Questionable effects of Myocrisin in experimental arthritis in rabbits.

In 18 rabbits arthritis was induced in one knee joint by injection with 0.2 ml 3% ovalbumin 4 weeks after sensitization by 3% ovalbumin and 2 mg/ml tubercle bacilli suspended in Freunds incomplete adjuvant. Half of the rabbits were treated with Myocrisin 4 mg i.m. once a week during the experimental period lasting 4-5 months. At killing, both knee joints were examined macroscopically and microscopically. In all rabbits a distinct synovitis was found in the injected knee joint. Histologically, the changes were most pronounced in the rabbits not treated with Myocrisin. An activity index of the synovial membrane changes in the Myocrisin-treated and untreated cases was calculated to 6.3 and 3.6 respectively. Some changes were also found in the uninjected knee joints of 50% of the rabbits. In contrast to some other works, this preliminary investigation suggests that antigen-induced experimental arthritis is suppressed by gold. We feel that this model of experimental arthritis may be suitable for trying out the effect of various drugs.     

Asymptomatic glomerulonephritis after nonstreptococcal upper respiratory infections.

Two hundred forty previously healthy military personnel with nonstreptococcal upper respiratory infections were prospectively studied to define the incidence and clinicopathologic characteristics of possible virus-associated glomerulonephritis. Nine patients without preceding streptococcal infection had erythrocyte casts on urinalysis and glomerulonephritis on biopsy. Of these nine, four had a reduction in total hemolytic complement and five had serologic evidence of infection with adenovirus, influenza A, or influenza B. Initial renal biopsy showed either focal or diffuse mesangial proliferation in all nine, with mesangial C3 deposits in six specimens. Repeat biopsy in three showed histologic improvement or loss of immunofluorescent staining, or both. Sequential creatinine clearances were reduced to 74 to 90 mL/min.1.73 m2 in five patients for the duration of follow-up. We conclude that nonstreptococcal upper respiratory infection is frequently associated with glomerulonephritis and that abnormal glomerular structure and decreased creatinine clearances may persist for at least 2 to 8 months.     

High expression of the RNA-binding protein RBPMS2 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and are often associated with KIT or PDGFRA gene mutations. GIST cells might arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) or from a mesenchymal precursor that is common to ICCs and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Here, we analyzed the mRNA and protein expression of RNA-Binding Protein with Multiple Splicing-2 (RBPMS2), an early marker of gastrointestinal SMC precursors, in human GISTs (n = 23) by in situ hybridization, quantitative RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry. The mean RBPMS2 mRNA level in GISTs was 42-fold higher than in control gastrointestinal samples (p < 0.001). RBPMS2 expression was not correlated with KIT and PDGFRA expression levels, but was higher in GISTs harboring KIT mutations than in tumors with wild type KIT and PDGFRA or in GISTs with PDGFRA mutations that were characterized by the lowest RBPMS2 levels. Moreover, RBPMS2 levels were 64-fold higher in GIST samples with high risk of aggressive behavior than in adult control gastrointestinal samples and 6.2-fold higher in high risk than in low risk GIST specimens. RBPMS2 protein level was high in 87% of the studied GISTs independently of their histological classification. Finally, by inhibiting the KIT signaling pathway in GIST882 cells, we show that RBPMS2 expression is independent of KIT activation. In conclusion, RBPMS2 is up-regulated in GISTs compared to normal adult gastrointestinal tissues, indicating that RBPMS2 might represent a new diagnostic marker for GISTs and a potential target for cancer therapy.     

Detection of mink astrovirus in Poland and further phylogenetic comparison with other European and Canadian astroviruses

Virus Genes - Mink astrovirus infection remains a poorly understood disease entity, and the aetiological agent itself causes disease with a heterogeneous course, including gastrointestinal and...     

Risk of thromboembolic complications in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioverter-defibrillator implantation

BACKGROUND: Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) carries the risk of thromboembolic complications and, therefore, anticoagulation therapy is routinely administered before and after this procedure. In patients with permanent AF who undergo implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), anticoagulants are usually withdrawn during the perioperative period. However, in some patients sinus rhythm may be restored during defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing which potentially may increase the risk of thromboembolic complications. AIM: To assess the frequency of sinus rhythm restoration during ICD implantation in patients with permanent AF and the rate of both thromboembolic events and local bleeding complications which may occur due to temporary withdrawal of anticoagulation therapy and its re-initiation early after the procedure. METHODS: Permanent AF was present in 23 (12%) of 193 patients selected for ICD implantation. All patients received prolonged oral anticoagulation according to the generally accepted standards. Anticoagulation therapy was stopped few days before the procedure and replaced by low molecular weight heparin which was administered up to 24 hours before ICD implantation and re-initiated 12-24 hours afterwards. RESULTS: During DFT testing sinus rhythm was restored in 5 (21.7%) patients with AF. Clinical and DFT characteristics were similar in those who were converted to sinus rhythm and those who remained in AF. No thromboembolic events were noted in either group. Local haematoma at the site of ICD implantation occurred in two (8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus rhythm was restored in 21.7% of patients with permanent AF who underwent ICD implantation. Temporary withdrawal of anticoagulation therapy did not increase the risk of thromboembolic complications, however, its early re-initiation after implantation resulted in an increase in local bleeding complication rate.