PET imaging shows no changes in TSPO brain density after IFN-α immune challenge in healthy human volunteers.

Depression is associated with peripheral inflammation, but its link with brain microglial activity remains unclear. In seven healthy males, we used repeated translocator protein-Positron Emission Tomography (TSPO-PET) dynamic scans with [11C]PBR28 to image brain microglial activation before and 24 h after the immune challenge interferon (IFN)-α. We also investigated the association between changes in peripheral inflammation, changes in microglial activity, and changes in mood. IFN-α administration decreased [11C]PBR28 PET tissue volume of distribution (Vt) across the brain (-20 ± 4%; t6 = 4.1, p = 0.01), but after correction for radioligand free-plasma fraction there were no longer any changes (+23 ± 31%; t = 0.1, p = 0.91). IFN-α increased serum IL-6 (1826 ± 513%, t6 = -7.5, p < 0.001), IL-7 (39 ± 12%, t6 = -3.6, p = 0.01), IL-10 (328 ± 48%, t6 = -12.8, p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (272 ± 64%, t6 = -7.0, p < 0.001) at 4-6 h, and increased serum TNF-α (49 ± 7.6%, t6 = -7.5, p < 0.001), IL-8 (39 ± 12%, t6 = -3.5, p = 0.013), and C-reactive protein (1320 ± 459%, t6 = -7.2, p < 0.001) at 24 h. IFN-α induced temporary mood changes and sickness symptoms after 4-6 h, measured as an increase in POMS-2 total mood score, confusion and fatigue, and a decrease in vigor and friendliness (all p ≤ 0.04). No association was found between changes in peripheral inflammation and changes in PET or mood measures. Our work suggests that brain TSPO-PET signal is highly dependent of inflammation-induced changes in ligand binding to plasma proteins. This limits its usefulness as a sensitive marker of neuroinflammation and consequently, data interpretation. Thus, our results can be interpreted as showing either that [11C]PBR28 is not sensitive enough under these conditions, or that there is simply no microglial activation in this model.

Asbestos fibres detected by scanning electron microscopy in the gallbladder of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Gallbladders from patients affected by both malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and important gallbladder disorders were analyzed to verify the presence of asbestos fibres. Histological thin sections were analyzed by optical microscope and variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, allowing morphological and chemical characterization of each inorganic phase observed. Fibres of chrysotile and crocidolite, minerals regulated as asbestos, were identified. By immunohistochemical analysis, connective tissue was recognized as the incorporation site. These findings confirm that asbestos fibres can reach the gallbladders of patients with MPM, for whom the development of respiratory diseases confirms asbestos exposure.

Partial unilateral intracavernosal hematoma in a long-distance mountain biker: a case report.

We present a case of spontaneous partial unilateral hematoma of the bulb of the corpus cavernosum in a long-mileage mountain biker. Ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathological findings are described.

Practical aspects of preparation of foods for double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge.

Recipes for double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge developed and tested in our department are presented. The taste and smell of offending foods were disguised by using substances with a strong taste and flavor. The texture of active foods was more difficult to simulate in the placebo food.

Triazine herbicides and ovarian epithelial neoplasms.

The possible role of a class of herbicides, triazines, in ovarian carcinogenesis has been evaluated in a population-based case-referent study. The trade names reported by the study subjects, and the type of cultivation in which they worked, were used for the assessment of exposure. Women previously exposed to triazines showed a significant relative risk of 2.7 for ovarian neoplasms. Although none of the doses could be quantified for the study subjects, two risk trends in favor of the plausibility of the association were found: the first by duration and the second by probability of exposure. The population representativity of the study and the comparability of information between the cases and referents suggest the lack of any major bias in the results. Triazine-related risk remained consistent when the analysis was restricted to farmers and when the exposure to other herbicides and to other types of cultivation were considered. Unexposed farmers had the same risk as unexposed nonfarmers.