Aneruptive fever associated with antibodies to Rickettsia helvetica in Europe and Thailand

We report that eight patients from France, Italy, and Thailand had serological evidence of Rickettsia helvetica infection. The infection presented as a mild disease in the warm season and was associated with fever, headache, and myalgia but not with a cutaneous rash. R. helvetica should be suspected in patients with unexplained fever, especially following a bite from an Ixodes sp. tick.     

Prolonged elevation of interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 concentrations in plasma and of leukocyte interleukin-8 mRNA levels during septicemic and localized Pseudomonas pseudomallei infection.

Patients suffering from serious bacterial infection present to the hospital after early inflammatory events, such as release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), have been initiated. The role of other cytokines, such as interleukin-8 (IL-8), a neutrophil chemoattractant and activator, in the pathophysiology of human sepsis is not well characterized, and there are only limited data on IL-6. We studied serial concentrations of TNF, IL-6 (involved in the acute-phase response), and IL-8 in plasma and leukocyte levels of mRNA for these cytokines in patients with localized and septicemic Pseudomonas pseudomallei infection on admission to the hospital and during a prolonged recovery phase (up to 30 days). Of 18 patients, 8 had detectable plasma IL-8 and all had raised plasma IL-6 concentrations. In patients who died median initial concentration of IL-8 (167 pg/ml; range, 97 to 362 pg/ml) and IL-6 (4,800 pg/ml; range, 60 to 9,245 pg/ml) in plasma were higher than those in survivors (P less than 0.008 and P = 0.007, respectively). Septic patients who survived and patients with localized disease had similar cytokine levels. Plasma IL-8 and IL-6 concentrations were elevated throughout the inpatient period of recovery. Circulating leukocytes contained mRNA for IL-8 but not for IL-6 and TNF, and they may secrete IL-8. An elevated plasma IL-6 concentration (greater than 1,000 pg/ml) had 75% mortality) was the best predictor of mortality in P. pseudomallei sepsis. Fifty percent of patients with detectable plasma IL-8 concentrations died. In contrast, plasma TNF bioactivity did not relate to outcome; 75% of patients who did never had detectable plasma TNF activity.     

Increased Risks of Preterm Birth and a Low‐Birth‐Weight Baby in Thai Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Positive Pregnant Women With Periodontitis

Background: Many studies have investigated the risks of adverse neonatal outcomes associated with the presence of periodontitis in non‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected pregnant women. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no study to investigate the risk of neonatal outcomes associated with periodontitis in HIV‐infected pregnant women. The aim of this study is to measure the risk of having adverse neonatal outcomes: preterm delivery (<37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (<2,500 g at birth), and preterm and low‐birth‐weight baby (<37 weeks of gestation and <2,500 g at birth) associated with the presence of periodontitis in HIV‐infected women. Methods: A total of 292 HIV‐infected pregnant women were interviewed for demographic information and medical history and were examined for their periodontal status during weeks 16 to 34 of gestation. Follow‐up sessions were done after the delivery to record the baby's data. Periodontitis defined by various criteria were evaluated as exposures. Binomial regression (generalized linear model) was used to examine the risk ratios (RRs). Logistic regression, t tests, and χ² test were used to examine the associations of periodontitis with adverse neonatal outcomes. Results: Forty women had preterm delivery, 39 women delivered a low‐birth‐weight baby, and 22 women gave birth to a baby that was preterm and low birth weight. We found significant elevated risks of having preterm delivery as RR = 3.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29 to 7.38, low birth weight RR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.65, and preterm and low birth weight as RR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.55 to 10.76 in women who had at ≥1 5‐mm periodontal pocket. Conclusion: This study found a positive risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in HIV‐infected pregnant women who had moderate periodontitis.     

甲亢患者131I治疗后周围剂量当量率的变化及其影响因素的研究

目的 探讨甲状腺功能亢进症（甲亢）患者131I治疗后周围剂量当量率的变化及其影响因素,为辐射防护提供理论依据。 方法 回顾性分析2018年10月至2019年11月于重庆医科大学附属第一医院行131I治疗的42例甲亢患者的临床资料,其中男性12例、女性30例,年龄14~68（38.7±11.9）岁。测量131I治疗后2、4周距离患者颈部正前方0、0.3、1.0、2.0、4.0 m处的周围剂量当量率,分析其变化规律,并探讨患者的性别、年龄、甲状腺摄碘率、131I的有效半衰期及服药剂量与周围剂量当量率的相关性。2组间计量资料的比较采用独立样本t检验,周围剂量当量率与各指标之间的相关性采用Pearson相关性分析。 结果 所有甲亢患者131I治疗后2、4周的周围剂量当量率随测量距离的增加逐渐降低。131I治疗后2周,距离患者≥2.0 m处,周围剂量当量率均<25 μSv/h;131I治疗后4周,距离患者≥0.3 m处,周围剂量当量率均<25 μSv/h。不同性别患者不同测量距离处的周围剂量当量率间的差异均无统计学意义（t=?0.467~1.766,均P>0.05）。131I治疗后2周,测量距离为0、0.3、4.0 m处的周围剂量当量率均与131I的有效半衰期呈正相关（r=0.318~0.487,均P<0.05）;测量距离为2.0、4.0 m处的周围剂量当量率均与服药剂量呈正相关（r=0.546、0.491,均P<0.01）;不同测量距离处的周围剂量当量率与患者的年龄和甲状腺摄碘率均无相关性（r=?1.158~0.162,均P>0.05）。131I治疗后4周,测量距离为0、0.3、1.0、2.0 m处的周围剂量当量率均与131I的有效半衰期呈正相关（r=0.319~0.380,均P<0.05）;测量距离为0 m处的周围剂量当量率与患者的年龄呈正相关（r=0.429,P<0.01）;测量距离为2.0 m处的周围剂量当量率与甲状腺摄碘率呈正相关（r=0.353,P<0.05）;不同测量距离处的周围剂量当量率与服药剂量均无相关性（r=0.020~0.157,均P>0.05）。 结论 甲亢患者131I治疗后4周内应尽量避免与家属亲密接触,临床医师应根据周围剂量当量率的测量结果及131I在患者体内的有效半衰期对甲亢患者的居家隔离进行辐射防护指导。     

Comparison of two fracture toughness testing methods using a glass-infiltrated and a zirconia dental ceramic

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to compare the fracture toughness (K_Ic) obtained from the single edge V-notched beam (SEVNB) and the fractographic analysis (FTA) of a glass-infiltrated and a zirconia ceramic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For each material, ten bar-shaped specimens were prepared for the SEVNB method (3 mm × 4 mm × 25 mm) and the FTA method (2 mm × 4 mm × 25 mm). The starter V-notch was prepared as the fracture initiating flaw for the SEVNB method. A Vickers indentation load of 49 N was used to create a controlled surface flaw on each FTA specimen. All specimens were loaded to fracture using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5-1 mm/min. The independent-samples t-test was used for the statistical analysis of the K_Ic values at α=0.05.

RESULTS

The mean K_Ic of zirconia ceramic obtained from SEVNB method (5.4 ± 1.6 MPa·m^1/2) was comparable to that obtained from FTA method (6.3 ± 1.6 MPa·m^1/2). The mean K_Ic of glass-infiltrated ceramic obtained from SEVNB method (4.1 ± 0.6 MPa·m^1/2) was significantly lower than that obtained from FTA method (5.1 ± 0.7 MPa·m^1/2).

CONCLUSION

The mean K_Ic of the glass-infiltrated and zirconia ceramics obtained from the SEVNB method were lower than those obtained from FTA method even they were not significantly different for the zirconia material. The differences in the K_Ic values could be a result of the differences in the characteristics of fracture initiating flaws of these two methods.     

健康体检者颈动脉粥样硬化斑块形成相关危险因素的研究

目的分析颈动脉粥样硬化斑块形成相关危险因素,以采取早期预防措施。方法对1256例体检者经超声检查颈动脉,测量颈动脉内-中膜厚度,分析体质量指数、高血压、血脂异常、糖尿病等与颈动脉硬化之间的关系。结果 1256例体检者,共检出颈动脉粥样硬化442例,其中高体质量指数组18例,血脂异常组41例,高血压组38例,高血压合并血脂异常组48例,糖尿病组23例,吸烟组29例,对照组8例。各危险组与对照组差异有统计学意义(P0.05),且高血压合并血脂异常、与单纯性高血压、血脂异常比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论血脂异常是颈动脉硬化的主要危险因素之一,血脂异常及高血压两者同时存在可加重动脉粥样硬化。     

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic evaluation of ceftazidime continuous infusion vs intermittent bolus injection in septicaemic melioidosis

AIMS: Experimental studies have suggested that constant intravenous infusion would be preferable to conventional intermittent bolus administration of beta-lactam antibiotics for serious Gram-negative infections. Severe melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei infection) carries a mortality of 40% despite treatment with high dose ceftazidime. The aim of this study was to measure the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of continuous infusion of ceftazidime vs intermittent bolus dosing in septicaemic melioidosis. METHODS: Patients with suspected septicaemic melioidosis were randomised to receive ceftazidime 40 mg kg-1 8 hourly by bolus injection or 4 mg kg-1 h-1 by constant infusion following a 12 mg kg-1 priming dose to perform estimation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients studied 16 (59%) died. Twenty patients had cultures positive for B. pseudomallei of whom 12 (60%) died. The median MIC90 of B. pseudomallei was 2 mg l-1, giving a target concentration CT, of 8 mg l-1. The median (range) estimated total apparent volume of distribution, systemic clearance and terminal elimination half-lives of ceftazidime were 0.468 (0.241-0.573) l kg-1, 0.058 (0.005-0.159) l kg-1 h-1 and 7.74 (1.95-44.71) h, respectively. Clearance of ceftazidime and creatinine clearance were correlated closely (r = 0. 71; P < 0.001) and there was no evidence of significant nonrenal clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Simulations based on these data and the ceftazidime sensitivity of the B. pseudomallei isolates indicated that administration by constant infusion would allow significant dose reduction and cost saving. With conventional 8 h intermittent dosing to patients with normal renal function, plasma ceftazidime concentrations could fall below the target concentration but this would be unlikely with a constant infusion. Correction for renal failure which is common in these patients is Clearance = k * creatinine clearance where k = 0.072. Calculation of a loading dose gives median (range) values of loading dose, DL of 3.7 mg kg-1 (1. 9-4.6) and infusion rate I = 0.46 mg kg h-1 (0.04-1.3) (which equals 14.8 mg kg-1 day-1). A nomogram for adjustment in renal failure is given.     

Hantavirus infection in Thailand: first clinical case report

This study involved 115 cases of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in patients who were admitted to the Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital from May 1999 to November 2000. Among the patient sera screened by ELISA for IgG Hantavirus, five were positive for IgG Hantavirus-reacting antibodies and eight tested positive for IgM Hantavirus-reacting antibodies. One serum had both IgG and IgM antibodies. The patient exhibited acute encephalitic febrile illness, thrombocytopenia, high AST and ALT levels, and prolonged coagulation time. It appears that a form of the Hantaan virus is circulating in Thailand, which can infect humans and be pathogenic in some instances.     

Improvement of vascular function by chronic administration of a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor in cholesterol-fed rabbits

1. Atherosclerotic cardio- and cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries. Aspirin-like drugs are widely used to prevent and treat these occlusive cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. The beneficial effects of these drugs have been largely attributed to inhibition of platelet cyclo-oxygenase activity and thromboxane (TX) A2 production. We investigated the effect of an aspirin-like drug, namely indomethacin, on endothelial function, plaque and platelet aggregation and the formation of vasoactive substances during the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. 2. Rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol (n = 8), 1% cholesterol plus 25 mg/day indomethacin (n = 8) or normal rabbit chow (control group; n = 8) for 12 weeks. Urinary excretion rates of 2,3-dinor-TXB2, 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1alpha, 8-iso-PGF2alpha and nitrate were analysed at the beginning of dietary intervention and at 4 weekly intervals thereafter. At the end of the study period, platelet aggregation, aortic plaque formation and endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular functions of isolated aortic rings ex vivo were assessed. 3. Compared with control, in the cholesterol-fed group, urinary 2,3-dinor-TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1alpha and 8-iso-PGF2alpha excretion and platelet aggregation were significantly increased (P < 0.05), but urinary excretion of nitrate was decreased (P < 0.05). Treatment with indomethacin significantly reduced platelet aggregation, urinary 2,3-dinor-TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1alpha and 8-iso-PGF2alpha excretion (P < 0.05 vs the cholesterol-fed group) and attenuated the reduction in urinary nitrate excretion. 4. Cholesterol feeding progressively increased aortic intimal thickening and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilator function (P < 0.05 vs control), whereas indomethacin partially prevented aortic plaque formation and restored endothelium-dependent vasodilation (P < 0.05 vs the cholesterol-fed group). 5. The present study demonstrates that indomethacin reduces the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and improves endothelium-mediated vascular responses ex vivo in cholesterol-fed rabbits. The beneficial effects of indomethacin may be due to its ability to prevent the elevation of platelet aggregation, TXA2 (measured as urinary 2,3-dinor-TXB2 excretion) and 8-iso-PGF2alpha formation and to retard the decrease in endogenous nitric oxide synthesis (assessed as urinary excretion of nitrate). Despite indomethacin treatment leading to the suppression of prostacyclin biosynthesis (assessed as urinary 6-keto-PGF1alpha excretion), according to our data, indomethacin appears to preserve endothelial function.