DL Group Research Articles

An anatomical study of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebrae based on the three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction.

Palpation of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is important for the diagnosis and treatment of neck and chest conditions. However, the spinous process of C7 (C7-SP) displays an anatomical deviation among individuals. The present study aimed to clarify anatomic characteristics of C7-SP by using a three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) reconstruction technique. A total of 245 subjects meeting the selection criteria were examined. After CT scanning, the images were reconstructed in 3D. All subjects were grouped according to their deviation of C7-SP: Deviating to the right (DR group), deviating to the left (DL group) and no deviation (ND group). Three distances and three angles were recorded on C7-SP. The vertical distances between the borders of the left and right transverse processes and the tip of the SP, were termed DLTS and DRTS, respectively. The length of the SP was also determined. The angle of the SP deviation was referred to as ∠α, the angle between the SP axis and the line crossing the tips of the transverse processes was referred to as ∠β and the angle between the vertebral body axis and the SP axis was referred to as ∠γ. Among the three groups, differences in ∠α and ∠β were statistically significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, the DLTS was significantly different between the DL and ND groups (P<0.05). In addition, a significant difference in the DRTS was identified between the DR and ND groups (P<0.05). 3D CT reconstruction was reliable for studying anatomic characteristics of C7-SP. Based on this, patients may be preliminarily grouped according to the deviation of their C7-SP and the measurement of the C7-SP may guide clinical diagnoses and treatments.

Beneficial impacts of Lactobacillus plantarum and inulin on hypothalamic levels of insulin, leptin, and oxidative markers in diabetic rats

This study intended to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and inulin on hypothalamic levels of insulin, leptin, and oxidative markers in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin. The supplements were given to the rats for 8 weeks. Results showed that serum glucose was reduced in the diabetes + L. plantarum (DL), diabetes + inulin (DI), and diabetes + L. plantarum + inulin (DLI) groups. The synbiotic showed increased serum insulin and leptin compared to diabetes sham (DSh) rats, and improved lipid profile compared to DSh and diabetes control (DC) groups. Hypothalamic levels of insulin, leptin, and superoxide dismutase were increased in the DLI group in contrast to DSh group. Malondialdehyde was reduced in the DL, DI, and DLI groups compared to DC group. Therefore, L. plantarum and/or inulin can exert antidiabetic and antioxidant properties via improving insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia as well as hypothalamic levels of insulin, leptin, and oxidative markers in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effect of intraoperative application of dexmedetomidine on acute post-traumatic stress disorder in female patients

Objective To evaluate the effect of intraoperative application of dexmedetomidine on acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female patients with lower limb fracture. Methods Ninety female patients with lower limb fractures caused by traffic accident, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ⅠorⅡ, aged 20-35 yr, weighing 40-72 kg, scheduled for elective internal fixation, were divided into 3 groups (n=30 each) using a random number table: control group (group C), low-dose dexmedetomidine group (group Dl) and high-dose dexmedetomidine group (group D2). Ropivacaine (0.75%) 10-15 ml was injected into the epidural space, and operation was started after pain disappeared at the plane T8-10.Two percent lidocaine 5-10 ml was intermittently injected to maintain the anesthetic plane at T10.After successful epidural anesthesia, dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 1.0 μg/kg were intravenously infused over 30 min in Dl and D2 groups, respectively, while the equal volume of normal saline was given in group C. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia was performed with 0.15% ropivacaine after operation and lasted until 48 h postoperatively, maintaining visual analogue scale score ≤3 (baseline). Morphine 3 mg was intravenously injected for rescue analgesia when visual analogue scale score>3.The requirement for rescue analgesia within 48 h after operation was recorded.Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores were assessed at 1 h before operation and on 1, 3 and 7 days after operation.The patients were followed up for 3 months by telephone, and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version score was evaluated.The occurrence of acute PTSD (PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version score > 38) was recorded. Results Compared with group C, the ASDS, SAS and SDS scores were significantly decreased on 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, and the incidence of acute PTSD was decreased in D1 and D2 groups (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in the requirement for rescue analgesia between the three groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Intraoperative application of dexmedetomidine can reduce the occurrence of acute PTSD and it is dose-related in female patients. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Stress disorders, traumatic, acute; Female

The Effect of Lycopene Treatment on Oxidative DNA Damage of Experimental Diabetic Rats

Objective: Lycopene is a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of lycopene on oxidative DNA damage levels in experimental diabetic rats. Subjects and Methods: Four experimental groups, each consisting of 7 rats, were prepared as Controls, Diabetes (D), Lycopene-treated diabetes (DL) and Lycopene (L). STZ (45 mg/kg) was administered to the diabetic groups intraperitoneally in a single dose. Lycopene was administered to the L and DL groups (10 mg lycopene/kg/day). The test procedure continued for four weeks. To understand the occurrence of diabetic conditions, serum glucose and HbA1c% in the whole blood were determined. The 8-OHdG levels, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, were determined in the blood serum. Results: Blood glucose and HbA1c% were higher in the DL group than in the control group and L group (p &lt;0.05) and lower in the D group (p &lt;0.05). 8-OHdG levels were higher in D group than the other groups (p &lt;0.05) while 8-OHdG levels in DL group were lower than D group (p &lt;0.05) and approximated to the control group. Conclusion: It can be suggested that lycopene may be described as a protective agent to prevent oxidative DNA damage originated from diabetes.

Lower Glucose Target Is Associated With Improved 30-Day Mortality in Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Patients

Practice guidelines recommend against intensive insulin therapy in patients who are critically ill based on trials that had high rates of severe hypoglycemia. Intermountain Healthcare uses a computerized IV insulin protocol that allows choice of blood glucose (BG) targets (80-110 vs90-140mg/dL) and has low rates of severe hypoglycemia. We sought to study the effects of BG target on mortality in adult patients in cardiac ICUs that have very low rates of severe hypoglycemia. Critically ill patients receiving IV insulin were treated with either of two BG targets (80-110 vs90-140mg/dL). We created a propensity score for BG target using factors thought to have influenced clinicians' choice, and then we performed a propensity score-adjusted regression analysis for 30-day mortality. There were 1,809 patients who met inclusion criteria. Baseline patient characteristics were similar. Median glucose was lower in the 80-110mg/dL group (104 vs122mg/dL, P< .001). Severe hypoglycemia occurred at very low rates in both groups (1.16% vs 0.35%,P= .051). Unadjusted 30-day mortality was lower in the 80-110mg/dL group (4.3%vs9.2%, P< .001). This remained after propensity score-adjusted regression (OR, 0.65; 95%CI, 0.43-0.98; P= .04). Tight glucose control can be achieved with low rates of severe hypoglycemia and is associated with decreased 30-day mortality in a cohort of largely patients in cardiac ICUs. Although such findings should not be used to guide clinical practice at present, the use of tight glucose control should be reexamined using a protocol that has low rates of severe hypoglycemia.

Effects of different administration routes of lipid emulsion on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Objective To evaluate the effects of different administration routes of lipid emulsion on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Methods Forty-eight clean healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 300-350 g, were divided into 6 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table: IV infusion of normal saline (NS) group (group VN), IV infusion of lipid emulsion group (group VL), duodenal infusion of NS group (group DN), duodenal infusion of lipid emulsion group (group DL), intraperitoneal infusion of NS group (group PN) and intraperitoneal infusion of lipid emulsion group (group PL). In VN and VL groups, preheated NS and 20% lipid emulsion 3 ml·kg-1·min-1 were infused via the femoral vein for 5 min, respectively, and then 0.75% bupivacaine was infused at the rate of 2 mg·kg-1·min-1 until cardiac arrest happened.Preheated NS and 20% lipid emulsion 15 ml/kg were infused via the duodenum (over 1 min, at a constant rate) in DN and DL groups, respectively, and were intraperitoneally infused in PN and PL groups, respectively, followed by an infusion of 0.2 ml/min for 15 min in DN, DL, PN and PL groups.Then 0.75% bupivacaine was infused via the left femoral vein at a rate of 2 mg·kg-1·min-1 until cardiac arrest happened.The time to ventricular arrhythmia, mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreasing to 50% of the baseline and cardiac arrest was recorded.The amount of bupivacaine consumed was calculated immediately after ventricular arrhythmia occurred (T0), immediately after MAP decreased to 50% of the baseline (T1) and immediately after occurrence of cardiac arrest (T2). Arterial blood samples were collected at T0-2 for determination of the concentration of bupivacaine in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Compared with group VN, the time to ventricular arrhythmia, MAP decreasing to 50% of the baseline and cardiac arrest was significantly prolonged, and the amount of bupivacaine consumed was increased at T0-2 in group VL (P 0.05). Compared with group VL, the time to ventricular arrhythmia, MAP decreasing to 50% of the baseline and cardiac arrest was significantly shortened, and the amount of bupivacaine consumed was decreased at T0-2 in DL and PL groups (P 0.05). Conclusion IV infusion of lipid emulsion can decrease bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity when compared with duodenal and intraperitoneal infusion in rats. Key words: Lipid emulsions, intravenous; Bupivacaine; Drug toxicity

A modified single-loop reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy reduces severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula in high-risk patients

BackgroundDouble-loop (DL) reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), diverting pancreatic from biliary secretions, has been reported to reduce rates and severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) compared to single loop (SL) reconstruction at the price of prolonged operative duration. This study investigated the feasibility of a new reconstruction method combining the advantages of DL with the simplicity of SL in patients with high-risk pancreas. MethodsA modified single-loop (mSL) reconstruction was used in patients undergoing PD with a soft pancreatic remnant and a pancreatic duct smaller than 3 mm (n = 50). The loop between the pancreatic and the biliary anastomoses was left longer and a side-to-side jejunojejunal anastomosis was performed between them at the lowest point to promote isolated flow of pancreatic and biliary secretions. Rate and severity of POPF, mortality, duration of surgery, and POPF-associated morbidity were compared to those of 50 matched patients with SL and 25 patients with DL reconstruction. ResultsDuration of surgery was 57 min longer for DL, but equal for mSL and SL. The POPF rate did not differ between the three groups. The severity of POPF was more pronounced in the SL group (62% grade C: p = 0.011). Mortality and major morbidity were lower and hospital stay shorter in the mSL and DL groups compared to the SL group. ConclusionsThe new mSL reconstruction was safer than conventional SL and faster to perform than DL reconstruction in patients with a high-risk pancreas. It did not influence the rate of POPF, but reduced its severity, leading to less major morbidity and mortality.

Is circumferential urethral mobilisation an overdo? A prospective outcome analysis of dorsal onlay and dorso - lateral onlay BMGU for anterior urethral strictures.

ABSTRACTIntroductionFor dorsal onlay graft placement, unilateral urethral mobilization is less invasive than standard circumferential urethral mobilization. Apart from success in terms of patency of urethra, other issues like sexual function, overall quality of life and patient satisfaction remain important issues while comparing outcomes of urethroplasty.AimTo prospectively compare the objective as well as subjective outcomes of two approaches.Materials and MethodsBetween July 2011 and January 2015, 136 adult males having anterior urethral stricture with urethral lumen ≥ 6 Fr. were prospectively assigned between two groups by alternate randomization. Operative time, complications, success rate (no obstructive symptoms, no need of any postoperative intervention, Q max > 15mL/sec), sexual functions (using Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) were compared.ResultsBaseline parameters were similar in both groups (68 in each group). Overall success rate was similar in both groups (89 % and 91 % respectively). Improvement in total LUTS scores was similar in groups. Changes in overall health status (VAS and EQ 5D) was equal in both groups. Erectile function score was significantly decreased in DO than DL group while ejaculatory function and sexual desire remained stable after urethroplasty in both groups.ConclusionsIn anterior urethral stricture buccal mucosa graft provides satisfactory results as onlay technique. No technique whether dorsolateral and dorsal techniques is superior to other. Dorsolateral technique needs minimal urethral mobilization and should be preferred whenever feasible.

Supplementation with an insoluble fiber obtained from carob pod (Ceratonia siliqua L.) rich in polyphenols prevents dyslipidemia in rabbits through SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway.

To investigate the mechanism implicated in the effect of an insoluble fiber (obtained from carob pod) rich in polyphenols (IFCP) in lipid metabolism in the liver. Male New Zealand rabbits were fed with the following diets for 8weeks: control diet (CT group), dyslipidemic diet supplemented with 0.5% cholesterol + 14% coconut oil (DL group) and dyslipidemic diet containing 0.5% cholesterol + 14% coconut oil plus 3% IFCP (DL + IFCP group). Dyslipidemic diet with IFCP was able to reduce development of mixed dyslipidemia, liver relative weight and collagen I protein expression compared to DL rabbits. Analyses of the main enzymes implicated in cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism revealed that IFCP increased hepatic concentration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) and cytochrome P450, family 7, subfamily a, polypeptide 1C (CYP7A1) (82.34, 114.42%, respectively) as well as protein expression of LDL receptor (42.48%) in DL rabbits. Importantly, IFCP also increased hepatic lipase (HL) levels (91.43%) and decreased glycerol phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1C (SREBP1c) liver expression levels (20.38 and 41.20%, respectively). Finally, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) hepatic expression increased in DL + IFCP group compared with DL (159.81 and 48.00%, respectively). These findings show that IFCP is able to abrogate the deleterious effects of hepatic dyslipidemia by modulating SIRT1 and PGC-1α pathways.

Efficacy of bright light therapy in bipolar depression

For 30 years, bright light therapy (BLT) has been considered as an effective, well-tolerated treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Because of low response rates, new treatment strategies are needed for bipolar depression (BD), which resembles SAD in certain respects. Few placebo-controlled studies of BLT efficacy have been carried out for BD. Accordingly, this study evaluates the efficacy and safety of BLT as an add-on treatment for BD. Thirty-two BD outpatients were randomly assigned to BLT (10000lx) or dim light (DL, < 500lx). During a two-week period, light was administered each morning for 30min. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Montgomery-Ǻsberg Depression Rating Scale assessed clinical outcome, and the UKU Side Effects Rating Scale evaluated side effects. No significant difference was observed in baseline depression scores in the two groups. Response rates for BLT and DL were 81% and 19%, and remission rates were 44% and 12.5%, respectively. Analyses showed statistically significant reductions in depression scores for the BLT group compared with the DL group on all scales. Side effects were similar in both groups, with headache as the most common side effect. The results suggest that BLT is an effective and safe add-on treatment for BD.

The Combined Use of in Silico, in Vitro, and in Vivo Analyses to Assess Anti-cancerous Potential of a Bioactive Compound from Cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. MGL001.

Escalating incidences of cancer, especially in developed and developing countries, demand evaluation of potential unexplored natural drug resources. Here, anticancer potential of 9-Ethyliminomethyl-12-(morpholin-4-ylmethoxy)-5,8,13,16-tetraaza -hexacene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (EMTAHDCA) isolated from fresh water cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. MGL001 was screened through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. For in silico analysis, EMTAHDCA was selected as ligand and 11 cancer related proteins (Protein Data Bank ID: 1BIX, 1NOW, 1TE6, 2RCW, 2UVL, 2VCJ, 3CRY, 3HQU, 3NMQ, 5P21, and 4B7P) which are common targets of various anticancer drugs were selected as receptors. The results obtained from in silico analysis showed that EMTAHDCA has strong binding affinity for all the 11 target protein receptors. The ability of EMTAHDCA to bind active sites of cancer protein targets indicated that it is functionally similar to commercially available anticancer drugs. For assessing cellular metabolic activities, in vitro studies were performed by using calorimetric assay viz. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Results showed that EMTAHDCA induced significant cytotoxic response against Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells in a dose and time dependent manner with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 372.4 ng/mL after 24 h of incubation. However, in case of normal bone marrow cells, the EMTAHDCA did not induce cytotoxicity as the IC50 value was not obtained even with higher dose of 1,000 ng/mL EMTAHDCA. Further, in vivo studies revealed that the median life span/survival days of tumor bearing mice treated with EMTAHDCA increased significantly with a fold change of ~1.9 and 1.81 corresponding to doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) of EMTAHDCA respectively, as compared to the DL group. Our results suggest that 5 mg/kg B.W. is effective since the dose of 10 mg/kg B.W. did not show any significant difference as compared to 5 mg/kg B.W. Taken together, our findings based on in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses suggest that EMTAHDCA has potential anticancer effects, and thus, can be considered for cancer treatment.

Effect of the different implant protocols on peri-implant bone: a 6-month prospective study in beagle dogs.

To compare the effects of different implant placement and loading protocols on the marginal bone loss (MBL) in beagles by intraoral radiography. 61 dental implants were inserted on 9 beagle dogs at bilateral lower posteriors according to 8 different protocols: immediate implant placement and immediate loading for 3 months (IIP + IL3) or 6 months (IIP + IL6) and unloading (IIP + UL), immediate implant placement and delayed loading for 3 months (IIP + DL3) or 6 months (IIP + DL6), delayed implant placement and immediate loading for 3 months (DIP + IL3) or delayed loading for 3 months (DIP + DL3) and unloading (DIP + UL). Intraoral radiography was performed to analyze the MBL during each surgery, before and after the implant placement and at 3-month intervals after the procedure. In total, 57 samples were included. There was less MBL (p<0.05) in the IIP + IL3 group (1.22 ± 0.63 mm) compared to the DIP + IL3 group (1.89 ± 0.9 mm). The longer the loading time, the more bone loss appeared in the IIP + IL group; however, the results were reversed in the IIP + DL group. The MBL during the latter 3-month period was dramatically decreased compared to the former 3-month period in the IIP + DL3 group (p<0.05). The IIP + IL group seems superior to the DL protocol and the MBL changed significantly during the first three months and thereafter became stable.

Prepartum daylight exposure increases serum calcium concentrations in dairy cows at the onset of lactation.

In dairy cows, hypocalcemia is caused by the sudden calcium demand by the mammary gland at the onset of lactation. Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D; 1,25-VitD) increases the intestinal calcium absorption and the renal calcium reabsorption. Daylight contributes to the formation of 1,25-VitD, as it transforms 7-dehydrocholesterol into cholecalciferol, a 1,25-VitD precursor. Calving pens are usually set in quiet places where cows can stay calm and relaxed before parturition. However, those pens often have poor lighting conditions and therefore cows may become vitamin D deficient because of inadequate daylight exposure. Therefore, we have tested the hypothesis that direct daylight exposure supports the synthesis of 1,25-VitD and consequently attenuates the decline of calcium concentrations at parturition. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups (daylight group, DL; and control group). Beginning on d -10 before expected parturition, both groups were placed in a standard indoor calving pen from 1700 h to 800 h. From 800 h to 1700 h cows from the DL group were moved into a contiguous open pen with direct access to daylight whereas controls remained at the standard indoor calving pen. After parturition both groups were permanently placed in an indoor calving pen until the end of the experimental period (d 30 postpartum). Blood samples were collected daily from d -10 prior to expected parturition through d 7 postpartum with an additional sample on d 30 postpartum. Milk yield was recorded at each milking during the whole experimental period. In the DL group, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-VitD), 1,25-VitD and total calcium concentrations around parturition were higher than in the controls. Higher parathyroid hormone concentrations were observed in the control group compared to the DL group at parturition. Pyridinoline concentrations did not differ between groups on d 1, and therefore it is assumed that the intensity of calcium transfer from the bones to the bloodstream was not affected by the increased daylight exposure. The measured plasma metabolites (β-hydroxybutyrate, fatty acids and glucose) as well as milk yield were not affected by the increased daylight exposure. In conclusion, the increased daylight exposure before parturition increased 25-VitD and 1,25-VitD concentrations, preventing a considerable decline of total calcium concentrations around parturition.

Perinatal Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentration Has a Lasting Impact on Cognition in Mice

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D is involved in brain development and function. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with poor cognitive function in adults, but the effect of developmental vitamin D deficiency (DVDD) on cognitive function and brain development in children has not been well established.Objective: We explored the effects of DVDD on cognitive functions and brain morphology of rat pups.Methods: Wistar rat pups born to control and vitamin D-deficient dams were divided into 4 groups: control (C), deficient during gestation (dG), deficient during lactation (dL), and deficient during gestation and lactation (dGL). Spatial learning and memory were assessed by the Morris water maze test at postnatal day (PND) 24 and PND 45. Cortical thickness at the level of the hippocampus was measured at PND 63, and synapses were counted in specified areas of the hippocampus at PND 32 and PND 63.Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that at PND 24, learning (escape latency) was impaired (by 42%) in the dGL group, whereas at PND 45, both the dL and the dGL groups showed learning impairment (by 47% and 45%, respectively) compared with their respective C groups (P < 0.05). Short-term or long-term memory was largely unaffected by DVDD either at PND 24 or PND 45. Compared with the C group, all the DVDD groups had fewer synapses in the molecular layer of the hippocampus (P < 0.001). The synapse number decreased by 54% in the dGL group at PND 33 and by 70% in the dL and dGL groups at PND 63. All the DVDD groups at PND 63 showed a reduced cortical thickness (by 22%) compared with the C group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that a combined prenatal and postnatal DVDD for ≥6 wk in rat pups affects learning but not memory.

Relationship between anesthesia factor and postoperative cellular immune function in patients undergoing radical resection for esophageal cancer: value of thoracic paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia

Objective To evaluate the cardioprotection induced by combination of dexmedetomidine and limb ischemic preconditioning in the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of both sexes, aged 52-64 yr, weighing 51-78 kg, with New York Heart Association Ⅱ or Ⅲ, scheduled for elective CABG with CPB, were divided into 4 groups (n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), limb ischemic preconditioning group (group L), dexmedetomidine group (group D) and dexmedetomidine plus limb ischemic preconditioning group (group DL). Limb ischemic preconditioning was induced by 3 cycles of 5-min unilateral lower limb ischemia followed by 5-min reperfusion starting from 30 min before aortic clamping in L and DL groups. Dexmedetomidine was injected via the central vein in a loading dose of 1 μg/kg after induction of anesthesia, followed by an infusion of 0.4 μg·kg-1·h-1 until the end of operation in D and DL groups. Venous blood samples were obtained immediately before aortic clamping, at the end of CPB and at the end of operation for determination of plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Myocardial tissues were obtained from the right auricle immediately before aortic clamping and at the end of CPB for determination of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax (by immunohistochemistry) and apoptosis index (AI) (using TUNEL). The restoration of spontaneous heart beat was recorded. Bcl-2/Bax ratio was calculated. Results Compared with group C, the plasma cTnI concentrations were significantly decreased, the Bcl-2 expression was up-regulated, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased, Bax expression was down-regulated, and AI was decreased in the other three groups (P<0.05). Compared with L and D groups, the plasma cTnI concentrations were significantly decreased, the Bcl-2 expression was up-regulated, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased, Bax expression was down-regulated, and AI was decreased in group DL (P<0.05). The rate of restoration of spontaneous heart beat was significantly increased in group DL as compared with the other three groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Combination of dexmedetomidine and limb ischemic preconditioning can mitigate myocardial injury, it provides better efficacy than either alone, and the mechanism is related to inhibiting cell apoptosis in the patients undergoing CABG with CPB. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Ischemic preconditioning; Cardiopulmonary bypass; Coronary artery bypass grafting; Myocardial injury

The Role of the Listener on the Emotional Valence of Personal Memories in Emerging Adulthood

Many scholars stressed the role of social interactions in the construction of autobiographical memories, especially in late adolescence and emerging adulthood. This paper aims to assess the impact of the listener attitude on narrator’s emotional valence of past life events concerning the end of a close relationship. 157 emerging adults have been asked to recall a memory and to randomly narrate it to a listener previously trained to be distracted and detached (DL group) versus attentive and empathic (AL group). A control group (CG) had only to reflect internally on the recalled memory. Participants had to allocate one or more emotions to their memory from a 12-item list in a recall task, a narrative/reflection task and a 15-day recall follow-up. The percentages of negative, positive and neutral emotions were assessed and changes among the three emotional allocations were measured. Results showed that participants of the AL group after the narrative task increased the positive emotional engagement of memories and decreased the negative emotions in comparison to DL participants and the CG ones. The authors interpret the results suggesting that narrating autobiographical memories to attentive peers is a way to co-construct their emotional meaning and discuss findings in the light of the knowledge on the lifespan period of emerging adulthood.

Effect of Low Dose Oral Contraceptive Pill on Coagulation Status in Women with Normal and Low Body Mass Index

Background: Oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is widely used by millions of women of various socioeconomic conditions.Use of low dose oestrogen and newer progesterone in OCP now associated with less thromboembolic and cardiovascular risk. The safety aspects of these pills had not been investigated in details in malnourished women of developing countries. In the present study the effects of the pillson coagulation status have been studied.Objective: To explore the effect of the most widely used low dose OCP (Shukhi) on coagulation status of Bangladeshi women with normal and low BMI(Body Mass Index). Materials and Methods: The study population group (n=29) comprised of women with normal BMI and the underweight group (n=11,BMI&lt;18.5). Both groups use low dose OCP(30?g ethinyl estradiol and 150?g levonorgestrel) for 6-60 months. The coagulation status were assessed as follows: Plasma Fibrinogen, Prothrombin time and Platlete aggregation and Anticoagulation statuseg: AntithrombinIII (ATIII).Result:Coagulation status showed no significant difference in platelet aggregation between the groups. Plasma fibrinogen median value (450mg/dl) just exceeded the upper limit of reference range (normal range: 200-400mg/dl) in normal BMI. In contrast, the corresponding value in the low BMI (318mg/ dl) group was almost at the middle of the reference range. A significantly prolonged prothrombin time (13.80 seconds) was found in the low BMI group (p=0.058); values were still within the reference range (10-14 seconds). No significant correlation existed between plasma fibrinogen, prothrombin time and platelet aggregation in normal BMI or low BMI groups. Antithrombin IIIactivity in normal BMI group was 108% and in low BMI group it was 105%. Atendency of positive correlation existed between antithrombin III activity and BMI in low BMI pill users (r=0.591,p=0.072).Conclusion:The study suggested that a) Reported risk of procoagulant or thromboembolic changes in pill users is lower in low BMI &amp;normal BMI and b) Low BMI users showed significantly longer prothrombin time due to the effect of malnutrition itself or due to the effect of pills in this nutritional background.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2017; 35(1): 3-8

Effects of weight-bearing ladder and aerobic treadmill exercise on learning and memory ability of diabetic rats and its mechanism

To investigate the effects of climb ladder and aerobic treadmill exercise on learning memory ability in diabetic rats and explore its possible mechanisms. Forty male rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), diabetic control group (DC), diabetic loading ladder group (DL) and diabetic aerobic treadmill group (DA), diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ. In the evening, the DL group were trained three cycle (10 times/cycle) with weight-bearing climbing ladder, 2 min intervals, 6 days/week, lasted for six weeks. The DA group was trained on a motor-driven treadmill at a speed of 20 m/min (0 incline), 30 min/day, 6 days/week, lasted for six weeks. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability of rats after modeling success and after exercise intervention. After the last water maze test, the rats were killed to obtain the hippocampus. RT-QPCR was used to detect the gene expressions of brain derived neurophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Compared with NC group, the expressions of BDNF and CREB gene in hippocampus of DC group and the learning and memory ability were significantly decreased. Compared with DC group, the expression of BDNF and CREB in hippocampus of DL and DA rats was significantly up-regulated and the learning ability was significantly increased. The TrkB gene of hippocampus in DL rats was significantly up-regulated and the spatial memory ability was significantly improved. Compared with the DA group, the TRKB and CREB genes in the hippocampus of DL group were significantly up-regulated. Aerobic treadmill exercise and weight-bearing ladder exercise have a positive effect on the learning ability of diabetic rats, while the weight-bearing ladder exercise improves the memory ability of diabetic rats better than aerobic exercise. These effects may be related to the up-regulation of BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.

N-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids improve the sperm, egg, and offspring quality of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Two diets with the same docosahexaenoic acid:eicosapentaenoic acid ratio (1.8:1), but with different n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) contents [29.5g/kg (DH) and 17.9g/kg (DL)], were designed and fed to two groups of 46 female and 30 male Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) broodstock for 11months. Sperm and egg quality and reproductive performance indices were recorded during cross-breeding. Larval offspring resulting from cross-matings were divided into the following four groups for a 30-d feeding trial: D1 (DH♀×DH♂), D2 (DH♀×DL♂), D3 (DL♀×DH♂), and D4 (DL♀×DL♂). The results showed that egg size of the DH group was significantly larger than that of the DL group. With respect to sperm quality, there were no significant differences in wobble, amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat/cross frequency, and mean angular displacement between the two dietary groups; however, a high n-3 LC-PUFA diet increased sperm curvilinear, straight-line, and average path velocities in the DH group. The DH group had significantly lower levels of serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malonaldehyde, but higher superoxide dismutase level, and total antioxidant capacity compared with the DL group. At 7 and 32days post hatching, the survival of larvae in groups D1 and D2 was significantly higher than that in groups D3 and D4. The specific growth rate of larvae in group D4 was the lowest among the four groups. The results suggest that n-3 LC-PUFA can improve the reproductive performance of male and female broodstock of Siberian sturgeon and the quality of their offspring, but that n-3 LC-PUFA enrichment of the diet is more critical for female broodstock than for males.

Alveolar ridge preservation with an open-healing approach using single-layer or double-layer coverage with collagen membranes.

PurposeThe aim of this prospective pilot study was to compare alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures with open-healing approach using a single-layer and a double-layer coverage with collagen membranes using radiographic and clinical analyses.MethodsEleven molars from 9 healthy patients requiring extraction of the maxillary or mandibular posterior teeth were included and allocated into 2 groups. After tooth extraction, deproteinized bovine bone mineral mixed with 10% collagen was grafted into the socket and covered either with a double-layer of resorbable non-cross-linked collagen membranes (DL group, n=6) or with a single-layer (SL group, n=5). Primary closure was not obtained. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken immediately after the ARP procedure and after a healing period of 4 months before implant placement. Radiographic measurements were made of the width and height changes of the alveolar ridge.ResultsAll sites healed without any complications, and dental implants were placed at all operated sites with acceptable initial stability. The measurements showed that the reductions in width at the level 1 mm apical from the alveolar crest (including the bone graft) were −1.7±0.5 mm in the SL group and −1.8±0.4 mm in the DL group, and the horizontal changes in the other areas were also similar in the DL and SL groups. The reductions in height were also comparable between groups.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, single-layer and double-layer coverage with collagen membranes after ARP failed to show substantial differences in the preservation of horizontal or vertical dimensions or in clinical healing. Thus, both approaches seem to be suitable for open-healing ridge preservation procedures.