The evaluation expression of non-coding RNAs in response to HSV-G47∆ oncolytic virus infection in glioblastoma multiforme cancer stem cells

Journal of NeuroVirology - Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive astrocytes brain tumor. Glioblastoma cancer stem cells and hypoxia conditions are well-known major obstacles in treatment....     

Konno aortoventriculoplasty: indications and results. 13 cases

BACKGROUND: Konno procedure is used to enlarge the aortic root and increase the size of the aortic valve implanted. AIM: The aim of this study is to present the indications of the Konno procedure in congenital and acquired aortic lesions, in young patients with normal or hypoplastic aortic annulus or adults with small aortic annulus. METHODS: We reported our experience of this technique with a retrospective study of 13 patients operated on between 1998 and 2004. RESULTS: The mean diameter of aortic annulus measured in echocardiography is 16.2 mm, and the mean prosthetic valve diameter in post operative control is 20.3 mm. The early Death rate was 16%. In the late follow up of 2 years, the only predictor of myocardial hypertrophy regression was the presence of aortic insufficiency before the operation. In the literature, Konno procedure is reported as a good surgical option for the enlargement of the left ventricular outflow tract, but the results with the Ross-Konno operation are more promising.     

Transgastric gastro-jejunal anastomosis with flexible endoscope on a biosynthetic model

INTRODUCTION: In the last few years the rapid development of flexible endoscopies has opened new possibilities in minimal invasive procedures. With the help of these techniques the exposure, the risk of complications and the healing period of the patient might be reduced. One of these procedures is the transgastric intervention. Through an incision on the wall of the stomach, the endoscope could be led into the abdominal cavity, where several interventions can be performed. The aim of the study was to examine the technical feasibility and the success of the formation of gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Meanwhile the difficulties of the method could be explored in order to introduce this method in human use. METHOD: A lifelike biosynthetic model was made from a slaughtered domestic pig's gastrointestinal tract (stomach and the first few jejunum loops) which was fixed onto a plastic frame. Two single-channel gastroscopes were inserted into the stomach. On the wall of the stomach an approximately 2 centimetres wide incision was made by the electrocoagulator with a needle-knife. Through it the first jejunum loop was grasped by a foreign-body forceps and then was retracted into the stomach. Subsequently the jejunum loop was held safely with the first endoscope. Parallel to it an incision was made on the jejunum by the electrocoagulator. The authors managed to securely unite the open edges of the gastric wall and the jejunum with endoclips. RESULT: The model was good for practising. The anastomosis is technically feasible and was successfully made on biosynthetic porcine model using the transgastric route. Although the incisions both on the gastric wall and on the jejunum loop were made easily, the fixing of the anastomosis might be questionable. CONCLUSION: It was revealed that more experiments and the development of new, special instruments are needed in order to conduct the anastomosis safely.     

An assessment of urinary and breast milk iodine concentrations in lactating mothers from Gorgan, Iran, 2003.

Dietary iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Breast-fed infants are reliant on maternal iodine intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine sufficiency in lactating women in Iran. The sample consisted of 100 lactating mothers referred to the Taleghani Hospital of Gorgan, Iran. Goiter was graded according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Spot urine and breast-milk samples were collected for the measurement of iodine concentrations. Urine iodine concentrations (UIC) less than 100 and breast-milk iodine concentrations (MIC) less than 50 microg/L were considered consistent with iodine deficiency. Forty-three percent of women had grade 1 and 2 goiters, respectively. The median UIC was 259 microg/L. UIC was less than 100 in 16%. Grade 1 and 2 goiters were each present in 8% of mothers with UIC less than 100 microg/L. The median MIC was 93.5 microg /L. MIC was less than 50 microg /L in 19%. Grade 1 and 2 goiters were present in 11% and 8%, respectively, of women with MIC <50 mg/L. MIC and UIC levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Iodine deficiency and goiter were associated (p < 0.0001). UIC and MIC concentrations are sufficient in Gorgan, Iran. However, individual infants remain at risk for low iodine intake via breast milk.     

Loss of Shp2 Rescues BDNF/TrkB Signaling and Contributes to Improved Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection

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Ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block vs procedural sedation by propofol and fentanyl for anterior shoulder dislocations

Background

Few studies were performed to compare ultrasound guided brachial plexus block with procedural sedation for reduction of shoulder dislocations in the Emergency Department (ED). This study was done to provide further evidence regarding this comparison.

Measurement of Tear Production in English Angora and Dutch Rabbits

The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for tear production tests in different breeds of domestic rabbits. Healthy adult rabbits (n = 60; 120 eyes) of 2 different breeds (English angora and Dutch; n = 15 of each sex and breed) were used in this study. Tear production was measured by using the 1-min Schirmer tear test (STT), phenol red thread test (PRTT), and endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPTT). In addition, horizontal palpebral fissure length was evaluated as a measure of ocular adnexal dimensions. Tear production (mean ± 1 SD) in English angora rabbits was 5.4 ± 1.6 mm/min according to the STT, 25.0 ± 2.7 mm in 15 s for the PRTT, and 18.8 ± 2.1 mm/min by the EAPTT; in Dutch rabbits, these values were 4.6 ± 1.2 mm/min, 23.6 ± 2.3 mm in 15 s, and 16.9 ± 1.7 mm/min, respectively. Only the EAPTT revealed a significant difference in tear production between English Angora and Dutch rabbits. These results provide reference values for tear production in English Angora and Dutch rabbits according to 3 different quantitative tear film assessment methods.Abbreviations: EAPTT, endodontic absorbent paper tear test; HPFL, horizontal palpebral fissure length; PRTT, phenol red thread test; STT, Schirmer tear testDomestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are popular pets and commonly referred to veterinarians for routine health care and solving health problems. Rabbits are also common laboratory research animals, because they are tractable and inexpensive to maintain. Ocular lesions of all segments of the eyes have been reported in wild, pet, and research animals.² Rabbits have prominent, laterally placed eyes, allowing them a large field of vision, which is typical of prey species. They have an upper eyelid, a larger and thinner lower eyelid, and a third eyelid (or nictitating membrane). Rabbits normally blink infrequently, averaging 10 to 12 times hourly.¹²The tear film is as vital to the normal function of the eyes as any anatomic component and is essential in the maintenance of corneal clarity.^10,13 The aqueous layer is responsible for lubricating, oxygenating, and nourishing the cornea; flushing debris from the corneal surface; providing various antibacterial properties. The mucin layer allows the aqueous tear fluid to spread evenly over the cornea and allows the adherence of the tear film to the corneal surface.⁵ The lipid layer of tears contains waxy esters, sterols, triglycerides, cholesterol, and some polar lipids. This lipid mixture coats the surface of the tear film and retards tear evaporation.¹³Quantitative tests for the evaluation of tear film include the Schirmer tear test (STT), phenol red tear test (PRTT), and endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPTT). The STT is the most commonly used, standard method for tear film assessment. The results of various ophthalmic diagnostic tests have been reported for New Zealand white rabbits^1,3,11 but not for any other breed. The purpose of the current study was to establish normal values for tear production in 2 breeds of domestic rabbits, English angora and Dutch, according to the STT, PRTT, and EAPTT.     

Immunohistochemical profiling of caspase signaling pathways predicts clinical response to chemotherapy in primary nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas

We used biopsy specimens of primary nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to investigate whether the inhibition of caspase 8 and/or 9 apoptosis signaling pathways predicts clinical outcome. Expression levels of cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (c-Flip) and numbers of active caspase 3-positive lymphoma cells were used to determine the status of the caspase 8-mediated pathway. Expression levels of Bcl-2 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) were used to determine the status of the caspase 9-mediated pathway. Expression of c-Flip, XIAP, Bcl-2, and caspase 3 activity all provided prognostic information. According to these immunohistochemical parameters, inhibition of either or both caspase signaling pathways was detected in all patients. Three groups of patients were identified, one with a caspase 8 inhibition profile, one with caspase 8 and 9 inhibition profiles, and one with a caspase 9 inhibition profile. Caspase 9 inhibition was strongly associated with poor response to chemotherapy and usually with fatal outcome, whereas caspase 8 inhibition was associated with excellent clinical outcome. Thus, our data strongly suggest that inhibition of the caspase 9-mediated pathway, but not the caspase 8-mediated pathway, is a major cause for therapy resistance in patients with nodal DLBCL.     

Endothelial function in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) commonly coexists with coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or risk factors for atherosclerosis. Because the silent or documented atherosclerosis or vascular risk factors are very frequent, the possibility of endothelial dysfunction in ED patients is expected to be increased. Our aim was to evaluate the endothelial functions in patients with vasculogenic ED with vascular risk factors and compare them with age-matched non-ED patients or healthy controls. DESIGN: We studied 36 patients with presumed vasculogenic ED, 39 age-matched patients with similar risk factors without ED and 25 age-matched healthy controls without ED, known cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Erectile function was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) scores. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation (NMD) were measured. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar except the IIEF score and duration of diabetes in patients with ED. Brachial artery FMD and NMD were significantly reduced in patients with ED (3.2+/-3. vs. 6+/-4, p<0.0001 for FMD, 12.2+/-6 vs. 15.4+/-6 p=0.032 for NMD). In patients with similar risk factors but without ED, FMD was significantly lower but NMD were not different compared with healthy controls (6+/-4 vs. 10.2+/-3, p<0.0001 for FMD and 15.4+/-8 vs. 16.4+/-6, p=0.81). IIEF scores were weakly correlated with FMD (r=0.25, p=0.028) in patients with ED. There were significant correlations between FMD and NMD in patients with ED (r=0.46, p=0.05) and with risk factors (r=0.72, p<0.0001) but not in healthy controls (r=0.54, p=0.792). Vasculogenic ED patients have more markedly impaired endothelial and smooth muscle functions compared with patients with similar risk factors but no ED.