The blood pressure variability, arterial elasticity and humoral factors in subjects with family history of hypertension

Normotensive subjects with family history of hypertension (FHT) have been reported to have increased left ventricular mass index and reduced ventricular compliance. Of interest is whether blood pressure variability (BPV), which has been associated with target organ damage, is then part of this complex inherited syndrome? The objectives of this study are to determine whether there are any significant differences in BPV, arterial compliance and humoral factors in subjects with FHT as compared to controls. Thirty-five subjects with self reported FHT and 35 matched controls underwent 24 hour BP monitoring (BR-102, Schiller Inc. Germany). Arterial compliance was measured using systolic pulse wave tonometry (HDI/Pulsewave Cardiovascular Profiling Instrument, Hypertension Diagnostic Inc. USA). None of the subjects were hypertensive or diabetic. Out of these numbers, 25 subjects with FHT and 26 controls had measurements of plasma catecholamines, plasma renin and serum aldosterone. Catecholamines were assayed with high performance liquid chromatography, while both renin and aldosterone measurements were by radioimmunoassay. Subjects with FHT have higher night time BPV. There was no significant difference in arterial compliances between both groups. There were increased level of norepinephrine (NE) in subjects with FHT but epinephrine (E), renin and aldosterone levels were similar in both groups. There were no correlations between NE and BPV but E was negatively associated with daytime and mean arterial systolic BPV. In conclusion subjects with FHT demonstrated a higher night time BPV and NE level as compared to controls.     

Biophotonic effect of diode laser irradiance on tensile strength of diabetic rats

Low-energy laser irradiance at certain wavelengths is able to stimulate the tissue bio-reaction and enhance the healing process. Collagen deposition is one of the important aspects in healing process because it can increase the strength of the skin. This study was designed to examine the biophotonic effect of irradiance on collagen production of diabetic wound in rat model. The tensile strength of skin was employed as a parameter to describe the wound. Diabetic rat models were induced by streptozotocin via intravenous injection. Skin-breaking strength was measured using an Instron tensile test machine. The experimental animals were treated with 808-nm diode laser at two different powers—0.1 and 0.5 W/cm²—and 30, 60, and 120 s for each session. The tensile strength was optimized after treated with high-power diode laser. The photostimulation effect was revealed by accelerated healing process and enhanced tensile strength of wound. Laser photostimulation on tensile strength in diabetic wound suggests that such therapy facilitates collagen production in diabetic wound healing.     

Oral health status of 16-year-old school children in Malaysia

The aim of the present study was to determine the oral health status of 16-year-old Malaysian school children. The prevalence of caries was 75.5%. More than 60% of subjects had caries experience by teeth (DMFT) scores of 0-3. The largest component of the DMFT and caries experience by surface index was the filled component. Females had higher caries prevalence and caries scores than males. The mouth and tooth prevalences of enamel defects were 56% and 21.8%, respectively. The most common type of enamel defects observed were diffuse opacities, affecting 95.5% of affected subjects and 92.1% of affected teeth. One-third of subjects had healthy gingival conditions, 8.6% had bleeding gingivae, 55.1% had calculus and 3% had pockets. Less than 1% of subjects wore or required dentures. Cleft lip and/or palate was uncommon. This study shows that the prevalence of caries and DMFT scores have declined over the last 30 years.     

EFFECT OF ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE ON CELLULAR ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN RAT PROXIMAL TUBULES: EVIDENCE FOR INHIBITION OF THE SODIUM PUMP

1. In order to further define the action of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on proximal tubular (PT) transport, combined clearance and electron microprobe X-ray (EMPX) experiments were performed on five male Wistar rats infused with ANP (0.16 nmol/kg per h) and nine control animals. 2. Electron microprobe X-ray analysis of PT cell electrolytes (mmol/ kg wet weight) revealed a similar [Na]_i in both the control and ANP treated groups (16.4 ± 0.4 vs 16.5 ± 0.4; P= 0.894). [Cl]_i was lower in the ANP treated animals (14.8 ± 0.3 vs 12.0 ± 0.3; P<0. 0001) as was [K]_i (131.4 ± 1.4 vs 114 ± 1.7; P<0.0001). The PT cells in the ANP treated group had a significant reduction in dry weight (20.1 ± 0.3 g%vs 19.0 ± 0.3 g%; P<0.024), indicating significant cell swelling. Thus, despite a normal [Na]_i, there was net accumulation of Na_i following ANP treatment. 3. These results are consistent with accumulation of Nai due to inhibition of the Na pump followed by cell swelling and subsequent regulatory volume decrease with exit of K and Cl. These results are the first to show the effect of ANP on PT intracellular electrolytes.     

Mammographic breast glandularity in Malaysian women: data derived from radiography

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to estimate mammographic breast glandularity in Malaysian women from radiographic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mammography X-ray unit was used to expose different thicknesses of phantom material of varying glandular and adipose composition at 27 kV. A least squares method was then used to fit the combined data of phantom glandularity, thickness, and milliampere-seconds. The subsequent fitted equation was then applied to calculate breast glandularity for 705 women who underwent diagnostic mammography, who were drawn equally from the three major ethnic groups of Malaysia: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The difference in breast glandularity among ethnic groups was tested for significance using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The fitted equation gave an absolute error of less than or equal to +/- 8% when applied to the data from phantom exposure. The average breast glandularity of the study sample was 48.9% +/- 18.7%. Breast glandularity was found to decrease with breast thickness and age. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was seen in breast glandularity among the ethnic groups (p > 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test).