Gestational cholestyramine treatment protects adult offspring of ApoE-deficient mice against maternal-hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis

AIM

Perinatal hypercholesterolemia exacerbates the development of atherosclerotic plaques in adult offspring. Here, we aimed to study the effect of maternal treatment with cholestyramine, a lipid-lowering drug, on atherosclerosis development in adult offspring of hypercholesterolemic ApoE-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice.

METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were treated with 3% cholestyramine (CTY) during gestation (G). After weaning, offspring (CTY-G) were fed control diet until sacrificed at 25weeks of age. Atherosclerosis development in the aortic root of offspring was assessed after oil-red-o staining, along with some of predefined atherosclerosis regulators such as LDL and HDL by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and bile acids (BA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

In pregnant dams, cholestyramine treatment resulted in significantly lower plasma total- and LDL-cholesterol as well as gallbladder total BA levels. In offspring, both males and females born to treated dams displayed reduced atherosclerotic plaques areas along with less lipid deposition in the aortic root. No significant change in plasma total cholesterol or triglycerides was measured in offspring, but CTY-G males had increased HDL-cholesterol and decreased apolipoproteins B100 to A-I ratio. This latter group also showed reduced gallbladder total and specifically tauro-conjugated bile acid pools, whereas for CTY-G females, hydrophilic plasma tauro-conjugated BA pool was significantly higher. They also benefited from lower plasma TMAO.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal cholestyramine treatment reduces atherosclerosis development in adult offspring of ApoE-/- mice along with modulating the plaques' composition as well as some related biomarkers such as HDL-C, bile acids and TMAO.

Genomic characterization of Puccinia triticina using molecular marker technology

Abstract Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is the most common rust disease of wheat. The fungus is an obligate parasite capable of producing infectious urediniospores. To study the genetic structure of the leaf rust population 20 RAPD primers were evaluated on 15 isolates samples collected in Pakistan. A total of 105 RAPD fragments were amplified with an average of 7 fragments per primer. The number of amplified fragments varied from 1 to 12. GL Decamer L-07 and GL Decamer L-01 amplified the highest number of bands (twelve) and primer GL Decamer A-03 amplified the lowest number of bands i.e one. Results showed that almost all investigated isolates were genetically different that confirms high genetic diversity within the leaf rust population. Rust spores can follow the migration pattern in short and long distances to neighbor areas. Results indicated that the greatest variability was revealed by 74.9% of genetic differentiation within leaf rust populations. These results suggested that each population was not completely identical and high gene flow has occurred among the leaf rust population of different areas. The highest differentiation and genetic distance among the Pakistani leaf rust populations were detected between the leaf rust population in NARC isolate (NARC-4) and AARI-11and the highest similarity was observed between NARC isolates (NARC-4) and (NARC-5). The present study showed the leaf rust population in Pakistan is highly dynamic and variable.

Promoting psychological well-being in preschool children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness- and yoga-based socio-emotional learning intervention

BACKGROUND

Mental health issues in youths have cascading negative effects on school outcomes, professional life, and physical health. Psychological well-being (P-WB) is an important protective factor against mental illness. Preliminary research suggests that mindfulness- and yoga-based socio-emotional learning (SEL) interventions can each have a positive impact on preschoolers P-WB. The objective of this trial is to rigorously evaluate the effect of a 24-week combined mindfulness- and yoga- based SEL intervention in preschool children from a French socio-economically disadvantaged area.

METHODS

The P-WB promotion intervention is compared to a wait-list control condition in a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT). Sixty-four pre-Kindergarten classrooms are randomized to the intervention or control group. Primary outcomes measure self-management capacity and core P-WB components: connection, insight, engagement, and positive relationship. Secondary outcomes include measures of mental health, executive functioning, and school performance. Primary and secondary outcomes are assessed through teacher questionnaires, standardized observations of children in school context, and experimental tasks and by collecting results of the national evaluation at first grade. All children-level outcomes are evaluated at pre-intervention, at the end of the intervention, and 1 year later (follow-up analysis), to the exception of school performance which is evaluated at follow-up only. Intention-to-treat analyses, accounting for clustering within classes, will adopt a random effects linear regression model to examine outcomes for the intervention versus control children.

DISCUSSION

This is the first trial to rigorously evaluate a combined mindfulness- and yoga-based P-WB promotion intervention, and the first RCT evaluating a SEL curriculum in French schools. Results may have key implications for P-WB promotion in preschool children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.drks.de/ DRKS00028623. Retrospectively registered on 30 May 2022.

Clinical features and complications of Loeys-Dietz syndrome: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder that arises from mutations altering the transforming growth factor β signalling pathway. Due to the recent discovery of the underlying genetic mutations leading to LDS, the spectrum of characteristics and complications is not fully understood.

METHODS

Our search included five databases (Pubmed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE and google scholar) and included variations of "Loeys-Dietz Syndrome" as search terms, using all available data until February 2021. All study types were included. Three reviewers screened 1394 abstracts, of which 418 underwent full-text review and 392 were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 3896 reported cases of LDS with the most commonly reported features and complications being: aortic aneurysms and dissections, arterial tortuosity, high arched palate, abnormal uvula and hypertelorism. LDS Types 1 and 2 share many clinical features, LDS Type 2 appears to have a more aggressive aortic disease. LDS Type 3 demonstrated an increased prevalence of mitral valve prolapse and arthritis. LDS Type 4 and 5 demonstrated a lower prevalence of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular involvement. Amongst 222 women who underwent 522 pregnancies, 4% experienced an aortic dissection and the peripartum mortality rate was 1%.

CONCLUSION

We observed that LDS is a multisystem connective tissue disorder that is associated with a high burden of complications, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Ongoing attempts to better characterise these features will allow clinicians to appropriately screen and manage these complications.

Perinatal Administration of C-Phycocyanin Protects Against Atherosclerosis in apoE-Deficient Mice by Modulating Cholesterol and Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Metabolisms

OBJECTIVE

Gestational hypercholesterolemia concomitantly with a highly oxidative environment is associated with higher atherosclerosis in human and animal offspring. This work aimed to determine whether perinatal administration of a C-phycocyanin concentrate, a powerful antioxidant, can protect against atherosclerosis development in genetically hypercholesterolemic mice in adult life. Approach and Results: C-Phycocyanin was administered during gestation solely or gestation and lactation to apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Male and female offspring were studied until 25 weeks old. Progenies born to supplemented mothers displayed significantly less atherosclerotic root lesions than control group in all groups excepted in male supplemented during gestation and lactation. Female born to supplemented mothers had a greater gallbladder total bile acid pool, lower secondary hydrophobic bile acid levels such as lithocholic acid, associated with less plasma trimethylamine N-oxide at 16 weeks old compared with control mice. Regarding male born to C-Phycocyanin administrated mothers, they expressed a higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, more soluble bile acids such as β-muricholic acids, and a decreased plasma trimethylamine at 16 weeks old. Liver reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio were increased and liver gene expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased in male born to gestational supplemented mothers. No difference in the composition of cecal microbiota was found between groups, regardless of sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a protective effect of perinatal antioxidant administration on atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice involving sex-specific mechanisms.

Enhancing sweat rate using a novel device for the treatment of congestion in heart failure

Background

Current treatment of fluid retention in heart failure (HF) relies primarily on diuretics. However, adequate decongestion is not achieved in many patients.

Purpose

To study the feasibility and short-term performance of a novel approach to remove fluids and sodium directly from the interstitial compartment by enhancing sweat rate.

Methods

We used a device designed to enhance fluid and salt loss via the eccrine sweat glands. Skin temperature in the lower body was increased to 35–38°, where the slope of the relationship between temperature and sweat production is linear. With this wearable device, the sweat evaporates instantaneously, thus avoiding the awareness of perspiration. The primary efficacy endpoint was the ability to increase skin temperature to the desired range without elevating the core temperature above normal range. A secondary efficacy endpoint was a clinically meaningful hourly sweat output, defined as ≥150 mL/h. The primary safety endpoint was any procedure-related adverse events.

Results

We studied 6 normal subjects and 10 HF patients with clinical evidence of congestion and median NT-proBNP of 602 pg/mL [interquartile range 427 to 1719 pg/mL]. Participants underwent 3 treatment sessions of up to 4h. Skin temperature increased to a median of 37.5°C (interquartile range 37.1–37.9°C) with the core temperature remaining unchanged. The median total weight loss during treatment was 219±67 g/h (Figure) with a range of 100–338 g/h. In 77% of cases, the average sweat rate was ≥150 mL/h. Systolic (P=0.25) and diastolic (P=0.48) blood pressure and heart rate (P=0.11) remained unchanged during the procedure. There were no significant changes in renal function and no procedure-related adverse events.

Conclusion

Enhancing sweat rate was safe and resulted in a clinically meaningful fluid removal and weight loss. Further evaluation of this concept is warranted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): AquaPass Inc Weight loss due to sweat

Clinicopathological spectrum of Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma: a study targeting population yet unexplored in Pakistan

Objective

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). The aim of this study was to assess the clinico pathological characteristics of DLBCL specifically, among the affected individuals residing in Northern areas of Pakistan who had not been previously included in major lymphoma studies due to their remote location.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 49.7 years. Male: female ratio was 1.5:1. Primary site was lymph node in 99 (71.74%) patients, out of which, 36 (26.09%) patients had B symptoms and 19 (13.77%) patients had stage IV disease. 39 (28.26%) patients had primary extra nodal involvement, 4 (2.90%) patients had B symptoms and 3 (2.17%) had stage IV disease. Extra nodal sites involved in primary extra nodal DLBCL were gastrointestinal tract (GIT) 19 (48.72%), tonsils 6 (15.38%), spine 4 (10.26%), soft tissue swelling 3 (7.69%), parotid gland 2 (5.13%), thyroid 2 (5.13%) central nervous system (CNS) 1 (2.56), breast 1 (2.56%) and bone marrow 1 (2.56%). Our study revealed increased percentage of patients with nodal DLBCL in stage IV and with B symptoms. Few patients with primary extra nodal DLBCL had B symptoms and stage IV disease at presentation. GIT was the most common site of involvement in primary extra nodal DLBCL.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-021-05768-5.

Residue level and health risk assessment of organophosphorus pesticides in eggplant and cauliflower collected from Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Residue levels of seven organophosphorus pesticides in two vegetables (eggplant and cauliflower) collected from major markets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh were analysed. The collected samples were analysed using a modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique by Gas Chromatography coupled with Flame Thermionic Detector (GC-FTD). Among the 50 analysed samples of the eggplant 12% samples contained residues of chlorpyrifos (0.384~0.980 mg/kg), 6% samples contained residue of dimethoate (0.052~0.132 mg/kg) and 2% samples contained residue of diazinon (0.01 mg/kg). Whereas, among the 50 samples of cauliflower, 12% samples contained residues of chlorpyrifos (0.056~0.540 mg/kg), 8% samples contained residues of diazinon (0.033~0.42 mg/kg) and 2% samples contained residues of quinalphos (0.06 mg/kg). The chlorpyrifos was found as the most frequently detected organophosphorus pesticide. Among the 21 contaminated samples, 20 were above EU-MRL. Short and long-term health risk assessment based on ARfD and ADI indicates that the intake risks of eggplant and cauliflower were in the acceptable range. Nevertheless, establishing strong monitoring and traceability system together with controlling pre-harvest interval needed to ensure food safety, consumer confidence and promote vegetable export from Bangladesh.

16 Re-Do of Laparoscopic CBD Exploration Through Cystic Duct Remnant Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy; A Case Series

Introduction

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are detected in approximately 10-15% of patients with gallstone disease. They can be formed in the absence of gallbladder stones or in patients who underwent previous cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has been documented since 1999, with increasing evidence illustrating the effectiveness of the transcystic approach. There is no review of re-exploration of the CBD, due to retained stones, following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) via this approach. Four cases are presented detailing need for initial intervention, and intra-operative findings.

Method

Review of four cases in 2020 in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Each underwent re-do laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration for retained stone, following previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results

Each case had successful stone clearance and resolution of symptoms.

Conclusions

With increasing laparoscopic technology and surgical skill, re-exploration of the CBD following previous LC due to emergency surgical presentations should be performed. This is feasible and safe. We recommend the transcystic approach due to reduced morbidity and high success rates of stone extraction.

Conversion therapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) impairs prognosis, yet long-term survival can be achieved by enabling liver resection. This study aims to describe factors associated with conversion therapy leading to liver surgery and treatment outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all patients with CRLM discussed at multidisciplinary team conference at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, from 2013 to 2018. Factors associated with conversion therapy and outcome following conversion therapy were analysed with logistic regression and survival analyses.

RESULTS

Out of 1023 patients with CRLM, 100 patients (10%) received conversion chemotherapy, out of whom 31 patients (31%) subsequently underwent liver resection. Patients in whom conversion chemotherapy resulted in liver resection were younger (median age 61 vs. 66 years, p = .024), less likely to have a KRAS/NRAS-mutated primary tumours (25% vs. 53%, p = .039) and more likely to have received anti-EGFR agents (32% vs. 4%, p = .001) than patients progressing during conversion chemotherapy. The median OS for patients treated with conversion chemotherapy leading to liver resection was 24 months, compared to 14 months for patients progressing during conversion chemotherapy, p < .001. The OS for patients progressing during conversion chemotherapy was similar to patients given palliative chemotherapy, approximately 13 months.

CONCLUSION

Conversion therapy offers a survival benefit in selected patients. Despite treatment advances, the majority of patients undergoing conversion chemotherapy never become eligible for curative treatment.

Health risk assessment of pesticide residues in vegetables collected from northern part of Bangladesh

The use of synthetic pesticides for agricultural production in developing countries like Bangladesh is unavoidable. Therefore, there is also a concern for the residual effects in public health. The present study aimed to assess the health hazards associated with the residual effect of pesticides in two common vegetables (cauliflower and tomato) collected from five different markets of a northern city of Bangladesh. A total 80 samples (i.e. 40 of each vegetable) were collected for the analysis of seven major organophosphorus insecticides namely acephate, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, fenitrothion, malathion and quinalphos used in that region. Modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction technique and GC-FTD (Gas Chromatography coupled with Flame Thermionic Detector) used for the analysis of the samples. Results indicate that 11 (6 cauliflower, 5 tomato) analyzed samples contained residues which are about 14% of the total number of samples. Most of the samples contaminated diazinon at a level above EU-MRLs. However, health risk assessment based on ADI, the contaminated samples were safe. Continuous monitoring together with a sample traceability system is suggested to protect consumers’ health from the cumulative effects of other contaminated dietary products.

Highly-Sensitive Refractive Index Sensing by Near-infrared Metatronic Nanocircuits

In this work, we present a highly-sensitive refractive index sensor based on metatronic nanocircuits operating at near-infrared spectral range. The structure is designed based on simple nanorod geometry and fabricated by nanopatterning of transparent conducting oxides. The functionality of these polarization dependent metatronic nanocircuits is enhanced by applying tunable response. This feature is investigated by depositing NH₂ (Amine) groups via plasma polymerization technique on top of indium-tin-oxide nanorods. The dielectric constant of Amine groups is a function of their thickness, which can be controlled by the RF power and the time duration of the applied plasma polymerization process. The resonance wavelengths of nanocircuits shift to higher wavelength, as the dielectric constant of the deposited material increases. An excellent agreement between the design and experimental results are obtained. Our metatronic based nanosensor offers a high-sensitive performance of 1587 nm/RIU with a satisfactory figure of merit for this class of sensors.

Rapid detection of infectious bursal disease by loop-mediated isothermal amplification for field analysis

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an immunosuppressive, acute and highly contagious illness of growing-poultry stock infected with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). It is common in Pakistan, causing potential economic losses throughout the year. The objective of the study is to propose a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic tool, and compare it with existing commonly used reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for IBDV. Different primers were used for RT-PCR and reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) to target the IBD virus. RT-LAMP primers showed prodigious specificity without cross reaction to the other animal pathogens. Moreover, RT-LAMP was found to have 10 times higher selectivity for IBDV identification as compared to RT-PCR. RT-LAMP detected 9.2% more field samples than RT-PCR. Sequences of PCR products were determined and phylogenetic analysis of research isolates revealed its maximum similarity with indigenous and Indian IBDV isolates. RT-LAMP was found to be simple, specific, less laborious and a better technique as compared to RT-PCR for quick analysis. In general, RT-LAMP was declared positive on observing turbidity or adding fluorescence staining reagent such as SYBR Green I. The options of direct use of field sample homogenate and viewing directly the peaks in the graph shown on a monitor/laptop have made it much more convenient and time saving than gel based RT-PCR.

Fowl adenovirus: history, emergence, biology and development of a vaccine against hydropericardium syndrome

The poultry industry has emerged as one of the largest and fastest growing public sectors in the developed and developing countries. Unfortunately, this industry is under a major threat from diseases that are viral (Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease, influenza, hydropericardium syndrome), bacterial (colibacillosis, pasteurellosis, salmonellosis, mycoplasmosis), parasitic (coccidiosis, histoplasmosis) or nutritional (dyschondroplasia, osteoporosis). Among these diseases, hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) is one of the important emerging diseases occurring in the specific areas of the world where broilers (chickens) are reared under intensive conditions. HPS was first observed in 1987 at Angara Goth, an area near Karachi, Pakistan, where broilers are raised. Since then, HPS has been reported in many countries of the world. From these reported cases, an adenovirus that was either isolated from or visualized electron microscopically in the liver of affected broilers has been implicated in the syndrome. The syndrome has been reproduced by inoculation of isolated fowl adenovirus (FAdV) strains, and hence, the syndrome is also called infectious hydropericardium syndrome. To our knowledge, HPS has not been observed in humans, so it is not considered a zoonotic disease, but it is of economic importance and causes huge losses to the poultry industry. Efforts have been made to develop conventional vaccines against this disease, which were formulated from infected liver homogenate. Formalin-inactivated liver organ vaccines have failed to protect the poultry industry. Hence, there is a dire need to develop a suitable vaccine to combat this disease. Currently, recombinant vaccine candidates are being developed by using molecular biology and biotechnological approaches for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, including HPS. Therefore, it is suggested that the immunogenicity of these recombinant proteins should be evaluated for their use as subunit vaccines.

Efficacy of 0.2 μg/day fluocinolone acetonide implant (ILUVIEN) in eyes with diabetic macular edema and prior vitrectomy

Purpose

Limited data are available on the efficacy of the 0.2 μg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in eyes with prior vitrectomy. Here, we present a collection of 26 vitrectomized eyes treated with the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant.

Methods

Retrospective study involving six centers from four European countries analyzing the safety and efficacy data from patients (26 eyes from 25 patients) with DME and a prior vitrectomy that had been treated with one 0.2 μg/day FAc implant.

Results

Prior intravitreal therapies included anti-VEGF (mean, 3.8 injections) and steroids (mean, 1.9 injections). Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed in these eyes primarily for abnormalities of vitreoretinal interface, followed by proliferative diabetic retinopathy and vitreous hemorrhage. The 0.2 μg/day FAc implant was injected 24.2 months, on average, after PPV and the mean duration of follow-up after injection was 255 days (range, 90 to 759 days). The mean change in BCVA was +11.7 ETDRS letters (range, −19 to +40 letters; P<0.0004) and the mean change in central foveal thickness (CFT) was −233.5 μm (range, −678 to 274 μm; P<0.0001). The mean change in IOP from baseline at the last visit was +1.4 mm Hg (range, −9 to +8 mm Hg; P=0.0090). Eight eyes initiated or continued IOP lowering medications.

Conclusions

These data suggest the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant is effective in vitrectomized patients with an acceptable safety profile. Further studies are still required to confirm the current findings and to assess the effect of the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant over a longer period of follow-up.

Physician preferences for bone metastasis drug therapy in Canada

BACKGROUND

Currently in Canada, several bone-targeted agents (btas) with varying characteristics are available for the prevention of skeletal-related events (sres) in patients with bone metastasis secondary to solid tumours. In the present study, we evaluated the preferences of physicians in Canada for the various attributes of the available btas.

METHODS

Physicians treating patients with bone metastasis from solid tumours were invited to complete an online discrete-choice experiment. Respondents were asked to choose between pairs of hypothetical medications for virtual patients. Each hypothetical medication was described based on predefined key attributes: time until first sre, time until worsening of pain, medication-related annual risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (onj), medication-related annual risk of renal impairment, and mode of administration. A random-parameters logit model was used to analyze the choices between hypothetical medications and thus infer physician preferences for medication attributes.

RESULTS

Responses from the 200 physicians who completed the discrete-choice experiment suggested that months until first sre, risk of renal impairment, and months until worsening of pain were considered the most important attributes affecting choice of bta. The annual risk of onj was considered the least important attribute.

CONCLUSIONS

When making treatment decisions about the choice of bta for patients with bone metastasis from solid tumours, delaying sres and worsening of pain, and reducing the risk of renal impairment are primary considerations for physicians in Canada.

Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of 100K gene of fowl adenovirus-4 for prevention and control of hydropericardium syndrome

Fowl adenovirus-4 is an infectious agent causing Hydropericardium syndrome in chickens. Adenovirus are non-enveloped virions having linear, double stranded DNA. Viral genome codes for few structural and non structural proteins. 100K is an important non-structural viral protein. Open reading frame for coding sequence of 100K protein was cloned with oligo histidine tag and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein. Nucleotide sequence of the gene revealed that 100K gene of FAdV-4 has high homology (98%) with the respective gene of FAdV-10. Recombinant 100K protein was expressed in E. coli and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Immunization of chickens with recombinant 100K protein elicited significant serum antibody titers. However challenge protection test revealed that 100K protein conferred little protection (40%) to the immunized chicken against pathogenic viral challenge. So it was concluded that 100K gene has 2397 bp length and recombinant 100K protein has molecular weight of 95 kDa. It was also found that the recombinant protein has little capacity to affect the immune response because in-spite of having an important role in intracellular transport & folding of viral capsid proteins during viral replication, it is not exposed on the surface of the virus at any stage.

Digital Subtraction Angiography is Superior to Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Diagnosis of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

This study was carried out to compare MRA and DSA in diagnosis of cerebral AVM. It was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Neurology Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka during the period of January 2010 to December 2010. Thirty patients with haemorrhagic stroke age ranging from 13 to 65 years were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria as the study sample. MRA and DSA were done in all the selected patients. The mean age of the patients of haemorrhagic stroke was 30.3 ± 14.3 years and male female ratio was 2.7:1. Regarding the venous drainage of AVM 13 and 12 were superficial and deep respectively, and evaluated 100% by MRA. In the diagnosis of cerebral AVM nidus size S1: <3 and S2: 3-6 cm sensitivity was 100% but accuracy was 100% and 73.3% respectively. DSA was 100% sensitive in the diagnosis of superficial and deep venous drainage AVM. Regarding the eloquence of brain area 15 had no eloquence by both MRA and DSA and identification of eloquence of brain area sensitivity was 73.3% and accuracy was 86.7%. The main feeding vessels was found (22, 73.3%) in both DSA and MRA findings. Distal vessels was seen (8, 26.7%) in DSA but not seen in MRA findings. Intranidal aneurysm and Angiopathic AVM were seen in 3(10.0%) and 4(13.3%) respectively in DSA. This study was carried out to diagnose the patients presented with cerebral AVM by MRA and DSA. MRA could not be evaluated flow status of AVM, distal feeding arteries, intranidal aneurysm and angiopathic AVM which could be detected by DSA. So, DSA is superior to MRA in diagnosis of cerebral AVM.

Anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy: an approach for the fixation of complex intra-articular distal humeral fractures

In order to achieve satisfactory reduction of complex distal humeral fractures, adequate exposure of the fracture fragments and the joint surface is required. Several surgical exposures have been described for distal humeral fractures. We report our experience using the anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy approach. This involves detachment of the triceps along with a sliver of olecranon, which retains the anconeus pedicle. We report the use of this approach in ten patients (six male, four female) with a mean age of 38.4 years (28 to 51). The mean follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18) with no loss to follow-up. Elbow function was graded using the Mayo Score. The results were excellent in four patients, good in five and fair in one patient. The mean time to both fracture and osteotomy union was 10.6 weeks (8 to 12) and 7.1 weeks (6 to 8), respectively. We found this approach gave reliably good exposure for these difficult fractures enabling anatomical reduction and bicondylar plating without complications.

Stroke in Bangladeshi patients and risk factor

To evaluate comprehensively the distribution of established risk factors of stroke among Bangladeshi patients. This is an observational study. It involved 8400 stroke patients from different hospitals in Bangladesh over a period of sixteen years. Common established risk factors of stroke e.g. age, sex, family history, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, smoking, obesity, dyslipidaemia, alcoholism, use of oral contraceptive pill, lack of fresh fruit consumption etc. were evaluated in these patients through a preformed questionnaire and data were analyzed. Majority of the stroke events occurred after the age of forty (82.3%) and the ischemic stroke (72%) is the most common. Apart from non modifiable risk factors (advancing age, sex, Family history of stroke) hypertension was the most common modifiable risk factor found in stroke patients (57.6%) followed by smoking (44.6%), tobacco use (24.3%), OCP use in female (40% of female stroke), diabetes (23%), ischemic heart disease (17.1%), obesity (10.6%) and dyslipidaemia (5.3%). Lack of fresh fruit consumption and alcoholism were found in some of the patients. Stroke is common after the age of forty. Ischemic events are commonest type of stroke. Hypertension, smoking, tobacco use, diabetes and ischemic heart disease were five most common risk factors of stroke. Outlining the common stroke risk factors in our settings, may help the physicians and care givers in managing this disabling disease properly.

Diubiquitin (Ubd) is a susceptibility gene for virus-triggered autoimmune diabetes in rats

Genetic studies of type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been advanced by comparative analysis of multiple susceptible and resistant rat strains with a permissive class II MHC haplotype, RT1(u). LEW.1WR1 (but not resistant LEW.1W or WF) rats are susceptible to T1D induced by a TLR3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid followed by infection with parvovirus. We have mapped genetic loci for virus-induced T1D susceptibility, identifying a major susceptibility locus (Iddm37) near the MHC. The Iddm37 homologs on mouse and human chromosomes are also diabetes linked. We report that a major effect gene within Iddm37 is diubiquitin (Ubd). Gene expression profiling of pancreatic lymph nodes in susceptible and resistant rats during disease induction showed differences in Ubd transcript abundance. The LEW.1WR1 Ubd promoter allele leads to higher inducible levels of UBD than that of LEW.1W or WF. Using zinc-finger nucleases , we deleted a segment of the LEW.1WR1 Ubd gene and eliminated its expression. UBD-deficient rats show substantially reduced diabetes after viral infection. Complementary studies show that there may be another diabetes gene in addition to Ubd in the Iddm37 interval. These data prove that Ubd is a diabetes susceptibility gene, providing insight into the interplay of multiple genes and environmental factors in T1D susceptibility.

Risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women with ultrasound-detected ovarian masses: a prospective cohort study within the UK collaborative trial of ovarian cancer screening (UKCTOCS)

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of primary epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and slow growing borderline or Type I and aggressive Type II EOC in postmenopausal women with adnexal abnormalities on ultrasound.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study in the ultrasound group of the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening of postmenopausal women with ultrasound-detected abnormal adnexal (unilocular, multilocular, unilocular solid and multilocular solid, solid) morphology on their first scan. Women were followed up through the national cancer registries and by postal questionnaires. Absolute risks of EOC and borderline, Type I and Type II EOC within 3 years of initial scan were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 48 053 women who underwent ultrasound examination and had complete scan data, 4367 (9.1% (95% CI, 8.8-9.3%)) had abnormal adnexal morphology. Median follow-up was 7.09 (25(th) -75(th) centiles, 6.03-7.92) years. Forty-seven (32 borderline or Type I, 15 Type II) were diagnosed with EOC. The overall absolute risk of EOC associated with abnormal adnexal morphology was 1.08% (95% CI, 0.79-1.43%); for borderline and Type I it was 0.73% (95% CI, 0.5-1.03%); and for Type II it was 0.34% (95% CI, 0.33-0.79%). In the subgroup (n = 741) with solid elements (unilocular solid, multilocular solid and solid) overall absolute risk was 4.45% (95% CI, 3.08-6.20%), for borderline and Type I it was 3.1% (95% CI, 1.9-4.6%) and for Type II it was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.6-2.4%). 11 982 women had both ovaries visualized and normal annual scans throughout the 3-year follow-up period. In this group, no borderline or Type I and eight Type II cancers were diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic postmenopausal women with ultrasound-detected adnexal abnormalities with solid elements have a 1 in 22 risk for EOC. Despite the higher prevalence of Type II EOC, the risk of borderline or Type I cancer in women with ultrasound abnormalities seems to be higher than does the risk of Type II cancer. This has important immediate implications for patients with incidental adnexal findings as well as for any future ultrasound-based screening.

Prevalence of stroke above forty years

Number of elderly persons gradually increased in Bangladesh due to improved health awareness and health care. Age is the single most important risk factor for stroke. This study aims at finding the prevalence of stroke in a Bangladeshi population aged forty years and above. The cases of stroke were ascertained in two phases of door-to-door survey. In phase-I, trained interviewers performed face-to-face interview with subjects for the detection stroke cases using the World Health Organization (WHO) screening protocol for neurological diseases. In phase-II, subjects suspected to have a stroke underwent a clinical evaluation for diagnosis or exclusion of stroke by a neurological team. The study involved 15627 participants aged 40 years and above. A total of 47 participants found to have stroke, expressing an overall prevalence rate of 3.00 per 1000 (95% CI 0.95 to 2.45). Prevalence of stroke were 2.0, 3.0, 2.0, 10.0, and 10.0 per 1000 within age groups of 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years and 80 years and above age group respectively. Prevalence of stroke in people with age range 70-79 years compared to 40-49 years age range is 4.988 (95% CI 2.309 to 10.77) times and people with age range ≥80 years compared to 40-49 years age range is 4.798 (95% CI 1.597 to14.416) times. Prevalence was higher among men in comparison with women. The male: female ratio is 3.44:2.41 per 1000 respectively. Bangladeshi male populations in rural areas are found to have stroke more than urban people. A large community based study should be undertaken to further confirm the result of this present study.

Arterial embolization for ruptured adrenal pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous rupture of adrenal pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare condition that can be lethal. Optimal treatment in these cases is still unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of medline articles on ruptured pheochromocytomas to locate all research done on this topic. Based on the literature review and one additional case at European Gaza Hospital, we analyzed clinical presentations, hemorrhage site, tumour side, mortality rate, and treatment options.

RESULTS

In addition to our case, we identified 53 cases of ruptured pheochromocytoma. A review of all 53 cases revealed that 17 (32%) of the patients died, and that no mortality occurred among the 12 patients who received an alpha-blocker (to control high blood pressure) and fluid infusion therapy before surgery. Only 3 patients, including our case, underwent elective surgery after transcatheter arterial embolization (tae).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment should be considered for ruptured pheochromocytoma. Surgical approaches involve either emergency or elective surgery. It has been reported that emergency surgery is commonly associated with a high mortality rate; no deaths were reported in patients who underwent elective surgery. We therefore consider that, if a patient has hemodynamic instability, tae can be an effective and a safe procedure for achieving hemostasis and maintaining the patient in good condition until surgery can be performed.

Using standard primipara method to compare the quality of maternity care in Cairo and London

SUMMARY

There is no universally agreed definition of quality of care (QoC). However, we assumed that the QoC in a London teaching hospital is high and could be used as a benchmark QoC with which to compare the practice in Cairo. We aim to highlight differences in the frequency of adverse outcomes attributable to differences in the QoC between two maternity teaching hospitals in Cairo and London, in low risk, standard primiparae (SP) delivered in 1999. In Ain Shams Maternity Hospital in Cairo and St Mary's Maternity Hospital in London, the caesarean section rate was 9.1% and 22.5%, respectively (OR = 0.34, p < 0.0001); the instrumental delivery rate was 4.1% and 26.8%, respectively (OR = 0.12, p < 0.0001), and the induction of labour (IOL) rate was 1.1% and 16.7%, respectively (OR = 0.06, p < 0.0001). Third degree perineal tears occurred in 0.3% and 8.2%, of the vaginal deliveries (OR = 0.14, p = 0.002) and the still birth rate was 0.78% and 0.1%, (OR = 7.96, p < 0.01) in the Cairo and London hospitals, respectively. This is the first time the SP method has been used to compare similar institutions in developed and developing countries. Intervention rates were significantly higher at St Mary's and so was the improved fetal outcome. A trade-off of improved fetal outcomes for more interventions is difficult to establish. Residual differences in case mix and patient preferences may explain some of the results.