Dextromethorphan attenuates ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats

The effects of dextromethorphan (DM), a noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, have been investigated on ethanol withdrawal signs in rats. Ethanol (7.2% v/v) was given to rats in a liquid diet for 16 days. DM (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) and saline were injected intraperitoneally at the third hour of ethanol withdrawal. DM (40 mg/kg) and ethanol dependent saline were also administered to ethanol naive rats. DM (40 mg/kg) did not produce any significant change in locomotor activity in ethanol naive rats. The effects of DM on locomotor activity and total ethanol withdrawal score were evaluated at the fourth and sixth hours of ethanol withdrawal. DM inhibited locomotor hyperactivity at these periods. DM also reduced total ethanol withdrawal score from the fourth hour to the sixth hour, and it significantly decreased audiogenic seizures. Seizure susceptibility after chronic ethanol exposure may be dependent upon sensitization or upregulation of NMDA processes and NMDA receptors. Our results suggest that inhibition of NMDA receptors by DM alleviates signs of ethanol withdrawal.     

The effects of ulnar axial malalignment on supination and pronation

BACKGROUND: Forearm fractures are common injuries in both adults and children. Despite efforts to obtain anatomical alignment, axial rotational malunions occur, resulting in a decreased range of motion and a poor appearance. The objective of this study was to quantify loss of forearm rotation after simulation of ulnar malunions in supination and pronation. METHODS: Six fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities (mean age at the time of death, 79.4+/-2.8 years) were used to quantify loss of forearm rotation after simulation of axial rotational malunions of the ulna. First, maximum forearm rotation in supination and pronation was measured at torques of 6.8, 13.6, and 20.4 kilograms-centimeter applied with use of a custom jig. Following a midshaft ulnar osteotomy, a custom adjustable internal fixation plate was used to simulate axial rotational malunions of the ulna of 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees in both directions. Measurements in supination and pronation were then repeated at the prespecified torques. Analysis of variance, with a p value of 0.05, was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In all instances, a decrease in forearm rotation after simulation of the ulnar rotational malunion was accompanied by an increase in rotation in the opposite direction. Supination and pronation were significantly influenced, whereas the total arc of rotation was not affected by ulnar rotational malunion. At a torque of 20.4 kilograms-centimeter, pronation malunions of 15, 30, and 45 degrees resulted in a mean loss of supination (and standard error of the mean) of 5+/-1, 11+/-1, and 20+/-1 degrees, respectively, and supination malunions of 15, 30, and 45 degrees resulted in a mean loss of pronation of 4+/-1, 10+/-2, and 18+/-4 degrees, respectively. The ratio of the simulated rotational malunion to the loss of motion was larger than one. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar rotational malunions do not lead to a significant change in the total arc of forearm rotation. Instead, loss of motion in one direction is accompanied by increased motion in the opposite direction. Even with a 45-degree ulnar rotational malunion, forearm rotation decreases no more than 20 degrees.     

Evaluation of effects of T and N type calcium channel blockers on the electroencephalogram recordings in Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rij rats,an absence epilepsy model

Objectives:It is suggested that excessive calcium entry into neurons is the main triggering event in the initiation of epileptic discharges. We aimed to investigate the role of T and N type calcium channels in absence epilepsy experimental model.Results:Beta and delta recording ratios in 1 μM/5 μl mibefradil group was significantly different from basal and other dose-injected groups. Beta, alpha, and theta recordings in 0.2 μM/5 μl w-Conotoxin MVIIA group was significantly different from basal and other dose-injected groups. In w-Conotoxin MVIIA after mibefradil group, beta, alpha, and theta recording ratios were significantly different from basal and mibefradil group. Mibefradil and w-Conotoxin MVIIA significantly decreased the frequency and duration of SWDs. The decrease of frequency and duration of SWDs in mibefradil group was significantly different from w-Conotoxin MVIIA group. The frequency and duration of SWDs significantly decreased in w-Conotoxin MVIIA after mibefradil group compared with basal, mibefradil, and w-Conotoxin MVIIA groups.Conclusions:We concluded that both T and L type calcium channels play activator roles in SWDs and have positive effects on frequency and duration of these discharges. These results are related with their central effects more than peripheral effects.KEY WORDS: Epilepsy, mibefradil, T and N type calcium channels, Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rij rats, w-Conotoxin MVIIA     

Impact of Pulsatile Perfusion on Clinical Outcomes of Neonates and Infants With Complex Pathologies Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass Procedures

The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the pulsatile perfusion mode in pediatric patients who had complex cardiac pathologies according to Jenkins stratifications (category 4) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass procedures (CPB). Patients with transposition of great arteries (TGA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) were included in this clinical study. Eighty‐nine consecutive pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery for repair of TGA‐VSD were prospectively entered into the study and were randomly assigned to either the pulsatile perfusion group (Group P, n = 58) or the nonpulsatile perfusion group (Group NP, n = 31). There were no differences between groups in terms of demographical and intraoperative parameters. The pulsatile group needed significantly less inotropic support (P < 0.05) and had lower lactate levels (P < 0.001), higher urine output (P < 0.01), and higher albumin levels (P < 0.05). In addition, the pulsatile group had less ICU (P < 0.01) and hospital stays (P < 0.001). We conclude that the use of pulsatile flow is a better option and should be considered for repair of the complex congenital heart defects.     

Reduction Mammaplasty Using Bipedicled Dermoglandular Flaps and Free-Nipple Transplantation

Background  

Secondary revisions due to deflation, flattening, and ptosis have been the major concerns after free-nipple breast reduction procedures. This study used a new modification of the standard technique known as the “bipedicled dermoglandular flap method” to reduce reoperation rates.     

外源性睾酮对离体家兔阴茎海绵体的影响(英文)

AIM: To study the effects of exogenous excess of testosterone on the constricting effect of phenylephrine and en-dothelium-dependent and -independent relaxing effects of different agonists in the corpus cavemosum penis (CCP). METHODS: Specimens of the CCP were obtained from rabbits testosterone for 1 and 2 months and untreated for 2 months after testosterone-treatment for 2 months. Preparations were mounted between two parallel platinum electrodes in organ baths. Responses to phenylephrine, car-bachol, and sodium nitroprusside were obtained by adding the reagent cumulatively to the bath. RESULTS: The phenylephrine-induced contractions were decreased with no change in agonist potency (pD2 value) after both 1 and 2 month testosterone-treatment and did not return to control values in corpus cavernosum obtained from rabbits untreated for 2 months after testosterone-treatment for 2 months. Testosterone treatment for 1 or 2 months increased the endothelium-dependent relaxations induced by carbachol and decrea     

Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver in adulthood: immunohistochemical profiles, clinical and histopathological features in two patients

Mesenchymal hamartoma is an uncommon cystic mass of the liver which occurs primarily in children. There are a few reports of its occurrence in adulthood. Here, we present two cases in female patients, 54 and 51 years old. Radiological examinations in both patients showed multiple cystic lesions in the liver. Surgically, total cystectomy was performed in the first patient, while an unroofing procedure was done in the second patient (due to misdiagnosis of the lesion as a simple cyst of the liver). On microscopic examinations of the lesion in each patient, a multilocular cyst was observed, lined by flattened epithelium and surrounded by a mesenchymal component composed of mature connective tissue, arterial and venous vascular structures, peripheral nerve bundles, and ductal structures. An immunohistochemical panel consisting of desmin, smooth-muscle actin, S-100, vimentin, CD34, carcinoembryonic antigen, pancytokeratin, cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 8, cytokeratin 17, cytokeratin 18, cytokeratin 19, and cytokeratin 20 was applied to paraffin sections. Immunoreactivity for cytokeratin 7 and cytokeratin 19 was observed in cystic epithelium and ductal structures. Focal and patchy desmin immunoreactivity was observed in connective tissue. S-100 was positive only in peripheral nerve bundles. In conclusion, mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver in adulthood is a localized tumoral abnormality that precedes birth, and which has delayed clinical presentation. These lesions seems to be related to a maturation process. During this period of maturation, immature edematous stroma rich in mucopolysaccharides may convert to mature paucicellular hyalinized connective tissue. This maturation process may be also related to loss of premalignant potential of these tumors.     

A two-dose schedule for combined hepatitis A and B vaccination in children aged 6-15 years

A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, Twinrix, in a paediatric formulation for ages 1-15 years and in an adult formulation for those ages 16 years and older, became commercially available in Turkey as well as in many countries. It is administered according to a three-dose schedule (0, 1 and 6 months). A reduction in the number of doses would improve the compliance rate and reduce administration costs. Therefore, we planned a trial evaluation of the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity profile of a high-dose combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, administered in two doses, compared with the profile of a paediatric-dose combined vaccine, administered in three doses, in healthy children aged 6-15 years. One hundred children were randomly attributed to the two study groups. The first group (paediatric-dose vaccine group) received the licensed Twinrix Paediatric, at months 0, 1 and 6; the second group (high-dose vaccine group) received the high-dose vaccine, following a 0, 6 months schedule. The reactogenicity was assessed after each vaccine dose. The immunogenicity was evaluated by testing for anti-HBs and anti-HAV antibodies. Seroconversion rates and geometric mean titres (GMTs) were compared. Both formulations of the combined vaccine were well tolerated. The high-dose combined vaccine administered in two doses, elicits satisfactory immunogenicity profiles, similar to those elicited by the paediatric vaccine administered in three doses. On completion of the vaccination schedule in the two groups all children were protected against hepatitis B and immune for hepatitis A. Anti-HAV GMTs after completion of the vaccination schedule were 7163 mlU/ml in the paediatric-dose group, 8241 mlU/ml in the high-dose group; anti-HBs GMTs were 8679 and 4583 mlU/ml, respectively. These results indicate that a two-dose schedule, compared with the standard three-dose schedule, offers fewer injections for satisfactory protection against the two infections. This means fewer clinic visits, lower administration costs, better compliance, and higher coverage rate. Therefore, this two-dose schedule can be considered an appropriate regimen for the immunization of children and adolescents against hepatitis A and B infection, in the context of school-based immunization programmes.     

Effect of peritonitis on gallbladder smooth muscle contractility in guinea pigs

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms involved in the impaired gallbladder contractile response in peritonitis are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of peritonitis on the contraction and relaxation responses to different agonists in gallbladder smooth muscle in guinea pig. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peritonitis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in 10 guinea pigs. Another group of 10 guinea pigs underwent a sham operation and acted as controls. Twenty-four hours after the operation, the guinea pigs were killed, and gallbladder strips were placed in organ bath. The contraction responses to KCl, carbachol, and histamine, and relaxation responses to cyclooxygenase inhibitors (indomethacin, nimesulide, and DFU) on KCl-induced contractions were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the contractile responsiveness to KCl, but maximum contractile responses (E(max)) to carbachol and histamine were significantly reduced. Indomethacin, nimesulide, and DFU concentration dependently inhibited on KCl-induced contractions of gallbladder smooth muscle. E(max) values of indomethacin, nimesulide, and DFU were significantly reduced in the peritonitis group compared with controls (P < 0.05). The inhibitor effects of nimesulide and DFU were considerably similar, but inhibitor effect of indomethacin was significantly less than that measured for nimesulide and DFU in both control and peritonitis groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The contraction responses to carbachol and histamine and relaxation responses to COX inhibitors on gallbladder smooth muscle are significantly decreased by peritonitis. Although the mechanism of the decrease in contraction and relaxation responses in CLP-induced peritonitis is completely unknown, we speculate that impaired smooth muscle responses may be related to an alteration in the regulation of receptor/postreceptor excitation-response coupling and/or through changes on Ca(2+) influx.