Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης
ΩτοΡινοΛαρυγγολόγος
Αναπαύσεως 5
Άγιος Νικόλαος Κρήτη 72100
2841026182
6032607174

Δευτέρα 20 Μαρτίου 2017

E-cigarettes and oral health: a balanced viewpoint

Abstract

The topic of e-cigarettes and oral health is of utmost importance and we were pleased to see this addressed by a recent review that was published in Oral Diseases (Javed et al., 2017). However, we would like to raise several concerns with this review.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



http://ift.tt/2ngPaZI

Increased Adipose and Muscle Insulin Sensitivity Without Changes in Serum Adiponectin in Young Female Collegiate Athletes

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2nuKFLR

Estimation of partitioning of airflow in septal surgery: A prospective study with reference to the NOSE scale

Indranil Sen, MS; Mainak Dutta, MS; Dibakar Haldar, MD; Ramanuj Sinha, DLO, MS, DNB

Abstract

Improper patient selection for septal surgery often has been found to result in therapeutic failure, and there needs to be an objective assessment of nasal obstruction before the surgery and for postoperative follow-up that can be applied in the routine otolaryngology practice. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of a cost-effective device for objective measurement of the nasal airway partitioning in selecting patients for septal surgery and for postoperative outcome evaluation. A hospital-based, prospective, observational study was carried out in a tertiary-care teaching institution involving 74 patients waiting for septal surgery. Each patient was exposed to subjective assessment of nasal obstruction by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and objective measurement by Nasal Partitioning Ratio (NPR) using a new device, Nasal Airway Partition Meter (NAPM), once before and twice after surgery. Overall, average NOSE score and NPR values were 66.42 ± 9.42 and 0.57 ± 0.18, respectively, at preoperative assessment (correlation coefficient 0.441). Sixty of the 74 patients had high values for both NPR and NOSE scores (Group 1), but in the remaining 14, NPR values were found to be lower despite high NOSE scores (Group 2). Postsurgery, the NOSE score and NPR values were significantly reduced in Group 1. In contrast, participants in Group 2 showed no alteration in the values of both the parameters after the same operative maneuver. However, 2 patients in Group 1 had NOSE score and NPR values unaltered, while 1 patient in Group 2 had a reduced NOSE score after surgery. Therefore, the validity of the new equipment was calculated to be 96.7% sensitive and 92.9% specific to identify patients who needed to undergo septal surgery for their nasal obstruction. It can be deduced from the present study that NAPM can be a cost-effective device for clinicians to objectively measure nasal airway obstruction and screen patients for septal surgery.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n2DebV

Fiddler's neck: A review

Calvin W. Myint, MD; Amy L. Rutt, DO; Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA, FACS

Abstract

Fiddler's neck is a common dermatologic condition associated with instrument use in violin and viola players. It typically manifests as a submandibular and/or supraclavicular lesion. It is a benign condition, but it may be mistaken for lymphedema or a salivary gland malignancy. Otolaryngologists who treat patients with fiddler's neck should be aware of appropriate management protocols and the need to avoid surgical excision. We obtained informed consent from 3 violinists to present their cases as specific examples of fiddler's neck. In addition, we present a literature review based on our PubMed search for articles about this instrument-induced dermatitis. The literature suggests that submandibular fiddler's neck is caused by mechanical pressure and shear stress on the skin and that it can present as erythema, scarring, edema, and lichenification. Supraclavicular fiddler's neck, on the other hand, is caused by allergic contact dermatitis, and it can present as an eczematous, scaly, and/or vesicular lesion. In most cases, a good history (especially of string instrument use), physical examination, and a patch test are sufficient to diagnose this condition. Management of fiddler's neck includes a topical steroid, proper instrument handling, neck padding, changing the instrument's materials, and/or reducing the amount of playing time. Surgical excision is usually not advisable.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n8CZ0H

Mechanical venous anastomosis in head and neck microvascular reconstruction as an equivalent to the gold standard

Eric Thorpe, MD; Yash Patil, MD

Abstract

To define the most successful and efficient manner to perform venous microvascular anastomoses, the effectiveness of mechanical venous anastomosis in head and neck microvascular reconstruction is reviewed. Head and neck reconstruction with free flap techniques has become the norm and gold standard for large defects. This retrospective, multicenter case series of a single microvascular surgeon's experience with mechanical venous anastomoses specifically assessed the effectiveness of head and neck reconstruction and the complications associated with it. Data were collected from two separate academic centers and are reported from a consecutive series of patients over the course of 10 years. All patients underwent microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck region using venous couplers and flap survival. Flap survival was greater than 98% using mechanical venous couplers as the primary means for venous outflow in this series of 402 consecutive patients and 431 total microvascular flaps. Venous couplers were performed in every instance. The study shows that mechanical venous anastomosis provides a highly effective and efficient means for venous outflow in head and neck microvascular reconstruction, and should be considered equivalent to the gold standard suture technique, even in the most difficult cases.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n2nFkI

Auricular complications in parotid, temporal bone, infratemporal fossa, and lateral skull base surgery

Patrick S. Carpenter, MD; Ryan C. Burgette, MD; John P. Leonetti, MD; Sam J. Marzo, MD

Abstract

Neoplasms located in the parotid region, temporal bone, infratemporal fossa, and lateral skull base represent a challenge due to their difficult anatomic location and surrounding neurovascular structures. A variety of surgical approaches are appropriate to access this area, although several of them can place the auricular blood supply in danger. If the auricular blood supply is compromised, ischemia and, eventually, avascular necrosis of the auricle can occur. Auricular necrosis often can cause patients a delay in adjuvant radiation therapy and result in the need for additional reconstructive procedures. Therefore, it is imperative to identify risk factors associated with the development of this disabling complication. We conducted a retrospective review of 32 individuals undergoing treatment of benign and malignant lesions in the parotid gland, infratemporal fossa, and lateral skull base. To identify potential risk factors for auricular necrosis, the patients were analyzed based on the type of neoplasm (malignant or benign), risk factors affecting blood flow (diabetes mellitus, smoking history, prior radiation, prior surgery), body mass index, and the length of surgery. In our population examined, 3 instances of auricular necrosis occurred. None of the potential risk factors proved to be statistically significant (although malignant pathology approached significance at p = 0.07). Two of the patients required an auriculectomy with reconstruction. The third had multiple postoperative clinic visits for surgical debridement. Although no potential risk factors were statistically significant, surgeons should remain cognizant of the auricular blood supply while performing surgery via preauricular and postauricular approaches to this area.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n8mFgs

Auricular solitary gouty tophus in a young adult

Chao-Yin Kuo, MD; Chih-Hung Wang, MD, PhD

The auricle, with its supersaturation of blood uric acid due to decreased temperature and reduced blood flow, is prone to develop gouty tophi.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n2z6Zm

Thyroglossal duct cyst

Lester D. Thompson, MD

Most patients present with a mobile, painless midline neck mass, usually inferior to the hyoid bone, showing movement with tongue protrusion.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n8CYKb

Posterior epistaxis from inferior meatus: An endoscopic view

Jae Hoon Lee, MD

Most of the bleeding in posterior epistaxis originates from the posterior end of the lateral aspect of the middle and inferior turbinates and the lateral wall of the meatuses.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n2MZad

Efficacy of Intralipid infusion in reducing amphotericin-B-associated nephrotoxicity in head and neck invasive fungal infection: A randomized, controlled trial

Mehrdad Hasibi, MD; Sirous Jafari, MD; Seyyed Ali Dehghan Manshadi, MD; Marjan Asadollahi, MD; Mohammadreza Salehi, MD; Varasteh Vakili Zarch, MD; Ali Kouhi, MD

Abstract

Amphotericin B deoxycholate (ABD) is the best therapeutic agent available for the treatment of most systemic fungal infections. However, some untoward adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity may limit its appropriate therapeutic use. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial ofthe infusion of fat emulsion (Intralipid) shortly after the infusion of ABD to evaluate its effects on reducing ABD-associated nephrotoxicity. Our patient population was made up of 31 patients who were randomized into two groups: an intervention group (n = 16) and a control group (15 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic or clinical variables. All patients received 1mg/kg/day of ABD in dextrose 5%. In addition, the patients in the intervention arm received Intralipid 10%, which was started as soon as possible within 1 hour after the infusion of ABD. ABD-associated nephrotoxicity was defined as a minimum 50% increase in baseline serum creatinine to a minimum of 2mg/dl. We also measured daily serum creatinine changes during the first 2 weeks of treatment, and we compared some other relevant indices of renal function, as well as ABD-related hypokalemia. We found no statistically significant differences between the two treatments in terms of ABD-associated nephrotoxicity or any of the other indices. We conclude that the administration of Intralipid 10% early after infusion of ABD in dextrose 5% does not have any effect in decreasing ABD-associated nephrotoxicity or hypokalemia.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n8nq9c

The use of high-resolution pharyngeal manometry as biofeedback in dysphagia therapy

Ashli O'Rourke, MD; Kate Humphries, MS

HRPM biofeedback therapy may be particularly beneficial for patients with sensory deficits by providing a visual mechanism for accurate exercise and strategy implementation.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n2s8nl

Atypical parathyroid adenoma with diffuse fibrosis

Christine M. Clark, BA; Sakeena J. Payne, MD; Joshua I. Warrick, MD; David Goldenberg, MD, FACS

Atypical parathyroid adenomas are infrequently encountered and can present a diagnostic challenge, as they share overlapping clinical and histologic features with parathyroid carcinoma.

ENT Journal provides full text articles to our registered members.
Please log in or sign up for a FREE membership to view the full content:

You may also like to:



http://ift.tt/2n8cTLk

Mediastinal syndrome from plasmablastic lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus and human herpes virus 8 negative patient with polycythemia vera: a case report

Plasmoblastic lymphoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which occurs usually in the jaw of immunocompromised subjects.

http://ift.tt/2nMNZ1W

Nicotinamide for skin cancer chemoprevention

Abstract

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) has a range of photoprotective effects in vitro and in vivo; it enhances DNA repair, reduces UV radiation-induced suppression of skin immune responses, modulates inflammatory cytokine production and skin barrier function and restores cellular energy levels after UV exposure. Pharmacological doses of nicotinamide have been shown to reduce actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence in high-risk individuals, making this a nontoxic and accessible option for skin cancer chemoprevention in this population.



http://ift.tt/2nEGr4w

An antigen to remember: regulation of B cell memory in health and disease

Aleta Pupovac | Kim L Good-Jacobson

http://ift.tt/2nuvgLr

Stromal networking: cellular connections in the germinal centre

S09527915.gif

Alice E Denton | Michelle A Linterman

http://ift.tt/2nMHnk7

Plasma cell and memory B cell differentiation from the germinal center

S09527915.gif

Dan Suan | Christopher Sundling | Robert Brink

http://ift.tt/2nupFoq

Deconstructing the germinal center, one cell at a time

S09527915.gif

Chad R Dufaud | Louise J McHeyzer-Williams | Michael G McHeyzer-Williams

http://ift.tt/2nMg9ds

Stimulating CD27 to quantitatively and qualitatively shape adaptive immunity to cancer

S09527915.gif

Timothy NJ Bullock

http://ift.tt/2nulf0V

VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

ve-cover.jpg

FREE ACCESS through April 3, 2017.

Extended Endonasal Transsellar Transplanum Endoscopic Removal of Craniopharyngioma
Fan Zhao, Walavan Sivakumar, Amy Eisenberg, Garni Barkhoudarian, Chester F. Griffiths, Daniel F. Kelly

Management of Complex Airway Caused by Massive Retropharyngeal Goiter
Seth Kay, Mark A. Fritz, Gregory N. Postma, David J. Terris

Transoral Endoscopic Total Parathyroidectomy in Renal Hyperparathyroidism Patient
Thanyawat Sasanakietkul, Wirada Wandee, Pornpeera Jitpratoom, Angkoon Anuwong

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach
Thanyawat Sasanakietkul, Tobias Carling

Robotic Bilateral Cortical-Preserving Adrenalectomy in an MEN2A Patient with Steroid Allergy
Nisar Zaidi, Zanati Ahmed, Jesse Gutnick, Eren Berber

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.



http://ift.tt/2mO9rTq

FDA OKs Longer-Lasting Juvederm Vollure XC for Laugh Lines

Juvederm Vollure XC (Allergan) is indicated for injection into facial tissue to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds in adults older than age 21 years.
FDA Approvals

http://ift.tt/2nEdndn

Recombinant Factor VIIa Is Associated With Increased Thrombotic Complications in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients.

wk-health-logo.gif

BACKGROUND: : Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is routinely used as an off-label hemostatic agent in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Despite evidence that rFVIIa use is associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic complications in adult cardiac surgery, the safety of rFVIIa as a rescue hemostatic agent in the pediatric cardiac surgical population is less definitively delineated. In this retrospective study, we used propensity score matching to compare the incidence of thrombotic complications between children treated with rFVIIa and their matched controls. METHODS: : We retrospectively reviewed medical records and pharmacy data from all neonates and children who underwent congenital cardiac surgery between May 1, 2011, and October 31, 2013, at Boston Children's Hospital, and identified those who received rFVIIa during the perioperative period. Using existing knowledge, we chose 10 factors associated with bleeding after cardiac surgery to be used in our propensity score: age, sex, body weight, neonates, prematurity, previous sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass time, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time, aortic cross-clamp time, and the operative surgeon. We then used propensity-matched analysis to match children treated with rFVIIa with 2 controls. The primary outcome was thrombotic complications. Secondary outcomes included reexploration for bleeding, length of cardiac intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: : One hundred forty-nine patients received perioperative rFVIIa during the study period. Propensity matching yielded 143 rFVIIa patients matched to 2 control patients each (n = 286). Three control patients were found to have received rFVIIa during the perioperative course and were removed from the analysis, for a total of 283 control patients. The administration of rFVIIa was associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic complications (20% vs 8%; odds ratio [OR]: 3.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 2.6-5.9], P

http://ift.tt/2ntJkoq

The Input Is Reflected in the Output: Evaluating Neurophysiologic Monitors With Simulated Data.

wk-health-logo.gif

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nLV2YP

Exercise Combined With Ultrasound Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in Rats Associated With Downregulation of IL-6 and TNF-[alpha], but With Upregulation of IL-10.

wk-health-logo.gif

BACKGROUND: Although there are several evidences that suggest efficacies of therapeutic ultrasound (TU) or treadmill exercise (TE) to alleviate nerve injury-associated pain, molecular mechanisms are less clear. We aimed to investigate the impact of TU and/or TE on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and their roles of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into (n = 10 per group) sham operation (sham), CCI procedure followed by false application of TU (CCI + TU0), CCI procedure followed by false application of TU and TE (CCI + TU0 + TE), CCI, and CCI procedure followed by TU alone (CCI + TU), TE alone (CCI + TE), or both TU and TE (CCI + TU + TE) groups. TU and TE were administered daily, starting on postoperative day 8 (POD 8) for 3 weeks. Mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] (TNF-[alpha]), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-6 in the sciatic nerve were assessed on PODs 14 and 28. Data were analyzed by 1-way, 2-way, or 3-way analysis of variance of repeated measures or 1-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: After the interventions, there was statistical significance (all P

http://ift.tt/2ntC7F2

A High Preoperative Pain and Symptom Profile Predicts Worse Pain Outcomes for Children After Spine Fusion Surgery.

wk-health-logo.gif

BACKGROUND: : Preoperative pain predicts persistent pain after spine fusion, yet little is understood about the nature of that pain, related symptoms, and how these symptoms relate to postoperative pain outcomes. This prospective study examined children's baseline pain and symptom profiles and the association between a high symptom profile and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Seventy children (aged 10-17 years) scheduled for correction of idiopathic scoliosis completed pain and symptom surveys during their preoperative visit (ie, pain intensity [0-10 numeric rating scores], a pediatric version of the 2011 fibromyalgia survey criteria [including pain locations and symptom severity scale], neuropathic pain symptoms [painDETECT], and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement System measures of fatigue, depression, function, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing). Pain intensity and total analgesic use were recorded daily postoperatively and for 2 weeks after discharge. A 2-step cluster analysis differentiated a high and low pain and symptom profile at baseline, and a multivariate main effects regression model examined the association between pain profile and posthospital discharge pain and analgesic outcomes. RESULTS: The cluster analysis differentiated 2 groups of children well characterized by their baseline symptom reporting. Thirty percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.2%-41.8%) had a high symptom profile with higher depression, fatigue, pain interference, a pediatric version of the fibromyalgia survey criteria symptoms, neuropathic pain, and catastrophizing. Girls were more likely than boys to be clustered in the high symptom profile (odds ratio [OR], 5.76 [95% CI, 1.20-27.58]; P = .022) as were those with preoperative pain lasting >3 months (OR, 3.42 [95% CI, 1.21-9.70]; P = .018). Adjusting for sex, age, and total in-hospital opioid consumption, high cluster membership was independently associated with higher self-reported pain after discharge (mean difference +1.13 point [97.5% CI, 0.09-2.17]; P = .015). Children in the high symptom cluster were more likely to report ongoing opioid use at 2 weeks compared with the low symptom group (87% vs 50%; OR, 6.5 [95% CI, 1.30-33.03]; P = .015). At 6 months, high symptom cluster membership was associated with higher pain intensity, higher pain interference, and ongoing analgesic use (P

http://ift.tt/2nLQPnN

In Response.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntLjJx

The First US Clinical Experience With Computer-Assisted Propofol Sedation: A Retrospective Observational Comparative Study on Efficacy, Safety, Efficiency, and Endoscopist and Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: : Computer-assisted propofol sedation (CAPS) is now approved for moderate sedation of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I and II patients undergoing routine endoscopy. As the first US medical center to adopt CAPS for routine clinical use, we compared patient and endoscopist satisfaction with CAPS versus midazolam and fentanyl (MF) sedation. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective outpatient upper endoscopy and colonoscopy with CAPS were compared with concurrent patients sedated with MF. The primary end points were patient satisfaction (measured by the validated Patient Sedation Satisfaction Index [PSSI]), and endoscopist satisfaction (Clinician Sedation Satisfaction Index [CSSI]). Secondary end points included procedural success rates, polyp detection rates, adverse events, and procedure/recovery times. Multivariable regression was used for comparative analysis. RESULTS: CAPS was utilized to sedate 244 patients, of whom 55 underwent upper endoscopy, 173 colonoscopy, and 16 double procedures. During the same period, 75 upper endoscopies, 223 colonoscopies, and 30 doubles were performed with MF on similar patients. For upper endoscopy, the procedural success rate was 98.2% for CAPS versus 98.7% for MF (P = .96), whereas for colonoscopy, the success rate was 98.9% versus 98.8% (P = .59). Colonoscopic polyp detection rate was 54.5% for CAPS and 59.3% for MF (P = .67). Procedure times were similar between CAPS and MF. For CAPS, the mean recovery time was 26.4 versus 39.1 minutes for MF (P

http://ift.tt/2mmRY8r

In Response.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nXQwpt

In Response.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mmSUd9

Do-Not-Resuscitate Status Is Associated With Increased Mortality But Not Morbidity.

BACKGROUND: : Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders instruct medical personnel to forego cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest, but they do not preclude surgical management. Several studies have reported that DNR status is an independent predictor of 30-day mortality; however, the etiology of increased mortality remains unclear. We hypothesized that DNR patients would demonstrate increased postoperative mortality, but not morbidity, relative to non-DNR patients undergoing the same procedures. METHODS: :Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for 2007 to 2013, we performed a retrospective analysis to compare DNR and non-DNR cohorts matched by the most common procedures performed in DNR patients. We employed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to characterize patterns of care in the perioperative period as well as identify independent risk factors for increased mortality and assess for the presence of "failure to rescue." RESULTS: : The most common procedures performed on DNR patients were emergent and centered on immediate symptom relief. When adjusting for preoperative factors, DNR patients were still found to have increased incidence of postoperative mortality (odds ratio 2.54 [2.29-2.82], P

http://ift.tt/2nXO1Ub

A Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention With Varenicline, Counseling, and Fax Referral to a Telephone Quitline Versus a Brief Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

wk-health-logo.gif

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of perioperative interventions to quit smoking with varenicline has not been compared with brief interventions. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a comprehensive smoking cessation program versus a brief intervention for smoking cessation. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter study, 296 patients were randomized to participate in a smoking cessation program (one 10- to 15-minute counseling session, pharmacotherapy with varenicline, an educational pamphlet, and a fax referral to a telephone quitline); or brief advice and self-referral to a telephone quitline. The primary outcome was the 7-day point prevalence (PP) abstinence at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included abstinence at 1, 3, and 6 months. Multivariable generalized linear regression was used to identify independent variables related to abstinence. RESULTS: The 7-day PP abstinence for the smoking cessation program versus brief advice group was 42.4% vs 26.2% (relative risk [RR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.25; P = .003) at 12 months. The 7-day PP abstinence at 1, 3, and 6 months was higher in the smoking cessation group versus the brief advice group: 45.7% vs 25.5% (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.29-2.49; P

http://ift.tt/2mmBVrb

Not Just Individuals: The Importance of Collaborative Systems of Pediatric Surgical Care.

wk-health-logo.gif

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nXDto0

Effects of a Lidocaine-Loaded Poloxamer/Alginate/CaCl2 Mixture on Postoperative Pain and Adhesion in a Rat Model of Incisional Pain.

wk-health-logo.gif

BACKGROUND: Pain and adhesion are problematic issues after surgery. Lidocaine has analgesics and anti-inflammatory properties, and poloxamer/alginate/CaCl2 (PACM) is a known antiadhesive agent. We hypothesized that the novel combination of lidocaine as chemical barrier and PACM as physical barrier would be beneficial for both postoperative pain and adhesion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lidocaine-loaded PACM in a rat model of incisional pain. Primary outcome was to evaluate between-group differences for the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) measured by von Frey filament in various concentrations of lidocaine-loaded PACM applied, PACM applied, and sham-operated groups. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the postoperative pain model. After plantar incision and adhesion formation, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% lidocaine-loaded PACM, PACM only, nothing, and 4% lidocaine only were applied at the incision site in groups PL0.5, PL1, PL2, PL4, P, S, and L4, respectively. MWT using a von Frey filament and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-[alpha], interleukin (IL)-1[beta], IL-6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured. Rats were euthanized 2 weeks after surgery, and inflammation and fibrosis were assessed with microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, multivariate analysis of variance, and linear mixed-effect model. To compare MWT at each time point, analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was used. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance showed that 4% lidocaine-loaded PACM significantly raised the MWT up to 6 and 8 hours after surgery compared with lidocaine-unloaded groups S and P, respectively; 2% lidocaine-loaded PACM significantly increased the MWT at 4 hours after surgery compared with groups S and C. Linear mixed-effect model showed that the MWT (estimated difference in means [95% confidence interval]) was significantly increased in groups PL2 and PL4 (6.58 [2.52-10.63], P = .002; 11.46 [7.40-15.51], P

http://ift.tt/2mmyz7A

Irony and the Elephant in the Review.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2nXX9bq

Process Improvement Initiative for the Perioperative Management of Patients With a Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device.

BACKGROUND: Economic, personnel, and procedural challenges often complicate and interfere with efficient and safe perioperative care of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). In the context of a process improvement initiative, we created and implemented a comprehensive anesthesiologist-run perioperative CIED service to respond to all routine requests for perioperative CIED consultations at a large academic medical center. This study was designed to determine whether this new care model was associated with improved operating room efficiency, reduced institutional cost, and adequate patient safety. METHODS: We included patients with a CIED and a concurrent cohort of patients with the same eligibility criteria but without a CIED who underwent first-case-of-the-day surgery during the periods between February 1, 2008, and August 17, 2010 (preintervention) and between March 4, 2012, and August 1, 2014 (postintervention). The primary end point was delay in first-case-of-the day start time. We used multiple linear regression to compare delays in start times during the preintervention and postintervention periods and to adjust for potential confounders. A patient safety database was queried for CIED-related complications. Cost analysis was based on labor minutes saved and was calculated using nationally published administrative estimates. RESULTS: A total of 18,148 first-case surgical procedures were performed in 15,100 patients (preintervention period-7293 patients and postintervention period-7807 patients). Of those, 151 (2.1%) patients had a CIED in the preintervention period, and 146 (1.9%) had a CIED in the postintervention period. After adjustment for imbalances in baseline characteristics (age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and surgical specialty), the difference in mean first-case start delay between the postintervention and preintervention periods in the cohort of patients with a CIED was -16.7 minutes (95% CI, -26.1, -7.2). The difference in mean delay between the postintervention and preintervention periods in the cohort without a CIED was -4.7 minutes (95% CI, -5.4, -3.9). There were 3 CIED-related adverse events during the preintervention period and none during the postintervention period. Based on reduction in first-case start delay, the intervention was associated with cost savings (estimated institutional savings $14,102 annually, or $94.06 per CIED patient), with a return on investment ratio of 2.18 over the course of the postintervention period. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience, specially trained anesthesiologists can provide efficient and safe perioperative care for patients with CIEDs. Other centers may consider implementing a similar strategy as our specialty adopts the perioperative surgical home model. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

http://ift.tt/2mmL2bz

Correction: Identification of Potential Novel Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways Related to Otitis Media Induced by Diesel Exhaust Particles Using Transcriptomic Analysis in an In Vivo System

by Hyo Jeong Kim, So Young Kim, Jee Young Kwon, Yeo Jin Kim, Seung Hun Kang, Won-Hee Jang, Jun Ho Lee, Myung-Whan Suh, Jae-Jun Song, Young Rok Seo, Moo Kyun Park



http://ift.tt/2mlMB9I

Immunotherapy for food allergy.

wk-health-logo.gif

Purpose of review: The current review discusses strategies for administering specific immunotherapy (SIT) for the treatment of food allergy. It focuses on three delivery routes for food allergens, immunomodulatory adjuvants and allergen modifications. Recent findings: Interest in SIT for food allergy has been increasing significantly. Sublingual immunotherapy is effective for desensitization with a very favorable adverse event profile. Epicutaneous immunotherapy is also effective, most notably in younger children, with a high rate of local reactions. Oral immunotherapy demonstrates high efficacy, but with a higher risk of gastrointestinal and systemic adverse events. The need for long-term application to sustain desensitization is currently unclear. Immunomodulatory adjuvants may be added to enhance or diminish the immunogenicity of proteins, whereas genetic modifications of food allergens are designed to limit the risk of adverse reactions and address the issues of standardization and supply. Summary: SIT for food allergy is reaching the point where it may soon be used routinely in clinical practice. Current research focuses on new delivery routes and methods to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Future efforts are underway to determine the optimal dose for each delivery method and the length of maintenance dosing required to retain the protective effect. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2ntDTpF

Application of telepractice for head and neck cancer management: a review of speech language pathology service models.

Purpose of review: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease, requiring specialist intervention from a multidisciplinary team including speech language pathology (SLP). Unfortunately, multiple patient and service-related challenges exist which currently limit equitable access to SLP support for all individuals. This review highlights the existing evidence for different telepractice models designed to help patients and services optimize management of swallowing and communication disorders arising from HNC. Recent findings: Emerging evidence exists for using computerized screening to enhance the identification of treatment-related toxicities and assist referrals to services, including SLP. Asynchronous telepractice applications are being used to assist delivery of intensive home-based dysphagia therapy, whereas videoconferencing can offer a feasible and effective method to support ongoing management for patients with limited access to local specialist SLP services. Patient and clinician satisfaction with all models has been high. Summary: SLP services can be redesigned to incorporate a range of telepractice models to optimize clinical care at different stages of the HNC survivorship pathway. Early evidence supports telepractice can improve patient access to services, enhance outcomes, and optimize health service efficiency; however, further systematic research is needed into these models, particularly relating to large-scale implementation and costs/economic analyses. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2mJ5Bu2

From Villain to Victor: Ketamine in Acute Neurologic Injury

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJhf80

In Vogue: Ketamine for Neuroprotection in Acute Neurologic Injury

imageNeurologic deterioration following acute injury to the central nervous system may be amenable to pharmacologic intervention, although, to date, no such therapy exists. Ketamine is an anesthetic and analgesic emerging as a novel therapy for a number of clinical entities in recent years, including refractory pain, depression, and drug-induced hyperalgesia due to newly discovered mechanisms of action and new application of its known pharmacodynamics. In this focused review, the evidence for ketamine as a neuroprotective agent in stroke, neurotrauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and status epilepticus is highlighted, with a focus on its applications for excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and neuronal hyperexcitability. Preclinical modeling and clinical applications are discussed.

http://ift.tt/2n7w080

Perioperative Precision Medicine: Promise, Progress, and Pitfalls

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJ0PwC

Standardized Care Versus Precision Medicine in the Perioperative Setting: Can Point-of-Care Testing Help Bridge the Gap?

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2n7tmiN

Roquin Paralogs Differentially Regulate Functional NKT Cell Subsets [IMMUNE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT]

NKT cells represent a small subset of glycolipid-recognizing T cells that are heavily implicated in human allergic, autoimmune, and malignant diseases. In the thymus, precursor cells recognize self-glycolipids by virtue of their semi-invariant TCR, which triggers NKT cell lineage commitment and maturation. During their development, NKT cells are polarized into the NKT1, NKT2, and NKT17 subsets, defined through their cytokine-secretion patterns and the expression of key transcription factors. However, we have largely ignored how the differentiation into the NKT cell subsets is regulated. In this article, we describe the mRNA-binding Roquin-1 and -2 proteins as central regulators of murine NKT cell fate decisions. In the thymus, T cell–specific ablation of the Roquin paralogs leads to a dramatic expansion of NKT17 cells, whereas peripheral mature NKT cells are essentially absent. Roquin-1/2–deficient NKT17 cells show exaggerated lineage-specific expression of nearly all NKT17-defining proteins tested. We show through mixed bone marrow chimera experiments that NKT17 polarization is mediated through cell-intrinsic mechanisms early during NKT cell development. In contrast, the loss of peripheral NKT cells is due to cell-extrinsic factors. Surprisingly, Roquin paralog–deficient NKT cells are, in striking contrast to conventional T cells, compromised in their ability to secrete cytokines. Altogether, we show that Roquin paralogs regulate the development and function of NKT cell subsets in the thymus and periphery.



http://ift.tt/2n1Dmsg

Inducible T Cell Kinase Regulates the Acquisition of Cytolytic Capacity and Degranulation in CD8+ CTLs [IMMUNE REGULATION]

Patients with mutations in inducible T cell kinase (ITK) are susceptible to viral infections, particularly EBV, suggesting that these patients have defective function of CD8+ CTLs. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ITK deficiency on cytolysis in murine CTLs deficient in ITK, and both human and murine cells treated with an ITK inhibitor. We find that ITK deficiency leads to a global defect in the cytolysis of multiple targets. The absence of ITK both affected CTL expansion and delayed the expression of cytolytic effectors during activation. Furthermore, absence of ITK led to a previously unappreciated intrinsic defect in degranulation. Nonetheless, these defects could be overcome by early or prolonged exposure to IL-2, or by addition of IL-12 to cultures, revealing that cytokine signaling could restore the acquisition of effector function in ITK-deficient CD8+ T cells. Our results provide new insight into the effect of ITK and suboptimal TCR signaling on CD8+ T cell function, and how these may contribute to phenotypes associated with ITK deficiency.



http://ift.tt/2n1zLdA

Normal Thymocyte Egress, T Cell Trafficking, and CD4+ T Cell Homeostasis Require Interactions between RGS Proteins and G{alpha}i2 [IMMUNE REGULATION]

Adaptive immunity depends on mature thymocytes leaving the thymus to enter the bloodstream and the trafficking of T cells through lymphoid organs. Both of these require heterotrimeric Gαi protein signaling, whose intensity and duration are controlled by the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. In this study, we show that RGS protein/Gαi2 interactions are essential for normal thymocyte egress, T cell trafficking, and homeostasis. Mature thymocytes with a Gαi2 mutation that disables RGS protein binding accumulated in the perivascular channels of thymic corticomedullary venules. Severe reductions in peripheral naive CD4+ T cells and regulatory T cells occurred. The mutant CD4+ T cells adhered poorly to high endothelial venules and exhibited defects in lymph node entrance and egress. The kinetics of chemokine receptor signaling were disturbed, including chemokine- induced integrin activation. Despite the thymic and lymph node egress defects, sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling was not obviously perturbed. This study reveals how RGS proteins modulate Gαi2 signaling to facilitate thymocyte egress and T cell trafficking.



http://ift.tt/2n1A488

Langerhans, plasmacytoid dendritic and myeloid-derived suppressor cell levels in mycosis fungoides vary according to the stage of the disease

Abstract

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is characterized by a switch from indolent behaviour in the early stages to a worse clinical outcome in the advanced ones. Recently, various studies have investigated the role the microenvironment might play in such a switch. We have analysed the distribution of Langerhans cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in 46 MF cases in various stages, aiming to assess whether changes occur from early to advanced stage. We have investigated the number of langerin, CD303 and arginase-1 positive cells and their distribution at high power. Data were analysed using t test for continuous variables, χ 2 tests or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, as well as analysis of covariance. In comparing stages IA/B to IIB, we observed a significant decrease in Langerhans cells (p value 0.03) and a significant increase in CD303 and arginase-1 positive cells (p value <0.01 for both markers). Furthermore, a significant increase in Langerhans cells only was observed in stage IIB in comparison to stage III (p = 0.02), while in stage IV, a significant decrease in Langerhans cells was noted in comparison to stage III (p = 0.02). Our data suggest that changes in the microenvironment might influence disease progression, especially from stages IA/B to IIB, opening new scenarios in MF therapy.



http://ift.tt/2mJlHUo

Immunotherapy for food allergy.

Purpose of review: The current review discusses strategies for administering specific immunotherapy (SIT) for the treatment of food allergy. It focuses on three delivery routes for food allergens, immunomodulatory adjuvants and allergen modifications. Recent findings: Interest in SIT for food allergy has been increasing significantly. Sublingual immunotherapy is effective for desensitization with a very favorable adverse event profile. Epicutaneous immunotherapy is also effective, most notably in younger children, with a high rate of local reactions. Oral immunotherapy demonstrates high efficacy, but with a higher risk of gastrointestinal and systemic adverse events. The need for long-term application to sustain desensitization is currently unclear. Immunomodulatory adjuvants may be added to enhance or diminish the immunogenicity of proteins, whereas genetic modifications of food allergens are designed to limit the risk of adverse reactions and address the issues of standardization and supply. Summary: SIT for food allergy is reaching the point where it may soon be used routinely in clinical practice. Current research focuses on new delivery routes and methods to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Future efforts are underway to determine the optimal dose for each delivery method and the length of maintenance dosing required to retain the protective effect. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2ntDTpF

Application of telepractice for head and neck cancer management: a review of speech language pathology service models.

Purpose of review: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease, requiring specialist intervention from a multidisciplinary team including speech language pathology (SLP). Unfortunately, multiple patient and service-related challenges exist which currently limit equitable access to SLP support for all individuals. This review highlights the existing evidence for different telepractice models designed to help patients and services optimize management of swallowing and communication disorders arising from HNC. Recent findings: Emerging evidence exists for using computerized screening to enhance the identification of treatment-related toxicities and assist referrals to services, including SLP. Asynchronous telepractice applications are being used to assist delivery of intensive home-based dysphagia therapy, whereas videoconferencing can offer a feasible and effective method to support ongoing management for patients with limited access to local specialist SLP services. Patient and clinician satisfaction with all models has been high. Summary: SLP services can be redesigned to incorporate a range of telepractice models to optimize clinical care at different stages of the HNC survivorship pathway. Early evidence supports telepractice can improve patient access to services, enhance outcomes, and optimize health service efficiency; however, further systematic research is needed into these models, particularly relating to large-scale implementation and costs/economic analyses. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2mJ5Bu2

In Response

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJo9Kv

Perioperative Precision Medicine: Promise, Progress, and Pitfalls

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJ0PwC

Remifentanil Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia for Labor Pain Relief: Is It Really an Option to Consider?

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntAqaz

Meeting Report: 38th Annual Scientific Meeting and Workshops of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJjxUV

Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Nerve Blocks: Does Varying Local Anesthetic Delivery Method—Automatic Repeated Bolus Versus Continuous Basal Infusion—Influence the Extent of Sensation to Cold?: A Randomized, Triple-Masked, Crossover Study in Volunteers

imageBACKGROUND: It remains unknown whether continuous or scheduled intermittent bolus local anesthetic administration is preferable for transversus abdominis plane (TAP) catheters. We therefore tested the hypothesis that when using TAP catheters, providing local anesthetic in repeated bolus doses increases the cephalad-caudad cutaneous effects compared with a basal-only infusion. METHODS: Bilateral TAP catheters (posterior approach) were inserted in 24 healthy volunteers followed by ropivacaine 2 mg/mL administration for a total of 6 hours. The right side was randomly assigned to either a basal infusion (8 mL/h) or bolus doses (24 mL administered every 3 hours for a total of 2 bolus doses) in a double-masked manner. The left side received the alternate treatment. The primary end point was the extent of sensory deficit as measured by cool roller along the axillary line at hour 6 (6 hours after the local anesthetic administration was initiated). Secondary end points included the extent of sensory deficit as measured by cool roller and Von Frey filaments along the axillary line and along a transverse line at the level of the anterior superior iliac spine at hours 0 to 6. RESULTS: Although there were statistically significant differences between treatments within the earlier part of the administration period, by hour 6 the difference in extent of sensory deficit to cold failed to reach statistical significance along the axillary line (mean = 0.9 cm; SD = 6.8; 95% confidence interval –2.0 to 3.8; P = .515) and transverse line (mean = 2.5 cm; SD = 10.1; 95% confidence interval –1.8 to 6.8; P = .244). Although the difference between treatments was statistically significant at various early time points for the horizontal, vertical, and estimated area measurements of both cold and mechanical pressure sensory deficits, no comparison remained statistically significant by hour 6. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found in this study involving healthy volunteers to support the hypothesis that changing the local anesthetic administration technique (continuous basal versus hourly bolus) when using ropivacaine 0.2% and TAP catheters at 8 mL/h and 24 mL every 3 hours significantly influences the cutaneous effects after 6 hours of administration. Additional research is required to determine whether changing variables (eg, local anesthetic concentration, basal infusion rate, bolus dose volume, and/or interval) would provide different results.

http://ift.tt/2ntKksz

Precision Medicine Versus Procrustean Beds

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJgNXu

In Response

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntH6Fz

The Continued Importance of Basic Science and the Continued Challenges of Translating Its Findings Into Clinical Practice

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJ1LBe

From Villain to Victor: Ketamine in Acute Neurologic Injury

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJhf80

What Can Population Data Tell Us About Anesthesia and Cognition in the (Vulnerable) Older Patient?

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntz5AD

The Analgesic Effects of (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] Octane on a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain

imageBACKGROUND: Both pharmacologic and genetic approaches have been used to study the involvement of the muscarinic acetylcholine system in the regulation of chronic pain. Previous studies suggest that the M2 and M4 subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are important targets for the development of chronic pain. (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane (PTAC) has agonist effects on muscarinic M2 and M4 receptors and antagonist effects on muscarinic M1, M3, and M5 receptors. However, its analgesic effects have been less studied. METHODS: Male C57B L/6 mice were anesthetized, and left common peroneal nerve (CPN) ligation was performed to induce neuropathic pain. Before and after the application of PTAC systemically or specifically to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation and static weight balance were measured, and the effects of PTAC on the conditioned place preference (CPP) were further evaluated. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of M1 and M2 in the striatum, ACC, and ventral tegmental area. RESULTS: The application of PTAC ([i.p.] intraperitoneal injection) increased the paw withdraw threshold in both the early (0.05 mg/kg, mean difference [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.19 [0.05–0.32]; 0.10 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.34 [0.22–0.46]) and the late phases (0.05 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.45 [0.39–0.50]; 0.1 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.44 [0.37–0.51]) after nerve injury and rebalanced the weight distribution on the hind paws of mice (L/R ratio: before, 0.56 ± 0.03. 0.05 mg/kg, 1.00 ± 0.04, 0.10 mg/kg, 0.99 ± 0.03); however, it failed to induce place preference in the CPP (0.05 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05; 0.2 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05,). At the same doses, the analgesic effects at D3–5 lasted longer than the effects at D14–16. This may be due to the down-regulation of the M2 and M1 in tested brain regions. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggested that PTAC has analgesic effects on the neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury.

http://ift.tt/2ntGYpr

Teaching Children to Resuscitate: An Old Idea Made Reality

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJaSBH

Clinical Fluid Therapy in the Perioperative Setting, 2nd Edition

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntyIG3

Preoperative Fasting Guidelines: Why Are We Not Following Them?: The Time to Act Is NOW

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJlEb1

In Response

imageNo abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJob55

Into the Wilderness?: The Growing Importance of Nonoperating Room Anesthesia Care in the United States

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntH4gV

In Response

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2mJhdgo

Surveying the Literature: Synopsis of Recent Key Publications

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2ntLLr7

Mild Cognitive Impairment and Exposure to General Anesthesia for Surgeries and Procedures: A Population-Based Case–Control Study

imageBACKGROUND: To examine whether exposure to general anesthesia for procedures at age ≥40 years is associated with prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly. METHODS: A case–control study nested within a population-based cohort. Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents, aged 70–91 years, underwent baseline evaluations that included the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, a neurologic evaluation, and neuropsychologic testing. Individuals identified with MCI (cases) at enrollment were matched 1:2 on age, sex, education, and apolipoprotein genotype with participants who were cognitively normal at the time of the index visit. Medical records from age 40 years until the index visit were reviewed to determine exposures to general anesthesia. Conditional logistic regression, taking into account the matched set study design and adjusting for MCI risk factors, was used to assess whether exposure to anesthesia after the age of 40 years was associated with prevalent MCI. RESULTS: A total of 387 Mayo Clinic Study of Aging participants (219 males, 168 females) were diagnosed with MCI at enrollment with mean age of 81 ± 5 years. Exposure to general anesthesia after the age of 40 years was not significantly associated with prevalent MCI when analyzed as a dichotomous variable (any versus none, adjusted odds ratio, 0.97 [95% confidence interval, 0.68–1.40]) or the number of exposures (odds ratio, 1.13 [0.74–1.72], 0.81 [0.53–1.22], and 1.03 [0.67–1.58] for 1, 2–3, and ≥4 exposures, respectively, with no exposure as the reference). Similar results were obtained for exposure to anesthesia after the age of 60 years and during 5, 10, and 20 years before the first visit. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to general anesthesia for procedures at age ≥40 years was not associated with prevalent MCI in the elderly.

http://ift.tt/2ntrwJT

Frailty, Aging, and Cardiovascular Surgery

imageOlder adults make up an ever-increasing number of patients presenting for surgery, and a significant percentage of these patients will be frail. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that has been conceptualized as decreased reserve when confronted with stressors, although the precise definition of frailty has not been easy to standardize. The 2 most popular approaches to define frailty are the phenotypic approach and the deficit accumulation approach, although at least 20 tools have been developed, which has made comparison across studies difficult. In epidemiologic studies, baseline frailty has been associated with poor outcomes in both community cohorts and hospitalized patients. Specifically in cardiac surgery (including transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures), frailty has been strongly associated with postoperative mortality and morbidity, and thus frailty likely improves the identification of high-risk patients beyond known risk scores. For perioperative physicians then, the question arises of how to incorporate this information into perioperative care. To date, 2 thrusts of research and clinical practice have emerged: (1) preoperative identification of high-risk patients to guide both patient expectations and surgical decision-making; and (2) perioperative optimization strategies for frail patients. However, despite the strong association of frailty and poor outcomes, there is a lack of well-designed trials that have examined perioperative interventions with a specific focus on frail patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Thus, in many cases, principles of geriatric care may need to be applied. Further research is needed to standardize and implement the feasible definitions of frailty and examine perioperative interventions for frail patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

http://ift.tt/2ntINmc

Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck: An Overview from Diagnosis to Genetics

Abstract

Paragangliomas (PGL) develop from the parasympathetic system in the head and neck (HN) and arise primarily in four distinct areas: Carotid body, vagal, middle ear, and larynx. Globally, the diagnosis and morphologic features are the same regardless of anatomic site, however the incidence, frequency of genetic alterations/syndromes and differential diagnosis vary. It is now recognized that nearly 40% of all HN PGLs are hereditary, including a significant subset without a known family history. Now pathologists are central to the evaluation for diagnosis and further management of patients with HNPGLs. Specifically, SDHB immunohistochemical evaluation is an excellent screening tool to detect tumors with alterations in the SDH family of genes that represent the majority of hereditary cases in HNPGL. Similarly, SDHB immunohistochemical analysis allows for screening of PGL syndrome associated tumors (gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and pituitary adenomas) that have now been linked by their overlapping gene alterations. Awareness of the spectrum of these syndromes, and their associated tumors, positions the pathologist to augment patient care and surveillance.



http://ift.tt/2mNb9Vj

OSPs and ESPs and ISPs, Oh My! An Update on Sinonasal (Schneiderian) Papillomas

Abstract

Sinonasal (Schneiderian) papillomas are benign neoplasms that arise in the sinonasal tract. Since their initial descriptions, sinonasal papillomas have triggered debate regarding their classification, etiology, rate or predictors of malignant transformation, and other issues. While significant strides have been made in recent years, there are still aspects of sinonasal papillomas that remain unclear even now. This review will serve to update the practicing pathologist on the current understanding of sinonasal papillomas.



http://ift.tt/2nUYMGC

Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma: Classification, Immunophenotype, Molecular Features and Differential Diagnosis

Abstract

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma is the second most frequent sinonasal adenocarcinoma. High incidence of these tumors is seen among workers with occupational wood dust exposure, particularly of hardwood dusts. Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma has striking histomorphologic and immunophenotypic similarities with colorectal adenocarcinomas, but on the level of molecular pathologic mechanisms these tumors have their own specific features different from gastrointestinal tumors. This article provides an update on current histopathologic classification of intestinal-type adenocarcinomas, their immunophenotypic properties, recent advances in molecular pathologic features and differential diagnostic considerations.



http://ift.tt/2mlYEUr

Salivary Duct Carcinoma: An Update on Morphologic Mimics and Diagnostic Use of Androgen Receptor Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

More than 15 years ago, seminal studies by Dr. E. Leon Barnes and colleagues transformed our understanding of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) and, in doing so, paved the way for contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this aggressive salivary adenocarcinoma. In particular, attention to the apocrine phenotype of SDC and expression of androgen receptor (AR) by immunohistochemistry has improved the diagnostic accuracy and showed how SDC can be reliably distinguished from its morphologic mimics (i.e., other salivary gland carcinomas with high grade transformation, low grade cribriform cystadenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinomas involving parotid). Furthermore, the observation that SDC shares AR expression with prostate cancer and apocrine breast cancer foresaw the discovery of common molecular alterations between SDC and these tumor types and draw attention to androgen deprivation therapy for SDC patients.



http://ift.tt/2mNnush

Bone Marrow Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Major Histocompatibility Complex-Matched Murine Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Hemopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Background: Most clinical allogeneic hemopoietic cell transplants (alloHCT) are now performed using reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) instead of myeloablative (MAC) conditioning, however, the biology underlying this treatment remains incompletely understood. Methods: We investigated a murine model of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched multiple minor histocompatibility antigen mismatched alloHCT, using bone marrow (BM) cells and splenocytes from B6 (H-2b) donor mice transplanted into BALB.B (H-2b) recipients after RIC therapy with fludarabine 100 mg/kg/day for 5 days, cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/day for 2 days, and total body irradiation (TBI). Results: The lowest TBI dose capable of achieving complete donor chimerism in this mouse strain combination was 325 cGy given as a single fraction. Mice given RIC had a reduced incidence and delayed onset of GVHD and significantly prolonged survival compared to MAC (TBI 850 cGy, plus cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/day for 2 days) transplanted recipients. Compared to syngeneic controls, RIC mice with GVHD showed evidence of BM suppression, with anemia, reduced BM cellularity, and profound reduction in BM B cell lymphopoiesis, associated with damage to the endosteal BM niche. This was associated with an increase in BM CD8+ effector T cells in RIC mice, and elevated blood and BM plasma levels of Th1 cytokines. Increasing doses of splenocytes resulted in increased incidence of GVHD in RIC mice. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the BM is a major target organ of GVHD in an informative clinically relevant RIC mouse MHC-matched alloHCT model by a process that appears to be driven by CD8+ effector T cells. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2nLw77O

Pancreas transplantation from pediatric donors: a UNOS registry analysis.

Background: Pancreas grafts from pediatric donors are still considered "not ideal". Perceived concerns are related to low islet mass and potential for graft thrombosis. Methods: The study evaluated all pancreas transplants from January 2000 to May 2015 using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) database. Comparative analysis of recipient and graft survival was performed between pediatric (95 kg). Results: In the selected era, 18 430 pancreas transplants were performed from 4915 (27%) pediatric donors. Short-term graft and patient survivals were comparable between pediatric and adult donors. Ten-year patient and graft survivals were higher in the pediatric donor group: (70% and 54% vs. 68% and 51%; p: 0.001). However, very low weight pediatric donors (

http://ift.tt/2ntBbjU

Treatment of Biliary Stricture After Live Donor Liver Transplantation With Combined Metal and Plastic Stent Insertion: A Feasibility and Safety Study.

Background: Fully covered-self expandable metal stents (Fc-SEMSs) have a challenging use in the treatment of anastomosis strictures (ASs) after live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) because they can occlude secondary branch biliary ducts when placed above the biliary bifurcation. In this study we evaluated the technical feasibility and safety of combining Fc-SEMSs with plastic stent(s) inserted to the secondary branch biliary ducts for the treatment of ASs after LDLT. Methods: The study group included 22 patients (12 men, aged 51+/-11 years) with anastomotic biliary stricture after LDLT. A Fc-SEMS, 8-10 mm in diameter, was inserted to the straight, dilated main duct and plastic stent(s) were inserted to the secondary branches to avoid their occlusion. Stents were left in place for 2 months and removed with a stent retrieving forceps. Technical feasibility including technical success, successful removal and adverse events of this novel strategy were evaluated. Results: Fc-SEMSs were successfuly deployed and removed in all of the cases. Three patients (13.6%) had pain requiring intravenous analgesia and Fc-SEMS had to be removed because of unbearable pain in 1 of them. Three patients (13.6%) developed cholangitis due to occlusion of unrecognized secondary branch biliary ducts. Primary stricture resolution rate was achieved in 17 of 19 patients (89.5%). Recurrence was observed in 3 patients (17.6%) after a mean follow-up duration of 154.3+/-52.6 (range 104-304) days. Conclusion: Combination of Fc-SEMS and plastic stent(s) is technically feasible and safe for the treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures after LDLT. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2nLCrMv

Predictive Value of Intraoperative Troponin I Elevation in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients With Biliary Atresia.

wk-health-logo.gif

Background: Pediatric living donor liver transplantation is associated with slight alteration in cardiac enzymes without ongoing acute cardiac injury, but available information about the significance of these changes is limited. The aims of this study were to analyze the link between the anomalies of intraoperative serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and acute lung injury during the first week after liver transplantation. Methods: In this retrospective study, 123 children suffered from biliary atresia were enrolled. Several perioperative variables, particularly cTnI before operation and at 30min of neohepatic phase were recorded. 64 recipients were divided into high-cTnI group (>=0.07ng/mL) and 59 recipients composed normal-cTnI group (=0.07ng/mL (OR=3.475, confidence interval 1.114-10.842) was the risk factors for acute lung injury after transplantation. The value of cTnI showed the close correlation with preoperative bilirubin (OR=1.005, confidence interval 1.002-1.008) and pretransplant albumin (OR=0.915, confidence interval 0.849-0.986). Conclusions: Intraoperative cTnI elevation was the significant prognostic risk factor in acute lung injury after pediatric living-donor liver transplantation for children with biliary atresia. And the value of cTnI was associated with preoperative bilirubin and albumin level. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2ntu4rN

Improvement in the Outcomes of MELD >= 40 Liver Transplantation: An Analysis of 207 Consecutive Transplants in a Highly Competitive DSA.

Background: Organ donor shortages continue to persist, especially in regions of the United States where competition is highest and recipients frequently attain a MELD score >= 40 prior to transplantation. The benefits of Share 35 in highly competitive regions may be underestimated when examining the collective national experience. The purpose of this study is to examine the outcomes of liver transplantation in recipients with a MELD >= 40 after implementation of Share 35 in a single center located in region 5. Methods: Single center retrospective analysis of 207 liver transplant recipients who achieved MELD score >= 40 from 4/21/2002 - 5/15/2015. Results: Multivariable analysis identified implementation of Share 35 as the strongest predictor of graft survival in MELD >= 40 liver transplantation. The post-Share 35 1-year graft survival was 94% compared to 75% pre-Share 35 (p=0.002). Post-Share 35 recipients waited significantly less time until transplantation (10 vs 16 days, p=0.015) and fewer were hospitalized for >28 days prior to their transplant (6% vs 18%, p=0.05). Multivariable analysis identified recipients with diabetes at the time of listing as the strongest predictor of posttransplant patient mortality. Conclusions: Implementation of the Share 35 allocation policy has a significant effect on outcomes by improving organ access and minimizing candidate waiting times. Recipients achieving a MELD >= 40 at our center post-Share 35 had an improved 1-year graft survival. However, nearly 40% remained hospitalized >4 weeks posttransplant and 20% were discharged to an acute care facility. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2nLLaym

DNA Repair Interacts with Autophagy To Regulate Inflammatory Responses to Pulmonary Hyperoxia [INNATE IMMUNITY AND INFLAMMATION]

Oxygen is supplied as a supportive treatment for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Unfortunately, high oxygen concentration increases reactive oxygen species generation, which causes DNA damage and ultimately cell death in the lung. Although 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG-1) is involved in repairing hyperoxia-mediated DNA damage, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we report that ogg-1–deficient mice exhibited a significant increase of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-) in the lung after being exposed to 95% oxygen. In addition, we found that ogg-1 deficiency downregulated (macro)autophagy when exposed to hyperoxia both in vitro and in vivo, which was evident by decreased conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, reduced LC3 punctate staining, and lower Atg7 expression compared with controls. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we found that OGG-1 associated with the promoter of Atg7, suggesting a role for OGG1 in regulation of Atg7 activity. Knocking down OGG-1 decreased the luciferase reporter activity of Atg7. Further, inflammatory cytokine levels in murine lung epithelial cell line cells were downregulated following autophagy induction by starvation and rapamycin treatment, and upregulated when autophagy was blocked using 3-methyladenine and chloroquine. atg7 knockout mice and Atg7 small interfering RNA-treated cells exhibited elevated levels of phospho–NF-B and intensified inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that Atg7 impacts inflammatory responses to hyperoxia. These findings demonstrate that OGG-1 negatively regulates inflammatory cytokine release by coordinating molecular interaction with the autophagic pathway in hyperoxia-induced lung injury.



http://ift.tt/2n1z6c4

The Cloning of GM-CSF [PILLARS OF IMMUNOLOGY]



http://ift.tt/2n1AdZv

In This Issue [IN THIS ISSUE]



http://ift.tt/2mmw0CC

Pillars Article: Molecular Cloning of cDNA Encoding a Murine Haematopoietic Growth Regulator, Granulocyte--Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor. Nature. 1984. 309: 763-767 [PILLARS OF IMMUNOLOGY]



http://ift.tt/2mmmxuP

IL-6 Regulates M2 Polarization and Local Proliferation of Adipose Tissue Macrophages in Obesity [INNATE IMMUNITY AND INFLAMMATION]

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation of adipose tissue (AT) and an increase of AT macrophages (ATMs) that is linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes. We have recently shown that focal sites of inflammation around dying adipocytes, so-called crown-like structures, exhibit a unique microenvironment for macrophage proliferation. Interestingly, locally proliferating macrophages were not classically activated (M1), but they exhibited a rather alternatively activated (M2) immune phenotype. In this study, we established organotypic cell cultures of AT explants to study the impact of cytokine treatment on local ATM proliferation, without the bias of early monocyte recruitment. We show that exposure of AT to Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-13, and GM-CSF, stimulates ATM proliferation, whereas Th1 cytokines, such as TNF-α, inhibit local ATM proliferation. Furthermore, AT from obese mice exhibits an increased sensitivity to IL-4 stimulation, indicated by an increased phosphorylation of STAT6. In line with this, gene expression of the IL-4 receptor (Il4ra) and its ligand IL-13 are elevated in AT of obese C57BL/6 mice. Most importantly, Il4ra expression and susceptibility to IL-4 or IL-13 treatment depend on IL-6 signaling, which seems to be the underlying mechanism of local ATM proliferation in obesity. We conclude that IL-6 acts as a Th2 cytokine in obesity by stimulating M2 polarization and local ATM proliferation, presumably due to upregulation of the IL-4 receptor α.



http://ift.tt/2n1GzIq

Relationship between CD4 Regulatory T Cells and Anergy In Vivo [BRIEF REVIEWS]

Selective suppression of effector CD4+ T cell functions is necessary to prevent immune cell–mediated damage to healthy tissues. This appears especially true during pregnancy or in individuals predisposed to autoimmunity. Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and induction of anergy, an acquired state of T cell functional unresponsiveness in Foxp3 cells, have both been implicated as mechanisms to suppress dangerous immune responses to tissue-restricted self-Ags. Anergic CD4+ T cells and Treg cells share a number of phenotypic and mechanistic traits—including the expression of CD73 and folate receptor 4, and the epigenetic modification of Treg cell signature genes—and an interesting relationship between these two subsets has recently emerged. In this review, we will compare and contrast these two subsets, as well as explore the role of anergy in the generation of peripheral Treg cells.



http://ift.tt/2n1A4VG

Monocytes Are the Predominant Cell Type Associated with Listeria monocytogenes in the Gut, but They Do Not Serve as an Intracellular Growth Niche [INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND HOST RESPONSE]

After foodborne transmission of the facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, most of the bacterial burden in the gut is extracellular. However, we previously demonstrated that intracellular replication in an as yet unidentified cell type was essential for dissemination and systemic spread of L. monocytogenes. In this article, we show that the vast majority of cell-associated L. monocytogenes in the gut were adhered to Ly6Chi monocytes, a cell type that inefficiently internalized L. monocytogenes. With bone marrow–derived in vitro cultures, high multiplicity of infection or the use of opsonized bacteria enhanced uptake of L. monocytogenes in CD64 monocytes, but very few bacteria reached the cell cytosol. Surprisingly, monocytes that had upregulated CD64 expression in transition toward becoming macrophages fully supported intracellular growth of L. monocytogenes. In contrast, inflammatory monocytes that had increased CD64 expression in the bone marrow of BALB/c/By/J mice prior to L. monocytogenes exposure in the gut did not support L. monocytogenes growth. Thus, contrary to the perception that L. monocytogenes can infect virtually all cell types, neither naive nor inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes served as a productive intracellular growth niche for L. monocytogenes. These results have broad implications for innate immune recognition of L. monocytogenes in the gut and highlight the need for additional studies on the interaction of extracellular, adherent L. monocytogenes with the unique subsets of myeloid-derived inflammatory cells that infiltrate sites of infection.



http://ift.tt/2n1zMhE

Two Strikes and Youre Out? The Pathogenic Interplay of Coinhibitor Deficiency and Lymphopenia-Induced Proliferation [BRIEF REVIEWS]

Lymphopenia-induced proliferation (LIP) occurs when resources for T cell survival in a host are in excess. LIP has been associated with the development of inflammatory disease in situations where an additional disease-predisposing cofactor is present during LIP. This has led to the view of LIP-driven autoimmunity as a two hit model; however, not all cofactors have equal ability to precipitate autoimmunity and we have recently shown that in some circumstances, such as the absence of the coinhibitory molecule PD-1, additional hits are required. Herein we review factors controlling LIP, including coinhibitory molecules and other attenuators of TCR signaling, with a focus on their contribution to LIP-driven autoimmunity. Rather than viewing LIP-associated autoimmunity as an n-hit model, we suggest a more quantitative view of lymphopenia with respect to the factors that promote LIP as a tool to predict autoimmune potential and to inform tumor immunotherapy approaches.



http://ift.tt/2mmnEuL

Neutrophil Microparticles Deliver Active Myeloperoxidase to Injured Mucosa To Inhibit Epithelial Wound Healing [INNATE IMMUNITY AND INFLAMMATION]

Neutrophil (PMN) infiltration of the intestinal mucosa often leads to severe epithelial injury; however, how this process occurs is unclear. This article describes a novel mechanism whereby membrane-derived microparticles released by tissue infiltrating PMNs (PMN-MPs) serve as shuttles to protect and deliver active mediators to locally modulate cellular function during inflammation. Specifically, myeloperoxidase (MPO), which is abundantly expressed in PMN azurophilic granules and is used for microbial killing, was found to be mobilized to the PMN surface and subsequently released in association with PMN-MPs upon PMN activation and binding to intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The enzymatic activity of PMN-MP–associated MPO was enhanced compared with soluble protein, leading to potent inhibition of wound closure following PMN-MP binding to IECs. Importantly, localized microinjection of PMN-MPs into wounded colonic mucosa was sufficient to impair epithelial wound healing in vivo. PMN-MP/MPO–dependent inhibition of IEC wound healing was due to impaired IEC migration and proliferation, resulting from impeded actin dynamics, cell spreading, and cell cycle arrest. Thus, our findings provide new insight into mechanisms governing PMN-induced tissue injury and implicate PMN-MPs and MPO as important regulators of cellular function.



http://ift.tt/2n1AbAR

Expression of IL-22 in the Skin Causes Th2-Biased Immunity, Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction, and Pruritus via Stimulating Epithelial Th2 Cytokines and the GRP Pathway [ALLERGY AND OTHER HYPERSENSITIVITIES]

Increased expression of Th22 cytokine IL-22 is a characteristic finding in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the specific role of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of AD in vivo has yet to be elucidated. Consistent with observations in human AD, IL-22 was significantly increased in the AD skin of mice after epicutaneous sensitization to house dust mite allergen. Utilizing a skin-specific inducible transgenic system, we show in the present study that expression of IL-22 in the skin of mice caused an AD-like phenotype characterized by chronic pruritic dermatitis associated with Th2-biased local and systemic immune responses, downregulation of epidermal differentiation complex genes, and enhanced dermatitis upon epicutaneous allergen exposure. IL-22 potently induced the expression of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a neuropeptide pruritogen, in dermal immune cells and sensory afferents and in their skin-innervating sensory neurons. IL-22 also differentially upregulated the expression of GRP receptor (GRPR) on keratinocytes of AD skin. The number of GRP+ cells in the skin correlated with the AD severity and the intensity of pruritus. IL-22 directly upregulated the expression of epithelial-derived type 2 cytokines (thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-33) and GRP in primary keratinocytes. Furthermore, GRP not only strongly induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin but it also increased the expression of IL-33 and GRPR synergistically with IL-22. Importantly, we found that the expression of GRP was strikingly increased in the skin of patients with AD. These results indicate that IL-22 plays important pathogenic roles in the initiation and development of AD, in part through inducing keratinocyte production of type 2 cytokines and activation of the GRP/GRPR pathway.



http://ift.tt/2n1wHOz

Rab11-FIP3 Regulation of Lck Endosomal Traffic Controls TCR Signal Transduction [MOLECULAR AND STRUCTURAL IMMUNOLOGY]

The role of endosomes in receptor signal transduction is a long-standing question, which remains largely unanswered. The T cell Ag receptor and various components of its proximal signaling machinery are associated with distinct endosomal compartments, but how endosomal traffic affects T cell signaling remains ill-defined. In this article, we demonstrate in human T cells that the subcellular localization and function of the protein tyrosine kinase Lck depends on the Rab11 effector FIP3 (Rab11 family interacting protein-3). FIP3 overexpression or silencing and its ability to interact with Rab11 modify Lck subcellular localization and its delivery to the immunological synapse. Importantly, FIP3-dependent Lck localization controls early TCR signaling events, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of TCR, ZAP70, and LAT and intracellular calcium concentration, as well as IL-2 gene expression. Interestingly, FIP3 controls both steady-state and poststimulation phosphotyrosine and calcium levels. Finally, our findings indicate that FIP3 modulates TCR-CD3 cell surface expression via the regulation of steady-state Lck-mediated TCR phosphorylation, which in turn controls TCR protein levels. This may influence long-term T cell activation in response to TCR-CD3 stimulation. Therefore, our data underscore the importance of finely regulated endosomal traffic in TCR signal transduction and T cell activation leading to IL-2 production.



http://ift.tt/2n1A2x2

The Activating Human NK Cell Receptor KIR2DS2 Recognizes a {beta}2-Microglobulin-Independent Ligand on Cancer Cells [ANTIGEN RECOGNITION AND RESPONSES]

The functions of activating members of the killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) family are not fully understood, as the ligands for these receptors are largely unidentified. In this study, we report that KIR2DS2 reporter cells recognize a ligand expressed by cancer cell lines. All cancer targets recognized by KIR2DS2 were also recognized by KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 reporters. Trogocytosis of membrane proteins from the cancer targets was observed with responding reporter cells, indicating the formation of KIR2DS2 ligand–specific immunological synapses. HLA-C typing of target cells showed that KIR2DS2 recognition was independent of the HLA C1 or C2 group, whereas targets cells that were only recognized by KIR2DL3 expressed C1 group alleles. Anti–HLA class I Abs blocked KIR2DL3 responses toward C1-expressing targets, but they did not block KIR2DS2 recognition of cancer cells. Small interfering RNA knockdown of β2-microglobulin reduced the expression of class I H chain on the cancer targets by >97%, but it did not reduce the KIR2DS2 reporter responses, indicating a β2-microglobulin–independent ligand for KIR2DS2. Importantly, KIR2DL3 responses toward some KIR2DS2 ligand–expressing cells were also undiminished after β2-microglobulin knockdown, and they were not blocked by anti–HLA class I Abs, suggesting that KIR2DL3, in addition to the traditional HLA-C ligands, can bind to the same β2-microglobulin–independent ligand as KIR2DS2. These observations indicate the existence of a novel, presently uncharacterized ligand for the activating NK cell receptor KIR2DS2. Molecular identification of this ligand may lead to improved KIR-HLA mismatching in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy for leukemia and new, more specific NK cell–based cancer therapies.



http://ift.tt/2mmAucf

Novel Adjuvant Based on the Pore-Forming Protein Sticholysin II Encapsulated into Liposomes Effectively Enhances the Antigen-Specific CTL-Mediated Immune Response [IMMUNOTHERAPY AND VACCINES]

Vaccine strategies to enhance CD8+ CTL responses remain a current challenge because they should overcome the plasmatic and endosomal membranes for favoring exogenous Ag access to the cytosol of APCs. As a way to avoid this hurdle, sticholysin (St) II, a pore-forming protein from the Caribbean Sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, was encapsulated with OVA into liposomes (Lp/OVA/StII) to assess their efficacy to induce a CTL response. OVA-specific CD8+ T cells transferred to mice immunized with Lp/OVA/StII experienced a greater expansion than when the recipients were injected with the vesicles without St, mostly exhibiting a memory phenotype. Consequently, Lp/OVA/StII induced a more potent effector function, as shown by CTLs, in vivo assays. Furthermore, treatment of E.G7-OVA tumor-bearing mice with Lp/OVA/StII significantly reduced tumor growth being more noticeable in the preventive assay. The contribution of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to CTL and antitumor activity, respectively, was elucidated. Interestingly, the irreversibly inactive variant of the StI mutant StI W111C, encapsulated with OVA into Lp, elicited a similar OVA-specific CTL response to that observed with Lp/OVA/StII or vesicles encapsulating recombinant StI or the reversibly inactive StI W111C dimer. These findings suggest the relative independence between StII pore-forming activity and its immunomodulatory properties. In addition, StII-induced in vitro maturation of dendritic cells might be supporting these properties. These results are the first evidence, to our knowledge, that StII, a pore-forming protein from a marine eukaryotic organism, encapsulated into Lp functions as an adjuvant to induce a robust specific CTL response.



http://ift.tt/2n1vwPg

CD74 Deficiency Mitigates Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-like Autoimmunity and Pathological Findings in Mice [AUTOIMMUNITY]

CD74 mediates MHC class-II antigenic peptide loading and presentation and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. C57BL/6 Faslpr mice that develop spontaneous lupus-like autoimmunity and pathology showed elevated CD74 expression in the inflammatory cell infiltrates and the adjacent tubular epithelial cells (TECs) in kidneys affected by lupus nephritis but negligible levels in kidneys from age-matched wild-type mice. The inflammatory cytokine IFN- or IL-6 induced CD74 expression in kidney TECs in vitro. The presence of kidney TECs from Faslpr mice, rather than from wild-type mice, produced significantly stronger histones, dsDNA, and ribonucleoprotein-Smith Ag complex–induced CD4+ T cell activation. Splenocytes from CD74-deficient FaslprCd74–/– mice had muted responses in a MLR and to the autoantigen histones. Compared with FaslprCd74+/+ mice, FaslprCd74–/– mice had reduced kidney and spleen sizes, splenic activated T cells and B cells, serum IgG and autoantibodies, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, kidney Periodic acid–Schiff score, IgG and C3 deposition, and serum IL-6 and IL-17A levels, but serum IL-2 and TGF-β levels were increased. Study of chronic graft-versus-host C57BL/6 mice that received donor splenocytes from B6.C-H2bm12/KhEg mice and those that received syngeneic donor splenocytes yielded similar observations. CD74 deficiency reduced lupus-like autoimmunity and kidney pathology in chronic graft-versus-host mice. This investigation establishes the direct participation of CD74 in autoimmunity and highlights a potential role for CD74 in kidney TECs, together with professional APCs in systemic lupus erythematosus.



http://ift.tt/2n1AdIZ

IL-6 Production by TLR-Activated APC Broadly Enhances Aged Cognate CD4 Helper and B Cell Antibody Responses In Vivo [INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND HOST RESPONSE]

Naive CD4 T cell responses, especially their ability to help B cell responses, become compromised with aging. We find that using APC pretreated ex vivo with TLR agonists, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid and CpG, to prime naive CD4 T cells in vivo, restores their ability to expand and become germinal center T follicular helpers and enhances B cell IgG Ab production. Enhanced helper responses are dependent on IL-6 production by the activated APC. Aged naive CD4 T cells respond suboptimally to IL-6 compared with young cells, such that higher doses are required to induce comparable signaling. Preactivating APC overcomes this deficiency. Responses of young CD4 T cells are also enhanced by preactivating APC with similar effects but with only partial IL-6 dependency. Strikingly, introducing just the activated APC into aged mice significantly enhances otherwise compromised Ab production to inactivated influenza vaccine. These findings reveal a central role for the production of IL-6 by APC during initial cognate interactions in the generation of effective CD4 T cell help, which becomes greater with age. Without APC activation, aging CD4 T cell responses shift toward IL-6–independent Th1 and CD4 cytotoxic Th cell responses. Thus, strategies that specifically activate and provide Ag to APC could potentially enhance Ab-mediated protection in vaccine responses.



http://ift.tt/2n1E3lk

Disruption of Pathogenic Cellular Networks by IL-21 Blockade Leads to Disease Amelioration in Murine Lupus [AUTOIMMUNITY]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is characterized by autoantibody-mediated organ injury. Follicular Th (Tfh) cells orchestrate physiological germinal center (GC) B cell responses, whereas in lupus they promote aberrant GC responses with autoreactive memory B cell development and plasma cell–derived autoantibody production. IL-21, a Tfh cell–derived cytokine, provides instructional cues for GC B cell maturation, with disruption of IL-21 signaling representing a potential therapeutic strategy for autoantibody-driven diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. We used blockade of IL-21 to dissect the mechanisms by which this cytokine promotes autoimmunity in murine lupus. Treatment of lupus-prone B6.Sle1.Yaa mice with an anti–IL-21 blocking Ab reduced titers of autoantibodies, delayed progression of glomerulonephritis and diminished renal-infiltrating Tfh and Th1 cells, and improved overall survival. Therapy inhibited excessive accumulation of Tfh cells coexpressing IL-21 and IFN-, and suppressed their production of the latter cytokine, albeit while not affecting their frequency. Anti–IL-21 treatment also led to a reduction in GC B cells, CD138hi plasmablasts, IFN-–dependent IgG2c production, and autoantibodies, indicating that Tfh cell–derived IL-21 is critical for pathological B cell cues in lupus. Normalization of GC responses was, in part, caused by uncoupling of Tfh–B cell interactions, as evidenced by reduced expression of CD40L on Tfh cells and reduced B cell proliferation in treated mice. Our work provides mechanistic insight into the contribution of IL-21 to the pathogenesis of murine lupus, while revealing the importance of T–B cellular cross-talk in mediating autoimmunity, demonstrating that its interruption impacts both cell types leading to disease amelioration.



http://ift.tt/2mmyBfE

Local TNFR1 Signaling Licenses Murine Neutrophils for Increased TLR-Dependent Cytokine and Eicosanoid Production [INNATE IMMUNITY AND INFLAMMATION]

Neutrophils are generally the first immune cells recruited during the development of sterile or microbial inflammation. As these cells express many innate immune receptors with the potential to directly recognize microbial or endogenous signals, we set out to assess whether their functions are locally influenced by the signals present at the onset of inflammation. Using a mouse model of peritonitis, we demonstrate that neutrophils elicited in the presence of C-type lectin receptor ligands have an increased ability to produce cytokines, chemokines, and lipid mediators in response to subsequent TLR stimulation. Importantly, we found that licensing of cytokine production was mediated by paracrine TNF-α-TNFR1 signaling rather than direct ligand sensing, suggesting a form of quorum sensing among neutrophils. Mechanistically, licensing was largely imparted by changes in the posttranscriptional regulation of inflammatory cytokines, whereas production of IL-10 was regulated at the transcriptional level. Altogether, our data suggest that neutrophils rapidly adapt their functions to the local inflammatory milieu. These phenotypic changes may promote rapid neutrophil recruitment in the presence of pathogens but limit inflammation in their absence.



http://ift.tt/2n1o6vn

Dependence of Glomerulonephritis Induction on Novel Intraglomerular Alternatively Activated Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages and Mac-1 and PD-L1 in Lupus-Prone NZM2328 Mice [AUTOIMMUNITY]

Glomerular damage mediated by glomerulus-infiltrating myeloid-derived cells is a key pathogenic event in lupus nephritis (LN), but the process is poorly understood. Confocal microscopy of kidney sections and flow cytometry analysis of glomerular cells from magnetic bead–purified glomeruli have identified glomerulus-infiltrating leukocyte populations in NZM2328 (NZM) lupus-prone mice with spontaneous chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) and anti–glomerular basement membrane-induced nephritis. The occurrence of a major glomerulus-infiltrating CD11b+F4/80I-A macrophage population exhibiting the markers programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), Mac-2, and macrophage mannose receptor (CD206) and producing Klf4, Il10, Retnla, Tnf, and Il6 mRNA, which are known to be expressed by alternatively activated (M2b) macrophages, correlated with proteinuria status. In NZM mice with spontaneous LN, glomerular macrophage infiltration is predominant. CD11b+F4/80I-A intraglomerular macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are important in inducing GN, as anti-CD11b and –ICAM-1 mAb inhibited both proteinuria and macrophage and PMN infiltration. The predominant and high expression of PD-L1 by CD11b+F4/80I-A glomerular macrophages in kidneys of mice with GN and the inhibition of proteinuria by anti–PD-L1 mAb supported the pathogenic role of these macrophages but not the PD-L1 PMN in GN development and in inducing podocyte damage. In NZM mice with spontaneous chronic GN and severe proteinuria, few glomerulus-infiltrating PMN were found, leaving macrophages and, to a less extent, dendritic cells as the major infiltrating leukocytes. Taken together, these data support the important pathogenic effect of CD11b+F4/80I-A M2b-like glomerulus-infiltrating macrophages in LN and reinforce macrophages as a promising target for GN treatment.



http://ift.tt/2n1GK6B

Inhibition of Inflammatory Gene Transcription by IL-10 Is Associated with Rapid Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Enhancer Activation [INNATE IMMUNITY AND INFLAMMATION]

IL-10 limits the magnitude of inflammatory gene expression following microbial stimuli and is essential to prevent inflammatory disease; however, the molecular basis for IL-10–mediated inhibition remains elusive. Using a genome-wide approach, we demonstrate that inhibition of transcription is the primary mechanism for IL-10–mediated suppression in LPS-stimulated macrophages and that inhibited genes can be divided into two clusters. Genes in the first cluster are inhibited only if IL-10 is included early in the course of LPS stimulation and is strongly enriched for IFN-inducible genes. Genes in the second cluster can be rapidly suppressed by IL-10 even after transcription is initiated, and this is associated with suppression of LPS-induced enhancer activation. Interestingly, the ability of IL-10 to rapidly suppress active transcription exhibits a delay following LPS stimulation. Thus, a key pathway for IL-10–mediated suppression involves rapid inhibition of enhancer function during the secondary phase of the response to LPS.



http://ift.tt/2n1zKGy

BAFF Induces Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Positions T Cells within the Glomeruli during Lupus Nephritis [AUTOIMMUNITY]

Tissue-specific immune responses play an important role in the pathology of autoimmune diseases. In systemic lupus erythematosus, deposits of IgG-immune complexes and the activation of complement in the kidney have long been thought to promote inflammation and lupus nephritis. However, the events that localize cells in non-lymphoid tertiary organs and sustain tissue-specific immune responses remain undefined. In this manuscript, we show that BAFF promotes events leading to lupus nephritis. Using an inducible model of systemic lupus erythematosus, we found that passive transfer of antinucleosome IgG into AID–/–MRL/lpr mice elevated autoantibody levels and promoted lupus nephritis by inducing BAFF production in the kidneys, and the formation of renal tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). Reducing BAFF in vivo prevented the formation of TLSs and lupus nephritis; however, it did not reduce immune cell infiltrates, or the deposits of IgG and complement in the kidney. Mechanistically, lowering BAFF levels also diminished the number of T cells positioned inside the glomeruli and reduced inflammation. Thus, BAFF plays a previously unappreciated role in lupus nephritis by inducing renal TLSs and regulating the position of T cells within the glomeruli.



http://ift.tt/2mmmxej

Differential expression of serpins may selectively licence distinct granzyme B functions including antigen cross-presentation

alertIcon.gif

Publication date: Available online 20 March 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Dorit Fabricius, Timo Trzaska, Theresa Fecher, Evripides Dimitriou, Bernd Jahrsdörfer




http://ift.tt/2mmjkvC

Anesthesia in patients with infectious disease caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria.

wk-health-logo.gif

Purpose of review: Up to 50% of specific bacterial strains in healthcare admission facilities are multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Involvement of anesthesiologists in management of patients carrying/at risk of carrying MDROs may decrease transmission in the Operating Room (OR). Recent findings: Anesthesiologists, their work area and tools have all been implicated in MDRO outbreaks. Causes include contamination of external ventilation circuits and noncontribution of filters to prevention, inappropriate decontamination procedures for nondisposable equipment (e.g. laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes and stethoscopes) and the anesthesia workplace (e.g. external surfaces of cart and anesthesia machine, telephones and computer keyboards) during OR cleaning and lack of training in sterile drug management. Summary: Discussions regarding the management of potential MDRO carriers must include anesthesia providers to optimize infection control interventions as well as the anesthesia method, the location of surgery and recovery and the details of patient transport. Anesthesia staff must learn to identify patients at risk for MDRO infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis, although not evidence based, should adhere to known best practices. Adjuvant therapies (e.g. intranasal Mupirocin and bathing with antiseptics) should be considered. Addition of nonmanual OR cleaning methods such as ultraviolet irradiation or gaseous decontamination is encouraged. Anesthesiologists must undergo formal training in sterile drug preparation and administration. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2nX5Nqk

Low percentage of clinically relevant pistachio nut and mango co-sensitisation in cashew nut sensitised children

Cashew nut, pistachio nut and mango belong to the Anacardiaceae family and are botanically related. Therefore, cashew nut sensitised children are frequently advised to eliminate cashew nuts and pistachio nuts fro...

http://ift.tt/2nteUCT