Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and adolescents. Clinical presentation often reflects bone marrow involvement and consequences of bone marrow failure. Microscopic involvement of the testis is rare, occurring in about 2% of cases. We present a case of a 3-year-old child who displayed unilateral ...

Both radiographic damage and functional limitations increase with the duration of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We examined whether radiographic damage contributed more to functional limitations in late AS than in early AS, and if the strength of association varied with the anatomic region of damage. In this cross-sectional study of 801 ...

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine thought to contribute to the inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The specific receptor chain IL-15Rα can be expressed as a transmembranous signalling receptor, or can be cleaved by a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17 (ADAM17) into a neutralizing, soluble receptor (sIL-15Rα). The aim ...

It is known that estrogens act on the male reproductive tract by binding to estrogen receptors (ER) a andb. However, studies on ER localization in the human testis are discordant. The aim of this study was to investigatethe localization of ERa in the testes of adult men with normal spermatogenesis. ...

Cover: Micrograph showing human ES cells. Image provided by Prachi Ghule. Please see article by Kapinas et al. on pages 9-20, in this issue.

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare pediatric pancreatic malignancy. It confers a worse prognosis if there is metastatic or unresectable disease. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with pancreatoblastoma of the head of the pancreas with multiple intrahepatic metastases. We successfully treated him using aggressive chemotherapy, multi-stage surgery, ...

This work aimed to assess the effect of sub-/super-critical CO(2) on the structure and activity of Candida rugosa Lip7 (CRL7) in its solution form. The structure was examined by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectra photometry. Results revealed that the primary structure remained intact after sub-/super-critical CO(2) ...

Background: Crowdsourcing is a novel process of data collection that can provide insight into the effectiveness of acne treatments in real-world settings. Little is known regarding the feasibility of crowdsourcing as a means of collecting dermatology research data, the quality of collected data, and how the data compare to the ...

It is now well accepted that sex hormones have immunoregulatory activity and may prevent exacerbations in multiple sclerosis during pregnancy. Our previous studies demonstrated that oestrogen (17β-oestradiol; E(2) ) protection against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is mediated mainly through oestrogen receptor-α (ERα) and the membrane receptor G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) ...

V(D)J recombination is the process by which antibody and T-cell receptor diversity is attained. During this process, antigen receptor gene segments are cleaved and rejoined by non-homologous DNA end joining for the generation of combinatorial diversity. The major players of the initial process of cleavage are the proteins known as ...

Ligands for E-selectin and P-selectin (E-lig and P-lig) are induced on CD4+ T cells upon differentiation into effector T cells. Glycosyltransferases, especially α 1,3-fucosyltransferase VII (FucT-VII) and core 2 β1,6-N-acetyl-glycosaminyltransferase I (C2GlcNAcT-I), are critical for their synthesis. We here analysed the signals that control the expression of E-lig, P-lig and ...

The molecular mechanisms underpinning central nervous system damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex and it is widely accepted that there is an autoimmune component. Both adaptive and innate immune effector mechanisms are believed to contribute to tissue disease aetiology. HLA-E is a non-classical MHC class Ib molecule that acts ...

This review describes relevant advances in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) with emphasis on particular syndromes and the impact of antibodies against surface antigens in their management. PNS may present with symptoms that do not raise the suspicion of a paraneoplastic origin. The best example is anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis that in ...

To provide an update on recently discovered human deafness genes and to describe advances in comprehensive genetic testing platforms for deafness, both of which have been enabled by new massively parallel sequencing technologies. Over the review period, three syndromic and six nonsyndromic deafness genes have been discovered, bringing the total ...

The early gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that mediate stem cell differentiation are complex, and the underlying regulatory associations can be difficult to map accurately. In this study, the expression profiles of the genes Dlx5, Msx2 and Runx2 in mouse embryonic stem cells were monitored over a 48 hour period after ...

This review aims to address the temporal sequencing of involvement of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and reconcile apparently conflicting neuropathologic and biomarker data. Although neuropathologic studies show that limbic system tau disease occurs ubiquitously in middle-aged individuals before the appearance of amyloid plaques, biomarker ...

Bacterial colonization occurs in all wounds, chronic or acute, and the break in epithelium integrity that defines a wound impairs the forces that shape and constrain the microbiome at that site. This review highlights the interactions between bacterial communities in the wound and the ultimate resolution of the wound or ...

The RdxA oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase of the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the susceptibility of this organism to the redox active prodrug metronidazole [2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanol]. Loss-of-function mutations in rdxA are primarily responsible for resistance to this therapeutic. RdxA exhibits potent NADPH oxidase activity under aerobic conditions and metronidazole reductase activity ...

Several studies have identified a set of hypoxia-regulated microRNAs, among which is miR-210, whose expression is highly induced by hypoxia in various cancer cell lines. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of miR-210 and its transcriptional regulation by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). We report here that the expression ...

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and are the mediators of T cell immunity. Many investigators have explored the potential of using DCs as a vaccine for tumour-derived antigens in immunotherapy of B cell malignancies, and the results have been disappointing. To search for better tumour antigens ...

Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are inflammatory demyelinating diseases of human central nervous system (CNS) with complex pathogenesis. IL-21/IL-21R regulates activation, proliferation and survival of both T cells and B cells, which are involved in the pathogenesis of NMO and MS. High levels of serum IL-21 were ...

Over the past two decades, steroid-free immunosuppression has become more widespread, but improvements in long-term kidney transplant survival have been modest, mandating scrutiny of our chronic regimens. Current studies and commentary cautiously conclude that steroid-free regimens in low-risk patients seem acceptable for up to 5 years, although most studies are ...

Survivors of severe sepsis exhibit increased morbidity and mortality in response to secondary infections. Although bacterial secondary infections have been widely studied, there remains a paucity of data concerning viral infections after sepsis. In an experimental mouse model of severe sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture [CLP]) followed by respiratory syncytial ...

Background: Abnormal movements are frequently associated with psychiatric disorders. Optimized management and diagnosis of these movements depends on correct labeling. However, there is evidence of reduced accuracy in the labeling of these movements, which could result in sub-optimal care. Objective: To determine the consensus inter-rater reliability between a movement disorders ...

B cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a crucial role in the process of development, maturation and activation of B lymphocytes. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by multiple B cell disorders. It is a major cause of type II mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC). We measured serum BAFF levels in ...

The involvement of granulocytes in immune response against cancer is not well understood. Depending on the cytokine milieu in which they act and on their oxidative burst, granulocytes may play either an inhibitory or stimulatory role in tumour growth. Unsaturated fatty acids, essential components of cellular membranes and storage lipids, ...

The research undertaken on 'protocol' renal transplant biopsies has provided a rich, if not the richest, approach to better understanding of the immune and nonimmune impacts upon the transplant. The purpose of this review is to detail how the direct benefit to the patient also lies in these renamed 'surveillance' ...

Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) are a group of heterogeneous conditions that have in common primary failure of B cell function, although numerous T cell abnormalities have been described, including reduced proliferative response and reduced regulatory T cells. This study compared the T cell phenotype of CVID patients subdivided into ...

Background: Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a dynamic disease that frequently progresses. Statins have been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic activity. We therefore investigated whether statins could prevent progression of ICAS. Methods: This retrospective cohort study assessed 55 patients with acute ischemic stroke and symptomatic ICAS in the middle cerebral or ...

Cardiac surgery remains one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world. Intensive insulin therapy has shown to reduce infection in patients undergoing open-heart surgery and is considered standard of care. New technologies are available to achieve and maintain recommended blood glucose goals. These include computer-driven intensive insulin protocols ...

The mRNA levels of a set of immune-related genes were analysed with peripheral blood samples from at-risk, new-onset and long-term type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, in comparison to those from healthy controls. The selected set includes T lymphocyte genes [CD3G and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4)], B lymphocyte genes ...

At some point in their careers, all critical care nurses will decide that it is time for them to leave critical care nursing. Whether this decision happens because of role change, retirement, or burnout, the decision can be a difficult one. This article explains my decision to leave the pediatric ...

Logan-Greene, P., & Davis, K. C. (2011). Latent Profiles of Risk Among a Community Sample of Men: Implications for Sexual Aggression. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26, 1463-1477. Original DOI: 10.1177/0886260510369138.

Background: Vasospasm is a known complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is a major cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. It is infrequently associated with pituitary adenoma surgery. We report three cases and present a systematic review of the literature with a view towards guiding neurosurgeons in the prevention and ...

Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is characterized by biofilms, tolerant to antibiotics and host responses. Instead, immune responses contribute to the tissue damage. However, this may depend on localization of infection in the upper conductive or in the peripheral respiratory zone. To study this we ...

Background: The benefits of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke is time dependent. Guidelines recommend a door-to-needle (DTN) time of less than 60 minutes. Methods: A retrospective audit of 730 stroke charts from 2008 - 2011 was conducted at Health Sciences Centre. 158 patients treated with ...

Approximately 60% of transplanted islets undergo apoptosis within the first week post-transplantation into the liver attributed to poor engraftment, immune rejection and toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs. Understanding how extracellular matrix (ECM) components, immunosuppressive drugs and proinflammatory cytokines affect insulin secretion will contribute to an improved clinical outcome of islet transplantations. ...

The continued development of nuclear weapons and the potential for thermonuclear injury necessitates the further understanding of the immune consequences after radiation combined with injury (RCI). We hypothesized that sublethal ionization radiation exposure combined with a full-thickness thermal injury would result in the production of immature myeloid cells. Mice underwent ...

Dendritic cells (DC) in HIV-1-infected individuals are decreased and their dysfunction has been implicated in HIV-1 immunopathogenesis. The mechanism of their dysfunction remains unclear, thus we analysed the expression of membrane molecules associated with immune regulation and DC activation in myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) in therapy-naive and highly ...

We previously reported that YKL-40, the human analog of mouse breast regression protein 39 ([BRP-39] chitinase 3like 1), is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with a variety of neuroinflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. Expression of YKL-40 in the CNS was predominantly associated with ...

Background: Longitudinal, patient-level data on resource use and costs after an ischemic stroke are lacking in Canada. The objectives of this analysis were to calculate costs for the first year post-stroke and determine the impact of disability on costs. Methodology: The Economic Burden of Ischemic Stroke (BURST) Study was a ...

To clarify the association between factors regulating DNA methylation and the prognosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3A, DNMT3B, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), which are enzymes essential for DNA methylation. Subjects for this study ...

Background: Chronic migraine is a significant cause of disability world-wide and occipital region stimulation (OS) has been proposed to treat it. While participating in an industry-sponsored pilot trial of OS, we aimed to collect data regarding our surgical complications and long term usage of OS in our chronic migraine patients. ...

ABSTRACT: Trauma results in a persistent depression in adaptive immunity, which contributes to patient morbidity and mortality. This state of immune paralysis following trauma is characterized by a change in cell-mediated immunity, specifically a depression in T-cell function and a shift toward TH2 T-cell phenotype. Upregulation of inducible nitric oxide ...

Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis is a serious life-threatening condition that requires surgical intervention. Until recently, the only available treatment options were through an open-heart surgery technique. A transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement procedure that is available for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and ...

Expression of the forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) transcription factor is regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligases Itch and Cbl-b and induces regulatory activity CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells. Treatment with interferon (IFN)-β enhances regulatory T cell activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied the phenotype of CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells ...

Background: Hemangioblastomas are benign vascular tumors of the central nervous system that occur sporadically or in association with von Hippel-Lindau disease. These tumors are characteristically composed of a dense capillary network with intervening stromal/interstitial cells. To date, the histogenesis of hemangioblastoma remains unclear. We hypothesize that hemangioblastomas arise from a ...

Destruction of pancreatic islets in type 1 diabetes is caused by infiltrating, primed and activated T cells. In a clinical setting this autoimmune process is already in an advanced stage before intervention therapy can be administered. Therefore, an effective intervention needs to reduce islet inflammation and preserve any remaining islet ...

This review aims to describe the challenges and highlight recent advances in the field of risk prediction for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We first focus on methods of model development and metrics of model performance in general, and then highlight important risk prediction tools for patients with CKD, ...

Hyperthyroidism, defined by overproduction of thyroid hormones, has a 2-3% prevalence in the population. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. A diagnostic biomarker for Graves' disease is the presence of immunoglobulins which bind to, and stimulate, the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). ...