EC Group Research Articles

Platelet-Activating Factor and Evidence of Oxidative Stress in the Bronchoalveolar Fluid of Thoroughbred Colts during Race Training

Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is prevalent in young racehorses during training, being the 2nd most commonly diagnosed ailment interrupting training of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. That stabling and exercise cause oxidative stress, release of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and inflammation in airways of Thoroughbred colts. Colts in breeding farms (NC, n = 45), stabled for 30 days (EC, n = 40), and race trained (EX, n = 34). Cytological profile and parameters of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) related to oxidative stress, bioactivity of the proinflammatory mediator PAF, catalase activity, and alveolar macrophage function. Percentages of neutrophils and eosinophils in the BALF of the EX group were higher (5.4 +/- 6.4% versus 0.9 +/- 1.2%) than the upper limits for normal horses (3-5%). BALF from the EX group (45.6 +/- 2.8 cells/microL of BALF) also displayed significantly (P = .017) higher total nucleated cell count. PAF bioactivity and the total protein concentration in the BALF were higher in the EX group (0.0683 +/- 0.076 versus 0.0056 +/- 0.007 340 : 380 nm ratio P = .0039, 0.36 +/- 0.30 versus 0.14 +/- 0.15 mg of proteins/mL of BALF P < .001). Concentration of BALF hydroperoxides was higher in the EC group (104.7 +/- 80.0 versus 35.2 +/- 28.0 nmol/mg of proteins, P = .013) and catalase activity was higher in the EX group (0.24 +/- 0.16 versus 0.06 +/- 0.02 micromol H2O2/min/mg of proteins, P = .0021). Alveolar macrophage phagocytosis (P = .048) as well as production of superoxide anion (P = .0014) and hydrogen peroxide (P = .0011) were significantly lower in EX group. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the role of PAF in the pathophysiology of IAD. Its presence in bronchoalveolar fluid of young athletic horses makes it a potential therapeutic target to be investigated.

Rapid cooling of the heart with total liquid ventilation prevents transmural myocardial infarction following prolonged ischemia in rabbits

Study aim Total liquid ventilation (TLV) with cooled perfluorocarbons has been demonstrated to induce an ultrafast cardioprotective cooling in rabbits. However, it remains unknown whether this technically challenging strategy would be actually more potent than a conventional external cooling after a prolonged ischemia inducing transmural myocardial infarction. Methods Anesthetized rabbits were randomly submitted to 60 min of coronary artery occlusion (CAO) under normothermic conditions (Control group, n = 7) or with cooling started at the 5th min of CAO (target left atrial temperature: 32 °C). Cooling procedures were either external cooling using cold blankets (EC group, n = 7) or ultrafast cooling initiated by 20 min of TLV (TLV group, n = 6). An additional group underwent a similar ultrafast cooling protocol started at the 20th min of CAO (TLV delayed group, n = 6). After reperfusion, all hypothermic animals were rewarmed and infarct size was assessed after 4 h. Results In the EC group, the target temperature was reached only at 60 min of CAO whereas this time-interval was dramatically reduced to 15 and 25 min of CAO in TLV and TLV delayed, respectively. Infarct sizes were significantly reduced in TLV and TLV delayed but not in EC groups as compared to Control (45 ± 18%, 58 ± 5%, 78 ± 10% and 82 ± 7% of the risk zone, respectively). Similar significant differences were observed for the sizes of the no-reflow zones (15 ± 9%, 23 ± 8%, 49 ± 11% and 58 ± 13% of the risk zone, respectively). Conclusion Cooling induced by TLV afforded a potent cardioprotection and prevented transmural infarction following prolonged and severe ischemia, even when started later than a surface cooling in rabbits.

Timing of sirolimus conversion influences recovery of renal function in liver transplant recipients

The long-term use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) leads to renal dysfunction in many liver transplant (LT) recipients. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate renal function in patients converted from CNI to sirolimus (SRL). From May 2002-November 2006, 137 LT were performed in 125 patients, 72 of which were converted to SRL. Evaluation of SRL conversion was stratified by early conversion (<90 d from LT) (EC) vs. late conversion (LC). Renal function was evaluated using the six-point modification of diet in renal disease formula (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]). Forty-two patients on SRL and 40 on CNI had at least three months of follow-up and are included in the eGFR evaluation. At all time points after conversion, the EC group demonstrated a significantly higher mean eGFR than those in the LC group. A significant improvement in eGFR was seen within the EC group when comparing eGFR at time of conversion to eGFR at three, six, nine, and 12 months after conversion and last follow-up. The only improvement in the LC group was from conversion to the three-month time point. We conclude that EC to SRL results in a profound improvement in eGFR that begins at three months and is sustained beyond one yr.

Biomarker Changes Associated with Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) Conversion: A Two-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up Study in Exposed Household Contacts

BackgroundA high prevalence (50–80%) of Tuberculin Skin Test Positivity (TST+ ≥10 mm indurations) has been reported in TB endemic countries. This pool forms a huge reservoir for new incident TB cases. However, immune biomarkers associated with TST conversion are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to identify immune biomarkers associated with TST conversion after acute Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) exposure.Methodology/Principal FindingsA 24 month longitudinal study was carried out in a recently MTB exposed cohort of household contacts (HC = 93; 75% TST+). Control group consisted of unexposed community controls (EC = 59; 46%TST+). Cytokine secretion was assessed in whole blood cultures in response to either mycobacterial culture filtrate (CF) antigens or mitogens (PHA or LPS) using Elisa methodology. Compared to the EC group, the HC group at recruitment (Kruskal-Wallis Test) showed significantly suppressed IFN γ (p = 0.0001), raised IL-10 (p = 0.0005) and raised TNF α (p = 0.001) in response to CF irrespective of their TST status. Seventeen TST-HC, showed TST conversion when retested at 6 months. Post TST conversion (paired t tests) significant increases were observed for CF induced IFN γ (p = 0.038), IL-10 (p = 0.001) and IL-6 (p = 0.006). Cytokine responses were also compared in the exposed HC group with either recent infection [(TST converters (N = 17)] or previous infection [TST+ HC (N = 54)] at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months using ANOVA on repeated measures. Significant differences between the exposed HC groups were noted only at 6 months. CF induced IFN γ was higher in previously infected HC group (p = 0.038) while IL-10 was higher in recently infected HC group (p = 0.041). Mitogen induced cytokine secretion showed similar differences for different group.Conclusions/SignificanceOur results suggest that TST conversion is associated with early increases in IFN γ and IL-10 responses and precedes latency by several months post exposure.

Freely chosen pedal rate during free cycling on a roller and ergometer cycling

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of regulation of work rate, computer controlled versus controlled by the subject, on the relationship between work rate, freely chosen pedal rate (FCC) and gross efficiency. Eighteen male cyclists participated in the study. One group, freely cycling (FC) on a competition bike mounted on an electromagnetic roller, could use gearing and cadence to achieve each work rate. The other group (EC) was cycling on an ergometer which enables a constant work rate, independent of cadence. Subjects performed an increasing work rate protocol from 100 W up to exhaustion. We found a strong interaction between group and work rate on cadence (P < 0.001). In the FC group, work rate affected cadence (P < 0.001), increasing from 72 rpm at 100 W to 106 rpm at 350 W. For the EC group, no work rate effect was present (average FCC 92 rpm). Gross efficiency increased with work rate for both groups. The efficiency-cadence relationship was strongly affected by the protocol. At a given work rate, very similar efficiency values were obtained at highly different cadences. The discrepancy in the FCC-work rate relationship between the EC group and the FC group may be related to the manner in which one can regulate work rate. FCC depends not only on work rate but is also affected considerably by the manner in which the work rate can be controlled by cadence. This finding may have important implications for the interpretation of the preferred pedaling rate, especially how this is related to optimizing metabolic cost.

Comparison between lithium dilution and pulse contour analysis techniques for cardiac output measurement in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies: influence of different inotropic drugs

ObjectiveTo compare cardiac output ( Q˙t) measurements using lithium dilution (LiDCO) and pulse contour analysis (PulseCO) techniques in isoflurane‐anaesthetized ponies before and during the administration of different inotropic/vasoactive drugs. Study designProspective randomized experimental cross‐over trial. AnimalsSix ponies aged 5.0 ± 1.6 (4–6.5) years and weighing 286 ± 53 (212–368) kg. MethodsAfter sedation (romifidine) and induction (midazolam + ketamine), anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. After 90 minutes (= T0), one of four treatments was administered: saline 0.1 mL kg−1 (S), enoximone 0.5 mg kg−1 IV (E), enoximone followed by dobutamine (0.5 μg kg−1 minute−1 for 120 minutes) (ED) or enoximone followed by a calcium chloride infusion (0.5 mg kg−1 minute−1 for 10 minutes) (EC). Data were recorded for 120 minutes after T0. The PulseCO (recorded from carotid artery) was calibrated before T0, no further recalibrations were performed. Q˙t was determined with LiDCO ( Q˙tLiDCO) and PulseCO ( Q˙tPulseCO) simultaneously at T5, T10, T20, T40, T60, T80, T100 and T120. Systemic vascular resistances (SVRLiDCO and SVRPulseCO) were calculated. ResultsIn the saline group, Q˙tPulseCO was 4.9 ± 12.3% lower than LiDCO (p < 0.01), whereas SVRPulseCO was 6.9 ± 14.4% higher than SVRLiDCO (p < 0.01). These differences increased over time (mean ± SEM), Q˙t by 0.06 ± 0.03% minute−1 (p = 0.042) and SVR by 0.08 ± 0.03% minute−1 (p = 0.018). Q˙tPulseCO was higher than Q˙tLiDCO in the EC group (1.8 ± 23.3%), but lower than Q˙tLiDCO in groups E (−11.7 ± 20.4%) and ED (−10.0 ± 25.9%) (significant difference between treatments, p < 0.01). The differences in SVR in groups E (20.4 ± 32.0%) and ED (20.7 ± 35.3%) were significantly higher than in groups S (6.9 ± 14.4%) and EC (3.1 ± 22.2%) (p < 0.01).Conclusions and clinical relevance Pulse contour analysis values deviated significantly from LiDCO measurements in isoflurane‐anaesthetized ponies. This difference was influenced by inotropic/vasoactive drugs.

Development and evaluation of an intervention to promote in‐home ready‐to‐use food (RUF) consumption in a supplemental feeding program for undernourished and stunted children in western Uganda

OverviewSupplemental feeding programs (SFP) have reported low frequency and overall intake of ready‐to‐use food (RUF) rations, which may affect growth outcomes. Efforts are needed to improve feeding frequency and intended RUF dosage.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted among caregivers (n=32), health center staff (n=8), and RUF producers (n=8) to identify the barriers to in‐home RUF consumption. Following analysis of the interviews, feeding messages to promote RUF consumption were developed and used in the 10 week program curricula. To evaluate the effect of these messages on RUF intake, dietary data were obtained using two 24‐hour recalls conducted within 10 days at caregiver homes or at health clinics. Group means (SE) of RUF feeds per day and frequency of RUF inclusion in total meals were compared between Pre‐Intervention (n=18) and Feeding Education (n=18) cohorts.ResultsThe Feeding Education group reported 1.9 (0.2) RUF feeds per day, compared with 1.3(0.2) in the control group (t=‐2.3, p&lt;0.05). The frequency of RUF inclusion in meals was 0.57 (0.06) in the EC group and 0.39 (0.05) in the control (t=‐2.1, p&lt;0.05).ConclusionMessages to promote RUF consumption can have positive effects on RUF dosage and feeding frequency, which may contribute to improved energy intake and growth outcomes among malnourished children in SFPs.Grant Funding SourceGlaxoSmithKline UNC‐Duke Student Research Grant; Carolina Center for Public Service Entrepreneurship in Public Service Fellowship

Efficacy and safety of modified Yale insulin infusion protocol in Japanese diabetic patients after open-heart surgery

To our knowledge, there is currently no insulin infusion protocol for critically ill patients especially designed for Asian diabetics although many such protocols are used in Western countries. In this study, we modified the Yale insulin infusion protocol taking into consideration the characteristics of Japanese diabetics and hospital environment. We tested the modified protocol in 40 type 2 diabetic patients after elective open-heart surgery (MY group) comparing with 35 type 2 diabetic patients under empirical blood glucose control (EC group). Analyses of 1656 blood glucose measurements during insulin infusion revealed that percentage of samples that showed achievement of target blood glucose level (80–140 mg/dl) was higher under MY (78 ± 15%, n = 870) than EC (57 ± 23%, n = 786, p < 0.0001). On the other hand, the percentage of samples in which blood glucose was less than 60 mg/dl was comparable in the two groups (MY: 0.5 ± 5.9‰, EC: 5.1 ± 18.5‰). None of the patients with hypoglycemia showed significant clinical adverse effects. In conclusion, our modified Yale insulin infusion protocol is effective and safe for tight blood glucose control in Japanese diabetic patients after open-heart surgery.

The point of conversion in laparoscopic colonic surgery affects the oncologic outcome in an experimental rat model

Approximately 20% of laparoscopic colonic tumor resections result in conversion to open surgery. This result may be related to an increased risk in terms of the oncologic outcome. This study aimed to investigate the oncologic consequences of early and late conversion in laparoscopic colonic surgery. For this study, 45 male WAG-Rij rats were randomized into three operation groups of 15 animals each: laparotomy (LT group), laparoscopy followed by early conversion after 20 min (EC group), and laparoscopy followed by late conversion after 40 min (LC group). The total procedure time for the LT and EC groups was 60 min, compared with 80 min for the LC group. Hematogenous metastatic spread was induced in each operation group by tumor cell inoculation of a rat colon adenocarcinoma (CC 531) into the portal vein after 15 min of surgical intervention. A cecal resection was performed after 30 min in the LT and EC groups and after 50 min in the LC group. On day 28 after surgery, hepatic tumor growth was evaluated by measuring the diameter of tumor nodules, the tumor volume, the weight of the liver, and the cancer index. Hepatic tumor volume was significantly increased after LC than after EC (p = 0.01) and LT (p = 0.04). The liver weights in the LC group were significantly higher than in the EC (p = 0.01) and LT (p = 0.01) groups. No significant difference between EC and LT was observed in any parameters surveyed. The LC procedure resulted in greater tumor growth than EC and LT. The EC procedure did not lead to significantly more hepatic tumor growth than the same procedure performed using the conventional open technique. From the oncologic point of view, an early decision for conversion must be recommended as soon as any prolonged operating time has to be hypothesized.

Effects of Persimmon-Vinegar on Lipid Metabolism and Alcohol Clearance in Chronic Alcohol-Fed Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of persimmon-vinegar supplementation on lipid profiles, carnitine levels, and alcohol clearance in chronically alcoholic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: the normal control group (NC), the ethanol-administered group (EC) (4 g/kg of body weight), the ethanol plus low-dose persimmon-vinegar-administered group (EVL) (1 mL/kg of body weight), and the ethanol plus high-dose persimmon-vinegar-administered group (EVH) (2 mL/kg of body weight). In this study, we found that persimmon-vinegar supplementation significantly decreased serum triglyceride and total cholesterol and liver total cholesterol levels compared to those of the EC group. The liver nonesterified carnitine level was significantly elevated in the persimmon-vinegar-administered groups as compared to that of the EC group. The blood ethanol concentration tended to be the lowest in the EVH group. There was a trend for the level of hepatic acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA to be decreased and hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I mRNA to be increased with increasing doses of persimmon-vinegar. These results suggest that supplementation of persimmon-vinegar prevents metabolic disorders induced by chronic administration of alcohol.

Prognostic factors for the effects of two interventions for work-related neck–shoulder complaints: Myofeedback training and ergonomic counselling

Aim To explore prognostic factors for the effects of two interventions (myofeedback training in combination with ergonomic counselling (Mfb/EC) and ergonomic counselling alone (EC)) on discomfort and disability in work-related neck–shoulder complaints. Methods Thirty-six females completed the interventions. Discomfort and disability were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Potential sociodemographic and psychological prognostic factors were assessed using questionnaires. Data were analysed using multiple regression and general linear modelling. Results Changes in discomfort were best predicted by baseline discomfort levels. Changes in disability were predicted by baseline disability levels, patient profile, and coping strategy ‘ignoring sensations’. A significant difference between the Mfb/EC and EC group was found for coping strategy ‘ignoring sensations’, which appeared to be a predictor for changes in disability at 3-month follow-up in the Mfb/EC group only. Conclusions Subjects with high levels of initial discomfort and disability and specific psychological patient profiles benefit most from interventions. Myofeedback training contributes a specific quality to those who ignore pain sensations.

Dietary utility of enzyme-treated fish meal for juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis

In order to develop an artificial diet, the dietary utility of enzyme-treated fish meal was investigated for juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (PBT). Diets containing each 63% of Chilean fish meal (FM), enzyme-treated chilean fish meal (EC) and enzyme-treated Peruvian fish meal (EP), with 10% bonito oil and raw sand lance Ammodytes personatus (SL) were fed to juvenile tuna six times per day for one week. In a different trial, diets EC and SL were fed to tuna six times per day for 2 weeks. Only diet EC sustained similar growth or caused lower survival and higher feed efficiency, hepato- and enterosomatic indices and final carcass lipid content as compared to those of SL. Diets FM and EP led to lower specific growth rate (SGR) but similar feed efficiency, survival and hepatosomatic index, yet higher enterosomatic index. Moreover, PBT fed diet EC for 2 weeks led to similar growth performance but higher final carcass and hepatic lipid contents, and plasma cholesterol and phospholipid levels than those fed SL. Carcass fatty acid composition of diet EC group had lower 20∶5 n-3 and 22∶6 n-3 levels than the SL group. These results revealed that EC, as a suitable dietary protein source, could sustain growth of PBT, while dietary bonito oil led to higher carcass lipid but lower accumulation of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.

Genotoxic Potential of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Films by Different Cross-Linking Mode

Emerging studies have showed that silk fibroin might be as a naturally occurring degradable biomaterial for tissue engineering with unique mechanical properties, biocompatib ility and processability. To optimize the formation of the regenerated silk fibroin film, in thi s study, we examined the genotoxic potential of the regenerated silk fibroin films by differe nt cross-linking mode with micronucleus and the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assa y. The data showed that MNF in group PC and group SD showed significantly no differenc e with blank group (P&gt;0.05), and no evident comet tails were observed. However, the resul t of EC group was significantly different from the control group(P&lt;0.01). Taken together, R SFFs in group PC and group SD have no evident genotoxicity, which is better than group EC.

Effects of Ambulant Myofeedback Training and Ergonomic Counselling in Female Computer Workers with Work-Related Neck-Shoulder Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To investigate the effects of ambulant myofeedback training including ergonomic counselling (Mfb) and ergonomic counselling alone (EC), on work-related neck-shoulder pain and disability. Methods: Seventy-nine female computer workers reporting neck-shoulder complaints were randomly assigned to Mfb or EC and received four weeks of intervention. Pain intensity in neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain disability, were measured at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at three and six months follow-up. Results: Pain intensity and disability had significantly decreased immediately after four weeks Mfb or EC, and the effects remained at follow up. No differences were observed between the Mfb and EC group for outcome and subjects in both intervention groups showed comparable chances for improvement in pain intensity and disability. Conclusions: Pain intensity and disability significantly reduced after both interventions and this effect remained at follow-up. No differences were observed between the two intervention groups.

Efficacy of Raphanus sativus in the treatment of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

In the present study, the efficacy of a methanol extract of Raphanus sativus root (RSME) is tested in albino rats that developed hepatic damage due to administration of paracetamol (100 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Twenty rats were divided into three experimental groups (E1, E2, E3) and one control group (EC). Two doses of RSME (80 and 120 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to E1 and E2, respectively, and a mixture of RSME (120 mg/kg) and paracetamol (100 mg/kg) was administered to E3 for 21 days. Group EC and another group of normal rats (EN) that served as controls were administered distilled water. At the end of the experiment rats were bled to assay thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate aspartate transaminase (SGPT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase. Results indicated that RSME reduced the levels of TBARS, SGOT and SGPT, and increased the level of GSH and the catalase activity in E1 and E2 as compared to the EC group. Group E3 showed decreases in TBARS, SGOT and SGPT levels, but the results were not statistically significant compared with the EN group. There was also a marked depletion in GSH level and catalase activity in this group. RSME reduced lipid peroxidation induced by paracetamol and brought the levels of SGOT and SGPT to normal, indicating liver recovery. It also brought about repletion of GSH levels and recovery of catalase activity. Results for group E3 indicated that RSME was not able to reverse the effects of paracetamol if administration continued.

주정과 구연산 및 식이성 칼슘소재를 처리한 멸치분말이 흰쥐의 칼슘대사에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 주정과 구연산을 처리한 대멸분말과 함께 식이성 칼슘소재가 SD계 흰쥐의 칼슘대사에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위하여 수행되었다. 실험식이는 대멸분말의 칼슘함량을 고려하여 식이중의 칼슘함량이 0.1%가 되도록 semipurified diet(AIN-diet, 1977)에 건조대멸분말을 첨가한 대조군(C), 주정-구연산처리군(EC), 주정-구연산＋CPPs처리군(ECC), 젖산칼슘첨가군(CL) 및 인산칼슘첨가군(CP)으로 처리하여 5주동안 실험한 결과는 다음과 같다. 증체량은 EC군이 ECC군과 일반적인 칼슘소재로 이용되는 젖산칼슘군 (CL)과 인산칼슘군(CP)에 비해 유의하게 높았고(p<0.05), 식이효율(FER)은 차이가 없었다. 생체내외(in vitro & invivo) 칼슘흡수율은 CPP를 처리한 ECC군이 각각 20.4%, 28.4%로 실험군중 가장 높았다(p<0.05). 혈당치는 CL군(105.7 mg/dL)이 대조군(89.5 mg/dL)보다 유의하게 높았고 (p<0.05), TC농도는 EC군(75.1 mg/dL)이 CP군(65.6 mg/dL)보다 높았으며, TG농도는 CP군(33.5 mg/dL)이 통계적으로 가장 낮았다(p<0.05). ALP활성과 OST농도는 실험군간 차이가 없이 CL군이 대조군보다 다소 높았다. 혈중 Ca농도는 칼슘흡수율이 가장 낮은 대조군(C)이 10.82 mg/dL로 유의하게 낮았고, EC군과 ECC군이 가장 높았다(p<0.05). 대퇴골무게는 CP군이 가장 낮았고(p<0.05), 길이는 ECC군이 가장 길었다(p<0.05). 골밀도는 CP군(0.1116 g/㎠)이 가장 낮았던 반면, ECC군(0.1149 g/㎠)이 가장 높았다. 이상의 결과에서 CPPs를 첨가한 ECC군이 생체내외 칼슘흡수율과 혈중 Ca농도 및 대퇴골의 길이와 밀도 등에 유의한 상승효과를 미친 것으로 나타났다. 향후 본 연구결과는 칼슘흡수율을 높이고 색택의 개선 및 관능이 향상된 기능성제품 개발의 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

Eccentric Training Causes Muscular Hypertrophy, Fiber-type Transformation and Interleuikin-6 Production in the Rat Gastrocnemius Muscle

Recent studies have shown that a single bout of muscular exercise causes a transient increase in Interleuikin-6 (IL-6) production within working muscles, though it remains unclear whether similar change of IL-6 occur after repeated bouts of eccentric exercise, i.e. eccentric training. PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to learn the effects of moderate eccentric training on muscular size and function, and intramuscular levels of cytokines including IL-6, using originally developed isokinetic-exercise system for rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (N=39) were randomly assigned into eccentric training (EC) group and sham control (CON) group. After anesthetized with isoflurance, they were firmly fixed on a platform of the isokinetic dynamometer in a prone position. The exercise session consisted of twenty eccentric contractions of the triceps surae muscle, which were elicited by submaximal electric stimulation (100 Hz). Forced lengthening was applied to the muscle by an isokinetic dorsi-flexion of the ankle joint (velocity, 30 deg/s; range of motion, 45 deg). Rats in EC group were trained every second day for 10 days (5 sessions in total) or 20 days (10 sessions in total) after measurements of isometric tetanic force. Only the measurements of isometric tetanic force were made for CON group. After either 5 or 10 sessions of exercise, the muscle specimens were dissected, weighed and subjected to myosin ATPase histochemistry. Tissue concentrations of IL-6 were measured with Western-blot analysis. RESULTS: The wet weight of medial gastrocnemius muscle did not significantly increase after 5 sessions of exercise (EC 724 ± 56.3 mg, CON: 745 ± 44.7 mg), whereas that after 10 sessions significantly increased with concomitant increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers(weight, EC 814 ± 62.4 mg, CON 732 ± 46.5 mg, P<0.05; fiber CSA, EC 4000 ± 1331 umz, CON 3331 ± 1321 umz, P<0.001). The isometric tetanic forces on days 10, 16, 18, and 20 were significantly larger in EC group than in CON group (P<0.001). Myosin-ATPase staining showed a decrease in the percentage of type IIB fibers and an increase in the percentage of type IIA fibers (P<0.001).The tissue concentration of IL-6 after 5 sessions but not 10 sessions of exercise was significantly higher than in the CON group. No apparent fiber damage was observed after 10 sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that a 20-day eccentric training causes increases in muscular size and strength, and a transformation of fiber types towards slower subtypes. These changes were associated with a preceding increase in IL-6 production, suggesting roles played by muscle-derived cytokines in muscular adaptations to eccentric exercise.

Conditioning properties of social subordination in rats: Behavioral and biochemical correlates of anxiety

To develop a socially based model of anxiety, the contextual fear conditioning properties of social defeat were examined in rats. Social threat consisted of exposing intruders to aggressive residents in resident home cage, separated by a partition. During 3 daily encounters, intruders were either defeated or threatened by residents, providing the defeated–threatened (DT) and threatened–threatened (TT) groups respectively. On Day 4, both DT and TT animals were subjected to a social threat only. Additional animals received a 4-day exposure to a novel empty cage (EC group). Further DT, TT, and EC rats were confronted to a different context on Day 4. DT rats exhibited a robust and context-specific anxiety-like response, characterized by significant behavioral and biochemical alterations. DT rats showed increased risk assessment and decreased exploration compared to TT and EC rats that in turn were not different towards each other. DT and TT rats exhibited increased ACTH levels, while only DT rats showed enhanced corticosterone and decreased testosterone levels compared to EC. These differences were context-specific since they were absent confronting animals to a different context and since they were not long lasting. Overall, these data demonstrate the induction of an anxiety-like state in rats through a context conditioning process based upon social factors. The social basis of this paradigm offers good face validity with anxiety disorders, which in humans are mainly related to social factors and associated with HPA axis deregulations. The present procedure may provide a useful experimental model to further investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying anxiety-related disorders.

Surgical approach for polycystic ovarian syndrome in management of infertility

Background: In patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), resolution of infertility is an important goal of treatment. Wedge resection of the ovaries described as a means to achieve this was practiced in the middle of twentieth century. With the advent of endoscopic surgery, surgical approach for the same condition has been modified. Multi point biopsy, multiple needle puncture, electofulguration and laser fulguration are being tried in the context of PCOS. This project was taken up to evaluate the scope of electo fulguration in clomiphene resistant PCOS. Methods: Forty patients who did not show sonographic evidence of ovulation with clomiphene citrate (CC) 100mg OD for 05 days in two cycles were subjected to laparoscopy. The patients who did not show any pelvic factor for infertility were alternately assigned to electro — fulguration treatment of ovaries or no fulguration during laparoscopy. These were designated as ‘Lap EC’ & ‘Only CC’ group respectively. For ‘Only CC’ group' stimulation with CC was continued for four cycles with a higher dose 150 mg OD for 05 days. Lap EC group were subjected to CC 100mg OD for 5 days for two cycles in case of non achievement of ovulation in the first two drug free cycles following EC. Folliculometry, HCG administration and Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) was performed for both groups. Results: Total percentage of ovulatory cycles were 51.8% in EC group compared to 5.26% in the CC group. Overall pregnancy rate of 30% was achieved in the Lap EC group as compared to only 10% in the CC group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic electrofulguration of ovaries increases the chances of ovulation and conception. This being a cheaper one time procedure as compared to other expensive ovulation inducing agents, should be the preferred mode and the primary procedure wherever polycystic ovaries are encountered while evaluating a case of infertility by laparoscopy.

Experimental and clinical study of influence of high-frequency electric surgical knives on healing of abdominal incision

To study the influence of high-frequency electric surgical knives on healing of abdominal incision. Two hundred and forty white rats were divided into 10(0), 10(2), 10(5), and 10(8) groups and rat models of abdominal operation were induced by using electric surgical knives and common lancets respectively. Then they were respectively given hypodermic injections of normal saline and 0.2 mL quantitative mixture of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 10(2), 10(5) and 10(8). On the basis of the animal experiment, 220 patients undergoing abdominal operations (above type II) were randomly allocated into one of following three groups: electric knife (EK, 93 cases), electro-coagulation (EC, 55 cases) and control (72 cases). High-frequency electric surgical knives were used to dissect abdominal tissues and electro-coagulation for hemostasis in EK group. Common lancets and electro-coagulation were applied in EC group. Common lancets and tying silk suture were used in the controls. In all the groups except group 10(0), infection rate of incisional wounds made by electric surgical knives were remarkably higher than that with common lancets. Furthermore, there were significant differences in groups 10(2), 10(5), and 10(8) (P<0.05), but not in group 10(0) (P>0.05) between EK and EC groups. Clinical studies showed a delayed wound healing in 16 cases (17.20%) in EK, 11 cases (16.36%) in EC and 2 cases (2.86%) in the control groups. A significant difference between EK and the control groups (chi2 = 8.57, P<0.01), and between EC and the control groups (chi2 = 5.66, P<0.05) was observed, but not between EK and EC (chi2 = 0.017, P>0.05). High-frequency electric knives may remarkably delay abdominal incision healing. Its application should be minimized so as to reduce the possibility of postoperative complications.