End Of 2nd Week Research Articles

Clinical efficacy of different frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for tardive dyskinesia

Objective To investigate the effect of different frequency of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)on tardive dyskinesia (TD). Methods Schizophrenia combined with antipsychotic-induced TD were screened. All patients were planed to receive 1Hz or 10Hz rTMS for 4 weeks in which two weeks’ break was inserted at end of 2nd weekend. The curative effect and side effects were assessed by abnormal involuntary movement scale(AIMS) and rating scale for extrapyramidal side effects(RSESE) respectively at before and after treatment. Results In the 1Hz group, only Involuntary movements of the upper extremities were improved after rTMS treatment (before treatment 2.6±1.0, after treatment 1.8±1.1), the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). But in 10Hz group, upper extremities(before treatment 1.9±1.2, 0.8±0.9 after treatment), mouth(before treatment 1.0±0.8, after treatment 0.3±0.5), tongue(before treatment 2.6±0.9, after treatment 1.7±0.9), and total score(before treatment 7.7±3.0, after treatment 4.2±1.7) significantly decreased after rTMS treatment(P <0.05 or <0.01). In addition, the reduction rates in both the lower extremities and the total score was statistically different between the two groups (P<0.05 ). Conclusion rTMS can reduce the symptom of involuntary movement of TD patients and 10Hz rTMS is better. Key words: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS); Schizophrenia; Tardive dyskinesia(TD); Efficacy

Protective effect of paeoniflorin in rats with acute liver injury

Objective Investigate the Protective effect of paeoniflorin in rats with acute liver injury. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, paeoniflorin in small, middle and high dose group （20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg）, paeony glycoside group （50 mg/kg）. Except normal group, the rest of groups were irradiated fractionally by VARIN 21-EX linear accelerator at right liver, The paeoniflorin group and paeony glycoside group were lavaged everyday after irradiation for corresponding drugs and doses. Normal group and model group give equal volume normal saline everyday. All rats were killed on 2nd and 4th weekend. Measure rats serum AST, ALT, hepatic tissue GSH, SOD, and HE staining score. Results The rats in model group liver tissue HE staining scores increased to（2.25±0.53）on 2nd weekend, The serum levels of AST, ALT increased to（112.83±19.20）U/L, （80±21.97）U/L, it significantly increased Compared with the normal group（63.06±7.15）U/L, （42.30±4.45）U/L, P〈0.01. The liver GSH contents of paeoniflorin in each dosage groups rats were（60.89±8.43）U/mg, （67.84±9.05）U/mg, （71.92±8.11）U/mg on 2 nd weekend, Compared with the model group（37.32±11.25）U/mg, （90.54±12.12）U/mg, P〈0.05或〈0.01. Conclusions The irradiated rats go into acute liver injury on 2nd weekend, paeoniflorin has protective effect on acute liver injury in rats. Key words: Acute radiation-induced liver injury; Paeoniflorin; Rat; Protective effect

BOTOX! BETTER OPTION TO PROTECT CORNEA IN IDIOPATHIC BELL’S PALSY

Aim: Is to evaluate the efficacy of Chemo-denervation of LPS to induce temporary ptosis using Injection Botox in protecting Cornea and healing exposure keratopathy. Materials &amp; Methods: Prospective interventional study conducted at Tertiary eye care centre of Hyderabad. Study period between June 2010 to May 2012. 24 cases of Bell’s palsy , 11 males &amp; 14 females between age group of 20-80 years were included in the study. Facial palsy due to CP angle tumors, Hansen’s disease, Trauma, CSOM and post mastoidectomy were excluded as these are permanent causes. Patient with known allergy to Botox and patient who lost to follow up were also excluded. Cases included were examined by an ophthalmologist and radiologically evaluated to rule out other causes of facial palsy. Height of palpebral aperture, amount of Lagophthalmos, exposure keratopathy was documented. 0.25cc of injection Botox containing 6.25IU of Botox was injected at the insertion of LPS. Patient was examined at the end of 1st week, 2nd week, 4th week and 8th week to check all the 3 parameters. Results: At the end of 1st week in 16 cases mean palpebral height of 9mm (SD +/- 1.2mm) before injection was reduced to 2mm (SD+/- 1.0mm) after injection. At the end of 2nd week 8 cases achieved ptosis. Mean difference in Palpebral aperture height was 7mm (p value of 0.05) which is significant. All cases showed improvement in exposure keratopathy. 20 cases recovered from Bell’s palsy within 8 weeks . 4 cases required 2nd injection of Botox as ptosis started recovering but Bell’s palsy persists. Mean amount of Lagophthalmos of 4.3mm (SD+/- 0.7mm) before injection was reduced to 1.1mm (SD+/- 1.0mm) at the end of 2nd week. P value of &lt;0.05 which is significant. Conclusion: Inj.Botox is safe and effective method to achieve ptosis by Chemo-denervation of LPS. Action of Botox remains for 8 weeks wherein 85% of cases recovered from Bell’s palsy.

To Study the Effectiveness of Buteyko Breathing Technique Versus Diaphragmatic Breathing in Asthmatics

Background:Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It is estimated that around 300 million people in the world currently have asthma In Asthmatics dysfunctional breathing pattern is common. Breathing pattern is the basis of abnormal patterns in asthma. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing technique versus diaphragmatic breathing in asthmatics.Methods:&nbsp;46 patients with asthma aged 20-65 years were taken. The duration of the study was 2 weeks &amp; data was collected on day zero and at the end of 2nd week. The subjects were divided into two groups A &amp; B 23 patients of asthma in each group were distributed by convenient sampling. Each subject was assessed according to FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEFR Statistics were applied by using SPSS 11.Results:&nbsp;Results were calculated by using 0.05 level of significance. On the basis of above statistical analysis the p value for group A is less than 0.05. So the intervention on group A is effective than intervention on group B.Conclusion:&nbsp;So Buteyko breathing technique proves to be more effective than diaphragmatic breathing technique in asthmatics.

Pharmacological characterization of carrageenan induced heat muscle hyperalgesia in rats using non-selective, preferential and selective COX-2 inhibitors

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that unilateral injection of carrageenan into the gastrocnemius muscle produces chronic thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. AimIn the present study, we have characterized this model of muscoskeletal inflammatory pain, by evaluating the antihyperalgesic effects of selective and non-selective COX-2 inhibitors after systemic administration. Materials and methodsRats were injected with 3% carrageenan in the left gastrocnemius muscle and hyperalgesia to heat stimuli (measured as decreased withdrawal latency) to paws was assessed before and at varying times after injection, till end of 2nd week. Histological changes and the determination of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration were performed after the completion of drug treatment protocol. ResultsIntraperitoneal administrations of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (7mg/kg) as well as preferential COX-2 inhibitors like nimisulide (5mg/kg) and aceclofenac (5mg/kg) attenuated hyperalgesia whereas non-COX-2 selective inhibitors like ibuprofen (40mg/kg) and indomethacin (10mg/kg) did not. Also the histopathological evidence suggests the beneficial effects of COX-2 selective inhibitors. The data suggest that selective inhibition of COX-2 produce good anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects on Carrageenan-induced thermal inflammatory hyperalgesia. ConclusionIn the present carrageenan induced chronic pain model we have determined the role of analgesics in the reversal and inhibition of the state of chronic hyperalgesia. While considering the characterization of the present model our observations suggest the importance of a spinal COX-2 mechanism, a spinal action of systemically delivered drugs in the face of peripheral inflammation.

English

BACKGROUND: Supraspinatus tendinitis is the non-traumatic, inflammatory and degenerative changes of tendon. This condition is common in athletes involving repetitive overhead activities like bowling, swimming, and javelin throw etc. and even in persons involving these repetitive overhead activities at their work places. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition have a dramatic impact on physical mobility and function. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound and cryokinetics versus ultrasound and soft tissue massage (deep friction massage) in patients suffering from acute supraspinatus tendinitis. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of ultrasound therapy with cryokinetics versus ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (deep fiction massage) in acute supraspinatus tendinitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: It is a comparative experimental study dividing in to two groups. 60 subjects aged between 30-60 years 30 in each group. Group A: (n=30):- Treated with ultrasound therapy and cryokinetics Group B: (n=30):- Treated with ultrasound therapy and soft tissue massage (deep friction massage). Analysis was based on VAS scores and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).Treatment was given for 6 days a week for 2 weeks. The following outcome measures were measured at baseline, day 7 and day14 with 1 week follow up. VAS Score, and Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). The baseline measurements were compared to data at the end of 2nd week. RESULTS: The VAS, SPADI percentage across baseline, day 7 and day 14 follow up showed a significant improvement statistically in their mean scores within Group A and Group B (P<0.001). Statistically significant greater changes in score were found in ultrasound therapy and soft tissue massage (deep friction massage) in (Group B) for VAS, and SPADI as compared to ultrasound therapy and cryokinetics (Group A). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ultrasound therapy with cryokinetics (Group A) and ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (deep friction massage) in (Group B) are significantly effective in improving VAS, ROM and SPADI. However ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (Group B) appears to be more effective in improving shoulder function and reducing VAS and disability as compared to ultrasound therapy with cryokinetics (Group A).

Effectiveness of Celecoxib and Acetaminophen after Anterior Crutiate Ligament Reconstruction

Aim: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of administering Celecoxib as a component of multimodal analgesia for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Methods: We conducted a randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial and included all 90 patients who were going to treated with ACL reconstruction in Sina Hospital during 2009-2010. After obtaining written informed consent, we administered Celecoxib 400 mg and Acetaminophen 750 mg 1-2 hours preoperatively to one group (43 patients) and placebo and the same dosage of acetaminophen to the second (47 patients). Postoperatively, all patients received Acetaminophen 750 mg every 6 hours in addition to Celecoxib 200 mg every 12 hours for case group or placebo for controls. This analgesic regimen continued for duration of 2 weeks in which all patients participated in a aggressive rapid rehabilitation program. The patients were evaluated at the end of 2nd week and 6th month. Data analysis performed using SPSS. Results: Patients of two groups were similar with respect to probable confounder variables such as age, sex, weight, level of activity, side of operated knee and the duration of operation. Patellofemoral complications were observed in 13 and 39 patients of case and control group, respectively. The difference was statistically significant. However, the difference between the rate of observed regional pain syndrome among patients of two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It seems that using Celecoxib as a component of multimodal analgesia leads to increase patient cooperation in participation to rehabilitation program and finally improve the outcomes.

The effect of concentrated bone broth as a dietary supplementation on bone healing in rabbits

Background: A variety of substances, biological and physical interventions have been used to enhance bone fractures healing. There is growing evidences for the importance of nutrition in maintenance of bone health and support of fracture healing. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the daily oral dose of concentrated bone broth as dietary supplementation on bone healing in experimental animals (rabbits). Material and methods: Twelve young male rabbits divided into two groups after induction of open ulnar osteotomy, the experimental group receive daily dose of concentrated bone broth as a dietary supplementation. The control group received ordinary diet. In the end of second weeks three animals from both group were killed, at the end of fifth week, the other animals were sacrificed and the specimens taken for radiological and computerized tomography (CT) scan densimetry and histomorphometric evaluation carried out for the callus at site of osteotomy. Results: The ulnar bone osteotomies in both groups were united at the end of the fifth week macroscopically and radiologically. The callus density was measured in site of osteotomy by CT scan densimetry, at the end of 2nd week the difference between the experimental and control group was not significant, (P value > 0.05), and at the end of 5th week the difference between the experimental and control group was highly significant, (P value < 0.001). The histomorphometric evaluation of healing in site of osteotomy carried out, and at the end of 2nd week the difference between the experimental and control group was not significant, (P value > 0.05), and at the end of 5th week the difference between the experimental and control group was significant, (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrate that a daily oral administration of concentrated bone broth as dietary supplementation in rabbits enhance bone healing by increase callus density in CT, and improve histomorphometric evaluation of healing. Keywords: Bone broth, fracture, healing, and dietary supplementation.

Expression and mechanism of osteoactivin in the kidney of SD rats after acute cyclosporine A toxicity

To determine the expression and mechanism of osteoactivin (OA) in the kidney by establishing SD rat model of acute cyclosporine A (CsA) toxicity. SD rats were fed with normal diet for a week, which they were then randomly divided into 3 groups: an experimental group (gavage with cycloporin A and olive oil), a vector group (gavage with olive oil), and a control group (gavage with normal saline). SD rats were killed 2 days, 1 week, or 2 weeks after the gavage to examine the serum creatinine (SCr) and body weight. HE staining was used to detect the kidney histopathological change. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the staining degree and area of OA. Western blot was used to detect the OA protein.The mRNA expressions of the OA, matrix metalloproteinase-13(MMP-13), and collagen type III(Col III) were examined by RT-PCR. The body weight and SCr of the rats in the experimental group 1 week and 2 days after the gavage had no significant difference compared with the vector group or the control group (P>0.05).On the end of 2nd week, the rats' body weight was significantly reduced, and SCr significantly increased compared with the vector group or the control group (P<0.001).The main histopathological changes in the experimental group were inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of interstitial cells, or tubular epithelial cell necrosis. Intense OA expression located in the tubular epithelium and interstitial fibroblasts in the kidney of the experimental group was observed by immunohistochemistry. After CsA gavage, the relative mRNA expressions of OA, MMP-13, and Col III significantly increased with time. Western blot did not find the expression of OA protein in the control and the vector group, which increased with time in the experimental group. OA expresses in the kidney of SD rats after acute CsA toxicity and mainly expresses in the tubular epithelial cells and renal interstitium. OA is more sensitive to the damage of kidney tissue caused by CsA than by SCr. The early-phase up-regulation of OA expression in the tubular epithelium in response to renal injury caused by acute CsA toxicity might play a key role in triggering the renal interstitial fibrosis via activating expression of MMPs and collagen remodeling in SD rats.

Evaluation of super-hypothermally preserved autologous cranial bones for cranioplasty with SPECT

Objective To explore the clinic value of 99Tcm - MDP SPECT in the diagnosis of survival and regeneration of super - hypothermally preserved autologous cranial bones for cranioplasty. Method All 16 cases of skull defect after decompressive craniectomy had been replanted with super - hypothermally ( - 80℃ ) preserved autologous cranial bones. The time of cranioplasty ( namely autologous cranial bone preservation time) was 63 -289 days( 111.7 days in average). 99Tcm - methylene diphosphonate( MDP) SPECT was used to detect replanted autologous cranial bone at the end of 2nd weeks, 3rd month and 12th month after cranioplasty. Results 99Tcm - MDP SPECT examination showed that the radionuclide uptake in grafts at the end of the 2nd weeks was sparse after cranioplasty, which was less than the contralateral normal side. The radionuclide uptake in grafts at the end of the 3rd month and 12th month after cranioplasty were the same as that of the contralateral normal side. Conclusions 99Tcm - MDP SPECT could detect survival of transplanted super - hypothermally preserved autologous cranial bones for cranioplasty and regeneration in medium and long term after cranioplasty. Key words: Cryopreservation; Autologous cranial bone; Cranioplasty; Tomography, emission - computed, single - photon

Clinical study on the treatment of different type depressive patients with integrated western and traditional Chinese medicine

Objective To observe the effect of SSRI combined with TCM on the treatment of depression of different TCM types. Methods 70 depressive patients of stagnation of liver qi (SLQ) were randomly recruited into a study (34 cases) and a control group (36 cases); 60 depressive patients of spleen deficiency and liver qi stagnation (SDLQS) were randomly recruited into a study (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases); and SO depressive patients of deficiency of both heart and liver (DBHL) were randomly recruited into a study (24 cases) and a control group (26 cases). Patients in the study group were treated with SSRI and TCM; with the control group was only treated with SSRI. All patients were assessed with HAMD, HAMA and CGI before treatment and after treatment at 1st weekend, 2nd weekend, 4th weekend and 6th weekend. Differences of effective rate and full remission rate were contrasted. Results ①Scores of depression scale decreased in both the study group and the control group of patients with SLQ and SDLQS at the 4th [SLQ study group: (9.01±3.45), control group (13.02±4.54); SDLQS study group (10.22±3.23)、 control group (14.12±3.87)] and 6th [SLQ study group (6.02±2.20), control group (10.22±2.10); SDLQS study group (7.25±2.20) control group (10.68 ± 3.45)] weekend, showing statistical differences; anxiety state has been improved since the 1st weekend; no obvious changes of HAMD and HAMA showed in both the study group and the control group of patients with DBHL; ②Therapeutic effects in the study group were higher than the control group of both patients with SLQ and SDLQS, showing statistical significance; while no difference can be seen between the two group of patients with DBHL; ③ No differences of full remission rate between the study group and the control group of 3 TCM types were found(SLQ:41.1%v30.6%,χ2=0.859,P>0.05; SDLQS:40.0%v33.3, χ2=0.287,P>0.05; DBHL: 33.3%v26.9%,χ2=0.244,P>0.05). ④Significant differences of HAMD and HMDA between the study and the control group of 3 TCM types were found before and after treatment Conclusion SSRI integrated with TCM may promote effective rate and decrease anxiety in patients with SLQ and SDLQS. Key words: Depression; TCM type; Stagnation of liver qi; Spleen deficiency and liver qi stagnation; Deficiency of both heart and liver

Correlation between Computerized Tomography Densimetry and Histomorphometry in Assessment of Bone Healing

Background: Assessment of fracture healing is a common problem in orthopedic practice and research. Computerized Tomography (CT) is a reliable tool for quantification of the fracture repair process in experimental animals. Histomorphometric evaluation provides a clear quantitative evidence of the bone healing process. The evaluation by micro-architectures in healing bone showed variable correlation between CT and histomorphometry.Material and methods: open ulnar osteotomy induced in twenty young male rabbits under general anesthesia without internal fixation, and divided into five groups. A group of animals were sacrificed at end of 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, 5th week, and 6th week. The right ulna isolated and the bone specimens taken for radiological examination, CT scan densimetry and histomorphometric evaluation carried out for the callus at the site of osteotomy for all animals in both group.Results: The mean of histomorphometric evaluation of callus at the site of ulnar osteotomy at the end of second week were 2.9, and increased with duration to reach 9.3 at end of sixth week. The mean of CT densimetry of callus in site ulnar osteotomy at the end of second week were 96.2, and increased with duration to reach 723.3 at end of sixth week. The correlation coefficient between histomorphometric evaluations of callus in site ulnar osteotomy and value of CT densimetry measurements was 0.958, which considered very highly significant, (the P value &lt; 0.0001).Conclusion: The present study demonstrate that, there is strong correlation between CT scan bone densimetry of callus in site of osteotomy and the results of histomorphometric evaluation of callus. The CT scan bone densimetry of callus can be used to assess the bone healing in experimental and clinical studies, as it is noninvasive technique.

Comparative study on metabonomics and on liver and kidney toxicity of Aristolochia fangchi and Stephania tetrandra

Combined the blood biochemical markers, the renal histopathological changes and the metabonomics profile were investigated to study the toxicity differences between Aristolochia fangchi and Stephania tetrandra. Ten rats were randomly selected from 70 male Wistar rats as blank control group. The remaining 60 rats were divided into three groups. The two treated groups were orally administrated by 8.1 g x kg(-1) of A. fangchi and S. tetrandra respectively and the control group by equal volume of distilled water for 4weeks. Before the administrated and every 2 weeks, urine and plasma were collected and their 1H-NMR spectra were acquired, and then subjected to data process and PCA. Blood biochemical analysis and histopathological examination were carried out. On the 2nd weekend, the BUN of the two treated groups, the AST of A. fangchi group were all markedly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the A. fangchi group, the SCr higher in the S. tetrandra group (P < 0.05). The kidney pathological changes were apparently in the two treated groups and the pathological changes in the liver apparently in the S. tetrandra group. Along with the lasting of administration to the 4th week, the BUN, ALT and AST of the two treated groups, the SCr of A. fangchi group were all significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The renal and liver injuries in the two treated groups were all become more seriously. Comparing the A. fangchi group, the BUN, SCr and AST were all higher in the S. tetrandra group (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the urinary concentrations of citrate, 2-oxo-glutarate, taurine, hippurate, TMAO, creatine and the plasma concentrations of 3-D-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, NAC, OAC, creatinine were all changed. The A. fangchi and S. tetrandra all can induce the renal and liver lesion and its seriousness is correspondent to the lasting of administration. The liver and kidney toxicity of S. tetrandra are all more serious than the A. fangchi.

Molecular mechanism of bone remodelling during mandibular distraction osteogenesis in rats

To study the expression profiles of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB ligand (RANKL) in the distraction region and to investigate the mechanism of bone remodelling during mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Osteotomies were performed and external distractors were installed on the mandibles of 42 adult male SD rats. After a 5-day latency period, the distractors were activated at a rate of 0.4 mm/day for 6 days, followed by a 4-week consolidation period. Radiographs were taken, and specimens were harvested at the end of the latency period, when distraction was completed, and at of 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of the consolidation period. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the activated osteoclasts. Temporospatial expression of OPG and RANKL was investigated by using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Semi-quantitative analysis was used to characterize OPG,RANKL and RANK/OPG ratio. In all time points, OPG and RANKL were co-localized in bone marrow lining cells, osteoblasts and newly embedded osteocytes. OPG mRNA expression increased to a peak level when distraction was completed and maintained the level until the end of 2nd week of the consolidation period. RANKL mRNA expression increased steadily until the end of 1 st week of the consolidation period and maintained a peak level until the end of 3rd week, with a slight decrease at the end of 2nd week. The RANKL/OPG ratio increased continuously and reached its highest level at the end of 3rd and 4th week of the consolidation period. TRAP positive osteoclasts were mainly detected at 2, 3 and 4 weeks of the consolidation period in bone marrow cavities and bone surfaces. The temporospatial expression patterns of osteoprotegerin and RANKL suggest that osteoblasts and the lineage cell network orchestrates bone remodelling during distraction. Osteogenesis and the most activated bone resorption takes place during 3rd and 4th week of the consolidation phase.

Improved production of caffeic acid derivatives in suspension cultures ofEchinacea purpurea by medium replenishment strategy

The aim of this study was to produce caffeic acid derivatives from adventitious root cultures of Echinacea purpurea, which are of high pharmaceutical value. The effects of both media optimization and replenishment strategies were adopted to achieve improved production of E. purpurea adventitious roots and caffeic acid derivatives. Of the different media strengths (0.25 MS, 0.5 MS, 0.75 MS and 1 MS) tested for the culturing of adventitious roots in 5 L bioreactors, 0.5 MS medium was found to be most suitable for the growth of adventitious roots. The optima accumulation of biomass (73.6 g L(-1) FW and 10.03 g L(-1) DW), phenolics (61.14 mg g(-1) DW) and flavonoids (38.30 mg g(-1) DW) were achieved in this medium. Furthermore, fed batch cultivations (media replenishment with 0.25 MS, 0.5 MS, 0.75 MS and 1 MS at the end of 2nd and 3rd weeks) to further enhance the production of adventitious root biomass and metabolites were also attempted. High adventitious root biomasses (83.1 g L(-1) FW and 15.30 g L(-1) DW) were achieved with feeding of the 0.5 MS medium at the end of 2nd week. This led to slight decreases in the total production of phenolics and flavonoids; however, this feeding was responsible for increases in the accumulation of caftaric acid (5.76 mg g(-1) DW) and cichoric acid (26.12 mg g(-1) DW).

Paradoxical dose- and time-dependent regulation of superoxide dismutase and antioxidant capacity by vitamin E in rat

Background Previous data about the regulation of SOD activity as the key part of the endogenous antioxidant system by vitamin E is conflicting. Methods We investigated the effect of different nontoxic doses of vitamin E on erythrocyte SOD activity and plasma total antioxidant capacity in rats, receiving 0 (control group), 100, 300 and 600 mg vitamin E / kilogram of body weight intramuscularly twice a week over 6-weeks. Results We observed a linear increase in SOD activity in the first dosing group, which was significant ( p < 0.05) after 6th week compared to the control level. There was an increase in SOD activity at the end of 2nd and significant increase after 4th weeks, which was followed by a significant decrease at the end of 6th week in the second dosing group. In the third dosing group, there was a significant increase at the end of 2nd week and a significant decrease at the end of 4th and 6th weeks in the SOD activity. The changes in plasma antioxidant capacity were parallel to that of SOD activity with a significant and strong degree of correlation in the 4th and 6th weeks ( r = 0.7 and r = 0.8, respectively). Serum levels of Vitamin E also increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner; the highest level was achieved in the 600 mg/kg dosing group after 6 weeks. Conclusions Non-toxic doses of vitamin E at some levels can up-regulate SOD activity, but cumulative effect of the same doses can lead to attenuation of SOD activity and hence antioxidant defense.

The role of amifostine in prophylaxis of radiotherapy induced mucositis and xerostomia in head and neck cancer

5568 Background: To evaluate the use of amifostine prophylactically in radiochemotherapy induced acute mucositis and xerostomia in patients with head and neck carcinoma. Methods: One hundred and seventy patients of head and neck carcinoma were randomized to receive radiochemotherapy with or without amifostine. All the patients were suffering from locally advanced malignancy. A total of 66–72 gy was delivered conventionally with 40 mg/m2 weekly cisplatin. Amifostine 250mg was infused 10 min. prior to RT for four days a week to the patients in study group. Parotid scintigraphy was done before starting the treatment and at 3,6,12 and 24 months after completion of treatment. Mucositis and xerostomia were evaluated using RTOG criteria. Disease control was assessed at each follow up for two years. Results: The control group experienced an earlier onset of mucositis than the study group. By the end of 2nd week 74/85 control patients experienced grade II mucositis while similar toxicity was observed in 64/85 in the study group (p=0.05). All the patients had grade 3 or 4 mucositis in the control group whereas such severity was seen in 75/85 patients in the control group (p<0.001). The post radiation recovery of mucositis was faster in study group. By the end of 5 weeks of completion of radiation therapy 73/85 and 64/85 had no mucositis in the study and control group respectively (p<0.001). At 3 months follow up xerostomia grade 2 or more was found in 42/85 in control group compared with 32/85 in study group (p=0.017). By the end of 12 months of treatment in study group 37/85 experienced grade 1 or no xerostomia as compared to 59/85 in the control groups (p=0.002). However, treatment result remained unaffected in the amifostine groups. There were 49/85 disease free patients in control group compared with 52/85 in the study group (p=0.987). Conclusions: Amifostine was effective in reducing the severity and it delayed the onset of mucositis, a side effect with concurrent radiochemotherapy in head and neck carcinoma. It also decreased the severity of delayed xerostomia. Amifostine does not alter the response or the survival. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Urinary lithogenic and inhibitory factors in preterm neonates receiving either total parenteral nutrition or milk formula.

The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the influence of nutrition on certain factors which may inhibit or promote nephrocalcinosis in two groups of preterm infants, receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and special preterm milk formula respectively, but not furosemide. A total of 37 preterm infants, 15 on TPN and 22 fed a special preterm formula were studied at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks of life, at which time serum and 8 h urine specimens were collected. High ratios of urinary calcium to urinary creatinine (UCa/cr), urinary oxalate to urinary creatinine (Uox/cr) and urinary calcium to urinary citrate (UCa/cit) indicates an increased risk for nephrocalcinosis while high urinary citrate to urinary creatinine (Ucit/cr) ratio indicates protection. Uox/cr increased significantly (P<0.05) in those infants fed preterm formula, from the end of 2nd week of life and was two-fold higher than in the TPN group of preterm infants (P<0.01). Ucit/cr was higher throughout the study period in the formula fed than in the TPN preterm infants. UCa/cit was five-fold higher (P<0.01) in the TPN group, by the end of the 3rd week. Urinary calcium and magnesium was similar in both groups during the study period. Two of the infants studied (5.4%), one from each group, developed nephrocalcinosis. In preterm neonates on total parenteral nutrition, urinary oxalate -to-creatinine ratio (a potent lithogenic factor) was lower and urinary citrate -to-creatinine ratio (a lithoprotective factor) also lower than in formula fed neonates. The type of feeding (total parenteral nutrition or special preterm milk formula) seems to affect urinary oxalate and citrate but not calcium and magnesium in non-furosemide treated preterm infants during the first 3 weeks of life.

Using capture-recapture in promoting public health.

Capture-recapture refers to a collection of statistical models that can be used to estimate population size using two or more overlapping sources of information about the same population. The capture-recapture technique is used commonly in demography to estimate the completeness of census data and vital registration systems and to estimate population birth and death rates. Further potential applications of the technique include obtaining improved estimates of the prevalence of child abuse certain forms of injuries extra-marital rape severe alcoholism septic abortions and the numbers of street children. Where more than two sources of information are available log-linear capture-recapture models can be used to obtain population estimates controlling for different forms of dependency between sample sites. In order to estimate the numbers of sex workers in Mutare Zimbabwe staff interviewed sex workers at a weighted random sample of bars over the Friday and Saturday nights of 2 consecutive weekends at months end. An analysis of the numbers of sex workers seen from 1 to 4 times was then used to estimate the overall number of women selling sex from bars over the study. Issues in capture-recapture study design include defining the population being estimated; accounting for population mobility and mortality; controlling for population heterogeneity; methods used to distinguish individuals; and the extent of repeat contacts. A substantial influx of sex workers occurred in bars between the 1st and 2nd weekend when men in the formal sector had just been paid. Each night different gifts were given to each sex worker interviewed to distinguish individuals. Generally the larger the overlap between samples the more accurate the estimate obtained. Capture-recapture methods are potentially a useful and feasible way of estimating the size of hidden covert or marginalized populations and to check the completeness of other forms of survey.

Serial estimation of C-reactive protein following cardiac surgery

Serial estimation of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and total leucocyte count (TLC) was done in seventy eight consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 1st June and 18th July 1985 at our institution. In non-infected patients the CRP level reached a peak on 3rd day and declined to near pre operative level towards the end of 2nd week. But CRP level in infected patients continued to remain elevated till infection abated. There was statistically significant difference in CRP value between infected and non-infected patients (p<0.01, t test) from the sixth post operative day onwards. The rise in concentration of CRP from earlier value or sustained high concentration or a spike suggests infection. CRP was more reliable than ESR and TLC.