Selective X‐ray contrast enhancement of the spleen of living mice mediated by gold nanorods

Gold nanomaterials (AuNPs) represent a promising new class of contrast agents for X‐ray computed tomographic (CT) imaging in both research and clinical settings. These materials exhibit superior X‐ray absorption properties compared with other iodinated agents, and thus require lower injection doses. Gold is nonimmunogenic and therefore contributes to safety profile in living specimens. Unfortunately, most reports on the use of AuNPs as X‐ray CT enhancers only demonstrate marginal enhancement of the intended anatomical structure. In this study, we demonstrate the dramatic properties of gold nanorods (GNR) to serve as robust X‐ray CT contrast‐enhancing agent for selective imaging of the spleen. These organ‐specific uptake properties were delineated by performing longitudinal CT imaging of living mice that were dosed with GNR at 2 day intervals. Rapid uptake in spleen was noted within 12 h of first systemic administration with a change in contrast enhancement of 90 Hounsfield units (ΔHU = 90) and with two subsequent injections a total contrast enhancement of over 200 HU was observed. The resulting images provide excellent contrast that will enable the detailed anatomical visualization and study of a range of pre‐clinical models of spleen disease including infection and cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chronic folliculitis - A clinico-epidemiological study

50 male patients, diagnosed to have chronic folliculitis of legs (CFL), were included in a clinico epidemiological study. CFL affected predominantly young adults of the age group of 16 - 25 years. Severe pruritus was associated in 86% of patients with CFL, and this symptom preceded the onset of new lesions. Follicular papules were seen more often than pustules in 58% of patients. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 72.5%. The lesions were confined to both legs in 50%, extending upto thigh in 28% and in legs, thighs and forearms in 10% of individuals studied.     

Hypoadiponectinemia,elevated iron and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels and their relation with prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Elevated iron, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) and hypoadiponectinemia are known to initiate tumour development. There is paucity of data regarding the above‐mentioned parameters and their relation with prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The present study was designed to assess the levels of iron, hs‐CRP and adiponectin levels and their association with prostate size in BPH patients. A total of 37 BPH cases and 36 controls were enrolled in the study. Iron, hs‐CRP and adiponectin were estimated in both the groups. Iron and hs‐CRP were significantly increased and adiponectin was significantly reduced in BPH cases when compared with controls. Iron (r = .397, p = .015), hs‐CRP (r = .341, p = .039) and adiponectin (r = ?.464, p = .004) were significantly associated with prostate size in BPH cases. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that iron acts as predictor of prostate size in BPH (R² = 0.395, β = 0.526, p = .001). We conclude that iron and hs‐CRP are elevated and adiponectin is reduced in BPH cases and associated with prostate size.     

Validation of ventral hernia risk score in predicting surgical site infections

Hernia - Ventral hernia risk score (VHRS) is a risk assessment tool for predicting the development of surgical site infection (SSI) developed in the Veterans Affairs population by Berger et al. The...     

Does qualitative synthesis of anecdotal evidence with that from scientific research help in understanding public health issues: a review of low MMR uptake

Study objective: To explore the professional and parental factorsunderlying low MMR uptake by qualitative synthesis of evidencefrom technical and non-technical anecdotal literature. Methods:An intensive investigation of literature covering research,press, online, E groups and grey literature was carried outusing devised search strategies. Key themes were identifiedfrom both the research and anecdotal evidence, which were mergedto form common themes. Results: The review of technical literatureidentified media scare and inadequate information from healthprofessionals as the main reasons for non-uptake of MMR. Thenon-technical anecdotal evidence showed that professionals'belief in parental right to choose, target payments and fearof autism were the major factors. Conclusions: Anecdotal evidencemay contribute to evidence-based public health practice, especiallyin widely debated public health issues.