EML1 is essential for retinal photoreceptor migration and survival

Calcium regulates the response sensitivity, kinetics and adaptation in photoreceptors. In striped bass cones, this calcium feedback includes direct modulation of the transduction cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels by the calcium-binding protein CNG-modulin. However, the possible role of EML1, the mammalian homolog of CNG-modulin, in modulating phototransduction in mammalian photoreceptors has not been examined. Here, we used mice expressing mutant Eml1 to investigate its role in the development and function of mouse photoreceptors using immunostaining, in-vivo and ex-vivo retinal recordings, and single-cell suction recordings. We found that the mutation of Eml1 causes significant changes in the mouse retinal structure characterized by mislocalization of rods and cones in the inner retina. Consistent with the fraction of mislocalized photoreceptors, rod and cone-driven retina responses were reduced in the mutants. However, the Eml1 mutation had no effect on the dark-adapted responses of rods in the outer nuclear layer. Notably, we observed no changes in the cone sensitivity in the Eml1 mutant animals, either in darkness or during light adaptation, ruling out a role for EML1 in modulating cone CNG channels. Together, our results suggest that EML1 plays an important role in retina development but does not modulate phototransduction in mammalian rods and cones.

Oral contraceptives intake may be inversely correlated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency

Aim: Determination of lifestyle and sex related risk factors that contribute to higher prevalence of varicose veins (VV) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in women and establishment of a possible link between reported exposure to oral contraceptives (OC) and prevalence of VV and CVI. Methods: The Warsaw Brodno Venous Population Survey was a cross-sectional study, conducted on a group of 2530 women. On the basis of a targeted questionnaire, medical records and clinical investigation, sex, and lifestyle related risk factors were identified. Results: In women the prevalence of VV was 15.9% and of CVI (C1-C6) 40.15%. Open ulceration and healed ulceration were diagnosed in 0.51% and 0.75%, respectively. Analysis of lifestyle and job related risk factors for VV showed OR = 0.52 for sitting and OR = 1.56 for vertical lifestyle, and for CVI for office workers OR = 0.53 versus physical workers OR = 1.88. Women taking ever oral contraceptives and those who took them for more than 5 years had a decreased risk of CVI: OR = 0.44 and OR = 0.36 respectively. For VV risk OC intake demonstrated OR = 0.30 and OR = 0.27, respectively. Conclusions: Oral contraception may be inversely correlated with the prevalence of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, although the reasons for this finding require further elucidation. We have confirmed that vertical life style and physical work, pregnancy, family history of varicose veins increase the risk of VV and CVI.

A Series of 15 Patients with Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Surgical and Endovascular Treatment

OBJECTIVES

This is a retrospective review of 15 patients with primary and secondary aneurysms of extracranial carotid arteries treated surgically and endoluminally over 20 years in one centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifteen aneurysms of extracranial carotid arteries were noticed in the same number of patients: five atherosclerotic, two after previous carotid surgery, six post-traumatic, one inflammatory, one of unknown etiology. All of them were symptomatic.

RESULTS

In the group treated surgically some complications occurred in the perioperative time: one haematoma, two transient neurological deficits, one fatal stroke. In the endovascular group of patients no complications occurred after the treatment. One fatal stroke occurred during operation-the patient died on the 43rd postoperative day due to respiratory insufficiency. Two other deaths occurred during the follow-up: one caused by myocardial infarction 10 years after the aneurysm resection, and the second due to a fatal stroke 3 years after aneurysmorraphy. One patient refused treatment and died 9 months after being diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Neurological deficits in patients after neck injuries should arouse the suspicion of the presence of a carotid artery aneurysm. Open repair remains the method of choice in treating carotid artery aneurysms but endovascular procedures create the possibility of treating extracranial aneurysms in selected cases when open surgery is not recommended.

Progress of local symptoms of superficial vein thrombosis vs. duplex findings

Background: Risk of subsequent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is not fully appreciated. Mechanisms, time relations and risk factors for DVT arising upon earlier SVT remain unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze time relations between local symptoms of lower limb superficial vein thrombosis, duplex findings and onset of deep vein thrombosis during clinically evident course of SVT. Patients and methods: 46 patients with early (onset less than 72 hours prior to inclusion) clinical diagnosis of SVT, confirmed ultrasonographically were included in this prospective, multicenter study. Progress of pain, erythema and swelling in relation to subsequent ultrasound changes in size and localization of thrombus at 0, 7, 14 and 21 day of study has been recorded. Results: Local symptoms subsided completely during 3 weeks. At that time thrombus disappeared completely only in 26% of cases, in remaining cases decreased in size from average 117.5 mm to 43.0 mm. Thrombus regression was similar to venous blood outflow direction – proximal to femoral area. Thrombus propagation was observed following regression of local symptoms of SVT. 4 cases of DVT (8.7%) were diagnosed at 2–11 days. Conclusions: Local, clinically detectable symptoms of SVT regress incomparably quicker than thrombus in affected veins. Risk of further thrombus propagation extends well beyond the period of intensive local symptoms of SVT. Regression of thrombus in femoral area requires significantly more time than in popliteal or calf segment. Thrombus propagation is directed with blood flow towards femoral segment.

Fas deficiency exacerbates cerulein-induced pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis results in many deaths each year. Our understanding of pathophysiology is limited. To better understand the impact of apoptosis versus necrosis, we compared cerulein-induced pancreatitis in Fas-deficient (MRL lpr/lpr) versus Fas-sufficient (MRL +/+) mice. Average amylase values in Fas-deficient mice were substantially greater than in Fas-sufficient mouse. Histology graded on edema, inflammation, vacuolization, and necrosis showed greater injury in the Fas-deficient mouse. This finding suggests that the Fas pathway is important in controlling cerulein-induced pancreatitis.

Docosahexaenoic acid, a component of fish oil, inhibits nitric oxide production in vitro

INTRODUCTION

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to be immunosuppressive in the fetus, and fish oil diets are thought to be beneficial in autoimmune disease and transplantation. This effect may be mediated through nitric oxide (NO). Here, we investigate the effect of DHA on murine macrophages.

METHODS

Peritoneal macrophages were subjected to stimulation with various concentrations of interferon gamma-(IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). NO production was assessed by measuring nitrite (Greiss reaction).

RESULTS

At all doses of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, DHA was found to be inhibitory to NO production.

CONCLUSIONS

DHA inhibits macrophage-stimulated NO production in response to IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. As NO is thought to be important in several disease processes, DHA may be a useful agent in the treatment of conditions such as autoimmune disease.

[Variability of pathogenic bacterial flora as a cause of postoperative infection]

The author discussed the results of investigations concerning pathogenic bacterial flora variation causing infection in a surgery ward. Data obtained in the period 1995-1996 were analysed. Covering 118 cases of postoperative infections and 72 cases of primary infections, treated surgically. To establish drug-sensitivity of the bacteria causing infections, the infected samples were taken from all these patients. It was found that different kinds of bacteria caused the postoperative and the primary infections. It was also noted that there was different progress in drug-resistance in each group. The author thing that drug-resistance monitoring in a surgery ward can make antibiotic choice easier in the case of infections, before establishing drug-sensitivity of infection-causing bacteria.

[Iatrogenic reasons for conversion after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

The authors discusses causes of conversion after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). 16 cases of technical and emergency conversions have been presented. The link between the experience of the surgeon and the frequency of such conditions has been emphasized. It has been established that emergency conversion is a complication in LC, while technical conversion negatively affect this technique but is likely to reduce the number of major complications.