Splenic surprise in a case of renal cell carcinoma: Unusual case or association?

Littoral cell angioma (LCA) is a rare benign tumor originating exclusively from the venous sinus lining cells of the splenic red pulp. These cells are unique in having a distinctive hybrid endothelial/histiocytic phenotype. Also, there are reports of the association of LCA with internal malignancies. We present a case report highlighting an unusual association of LCA with conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC), masquerading as a metastatic lesion. Knowledge of such an association is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent potential overtreatment.

Vitamin D supplementation reduces airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic airway inflammation in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic disease associated with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway obstruction and airway remodelling. NF-κB is a transcriptional factor that regulates and co-ordinates the expression of various inflammatory genes. The NF-κB subunits, p50 and Rel-A, are translocated to the nucleus by importin α3 and importin α4. There is growing evidence that vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator. However, the evidence for beneficial or adverse effects of vitamin D in asthma is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the effect of vitamin D status on AHR, airway inflammation and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in a murine model of allergic asthma. METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were fed with special vitamin D-deficient or vitamin D-sufficient (2000 IU/kg) or vitamin D-supplemented (10,000 IU/kg) diet for 13 weeks. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The effect of vitamin D on lung histology, AHR, T regulatory cells (Tregs) and BALF cytokines was examined. The expression of importin-α3 and Rel-A in the lung of OVA-sensitized mice was analysed using immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher AHR in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice than those in vitamin D-sufficient mice. This was accompanied with marked signs of airway remodelling, high BALF eosinophilia, increased BALF pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced BALF IL-10 levels, reduced blood Tregs, increased expression of importin-α3 and Rel-A in the lung tissue. Vitamin D supplementation attenuated the pro-inflammatory effects, but did not completely reverse the features of allergic airway inflammation. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vitamin D could be beneficial as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Chlamydia trachomatis: TLR4-mediated recognition by human dendritic cells is impaired following oestradiol treatment.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection creates a substantial reproductive health burden in women. The high incidence of asymptomatic infection often precludes timely antibiotic therapy to control the sequelae of infection, and therefore a vaccine is required. Dendritic cells (DC) are now being used as an adjuvant for vaccine development; however, the fate of C. trachomatis in human DC and differential regulation of cytokine secretion remains unclear. Hence, an in vitro study was performed using C. trachomatis (serovar D) elementary body (EB)-pulsed, monocytederived DCs co-cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells. Secreted cytokines were measured to assess the protective/pathogenic immune response. The effect of (beta-oestradiol in the modulation of DC function and on Toll-like receptor (TLR) gene expression was also studied. Elementary body-pulsed DCs showed induction of protective Th1 immune response with upregulation of TLR4 expression, secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-y, together with upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD83 and CD86. When co-cultured with autologous CD4+T cells, DCs presented chlamydial antigens efficiently, as shown by proliferation of T cells and secretion of IL-2 and IFN gamma, which provide a protective immune response. However; pretreatment of cells with oestradiol significantly reduced TLR4 expression and upregulated IL-10 secretion, modulating the Th1 immune response to a Th2-type response, which may lead to pathogenesis.

Protective or pathogenic immune response to genital chlamydial infection in women--a possible role of cytokine secretion profile of cervical mucosal cells.

Little is known about genital mucosal immune response to chlamydial infection in women with or without sequelae (Chlamydia positive women with or without fertility disorders as infertility and multiple spontaneous abortions). Cervical lymphocytes were stimulated with chlamydial EBs and cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA, RT-PCR and ELISPOT assays. Stimulated cervical cells from women with fertility disorders (FD) secrete significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 and cells from fertile women secrete significantly higher levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma compared to other groups. RT-PCR analysis showed similar results for IFN-gamma and IL-12. For IL-10 and IL-4, mRNA expression levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in cells obtained from women with FD compared to other groups. Results for ELISPOT assay were similar as those of RT-PCR. The results suggest that cytokine secretion profile of cervical cells may decide whether infection does not hamper fertility or will develop fertility disorder.

Enhanced tuberculosis case finding through advocacy and sensitisation meetings in prisons of Central India.

Tuberculosis (TB) in prisons is a major problem. The prisons in Chhattisgarh, India, are overcrowded, and there are no formal efforts to engage them in TB control. In 2014, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and the state TB programme advocated with state prison authorities to implement an enhanced case-finding strategy in the prisons. Sensitisation meetings (one/quarter/prison) to improve awareness among prisoners about TB symptoms and services were coupled with improved access to diagnosis. Patients with presumptive TB who were examined by sputum microscopy increased by 39% per 100 000 prisoners, and TB case notification rates increased by 38%, in 2014 relative to 2013.

La tuberculose (TB) en prison est un problème majeur. Les prisons de l'état de Chhattisgarh, Inde, sont surpeuplées et il n'y a jamais eu d'actions formelles d'engagement dans la lutte contre la TB. En 2014, l'Union Internationale Contre la Tuberculose et les Maladies Respiratoires et le programme d'état pour la TB ont plaidé auprès des autorités carcérales de l'état afin de mettre en œuvre une meilleure stratégie de recherche des cas dans les prisons. Des réunions de sensibilisation (une/trimestre/prison) visant à améliorer les connaissances des détenus en matière de symptômes de la TB et de services disponibles ont été couplées à un meilleur accès au diagnostic. La proportion de patients présumés tuberculeux ayant eu une microscopie de crachats par 100 000 détenus a augmenté de 39% et le taux de déclaration des cas de TB a augmenté de 38% en 2014 par rapport à 2013.

La tuberculosis (TB) en las prisiones constituye un grave problema. Los establecimientos penitenciarios de Chhattisgarh, en la India, sufren de hacinamiento y no cuentan con iniciativas formales que promuevan el control de la TB. En el 2014, la Unión Internacional Contra la Tuberculosis y las Enfermedades Respiratorias y el programa nacional contra la TB preconizaron con las autoridades penitenciarias la instauración de una estrategia de detección reforzada de casos en las prisiones. Se asociaron las reuniones de sensibilización (una reunión trimestral por centro) encaminadas a mejorar los conocimientos de los reclusos sobre los síntomas de la TB y los servicios de atención a su alcance con un mejor acceso al diagnóstico. En el 2014, el número de pacientes con presunción clínica de TB en quienes se practicó la baciloscopia del esputo por 100 000 reclusos aumentó un 39% y la tasa de notificación de casos de TB aumento un 38%, con respecto al 2013.

The changing spectrum of severe falciparum malaria: a clinical study from Bikaner (northwest India).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Recently there were reports from all over India about changing spectrum of clinical presentation of severe malaria. The present study was planned to study the same in the northwest India. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on patients of severe malaria admitted in a classified malaria ward of a tertiary care hospital in Bikaner, Rajasthan (northwest India) during 1994 and 2001. It included adult patients of both sexes belonging to all age groups. The diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed by demonstrating asexual form of parasites in peripheral blood smear. All patients were treated with i.v./oral quinine. The specific complications were treated by standard WHO protocol. The data for individual complications for both the years were analysed by applying chi-square test. RESULTS: In a prospective study in 1994 the spectrum of complication was dominated by cerebral malaria (25.75%) followed by jaundice (11.47%), bleeding tendencies (9.59%), severe anaemia (5.83%), shock (5.26%), Acute respiratory distress syndrome-ARDS (3.01%), renal failure (2.07%) and hypoglycemia (2.07%) whereas in 2001 it was dominated by jaundice (58.85%) followed by severe anaemia (26.04%), bleeding tendencies (25.52%), shock (10.94%), cerebral malaria (10.94%), renal failure (6.25%), ARDS (2.08%) and hypoglycemia (1.56%). The sharp difference for presence of jaundice and severe anaemia in 2001 and cerebral malaria in 1994 was statistically significant. Similarly, the important cause of mortality in 2001 was multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (71.10%) with predominant presentation of jaundice and renal failure, whereas in 1994, it was cerebral malaria (77.96%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The observation of changing spectrum of severe malaria in this study and a significant increase in presentation with jaundice as an important manifestation is highly essential for primary, secondary and tertiary level health care providers for proper diagnosis and management.

Complete capsular bag distension syndrome.

After conventional extracapsular cataract extraction and in-the-bag intr aocular lens (IOL) implantation 3 years previously, the partially cut su perior one-third of the anterior capsulotomy flap resealed in the eye of a 55-year-old woman. With the integrity of the capsular bag restored, it distended fully; the IOL was in the center and milky fluid accumulated inside. A neodymium:YAG laser was used to drain the milky fluid and di srupt the opacified anterior and posterior capsules, restoring vision.

Iridoschisis associated with lens subluxation.

The etiopathogenesis of iridoschisis is unclear, although age-related degeneration and angle-closure glaucoma are its most common associations. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with lens subluxation (familial) in 1 eye and ipsilateral iridoschisis. The inferotemporal edge of the lens was directed anteriorly, pushing the iris forward; this led to iridoschisis and shallowing of the anterior chamber. The patient had bilateral angle-closure glaucoma. A subluxated lens rubbing against the iris may be a mechanical precipitating factor in the development of iridoschisis.

Unilateral frosted branch angiitis with vitreous haemorrhage.

Idiopathic retinal frosted branch angiitis is a rare bilateral condition and presents with an acute reduction of vision. Unilateral affection is rare. We report an unusual case of unilateral frosted branch angiitis where the patient developed total vitreous haemorrhage.

Same-day light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Chhattisgarh, India.

SETTING: Three medical college hospitals using light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy (LED-FM) for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in Chhattisgarh, India. OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the proportion of sputum smear-positive TB patients diagnosed through same-day microscopy (spot-spot) strategy or with the conventional (spot-morning) strategy. METHODS: During November 2012 - March 2013, all consecutively enrolled presumptive TB patients (aged ≥ 18 years) were requested to provide three specimens: two spot specimens collected 1 h apart on the first day and one early morning specimen the next day; these were stained using auramine-O and examined using LED-FM. RESULTS: Of 1716 (93% of total 1845) presumptive TB patients who provided all three specimens, 218 (13%) were smear-positive: 200 (11.7%) by same-day microscopy and 217 (12.7%) by the conventional method (McNemar's χ(2) 13.5, df 1, P = 0.0002). Eighteen (8.3%) cases were missed by the same-day method. CONCLUSION: Although LED-FM is more sensitive to paucibacillary samples, 8% of smear-positive cases were missed using the same-day method. These findings indicate the need to revisit the global applicability of the current World Health Organization recommendation of switching to same-day diagnosis from the conventional policy.

A case series of splenic infarction during acute malaria in northwest Rajasthan, India.

Malaria is a rare cause of splenic infarction. Only a few cases have been reported worldwide, mostly associated with Plasmodium falciparum infection. Here we report a series of four acute malaria patients with splenic infarction, two with P. vivax infection, one with P. falciparum and one with a mixed infection (P. vivax and P. falciparum). This small case series suggests that if a patient with malaria is complaining of left upper quadrant abdominal pain, pleuritic left lower chest pain and/or enlarging tender splenomegaly during treatment, splenic infarct should be suspected and managed accordingly to avoid further life-threatening complications.

Recruitment of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in cervical mucosa during Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

The mobilization of myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to the cervix during chlamydial infection is not fully understood, and the role of these cells in immunopathogenesis is largely unknown. As an effective vaccine to control chlamydial infection is currently unavailable, understanding the regulation of the local immune response becomes a necessity. Therefore, mDC and pDC populations were analysed in peripheral blood and cervical samples of controls and Chlamydia-positive women, with or without mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC). Cervical cytokines and C-reactive protein levels in serum were quantified by ELISA and the chlamydial infectious load by culture. Chlamydia trachomatis infection mobilized both mDCs and pDCs to the cervical mucosa. pDCs were recruited more often in women with MPC (p <0.05) and they correlated significantly with the chlamydial load, C-reactive protein levels and cervical interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels. Upregulation of surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD83 and CD86) on cervical mDCs and pDCs was observed during chlamydial infection but was significant only for mDCs. Significantly higher levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 were observed in Chlamydia-positive women with MPC; however, after therapy, IL-8 levels decreased significantly. Median numbers of mDCs after therapy were significantly higher in the cervix and blood of infected women as compared to the numbers of pDCs, which were found to be lower in the cervix after therapy. These results thus suggest that during chlamydial infection, both mDCs and pDCs are recruited to the cervix, but their number and possible immunological functions may differ with the pathological condition. pDCs were associated more often with MPC and inflammatory factors, suggesting that they may possibly be involved in the immunopathogenesis of infections due to Chlamydia.