Strain differences in peritoneal macrophage activity and susceptibility to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis induction in rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relevance of peripheral macrophage activity for the susceptibility to the induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Rats of EAE-susceptible Dark Agouti and EAEresistant Albino Oxford strain were immunized with guinea pig spinal cord homogenate (DA_GPSC and AO_GPSC), while non-immunized rats served as controls (DA_NIM, AO_NIM). On day 15 after immunization rats were sacrificed and their peritoneal macrophages tested for adherence capacity, zymosan phagocytosis and respiratory burst. Macrophages from AONIM rats exhibited lower adherence capacity and higher phagocytosis and H₂O₂ production when compared to macrophages from DANIM rats. Immunization with GPSC decreased adherence and phagocytosis and increased H₂O₂ production in macrophages from AO rats, but did not influence these activities in macrophages from DA rats. The results from the present study suggest that inflammatory activities of macrophages from AO rats could be considered as regulatory mechanisms connected with the resistance to EAE induction.     

Ontogenetic influence on rat susceptibility to lindane seizure after pretreatment with phencyclidine

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of early postnatal PCP treatment on the sensitivity of pubertal and adult rats to lindane proepileptogenic effects. Rat pups were treated with NaCl (0.9%) or PCP (10 mg/kg) at postnatal days 2, 6, 9 and 12. One control (NaCl-35) and one experimental (PCP-35) group have received lindane (4 mg/kg) at postnatal day 35, while others received lindane at postnatal day 65 (NaCl-65 and PCP-65). One week prior to lindane treatment three gold-plated EEG electrodes were implanted. Pubertal rats had significantly shorter latency time. After lindane, a prompt increase in power spectral density seen in PCP-treated groups vs. control was evident earlier in PCP-65 rats. The theta waves were significantly increased in PCP-35 and alpha rhythm in PCP-65 rats, when compared with corresponding controls. Postnatal PCP treatment increases the synchronization of brain electrical activity, thus contributing to the increased susceptibility to lindane.     

A miniature and mobile intermittent pneumatic compression device for the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after joint replacement

The WizAir-DVT is a miniature, lightweight (690 g), battery-operated and mobile intermittent pneumatic compression device (ICD), which enables continuous intraoperative use and immediate patient mobilization postoperatively. We compared its efficacy with a commonly used ICD, the Kendall SCD. Peak femoral vein flow velocity was measured in 20 apparently healthy volunteers at rest and with each device: we found no significant differences between them. A second prospective, randomized, clinical trial was used to compare the efficiency of the device in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after joint replacement in 50 patients (n=25/group). None developed DVT. Doppler ultrasonography revealed no significant differences. The WizAir-DVT antithrombotic compression device is as safe and effective as the Kendall SCD.     

Comparison of a Web-Based Dietary Assessment Tool with Software for the Evaluation of Dietary Records

Background

Dietary assessment in clinical practice is performed by means of computer support, either in the form of a web-based tool or software. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the comparison of a Slovenian web-based tool with German software for the evaluation of four-day weighted paper-and-pencil-based dietary records (paper-DRs) in pregnant women.

Methods

A volunteer group of pregnant women (n=63) completed paper-DRs. These records were entered by an experienced research dietitian into a web-based application (Open Platform for Clinical Nutrition, OPEN, http://opkp.si/en, Ljubljana, Slovenia) and software application (Prodi 5.7 Expert plus, Nutri-Science, Stuttgart, Germany, 2011). The results for calculated energy intake, as well as 45 macro- and micronutrient intakes, were statistically compared by using the non-parametric Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The cut-off for Spearman’s rho was set at >0.600.

Results

12 nutritional parameters (energy, carbohydrates, fat, protein, water, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, dietary fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, and stearic acid) were in high correlation (>0.800), 18 in moderate (0.600–0.799), 11 in weak correlation (0.400–0.599), while 5 (arachidonic acid, niacin, alpha-linolenic acid, fluoride, total sugars) did not show any statistical correlation.

Conclusion

Comparison of the results of the evaluation of dietary records using a web-based dietary assessment tool with those using software shows that there is a high correlation for energy and macronutrient content.     

The effects of sex steroids on thyroid C cells and trabecular bone structure in the rat model of male osteoporosis

Androgen deficiency is one of the major factors leading to the development of osteoporosis in men. Since calcitonin (CT) is a potent antiresorptive agent, in the present study we investigated the effects of androgen deficiency and subsequent testosterone and estradiol treatment on CT-producing thyroid C cells, skeletal and hormonal changes in middle-aged orchidectomized (Orx) rats. Fifteen-month-old male Wistar rats were either Orx or sham-operated (SO). One group of Orx rats received 5 mg kg⁻¹ b.w. testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneously, while another group was injected with 0.06 mg kg⁻¹ b.w. estradiol dipropionate (EDP) once a day for 3 weeks. A peroxidase–antiperoxidase method was applied for localization of CT in the C cells. The studies included ultrastructural microscopic observation of these cells. The metaphyseal region of the proximal tibia was measured histomorphometrically using an imagej public domain image processing program. TP or EDP treatment significantly increased C cell volume (Vc), volume densities (Vv) and serum CT concentration compared with the Orx animals. Administration of both TP and EDP significantly enhanced cancellous bone area (B.Ar), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and reduced trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Serum osteocalcin (OC) and urinary Ca concentrations were significantly lower after these treatments in comparison with Orx rats. These data suggest that testosterone and estradiol treatment in Orx middle-aged rats affect calcitonin-producing thyroid C cells, which may contribute to the bone protective effects of sex hormones in the rat model of male osteoporosis.     

Visual Memory Deficits: A Plausible Cause of Developmental Dyslexia? Evidence from a Single Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents the case of JAS, a developmental dyslexic who had largely resolved her reading problems as an undergraduate student. However, testing revealed that JAS had subtle reading deficits, having difficulty with low-frequency irregular words and with the comprehension of written homophones. In contrast, her phonological reading strategies were normal. JAS's reading deficit was accompanied by serious spelling problems; she showed a marked tendency to spell phonologically, although with reference to some word-specific knowledge.

JAS's reading and spelling difficulties were accompanied by significant visual memory deficits although phonological processing was relatively good. It is argued that visual memory impairments have prevented JAS from establishing detailed orthographic representations in a lexical system. In the absence of these, the operation of the system for reading is faulty; for spelling, which requires die use of full orthographic cues, there are serious consequences.