Optimization of Naked DNA Delivery for Interferon Subtype Immunotherapy in Cytomegalovirus Infection

Type I interferon (IFN) gene therapy modulates the immune response leading to inflammatory heart disease following cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a murine model of post-viral myocarditis. Efficacy of different immunisation protocols for the IFN constructs was influenced by the dose of DNA, subtype choice, combination use, pre-medication, and timing of DNA administration. Optimal efficacy was found with bupivacaine treatment prior to DNA inoculation of 200mg IFN DNA 14 days prior to virus challenge. Maximal antiviral and antimyocarditic effects were achieved with this vaccination schedule. Furthermore, inoculation of synergistic IFN subtypes demonstrated enhanced efficacy when delivered either alone or with CMV gB DNA vaccination in the CMV model. Thus naked DNA delivery of IFN provides an avenue of immunotherapy for regulating herpesvirus-induced diseases

Mesothelioma and asbestosis in a young woman following occupational asbestos exposure: Short latency and long survival: Case Report

A 27-year-old female white-collar worker was diagnosed in 1998 with mesothelioma eight and one-half years following first exposure as a bystander to debris in a site in which asbestos-containing building materials were being dismantled and rebuilding work took place. Prodromal back pain had been present for a year and a half. She underwent extrapleural pneumectomy and received an intrapleural infusion of cisplatin post-operatively. Exposure to asbestos was verified by contemporary reports and lung biopsy, which demonstrated asbestos bodies and microscopic interstitial fibrosis -conforming evidence for asbestosis. The patient is alive and well 12 years after diagnosis and 14 years after onset of symptoms. The combination of an extremely short latency period and long survival following occupational exposure to asbestos dust is unique

Acetabular revision surgery with impacted bone allografts and cemented cups in patients younger than 55 years

This article summarises a clinical and radiographical analysis of 30 acetabular revisions in patients younger than 55 years old, performed with impaction bone grafting and cemented cups. Preoperative Merle D’Aubigne and Postel functional score was an average 7 points. At a mean follow-up of 86.5 months (range 34–228) functional score averaged 16.3 points. Radiolucent lines with no clinical impact were observed in 7% of DeLee and Charnley acetabular zones evaluated. Massive radiological migration, consistent with clinical failure, was observed in two cups. Three patients underwent re-revision surgery (10%): two due to infection and one due to mechanical failure. Reconstruction survival rate was 89% (CI 95% 71.9–96.4) overall, and 96% (CI 95% 82.6–99.3) ruling out cases of infection. Impacted bone allograft constitutes one of the reconstructive techniques of choice in acetabular revision surgery of young patients. Restoration of bone stock is essential in this group of patients due to the possibility of future revisions