ABSTRACT
A lectin from Methanococcus voltae A3 has been cloned, expressed, purified and characterized. The lectin appears to be specific for complex sugars. The protein crystallized in a tetragonal space group, with around 16 subunits in the asymmetric unit. Sequence comparisons indicate the lectin to have a ß-prism I fold, with poor homology to lectins of known three-dimensional structure.
Subject(s)
Archaeal Proteins/chemistry , Lectins/chemistry , Methanococcus/chemistry , Protein Subunits/chemistry , Amino Acid Sequence , Archaeal Proteins/genetics , Archaeal Proteins/metabolism , Cloning, Molecular , Crystallization , Crystallography, X-Ray , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Gene Expression , Genetic Vectors/chemistry , Genetic Vectors/metabolism , Lectins/genetics , Lectins/metabolism , Methanococcus/metabolism , Protein Subunits/genetics , Protein Subunits/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , X-Ray DiffractionABSTRACT
Spirulina or Arthrospira is a blue-green alga that became famous after it was successfully used by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. It has the ability to modulate immune functions and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells. Multiple studies investigating the efficacy and the potential clinical applications of Spirulina in treating several diseases have been performed and a few randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that this alga may improve several symptoms and may even have an anticancer, antiviral and antiallergic effects. Current and potential clinical applications, issues of safety, indications, side-effects and levels of evidence are addressed in this review. Areas of ongoing and future research are also discussed.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: to assess etiology, treatment and outcome of Grisel's syndrome. METHODS: A Medline search was performed using the terms Grisel's syndrome, spontaneous atlantoaxial subluxation, head, neck, ear, nose and throat. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Case series of both adult and pediatric cases were included. Only papers focusing on true non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation were included. RESULTS: Seventy-one papers have been published from 1950 to 2006. Forty-eight of these fulfilled our inclusion criteria, totaling 103 patients for review. The main causes of Grisel's syndrome were infection (48%) and post-adenotonsillectomy (31%). Less common causes included other postoperative cases such as pharyngoplasty and ear operations. Neurosurgical consultation was paramount in all cases. In the majority of cases conservative management in the form of bedrest, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, traction and collar was effective; in a few cases only surgery in the form of arthrodesis was deemed necessary. Morbidity was significant in those cases where diagnosis was delayed, with the most devastating consequence a permanent neurological deficit in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Grisel's syndrome is a rare but dangerous complication that can go unnoticed in its early phase and can be a major cause of morbidity and mortality following infection or head and neck procedures/interventions. Early recognition of any cervical complication following routine otolaryngological operations together with early neurosurgical consultation is mandatory to prevent devastating consequences.
Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple , Atlanto-Axial Joint/abnormalities , Evidence-Based Medicine , Otolaryngology , HumansABSTRACT
In a series of 360 patients who underwent cochlear implantation at our center, four patients (five procedures) had cochlear implantation with obliteration of the mastoid cavity and management of cholesteatoma as a single-staged procedure. Three patients were bilaterally deaf secondary to CSOM and had bilateral mastoid cavities, and in one patient congenital cholesteatoma was identified during cochlear implantation. A mastoidectomy or revision mastoidectomy with obliteration of the mastoid cavity and cochlear implantation was performed as a single stage procedure. Cholesteatoma reoccurred in one patient 9 years after cochlear implantation. Surgical procedures, complications, follow-up and outcomes are discussed.
Subject(s)
Cholesteatoma/surgery , Cochlear Implantation/methods , Hearing Loss/surgery , Mastoid/surgery , Mastoiditis/surgery , Otitis Media, Suppurative/complications , Adult , Aged , Cholesteatoma/complications , Chronic Disease , Female , Hearing Loss/etiology , Humans , Male , Mastoiditis/etiology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant tumour frequently described arising from seromucinous salivary tissue in the major and minor salivary glands. Within the nasal cavity, it is uncommon and usually involves the lateral wall. A rare case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal septum is presented along with a review of the literature. The presentation and management of this uncommon condition is discussed.
