Increased grp78 transcription is correlated to reduced tlr4 transcription in patients surviving sepsis.

Regulated transcriptional readthrough during stress maintains genome structure and ensures access to genes that are necessary for cellular recovery. A broad number of genes, including of the bacterial sensor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), are markedly transcribed on initiating the systemic inflammatory response. Here we study the transcriptional patterns of tlr4 and of its modulator grp78 during human sepsis, and establish their correlations with the outcome of patients. We measured the daily tlr4 and grp78 RNA expression levels in peripheral blood of septic patients, immediately after admission to intensive care, and modeled these RNA values with a sine damping function. We obtained negative correlations between the transcription of tlr4 and grp78 RNA in the survivor group. In contrast, such relation is lost in the deceased patients. Loss of transcriptional homeostasis predicted by our model within the initial 4 days of hospitalization was confirmed by death of those patients up to 28 days later.

Survival of melanopsin expressing retinal ganglion cells long term after optic nerve trauma in mice.

In this study we have compared the response to optic nerve crush (ONC) and to optic nerve transection (ONT) of the general population of retinal ganglion cells in charge of the image-forming visual functions that express Brn3a (Brn3a+RGCs) with that of the sub-population of non-image forming RGCs that express melanopsin (m+RGCs). Intact animals were used as control. ONT and ONC were performed at 0.5 mm from the optic disk, and retinas dissected 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 45 or 90 days later (n = 5/injury/time point). In all the retinas, Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs were identified and their survival analyzed quantitatively and topographically. There were no differences in the course of RGC loss between lesions. The decrease of RGCs was significant at short time points (3 or 5 days for Brn3a+ or m+ RGCs, respectively) and, up to 14 days, the course of loss of both RGC populations was similar, surviving at this time point between 20 and 22% of their original population. However, while the loss of Brn3a+RGCs continues steadily up to 90 days when only 5-6% of them still remain, the loss of m+RGCs stops at 14 days, and the proportion of surviving m+RGCs remains constant up to 90 days (26-30%). In conclusion, m+RGC do not respond to axotomy in the same way than the rest of RGCs, and so whilst image-forming RGCs die in two exponential phases a quick one and a slow protracted one, non-image forming RGCs die only during the first quick phase.

Nerve fibre layer degeneration and retinal ganglion cell loss long term after optic nerve crush or transection in adult mice.

We have investigated the long term effects of two different models of unilateral optic nerve (ON) lesion on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, in the injured and contralateral retinas of adult albino mice. Intact animals were used as controls. The left ON was intraorbitally crushed or transected at 0.5 mm from the optic disk and both retinas were analyzed at 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 45 or 90 days after injury. RGCs were immunoidentified with anti-Brn3a, and their axons with anti-highly phosphorylated axonal neurofilament subunit H (pNFH). After both lesions, RGC death in the injured retinas is first significant at day 3, and progresses quickly up to 7 days slowing down till 90 days. In the same retinas, the anatomical loss of RGC axons is not evident until day 30. However, by two days after both lesions there are changes in the expression pattern of pNFH: axonal beads, axonal club- or bulb-like formations, and pNFH+RGC somas. The number of pNFH+RGC somata peak at day 5 after either lesion and is significantly higher than in intact retinas at all time points. pNFH+RGC somata are distributed across the retina, in accordance with the pattern of RGC death which is diffuse and homogenous. In the contralateral retinas there is no RGC loss, but there are few pNFH+RGCs from day 2 to day 90. In conclusion, in albino mice, axotomy-induced RGC death precedes the loss of their intraretinal axons and occurs in two phases, a rapid and a slower, but steady, one. Injured retinas show similar changes in the pattern of pNFH expression and a comparable course of RGC loss.

Importance of the Moskowitz artery in the laparoscopic medial approach to splenic flexure mobilization: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The medial approach in laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization is based on the entrance to the lesser sac just above the ventral edge of the pancreas (VEOP). The artery of Moskowitz runs through the base of the mesocolon, just above the VEOP. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of the artery of Moskowitz, its route and its distance from the VEOP. METHODS: We performed a cadaveric study on 27 human cadavers. The vascular arcades of the splenic flexure were dissected, the number of vascular arches, and the origin and localization of its terminal anastomosis were recorded. The splenic flexure avascular space (SFAS) was defined as the avascular zone in the mesocolon delimited by the VEOP, middle colic artery, ascending branch of the left colic artery and the vascular arch of the splenic flexure nearest to the VEOP and was quantified as the distance between the VEOP and the most proximal arch RESULTS: The artery of Drummond was identified in 100% of the cadavers. In 5 of 27 (18%) Riolan's arch was present, and in 3 of 27 (11%) the Moskowitz artery was found. The mean distance from the VEOP to the artery of Moskowitz was 0.3 cm (SD 0.04). This vascular arch travelled from the origin of the middle colic artery to the distal third of the ascending branch of the left colic artery. The SFAS was greater (p = 0.001) in cadavers that only presented the artery of Drummond (mean 6.8 cm; SD 1.25) than in those with Riolan's arch (mean 4.5 cm; SD 0.5) CONCLUSIONS: In the medial approach for laparoscopic mobilization of the splenic flexure, when only one of the arches is present, the avascular area is an extensive and secure territory. If the artery of Moskowitz is present, the area is nonexistent and this would contraindicate the approach due to risk of iatrogenic bleeding. A radiological preoperatory study could be essential for accurate and safe surgery in this area.

Retino-retinal projection in juvenile and young adult rats and mice.

Identification of retino-retinal projecting RGCs (ret-ret RGCs) has been accomplished by tracing RGCs in one retina after intravitreal injection of different tracers in the other eye. In mammals, rabbit and rat, ret-ret RGCs are scarce and more abundant in newborn than in adult animals. To our knowledge, ret-ret RGCs have not been studied in mice. Here we purpose to revisit the presence of ret-ret RGCs in juvenile and young adult rats and mice by using retrograde tracers applied to the contralateral optic nerve instead of intravitreally. In P20 (juvenile) and P60 (young adult) animals, the left optic nerve was intraorbitally transected and Fluorogold (rats) or its analogue OHSt (mice) were applied onto its distal stump. P20 animals were sacrificed 3 (mice) or 5 (rats) days later and adult animals at 5 (mice) or 7 (rats) days. Right retinas were dissected as flat-mounts and double immunodetected for Brn3a and melanopsin. Ret-ret RGCs were those with tracer accumulation in their somas. Out of them some expressed Brn3a and/or melanopsin, while other were negative for both markers. In young adult rats, we found 2 ret-ret RGCs displaced to the inner nuclear layer. In both species, ret-ret RGCs are quite scarce and found predominantly in the nasal retina. In juvenile animals there are significantly more ret-ret RGCs (9 ± 3, rats, 13 ± 3 mice) than in young adult ones (5 ± 6 rats, 7 ± 3 mice). Finally, juvenile and young adult mice have more ret-ret RGCs than rats.

First report of bacteremia by Janibacter terrae in humans.

The genus Janibacter comprises nine different species mainly found in the environment. Only two human infections by these microorganisms have been previously reported, one by J. melonis and another one by an undescribed Janibacter sp. Herewith we report the first human cases of infection by J. terrae in four bacteremic patients. The microorganisms were isolated from two consecutive blood cultures taken from four febrile patients with several underlying conditions. All patients were treated with antibiotics, two of them with favorable outcome. Two severely immunocompromised patients died, and one was treated with an antibiotic in vitro active against the isolate. Janibacter terrae was identified by phenotypic and 16S rDNA amplification methods. This report includes also the first data on antimicrobial susceptibility of this opportunistic pathogen. Clinical microbiologists should be aware of this microorganism which can be identified by phenotypic and molecular methods.

Assessment of inner retina dysfunction and progressive ganglion cell loss in a mouse model of glaucoma.

The DBA/2J mouse is a model of ocular hypertension and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, the main features of which are iris pigment dispersion (IPD) and iris stromal atrophy (ISA). These animals also experience glaucomatous changes, including an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) beginning at about 9-12 months of age and sectorial RGC death in the retina. The aim of this study was to determine the onset of functional changes exhibited by DBA/2J mice in the inner retina. This was performed by means of electroretinographic recordings (scotopic threshold response, STR) and their correlation with morphological changes (loss of RGCs). To this end, we recorded the scotopic threshold response in control C57BL/6J and in DBA/2J mice at different ages. The RGCs, in both DBA/2J and C57BL/6J animals, were identified at 15 months of age by retrograde tracing with an analogue of fluorogold, hydroxystilbamidine methanesulfonate (OHSt), applied on the superior colliculi. Whole mount retinas were processed to quantify the population of RGCs identified by fluorogold tracing and Brn3a immunodetection, and were counted using image analysis software; an isodensity contour plot was generated for each retina. DBA/2J mice showed a significant reduction in the positive STR (pSTR) amplitudes at 12 months of age, as compared to control C57BL/6J mice of the same age. The pSTR mean amplitude decreased to approximately 27.82% of the values recorded in control mice (p = 0.0058). STR responses decreased in both strains as a result of the natural process of aging, but the decrease was more pronounced in DBA/2J mice. Furthermore, quantification of the total number of RGCs identified by OHSt and Brn3a expression showed a reduced population of RGCs in DBA/2J mice as compared to control mice. Regression analysis revealed significant correlations between the decrease in pSTR and a non-homogeneous reduction in the number of RGCs throughout the retina. Our results indicate the existence of a correlation between retinal function impairment and RGC loss. This functional and morphological analysis allows a reliable assessment of the progression of the disease.

Mechanisms and treatment of cancer cachexia.

According to a recent consensus, cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying illness and characterised by loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass. The prominent clinical feature of cachexia is weight loss. Cachexia occurs in the majority of terminal cancer patients and it is responsible for the deaths of 22% of cancer patients. Although body weight is, indeed, an important factor to be taken into consideration in any cachexia treatment, body composition, physical performance and quality of life should be monitored. From the results presented here, one can speculate that a single therapy may not be completely successful in the treatment of cachexia. From this point of view, treatments involving different combinations are more likely to be successful. The objectives of any therapeutical combination are two: an anticatabolic aim directed towards both fat and muscle catabolism and an anabolic objective leading to the synthesis of macromolecules such as contractile proteins.

Time course of ischemic and bleeding burden in consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (FOCUS-ONE Registry).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ischemic or bleeding events might occur after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), with the potential to hamper clinical outcomes. This study aimed to characterize the average daily ischemic risks (ADIRs) and the average daily bleeding risks (ADBRs) over 1-year in all consecutive patients undergoing TAVR. METHODS: ADBR included all bleeding events according to VARC-2 definition, and ADIR included cardiovascular deaths, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. ADIRs and ADBRs were assessed within different timeframes post TAVR: acute (0-30 days), late (31-180 days), and very late (>181 days). Generalized estimating equations were used to test the least squares mean differences for the pairwise comparison of ADIRs and ADBRs. Our analysis was performed in the overall cohort and according to antithrombotic strategy (LT-OAC vs No LT-OAC). RESULTS: Ischemic burden was higher than bleeding burden, independently from the indication to LT-OAC, and in all timeframes examined. In the overall population, ADIRs were three-fold ADBRs (0.0467 [95% CI, 0.0431-0.0506] vs 0.0179 [95% CI, 0.0174-0.0185]; p < 0.001*). While ADIR was significantly higher in the acute phase, ADBR was relatively stable in all timeframes analysed. Of note, in LT-OAC population, OAC + SAPT group showed lower ischemic risk and higher bleeding events compared with OAC alone (ADIR: 0.0447 [95% CI: 0.0417-0.0477] vs 0.0642 [95% CI: 0.0557-0.0728]; p < 0.001*, ADBR 0.0395 [95% CI: 0.0381-0.0409] vs 0.0147 [95% CI: 0.0138-0.0156]; p < 0.001*). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing TAVR Average daily risk fluctuates over time. However, ADIRs overcome ADBRs in all timeframes, especially in the acute phase and regardless of antithrombotic strategy adopted.

Effect of medium/ω-6 long chain triglyceride-based emulsion on leucocyte death and inflammatory gene expression.

Lipid emulsion (LE) containing medium/ω-6 long chain triglyceride-based emulsion (MCT/ω-6 LCT LE) has been recommended in the place of ω-6 LCT-based emulsion to prevent impairment of immune function. The impact of MCT/ω-6 LCT LE on lymphocyte and neutrophil death and expression of genes related to inflammation was investigated. Seven volunteers were recruited and infusion of MCT/ω-6 LCT LE was performed for 6 h. Four volunteers received saline and no change was found. Blood samples were collected before, immediately afterwards and 18 h after LE infusion. Lymphocytes and neutrophils were studied immediately after isolation and after 24 and 48 h in culture. The following determinations were carried out: plasma-free fatty acids, triacylglycerol and cholesterol concentrations, plasma fatty acid composition, neutral lipid accumulation in lymphocytes and neutrophils, signs of lymphocyte and neutrophil death and lymphocyte expression of genes related to inflammation. MCT/ω-6 LCT LE induced lymphocyte and neutrophil death. The mechanism for MCT/ω-6 LCT LE-dependent induction of leucocyte death may involve changes in neutral lipid content and modulation of expression of genes related to cell death, proteolysis, cell signalling, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and transcription.

Axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell death in adult mice: quantitative and topographic time course analyses.

The fate of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury has been thoroughly described in rat, but not in mice, despite the fact that this species is amply used as a model to study different experimental paradigms that affect retinal ganglion cell population. Here we have analyzed, quantitatively and topographically, the course of mice retinal ganglion cells loss induced by intraorbital nerve transection. To do this, we have doubly identified retinal ganglion cells in all retinas by tracing them from their main retinorecipient area, the superior colliculi, and by their expression of BRN3A (product of Pou4f1 gene). In rat, this transcription factor is expressed by a majority of retinal ganglion cells; however in mice it is not known how many out of the whole population of these neurons express it. Thus, in this work we have assessed, as well, the total population of BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells. These were automatically quantified in all whole-mounted retinas using a newly developed routine. In control retinas, traced-retinal ganglion cells were automatically quantified, using the previously reported method (Salinas-Navarro et al., 2009b). After optic nerve injury, though, traced-retinal ganglion cells had to be manually quantified by retinal sampling and their total population was afterwards inferred. In naïve whole-mounts, the mean (±standard deviation) total number of traced-retinal ganglion cells was 40,437(±3196) and of BRN3A positive ones was 34,697(±1821). Retinal ganglion cell loss was first significant for both markers 5 days post-axotomy and by day 21, the last time point analyzed, only 15% or 12% of traced or BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells respectively, survived. Isodensity maps showed that, in control retinas, BRN3A and traced-retinal ganglion cells were distributed similarly, being densest in the dorsal retina along the naso-temporal axis. After axotomy the progressive loss of BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells was diffuse and affected the entire retina. In conclusion, this is the first study assessing the values, in terms of total number and density, of the retinal ganglion cells surviving axotomy from 2 till 21 days post-lesion. Besides, we have demonstrated that BRN3A is expressed by 85.6% of the total retinal ganglion cell population, and because BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells show the same spatial distribution and temporal course of degeneration than traced ones, BRN3A is a reliable marker to identify, quantify and assess, ex-vivo, retinal ganglion cell loss in this species.

Peripherally administered antibodies against amyloid beta-peptide enter the central nervous system and reduce pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease.

One hallmark of Alzheimer disease is the accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide in the brain and its deposition as plaques. Mice transgenic for an amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) mini-gene driven by a platelet-derived (PD) growth factor promoter (PDAPP mice), which overexpress one of the disease-linked mutant forms of the human amyloid precursor protein, show many of the pathological features of Alzheimer disease, including extensive deposition of extracellular amyloid plaques, astrocytosis and neuritic dystrophy. Active immunization of PDAPP mice with human amyloid beta-peptide reduces plaque burden and its associated pathologies. Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the mechanism of this response. Here we report that peripheral administration of antibodies against amyloid beta-peptide, was sufficient to reduce amyloid burden. Despite their relatively modest serum levels, the passively administered antibodies were able to enter the central nervous system, decorate plaques and induce clearance of preexisting amyloid. When examined in an ex vivo assay with sections of PDAPP or Alzheimer disease brain tissue, antibodies against amyloid beta-peptide triggered microglial cells to clear plaques through Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis and subsequent peptide degradation. These results indicate that antibodies can cross the blood-brain barrier to act directly in the central nervous system and should be considered as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer disease and other neurological disorders.

Isolation of Corynebacterium ureicelerivorans from normally sterile sites in humans.

Fifteen Corynebacterium ureicelerivorans isolates were recovered in pure culture from six patients during a five-year period. Five patients had bacteremia and the other was an infection of ascitic fluid. The API Coryne numerical profile obtained corresponds to the profile for C. bovis, while Biolog GP2 identified four out of the six isolates as C. jeikeium. The organisms were molecular identified by 16S rDNA and rpoB. The present report also includes information on new phenotypic tests and, for the first time, antimicrobial susceptibility data of C. ureicelerivorans and their rpoB sequences. All macrolide-resistant isolates presented a constitutive MLS phenotype. This organism must be differentiated from other slow-growing, lipophilic, and urea-splitting corynebacteria.

[Surgical treatment of an extraarticular scapula fracture. Case report and literature review]. / Manejo quirúrgico de fracturas extraarticulares de la escápula. Reporte de caso y revisión de literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Scapular fractures comprise 1% of all fractures and 3 to 5% of the shoulder, they occur in young patients by high energy trauma. Only 10% have surgical indication based on the alteration of the shoulders suspensory complex. The objective is to assess the outcome of patients with surgical indication as well as a review of the literature. CASE REPORT: We present two patients with Bartonicek D fracture of the right scapular body with mediolateral displacement, anteroposterior angular deformity and alteration of the glenopolar angle. Surgery was performed on both cases with conventional and special anatomical plates. Functional assessment and radiographic follow-up of both cases were performed at 6 months, obtaining flexion mobility of 180º/170º in both cases, as well as functional scales DASH 22/25, Constant 90/89 and Simple Shoulder Test 11/11 respectively; with bone consolidation grade III-IV of Montoya. DISCUSSION: Due to the low degree of satisfaction with conservative treatment in patients with high functional demand, and multiple complications consisting in residual pain, impingement and scapular dyskinesia; it is important to perform an adequate reduction and stabilization of the fracture. We recommend surgical management for this type of fractures since they compromise the kinetic chain of the shoulder and impact the functional outcome in the short and medium term.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas escapulares comprenden 1% del total de las fracturas en general y de 3 a 5% del hombro, las cuales se presentan por alta energía en pacientes jóvenes. Sólo 10% tiene indicación quirúrgica al tomarse como base la alteración de complejo suspensorio del hombro. El objetivo es valorar el resultado de pacientes con indicación quirúrgica así como una revisión de la literatura. REPORTE DE CASOS: Presentamos dos pacientes con fractura del cuerpo escapular derecho Bartonicek D con desplazamiento mediolateral, deformidad angular anteroposterior y alteración del ángulo glenopolar. Se realizó el manejo quirúrgico con osteosíntesis y placas convencionales y anatómicas. Se realizó valoración funcional y seguimiento radiográfico de ambos casos a los seis meses y se obtuvo arcos de movilidad flexión 180o/170o en ambos casos, así como escalas funcionales DASH 22/25, Constant 90/89 y Simple Shoulder Test 11/11 respectivamente; se obtuvo una consolidación ósea grado III-IV de Montoya. DISCUSIÓN: Se considera importante realizar una adecuada reducción y estabilización del trazo de fractura debido al bajo grado de satisfacción con tratamiento conservador en pacientes con alta demanda funcional, que consiste en dolor residual, pinzamiento y disquinesia escapular. Se recomienda la cirugía para estas fracturas ya que comprometen la cadena cinética del hombro e impactan en el resultado funcional a corto y mediano plazo.