Macrophage activity at the site of tumor ablation can promote murine urothelial cancer via transforming growth factor-β1

Cell death and injury at the site of tumor ablation attracts macrophages. We sought to understand the status and activity of these cells while focusing on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a potent immunosuppressive and tumorigenic cytokine. Patients with urothelial cancer who underwent ablation using electrocautery or laser demonstrated increased infiltration and numbers of CD8+ T cells, along with FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, CD68+ macrophages and elevated levels of TGF-β1 in recurrent tumors. Similar findings were reproduced in a mouse model of urothelial cancer (MB49) by partial tumor ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE). Stimulation of bone marrow derived macrophages with MB49 cell debris produced using IRE elicited strong M2 polarization, with exuberant secretion of TGF-β1. The motility, phenotypic markers and cytokine secretion by macrophages could be muted by treatment with Pirfenidone (PFD), a clinically approved drug targeting TGF-β1 signaling. MB49 cancer cells exposed to TGF-β1 exhibited increased migration, invasiveness and upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers α-Smooth Muscle Actin and Vimentin. Such changes in MB49 cells were reduced by treatment with PFD even during stimulation with TGF-β1. IRE alone yielded better local tumor control when compared with control or PFD alone, while also reducing the overall number of lung metastases. Adjuvant PFD treatment did not provide additional benefit under in vivo conditions.

Knowledge of Stroke among Hypertensive Patients in Dhulikhel

Background More than 50% of patients with stroke have hypertension, a common modifiable risk factor for stroke. Studies reported that 90% of diagnosed hypertensive patients do not seek for treatment in Nepal and the reason for this remains unexplored. There is a possibility that lack of knowledge of stroke and its potential causes may be the reason. Objective To assess the knowledge of stroke in a group of patients with hypertension in suburban Nepal. Method Hypertensive patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Nepal were approached and were included if they were 18 years or older. We used the Nepali version of 'Awareness of Stroke, Risk Factors, and Treatment' questionnaire to assess the knowledge of stroke. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Result A total of 273 patients were included with the mean age of 56 years. Almost half (48%) of the patients were uneducated. We found that only 24% of the patients identified brain as an organ affected by stroke, only 32% were aware about more than one warning signs of stroke, 64% reported that they were unaware of the treatment options for stroke and only 5% reported control of blood pressure as a part of stroke management. The commonest reported identifiable risk factor for hypertension was high blood pressure (44%). Conclusion There are significant knowledge gaps regarding stroke in hypertensive patients. Although most patients recognized hypertension as a risk factor for stroke, they were unaware of treatment options. Increasing awareness of hypertension as a risk factor for stroke may help to prevent the stroke burden in Nepal.

Unresolving Pneumonia with Pleural effusion: Pulmonary Paragonimiasis

Paragonimiasis is a zoonosis caused by many species of Paragonimus commonly P. westermani. Human get infected by eating raw, salted, pickled, smoked, partially cooked crustaceans (crayfish or crabs). Clinical manifestations ranges from non-specific symptoms like pain abdomen, diarrhea, urticarial rashes, fever to pleuropulmonary symptoms like cough, hemoptysis, chest pain and dyspnea. A 48 years, female presented at TUTH emergency with fever on and off for nine months, cough and shortness of breath for three months, lethargy, malaise and urticaria with history of raw crab intake one month prior to the onset of symptoms. Blood and pleural fluid analysis revealed raised total counts with eosinophilia and x-ray showed bilateral infiltration of lower lobes with pleural effusion. Diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of sputum for Paragonimus. She responded well to Praziquantel. Pulmonary paragonimiasis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of unresolving pneumonia and unexplained hypereosinophilia.

Correlation of Computed Tomography findings with Glasgow Coma Scale in patients with acute traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE To correlate Computed Tomography (CT) findings with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in patients with acute traumatic brain injury attending in Chitwan Medical College teaching hospital Chitwan, Nepal.MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among 50 patients of acute (less than24 hours) cases of craniocerebral trauma over a period of four months. The patient’s level of consciousness (GCS) was determined and a brain CT scan without contrast media was performed. A sixth generation General Electric (GE) CT scan was utilized and 5mm and 10mm sections were obtained for infratentorial and supratentorial parts respectively.RESULT The age range of the patients was 1 to 75 years (mean age 35.6± 21.516 years) and male: female ratio was 3.1:1. The most common causes of head injury were road traffic accident (RTA) (60%), fall injury (20%), physical assault (12%) and pedestrian injuries (8%). The distribution of patients in accordance with consciousness level was found to be 54% with mild TBI (GCS score 12 to 14), 28% with moderate TBI (GCS score 11 to 8) and 18% with severe TBI (GCS score less than 7). The presence of mixed lesions and midline shift regardless of the underlying lesion on CT scan was accompanied by lower GCS.CONCLUSION The presence of mixed lesions and midline shift regardless of the underlying lesion on CT scan were accompanied with lower GCS. Patients having single lesion had more GCS level than mixed level and mid line shift type of injury.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 4-9