Analysis of the antiepileptic,ethosuximide impacts on neurogenesis of rat forebrain stem cells

Specific GABAergic interneurons in the hilus are lost in animal models with temporal‐lobe epilepsy (TLE). Some preclinical evidence has indicated that GABAergic cells may provide relief from seizures in these models. This study was aimed to examine the ability of ethosuximide, an anticonvulsant drug, to promote neurogenesis in 3‐day‐old rat forebrain cortex stem cells. Most of the cells were found to be nestin‐positive undifferentiated neural stem cells prior to their exposure to ethosuximide. It was noted that the number and percentage of tubulin β‐III immunopositive neurons were increased after 6 days treatment with ethosuximide. Upon bFGF withdrawal, exposure to ethosuximide differentiated the stem cells to MAP2 positive neural cells (7.18 ± 0.43, 21.766 ± 0.55 and 41.57 ± 0.5 for control, 0.1 and 1 μm, respectively). GABA immunofluorescence images illustrated that ethosuximide increased GABAergic neurons (7.19 ± 0.32, 23.23 ± 0.55, and 46.30 ± 0.44 for control, 0.1 and 1 μm, respectively). Additionally, BrdU immunofluorescence assay showed that ethosuximide‐enhanced nucleus proliferation in the neuronal stem cells. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that ethosuximide may compensate damage caused by seizure attacks and possibly other neuronal loss disorders.     

Preliminary results of an off-the-shelf press-fit stem. The anthropometric total hip femoral component using exact-fit principles

The use of custom-manufactured femoral prostheses as part of routine total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been suggested. However, there are several disadvantages, including possible inaccuracy of fit, inadequate instrumentation, and high cost. A series of 28 THAs (including 18% for revision of failed, cemented THA) using a press-fit prosthesis of contemporary design were investigated. The average follow-up period was 28 months (range, 12-49 months). Clinical results were overall very good, even in revision cases. Roentgenographic changes included rapid femoral remodeling, which may increase component stability. Given the clinical and roentgenographic results obtained in this complex-problem patient population, it is difficult to justify the use of custom femoral components in routine THA.     

Effects of phosphonoformic acid and 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) on distribution of tetracycline in the developing rat molar

Tetracycline was used as a marker to study the effect of phosphonoformic acid and l-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) on the mineralization of the developing dental hard tissues. Groups of young rats were given a single subcutaneous injection of tetracycline and at the same time were injected with a single dose of either phosphonoformic acid or HEBP (10 mg P/kg b.w.). Alternatively, rats were injected with the tetracycline after different time intervals from the phosphonate injection. Rats were sacrificed at intervals ranging from 1 to 4 days. Frozen-sections were obtained at the level of the maxillary first molar and prepared for light and fluorescence microscopy. The results of the present study indicate that the distribution pattern of tetracycline in the developing dental hard tissues is greatly affected by the pathologic changes induced by phosphonoformic acid and HEBP. Both drugs caused similar changes in the pattern of tetracycline uptake in the developing enamel. There seems to be a direct relation between the presence of developmental defects of enamel and the degree of discoloration induced by tetracycline. Aberrations in the mineralization of dentin were caused only by HEBP. As demonstrated by this study, HEBP is capable of inducing a provisional inhibitory effect on dentin mineralization.     

Detection of Aeromonas and microbiological indicators in fish marketed in Israel

This study was conducted to determine the microbial and enteric virus quality of fresh fish sold on the open market in Israel. Three species of fish were studied: bottom feeders carp and tilapia, which tolerate heavy organic loads, and trout growing in high quality fresh water. Samples of liver, spleen, skin and muscle were assayed for Aeromonas, E. coli and F+ coliphages; digestive tract (DT) samples were assayed also for enteric viruses. The highest concentration of microorganisms was found in carp followed by tilapia and trout. Aeromonas was highest in the DT and lowest in muscle. E. coli and F+ coliphages were not detected in trout tissue other than skin. Enteric viruses were detected only in the DT of the carp (15%), indicating the presence of wastewater of human origin in the growth ponds. The results show that the degree of contamination reflected the quality of water in which the fish were grown. Caution in handling and preparing fish is recommended to avoid cross‐contamination of other tissues by the digestive tract.     

Prevention and treatment of sepsis in total hip replacement surgery.

In spite of improvements in prevention and treatment, sepsis following joint replacement still remains. Deep sepsis can lead to additional operative procedures, prolonged disability, and potential death. A universally effective treatment regimen is unknown. Prevention, therefore, remains the only truly effective means of treatment for sepsis.     

Removal of indicator microorganisms and enteroviruses from wastewater in a single cell stabilization pond

A study was performed to evaluate the removal efficiency of bacterial indicators, F⁺bacteriophages and enteroviruses, in a single‐cell stabilization pond with a design hydraulic detention time of six to ten days. The performance of the stabilization pond was also evacuated by measuring the pH, conductivity and the level of dissolved oxygen in the influent and effluent. A dye tracer study indicated that 5% of the pond influent reached the pond's outlet within 16 h, indicating severe short‐circuiting in the pond. The removal of the indicator microorganisms ranged between 90.7 to 96.6% in the stabilization pond. Average concentration of F. coliform, enterococci and F⁺bacteriophage in the pond's effluent was 2.1 X 10⁴, 1.2 X 10² and 1.6 X 10² cfu or pfu/ml^‐1, respectively. The microbial quality of the effluents obtained does not meet the WHO recommended guidelines for effluents reuse for unrestricted crop irrigation. Uncontrolled discharge of these low quality effluents may result in the contamination of natural water resources.