CXCR4 and CCR5 expression on CD4+ T cells in vivo and HIV-1 antigen beta-chemokine production in vitro after treatment with HIV-1 immunogen (REMUNE)

BACKGROUND: The chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 have been identified as the major coreceptors for HIV-1 on CD4+ cells and macrophages. The natural ligands for these receptors are SDF-1 and the beta-chemokines (MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, RANTES), respectively, and are the products of a variety of immune cells, including CD8+ T lymphocytes. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: We hypothesized that the ability to stimulate the natural ligands for these receptors using an immune based therapy might influence in vivo chemokine receptor expression. RESULTS: In vivo CXCR4 expression remained stable after treatment with an HIV-1 Immunogen (REMUNE), whereas CCR5 expression on CD4+ T cells decreased (p < .05). Furthermore, HIV-1 antigen-specific production of beta-chemokines in vitro was also augmented (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that this HIV-1-specific immune-based therapy can stimulate antigen-specific beta-chemokine production in vitro and downregulate CCR5 receptor expression on CD4 cells in vivo.     

Characteristics and Motivation of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Attending the Canadian Transplant Games

BackgroundThe Canadian Transplant games (“Games”) were created to increase awareness of organ donation and highlight the importance of staying active and healthy post-transplant. It is unclear what motivates solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients to participate and whether the games serve as an incentive for SOT recipients to increase their physical activity (PA) levels.Objectives1. To describe the characteristics of participants from past games and their motivation for attending and 2. to determine whether there was an interest in participating in goal-based, pre-games exercise training programs.MethodsA web-based questionnaire was sent to adult SOT recipients who were members of the Canadian Transplant Association. The survey included questions about why participants attended, their PA levels, and their interest in a pre-games training program.ResultsOf the 157 participants, more were male than female; the 35-54-year-old age group was the most common; and 62% of respondents received a liver or kidney transplant. The most common reasons for participating in the games were to showcase health post-transplant, promote awareness of organ donation, sports competition, and social reasons. Sixty-five percent of respondents reported that they would be interested in an exercise program to be more physically prepared for the competition.ConclusionPre-games training programs could be developed to motivate participation and help participants achieve higher training intensities and foster social interaction. Directing resources to individuals who do not attend the games and to those who are not physically active should be considered.     

Phototriggered In‐Situ Generation of Triethylborane for Polymer Synthesis Under Air

Upon demand, 1,3‐diamino‐propane‐triethylborane (DAPTB) is photolyzed in the presence of an acid generator such as a diphenyliodonium salt. Interestingly, triethylborane is released. In the presence of oxygen, ethyl radicals are generated and initiate an acrylate polymerization. This is the first example of a phototriggered production of a triethylborane usable in the photoinitiation of acrylate polymerizations. This approach is also worthwhile to overcome the oxygen inhibition for free‐radical polymerization processes.     

Correction to: Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia

Journal of Neurology - The article Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia, written by Cynthia Comella, Joaquim J. Ferreira, Emilie Pain,...     

Chronic myelogenous leukemia with t(9;22) and t(8;11): a new chromosome anomaly

A case of chronic myelogenous leukemia in an elderly man with a new translocation, t(8;11)(q24;q13), associated with a Philadelphia t(9;22) translocation is described. The clinical and hematologic aspects of the disease did not seem to differ from those of the usual cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia except for a basophilic blast crisis.     

Three cases of translocation (8;16)(p11;p13) observed in acute myelomonocytic leukemia: a new specific subgroup?

In three cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia we observed a translocation (8;16)(p11;p13); in one case it was the sole karyotypic change and in the other two cases it was associated with other structural anomalies. All three cases were nonhyperleukocytic myelomonocytic leukemias with erythrophagocytosis by some blast cells and cytochemistry results consistent with leukemic proliferation of a common monocytic-granulocytic precursor. The importance of this translocation is discussed, and the implication of band 16p13 in myelomonocytic leukemia is stressed.     

Percutaneous transtracheal ventilation for laser endoscopic treatment of laryngeal and subglottic lesions

Obstructive lesions of the larynx and subglottic space are always a challenging problem for the endoscopist and anaesthetist. At this level, the efficacy and innocuity of a carbon dioxide laser treatment are related to the degree of endoscopic exposure. Thanks to the transtracheal high frequency jet ventilator, it is now possible to assure a free laryngeal endoscopic operative field. The transtracheal catheter is introduced percutaneously through the cricothyroid membrane into the trachea under endoscopic control and connected to a high frequency jet ventilator. From November 1983 to April 1985, this technique has been used in 65 cases. In 12 cases, it was the only alternative to avoid a tracheostomy. The other indications were: laryngeal papillomatosis, resection of T1a cancers of the vocal cords, fibrous strictures secondary to long term intubation, laser arytenoidectomies and benign lesions of the vocal cords. Among many advantages, the following are the most convincing: clear vision of the operative field for the surgeon, complete relaxation of the patient, good respiratory gas exchange, elimination of the risk of ignition of an endotracheal tube by laser, decreased risks of broncho-aspiration of blood and debris, and the facility to provide oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation in the postoperative period. The only complication encountered was a case of cervico-mediastinal emphysema caused by displacement of the tracheal catheter.