Aging changes agonist induced contractile responses in permeabilized rat bladder

Aging alters bladder functions where a decrease in filling, storage and emptying is observed. These changes cause urinary incontinence, especially in women. The aim of this study is to examine how aging affects the intracellular calcium movements due to agonist-induced contractions in permeabilized female rat bladder. Urinary bladder isolated from young and old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Small detrusor strips were permeabilized with β-escin. The contractile responses induced with agonists were compared between young and old groups. Carbachol-induced contractions were decreased in permeabilized detrusor from old rats compared to young group. Heparin and ryanodine decreased carbachol-induced contractions in young rats where only heparin inhibited these contractions in olds. Caffeine-induced contractions but not inositol triphosphate (IP₃)-induced contractions were decreased in old group compared to youngs. The cumulative calcium response curves (pCa 8–4) were also decreased in old rats. Carbachol-induced calcium sensitization responses did not alter by age where GTP-β-S and GF-109203X but not Y-27632 inhibited these responses. Carbachol-induced contractions decrease with aging in rat bladder detrusor. It can be postulated as IP₃-induced calcium release (IICR) is primarily responsible for the contractions in older rats where the decrease in carbachol contractions in aging may be as a result of a decrease in calcium-induced calcium release (CICR), rather than carbachol-induced calcium sensitization.     

Systematic review of the treatment of cancer-associated anorexia and weight loss.

PURPOSE: We systematically assessed the efficacy and safety of appetite stimulants in the management of cancer-related anorexia. Literature databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of appetite stimulants in the treatment of cancer anorexia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were graded according to quality. Fifty-five studies met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Only two drugs have evidence to support their use for anorexia (progestins and corticosteroids). There is strong evidence against the use of hydrazine sulfate. The outcomes of these trials have been mixed and patient population heterogeneous. CONCLUSION: The optimal dose, time to start, and duration of treatment for many appetite stimulants for cancer anorexia is still unknown. A more systematic approach to research methodology with universal outcome measure and prospective randomized studies are need. Combination regimens are needed but this cannot at the present time be supported by the data presented.     

Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Acquired Ascending Aortic Aneurysm to Pulmonary Artery Fistula

Aorta to pulmonary artery fistula is an uncommon and potentially fatal condition. This case is of a 48‐year‐old Caucasian male with congestive heart failure and multiple aortic valve replacement surgeries who presented with an acquired ascending aortic aneurysm to pulmonary artery fistula diagnosed using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography via nonstandard imaging windows. Three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography using live/real time three‐dimensional color Doppler was used to assess the size of the opening of the fistula, providing additional value. This patient was surgically managed and is doing well 8 months postoperation.     

Delineation of an Octopus‐Like Thrombus Attached to the Eustachian Valve

Eustachian valve (EV) is a vestige of the valve of the inferior vena cava which directs the umbilical vein blood through open foramen ovale in fetal life. Following birth it gradually regresses, but it may persist in variable size, shape, and thickness as a functionless and benign structure. However, there are reports suggesting that persistent EV may not be completely innocent. It has been accused of being a predisposing cause of patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolism and also interfering with transseptal interventional procedures. It may serve as a site of infective vegetations and be mistaken as a tumor or thrombus. In the present case, an octopus‐like thrombus attached to the EV was delineated with the utility of two‐dimensional and real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. EV was considered to play an essential role in preventing potential pulmonary embolism.     

Antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz (wild service tree) fruits

In this study, the antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz fruits were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothioazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activities and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of water, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts were determined for the measurement of the antioxidant activity. Quercetin and α-tocopherol were used as standard antioxidants. The inhibitory effect of the water extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated using the Ellman method and galantamine was used as a standard. Water extract had the highest total phenolic concentration and the strongest antioxidant activity followed by ethyl acetate and acetone extracts whereas methanol extract has the lowest phenolics and weakest antioxidant activity. Moreover, water extract showed moderate ability to inhibit AChE. It was concluded that fruits of S. torminalis have antioxidant and anti-AChE activities and that the plant might be a natural source of antioxidants and AChE inhibitors.