Design of degenerate primers for multiplex nested-PCR detection of human lymphotropic herpesviruses

To develop the rapid diagnosis and typing of human lymphotropic herpesviruses by using multiplex nested-PCR, the primary PCR (1(o) PCR) primers were redesigned as degenerate primers based on a highly conserved sequences of each DNA polymerase gene of EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7 and HHV-8. The forward degenerate primer (HHV/1+) contained 12 different sequences, whereas there were 8 different sequences in the reverse degenerate primer (HHV/ 1-). Optimization of multiplex nested-PCR assay conditions were performed to search for the appropriate amount of degenerate primers, dNTP, Taq DNA polymerase, template of secondary PCR (2(o) PCR) and annealing temperature used in 1(o) PCR reaction. Detection sensitivity was the same as described in previous report (approximately 10-100 genome copies). To ensure a true negative result, PCR detection of hepatitis B virus genome was used as internal control. Our presented results, the designed degenerate primers could be used to detect various types of HHV by multiplex nested-PCR.     

Effects of elastic taping,non-elastic taping and static stretching on recovery after intensive eccentric exercise

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of elastic tape (Kinesio tape) to placebo tape or static stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness. Fifty-one untrained female healthy volunteers were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 17/group), elastic tape, placebo tape and stretching group. Muscle soreness was induced by 4 sets of 25 maximal isokinetic (60°.s^?1) eccentric contractions of dominant quadriceps on an isokinetic dynamometer. Compared with placebo tape, the elastic tape participants had less muscle soreness at 72 h post-exercise (p = 0.01). The elastic tape also increased isometric strength at 72 h post-exercise compared with the placebo (p = 0.03) and stretching group (p = 0.02). However, there was little effect between groups for changes in thigh circumference, jumping, pressure pain threshold, rate of perceived exertion, creatine kinase activity and joint motion. Elastic taping increased muscle strength recovery and reduced muscle soreness after intensive exercise.     

Assessment of root dentin pH changes in primary and permanent molars with different types of calcium hydroxide intracanal medication

Purpose

To evaluate root dentin pH changes using different calcium hydroxide medications in primary and permanent molar root canals.

Effects of low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction or hypoxia on muscle function and performance in netball athletes

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of blood flow restriction or normobaric hypoxic exposure combined with low-load resistant exercise (LRE), on muscular strength and endurance.DesignA randomised controlled trial.MethodsWell-trained netball players (n = 30) took part in a 5 weeks training of knee flexor and extensor muscles in which LRE (20% of one repetition maximum) was combined with (1) an occlusion pressure of approximately 230 mmHg around the upper thigh (KT, n = 10), (2) hypoxic air to generate blood oxyhaemoglobin levels of approximately 80% (HT, n = 10) or (3) with no additional stimulus (CT, n = 10). The training was of the same intensity and amount in all groups. One to five days before and after training, participants performed a series of strength and endurance tests of the lower limbs (3-s maximal voluntary contraction [MVC₃], area under 30-s force curve [MVC₃₀], number of repetitions at 20% 1RM [Reps201RM]). In addition, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps and hamstrings were measured.ResultsRelative to CT, KT and HT increased MVC₃ (11.0 ± 11.9% and 15.0 ± 13.1%), MVC₃₀ (10.2 ± 9.0% and 18.3 ± 17.4%) and Reps201RM (28.9 ± 23.7% and 23.3 ± 24.0%, mean ± 90% confidence interval) after training. CSA increased by 6.6 ± 4.5%, 6.1 ± 5.1% and 2.9 ± 2.7% in the KT, HT and CT groups respectively.ConclusionsLRE in conjunction with KT or HT can provide substantial improvements in muscle strength and endurance and may be useful alternatives to traditional training practices.     

Hematological abnormalities in patients with distal renal tubular acidosis and hemoglobinopathies

Mutations of the human SLC4A1 gene encoding erythroid and kidney isoforms of anion exchanger 1 (AE1, band 3) result in erythrocyte abnormalities or distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) and such mutations are observed in Southeast Asia, where hemoglobinopathies are prevalent. Genetic and hematological studies in 18 Thai patients with dRTA have shown that 12 of them (67%) carried SLC4A1 mutations (7 G701D/G701D, 3 SAO/G701D, and 2 G701D/A858D). Of these 12 patients, three had homozygous G701D/G701D and heterozygous Hb E; one compound heterozygous SAO/G701D and heterozygous alpha(+)-thalassemia; and one compound heterozygous G701D/A858D and heterozygous Hb E. Of 6 patients without SLC4A1 mutation, two each carried heterozygous or homozygous Hb E and one of the latter also had Hb H disease (--(SEA)/-alpha(4.2)). The blood smears of patients with homozygous G701D/G701D showed approximately 25% ovalocytes. Strikingly, the patients with coexistence of homozygous G701D/G701D and heterozygous Hb E had 58% ovalocytes. Similarly, the patients who had compound heterozygous SAO/G701D showed 49% ovalocytes, but the patient with coexistence of compound heterozygous SAO/G701D and heterozygous alpha(+)-thalassemia had 70% ovalocytes. Our previous study has shown that under metabolic acidosis, the patients with homozygous G701D/G701D or compound heterozygous SAO/G701D had reticulocytosis, indicating compensated hemolysis. A patient with compound heterozygous SAO/G701D and heterozygous alpha(+)-thalassemia presented with hemolytic anemia and hepatosplenomegaly which was alleviated by alkaline therapy. Taken together, the coexistence of both homozygous or compound heterozygous SLC4A1 mutations and hemoglobinopathy has a combined effect on red cell morphology and degree of hemolytic anemia, which is aggravated by acidosis.     

An alternative exercise and its beneficial effects on glycaemic control and oxidative stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes

This study investigated the effect of arm swing exercise (ASE) on glycaemic control and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. The results suggest a protective effect of the ASE training on vascular complications by improving oxidative stress in according to either improved glycaemic control or exercise per se.     

A 6-month comparison of toothbrushing efficacy between the horizontal Scrub and modified Bass methods in visually impaired students

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 278–283 Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the horizontal Scrub and modified Bass methods of toothbrushing in visually impaired students for 6 months. Methods. Sixty visually impaired students, aged 10–12 years, were recruited to a randomized controlled clinical trial. At baseline, plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were assessed, and then subjects were randomly divided into the horizontal Scrub and modified Bass groups. Subjects received verbal and tactile toothbrushing instruction and used their assigned methods twice daily. They were recalled at 1 and 6 months for clinical measurement and reinforce of instruction. Significance of PI and GI over time was compared using the paired t‐test and between brushing group at each time point using the t‐test. Results. Over the 6‐month period, there were significant reduction from baseline for the mean PI and GI in both groups (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between two methods at each time point (P > 0.05), however. Conclusions. Both the horizontal Scrub and modified Bass methods can be effectively reduced plaque index and gingival index in visually impaired students. The efficacy of both methods was not different, however.     

Effects of resistance training combined with vascular occlusion or hypoxia on neuromuscular function in athletes

The aim was to investigate the effects of low-load resistant training combined with vascular occlusion or normobaric hypoxic exposure, on neuromuscular function. In a randomised controlled trial, well-trained athletes took part in a 5-week training of knee flexor/extensor muscles in which low-load resistant exercise (20 % of one repetition maximum, 1-RM) was combined with either (1) an occlusion pressure of approximately 230 mmHg (KT, n = 10), (2) hypoxic air to generate an arterial blood oxygen saturation of ~80 % (HT, n = 10), or (3) with no additional stimulus (CT, n = 10). Before and after training, participants completed the following tests: 3-s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC₃), 30-s MVC, and an endurance test (maximal number of repetitions at 20 % 1-RM, Reps₂₀). Electromyographic activity (root mean square, RMS) was measured during tests and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps and hamstrings was measured pre- and post-training. Relative to CT, KT, and HT showed likely increases in MVC₃ (11.0 ± 11.9 and 15.0 ± 13.1 %, mean ± 90 % confidence interval), MVC₃₀ (10.2 ± 9.0 and 18.3 ± 17.4 %), and Reps₂₀ (28.9 ± 23.7 and 23.3 ± 24.0 %). Compared to the CT group, CSA increased in the KT (7.6 ± 5.8) and HT groups (5.3 ± 3.0). KT had a large effect on RMS during MVC₃, compared to CT (effect size 0.8) and HT (effect size 0.8). We suspect hypoxic conditions created within the muscles during vascular occlusion and hypoxic training may play a key role in these performance enhancements.