PURPOSE: Bone metastasis invariably increases morbidity and mortality. This study compares the effects of ibandronate and paclitaxel on bone structure and its mechanical properties and biochemical turnover in resorption markers using an immunocompetent Walker 256-Sprague-Dawley model, which was subjected to tumor-induced osteolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy rats were divided equally into 4 groups: 1) sham group (SHAM), 2) tumor group (CANC), 3) ibandronate treated group (IBAN), and 4) paclitaxel treated group (PAC). Morphological indices [bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp)] and mechanical properties (failure load, stiffness) were evaluated after thirty days of treatment period. Bone resorption rate was analysed using serum deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) concentrations. RESULTS: Morphological indices showed that ibandronate (anti-resorptive drug) had a better effect in treating tumor-induced architectural changes in bone than paclitaxel (chemotherapeutic drug). The deterioration in bone architecture was reflected in the biomechanical properties of bone as studied with decreased failure load (F(x)) and stiffness (S) of the bone on the 30th day postsurgery. Dpd concentrations were significantly lower in the IBAN group, indicating successful inhibition of bone resorption and destruction. CONCLUSION: Ibandronate was found to be as effective as higher doses of paclitaxel in maintaining stiffness of bone. Paclitaxel treatment did not appear to inhibit osteoclast resorption, which is contrary to earlier in-vitro literature. Emphasis should be placed on the use of immunocompetent models for examining drug efficacy since it adequately reflects bone metastasis in clinical scenarios.
Amino Acids ; Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena/*drug effects/physiology ; Bone Density/drug effects/physiology ; Bone Neoplasms/*drug therapy ; Bone Resorption/*chemically induced ; Diphosphonates/*pharmacology ; Immunocompetence ; Male ; *Neoplasm Metastasis ; *Osteolysis ; Paclitaxel/*pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Latency within the nervous system is a characteristic feature of herpesviridae infection. It is reactivated by triggering factors such as UV exposure, stress, and trauma. Simultaneous reactivation of herpes simplex and herpes zoster is uncommon, however, an observation provably explained by differences in the trigerring mechanism. Concurrent reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) is occasionally encountered in immunosuppressed patients; on the other hand, it is rarely reported in immunocompetent individuals. We present the case of an immunocompetent 8-yr-old female patient with concurrent reactivation of HSV on the face and VZV on the right L2 dermatome.
Buttocks/pathology/virology ; Child ; Face ; Female ; Herpes Simplex/complications/diagnosis/pathology/*virology ; Herpes Zoster/complications/diagnosis/pathology/*virology ; Herpesvirus 3, Human/*physiology ; Humans ; Immunocompetence ; Simplexvirus/*physiology ; Thigh/pathology/virology ; *Virus Activation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is an increased risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to develop infections due to the use of immunomodulators and biologics. Several infections are preventable by immunizations. This study investigated the knowledge and awareness of Korean gastroenterologists regarding the vaccination of patients with IBD. METHODS: A self-reported questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the faculty members of tertiary hospitals. Gastroenterologists were asked ten questions regarding the immunization of patients with IBD. A total of 56 gastroenterologists completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: A majority of gastroenterologists (>60%) had rarely or never recorded an immunization history from their patients with IBD. Moreover, 50% to 70% of the gastroenterologists did not know that live vaccines should be avoided in immunosuppressed patients. The most commonly mentioned resistance to vaccinations was "the lack of concern and knowledge regarding vaccination." Gastroenterologists more frequently asked about the immunization history of influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines and recommended these vaccines more often than others. CONCLUSIONS: Korean gastroenterologists' awareness and knowledge regarding the vaccination of patients with IBD were very poor. Intensive educational programs on immunization guidelines directed toward gastroenterologists who care for patients with IBD are required to ensure that these patients receive the necessary vaccinations.
Clinical Competence/*standards ; Female ; Gastroenterology/*standards ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Immunocompetence/physiology ; Immunocompromised Host/physiology ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/*complications ; Male ; Medical History Taking/standards ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea ; Vaccination/*standards