Expression of membrane-bound CC chemokine ligand 20 on follicular T helper cells in T-B-cell conjugates

The CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its sole chemokine ligand CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) display an emerging role in the coordination of humoral immune responses. Recent studies demonstrate a role of this chemokine axis in the migration of B cells to key immunological sites during an immune response, and facilitating the generation of high-quality antibodies. Very little, however, is known about CCL20 and its role in these functions. We undertook a preliminary investigation into the expression and function of CCL20 and demonstrate its well-noted upregulation in the spleen during immunization. Furthermore, we show that most follicular T helper (Tfh) cells can be CCR6 + and can produce CCL20. Surprisingly, CCL20 cannot only be found in the cytoplasm but also on the surface of these cells and their precursors. Analysis of T-B-cell conjugates revealed that mature Tfh cells, but not their precursors, are highly enriched in the conjugates. Further functional studies are needed to unravel the precise role of CCL20 in coordinating T and B cell interactions during the humoral immune response

Association Between Acute Neuropsychiatric Events and Helicobacter pylori Therapy Containing Clarithromycin

Importance: There is a concern that Helicobacter pylori therapy containing clarithromycin might be associated with acute neuropsychiatric events. / Objective: To examine the association between H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin and acute neuropsychiatric events. / Design, Setting, and Participants: A self-controlled case series study was conducted using the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System database in Hong Kong to explore any association. The exposure of interest was H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin in the outpatient setting. Study patients, 18 years or older at cohort entry, must have had both exposure to H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin and their first recorded neuropsychiatric events between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012. A post hoc nested case-control analysis was also performed in patients receiving H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin. / Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was composite neuropsychiatric events, while secondary outcomes were psychotic events and cognitive impairment. Risk periods in the self-controlled case series analysis were defined as 14-day preexposure period, current use (days 1-14 since prescription start date) and recent use (days 15-30). Age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated using the conditional Poisson regression. / Results: Of 66 559 patients who had at least 1 outpatient prescription of H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin. Their mean (SD) age at cohort entry was 50.8 (14.8 years); their mean age at first exposure was 55.4 (14.8) years, and 30 910 were male (46.4%). A total of 1824 patients had their first recorded composite neuropsychiatric events during the study period. An increased IRR of 4.12 (35 composite neuropsychiatric events during 72 person-years; 95% CI, 2.94-5.76) during current use was observed but not in recent use (9 events during 82 person-years; IRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.49-1.83) and 14-day preexposure period (14 events during 72 person-years; IRR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.96-2.77) vs baseline (1766 events during 16 665 person-years). Similarly, both the risk of psychotic events and cognitive impairment increased during current use vs baseline, although this subsequently returned to baseline incidence levels during recent use. The crude absolute risks of composite neuropsychiatric events, psychotic events, and cognitive impairment during current use were 0.45, 0.12, and 0.12 per 1000 prescriptions, respectively. The nested case-control analysis also gave similar results to that of the self-controlled case series analysis. / Conclusions and Relevance: This study shows evidence of a short-term increased risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin

Supporting the family as a whole: a needs assessment study on Cancer Families in Hong Kong

Powerpoint presentationConference Theme: East meets West: Expanding Frontiers and Diversitypublished_or_final_versio

Gas-forming intrahepatic abscess: A possible complication of arterial infusion chemotherapy

Three cases of intrahepatic gas-forming abscesses are presented with liver metastases and indwelling hepatic artery catheters for drug infusion. This may represent a further complication of intrahepatic arterial drug infusion. Possible etiologies along with future prospects for this form of therapy are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/48150/1/261_2005_Article_BF01887516.pd

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Effects of reserpine treatment on arrhythmogenesis during ischaemia and reperfusion in the isolated rat heart

1. The effects of reserpine treatment on the myocardial contents of catecholamines and enkephalins and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during ischaemia and reperfusion in the isolated rat heart were studied. 2. Reserpine treatment almost completely depleted the heart of noradrenaline (NA). It also significantly depleted the heart of adrenaline and dopamines. It did not, however, alter the myocardial contents of enkephalins. 3. Reserpine-treatment attenuated significantly, but did not abolish, cardiac arrhythmias induced by ischaemia and reperfusion in the isolated heart preparation. 4. The results of the present study indicate that myocardial catecholamines especially NA are a contributing factor to arrhythmogenesis during ischaemia and reperfusion.link_to_subscribed_fulltex