No abstract

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a potent mitogen and migration factor for vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), promoted neovascularization in vivo in the rabbit cornea. MRI demonstrated quantitatively the angiogenic effect of HB-EGF when introduced subcutaneously into nude mice. HB-EGF is not directly mitogenic to endothelial cells but it induced the migration of bovine endothelial cells and release of endothelial cell mitogenic activity from bovine vascular SMC. This mitogenic activity was specifically blocked by neutralizing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. In contrast, EGF or transforming growth factor-K K (TGF-K K) had almost no effect on release of endothelial mitogenicity from SMC. In addition, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that VEGF ITS mRNA levels were increased in vascular SMC 4^10-fold by 0.35^2 nM of HB-EGF, respectively. Our data suggest that HB-EGF, as a mediator of intercellular communication, may play a new important role in supporting wound healing, tumor progression and atherosclerosis by stimulating angiogenesis.z 1998 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Computed tomographic (CT) changes of intussusception include the early target mass with fascial planes around the mass retained; with progress and bowel wall thickening, the characteristic mass with layering effect occurs (i.e., areas of high density with curvilinear low-density zones). Traction on the associated mesenteric vasculature may be noted. Scattered air-fluid levels indicate the associated presence of bowel obstruction. As edema of the bowel progresses, the layering effect is obscured, and the compromised bowel assumes an amorphous shape surrounded by intraperitoneal fluid. The presence of intramural air is indicative of vascular compromise of the intussuscepting bowel.

No abstract

Dysfunction of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) results in degeneration of photoreceptors and vision loss and is correlated with common blinding disorders in humans. Although many proteincoding genes are known to be expressed in RPE and are important for its development and maintenance, virtually nothing is known about the in vivo roles of non-coding transcripts. The expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been analyzed in a variety of ocular tissues, and a few were implicated to play role in RPE based on studies in cell lines. Here, through RPE-specific conditional mutagenesis of Dicer1 or Dgcr8 in mice, the importance of miRNAs for RPE differentiation was uncovered. miRNAs were found to be dispensable for maintaining RPE fate and survival, and yet they are essential for the acquisition of important RPE properties such as the expression of genes involved in the visual cycle pathway, pigmentation and cell adhesion. Importantly, miRNAs of the RPE are required for maturation of adjacent photoreceptors, specifically for the morphogenesis of the outer segments. The alterations in the miRNA and mRNA profiles in the Dicer1-deficient RPE point to a key role of miR-204 in regulation of the RPE differentiation program in vivo and uncover the importance of additional novel RPE miRNAs. This study reveals the combined regulatory activity of miRNAs that is required for RPE differentiation and for the development of the adjacent neuroretina.

Background Gold mineworkers in South Africa are exposed to high levels of silica dust as a result of which they are at risk of developing silicosis, which is a compensable disease. The incidence of tuberculosis is also high. Methods To determine the prevalence of occupational lung disease and the previous compensation history in former migrant mineworkers, a study was undertaken in a random sample of men living in Libode, a rural district of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Two hundred thirty‐eight ex‐mineworkers were examined according to a protocol that included chest radiography and spirometry. Chest radiographs were read into the International Labour Organisation (ILO) classification for pneumoconioses by two readers. Results The mean age was 52.8 years, and the mean length of service was 12.15 years. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis (≥ILO 1/0) was 22% and 36% (variation by reader). For both readers, a significant association between length of service and pneumoconiosis and between pneumoconiosis and reduction in FVC and FEV was found. Twenty‐four percent of study subjects were eligible for compensation. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed, uncompensated pneumoconiosis in the study group. As a result of the failure to diagnose and compensate occupational lung disease, the social and economic burden of such disease is being borne by individuals, households, and the migrant labor‐sending communities as a whole. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:305–313, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

The overall prevalence of pneumoconiosis, although significantly associated with CDE, was low. The presence of pneumoconiosis is associated with meaningful health effects, including deterioration in lung function. Intervention measures that control exposure are indicated, to reduce these functional effects.

The risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection and its complications among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated by dupilumab is yet to be determined. We aimed to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-associated hospitalization, and mortality among patients with AD treated by dupilumab. A population-based cohort study was conducted to compare AD patients treated by dupilumab (n = 238) with those treated by prolonged systemic corticosteroids (≥ 3 months; n = 1,023), phototherapy (n = 461), and azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 194) regarding the incidence of COVID-19 and its complications. The incidence rate of COVID-19, COVID-19-associated hospitalization, and mortality among patients treated by dupilumab was 70.1 (95% CI, 40.5–116.4), 5.0 (95% CI, 0.3–24.7), and 0.0 per 1,000 person-year, respectively. The use of dupilumab was not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection [adjusted HR for dupilumab vs. prolonged systemic corticosteroids: 1.13 (95% CI, 0.61–2.09); dupilumab vs. phototherapy: 0.80 (95% CI, 0.42–1.53); dupilumab vs. azathioprine/MMF: 1.10 (95% CI, 0.45–2.65)]. Dupilumab was associated with a comparable risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalization [adjusted HR for dupilumab vs. prolonged systemic corticosteroids: 0.35 (95% CI, 0.05–2.71); dupilumab vs. phototherapy: 0.43 (95% CI, 0.05–3.98); dupilumab vs. azathioprine/MMF: 0.25 (95% CI, 0.02–2.74)]. When applicable, the risk of mortality was not elevated in patients with AD treated by dupilumab [HR for dupilumab vs. prolonged systemic corticosteroids: 0.04 (95% CI, 0.00–225.20)]. To conclude, dupilumab does not impose an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 complications in patients with AD. Dupilumab should be continued and considered as a safe drug for moderate-to-severe AD during the pandemic.