15 research outputs found
Q Fever Endocarditis in HIV-Infected Patient
We describe a case of Q fever endocarditis in an HIV-infected patient. The case was treated successfully with valvular replacement and a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. We review the current literature on Q fever endocarditis, with an emphasis on the co-infection of HIV and Coxiella burnetii
Nonthrombogenic, Biodegradable Elastomeric Polyurethanes with Variable Sulfobetaine Content
For applications where degradable polymers are
likely to have extended blood contact, it is often important for
these materials to exhibit high levels of thromboresistance.
This can be achieved with surface modification approaches, but
such modifications may be transient with degradation.
Alternatively, polymer design can be altered such that the
bulk polymer is thromboresistant and this is maintained with
degradation. Toward this end a series of biodegradable, elastic
polyurethanes (PESBUUs) containing different zwitterionic
sulfobetaine (SB) content were synthesized from a polycaprolactone-diol (PCL-diol):SB-diol mixture (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75
and 0:100) reacted with diisocyanatobutane and chain extended with putrescine. The chemical structure, tensile mechanical
properties, thermal properties, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, fibrinogen adsorption and thrombogenicity of the resulting
polymers was characterized. With increased SB content some weakening in tensile properties occurred in wet conditions and
enzymatic degradation also decreased. However, at higher zwitterionic molar ratios (50% and 75%) wet tensile strength exceeded
15 MPa and breaking strain was >500%. Markedly reduced thrombotic deposition was observed both before and after substantial
degradation for both of these PESBUUs and they could be processed by electrospinning into a vascular conduit format with
appropriate compliance properties. The mechanical and degradation properties as well as the acute in vitro thrombogenicity
assessment suggest that these tunable polyurethanes could provide options appropriate for use in blood contacting applications
where a degradable, elastomeric component with enduring thromboresistance is desired
The influence of soil and landfill leachate microorganisms in the degradation of PVC/PCL films cast from DMF
Effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Menopause on Rat Soft Palate and Base of Tongue
Cysteinyl leukotriene receptors are expressed by tonsillar T cells of children with obstructive sleep apnea
Background: Increased expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 [LT1-R]; cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-2 [LT2-R]) has been detected in adenotonsillar tissue from children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) compared to control subjects. LT1-R has been localized in myeloperoxidase-positive cells. This phenomenon possibly contributes to lymphoid tissue enlargement and may be related to systemic inflammation. Objective: To characterize cells expressing LT1-R and LT2-R in tonsillar tissue and assess serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in children with and without SDB. Methods: Immunohistochemistry with LT1-R and LT2-R antibodies was used to examine tonsils from children who had tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) for SDB and from control subjects operated for recurrent tonsillitis/otitis. All participants underwent preoperative polysomnography and measurement of morning serum CRP. Results: Fifteen children with SDB (mean age +/- SD, 6.4 +/- 2.1 years; apnea-hypopnea index, 9.6 +/- 5.6 episodes per hour) and 11 control subjects (age, 7.5 +/- 2.8 years; apnea-hypopnea index, 7 +/- 0.3/h) were examined. Immunoreactivity for LT1-R and LT2-R was detected in tonsillar extrafollicular areas of all subjects with SDB but not of control subjects. Cells expressing leukotriene receptors were CD3+ lymphocytes. Children with SDB and control subjects were similar regarding CRP levels: 0.11 +/- 0.15 mg/dL vs 0.09 +/- 0.15 mg/dL, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Tonsils of children with SDB but not of control subjects have enhanced expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors in T lymphocytes without an associated increase in serum CRP concentration. Up-regulation of LT1-R and LT2-R could potentially promote tonsillar enlargement in children with obstructive sleep apnea