Pathological Side Research Articles

Aventricular hemispherotomy: technical note.

Hemispheric disconnection in the form of hemispherectomy or hemispherotomy is the most effective way of treating intractable hemispheric epilepsy. Anatomical hemispherectomy approaches have largely been abandoned in most cases due to a higher risk of superficial hemosiderosis, intraoperative blood loss, hydrocephalus, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality compared to the variety of tissue-sparing hemispherotomy techniques. Disconnective hemispherotomy approaches utilize the lateral ventricle as a key component of the surgical corridor. Without a lateral ventricle, disconnective surgery becomes significantly challenging, typically leading to a hemispherectomy. The authors present the case of a patient with severe hemispheric dysplasia without a lateral ventricle on the pathologic side and detail a novel surgical technique for a prone, occipital interhemispheric, tissue-sparing, purely disconnective aventricular hemispherotomy with an excellent surgical outcome.

Effects of Kombucha Tea on Side Effects of High Cholesterol Diet in Rabbits

Background: This research aimed to assess the effect of kombucha tea on reducing cholesterol (HCH) uptake and ameliorating biochemical and physiological side effects of high cholesterol diets. 
 Objectives: The aim of this research was evaluate the effectiveness of Kombucha tea in reducing cholesterol uptake as well as pathological and immunological side effects from high cholesterol diets in Rabbit. 
 Methods: A total of 32 rabbits were assigned into four groups: 1. Control, fed with standard pellets; 2. HCh+St, fed with high cholesterol diet; 3. HCh+Kom, fed with high cholesterol diet and orally received kombucha beverage; and 4. Kom+St, orally received kombucha beverage along with standard diet. Then, the blood Cholesterol (CHO), Triglycerides (TG), Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL), Malondialdehyde (MDA), ferritin, Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [ AST]), as well as liver histopathological features, were evaluated in all groups.
 Results: CHO and TG showed the highest level in the blood of the HCh+St group, whereas those gavaged with HCh+Kom displayed no change in TG and LDL. Conversely, the HCh+Kom group showed a significant increase in HDL when compared with HCh+St and Kom+St groups. MDA ferritin and CPK in the Kom+St group was significantly higher than the other groups, followed by HCh+Kom. No significant difference was observed in the values of IL-1 and IL-6 as well as ALT and AST between the experimental groups and the control group. Histopathological observations of the liver tissues revealed foam cells with an acidophilic appearance in the HCh+St group and hyperemia in the sinusoid of HCh+Kom and Kom+St groups. Degradation in pancreatic acini was observed in the HCh+St rabbits. 
 Conclusion: The data suggest that kombucha consumption is effective in preventing problems caused by high cholesterol diets.

Muscle elasticity in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy using shear-wave ultrasound elastography. Preliminary results.

Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive, reliable and reproducible method, used for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tissues. The aim of this study was to compare muscle elasticity between the healthy and the involved sides in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) using the elastography tool and to assess whether the difference was correlated with the Mallet grading system. We repeatedly measured the shear modulus coefficient of several muscles around the shoulder in stretched or passively relaxed positions on 14 patients. We evaluated the abductor muscles (supraspinatus and deltoid), the infraspinatus, the pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi. We found a mean shear modulus significantly higher in most studied muscles in the pathologic side (P < 0.001), especially in the stretched position (P < 0.001). Moreover, the shear modulus increases with the degradation of the Mallet score for the abduction and external rotation tasks. SWE seems to be a reliable and reproducible tool to assess muscle elasticity in NBPP.

Effect of Respiratory Physiological Changes on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Patients With Acute Traumatic Brain Injury.

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a noninvasive method for the assessment of raised ICP. Manipulation of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) are often used to optimize ICP and improve oxygenation in TBI patients. This study evaluated the effects of PEEP and ETCO2 on ONSD and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) in patients with acute TBI. A total of 14 patients (11 males) aged older than 18 years with acute severe TBI were included in this study. ONSD and rScO2 were assessed before and after changes in PEEP from 5 to 10 cm H2O and in ETCO2 from 40 to 30 mm Hg on both pathologic and nonpathologic sides. Increasing PEEP and reducing ETCO2 resulted in changes in ONSD and rScO2 on both pathologic and nonpathologic sides. On the pathologic side, ONSD and rScO2 were highest with a PEEP of 10 cm H2O:ETCO2 40 mm Hg combination and lowest with PEEP of 5 cm H2O:ETCO2 30 mm Hg (ONSD 5.24±0.49 vs. 4.27±0.36 mm, P<0.001; rScO2 70.7±9.91% vs. 66.3±9.75%, P<0.001); both PEEP and ETCO2 had significant effects on ONSD and rScO2 (P<0.001). On the nonpathologic side, ONSD and rScO2 were highest and lowest with PEEP of 10 cm H2O:ETCO2 40 mm Hg and PEEP of 5 cm H2O:ETCO2 30 mm Hg combinations, respectively (ONSD: 4.93±0.46 vs. 4.02±0.40 mm, P<0.001; rScO2: 74.77±8.30% vs. 70.69±8.12%, P<0.001). ETCO2 had a significant effect on rScO2 (P<0.001), but the impact of PEEP on rScO2 was not statistically significant (P=0.05). Increasing PEEP resulted in significant increases in ONSD and rScO2, whereas reducing ETCO2 significantly decreased ONSD and rScO2.

Ultrasound features predicting the 3-week outcome of Pavlik harness treatment for developmental hip dysplasia.

The treatment protocol for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is routinely adjusted by assessing the hip reduction after 3 weeks of Pavlik harness treatment. However, there is a high risk of failure and complications in the treatment adjustment. The aim of this study was to explore the value of ultrasound features in predicting the treatment outcome of Pavlik harness after 3 weeks in DDH children. A total of 215 DDH children were recruited and the demographics and the changes of ultrasound features [α and β angle and femoral head coverage (FHC)] during the Pavlik harness treatment were recorded. The children were divided into the success group and the failure group according to the reduction outcome after 3 weeks. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the independent predictors for the treatment outcome. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the changes of ultrasound features between the two groups during the treatment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to analyze the predictive accuracy of the ultrasound features. Graf type III (P=0.036), bilateral dislocation (P=0.031), and age at diagnosis (P=0.021) were associated with an increased risk of Pavlik harness failure in the multivariate analysis. The changes in α and β angle and FHC were generally greater in the success group than in the failure group. The α angle and FHC were larger in the success group, while the β angle was larger in the failure group (P<0.05). Each ultrasound parameter (α and β angle and FHC) alone could not accurately predict the treatment outcome within 3 weeks. However, the combined ultrasonic features at the second week could accurately predict the outcome of Pavlik harness treatment after the third week. The combination of the ultrasound features at the first week and the influencing factors (Graf classification, age at diagnosis, and side of pathology) could accurately predict the outcome at the first week [area under curve (AUC) =0.931, sensitivity =82.14%, specificity =97.86%]. The combined model of ultrasonic features at the second week could accurately predict the reduction outcome of Pavlik harness after the third week. The combined model including independent predictors and ultrasonic features could accurately predict the reduction outcome at the first week.

A prospective study of deviated nasal septum giving rise to other ENT pathologies

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The deviated nasal septum (DNS) is a commonly occurring clinical condition that often causes nasal obstruction. This study, included two groups of subjects 100 each. The group A consists of subjects having DNS with nasal symptoms. The group B consists of subjects having DNS without nasal symptoms but with ear and throat symptoms. The present study makes an effort to review the types and its associated pathology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A prospective study was carried out in the Department of ENT, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur from September 2016 to October 2018. Data was collected and analysed. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The mean age 31.17 years in group A and 30.07 years in group B, with male to female ratio of 1.17:1 in group A and 1.04:1 in group B. Left-sided septal deviation was more common than right-sided deviation. The most common symptoms in group A was nasal obstruction (94%) and in group B was otorrhoea (80%)."C" shaped DNS was the most common type in both the groups. Out of total 200 subjects comprising both the groups, 70 (35%) subjects had significant sinonasal disease, 138 (69%) subjects had ear pathology, 69 (34.5%) had Eustachian tube dysfunction, 35 (17.5%) had throat pathology. In this study, “S” shaped deviation was more prone to be associated with ENT pathology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; “S” shaped DNS was maximally associated with sinonasal pathology and there was a high correlation between the side of septal deviation to the side of ear pathology, particularly in asymptomatic DNS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Aquatic physiotherapy: a vestibular rehabilitation option

IntroductionVestibular rehabilitation is a fundamental resource for vestibular symptom control. Its performance in the aquatic environment is considered safe for the physical activities of the elderly, because they act simultaneously on musculoskeletal disorders and balance improvement. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of an aquatic physiotherapy protocol in individuals with peripheral vestibular alterations. MethodsThis was an interventional case study with a paired intentional sample of four subjects, who were selected for convenience. The subjects, all of them diagnosed with peripheral vestibulopathy, were submitted to twelve sessions of aquatic physiotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation, being evaluated for dizziness in three moments: initial, after six sessions and at the end of the sessions. The tests applied were: unipodal support to measure static balance, the Fukuda stepping test, which estimates the dynamic balance and the dizziness handicap inventory protocol, aimed at verifying how dizziness influences daily life. ResultsWhen analyzing the static balance, initially the individuals were in the adaptive and abnormal dimensions, and all reached normality at the end of the protocol. Regarding the dynamic balance, the individuals initially showed marked impairment in the angular deviation, mainly to the side of pathology (75% to the left and 25% to the right), achieving improvement at the end of the study. However, it failed to reach statistical significance. The dizziness handicap inventory showed a statistically significant difference in its totality (p = 0.0414), which addresses the physical, functional and emotional factors. ConclusionIn conclusion, the aquatic physiotherapy protocol for vestibular rehabilitation of patients with peripheral impairment was positively assessed by the participants, considering the improvement in dizziness (static and dynamic) and its impact on daily activities.

Clinico-radiologic correlates of oral and maxillofacial radiographs: A 3-year study of 156 patients in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Background: Any discrepancy between clinical and radiographic information may have dire consequences on the optimal care of patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the clinical and radiographic findings in oral and maxillofacial surgery patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients with plain radiographic views of the oral and maxillofacial region, seen at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital, over a 3-year study period. The radiographs and patients' case files were retrieved and demographic, clinical as well as radiographic information were obtained. Radiographic information obtained included source and types of the radiographs, patients' bio-data, side and site of the pathology, clinical indication, labeling on the radiograph as well as interpretation errors in form of missed diagnosis other than missed fractures. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. Cohen's kappa agreement test was done between clinical and radiographic information.P Results: Radiographs from 156 patients aged 8–80 years, mean (standard deviation), 37.9 (19.22) years, were reviewed. There were 102 males and 54 females. Trauma (n = 54; 34.6%) was the most common indication for radiographs. “Transposition” of side of the lesions accounted for 9 (5.8%) of the cases. Radiographic “transposition” was significantly associated with facial fractures, temporomandibular joint ankylosis, and impacted mandibular third molars (likelihood ratio: χ2 = 16.930; df = 10;P = 0.03). There was some disagreement between clinical and radiographic information with regard to side (kappa = 0.788;P = 0.001). Conclusion: Discrepancies in the side of lesions, between clinical and radiographic information, were observed in this study. Adequate care should be taken by clinicians and radiologists to minimize errors in radiographs.

Worldwide survey on laboratory testing of vestibular function.

The function of the peripheral vestibular system can nowadays be quantified. The video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric irrigation are used for the semicircular canals, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) for the sacculus, and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP) for the utriculus. Because there is no agreement on normal and pathologic values, we performed a worldwide survey. A web-based standardized survey questionnaire was used to collect data on "reference values" and "cutoff" values. Thirty-eight centers from all continents (except Africa) replied. "Reference values": vHIT: mean for the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain of the left horizontal canal 0.91 (range: 0.7-1.01) and of the left horizontal canal 0.92 (0.7-1.05); side difference 0.15 (0.25-0.3). Caloric irrigation: mean peak slow phase velocity of caloric-induced nystagmus for warm (44°C) water 18.65°/s (12-30°/s); cold (30°C) water 18.21°/s (10-25°/s). cVEMP: P13-N23 amplitude mean for the lower limit 28.67 μV (16-50 μV); upper limit 200 μV (50-350 μV). "Cutoff values": vHIT: side difference 0.26 (0.1-0.4), bilateral vestibulopathy <0.61 (0.3-0.8); unilateral vestibulopathy (UVP) <0.68 (0.4-0.8). Caloric irrigation pathologic side difference mean 25.93% (17.7%-40%) or 12°/sec (5-30°/s); side difference UVP 26.73% (20%-40%) or 29.8°/s (5-100°/s). cVEMP: P13/N23 amplitude mean lower cutoff 32.5 μV (15-50 μV), mean upper cutoff 125 μV (50-200 μV), asymmetry 36.08 μV (20-50 μV). This worldwide survey showed a large variability in terms of reference and pathologic cutoff values in the 38 centers included. Therefore, standardization of how to achieve these values and agreement on which values should be used is highly warranted to guarantee a high quality of vestibular testing and interpretation of clinical and scientific results.

The Navicular Prosthesis Template: A Cadaveric Study of the Talonavicular Morphometric Profiles and Side-to-side Differences

Category:Hindfoot, Midfoot/Forefoot, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The navicular bone destruction is a challenging condition in the foot surgery. This can be occurred from severe comminuted fracture, avascular necrosis from steroid used or Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, etc. However, little is known about the treatment option which can spare the talonavicular or naviculocuneiform joint regarding this condition. The navicular prosthesis replacement may be the promising option in the future. This study is to present the talonavicular (TN) ratio, other morphometric profiles, and side-to-side differences for the template of customized navicular prosthesis manufacturing.Methods:A total of eight matched pairs of the ankle (16 ankles) were collected in this study. The measurements were performed regarding the morphometric profiles of navicular and talar head. All data were recorded and analyzed to determine the TN ratio to be the template of navicular prosthesis manufacturing. The TN width ratio was calculated as talar head width was divided by navicular width in axial view. The TN height ratios were calculated as talar head height was divided by navicular height at the central arc in sagittal view. Medial and lateral navicular heights were also recorded in sagittal view. The medial, lateral, and central arc lengths of navicular were recorded from the cadaveric specimens.Results:The average talar head width was 28.5 +/- 3.2 mm. The average talar head height at central arc was 26.6 +/- 2.2 mm. The average navicular heights at medial, lateral rims, and central arc were 16.8, 21.4, and 24.5 mm respectively. The average navicular lengths at medial, lateral rims, and central arc were 18.6, 15.3, and 18.4 mm respectively. The average navicular width was 40.4 +/-2.7 mm. The average TN width ratio was 0.7 +/- 0.1. The average TN height ratio at central arc was 1.2 +/- 0.2. The side-to-side differences were insignificantly found on all talonavicular morphometric profiles (P>0.05).Conclusion:Based on this study, the talonavicular ratios and the morphometric profiles were demonstrated in the cadaveric specimens. The contralateral side of navicular can be the template for the manufacturing of the customized navicular prosthesis for the pathologic side due to the insignificant differences of side-to-side morphometric profiles. These data may help develop the customized navicular prosthesis to replace in the challenging pathologic condition of navicular.

Superior vestibular neuritis: improved detection using FLAIR sequence with delayed enhancement (1 h)

Vestibular neuritis is the second cause of vertigo and new imaging protocols using delayed FLAIR with double-dose of gadolinium are proposed for its diagnosis. Our aim is to demonstrate that a single dose of gadolinium is sufficient. Thirty-three patients with a unilateral vestibular neuritis are compared to a control group. All patients underwent a FLAIR sequence, 1hour after intravenous injection of a single dose of gadolinium, on a 1.5 Tesla MRI. Two radiologists analyzed the enhancement intensity of the superior (sup VN) and inferior vestibular nerve (inf VN) and ratios to the signal of the cerebellum were calculated (supVN/C). The statistics were performed using Bayesian analysis. A strong enhancement of the sup VN was observed on the pathological side in 85% of patients with vestibular neuritis. The average signal intensity of the pathological sup VN (139 units ± 44) was more than two times the average intensity in the control group (58.5 units ± 5). The average ratios supVN/C were significantly different between the pathological side in vestibular neuritis (2.43 units ± 0.63) and the control group [1.16 ± 0.14 (Pr(diff > 0) = 1)]. A delayed enhancement > 71.5 units had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of superior vestibular neuritis. A delayed FLAIR sequence, acquired 1hour after a single dose of gadolinium injection, is a useful method for the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis. An enhancement of the sup VN > 71.5 units was in favor of the diagnosis.

Extracellular Vesicles: Catching the Light in Zebrafish.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulate in the body fluids of all organisms where they participate in intercellular cross-organ communication. Tracking and understanding these nanosized objects has been hampered by the low resolution of imaging techniques and by the lack of appropriate animal models. The use of zebrafish embryos permits visualization of EVs at unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution using light and electron microscopy. This enables the study of endogenous physiological EVs and pathological EVs side by side, and further unravels their mechanisms of biogenesis, biodistribution, and target cells throughout the organism. These developments will contribute to a better understanding of the in vivo (patho)physiology of EVs.

Bile-duct proliferation as an unexpected side-effect after AAV2-LDLR gene transfer to rabbit liver

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disease of lipoprotein metabolism caused by a defect in the LDL receptor (LDLR) leading to severe hypercholesterolemia, and associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. We have developed a gene therapy protocol for FH using AAV2, AAV9 and lentiviral vectors and tested safety and efficacy in LDL receptor deficient Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits. We show that LV-LDLR produced a significant long-lasting decrease in total serum cholesterol whereas AAV9-LDLR resulted only in a transient decrease and AAV2-LDLR failed to reduce serum cholesterol levels. A significant pathological side effect, bile-duct proliferation, was seen in the liver of AAV2-LDLR rabbits associated with an increased expression of Cyr61 matricellular protein. Special attention should be given to liver changes in gene therapy applications when genes affecting cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism are used for therapy.

Clastic cells in orthodontic treatment: Translational challenges and recent advances.

Orthodontic treatment consists of numerous appliance activations that rely on stimulation of osteoclasts at alveolar bone sites. However, the action of osteoclast-like cells on dentin ("odontoclasts") is a pathological side effect of orthodontic treatment. The aim of this article is twofold: (a) To report preliminary results from ongoing cell culture experiments to identify unique markers of dentin resorption, and (b) To discuss our work using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and exosomes for developing biological fluid-based biopsies to monitor clastic cell activity. Twelve healthy volunteers in permanent dentition. For the in vitro experiments, murine clastic cell precursors were cultured on dentin or bone slices for 7days and phage-display biopanning was used to identify molecular surface differences between osteoclasts and odontoclasts. In the human study, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected using different tools and analysed for protein and exosome recovery. Biopanning generated antibody fragments that were uniquely reactive to odontoclasts. Numerous nanoparticles in the size range of exosomes were detected in all of the human GCF samples. Our results support that there are molecular differences between osteoclasts and odontoclasts. Emerging technologies may allow the use of exosomes in GCF as a clinical tool to detect markers of root resorption.

Extracellular Matrix Protection Factor Increases Sulfated Proteoglycan Production in Serum‐free, Primary Cultures of Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition which involves the loss of articular cartilage, the cushion between joints that provides a smooth surface for the bones to glide. Three compounds that make up most of the articular cartilage are type II collagen, proteoglycans, and water. In OA there is an increase in collagenase activity that degrades collagens and proteoglycans necessary for healthy cartilage. The composition of the extracellular matrix changes in OA as evidenced by production of type I collagen. Previous studies in our lab have shown that primary cultures of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes (HOACs) can be reared in serum‐free alginate culture but measurable extracellular matrix endpoints of the OA profile are dampened when chondrocytes isolated from sides of greater and least pathology in the joint are pooled together in culture. In this study, we obtained HOACs from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Femoral condyles and the tibial plateau were labeled greater or least pathology, determined by gross anatomical observation, the cells were isolated and plated separately in three‐dimensional, twelve‐well, alginate cultures at a density of 1.8 × 106 cells per 0.5 mL. Samples were treated for 48 hours from day of plating with either 250nM Extracellular Matrix Protective Factor‐1 (ECPF‐1) or hyaluronic acid conjugated ECPF‐1 (HA‐ECPF‐1). Collagen I degradation and sulfated proteoglycan synthesis were measured in alginate‐associated matrix of the treated cultures. HOACs isolated from the side of greatest pathology responded to treatment by reducing collagen type I degradation (8.42ng/culture Control, 7.25ng/culture ECPF‐1 and 4.25ng/culture HA‐ECPF‐1) and increasing retention of sulfated proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix (0.36ug/culture Control versus 0.56ug/culture ECPF‐1 treated). These data confirm that 48 hour treatment in serum free HOAC culture is sufficient to measure the therapeutic efficacy of an OA drug intervention and that both formulations of ECPF‐1 can slow the progression of OA by altering production of sulfated proteoglycan and collagen type I.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Health Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging and the Division of Research.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Inhibition of TNFα-induced interleukin-6 gene expression by barley (Hordeum vulgare) ethanol extract in BV-2 microglia.

Inflammation in the central nervous system is closely associated with pathological neurodegenerative diseases as well as psychiatric disorders. Prolonged activation of microglia can produce many inflammatory mediators, which may result in pathological neurotoxic side effects. Interleukin (IL)-6 serves as a hallmark of the injured brain. Whole grains are known to contain many bioactive components. However, little information is available about anti-neuroinflammatory effects of grains in the CNS. This study aims to investigate the effect of Hordeum vulgare ethanol extract (HVE) on the suppression of IL-6 expression in BV2 microglia. Inhibitory effects of HVE on IL-6 expression were analyzed by immunoblot anaysis, immunofluoresce microscopic analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and luciferase promoter reporter assay. HVE inhibited TNFα-induced phosphorylation of IKKα/β, IκB, and p65/RelA NF-κB. TNFα-induced IL-6 mRNA expression and promoter activity were reduced by HVE. Point mutation of NF-κB-binding site within the IL-6 gene promoter abolished TNFα-induced reporter activity, whereas exogenous expression of p65 NF-κB enhanced IL-6 promoter activity. NF-κB-binding site within the IL-6 promoter region is a HVE target element involved in the inhibition of TNFα-induced IL-6 gene transcription. HVE inhibits TNFα-induced IL-6 expression via suppression of NF-κB signaling in BV2 microglial cells.

Analysis of Inner Ear Anomalies in Unilateral Congenital Aural Atresia Combined With Microtia.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of inner ear anomalies in patients with unilateral congenital aural atresia (CAA) combined with microtia.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 61 patients with unilateral CAA combined with microtia who underwent high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) and hearing examination. Inner ear anomalies were analyzed using TBCT and evaluated according to the Jahrsdoerfer grading system, Marx classification, and extent of inferior displacement of the mastoid tegmen.ResultsInner ear anomalies were observed in 14 patients (23.0%). Lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) dysplasia was the most common inner ear anomaly, with an incidence of 16.4%. The incidence was significantly higher on the pathologic side than on the unaffected side (P=0.002). All vascular anomalies were observed in the high-riding jugular bulb, with an incidence of 24.6%. The incidence was significantly higher on the pathologic side than on the unaffected side (P<0.001). LSCC dysplasia was significantly more common in patients with a lower Jahrsdoerfer score (odds ratio, 0.66; P=0.004).ConclusionThe incidence of inner ear anomalies was relatively high in patients with unilateral CAA combined with microtia; LSCC dysplasia was the most common anomaly and the probability of coexistence was higher in patients with a lower Jahrsdoerfer score.

Iranian crack induces hepatic injury through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in the liver of Wistar rat.

Objective(s):Iranian crack (IC) is a heroin-based substance manifesting various pathologic side effects. Herein, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of IC-induced liver injuries in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control, and IC (0.9 mg/kg/day/IP, for 30 days). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by DCF fluorescence staining. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK) were assessed by immunoblotting assay. The intensity of collagen fiber in the liver was also determined by Trichrome-Masson staining. Furthermore, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were measured using colorimetric methods. Results:Our results showed that ROS production, p38 MAPK, c-JNK phosphorylation levels, and expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly elevated in the liver tissue of IC group as compared to the control group. Moreover, collagen fiber and ALT activity were increased in the liver tissue of IC group compared to the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of ALP between two groups. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the intensity of collagen fiber and the ALT activity, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β and liver enzymes activities including ALP, ALT, and AST.Conclusion:Our findings revealed that IC-induced liver cells injury is partially mediated by MAPK stress kinases. Therefore, regular liver examination in substance abuse is strongly recommended.

Cardiotropic action of combined use of celecoxib and amlodipine in rats sicked on adjuvant arthritis coupled with arterial hypertension

Drug therapy of rheumatoid arthritis combined with arterial hypertension is among actual medical objectives. The complexity of pharmacological treatment of comorbid state is due to not only pathological process severity, insufficient efficacy and side effects of disease modifying and symptomatic drugs but also property of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to aggravate already existed arterial hypertension in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or to increase pressure. Many hypotensive drugs loose or don’t manifest their activity when used in combination with NSAIDs. High risk of cardio toxicity is registered for one of NSAIDs group – coxibs. The cardio safety of combined use of coxibs and hypotensive drugs on the ground of comorbid pathology is studied not enough.&#x0D; These aspects had predefined the aim of this study – to investigate cardiotropic effects of celecoxib when administered in combinations with amlodipine on the ground of experimental rheumatoid arthritis coupled with arterial hypertension.&#x0D; Arterial hypertension was modeled in rats by method of salt load. On the basis of arterial hypertension rheumatoid arthritis was caused by full Freund adjuvant injection. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate registered on sphygmomanometer.&#x0D; It was found that comorbid state is followed by arterial hypertension and tachyarrhythmia. Celecoxib does not facilitate hypertension enhancing but leads to increasing heart rate. Amlodipine manifests specific pharmacological activity as hypotensive drug. The results obtained predefined opportunity of combined use of celecoxib with amlodipine on the ground of rheumatoid arthritis coupled with arterial hypertension.

EVALUATING THE CLINICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM ULTRAVIOLET B RADIATION ON RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)

Vitamin D is an essential hormone in vertebrates. Most animals acquire this hormone through their diet and/or exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The objectives for this research were to evaluate the clinical and physiologic effects of artificial UVB light supplementation on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and to evaluate the long-term safety of artificial UVB light supplementation over a 6-month period. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: Group A was exposed to 12 hours of artificial UVB radiation daily and Group B received ambient fluorescent light with no UVB supplementation for 12 hours daily. All animals were offered the same diet and housed under the same conditions. Blood samples were collected every 3 weeks over 6 months to measure blood chemistry values, parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) levels. Serial ophthalmologic examinations were performed at the beginning of the study and every 2 months thereafter. At the end of the study the animals were euthanized and necropsied. Mean ± SD serum 25-OHD3 concentrations differed significantly (P = 0.003) between animals provided supplemental UVB radiation (83.12 ± 22.44 nmol/L) and those not provided UVB radiation (39.33 ± 26.07 nmol/L). There were no apparent negative clinical or pathologic side effects noted between the groups. This study found that exposing rabbits to UVB radiation long term significantly increased their circulating serum 25-OHD3 levels, which was sustainable over time.