The incidence, timing, and predisposing factors of germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH/IVH) in preterm neonates

Background Germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH/IVH) is a known complication occurring in the first week of life in preterm neonates. However, the precise time of its occurrence and the ideal time to perform diagnostic imaging studies remain controversial. The purpose of this paper is to address these two issues in our patient population to allocate our resources to those at highest risk.Materials and methods This study included 282 premature newborns (under 37 weeks of gestation) that were admitted to our neonate ICU in a year’s time and screened for GMH/IVH. They were grouped in four categories according to their weight at birth, and according to their gestational age. All patients had a daily cranial ultrasound during the first week. It was then repeated once in the second week and once in the third.Results We found that the incidence of GMH/IVH among preterm neonates was 44.68%. It was inversely related to the weight and the age of the newborn. The onset of bleeding coordinated with the occurrence of hypoxia and respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation. The majorities occurred in the first 7 days of life; they were mostly grade I and II according to the Papule classification and silent for the most part. Complications were present in 41% of the survivors.     

Inductively coupled transmission of neuro-active signals: analysis of optimal parameters

Fifteen parameters that play a role in the optimal transmission of therapeutic signals by inductively coupled implantable neurostimulator have been investigated. For this purpose, at first, a model of the system was constructed from which the system transfer function was obtained. Then, the relationship between the transfer gain and each parameter was evaluated using mathematical equations and a specifically built computer program. This study showed that the gain could be increased selecting small values for some parameters (the number of active coil windings, first radii of inner and outer paths of the core, heights of the core base and windings, position under the skin, internal resistances of the active and passive coils, tissue impedance between the contacts of electrode), and high values for the others (the number of passive coil windings, second radii of inner and outer paths of the core, frequency of the signal, relative magnetic permeability of the core). Critical saturation values were another considerable point. The nearest commercially available standard values should be preferred in practical applications.     

ACE Genotype May Have an Effect on Single versus Multiple Set Preferences in Strength Training

A polymorphic variant of the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene was identified. The 'D' (rather than 'I') variant was associated with improvements in strength related to physical training. We set out to determine whether the response to different patterns of strength training might also differ. Ninty-nine Caucasian male non-elite athletes were randomly allocated into one of three groups: 31 non-training/control (CG: 31), single-set (SSG: 35) and multiple-set (MSG: 33). SSG and MSG trained three times a week for 6 weeks. Both training groups were underwent a strength-training program with two mesocycles (12-15 repetition maximum (RM) and 8-12 RM mesocycles). One RM loads in half squat and bench press were assessed before training and after the first and second mesocycles. ACE polymorphisms analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Subjects with ACE II genotype in the MST group had improved strength development in 12-15 RM, while SST and MST groups had similar gains in 8-12 RM. Subjects with ACE DD genotype in both the SSG and the MSG had similar benefits from both 12-15 RM and 8-12 RM. Strength gains for subjects with ACE ID genotype in the SSG were similar to MSG gains in response to 8-12 RM loads but not with 12-15 RM loads. Additionally, subjects with DD genotype had superior strength gains in both strength training groups. Tailoring strength training programmes (single-set vs. multiple set) according to the athlete's ACE genotype may be advantageous.     

Cu and CuO Nanoparticles Affected the Germination and the Growth of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Seedling

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - The application of Cu and CuO nanofertilizers in horticulture has been a promising strategy to promote plants’ growth. In our study,...     

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy improves outcome prediction in perinatal CNS insults.

OBJECTIVE: Prediction of neurologic outcome is difficult in neonates with acute nervous system injury. Previous studies using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) have been used to predict short-term neurologic outcome in neonates with a variety of neurologic insults. We were interested in determining the effectiveness of combining clinical evaluation and spectroscopy obtained at the time of injury in predicting neurologic outcome at 24 months. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 33 neonates with acute central nervous system injury, 5.8+/-3.7 days of injury, owing to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Neonates were assessed using clinical variables (initial arterial pH, initial blood glucose, Sarnat score, electroencephalography) and spectroscopy (NAA/Cho, NAA/Cre, Cho/Cre, and lactate). Neonates were divided into two outcome groups: good/moderate and poor. Differences between the groups were assessed using chi(2) and t-test analyses. We analyzed the best predictors of outcome using discriminant analysis and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for each variable independently and in combination. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the good/moderate and poor outcome for the Sarnat score, EEG, lactate, and NAA/Cho. Spectroscopy combined with clinical variables improved sensitivity, but not specificity for predicting outcome. The presence of lactate had the best individual predictive value. Combination of the clinical with the MRS variables had the highest predictive value. CONCLUSION: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy done early after injury improves the ability to predict neurologic outcome at 24 months of age.     

Trimetazidine has Promising Preventive Effects on Experimental Chronic Pancreatitis Rat Model

Background: It was aimed to evaluate the preventive efficacy of trimetazidine in an experimental chronic pancreatitis rat model.Methods: Chronic pancreatitis model was accomplished with caerulein and alcohol administration. In the study, 40 female Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups containing 8 animals in each. Group 1 (chronic pancreatitis); group 2 (chronic pancreatitis + low-dose trimetazidine group); group 3 (chronic pancreatitis + high-dose trimetazidine group); group 4 (placebo group (chronic pancreatitis + saline)); group 5 (sham group). 24 hours after the last injection, all animals were sacrificed. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-β, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase levels were tested in blood samples. Histopathologic examinations were conducted by a senior pathologist who was unaware of the group allocations.Results: Results of biochemical parameters of the trimetazidine groups (groups 2 and 3) were significantly favorable compared with the chronic pancreatitis group (group 1) (P < .05). The difference between the low-dose- and the high-dose trimetazidine group (group 3) was significant in terms of blood tests (P < .05). The difference between the low-dose trimetazidine group and the chronic pancreatitis group was not significant in terms of histopathologic scores (P > .05); however, the difference was significant between the high-dose trimetazidine group and the chronic pancreatitis group (P < .05).Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this current research is the first study that evaluates trimetazidine’s efficacy in the chronic pancreatitis rat model. Trimetazidine has affirmative preventive properties in the chronic pancreatitis course.