Effect of acute and chronic hypertension on short- and long-term spatial and avoidance memory in male rats

It has been demonstrated that hypertension can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and memory loss. In this study we investigated the effect of acute and chronic hypertension on the avoidance and spatial learning and memory in rats. The forty male rats were divided into acute hypertensive, chronic hypertensive and control for each group rats. Hypertension was induced by Deoxy Corticosterone Acetate (DOCA)-salt method. DOCA was injected 30 mg/kg of body weight subcutaneously, twice a week. These rats received NaCl 1% instead of tap water for drinking throughout the experiment. The control group received normal saline injection with usual drinking water. Spatial learning and memory was investigated by Morris water maze test and passive avoidance learning by Shuttle box test in the rats after hypertension induction. Results showed that acute hypertension impaired short-term memory in passive avoidance learning. However, acute and chronic hypertension did not affect spatial learning and memory. These data suggest that simple uncomplicated hypertension does not remarkably alter cognition.     

Role of giant depolarizing potentials in shaping synaptic currents in the developing hippocampus

Early in development, network activity in the hippocampus is characterized by giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs). These potentials consist of recurrent membrane depolarizations with superimposed fast action potentials separated by quiescent intervals. They are generated by the interplay of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that, in the immediate postnatal period, is depolarizing and excitatory. Here, we review some recent data concerning the functional role of GDPs in shaping synaptic currents at low-probability mossy-fiber (MF)-CA3 synapses. A pairing procedure was used to correlate GDPs-associated calcium increase in the postsynaptic cell with stimulation of afferent inputs. The pairing protocol caused the appearance of synaptic responses or persistently enhanced the number of successes in "presynaptically" silent or low-probability synapses, respectively. In double-pulses experiments, this effect was associated with a significant reduction in the paired-pulse ratio and a significant increase in the inverse squared value of the coefficient of variation of response amplitude, suggesting that long-term potentiation (LTP) expression was due to the increased probability of transmitter released. In the absence of pairing, no significant changes in synaptic efficacy could be detected. When the interval between GDPs and MF stimulation was increased, the potentiating effect progressively declined and reached the control level in less than 4 s. Mossy-fiber responses were identified on the basis of their paired-pulse facilitation, short-term frequency facilitation, and sensitivity to the group III metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4). Using these criteria, we found that MFs release mainly GAB A onto CA3 pyramidal cells or GABAergic interneurons. In line with their GABAergic nature, MF responses were blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonists bicuculline or gabazine and were potentiated by NO-711, a blocker of the GABA transporter GAT-1, and by flurazepam, an allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors. In addition, chemical stimulation of granule cell dendrites with glutamate in the presence of 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) induced into target neurons barrages of L-AP4-sensitive GABAA-mediated postsynaptic currents, further supporting the GABAergic phenotype of granule cells. As in MF, pairing GDPs with Schaffer collateral stimulation induced a persistent potentiation of spontaneous and evoked alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)-mediated responses at poorly developed CA3-CA1 synapses. This effect was mediated by an increase in calcium in the postsynaptic cell via voltage-dependent calcium channels activated by the depolarizing action of GABA during GDPs. We provide evidence also that, at these connections, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is the signaling molecule necessary for enhancing synaptic efficacy, since GDPs-induced potentiation was prevented by the membrane permeable PKA inhibitor (PKI 14-22) applied in the bath or by the membrane impermeable form of PKI (PKI 6-22) applied via the patch pipette. In conclusion, it is suggested that GDPs translate specific patterns of pre- and postsynaptic activity into long-lasting changes in synaptic strength and stabilize synaptic connections, thus contributing to the structural refinement of the hippocampal circuit.     

Penile Sclerosing Lipogranulomas and Disfigurement from Use of “1Super Extenze” among Laotian Immigrants

IntroductionSubcutaneous penile injection of various oils for penile augmentation has been described among men in Laos. We have now treated three Laotian immigrants with penile disfigurement secondary to sclerosing lipogranulomas, also known as paraffinoma, induced by injection of a mineral oil compound marketed as “1Super Extenze,” which they purchased in the United States.AimThis series describes the clinical course and management of complications associated with the use of “1Super Extenze” in three Laotian men.MethodsSurgeons excised all grossly affected tissue and performed reconstruction using skin grafting, Z‐plasty, and tissue advancement, respectively. Tissue from the penile shaft of each patient and a local lymph node in one patient was examined microscopically. Mass spectroscopy was performed on an aliquot of “1Super Extenze.”Main Outcome MeasuresUrinary function, sexual function, and cosmesis of the three reported cases, chemical composition of “1Super Extenze,” and microscopic analysis of penile and regional lymphatic tissue.ResultsShort‐term cosmetic and functional outcomes were acceptable after surgical intervention. Histologic findings consistent with sclerosing lipogranulomas were seen in specimens from affected subcutaneous and lymphatic tissue. “1Super Extenze” proved to be composed of mineral oil with tocopherol acetate (vitamin E).ConclusionInjection of “1Super Extenze” into the penile shaft results in sclerosing lipogranulomas, which can cause severe sexual and urinary complications. Surgical resection of all grossly involved tissue with appropriate reconstruction can mitigate these problems. This series supports previous recommendations in the literature that men should avoid the use of non‐medical foreign bodies and fillers as means of penile augmentation. Manny T, Pettus J, Hemal A, Marks M, and Mirzazadeh M. Penile sclerosing lipogranulomas and disfigurement from use of “1Super Extenze” among Laotian immigrants. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.     

Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9): a key protein between inflammation and cancer

Background

Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9), a heterodimeric EF-hand Ca²⁺?binding protein, are abundant in cytosol of neutrophils and are involved in inflammatory processes and several cancerous pathogens.

Objective

The purpose of the present systematic review is to evaluate the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of calprotectin and its relation to inflammation.

Materials and methods

We conducted a review of studies published in the Medline (1966–2018), Scopus (2004–2018), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008–2018) and Google Scholar (2004–2018) databases, combined with studies found in the reference lists of the included studies.

Results

Elevated levels of S100A8/S100A9 were detected in inflammation, neoplastic tumor cells and various human cancers. Recent data have explained that many cancers arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation, and inflammation. The inflammatory microenvironment which largely includes calprotectin, has an essential role on high producing of inflammatory factors and then on neoplastic process and metastasis.

Conclusion

Scientists have shown different outcomes in inflammation, malignancy and apoptosis whether the source of the aforementioned protein is extracellular or intracellular. These findings are offering new insights that anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents and anti-tumorigenic functions of calprotectin can lead to control cancer development.

     

Regeneration of sciatic nerve crush injury by a hydroxyapatite nanoparticle-containing collagen type I hydrogel

The current study aimed to enhance the efficacy of peripheral nerve regeneration using a hydroxyapatite nanoparticle-containing collagen type I hydrogel. A solution of type I collagen, extracted from the rat tails, was incorporated with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (with the average diameter of ~212 nm) and crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) to prepare the hydrogel. The Schwann cell cultivation on the prepared hydrogel demonstrated a significantly higher cell proliferation than the tissue culture plate, as positive control, after 48 h (n = 3, P < 0.005) and 72 h (n = 3, P < 0.01). For in vivo evaluation, the prepared hydrogel was administrated on the sciatic nerve crush injury in Wistar rats. Four groups were studied: negative control (with injury but without interventions), positive control (without injury), collagen hydrogel and hydroxyapatite nanoparticle-containing collagen hydrogel. After 12 weeks, the administration of hydroxyapatite nanoparticle-containing collagen significantly (n = 4, P < 0.005) enhanced the functional behavior of the rats compared with the collagen hydrogel and negative control groups as evidenced by the sciatic functional index, hot plate latency and compound muscle action potential amplitude measurements. The overall results demonstrated the applicability of the produced hydrogel for the regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries.     

Development of a novel explant culture method for the isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from human breast tumor

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from various sources, including various types of tumors. However choosing an appropriate isolation method is an important step in obtaining cells with optimal quality and yield in companion with economical considerations. The purpose of this study was to isolate more pure MSCs from human breast tumor tissue by a modified explant culture method.

Methods and Materials: The tumor tissues (n = 8) were cut into 1 to 3-mm cube-like pieces (explant). Each explant was placed in a well of 24-well format plates, cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM), and maintained at 37°C with 5% humidified incubator. Morphological phenotypes of the cells were surveyed by an inverted microscope and wells with rather homogenous fibroblast-like morphology cell were considered as positive and selected for more expansion and characterization.

Results: A total of 185 wells, 63.7% of wells were positive that were chosen for expansion. Flowcytometry analysis demonstrated that isolated cells were positive for CD73, CD44, CD29, CD105, and CD90 but negative for CD11b, CD45, CD34, and HLA?DR. In addition, cells possessed the capability of multipotential differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes.     

Outcome of living donor renal allograft survival in children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Abstract:  FSGS is the most frequent GN that may recur in a renal allograft. Compared with adults, the impact of FSGS on graft survival appears to be more significant in children. Thus we decided to assess graft survival and complications after renal transplantation in children with FSGS. Outcome of renal transplantation in 25 children with FSGS who received a renal transplant at Labafi Nejad Hospital was studied and compared with 75 patients as a control group. The mean follow-up duration was 68.16 (s.d. = 41.93) months. Other than demographics, variables such as DGF, acute rejection, number of acute rejection episodes, and graft failure in both groups were evaluated. Acute rejection was seen in 22/25 (88%) of FSGS group, compared to 40/75 (53.3%) in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). DGF was seen in 4/25 (16%) and 13/75 (17.3%) in the FSGS and control groups, respectively (p = N.S.). The mean graft survival time was 115.61 (s.e.m. = 12.56) and 155.56 (s.e.m. = 7.16) month in FSGS and control group, respectively (p = N.S.). We demonstrated that graft function and survival were not significantly different in the FSGS and control patients. However, acute rejection episodes were more common in FSGS patients but without a significant impact on graft survival.     

早产儿和足月儿脐血及母亲静脉血硒含量的比较

目的：硒是一种人体必需的微量元素,在细胞抗氧化防御系统中发挥着主要的作用。在早期早产儿中,低水平的硒会增加诸如慢性新生儿肺疾病、早产儿视网膜病等并发症的发生。该研究旨在检测并比较早产儿和足月儿脐血及母亲静脉血硒含量。方法：选取2008年3~7月间30个足月儿（胎龄>37 周）和30个早产儿（胎龄< 34 周）及他们的母亲作为研究对象。用原子吸收光谱法测定脐血和母亲静脉血的硒含量。结果：足月儿的脐血硒平均含量高于早产儿,差异有非常显著性(124.80± 13.72 μg/L vs 100.30 ± 11.72 μg/L, P=0.0001) 。 足月儿母亲与早产儿母亲的的平均硒含量差异无显著性 (117.03±17.15 μg/L vs 110.56±17.49 μg/L, P=0.15)。将所有婴儿的资料一起分析时,发现脐血硒含量与胎龄和出生体重显著正相关(r=0.66, P<0.0001;r=0.59, P<0.0001)。60例婴儿母亲中,无一例的血硒含量低于正常参考值的下限（70.0 μg/L）。将所有婴儿及其母亲的资料一起分析时,发现母亲血硒含量与其婴儿脐血硒含量呈显著正相关 (r=0.40, P<0.001)。结论：在伊斯法罕地区,孕母的血硒水平处于一个良好的状态,血硒水平不是早产的预测指标。足月儿的脐血硒含量高于早产儿,但足月儿和早产儿的脐血硒含量均在正常参考范围。［中国当代儿科杂志,2009,11（7）：513-516］     

Anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle for treatment of superior oblique palsy

PURPOSE: Weakening of the inferior oblique muscle is the procedure of primary importance in patients with superior oblique palsy, Knapp's Classes I and III. In this study, the effectiveness of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle in treatment of these patients was evaluated. METHODS: Sixteen patients with superior oblique palsy, Knapp's Classes I and III, underwent anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle. The tip of the disinserted muscle was sutured to the sclera, parallel, and adjacent to the lateral border of the inferior rectus muscle insertion. The prism and alternate cover test measurements were made in all cardinal positions of gaze before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean reduction of hyperdeviation was 15 prism diopters (PD) in the primary position, 23.4 PD in adduction, 26.65 PD in elevation and adduction, and 18.63 PD in depression and adduction. There was no hypotropia in the primary position. Mild limitation of upgaze has occurred in 3 of these patients, and mild fullness of the lower lid was developed by 25%. Postoperative hyperdeviation in the primary position was 5 PD or less in 15 out of 16 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle is very effective in eliminating hyperdeviation in patients with superior oblique palsy, Knapp's Classes I and III. Up to 25 PD reduction of hyperdeviation in the primary position can be achieved. If this type of anterior transposition is used, primary position hypotropia or marked limitation of upgaze possibly will not occur.