Interference with Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel function delays T‐cell arrest in vivo

Entry of lymphocytes into secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) involves intravascular arrest and intracellular calcium ion ([Ca²⁺]_i) elevation. TCR activation triggers increased [Ca²⁺]_i and can arrest T‐cell motility in vitro. However, the requirement for [Ca²⁺]_i elevation in arresting T cells in vivo has not been tested. Here, we have manipulated the Ca²⁺ release‐activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channel pathway required for [Ca²⁺]_i elevation in T cells through genetic deletion of stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 or by expression of a dominant‐negative ORAI1 channel subunit (ORAI1‐DN). Interestingly, the absence of CRAC did not interfere with homing of naïve CD4⁺ T cells to SLOs and only moderately reduced crawling speeds in vivo. T cells expressing ORAI1‐DN lacked TCR activation induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation, yet arrested motility similar to control T cells in vitro. In contrast, antigen‐specific ORAI1‐DN T cells had a twofold delayed onset of arrest following injection of OVA peptide in vivo. CRAC channel function is not required for homing to SLOs, but enhances spatiotemporal coordination of TCR signaling and motility arrest.     

Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Questionnaire to Assess Mental Health and Concerning Behaviors in Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB) Scale

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Although 70% of autistic children and young people meet criteria for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, there are few screening measures...     

Pre-Hospital Diagnosis in Mobile Stroke Unit

ObjectivesMobile stroke unit (MSU) has been shown to rapidly provide pre-hospital thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MSU encounters neurological disorders other than AIS that require emergent treatment.Methods/MaterialsWe obtained pre-hospital diagnosis and treatment data from the prospectively collected dataset on 221 consecutive MSU encounters. Based on initial clinical evaluation and neuroimaging obtained on MSU, the diagnosis of AIS (definite, probable, and possible AIS, transient ischemic attack), intracranial hemorrhage, and likely stroke mimics was made.ResultsFrom July 2014 to April 2015, 221 patients were treated on MSU. 78 (35%) patients had initial clinical diagnosis of definite/probable AIS or TIA, 69 (31%) were diagnosed as possible AIS or TIA, 15 (7%) had intracranial hemorrhage while 59 patients (27%) were diagnosed as likely stroke mimics. Stroke mimics encountered included 13 (6%) metabolic encephalopathy, 11 (5%) seizures, 9 (4%) migraines, 3 (1%) substance abuse, 2 (1%) CNS tumor, 3 (1%) infectious etiology and 3 (1%) hypoglycemia. Fifty-four (24%) patients received non-thrombolytic treatments on MSUConclusionAbout one third of MSU encounters were not AIS initially, including intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics. MSU can be utilized to provide pre-hospital treatments in emergent neurological conditions other than AIS.     

Randomized Controlled Trial in Advance Stage Breast Cancer Patients for the Effectiveness on Stress Marker and Pain through Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam

Objective:

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of a cognitive, behavioral stress management module of Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and P on levels of serum cortisol and pain among the women suffering from advanced stage breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Participants (n = 147) were screened and randomized to receive standard care (n = 69) versus standard along with SK and Pranayam (P) intervention (n = 78) imparted in one 18 hrs workshop spread during 3 days. Participants were expected to practice it at home 20 min daily as adjuvant to standard pharmacological treatment for pain.

Results:

There was a significant difference in blood cortisol levels after 3 months of practice of SK and P. Mean blood levels in the intervention arm were 341.2 ng/ml against 549.2 ng/ml in the control arm (P ≤ 0.002). Pain perception in comparison to control arm reduced by 3 points in SK and P arm on 0-10 verbal scale of pain.

Conclusion:

SK and P is an effective intervention in reducing stress and pain among advance stage patients of breast cancer.     

Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy: A case report and review of literature

Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy is a rare disorder, unrelated to syrinx formation or mechanical instability, which may gradually emerge within the first 1-2 weeks after a spinal cord injury and may lead to diagnostic and prognostic dilemmas. We present a case of 24-year-old female with unstable wedge compression fracture of L₁ vertebrae with signal changes in the upper lumbar cord causing complete paraplegia below D₉ with bladder and bowel involvement. In the subsequent week, she developed a delayed progressively increasing neurological deficit with cord signal abnormality on MRI extending cephalad from the injury site to the upper dorsal cord. The patient had no initial clinical improvement initially but showed a delayed recovery over months.