Common variable immunodeficiency disorder-related liver disease is common and results in portal hypertension and an increased risk of death.

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) manifests with recurrent infections and inflammatory complications, including liver disease. We report the clinical features, natural history, and outcomes of patients with CVID-related liver disease (CVID-rLD) from a tertiary immunology and hepatology center.

Methods: Two hundred eighteen patients were identified; CVID-rLD was defined by persistently abnormal liver function tests or evidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) or portal hypertension (PHTN) by radiological or endoscopic investigation, after exclusion of other causes.

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID)-related liver disease: assessment of the main histological aspects using novel semiquantitative scoring systems, image analysis and correlation with clinical parameters of liver stiffness and portal hypertension.

Aims: We aimed to investigate the relationship between T-cell-mediated sinusoidal injury, nodular regenerative hyperplasia like changes (NRH-LC) and fibrosis, clinical measures of fibrosis and portal hypertension, and progression rate in common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID)-related liver disease.

Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre study. Liver biopsies from CVID patients with liver disease were reviewed to assess for NRH-LC, fibrosis and elastosis, including collagen and elastin proportionate areas.

Quantification of tissue-specific protein translation in whole using O-propargyl-puromycin labeling and fluorescence microscopy.

The regulation of gene expression via protein translation is critical for growth, development, and stress response. While puromycin-based techniques have been used to quantify protein translation in , they have been limited to using lysate from whole worms. To achieve tissue-specific quantification of ribosome activity in intact , we report the application of O-propargyl-puromycin in a cuticle defective mutant followed by conjugation of an azide fluorophore for detection using fluorescent confocal microscopy.

A lysozyme with altered substrate specificity facilitates prey cell exit by the periplasmic predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.

Lysozymes are among the best-characterized enzymes, acting upon the cell wall substrate peptidoglycan. Here, examining the invasive bacterial periplasmic predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, we report a diversified lysozyme, DslA, which acts, unusually, upon (GlcNAc-) deacetylated peptidoglycan. B.

Interrupting peptidoglycan deacetylation during Bdellovibrio predator-prey interaction prevents ultimate destruction of prey wall, liberating bacterial-ghosts.

The peptidoglycan wall, located in the periplasm between the inner and outer membranes of the cell envelope in Gram-negative bacteria, maintains cell shape and endows osmotic robustness. Predatory Bdellovibrio bacteria invade the periplasm of other bacterial prey cells, usually crossing the peptidoglycan layer, forming transient structures called bdelloplasts within which the predators replicate. Prey peptidoglycan remains intact for several hours, but is modified and then degraded by escaping predators.

A computer-based aid for communication between patients with limited English and their clinicians, using symbols and digitised speech.

Background: Problems of communication are an important barrier on the pathway to healthcare for patients with limited or no ability in the majority language of the country in which they live. Solutions involving interpreters who have to be booked in advance, or using unqualified friends or family members to translate, are highly unsatisfactory.

Aim: This paper describes a computer-based approach to alleviating the situation.

Determination of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in cosmetic products by LC-MS-MS.

We have developed and validated in-house a liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for determination of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) in cosmetics. The sample is diluted with water and then a C18 clean-up is performed. The average recovery of NDELA is 88.

Heterogeneity of human luteinizing hormone in pituitary tumor homogenates and cell incubates.

Incubation media of pituitary cells and homogenates of pituitary tumors were studied by isoelectric focusing followed by radioimmunoassay. Almost all LH-immunoreactive components detected had been observed in earlier studies on highly purified preparations. In one pituitary tumor homogenate, intact LH (LHi) was detected.

Heterogeneity of human luteinizing hormone. Hydrophobic interaction chromatographic fractionation of some preparations.

The heterogeneity of human luteinizing hormone was investigated with high performance hydrophobic interaction chromatography on a TSK phenyl-5PW column using an ammonium sulphate gradient. Recovery of individual subunits, expressed as immunochemical activity, was in the order of 90%. Recovery of the intact hormone was less, approximately 25%.

Seven forces that are shaping the future of hospitals.

Among the developments that can be expected to shape the future of hospitals are the rapid aging of the population; the emergence of chronic disease as the dominant pattern of morbidity; a growing realization of limits; a slowdown in technological extravagances; a "surplus" of physician manpower; increased public sophistication about health; and the emerging legislative and administrative environment.

The malpractice controversy and the quality of patient care.

The widespread doctor strikes of 1975 stimulated belated attention to a crisis in malpractice insurance. Most state legislatures responded only to a shadow crisis in insurance as they rallied to the defense of health care providers. The smouldering substantive crisis--the reality of malpractice--is now galvanizing institutions and professions into aggressive activities for quality assurance and renewal of trust between patient and doctor.