The Arg753GLn polymorphism of the human toll-like receptor 2 gene in tuberculosis disease.

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a member of the Toll-like receptor family, plays an important role in recognition of, and subsequent immune response activation against, mycobacteria. The genetic polymorphism of TLR2 (arginine to glutamine substitution at residue 753 (Arg753Gln)) has been associated with a negative influence on TLR2 function, which may, in turn, determine the innate host response to mycobacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the Arg753Gln single nucleotide polymorphism of the TLR2 gene in tuberculosis (TB) patients compared to healthy controls. A retrospective case/control study was carried out. The Arg753Gln polymorphism of the TLR2 gene was studied in 151 TB patients compared to 116 ethnically and age-matched healthy control subjects. The TLR2 polymorphism (adenine (A) allele) was observed in 17.9 and 7.7% of TB patients and controls, respectively. When the ratios of the three genotypes were compared between the two groups, the AA genotype was found to be more significantly associated with TB. Allele frequencies for guanine (G) and A were found to be 0.95 and 0.05 in the control group and 0.86 and 0.14 in the TB patient group, respectively. The risk of developing TB disease was increased 6.04- and 1.60-fold for carriers of the AA and GA genotypes, respectively. In conclusion, the present data suggest that the arginine to glutamine substitution at residue 753 polymorphism of the Toll-like receptor 2 gene influences the risk of developing tuberculosis.     

Synthesis of 3-[2-(2,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-4-substituted-3H-1,2,4- triazole-3-thione-2-yl)-acetylamino]-2-methyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones and their pharmacological activities

Some 2-methyl-3-triazole-substituted-4(3H)-quinazolinones 3a-f were prepared and tested for their H1- and H2-antihistaminic activities. In addition these compounds are central nervous system depressants and anticonvulsants. 3e shows highly significant decrease of locomotor activity.     

Effects of simplifying choice tasks on estimates of taste heterogeneity in stated-choice surveys

Researchers usually employ orthogonal arrays or D-optimal designs with little or no attribute overlap in stated-choice surveys. The challenge is to balance statistical efficiency and respondent burden to minimize the overall error in the survey responses. This study examined whether simplifying the choice task, by using a design with more overlap, provides advantages over standard minimum-overlap methods. We administered two designs for eliciting HIV test preferences to split samples. Surveys were undertaken at four HIV testing locations in San Francisco, California. Personal characteristics had different effects on willingness to pay for the two treatments, and gains in statistical efficiency in the minimal-overlap version more than compensated for possible imprecision from increased measurement error.     

Recurrent retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma

Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma is a rare congenital malformation. The majority of lymphangiomas are present at birth and nearly all present before the age of two years. We report a case of giant cystic retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a patient who first presented with symptoms at the age of 7, underwent surgery, and who then suffered a recurrent mass 11 years later.     

Epidermoid carcinoma of the male urethra. Case report

A case of voiding difficulties was investigated. Other than usual prostatic obstruction or urethral stricture, a small mass at the anterior region of the bulbous urethra was present. Detailed investigation by urethroscopy, biopsy, CT imaging and ultrasonography revealed epidermoid carcinoma of the urethra.