Quality of life of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy – a major cause of vision threat among middle-aged individuals

IntroductionThe 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was designed to measure the vision-related quality of life (QoL). We aimed to assess the effect of disease duration, disease type (i.e., acute vs. chronic and unilateral vs. bilateral), and selected sociodemographic data on the QoL of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Material and methodsThe study included 79 patients diagnosed with CSC. The QoL was assessed using the NEI VFQ-25. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.ResultsA significant positive correlation was found between deterioration in peripheral vision as assessed by the NEI VFQ-25 and duration of CSC (r = –0.22, p = 0.046). Compared with women, men obtained higher scores on the scales assessing general health, mental health, ocular pain and role limitations (p = 0.018, p = 0.027, p = 0.009 and p = 0.007, respectively). Patients with acute CSC reported higher levels of social functioning as compared with those with chronic CSC (p = 0.04). There were no differences in any of the scales between patients with unilateral and bilateral CSC. Elderly patients obtained lower scores on 9 of the 12 analyzed scales, as compared with younger patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with CSC do not assess their QoL in negative terms, which may be related to the fact that the disease presents with transient symptoms. However, the QoL deteriorated with longer disease duration. Men with CSC have better vision-related QoL than women.     

Night shift work and modifiable lifestyle factors

Objectives

Night shift work has been linked to some chronic diseases. Modification of lifestyle by night work may partially contribute to the development of these diseases, nevertheless, so far epidemiological evidence is limited. The aim of the study was to explore association between night shift work and lifestyle factors using data from a cross-sectional study among blue-collar workers employed in industrial plants in ?ód?, Poland.

Material and Methods

The anonymous questionnaire was self-administered among 605 employees (236 women and 369 men, aged 35 or more) — 434 individuals currently working night shifts. Distribution of the selected lifestyle related factors such as smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), number of main meals and the hour of the last meal was compared between current, former, and never night shift workers. Adjusted ORs or predicted means were calculated, as a measure of the associations between night shift work and lifestyle factors, with age, marital status and education included in the models as covariates.

Results

Recreational inactivity (defined here as less than one hour per week of recreational physical activity) was associated with current night shift work when compared to never night shift workers (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.13–5.22) among men. Alcohol abstinence and later time of the last meal was associated with night shift work among women. Statistically significant positive relationship between night shift work duration and BMI was observed among men (p = 0.029).

Conclusions

This study confirms previous studies reporting lower exercising among night shift workers and tendency to increase body weight. This finding provides important public health implication for the prevention of chronic diseases among night shift workers. Initiatives promoting physical activity addressed in particular to the night shift workers are recommended.     

Oral Application of T4 Phage Induces Weak Antibody Production in the Gut and in the Blood

A specific humoral response to bacteriophages may follow phage application for medical purposes, and it may further determine the success or failure of the approach itself. We present a long-term study of antibody induction in mice by T4 phage applied per os: 100 days of phage treatment followed by 112 days without the phage, and subsequent second application of phage up to day 240. Serum and gut antibodies (IgM, IgG, secretory IgA) were analyzed in relation to microbiological status of the animals. T4 phage applied orally induced anti-phage antibodies when the exposure was long enough (IgG day 36, IgA day 79); the effect was related to high dosage. Termination of phage treatment resulted in a decrease of IgA again to insignificant levels. Second administration of phage induces secretory IgA sooner than that induced by the first administrations. Increased IgA level antagonized gut transit of active phage. Phage resistant E. coli dominated gut flora very late, on day 92. Thus, the immunological response emerges as a major factor determining phage survival in the gut. Phage proteins Hoc and gp12 were identified as highly immunogenic. A low response to exemplary foreign antigens (from Ebola virus) presented on Hoc was observed, which suggests that phage platforms can be used in oral vaccine design.     

The Anatomy of Caprine Female Urethra and Characteristics of Muscle and Bone Marrow Derived Caprine Cells for Autologous Cell Therapy Testing

Cell therapy is emerging as an alternative treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, many aspects of the procedure require further optimization. A large animal model is needed to reliably test cell delivery methods. In this study, we aim to determine suitability of the goat as an experimental animal for testing intraurethral autologous cell transplantation in terms of urethral anatomy and cell culture parameters. The experiments were performed in 12 mature/aged female goats. Isolated caprine muscle derived cells (MDC) were myogenic in vitro and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) population was able to differentiate into adipo‐, osteo‐ and chondrogenic lineages. The median yield of cells after 3 weeks of culture amounted 47 × 10(6) for MDC and 37 × 10(6) for MSC. Urethral pressure profile measurements revealed the mean functional urethral length of 3.75 ± 0.7 cm. The mean maximal urethral closure pressure amounted 63.5 ± 5.9 cmH₂O and the mean functional area was 123.3 ± 19.4 cm*cmH₂O. The omega‐ shaped striated urethral sphincter was well developed in the middle and distal third of the urethra and its mean thickness on cross section was 2.3 mm. In the proximal part of the urethra only loosely arranged smooth muscle fibers were identified. To conclude, presented data demonstrate that caprine MDC and MSC can be expanded in vitro in a repeatable manner even when mature or aged animals are cell donors. Results suggest that female caprine urethra has similar parameters to those reported in human and therefore the goat can be an appropriate experimental animal for testing intraurethral cell transplantation. Anat Rec, 00:000–000, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:577–588, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The diagnostic performance and interrater agreement of seven CT findings in the diagnosis of internal hernia after gastric bypass operation

Purpose

A reliable and immediate diagnosis of internal hernia is important for optimal and timely management of patients with a history of gastric bypass surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate the interrater agreement and diagnostic performance characteristics of seven predefined CT findings of internal herniation in patients admitted on clinical suspicion of internal herniation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).

Methods

Abdominal CT scans of 117 patients performed on clinical suspicion of internal hernia after LRYGB surgery were evaluated by three radiologists (two experts and one resident) for the following: (1) Swirl sign, (2) strangulation of superior mesenteric vein (SMV), (3) engorged mesenteric vessels and edema, (4) engorged lymph nodes, (5) ascites, (6) mushroom sign, (7) hurricane eye sign, and finally the overall conclusion. The CT findings were compared to the laparoscopic explorative findings.

Results

The highest interrater agreements were seen for the swirl sign, SMV strangulation, ascites, and overall conclusion (all Kappa 0.82–0.83). The presence of internal hernia was significantly and independently associated with SMV strangulation (OR 18.3; 95% CI 4.3–78.1; p < 0.001) and mesenteric edema (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.4–19.6; p < 0.001) on multivariate analysis, while the other CT findings were not independently associated with herniation. The highest sensitivity was observed for mesenteric edema (85.0%), while SMV strangulation had the highest specificity (94.8%).

Conclusion

CT is an accurate diagnostic tool for detection of internal hernia after LRYGB. SMV strangulation and mesenteric edema are highly predictive and easily identified features of internal herniation.

     

Effect of Ni-Cr Alloy Surface Abrasive Blasting on Its Wettability by Liquid Ceramics

An adequate surface is essential in ensuring a solid bond between the metal and dental ceramics for metal framework wettability. This work is aimed at investigating the effect of variable abrasive blasting parameters on Ni-Cr alloy surface’s ability to be wetted with liquid ceramics at elevated temperatures. One-hundred and sixty-eight samples were divided into 12 groups (n = 14), which were sandblasted using variable parameters: type of abrasive (Al₂O₃ and SiC), the grain size of the abrasive (50, 110, and 250 µm), and processing pressure (400 and 600 kPa). After treatment, the samples were cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and dried under compressed air. Dental ceramics were applied to the prepared surfaces via drops, and the wettability was tested in a vacuum oven at temperatures in the range of 850–1000 °C. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (α = 0.05). For all surfaces, the contact angles were less than 90° at temperatures below 875 °C. For Al₂O₃, the best wettability was observed for the smallest particles and, for SiC, the largest particles. The ability to wet the surface of a Ni-Cr alloy is related to its sandblasting properties, such as roughness or the percentage of embedded abrasive particles. It should not be the only factor determining the selection of abrasive blasting parameters when creating a prosthetic restoration.     

Studies on the Mechanism of Cu(II) Ion Sorption on Purolite S 940 and Purolite S 950

The aim of the presented research was to investigate the mechanism of sorption of Cu(II) ions on the commercially available Purolite S 940 and Purolite S 950 chelating ion exchangers with the aminophosphonic functional groups. In order to understand better the sorption mechanism, the beads were cut with an ultramicrotome before and after the Cu(II) ion sorption process. The cut beads were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an EDX detector. The performed linear profiles of the elemental composition allowed us to examine the depth with which the sorbed metal penetrates into. For further investigations concerning the mechanism of the sorption process, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis using the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) technique and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods have been used. The comparison of FTIR and XPS spectra before and after the sorption of Cu(II) ions showed that free electron pairs from nitrogen and oxygen in the aminophosphonic functional groups participate in the process of copper ion sorption. In addition, the microscopic studies suggested that the process of ion exchange between Na(I) ions and sorbed Cu(II) ions takes place on the Purolite S 940 and Purolite S 950. This study concerning the in-depth understanding the of Cu(II) sorption mechanism, using modern analytical tools and research methods could be very useful for its further modifications leading to the improvement of the process efficiency.     

The influence of erythropoietin on apoptosis and fibrosis in the early phase of chronic pancreatitis in rats

IntroductionChronic pancreatitis (CP) is a continuing, inflammatory process of the pancreas, characterised by irreversible morphological changes. The identification of pancreatic stellate cells resulted in the development of research on the pathogenesis of CP. Erythropoietin (Epo) regulates the interaction between apoptosis and inflammation of the brain, kidney, and heart muscle. Erythropoietin receptors were also found in the pancreas, in particular on the islet cells. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of Epo on fibrosis and apoptosis in experimental CP.Material and methodsThe experiments were performed on 48 male Wistar rats (250–350 g). The animals were divided into six equal groups (I – control, II – chronic cerulein – induced pancreatitis, III – 1 ml of Epo sc, IV – 0.5 ml of Epo sc, V – CP treated with 1 ml Epo, VI – CP treated with 0.5 ml Epo). The blood for gelatinases and pancreata for the morphological examinations and immunohistochemistry were collected.ResultsA slight reduction of interstitial oedema and less severe fibrosis were noticed in the groups treated with Epo. Reduced expression of caspase-3 and α-actin, and a lack of Bcl-2 expression were observed in areas with inflammation. There was no expression of caspase-9 observed in all groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the activity of gelatinases.ConclusionsErythropoietin seems to have the effect of reducing fibrosis and apoptosis in an experimental model of CP.     

The Accu-Chek Mobile blood glucose monitoring system used under controlled conditions meets ISO 15197 standards in the hands of diabetes patients

Abstract Background. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a cornerstone of diabetes management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical quality and the ease of use of the Accu-Chek Mobile, a new glucose monitoring system designed for capillary blood testing by diabetic patients. Materials and methods. The performance of the Accu-Chek Mobile was evaluated both in the hands of a scientist and of diabetes patients. The designated comparative method was a hexokinase-based laboratory method (Architect ci8200). Diabetics (N =?88) with previous experience of self-testing were recruited for the study. Patient samples, containing glucose in concentrations mainly between ?4 and ?20 mmol/L, were analyzed in duplicates both on the Accu-Chek Mobile and with the comparative method. The patients answered a questionnaire about the ease of use of the meter. Results. The meter yields reproducible readings, with an imprecision CV <5% as required by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Of the glucose concentrations obtained by both the scientist and the patients, more than 95% of the individual results were within ±?20% of the comparative method, meeting the ISO 15197 accuracy goal, but not the stricter ±?10% ADA goal. Conclusion. Accu-Chek Mobile is a user-friendly glucometer that in a normo- and hyperglycemic range fulfils the ISO 15197 accuracy requirement, also in the hands of diabetes patients.