Sexual dimorphism of the extraorbital lacrimal glands in SF-1 knockout mice

Sexual dimorphism (SD) represents all the differences between males and females of the same species. SD of the murine lacrimal gland and the major effect of testosterone on its formation are well documented. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, NR5a1) is a nuclear receptor essential for the fetal development of steroid hormones producing organs and SF-1 knockout mice (Sf-1 KO) are therefore born without gonads and adrenal glands. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SD in lacrimal glands is present in the absence of exposure to sex hormones during development. Lacrimal glands from adult Sf-1 KO male and female mice without hormonal exposure, and from males that were treated with testosterone propionate (TP) prior to sacrifice, were examined. After sacrifice, glandular tissue was processed using standard histological procedures. Paraffin sections were analysed by stereology and immunostained against the androgen receptor (AR). Our results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the mean volumes of acini, connective tissue or ductal system between males, females, and males on TP. The same pertains to the mean length of the ducts in all three groups. In the absence of sex hormones, sex chromosomes proved to be insufficient in inducing sexual dimorphism in LG. However, nuclei of the acinar cells in males on TP were positive for AR, whereas in males without TP no expression of AR was detected. Administration of TP induced the expression of AR in the nuclei of acinar cells of males but did not affect the morphology of LG. We conclude that SD in the lacrimal gland is not present in Sf-1 KO mice and this suggests that sex hormones have a major role in the development of SD in the lacrimal gland.     

Effects of two anaesthetic regimes, MS-222 and eugenol, on plasma biochemical profile in Barbus sharpeyi

For choosing an anaesthetic agent for a particular purpose, the different properties has been notified such as the convenience for use, safety for the fish, humans and the environment, effectiveness, physiological disturbances and its cost. Invariably, in any study with clove oil, it has been regarded as an effective and acceptable alternative to other anaesthetics. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of two anaesthetic regimes, MS-222 and eugenol, on plasma biochemical parameters in Barbus sharpeyi. B. sharpeyi fingerlings (mean weight, 5?g?±?1; mean length, 6?cm?±?1) were exposed to MS-222 (100?ppm) and eugenol (40?ppm) for induction of anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken to verify the effects of these anaesthetics on plasma biochemical parameters may use as an indicator of stress at time 0 (designated for each tank at the time of exposure to anaesthetic agent), 0.5, 1, 2 and 24?h after exposure by caudal severance. Plasma biochemical parameters concentrations were not significantly affected in B. sharpeyi (p?<?0.05). These results were expected because the trials were conducted in short-term exposures. Ion balance appears to be altered only in long-term stressing condition. Based on the results of this study, eugenol appears to be a safe anesthetic for use in B. sharpeyi.     

Comparison of ß-lactam plus aminoglycoside versus ß-lactam plus fluoroquinolone empirical therapy in serious nosocomial infections due to Gram-negative bacilli

We sought to compare clinical cure on day 7 and a 28-day all-cause mortality in patients who received an anti-pseudomonal ß-lactam with a fluoroquinolone or an aminoglycoside for treatment of nosocomial bacteremia or pneumonia due to Gram-negative bacilli while in the ICU. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in critically ill patients at an academic medical centre from January 2005 to August 2011. A total of 129 patients (83 receiving aminoglycoside and 46 receiving fluoroquinolone combinations) were included. Seven-day clinical cure rates were 74% and 72% for fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside groups, respectively (p = 0.84). There was no significant difference in the odds of clinical cure with a fluoroquinolone as compared to an aminoglycoside combination (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–9.0). There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality in patients who received a fluoroquinolone or an aminoglycoside combination (22% vs. 18%, adjusted hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.29–2.28).     

Incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia: a population-based study

Background

The incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia has not been defined in a population-based investigation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, population-based incidence study using resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project of Olmsted County, Minnesota. We identified all Olmsted County residents with P. aeruginosa bacteremia between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2006, by microbiology records in the only 2 laboratories in the county. Medical records were reviewed to confirm diagnosis, residency status, and clinical characteristics.

Results

Age-adjusted incidence per 100,000 person-years was 10.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.5-14.0) in men and 3.7 (95% CI, 2.2-5.2) in women for total P. aeruginosa bacteremia, and 8.4 (95% CI, 5.5-11.2) in men and 2.5 (95% CI, 1.3-3.8) in women for monomicrobial P. aeruginosa bacteremia. There was no significant change in incidence of total P. aeruginosa bacteremia during the past decade (P = .418). Incidence increased exponentially with age, with a greater magnitude of increase in men compared with women for total and monomicrobial P. aeruginosa bacteremia (P = .007 and P = .015, respectively). In patients with monomicrobial P. aeruginosa bacteremia, the median age was 69 years, and 78.4% of cases were either nosocomial or health care associated. Most patients had multiple comorbid conditions. The urinary tract was the most common primary source of infection. The 28-day all-cause mortality of monomicrobial P. aeruginosa bacteremia was 25.5%. In vitro susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was 95.3%.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first population-based incidence study of P. aeruginosa bacteremia. The incidence of P. aeruginosa bacteremia has remained stable during the past decade. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility is high among local P. aeruginosa bacteremia isolates.