Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and thioredoxin are differentially expressed along the reproductive tract of the ewe during the oestrous cycle and after ovariectomy

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and thioredoxin are regulated by gonadal steroids in the female reproductive tract of many species. Oestradiol regulates IGF-I and thioredoxin mRNA levels in the reproductive tract of prepubertal lambs. The physiological status (different endocrine environment) may affect the sensitivity of the reproductive tract to oestradiol and progesterone. We studied the effects of different endocrine milieus (late-follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle, and ovariectomy before or after puberty) on the expression of IGF-I, thioredoxin, oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in sheep. The mRNA levels were determined by a solution hybridisation technique. In the uterus the levels of ERα, PR and thioredoxin mRNA were higher in the late-follicular phase group than in the other three groups, and IGF-I mRNA was high during both the late-follicular and the luteal phases. In the cervix only PR mRNA was significantly higher in the ewes in the late-follicular phase than in the other groups. In the oviducts the levels of thioredoxin and ERα mRNA were highest in the ovariectomised adult ewes, and thioredoxin mRNA was higher than the levels found in the ewes in the late-follicular phase. The IGF-I mRNA levels in the oviduct did not differ between any of the groups. The transcripts of IGF-I, thioredoxin, ERα and PR, varied according to the physiological status and also along the female reproductive tract, suggesting that the regulation of the mRNA levels of these factors by the steroid environment is tissue specific. Koncentrationen av insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) och thioredoxin regleras hos många arter i honors reproduktionsorgan av könssteroider. Sålunda reglerar östradiol IGF-I och thioredoxin mRNA i reproduktionsorganen hos prepubertala lamm. Djurets fysiologiska status (dvs den endokrina miljön) kan påverka känsligheten hos reproduktionsorganen för östradiol och progesteron. Vi studerade effekterna av olika endokrina miljöer (sen follikelfas och lutealfas i östruscykeln, samt ovariektomi före och efter puberteten) på uttrycket av IGF-I, thioredoxin, östrogenreceptor α (ERα) och progesteronreceptorn (PR) hos får. Lösningshybridisering användes för att bestämma mRNA nivåerna. I livmodern var mRNA koncentrationen för ERα, PR och thioredoxin högre i sen follikelfas än i de andra tre grupperna och IGF-I mRNA nivån var hög både under sen follikelfas och i lutealfas. PR mRNA i cervix var signifikant högre hos tackorna under sen follikelfas än i de andra grupperna. I äggledarna var mRNA nivåerna av thioredoxin och ERα högst i de djur som ovariektomerats som vuxna, och thioredoxin mRNA var högre än hos tackorna under sen follikelfas. Det förelåg ingen skillnad vad gäller IGF-I mRNA nivåerna i äggledaren mellan någon av grupperna. IGF-I, thioredoxin, ERα och PR mRNA nivåerna varierade beroende på fysiologisk status och morfologisk lokalisation i reproduktionsorganen. Detta tyder på att steroidhormonernas reglering av dessa faktorers mRNA uttryck också är vävnadsspecifik

The role of entry screening in case finding of tuberculosis among asylum seekers in Norway

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Most new cases of active tuberculosis in Norway are presently caused by imported strains and not transmission within the country. Screening for tuberculosis with a Mantoux test of everybody and a chest X-ray of those above 15 years of age is compulsory on arrival for asylum seekers.</p> <p>We aimed to assess the effectiveness of entry screening of a cohort of asylum seekers. Cases detected by screening were compared with cases detected later. Further we have characterized cases with active tuberculosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All asylum seekers who arrived at the National Reception Centre between January 2005 - June 2006 with an abnormal chest X-ray or a Mantoux test ≥ 6 mm were included in the study and followed through the health care system. They were matched with the National Tuberculosis Register by the end of May 2008.</p> <p>Cases reported within two months after arrival were defined as being detected by screening.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 4643 eligible asylum seekers, 2237 were included in the study. Altogether 2077 persons had a Mantoux ≥ 6 mm and 314 had an abnormal chest X-ray. Of 28 cases with tuberculosis, 15 were detected by screening, and 13 at 4-27 months after arrival. Abnormal X-rays on arrival were more prevalent among those detected by screening. Female gender and Somalian origin increased the risk for active TB.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In spite of an imperfect follow-up of screening results, a reasonable number of TB cases was identified by the programme, with a predominance of pulmonary TB.</p

Diminished macrophage apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation after phorbol ester stimulation in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's Disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although its pathogenesis is complex, we have recently shown that CD patients have a systemic defect in macrophage function, which results in the defective clearance of bacteria from inflammatory sites. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we have identified a number of additional macrophage defects in CD following diacylglycerol (DAG) homolog phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) activation. We provide evidence for decreased DNA fragmentation, reduced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, impaired reactive oxygen species production, diminished cytochrome c release and increased IL-6 production compared to healthy subjects after PMA exposure. The observed macrophage defects in CD were stimulus-specific, as normal responses were observed following p53 activation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. CONCLUSION: These findings add to a growing body of evidence highlighting disordered macrophage function in CD and, given their pivotal role in orchestrating inflammatory responses, defective apoptosis could potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of CD

COPD awareness survey: do Belgian pulmonary physicians comply with the GOLD guidelines 2010?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is underestimated, underdiagnosed and often under-treated in the general population. A survey of 17 structured questions, delivered to all Belgian pulmonary physicians (PPs) (116 responses), evaluated diagnosis and treatment strategies in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines 2010 and assessed opinions about the importance of diurnal variation of COPD symptoms. All COPD diagnoses (37% new cases) were spirometry confirmed. Main diagnostic parameters were symptoms (99%), external risk factors (99%), clinical examination (97%), exacerbations (96%) and patient mobility (96%). FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1s) (97%) or FEV1/FVC (ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity) (93%) were used most to assess diagnosis and severity. The 3 most important therapeutic objectives were symptom relief, preventing exacerbations, and improving quality of life; if these were not reached, the preferred strategy (60% of PPs) was adding another medication. Treatment strategies varied with COPD stage: short-acting beta2-agonists (90%) and short-acting anti-cholinergics (59%) were used for GOLD I disease, whereas for higher stages long-acting beta2-agonists (36-48%) and long-acting anti-cholinergics (79%) were given with inhaled corticosteroids (21-67%). Symptoms were perceived to vary throughout the day, affecting quality of life (97%) and mobility (89%). In particular, respiratory symptoms were more severe in the morning (51-92%), leading PPs to adapt treatment (69%). This survey demonstrated that management of COPD by PPs in Belgium is generally in line with the GOLD guidelines 2010 and that they perceive morning symptoms as being frequent and having an impact on patient's life

COPD awareness survey: do Belgian pulmonary physicians comply with the GOLD guidelines 2010?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is underestimated, underdiagnosed and often under-treated in the general population. A survey of 17 structured questions, delivered to all Belgian pulmonary physicians (PPs) (116 responses), evaluated diagnosis and treatment strategies in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines 2010 and assessed opinions about the importance of diurnal variation of COPD symptoms. All COPD diagnoses (37% new cases) were spirometry confirmed. Main diagnostic parameters were symptoms (99%), external risk factors (99%), clinical examination (97%), exacerbations (96%) and patient mobility (96%). FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1s) (97%) or FEV1/FVC (ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity) (93%) were used most to assess diagnosis and severity. The 3 most important therapeutic objectives were symptom relief, preventing exacerbations, and improving quality of life; if these were not reached, the preferred strategy (60% of PPs) was adding another medication. Treatment strategies varied with COPD stage: short-acting beta2-agonists (90%) and short-acting anti-cholinergics (59%) were used for GOLD I disease, whereas for higher stages long-acting beta2-agonists (36-48%) and long-acting anti-cholinergics (79%) were given with inhaled corticosteroids (21-67%). Symptoms were perceived to vary throughout the day, affecting quality of life (97%) and mobility (89%). In particular, respiratory symptoms were more severe in the morning (51-92%), leading PPs to adapt treatment (69%). This survey demonstrated that management of COPD by PPs in Belgium is generally in line with the GOLD guidelines 2010 and that they perceive morning symptoms as being frequent and having an impact on patient's life.status: publishe