Divergent expression and localization of aquaporin 5, an exocrine-type water channel,in the submandibular gland of Sprague-Dawley rats

By Western blot analysis, the expression level of aquaporin (AQP) 5 in the submandibular gland (SMG) was found to be different among individual rats of the Sprague-Dawley (SD) strain. Such differences were observed for AQP5 but not for AQP1 and consequently the SD strain was divided into two groups, one expressing a high level of AQP5 and the other a low one. The difference in average intensity of expression between the two groups was more than twofold. Immunohistochemical analysis of the SMG demonstrated that the AQP5 protein was localized in the basal and apical/lateral plasma membrane of acinar cells in rats expressing the high level of AQP5. In the rat expressing the low level, however, this channel protein was localized strongly in the apical/lateral plasma membrane, but only very weakly in the basal membrane of the acinar cells. Such a diverse localization of AQP5 was confirmed by Western blotting as well. Breeding between brother and sister was repeated for two times within high expressers and low expressers to obtain the third generation progenies (F2); the AQP5 level of the SMG in the third generation (F2 rats) from high expressers was significantly higher than the F2 from low expressers. Our present study suggests the existence of genetic variation in the expression of a water channel protein, AQP5, in rats.     

Interleukin 12 is produced in vivo during endotoxemia and stimulates synthesis of gamma interferon.

Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is produced in response to circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and contributes to the lethality of endotoxic shock. To address the cellular source of IFN-gamma production in vivo, T cells and B cells were magnetically purified from C57BL/6 mouse spleens 5 h following endotoxin injection. IFN-gamma RNA was abundant in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and in a T- and B-cell-depleted population of splenocytes containing 34% NK1.1+ natural killer (NK) cells. Because interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a known inducer of IFN-gamma synthesis by cultured T cells and NK cells, we examined whether IL-12 might be involved in IFN-gamma release during endotoxemia. mRNA encoding the p40 subunit of IL-12 increased markedly in the spleens of C57BL/6 mice at 2 h after LPS injection, whereas p35 IL-12 mRNA was constitutively expressed at all times. Bioactive IL-12 (p70 heterodimer) was detected in mouse serum at 2 to 4 h after LPS injection. Similar results were obtained using a p40 subunit-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endotoxin-insensitive C3H/HeJ mice generated threefold less IL-12 p70 and IFN-gamma at these times than endotoxin-sensitive C3H/HeOuJ mice. Pretreatment of mice with polyclonal anti-mouse IL-12 antibody reduced IFN-gamma levels present at 6 h post-LPS nearly sixfold in three separate experiments. These studies support a role for IL-12 as a proximal stimulator of IFN-gamma release during endotoxemia.     

A randomized trial of ceftriaxone versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole to prevent ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shunt infection represents a particularly morbid condition, which can also result in mortality. In order to decrease the high morbidity and mortality rates, prevention is an essential step. The purpose of this study was to compare the prophylactic use of ceftriaxone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) for the prevention of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection. METHODS: In this prospective, single-institution, randomized clinical trial, 107 children with hydrocephalus and an indication for shunting were randomly assigned to prophylaxis with ceftriaxone (n = 50) or SXT (55), each administered as a single dose during anesthesia and two divided doses postoperatively. Patients were followed up for at least one year. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 15 months, and 85% were aged 6 months or younger. During the first postoperative year, meningitis occurred in 13.5% of patients receiving ceftriaxone and 14.5% of the SXT group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Younger age, presence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and aqueductal stenosis as a cause of hydrocephalus showed significant correlation with meningitis occurrence on univariate analysis. However, only the latter 2 factors were associated with meningitis on multivariate analysis. The risk of shunt infection did not correlate with the gender of the patient, time of VP shunt surgery, or duration of hospitalization for shunting. CONCLUSION: Ceftriaxone and SXT showed similar efficacy in preventing shunt infection. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage before or after VP shunt placement and aqueductal stenosis were independent risk factors for meningitis after VP shunt.     

Efficacy of allogeneic cord blood platelet gel on wounds of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients after pseudosyndactyly surgery

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the formation of blisters and wounds in skin and mucous membranes; it is classified into four types and has various methods of treatment. Management of previous wounds and prevention of formation of new lesions are the most important strategies in the course of therapy to improve patient's quality of life; lack of wound management can lead to further complications such as infection. The current study investigated the therapeutic effects of allogeneic platelet gel (prepared from umbilical cord blood) in a group of children diagnosed with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) eligible for surgical correction of pseudosyndactyly in the hand. The post‐surgical clinical outcome in this group was compared with the clinical outcomes of DEB patients receiving the standard treatment (paraffin gauze wound dressing and topical antibiotics) after corrective surgery. The current study results showed an increase in the rate of recovery and promotion of tissue granulation, complete wound healing, and a decrease in pain level and treatment period. The application of cord blood platelet gel topical dressing was not a conventional method of treatment in patients with DEB wounds and blisters. However, the current study results demonstrated that this gel dressing could effectively accelerate epithelialization and healing of the wounds and decrease patients' pain and post‐surgical recovery period, which altogether leads to improvements in patients' overall quality of life.     

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Quality of Sexual Life in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Sexuality and Disability - Sexual problems of hemodialysis patients are one of the most significant factors affecting their quality of life and families. On the other hand, an essential part of the...     

Attitudes and experience of urology trainees in interpreting prostate magnetic resonance imaging

IntroductionMultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has resulted in accurate prostate cancer localization and image-guided targeted sampling for biopsy. Despite its more recent uptake, knowledge gaps in interpretation and reporting exist. Our objective was to determine the need for an educational intervention among urology residents working with mpMRIs.MethodsWe administered an anonymous, cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire to a convenience sample of urology residents in U.S. and Canadian training programs. The survey included both open- and closed-ended questions employing a five-point Likert scale. It was designed to assess familiarity, exposure, experience, and comfort with interpretation of mpMRI.ResultsFifty-three surveys were completed by residents in postgraduate years (PGY) 1–5 and of these, only 12 (23%) reported any formal training in mpMRI interpretation. Most residents’ responses demonstrated significant experience with prostate biopsies, as well as familiarity with reviewing mpMRI for these patients. However, mean (± standard deviation [SD]) Likert responses suggested a relatively poor understanding of the components of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2 scoring for T2-weighted films (2.45±1.01), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) films (2.26±0.90), and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) films (2.21±0.99). Similar disagreement scores were observed for questions around interpretation of the different functional techniques of MRI images. Residents reported strong interest (4.21±0.91) in learning opportunities to enhance their ability to interpret mpMRI.ConclusionsWhile mpMRI of the prostate is a tool frequently used by care teams in teaching centers to identify suspicious prostate cancer lesions, there remain knowledge gaps in the ability of trainees to interpret images and understand PI-RADS v2 scoring. Online modules were suggested to balance the needs of trainee education with the residency workflow.     

Magnetic resonance imaging accurately tracks kidney pathology and heterogeneity in the transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

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