Effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children – observational study

BackgroundSecond-hand smoking or environmental tobacco smoke is a critical health risk. Children are the most vulnerable to second-hand smoking because of their small bronchial ducts, less developed immunity, and low-physical activity.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children.MethodsThis observational study included forty-six school-aged children, their age was 8–15 years, assigned to three groups; 2 study groups and 1 control group (n=15). The study groups comprised of 16 football players, and of 15 cyclists. Lung functions were evaluated recording forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow using digital spirometer.ResultsAll measures were recorded in definite values and the children were also classified into second-hand smoking (SH), or non-exposed to tobacco smoking (NE). The findings presented a significant increase (p<0.05) of the study groups in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow solely for the non-exposed children. However, there were non-significant differences between the cyclists and football players or between the passive smoking children and non-exposed children in any of the two study groups (p>0.05).ConclusionThe outcomes of this study suggest beneficial influences of the sports activity on the lung functions, without different influences of the cyclists and football players on the lung functions.     

Complete recovery of filler-induced visual loss following subcutaneous hyaluronidase injection

The rise in popularity of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler injection has caused an exceptional increase in the number of cases of reported irreversible blindness. Here, we reported a case of ischemic optic neuropathy and ophthalmoplegia following subcutaneous HA filler injection with complete visual recovery. A 31-year-old Chinese woman presented with sudden onset of right monocular visual impairment associated with diplopia. Patient had received a hyaluronic acid-containing ?ller injection for nasal dorsum augmentation twelve hours prior to presentation. Visual acuity of the right eye was counting finger. A right relative afferent pupillary defect was demonstrated with ophthalmoplegia. Humphrey visual field test disclosed a right inferior altitudinal field defect with impairment of colour vision. Computed tomography of the orbit revealed mild enlargement of the right medial and inferior recti muscles. Our patient showed a tremendous improvement of vision after a subcutaneous hyaluronidase injection with complete visual recovery within 2 weeks.     

Noninvasive tests for arterial structure, function, and compliance: do they identify risk or diagnose disease?

BACKGROUND: Brachial artery reactivity (BAR), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and applanation tonometry for evaluation of total arterial compliance may provide information about preclinical vascular disease. We sought to determine whether these tests could be used to identify patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without being influenced by their ability to identify those at risk for CAD developing. METHODS: We studied 100 patients and compared 3 groups: 35 patients with known CAD; 34 patients with symptoms and risk factors but no CAD identified by stress echocardiography (risk group); and 31 control subjects. BAR and IMT were measured using standard methods, and total arterial compliance was calculated by the pulse-pressure method from simultaneous radial applanation tonometry and pulsed wave Doppler of the left ventricular outflow. Ischemia was identified as a new or worsening wall-motion abnormality induced by stress. RESULTS: In a comparison between the control subjects and patients either at risk for developing CAD or with CAD, the predictors of risk for CAD were: age (P =.01); smoking history (P =.002); hypercholesterolemia (P =.002); and hypertension (P =.004) (model R = 0.82; P =.0001). The independent predictors of CAD were: IMT (P =.001); BAR (P =.04); sex (P =.005); and hypertension (P =.005) (model R = 0.80; P =.0001). CONCLUSION: IMT, BAR, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors appear to identify patients at risk for CAD developing. However, only IMT was significantly different between patients at risk for developing CAD and those with overt CAD.     

Zero-Order Release Formulation of Oxprenolol Hydrochloride with Swelling and Erosion Control

Zero-order release of oxprenolol hydrochloride was obtained by controlling the swelling and erosion of the matrix. This formulation involves only mixing of drug, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC) at the ratio of 1:0.4:1.6, respectively, and compressing the mixture directly into tablets. The in vitro release pattern from this optimized matrix tablet was reproducible. Accelerated stability studies revealed that the optimized formulation remains stable for an approximately 2-year shelf life. This sustained-release (SR) tablet was evaluated in dogs, and for comparison a conventional (CV) formulation was also given at the same dose level. Plasma oxprenolol levels were monitored by a sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters, i.e., lower C _max, higher values of t _max, MRT, AUC, and plasma concentration at 24 hr, and nearly constant plasma levels over 12 hr, indicated that the SR matrix tablet is superior to the CV rapid-releasing formulation. The in vitro release parameters and in vivo pharmacokinetics correlated well.     

Congenital posterior urethral polyps in childhood. A case report.

We describe a 3-year-old boy who presented with dysuria and urinary retention. The diagnostic work-up (USS, MRI, urethrocystoscopy), suggested a polypoid lesion at the bladder base, originating from the verumontanum. Histology showed the lesion to be a fibroepithelial polyp. A rare cause of urinary retention in childhood must be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Co-administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza and verapamil inhibits detrimental effects of torsion/detorsion on testicular tissue in rats

Testicular torsion/detorsion is one of the important emergencies that requires fast surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract combined with verapamil on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion damage in Wistar albino rats. All animals were distributed in 3 groups (n = 8), including the sham-operated group, torsion/detorsion (TD) group and torsion/detorsion + pretreatment with 200 mg/kg Salvia miltiorrhiza extract combined with 0.3 mg/kg verapamil (SMV) group. Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT and TAC) both in plasma and testicular tissue, sperm parameters (motility, vitality, concentration and morphology) and histopathological parameters (MSTD, GECT, Johnson's score, Cosentino's score and testicular cell thickness) were assessed in all groups. Ischaemia/reperfusion significantly increased MDA and decreased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). Pretreatment with SMV significantly increased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). SMV group increased progressive sperm motility and vitality and reduced non-progressive motility of spermatozoon (p < .05). Testicular torsion significantly decreased all histopathological parameters compared to the sham group (p < .05). SMV pretreatment remarkably increased MSTD, GECT and Cosentino's score in comparison with the TD group (p < .05). A combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza with verapamil could reduce damages triggered by testicular torsion detorsion and improve sperm functionality parameters and oxidative stress defence systems.     

Synthesis and Neuromuscular Blocking Activity of 16β-Piperidino Epiandrosterone Derivatives

This study reports the synthesis of steroidal quaternary ammonium compounds 11 and 12, with quaternary nitrogen at position 3 and 16 of the steroid nucleus in 5α-epiandrosterone series; along with their neuromuscular blocking activity using chick biventer cervicis muscle preparation. The compound 12 was found to be five times more potent than 11 in reducing twitch response to nerve stimulations, indicating the importance of extended interonium distances and 17-acetoxy function for potent antagonist activity.     

A cross‐sectional study of the relationship between serum sexual hormone levels and internal derangement of temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are defined as clinical conditions that involve the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone levels in menstruating women affected by internal derangement of the TMJ. A total of 142 women (mean age 30·2 ± 6·7) who referred to medical diagnostic laboratory of Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad Branch, were enrolled during 2007 and 2008. Forty‐seven individuals had disc displacement with reduction (Group IIa) according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC)/TMD Axis I diagnosis. Radioimmunoassay was used for the detection of serum 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone levels in all 142 subjects. The mean progesterone level was significantly higher in control group (11·6 ± 10·4 ng mL^?1) compared to women with TMD (8·4 ± 6·8 ng mL^?1, P = 0·03). No significant difference was found in two groups regarding 17β‐oestradiol level. Lower progesterone level in women with TMD can suggest the more important role of this hormone in the development of the disorder.     

Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles Remediate Nickel-Contaminated Aqueous Solutions and Biosolids-Amended Agricultural Soil

Nickel (Ni⁺²) accumulation in wastewater treatment sludge poses a potential environmental risk with biosolids-land application. An incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (nZVI) on Ni⁺² sorption in biosolids-treated agricultural soils. Two application rates of biosolids (0, 5%, w/w) and four treatment levels (0, 1, 5, and 10 g/kg) of nZVI were examined, either separately or interactively. The results of this study showed significant differences in Ni⁺² sorption capacity between different nZVI treatments. The initial Ni⁺² concentration in biosolids-amended soil significantly affected Ni sorption in the soil treated with nZVI. The “H-shape” of sorption isotherm in nZVI-treated soil reflects strong interaction between the Ni concentration and the nZVI treatment, while the C-shape of sorption isotherm in biosolids-amended soil without the nZVI treatment indicates intermediate affinity for Ni⁺² sorption. Nickel retention in soil was increased with the increase of nZVI levels. The removal efficiency of Ni⁺² by nZVI from solution was increased with the increase of pH from 5 to 11 and reached a maximum of 99.56% at pH 11 and nZVI treatment of 10 g/kg. The Ni⁺² desorption rate decreased from 92 to 7, 4, and 1% with increasing nZVI treatment levels from 0 to 1, 5, and 10 g/kg, respectively, with a soil Ni⁺² concentration of 50 mg/L. The maximum adsorption capacity (𝑞_max) of 10 g/kg nZVI-treated soil was 333.3 mg/g, which was much higher than those from the other treatments of 0 (5 mg/g), 1 (25 mg/g), and 5 g/kg (125 mg/g). The underlying mechanism for Ni⁺² immobilization using nZVI in an aquatic environment is controlled by a sorption process, reduction of metal ion to zero-valent metal, as well as (co)precipitation. Moreover, increasing the nZVI treatment level in biosolids-amended soil significantly decreased bioavailable Ni⁺² concentrations in the soil.