Induction of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in in vitro experimental wound model using a novel three-dimensional culture system

The aim of this study was to determine whether experimentally punched wounds may influence the connective tissue metabolism of human fibroblast in a three dimensional culture supplemented with L-ascorbic acid. This culture was designed for human dermal fibroblasts to organize a three-dimensional dermis-like structure by accumulating self-produced extracellular matrixes. In order to examine the effects of the wound, mRNA expression and production of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were sequentially examined up to 72 hrs after the wound was created. The levels of mRNA expression of MMP-1 were higher at 12 and 24 hrs compared with the initial level and then gradually decreased in studies both with and without wounds. However, the levels of mRNA expression of MMP-1 between 6 to 48 hrs were higher in wounds than in non-wounds. The production of proMMP-1 was also significantly enhanced. There were no significant differences in the levels of mRNA expression or the production of type I collagen and TIMP-1 with the presence or absence of a wound. These results indicate that MMP-1 is synthesized to initiate the tissue restoration in response to the disruption of the three dimensional structure. Thus, this culture system provides a new experimental tool with which to examine the direct effect of mechanical changes on connective tissue metabolism in human dermal fibroblasts.     

Basing policy on evidence: low HIV, STIs, and risk behaviour in Dili, East Timor argue for more focused interventions

BACKGROUND: East Timor is a newly independent, poor nation with many internally displaced people and foreign peace keeping forces. Similarities with Cambodia, which now has Asia's worst HIV epidemic, caused donors to earmark money for HIV prevention in East Timor, but no data were available to plan appropriate programmes. OBJECTIVES: To determine levels of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated risk behaviours in Dili, East Timor, in order to guide resource allocation and appropriate prevention and care strategies. METHODS: In mid-2003, a cross sectional survey of female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), taxi drivers, and soldiers was conducted. Participants provided biological specimens and all answered structured questionnaires. RESULTS: HIV prevalence was 3% among female sex workers (3/100), 0.9% among MSM (1/110), and zero in the other groups. All the HIV infected sex workers reported sex with foreign clients. Partner turnover reported by all groups was among the lowest in Asia, so was condom use. Access to basic HIV prevention services, including condoms and STI services, was extremely low in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: A few sex workers are infected with HIV in East Timor, but the virus is not circulating widely among their clients, and sexual networking is limited. The risk of a generalised HIV epidemic in East Timor is minimal. HIV can be contained by the provision of basic services to the small minority of the population at highest risk, preserving resources for other health and development needs.     

A comparative histological analysis of human pulp following direct pulp capping with Propolis, mineral trioxide aggregate and Dycal

Background:  Permanent teeth pulp exposures have traditionally been treated with calcium hydroxide pulp capping. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of human pulp tissue which were mechanically exposed to a new material, Propolis and compare it with two existing and commonly used pulp capping agents (mineral trioxide aggregate and Dycal).
Methods:  Thirty-six intact human premolars were mechanically exposed. Teeth were divided into six groups of 6 teeth each and were capped with Propolis, mineral trioxide aggregate and Dycal. Final restoration was done with posterior composite resin using light cured glass ionomer cement as a liner. The teeth were then extracted on the 15th or the 45th day and processed for histological evaluation.
Results:  Differences in inflammatory response and dentine bridge formation of the exposed pulp to the three different materials were statistically calculated using chi-square test and were found to be non-significant. There was more pulp inflammation in teeth treated with Dycal than with Propolis and MTA on the 15th as well as on the 45th day. Propolis and MTA showed bridge formation in more teeth, and the bridges were in closer proximity to pulp capping material than teeth treated with Dycal on the 45th day.
Conclusions:  The response of pulps to Propolis as a pulp capping agent was comparable to MTA and Dycal.     

Does social isolation,social support or loneliness influence health or well-being after a cardiovascular disease event? A narrative thematic systematic review

Identification of factors which influence health after a cardiovascular disease (CVD) event will assist with reducing the high health and economic burden of CVD. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the association between social health (lower social isolation, higher social support and lower loneliness) and health and well-being after a CVD event among people living in Australia and New Zealand. Four electronic databases were systematically searched until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen. One reviewer undertook full-text screen and data extraction. A second author either independently extracted or checked data. Narrative thematic analysis was undertaken. Of the 752 unique records retrieved, 39 papers from 29 studies met our inclusion criteria. Included studies recruited between 10 and 1,455 participants, aged 12–96 years, and the majority were male. Greater social health was consistently associated with better mental health outcomes (lower depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and psychological distress). Lower social isolation and higher social support were associated with the extent to which patient needs were being met. Living situation was not associated with mental health outcomes, and being married or living with someone was associated with greater medication adherence. Our systematic review demonstrates that greater social health is associated with better mental health outcomes and met patient needs among cardiac patients. As partner status and living status did not align with social isolation and social support findings in this review, we recommend they not be used as social health proxies when assessing health outcomes among CVD patients. Our review highlights the need for more research focused on women and the importance of gender-disaggregated reporting. Further assessment is required to evaluate whether loneliness is associated with health and well-being outcomes after a CVD event.     

Vitamin A intake and xerophthalmia among Indian children

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prevalence of xerophthalmia and to assess dietary intake of vitamin A in Indian children aged under 6 y. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. STUDY SETTING: Urban slums under Urban Health Centre affiliated to Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 1094 all children under 6 y of age, from two randomly selected urban slums. METHODS: Xerophthalmia was diagnosed on the basis of ocular signs and symptoms (WHO recommendations). Dietary intake of vitamin A was assessed by using one year recall method recommended by International Vitamin A Consultative Group. RESULTS: Prevalence of xerophthalmia was estimated to be 8.7%. Nine hundred and ninety-five (90.9%) study subjects were identified as inhabitants consuming dietary vitamin A at below recommended levels. (UPF score < 210). Five hundred and ninety-three (54.2%) study subjects were consuming dietary vitamin A at approximately less than 200 RE/d (UPF score < 120) while 402 (36.2%) were consuming approximately 200-300 RE/d (UPF score 120-210). The prevalence of xerophthalmia was found to be decreasing as the score of usual pattern of food consumption (UPF) increased. CONCLUSIONS: Children with a dietary intake represented by a UPF score of less than 120 were at high risk of developing xerophthalmia, whereas, those consuming vitamin A equal to a UPF score greater than 120 were at comparatively less risk despite being below the recommended levels.     

A possible autocrine role for interleukin-6 in two lymphoma cell lines

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a growth factor with diverse biologic activity. Originally described as a T-cell product that enhances immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion in antigen-stimulated B cells, it also affects the growth of T cells, plasmacytomas, hybridomas, and hematopoietic stem cells. We report the expression and secretion of IL-6 by two lymphoma cell lines, OCI-LY3 and OCI-LY12. Addition of recombinant IL-6 stimulated their growth, whereas addition of polyclonal anti- recombinant IL-6 (anti-rIL-6) had a marked inhibitory effect on proliferation. These results suggest an autocrine role for IL-6 in the growth of these lymphoma cells in culture.     

A putative human male infertility gene DAZLA: genomic structure and methylation status

The DAZLA (DAZ Like Autosomal) gene on human chromosome 3 shares a high degree of homology with the DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene family on the Y chromosome, a gene family frequently deleted in males with azoospermia or severe oligospermia. The involvement of both DAZ and DAZLA in spermatogenesis is suggested by their testis-specific expression and their homology with a Drosophila male infertility gene, boule. Whereas male infertility resulting from deletion of the DAZ genes on the Y chromosome occurs sporadically, that due to a defective DAZLA gene is expected to be inheritable. The fraction of males with idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia that harbour mutations in the DAZLA gene remains unknown. As a prerequisite for mutation screening, the genomic structure of the DAZLA gene was elucidated and found to consist of 11 exons spanning 19 kh. The exon/intron boundaries are conserved between DAZ and DAZLA. The 5' end of both genes are hypomethylated in spermatozoa but not in leukocytes or placenta, consistent with the expression pattern of the genes. The genomic structure of DAZLA paves the way for mutation detection in families with autosomal recessive male infertility.      

Primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst causing spinal cord compression

Primary spinal hydatid disease is rare and represents an uncommon but significant manifestation of hydatid disease. We report a case of primary intraspinal extradural hydatid cyst of the thoracic region causing spinal cord compression. The presenting symptoms were mostly atypical and the diagnosis was established preoperatively on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent surgery resulting in complete recovery and is recurrence-free after 24 months follow-up.     

Serial lung scintigraphy: utility in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Pairs of sequential perfusion lung scans and pulmonary angiograms obtained in 45 patients were reviewed to investigate the utility of short-term, sequential scintigraphy in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Forty-six sequential scan pairs were reviewed; 13 were ventilation-perfusion (V-P) pairs. Angiograms were obtained within 48 hours of either the first (65%) or second (35%) perfusion scan in each pair. Sequential scintigraphic patterns were classified as showing change (i.e., improvement in defects, new defects), no change, or as being indeterminate. A changing perfusion pattern was associated with a high (20/23) likelihood of PE, but seven of 16 patients with stable perfusion patterns also had PE. The sensitivity of a changing perfusion pattern for PE was 0.74 (20/27) and its specificity was 0.75 (9/12). In two of six patients who had serial V-P studies that showed changing perfusion defects, there were matched changes in regional ventilation and angiograms were negative. The findings suggest that short-term serial perfusion lung scanning may aid the scintigraphic diagnosis of PE in certain circumstances. Serial V-P imaging is needed, however, to maximize diagnostic specificity.