Sensitization to Zygophyllum fabago pollen. A clinical and immunologic study

Zygophyllum fahago is a herbaceous plant found widely in the Mediterranean area. There are no previous reports of its allergenicity. An aerobiologic and clinical survey was conducted in Murcia, southern Spain, to determine the quantity of airborne pollen and establish the possible role of this pollen as a cause of allergic symptoms. With a Hirst volumetric trap, we determined the atmospheric concentrations of this pollen in 1993, 1994,1995, and 1996. Of 1180 patients tested, 181 (15,34%) had a positive skin test. To determine its allergenicity, we divided 47 patients into three groups: in group 1, all the patients had symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis plus asthma; in groups 2 and 3, rhinoconjunctivitis. In group 1, we performed a bronchial provocation test (BPT): in groups 2 and 3, we performed nasal provocation (NPT) and conjunctival provocation (CPT) tests, respectively, SDS-PAGE was used to characterize the antigenic fractions and RAST inhibition to determine cross-reactivity with other pollens. The pollen dispersion period is from May to September (445 grains/m³), BPT was positive in 13 of 15 patients, NPT in 14 of 16 patients, and CPT in 13 of 16 patients. RAST inhibition revealed cross-reactivity with Mercurialis, Ricinus, Olea. and Betula. SDS-PAGE identified 25 IgE antibody-binding components, five of which (60, 65, 41, 38, and 15.5/14,7 kDa) were recognized by 40% of the sera. By SDS-PAGE immunoblotting with sunflower antiprofilin rabbit serum and affinity chromatography we established that the Z. fahago extract has profilin. This study shows that this pollen becomes airborne and elicits an IgE response which triggers respiratory symptoms in allergic subjects.     

Information technology infusion model for health sector in a developing country: Nigeria as a case.

To date, information technology (IT) has not been widely adopted in the health sector in the developing countries. Information Technology may bring an improvement on health care delivery systems. It is one of the prime movers of globalization. Information technology infusion is the degree to which a different information technology tools are integrated into organizational activities. This study aimed to know the degree and the extent of incorporation of Information Technology in the Nigerian health sector and derive an IT infusion models for popular IT indicators that are in use in Nigeria (Personal computers, Mobile phones, and the Internet) and subsequently investigates their impacts on the health care delivery system in Nigerian teaching hospitals. In this study, data were collected through the use of questionnaires. Also, oral interviews were conducted and subsequently, the data gathered were analyzed. The results of the analysis revealed that out of the three IT indicators considered, mobile phones are spreading fastest. It also revealed that computers and mobile phones are in use in all the teaching hospitals. Finally in this research, IT infusion models were developed for health sector in Nigeria from the data gathered through the questionnaire and oral interview.     

Análisis de la concentración sérica del ADN tumoral en el cáncer de pulmón no microcítico y avanzado: ¿es útil como factor pronóstico?

INTRODUCTION: Presence of circulating DNA in the serum of patients with cancer makes detection of tumour-specific genetic alterations feasible. OBJECTIVE: To study serum DNA concentration in patients diagnosed as having advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and to evaluate its relationship with age, histology, stage, response, time-to-progression (TTP), and survival. METHODS: Serum DNA from 78 patients was purified and spectrophotometrically quantified. RESULTS: No significant correlations were found between serum DNA concentration and age, histology, response and survival. There was a significant correlation with respect to stage (IIIB = 408.75 ng/ml; IV = 478.74 ng/ml; p = 0.02). When patients were grouped according to DNA concentration, significant correlation with TTP was found; establishing a cut-off point at 500 ng/ml ([DNA] < 500 ng/ml TTP = 7.25 months, 95%CI: 3.5-5.25; [DNA ] > or = 500 ng/ml TTP = 4.25 months, 95%CI: 2-6.5; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using the present method, DNA concentration quantification appears to be simple, but with certain deficiencies due to inter-sample variability and low specificity. This is because total DNA concentration is measured without distinguishing as to whether it is tumour-related. We suggest that there is a correlation between DNA concentration and prognosis which enables an analysis of the natural history of the disease.     

Case Report and Review of Literature: Late Retrograde Type A Aortic Dissection With Rupture after Repair of Type B Aortic Dissection with a GORE TAG Endovascular Prosthesis

Acute aortic dissection is the most common catastrophic condition of the aorta. Treatment options include open surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic reconstruction (TEVAR). We present a late Type A dissection as a complication of the management of descending aortic dissections with TEVAR and a review of the literature. TEVAR of the thoracic aorta is a viable treatment option for the management of complicated descending thoracic aortic dissections. Careful patient selection is necessary as medical therapy successfully treats the majority of uncomplicated Type B dissections. TEVAR should be reserved for patients with complicated Type B dissections or those who fail nonoperative management. Close postoperative monitoring is necessary when TEVAR is performed and should be accompanied by lifelong surveillance. A high level of suspicion is important to identify retrograde Type A dissections in these patients given its rarity and the ambiguity of its clinical presentation.     

Design and characterization of biofunctional magnetic porous silicon flakes

Magnetic porous silicon flakes (MPSF) were obtained from mesoporous silicon layers formed by multi-step anodization and subsequent composite formation with Fe oxide nanoparticles by thermal annealing. The magnetic nanoparticles adhered to the surface and penetrated inside the pores. Their structure evolved as a result of the annealing treatments derived from X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption analyses. Moreover, by tailoring the magnetic load, the dynamic and hydrodynamic properties of the particles were controlled, as observed by the pressure displayed against a sensor probe. Preliminary functionality experiments were performed using an eye model, seeking potential use of MPSF as reinforcement for restored detached retina. It was observed that optimal flake immobilization is obtained when the MPSF reach values of magnetic saturation >10^?4 A m² g^?1. Furthermore, the MPSF were demonstrated to be preliminarily biocompatible in vitro. Moreover, New Zealand rabbit in vivo models demonstrated their short-term histocompatibility and their magnetic functionality as retina pressure actuators.     

Comparison of Doctors' and Breast Cancer Patients' Perceptions of Docetaxel,Epirubicin, and Cyclophosphamide (TEC) Toxicity

In Spain, around 26,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, representing nearly 30% of all cancers in women. The aim this study was to compare the perceptions of nonhematologic toxicities after administration of a docetaxel, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TEC) regimen between breast cancer patients and oncologists. Furthermore, the relationship between such adverse events and quality of life (QOL) was evaluated. Cross‐sectional study carried out among 92 breast cancer patients who received TEC as neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment. The main nonhematologic toxicities experienced by breast cancer patients treated with the TEC regimen were asthenia, nausea, dysgeusia, arthralgia, headache, and myalgia. Patients were less likely to be affected by vomiting and peripheral neuropathy. Oncologists seemed to show greater interest in toxicities, such as asthenia, nausea, and diarrhea. Vomiting was the toxicity with the most substantial degree of agreement between oncologist and patient. Toxicities with greater disagreement were dysgeusia, arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia, and headache. Asthenia, dysgeusia, loss of appetite, skin allergies, peripheral edema, abdominal pain, and myalgia were found to significantly affect the QOL. Tolerability and QOL were more favorable in patients treated with pegfilgrastim compared with filgrastim. Oncologists tend to underestimate toxicities experienced by breast cancer patients treated with the TEC regimen. The establishment of a protocol to record these toxicities may reduce that problem.     

Predisposing factors,clinical presentation and outcome of treatment of avulsive human bites on the face: a case series analysis from Abuja,Nigeria

Background

Human bite can be classified as occlusive or non-occlusive. Occlusive bites are seldom reported to occur outside the facial region. This study aims to analyze cases of avulsive human bite and find which part of the face is the most frequently involved in such cases. The findings may indicate which part of the face is generally perceived as the most critical in judging attractiveness.

Methods

This retrospective study was carried out using a data review of all consecutive avulsive facial human bite cases seen in the maxillofacial surgery unit, National Hospital Abuja, between February 2001 and January 2014. Uniform protocol of prophylactic oral antibiotic and anti-tetanus cover was ensured throughout the study period.

Results

Seventeen cases were included in this study. Amorous jealousy was the cause of altercation in 15 (88.2 %) cases. Twelve (70.6 %) cases involved the lip. There were eight female and nine male victims. There were nine female and eight male assailants.

Conclusions

The lip is the most frequently affected region of the face in avulsive human bite attacks in our environment. This may be because it is considered the most important anatomical region of the face on which judgment of attractiveness is based. Level of evidence: Level IV, prognostic/risk study.     

Use of the regression analysis technique to determine the true phosphorus digestibility and the endogenous phosphorus output associated with corn in growing pigs

The objectives of this study were to determine true phosphorus (P) digestibility and the endogenous P output associated with corn for growing pigs using the regression analysis technique. Four barrows, average initial body weight of 25 kg, were fitted with a T-cannula and fed four diets according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Four cornstarch-based diets, containing four levels of P at 0.7, 1.5, 2.2 and 2.8 g/kg dry matter intake (DMI), were formulated from corn. Each experimental period comprised 8 d with 4-d adaptation and 4-d collection of ileal digesta and fecal samples. The apparent ileal and fecal P digestibility values in corn were affected (P < 0.05) by P contents in the assay diets. The apparent ileal and fecal P digestibility values increased from -51.0 to 33.3% and from -41.4 to 39.1%, respectively, as P content increased from 0.7 to 2.8 g/kg DMI. Linear relationships (P < 0.05), expressed as g/kg DMI, between the apparent ileal and fecal digestible P and the total intake of dietary P, suggested that true P digestibility and the endogenous P outputs associated with corn can be determined by the regression analysis technique. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in true P digestibility values (54.0 +/- 6.5 vs. 59.8 +/- 8.5%) and the endogenous P outputs (0.693 +/- 0.128 vs. 0.670 +/- 0.160 g/kg DMI) between the ileal and the fecal determinations. The endogenous fecal P output represented 12.3% and 25.8% of the daily total and available P requirements in growing pigs recommended by the National Research Council in 1998. The present literature data of apparent digestibility and availability underestimate the true digestive utilization of P in corn for growing pigs by approximately 35%. Current diet formulation on the bases of total, apparent P digestibility and availability values in corn inevitably leads to P overfeeding and excessive P excretion in pigs.     

Application of the CFU-GM assay to predict acute drug-induced neutropenia: an international blind trial to validate a prediction model for the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of myelosuppressive xenobiotics.

In a previous study of prevalidation, a standard operating procedure (SOP) for two independent in vitro tests (human and mouse) had been developed, to evaluate the potential hematotoxicity of xenobiotics from their direct and the adverse effects on granulocyte-macrophages (CFU-GM). A predictive model to calculate the human maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was set up, by adjusting a mouse-derived MTD for the differential interspecies sensitivity. In this paper, we describe an international blind trial designed to apply this model to the clinical neutropenia, by testing 20 drugs, including 14 antineoplastics (Cytosar-U, 5-Fluorouracil, Myleran, Thioguanine, Fludarabine, Bleomycin, Methotrexate, Gemcitabine, Carmustine, Etoposide, Teniposide, Cytoxan, Taxol, Adriamycin); two antivirals (Retrovir, Zovirax,); three drugs for other therapeutic indications (Cyclosporin, Thorazine, Indocin); and one pesticide (Lindane). The results confirmed that the SOP developed generates reproducible IC90 values with both human and murine GM-CFU. For 10 drugs (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Etoposide, Fludarabine, 5-Fluorouracil, Myleran, Taxol, Teniposide, Thioguanine, and Thorazine), IC90 values were found within the range of the actual drug doses tested (defined as the actual IC90). For the other 10 drugs (Carmustine, Cyclosporin, Cytosar-U, Cytoxan, Gemcitabine, Indocin, Lindane, Methotrexate, Retrovir, and Zovirax) extrapolation on the regression curve out of the range of the actual doses tested was required to derive IC90 values (extrapolated IC90). The model correctly predicted the human MTD for 10 drugs out of 10 that had "actual IC90 values" and 7 drugs out of 10 for those having only an extrapolated IC90. Two of the incorrect predictions (Gemcitabine and Zovirax) were within 6-fold of the correct MTD, instead of the 4-fold range required by the model, whereas the prediction with Cytosar-U was approximately 10-fold in error. A possible explanation for the failure in the prediction of these three drugs, which are pyrimidine analogs, is discussed. We concluded that our model correctly predicted the human MTD for 20 drugs out of 23, since the other three drugs (Topotecan, PZA, and Flavopiridol) were tested in the prevalidation study. The high percentage of predicitivity (87%), as well as the reproducibility of the SOP testing, confirm that the model can be considered scientifically validated in this study, suggesting promising applications to other areas of research in developing validated hematotoxicological in vitro methods.