Effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children – observational study

BackgroundSecond-hand smoking or environmental tobacco smoke is a critical health risk. Children are the most vulnerable to second-hand smoking because of their small bronchial ducts, less developed immunity, and low-physical activity.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children.MethodsThis observational study included forty-six school-aged children, their age was 8–15 years, assigned to three groups; 2 study groups and 1 control group (n=15). The study groups comprised of 16 football players, and of 15 cyclists. Lung functions were evaluated recording forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow using digital spirometer.ResultsAll measures were recorded in definite values and the children were also classified into second-hand smoking (SH), or non-exposed to tobacco smoking (NE). The findings presented a significant increase (p<0.05) of the study groups in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow solely for the non-exposed children. However, there were non-significant differences between the cyclists and football players or between the passive smoking children and non-exposed children in any of the two study groups (p>0.05).ConclusionThe outcomes of this study suggest beneficial influences of the sports activity on the lung functions, without different influences of the cyclists and football players on the lung functions.     

Noninvasive tests for arterial structure, function, and compliance: do they identify risk or diagnose disease?

BACKGROUND: Brachial artery reactivity (BAR), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and applanation tonometry for evaluation of total arterial compliance may provide information about preclinical vascular disease. We sought to determine whether these tests could be used to identify patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without being influenced by their ability to identify those at risk for CAD developing. METHODS: We studied 100 patients and compared 3 groups: 35 patients with known CAD; 34 patients with symptoms and risk factors but no CAD identified by stress echocardiography (risk group); and 31 control subjects. BAR and IMT were measured using standard methods, and total arterial compliance was calculated by the pulse-pressure method from simultaneous radial applanation tonometry and pulsed wave Doppler of the left ventricular outflow. Ischemia was identified as a new or worsening wall-motion abnormality induced by stress. RESULTS: In a comparison between the control subjects and patients either at risk for developing CAD or with CAD, the predictors of risk for CAD were: age (P =.01); smoking history (P =.002); hypercholesterolemia (P =.002); and hypertension (P =.004) (model R = 0.82; P =.0001). The independent predictors of CAD were: IMT (P =.001); BAR (P =.04); sex (P =.005); and hypertension (P =.005) (model R = 0.80; P =.0001). CONCLUSION: IMT, BAR, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors appear to identify patients at risk for CAD developing. However, only IMT was significantly different between patients at risk for developing CAD and those with overt CAD.     

Zero-Order Release Formulation of Oxprenolol Hydrochloride with Swelling and Erosion Control

Zero-order release of oxprenolol hydrochloride was obtained by controlling the swelling and erosion of the matrix. This formulation involves only mixing of drug, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC) at the ratio of 1:0.4:1.6, respectively, and compressing the mixture directly into tablets. The in vitro release pattern from this optimized matrix tablet was reproducible. Accelerated stability studies revealed that the optimized formulation remains stable for an approximately 2-year shelf life. This sustained-release (SR) tablet was evaluated in dogs, and for comparison a conventional (CV) formulation was also given at the same dose level. Plasma oxprenolol levels were monitored by a sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters, i.e., lower C _max, higher values of t _max, MRT, AUC, and plasma concentration at 24 hr, and nearly constant plasma levels over 12 hr, indicated that the SR matrix tablet is superior to the CV rapid-releasing formulation. The in vitro release parameters and in vivo pharmacokinetics correlated well.     

Congenital posterior urethral polyps in childhood. A case report.

We describe a 3-year-old boy who presented with dysuria and urinary retention. The diagnostic work-up (USS, MRI, urethrocystoscopy), suggested a polypoid lesion at the bladder base, originating from the verumontanum. Histology showed the lesion to be a fibroepithelial polyp. A rare cause of urinary retention in childhood must be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Synthesis and Neuromuscular Blocking Activity of 16β-Piperidino Epiandrosterone Derivatives

This study reports the synthesis of steroidal quaternary ammonium compounds 11 and 12, with quaternary nitrogen at position 3 and 16 of the steroid nucleus in 5α-epiandrosterone series; along with their neuromuscular blocking activity using chick biventer cervicis muscle preparation. The compound 12 was found to be five times more potent than 11 in reducing twitch response to nerve stimulations, indicating the importance of extended interonium distances and 17-acetoxy function for potent antagonist activity.     

Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the Arabic version of Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ)

BackgroundValidated outcome measures are essential for assessment and treatment of children with disabilities. The Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ) was developed and validated for use in Western countries for children with unilateral hand dysfunction. This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and investigate reliability for the Arabic CHEQ.MethodsTranslation and cross-cultural adaptation were performed in four phases: (i) forward-translation and reconciliation with feedback from parents and typically developing children from Jordan (n = 14); (ii) backward-translation and review; (iii) cognitive debriefing with parents and/or their children with unilateral hand dysfunction (n = 17); and (iv) review and proofreading. In the psychometric analyses, 161 children from Jordan (mean age [SD] 10y 8 m [5y 8 m]; 88 males) participated. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in 39 children with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa (κ).ResultsSynonyms of four words were added to accommodate for different Arabic dialects. On average, 93% of children with unilateral hand dysfunction and their parents understood the CHEQ items. One response alternative, ‘Get help’, to the opening question was unclear for 70% of the respondents and need further explanation. Two items about using a knife and fork were difficult to comprehend and culturally irrelevant. High internal consistency was demonstrated (Cronbach’s alphas 0.94- 0.97) and moderate to excellent ICC (0.77–0.93). For 18 individual items, κ indicated poor to good agreement (κ between 0.28 and 0.66).ConclusionsAfter the suggested minor adjustments, the Arabic CHEQ will be comprehensible, culturally relevant and reliable for assessing children with unilateral hand dysfunction in Jordan.     

Evaluation of sperm selection procedure based on hyaluronic acid binding ability on ICSI outcome

PURPOSE: To compare the efficiency of routine sperm selection method with HA-selection procedure for fertilization rate, embryo development, implantation and pregnancy rates as well as evaluating the relationship between HA-binding ability with sperm protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation. METHODS: Semen samples were obtained from the 50 couples undergoing ICSI. The percentage of fertilization rate, cleavage and quality of embryos compared between two procedures (routine sperm selection and HA-binding selection). The semen samples were assessed for DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, respectively. RESULTS: A significant inverse correlation was observed between percentage of HA binding with protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation and abnormal sperm morphology (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in current study, oocytes inseminated by HA sperm selection procedure had significantly higher fertilization rate (P < 0.05). While the pregnancy and implantation rates were insignificantly increased. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that normal sperm have higher chance to bind HA and therefore, HA sperm selection procedure may select sperm with normal protamine content and low DNA fragmentation, but to confirm the effect of HA sperm selection on the ICSI outcome requires further studies.     

A cross‐sectional study of the relationship between serum sexual hormone levels and internal derangement of temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are defined as clinical conditions that involve the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone levels in menstruating women affected by internal derangement of the TMJ. A total of 142 women (mean age 30·2 ± 6·7) who referred to medical diagnostic laboratory of Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad Branch, were enrolled during 2007 and 2008. Forty‐seven individuals had disc displacement with reduction (Group IIa) according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC)/TMD Axis I diagnosis. Radioimmunoassay was used for the detection of serum 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone levels in all 142 subjects. The mean progesterone level was significantly higher in control group (11·6 ± 10·4 ng mL^?1) compared to women with TMD (8·4 ± 6·8 ng mL^?1, P = 0·03). No significant difference was found in two groups regarding 17β‐oestradiol level. Lower progesterone level in women with TMD can suggest the more important role of this hormone in the development of the disorder.