Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Life-threatening Disease (life-threatening + disease)
Selected AbstractsPathology of lethal peripartum broad ligament haematoma in 31 Thoroughbred maresEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010T. UENO Summary Reasons for performing study: Broad ligament haemorrhage in peripartum mares is a life-threatening disease and there are few reports on the aetiology and pathogenesis of broad ligament haematoma. Objectives: To obtain information regarding the sites for the early diagnosis and pathogenesis of broad ligament haematoma of mares. Methods: Thirty-one mares that died of broad ligament haematoma peripartum were examined pathologically for bleeding sites. The arterial distribution of 5 young mares with several parities served as negative controls. Results: Age and/or multiparity were the predisposing factors for the disease. Arterial injuries were most commonly observed in the uterine artery (24 of 31 mares). Among these, the proximal uterine artery that lies within 15 cm of the bifurcation of the iliac artery was the most frequent site for rupture (18 mares). The lesions occurred preferentially at the bifurcations, lateral part of curvatures and abrupt flexures of the artery. The morphology of the injuries was classified into 3 types: ruptures with and without longitudinal fissures, and transections. Histologically, the arterial wall adjacent to the rupture showed atrophy of smooth muscle cells with fibrosis of the tunica media and disruption and/or calcification of the internal elastic lamina. Conclusions: Arterial injuries that led to broad ligament haematoma in peripartum mares occurred most frequently in the proximal uterine artery, and atrophy of smooth muscle cells with fibrosis of the arterial wall was as one of the predisposing factors in aged and multiparous mares. Potential relevance: Monitoring small aneurysms, mural tearing, medial fibrosis at the proximal uterine artery by transrectal echography could provide useful information for the early diagnosis and possible prevention of broad ligament haematoma of peripartum mares. [source] Early diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis by cerebrospinal fluid analysis and determination of 16s rRNA gene sequenceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2007D. Bengel A 40-year-old diabetic woman was diagnosed with rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Cerebral mucormycosis is an acute life-threatening disease, which is caused by fungi of the class Phycomycetae. Clinical suspicion and detection of the fungal hyphae in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) led to early diagnosis, subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis of fungal RNA. Early infiltration of the infectious agent into the central nervous system resulted in septic thrombosis of the cavernous sinus, mycotic meningoencephalitis, brain infarctions as well as intracerebral and subarachnoidal hemorrhages. Despite immediate high-dose antimycotic treatment, surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, and control of diabetes as a predisposing factor, the woman died 2 weeks after admission. Although fungal organisms are rarely detectable in CSF specimens from patients with mycotic infections of the central nervous system, comprehensive CSF examination is beneficial in the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Furthermore, a concerted team approach, systemic antifungal agents and early surgical intervention seem to be crucial for preventing rapid disease progression. [source] Pyogenic liver abscesses: a comparison of older and younger patientsHPB, Issue 3 2001JA Alvarez Background Pyogenic liver abscess is a life-threatening disease. Few studies have specifically explored the way in which the clinical features and management of elderly patients with pyogenic liver abscess differ from those of younger individuals. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate whether older patients with pyogenic liver abscess have distinctive presenting features or whether their management and outcome differ from that of younger patients. A total of 133 patients with liver abscess treated in five hospitals during 13 years comprised two groups: 78 patients aged 60 years or above (older group) and 55 patients below age 60 years (younger group). Clinical features, laboratory data, imaging and microbiological findings, management and outcome were determined in each group. Results The older group contained more patients with associated diseases (p = 0.03), nausea and vomiting at presentation (p = 0.02), higher APACHE II (Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II scale) score (p < 0.001) and blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine levels (p = 0.002). Multiple abscess (p = 0.05) and bilobar (p = 0.03) abscess were also commoner in this group. By contrast, in the younger group men predominated (p = 0.01), and there was a higher overall complication rate (p = 0.05). Time to diagnosis, hospital mortality rate and other variables analysed were similar in both groups. Discussion Elderly patients with pyogenic liver abscess have some subtle differences in clinical and laboratory presentation, but these do not appear to delay diagnosis. Active management is tolerated well, with a lower morbidity rate than in younger patients and no difference in the mortality rate. [source] Is right heart thromboemboli another indication for thrombolysis?INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2007R. Agarwal Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and a potentially life-threatening disease. Diagnosis is challenging because the signs and symptoms are non-specific. Moreover treatment of PE is shrouded in controversy. Even at presentation the role of thrombolysis in managing patients with PE remains unclear. In those patients with right heart thromboemboli, thrombolysis is usually suggested, but the evidence remains unclear. We report a 34-year-old man who was diagnosed with right heart thromboemboli on echocardiography and was successfully managed with thrombolysis and anticoagulation. We also review the current published work on the management of patients with right heart thromboemboli. [source] Direct analysis of clinical relevant single bacterial cells from cerebrospinal fluid during bacterial meningitis by means of micro-Raman spectroscopyJOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS, Issue 1-2 2009Michaela Harz Abstract Bacterial meningitis is a relevant public health concern. Despite the availability of modern treatment strategies it is still a life-threatening disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an initial treatment approach plays an important role. For in-time identification of specific bacterial pathogens of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and emerged antimicrobial and adjunctive treatment, microbiological examination is of major importance. This contribution spotlights the potential of micro-Raman spectroscopy as a biomedical assay for direct analysis of bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with bacterial meningitis. The influence of miscellaneous artificial environments on several bacterial species present during bacterial meningitis was studied by means of Raman spectroscopy. The application of chemometric data interpretation via hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) allows for the differentiation of in vitro cultured bacterial cells and can also be achieved on a single cell level. Moreover as proof of principle the investigation of a CSF sample obtained from a patient with meningococcal meningitis showed that the cerebrospinal fluid matrix does not mask the Raman spectrum of a bacterial cell notably since via chemometric analysis with HCA an identification of N. meningitidis cells from patients with bacterial meningitis could be achieved. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] A HCMV pp65 polypeptide promotes the expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells across a wide range of HLA specificitiesJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 8b 2009Maurizio Provenzano Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause life-threatening disease in infected hosts. Immunization with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted immunodominant synthetic peptides and adoptive transfer of epitope-specific T cells have been envisaged to generate or boost HCMV-specific cellular immunity, thereby preventing HCMV infection or reactivation. However, induction or expansion of T cells effective against HCMV are limited by the need of utilizing peptides with defined HLA restrictions. We took advantage of a combination of seven predictive algorithms to identify immunogenic peptides of potential use in the prevention or treatment of HCMV infection or reactivation. Here we describe a pp65-derived peptide (pp65340,355, RQYDPVAALFFFDIDL: RQY16-mer), characterized by peculiar features. First, RQY-16mer is able to stimulate HCMV pp65 specific responses in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, restricted by a wide range of HLA class I and II determinants. Second, RQY-16mer is able to induce an unusually wide range of effector functions in CD4+ T cells, including proliferation, killing of autologous HCMV-infected target cells and cytokine production. Third, and most importantly, the RQY-16mer is able to stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in pharmacologically immunosuppressed patients. These data suggest that a single reagent might qualify as synthetic immunogen for potentially large populations exposed to HCMV infection or reactivation. [source] Effect of blood group on idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpuraJOURNAL OF CLINICAL APHERESIS, Issue 4 2009Lara Zuberi Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a condition caused by deficiency of ADAMTS13 resulting in accumulation of ultra large Von Willebrand factor multimers (ULVWF), leading to micro thrombi in multiple organs. The varying susceptibilities of blood group antigens to ADAMTS13 have been demonstrated. A and B antigens are protective of VWF; and VWF purified from blood group O individuals has been shown to be cleaved faster by ADAMTS13 compared to VWF from blood group AB individuals. We proposed that there may be a difference in the incidence of blood groups in TTP patients compared with the general population. We felt this to be important for a life-threatening disease with poorly understood epidemiology. We report a retrospective analysis of 74 patients presenting from 1993 to 2008 with idiopathic TTP. We studied the incidence across various blood groups and also estimated the recurrence and mortality in each group. The incidence of various blood groups were as follows: O 36%, A 36%, B 25%, and AB 2%, compared with expected frequencies in the Detroit area: O 44%, A 33% B 20%, and AB 3%. There was a trend of lower than expected frequency of blood group O. There were 24 recurrences and 14 deaths, uniform across blood groups. We hypothesized that there may be an association between blood groups and the risk of TTP; however the differences in our study were not statistically significant. Recurrence and disease specific mortality did not appear to be impacted by blood group. J. Clin. Apheresis 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Rapid assessment of a helpdesk service supporting severe acute respiratory syndrome patients and their relativesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 6 2004Joanne WY Chung PhD Background., To contain severe acute respiratory syndrome, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority set a policy that stipulated there should be no visitors to hospital wards. A helpdesk service was established with the goal of providing immediate emotional and communication support to relatives while severe acute respiratory syndrome patients were isolated during the acute phase of the illness. Aim., This study describes the results of a rapid assessment of the effectiveness of a helpdesk service designed to meet the immediate needs of relatives of severe acute respiratory syndrome patients in Hong Kong. Design., Survey. Method., Eighty-three respondents, representing about 46.3% of relatives (179), attending the helpdesk on the day of the study were recruited. Service evaluation data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire completed by respondents. Results., Nearly 100% of respondents who used the service found the delivery service with on-site counselling useful for alleviating their anxiety. However, about half of these relatives complained of insufficient information regarding the patient's condition and progress. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the service. In describing the most important traits of the service providers, caring and enthusiasm were mentioned most frequently by respondents who stated that they were very satisfied with the service. Conclusion., The results support the value of the service, and demonstrate that the service is effective in meeting relatives' immediate needs. These needs include information, aid in fulfilling their role as caretaker for the patient (delivering prepared soup) and psychological support. The results suggest that facilitation of visitation of patients by relatives via video conferencing and education of the public on the nature and course of severe acute respiratory syndrome to reduce the social stigma of having a potentially life-threatening disease should be introduced in Hong Kong. Relevance to clinical practice., The results highlight important attributes that helpers (nurses) should have in order to alleviate the suffering of severe acute respiratory syndrome patients and their relatives. [source] Characteristics of dengue virus-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cell death that correlates with the severity of illnessMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 8 2009Yanin Jaiyen ABSTRACT The pathogenic mechanism of the severe form of dengue is complicated. Recent reports indicate that apoptotic death of various tissues or organs may be associated with vascular leakage, and ultimately leads to the death of DENV-infected patients. In the present study, we provide additional evidence supporting the detrimental role of apoptosis in DENV infection. A comparison of the rate of apoptosis in PBMCs isolated from patients suffering DF, a mild form of the disease, and the rate in patients with DHF, a life-threatening disease, revealed that PBMCs from DHF patients underwent apoptosis at a significantly higher rate than those suffering from DF alone. This suggests that the severity of natural DENV infection correlates with PBMC apoptosis. In addition, this cell death was induced not only by DENV itself, but also by the apoptotic activities of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-,, and IL-1,, that were upregulated in DHF patients. The death of these mononuclear cells that function in an innate immune system may explain the higher viral load in DHF patients than in DF patients. Interestingly, a gene expression profile pattern elucidated that apoptosis occurring during natural DENV infection involved mainly the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, which is mediated via both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanisms. In conclusion, our data highlight the adverse effect of apoptosis induced by DENV and by pro-inflammatory cytokines during natural DENV infection. [source] Risks of allogeneic hand transplantationMICROSURGERY, Issue 2 2004Steffen Baumeister M.D. A patient undergoing allogeneic hand transplantation needs lifelong immunosuppression with the risk of serious side effects, including life-threatening disease. The question remains: does the eventual improvement in function justify the risk? To answer this question, we try to assess the risks based on a large body of cumulative data derived from more 200,000 kidney transplants using the Collaborative Transplantation Study (CTS). Only selective data which apply to a patient population aged between 15,40 years were used (n = 58,310). Data are compared to the literature references and show superiority with respect to patient numbers, statistics, actuality, and methodology. The CTS data show that the incidence of de novo malignancies is lower than previously reported. The risk of developing any form of cancer is approximately 3%, of developing a skin cancer 1.1%, and of developing a lymphoma 0.58% within 5 years after transplantation. The risk of suffering from a cataract is 11% after 5 years, which is also lower than previously reported. Although the incidence of side effects (particularly malignant disease) is likely to be lower than previously thought, the risk-benefit question must be answered by each hand surgeon for each individual patient. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Experimental pancreatitis disturbs gastrointestinal and colonic motility in mice: effect of the prokinetic agent tegaserodNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 10 2007T. C. Seerden Abstract, Acute pancreatitis remains a potentially life-threatening disease associated with gastrointestinal motility disturbances. Prokinetic agents may be useful to overcome these motility disturbances. In this study, we investigated the effect of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) on gastrointestinal motility in female mice and evaluated the effect of tegaserod, a prokinetic 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 (5HT4) receptor agonist. ANP was induced by feeding mice a choline-deficient ethionine-supplemented diet during 72 h. In vivo intestinal motility was measured as the geometric centre (GC) of 25 glass beads 30-120-360 min after gavage. Colonic peristaltic activity was studied using a modified Trendelenburg set-up. ANP significantly decreased GC 30-120-360 min after bead gavage, associated with a significant increase of myeloperoxidase in the proximal small intestine and colon, but not in the stomach or distal small intestine. Tegaserod significantly ameliorated GC 360 min after bead gavage in control and pancreatitis mice. In isolated colonic segments, ANP significantly decreased the amplitude of peristaltic waves and increased the interval between peristaltic contractions. Tegaserod normalized the disturbed interval. In conclusion, ANP impairs gastric, small intestinal and colonic motility in mice. Tegaserod improves ANP-induced motility disturbances in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a therapeutic benefit of prokinetic 5HT4 receptor agonists in the treatment of pancreatitis-induced ileus. [source] Long-term effect of the complement inhibitor eculizumab on kidney function in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Peter Hillmen Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a debilitating and life-threatening disease in which lysis of PNH red blood cells frequently manifests with chronic hemolysis, anemia, and thrombosis. Renal damage in PNH is associated with chronic hemosiderosis and/or microvascular thrombosis. We determined the incidence of renal dysfunction or damage, defined by stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in a large cohort of PNH patients and evaluated the safety and efficacy of the complement inhibitor eculizumab in altering its progression. Renal dysfunction or damage was observed in 65% of the study population at baseline with 21% of patients with later stage CKD or kidney failure (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ,60 ml/min/1.73 m2; Stage 3, 4, or 5). Eculizumab treatment was safe and well-tolerated in patients with renal dysfunction or damage and resulted in the likelihood of improvement as defined as categorical reduction in CKD stage (P < 0.001) compared with baseline and to placebo (P = 0.04). Improvement in renal function was more commonly seen in patients with baseline CKD Stages 1,2 (67.1% improvement, P < 0.001) although improvement was also observed in patients with CKD Stages 3,4 (P = 0.05). Improvements occurred quickly and were sustained for at least 18 months of treatment. Patients categorized at CKD Stages 3,5 did not worsen during treatment with eculizumab. Overall, 40 (21%) of 195 patients who demonstrated renal dysfunction or damage at baseline were no longer classified as such after 18 months of treatment. Administration of eculizumab to patients with renal dysfunction or damage was well tolerated and was usually associated with clinical improvement. Am. J. Hematol. 85:553,559, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sustained response with rituximab in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A report of 13 cases and review of the literature,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Huichung T. Ling Idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disease mediated by autoantibodies directed against ADAMTS-13. A number of small series and case reports have shown promising results with rituximab in refractory or relapsed TTP. In this report, we present 13 patients with TTP treated with rituximab. Twelve of the 13 patients (92%) achieved complete response; no subsequent relapses occurred with median follow-up of 24 months (range, 13,84 months). The addition of rituximab to standard therapy appears to be effective in sustaining long-term remission in TTP. However, the optimal dosing and timing of rituximab warrant further investigation. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Different patterns of cytokines, ECP and immunoglobulin profiles at two adverse drug reactions in a patientPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2005Yukoh Aihara AbstractObjectives:,Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (HS) is a rare but life-threatening disease. We experienced carbamazepine-induced HS in a 14-year-old boy, who had cefaclor-induced cutaneous eruptions 15 months later. To clarify the mechanisms of HS and the differences between two diseases we studied this case in detail. Methods:,We investigated the associated viral agents by polymerase chain reaction and the specific antibodies. We also studied the mechanism of diseases by measuring chemical mediators including cytokines, ECP and immunoglobulins. Results:,The patient was diagnosed as having carbamazepine-induced HS associated with reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 based on the clinical course and laboratory data including drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests. Similarly, the diagnosis of cefaclor-induced eruption without any viral reactivation was made. Serum levels of IFN-,, IL-6, TNF-,, IL-5 and ECP were increased significantly at HS but mildly at cefaclor-induced eruptions. Furthermore, we detected transient hypogammaglobulinemia only at HS. Conclusions:,This is the first report of anticonvulsant-induced HS followed by antibiotic-induced eruptions in a patient. In addition, we demonstrated difference in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulins, activated eosinophils and viral reactivation between these diseases. This case would contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of adverse drug reactions including HS. [source] Malaria: clinical features and recommended managementPRESCRIBER, Issue 21 2006DTM+H, Dan Wootton MRCP Malaria is a life-threatening disease and its syndromes vary depending on the infecting species and previous exposure. Here, the authors look at the importance of prompt diagnosis and administration of appropriate treatment and discuss the role of the GP in managing this potentially fatal disease. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Phage ,C31 integrase-mediated genomic integration of the common cytokine receptor gamma chain in human T-cell linesTHE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006Yoshinori Ishikawa Abstract Background X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1, X-SCID) is a life-threatening disease caused by a mutated common cytokine receptor , chain (,c) gene. Although ex vivo gene therapy, i.e., transduction of the ,c gene into autologous CD34+ cells, has been successful for treating SCID-X1, the retrovirus vector-mediated transfer allowed dysregulated integration, causing leukemias. Here, to explore an alternative gene transfer methodology that may offer less risk of insertional mutagenesis, we employed the ,C31 integrase-based integration system using human T-cell lines, including the ,c-deficient ED40515(-). Methods A ,C31 integrase and a neor gene expression plasmid containing the ,C31 attB sequence were co-delivered by electroporation into Jurkat cells. After G418 selection, integration site analyses were performed using linear amplification mediated-polymerase chain reaction (LAM-PCR). ED40515(-) cells were also transfected with a ,c expression plasmid containing attB, and the integration sites were determined. IL-2 stimulation was used to assess the functionality of the transduced ,c in an ED40515(-)-derived clone. Results Following co-introduction of the ,C31 integrase expression plasmid and the plasmid carrying attB, the efficiency of integration into the unmodified human genome was assessed. Several integration sites were characterized, including new integration sites in intergenic regions on chromosomes 13 and 18 that may be preferred in hematopoietic cells. An ED40515(-) line bearing the integrated ,c gene exhibited stable expression of the ,c protein, with normal IL-2 signaling, as assessed by STAT5 activation. Conclusions This study supports the possible future use of this ,C31 integrase-mediated genomic integration strategy as an alternative gene therapy approach for treating SCID-X1. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Communication between Toxoplasma gondii and its host: impact on parasite growth, development, immune evasion, and virulenceAPMIS, Issue 5-6 2009IRA J. BLADER Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect most warm-blooded animals and cause severe and life-threatening disease in developing fetuses and in immune-compromised patients. Although Toxoplasma was discovered over 100 years ago, we are only now beginning to appreciate the importance of the role that parasite modulation of its host has on parasite growth, bradyzoite development, immune evasion, and virulence. The goal of this review is to highlight these findings, to develop an integrated model for communication between Toxoplasma and its host, and to discuss new questions that arise out of these studies. [source] Escherichia coli,-haemolysin induces focal leaks in colonic epithelium: a novel mechanism of bacterial translocationCELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 10 2007Hanno Troeger Summary Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are usually harmless colonizer of the intestinal microflora. However, they are capable to translocate and cause life-threatening disease. Translocation of ExPEC isolates was quantified in colonic monolayers. Transepithelial resistance (Rt) was monitored and local changes in conductivity analysed with conductance scanning. Confocal microscopy visualized the translocation route. Corroboratory experiments were performed on native rat colon. One translocating strain E. coli O4 was identified. This translocation process was associated with an Rt decrease (36 ± 1% of initial resistance) beginning only 2 h after inoculation. The sites of translocation were small defects in epithelial integrity (focal leaks) exhibiting highly increased local ion permeability. Translocation was enhanced by preincubation of monolayers with tumour necrosis factor-, or interleukin-13. Mutant strains lacking alpha-haemolysin lost the ability to induce focal leaks, while this effect could be restored by re-introducing the haemolysin determinant. Filtrate of a laboratory strain carrying the alpha-haemolysin operon was sufficient for focal leak induction. In native rat colon, E. coli O4 decreased Rt and immunohistology demonstrated focal leaks resembling those in cell monolayers. E. coli,-haemolysin is able to induce focal leaks in colonic cell cultures as well as in native colon. This process represents a novel route of bacterial translocation facilitated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. [source] Guillain-Barré syndrome in a child with pain: lessons learned from a late diagnosisACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2010Danielle B. Pier Abstract Children with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) often do not present like adults with an ascending paralysis and sensory abnormalities, but typically have pain and gait difficulties as predominant symptoms. We present a case of paediatric GBS that was not diagnosed until late in the course because of limited neurological examination, erroneous interpretation of newly acquired data and insufficient familiarity with the disorder in children. Through this case, essentials of paediatric GBS are reviewed. Conclusion:, pain and gait difficulties can be the main features of paediatric GBS at presentation. In addition, a comprehensive neurological exam in any case of weakness or diffuse pain combined with ongoing critical interpretation of a disease course allows for adjustment of a preliminary diagnosis towards a potentially life-threatening disease. [source] Burkholderia pseudomallei stimulates low interleukin-8 production in the human lung epithelial cell line A549CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2004P. UTAISINCHAROEN SUMMARY Melioidosis is a life-threatening disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The lung is the most commonly affected organ, resulting in abscess formation in patients with chronic melioidosis. Previous study has shown that B. pseudomallei was able to invade and multiply in epithelial cells. In the present study, we have demonstrated that B. pseudomallei is able to stimulate interleukin 8 (IL-8) production from the human alveolar lung epithelium cell line A549. However, the level of IL-8 production was significantly lower than when the cells were infected with other Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) which were used for comparison. The degree of I,B, degradation in the B. pseudomallei -infected cells was lower than that of the S. typhi -infected cells, suggesting that B. pseudomallei is also a poorer cell activator. Inhibition of B. pseudomallei invasion by cytochalasin D did not interfere with either IL-8 production or I,B, degradation, indicating that bacterial uptake is not required for the production of this chemokine. Thus, it appears that the signalling initiated by the interaction of B. pseudomallei with the epithelial cell surface is sufficient for epithelial cell activation. [source] Severe strongyloidiasis in corticosteroid-treated patientsCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 10 2006L. Fardet Abstract Severe strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, is a preventable life-threatening disease that can occur in any corticosteroid-treated patient who has travelled to a country with infested soil, even if the contact occurred up to 30 years previously. This diagnosis should be considered in corticosteroid-treated patients who experience either unusual gastrointestinal or pulmonary symptoms, or who suffer from unexplained sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacilli. Peripheral eosinophilia is not observed systematically and, even if present, is moderate in most cases. Ivermectine is the best prophylactic and therapeutic option, and thiabendazole should no longer be used. However, guidelines for the prevention and management of S. stercoralis infection in such patients have not yet been established. [source] Animal models for autoimmune bullous dermatosesEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Katja Bieber Abstract:, Autoimmune bullous dermatoses are a group of severe diseases, which are clinically characterized by blisters and erosions of skin and/or mucous membranes. In order to investigate the pathogenesis of these potentially life-threatening diseases and to develop more specific therapeutic approaches, animal models have been developed that aim to reproduce the clinical, histological and immunopathological findings. We here review established and novel animal models of autoimmune skin blistering diseases and discuss their applications and limitations. [source] Involvement of endotoxin in the mortality of mice with gut-derived sepsis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Masashi Uramatsu ABSTRACT MRSA causes a wide diversity of diseases, ranging from benign skin infections to life-threatening diseases, such as sepsis. However, there have been few reports of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of sepsis resulting from the gut-derived origin of MRSA. Therefore, we established a murine model of gut-derived sepsis with MRSA and factors of MRSA sepsis that cause deterioration. We separated mice into four groups according to antibiotic treatment as follows: (i) ABPC 40 mg/kg; (ii) CAZ 80 mg/kg; (iii) CAZ 80 mg/kg + endotoxin 10 ,g/mouse; and (iv) saline-treated control groups. Gut-derived sepsis was induced by i.p. injection of cyclophosphamide after colonization of MRSA strain 334 in the intestine. After the induction of sepsis, significantly more CAZ-treated mice survived compared with ABPC-treated and control groups. MRSA were detected in the blood and liver among all groups. Endotoxin levels were significantly lower in the CAZ-treated group compared to other groups. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum were lower in the CAZ-treated group compared to other groups. Fecal culture showed a lower level of colonization of E. coli in the CAZ-treated group compared to other groups. In conclusion, we found that CAZ-treatment ameliorates infection and suppresses endotoxin level by the elimination of E. coli from the intestinal tract of mice. However, giving endotoxin in the CAZ-treated group increased mortality to almost the same level as in the ABPC-treated group. These results suggest endotoxin released from resident E. coli in the intestine is involved in clinical deterioration resulting from gut-derived MRSA sepsis. [source] Pseudo-placentational Endometrial Cysts in a BitchANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2010C. Bartel Summary Cystic alterations of the canine endometrium compromise reproduction and fertility of the bitch and may lead to life-threatening diseases, such as pyometra. Even without clinical evidence, reduction of the uterine lumen by cysts implicates disturbances during migration, nidation and development of the embryo. Several studies point to the high variability of morphology of uterine endometrial cysts but they lack detailed analyses of alterations. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of steroid hormone receptors (oestrogen, progesterone), proliferation activity, inflammation and infection in the cystic affected tissue regions in contrast to the normal endometrium. Oestrogen receptor expression showed a high density of receptors throughout the surface epithelial cells, crypt epithelial cells, glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells of the normal endometrium as well as the cystic affected regions. Proliferation in the cysts was verified in the middle and basal cells of the crypts. Neither in the endometrium nor in the cysts inflammatory processes or evidence of infection could be detected. Furthermore, lectin histochemistry and electron microscopic methods showed that lectin binding patterns and cell morphology of internal epithelial lining and surface epithelium of the cysts can be used to characterize and distinguish different types of cystic alterations. Analogies between epithelial cells of the glandular chambers of the canine placenta and the cystic cellular morphology, steroid hormone receptor distribution as well as lectin binding patterns of the endometrial cysts, as observed in this study, suggest to introduce the term ,pseudo-placentational endometrial cysts'. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||