Soluble interleukin-2 receptor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-10 serum levels in patients withelanoma

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) have each been reported as useful markers for melanoma progression. To evaluate the clinical relevance of these three markers, we simultaneously analysed their serum levels in patients with melanoma. A longitudinal study with a 3-year follow-up was performed and different stages of the disease were considered. Mean values of sIL-2R were significantly higher than in normal controls in all stages and correlated with the disease progression. The prognosis of patients with levels > 529 U/ml of sIL-2R was significantly poorer than in patients with sIL-2R levels < 529 U/ml. Levels of sICAM-1 were also elevated in melanoma patients, specially at the time of the metastatic disease. Serum IL-10 levels were more frequently detectable in the patients that developed metastasis during follow-up, and the prognosis of patients with detectable IL-10 levels was significantly poorer than in those patients with IL-10 undetected levels. Statistical analysis based on Logistic and Cox regression models showed that only sex, stage and sIL-2R value are factors significantly associated with metastatic progression. Moreover, high levels of sIL-2R could be a risk factor for malignant progression in melanoma. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaig

OSIRIS – The scientific camera system onboard Rosetta

The Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System OSIRIS is the scientific camera system onboard the Rosetta spacecraft (Figure 1). The advanced high performance imaging system will be pivotal for the success of the Rosetta mission. OSIRIS will detect 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from a distance of more than 106 km, characterise the comet shape and volume, its rotational state and find a suitable landing spot for Philae, the Rosetta lander. OSIRIS will observe the nucleus, its activity and surroundings down to a scale of ~2 cm px−1. The observations will begin well before the onset of cometary activity and will extend over months until the comet reaches perihelion. During the rendezvous episode of the Rosetta mission, OSIRIS will provide key information about the nature of cometary nuclei and reveal the physics of cometary activity that leads to the gas and dust coma. OSIRIS comprises a high resolution Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) unit and a Wide Angle Camera (WAC) unit accompanied by three electronics boxes. The NAC is designed to obtain high resolution images of the surface of comet 7P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko through 12 discrete filters over the wavelength range 250–1000 nm at an angular resolution of 18.6 μrad px−1. The WAC is optimised to provide images of the near-nucleus environment in 14 discrete filters at an angular resolution of 101 μrad px−1. The two units use identical shutter, filter wheel, front door, and detector systems. They are operated by a common Data Processing Unit. The OSIRIS instrument has a total mass of 35 kg and is provided by institutes from six European countrie

Diagnostic delay is associated with uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease in AS: a study of extra-musculoskeletal manifestations in SpA

Objectives To examine the prevalence of extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (EMM) and the association between diagnostic delay and their incidence in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods Retrospective, cohort study comprising two single centre cohorts in Europe and one multicentre cohort in Latin America (RESPONDIA). EMMs (uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and psoriasis) crude prevalence was calculated across geographic area and adjusted by direct standardisation. Cox proportional hazard analysis were performed to assess the association between diagnostic delay and EMM incidence. Results Of 3553 patients, 2097 had AS and 1456 had PsA. The overall prevalence of uveitis was 22.9% (95%CI 21.1–24.8) in AS and 3.8% (95%CI 2.9–5.0) in PsA; 8.1% (95%CI 7.0–9.4) and 2.1% (1.3–2.9) respectively for IBD; 11.0% (95%CI 9.7–12.4) and 94.6% (93.0–95.9) for psoriasis; with EMM often presenting before the arthritis (uveitis 45.1% and 33.3%; IBD 37.4% and 70% in AS and PsA respectively). In the multivariable model, longer diagnostic delay (≥5 years) associated with more uveitis (HR 4.01, 95%CI 3.23–4.07) and IBD events (HR 1.85, 95%CI 1.28–2.67) in AS. Diagnostic delay was not significantly associated with uveitis (HR 1.57, 95%CI 0.69–3.59) or IBD events (HR 1.59, 95%CI 0.39–6.37) in PsA. Conclusion EMMs are more prevalent in AS than PsA and often present before the onset of the articular disease. A longer diagnostic delay is associated with the “de novo” appearance of uveitis and IBD in AS, highlighting the need to enhance diagnostic strategies to shorten the time from first symptom to diagnosis in SpA