Association of MBL2, TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 Polymorphisms With Production of IFN-γ and IL-12 in BCG Osteitis Survivors R1.

Background: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a key cytokine in defense against mycobacteria, including Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognizing molecules of innate immunity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in MBL, TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 encoding genes and stimulated IFN-γ and interleukin-12 (IL-12) ex vivo production in BCG osteitis survivors.

Dietary factors in the development of type 1 diabetes.

There are several indicators concerning the putative importance of dietary factors during the fetal period lactation, infancy and childhood in the etiology of type 1 diabetes. Among foods, cow's milk consumption has been associated with an increased risk of preclinical and/or clinical type 1 diabetes and sugars with a progression from preclinical to clinical disease. Breast milk, on the other hand, may be protective.

An Overview of Nanoparticle Based Delivery for Treatment of Inner Ear Disorders.

Nanoparticles offer new possibilities for inner ear treatment as they can carry a variety of drugs, protein, and nucleic acids to inner ear. Nanoparticles are equipped with several functions such as targetability, immuno-transparency, biochemical stability, and ability to be visualized in vivo and in vitro. A group of novel peptides can be attached to the surface of nanoparticles that will enhance the cell entry, endosomal escape, and nuclear targeting.

Interferon-gamma-dependent Immunity in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine Osteitis Survivors.

Background: Inborn errors of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-mediated immunity underlie disseminated disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) live vaccines. We hypothesized that some patients with osteitis after BCG vaccination may have an impaired IFN-γ immunity. Our aim was to investigate interleukin (IL)-12 and IFN-γ ex vivo production stimulated with BCG and BCG + IFN-γ or BCG + IL-12, respectively, in BCG osteitis survivors.

Interleukin-10 gene promoter region polymorphisms are not associated with BCG osteitis in vaccinated infants.

Setting: Complications arising from bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination were recorded in a national register in Finland until 1988. In the period 1960-1988, 222 patients suffered from BCG osteitis.

Objective: To evaluate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the gene encoding interleukin 10 (IL-10) are associated with BCG osteitis after vaccination in neonates.

Toll-like receptor 2 subfamily gene polymorphisms are associated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin osteitis following newborn vaccination.

Aim: Toll-like receptor (TLR) 1, 2, 6 and 10, the TLR2 subfamily, are known to be associated with immunity against tuberculosis. We evaluated whether polymorphisms in genes encoding TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 were associated with osteitis in infants who received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination soon after birth.

Methods: Blood samples from 132 adults aged 21-49 who had BCG osteitis in early childhood were analysed in a controlled study for TLR1 T1805G (rs5743618), TLR2 G2258A (rs5743708) and TLR6 C745T (rs5743810) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Postural stability and quality of life after guided and self-training among older adults residing in an institutional setting.

Purpose: To evaluate whether rehabilitation of muscle force or balance improves postural stability and quality of life (QoL), and whether self-administered training is comparable with guided training among older adults residing in an institutional setting.

Patients And Methods: A randomized, prospective intervention study was undertaken among 55 elderly patients. Three intervention groups were evaluated: a muscle force training group; a balance and muscle force training group; and a self-administered training group.

Variant MBL2 genotypes producing low mannose-binding lectin may increase risk of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin osteitis in vaccinated newborns.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a role in the development of osteitis after Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination as a newborn.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 132 former BCG osteitis patients, now aged 21-49 years, and analysed for MBL concentration and MBL2 genotype in a controlled setting.

Results: Variant genotypes in the MBL2 gene were more common in the former BCG osteitis patients (42.

Characterization of presbyequilibrium among institutionalized elderly persons.

Objective: The aim was to characterize dizziness, vertigo, poor maintenance of posture, and sudden instabilities (called presbyequilibrium) among institutionalized elderly to model and identify possible treatable causes.

Methods: A questionnaire based study focusing on symptoms among 72 elderly persons from a single residential facility and followed them for 3 years.

Results: Dizziness, vertigo, poor maintenance of posture, and black-outs were reported by 68% of the 72 elderly and make them at risk for falls, and reduced quality of life.

Recent developments in latex allergy.

Purpose Of Review: Immediate allergic reactions to natural rubber latex continue to be an important medical and occupational health problem. In this review we focus on progress made in understanding the significance of occupational exposure and epidemiology, risk groups, diagnosis and prevention of natural rubber latex allergy. We also discuss methods aimed at quantification of clinically relevant natural rubber latex allergens and studies on B-cell epitopes of major natural rubber latex allergens.