Estrogenic regulation of heat shock protein 90 kDa in the rat ventromedial hypothalamus and uterus.

The regulation of heat shock protein 90 kDa (hsp90) by estradiol was analyzed in the rat ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and uterus by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis/Western blots. Protein from VMH and uterus (35 micrograms/sample) was resolved on 8% acrylamide gels, transferred to polyvinyldifluoride filters, and processed for immunoblotting using an anti-hsp90 antibody. Hsp90-specific bands were visualized on film using enhanced chemiluminescence and quantitated using a laser scanning densitometer. Hsp90 protein levels were significantly elevated in VMH at 12 h (p less than 0.01), and in uterus at 18 h (p less than 0.05) following estradiol injection (10 micrograms, s.c.). Immunocytochemical analysis for hsp90 localization by cell types showed that, in brain, hsp90 immunoreactivity was primarily neuronal. In the uterus, hsp90 immunoreactivity was most evident following treatment with estradiol, and was found primarily in the glandular epithelia; staining was less prominent in myometrium, stroma, and in the luminal epithelium. Thus, increased hsp90 levels may mediate some cellular responses to estrogen in specific cell types in both uterus and brain.     

Surgical management of major pancreatic injury in children.

INTRODUCTION: Major or complicated pancreatic trauma in children is uncommon and management strategies remain controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with both early and delayed surgery in these pediatric cases. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of data of pediatric patients with major or complicated pancreatic injury operated on between January 1994 and December 2005 in our pediatric trauma center. RESULTS: Thirteen children (9 boys and 4 girls) with a mean age of 8.5 years (range 3 - 16 years) were operated for major or complicated pancreatic injury. The extent of injury was: grade II (major contusion without duct injury or tissue loss) in 4 children; grade III (distal transection) in 5 children and grade IV injury (proximal transection) in four patients. Pseudocyst developed in 8 children: 4 with grade II injury, 2 with grade III injury and 2 with grade IV injury (one with abdominal pseudocyst and one with an abdominal and a mediastinal pseudocyst). Early diagnosis and operation was achieved in 5 cases, while delayed diagnosis and operation occurred in 8. Three children underwent cystogastrostomy; 6 had a spleen-sparing distal pancreatectomy and 4 had resection with Roux-en-Y jejunostomy drainage. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) was the most useful diagnostic tool in assessing ductal injury. There were no deaths or long-term morbidity in our group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the view that early operation is important in ductal pancreatic injury. We recommend transferring children with a suspected ductal injury to a tertiary center with experience in both pediatric ERCP and pancreatic surgery.     

Surgical treatment of acne scarring by using skin grating knife

Summary A method of dermaplaning for acne scarring using a skin graft knife is described. This surgical technique cannot be considered as a form of dermabrasion. Its advantages are reported.     

Various types of suprameatal spines and depressions in the human temporal bone

Since it covers the lateral wall of the mastoid air system, the suprameatal triangle is of importance to otologic surgeons during mastoidectomy. Because of this clinical importance, topographic anatomy of the suprameatal spine and depression was studied on Anatolian skulls. In all, 363 male and 231 female skulls were studied. The most prevalent type of suprameatal spine resembled a crest and was found in both sexes on the right (77.6%) and left (80%) sides. The absence of a suprameatal depression was significantly higher in females (right 9.1%; left 8.7%) than in males (right 1.7%; left 2.5%). Suprameatal depressions were mostly shallow in female subjects, but were mostly observed in males to be at a medium depth or deep. Received: 5 January 1998 / Accepted: 19 March 1998     

ACE Genotype May Have an Effect on Single versus Multiple Set Preferences in Strength Training

A polymorphic variant of the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene was identified. The 'D' (rather than 'I') variant was associated with improvements in strength related to physical training. We set out to determine whether the response to different patterns of strength training might also differ. Ninty-nine Caucasian male non-elite athletes were randomly allocated into one of three groups: 31 non-training/control (CG: 31), single-set (SSG: 35) and multiple-set (MSG: 33). SSG and MSG trained three times a week for 6 weeks. Both training groups were underwent a strength-training program with two mesocycles (12-15 repetition maximum (RM) and 8-12 RM mesocycles). One RM loads in half squat and bench press were assessed before training and after the first and second mesocycles. ACE polymorphisms analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Subjects with ACE II genotype in the MST group had improved strength development in 12-15 RM, while SST and MST groups had similar gains in 8-12 RM. Subjects with ACE DD genotype in both the SSG and the MSG had similar benefits from both 12-15 RM and 8-12 RM. Strength gains for subjects with ACE ID genotype in the SSG were similar to MSG gains in response to 8-12 RM loads but not with 12-15 RM loads. Additionally, subjects with DD genotype had superior strength gains in both strength training groups. Tailoring strength training programmes (single-set vs. multiple set) according to the athlete's ACE genotype may be advantageous.     

Changes of plasma volume and plasma composition in water-deprived rats

Summary Plasma volume, hematocrit, protein and electrolyte concentrations in plasma were measured in control and water-deprived rats every three days after starting the experiment until the 15th day. Plasma volume variations, as related to body weight, suggest that water loss from plasma was proportional to total body water at three days and after 9 days of water deprivation. Greater plasma water than body water loss was found during the period between 3 and 9 days. Plasma protein and electrolyte variations suggest that during water deprivation there is a loss of protein, sodium and potassium from plasma, which is proportionally less than that of plasma water. Potassium, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were lost proportionally to plasma water. The variations in plasma volume changes were partially explained as due to variations in plasma protein and electrolyte concentrations.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of masturbation on distal ureteral stones: a prospective,randomized, controlled study

International Urology and Nephrology - To evaluate the effect of masturbation on the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones 5–10 mm in size. A total of 128 men with distal...