The role of fatty acid hydrolase gene variants in inflammatory bowel disease

Background  Recent studies suggest a role for the endocannabinoid system, including fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), in intestinal inflammation.
Aim  To analyse FAAH expression and the FAAH 385 C/A (p.Pro129Thr; rs324420) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in-patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Patients and methods  Genomic DNA from 1008 individuals (CD: n  = 435; UC: n  = 167; controls: n  = 406) was analysed for the FAAH 385 C/A SNP. We determined FAAH mRNA expression by quantitative PCR in CD and UC lesions as well as in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs).
Results  There were no significant differences regarding the frequency of this SNP in the three study groups (CD, UC, controls). However, CD patients homozygous for the FAAH p.Pro129Thr polymorphism were more likely to develop a severe disease phenotype associated with fistulas ( P  = 0.03, OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.08–8.98) and extra-intestinal manifestations ( P  = 0.005, OR 4.29, CI 1.49–12.35). In UC, homozygous carriers had an earlier disease onset than wild-type carriers ( P  = 0.01). FAAH mRNA expression correlated with IL-8 mRNA expression in CD lesions ( r  = 0.53). However, pro-inflammatory stimuli did not significantly increase FAAH mRNA expression in IECs.
Conclusion  The FAAH p.Pro129Thr polymorphism may modulate the CD phenotype.     

Development of a predictive in vitro dissolution for clarithromycin granular suspension based on in vitro-in vivo correlations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro behavior of different clarithromycin granular suspensions based on a developed in vitro-in vivo correlation model, using one reference and two test formulations. In vitro release rate data were obtained for each product using the USP apparatus II, operated at 50?rpm under different pH conditions. The dissolution efficiency was used to analyze the dissolution data. In vivo study was performed on six healthy male volunteers under fasting condition. Correlation was made between in vitro release and in vivo absorption. A linear model was developed using percent absorbed data versus percent dissolved data from the three products. Dissolution condition of 0.1N HCl for 1?h and then phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 was found to be the most discriminating dissolution method. Rate of absorption for the reference as estimated by Wagner-Nelson deconvolution was correlated with in vitro release with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The in vivo results for the two test products were compared to the predicted values using the reference model with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. Furthermore, multiple level C correlations were obtained for some pharmacokinetic parameters with the corresponding in vitro kinetic parameters with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.90. Moreover, the interpretation of the in vitro and in vivo data with reference to formulations was discussed.     

Sonographic guidance for tunneled central venous catheters insertion in pediatric oncologic patients: guided punctures and guide wire localization

Objective

Totally implantable devices (TIDs) and external tunneled catheters (ETCs) became a basic requirement in the treatment of pediatric oncologic patients. Techniques for implantation and confirmation of proper position vary among different centers. The article presented different techniques for sonographic guided puncture of the target central vein and confirmation of the proper position of tunneled catheters.

Methods

This was an observational study with a single crossover phase, in which operators initially used the open cut down technique and subsequently converted to the ultrasound guided technique. Internal jugular vein (IJV) was used in all cases.

Results

In ultrasound guided group, TIDs were inserted in 121 cases while ETCs were inserted in 13 cases. Ultrasound was successful in guiding IJV puncture from the first trial in all cases and in guide-wire localization in the right atrium in 132 cases. There were no reported cases of hematoma, pneumothorax, hemothorax, catheter malposition or surgical-site infection (SSI) in the perioperative period. In the open cut down group, TIDs were inserted in 119 cases. Two patients developed post operative hematoma and one of them developed SSI. The mean time of ultrasound guided TIDs was (30.04 ± 1.1) minutes which was significantly lower than the mean time of cases done by the open cut down technique (45.4 ± 3.1) minutes (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Ultrasound guidance is helpful for insertion of TIDs and ETCs in the IJV in pediatric oncologic patients. It minimizes the need for open cut downs and fluoroscopy.     

Adipocytokine profiles as influenced by insulin resistance in obese subjects

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the baseline adipocytokine profiles of adult Saudis and evaluate their relationship in the development of insulin resistance.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 300 adult Saudis with varying glucose tolerance were recruited. They were grouped into NGT, IGT and DM. Anthropometrics, glucose and lipid profiles were analyzed by routine methods; leptin, adiponectin, resistin and CRP were measured by ELISA.ResultsInsulin resistance was significantly correlated with levels of CRP (R = 0.32, p = 0.02) in the NGT; with leptin levels (R = 0.46, p = 0.001) in the IGT; and with adiponectin levels (R = 0.25, p = 0.001) in all groups. In males, resistin and CRP exhibited significant correlations to insulin resistance (R = 0.33, p = 0.005); in females significant correlation was demonstrated between insulin resistance and adiponectin (R = 0.32, p = 0.003). Significant associations exist in the adipocytokine profiles of adults with different glucose tolerance.ConclusionCertain adipocytokines can be used not only as promising markers but also as potential adjunct therapy with regards to insulin sensitivity and obesity.     

聚焦超声与低温等离子治疗后兔鼻黏膜形态学分析

目的 观察聚焦超声与低温等离子对鼻黏膜形态学的影响程度及意义.方法 运用聚焦超声技术,在设定的剂量参数下对兔鼻甲进行直线扫描;运用低温等离子射频消融术对免鼻甲进行处理,在1个月及3个月后对两种方法处理后兔鼻甲切片及正常兔鼻甲切片进行对比观察,通过大体形态、光镜下观察对两种治疗方法兔鼻黏膜组织形态学的改变进行比较.结果 两种方法处理后1个月及3个月后兔鼻甲在外观和色泽无明显改变,光镜下显示兔鼻黏膜上皮层完整;运用低温等离子射频消融术处理后兔鼻甲外观较正常缩小,色泽灰白,且有分泌物存在,光镜下显示兔鼻黏膜上皮层断裂,部分切片上皮层完全消失.结论 在设定参数下聚焦超声可不破坏鼻黏膜上皮,可使鼻黏膜黏液纤毛系统功能得以完全保留.     

Presence of ten isoforms of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) family in the bovine adrenal gland

This study provides novel information regarding the existence and precise cellular localization of various monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in the mammalian adrenal gland. RT-PCR results revealed that 10 MCT isoforms, namely MCT1, MCT2, MCT3, MCT4, MCT5, MCT8, MCT9, MCT10, MCT13, and MCT14 are expressed in the bovine adrenal gland. MCTs (MCT1-MCT8) proteins were examined by Western blot analysis in the bovine adrenal gland. The precise cellular localization of six MCT isoforms (MCT1-MCT5 and MCT8) within the different zones of the adrenal gland has been determined by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence confocal laser microscopy analyses. To gain insight on the species differences for the expression profiles of MCT isoforms in this vital organ, we also examined the expression and cellular localization of MCT1-MCT8 in the rat adrenal gland. Some discrepancies in MCTs profiles between cattle and rat have been observed in the different zones of the adrenal gland. The tissue distribution pattern of MCT isoforms in the steroid-secreting adrenal cortex and catecholamine-secreting adrenal medulla suggests that they may play distinct roles in the regulation of the different hormone biosynthesis in the adrenal gland. Also, it is possible that different MCT isoforms in adrenal gland can be differentially regulated under acute or chronic conditions. This report can form the basis for future research on the regulation of these transporters in the adrenal gland.     

Modified pedicled tongue-like skin extension fasciocutaneous flaps for heel reconstruction; a versatile technique

Soft-tissue reconstruction for isolated heel defects represents a challenging surgical dilemma due to tight inelastic tissue and inevitable acute angulations of the fibro-vascular pedicle of local flaps. A modified pedicled flap with a tongue-like skin extension has been designed to eliminate tunnel tightness to avoid traction injury and kinking of the blood vessel. Between 2003 and 2005, eight patients with isolated heel defects were analysed (six men, two women). Their age ranged from 5 to 47 years (median age = 31). Six were traumatic while two were neuropathic. Reversed sural (n = 4), medial planter (n = 3) and one dorsalis pedis artery fasciocutaneous flap were used. The average follow-up period was 1 year during which the flaps were monitored for venous congestion, ischemia, superficial epidermolysis and partial or total flap loss. Only one modified pedicle flap showed mild venous congestion; on the other hand, no other ischemic events such as superficial epidermolysis or flap loss were experienced. The modified tongue-like process extension is considered a valuable tool to increase the versatility of these flaps.     

广州地区大学生对转基因食品的认知与态度

目的了解大学生对转基因食品的认知与态度,为大学生的食品健康教育提供科学依据。方法采用分层整群抽样的方法,对广州市1 010名大学生进行问卷调查。结果64.0%的大学生对转基因食品有不同程度的了解;40.1%的学生认为转基因食品营养价值更高;39.9%的学生认为转基因食品有预防疾病、提高免疫力等作用;34.0%的学生认为转基因食品中含有的细菌与病毒等基因会对人体有害;63.5%的学生赞成在中国推出转基因食品,并希望加快发展速度;75.7%的学生认为应制定完善的管理法规,并给转基因食品贴上明确的标签。结论大学生对转基因食品缺乏认知,应加强对大学生转基因食品知识的教育。     

Assisted hatching--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose : To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on assisted hatching. Methods : One hundred sixty-five studies were retrieved from the literature, but only 13 of them fitted our selection criteria. The meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan software with the Peto-modified Mantel–Haenszel method. Results : Assisted hatching increases the pregnancy [OR (±95% CI) = 2.51 (1.91–3.29)], implantation [OR (±95% CI) = 2.38 (1.87–3.03)], and ongoing pregnancy rates [OR (±95% CI) = 2.65 (1.85–3.79)] significantly in poor prognosis patients undergoing IVF or ICSI. For patients with repeated IVF failures, the OR (±95% CI) were 2.84 (1.99–4.06) for pregnancy, 2.53 (1.85–3.47) for implantation, and 3.51 (2.12–5.82) for ongoing pregnancy rates, in favor of assisted hatching. Conclusions : Assisted hatching increases the pregnancy, implantation, and ongoing pregnancy rates significantly in patients with a poor prognosis undergoing IVF or ICSI, particularly those with repeated failures.     

Analysis of birth weight data from the Malaysian Family Life Survey II

An analysis of birth weight was undertaken on secondary data derived from the Malaysian Family Life Survey II. A total of 1629 last singleton live birth infants was analysed with the aim of identifying from the variables available potential risk factors for low birth weight. Univariate and subsequently multivariate analyses were carried out for this purpose. The incidence of low birth weight was 11.8 percent. Race, parity and prematurity were found to be significantly associated with low birth weight after controlling of the other variables. The findings indicate that more work needs to be done to establish the underlying reasons for low birth weight in Malaysia.