Development of in-vitro-derived bovine embryos cultured in 5% CO2 in air or in 5% O2, 5% CO2 and 90% N2

To evaluate the effects of a three gas mixture of 5% O2, 5% CO2 and 90% N2 (OCN) on preimplantation embryo development, bovine in-vitro fertilization (IVF) oocytes were cultured in a defined medium (mBECM) with various supplements either under 5% CO2 in air or under OCN. When cultured in mBECM alone, embryo development was significantly stimulated in OCN compared to 5% CO2 in air (experiment 1). In the OCN atmosphere, blastocyst formation was further increased after addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS; 10%) or FBS + cumulus granulosa cells (CGC) to mBECM. The ratio of blastocysts to 8-cell embryos, number of hatched blastocysts and embryo diameter were markedly increased, and zona thickness was decreased after FBS addition. However, development up to the morula stage was fully supported by mBECM alone. There was no significant effect of beta-mercaptoethanol (ME; 10 microM) in OCN. In the 5% CO2 atmosphere, embryo development was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced after addition of FBS + CGC + ME. In experiment 2, in OCN, FBS added at 60 h post-insemination was effective in stimulating blastocyst formation, but changes in medium volume per oocyte from 13.6 to 1.36 microliters had only a marginal effect. In conclusion, OCN gas mixture provides a suitable atmosphere for early embryo growth in vitro and mBECM + FBS in the optimal culture medium under this atmosphere.     

Rapid Determination of Log10 50% Lethal Doses or 50% Infective Doses

A reference table is presented for rapid determination of 50% lethal doses or 50% infective doses after administering 10-fold serial dilutions of toxins, viruses, sera, etc., to six animals per dilution.     

Modulation of the atopy patch test: tacrolimus 0.1% compared with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%

BACKGROUND: The atopy patch test (APT) is an in vivo model to study the induction of eczema by inhalant allergens in atopic dermatitis patients. We studied the effect of pretreatment with topical tacrolimus 0.1% on APT in nonlesional skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Nonlesional skin of the back of patients with atopic dermatitis (n = 8) was treated once daily for 3 weeks with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. Cetomacrogol ointment (placebo) was used as a negative control and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment as positive control. Twenty-four hours after the last APT application, samples were taken from the three treated areas (t = 0 and 24 h) for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Pretreatment with tacrolimus ointment did not suppress nonlesional skin infiltrate, in contrast to triamcinolone acetonide. Furthermore, tacrolimus did not inhibit the induction of the APT macroscopically (t = 24 h). An equal influx of T cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells, CD64+ and Fc epsilon RI-positive cells was present compared with placebo. Only CD36+ and CD68-positive cells were inhibited compared with placebo. All cell types were significantly inhibited in triamcinolone acetonide-treated sites compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment does not inhibit the APT reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis.     

Comparison of Drug Concentrations in Human Aqueous Humor after the Administration of 0.3% Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic Gel, 0.3% Gatifloxacin and 0.5% Levofloxacin Ophthalmic Solutions

Purpose: To investigate the penetration of 0.3% gatifloxacin ophthalmic gel, 0.3% gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution and 0.5% levofloxacin ophthalmic solution into aqueous humor after topical application.Materials and Methods: Age-related cataract patients (150 eyes in 150 cases) receiving phacoemulsification were randomly divided into three groups: a 0.3% gatifloxacin gel group (n=50), a 0.3% gatifloxacin solution group (n=50), and a 0.5% levofloxacin solution group (n=50). Each group was administered one drop of gel or solution every 15 minutes for four doses. Aqueous samples were collected at different time points after the last drop. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to determine the concentrations. The one-way ANOVA analysis was performed.Results: Our data indicated that the concentration of the gatifloxacin gel group was higher than that of the gatifloxacin solution group at all time points (P <0.05); moreover, the gatifloxacin gel group exhibited higher levels than the levofloxacin solution group at 120.0 min and 180.0 min (P<0.05). Furthermore, the gatifloxacin gel produced the highest concentration at 120.0 min, and the gatifloxacin and levofloxacin solutions reached their peak values at 60.0 min.Conclusions: 0.3% gatifloxacin ophthalmic gel application produced highest aqueous humor drug concentration, maintained the longest time, had the best penetration and bioavailability.     

Prevalence and treatment of Pediculus humanus capitis with 1% permethrin and 0.4% d-phenothrin in Turkey

Pediculosis humanus capitis (head lice) is an important public health problem among school children. In our study, 20,612 schoolchildren (10,367 boys, 10,245 girls) were examined for Pediculus humanus capitis in 36 elementary schools between December 1996 and February 1998 in Ankara, Turkey. The prevalence of pediculosis capitis infestation was found to be 3.4% (701/20,612). Of these, 382 students were treated with application of 1% permethrin cream rinse, and 184 students with 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo. On day 14 of the controlled trial, the success rates were 93.7% in the 1% permethrin cream rinse group and 75.5% in the 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo group. The 1% permethrin cream rinse was also significantly more active in pediculicidal efficacy when compared to the 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo (p<0.001). As a result, these findings demonstrate that pediculosis capitis still remains a widespread health problem.     

Risky feelings: Why a 6% risk of cancer does not always feel like 6%

ObjectiveEmotion plays a strong role in the perception of risk information but is frequently underemphasized in the decision-making and communication literature. We sought to discuss and put into context several lines of research that have explored the links between emotion and risk perceptions.MethodsIn this article, we provide a focused, “state of the science” review of research revealing the ways that emotion, or affect, influences people's cancer-related decisions. We identify illustrative experimental research studies that demonstrate the role of affect in people's estimates of cancer risk, their decisions between different cancer treatments, their perceptions of the chance of cancer recurrence, and their reactions to different methods of presenting risk information.ResultsThese studies show that people have strong affective reactions to cancer risk information and that the way risk information is presented often determines the emotional gist people take away from such communications.ConclusionCancer researchers, educators and oncologists need to be aware that emotions are often more influential in decision making about cancer treatments and prevention behaviors than factual knowledge is.Practice implicationsAnticipating and assessing affective reactions is an essential step in the evaluation and improvement of cancer risk communications.     

A randomized comparison of nail surface remanence of three nail lacquers, containing amorolfine 5%, ciclopirox 8% or tioconazole 28%, in healthy volunteers

This randomized, investigator-masked study compared the remanence on the nail surface of commercially available antimycotic nail lacquers containing amorolfine, ciclopirox and tioconazole. The lacquers, to which a coloring agent was added, were applied randomly to the left and right thumbnails and great toenails of 10 healthy volunteers. Volunteers were asked to wash their hands under standardized conditions at 30, 60 and 90 min after product application and to take at least one shower during the study. Photographs were taken immediately after drug application and at 30, 60 and 90 min, i.e., immediately after each hand washing, and then at 8 and 24 h. Photographs of treated toenails were taken at 0, 8 and 24 h. Photographic image analysis allowed automatic calculation of the proportion of nail surface remaining covered by the different nail lacquers over time and after washing. In addition, clinical visual assessment was made to determine the degree of the nail surface covered by the nail lacquers over time. It was demonstrated that at 24 h after product application, remanence of amorolfine nail lacquer on the thumbnails was significantly higher than that of ciclopirox (p < 0.05) and that of tioconazole on the thumb- and toenails at each time point up to 8 h after product application (all p < 0.05). Clinical observation showed that 30 min after application, the tioconazole nail lacquer had still had not completely dried. Amorolfine nail lacquer was shown to be more resistant than ciclopirox and tioconazole nail lacquers to chemical trauma from soaps and to mechanical aggressions from the immediate nail environment.     

Efficacy and tolerability of 16% subcutaneous immunoglobulin compared with 20% subcutaneous immunoglobulin in primary antibody deficiency

Multiple subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) products are available to treat primary antibody deficiency (PAD). The efficacy and tolerability of 16% SCIG (Vivaglobin^®) was compared with 20% SCIG (Hizentra^®) in PAD subjects. The study was a prospective, single‐centre, open‐label study of PAD subjects transitioning Vivaglobin to equivalent Hizentra doses, rounded to the nearest vial size. Comparisons included immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels; tetanus, varicella and Streptococcus pneumoniae titres; adverse events (AEs), annual infection rate and quality of life during 8 weeks of Vivaglobin and 24 weeks of Hizentra. Thirty‐two subjects (aged 2–75 years) participated. Rounding to the nearest Hizentra vial size resulted in a 12·8% (± 2·9%) increase in SCIG dose. Median immunoglobulin (Ig)G level following 8 weeks of Vivaglobin was similar to 24 weeks of Hizentra (1050 versus 1035 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0·77). Both products had similar protective titres to tetanus, varicella and serotypes of S. pneumoniae, which were variable but well above protective levels. After 12 weeks of Hizentra, subjects reported fewer local site reactions compared with Vivaglobin. Switching products resulted in increased systemic AEs in some subjects but, overall, not significantly higher than during Vivaglobin treatment. Average infusion time decreased from 104·7 min (3·3 sites) with Vivaglobin to 70·7 min (2·2 sites) with Hizentra (P = 0·0005). Acute serious bacterial infections were similar. Treatment satisfaction was superior with Hizentra. Hizentra and Vivaglobin have similar pharmacokinetics and efficacy. Although transition to a different SCIG product initially increased AEs, Hizentra is well tolerated and can be infused more rapidly and with fewer sites compared to Vivaglobin.     

Comparison of 7.2% hypertonic saline - 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution and 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution after the induction of anesthesia in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures

OBJECTIVE:

The ideal solution for fluid management during neurosurgical procedures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 7.2% hypertonic saline - 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HS-HES) solution and a 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution on clinical, hemodynamic and laboratory variables during elective neurosurgical procedures.

METHODS:

Forty patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures were randomly assigned to the HS-HES group or the HES group. After the induction of anesthesia, patients in the HS-HES group received 250 mL of HS-HES (500 mL/h), whereas the patients in the HES group received 1,000 mL of HES (1000 mL/h). The monitored variables included clinical, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters. Chictr.org: ChiCTR-TRC-12002357

RESULTS:

The patients who received the HS-HES solution had a significant decrease in the intraoperative total fluid input (p<0.01), the volume of Ringer''s solution required (p<0.05), the fluid balance (p<0.01) and their dural tension scores (p<0.05). The total urine output, blood loss, bleeding severity scores, operation duration and hemodynamic variables were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Moreover, compared with the HES group, the HS-HES group had significantly higher plasma concentrations of sodium and chloride, increasing the osmolality (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that HS-HES reduced the volume of intraoperative fluid required to maintain the patients undergoing surgery and led to a decrease in the intraoperative fluid balance. Moreover, HS-HES improved the dural tension scores and provided satisfactory brain relaxation. Our results indicate that HS-HES may represent a new avenue for volume therapy during elective neurosurgical procedures.     

Efficacy and Safety of Emodepside 2.1 %/Praziquantel 8.6% Spot-on Formulation in the Treatment of Feline Aelurostrongylosis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic spot-on formulation containing emodepside 2.1 %/praziquantel 8.6% (Profender^?, Bayer) in the treatment of natural feline infection with the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida). Efficacy of Profender^? given once at the licensed dose was tested in comparison to a control oral formulation containing fenbendazole 18.75 % (Panacur^?, Intervet) given over three consecutive days at the licensed dose. Efficacy assessment was based on larvae per gramme of faeces (LPG) counts, measured on days 28 ± 2 following treatment and compared to counts on days –6 to –2. In total 24 cats treated either with Profender^? (n = 12) or with Panacur (n = 12) were included in the assessment of efficacy and safety. Mean LPG post-baseline counts (days 28 ± 2) were 1.3 LPG for both Profender^? and Panacur^?, demonstrating similar efficacy of 99.38 % for Profender^? and 99.29 % for the control product. No treated animals showed adverse events. This trial demonstrated that both Profender^? spot-on formulation and oral paste Panacur^? are safe and effective in the treatment of aelurotrongylosis in cats. Future practical perspectives in feline medicine and the major advantages of the spot-on product compared to the oral paste are discussed.     

On nucleation and implantation: 0% mononucleation or 100% mononucleation in blastomeres is not the whole story

Sir, We read with great interest the study by Scott et al. (2007)on the importance of evaluating certain morphological parametersin zygotes and early embryos     

The Effects of Two Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs,Bromfenac 0.1% and Ketorolac 0.45%, on Cataract Surgery

Purpose

To compare the additive effects of two types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bromfenac 0.1% or ketorolac 0.45%, relative to topical steroid alone in cataract surgery.

Materials and Methods

A total 91 subjects scheduled to undergo cataract operation were randomized into three groups: Group 1, pre/postoperative bromfenac 0.1%; Group 2, pre/postoperative preservative-free ketorolac 0.45%; and Group 3, postoperative steroid only, as a control. Outcome measures included intraoperative change in pupil size, postoperative anterior chamber inflammation control, change in macular thickness and volume, and ocular surface status after operation.

Results

Both NSAID groups had smaller intraoperative pupil diameter changes compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was significantly less ocular inflammation 1 week and 1 month postoperatively in both NSAID groups than the control group. The changes in central foveal subfield thickness measured before the operation and at postoperative 1 month were 4.30±4.25, 4.87±6.03, and 12.47±12.24 µm in groups 1 to 3, respectively. In the control group, macular thickness and volume increased more in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), compared to those without DM. In contrast, in both NSAID groups, NSAIDs significantly reduced macular changes in subgroups of patients with or without DM. Although three ocular surface parameters were worse in group 1 than in group 2, these differences were not significant.

Conclusion

Adding preoperative and postoperative bromfenac 0.1% or ketorolac 0.45% to topical steroid can reduce intraoperative miosis, postoperative inflammation, and macular changes more effectively than postoperative steroid alone.     

Effects of ingesting 6% and 12% glucose/electrolyte beverages during prolonged intermittent cycling in the heat

Summary This study compared the effects of ingesting 6% (MC) and 12% (HC) glucose/electrolyte beverages, and a flavored water placebo (P) on markers of fluid absorption, palatability, and physiological function during prolonged intermittent cycling in the heat. On three occasions, 15 trained male cyclists performed two 60 min cycling bouts at 65% (E ₁ and E ₂). A brief exhaustive performance ride (3 min) was completed after E ₁ and E ₂, and after 20 min recovery (P ₁, P ₂, P ₃). Every 20 min, subjects consumed 275 mL of P, MC or HC. The first drink contained 20 mL of D₂O, a tracer of fluid entry into blood plasma. Plasma D₂O accumulation was slower for HC than for P and MC (P<0.001). HC caused more nausea (P<0.01) and fullness (P<0.05) than MC or P, and subjects said they would be less likely to consume HC during training or competition (P<0.10). Sweat rates, HR, T _re, T _sk, , and PV were similar for all drinks. Performance of P ₁, P ₂, P ₃ were not different among drinks. However, four cyclists failed to maintain the prescribed work rate during E ₂ for HC but only one failed for MC and P. These data suggest that the slow absorption of a 12% glucose/electrolyte beverage during prolonged intermittent exercise in the heat may increase the risk of gastrointestinal distress and thereby limit performance.