Metabolic effects of tibolone in postmenopausal women with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Objective: Postmenopausal women with non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) are frequently obese, hypertensive and hyperlipidaemic and hence at particular risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). They might therefore benefit from menopausal therapy. In view of the improvement in insulin sensitivity and the reduction in triglyceride levels induced by tibolone in healthy postmenopausal women we evaluated the effects of 12 months of tibolone on glycaemic control, serum insulin and lipid levels in postmenopausal women with NIDDM. Design: A prospective 12 months before/after intervention study. Patients: Fourteen postmenopausal women (mean age 58.14±1.25 years; mean duration of menopause 121.21±13.42 months; mean BMI: 26.55±0.97) with NIDDM (mean duration of diabetes 113.79±13.89 months). Measurements: Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were assessed monthly, serum fructosamine, fasting and postprandial insulin every 3 months and serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) every 6 months. Results: Changes in blood glucose, both fasting and postprandial, were not statistically significant during the treatment period. Serum fructosamine concentration increased significantly after 9 months. A significant decrease in fasting and postprandial insulin concentrations was observed after 9 months. A non-significant decrease was observed in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride but no change in HDL cholesterol. Body weight did not change during the period of observation. Conclusion: A slight deterioration in glycaemic control, a fall in insulin concentration and no change in serum lipids were observed in women with NIDDM during 12 months treatment with tibolone.     

Drugs, alcohol and pregnant women--changing characteristics of women engaging with a specialist perinatal outreach addictions service

Pregnant substance misusers present an increased risk to themselves and the unborn child. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the characteristics of women referred to a specialist perinatal addictions outreach service (1989-1991 versus 2002-2005). A cross-sectional audit of health records was conducted. Information was gathered for each woman who contacted the service (2002-2005). Data were compared to an earlier study in the same locality (1989-1991). A total of 167 pregnant substance-using women were referred between 2002 and 2005, of whom 126 made contact. The mean age was 30.2 years at 20.8 weeks' fetal gestation, with 76% not in addictions treatment, 32% from black or minority ethnic (BME) communities, 49% polysubstance users and 29% homeless. The primary substance used was illicit heroin (38%), followed by cocaine (24%). Compared to 1989-1991, there were significantly more pregnant women presenting at an older age, later gestation, with increased polysubstance use and a higher percentage of women from BME communities. This service was able to access vulnerable substance-abusing women with an altered pattern of substance use compared to over 10 years previously. However, improvements are needed for engaging all referred women and accessing women at an earlier gestation.     

Experimental Study on the Corrosion of Carbon Steel and Aluminum Alloy in Firefighting Protein Foam Concentrates

The corrosion of mild steel and Al alloy in Fomtec P 6% and 6% P Profoam 806 protein-based foam concentrates was investigated. Weight-loss data for steel showed corrosion penetration of 0.745 mipy in Fomtec and 2.269 mipy in Profoam, whereas for Al alloy the penetration levels were 0.474 and 1.093 mipy, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy allowed characterization of the metallic surface covered or free from corrosion products. Values of corrosion potential, corrosion current density and corrosion penetration were calculated by using potentiodynamic polarization curves. Electrochemical impedance spectra illustrated the change in polarization resistance during anodic polarization. Data obtained by accelerated electrochemical methods confirm the greater aggressiveness of the Profoam concentrate compared to Fomtec concentrate.     

The polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos) status and cardiovascular risk in young women

The study investigated the presence of early vascular damage and chronic inflammation, and their relationships with hormonal and metabolic parameters in 45 young women with PCOS in comparison with thirty-two healthy age-matched controls. Hormonal and metabolic profiles, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumoral necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), endothelin-1 (ET-1), brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were determined in both groups. Compared with the controls, women with PCOS had significantly lower FMD and respectively higher ET-1 levels (p=0.001). No differences were observed between the groups in terms of CIMT or inflammatory markers. In the PCOS group, ET-1 levels were significantly correlated with only testosterone concentrations (r = 0.31, p = 0.037), whereas the hsCRP levels were independently predicted only by body mass index (BMI). Within the total group, the PCOS status was the sole significant predictor of ET-1 levels and the only independent predictor of FMD. In conclusion, there is evidence of endothelial dysfunction associated with increased levels of androgen hormones in young women with PCOS. The combination of endothelial dysfunction and coexistent obesity promoting inflammation contributes to the progression of atherogenesis in PCOS. The PCOS status should be regarded as a predictor marker of cardiovascular risk, along with well-known cardiovascular risk factors.     

Undesirable dental hard tissue effects hypothetically linked to orthodontics - a microscopic study

Like any other medical intervention, the orthodontic treatment may have, besides the positive effects, also unwanted secondary consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes present in dental hard tissue associated with orthodontic treatment. The stereo-microscopic ex vivo analysis was performed on two sets of maxillary first premolars undergoing orthodontic treatment for a long period of time (12 and 23 months); five teeth with other clinical situations were used as controls. By analyzing the teeth undergoing orthodontics, enamel color alterations were mainly found adjacent to the bracket, more pronounced in the gingival area, suggesting the need for a correct oral hygiene around it. Roughness was higher on the enamel surface corresponding to the bracket's base, aspect linked to the resign impregnation during bonding procedures. At the apical part, changes regarding contour, appearance and surface roughness were noticed. These modifications were suggestive for the presence of apical root resorption. The severity of root resorption was not correlated with the duration of treatment. In conclusion, through microscopic analysis changes that may be associated with orthodontic treatment have been observed in both crown and apical level.     

Stem-like cells in colorectal oncology

Although the treatment for colorectal cancer has seen considerable progress during the past few years, the mortality associated with this type of tumor remains high. This article presents the existing methods of treatment, focusing on the new treatments made possible by the advances in the field of normal and tumor stem cells. Starting from the normal architecture of the colon and the properties of the cells identified in it, we sought to present a few notions concerning these cells which have a direct relevance for both pathology and treatment. The manner in which they divide (symmetrically or asymmetrically) as well as the molecules which control their circulation through the body are just a few examples which are likely to influence the treatment of colorectal cancer in the future.     

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-Alpha Release After Intracoronary Versus Intramyocardial Stem Cell Therapy in Myocardial Infarction

We have investigated the effect of stem cell delivery on the release of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in peripheral circulation and myocardium in experimental myocardial ischemia. Closed-chest, reperfused myocardial infarction (MI) was created in domestic pigs. Porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured and delivered (9.8?±?1.2?×?10⁶) either percutaneously NOGA-guided transendocardially (Group IM) or intracoronary (Group IC) 22?±?4 days post-MI. Pigs without MSC delivery served as sham control (Group S). Plasma HIF-1α was measured at baseline, immediately post- and at follow-up (FUP; 2 h or 24 h) post-MSC delivery by ELISA kit. Myocardial HIF-1α expression of infarcted, normal myocardium, or border zone was determined by Western blot. Plasma level of HIF-1α increased immediately post-MI (from 278?±?127 to 631?±?375 pg/ml, p?<?0.05). Cardiac delivery of MSCs elevated the plasma levels of HIF-1α significantly (p?<?0.05) in groups IC and IM immediately post-MSC delivery, and returned to baseline level at FUP, without difference between the groups IC and IM. The myocardial tissue HIF-1α expression in the infarcted area was higher in Group IM than in Group IC or S (1,963?±?586 vs. 1,307?±?392 vs. 271?±?110 activity per square millimeter, respectively, p?<?0.05), while the border zone contained similarly lower level of HIF-1α, but still significantly higher as compared with Group S. Trend towards increase in myocardial expression of HIF-1α was measured in Group IM at 24 h, in contrast to Group IC. In conclusion, both stem cell delivery modes increase the systemic and myocardial level of HIF-1α. Intramyocardial delivery of MSC seems to trigger the release of angiogenic HIF-1α more effectively than does intracoronary delivery.