction in various angiogenic(VEGF and IL-8) and inflammatory mediators(TNF-α,IL-4 and COX-2) after treatment with DDB either alone or combined with MTX(P0.05 or P0.01).Histopathological and X-ray findings were confirmatory to the observed DDB anti-arthritic effect.The DDB-treated group showed amelioration in signs of arthritis which appeared essentially similar to normal.Conclusion:Our data shed light on the therapeutic efficacy of DDB in experimental rheumatoid arthritis(RA) compared with a choice drug(MTX) and it may be offered as a second-line drug in the treatment of RA.     

Hepatic Artery Anatomic Variations and Reconstruction in Liver Grafts Procured in Greece: The Effect on Hepatic Artery Thrombosis

Aims

Variations of the anatomy of donor hepatic arteries increase the number of arterial anastomoses during liver transplantation and, possibly, the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). In this study, we describe the arterial anatomic variations in liver grafts procured and transplanted by a single center in Greece, the techniques of arterial anastomosis, and their effect on the incidence of early HAT.

Current therapeutical strategies for allergic rhinitis

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition with increasing prevalence and is associated with several comorbid disorders such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. If allergen avoidance is not possible, allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only causal treatment option.

Areas covered: This review focuses on current treatments and the future outlook for allergic rhinitis. Pharmacotherapy includes mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids (GCSs), leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nasal decongestants. Nasal GCSs are currently regarded as the most effective treatment and are considered first-line therapy together with non-sedating antihistamines. The new formulation MP29-02 combines the nasal GCS fluticasone propionate with azelastine in one single spray and has achieved greater improvements than those under monotherapy with modern GCSs or antihistamines. Furthermore, this review discusses allergen immunotherapy alone and in combination with modern monoclonal antibodies.

Expert opinion: Despite the variety of medications for allergic rhinitis, ranging from general symptomatic agents like GCSs or decongestants, to more specific ones like histamine receptor or leukotriene blockers, to causal therapy like immunotherapy, many patients still experience treatment failures or unsatisfactory results. The ultimate goal may be to endotype every downstream pathway separately in order to offer patients individualized, targeted therapy with specific antibodies against the respective pathway.