N-acetylcysteine prevents vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BackgroundThis study investigated the ability of NAC to prevent cerebral vasospasm in a rabbit model of SAH.MethodsTwenty-one, male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups of 7 rabbits each: group 1 (control), group 2 (SAH only), group 3 (SAH + NAC treatment). NAC (150 mg/kg, single dose, IP) was administered just before SAH and continued until 72 hours after SAH in group 3.Animals were killed 72 hours after SAH. Tissue MDA levels, SOD, and GSH-Px activities were measured, and basilar artery cross-sectional areas, arterial wall thickness, and endothelial apoptosis in a cross section of basillary artery were determined in all groups.ResultsIntraperitoneal administration of NAC was found to be markedly effective against developing a cerebral vasospasm following a SAH in rabbits. It could significantly reduce elevated lipid peroxidation and increase the level of tissue GSH-Px and SOD enzymatic activities. Also, NAC treatment was found to be effective in increasing the luminal area and reducing wall thickness of the basilar artery. The morphology of arteries in the NAC treatment group was well protected. NAC markedly reduced apoptotic index and protects the endothelial integrity.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates, for the first time, that NAC treatment attenuates cerebral vasospasm in a rabbit SAH model. NAC treatment has significant neuroprotective effect and markedly prevents cerebral vasospasm after SAH. In conclusion, the NAC treatment might be beneficial in preventing cerebral vasospasm after SAH, thus showing potential for clinical implications.     

Nephrocalcinosis in glucose-galactose malabsorption: nephrocalcinosis and proximal tubular dysfunction in a young infant with a novel mutation of SGLT1

We report an association of proximal renal tubular dysfunction in a 50-day-old girl with glucose-galactose malabsorption who was found to have nephrocalcinosis, but no sign of nephrolithiasis. A novel homozygous nonsense mutation at 267Arg →stop (CGA→TGA) in the Na⁺-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1) was found in loop 5 connecting transmembrane segments 6 and 7, indicating the complete loss of glucose transport activity. This case indicates that hypercalcaemia, nephrocalcinosis and proximal tubular dysfunction may be seen in association with glucose-galactose malabsorption and that most of these abnormalities improve with a glucose-galactose-free diet.     

Removal of Cadmium by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myriophyllum heterophyllum</Emphasis> Michx. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potamogeton crispus</Emphasis> L. and Its Effect on Pigments and Total Phenolic Compounds

In this study, cadmium biosorption by Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michx. and Potamogeton crispus L. was investigated. Although both species were found to be capable of removing cadmium from water, the performance of P. crispus was the most significant. These species were treated with 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg L⁻¹ cadmium solutions for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Cadmium uptake of both species was lowest at 4 mg L⁻¹ and highest at 64 mg L⁻¹. Photosynthetic pigments and total phenolic compounds in both species were determined after exposure to various concentrations of cadmium for various times. Depending on the cadmium accumulation in both species, it was shown to decrease the level of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids (24 and 96 h). The anthocyanin concentration in P. crispus increased at all cadmium concentrations studied (0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg L⁻¹), whereas in Myriophyllum heterophyllum it increased at the lower cadmium concentrations (0, 4, and 8 mg L⁻¹) but decreased at higher cadmium concentrations (16, 32, and 64 mg L⁻¹), for all exposure periods. The total phenolic compound level in both species increased with cadmium concentration during the 24 and 96 h exposure periods.     

Laparoscopic type 7 total hysterectomy and adnexectomy with or without Burch colposuspension: operative technique with the LigaSure device and results

Introduction  

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of an operative technique incorporating the LigaSure vessel sealing system in patients undergoing type 7 total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and adnexectomy with or without Burch colposuspension.     

Influence of collaterals on the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion

Objective

Although numerous studies have shown the protective effects of the well-developed coronary collaterals on left ventricular functions, the relationship between collateral grade and left ventricular end diastolic pressure has not been studied in chronic total occlusion patients. Also, there are conflicting data on the effect of collaterals on NT-proBNP levels. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary collateral circulation and left ventricular end diastolic pressure and NT-proBNP levels in chronic total occlusion patients.

Immunoglobulin abnormalities and effects of enzyme replacement therapy in children with Gaucher disease

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia is documented in patients with Gaucher disease of all ages. We investigated the frequency of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in 12 pediatric patients with type I and III Gaucher disease and the effects of enzyme replacement therapy on these abnormalities. The incidence of hyperimmunoglobulinemia was 77%, 66%, and 60% at the diagnosis, before and after ERT, respectively. Immunoglobulin G abnormalities were the most commonly seen isotype abnormality. After enzyme replacement therapy normalization of IgA and IgM levels were recorded but decline in IgG levels was less likely to occur. This study indicated the higher frequency of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in pediatric Gaucher patients.     

Assessment of ischemia-modified albumin level in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss during the first trimester

Objective

The finding that ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is increased in pre-eclamptic pregnancy suggests a role for IMA as a potential biomarker for abnormal placental development related to miscarriage. This study was undertaken to evaluate IMA levels in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Study design

This case-control study was performed between March 2008 and September 2009, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Meram School of Medicine. Serum IMA and albumin concentrations were assessed in 43 women with a history of two or more unexplained first trimester miscarriages (group 1), and 42 healthy pregnant women (group 2) in the first trimester. IMA, adjusted IMA and albumin concentrations were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

IMA and adjusted IMA levels were significantly higher in women with RPL (1.11 + 0.08 and 1.09 + 0.09, respectively) compared to women in group 2 (0.88 + 0.10 and 0.88 + 0.11, respectively). Albumin levels in group 1 were significantly lower compared with group 2. There was a negative correlation between IMAand albumin levels in each group.

Conclusion

Maternal IMA levels appear to be elevated in women with early RPL. This finding may suggest that an abnormally high hypoxic intrauterine environment may be associated with abnormal placental development that contributes to early miscarriage.     

Nifedipine for the treatment of preterm labor in twin and singleton pregnancies

Purpose  

To investigate the outcomes of singleton and twin pregnancies that were complicated by spontaneous preterm labor and received nifedipine tocolysis.