Immunocytochemical detection of effects of TRH and T4 on prolactin- and TSH-producing cells in the pituitary gland of Rana ridibunda

Effects of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and various doses of thyroxin (T4) on prolactin (PRL)-producing cells and thyrotropic cells in the pituitary were investigated in adult male and female Rana ridibunda frogs. Animals were given 200 microg TRH once a week for 4 weeks and 0.2-0.5 mg T4 during 3 days per week for a period of 2 weeks by injections in the groin. PRL-producing cells and thyrotropic cells were identified with light microscopical and electron microscopical immunocytochemical methods, using rabbit anti-PRL and rabbit anti-thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) as primary antibodies. TRH caused cytological changes in both cell types, which were consistent with increased synthesis and release of both PRL and TSH. Treatment with 0.5 mg T4 activated both cell types less than TRH treatment did, whereas 0.2 and 0.4 mg T4 caused inactivation of both cell types. In conclusion, mammalian TRH is effective on both types of frog pituitary cells. Our study suggests that T4 has a positive rather than a negative effect when concentrations above a certain threshold are given.     

Primary cardiac hydatid cyst presenting as noncompaction cardiomyopathy

We report a case of cyst was initially labeled as left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. An accurate diagnosis is essential to establish the most effective treatment strategy. In particular, echocardiographic examination assists in identifying the correct diagnosis. In this case, two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography were used for definitive diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst.     

Prevalence and short-term mortality of acute-on-chronic liver failure: A national cohort study from the USA

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<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Carnitine: a new insight into the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer

Objectives

The present study aims to specify the role of l-carnitine in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer by comparing the serum total l-carnitine levels of endometrial cancer patients with those of healthy women.

Methods

Serum total l-carnitine concentrations were measured in patients with endometrioid-type endometrial cancer (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20) who were matched with respect to age and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Stage I endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 12 women (60.0 %) whereas three women (15.0 %) had stage II disease, three women (15.0 %) had stage III disease and two women (10.0 %) had stage IV disease. The healthy controls and endometrial cancer patients were statistically similar in aspect of age, gravidity, parity, BMI, waist-to-thigh ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, menopause, complete blood count parameters, and serum biochemistry. Serum total l-carnitine levels of women with endometrial cancer were significantly lower than those of healthy women (respectively, 5,519.4 ± 2,712.5 vs 7,940.8 ± 3,566.6 ng/dl, p = 0.021). Moreover, serum total l-carnitine levels decreased significantly and progressively with advancing stage (stage I vs II vs III vs IV; 6,294.0 ± 2,885.1 vs 5,800.0 ± 441.2 vs 4,016.0 ± 2,833.3 vs 2,560.0 ± 67.9 ng/dl; p = 0.021).

Conclusions

This is the first study to hypothesize that l-carnitine deficiency participates in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer by means of a mechanism which is unrelated with obesity and increased amount of fat in human body.

     

Behcet’s disease and cardiovascular involvement: our experience of asymptomatic Behcet’s patients

Behcet’s disease is generally defined by oral and genital ulcers and uveitis. It is also known as a recurrent multisystemic and inflammatory disease. It is mostly seen in Mediterranean countries and the Far East.The aetiology of Behcet’s disease is associated with viral, toxic, bacterial and immunological factors. It was defined in 1963 as an auto-immune disease caused by auto-antibodies against the oral mucosa. Vascular involvement is 2–7% and it is usually seen in patients between the ages of 20 and 40 years.Behcet’s disease is a non-specific arterial and venous vasculitis.1-8 Proximal and distal anastomotic aneurysm formation after surgery is not rare one to 12 months postoperatively. Recurrent surgical interventions increase the risk of mortality and morbidity.9,10 Cardiovascular involvement in Behcet’s disease includes pericarditis, coronary arterial disease, cardiomyopathy and valvular dysfunction.11 The aim of this study was to report our experience of cardiovascular involvement with asymptomatic Behcet’s disease.     

Targeted mesenchymal stem cell and vascular endothelial growth factor strategies for repair of nerve defects with nerve tissue implanted autogenous vein graft conduits

Peripheral nerve gaps exceeding 1 cm require a bridging repair strategy. Clinical feasibility of autogenous nerve grafting is limited by donor site comorbidity. In this study we investigated neuroregenerative efficacy of autogenous vein grafts implanted with tissue fragments from distal nerve in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in repair of rat peripheral nerve defects. Six‐groups of Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 8 each) were evaluated in the autogenous setting using a 1.6 cm long peroneal nerve defect: Empty vein graft (group 1), Nerve graft (group 2), Vein graft and nerve fragments (group 3), Vein graft and nerve fragments and blank microspheres (group 4), Vein graft and nerve fragments and VEGF microspheres (group 5), Vein graft and nerve fragments and MSCs (group 6). Nerve fragments were derived from distal segment. Walking track analysis, electrophysiology and nerve histomorphometry were performed for assessment. Peroneal function indices (PFI), electrophysiology (amplitude) and axon count results for group 2 were ?9.12 ± 3.07, 12.81 ± 2.46 mV, and 1697.88 ± 166.18, whereas the results for group 5 were ?9.35 ± 2.55, 12.68 ± 1.78, and 1566 ± 131.44, respectively. The assessment results did not reveal statistical difference between groups 2 and 5 (P > 0.05). The best outcomes were seen in group 2 and 5 followed by group 6. Compared to other groups, poorest outcomes were seen in group 1 (P ≤ 0.05). PFI, electrophysiology (amplitude) and axon count results for group 1 were ?208.82 ± 110.69, 0.86 ± 0.52, and 444.50 ± 274.03, respectively. Vein conduits implanted with distal nerve‐derived nerve fragments improved axonal regeneration. VEGF was superior to MSCs in facilitating nerve regeneration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:578–585, 2016.     

Employment and Other Income Sources Among Homeless Youth

Homeless youth report high rates of unemployment. While homeless serving agencies usually offer employment services, most homeless youth are disengaged from homeless service agencies, and a limited number of studies have examined employment and other income sources among service disconnected youth. Our study examined income sources and change in income among service disconnected youth, all of whom received Strengths-Based Outreach and Advocacy (SBOA, N?=?79). Findings revealed that over time employment and legal income from non-survival behaviors increased (e.g., governmental assistance and receiving income from friends and relatives), while income from survival behaviors decreased (e.g., prostitution, stealing, selling possessions, selling blood or plasma). Although unemployment among these youth remained high (62%), income from survival behaviors reduced most drastically. Findings also suggest that employment is linked to housing stability and mental health, as is substance use and income, which suggests that mental health, housing, and substance use treatment services are important components in income stabilization for homeless youth.     

Orally disintegrating tablets and orally disintegrating mini tablets – novel dosage forms for pediatric use

The oral administration route is considered to be the most widely used route because of its convenience of administration and manufacturing. Dosage forms, like orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), mini tablets, and orally disintegrating mini tablets (ODMTs), are recognized as promising for use in pediatric patients. ODTs are known to be suitable drug delivery systems, especially for pediatric patients, because of their rapid disintegration properties, use without water, and no swallowing problems. In addition, in recent years, a new formulation approach has been developed. ODMTs, are the newest drug delivery systems. They combine the advantageous properties of ODTs and the small size of mini tablets, aimed for pediatric use. These tablets, which can be formulated as 2–4?mm in diameter, are known as drug delivery systems that have children acceptability age as low as 6-months old. The fact that the ODTs and the ODMTs can be formulated with acceptable flavors for children further increases the importance of these carrier systems in the treatment. The objective of this article is to highlight the development of ODTs and mini-ODTs, their significance, ideal characteristics, various techniques, and aspects related to design and formulation, marketed preparations, and future perspectives, especially for the pediatric patients.