Diamond Blackfan anemia is mediated by hyperactive Nemo-like kinase

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome associated with ribosomal gene mutations that lead to ribosomal insufficiency. DBA is characterized by anemia, congenital anomalies, and cancer predisposition. Treatment for DBA is associated with significant morbidity. Here, we report the identification of Nemo-like kinase (NLK) as a potential target for DBA therapy. To identify new DBA targets, we screen for small molecules that increase erythroid expansion in mouse models of DBA. This screen identified a compound that inhibits NLK. Chemical and genetic inhibition of NLK increases erythroid expansion in mouse and human progenitors, including bone marrow cells from DBA patients. In DBA models and patient samples, aberrant NLK activation is initiated at the Megakaryocyte/Erythroid Progenitor (MEP) stage of differentiation and is not observed in non-erythroid hematopoietic lineages or healthy erythroblasts. We propose that NLK mediates aberrant erythropoiesis in DBA and is a potential target for therapy.

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome that is associated with anemia. Here, the authors examine the role of Nemo-like kinase (NLK) in erythroid cells in the pathogenesis of DBA and as a potential target for therapy.

Simultaneous Videoradiography and Computerized Pharyngeal Manometry — Videomanometry

To obtain more information about muscle function in patients with dysphagia, simultaneous barium swallow and computerized pharyngeal manometry with solid-state pressure transducers was employed for the evaluation of the pharynx and the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) in 30 consecutive patients. The manometry catheter was positioned under fluoroscopic control, providing localized measurements of the intraluminal pressures in the pharynx. Sixteen patients had a normal barium swallow. In 5 (31%) of these the manometry disclosed PES dysfunction, i.e. increased resting pressures between swallows in 3 patients (mean 120 ± 13 mm Hg), and increased contraction pressures during peristalsis in 2 (mean 297 ± 21 mm Hg). Barium swallow and manometry are complementary: the former reflecting transport through the pharynx and penetration to the airways, the latter the intraluminal pressures created by the pharyngeal wall. The combination of barium swallow and manometry gives information about pressure in relation to bolus transport, which may elucidate pharyngeal dysfunction.

Small Bowel Barium Examination in Children

The indications for small bowel barium examination, the radiologic findings, and the clinical outcome were compared retrospectively in 331 children, aged 0 to 15 years. Sixty examinations (18%) were pathologic, which is in accordance with adult materials. The most common indications for referral were inflammatory bowel disease (48%) and small bowel obstruction (25%). The examinations were positive in 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively. Indications for referring patients with non-specific symptoms led to a low frequency of pathologic findings. A therapeutic or diagnostic procedure was performed in 38 of the 60 pathologic radiologic examinations (63%). In 18 patients (30%) a pathologic finding caused no change in therapy. No consistent difference in sensitivity, specificity or predictive values of a positive or negative result was found concerning enteroclysis or elective follow-through examination. For screening purposes of the small bowel in children follow-through examinations give adequate radiologic information and should be used instead of enteroclysis.

Videoradiographic analysis of how carbonated thin liquids and thickened liquids affect the physiology of swallowing in subjects with aspiration on thin liquids

Purpose: To analyze how carbonated thin liquids affected the physiology of swallowing in dysphagic patients.

Material and Methods: 40 patients were analyzed; 36 were neurologically impaired. During a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing examination the patients had to swallow liquids with the following consistencies three times: thin, thickened and carbonated. The liquids were given in doses of 3 × 5 ml. The swallows were analyzed regarding penetration/aspiration, pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal retention.

Results: Significant difference was found regarding penetration/aspiration when comparisons were made between thin liquid and carbonated thin liquid ( p<0.0001). Carbonated liquid reduced the penetration to the airways. The comparison between thin liquid and thickened liquid ( p<0.0001) showed significant less penetration with thickened liquids. Pharyngeal transit time was reduced both when comparing thin liquid with thin carbonated liquid ( p<0.0001) and thickened liquid ( p<0.0001). Pharyngeal retention was significantly reduced ( p<0.0001) with carbonated thin liquid compared to thickened liquid. The comparison of thin liquids and carbonated thin liquids showed p = 0.0013, thin and thickened liquids p = 0.0097.

Conclusions: Carbonated liquids reduced penetration/aspiration into the airways, reduced pharyngeal retention and pharyngeal transit time became shorter. Therefore, carbonated liquids are a valuable treatment option for patients with penetration/aspiration. Thickened liquids may still be an option for patients who cannot tolerate carbonated liquids and liquids with this consistency are safer than thin liquids.

Fracture of the Occipital Condyle as an Incidental Finding during CT-Evaluation of a Maxillary Fracture

A 43-year-old male presented with blunt facial trauma after a motor-vehicle accident. CT-evaluation revealed a right-sided maxillary fracture and a fracture of the left occipital condyle. The fracture of the occipital condyle is potentially unstable and fatal cases have been described. Plain radiographs are not diagnostic. This occipital condyle fracture was an incidental finding during CT-evaluation of a maxillary fracture and is probably the first case with coronary CT scans of this type of fracture.

Videophlebography with Foot Venous Pressure Measurements: Description of a Technique for Diagnosing Venous Dysfunction

Objective:

To introduce phlebography with simultaneous video recording of the fluoroscopy (VIP, videophlebography), to improve phlebography performed in patients with venous dysfunction. Ambulatory foot venous pressure (AVP) was measured in the same session.

Design:

Descriptive study of an improved phlebographic technique.

Setting:

University Hospital MAS, Malmö, Sweden.

Study group:

Forty-one consecutive patients (50 legs) referred to phlebographic investigation. In the last 27 legs the AVP was also measured.

Intervention:

Phlebography with video recording and measurement of AVP.

Results:

In 49 out of 50 (98%) of the VIPs, information allowing a detailed description of venous function was obtained. Normal closing of venous valves, seen on the ascending VIP, combined with a normal venous pressure made it possible to exclude deep vein incompetence and avoid descending phlebography. In 16 out of 27 legs (59%) this combined approach showed that descending phlebography was unnecessary.

Conclusion:

VIP provides an adequate image of the venous anatomy, important in preoperative evaluation. The combination of this technique with AVP may clarify the pathophysiological abnormalities resulting from the venous dysfunction.

The effect of testosterone in partially hepatectomized female rats

The influence of Testosterone treatment on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy was investigated in female rats, treated with testosterone-3- (p-hexyloxiphenyl)-propionate, a long-acting testosterone preparation. The animals were killed 8 days after the operation. No influence of the hormone was observed on liver weight restoration. The treatment lowered the liver nitrogen concentration before as well as after the operation and the RNA concentration before the operation. It did not influence the postoperative decrease in serum albumin and alpha-1-globulin, but caused an increased concentration of alpha-2-globulin before the operation and of beta-2-globulin after the operation. There was thus no evidence of an anabolic effect of the testosterone administration on the liver.

Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis

Low concentrations of acetylcholine receptor antibodies were found in 16 out of 17 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Seven patients were treated or had been treated with penicillamine. Ten untreated patients had antibody levels corresponding to those found in the treated group. Our data support the presence of receptor antibodies of both IgG and IgM class.

Survival after portacaval shunt: who and how?

In a series of 74 portacaval-shunted patients no statistically significant differences in long-term survival or in incidence of postoperative encephalopathy have been observed between electively and emergency operated patients, between patients with slight and moderate impairment of liver function (groups A and B according to Child) or between patients with alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis. Patients older than 60 years had a higher risk of postoperative encephalopathy and a border-line significantly lower survival rate six months after the operation. Among the patients with more than six months' survival, about 50% returned to work.

Evaluation of tests for Gilbert's syndrome

The effect of caloric restriction (400 kcal for 24 hours) on serum total and unconjugated bilirubin was studied in 30 subjects with Gilbert's syndrome and in 22 patients with different liver diseases. The method could not completely differentiate between Gilbert's syndrome and liver disease, but an increase in unconjugated bilirubin of 15 micromol/l or more supports the former diagnosis. This limit gave a 100% specificity and a sensitivity for males of about 90% and for females of about 40%. I.v. nicotinic acid caused similar rises of unconjugated bilirubin as reduced caloric intake in eight subjects with Gilbert's syndrome, but most of the subjects preferred the latter test. Results from erythrocyte porphyrin determination in seven subjects with Gilbert's syndrome gave some support to the presence of dyserythropoiesis.

Oesophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Gastroparesis is a common gastrointestinal complication in diabetes mellitus, whereas dysfunction in the other gastrointestinal organs has been less thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, it is not known whether there is any relationship between motility and dysmotility between these organs. The aim of this study was to examine whether diabetic patients with gastrointestinal symptoms also have motility disturbances in the oesophagus and stomach and, if so, whether there are any associations between these disturbances.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with diabetes mellitus who complained of gastrointestinal symptoms were asked to complete a questionnaire about their symptoms. They were further investigated with oesophageal manometry and gastric emptying scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight per cent of the patients had abnormal oesophageal function, and 68% had delayed gastric emptying. Abdominal fullness was the only symptom that related to any dysfunction, and it was associated with delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.02). We did not find any relationship in motility or dysmotility between the oesophagus and the stomach.

CONCLUSION

Oesophageal dysmotility, as well as gastroparesis, are common in patients with diabetes who have gastrointestinal symptoms. It is important to investigate these patients further, to be able to reach an accurate diagnosis and instigate appropriate treatment. Our findings indicate that the oesophagus and the stomach function as separate organs and that pathology in one does not necessarily mean pathology in the other.

Histological progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a critical reassessment based on liver sampling variability

BACKGROUND

In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, histological lesions display a significant sampling variability that is ignored when interpreting histological progression during natural history or therapeutic interventions.

AIM

To provide a method taking into account sampling variability when interpreting crude histological data, and to investigate how this alters the conclusions of available studies.

METHODS

Natural history studies detailing histological progression and therapeutic trials were compared with the results of a previously published sampling variability study.

RESULTS

Natural history studies showed an improvement in steatosis, which was significantly higher than expected from sampling variability (47% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001). In contrast, no study showed a change in activity grade or ballooning higher than that of sampling variability. There was only a marginal effect on fibrosis with no convincing demonstration of a worsening of fibrosis, a conclusion contrary to what individual studies have claimed. Some insulin sensitizing drugs and anti-obesity surgery significantly improved steatosis, while most did not significantly impact on fibrosis or activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Sampling variability of liver biopsy is an overlooked confounding factor that should be considered systematically when interpreting histological progression in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Long-term follow-up of patients with mild to moderate drug-induced liver injury

AIM

To evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury, and the nature of the liver injury.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury between 1994 and 2005 were identified in a university hospital clinic. Patients surviving drug-induced liver injury-associated liver failure were excluded.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven cases were identified and those who were alive (69) were invited to attend follow-up. Of those patients who had died, none had died of liver disease. Of those patients who had survived, 59 were reviewed in the clinic. Patients had a median follow-up of 48 months. Before the diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury, nine had a chronic liver disease, four with autoimmune hepatitis, two with non-alcoholic liver disease, one each with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. There was no evidence of progression of their liver disease during follow-up. Among 50 patients without a known liver disease prior to the drug-induced liver injury, 10 had abnormal liver tests. Diagnostic work-up revealed alternative cause of liver disease in all except three patients (6%), who had asymptomatic abnormal liver tests (but normal bilirubin in all).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic abnormalities in liver tests, not explained by an identified liver disease, are very rare in patients previously diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury. This group of patients did not seem to have a clinically significant liver injury at long-term follow-up.

The impact of eosinophilia and hepatic necrosis on prognosis in patients with drug-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury may be immunologically mediated or metabolically induced. Peripheral eosinophilia and liver eosinophilia in suspected drug-induced liver injury generally supports the role of drug aetiology.

AIM

To assess the importance of eosinophilia and hepatic necrosis on outcome in patients with suspected drug-induced liver injury.

METHODS

We performed search of MEDLINE for case reports on drug-induced liver injury associated with: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, carbamazepine, diclofenac, disulfiram, erythromycin, flucloxacillin, halothane, isoniazid, phenytoin, sulindac and trimethoprim/sulfametoxazol.

RESULTS

A total of 570 case reports were retrieved. Mortality/transplantation occurred in 112 (20%). Eosinophilia in peripheral blood was reported in 34% of cases, eosinophilia in liver biopsies in 40%, and hepatic necrosis in 41%. Bilirubin levels were lower in patients with peripheral eosinophilia [5.5 x upper limit of normal (interquartile range 2.9-10) vs. 7.7 (4-17); P = 0.02] and patients with liver eosinophilia [5 x upper limit of normal (2.7-10) vs. 10 (5.4-20); P = 0.003] as compared with those without eosinophilia. Eosinophilia in peripheral blood and eosinophilia in liver biopsies were more common in patients who recovered (37% vs. 15.6%; P = 0.0001 and 48% vs. 18.8%; P < 0.0001, respectively). Hepatic necrosis was present in 24% in the survivors vs. 84% in non-survivors (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In drug-induced liver injury, a favourable outcome was related to the occurrence of eosinophilia, whereas hepatic necrosis was associated with a poor prognosis.

Drug-induced liver injury in a Swedish University hospital out-patient hepatology clinic

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on the proportion of drug-induced liver injury among out-patients seen in a hepatology clinic.

AIM

To determine the proportion of drug-induced liver injury cases, and identify the most important agents and the nature of the liver injury.

METHODS

A computerized diagnoses database in an out-patient hepatology clinic in a Swedish University hospital was analysed during the period 1995-2005. All suspected drug-induced liver injury cases were causality assessed with the International Consensus Criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 1164 cases were seen for the first time during this period. Drug-induced liver injury with at least a possible causal relationship was found in 77 cases (6.6%), 38 (3.3%) of whom were referred for evaluation to the out-patient clinic whereas 3% had a follow-up after hospitalization of drug-induced liver injury. The median age was 58 years, 43 (56%) were females, a hepatocellular pattern was observed in 37 cases (48%), cholestatic in 31 (40%) and mixed in 12%. Antibiotics were the most common agents causing drug-induced liver injury followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with diclofenac most often responsible for the drug-induced liver injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug-induced liver injury cases constituted 6% of all out-patients and 3% of referrals and occurred more often in women. Antibiotics and diclofenac were the most common causes of drug-induced liver injury among out-patients.

Oesophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying and autonomic neuropathy correlate to disturbed glucose homeostasis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Among diabetic patients, glucose homeostasis may be affected by abnormal gastrointestinal motility and autonomic neuropathy. This study analysed whether oesophageal dysmotility, delayed gastric emptying or autonomic neuropathy affect glucose homeostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oesophageal manometry and gastric emptying scintigraphy were performed in 20 diabetic patients. Heart-rate variation during deep breathing (expiration/inspiration [E/I] ratio) and continuous subcutaneous glucose concentrations for a period of 72 h were also monitored in the same patients.

RESULTS

Oesophageal dysmotility was found in eight of 14 patients. Eleven of 20 patients had delayed gastric emptying (abnormal gastric emptying half-time [T (50)]) and nine of 18 had an abnormal E/I ratio. Complaints of abdominal fullness were predictive of delayed gastric emptying. A low peristaltic speed of the oesophagus was associated with impaired T (50) (r ( s )=-0.67; p=0.02). One hour after breakfast, subcutaneous glucose levels decreased in patients with delayed gastric emptying but continued to rise in those with normal emptying. Consequently, the median glucose level 2.5 h after breakfast was lower in the former (9.1 [4.2-12.5] vs 14.3 [11.2-17.7] mmol/l; p<0.05). Glucose fluctuations during the 72 h were significantly higher in patients with an abnormal E/I ratio than in those with a normal E/I ratio (coefficient of variation: 41 [46-49] vs 28 [27-34]%; p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Abdominal fullness predicted delayed gastric emptying that was associated with diminished glucose uptake after breakfast. Low oesophageal peristaltic speed was associated with slow gastric emptying whereas parasympathetic neuropathy was associated with increased glucose variations.

Suspected drug-induced liver fatalities reported to the WHO database

BACKGROUND

World Health Organisation drug monitoring started in 1968. No systematic investigation has been carried out using this database of adverse drug reactions with liver injury associated with fatalities.

METHODS

All reports of suspected hepatic adverse drug reactions with a fatal outcome received by the WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring in Uppsala Sweden from 1968 to 2003 were screened. Only those drugs associated with at least 50 suspected cases were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 4,690 reports of suspected drug-induced liver injury associated with fatal outcome were found in the database. The median age of the patients was 45 years and 50.4% were females. A total of 21 drugs were suspected to have caused at least 50 fatalities each. Among these 1,808 adverse drug reactions, the reporting country in 1,598 (88.3%) of the cases was the United States. The most common drugs associated with fatalities were acetaminophen, troglitazone, valproate, stavudine, halothane, lamivudine, didanosine, amiodarone, nevirapine and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. The most common drug types found were analgesics, drugs against human immunodeficiency virus, anticonvulsants and antibacterial drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide range of different drugs were suspected to have caused fatal liver injury. Analgesics, drugs against infectious diseases and anticonvulsants were the drug types most commonly associated with fatalities.

Intrinsic efficacy of antipsychotics at human D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptors: identification of the clozapine metabolite N-desmethylclozapine as a D2/D3 partial agonist

Drugs that antagonize D2-like receptors are effective antipsychotics, but the debilitating movement disorder side effects associated with these drugs cannot be dissociated from dopamine receptor blockade. The "atypical" antipsychotics have a lower propensity to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), but the molecular basis for this is not fully understood nor is the impact of inverse agonism upon their clinical properties. Using a cell-based functional assay, we demonstrate that overexpression of Galphao induces constitutive activity in the human D2-like receptors (D2, D3, and D4). A large collection of typical and atypical antipsychotics was profiled for activity at these receptors. Virtually all were D2 and D3 inverse agonists, whereas none was D4 inverse agonist, although many were potent D4 antagonists. The inverse agonist activity of haloperidol at D2 and D3 receptors could be reversed by mesoridazine demonstrating that there were significant differences in the degrees of inverse agonism among the compounds tested. Aripiprazole and the principle active metabolite of clozapine NDMC [8-chloro-11-(1-piperazinyl)-5H-dibenzo [b,e] [1,4] diazepine] were identified as partial agonists at D2 and D3 receptors, although clozapine itself was an inverse agonist at these receptors. NDMC-induced functional responses could be reversed by clozapine. It is proposed that the low incidence of EPS associated with clozapine and aripiprazole used may be due, in part, to these partial agonist properties of NDMC and aripiprazole and that bypassing clozapine blockade through direct administration of NDMC to patients may provide superior antipsychotic efficacy.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibition markedly improves the blood perfusion, oxygen tension and first phase of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in revascularised syngeneic mouse islet grafts

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We recently found evidence of an angiotensin-generating system in pancreatic islets. The present study investigated the effect of endogenously produced angiotensin II on microcirculation and function in transplanted islets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibitor, was administered either acute intravenously to mice with 4-week-old islet renal subcapsular transplants, or added to the drinking water for the final 14 days or throughout the 4-week post-transplantation period. The graft-bearing kidney was, in some cases, dissected out and perfused in vitro to evaluate the effect of angiotensin II and losartan on glucose-stimulated insulin release from the grafts.

RESULTS

Losartan treatment throughout the 4-week post-transplantation period had negative effects on islet revascularisation as well as on islet graft insulin release. However, administration of losartan, either intravenously or orally, after the formation of a new vascular network, improved islet graft blood perfusion. PO2 in the islet transplants was also effectively improved by the losartan treatment. Graft perfusion experiments showed a markedly better first phase of glucose-stimulated insulin release in transplanted islets when exposed to losartan. In contrast, acute administration of angiotensin II decreased islet graft blood flow, PO2 and glucose-stimulated insulin release.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study shows that inhibition of the islet reninangiotensin system may be a feasible strategy to increase the blood perfusion, PO2 and function within islet grafts. Such treatment should not be initiated, however, before the islet vascular system has been formed.

Do dysphagic patients with an absent pharyngeal swallow have a shorter survival than dysphagic patients with pharyngeal swallow? Prognostic importance of a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing study (TVSS)

PURPOSE

To study survival in two groups of dysphagic patients--one group unable to elicit the pharyngeal stage of swallow (APS) and another group with pharyngeal swallow (WPS)--and to compare recommendations regarding nutrition and therapeutic strategies based on the therapeutic swallowing study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, the records of dysphagic patients who have undergone a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing study (TVSS) were reviewed. Forty patients without pharyngeal swallow were matched for age and gender with 40 patients with pharyngeal swallow; altogether 80 patients were included in the study. Survival was registered at 3, 12, and 72 months after the TVSS.

RESULTS

In this study, the APS group had a significantly shorter survival time (P=0.0030) compared to the WPS group when followed-up at 12 months. In the APS group, most patients (37.5% (15/40)) died within the 3 months after TVSS. At 72 months, 62.5% (25/ 40) of the patients in the APS group had died. In the WPS group, 5% (2/40) had died within 3 months and 47.4% (19/40) after 12 months. At 72 months, 52.5% (21/40) of the patients in the WPS group had died. Regarding nutritional and therapeutic recommendations based on TVSS, 34/40 in the APS group were recommended no oral intake. Eighteen naso-gastric tubes were placed directly after TVSS. The therapeutic strategies recommended were head-positioning, thermal tactile stimulation, and tongue exercises (in 8 patients). In the WPS group, all patients were recommended oral intake. Diet modification was recommended in 29 patients. The therapeutic strategies recommended were head-positioning, thermal tactile stimulation, tongue exercises, supraglottic swallow, and effortful swallow (in 24 patients).

CONCLUSION

Patients unable to elicit the pharyngeal stage of swallow had a shorter survival time than patients with pharyngeal swallow, probably due to a more severe underlying disease. Tube feeding was more frequent in the APS group. Fewer therapeutic strategies were recommended compared to the WPS group. In the WPS group, diet modification was frequent. Several patients had different therapeutic strategies. At the end of the study, 8/40 patients (20%) in the APS group had recovered and regained the ability to elicit the pharyngeal stage of swallow. All eight had achieved active swallowing rehabilitation.

Better vascular engraftment and function in pancreatic islets transplanted without prior culture

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Recent studies suggest that donor endothelial cells may contribute to islet graft revascularisation. Since islet endothelial cells disappear during culture, we hypothesised that transplantation of islets without prior culture is beneficial for their engraftment.

METHODS

Cultured (4-7 days) or freshly isolated islets (<4 h after donor pancreas extirpation) were syngeneically transplanted into Wistar-Furth rats and C57Bl/6 mice beneath the renal capsule. Islet graft revascularisation was evaluated by measuring vascular density, blood flow and tissue oxygen tension. Islet graft function was investigated by a minimal islet mass model in inbred mice (C57Bl/6).

RESULTS

Four days after implantation, the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in the transplanted cultured islets was less than 10 mmHg (1.33 kPa), but tended to be higher in grafts composed of freshly isolated islets. The pO2 in the grafts of freshly isolated islets had more than doubled 4 weeks later, whereas the pO2 in the grafts of cultured islets remained at values similar to those recorded 4 days after transplantation. Transplanted freshly isolated islets also had a higher vascular density than transplanted cultured islets (approximately 40 vs approximately 25% of that in endogenous islets) when investigated 1 month post-implantation. When applying a minimal islet mass model in inbred mice, 200 freshly isolated islets cured alloxan-diabetic mice in all cases, whereas only 33% of the group receiving similar numbers of cultured islets were cured.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Transplantation of pancreatic islets without prior culture is beneficial for their vascular engraftment and function.

The role of M1 muscarinic receptor agonism of N-desmethylclozapine in the unique clinical effects of clozapine

RATIONALE

Clozapine is a unique antipsychotic, with efficacy against positive symptoms in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients, and the ability to improve cognition and treat the negative symptoms characteristic of this disease. Despite its unique clinical actions, no specific molecular mechanism responsible for these actions has yet been described.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

To comprehensively profile a large library of neuropsychiatric drugs, including most antipsychotics, at human monoamine receptors using R-SAT, an in vitro functional assay.

RESULTS

Profiling revealed that N-desmethylclozapine (NDMC), the principal metabolite of clozapine, but not clozapine itself, is a potent and efficacious muscarinic receptor agonist, a molecular property not shared by any other antipsychotic. To further explore the role of NDMC muscarinic receptor agonist properties in mediating the physiological actions of clozapine, systemically administered NDMC was found to stimulate the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) in mouse CA1 hippocampal neurons, an effect that was blocked by scopolamine, confirming central M1 muscarinic receptor agonist activity in vivo. Lastly, an analysis of clozapine and NDMC serum levels in schizophrenic patients indicated that high NDMC/clozapine ratios better predicted improvement in cognitive functioning and quality of life than the levels of either compound alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The muscarinic receptor agonist activities of NDMC are unique among antipsychotics, and provide a possible molecular basis for the superior clinical effects of clozapine pharmacotherapy.

High AST/ALT ratio may indicate advanced alcoholic liver disease rather than heavy drinking

AIMS

To assess the place of AST/ALT ratio (the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase) as a diagnostic marker in medical populations.

METHODS

Laboratory tests were viewed retrospectively in three groups of patients: 313 patients with alcohol dependence, consecutively admitted to an alcohol and drug treatment unit for treatment of withdrawal (W) symptoms, 78 patients with alcohol abuse or dependence consecutively admitted to surgical or medical wards with various primary somatic (S) diagnoses (e.g. respiratory, gastrointestinal and metabolic), and 48 consecutive patients with alcohol abuse or dependence admitted to surgical or medical wards for treatment of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and its complications (C). Comparison between groups was made of the pattern of patients' AST/ALT ratios using, for Groups S and C, laboratory data from patients' first admission for their condition.

RESULTS

There was a significant rise in the AST/ALT ratio from the W to the S patients, and from the S to the C patients. In the W group, the ratio was < or = 1.0 in 64% of the patients, and only exceptionally > or = 2. In the C group, 69% had a ratio > or = 2, and 8% a ratio < or = 1.0. The mean ratio was midway in the S group. In the C group, there was a progressive decline in aspartate (AST/ALT) ratios after admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with high alcohol consumption but without severe liver disease do not have an AST/ALT ratio above 1. High AST/ALT ratio suggests advanced alcoholic liver disease.

Fatigue in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of fatigue in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), its impact on quality of life and the role of concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and coexisting irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unexplored.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with PSC, associated with IBD in 80% of cases and 77 patients with IBD alone, were enrolled in the study. The patients completed the following questionnaires: the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and diagnostic criteria for IBS. Questionnaire data were related to liver tests and the latest liver biopsy in the PSC patients. Two sex- and age matched controls from the general population (GP) were assigned to each PSC patient and these controls completed the FIS and the BDI.

RESULTS

Total fatigue score did not differ significantly between patients with PSC and IBD alone. Median total fatigue score among GP subjects was 39 (13-72), which was higher than in PSC (19 (6-52) (P = 0.02)) and in IBD patients (19 (5-35) (P < 0.0001)). PGWB and GSRS scores did not differ between patients with PSC and IBD alone. Depression and general health (PGWB) were independent predictors for total fatigue score in PSC. No correlation was observed between fatigue in PSC and the severity of the liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue in patients with PSC is related to depression but not to the severity of the liver disease. Both the PSC and IBD patients had lower total fatigue scores than subjects from the general population. This argues against fatigue as a specific symptom of PSC and IBD patients.

Post-herniographic abdominal pain syndrome

PURPOSE

To disclose the frequency of abdominal pain that led to post-procedure hospitalization and the outcome of this major complication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

576 patients who had undergone herniography during a 13-year period were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Nine out of 576 patients (1.6%) undergoing herniography with an iodine contrast medium developed abdominal pain. The pain resolved within 24 h in 6 patients while 3 patients had pain for up to 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Patients who present with this pain syndrome thus only need careful clinical observation until asymptomatic, with no need for laparotomy or X-ray examination. Prior to herniography, the patients should be informed about this potential complication.

Videoradiographic analysis of how carbonated thin liquids and thickened liquids affect the physiology of swallowing in subjects with aspiration on thin liquids

PURPOSE

To analyze how carbonated thin liquids affected the physiology of swallowing in dysphagic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

40 patients were analyzed; 36 were neurologically impaired. During a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing examination the patients had to swallow liquids with the following consistencies three times: thin, thickened and carbonated. The liquids were given in doses of 3 x 5 ml. The swallows were analyzed regarding penetration/aspiration, pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal retention.

RESULTS

Significant difference was found regarding penetration/aspiration when comparisons were made between thin liquid and carbonated thin liquid (p<0.0001). Carbonated liquid reduced the penetration to the airways. The comparison between thin liquid and thickened liquid (p<0.0001) showed significant less penetration with thickened liquids. Pharyngeal transit time was reduced both when comparing thin liquid with thin carbonated liquid (p<0.0001) and thickened liquid (p<0.0001). Pharyngeal retention was significantly reduced (p<0.0001) with carbonated thin liquid compared to thickened liquid. The comparison of thin liquids and carbonated thin liquids showed p=0.0013, thin and thickened liquids p=0.0097.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbonated liquids reduced penetration/aspiration into the airways, reduced pharyngeal retention and pharyngeal transit time became shorter. Therefore, carbonated liquids are a valuable treatment option for patients with penetration/aspiration. Thickened liquids may still be an option for patients who cannot tolerate carbonated liquids and liquids with this consistency are safer than thin liquids.

Longitudinal bone loss in postmenopausal women with primary biliary cirrhosis and well-preserved liver function

OBJECTIVES/DESIGN

Increased rate of bone loss has been reported in women with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and varying degree of liver dysfunction. Whether bone loss is increased in patients without liver dysfunction is unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate retrospectively the rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women with PBC and well-preserved liver function.

SUBJECTS/INTERVENTIONS

Forty-three women with PBC, and classified as Child-Pugh class A, were included. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck.

RESULTS

Median time between measurements of BMD was 26 months (range, 12-48 months). Twenty women were not receiving any bone protective treatment, i.e. hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bisphosphonates or vitamin D/calcium supplementation, whilst 23 women received such treatment. Mean annual bone loss in the former group was 0.38 +/- 2.56% and 0.42 +/- 2.29% at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck, respectively. Women receiving treatment, however, increased their BMD by 1.92 +/- 3.76% and 0.15 +/- 2.75% at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck, respectively. At the lumbar spine the difference with regard to changes in BMD between untreated and treated women was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Women who received HRT (n = 11) increased their BMD at the lumbar spine by 2.95 +/- 3.91%, P = 0.03 when compared with untreated women.

CONCLUSION

Bone loss in postmenopausal women with PBC and well-preserved liver function is not increased above normal. Treatment with bone protective treatment, mainly HRT, improves BMD at the lumbar spine.

Metronidazol as a probable cause of severe liver injury

Metronidazol, a commonly used antibiotic drug, has been very rarely associated with hepatotoxicity. In particular, no reports have appeared in the literature about cases of metronidazol-associated severe hepatotoxicity, leading to liver transplantation or death. We report on a case of acute fulminant liver failure in a young woman, who had, two years previously, developed jaundice after intake of metronidazol. During the current hospitalization, metronidazol treatment had been undertaken two weeks previously and also this time the patient developed severe hepatocellular injury and cholestasis. A viral etiology was ruled out as well as vascular, metabolic and malignant etiology. Although, the cause of the liver injury in this case is not proven, the relationship between this drug and two occasions of severe liver damage, suggests a positive challenge as well as rechallenge. An International algorithm was used for the assessment of the causality of a drug in this case of acute liver injury and a "probable" classification was obtained.

[Liver transplantation--from experiment to routine care. Experiences from the first 500 liver transplantations in Gothenburg]

During a fifteen-year period, 500 liver transplantations have been performed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg. The results have improved, and factors influencing outcome are discussed. A one-year survival rate over 90% and a 5-year survival rate close to 80% can now be expected for most indications. Long-term complications as well as special problems occurring in different groups of recipients are discussed. New indications for liver transplantation such as liver metastasis of endocrine tumors are described. This article also describes our experience of in situ splitting and living-related liver transplantation as well as other innovations such as cavoportal hemitransposition and multivisceral transplantation.

Videomanometric analysis of supraglottic swallow, effortful swallow, and chin tuck in patients with pharyngeal dysfunction

Simultaneous videoradiography and solid-state manometry (videomanometry) was performed in 8 patients (4 women, 4 men; age range = 46-81 years, mean age = 70 years) with pharyngeal dysfunction. Five patients had severe pharyngeal dysfunction with frequent misdirected swallows. Three patients had moderate pharyngeal dysfunction with delayed initiation of pharyngeal swallow. Three different swallowing techniques were used: supraglottic swallow, effortful swallow, and chin tuck. Ten video radiographic variables and six manometric variables were analyzed. Contrast media penetration to the airways was analyzed regarding number of events and level of penetration. Supraglottic swallow, effortful swallow, and chin tuck did not reduce the number of misdirected swallows, but effortful swallow and chin tuck significantly (p = 0.008) reduced the depth of contrast penetration into the larynx and trachea. There was no significant improvement of pharyngeal retention. Chin tuck reduced the distance between the thyroid and the hyoid and the distance between the mandible and the hyoid. No other measured variable was significantly altered. This study shows that none of the different swallowing techniques reduced the number of misdirected swallows. However, there was a significantly reduced depth of the misdirected swallows. The swallowing techniques did not seem to prevent the occurrence of retention or improve weak pharyngeal constrictor muscles in this group of patients with severe to moderate dysfunction.

Long-term follow-up of dynamic cranioplasty for brachycephaly--non-syndromal bicoronal synostosis

We followed up 10 patients whose non-syndromal bicoronal synostosis had been operated on with a dynamic cranioplasty technique developed by this craniofacial unit in 1992. With this technique, the growth of the brain is redirected in an anteroposterior direction as wire-mediated compression and restraint are exerted on the transverse and vertical dimensions of the skull. The mean operating time was 160 minutes (range 120-275) and mean stay in the intensive care unit was 36 hours (range 23-58). There was no operative mortality and few complications. The surgical results were assessed objectively by analysis of cephalometric tracings. The mean (SD) cephalic index was 87.6 (4.9) preoperatively and 77.7 (1.8) postoperatively (p = 0.001). The modified Whitaker scale was used as a subjective outcome measurement, and nine patients were classified as Whitaker grade 1 (no additional surgery). One patient required additional intracranial surgery. A questionnaire was sent to all families to obtain an additional subjective measurement of outcome. Parents' satisfaction was high. We conclude that dynamic cranioplasty is a safe and efficient operation for treatment of brachycephaly.

Dynamic cranioplasty for brachycephaly in Apert syndrome: long-term follow-up study

Object.Brachycephaly is a characteristic feature of Apert syndrome. Traditional techniques of cranioplasty often fail to produce an acceptable morphological outcome in patients with this condition. In 1996 a new surgical procedure called “dynamic cranioplasty for brachycephaly” (DCB) was reported. The purpose of the present study was to analyze perioperative data and morphological long-term results in patients with the cranial vault deformity of Apert syndrome who were treated with DCB.

Methods.Twelve patients have undergone surgery performed using this technique since its introduction in 1991 (mean duration of follow-up review 60.2 months). Eleven patients had bicoronal synostosis and one had a combined bicoronal—bilambdoid synostosis. Perioperative data and long-term evolution of skull shape visualized on serial cephalometric radiographs were analyzed and compared with normative data. Changes in mean skull proportions were evaluated using a two-tailed paired-samples t-test, with differences being considered significant for probability values less than 0.01.

The mean operative blood transfusion was 136% of estimated red cell mass (ERCM) and the mean postoperative transfusion was 48% of ERCM. The mean operative time was 218 minutes. The duration of stay in the intensive care unit averaged 1.7 days and the mean hospital stay was 11.8 days. There were no incidences of mortality and few complications. An improvement in skull shape was achieved in all cases, with a change in the mean cephalic index from a preoperative value of 90 to a postoperative value of 78 (p = 0.000254).

Conclusions.Dynamic cranioplasty for brachycephaly is a safe procedure, yielding high-quality morphological results in the treatment of brachycephaly in patients with Apert syndrome.

Clinical Outcome of the Modified Pi-Plasty Procedure for Sagittal Synostosis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the modified pi-plasty procedure for the treatment of sagittal synostosis, assessing the issues of safety, complications, morphological outcome, and degree of parental satisfaction. A retrospective evaluation of 110 patients with nonsyndromal single suture sagittal synostosis operated on with the modified pi-plasty procedure was undertaken. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at ages 3 and 5 years in three standardized projections. The Cephalic Index and the Axial Width Ratio were determined and used as objective outcome measures. An evaluation of the radiographic digital markings was carried out using a Beaten Copper Score. A parental questionnaire was used to obtain a subjective esthetical outcome assessment. The patient population consisted of 76% boys and 24% girls with a 20% incidence of a positive familial history of craniosynostosis. The mean age at surgery was 7.73 months. Morbidity from the procedure was minimal and there were no mortalities. The Cephalic Index changed from a mean preoperative value of 65% to a postoperative mean value of 72% (P = 0.00004). The mean Axial Width Ratio changed from a preoperative 80% to 72% at the 3-year evaluation (P = 0.00029). The Beaten Copper score changed from a mean preoperative value of 2.35 to 5.42 postoperatively at 3 years (P = 0.00001). The response rate to the questionnaire was 86%, and there were significant postoperative improvements in all studied aspects of the skull shape. The modified pi-plasty is a safe technique, and it induces significant objective changes in skull morphology toward normality. It also yields a high degree of parental satisfaction with regard to aesthetic outcome, as evaluated by a written questionnaire.

Eosinophilic hepatic necrosis in hypereosinophilic syndrome

Hypereosinophilic syndrome has been reported to be associated with liver disease, predominantly in men, in the form of acute and chronic active hepatitis with an inflammatory infiltrate that is mainly composed of eosinophils. We describe a female patient with peripheral blood and bone marrow eosinophilia, in whom liver biopsy displayed areas of necrosis with eosinophilic inflammation, with other regions showing features of chronic hepatitis. The patient also had antimitochondrial antibodies in serum. She responded favorably to immunosuppressive therapy.

Multistep solution-phase parallel synthesis of spiperone analogues

A flexible, multistep parallel synthesis of spiperone analogues is described. A library of 4-substituted piperidines, assembled utilizing reductive amination and acylation protocols, was alkylated either homogeneously or heterogeneously, exploiting a product release only concept, to afford an oxa-series of spiperone analogues. Screening of the products at 5-HT2 and D2 receptors revealed 5-HT2A antagonists with improved selectivity compared to spiperone and AMI-193.