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.     

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.     

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.     

Prenatal and perinatal factors associated with developing multiple sclerosis later in life: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveBoth genetic and environmental factors play roles in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) etiopathogenesis. The relationship between prenatal/perinatal factors/exposures and future MS occurrence in the offspring remains controversial. Here, we aimed to review the available evidence on prenatal/perinatal factors associated with later MS occurrence.MethodWe performed systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to October 2020. We included original observational studies conducted on human participants addressing the association between prenatal/perinatal factors and MS occurrence. Data were extracted according to the PRISMA guideline. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered as the desired effect size. The heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q and I² and the publication bias was assessed. We excluded gestational/neonatal vitamin D level, season of birth, and latitude because of recently published systematic reviews/meta-analyses on these subjects.ResultsOverall, 2306 records were identified in the primary search. After excluding irrelevant studies, we evaluated 34 studies with contributing data on 100 prenatal/perinatal factors associated with an increased or decreased risk of MS occurrence. In the meta-analyses, we found no statistically significant associations between later MS occurrence in offspring and prenatal smoking exposure (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.77–1.34), mode of delivery (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.52–1.56), birth order (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.72–1.00), and maternal age (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.88–2.04). Paternal age and parents' marital status at the time of childbirth, maternal preeclampsia/ toxemia, forceps use, birth weight, plurality, and preterm birth were the other most studied factors, and none reported to affect MS risk.ConclusionWe found that prenatal smoking exposure, mode of delivery, birth order, and maternal age do not affect risk of future MS development. Moreover, most of the other investigated factors were reported not to affect MS risk in the offspring.     

Larger hip circumference independently contributed to reduced metabolic risks in Tehranian adult women

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that health professionals may discard measurement of hip circumference from public health screening efforts. Before discarding the hip circumference in epidemiological surveys, it is important to consider whether any important information is likely to be lost. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between hip circumference and metabolic risk factors in an urban adult population of Tehranian women. DESIGN: In this population-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample of 5720 women aged 18-74 years, were included. Demographic data was collected; anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured according to standard protocol. Hypertension was defined based on Joint National Committee VI (JNC VI). Biochemical analysis was conducted on fasting blood samples. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) > or =126 mg/dl or 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG) > or =200 mg/dl. Lipid disorders and components of metabolic syndrome were considered based on Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). RESULTS: Mean age of women was 39.9+/-14.6 years. Mean body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist and hip circumferences for subjects were 27.1+/-5.1 kg/m2, 0.83+/-0.08, 86.5+/-13.1 cm and 103.5+/-9.8 cm, respectively. Higher hip circumference was associated with lower levels of serum total- and LDL-cholesterol, serum triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose, 2-h plasma glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Subjects in the top quintile of hip circumference had higher values of serum HDL-cholesterol concentration compared to those in the lower category. After adjustment for potential confounding variables and anthropometric measures associated with higher hip circumference, a significant decreasing trend was observed for odds of having high LDL-cholesterol (odds ratios among quintiles: 1.00, 0.98, 0.97, 0.95, 0.84, respectively, P for trend=0.04), diabetes (1.00, 0.68, 0.58, 0.45, 0.42, P for trend=0.01), hypertension (1.00, 0.96, 0.82, 0.78, 0.70, P for trend 0.02), low serum HDL-cholesterol (1.00, 1.03, 0.86, 0.82, 0.56, P for trend=0.04), elevated blood pressure (1.00, 0.99, 0.82, 0.70, 0.61, P for trend=0.01) and abnormal glucose homeostasis (1.00, 0.69, 0.66, 0.54, 0.48, P for trend=0.01) among hip circumference quintile categories. Individuals in the upper category of hip circumference had lower odds of having hypercholestrolemia (0.86 vs. 1.00) and high serum triglyceride levels (0.74 vs. 1.00) compared to those in the lowest category. CONCLUSION: Hip circumference is independently and inversely associated with metabolic risk factors. This study underscores the importance of continuing to measure hip circumference in epidemiologic surveys in Tehranian adult women.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase VNTR (intron 4 a/b) polymorphism association with type 2 diabetes and its chronic complications

Subject and aims

Endothelial derived nitric oxide (eNOS) is involved in several functions playing important role in development of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the association between eNOS intron 4 VNTR polymorphism and type 2 diabetes in an Iranian population.

Methods

A total of 220 patients with type 2 diabetes and 96 healthy control subjects were recruited from the same area. Genotyping was performed using PCR.

Results

A significant difference was found in genotype frequencies of eNOS polymorphism between patients and controls (aa + ab vs. bb p = 0.02, OR 2.0 95% CI; 1.05-3.96). Also allele a frequency was significantly increased in patients with diabetes compared with controls (p = 0.007, OR 2.1 95% CI; 1.19-4.08). We found that in patients with diabetic neuropathy the frequency of ‘a’ allele was significantly increased compared to the controls p = 0.03, OR = 1.8 95% CI (1.00-3.7). Both genotype and allele frequencies were significantly different between patients who were complication free compared to the controls [aa + ab vs. bb p = 0.007, OR = 2.6 95% CI (1.2-5.8) and p = 0.001, OR = 2.8 95% CI (1.4-5.9)] respectively with the a allele conferring the risk.

Conclusion

The association between eNOS VNTR polymorphism and T2DM seems to be stronger in patients without diabetic complications indicating diverse effect of eNOS polymorphism on diabetes and diabetic microvascular complications.     

Inverse association between fruit, legume, and cereal fiber and the risk of metabolic syndrome: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Aims

To evaluate the association between total dietary fiber and its types and sources with the risk of MetS.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of 2 457 adults (1 327 male and 1 130 female), aged 19-84 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and lipids were measured according to standard protocols. The MetS was defined according to definition by Adult Treatment Panel III.

Results

Multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of MetS between highest and lowest quartiles was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.39-0.74; P for trend <0.05) for total dietary fiber, 0.60 (0.43-0.84; P for trend <0.05) for soluble fiber, and 0.51 (0.35-0.72; P for trend <0.05) for insoluble fiber. Among sources of dietary fiber, fruit fiber (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.37-0.72), cereal fiber (0.74; 0.57-0.97), and legume fiber (0.73; 0.53-0.99) were inversely associated with the risk of MetS, after adjustment for confounding factors. Intake of vegetable fiber and nut fiber were unrelated to the risk of MetS.

Conclusions

Total dietary fiber, soluble- and insoluble fiber, fruit fiber, cereal fiber and legume fiber were associated with a protective effect for the presence of MetS among this Tehranian population.     

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

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