EC Groups Research Articles

Effects of mesenchymal stem cell transfer on orthodontically induced root resorption and orthodontic tooth movement during orthodontic arch expansion protocols: an experimental study in rats.

The aim was to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transfer to periodontal ligament (PDL) on the inhibition and/or repair of orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR) during and after arch expansion and on the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) rate of the maxillary first molar teeth of rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups as the untreated group, MSC and control injections during the expansion period group (EMSC-EC), and MSC and control injections at the retention period group (RMSC-RC). Fifty grams of orthodontic force was applied to the maxillary first molar teeth of the rats for 14 days in the vestibular direction, and then, 20 days of retention was carried out. MSCs and control injections were performed every 3 days in the EC, RC, EMSC, and RMSC groups. At the end of the experiment, samples were prepared for OTM evaluation, mRNA expression analysis, micro-computed tomography measurements, cementum thickness calculations, and structural examinations. The amount of OTM in EMSC group was significantly higher than in EC group (P < 0.001). MSC transfer during the expansion and retention periods reduced the number of resorption lacunae, volumetric and linear resorptive measurements, and cyclooxygenase-2 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression levels, and increased the osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression levels, OPG/RANKL ratio, and cementum thickness in the EMSC and RMSC groups. MSC transfer to PDL during expansion increased the amount of OTM. Injection of MSC during the retention period was found to be slightly more effective in prevention and/or repair of OIRR than MSC transfer during the expansion period.

Next-generation sequencing analyses of the emergence and maintenance of mutations in CTL epitopes in HIV controllers with differential viremia control

BackgroundDespite the low level of viral replication in HIV controllers (HICs), studies have reported viral mutations related to escape from cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response in HIV-1 plasma sequences. Thus, evaluating the dynamics of the emergence of CTL-escape mutants in HICs reservoirs is important for understanding viremia control. To analyze the HIV-1 mutational profile and dynamics of CTL-escape mutants in HICs, we selected 11 long-term non-progressor individuals and divided them into the following groups: (1) viremic controllers (VCs; n = 5) and (2) elite controllers (ECs; n = 6). For each individual, we used HIV-1 proviral DNA from PBMCs related to earliest (VE) and latest (VL) visits to obtain gag and nef sequences using the Illumina HiSeq system. The consensus of each mapped gene was used to assess viral divergence, and next-generation sequencing data were employed to identify SNPs and variations within and flanking CTL epitopes.ResultsDivergence analysis showed higher values for nef compared to gag among the HICs. EC and VC groups showed similar divergence rates for both genes. Analysis of the number of SNPs showed that VCs present more variability in both genes. Synonymous/non-synonymous mutation ratios were < 1 for gag among ECs and for nef among ECs and VCs, exhibiting a predominance of non-synonymous mutations. Such mutations were observed in regions encoding CTL-restricted epitopes in all individuals. All ECs presented non-synonymous mutations in CTL epitopes but generally at low frequency (< 1%); all VCs showed a high number of mutations, with significant frequency changes between VE and VL visits. A higher frequency of internal mutations was observed for gag epitopes, with significant changes across visits compared to Nef epitopes, indicating a pattern associated with differential genetic pressure.ConclusionsThe high genetic conservation of HIV-1 gag and nef among ECs indicates that the higher level of viremia control restricts the evolution of both genes. Although viral replication levels in HICs are low or undetectable, all individuals exhibited CTL epitope mutations in proviral gag and nef variants, indicating that potential CTL escape mutants are present in HIC reservoirs and that situations leading to a disequilibrium of the host-virus relationship can result in the spread of CTL-escape variants.

The effects of rapid hypothermia induced via esophagus on intestinal mucous injury in early stage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a swine model of cardiac arrest

Objective To investigate the effects of rapid hypothermia induced via esophagus on intestinal mucous injury in early stage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a swine model of cardiac arrest. Methods Twenty-seven male domestic pigs weighing (36±2)kg were utilized. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups (n= 9 in each): normothermia group (NT group), surface cooling group (SC group), and esophageal cooling group (EC group). The pig model was established by 8 mins of untreated ventricular fibrillation and then 5 mins of CPR. At 5 mins after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), therapeutic hypothermia was applied by either an esophageal cooling device in the EC group or a surface cooling blanket in the SC group to reach a targeted temperature of 33 ℃ maintained for 24 h after ROSC, and then followed by warming up in a rate of 1℃/hr for 5 hrs. A normal temperature of (38.0±0.5)℃ was maintained throughout the experiment in the NT group. The core temperature was continuously monitored during a period of 30 h after ROSC. At 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 30 h after ROSC, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) content and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in serum were measured by ELISA. At 30 h after ROSC, the pigs were sacrificed, and then intestinal tissue was rapidly obtained for the determination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) contents by ELISA, cell apoptosis by TUNEL, and caspase-3 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results The rate of temperature decrease was 2.8 ℃/h and the time required for target temperature was 102 min in the EC group, while the rate of temperature decrease was 1.5 ℃/h and the time consumed for target temperature was 185 mins in the SC group, which suggested the efficacy of cooling was significantly better in the EC group than that in the SC group (both P<0.05). Compared with the NT group, serum IFABP content and DAO activity were significantly decreased at 3 hrs after ROSC in the EC group and at 6 hrs after ROSC in the SC group. Compared with the SC group, serum IFABP content at 6 hrs after ROSC and DAO activity at 12 h after ROSC were significantly decreased in the EC group IFABP (pg/mL): (710±32) vs.(777±52) at 6 h, (870±49) vs. (960±64) at 12 h, (1 022±65)vs. (1 143±63) at 24 h, (882±71) vs. (1 006±45) at 30 h DAO (U/mL): (39.9±1.9) vs. (43.4±3.2) at 12 h, (30.6±2.4) vs.(34.0±3.1) at 24 h, (26.1±2.7) vs. (29.4±2.2) at 30 h, all P<0.05. In the intestinal tissue, TNF-α and IL-6 contents were significantly reduced, and cell apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression were significantly decreased in the SC and EC groups compared with the NT group. Additionally, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis in intestinal tissue were further significantly lesser in the EC group compared with the SC group TNF-α(pg/mL): (721±94) vs. (922±125); IL-6(pg/mL): (454±69) vs. (697±132); Apoptotic index(%): (6.2±2.6)vs.(12.8±3.0); caspase-3 expression (IOD): (8.9±1.6) vs. (15.9±1.9), all P<0.05. Conclusions In a swine model of cardiac arrest, rapid hypothermia could be successfully induced via esophagus and consequently produced a greater protective effect on post-resuscitation intestinal injury compared with the conventional surface cooling. The protective mechanisms are associated with the inhibition of inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. Key words: Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Therapeutic hypothermia; Surface cooling; Esophageal cooling; Intestinal mucous injury; Inflammatory response; Cell apoptosis

Endurance exercise training protects against the upregulation of nitric oxide in the striatum of MPTP/probenecid mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the gradual loss of cells in substantia nigra. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in a variety of signal transduction pathways that are crucial for maintaining the physiologic functions of nervous system. The aims of this study are: 1) To investigate the expression of the inducible form of NO (iNOS), and compare it to neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS) in the brain of a chronic mouse model of PD and 2) To study the effect of endurance exercise training on the expression of these markers.METHODMouse models of PD were obtained using 10 doses of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (25 mg/kg) and probenecid (250 mg/kg) over 5 weeks. Forty C57BL/6 albino mice were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary control (SC, N = 10), exercise control (EC, N = 10), sedentary PD (SPD, N = 10), exercise PD (EPD, N = 10). At the end of training program, nNOS and iNOS were evaluated in the striatum in all animal groups using immunohistochemistry.RESULTSnNOS showed significant increases in striatum (ST) of SPD mice compared to SC mice (P &gt; 0.03). There was also decreased expression of nNOS in EC group compared to SC mice, but this decrease was not significant (P &gt; 0.8). Exercise training significantly decreased the level of nNOS in the EPD compared to SPD, (P &gt; 0.04). Although, iNOS expression followed almost the same trend as nNOS, but exercise training did not significantly decrease the expression of iNOS in both EC and EPD groups, P &gt; 0.2 and 0.3 respectively.DISCUSSIONThe data from this study suggests that 4 weeks of treadmill exercise has a positive impact on the expression of nNOS and iNOS in the striatum of a PD model. This might clear in part the pathogenicity of the diseases and the positive impact of training on PD.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded from the Deanship of Scientific Research at Jordan University of Science and TechnologyThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Correction: Ecstasy induces reactive oxygen species, kidney water absorption and rhabdomyolysis in normal rats. Effect of N-acetylcysteine and Allopurinol in oxidative stress and muscle fiber damage.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179199.].

Effect of dietary phytoextracts supplementation on growth performance and blood parameters of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus Mykiss W. ), cultivated in a recirculation system

The present research aimed to examine the effect of dietary phytoextracts supplementation on the growth performance, haematological (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit) and biochemical (glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, ASAT, ALAT) blood parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.), cultivated in a recirculation system. The fish were divided into 6 groups: one control (C) and five experimental groups in whose food was added phytoextracts of curcumin (EC), paprika (EP), thyme (ET), oregano (EO) and garlic (EG). The inclusion of phytoextracts had no significant effect on growth parameters of fish from EC, EP, ET, EO and EG groups (P&gt;0.05). Statistically significantly lower feed consumption per unit weight gain was observed in EO group vs C (Р&lt;0.05). The phytoextract supplementation had significant influence on some of the haematological (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin) and biochemical (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, ASAT, ALAT) blood parameters of rainbow trout.

Study of Voluntary Wheel Running on Norepinephrine Mechanism in Striatum in the Rats with Septic Encephalopathy

The complete pathophysiology of septic encephalopathy is unknown, but several mechanisms including inflammatory mediators, the alteration of amino acids and of neurotransmitters, oxidative stress have been suggested. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of voluntary wheel running on norepinephrine （NE) mechanism in striatum in the rats with septic encephalopathy. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following 3 groups: sham group (S), cecal ligation and puncture group (CLP), exercise preconditioning and cecal ligation and puncture group (EC). The striatal dialysate samples were detected by the high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC). The S100 levels in the serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After CLP surgery, significantly higher the NE level was found in CLP group than in the EC group (P<0.01). Furthermore, serum S100 level was significantly increased in the CLP group compared to that of the S and EC groups (P<0.001). We concluded that exercise preconditioning can inhibit increase of NE during septic encephalopathy, thereby improving brain tissue damage.

Counseling and in-advance provision of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills decrease the rate of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of counseling and in-advance provision of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills (LNG-ECPs) during postpartum counseling on the incidence of occurrence of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding.Materials and methods: The current study is an open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial carried out in a university hospital in Egypt. All women who delivered and planning to birth-space and breastfeed for at least 1 year were approached for participation during a postpartum hospital stay. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive adequate lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) counseling Group 1 (LAM-only) or the above LAM counseling in addition to counseling and in advance provision of one packet of 0.75-mg LNG-ECPs Group 2 (LAM + EC). The two study groups were followed 6 months and the primary outcome was the unplanned pregnancy rate.Results: The study included 2708 women randomized into two groups; LAM-only and LAM + EC groups. Demographic characteristics were homogenous between the groups at the time of recruitment. Unplanned pregnancy was significantly higher in LAM-only group 70 (5.3%) as compared with 5 (0.4%) in LAM-EC group (p = .0001). Also, 619 women (46.6%) used LNG-ECPs with minor side effects like nausea in 175 (28.3%) women, headache in 94 (15.2%) women, vomiting in 24 (3.9%) women.Conclusion: In-advance counseling and provision of LNG-ECPs for those opt to use LAM during postpartum family planning counseling can decrease the rate of unplanned pregnancy during breastfeeding and increase the initiation of long-term use of contraception.

Changes in ischemia-modified albumin in myocardial toxicity induced by anthracycline and docetaxel chemotherapy.

This study aims to evaluate differences in myocardial toxicity induced by different chemotherapy regimens. Patients were divided into 2 groups: epirubicin (EPI) combined with cyclophosphamide (EC) group and docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide (TC) group. Changes in electrocardiograph (ECG) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were determined pre- and 1, 3, and 6 courses of postchemotherapy. After the first course of chemotherapy, there was no significant difference in ECG and abnormal IMA incidence rates between the TC groups and EC groups (P > .05). After the third course and at the end of the sixth course, ECG and abnormal IMA incidence rates in the EC group were significantly higher than in the TC group (P < .05). Besides, IMA values significantly increased with the increase in chemotherapy courses in the EC group; and the value of the postsixth course was significantly higher than in the pre- and postfirst and -third courses of chemotherapy. IMA value in the postsixth course in the TC group was significantly higher than that in the pre- and postfirst and -third courses of chemotherapy. In addition, IMA values at the postfirst and -third courses of chemotherapy in the EC group were significantly higher than in the TC group. Both EC and TC chemotherapy regimens were harmful to the myocardium, and the incidence rate of myocardial damage increased with the increase of cumulative dose. Besides, the degree of myocardial damage in EC group was significantly higher than in the TC group.

Ecstasy induces reactive oxygen species, kidney water absorption and rhabdomyolysis in normal rats. Effect of N-acetylcysteine and Allopurinol in oxidative stress and muscle fiber damage

BackgroundEcstasy (Ec) use produces hyperthermia, excessive sweating, intense thirst, an inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and a multisystemic toxicity due to oxidative stress (OS). Intense thirst induces high intake of pure water, which associated with SIADH, usually develops into acute hyponatremia (Hn). As Hn is induced rapidly, experiments to check if Ec acted directly on the Inner Medullary Collecting Ducts (IMCD) of rats were conducted. Rhabdomyolysis and OS were also studied because Ec is known to induce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and tissue damage. To decrease OS, the antioxidant inhibitors N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Allopurinol (Allo) were used.MethodsRats were maintained on a lithium (Li) diet to block the Vasopressin action before Ec innoculation. AQP2 (Aquaporin 2), ENaC (Epitheliun Sodium Channel) and NKCC2 (Sodium, Potassium, 2 Chloride) expression were determined by Western Blot in isolated IMCDs. The TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and GSH (reduced form of Glutathione) were determined in the Ec group (6 rats injected with Ec-10mg/kg), in Ec+NAC groups (NAC 100mg/Kg/bw i.p.) and in Allo+Ec groups (Allo 50mg/Kg/i.p.).ResultsEnhanced AQP2 expression revealed that Ec increased water transporter expression, decreased by Li diet, but the expression of the tubular transporters did not change. The Ec, Ec+NAC and Allo+Ec results showed that Ec increased TBARS and decreased GSH, showing evidence of ROS occurrence, which was protected by NAC and Allo. Rhabdomyolysis was only protected by Allo.ConclusionResults showed that Ec induced an increase in AQP2 expression, evidencing another mechanism that might contribute to cause rapid hyponatremia. In addition, they showed that NAC and Allo protected against OS, but only Allo decreased rhabdomyolysis and hyperthermia.

Effect of different cryo-devices on in vitro maturation and development of vitrified-warmed immature buffalo oocytes

The aim of the study was to identify a cryo-device that would be best suited for the vitrification of buffalo immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) as judged by viability and meiotic competence of the vitrified-warmed oocytes and their development ability following in vitro fertilization (IVF). The expression of oocyte secreting factors and their receptors (GDF9, BMP15, BMPR2, TGFBR1) and apoptosis related genes (BCL2, BAX, P53, C-MYC) were compared in vitrified-warmed oocytes after in vitro maturation. COCs from the ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes were vitrified in a combination of dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and sucrose using either a conventional straw (CS), open pulled straw (OPS), cryoloop (CL), hemistraw (HS) or cryotop (CT). The fresh COCs were exposed to vitrification and warming solutions as in other vitrification methods without plunging in to liquid nitrogen (EC). The viability of vitrified-warmed COCs, 2 h post warming in HS and CT was similar to fresh and EC groups but significantly higher than CS and OPS methods. The proportions of oocytes with first polar body after 24 h in vitro maturation were significantly higher in HS and CT methods than in CS, OPS and CL methods. The development ability of these vitrified-warmed oocytes to blastocyst stage following IVF in all vitrified groups was significantly lower than control and EC groups. Among the vitrified groups, the blastocyst rate in HS, CT and CL groups was significantly higher than in OPS and CS groups. It was also observed that the expression levels of GDF9, BMP15, BMPR2, TGFBR1, BCL2, BAX, P53 and C-MYC genes in vitrified-warmed COCs in CT, HS and CL groups were similar to control. The results indicated that HS, CT and CL are more suitable cryo-devices for vitrification of buffalo immature oocytes.

Effects of dietary antioxidants on oxidative stress, antioxidant defence and growth of freshwater crayfishAstacus leptodactylus(Eschscholtz, 1823) during the reproductive period in females

In this study, we examined the effects of dietary antioxidant vitamins [vitamin E (Vit E), vitamin C (Vit C) and vitamin A (Vit A)], astaxanthin (AX) and β-carotene (βC) supplementation on oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)], antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)] and glutathione (GSH) levels in hepatopancreas, ovarian, muscle, gill tissues and survival rates (SR), live weight gain (LWG), specific growth rate (SGR) of Astacus leptodactylus during ovarian development. The EE, EC, EA, EAX and EβC groups were formed by addingClick here to enter text. Vit E, Vit C, Vit A, AX and βC to the diet respectively. The antioxidants did not have a significant impact on the values of SR, LWG and SGR. After 137 days, the MDA levels in the Control (C) group were statistically higher in the hepatopancreas, ovarian and muscle tissues according negative control (NC), EE, EC, EA, EAX and EβC groups. The SOD activities in ovarian, muscle and gill tissues and GSH levels in ovarian and muscle tissues were lower in the C group compared with the NC group, but GSH-Px activities in hepatopancreas and ovarian tissues and GSH levels in gill tissues were higher. The MDA levels were statistically lower in all tissues of crayfish in experimental groups according to C group. The antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels changed according to tissue. The results showed that Vit E and AX should be supplemented in diets to increase the reproductive performance of crayfish, because Vit E and AX were of higher potential as antioxidants than other vitamins and carotenoids in ovarian tissues.

Pulsed ultrasound regulates angiogenesis and vascular invasion of the osteochondral junction in arthritic knee cartilage

Objective To observe the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on angiogenesis and vascular invasion in the osteochondral junctions of rabbits with osteoarthritis. Methods Eighteen 2 to 2.5 kg New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into an early control group (EC), an early osteoarthritis group (EO) and an osteoarthritis plus LIPUS treatment group (ET), each of 6. The rabbits of the EO and ET groups received anterior cruciate ligament resection at their left hind limbs, while those of the EC group were sham-operated. The ET group was exposed to LIPUS radiation four weeks later when osteoarthritis had been established, while the EO and EC groups were exposed to fake LIPUS radiation. After four weeks of treatment the rabbits were sacrificed and pathological changes in the articular surface of the femoral condyle were assessed using Safranin O-fast green cartilage staining. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of integrin β1, p-FAK, p-JNK, p-p38, VEGF and chondromodulin-1(ChM-1). Results Compared with the EC group, significantly more angiogenesis and vascular invasion was observed in the osteochondral junctions of the EO and ET groups, with more vessels at the osteochondral junction and marked disorder of the tidal line broken up by vessels. The expression of integrin β1, p-FAK, VEGF, p-p38 and p-JNK was significantly higher in the EO group than in the EC group, while ChM-1 expression was significantly lower. Compared with the EO group, the expression of integrin β1, p-FAK and ChM-1 in the ET group was significantly higher, while that of VEGF, p38 and p-JNK was significantly lower. Conclusions LIPUS inhibited angiogenesis and vascular invasion in the osteochondral junctions of the osteoarthritic rabbits through activating an integrin β1-FAK-p38/JNK-VEGF/ChM-1 pathway. Key words: Osteoarthritis; Angiogenesis; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Ultrasound; Integrin β1

Mesalazine Modified-Release Tablet in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in the Remission Phase: A Chinese, Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two mesalazine formulations in the treatment of Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in the remission phase. In this multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled study conducted from November 2010 to August 2012, 251 patients with UC from 18 hospitals were enrolled. The patients were randomized to treatment with mesalazine modified-release tablets (MR group, n=126) or other enteric-coated tablets (EC group, n=125), at 800mg three-times daily for 48weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was the rate of non-emergence of bloody stool. If the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the primary efficacy measure was over -10%, the modified-release tablets were considered non-inferior to the enteric-coated tablets. The secondary efficacy parameters included the period of non-emergence of bloody stool and the period of non-recurrence of UC. The incidences of adverse events and adverse drug reactions were compared between the two groups. At 48weeks of maintenance treatment, the rates of non-emergence of bloody stool were 82.99% (95% CI 73.53-92.45%) and 73.30% (95% CI 64.04-82.56%) in the MR and EC groups, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was 9.69% (95% CI -1.15-20.53%). There was no significant difference in the period of non-emergence of bloody stool and the period of non-recurrence of UC between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidences of adverse events were 48.78% (60/123) and 48.00% (60/125) in the MR and EC groups, respectively (P=0.902). The incidences of adverse drug reactions were 16.26% (20/123) and 13.60% (17/125) in the MR and EC groups, respectively (P=0.556). Mesalazine modified-release tablets were non-inferior to the enteric-coated tablets and may be considered an effective and safe treatment alternative for the maintenance of remission in Chinese patients with UC. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01257399. Tillotts Pharma AG.

Mesalazine Modified-Release Tablet in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in the Active Phase: A Chinese, Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

This study compared the efficacy and safety of two mesalazine formulations in the treatment of Chinese patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). In this multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled study of 251 patients with active UC conducted from November 2010 to January 2012, subjects were randomized to treatment with mesalazine modified-release tablets (MR group, n=123) or enteric-coated tablets (EC group, n=128) at 800mg three-times daily for 8weeks. The primary efficacy measure was the decrease in UC Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) at final evaluation. If the 95% confidence interval (CI) lower limit of the difference of the decrease in UCDAI between groups was over -1.0, mesalazine modified-release tablets were considered non-inferior to mesalazine enteric-coated tablets. The change in UCDAI in patients with mild and moderate (UCDAI 3-5 and 6-8 at enrollment, respectively) UC was analyzed. Secondary efficacy measures were remission and efficacy rates. Incidences of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were calculated. The decreases in UCDAI at final evaluation were 2.84 and 2.56 in the MR and EC groups, respectively, with a difference of 0.27 between groups (95% CI -0.34, 0.88). The remission rates were 48.33% (58/120) and 55.65% (69/124), and the efficacy rates were 63.33% (76/120) and 66.94% (83/124) in the MR and EC groups, respectively (all P>0.05). In patients with mild UC, the decreases in UCDAI were 2.16 and 2.05 in the MR and EC groups, respectively, while in patients with moderate UC they were 3.49 and 3.03, respectively (all P>0.05). The incidences of ADRs in the MR and EC groups were 6.61% (8/121) and 10.24% (13/127), respectively (P>0.05). No serious ADRs were reported during the study. Mesalazine modified-release tablets are non-inferior to enteric-coated tablets and are an effective and safe treatment option in Chinese patients with mildly to moderately active UC. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01257386. Tillotts Pharma AG.

Differential levels of p75NTR ectodomain in CSF and blood in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a novel diagnostic marker.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia in the elderly. The ectodomain of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR-ECD) has been suggested to play important roles in regulating beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and in protecting neurons from the toxicity of soluble Aβ. However, whether and how the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of p75NTR-ECD change in patients with AD are not well documented. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of serum p75NTR-ECD in an AD group, a Parkinson disease group and a stroke group, as well as in a group of elderly controls without neurological disorders (EC). We also determined the levels of CSF p75NTR-ECD in a subset of the AD and EC groups. Our data showed that a distinct p75NTR-ECD profile characterized by a decreased CSF level and an increased serum level was present concomitantly with AD patients but not with other diseases. p75NTR-ECD levels in both the serum and CSF were strongly correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and showed sound differential diagnostic value for AD. Moreover, when combining CSF Aβ42, CSF Aβ42/40, CSF ptau181 or CSF ptau181/Aβ42 with CSF p75NTR-ECD, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and diagnostic accuracies improved. These findings indicate that p75NTR-ECD can serve as a specific biomarker for AD and the determination of serum and CSF p75NTR-ECD levels is likely to be helpful in monitoring AD progression.

A Decrease in γ‐Tocopherol Associates with Impaired Muscular Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

We tested the hypothesis that a decrease in γ‐tocopherol (γT) increases serum cytokine concentrations and impairs muscular performance after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and surgery. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) placebo (n=14), (2) multi‐vitamin/‐mineral (MV; n=14), or (3) vitamins E (α‐ [600 mg RRR‐α‐tocopherol, αT)] and γ‐ [600 mg of RRR‐γT]) and C (1000 mg ascorbic acid, AA) (EC; n=15). Supplements were taken daily starting ~2‐wk prior to and concluding 16‐wk after surgery. Fasting blood samples were obtained and single‐leg peak isometric force measurements were performed at baseline (Bsl, prior to supplementation), before surgery (~120‐min – blood draw only), and 8‐wk, 12‐wk, and 16‐wk after surgery. An exercise protocol consisting of repetitive knee and hip extension and flexion contractions to exhaustion was performed on the injured limb at 16‐wk. αT, γT, AA, and cytokines were measured in each blood sample, and peak isometric force was measured on injured and non‐injured legs separately at each testing session. Plasma αT and AA increased (∼42% and 28%, respectively) in the MV and EC groups, while γT decreased (∼47%) in the MV and increased (∼153%) in the EC group. Serum cytokines and peak isometric forces were not different between groups. Time to exhaustion during the exercise protocol decreased (∼30%) in the MV group and correlated with the change (Bsl to 16‐wk) in plasma γT in the MV and EC groups (n=29, r=0.42, p&lt;0.05). We conclude that a decrease in circulating γT hinders muscular performance after ACL reconstruction.

The effect of different environmental factors on force degradation of three common systems of orthodontic space closure.

Different environmental conditions, such as high temperature or exposure to some chemical agents, may affect the force decay of different methods of space closure during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the force decay pattern in the presence of tea as a popular drink in some parts of the world and two mouthwashes that are usually prescribed by the orthodontist once the treatment is in progress. Elastic chain (EC), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) closed coil spring and tie-back (TB) method were used as the means of space closure. The specimens were placed in five different media: Hot tea, hot water (65°), chlorhexidine mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash and the control group (water at 37°). The specimens were stretched 25 mm and the elastic force of three systems was measured at the beginning of the study, after 24 h, after 1 week and after 3 weeks. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the results between the groups and Duncan test was carried out to compare the sets of means in different groups (P ≤ 0.05). Tea increases the force decay in the EC and TB groups. Oral mouthwashes also resulted in more rapid force decay than the control group. EC and Ni-Ti groups were not much affected in the presence of oral mouthwashes. Regarding the immersion media, TB method showed the biggest variation in different media and Ni-Ti coil spring was least affected by the type of media.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and educational counseling for chronic pain and opioid dependence

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and educational counseling for chronic pain and opioid dependence

Significantly lower prevalence of psychopathology in Asian compared to non-Asian methadone maintained patients

Significantly lower prevalence of psychopathology in Asian compared to non-Asian methadone maintained patients