Significant Decrease In Total Number Research Articles

Deliveries in Lebanon, the Country with the Highest Refugee Density in the World: A Descriptive Review.

The aim of this study is to analyze obstetrical and reproductive health parameters in Lebanon from 2015 until 2018 in the setting of the Syrian refugee influx in order to evaluate potential risks and provide a management plan to improve outcomes. Data from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (LMPH) on all obstetrical deliveries that occurred in Lebanon between 2015 and 2018 was screened and analyzed. Number and mode of delivery as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes were included. Joinpoint regression analysis was used for trends of selected parameters. Independent two-sample t-tests were used for comparisons. Women of non-Lebanese nationality residing in Lebanon had a significantly greater number of total deliveries (p-value < 0.001), vaginal deliveries (p-value = 0.002), cesarean sections (p-value = 0.02). When looking at delivery trends from 2015 to 2018, Lebanese women had a significant decrease in total number of deliveries (p-value < 0.001) and vaginal deliveries (p-value < 0.001). Total number of deliveries and cesarean sections is on the rise in Lebanon. Cesarean section practice should be audited by the LMPH and the Lebanese Order of Physicians (LOP). Local and international agencies should prioritize the implementation and management of family planning facilities in refugee hosting countries.

Reprotoxicity induced by acute exposure to aqueous tuber extract of Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances, a claim that has been evidenced in some studies. However, the clinical trials validating this use have shown paradoxical findings and then maca safety is not well known. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms by which maca affects the reproductive system using an in vivo model, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Tuber maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240, and 330 μg/μl), and 48 h after treatments, physiological and biochemical assays were conducted. Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels, and also impaired vit-2 (vitellogenin) expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have found quantifiable levels of alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms that could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production and, consequently, successful reproduction.

The diminishing experience in pediatric surgery for general surgery residents in the United States

PurposeThe Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) regulates the general surgery residency curriculum. Case volume remains a priority as recent concerns surrounding a lack of proficiency for certain surgical cases have circulated. We hypothesize that there is a significant decrease in pediatric surgery case numbers during general surgery residency despite residents meeting the minimum case requirements. MethodsWe reviewed publicly available ACGME case reports for general surgery residency from 1999 to 2018. Cases are classified as Surgeon Chief or Surgeon Junior. Analyzed data included case classifications, number of residents, and number of residency programs. Simple linear regression analysis was performed. ResultsWe identified a significant decrease in total number of logged pediatric surgery cases over the past 20 years (p<0.001). Nearly 60% of cases were logged under a single category – inguinal/umbilical hernia. From the past five years, pyloric stenosis was the only other category with an average of greater than two cases logged (range 2.1–2.8). ConclusionWe identified a significant decrease in total pediatric surgery case numbers during general surgery residency from 1999 to 2018. Though meeting set requirements, overall case variety was limited. With minimal number of cases required by the ACGME, graduating general surgery residents may lack proficiency in simple pediatric surgery cases.

Intratracheal administration of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduces lung injuries in a chronic rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Early therapeutic effect of intratracheally (IT)-administered extracellular vesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-EVs) has been demonstrated in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) involving hyperoxia exposure in the first 2 postnatal weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of IT-administered MSC-EVs in the long term. EVs were produced from MSCs following GMP standards. At birth, rats were distributed in three groups: (a) animals raised in ambient air for 6 weeks (n = 10); and animals exposed to 60% hyperoxia for 2 weeks and to room air for additional 4 weeks and treated with (b) IT-administered saline solution (n = 10), or (c) MSC-EVs (n = 10) on postnatal days 3, 7, 10, and 21. Hyperoxia exposure produced significant decreases in total number of alveoli, total surface area of alveolar air spaces, and proliferation index, together with increases in mean alveolar volume, mean linear intercept and fibrosis percentage; all these morphometric changes were prevented by MSC-EVs treatment. The medial thickness index for <100 µm vessels was higher for hyperoxia-exposed/sham-treated than for normoxia-exposed rats; MSC-EV treatment significantly reduced this index. There were no significant differences in interstitial/alveolar and perivascular F4/8-positive and CD86-positive macrophages. Conversely, hyperoxia exposure reduced CD163-positive macrophages both in interstitial/alveolar and perivascular populations and MSC-EV prevented these hyperoxia-induced reductions. These findings further support that IT-administered EVs could be an effective approach to prevent/treat BPD, ameliorating the impaired alveolarization and pulmonary artery remodeling also in a long-term model. M2 macrophage polarization could play a role through anti-inflammatory and proliferative mechanisms.

Host-Induced Silencing of FMRFamide-Like Peptide Genes, flp-1 and flp-12, in Rice Impairs Reproductive Fitness of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne graminicola

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the major staple food crops of the world. The productivity of rice is considerably affected by the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola. Modern nematode management strategies targeting the physiological processes have established the potency of use of neuromotor genes for their management. Here, we explored the utility of two FMRFamide like peptide coding genes, Mg-flp-1 and Mg-flp-12 of M. graminicola for its management through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of rice. The presence and integration of hairpin RNA (hpRNA) constructs in transgenic lines were confirmed by PCR, qRT-PCR, and Southern and Northern hybridization. Transgenic plants were evaluated against M. graminicola, where phenotypic effect of HIGS was pronounced with reduction in galling by 20–48% in the transgenic plants. This also led to significant decrease in total number of endoparasites by 31–50% for Mg-flp-1 and 34–51% for Mg-flp-12 transgenics. Likewise, number of egg masses per plant and eggs per egg mass also declined significantly in the transgenics, ultimately affecting the multiplication factor, when compared to the wild type plants. This study establishes the effectiveness of the two M. graminicola flp genes for its management and also for gene pyramiding.

Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates the gut microbiome composition attenuates preneoplastic colorectal Aberrant crypt foci

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) is well documented strain with wide clinical applications. We investigated herein the possible protection role of LGG in against early preneoplastic colon carcinogenesis Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rat model. Sprague Dawley rats were pre-treated with or without LGG via oral gavage, followed by ACF induction with Dimethylhydrazine (DMH). LGG treated groups showed significant decrease in total number of ACF’s, and increased Bax, P53, and Caspase-3 proteins expression with significant attenuation of NFkB, Cox2 and β catenin expression compared to DMH group. Serum cytokines array revealed significant elevation of IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and attenuated level of IL-10 in LGG+DMH treated animals. Finally, the 16S rRNA fecal microbiome genomic analysis showed that LGG alters the gut microbiome structure, composition and functions at phylum, family and genus level. Collectively, LGG reduces colon ACFs incidence and multiplicity via inhibition of pro-carcinogenesis biomarkers and modulate the gut microbiome.

AMELIORATIVE ROLE OF BEE HONEY AND ROYAL JELLY AGAINST CISPLATIN INDUCED ALTERATION IN HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN MALE WISTER ALBINO RAT

Objective: This study aims to investigate the ameliorative role of dietary bee honey and royal jelly against cisplatin-induced alterations in hematological parameters in male wistar albino rat.Methods: Male wistar albino rats of same age and weight were randomly divided into four groups; G, I: control group which was given 0.9% saline, G: II: cisplatin (7 mg/kg/d) was injected intraperitoneally for 15 d, G, III bee honey with royal jelly (500 mg/kg/d of honey and 100 mg/kg/d of royal jelly) fed orally daily for 15 d, G, IV: cisplatin (7 mg/kg/d) was injected intraperitoneally and honey (500 mg/kg/d) and royal Jelly (100 mg/kg/d) fed orally daily for 15 d. The hematological parameters like total number of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, % of hemoglobin (Hb), and mean values of packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were measured by using automated hematology system.Results: Cisplatin treated rats revealed a significant decrease in total number of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (R. B. Cs), platelets, percentage of hemoglobin (Hb), and mean values of packed cell volume (PCV), corpuscular volume (MCV) and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) as compared to control group. Royal jelly and honey treated group of rats revealed a significant increase in all blood parameters compared to control group. Dietary bee honey with royal jelly along with cisplatin-treated rats revealed significant increas as compared to animals treated with cisplatin (G, II) and the computed significant valus for the above parameters are 10.00, 2.30, 8,54, 12.00, 35.00, 47.40 and 32,30 respectively.Conclusion: Bee honey and royal jelly could be used as dietary preventive natural products against cisplatin-induced hematological alterations during the treatment of cancer.

The impact of a remote monitoring program on the prenatal follow-up of women with gestational hypertensive disorders

ObjectivesIn 2015, we showed the value of a remote monitoring (RM) follow-up program for women diagnosed with gestational hypertensive disorders (GHDs) compared with women who received conventional care (CC). We want to confirm or refute the conclusions drawn in 2015, by including data from 2016. Study designA two year retrospective study in which all women diagnosed with GHD, who underwent prenatal follow-up at the outpatients prenatal clinic of Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (Genk, Belgium) during 2015 and 2016, were included. Of the 320 women diagnosed with GHD, ninety (28.13%) were monitored with RM. The other 230 (71.88%) GHD pregnancies were monitored with CC. Differences in continuous and categorical variables in maternal demographics and characteristics were tested using Unpaired Student’s two sampled t-test or Mann Whitney U test and the c2 test. Both a univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for analyzing prenatal follow up and gestational outcomes. All statistical analyses are done at nominal level a = 0.05. ResultsThe RM group had more women diagnosed with gestational hypertension but less with pre-eclampsia when compared to the CC group (69.77% versus 42.79% and 19.77% versus 44.19% respectively). In both uni- and multivariate analyses, the RM group had, when compared to the CC group, less prenatal admission (51.62% versus 71.63%), less prenatal admissions until the moment of the delivery (31.40% versus 57.67%), less induced starts of the birth process (43.00% versus 32.09%), more spontaneous starts of the birth process (32.86% versus 46.51%), more births after 37 weeks of gestational age in pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension (91.67% versus 53.33%) and pregnancies complicated with pre-eclampsia (58.82% versus 53.33%). In multivariate analysis, a reduction in total number of prenatal visits was visible in the RM group when compared to the CC group (b = −1.76; CI = −2.74–0.77). Only in the univariate analysis was the mean gestational age at delivery between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation in pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension higher in the CC group versus the RM group (35 w 4/7 (±0.49) versus 34 w 6/7 (±0.00).These conclusions were almost the same as in the analyses of 2015, except (1) there wasn’t a difference anymore in NICU admissions between the RM and CC group in the analyses of 2015–2016 and (2) a significant decrease in total number of visits is reported in the RM group in the dataset of 2015–2016, which wasn’t visible in the dataset of 2015. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that RM provides opportunities to offer timely interventions to pregnant women who require them.

Utilization of apical vaginal support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy performed for benign conditions: a national estimate

Apical vaginal support is considered the keystone of pelvic organ support. Level I evidence supports reestablishment of apical support at time of hysterectomy, regardless of whether the hysterectomy is performed for prolapse. National rates of apical support procedure performance at time of inpatient hysterectomy have not been well described. We sought to estimate trends and factors associated with use of apical support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy for benign indications in a large national database. The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample was used to identify hysterectomies performed from 2004 through 2013 for benign indications. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to select both procedures and diagnoses. The primary outcome was performance of an apical support procedure at time of hysterectomy. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. There were 3,509,230 inpatient hysterectomies performed for benign disease from 2004 through 2013. In both nonprolapse and prolapse groups, there was a significant decrease in total number of annual hysterectomies performed over the study period (P < .0001). There were 2,790,652 (79.5%) hysterectomies performed without a diagnosis of prolapse, and an apical support procedure was performed in only 85,879 (3.1%). There was a significant decrease in the proportion of hysterectomies with concurrent apical support procedure (high of 4.0% in 2004 to 2.5% in 2013, P < .0001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, increasing age, hospital type (urban teaching), hospital bed size (large and medium), and hysterectomy type (vaginal and laparoscopically assisted vaginal) were associated with performance of an apical support procedure. During the study period, 718,578 (20.5%) inpatient hysterectomies were performed for prolapse diagnoses and 266,743 (37.1%) included an apical support procedure. There was a significant increase in the proportion of hysterectomies with concurrent apical support procedure (low of 31.3% in 2005 to 49.3% in 2013, P < .0001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, increasing age, hospital type (urban teaching), hospital bed size (medium and large), and hysterectomy type (total laparoscopic and laparoscopic supracervical) were associated with performance of an apical support procedure. This national database study demonstrates that apical support procedures are not routinely performed at time of inpatient hysterectomy regardless of presence of prolapse diagnosis. Educational efforts are needed to increase awareness of the importance of reestablishing apical vaginal support at time of hysterectomy regardless of indication.

Examination Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among University Employees Participating In A Workplace Walking Program

PURPOSE: Worksite sponsored physical activity programs are prevalent at universities in an effort to improve health indicators, including risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this project was to compare cardiovascular risk factors of university employees participating in a worksite sponsored walking program versus those who did not participate. METHODS: The research was a matched pairs design, with two groups. The study group (n=31) participated in the “Workplace Walkoff Challenge” for six weeks, while the control group (n=11) did not participate. All cardiovascular risk factors, as defined by ACSM Guidelines, were assessed two weeks prior to the start of the walking program and then repeated during the last week. Risk factors assessed included family history, age, smoking status, physical activity amount, blood pressure, body composition (waist circumference and BMI), dyslipidemia (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL), and fasting glucose. To assess differences in these variables, dependent t-tests were performed. RESULTS: Walking program participants significantly improved their physical activity amount (p=.05), body mass index (p=.003), waist circumference (p=.03), diastolic blood pressure (p=.005) and fasting glucose (p<.001) from baseline to end of program. There were no significant improvements for participants in systolic blood pressure or cholesterol (total and HDL). Despite a trend, there was no significant decrease in total number of risk factors following the walking program. The control group had no significant changes in physical activity, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure or fasting glucose from baseline to follow up. However, the control group had a significant reduction in total cholesterol (p=.05). CONCLUSIONS: The participants in the walking program had many health indicators improve following the six week walking program. Therefore, short-term worksite walking programs may be effective in improving cardiovascular risk factors. Future research should focus on programming’s effect on long-term adherence to physical activity and improvement of health indicators.

Promoting Healthy Family Behaviors in the Primary Care Setting

Pediatric obesity is an increasingly prevalent problem. Several studies have examined prevention and treatment strategies. The majority of effective studies involved school or community interventions. With health care becoming more collaborative, we hypothesized that a behavioral health specialist may be effective in executing multifaceted interventions with families of at-risk patients. This is a prospective randomized study, evaluating impact of intervention with a behavioral specialist on lifestyle risk factors for pediatric obesity in children. At-risk behaviors were identified with a screening tool from the Healthy Kids, Healthy Michigan Clinical Decision Tools, based on the 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on pediatric obesity. An intervention group received ongoing care from the behavioral specialist over three months, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants were compared with a control group receiving usual care. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control group regarding change in number of risk factors. However, both groups had a reduced number of risk factors at follow-up. The control group had a significant change in number of risk factors after the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, it is notable that both groups saw significant decreases in total number of risk factors. The only addition to usual care provided to the control group was use of the screening tool. Our results indicate that the use of a screening tool and brief physician intervention may be an effective means for improving healthy behaviors within families.

Experimental study of antitumour activity and effects on leukocyte count of intraperitoneal administration and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) with dioxadet in a rat model of ovarian cancer

Survival of rats with advanced ovarian cancer after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) with dioxadet and effects of these treatment modalities on leukocyte count were evaluated in two independent series of experiments. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with dioxadet (15 mg/kg) provided median survival of rats of 49 days (95% CI 28–70), i.p. administration of dioxadet (1.5 mg/kg) of 28 days (95% CI 16–36; P = 0.020). Single i.p. injection of dioxadet caused a significant decrease in total number of leukocytes (17–52%), granulocytes (18–75%), lymphocytes (18–62%) and monocytes (12–46%) in the peripheral blood of tumour-bearing rats compared to untreated animals. After HIPEC with dioxadet, the total number of leukocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes in peripheral blood of rats remained significantly higher than the corresponding values in the group with dioxadet.

The Effect of Oil Palm Phenolics (OPP) on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in Transgenic Mouse Model

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive form of pancreatic cancer with low survival rates partly due to late diagnosis and poor treatment outcomes. The potential curative treatment through surgical resection is only limited to early stages of PDAC while the use of chemotherapy drug, gemcitabine alone offers minimal benefits. This study aimed to explore the in vivo effects of oil palm phenolics (OPP), a water‐soluble extract from African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, in transgenic mouse model of PDAC.MethodsSix‐week dietary treatment was carried out on KPC (k‐ras and p53 conditional mutant) mice divided into four groups: KC (control diet), KP (5% OPP diet), KG (gemcitabine), KPG (5% OPP diet + gemcitabine). Littermates without mutations served as controls: CC (control diet) and CP (5% OPP diet). Progression of PDAC was monitored with MRI at weeks 1 and 5 of the study. Histological analysis was performed on fore stomach and pancreatic tissue slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) for toxicity study and PDAC staging respectively. Imunnohistochemistry with S100 Calcium Binding Protein P (S100P) and SMAD4/DPC4 proteins were used to validate the histological changes seen with H&amp;E staining. Change in gene expression on pancreatic tissue was evaluated by real time real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsFore stomach histological analyses showed that dietary OPP did not exhibit sign of toxicity in control group (CP). OPP treated groups (KP and KPG) had a slower progression of tumor and compared to KC and KG as seen by changes in tumor volumes observed with MRI. All treatment groups (KG, KP and KPG) had a significant decrease in total number of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) where the combination of OPP and gemcitabine (KPG) displayed the lowest count. Compared to the KC group, expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and notch homolog 1 (Notch1) genes was down regulated most significantly in KPG group. Collectively, the results demonstrate potential benefit of dietary OPP as part of combinatorial therapy against progression of PDAC.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

Immunophenotyping of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma in peripheral blood and associated tumor tissue.

The immune system is important for elimination of cancer cells. Tumors including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are capable of escaping detection by host immune cells through apoptotic depletion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and corresponding TILs of tumor specimen were evaluated before and after curative tumor resection (n = 30) compared with PBLs of controls (n = 87). PBLs were characterized for the total number of T cells (CD3(+)), T helper cells (Th, CD3(+)/CD4(+)), regulatory T cells (Treg, CD4(+)/CD25(+)/CD127(low)), cytotoxic T cells (Tc, CD3(+)/CD8(+)), activated T cells (CD3(+)/HLA-DR(+)), and natural killer (NK) cells (CD3(-)/CD16(+)/CD56(+)). In tumor tissue, the prevalence of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) TILs was assessed using immunohistochemistry, whereas the incidence of apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridinetriphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. In PBLs of pretreated OSCC patients, a highly significant decrease in total number of T cells (p = 0.0001), Th cells (p < 0.0001), Treg cells (p < 0.0001), Tc cells (p < 0.0001), and NK cells (p = 0.0037) were found compared with controls. Decreased PBLs of OSCC patients were correlated with decreased numbers of corresponding TILs, which were associated with increased detection of apoptosis in the tumor tissue. Compared with the controls, the total number of T cells remained unchanged after surgery but the total number of NK cells significantly increased. Standardized immunophenotyping of OSCC may help to identify patients likely to benefit from cancer immunotherapy strategies and/or chemoradiation. Finally, future attempts to enhance an effective tumor-reactive immune response by immunotherapy or vaccination should be made by promoting tumor-specific Th and/or Tc cell/NK cell responses.

Large herbivore grazing affects the vegetation structure and greenhouse gas balance in a high arctic mire

Herbivory is an important part of most ecosystems and affects the ecosystems’ carbon balance both directly and indirectly. Little is known about herbivory and its impact on the carbon balance in high arctic mire ecosystems. We hypothesized that trampling and grazing by large herbivores influences the vegetation density and composition and thereby also the carbon balance. In 2010, we established fenced exclosures in high arctic Greenland to prevent muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) from grazing. During the growing seasons of 2011 to 2013 we measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes in these ungrazed blocks and compared them to blocks subjected to natural grazing. Additionally, we measured depth of the water table and active layer, soil temperature, and in 2011 and 2013 an inventory of the vegetation density and composition were made. In 2013 a significant decrease in total number of vascular plant (33–44%) and Eriophorum scheuchzeri (51–53%) tillers were found in ungrazed plots, the moss-layer and amount of litter had also increased substantially in these plots. This resulted in a significant decrease in net ecosystem uptake of CO2 (47%) and likewise a decrease in CH4 emission (44%) in ungrazed plots in 2013. While the future of the muskoxen in a changing arctic is unknown, this experiment points to a potentially large effect of large herbivores on the carbon balance in natural Arctic ecosystems. It thus sheds light on the importance of grazing mammals, and hence adds to our understanding of natural ecosystem greenhouse gas balance in the past and in the future.

Changes in henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) morphological traits under different deficit irrigations in the southern Tunisia

Henna plant belongs to continental oases where water shortage constitutes the essential limiting factors of its agricultural production. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lytraceae) is often exposed to severe drought stress in Gabes; a Tunisian arid region. The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of water stress on the morphology of Tunisian henna plants. Thus, an experiment of four months was carried out under greenhouse at the Institute of Arid Region in Medenine, Tunisia. Henna was exposed to three different irrigation regimes, whereby the plants where irrigated to field capacity (control, T0), 50% of the control (moderate stress, T1) and 25% of the control (severe deficit irrigation, T2). Results showed that, leaf area (LA), leaf number and stem length of henna, decreased in response to the studied stress. The effect of water stress was clearly observed on those parameters. Moderate drought (T1) did not damage henna morphology, and the plants grew better than without water limitation (T0). Furthermore, the water stress-typical responses were shown as time and severity dependent in all the measured parameters. Indeed, lowest water availability treatment (T2) induced significant decrease in total number of leaves, as well as reductions in LA. Under this severe water stress (T2); LA was reduced by 65.79%, compared to control, at 60 days after the initiation of the bioassay. Stem length decreased significantly in the most severe water stress, this reduction was about 44%. Globally, we conclude that henna plant growth decreased progressively to long-term water limitation.

S79 Sputum Inflammatory Cell Profile in Children with Acute Asthma and Following Recovery

BackgroundAirway inflammation in children experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation has been little studied. A previous study (1) reported high numbers of sputum inflammatory cells in children with acute asthma and...

Exploring the Impact of Clinical Anticoagulants on Venous Thrombosis Stability Using a Novel Intravital Murine Model

Abstract 1246 Background:Thrombus stability influences the progression of deep vein thrombosis to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) event. Anticoagulants are clinically administered to treat venous thrombosis. However, the effect of anticoagulants on thrombus stability remains unknown. Objective:We developed a novel intravital mouse model to explore the hypothesis that administration of clinical anticoagulants would decrease early thrombus stability, thereby potentially increasing PE risk. Methods:The trachea and jugular vein were cannulated, and the femoral vein isolated, in wild type C57/Bl6 female mice. Platelets were labeled in vivo using anti-mouse CD41 Fab fragments conjugated to Alexa Fluor-488. A 1 × 2 mm filter paper strip, saturated in 4% ferric chloride, was applied to the femoral vein for 5 minutes to induce thrombus formation. Wide-field fluorescent microscopy was used to quantify thrombus stability. Stability was related to the number of embolic events and loss of platelet intensity captured downstream of the thrombus at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes post thrombus formation. Results:The mean number of embolic events and loss of platelet intensity decreased over time in wild type mice (n = 12). This suggested that thrombus stability increases over time. Anticoagulants were administered via a jugular vein catheter, at 12 minutes post thrombus formation, to assess impact on embolization. The anticoagulants examined were hirudin (8U/g mouse body weight), unfractionated heparin (UFH) (0.1U/g), a covalent antithrombin-heparin complex (ATH) (0.08U/g), and fondaparinux (0.1μg/g). We observed an overall a) increase in the number of embolic events and b) increase in platelet intensity lost over time in mice injected with hirudin (n = 12) and UFH (n = 12) when compared to untreated wild type control mice. The total number of embolic events occurring over one hour substantially increased in the hirudin-treated group (p = 0.09), which was also associated with an overall increase in total platelet intensity (p = 0.08), compared to untreated control mice. In addition, there was an increase in the total number of embolic events compared to the UFH-treated group (p = 0.09). Administration of hirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), and UFH, an indirect thrombin inhibitor, could result in decreased venous thrombus stability. However, it appears that the DTI is associated with greater thrombus instability. In the ATH-treated group (n = 12), an increase in embolic events at 15 minutes was observed, followed by a decrease in embolization. ATH could initially disrupt thrombus stability through inhibition of fibrin-bound thrombin, before acting in a stabilizing manner. Administration of fondaparinux (n = 6), an indirect factor-Xa inhibitor, demonstrated an overall decrease in embolic events and platelet intensity lost over time. When compared to control groups, there was a significant decrease in total number of embolic events and total amount of platelet intensity lost in the fondaparinux group (p < 0.05). Use of a factor-Xa inhibitor appears to enhance thrombus stability more effectively in comparison to direct and indirect thrombin inhibitors. Conclusion:Use of anticoagulants that inhibit thrombin predominantly could decrease early thrombus stability and potentially increase the likelihood of a PE event. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Flight‐oogenesis syndrome in a blood‐sucking bug: Biochemical aspects of lipid metabolism

Lipophorin (Lp), either labeled in diacylglycerol moiety with [(3)H]-Palmitic acid or in phospholipid moiety with (32)Pi, was injected into Rhodnius prolixus females. Insects were induced to flight for different times. In just a few minutes of flight, the transfer of radioactivity to ovaries decreased, accompanied by its increase to flight muscles. After one hour of flight, Lp density was higher (1.132 g/mL) than before flight (1.116 g/mL). Lp purified from insects after flight was analyzed by gel filtration chromatography and a polyacrylamide gel pore limit electrophoresis. Both analyses demonstrated a decrease in Lp molecular mass after flight but no changes in apoLp-III amounts were observed. Time-course experiments showed that only 30 min of flight are required for the detection of changes in Lp density and molecular mass. About the same time of rest is necessary for Lp density and molecular mass to return to the baseline value. The lipid content from Lp particles, determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), showed a decrease in total lipids after flight. At the same time, an increase of many classes of lipids was observed in flight muscles except for triacylglycerol, which was reduced. The increase of flight muscle lipids was accompanied by a decrease of the ovaries lipid content. The insects subjected to daily exhaustive flight showed a significant decrease in total number of eggs produced. But insects subjected to a single exhaustive flight showed only a small reduction in total number of eggs. Lp density variation during the flight activity of Rhodnius prolixus females is discussed in association with physiological events such as oogenesis.

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) deficiency reduces sperm motility and impairs fertility of mouse males.

Vitamin E was discovered for its implication in reproductive biology, and its transport in mammalian plasma and brain was shown to be governed by plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). We show that PLTP deficiency is associated with hypofertility of mouse males but not mouse females, and it accounts for a significant decrease in total number of pups produced over a 2-month breeding period of PLTP knocked out mice (-32%, P<0.03). PLTP is highly expressed in epididymis of mouse males, and alpha-tocopherol, the main vitamin E isomer in vivo, was significantly less abundant in cauda and caput epididymis of PLTP-deficient mice as compared with wild-type counterparts (caput: -26%, P<0.05; cauda: -21%, P<0.05). Mature spermatozoa from PLTP-deficient epididymis were shown to retain an abnormal alpha-tocopherol content. PLTP deficiency tended to reduce sperm motility as shown by a 24% reduction in spermatozoa with progressive motility (P<0.02), with no change in other sperm parameters as compared with wild-type males. Finally, in vitro fertilization rates of wild-type oocytes with spermatozoa from PLTP-deficient males were markedly reduced as compared with those measured with spermatozoa from wild-type males (-60%, P<0.05). It is concluded that PLTP is a new, key factor that determines sperm motility and male fertility.