RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To describe the diagnostic tests used and their comparative performance in dogs diagnosed with sinonasal aspergillosis in the United Kingdom. A secondary objective was to describe the signalment, clinical findings and common clinicopathologic abnormalities in sinonasal aspergillosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-centre retrospective survey was performed involving 23 referral centres in the United Kingdom to identify dogs diagnosed with sinonasal aspergillosis from January 2011 to December 2021. Dogs were included if fungal plaques were seen during rhinoscopy or if ancillary testing (via histopathology, culture, cytology, serology or PCR) was positive and other differential diagnoses were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 662 cases were entered into the database across the 23 referral centres. Four hundred and seventy-five cases met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 419 dogs had fungal plaques and compatible clinical signs. Fungal plaques were not seen in 56 dogs with turbinate destruction that had compatible clinical signs and a positive ancillary test result. Ancillary diagnostics were performed in 312 of 419 (74%) dogs with observed fungal plaques permitting calculation of sensitivity of cytology as 67%, fungal culture 59%, histopathology 47% and PCR 71%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The sensitivities of ancillary diagnostics in this study were lower than previously reported challenging the clinical utility of such tests in sinonasal aspergillosis. Treatment and management decisions should be based on a combination of diagnostics including imaging findings, visual inspection, and ancillary testing, rather than ancillary tests alone.
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Aspergilosis , Enfermedades de los Perros , Perros , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Aspergilosis/veterinaria , Aspergilosis/diagnóstico , Masculino , Femenino , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
The domestic cat (Felis catus), a carnivore, naturally eats a very low carbohydrate diet. In contrast, the dog (Canis familiaris), a carno-omnivore, has a varied diet. This study was performed to determine the expression of the intestinal brush border membrane sodium/glucose cotransporter, SGLT1, sweet receptor, T1R2/T1R3, and disaccharidases in these species adapted to contrasting diets. The expression (this includes function) of SGLT1, sucrase, maltase and lactase were determined using purified brush border membrane vesicles and by quantitative immunohistochemistry of fixed tissues. The pattern of expression of subunits of the sweet receptor T1R2 and T1R3 was assessed using fluorescent immunohistochemistry. In proximal, middle, and distal small intestine, SGLT1 function in dogs was 1.9- to 2.3-fold higher than in cats (P = 0.037, P = 0.0011, P = 0.027, respectively), and SGLT1 protein abundance followed an identical pattern. Both cats and dogs express T1R3 in a subset of intestinal epithelial cells, and dogs, but not cats, express T1R2. In proximal and middle regions, there were 3.1- and 1.6-fold higher lactase (P = 0.006 and P = 0.019), 4.4- and 2.9-fold higher sucrase (both P < 0.0001), and 4.6- and 3.1-fold higher maltase activity (P = 0.0026 and P = 0.0005), respectively, in the intestine of dogs compared with cats. Dogs have a potential higher capacity to digest and absorb carbohydrates than cats. Cats may suffer from carbohydrate malabsorption following ingestion of high-carbohydrate meals. However, dogs have a digestive ability to cope with diets containing significant levels of carbohydrate.
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Gatos/metabolismo , Dieta , Disacaridasas/metabolismo , Perros/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Receptores de Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Transportador 1 de Sodio-Glucosa/metabolismo , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Metabolismo de los Hidratos de Carbono/fisiología , Femenino , Glucosa/metabolismo , Masculino , Microvellosidades/metabolismo , Datos de Secuencia MolecularRESUMEN
We have employed a unique spectroscopic approach, a resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering (RIXS) map, to identify and separate electron-hole correlation effects in core-level spectroscopy. With this approach, we are able to derive a comprehensive picture of the electronic structure, separating ground state properties (such as the HOMO-LUMO separation) from excited state properties (such as the C 1s core-exciton binding energy of C(60)). In particular, our approach allows us to determine the difference between core- and valence exciton binding energies in C(60) [0.5 (±0.2) eV]. Furthermore, the RIXS map gives detailed insight into the symmetries of the intermediate and final states of the RIXS process.
RESUMEN
We study the electronic structure of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and 1,4-octa-decyl substituted zinc phthalocyanine [(Dec)(8)PcZn] thin films (approximately 6-15 nm) using resonant photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at room temperature and at liquid He temperature. From XAS we conclude that the probability amplitude of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital is located predominantly at the inner C and N atoms of the molecules. Nonlinear energy shifts in resonant photoemission were observed; large shifts are explained by reduced electrical conductivity of inhomogeneously oriented molecules.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To report clinical and laboratory features, treatment responses and outcome in dogs diagnosed with sterile steroid-responsive lymphadenitis in the United Kingdom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with sterile steroid-responsive lymphadenitis from 2009 to 2016 at six specialist referral centres were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The study included 49 dogs. Springer spaniels appeared to be over-represented (16 of 49 dogs). Young dogs (median age: 3 years and 9 months) and females (31 of 49) were frequently affected. Clinical presentation was variable, with pyrexia (39 of 49), lethargy (35 of 49) and anorexia (21 of 49) the most commonly reported clinical signs. Lymph node cytology or histopathology demonstrated neutrophilic, pyogranulomatous, granulomatous or necrotising lymphadenitis without a detectable underlying cause in all cases. Because a sterile immune-mediated aetiology was suspected, all dogs received prednisolone, which was followed by rapid resolution of clinical signs and lymphadenopathy in most cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sterile steroid-responsive lymphadenitis should be considered in dogs with pyrexia of unknown origin with inflammatory lymphadenopathy if no underlying cause can be found and often responds well to immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Linfadenitis/veterinaria , Animales , Perros , Femenino , Prednisolona , Estudios Retrospectivos , Reino UnidoRESUMEN
We present a high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of condensed films of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene, and pentacene. High spectroscopic resolution and a systematic variation of the molecular size allow a detailed analysis of the fine structures. The line shapes of the C 1s main lines are analyzed with respect to the different contributions of inhomogeneous broadening, vibronic coupling, and chemical shifts. The shake-up satellite spectra reveal trends, which give insight into the charge redistribution within the molecule upon photoexcitation. In particular, the shake-up between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) increases in intensity and moves closer toward the C 1s main line if the size of the aromatic system is increased. An explanation is given on the basis of the delocalization of the aromatic system and its capability in screening the photogenerated core hole. A comparison of the HOMO-LUMO shake-up position to the optical band gap gives additional insight into the reorganization of the electronic system upon photoexcitation.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of leishmaniasis in dogs in the UK and to describe clinical presentation, clinicopathological abnormalities, therapeutic protocols and outcome in this non-endemic country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis at seven referral centres in the UK were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The prevalence was between 0·007 and 0·04% with a higher number of cases in southern England. All dogs had a history of travel to or from an endemic country. Lethargy, dermatological disease, decreased appetite and lameness were the most common reasons for presentation. Allopurinol was used alone for treatment in the majority of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although rare, leishmaniasis should be considered in dogs in the UK if they have compatible clinical signs and history of travel to or from endemic areas.
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Brotes de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Alopurinol/uso terapéutico , Animales , Reservorios de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Inglaterra/epidemiología , Femenino , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Masculino , Registros Médicos , Zoonosis/prevención & controlRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To analyze the putative relationship between immunotherapy-associated dysthyroidism and the probability of a tumor response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 89 consecutive patients with advanced cancer were treated with interleukin-2 (IL2)-based immunotherapy in a prospective study. RESULTS: Twenty patients developed thyroid dysfunction. Repeatedly positive tests for thyroid antibodies developed in 28% of the patients. Twenty-two patients achieved a response. There was no relationship between the formation of antibodies and the probability of response. There appeared to be a trend toward a relationship between thyroid dysfunction and response (P = .23). A strong relationship was found between response on the one hand and cumulative dose of IL2 (P = .01) and treatment duration with IL2 (P = .025) on the other. The frequency of thyroid dysfunction was also significantly correlated with treatment duration (P = .001). After adjustment for cumulative dose of IL2 and treatment duration, no relationship between thyroid dysfunction and response remained (P = .99). CONCLUSION: There is no relationship between thyroid dysfunction and the probability of tumor response. Thyroid dysfunction is merely a function of treatment duration and cumulative dose of IL2.
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Interleucina-2/efectos adversos , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de la Tiroides/inducido químicamente , Adulto , Anciano , Anticuerpos/análisis , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Esquema de Medicación , Femenino , Humanos , Interleucina-2/uso terapéutico , Yodo/farmacocinética , Radioisótopos de Yodo , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias/sangre , Estudios Prospectivos , Tiroglobulina/inmunología , Enfermedades de la Tiroides/sangre , Glándula Tiroides/efectos de los fármacos , Glándula Tiroides/inmunología , Glándula Tiroides/fisiopatología , Tirotropina/sangre , Tiroxina/sangreRESUMEN
Insulin-like growth factor-I is a neurotrophic factor and can prevent neurons from ischemic brain injury. However, the large molecular weight and metabolic effects can be problematic in its central delivery. Glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE) is the N-terminal tripeptide of insulin-like growth factor-I, which is naturally cleaved in the plasma and brain tissues. GPE reduces neuronal loss from hypoxic-ischemic brain injury following central administration. Central penetration and the stability of GPE in the plasma and central nervous system were examined in rats using radioimmunoassay and HPLC. GPE was rapidly metabolised in the plasma (8 min) after intraperitoneal administration. Despite having a short half-life in plasma, GPE was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid up to 40 min after intraperitoneal administration. With present of peptidase inhibitors, GPE existed in the brain tissue up to 3 h after intracerebroventricular administration, suggesting a role for peptolysis in its stability. The endopeptidase inhibitors 4- (2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) reduced GPE metabolism in the brain tissue while acid peptidase inhibitor pepstatin-A decreased GPE metabolism in the plasma. GPE reduced neuronal loss in the CA1-2 sub-region of the hippocampus given (intraperitoneally) after 30 min of hypoxic-ischemic injury in adult rats, further suggested the effectiveness of GPE central uptake. These results indicated that GPE crosses the blood-CSF and the functional CSF-brain barriers. The longer half-life of GPE in the CNS may be due to its unique enzymatic stability.
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Encéfalo/metabolismo , Factor I del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/metabolismo , Leucina/análogos & derivados , Oligopéptidos/metabolismo , Oligopéptidos/farmacocinética , Animales , Líquido Cefalorraquídeo/química , Estabilidad de Medicamentos , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Hipoxia-Isquemia Encefálica/tratamiento farmacológico , Cinética , Leucina/farmacología , Masculino , Oligopéptidos/administración & dosificación , Pepstatinas/farmacología , Peritoneo/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores de Proteasas/farmacología , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
The purpose of our study was to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and DLT of combined administration of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), low-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IFN-alpha in patients with progressive metastatic melanoma or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In addition, the activation and expansion of effector cells were measured. Cohorts of three patients were treated with increasing doses of IL-2 (1, 4, and 8 MIU/m2) and GM-CSF (2.5 and 5 microg/kg) with a constant dose of IFNalpha (5 million units) s.c. for 12 days every 3 weeks. An additional six patients were treated at the MTD. Immune activation was monitored during the first cycle. Response was evaluated after two cycles. The MTD was found to be 2.5 microg/kg GM-CSF, 4 MIU/m2 IL-2, and 5 mega units of IFNalpha. DLT was grade 4 fever, chills with hypotension, grade 3 fatigue/malaise, and fluid retention. Dose reduction of IL-2 to 2 MIU/m2 was necessary in three of nine patients who initially received the MTD. Treatment was initiated in the hospital but could be continued at home after 3-4 days. Significant increases in lymphocytes, (activated) T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), NK cells, monocyte DR expression, neutrophils, and eosinophils were found. CD8+ T-cell activation (sCD8) and NK cell expansion was mainly present in patients receiving 2 or 4 MIU/m2 IL-2. Of eight patients with progressive metastatic RCC after nephrectomy, three achieved a complete remission, and 1 of 7 patients with metastatic melanoma achieved a partial remission. In our study, the MTD of combined immunotherapy with GM-CSF, IL-2, and IFNalpha was established; DLT was: (a) grade 4 fever with hypotension needing i.v. fluid support; and (b) grade 3 fluid retention and/or fatigue/malaise. The scheme resulted in considerable expansion and/or activation of various effector cells. The complete responses in RCC patients are promising but need to be confirmed in Phase II studies.
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Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Carcinoma de Células Renales/tratamiento farmacológico , Inmunoterapia , Neoplasias Renales/tratamiento farmacológico , Melanoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto , Anciano , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efectos adversos , Antígenos CD8/sangre , Antígenos CD8/efectos de los fármacos , Carcinoma de Células Renales/inmunología , Citocinas/sangre , Citocinas/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Fatiga/inducido químicamente , Femenino , Fiebre/inducido químicamente , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos y Macrófagos/administración & dosificación , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos y Macrófagos/efectos adversos , Humanos , Inyecciones Subcutáneas , Interferón-alfa/administración & dosificación , Interferón-alfa/efectos adversos , Interleucina-2/administración & dosificación , Interleucina-2/efectos adversos , Neoplasias Renales/inmunología , Células Asesinas Naturales/citología , Células Asesinas Naturales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Asesinas Naturales/inmunología , Recuento de Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Melanoma/inmunología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Metástasis de la Neoplasia , Receptores de Interleucina-2/sangre , Receptores de Interleucina-2/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T/citología , Linfocitos T/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Aumento de Peso/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The clinical, anaesthetic and surgical records of 142 bitches admitted into the primary care clinic at the Small Animal Hospital, University of Liverpool, between January 2002 and August 2004 for routine ovariohysterectomy by final-year students were analysed for complications during and after the surgery. The time taken to perform the surgical procedure was recorded, to allow assessment of the time involved in one-to-one surgical teaching during live-recovery surgeries of client-owned pets. The types of complications were similar to those reported in earlier studies: nine bitches suffered haemorrhage of the ovarian arteries during surgery, and there were four cases of haemorrhage after surgery, 12 cases of wound inflammation and four other types of complication. The rates of intraoperative, postoperative and total complications were 6.3, 14.1 and 20.6 per cent, respectively.
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Perros/cirugía , Educación en Veterinaria/normas , Histerectomía/veterinaria , Complicaciones Intraoperatorias/veterinaria , Ovariectomía/veterinaria , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/veterinaria , Animales , Competencia Clínica , Educación en Veterinaria/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Hemorragia/epidemiología , Hemorragia/etiología , Hemorragia/veterinaria , Histerectomía/efectos adversos , Histerectomía/métodos , Complicaciones Intraoperatorias/epidemiología , Ovariectomía/efectos adversos , Ovariectomía/métodos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
A phase I trial was performed with a new interleukin-2 (IL-2) given as a continuous intravenous infusion in patients with solid tumors. The objectives of the study were to examine the feasibility of administering IL-2 in 4-day cycles for 4 consecutive weeks, and to investigate the response pattern of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-2 serum concentrations were also measured. Prior to this study, IL-2 had been tested at increasing dosages during one 4-day cycle, and it appeared that a dose of 1300 mcg/m2/day was tolerated. However, when this treatment schedule was maintained for 4 consecutive weeks, the maximum tolerated dose was 430 mcg/m2/day. In this schedule, a dose-dependent progressive increase in rebound lymphocyte count occurred after each weekly cycle, resulting in a 5-70-fold increase after the 4th cycle. Serum TNF peak concentrations also showed a tendency to increase during each subsequent cycle, while serum IL-2 peak concentrations showed a paradoxical decrease. Clinical toxicity comprised several events, which, possibly, could be ascribed to autoimmune phenomena. Myocardial infarction as a late toxicity of IL-2 is suggested. One complete response (renal carcinoma) and two partial responses (renal and breast carcinoma) were documented, one of these occurring in a patient who previously had shown a transient response on interferon therapy.
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Factores Inmunológicos/uso terapéutico , Interleucina-2/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias/terapia , Adulto , Anciano , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/inducido químicamente , Esquema de Medicación , Encefalomielitis/inducido químicamente , Femenino , Humanos , Hipotensión/inducido químicamente , Hipotiroidismo/inducido químicamente , Factores Inmunológicos/administración & dosificación , Factores Inmunológicos/efectos adversos , Infusiones Intravenosas , Interleucina-2/administración & dosificación , Interleucina-2/efectos adversos , Interleucina-2/sangre , Células Asesinas Activadas por Linfocinas/efectos de los fármacos , Recuento de Leucocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infarto del Miocardio/inducido químicamente , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/patología , Proteínas Recombinantes/administración & dosificación , Proteínas Recombinantes/efectos adversos , Proteínas Recombinantes/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades de las Glándulas Salivales/inducido químicamente , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/análisisRESUMEN
The insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II), their receptors and binding proteins (IGFBPs) are endogenously expressed in a number of tissues including the lung during fetal and neonatal development. This endogenous autocrine/paracrine IGF 'system', together with endocrine sources, contributes to the regulation of lung cell proliferation. We investigated the expression of the mRNAs encoding IGF-I, IGF-II, the type 1 IGF receptor (IGF-T1R) and two IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4) in rat lung during the perinatum. These were compared in lung with surfactant apoprotein A (Sp-A) mRNA levels. mRNA in extracts of fetal tissues collected between day 17 of gestation (17f) and day 9 after birth (9d) was estimated by Northern blot or RNase protection analysis. At day 20 of gestation IGF-I, IGF-T1R and IGFBP-4 mRNA levels were higher in lung than liver (all P < 0.01), whereas IGF-II and IGFBP-2 mRNA levels were higher in liver than lung (each P < 0.02). The expression of IGF-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4 in lung was high before birth (days 17-20f) but decreased to low levels at days 21f, 22f or at birth (1d) but increased in the neonatal lung. IGF-II expression in lung was high at 17f but decreased before birth and remained low after birth. The IGF-T1R was expressed at moderate levels before birth, decrease before birth but peaked at days 2-5 after birth. The decrease in expression of these growth regulators before birth expression of these growth regulators before birth was matched by an increased in Sp-A expression which was clearly seen at day 20f, peaked at 1d and then was clearly seen at day 20f, peaked at 1d and then was maintained at high levels after birth. Primary cell cultures of 18f lung epithelia express IGFBP-2 while fibroblasts from the same animals express only IGFBP-4. Cells grown from 22f lung tissue express IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4 at lower levels, behaving in vitro as they do in vivo. The contrasting levels of expression of different components of the IGF system in the fetal lung and liver indicate organ-specific regulation. IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4 expression in different cell types within lung but with similar temporal changes suggests cell-specific regulation, perhaps by a common agent. The patterns by a common agent. The patterns of expression of IGF-I, IGF-T1R, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4, but not IGF-II, in developing lung correspond to previously described phasic changes in lung cell proliferation rates. The nadir in expression of these four major components of the lung IGF system occurs in the saccular phase when the lung begins to differentiate, probably under the influence of certain endocrine agents.
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Proteína 2 de Unión a Factor de Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/biosíntesis , Proteína 4 de Unión a Factor de Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/biosíntesis , Factor II del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/biosíntesis , Factor I del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/biosíntesis , Pulmón/metabolismo , Receptor IGF Tipo 1/biosíntesis , Envejecimiento , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , ADN Complementario , Desarrollo Embrionario y Fetal , Femenino , Feto , Expresión Génica , Edad Gestacional , Hígado/embriología , Hígado/metabolismo , Pulmón/embriología , Pulmón/crecimiento & desarrollo , Sondas de Oligonucleótidos , Embarazo , Proteolípidos/biosíntesis , Proteína A Asociada a Surfactante Pulmonar , Proteínas Asociadas a Surfactante Pulmonar , Surfactantes Pulmonares/biosíntesis , ARN Mensajero/análisis , ARN Mensajero/biosíntesis , RatasRESUMEN
Although growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) mRNA and protein are present in fetal tissues such as the lung, there is little evidence that GH mediates growth in the fetus. We have identified functional responses to GH in fetal rat lung epithelia and suggest a possible role for GHR in the developing lung. GHR mRNA in lung extracts was high before birth at day 16 of gestation (16f), decreased to low levels at day 22f but increased again after birth. At day 20f GHR mRNA levels were higher in lung than in liver, whereas growth hormone binding protein mRNA levels were approximately equal in lung and liver. Stimulation of primary cell cultures of day 19f lung epithelia with GH caused increased tyrosine phosphorylation in specific proteins, demonstrating functional GHR. Lung fibroblasts isolated at the same time did not respond to GH. Ligand and Northern blot analysis of the epithelial cultures revealed that GH stimulation increased insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) activity and mRNA. These experiments demonstrate the functional activity of GHR, specifically in fetal lung epithelium. We suggest that one role for GH in vivo may be indirectly to modify insulin-like growth factor activity in the developing fetal lung by increasing IGFBP-2.
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Proteína 2 de Unión a Factor de Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/biosíntesis , Pulmón/metabolismo , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/metabolismo , Receptores de Somatotropina/metabolismo , Animales , Western Blotting , Epitelio/embriología , Epitelio/enzimología , Epitelio/metabolismo , Pulmón/embriología , Pulmón/enzimología , Fosforilación , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Ratas , Receptores de Somatotropina/genética , Tirosina/metabolismoRESUMEN
To determine whether the Rabinov-Paulin or the long-leg venography technique should be preferred in the diagnostic management of patients with clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis, two independent experienced radiologists blindly assessed two different series of venograms of consecutive outpatients with clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis. Venograms were obtained from two outpatient clinics of primary referral centres. In one centre the venograms were performed according to the technique of Rabinov and Paulin with the use of 100 ml of radiographic material and spot films of the calf, popliteal and more proximal veins. In the other centre, long-leg films were obtained after the administration of 150 ml of contrast material. The percentage venograms adjudicated as inadequate by at least one radiologist and inter-observer disagreement for both series were used as the main study outcome measures. Prior to the study, both radiologists agreed on the standardized criteria for a normal, abnormal and inadequate test result using a separate set of films. An inadequacy rate of 20% was found for the Rabinov-Paulin venography series (n = 123), whereas only 2% of the 126 long-leg films were inadequate for interpretation (p less than 0.001). The inter-observer diagreement for inadequacy, presence or absence of deep-vein thrombosis was 21% for the Rabinov and Paulin venograms and 4% for the long-leg films (kappa, 0.65 and 0.92; 95% confidence intervals: 0.53 to 0.77 and 0.84 to 0.99, respectively; p less than 0.002).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Flebografía/estadística & datos numéricos , Tromboflebitis/diagnóstico por imagen , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios de Evaluación como Asunto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Flebografía/métodos , Tromboflebitis/diagnósticoRESUMEN
We describe a 39-year-old woman with an 8-month history of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Clinical and laboratory evaluation indicated the presence of a malabsorption syndrome. Endoscopy revealed multiple gastric ulcerations and an abnormal "picture" of the duodenal mucosa. At duodenal biopsy, necrosis confined to the distal parts of the enteric villi and a polymorphonuclear leukocyte response were found. Further evaluation revealed intestinal ischemia as a result of mesenteric atherosclerosis. After a revascularization procedure was performed, the symptoms disappeared. The macroscopic and microscopic picture of the bowel normalized. In our search for risk factors of atherosclerosis, we found a substantially increased basal plasma homocysteine concentration. This case suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia may have a causal role in the development of symptomatic, premature atherosclerosis of the mesenteric circulation.
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Úlcera Duodenal/complicaciones , Homocisteína/sangre , Intestinos/irrigación sanguínea , Isquemia/complicaciones , Síndromes de Malabsorción/etiología , Úlcera Gástrica/complicaciones , Adulto , Enfermedad Crónica , Úlcera Duodenal/patología , Femenino , Humanos , Intestinos/patología , Isquemia/patología , Síndromes de Malabsorción/patología , Circulación Esplácnica , Úlcera Gástrica/patologíaRESUMEN
In this study we evaluated the catheter-related complications in 52 patients with advanced melanoma, renal cell cancer or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 by central venous access (CVA) of the port-a-cath type. We noted a high incidence (55.5%) of catheter infection, defined as positive blood cultures drawn from the CVA in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. Six infections were noted before rIL-2 treatment was started. Twelve of the 30 documented infections were symptomatic (fever and/or chills), with only four documented bacteraemias. The most frequently cultured microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (73%). Treatment initially consisted of systemic antibiotics via the CVA, but as experience increased, the mostly asymptomatic CVA infections were not treated. In 30% of the documented CVA infections a thrombus at the tip of the catheter was found by radiological contrast examination. Local thrombosis can be effectively treated with constant infusion of low dose streptokinase via the CVA.
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Infecciones Bacterianas/etiología , Cateterismo Venoso Central/efectos adversos , Interleucina-2/administración & dosificación , Pefloxacina/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Anciano , Infecciones Bacterianas/microbiología , Infecciones Bacterianas/prevención & control , Infecciones Bacterianas/terapia , Catéteres de Permanencia/efectos adversos , Femenino , Humanos , Infusiones Intravenosas , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Recombinantes/administración & dosificación , Trombosis/etiología , Trombosis/terapia , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
A postal survey of dermatologists identified 365 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of delusional parasitosis. One hundred and forty-four dermatologists had seen at least 1 such patient in the previous 5 years and 78 were current. The data provided on 53 patients who met the study criteria were examined in more detail. Racial origin, marital status and age at presentation varied widely. Females predominated in the older age-groups, but there was an equal sex distribution under the age of 50. Abnormal personality traits were commonly identified, especially of the obsessional type. Physical disorders associated with pruritus co-existed in a substantial minority. Previous dermatological and psychiatric disorders were uncommon and non-specific. The disorder was often, though not invariably, of long duration. Relatively few patients were successfully referred to psychiatrists. Dermatologists often treated the disorder effectively, especially when neuroleptic agents were employed. Pimozide appeared to be particularly helpful in many patients.
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Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/diagnóstico , Trastornos Somatomorfos/diagnóstico , Adulto , Anciano , Antiparasitarios , Fármacos Dermatológicos/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pimozida/uso terapéutico , Psicofarmacología , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/psicología , Trastornos Somatomorfos/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos Somatomorfos/psicologíaRESUMEN
Twelve patients (eight men and four women) suffering from manic depressive disorder who were receiving both lithium and antipsychotic medication had their antipsychotic changed to depot haloperidol decanoate, with their lithium medication remaining unchanged. Successful transfer to haloperidol decanoate was achieved with a reduced incidence of extrapyramidal side effects, and 100% compliance in eight patients who all remained free of hypomanic relapse, including four patients with rapid-cycling disorder. By comparison, in the three years before switching to haloperidol decanoate these four patients had required sixteen admissions for hypomanic relapses resulting in thirty-four months in-patient treatment.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno Bipolar/tratamiento farmacológico , Haloperidol/análogos & derivados , Adolescente , Adulto , Preparaciones de Acción Retardada , Femenino , Haloperidol/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Aggressive and self-destructive behaviour in mentally handicapped patients presents the psychiatrist with formidable problems, especially in the diagnosis of specific mental disorders using the criteria of current classificatory systems. Having reviewed the use of antidepressants, antianxiety agents and the wide range of oral antipsychotics previously employed, the literature describing treatment with depot neuroleptics is considered. The results of switching twenty-one patients to the depot butyrophenone haloperidol decanoate, dose range 50 to 300 mg given four-weekly over a nine month period, are described: they confirm previous observations that the "knock-on" effect of disruptive behaviour and the overall level of violence and self-injury can be considerably reduced when only some of the patients in any one ward are adequately treated.