Acute cholestasis following treatment with nimesulide and oral contraception: case report and review

Our case report of acute cholestatic liver injury highlights the potential hepatotoxicity of nimesulide treatment in combination with oral contraception. Rarely occuring histological findings of "pure" cholestasis without any inflammatory or necrotic changes with favourable outcome following ursodeoxycholic acid administration are described. It was not possible to distinguish the separate role of any of these two drugs on hepatotoxicity according to the available information. Based on the known similarities in hepatotoxic profile of nimesulide and oral contraceptives, it can be assumed that their interaction could increase the risk of liver damage, although the precise mechanisms are not ellucidated yet. Nimesulide toxicity however is often reported in cases taking several potentially hepatotoxic drugs. It is therefore prudent to reconsider any concommitant treatment and closely monitor liver function tests in patients requiring nimesulide treatment.     

pH modulating activity of ion channels of influenza A, B, and C viruses

The BM2 and NB proteins of Influenza B virus (the B virus) and the CM2 protein of Influenza C virus (the C virus) are structural homologs of the M2 protein of Influenza A virus (the A virus). It was shown recently that CM2 in vitro forms a voltage-activated ion channel permeable to chloride ion (Hongo et al., Arch. Virol. 149, 35-50, 2004). To demonstrate a possible pH modulating activity of BM2, NB and CM2, the latters were co-expressed with a pH-sensitive hemagglutinin (HA) of the A virus. BM2 was able to replace functionally M2 and prevented the A virus HA from adopting its low-pH conformation during transport to the cell surface. In contrast, NB had a negative effect on the quality of the co-expressed HA and was unable to modulate the pH in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and to protect HA. A pH modulating activity was also demonstrated for CM2, but it was much lower than that of M2.     

Endocrine changes in liver disease

Liver diseases have an influence on function and morphology of all endocrine glands. Knowledge of these specific changes is important in correct interpretation of pathological clinical and laboratory hormonal symptoms and signs induced by liver disease. We analyze the influence on the thyroid, bone metabolism, adrenocorticotropic axis, gonadal hormones, prolactin and growth hormone.     

Experimental and clinical substantiation of the functional transpedicular stabilization of the vertebral column

Metallic construction for transpecular stabilization (transpedicular constructions T-TPC). Titanium nickelide (TiNi) alloys have come into existence in the surgical treatment of diseases of the vertebral column and spinal cord. The properties of these alloys are the storage of a shape, superelasticity, and cyclic longevity. The adequate mechanical behavior of live tissues and TiNi-based alloys suggests that metallic constructions made from TiNi are more physiological and functional than those made from steels and titanium alloys. The foregoing makes it possible to consider the design of metallic constructions to be promising for transpedicular spinal stabilization involving the latter's reliability and stability with the physiological and functional capacities of TiNi fixing arms. The study performed computer-assisted simulation of surgical treatment for different spinal diseases by using TPC by means of the programme package ANSYS and statistical and cyclic studies of TPC up to the international standards on a Terotest testing machine. The experimental findings were used to formulate recommendation to use TPC of varying rigidity to treat spinal injuries and diseases. Eight operations were performed to treat patients with diseases of the lower thoracic and lumbar parts of the vertebral column, by using TiNi rod of the optimum rigidity, which yielded good clinical results.     

Radical thoracoplasty by the funneled thorax malformation in adults

Early and long-term results of radical thoracoplasty in 114 adult patients with funnel chest are presented. The Sulamaa-Paltia operation was performed in 24 patients, thoracoplasty with sternocostal complex fixing by arcuated nitinol plates was made in 30 patients. Thoracoplasty with sternocostal complex fixing by M-shaped nitinol plates was performed in 60 cases. Two patients after Sulamaa-Paltia operation demonstrated the plate displacement, which caused the relapse of the disease. Those patients, who had other techniques applied, showed no signs of relapse. Thus, Sulamaa-Paltia operation allowed good results in 83,3% of the treated patients; the use of arcuated and M-shaped plates showed good results in 93,3 and 98,3%, respectively.     

The radical minimal access thoracoplasty by funnel chest in adults

A new technique of radical thoracoplasty, performed with a small size incision, using the sternocostal complex fixation with nitinol plates with shape memory and the surgical toolkit required for the purpose, has been successfully introduced. 23 patients underwent surgery using the technique. Tree patients had early postoperative complications: 2 cases of exudative pleurisy and 1 case of bronchitis aggravation. Good cosmetic results was achieved in all operated patients. The mechanical ground of the technique is based on the use of the effective force of the sternum traction and the pressure of the plate on the tissues below. The main advantage of the method is avoidance of the transverse sternotomy.     

Expression of a part of the Potato virus A non-structural protein P3 in Escherichia coli for the purpose of antibody preparation and P3 immunodetection in plant material

The N-terminal part of the Potato virus A (PVA) P3 protein was cloned into two E. coli fusion expression systems. An overexpression of the P3 fragment fused with thioredoxin was observed between 2 and 21 h after induction. The protein formed insoluble inclusions. Decreasing the cultivation temperature did not enhance its solubility. To obtain antigen for antibody preparation, inclusions were concentrated and purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation, and subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The band specific for the protein was excised from the gel and used for rabbit immunization. Obtained antibody tested positive with high specificity in immunoblots of expressed PVA P3 fused with either thioredoxin or GST. The antibody was also applied for the detection of P3 protein in plant material by immunoblot. Previous plant sap concentration was essential for most samples. Three concentration methods were tested: simple centrifugal size-exclusion filtration, the same preceded with high-speed centrifugation at 250,000 x g, and differential ammonium sulfate precipitation. The last approach was the most convenient. Plants tested included PVA P3-transgenic tobacco lines as well as PVA-infected wild-type tobacco. In all cases, mature P3 with a molecular mass of 40 kDa was detected.