The origin and nature of stromal osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells in breast carcinoma: implications for tumour osteolysis and macrophage biology

The origin and nature of osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells (OMGCs), in extraskeletal neoplasms, is uncertain. The ultrastructure, antigenic phenotype and function of OMGCsm in a breast carcinoma were studied in order to clarify the relationship between OMGCs, osteoclasts and other cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). OMGCs resorbed cortical bone in a manner similar to osteoclasts. However, unlike osteoclasts, OMGCs did not possess a ruffled border or clear zone, and expressed HLA-DR and Fc receptors and CD14, CD16, CD18 and CD11 (p150,95) antigens. In addition, OMGCs failed to respond morphologically to calcitonin and were directly stimulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) to increase bone resorption. These findings suggest that OMGCs are a specific type of macrophage polykaryon distinct from both osteoclasts and other types of inflammatory polykaryon. Occasional smaller (20-25 microns) macrophage-like cells were also associated with resorption pits. Bone resorption by OMGCs isolated from the breast indicates that a cell of the MPS can be transplanted to a new tissue location and perform a highly specialised function appropriate to an MPS cell of that tissue (i.e. the osteoclast). PTH stimulation of bone resorption by OMGCs suggests that PTH or a PTH-like protein, may be involved in the bone resorption and consequent hypercalcaemia associated with metastatic breast cancer.     

Transvenous catheter–based microwave ablation for atrial flutter

We report a case of successful transvenous, catheter-based, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for treatment of atrial flutter using microwave energy. Microwave energy was delivered at 900–930 MHz using 21 W of power. Bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus conduction block was achieved by microwave ablation without any patient discomfort or complication during the procedure. Our initial experience suggests that transcatheter microwave ablation is feasible for the cure of typical atrial flutter.     

Challenges that nurses face in caring for morbidly obese patients in the acute care setting.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing numbers of morbidly obese patients admitted to acute care facilities for surgery or treatment of nonsurgical conditions, there is little evidence of the problems nurses face in providing care to these patients. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the care of these patients is more demanding than the care of nonobese patients. The objective of this study was to describe nurses' perceptions of the challenges that they face when caring for morbidly obese patients. METHODS: Focus groups of nurses from a tertiary care facility were convened. A trained facilitator posed questions to the group concerning various aspects of care for morbidly obese patients. Comments of respondents were categorized using NVIVO software. RESULTS: Nurses reported concerns about the increased staffing needs required for care of these patients and the particular challenges of the physical care. Concerns also included the availability, placement, and use of specialized equipment. Room size and the absence of some equipment were also problematic. Finally, nurses perceived safety issues, both for themselves and their patients. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidly obese patients in the acute care setting require specialized nursing care in terms of techniques, levels of staffing required, and the use of specialized equipment.     

Burkholderia gladioli: five year experience in a cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation center.

BACKGROUND: The impact of infection with Burkholderia gladioli in cystic fibrosis, other chronic airway diseases and immunosuppressed patients is unknown. METHODS: A six-year retrospective review of all patients with B. gladioli infection was performed in a tertiary referral center with cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation programs. In addition, a targeted survey of all 251 lung transplant recipients was performed. Available B. gladioli isolates were analyzed via pulsed field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were culture positive for B. gladioli, including 33 CF patients. No bacteremia was identified. Isolates were available in 18 patients and all were genetically distinct. Two-thirds of these isolates were susceptible to usual anti-pseudomonal antibiotics. After acquisition, only 40% of CF patients were chronically infected (> or =2 positive cultures separated by at least 6 months). Chronic infection was associated with resistance to > or =2 antibiotic groups on initial culture and failure of eradication after antibiotic therapy. The impact of acquisition of B. gladioli infection in chronic infection was variable. Three CF patients with chronic infection underwent lung transplantation. One post-transplant patient developed a B. gladioli mediastinal abscess, which was treated successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients' culture positive for B. gladioli at our center have CF. B. gladioli infection is often transient and is compatible with satisfactory post-lung transplantation outcomes.