Anti-tumor immunotherapy via antigen delivery from a live attenuated genetically engineered Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system-based vector.

Immunotherapy requiring an efficient T lymphocyte response is initiated by antigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells. Several studies have assessed the efficiency of various antigen loading procedures, including microbial vectors. Here a live strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was engineered to translocate a recombinant antigenic protein into mammalian cells via the type III secretion system, a bacterial device translocating effector proteins into host cells. Optimization of the vector included virulence attenuation and determination of the N-terminal sequence allowing translocation of fused antigens into cells. In vitro delivery of an ovalbumin fragment by the bacterial vector into dendritic cells induced the activation of ovalbumin-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes. Mice injected with the ovalbumin-delivering vector developed ovalbumin-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes and were resistant to a subsequent challenge with an ovalbumin-expressing melanoma. Moreover, in a curative assay, injection of the vaccine vector 5 and 12 days after tumor implantation led to a complete cure in five of six animals. These results highlight the utility of type III secretion system-based vectors for anti-tumor immunotherapy.     

Hysterectomy for hematometra in a 15-year-old mentally handicapped girl with congenital cervicovaginal agenesis and concomitant ovarian adenoma

We report a case of hematometra and bilateral hematosalphinx in a 15-year-old mentally handicapped adolescent girl, complicated by vaginal agenesis over cervical atresia in the presence of an ovarian adenoma. The case was managed by abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salphingectomy of the hematosalphinx, which had formed a tubo-ovarian mass. One ovary was preserved. This case also considers the management of the mentally handicapped patient unable to comprehend pain arising from cryptomenorrhea.     

A Qualitative Study on the Food Habits and Related Beliefs of Pregnant British Bangladeshis

It is quite challenging to deal with the health care needs of migrant populations in general, especially pregnant women, due to their diverse sociopolitical and cultural beliefs and practices. In this article, we aim to examine and understand the food habits and beliefs of pregnant British Bangladeshis using qualitative methods. Our results indicate some positive associations between the increased intakes of particular foods to ensure healthy outcomes. We also note that migration affects pregnant Bangladeshi women's physical and mental conditions. We conclude that effective health care and awareness about traditional food beliefs and habits, and their subsequent reflection into the national and local policy agendas, may bring forth positive changes and improve the overall health of pregnant women.     

An incomplete vascular ring causing respiratory distress

Kommerell’s diverticulum is a rare saccular aneurysmal dilation of the descending aorta. We report a case of a 3.5-year-old boy with the extremely rare combination of Kommerell’s diverticulum with a right descending aorta and proximal patent ductus arteriosus aneurysm forming an incomplete vascular ring. To our knowledge, this rare case has not been reported to date.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mitochondrial Myopathies

Mitochondrial myopathies are progressive muscle conditions caused primarily by the impairment of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the mitochondria. This causes a deficit in energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), particularly in skeletal muscle. The diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy is reliant on the combination of numerous techniques including traditional histochemical, immunohistochemical, and biochemical testing combined with the fast-emerging molecular genetic techniques, namely next-generation sequencing (NGS). This has allowed for the diagnosis to become more effective in terms of determining causative or novel genes. However, there are currently no effective or disease-modifying treatments available for the vast majority of patients with mitochondrial myopathies. Existing therapeutic options focus on the symptomatic management of disease manifestations. An increasing number of clinical trials have investigated the therapeutic effects of various vitamins, cofactors, and small molecules, though these trials have failed to show definitive outcome measures for clinical practice thus far. In addition, new molecular strategies, specifically mtZFNs and mtTALENs, that cause beneficial heteroplasmic shifts in cell lines harboring varying pathogenic mtDNA mutations offer hope for the future. Moreover, recent developments in the reproductive options for patients with mitochondrial myopathies mean that for some families, the possibility of preventing transmission of the mutation to the next generation is now possible.     

Educating Women for HIV Prevention: Does Exposure to Mass Media Make Them More Knowledgeable?

Mass media is an important vehicle for health promotion in developing countries. In Bangladesh multiple media campaigns are being carried out to educate people about HIV/AIDS. We examined the extent of HIV/AIDS knowledge and the association of exposure to mass media among women in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) provides data for this article. We found that media exposure (combined index of television, radio, and newspaper) was a highly significant predictor of women's knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Other significant predictors of HIV knowledge include women's education, age, employment, and urban residence.     

A study with Bangladeshi women: Seeking care for breast health

In many low- and middle-income countries, breast cancer survival is low. Reasons for this are multifactorial, but delayed presentation for care is a common theme. In this survey study with 100 urban Bangladeshi women, we examined the role of socioeconomic and sociocultural factors on their likelihood to seek breast care from a family physician. In our multivariate model, a woman's age and education significantly predicted her likelihood to see a physician. Sociocultural aspects (e.g., concerns about time commitment of family members, personal household obligations) were significant at bivariate level. Findings are discussed in relation to practice, policy, and research.