Group IE Research Articles

Changes in splenic tissue and immune response profile of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice submitted to chronic ethanol intake.

In Schistosoma mansoni infection, the spleen is one of the organs affected, causing its enlargement (splenomegaly). Intake of ethanol through alcoholic beverages can cause spleen atrophy and interfere with immune activity. To gain knowledge of this association on the spleen and on the immune response profile, male mice were used as an experimental model. These animals were divided into four groups: C. control; EC. uninfected/ethanol gavage; I. infected; and IE. infected/ethanol gavage. Groups I and IE were infected with about 100 cercariae (BH strain) of S. mansoni and in the fifth week of infection, gavage 200 μL/day/animal of 18 % ethanol was started for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the gavage (9th week of infection) all animals were euthanized. The spleen was removed and longitudinally divided in two parts. After histological processing, the sections were stained with H&E and Gomori's Reticulin for histopathological and stereological analyses, white pulp morphometry and quantification of megakaryocytes. The other fragment was macerated (in laminar flow) and the cell suspension, after adjusting the concentration (2 × 106), was plated to obtain cytokines produced by spleen cells that were measured by flow cytometry (Citometric Bead Array). Histopathological and quantitative analyzes in the spleen of the IE group showed an increase in the number of trabeculae and megakaryocytes, a decrease in reticular fibers, as well as important organizational changes in the white pulp and red pulp. Due to the decrease in the levels of cytokines measured and the result of the calculation of the ratio between the IFN-y and IL-10 cytokines (p = 0.0079) of the infected groups, we suggest that ethanol decreased the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response generated by the infection (group IE, the production of cytokines was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). These changes demonstrate that ethanol ingestion interferes with some parameters of experimental S. mansoni infection, such as changes in splenic tissue and in the pattern of cytokine production.

Influence of individual education and training on quality of color matching in dentistry.

To evaluate the influence of the group and individual education of students on shade matching quality. Secondary study objective included a survey-assessment of quality and difficulty level of color matching. Forty dental student participants in Integrated Academic Studies of Dentistry at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš (26 female, 14 male) 21-25 years old, signed consent to voluntarily participate in the research. The Ethics Committee of the Clinic of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, approved the study under number 14/11-2019-2EO. They were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20), experimental (IE, individual education) and control (GE, group education). Each group was divided into four subgroups (n = 5). The study was performed in three phases. In Phase I (I) and III (III), students matched the shade of the maxillary central left incisor (#9) using three different shade guides. Each of the students served as a "patient" for shade matching, while the other members of the subgroup, individually (VMI ) and as a team (VMT ), visually matched the tooth shade. In Phase II (between phases I and III), group IE received standard group and individual education and training, while group GE had only group education. Shade matching results in before and after education were compared with results obtained by an intraoral spectrophotometer. CIELAB (∆E*), and CIDE2000 color differences (∆E00 ) were calculated. The color differences between VMI or VMT and ES readings were graded. In addition, the students rated the level of difficulty and quality of shade matching from 1 to 5, signifying the most to least difficult, and the worst to best match, respectively. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Differences were compared using the Student t-test. Means (s.d.) of CIEDE2000 color differences for VMI before and after IE were 4.5 (1.5) and 3.3 (0.9), respectively. Corresponding values for group GE were 4.4 (1.4) and 4.0 (1.0), respectively. As compared with GE, group IE achieved 15% better results for the best matches and 27.5% for one of the three best matches in by-point comparison. Mean (s.d.) results for VMT in the experimental group before and after IE were 3.6 (2.4) and 2.8 (1.6), respectively. Corresponding results for the control group were 4.4 (2.1) and 3.5 (1.7), respectively. Group IE had statistically higher VMI and VMT scores than GE, while, for GE, only VMT scores were statistically higher. Group IE achieved better results in by-point comparison. After education and training, the students rated the shade matching as more precise and less difficult. Results were significantly better for Quality (IE) (sig = 0.010) and Difficulty (GE) (sig = 0.021). Within the limitations of the study, the experimental group achieved significantly better results in individual color matching after education and training than the control group, while both groups made progress in team color matching. Both groups rated shade matching more accurate and easier after education. Improving the quality of shade matching is expected to enhance the esthetics of dental restorations, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce color corrections.

Effect of pulp chamber depth on failure load and mode of failure of CAD/CAM endocrowns.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of pulp chamber depth on the failure load and mode of failure of CAD/CAM endocrowns. Thirty mandibular molars were sectioned above the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), followed by root canal treatment. Teeth were sectioned at a level of 1.5 mm above the CEJ, arranged from the lowest to the highest depths, and divided into three groups (n = 10): group SE: Shallow pulp chamber (1.42 to 2.17 mm); group IE: Intermediate pulp chamber (2.25 to 3.17 mm); group DE: Deep pulp chamber (3.33 to 5.17 mm). CAD/CAM endocrowns were fabricated by milling lithium disilicate ceramic blocks and were cemented using resin cement. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin at 2 mm below the CEJ, and a compressive load was applied to create a 45-degree angled functional loading simulation until the occurrence of failure. The mean failure loads were highest in group DE (1893.75 ± 496.08 N) compared with groups IE (1103.71 ± 254.59 N) and SE (1084.63 ± 240.92 N), with statistically significant differences between group DE and both groups IE and SE (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) revealed a strong positive correlation between the pulp chamber depth and failure load of the endocrowns. The failure mode for all samples was catastrophic failure. The pulp chamber depth affected the failure load of the teeth restored with endocrowns. The failure loads were higher in teeth with a greater pulp chamber depth. (Int J Comput Dent 2023;26(1): 31-0; doi: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b3818295).

Mobile group I introns at nuclear rDNA position L2066 harbor sense and antisense homing endonuclease genes intervened by spliceosomal introns

BackgroundMobile group I introns encode homing endonucleases that confer intron mobility initiated by a double-strand break in the intron-lacking allele at the site of insertion. Nuclear ribosomal DNA of some fungi and protists contain mobile group I introns harboring His-Cys homing endonuclease genes (HEGs). An intriguing question is how protein-coding genes embedded in nuclear ribosomal DNA become expressed. To address this gap of knowledge we analyzed nuclear L2066 group I introns from myxomycetes and ascomycetes.ResultsA total of 34 introns were investigated, including two identified mobile-type introns in myxomycetes with HEGs oriented in sense or antisense directions. Intriguingly, both HEGs are interrupted by spliceosomal introns. The intron in Didymium squamulosum, which harbors an antisense oriented HEG, was investigated in more detail. The group I intron RNA self-splices in vitro, thus generating ligated exons and full-length intron circles. The intron HEG is expressed in vivo in Didymium cells, which involves removal of a 47-nt spliceosomal intron (I-47) and 3′ polyadenylation of the mRNA. The D. squamulosum HEG (lacking the I-47 intron) was over-expressed in E. coli, and the corresponding protein was purified and shown to confer endonuclease activity. The homing endonuclease was shown to cleave an intron-lacking DNA and to produce a pentanucleotide 3′ overhang at the intron insertion site.ConclusionsThe L2066 family of nuclear group I introns all belong to the group IE subclass. The D. squamulosum L2066 intron contains major hallmarks of a true mobile group I intron by encoding a His-Cys homing endonuclease that generates a double-strand break at the DNA insertion site. We propose a potential model to explain how an antisense HEG becomes expressed from a nuclear ribosomal DNA locus.

Prognostic role of endocarditis in isolated tricuspid valve surgery. A propensity-weighted study

ObjectivesThe role of the underlying etiology in isolated tricuspid valve surgery has not been investigated extensively in current literature. Aim of this study was to analyse outcomes of patients undergoing surgery due to endocarditis compared to other pathologies. MethodsThe SURTRI study is a multicenter study enrolling adult patients who underwent isolated tricuspid valve surgery (n = 406, 55 ± 16 y.o.; 56% female) at 13 international sites. Propensity weighted analysis was performed to compare groups (IE group n = 107 vs Not-IE group n = 299). ResultsNo difference was found regarding the 30-day mortality (Group IE: 2.8% vs Group Not-IE = 6.8%; OR = 0.45) and major adverse events. Weighted cumulative incidence of cardiac death was significantly higher for patients with endocarditis (p = 0.01). The composite endpoint of cardiac death and reoperation at 6 years was reduced in the Group IE (63.2 ± 6.8% vs 78.9 ± 3.1%; p = 0.022). Repair strategy resulted in an increased late survival even in IE cases. ConclusionsData from SURTRI study report acceptable 30-day results but significantly reduced late survival in the setting of endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. Multi-disciplinary approach, repair strategy and earlier treatment may improve outcomes.

Hearing aid benefits in children with mild bilateral hearing loss: AUDIO-INFANS study

ObjectivesThere is a lack of consensus regarding the definition, consequences, and management of mild bilateral hearing loss in children. The objective of this study is to analyze the benefit of hearing aids in children with mild bilateral hearing loss by evaluating their functional hearing. MethodsThis retrospective study included 57 children with mild bilateral hearing loss between 20 dB HL and 40 dB HL. Pure tone and speech audiometry thresholds were assessed with and without hearing aids. Two groups were subsequently formed: group E with an effective use of hearing aids (>10 h/day), and group IE whose use of hearing aids was deemed ineffective (<10 h/day). ResultsWithout hearing aids, the initial median of hearing level was 35 dB HL and 36 dB HL in the right and left ears, respectively, compared to 23 dB HL and 25 dB HL with hearing aids. The Lafon test performed on 25 children at 55 dB HL and 65 dB HL showed results ranging from 0% to 100% without hearing aids and from 90% to 100% with hearing aids. Scores obtained with hearing aids were significantly higher than those without them at an average speech level. Median age at diagnosis and at prescription were found to significantly influence the daily use of hearing aids. ConclusionsOur results show that in the case of mild bilateral hearing loss, hearing aids have positive effects on the functional hearing of children and help them to no longer be disadvantaged. This study highlights the need to provide regular support to these children to ensure their optimal care in the event of hearing-related problems. Coordination between the different professionals working with these children is also necessary for their follow-up and appropriate management.

Comparison of morbidity-mortality and functional results between implant exchange and internal fixation by plate for periprosthetic femoral fracture in total knee arthroplasty: A 52-case series

IntroductionSurgical options for periprosthetic femoral fracture in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are controversial. The present retrospective study compared morbidity, mortality and functional results between implant exchange (group IE) and internal fixation by plate (group IF). The study hypothesis was that implant exchange does not give rise to more complications than plate fixation and that functional results are equivalent. MethodsFifty-two femoral fractures in contact with a TKA implant were studied. The IE and IF groups (n 32 and 20, respectively), were comparable for age, gender and ASA score. Mean age was 80.5 years (range, 53–96 years). Morbidity and mortality were assessed on Clavien score; functional assessment used the KOOS questionnaire. ResultsMortality was 50% in group IF and 40% in group IE (p=0.4817). One patient was lost to follow-up. Complications were seen in 15 group IF patients (48.4%) versus 5 in group IE (26.3%) (p=0.14760), with infection in 5 (16.1%) and 2 patients (10.5%) respectively (p=0.69475). In both groups, 9 patients (i.e., 28.1% and 40% respectively) showed grade 2 complications (p=1). Revision surgery was performed in 8 grade 3b patients (25%) in the IF group and in 3 (15%) in the IE group (p=1). Mean KOOS score was 40 (range, 20–72) in IF and 65 (range, 50–93) in IE (p=0.0004). ConclusionMorbidity and mortality were comparable between implant exchange and plate fixation for periprosthetic femoral fracture in TKA. KOOS functional scores were better with implant exchange. Implant exchange may be suited to complex fracture with stable implant. Level of evidenceIV, observational study.

ROLE OF DYNAMIC SMILE ON OVERALL FACIAL ESTHETICS : A VIDEOGRAPHIC EVALUATION

Introduction: Various studies have been done to analyze the posed smile with full facial features. But very scanty literature is present which establish the importance of dynamic smile in overall facial esthetics. Therefore this study was designed to capture smile in both static and dynamic form using photographic and videographic methods respectively; and assess the role of dynamic smile on overall facial esthetics. Method: The study was carried out on 166 subjects from the local population. Both static and dynamic smile were recorded. Three static parameters that are non-smiling full face, smiling full face, smiling focus on nose and mouth and two dynamic parameters that smiling full face, smiling focus on nose and mouth. The screening was done by the panel of 5 judges comprising of an Orthodontist, a Dentist, a Photographer, a Beautician and a Layperson using visual analog scale. Result: Among Males (Group I), score was highest with respect to (Group ID) “Dynamic smiling focus full face” followed by (Group IB) “Static smiling focus on full face” then (Group IA) “Static non smiling focus on full face” then (Group IC) “Static smiling Focus on nose and chin” (Group IE) “Dynamic smiling focus on nose and chin” respectively. Mean VAS scores of all the 5 parameters among Females (Group II), highest Mean scores was found with respect to (Group IID) “Dynamic smiling focus full face” followed by (Group IIA) “Static non smiling focus on full face” then (Group IIB) “Static smiling focus on full” face then (Group IIE) “Dynamic focus on nose and chin”) and lastly (Group IIC) “Static smiling Focus on nose and chin”. Conclusion: Dynamic smile plays a very important role in overall facial esthetics thus can be used as an important clinical tool, as it allows not only to capture the best frame of smile for smile analysis

A comparative study of glottis visualization according to the method of lifting the epiglottis in video laryngoscopy: indirect and direct lifting methods.

BackgroundThe direct entry of the camera under the epiglottis may provide a better view of the glottis than the indirect lifting of the epiglottis by placing the Macintosh blade tip on the vallecula when using the video laryngoscope. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of two different methods of lifting the epiglottis during the visualization of glottis using video laryngoscopy in the same patient.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 60 patients who underwent general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. In each patient, glottic views were obtained by directly (group DE) and indirectly lifting the epiglottis (group IE). These two methods were compared using the modified Cormack and Lehane grade and the percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score as assessment parameters.ResultsModified Cormack and Lehane grade showed a significant difference between the groups DE and IE (P = 0.004). The difference in the POGO score between the groups DE and IE was also statistically significant (87.5% and 64.4%, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results, therefore, revealed that the method of directly lifting epiglottis was better at exposing glottis than the method of indirectly lifting epiglottis using a video laryngoscope.

Effectiveness of modern anthelmintic agents for strongylatoses sheep digestive canal

Currently, the use of anthelmintic agents is considered to be one of the fastest and most practical ways to combat strongylates sheep's digestive tract. Despite the wide assortment of anthelmintic preparations both in the world market and in Ukraine, veterinary specialists are increasingly noticing the low level of efficacy of medicines. Scientists have found that the emergence of resistance in nematodes to the action of anthelmintic agents is due to their excessive and uncontrolled use. In view of the above, regular monitoring of the state of anthelmintic resistance, as part of the program for the control of strongylatoses sheep digestive canal, is a priority area of research. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of drugs of different chemical groups (benzimidazoles, imidotiazole, macrolides, and combination drugs) for strongylatoses sheep digestive canal with regard to their method of administration. Medicines (Brovalsen, Albendazole-250, Albendazole 10%; Brovalevamisole 8%, Levavet 10%; Univerm, Ivermekvet 1%; Kloziveron, Kombitrem) have been shown to have anthelmintic action (EE – 50–100%, IE – 76.20–100%) against the pathogens of gastrointestinal strongylates. It was noted that their effectiveness depended on the method of administration and the chemical group to which they belonged. The most effective (EE and IE reached 100%) were injectable drugs Ivermekvet 1%, Kloziveron and Levavet 10 %, administered by single subcutaneous injection. Less effective was the use of a suspension of Albendazole 10% and Kombitrem emulsion for individual feeding, as well as powders of Brovalevamisole 8% and the Univerm for both individual and group feeding. The indicators of their EE and IE varied between 60–90% and 88.45–92.63% respectively. The Brovalsen drug, which was administered to animals by group feeding, was ineffective, with EE and IE being 50 and 76.20%, respectively. The results of the obtained data will allow to increase the efficiency of conducting therapeutic and preventive measures for strongylatoses digestive canal in sheep farms of different forms of ownership.

Rapid Worsening of Symptoms and High Cell Proliferative Activity in Intra- and Extramedullary Spinal Hemangioblastoma

Study DesignA retrospective analysis of a prospective database.ObjectiveTo compare preoperative symptoms, ambulatory ability, intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, and pathologic cell proliferation activity between intramedullary only and intramedullary plus extramedullary hemangioblastomas, with the goal of determining the optimal timing for surgery.MethodsThe subjects were 28 patients (intramedullary only in 23 cases [group I] and intramedullary plus extramedullary in 5 cases [group IE]) who underwent surgery for spinal hemangioblastoma. Preoperative symptoms, ambulatory ability on the McCormick scale, intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, and pathologic findings using Ki67 were compared between the groups.ResultsIn group IE, preoperative motor paralysis was significantly higher (100 versus 26%, p < 0.005), the mean period from initial symptoms to motor paralysis was significantly shorter (3.5 versus 11.9 months, p < 0.05), and intraoperative spinal cord monitoring aggravation was higher (65 versus 6%, p < 0.05). All 5 patients without total resection in group I underwent reoperation. Ki67 activity was higher in group IE (15% versus 1%, p < 0.05). Preoperative ambulatory ability was significantly poorer in group IE (p < 0.05), but all cases in this group improved after surgery, and postoperative ambulatory ability did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsIntramedullary plus extramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma is characterized by rapid preoperative progression of symptoms over a short period, severe spinal cord damage including preoperative motor paralysis, and poor gait ability compared with an intramedullary tumor only. Earlier surgery with intraoperative spinal cord monitoring is recommended for total resection and good surgical outcome especially for an IE tumor compared with an intramedullary tumor.

The predictive factors of α1-D/A adrenoceptor antagonist, naftopidil, dose increase therapy for male lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia: INFORM study.

Introduction:We evaluated the predictive factors which affect the efficacy of naftopidil 50 mg/day therapy and dose increase therapy to administration of 75 mg/day after an initial dose of 50 mg/day.Materials and Methods:A total of 92 patients with male lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia were administrated naftopidil 50 mg/day for 4 weeks (50 mg therapy). At week 4, the patients were divided into an effective and an ineffective group (Group E and Group I, respectively). For further 4 weeks, the dosage of naftopidil was increased to 75 mg/day in all patients. At week 8, the patients of Group E and Group I were divided into an effective and an ineffective group (Group EE, Group EI, Group IE, and Group II, respectively).Results:Postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume at baseline was a predictive factor for efficacy of 50 mg therapy. In Group E, change in International Prostate Symptom Score storage symptoms subscore from baseline to week 4 was a predictive factor for efficacy of this dose increase therapy. In Group I, change in maximum flow rate from baseline to week 4 was a predictive factor for efficacy of this dose increase therapy.Conclusions:The short term of naftopidil 50 mg therapy was ineffective for the patients who had large PVR. The predictive factor of this dose increase therapy might be a dynamic variable in 50 mg/day of dose period, but not a baseline variable at the time of 75 mg/day dosage starts.

Multiple group I introns in the small-subunit rDNA of Botryosphaeria dothidea: implication for intraspecific genetic diversity.

Botryosphaeria dothidea is a widespread and economically important pathogen on various fruit trees, and it often causes die-back and canker on limbs and fruit rot. In characterizing intraspecies genetic variation within this fungus, group I introns, rich in rDNA of fungi, may provide a productive region for exploration. In this research, we analysed complete small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of 37 B. dothidea strains, and found four insertions, designated Bdo.S943, Bdo.S1199-A, Bdo.S1199-B and Bdo.S1506, at three positions. Sequence analysis and structure prediction revealed that both Bdo.S943 and Bdo.S1506 belonged to subgroup IC1 of group I introns, whereas Bdo.S1199-A and Bdo.S1199-B corresponded to group IE introns. Moreover, Bdo.S1199-A was found to host an open reading frame (ORF) for encoding the homing endonuclease (HE), whereas Bdo.S1199-B, an evolutionary descendant of Bdo.S1199-A, included a degenerate HE. The above four introns were novel, and were the first group I introns observed and characterized in this species. Differential distribution of these introns revealed that all strains could be separated into four genotypes. Genotype III (no intron) and genotype IV (Bdo.S1199-B) were each found in only one strain, whereas genotype I (Bdo.S1199-A) and genotype II (Bdo.S943 and Bdo.S1506) occurred in 95% of the strains. There is a correlation between B. dothidea genotypes and hosts or geographic locations. Thus, these newly discovered group I introns can help to advance understanding of genetic differentiation within B. dothidea.

Diversity of Xylanolytic Bacteria Isolated from Thai Sources

Twenty-three xylanolytic bacteria were isolated from soils, sediments and buffalo faeces collected in Thailand. They were divided into 10 groups based on the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics including 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Eleven isolates were Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria. They contained meso-diaminopimelic in cell wall peptidoglycan. Two isolates (Group IA) were identified as Bacillus subtilis, 4 isolates (Group IB) were B. licheniformis, 2 isolates (Group IC) were B. niabensis, one (Group ID) was B. nealsonii, and 2 isolates (Group IE) were B. cereus. Seven isolates were Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria and were identified as Isoptericola variabilis (2 isolates in Group II), as Jonesia denitrificans (2 isolates in Group III), as Microbacterium natoriense (2 isolates in Group IV), and one isolate as Nocardioides simplex (Group V). Five isolates were Gram-negative; facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria and each of them were identified respectively as Acinetobacter junii (Group VI), Aeromonas enteropelogenes (Group VII), Pseudomonas stutzeri (Group VIII), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Group IX) and Zobellella denitrificans (Group X). The isolates produced xylanase activity ranged from 1.03 to 17.65±0.25 unit/ml.

Effects of etomidate on blood cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels and PONV rates in smokers

To observe differences in the effects of etomidate, used for anesthesia induction, on surgery-induced endocrine response and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among nonsmokers and smokers. Materials and methods: Eighty adult patients with ASA I-II risk status were randomly divided into 2 groups: smokers (Group I, n = 40) and nonsmokers (Group II, n = 40). Patients were then further divided into subgroups according to the drug used for anesthesia induction, either propofol (Group IP and Group IIP) or etomidate (Group IE and Group IIE). Blood cortisol, insulin, glucose, and white blood cell (WBC) levels were measured and PONV scores were recorded. Results: Blood cortisol values were significantly lower in Group IE and Group IIE compared to Group IP and Group IIP during the 1st and 2nd hours after induction. By the 8th hour, blood insulin levels had increased significantly compared to the baseline values in Groups IE, IP, and IIP. Blood glucose levels were significantly higher in Group IIE compared to both Group IP and Group IIP. There was no significant difference between the WBC levels of the different groups. PONV scores were significantly higher in Group IIE compared to the other groups. Conclusion: We determined that the use of etomidate causes a lower stress response and more PONV compared to propofol, while smoking increases the stress response and decreases PONV.

Prevention of airway hyperresponsiveness induced by left ventricular dysfunction in rats

BackgroundThe effectiveness of strategies for treatment of the altered static lung volume and against the development of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) following a left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) induced by myocardial ischaemia was investigated in a rat model of sustained postcapillary pulmonary hypertension.MethodsAirway resistance (Raw) was identified from the respiratory system input impedance (Zrs) in four groups of rats. End-expiratory lung volume (EELV) was determined plethysmographically, and Zrs was measured under baseline conditions and following iv infusions of 2, 6 or 18 μg/kg/min methacholine. Sham surgery was performed in the rats in Group C, while the left interventricular coronary artery was ligated and Zrs and its changes following identical methacholine challenges were reassessed in the same rats 8 weeks later, during which no treatment was applied (Group I), or the animals were treated daily with a combination of an angiotensin enzyme converter inhibitor and a diuretic (enalapril and furosemide, Group IE), or a calcium channel blocker (diltiazem, Group ID). The equivalent dose of methacholine causing a 100% increase in Raw (ED50) was determined in each group. Diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PapD) was assessed by introducing a catheter into the pulmonary artery.ResultsThe sustained presence of a LVD increased PapD in all groups of rats, with variable but significant elevations in Groups I (p = 0.004), ID (p = 0.013) and IE (p = 0.006). A LVD for 8 weeks induced no changes in baseline Raw but elevated the EELV independently of the treatments. In Group I, BHR consistently developed following the LVD, with a significant decrease in ED50 from 10.0 ± 2.5 to 6.9 ± 2.5 μg/kg/min (p = 0.006). The BHR was completely abolished in both Groups ID and IE, with no changes in ED50 (9.5 ± 3.6 vs. 10.7 ± 4.7, p = 0.33 and 10.6 ± 2.1 vs. 9.8 ± 3.5 μg/kg/min p = 0.56, respectively).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a LVD following coronary ischaemia consistently induces BHR. The more consistent efficacy of both treatment strategies in preventing BHR than in treating the adverse pulmonary vascular consequences suggests the benefit of both calcium channel blockade and ACE inhibition to counteract the airway susceptibility following a LVD.

Moderate NaFeEDTA and ferrous sulfate supplementation can improve both hematologic status and oxidative stress in anemic pregnant women.

Iron is important general well being, to prevent or treat anemia, and is a cofactor of many enzymes in the anti-oxidant process. Effect of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) and ferrous sulfate on iron bioavailability and oxidative stress in anemic pregnant women was evaluated. A 2-month randomized controlled trial was conducted on 153 anemic pregnant women, with 80 <= Hb <110 g/L. They were randomly allocated to three groups: group C (n=51) was the placebo control group, group I (n=51) was supplemented daily with 60 mg iron as ferrous sulfate, and group IE (n=51) with 60 mg iron as NaFeEDTA. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention for measurements of hematological indices and oxidative stress parameters. Considerable increases of hematologic indicators were observed: 20.5 and 21.8 g/L for Hb (both p values <0.001); 4.81 and 7.19 μmol/L for plasma iron (both p values <0.001), 2.63 and 8.99 μg /L for ferritin (both p values <0.05) in I and IE groups, respectively, compared with the control group. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities increased by 32.6 and 75.3 IU/ml, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased by 0.70 and 1.12 μmol/L in I and IE groups, compared with the C group (p values <0.05). Moreover, differences of plasma iron, ferritin and GSH-Px activity were 2.38 μmol/L, 6.36 μg /L and 42.7 IU/ml were also significantly greater in the IE group than in the I group. Moderate iron supplementation may be beneficial to improving iron deficiency and oxidative stress, and NaFeEDTA is better than ferrous sulfate.

Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Head Injuries to Snowboarders by Skill Level

Background: Many reports have compared head injuries between snowboarding and skiing. However, detailed studies comparing snowboarding head injuries between beginners and intermediates/experts have been lacking. Purpose: The authors investigated differences in clinical characteristics of head injuries to snowboarders between beginners (group B) and intermediates/experts (group IE). Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The study population included 2367 patients treated at Saito Memorial Hospital and Yuzawa Community Health Medical Center, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, during 9 seasons from 1999-2000 to 2007-2008. Results: Group B comprised 959 patients (mean age, 23.0 years; 52% males). Group IE comprised 1408 patients (mean age, 24.8 years; 72% males). Accidents in group B predominantly occurred as falls on gentle slopes (37%) and intermediate slopes (33%), whereas accidents in group IE occurred mostly during jumping (48%). The impact point on the head was predominantly occipital in both groups, but group IE showed a significantly higher frequency of trauma to the frontal region. The ratio of neurologic abnormalities was significantly higher in group IE. However, the ratio of surgical cases was significantly higher in group B (n = 10, 1.04%) than in group IE (n = 5, 0.36%). More acute subdural hematomas were seen in group B, but more fractures, contusions, and acute epidural hematomas were seen in group IE. Four moderate disabilities, 2 comatose patients, and 2 deaths were seen in group B, and 1 moderate disability, 2 severe disabilities, and 1 death were seen in group IE during this study. Conclusion: The data suggest significant differences in clinical states between beginners and intermediates/experts. Preventive methods for severe head injuries among snowboarders need to be devised based on differences in skill levels.

Use of ribosomal introns as new markers of genetic diversity in Exophiala dermatitidis

Exophiala dermatitidis is one of the prevalent black yeasts found as opportunistic pathogens or colonizers in humans. In the tropics its natural habitat is thought to be fruit surfaces and it is also found in the digestive system of fruit-eating animals. However, it has recently been abundantly isolated from human-made environments (steam baths, railway ties, dishwashers) in tropical and temperate climates. Two genotypes have been distinguished within this species: genotype A, mostly corresponding to strains isolated from patients, and genotype B, to strains isolated from the natural environment. In human-made environments, both genotypes A and B occur. A previous study suggested that one genotype had been selected for in the human host. In our study, the distribution of ribosomal insertions agrees with an ecological specialization of E. dermatitidis genotypes by showing a significantly higher frequency of ribosomal insertions in clinical strains in comparison to environmental ones. The characterization of these insertions shows that they correspond to introns of group IC or IE, the most frequent types within the fungal kingdom. These ribosomal group I introns could be used as new markers for populations of E. dermatitidis.

Moderate NaFeEDTA supplementation improves both hematologic status and oxidative stress in anemic pregnant women

Iron is not only an important nutrient and indicator for anemia, but also a cofactor of many enzymes in antioxidant process. We evaluated the effect of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA) and ferrous sulfate on iron bioavailability and oxidative stress in anemic pregnant women. In this randomized controlled trial, 153 anemic pregnant women, with 80¡Ý Hb &lt;110 g/L, were randomly allocated to three groups (n=51/group): group C (placebo control), group I (supplemented daily with 60 mg iron as ferrous sulfate, and group IE (daily60 mg iron as NaFeEDTA). After 2‐mo supplementation, the changes in placebo group were −3.64 g/L in Hb, −1.23 ¦Ìmol/L in plasma iron, and −1.59 ¦Ìg/L in ferritin compared with their baselines. Compared with the C group, significant increases were 20.54 and 21.84 g/L for Hb; 4.81 and 7.19 ¦Ìmol/L for plasma iron; 2.63 and 8.99 ¦Ìg/L for ferritin; and 32.60 and 75.31 IU/ml in GSH‐Px activities; MDA levels decreased by 0.702 and 1.115 ¦Ìmol/L in I and IE groups, respectively. Moreover, differences of plasma iron, ferritin and GSH‐Px activity were 2.38 ¦Ìmol/L, 6.63 ¦Ìg/L and 42.71 IU/ml, which was significantly greater in IE than in I group. In conclusion, iron deficiency among pregnant women untreated in the middle trimester of pregnancy might deteriorate in the third trimester; NaFeEDTA has a greater efficacy compared with ferrous sulfate. Supported by Danone Nutrition Institute China.