Irreversible Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with the use of Interferon Alpha for Chronic Hepatitis C

The interferons are a complex group of virally induced proteins produced by activated macrophages and lymphocytes, which have become the mainstay of therapy for hepatitis C infection. Sustained viral response (SVR) rates in noncirrhotic patients vary from 40–80% with interferon-based therapy. This, along with transplantation, has drastically changed the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection over the last two decades. Numerous side effects associated with interferon therapy have been reported. These range from transient flu-like symptoms to serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, renal and liver failure, polyneuropathy, and myelosuppression. Pulmonary side effects including pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and reversible pulmonary hypertension have been reported. Herein, we present four cases in which irreversible pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed after prolonged treatment with interferon alpha. In each case, other causes of pulmonary hypertension were systematically eliminated. Pulmonary artery hypertension, which may be irreversible, should be considered in patients being treated with interferon alpha who present with exertional dyspnea and do not have a readily identifiable inflammatory or thromboembolic cause

Pressure-induced amorphous-to-amorphous configuration change in Ca-Al metallic glasses

Pressure-induced amorphous-to-amorphous configuration changes in Ca-Al metallic glasses (MGs) were studied by performing in-situ room-temperature high-pressure x-ray diffraction up to about 40 GPa. Changes in compressibility at about 18 GPa, 15.5 GPa and 7.5 GPa during compression are detected in Ca80Al20, Ca72.7Al27.3, and Ca66.4Al33.6 MGs, respectively, whereas no clear change has been detected in the Ca50Al50 MG. The transfer of s electrons into d orbitals under pressure, reported for the pressure-induced phase transformations in pure polycrystalline Ca, is suggested to explain the observation of an amorphous-to-amorphous configuration change in this Ca-Al MG system. Results presented here show that the pressure induced amorphous-to-amorphous configuration is not limited to f electron-containing MGs

Ocular sequelae of snakebite envenoming: a review of the indirect effects of snakebite envenoming on the eye

Snakebite envenoming is a major public health issue in developing, often agricultural-based, tropical countries, which causes substantial mortality and morbidity. Most studies have been conducted on well-known toxic effects such as neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and hemotoxicity, however, there is scarce information on their indirect effects on the eye. In this review, we provide an overview of ocular pathologies caused by snakebite envenoming. In total, 65 cases, described in 42 case reports and series, were identified in the PubMed and Embase databases. Most reported ocular toxicities/disorders after snakebite envenoming were ophthalmoplegia (12 cases), intra- and peri-ocular hemorrhages (9 cases), and acute glaucoma (13 cases). We also discuss the possible mechanisms for these ocular pathologies. Interestingly, optic neuropathy might be an adverse effect of antivenom instead of directly being caused by envenoming. We prompt recognition of this largely overlooked topic within the field of snakebite, and further stress the need to combat this neglected tropical disease