The restorative role of annexin A1 at the blood–brain barrier

Annexin A1 is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule that has been extensively studied in the peripheral immune system, but has not as yet been exploited as a therapeutic target/agent. In the last decade, we have undertaken the study of this molecule in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing particularly on the primary interface between the peripheral body and CNS: the blood–brain barrier. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of this molecule in the brain, with a particular emphasis on its functions in the endothelium of the blood–brain barrier, and the protective actions the molecule may exert in neuroinflammatory, neurovascular and metabolic disease. We focus on the possible new therapeutic avenues opened up by an increased understanding of the role of annexin A1 in the CNS vasculature, and its potential for repairing blood–brain barrier damage in disease and aging

Mobile phone text messaging for promoting adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment: a systematic review protocol

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In 2010, there were approximately 8.8 million incident cases of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. The treatment of TB is at least six months long and may be complicated by a high pill burden. In addition, TB patients often do not take their medication on schedule simply because they forget. Mobile phone text messaging has the potential to help promote TB treatment adherence. We, therefore, propose to conduct a review of current best evidence for the use of mobile phone text messaging to promote patient adherence to TB treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is a systematic review of the literature. We will preferably include randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, non-randomized studies (NRS) will be considered if there is an inadequate number of RCTs.</p> <p>We will search PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Science Citation Index, Africa-Wide Information, and WHOLIS electronic databases for eligible studies available by 30 November 2012 regardless of language or publication status. We will also check reference lists for additional studies, identify abstracts from conference proceedings and communicate with authors for any relevant material.</p> <p>At least two authors will independently screen search outputs, select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias (using separate criteria for RCTs and NRS); resolving discrepancies by discussion and consensus. We will assess clinical heterogeneity by examining the types of participants, interventions and outcomes in each study and pool studies judged to be clinically homogenous. We will also assess statistical heterogeneity using the chi-square test of homogeneity and quantify it using the I-square statistic. If study results are found to be statistically homogeneous (that is heterogeneity <it>P</it> > 0.1), we will pool them using the fixed-effect meta-analysis. Otherwise, we will use random-effects meta-analysis. We will calculate risk ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes, and mean differences for continuous outcomes. For other outcomes without quantitative data, a descriptive analysis will be used.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Our results can be used by researchers and policy-makers to help inform them of the efficacy of mobile phone text messaging interventions to promote patient adherence to TB treatment.</p

Peripheral neuropathy in hypereosinophilic syndrome with vasculitis

A 53-year-old woman with non-productive cough of unexplained aetiology for two years, developed a sub-acute symmetrical polyneuropathy involving all four limbs, accompanied by fever, cutaneous rash and myalgia in lower limbs. Laboratory studies revealed a leukocytosis with 70% eosinophils and excluded any cause for the hypereosinophilia. An echocardiogram showed increase in thickness of the atrial septum. Motor and sensory conduction velocity were reduced in ulnar and median nerve, and unrecordable in peroneal and tibial nerves. A sural nerve biopsy showed an axonal degeneration involving myelinated and unmyelinated fibers as well as a vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis and perivascular infiltration of eosinophils. There was considerable clinical and laboratorial improvement with the use of steroids. The differential diagnosis between idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome and other disorders known to course with vasculitis and hypereosinophilia is discussed