Newly formed cystic lesions for the development of pneumomediastinum in Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Pneumocystis jirovecii</it>, formerly named <it>Pneumocystis carinii</it>, is one of the most common opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.</p> <p>Case presentations</p> <p>We encountered two cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema in HIV-infected patients being treated for <it>Pneumocystis jirovecii </it>pneumonia with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Clinicians should be aware that cystic lesions and bronchiectasis can develop in spite of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole treatment for <it>P. jirovecii </it>pneumonia. The newly formed bronchiectasis and cyst formation that were noted in follow up high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) but were not visible on HRCT at admission could be risk factors for the development of pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema in HIV-patients.</p

Oxidized LDL Promotes Apoptosis and Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators in Alternatively Activated Macrophages

Accumulation of lipid within non-adipose tissues can induce inflammation by promoting macrophage infiltration and activation. Oxidized lipoproteins (oxLDL) have been known to induce cellular dysfunction in resident macrophages through pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic properties. However research into the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects of oxLDL in alternatively activated (M2) macrophages has been relatively sparse. In this study, the proinflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects of oxLDL (at concentrations of 1 and 40μg/ml) were investigated in M2 macrophages. Incubation of M2 macrophage for 24 hours with 1 or 40μg/ml oxLDL induced pro-inflammatory molecules (MCP-1 and IL-6) production. Induction of cell death via apoptosis was observed after 24 hours incubation with 1 or 40μg/ml, but statistical significant induction was only observed with 40μg/ml oxLDL. Taking into consideration that M2 macrophages have been proposed as an appropriate target for type 2 diabetes, these findings may be of use in enhancing our knowledge of the adverse effects of oxLDL, particularly in the context of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

After The Sewol

AFTER THE SEWOL is a feature documentary that explores the changes of Korean society and citizens since the sinking of the Sewol ferry. Many documentaries have focused on the cause of the sinking of the Sewol and the government's delayed response to a thorough investigation. This documentary will touch on these issues but we will take an in depth look at how the lack of response from officials and the government has really impacted on the lives of those that now matter most. AFTER THE SEWOL explores South Korean history and culture in order to understand why safety is a concern that in on the minds of many of the citizens. It also explores why members of the general public are giving up their free-time to promote awareness and educate people about public safety. Using the sinking of the Sewol ferry as a catalyst, the aim of the film is to not only shed light on the suffering the victims have gone through but also to show how they have fought and struggled to be heard in trying to create change for the better