Intermittent fasting in Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the risk of hypoglycaemia: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Corley, B T; Carroll, R W; Hall, R M; Weatherall, M; Parry-Strong, A; Krebs, J D

2018-05-01

To establish whether the risk of hypoglycaemia is greater with 2 consecutive days of very-low-calorie diet compared with 2 non-consecutive days of very-low-calorie diet in people with Type 2 diabetes. This was a non-blinded randomized parallel group interventional trial of intermittent fasting in adults. The participants had a BMI of 30-45 kg/m 2 , Type 2 diabetes treated with metformin and/or hypoglycaemic medications and an HbA 1c concentration of 50-86 mmol/mol (6.7-10%). The participants followed a 2092-2510-kJ diet on 2 days per week for 12 weeks. A total of 41 participants were randomized 1:1 to consecutive (n=19) or non-consecutive (n=22) day fasts, of whom 37 (n=18 and n=19, respectively) were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was difference in the rate of hypoglycaemia between the two study arms. Secondary outcomes included change in diet, quality of life, weight, lipid, glucose and HbA 1c levels, and liver function. The mean hypoglycaemia rate was 1.4 events over 12 weeks. Fasting increased the rate of hypoglycaemia despite medication reduction (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.52). There was no difference between fasting on consecutive days and fasting on non-consecutive days (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.35 to 6.11). Improvements in weight, HbA 1c , fasting glucose and quality of life were experienced by participants in both arms. In individuals with Type 2 diabetes on hypoglycaemic medications, fasting of any type increased the rate of hypoglycaemia. With education and medication reduction, fewer than expected hypoglycaemic events occurred. Although it was not possible to determine whether fasting on consecutive days increased the risk of hypoglycaemia, an acceptable rate was observed in both arms. © 2018 Diabetes UK.

Protective effect of gallic acid against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

PubMed

Kilic, Korhan; Sakat, Muhammed Sedat; Akdemir, Fazile Nur Ekinci; Yildirim, Serkan; Saglam, Yavuz Selim; Askin, Seda

2018-04-07

Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent widely used in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Ototoxicity is one of the main side-effects restricting the use of cisplatin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective efficacy of gallic acid, in biochemical, functional and histopathological terms, against ototoxicity induced by cisplatin. Twenty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were included. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups of seven animals each. Cisplatin group received a single intraperitoneal dose of 15mg/kg cisplatin. Gallic acid group received intraperitoneal gallic acid at 100mg/kg for five consecutive days. Cisplatin+Gallic acid group received intraperitoneal gallic acid at 100mg/kg for five consecutive days and a single intraperitoneal dose of 15mg/kg cisplatin at 3rd day. A control group received 1mL intraperitoneal saline solution for five consecutive days. Prior to drug administration, all rats were exposed to the distortion product otoacoustic emissions test. The test was repeated on the 6th day of the study. All rats were then sacrificed; the cochleas were removed and set aside for biochemical and histopathological analyses. In Cisplatin group, Day 6 signal noise ratio values were significantly lower than those of the other groups. Also, malondialdehyde levels in cochlear tissues were significantly higher, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly lower compared to the control group. Histopathologic evaluation revealed erosion in the stria vascularis, degeneration and edema in the connective tissue layer in endothelial cells, impairment of outer hair cells and a decrease in the number of these calls. In the Cisplatin+Gallic acid group, this biochemical, histopathological and functional changes were reversed. In the light of our findings, we think that gallic acid may have played a protective role against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats, as indicated by the distortion product otoacoustic emissions test results, biochemical findings and immunohistochemical analyses. Copyright © 2018 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Effect of sprint training: training once daily versus twice every second day.

PubMed

Ijichi, Toshiaki; Hasegawa, Yuta; Morishima, Takuma; Kurihara, Toshiyuki; Hamaoka, Takafumi; Goto, Kazushige

2015-01-01

This study compared training adaptations between once daily (SINGLE) and twice every second day (REPEATED) sprint training, with same number of training sessions. Twenty physically active males (20.9 ± 1.3 yr) were assigned randomly to the SINGLE (n = 10) or REPEATED (n = 10) group. The SINGLE group trained once per day (5 days per week) for 4 weeks (20 sessions in total). The REPEATED group conducted two consecutive training sessions on the same day, separated by a rest period of 1 h (2-3 days per week) for 4 weeks (20 sessions in total). Each training session consisted of three consecutive 30-s maximal pedalling sets with a 10-min rest between sets. Before and after the training period, the power output during two bouts of 30-s maximal pedalling, exercise duration during submaximal pedalling and resting muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) levels were evaluated. Both groups showed significant increases in peak and mean power output during the two 30-s bouts of maximal pedalling after the training period (P < 0.05). The groups showed similar increases in VO2max after the training period (P < 0.05). The REPEATED group showed a significant increase in the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) after the training period (P < 0.05), whereas no change was observed in the SINGLE group. The time to exhaustion at 90% of VO2max and muscle PCr concentration at baseline did not change significantly in either group. Sprint training twice every second day improved OBLA during endurance exercise more than the same training once daily.

Effect of Intermittent Energy Restriction on Flow Mediated Dilatation, a Measure of Endothelial Function: A Short Report.

PubMed

Headland, Michelle L; Clifton, Peter M; Keogh, Jennifer B

2018-06-04

Intermittent energy restriction is a popular alternative to daily energy restriction for weight loss; however, it is unknown if endothelial function, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is altered by periods of severe energy restriction. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of two consecutive very low energy intake days, which is the core component of the 5:2 intermittent energy restriction diet strategy, on endothelial function compared to consecutive ad libitum eating days. The secondary objective was to explore the effects of these dietary conditions on fasting glucose concentrations. This was a 4-week randomized, single-blinded, crossover study of 35 participants. Participants consumed a very low energy diet (500 calories for women, 600 calories for men) on two consecutive days per week and 5 days of habitual eating. In weeks 3 and 4 of the trial, participants had measurements of flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and blood samples taken following either 2 habitual eating days or 2 energy restricted days in a randomized order. FMD values were not different after the two eating states (8.6% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.7). All other outcome variables were unchanged. Endothelial function, as measured by flow mediated dilatation, was not altered by two consecutive very low energy intake days. Further investigations assessing the impact in specific population groups as well as different testing conditions would be beneficial.

The Effects of Spacing, Naps, and Fatigue on the Acquisition and Retention of Laparoscopic Skills.

PubMed

Spruit, Edward N; Band, Guido P H; van der Heijden, Kristiaan B; Hamming, Jaap F

Earlier research has shown that laparoscopic skills are trained more efficiently on a spaced schedule compared to a massed schedule. The aim of the study was to estimate to what extent the spacing interval, naps, and fatigue influenced the effectiveness of spacing laparoscopy training. Overall 4 groups of trainees (aged 17-41y; 72% female; N massed = 40; N break = 35; N break-nap = 37; N spaced = 37) without prior experience were trained in 3 laparoscopic tasks using a physical box trainer with different scheduling interventions. The first (massed) group received three 100-minute training sessions consecutively on a single day. The second (break) group received the sessions interrupted with two 45-minute breaks. The third (break-nap) group had the same schedule as the second group, but had two 35-minute powernap intervals during the breaks. The fourth (spaced) group had the 3 sessions on 3 consecutive days. A retention session was organized approximately 3 months after training. The results showed an overall pattern of superior performance at the end of training and at retention for the spaced group, followed by the break-nap, break, and massed group, respectively. The spaced and break-nap group significantly outperformed the break and massed group, with effect sizes ranging from 0.20 to 0.37. Spacing laparoscopic training over 3 consecutive days or weeks is superior to massed training, even if the massed training contains breaks. Breaks with sleep opportunity (i.e., lying, inactive, and muted sensory input) enhance performance over training with regular breaks and traditional massed training. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ameliorative effect of selenium in cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rats.

PubMed

Simsek, Nejdet; Koc, Akif; Karadeniz, Ali; Yildirim, Mehmet Erol; Celik, Hüseyin Tuğrul; Sari, Erhan; Kara, Adem

2016-04-01

In this study, we investigated the protective effect of selenium (Se) on cisplatin (Cis) induced testicular damage using histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical approaches. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups of seven rats each: control (C), Cis, and Cis+Se. Cis and Cis+Se group rats received Cis at a dose of 12mg/kg b.w./day, intraperitoneally for 3 consecutive days. Cis+Se group rats received selenium via oral gavage 3mg/kg/day (twice-a day as 1.5mg/kg) until 11th consecutive days starting at 5 days before cisplatin injection. C group received only 0.9% NaCl intraperitoneally and orally at same time and at equal volume. After the treatment, the histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical examinations were performed. In seminiferous tubules of Cis treated rats were observed the most consistent findings characterized with vacuolization, desquamation, disorganization, and also was a considerable reduction in elongated spermatids, however the Cis+Se group exhibited improved histopathologic changes. In the immunohistochemical examinations, caspase-3 immunopositive cells displayed higher in the Cis group according to C and Cis+Se groups. Bcl-2 and NF-κB staining revealed a moderate number in the C group and significantly fewer in the Cis group compared to the Cis+Se groups. Additionally, MDA levels were also significantly increased in the Cis group in comparison to Control group, but pretreatment with selenium prevented elevation of MDA levels significantly in Cis+Se group rats. This study indicates that Cis-treatment induced testicular apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, and combined treatment with selenium prevented severity of the toxicity in rats. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The effect of low-level diode laser on COX-2 gene expression in chronic periodontitis patients.

PubMed

Pesevska, Snezana; Gjorgoski, Icko; Ivanovski, Kiro; Soldatos, Nikolaos K; Angelov, Nikola

2017-09-01

Adjunctive treatments to scaling and root planing (SRP) such as lasers, have been utilized in the treatment of chronic periodontitis, mainly aiming to suppress and eliminate the bacteria, as well as enhancing the healing response. Eighty gingival papilla biopsy samples were obtained from 60 patients diagnosed with chronic advanced periodontitis; randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 20), as well as 20 subjects with no periodontal disease [group A]. Group B received SRP on a single quadrant/day for four consecutive days. On day 5, all quadrants were rescaled. Groups C and D received the same treatment as group B plus laser application with the low-level diode laser (630-670 nm, 1.875 J/cm2) for five and ten consecutive days, respectively. Papilla biopsies were obtained from subjects and evaluated by RT-PCR for expression of COX-2. The values in the control group were 0.028 0.014 and baseline values for the examined groups were 0.16 0.18. Significantly decreased level of COX-2 expression for groups C and D was found after treatment, while lowest average expression was found in the group that had the 10 laser treatments supplemental to SRP (0,035 0,014). The results of this study show suppression of COX-2 in gingival tissue after low-level laser treatment as adjunct to SRP.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by meloxicam decreases the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model.

PubMed

Quintana, Ramiro; Kopcow, Laura; Marconi, Guillermo; Young, Edgardo; Yovanovich, Carola; Paz, Dante A

2008-10-01

To investigate the effects of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition on the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in an experimental model. Controlled laboratory study. University-affiliated fertility center. Female Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats (22 days old) were divided into four groups: group 1 (control group; n = 10) received 0.1 mL of intraperitoneal (IP) saline from days 22-26; group 2 (mild-stimulated group; n = 10) received 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on day 24 and 10 IU of hCG 48 hours later (day 26); group 3 (OHSS group; n = 10) was given 10 IU of PMSG for 4 consecutive days from day 22 and 30 IU hCG on the fifth day to induce OHSS; group 4 was treated the same as group 3, but received 2 muL (15 mg/mL) of meloxicam 2 hours before the PMSG injection for 4 consecutive days, and 2 hours before the hCG injection on the fifth day. All groups were killed on day 26. Number of antral and luteinized follicles, ovarian weight, semiquantitative vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and COX-2 immunohistochemistry. There were no differences in the ovarian weight between groups 1 and 2. Group 3 showed significantly increased ovarian weight that was suppressed, in group 4, by meloxicam. There was no difference in the number of antral follicles among the four groups. In the mild-stimulated and OHSS groups, the granulosa cells (GC) of preovulatory follicles and the stromal cells showed intense VEGF immunoreactivity. The ovaries from the meloxicam-treated group showed less immunoreactivity than the OHSS group, indicating diminished VEGF expression associated with meloxicam treatment. Group 3 (OHSS group) showed increased COX-2 immunoreactivity that was diminished in the meloxicam-treated group. Meloxicam treatment did not affect the hormone-induced increase in serum E(2) levels seen in OHSS rats. Our results in a rat model suggest that meloxicam has a beneficial effect on OHSS by reducing the increases in ovarian weight and VEGF expression associated with OHSS. These effects may be mediated by the COX-2 inhibitory capacity of meloxicam.

[Effects of aspirin on dendritic cells in the inflammatory microenvironment of rabbit buccal VX-2 squamous cell carcinoma].

PubMed

Chen, Zhihong; Huang, Guilin; Zhang, Nini; Yi, Jie; Yao, Li; Zhang, Lin

2016-04-01

To explore the effects of aspirin and inflammation on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DC) on the supernatant of VX-2 squamous cell carcinoma. The rabbit buccal VX-2 squamous cell carcinoma models with inflammation were established by tumor particle implantation, mechanical trauma, and high sugar diet. The rabbits were divided into three groups. For the experimental group (rabbit buccal VX-2 squamous cell carcinoma with local inflammation), aspirin were given by gavage for three consecutive days. For the control group (rabbit buccal VX-2 squamous cell carcinoma with local inflammation), normal saline was given by gavage for three consecutive days. For the blank group (tumor without inflammation), normal saline was given by gavage for three consecutive days. Each tumor specimens were collected in three days and made into tissue homogenate. The supernatant was collected after centrifugation. Normal rabbit peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and co-cultured with different states of supernatant. The expression of DC surface markers CD83, CD86, and human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) were detected by flow cytometry. The state of function of DC was tested by mixed lymphocyte reaction. The positive rate of CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR of the experimental and control groups were both lower than that of the blank group (P<0.05). In addition, the ability to stimulate T cell proliferation of the experimental and control groups were weaker than that of the blank group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between the experi- and HLADR of DC. The short-term administration of aspirin is not conducive to the phenoty and function of DC in a rabbit mental and control groups (P>0.05). Inflammation may inhibit the function and expression of CD83, CD86, buccal VX-2 squamous cell carcinoma inflammatory environment

Effect of Hypoglycemic Agents on Ischemic Preconditioning in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease

PubMed Central

Rahmi, Rosa Maria; Uchida, Augusto Hiroshi; Rezende, Paulo Cury; Lima, Eduardo Gomes; Garzillo, Cibele Larrosa; Favarato, Desiderio; Strunz, Celia M.C.; Takiuti, Myrthes; Girardi, Priscyla; Hueb, Whady; Kalil Filho, Roberto; Ramires, José A.F.

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of two hypoglycemic drugs on ischemic preconditioning (IPC) patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a prospective study of 96 consecutive patients allocated into two groups: 42 to group repaglinide (R) and 54 to group vildagliptin (V). All patients underwent two consecutive exercise tests (ET1 and ET2) in phase 1 without drugs. In phase 2, 1 day after ET1 and -2, 2 mg repaglinide three times daily or 50 mg vildagliptin twice daily was given orally to patients in the respective group for 6 days. On the seventh day, 60 min after 6 mg repaglinide or 100 mg vildagliptin, all patients underwent two consecutive exercise tests (ET3 and ET4). RESULTS In phase 1, IPC was demonstrated by improvement in the time to 1.0 mm ST-segment depression and rate pressure product (RPP). All patients developed ischemia in ET3; however, 83.3% of patients in group R experienced ischemia earlier in ET4, without significant improvement in RPP, indicating the cessation of IPC (P < 0.0001). In group V, only 28% of patients demonstrated IPC cessation, with 72% still having the protective effect (P < 0.0069). CONCLUSIONS Repaglinide eliminated myocardial IPC, probably by its effect on the KATP channel. Vildagliptin did not damage this protective mechanism in a relevant way in patients with type 2 diabetes and CAD, suggesting a good alternative treatment in this population. PMID:23250803

Neuropeptide Y - an early biomarker for cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PubMed

Schebesch, Karl-Michael; Brawanski, Alexander; Bele, Sylvia; Schödel, Petra; Herbst, Andreas; Bründl, Elisabeth; Kagerbauer, Simone Maria; Martin, Jan; Lohmeier, Anette; Stoerr, Eva-Maria; Proescholdt, Martin

2013-12-01

In the human brain, the potent vasoconstrictive neuropeptide Y (NPY) is abundantly expressed. Neuropeptide Y, which is stored in perivascular nerve fibers of the cerebral arteries, regulates the cerebral vascular diameter as well as cerebral blood flow. However, the role of NPY in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm (CV) related to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unclear. We prospectively analyzed and compared the release of endogenous NPY in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 66 patients with SAH to NPY release in a control group. Additionally, we correlated the levels of NPY with CV and consecutive ischemic stroke. Sixty-six consecutive patients (40 women, 26 men; mean age 53·1 years) with aneurysmal SAH were included. In the SAH group, CSF was drawn daily from day 1 to day 10 after the onset of SAH. The CSF of 29 patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for orthopedic surgery served as control samples. The NPY levels were determined in duplicate CSF samples by means of a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The levels of NPY in CSF were correlated with the development of CV over the 10-day period after the onset of SAH and to the occurrence of consecutive ischemic stroke. To evaluate CSF NPY levels as a predictive biomarker for vasospasm, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity as well as the positive and negative predictive values. The NPY levels were significantly higher in the SAH group than in the control group (p < 0·001). The treatment modality (clip versus coil) did not influence the level of NPY in CSF (p > 0·05). Patients with CV showed significantly higher NPY levels than patients without CV during the entire observation period. The NPY levels of the non-CV group dissipated over time, whereas the CV group showed continuously increasing values. The NPY levels from day 4 to 10 were significantly higher in patients with CV-related stroke than in non-stroke patients. Using 0·3 ng/ml as a cut-off value, NPY levels on day 3 predicted the occurrence of CV with a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 72%, respectively. High NPY levels, starting on day 4, significantly correlated with poor Glasgow Outcome Score grading at the follow-up (p < 0·05). Our data indicate that NPY is involved in the pathogenesis of SAH-related CV and ischemia. Neuropeptide Y represents an early and reliable biomarker for the prediction of CV and consecutive stroke due to aneurysmal SAH.

Energy expenditures and food intakes of lactating women in Guatemala.

PubMed

Schutz, Y; Lechtig, A; Bradfield, R B

1980-04-01

Total energy expenditures and intakes were simultaneously assessed in 18 free-ranging lactating women (10 months postpartum) and compared to six similarly-sized, nonlactating, nonpregnant but multiparous women living in the same rural villages in the Guatemalan highlands. Energy intakes were estimated by the 24-hr recall method for each of 4 consecutive days. Energy expenditures were determined for 2 days by monitoring heart rate throughout the day and relating heart rate to oxygen consumption by individually-determined regression lines. The mean energy intake for the 4 consecutive days was estimated to be 1929 +/- 360 kcal/day (39.2 kcal/kg per day) for the lactating group; and 1876 +/- 404 kcal/day (38.3 kcal/kg per day) for the nonlactating group. The 2-day mean energy expenditures were estimated to be 2007 +/- 292 kcal/day for the lactating women (41.8 kcal/kg per day) and 1966 +/- 382 kcal/day for the lactating women (40.1 kcal/kg per day). The way of life of both groups was judged "moderately active" by 1973 FAO/WHO classifications. Most of the lactating women had been losing weight progressively during the past 6 months. Over the 10-week period prior to our measurnth) (P less than 0.01) than in the nonlactating group (-35 g/month) (ns). The high correlation (r = 0.87) between weight loss and the reduction in the sum of the three skinfolds suggested adipose tissue loss. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of daily energy intake, daily energy expenditure, the energy cost of specific activities throughout the day. The slope of the heart rate/oxygen consumption regressions suggest adequate cardiorespiratory fitness. This study suggests that the energy cost of lactation was met to a greater extent by fat loss than by either increased energy intake, reduced energy expenditure, or both.

49 CFR 228.405 - Limitations on duty hours of train employees engaged in commuter or intercity rail passenger...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... consecutive hours, until that employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty; or (3) In a series of... first series of at most 14 consecutive calendar days begins on the first calendar day that the employee....413. A series of at most 14 consecutive calendar days either ends on the 14th consecutive day or may...

49 CFR 228.405 - Limitations on duty hours of train employees engaged in commuter or intercity rail passenger...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... consecutive hours, until that employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty; or (3) In a series of... first series of at most 14 consecutive calendar days begins on the first calendar day that the employee....413. A series of at most 14 consecutive calendar days either ends on the 14th consecutive day or may...

49 CFR 228.405 - Limitations on duty hours of train employees engaged in commuter or intercity rail passenger...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... consecutive hours, until that employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty; or (3) In a series of... first series of at most 14 consecutive calendar days begins on the first calendar day that the employee....413. A series of at most 14 consecutive calendar days either ends on the 14th consecutive day or may...

Expression of DNA repair genes in burned skin exposed to low-level red laser.

PubMed

Trajano, Eduardo Tavares Lima; Mencalha, Andre Luiz; Monte-Alto-Costa, Andréa; Pôrto, Luís Cristóvão; de Souza da Fonseca, Adenilson

2014-11-01

Although red laser lights lie in the region of non-ionizing radiations in the electromagnetic spectrum, there are doubts whether absorption of these radiations causes lesions in the DNA molecule. Our aim was to investigate the expression of the genes involved with base excision and nucleotide excision repair pathways in skin tissue submitted to burn injury and exposed to low-level red laser. Wistar rats were divided as follows: control group-rats burned and not irradiated, laser group-rats burned and irradiated 1 day after injury for five consecutive days, and later laser group-rats injured and treated 4 days after injury for five consecutive days. Irradiation was performed according to a clinical protocol (20 J/cm(2), 100 mW, continuous wave emission mode). The animals were sacrificed on day 10, and scarred tissue samples were withdrawn for total RNA extraction, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, and evaluation of gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Low-level red laser exposure (1) reduces the expression of APE1 messenger (mRNA), (2) increases the expression of OGG1 mRNA, (3) reduces the expression of XPC mRNA, and (4) increases the expression of XPA mRNA both in laser and later laser groups. Red laser exposure at therapeutic fluences alters the expression of genes related to base excision and nucleotide excision pathways of DNA repair during wound healing of burned skin.

Topically applied 1% voriconazole induces dysplastic changes on the ocular surface: animal study.

PubMed

Arikan, Gul; Karatas, Ezgi; Lebe, Banu; Ayhan, Ziya; Utine, Canan Asli; Kutsoylu, Oya Eren; Gunenc, Uzeyir; Yilmaz, Osman

2018-04-26

To identify the risk of inducing ocular surface dysplasia following topical administration of 1% voriconazole eye drop. Fourteen noninflamed healthy eyes of 14 white adult New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups comprised of 7 rabbits each. Group 1 received topical 1% voriconazole and Group 2 received topical saline as the control group. In all animals, right eye was selected for the study. In Group 1 (Voriconazole Group), single drop of voriconazole was instilled every 10 min consecutively for 17 times a day for 60 days. In Group 2 (Control Group), single drop of saline was instilled every 10 min consecutively for 17 times a day for 60 days. At two months, animals were sacrificed and study eyes were enucleated with the eyelids. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histopathologic changes in cornea, bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva were evaluated under light microscope. There were no macroscopically visible lesions on the ocular surface of any rabbits. Histopathological evaluation showed mild to moderate dysplasia localized mainly in the limbus and extending to the adjacent cornea and bulbar conjunctiva in all rabbits in Voriconazole Group. Severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ was not observed. In the Control Group, dysplasia was not observed, at all. This animal study provides a possible relationship between topically administered 1% voriconazole and ocular surface dysplasia. We recommend ophthalmologists to be aware of the risk of ocular surface dysplasia in patients received voriconazole eye drop.

Genotoxicity Evaluation of Irrigative Wastewater from Shijiazhuang City in China

PubMed Central

Yang, Lixue; Zhang, Xiaolin; Wang, Liqin; Yu, Fengxue; Liu, Yi; Chen, Qing; Liu, Dianwu

2015-01-01

In the present study, the wastewater sample collected from the Dongming discharging river in Shijiazhuang city was analysed using both chemical analysis and biological assays including the Salmonella mutagenicity test, micronucleus test and single-cell gel electrophoresis. Chemical analysis of the sample was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Salmonella mutagenicity test was performed on Salmonella typhimurium TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains with and without S9 mixture. The mice received the wastewater in natura through drinking water at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%. One group of mice was exposed for 2 consecutive days, and the other group of mice was exposed for 15 consecutive days. To establish the levels of primary DNA damage, single-cell gel electrophoresis was performed on treated mouse liver cell. The concentrations of chromium and lead in the sample exceeded the national standard (GB20922-2007) by 0.78 and 0.43-fold, respectively. More than 30 organic compounds were detected, and some of the detected compounds were mutagens, carcinogens and environmental endocrine disrupters. A positive response for Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain was observed. Mouse exposure via drinking water containing 50% and 100% of wastewater for 15 consecutive days caused a significant increase of MN frequencies in a dose-response manner. Mouse exposure via drinking water containing 50% and 100% of wastewater for 15 consecutive days caused a significant increase of the Olive tail moments in a dose-response manner. All the results indicated that the sample from the Dongming discharging river in Shijiazhuang city exhibited genotoxicity and might pose harmful effects on the local residents. PMID:26658348

Effect of sprint training on resting serum irisin concentration - Sprint training once daily vs. twice every other day.

PubMed

Tsuchiya, Yoshifumi; Ijichi, Toshiaki; Goto, Kazushige

2016-04-01

Exercise twice every other day has been shown to lead to increasing peroxisome proliferator receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression (up-stream factor of irisin) via lowered muscle glycogen level during second of exercise compared with exercise once daily. This study determined the influence of 4weeks of sprint training (training once daily vs. twice every other day) on the serum irisin concentration. Twenty healthy males (20.9±1.3years) were assigned randomly to either the SINGLE or REPEATED group (n=10 per group). The subjects in the SINGLE group participated in a sprint training session once daily (5days per week), whereas those in the REPEATED group performed two consecutive training sessions on the same day with a 1-h rest between sessions (2-3days per week). Both groups completed 20 training sessions over 4weeks. Each training session consisted of three consecutive 30-s maximal pedaling exercises with a 10-min rest between sets. Blood samples were collected before and after training period (48h after completing the last training session). The serum irisin concentration decreased significantly after training in each group (SINGLE, 338.5±77.8 to 207.6±64.6ng/mL; REPEATED, 329.5±83.9 to 234.2±72.8ng/mL, p<0.05). The plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration tended to be lower after training in both groups (main effect for period, p=0.054). However, there was no significant difference in the serum irisin or plasma IL-6 concentration between groups after training. The serum high-molecular-weight adiponectin concentration did not change significantly after training in either group. Sprint training for 4weeks significantly decreased the resting serum irisin concentration, despite different training programs (training once daily vs. twice every other day). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Concomitant external pneumatic compression treatment with consecutive days of high intensity interval training reduces markers of proteolysis.

PubMed

Haun, Cody T; Roberts, Michael D; Romero, Matthew A; Osburn, Shelby C; Healy, James C; Moore, Angelique N; Mobley, Christopher B; Roberson, Paul A; Kephart, Wesley C; Mumford, Petey W; Goodlett, Michael D; Pascoe, David D; Martin, Jeffrey S

2017-12-01

To compare the effects of external pneumatic compression (EPC) and sham when used concurrently with high intensity interval training (HIIT) on performance-related outcomes and recovery-related molecular measures. Eighteen recreationally endurance-trained male participants (age: 21.6 ± 2.4 years, BMI: 25.7 ± 0.5 kg/m 2 , VO 2peak : 51.3 ± 0.9 mL/kg/min) were randomized to balanced sham and EPC treatment groups. Three consecutive days of HIIT followed by EPC/sham treatment (Days 2-4) and 3 consecutive days of recovery (Days 5-7) with EPC/sham only on Days 5-6 were employed. Venipuncture, flexibility and pressure-to-pain threshold (PPT) measurements were made throughout. Vastus lateralis muscle was biopsied at PRE (i.e., Day 1), 1-h post-EPC/sham treatment on Day 2 (POST1), and 24-h post-EPC/sham treatment on Day 7 (POST2). 6-km run time trial performance was tested at PRE and POST2. No group × time interaction was observed for flexibility, PPT, or serum measures of creatine kinase (CK), hsCRP, and 8-isoprostane. However, there was a main effect of time for serum CK (p = 0.005). Change from PRE in 6-km run times at POST2 were not significantly different between groups. Significant between-groups differences existed for change from PRE in atrogin-1 mRNA (p = 0.018) at the POST1 time point (EPC: - 19.7 ± 8.1%, sham: + 7.7 ± 5.9%) and atrogin-1 protein concentration (p = 0.013) at the POST2 time point (EPC: - 31.8 ± 7.5%, sham: + 96.0 ± 34.7%). In addition, change from PRE in poly-Ub proteins was significantly different between groups at both the POST1 (EPC: - 26.0 ± 10.3%, sham: + 34.8 ± 28.5%; p = 0.046) and POST2 (EPC: - 33.7 ± 17.2%, sham: + 21.4 ± 14.9%; p = 0.037) time points. EPC when used concurrently with HIIT and in subsequent recovery days reduces skeletal muscle markers of proteolysis.

Sleep patterns among shift-working flight controllers of the International Space Station: an observational study on the JAXA Flight Control Team.

PubMed

Mizuno, Koh; Matsumoto, Akiko; Aiba, Tatsuya; Abe, Takashi; Ohshima, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Masaya; Inoue, Yuichi

2016-09-01

Flight controllers of the International Space Station (ISS) are engaged in shift work to provide 24-h coverage to support ISS systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) among Japanese ISS flight controllers. A questionnaire study was conducted using the Standard Shiftwork Index to evaluate sleep-related problems and possible associated variables. Among 52 respondents out of 73 flight controllers, 30 subjects were identified as night shift workers who worked 3 or more night shifts per month. Those night shift workers who answered "almost always" to questions about experiencing insomnia or excessive sleepiness in any case of work shifts and days off were classified as having SWSD. Additionally, 7 night shift workers participated in supplemental wrist actigraphy data collection for 7 to 8 days including 3 to 4 days of consecutive night shifts. Fourteen of 30 night shift workers were classified as having SWSD. Significant group differences were observed where the SWSD group felt that night shift work was harder and reported more frequent insomniac symptoms after a night shift. However, no other variables demonstrated remarkable differences between groups. Actigraphy results characterized 5 subjects reporting better perceived adaptation as having regular daytime sleep, for 6 to 9 h in total, between consecutive night shifts. On the other hand, 2 subjects reporting perceived maladaptation revealed different sleep patterns, with longer daytime sleep and large day-to-day variation in daytime sleep between consecutive night shifts, respectively. As the tasks for flight control require high levels of alertness and cognitive function, several characteristics, namely shift-working schedule (2 to 4 consecutive night shifts), very short break time (5 to 10 min/h) during work shifts, and cooperative work with onboard astronauts during the evening/night shift, accounted for increasing workloads especially in the case of night shifts, resulting in higher or equal prevalence of SWSD to that among other shift-working populations. Further studies are required to collect more actigraphy data and examine the possibility of interventions to improve SWSD.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum in pheasants and the efficacy of tylvalosin to treat the disease.

PubMed

Forrester, C Anne; Bradbury, Janet M; Dare, Cynthia M; Domangue, Rickie J; Windsor, Helena; Tasker, John B; Mockett, A P Adrian

2011-12-01

Infectious sinusitis, a common condition seen in adult pheasants, is primarily caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The aims of the present study were to investigate the pathogenicity of M. gallisepticum in 14-day-old pheasants and evaluate the macrolide antibiotic tylvalosin (TVN) as a treatment for infectious sinusitis. The minimum inhibitory concentration of TVN for five isolates of M. gallisepticum taken from pheasants confirmed their susceptibility to TVN (range: 0.002 to 0.008 µg/ml). One of the isolates (G87/02) was inoculated intranasally into 72 pheasants (two groups of 36) at 14 days of age. Eight days later, when 18/72 (25%) of the pheasants showed clinical signs, one group was treated with 25 mg TVN/kg bodyweight daily in drinking water for three consecutive days. An uninfected, unmedicated control group (n=12) was also included. In contrast to the uninfected control group, a range of clinical signs typical of infectious sinusitis with varying severity was observed in challenged birds and M. gallisepticum was re-isolated from the infraorbital sinus and the eye/conjunctiva at necropsy, 22 days post challenge. In comparison with untreated birds, medication with TVN significantly reduced clinical signs and the re-isolation/detection of M. gallisepticum (P≤0.0021). The daily liveweight gain of treated birds was significantly increased in comparison with untreated birds (P=0.0002), and similar to daily liveweight gains observed in the uninfected control group. In conclusion, TVN at 25 mg/kg bodyweight daily for three consecutive days in drinking water was efficacious in the treatment of M. gallisepticum infection induced by challenging 14-day-old pheasants.

Combined transcranial direct current stimulation and home-based occupational therapy for upper limb motor impairment following intracerebral hemorrhage: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Mortensen, Jesper; Figlewski, Krystian; Andersen, Henning

2016-01-01

To investigate the combined effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and home-based occupational therapy on activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength, in patients with upper limb motor impairment following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A double-blind randomized controlled trial with one-week follow-up. Patients received five consecutive days of occupational therapy at home, combined with either anodal (n = 8) or sham (n = 7) tDCS. The primary outcome was ADL performance, which was assessed with the Jebsen-Taylor test (JTT). Both groups improved JTT over time (p < 0.01). The anodal group improved grip strength compared with the sham group from baseline to post-assessment (p = 0.025). However, this difference was attenuated at one-week follow-up. There was a non-significant tendency for greater improvement in JTT in the anodal group compared with the sham group, from baseline to post-assessment (p = 0.158). Five consecutive days of tDCS combined with occupational therapy provided greater improvements in grip strength compared with occupational therapy alone. tDCS is a promising add-on intervention regarding training of upper limb motor impairment. It is well tolerated by patients and can easily be applied for home-based training. Larger studies with long-term follow-up are needed to further explore possible effects of tDCS in patients with ICH. Five consecutive days of tDCS combined with occupational therapy provided greater improvements in grip strength compared with occupational therapy alone. tDCS is well tolerated by patients and can easily be applied for home-based rehabilitation.

Liver Resections Combined with Closure of Loop Ileostomies: A Retrospective Analysis

PubMed Central

Lordan, Jeffrey T.; Riga, Angela T.; Karanjia, Nariman D.

2008-01-01

Background. The management of patients with colorectal liver metastases and loop ileostomies remains controversial. This study was performed to assess the outcome of combined liver resection and loop ileostomy closure. Methods. Analysis of prospectively collected perioperative data, including morbidity and mortality, of 283 consecutive hepatectomies for colorectal liver metastases was undertaken. Consecutive liver resections were performed from 1996 to 2006 in one centre by a single surgeon (NDK). Fourteen of these patients had combined liver resection and ileostomy closure. Case-matched analysis was undertaken. Results. Six (2.2%) patients died in the hepatectomy only group and none died in the combined group. There was no difference in operative blood loss between the two groups (0.09). Perioperative morbidity was 36% in the combined group and 23% in the hepatectomy alone group (P = 0.33). Mean hospital stay was 14 days in the combined group and 11 days in the hepatectomy only group (P = 0.046). Case-matched analysis showed a significant increase in hospital stay (P = 0.03) and complications (P = 0.049) in the combined group. Conclusion. In patients with CRLM, combined liver resection and closure of ileostomy may be associated with a higher operative morbidity and a prolonged hospital stay. PMID:19096524

Adherence to CPAP therapy: comparing the effect of three educational approaches in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

PubMed

Delanote, Isabelle; Borzée, Pascal; Belge, Catharina; Buyse, Bertien; Testelmans, Dries

2018-01-01

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-therapy is the first-line treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A significant limitation of CPAP treatment is the poor therapy adherence, compromising the beneficial effects. This study evaluates three different educational approaches and their effect on therapy adherence. This single-center, retrospective study compared three groups of 100 consecutive, CPAP-naive patients with moderate to severe OSA who were started on CPAP therapy. Group 1 and 2 received the same individual structured education on two consecutive days with an extra phone call 7 to 10 days after CPAP start in group 2. Group 3 received individual structured education on the first day and participated in a group education using a slide presentation open for discussion on the second day. Re-evaluation was performed after 24 weeks. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. During the 24 weeks follow-up there was a drop-out rate of 16% (group 1), 12% (group 2) and 5% (group 3). In the patients still on CPAP after 24 weeks, the mean nightly CPAP usage was, respectively, 4.7 ± 1.8, 5.2 ± 2.3 and 5.7 ± 2.1 h/night. In group 3 both the drop-out rate and mean CPAP usage were significantly different (P values, respectively, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) compared with group 1. Improving CPAP adherence is an ongoing challenge. This study shows that a multi-modality approach, using a combination of individual and group education using a slide presentation open for discussion resulted in improved therapy adherence. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prenatal tolbutamide treatment alters plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and negatively affects the postnatal performance of chickens.

PubMed

Franssens, L; Lesuisse, J; Wang, Y; De Ketelaere, B; Willems, E; Koppenol, A; Guo, X; Buyse, J; Decuypere, E; Everaert, N

2015-07-01

To examine the relationship of insulin and glucose, broiler embryos were subjected to acute or prolonged hypoglycemia during the late embryonic phase by, respectively, injecting once (at embryonic day [ED] 16 or 17) or on 3 consecutive days (ED 16, 17, and 18) with tolbutamide (80 μg/g embryo weight), a substance that stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. After 1 tolbutamide injection, a prolonged (32 h) decrease of plasma glucose and a profound acute increase in plasma insulin were observed. The 3 consecutive tolbutamide injections induced hypoglycemia for 4 days (from ED 16 to ED 19). The postnatal performance after 3 consecutive tolbutamide injections in broiler embryos was also investigated. Body weight was lower in tolbutamide-treated chickens from hatch to 42 d compared with sham (P = 0.001) and control (P < 0.001) chickens. Feed intake was lower in the tolbutamide group from hatch to 42 d as compared with sham (P = 0.007) and control (P = 0.017) animals. In addition, at 42 d, plasma glucose concentrations, after an insulin injection challenge (50 μg/kg body weight), were higher in tolbutamide-treated chickens compared with the sham and the control group as were their basal glucose levels (P value of group effect <0.001). In conclusion, tolbutamide treatment during the late embryonic development in broilers resulted in prolonged hypoglycemia in this period and negatively influenced the posthatch performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implementation of enhanced recovery programme after pancreatoduodenectomy: a single-centre UK pilot study.

PubMed

Abu Hilal, Mohammed; Di Fabio, Francesco; Badran, Abdallah; Alsaati, Hani; Clarke, Hannah; Fecher, Imogen; Armstrong, Thomas H; Johnson, Colin D; Pearce, Neil W

2013-01-01

Data on enhanced recovery programmes after pancreatoduodenectomy (ERP-PD) is limited. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes of ERP-PD when implemented at a high-volume UK university referral centre. This was an observational single-surgeon case-control study (before-and-after pathway). A total of 20 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled for the ERP-PD and compared with 24 consecutive patients previously treated during an equal time frame. Patients in the ERP-PD group had a significant shorter time to remove naso-gastric tube (median of 5 vs. 7 days, p = 0.0001), start liquid diet (median of 2 vs. 5 days, p < 0.0001), start solid food (median of 4 vs. 9 days, p < 0.0001), pass stools (median of 6 vs. 7 days, p = 0.002), and had shorter length of stay (median of 8.5 days vs. 13 days, p = 0.015) compared to the pre-pathway group. Postoperative complications were overall less frequent but not significantly different in the ERP-PD group (p = 0.077). No difference in mortality and readmission rates was found. Our findings support the feasibility and safety of ERP-PD. Improved patients' outcomes, significant bed day savings and increase National Health Service productivity are anticipated with implementation of ERP-PD on a larger scale. Copyright © 2012 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Clinical research about the consecutive pain and flubiprofen axetil analgesia following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty].

PubMed

Zhao, Y Q; Wang, H M; Ma, Y; Yang, H A; Jiang, X J

2017-04-05

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative pain degree on OSAHS patients following UPPP, analyze the pain characteristic during seven consecutive days, and discuss the mechanism. To observe the analgesia effect by using flubiprofen axetil. Finally making a comprehensive understanding about UPPP perioperative period and providing more choices about analgesia treatment. Method: Fifty-five patients who underwent UPPP in the First Hospital of China Medical University were divided into analgesia group（n=30）and control group（n=25）.Normal saline 50 ml+ flubiprofen axetil 100 mg was used bid for pain relief in analgesia group during seven days following operation, and normal saline 50ml was used in control group.A visual analog scale(VAS) was used for measuring mean pain intensity each day during the period from operative day to the post-operative 7th day，scores were recorded. Continuous changes about pharynx pain were observed and VAS pain scores were compared betweenanalgesia groupand control group. Result: VAS pain scores were the highest on the operative day and the post-operative 1st day, median (interquartile range) was 7（5.5-8.25），7（6-8）respectively,then decreased gradually. The most significantly decrease happened on the post-operative 2nd and 5th day( P <0.01). Pain scores in analgesia group were most significantly lower than control group from the operative day to the post-operative 4th day( P <0.01), were lower during the post-operative 5th and 6th day( P <0.05),no difference on the post-operative 7th day. Conclusion: The most painful period following UPPP is from the operative day to the post-operative 1st day, then pain decreases gradually. The pain reduces significantly on the post-operative 2nd and 5,6th day.Surgical trauma, in flammatory reaction and suture pulling may be the reason of pain. Flubiprofen axetil effectively reduces pain and the suggested analgesia period is from the operative day to the post-operative 4th-6th day. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Changes in the diurnal rhythms of cortisol, melatonin, and testosterone after 2, 4, and 7 consecutive night shifts in male police officers.

PubMed

Jensen, Marie Aarrebo; Hansen, Åse Marie; Kristiansen, Jesper; Nabe-Nielsen, Kirsten; Garde, Anne Helene

2016-08-11

Night work is associated with a large range of acute health problems and possibly also health consequences in the long run. Yet, only very few field studies specifically investigate the effects of consecutive night shift on key physiological regulatory systems. In this field study, we investigated the effects of consecutive night shifts on three hormones, melatonin, cortisol, and testosterone, among police officers at work. More specifically, the aim was to investigate how the diurnal rhythms of melatonin, cortisol, and testosterone responded to two, four, and seven consecutive night shifts and a corresponding number of days for recovery. The study was part of the "In the Middle of the Night" project and included 73 male police officers from five different police districts. The participants were exposed to three intervention conditions: "2+2": two consecutive night shifts followed by two consecutive day recovery days; "4+4": four consecutive night shifts followed by four consecutive recovery days; "7+7": seven consecutive night shifts followed by seven consecutive recovery days. On the last day with night shift and the last recovery day in each intervention, the participants collected saliva samples every 4th hour when awake. The diurnal rhythms of melatonin, cortisol, and testosterone were all affected differently by an increasing number of consecutive night shifts: the amplitude of the melatonin rhythm was suppressed by 4.9% per day (95% CI 1.4-8.2% per day; p = 0.006). The diurnal rhythm of cortisol phase was delayed with an increasing number of night shifts by 33 min/day (95% CI 18-48 min per day; p ≤ 0.001), but did not show any changes in amplitude. For the diurnal rhythm of testosterone, there was no effect of the number of consecutive night shifts and the diurnal rhythm completely followed the sleep/wake cycle. We found that there were no differences in the rhythms of melatonin, cortisol, and testosterone after 2, 4, and 7 recovery days, respectively. In conclusion, we found signs of desynchronization in terms of suppressed amplitude of melatonin and phase delay of salivary cortisol as a consequence of the increasing number of consecutive night shifts among police officers at work. Lack of synchronization has been suggested as a possible mechanism linking night work to disease, but this remains to be determined.

The effect of "breathable" panty liners on the female lower genital tract.

PubMed

Giraldo, Paulo C; Amaral, Rose L G; Juliato, Cássia; Eleutério, José; Brolazo, Eliane; Gonçalves, Ana K S

2011-10-01

To evaluate whether the use of "breathable" panty liners (BPLs) alters the normal vaginal flora, increases the incidence of bacterial vaginosis and/or vaginal candidiasis, or causes vulvar irritation. A randomized controlled trial assessed the vaginal ecosystem of women without complaints of vaginal discharge. The study group (n=53) wore BPLs for 10-12 hours each day for 75 consecutive days, whereas the control group (n=54) wore only their usual underwear. At each of 6 visits during 3 menstrual cycles, participants underwent gynecologic examination with colposcopic evaluation and pH measurement, in addition to assessment of vaginal microbial flora, intensity of inflammatory processes, and presence of vaginal candidiasis/bacterial vaginosis in Gram-stained smears. After 75 consecutive days of BPL use, 40/44 (90.9%) and 42/44 (95.5%) women reported no complaints of vaginal discharge or vulvar itching/burning, respectively. There was no significant difference between the study group and the control group with regard to positive vaginal fungus cultures (5/44 [11.4%] vs 8/50 [16.0%]; P=0.7848) or bacterial vaginosis (3/44 [6.8%] vs 2/50 [4.0%]; P=0.7974) at the end of the study period. After 75 days of BPL use, there was no significant increase in vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal irritation, or vulvovaginal inflammation. Copyright © 2011 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of a fenbendazole treatment on cyst excretion and weight gain in calves experimentally infected with Giardia duodenalis.

PubMed

Geurden, Thomas; Vandenhoute, Els; Pohle, Herbert; Casaert, Stijn; De Wilde, Nathalie; Vercruysse, Jozef; Claerebout, Edwin

2010-04-19

A total of 28 Holstein-Friesian calves were experimentally infected with 10(5)Giardia duodenalis cysts. Eleven days later, all animals were allocated into two groups of 14 animals each, based on the average pre-treatment cyst counts. Treatment was randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and all animals in the treatment group received a daily oral dosage of 15mg fenbendazole per kg bodyweight during 3 consecutive days. The calves in the control group received a placebo (water). From 3 days after treatment onwards, cyst excretion was determined three times a week during 4 consecutive weeks. The faecal consistency and general health were recorded on a daily basis, and all animals were weighed prior to treatment and weekly thereafter. At the end of the experimental period, there was a significant (P<0.001) reduction (98%) of the cumulative cyst excretion. There were no significant differences in general health between both groups, but faecal consistency was significantly lower (P<0.002) in the control group compared to the treatment group, although none of the animals displayed overt gastro-intestinal symptoms. Prior to treatment the weight did not differ between both experimental groups. At the end of the 4-week experimental period however, the animals in the treatment group gained on average 2.86kg (=102g per day) more than the animals in the control group (P<0.031). This study demonstrates for the first time a significant difference in weight gain between fenbendazole treated and untreated calves experimentally infected with G. duodenalis, although additional data need to confirm the need for treatment in natural conditions.

Injuries before and after deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

PubMed

Knapik, J J; Spiess, A; Grier, T; Sharp, M A; Lester, M E; Marin, R; Jones, B H

2012-06-01

To examine outpatient injuries before and after deployments of elements of the 10th Mountain Division to Afghanistan (n = 505 men) and the 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq (n = 3242 men). Observational. The military units provided a list of deployed soldiers, and soldiers' outpatient medical encounters were obtained from the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Cumulative injury incidence was examined for two consecutive 90-day periods before the deployments (Periods 1-2) and two consecutive 90-day periods after the deployments (Periods 3-4). Both groups showed post-deployment increases in the overall incidence of injury (Afghanistan group = 14.1%, 14.1%, 16.4, 23.4%; Iraq Group = 15.1%, 12.4%, 35.4%, 43.4%; Periods 1-4, respectively). Soldiers with pre-deployment injuries were 1.4-3.0 times more likely to experience post-deployment injuries. This study found a post-deployment increase in the incidence of outpatient injury. Also, soldiers with pre-deployment injuries were more likely to experience post-deployment injuries. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

[Manual and mechanic anastomosis. Comparison in oncologic surgery of the colon and rectum].

PubMed

Piccolomini, A; Bruttini, S; Di Cosmo, L; Carli, A F; Guarnieri, A; Mariani, L; Carli, A

1990-03-15

Personal experience in the treatment of 60 cases of cancer of the large bowel with left hemicolon and rectal localisation is reported. 20 manual double layer anastomoses (group I), 20 single layer (group II) and with mechanical stapler (EEA stapler) (group III) were carried out in consecutive series. The results are reported in terms of early local and general complications: specifically 13 cases of anastomotic dehiscence of which 69.2% were observed in group I, 15.4% in group II and 15.4% in group III. Total postoperative mortality was 5%, average hospitalisation was as follows: 19 days group I, 14 days group II, 17 days group III. The value of single layer anastomoses, which is comparable to results with the stapler whose use is essential in cases of real manual technical difficulty, is stressed.

Bridge therapy or standard treatment for urgent surgery after coronary stent implantation: Analysis of 314 patients.

PubMed

De Servi, Stefano; Morici, Nuccia; Boschetti, Enrico; Rossini, Roberta; Martina, Paola; Musumeci, Giuseppe; D'Urbano, Maurizio; Lazzari, Ludovico; La Vecchia, Carlo; Senni, Michele; Klugmann, Silvio; Savonitto, Stefano

2016-05-01

Intravenous administration of a short acting glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor has been proposed as a bridge to surgery in patients on dual antiplatelet treatment, but data in comparison with other treatment options are not available. We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent un-deferrable, non-emergency surgery after coronary stenting. The bridge therapy was performed after discontinuation of the oral P2Y12 inhibitor by using i.v. tirofiban infusion. Net Adverse Clinical Events (NACE) was the primary outcome. We analyzed 314 consecutive patients: the bridge strategy was performed in 87 patients, whereas 227 were treated with other treatment options and represent the control group. Thirty-day NACE occurred in 8% of patients in the bridge group and in 22.5% in the control group (p < 0.01). Bridge therapy was associated with decreased 30-day NACE rate [Odds ratio (OR) 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.39; p < 0.01], particularly when the time interval between stenting and surgery was ≤ 60 days (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.72; p = 0.02). There were no cases of stent thrombosis in the bridge group and 3 (1.3%) in the control group. Bridge therapy was associated with decreased events rates as compared to both patients with and without P2Y12 inhibitors discontinuation in the control group. After adjustment for the most relevant covariates, the favorable effect of the bridge therapy was not materially modified. In conclusion, perioperative bridge therapy using tirofiban was associated with reduced 30-day NACE rate, particularly when surgery was performed within 60 days after stent implantation.

Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Benefit from Massage Therapy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Field, Tiffany M.; Quintino, Olga; Hernandez-Reif, Maria; Koslovsky, Gabrielle

1998-01-01

Twenty-eight adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were provided either massage therapy or relaxation therapy for 10 consecutive school days. The massage therapy group, but not the relaxation therapy group, self-rated as happier, and observers rated them as fidgeting less following the sessions. Teachers reported more time on…

School-Based Prevention of Bullying and Relational Aggression in Adolescence: The Fairplayer.manual

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scheithauer, Herbert; Hess, Markus; Schultze-Krumbholz, Anja; Bull, Heike Dele

2012-01-01

The fairplayer.manual is a school-based program to prevent bullying. The program consists of fifteen to seventeen consecutive ninety-minute lessons using cognitive-behavioral methods, methods targeting group norms and group dynamics, and discussions on moral dilemmas. Following a two-day training session, teachers, together with skilled…

[Effect of osseointegration in the posterior area by Shenggu pills].

PubMed

Cuifen, Luo; Guoguang, Peng

2017-10-01

This study aimed to investigate the osseointegration condition by measuring the implant stability quotient (ISQ) to study the effect of osseointegration in the posterior area by Shenggu pills. A total of 101 DENTIUM implants were placed in 48 patients. Fifty implants placed in 24 patients were addressed as usual, whereas 51 implants placed in 24 patients were treated with Shenggu pills. ISQ was tested on the day of surgery and consecutively at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. All data were analyzed. The efficacy of the treatment group was no much better than that of control group on the day of surgery and consecutively at 12 weeks with no significant difference (P>0.05). The efficacy of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). The implants placed in the mandible were significantly better than those placed in the maxilla (P<0.05). Early intake of Shenggu pills could accelerate the implant bone union, improve the implants' ISQ, and ensure the success rate of the operation.

Accelerating locomotor savings in learning: compressing four training days to one.

PubMed

Day, Kevin A; Leech, Kristan A; Roemmich, Ryan T; Bastian, Amy J

2018-06-01

Acquiring new movements requires the capacity of the nervous system to remember previously experienced motor patterns. The phenomenon of faster relearning after initial learning is termed "savings." Here we studied how savings of a novel walking pattern develops over several days of practice and how this process can be accelerated. We introduced participants to a split-belt treadmill adaptation paradigm for 30 min for 5 consecutive days. By training day 5, participants were able to produce near-perfect performance when switching between split and tied-belt environments. We found that this was due to their ability to shift specific elements of their stepping pattern to account for the split treadmill speeds from day to day. We also applied a state-space model to further characterize multiday locomotor savings. We then explored methods of achieving comparable savings with less total training time. We studied people training only on day 1, with either one extended split-belt exposure or alternating four times between split-belt and tied-belt conditions rapidly in succession. Both of these single-day training groups were tested again on day 5. Experiencing four abbreviated exposures on day 1 improved the performance on day 5 compared with one extended exposure on day 1. Moreover, this abbreviated group performed similarly to the group that trained for 4 consecutive days before testing on day 5, despite only having one-quarter of the total training time. These results demonstrate that we can leverage training structure to achieve a high degree of performance while minimizing training sessions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Learning a new movement requires repetition. Here, we demonstrate how to more efficiently train an adapted walking pattern. By compressing split-belt treadmill training delivered over 4 days to four abbreviated bouts of training delivered on the first day of training, we were able to induce equivalent savings over a 5-day span. These results suggest that we can manipulate the delivery of training to most efficiently drive multiday learning of a novel walking pattern.

Evaluation of lenticular antioxidant and redox system components in the lenses of acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in BSO-induced glutathione deprivation.

PubMed

Elanchezhian, R; Sakthivel, M; Isai, M; Geraldine, P; Thomas, P A

2009-07-31

To investigate whether acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) retards L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO)-induced cataractogenesis in Wistar rat pups. On postpartum day 3, group I pups received intraperitoneal (ip) saline and group II and group III pups received i.p. injections of BSO once daily for three consecutive days. In addition, group III pups received ip ALCAR once daily from postpartum days 3-15. Both eyes of each pup were examined up from postpartum day 16 to day 30. After sacrifice, extricated pup lenses were analyzed for antioxidant and redox system components. There was dense lenticular opacification in all group II pups, minimal opacification in 40% of group III pups, and no opacification in 60% of group III pups and in all of group I pups. Group II lenses exhibited significantly lower values of antioxidant and redox system components and higher malondialdehyde concentrations than in group I or group III lenses. ALCAR prevents cataractogenesis in the BSO-induced cataract model, possibly by inhibiting depleting antioxidant enzyme and redox system components and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Evaluation of propolis, honey, and royal jelly in amelioration of peripheral blood leukocytes and lung inflammation in mouse conalbumin-induced asthma model

PubMed Central

El-Aidy, Waleed K.; Ebeid, Ahmad A.; Sallam, Abd El-Raouf M.; Muhammad, Ibrahim E.; Abbas, Ayman T.; Kamal, M.A.; Sohrab, Sayed Sartaj

2014-01-01

Bee products have been used since ancient times to treat many diseases, including respiratory ailments. The present study aimed to examine the modulatory effect of honey, royal jelly, and propolis extract on peripheral blood leukocytes and lung inflammation in a mouse conalbumin-induced asthma model. The mice in group I were not sensitised or treated; they were kept as controls. The mice in group II were sensitised and challenged with conalbumin. Twenty-four hours after the first challenge with antigen, the mice in group III received 0.5 mg/kg of dexamethasone intraperitoneally per day for 18 consecutive days and kept as positive controls. The mice in groups IV, V, and VI received 650, 1000, and 30 mg/kg of honey, royal jelly, and propolis (aqueous and ethanolic extract), respectively, once per day for 18 consecutive days. Blood was collected from all of the mice for white blood cell differentiation, and the lungs were removed for histopathological studies. The groups treated with propolis extract exhibited considerable ameliorative effects against asthma, which might be explained by the flavonoids and phenolics found in propolis, which might have antioxidative effects. Otherwise, the sensitised and honey- or royal jelly-treated groups exhibited an increased incidence of asthma cascade events due to increased inflammatory cells. These results might be due to the immunostimulatory and vasodilatory effects of royal jelly and honey, which are antagonistic to bronchial asthma cases. Histopathological examination revealed that the sensitised treated propolis extract groups had significant decreases in inflammatory scores compared with other treatments and the sensitised untreated group. These results confirmed the previous data of peripheral blood cells. PMID:26587007

Evaluation of propolis, honey, and royal jelly in amelioration of peripheral blood leukocytes and lung inflammation in mouse conalbumin-induced asthma model.

PubMed

El-Aidy, Waleed K; Ebeid, Ahmad A; Sallam, Abd El-Raouf M; Muhammad, Ibrahim E; Abbas, Ayman T; Kamal, M A; Sohrab, Sayed Sartaj

2015-11-01

Bee products have been used since ancient times to treat many diseases, including respiratory ailments. The present study aimed to examine the modulatory effect of honey, royal jelly, and propolis extract on peripheral blood leukocytes and lung inflammation in a mouse conalbumin-induced asthma model. The mice in group I were not sensitised or treated; they were kept as controls. The mice in group II were sensitised and challenged with conalbumin. Twenty-four hours after the first challenge with antigen, the mice in group III received 0.5 mg/kg of dexamethasone intraperitoneally per day for 18 consecutive days and kept as positive controls. The mice in groups IV, V, and VI received 650, 1000, and 30 mg/kg of honey, royal jelly, and propolis (aqueous and ethanolic extract), respectively, once per day for 18 consecutive days. Blood was collected from all of the mice for white blood cell differentiation, and the lungs were removed for histopathological studies. The groups treated with propolis extract exhibited considerable ameliorative effects against asthma, which might be explained by the flavonoids and phenolics found in propolis, which might have antioxidative effects. Otherwise, the sensitised and honey- or royal jelly-treated groups exhibited an increased incidence of asthma cascade events due to increased inflammatory cells. These results might be due to the immunostimulatory and vasodilatory effects of royal jelly and honey, which are antagonistic to bronchial asthma cases. Histopathological examination revealed that the sensitised treated propolis extract groups had significant decreases in inflammatory scores compared with other treatments and the sensitised untreated group. These results confirmed the previous data of peripheral blood cells.

Does Postoperative Erythropoietin Reduce Transfusions and Hemodynamic Instability Following Liposuction, Either Alone or Associated with Abdominoplasty or Mammaplasty? A Comparative, Prospective Study of 50 Consecutive Patients.

PubMed

Rosique, Rodrigo G; Rosique, Marina J F; Rabelo, Mariana Quintino

2017-02-01

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hematopoietic growth factor and an alternative to avoid blood transfusion in high-blood-loss surgeries. We evaluate EPO efficacy to reduce clinically relevant anemia and dehydration in patients undergoing liposuction. We prospectively evaluated 50 consecutive patients subjected to liposuction greater than 2.5 L and alternately assigned into two comparable groups (25 patients each), except for the postoperative administration of erythropoietin (4000 UI per day subcutaneously) during five consecutive days. Incidence data for blood transfusion or parenteral hydration were collected. Statistical analyses were performed with significance at p value <5%. There was no significant difference between groups related to any preoperative feature or the incidence of dehydration (p = 0.1099) or transfusion (p = 1.0). Postoperative erythropoietin administration was not effective in preventing blood transfusion for anemia or parenteral hydration for hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing major liposuction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.

Vitamin D attenuates pro-inflammatory TNF-α cytokine expression by inhibiting NF-кB/p65 signaling in hypertrophied rat hearts.

PubMed

Al-Rasheed, Nawal M; Al-Rasheed, Nouf M; Bassiouni, Yieldez A; Hasan, Iman H; Al-Amin, Maha A; Al-Ajmi, Hanaa N; Mohamad, Raeesa A

2015-06-01

A growing body of evidence suggests that immune activation and inflammatory mediators may play a key role in the development and progression of left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the cardioprotective effect of cholecalciferol (Vit-D3) is mediated via the regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group received normal saline (0.9 % NaCl) i.p. for 14 days; Vit-D3 group received Vit-D3 at a dose of 12 μg/kg/day by gavage for 14 days; ISO group received saline for 7 days, and at day 7, ISO (5 mg/kg/day) was injected i.p. for 7 consecutive days to induce cardiac hypertrophy; and Vit-D3 + ISO group was treated with Vit-D3 for 14 days, and at day 7, ISO was administered for 7 consecutive days. Heart/body weight ratio, troponin-T, creatine kinase-MB, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels of LV tissue were estimated. Levels of mRNA expression of NF-кB (NF-кB)/p65 and inhibitory kappa B (IкB)-α were determined by real-time PCR. Vit-D3 administration before and during induction of cardiac hypertrophy significantly reduced (P < 0.001) cardiac biomarkers. The histopathological examination further confirmed these results. In addition, Vit-D3 significantly decreased (P < 0.001) NF-кB-p65 mRNA expression and increased (P < 0.01) IкB-α mRNA expression in LV tissues compared to ISO group. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the administration of cholecalciferol markedly attenuated the development of ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy likely through downregulation of TNF-α /NF-кb/p65 signaling pathways. However, it should be pointed out that other signaling pathways may contribute to the cardioprotective effect of Vit-D3 which requires further investigation.

A reformed surgical treatment modality for children with giant cystic craniopharyngioma.

PubMed

Zhu, Wanchun; Li, Xiang; He, Jintao; Sun, Tao; Li, Chunde; Gong, Jian

2017-09-01

Surgical removal plays an important role in treating children's craniopharyngioma. For a safe and minimally invasive craniotomy, a reformed surgical modality was proposed in this paper by combining the insertion of an Ommaya reservoir system (ORS) by stereotactic puncture, aspiration of cystic fluid in 2-day interval for consecutive 7-10 days, and the delayed tumor resection. Eleven patients (aged from 5 to 9 years old) with giant cystic craniopharyngiomas who had undergone the reformed surgical modality during November 2014 and December 2015 were collected as group A. In contrast, seven patients (aged from 5 to 11 years old) who had undergone the traditional directed operation without any prior management from January 2014 to October 2014 were collected into group B. A retrospective analysis was performed for both groups at one institution. The preoperative and postoperative clinical presentations, neuroimaging, early postoperative outcome, and the surgery-related complications of both groups were reviewed. For group A, the mean value of the maximum tumor diameters shank from 52.36 to 23.82 mm after implementing aspiration of the cystic fluid in 1-day interval for consecutive 8.23 days. Eight patients (72.73%) in group A underwent a gross total resection (GTR), while two (28.57%) patients underwent GTR in group B. The postoperative electrolyte disturbance rate and endocrine disorder rate of group B were significantly higher than those of group A (42.86 vs 36.36%; 71.43 vs 45.45%). Postoperative long-term diabetes insipidus only occurred in one patient of group B, and postoperative visual deterioration occurred in two patients of group B. Besides, one patient of group B died of severe postoperative hypothalamus dysfunction. Patients with residual tumors were applied with additional adjuvant radiotherapy, and no recurrence was observed in follow-up examinations. A favorable outcome can be achieved by combining the insertion of an ORS by stereotactic puncture, aspiration of cystic fluid in 2-day interval for continuously 7-10 days, and the delayed tumor resection. This combined treatment modality maybe an effective method to treat children with giant cystic craniopharyngiomas.

Focal vibration of quadriceps muscle enhances leg power and decreases knee joint laxity in female volleyball players.

PubMed

Brunetti, O; Botti, F M; Roscini, M; Brunetti, A; Panichi, R; Filippi, G M; Biscarini, A; Pettorossi, V E

2012-12-01

This double-blind randomized controlled study aims at determining the effect of repeated muscle vibration (rMV) on explosive and reactive leg power and on knee laxity of female volleyball players. Eighteen voluntary volleyball athletes, belonging to the same senior regional level team (age=22.7 ± 3 years, height=180.3 ± 5 cm, mass= 64 ± 4 kg) were assigned to three groups (N.=6) for vibration on contracted quadriceps (VC), vibration on relaxed muscle (VR), and sham vibration (NV), respectively. Intervention consisted in 3 rMV sessions performed in 3 consecutive days. In each session, 100 Hz, 300-500 μm amplitude vibratory stimuli were bilaterally delivered to the quadriceps in three consecutive 10-minutes applications. Explosive and reactive leg power and knee joint laxity were evaluated 1 day before, and 1, 30, and 240 days after intervention. In VC group, explosive and reactive leg power increased respectively by ~16% and ~9% at 1 day, by ~19% and ~11% at 30 days and by ~26% and ~13% at 240 days, concomitantly knee laxity decreased by ~6%, ~15% and ~18% at the same times. These changes were significantly larger than in the other groups, in which leg power increment and knee joint laxity reduction remained close to ~3%, ~5% and ~10% at 1, 30 and 240 days, respectively. Combined bilateral voluntary contraction and rMV of the quadriceps muscles is a short-lasting, non-invasive technique that can significantly and persistently improve muscle performance and knee laxity in volleyball women players.

The effect of dimethoate and pyrantel on vitamin C concentration in the rat liver.

PubMed

Spodniewska, A; Zasadowski, A

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the content of vitamin C in the liver of rats exposed to dimethoate or pyrantel embonate as well as co-intoxication with both agents. Investigations were carried out in two stages. At each stage, the rats were divided into three experimental groups (I-III) and a control (C) group. In the first stage, rats from group I were administered pyrantel embonate at a two-week interval at a dose of 1/2 LD50, while the animals from group II received dimethoate for 28 days at a dose of 1/25 LD50, and those from group III - both mentioned compounds in an identical manner as in groups I and II. In the second stage, the rats from group I received pyrantel embonate at a dose of 1/5 LD50 for 3 consecutive days, while the animals from group II received dimethoate at a dose of 1/10 LD50 for 5 consecutive days, and those from III received both compounds, but pyrantel was administered on day 3, 4 and 5 of dimethoate administration. The concentration of vitamin C after pyrantel embonate and dimethoate administration was influenced not only by doses of the compounds used but also by the manner of their application (single or co-administration). Dimethoate delivered at a dose of 1/25 LD50 evoked an increase in vitamin C concentration that was observed to continue up to the 14th day after the exposure, whereas when applied at a dose of 1/10 LD50 it increased the vitamin C level only at the 3rd hour. A considerable decrease in the vitamin C level was reported after pyrantel treatment at a dose of 1/5 LD50. In rats from groups where the compounds were co-administered, increased level of vitamin C was observed at both stages of the experiment only in the first period after intoxication, i.e. up to the 6th hour.

The effects of a heat acclimation protocol in persons with spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Trbovich, Michelle B; Kiratli, Jenny B; Price, Mike J

2016-12-01

Persons without spinal cord injury (SCI) physiologically acclimate between seven to fourteen consecutive days of exercise in the heat. Decreased resting and exercise core temperature, decreased heart rate, increased plasma volume and increased thermal comfort during exercise are changes consistent with heat acclimation. Autonomic dysfunction after SCI impairs heat dissipation through sweating and vasodilation. The purpose of this study is to determine if seven consecutive days of exercise in the heat would result in physiologic changes consistent with heat acclimation in persons with SCI. Ten persons with SCI divided into two groups: tetraplegia (n=5) and paraplegia (n=5) exercised in 35°C using an arm ergometer at 50% W peak for 30min followed by 15min rest. This protocol was repeated over seven consecutive days. Heart rate (HR), skin temperature, aural temperature (T aur ), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), rate of perceived thermal strain (RPTS), and plasma volume (PV) were measured throughout the protocol. There were no significant differences in resting T aur exercise T aur , mean skin temperature, HR, PV, RPE or RPTS over the 7 days for either the tetraplegic or paraplegic group. Participants with SCI did not demonstrate the ability to dissipate heat more efficiently over 7 days of exercise at 35°C. The lack of heat acclimation seen in persons with SCI has implications for the athlete and non-athlete alike. For the SCI athlete, inability to acclimate will impair performance and endurance especially in warm environments, compared to the person without SCI. For the SCI non-athlete, there is a greater risk of heat-related illness in warm environments that can negatively affect participation in outdoor activities and thus quality of life. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Inhalation developmental toxicology studies: Teratology study of n-hexane in rats: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mast, T.J.

The straight chain hydrocarbon, n-hexane, is a volatile, ubiquitous solvent used in industrial, academic, and smaller commercial environments. The significant opportunity for women of child-bearing age to be exposed to this chemical prompted the undertaking of a study to assess the developmental toxicity of n-hexane in an animal model. Timed-pregnant (30 animals per group) and virgin (10 animals per group) Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 0 (filtered air), 200, 1000, and 5000 ppM n-hexane (99.9% purity) vapor in inhalation chambers for 20 h/day for a period of 14 consecutive days. Sperm-positive females were exposed for 6 to 19 days ofmore » gestation (dg) and virgins were exposed concurrently for 14 consecutive days. The day of sperm detection was designated as 0 dg for mated females. Adult female body weights were monitored prior to, throughout the exposure period, and at sacrifice. Uterine, placental, and fetal body weights were obtained for gravid females at sacrifice. Implants were enumerated and their status recorded as live fetus, early or late resorption, or dead. Live fetuses were sexed and examined for gross, visceral, skeletal, and soft-tissue craniofacial defects. 16 refs., 3 figs., 7 tabs.« less

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation increases daily physical activity of patients following myocardial infarction: subanalysis of two randomised controlled trials.

PubMed

Ribeiro, F; Oliveira, N L; Silva, G; Campos, L; Miranda, F; Teixeira, M; Alves, A J; Oliveira, J

2017-03-01

To assess the effects of an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme on daily physical activity levels of patients following myocardial infarction. Subanalysis of two randomised, prospective controlled trials. Outpatient clinic of a secondary hospital. Fifty consecutive patients randomised to the exercise group {n=25; 23 males; mean age 54 [standard deviation (SD) 9] years} or the control group [n=25; 20 males; mean age 58 (SD 9) years]. The exercise group participated in an 8-week aerobic exercise programme plus usual medical care and follow-up. The control group received usual medical care and follow-up. The primary outcome measure was change in time spent undertaking moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, assessed by accelerometer over 7 consecutive days. Secondary outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass, and resting blood pressure and heart rate. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels increased significantly in the exercise group [43.2 (SD 36.3) to 53.5 (SD 31.9) minutes/day, P=0.030], and remained unchanged in the control group [40.8 (SD 26.2) to 36.8 (SD 26.5) minutes/day, P=0.241] from baseline to the end of the programme. Cardiorespiratory fitness increased significantly in the exercise group (mean difference 2.8; 95% of the difference 1.3 to 4.4ml/kg/minute, P=0.001) after the 8-week programme. In patients under optimal medication following myocardial infarction, participation in an 8-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme was found to improve physical activity levels consistent with health-related benefits. Future studies are needed to determine whether the increase in physical activity is maintained in the long term. Copyright © 2015 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictors of bleeding and user satisfaction during consecutive use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

PubMed

Heikinheimo, O; Inki, P; Kunz, M; Gemzell-Danielsson, K

2010-06-01

Consecutive use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is increasing. However, little is known about factors that predict the bleeding during consecutive use. The objective of this study was to analyse the possible factors which may predict the bleeding pattern during the first year of use of a second LNG-IUS. Fertile-aged women (n = 204) who had used their first LNG-IUS for over 4 years and who opted for a second LNG-IUS were recruited. Bleeding data were reported using 90-day reference periods (RPs) starting from the last 90 days of the first LNG-IUS use (baseline), until the end of the first year of the second LNG-IUS (RPs 1-4). Demographic factors such as age, parity, body mass index, indication of LNG-IUS use or smoking could not be identified as predictors for bleeding and spotting (B/S). Mean (+/-SD) number of B/S days was 8.9 (+/-9.1) at baseline. This increased slightly during RP1 and fell to 6.4 (+/-8.1) during RP4. Compared with the mean, women with uterine fibroids or a bleeding pattern of >9 days of spotting or any bleeding at RP1 had more B/S days during RP1-4. Although the number of B/S days decreased progressively from RP1 to RP4 in the group with a bleeding pattern of >9 days of spotting or any bleeding at baseline, such a phenomenon was not observed for women with fibroids. The difference for the change in B/S days between women with and without fibroids was statistically significant at RP3 and RP4. A high degree (91.7%) of satisfaction with the bleeding pattern was observed, with amenorrhoeic women being most satisfied. Uterine B/S is reduced during consecutive use of the LNG-IUS. Women with uterine fibroids or any bleeding at baseline continued to have more B/S than other women.

Recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhIL-3) enhances the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells by recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in normal volunteers.

PubMed

Huhn, R D; Yurkow, E J; Tushinski, R; Clarke, L; Sturgill, M G; Hoffman, R; Sheay, W; Cody, R; Philipp, C; Resta, D; George, M

1996-06-01

To identify a precisely timed and safe protocol for progenitor cell mobilization, we studied the effects of rhIL-3 and rhG-CSF administration to normal volunteers. rhG-CSF 5 micrograms/kg/d was administered subcutaneously (s.c.) for 7 consecutive days either alone or preceded by rhIL-3 5 micrograms/kg/d s.c. for 4 consecutive days in sequential or partially overlapping schedules. The combined cytokines were well-tolerated--adverse effects were similar to those of the individual agents. Total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts rose briskly in response to rhG-CSF, and peak mean values were similar between treatment cohorts. Mean platelet counts were modestly elevated during rhG-CSF treatment only in the cohorts receiving rhIL-3 and rhG-CSF. Mean circulating CD34+ cells peaked on day 5 in the rhG-CSF group (38.9+/-14.3/microliter), day 6 in the sequential rhIL-3/rhG-CSF group (56.4+/-12.4/microliter), and day 6 in the partial overlap group (46.1+/-10.9/microliter). On day 3, mean CD34+ cell counts of the subjects who received sequential treatment were markedly higher than observed in the other groups (p<0.05) and were estimated to have been sufficient for collection of adequate grafts by single 10-L leukapheresis procedures in 60% of subjects. Circulating clonogenic cells (CFU-GM and/or BFU-E) were substantially higher in the sequential group than the rhG-CSF group on days 3-6 but were only minimally elevated above baseline in the partial overlap group. The numbers of circulating CD34+/Lin-/Thy-1+ cells (putative stem cells) were increased substantially, especially in the sequential group. On the basis of this pilot trial, we conclude that priming with rhIL-3 is a safe and well-tolerated method for enhancing the mobilization of human blood progenitors and stem cells by rhG-CSF.

Caffeine prevents cognitive impairment induced by chronic psychosocial stress and/or high fat-high carbohydrate diet.

PubMed

Alzoubi, K H; Abdul-Razzak, K K; Khabour, O F; Al-Tuweiq, G M; Alzubi, M A; Alkadhi, K A

2013-01-15

Caffeine alleviates cognitive impairment associated with a variety of health conditions. In this study, we examined the effect of caffeine treatment on chronic stress- and/or high fat-high carbohydrate Western diet (WD)-induced impairment of learning and memory in rats. Chronic psychosocial stress, WD and caffeine (0.3 g/L in drinking water) were simultaneously administered for 3 months to adult male Wistar rats. At the conclusion of the 3 months, and while the previous treatments continued, rats were tested in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) for learning, short-term and long-term memory. This procedure was applied on a daily basis to all animals for 5 consecutive days or until the animal reaches days to criterion (DTC) in the 12th learning trial and memory tests. DTC is the number of days that the animal takes to make zero error in two consecutive days. Chronic stress and/or WD groups caused impaired learning, which was prevented by chronic caffeine administration. In the memory tests, chronic caffeine administration also prevented memory impairment during chronic stress conditions and/or WD. Furthermore, DTC value for caffeine treated stress, WD, and stress/WD groups indicated that caffeine normalizes memory impairment in these groups. These results showed that chronic caffeine administration prevented stress and/or WD-induced impairment of spatial learning and memory. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enrofloxacin in therapeutic doses alters cytokine production by porcine PBMCs induced by lipopolysaccharide.

PubMed

Pomorska-Mól, Małgorzata; Czyżewska-Dors, Ewelina; Kwit, Krzysztof; Pejsak, Zygmunt

2017-07-01

The effect of enrofloxacin on cytokine secretion by porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was studied. Twenty 8-20-week-old pigs were randomly divided into two groups: control (C, n = 10) and experimental (E, n = 10) were used. Pigs from group E received enrofloxacin at therapeutic dose for 5 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected at 0 (before antibiotic administration), 2, 4 (during antibiotic therapy) 6, 9, 14 21, 35, 49, and 63 d of study (after treatment). PBMCs of pigs from both groups were incubated with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ex vivo production on interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α were analyzed using ELISA assay. Intramuscular administration of enrofloxacin to healthy pigs for 5 consecutive days induced a transitory reduction of the ex vivo response of PBMCs to LPS in terms of IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. The level of IL-6 returned to day 0 level shortly after end of treatment, while the TNF-α production remained reduced 10 d after the end of treatment. Our results indicate that enrofloxacin given in vivo in therapeutic doses has an immunomodulatory effect through its capacity to inhibit ex vivo secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by porcine PBMC after LPS stimulation.

The association between consecutive days' heat wave and cardiovascular disease mortality in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Yin, Qian; Wang, Jinfeng

2017-02-23

Although many studies have examined the effects of heat waves on the excess mortality risk (ER) posed by cardiovascular disease (CVD), scant attention has been paid to the effects of various combinations of differing heat wave temperatures and durations. We investigated such effects in Beijing, a city of over 20 million residents. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to analyze the ER of consecutive days' exposure to extreme high temperatures. A key finding was that when extremely high temperatures occur continuously, at varying temperature thresholds and durations, the adverse effects on CVD mortality vary significantly. The longer the heat wave lasts, the greater the mortality risk is. When the daily maximum temperature exceeded 35 °C from the fourth day onward, the ER attributed to consecutive days' high temperature exposure saw an increase to about 10% (p < 0.05), and at the fifth day, the ER even reached 51%. For the thresholds of 32 °C, 33 °C, and 34 °C, from the fifth day onward, the ER also rose sharply (16, 29, and 31%, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, extreme high temperatures appeared to contribute to a higher proportion of CVD deaths among elderly persons, females and outdoor workers. When the daily maximum temperature was higher than 33 °C from the tenth consecutive day onward, the ER of CVD death among these groups was 94, 104 and 149%, respectively (p < 0.05), which is considerably higher than the ER for the overall population (87%; p < 0.05). The results of this study may assist governments in setting standards for heat waves, creating more accurate heat alerts, and taking measures to prevent or reduce temperature-related deaths, especially against the backdrop of global warming.

Evaluation of lenticular antioxidant and redox system components in the lenses of acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in BSO-induced glutathione deprivation

PubMed Central

Elanchezhian, R.; Sakthivel, M.; Isai, M.; Thomas, P.A.

2009-01-01

Purpose To investigate whether acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) retards L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO)-induced cataractogenesis in Wistar rat pups. Methods On postpartum day 3, group I pups received intraperitoneal (ip) saline and group II and group III pups received i.p. injections of BSO once daily for three consecutive days. In addition, group III pups received ip ALCAR once daily from postpartum days 3–15. Both eyes of each pup were examined up from postpartum day 16 to day 30. After sacrifice, extricated pup lenses were analyzed for antioxidant and redox system components. Results There was dense lenticular opacification in all group II pups, minimal opacification in 40% of group III pups, and no opacification in 60% of group III pups and in all of group I pups. Group II lenses exhibited significantly lower values of antioxidant and redox system components and higher malondialdehyde concentrations than in group I or group III lenses. Conclusions ALCAR prevents cataractogenesis in the BSO-induced cataract model, possibly by inhibiting depleting antioxidant enzyme and redox system components and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. PMID:19649174

Selenium protects cerebral cells by cisplatin induced neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Karavelioglu, Ergun; Boyaci, Mehmet Gazi; Simsek, Nejdet; Sonmez, Mehmet Akif; Koc, Rabia; Karademir, Mustafa; Guven, Mustafa; Eser, Olcay

2015-06-01

To evaluate the central nervous system toxicity of cisplatin and neuroprotective effect of selenium. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control (C), cisplatin (CS), cisplatin and selenium (CSE, n=7 in each group). Cisplatin (12 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered to CS and CSE groups for three days. Furthermore, CSE group received 3mg/kg/day (twice-a-day as 1.5 mg/kg) selenium via oral gavage five days before cisplatin injection and continued for 11 consecutive days. The same volumes of saline were administered to C group intraperitoneally and orally at same time. Heterochromatic and vacuolated neurons and dilated capillary vessels in the brain were observed in the histochemical examinations of cisplatin treated group. Rats that were given a dose of 3mg/kg/day selenium decreased the cisplatin induced histopathological changes in the brain, indicating a protective effect. In addition, cytoplasmic staining of the cell for bcl-2, both cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for bax were determined to be positive in the all groups. Bax positive cells were increased in the CS group compared to C group, in contrast to decreased bcl-2 positivity. Selenium limited apototic activity and histological changes due to the cisplatin related central neurotoxicity.

78 FR 61408 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-03

... continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Upon such failure, the Company shall be notified.... Compliance can be achieved by meeting the applicable standard for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days... the deficiency continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Upon such failure, the Company...

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels among coke-oven workers for 2 consecutive days.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thi-To-Uyen; Kawanami, Shoko; Kawai, Kazuaki; Kasai, Hiroshi; Li, Yun-Shan; Inoue, Jinro; Ngoan, Le Tran; Horie, Seichi

2014-01-01

This study evaluated the levels of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their relationship with oxidative DNA damage among Vietnamese coke-oven workers. We collected urine from 36 coke-oven workers (exposed group) at the beginning and end of the shift on 2 consecutive days. We also collected urine from 78 medical staff (control group). Information was collected by questionnaire about smoking status, drinking habit, and working position. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) were measured using HPLC. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 19. Urinary 1-OHP was significantly higher in the coke-oven workers than in the control group (p<0.05). Top-oven workers had the highest levels of internal exposure to PAHs, followed by side-oven and then bottom-oven workers (5.41, 4.41 and 1.35 ng/mg creatinine, respectively, at the end of the shift on day 2). Urinary 8-OH-dG was significantly higher in top- and side-oven workers at the end of the shift on day 2 (4.63 and 5.88 ng/mg creatinine, respectively) than in the control group (3.85 ng/mg creatinine). Based on a multi-regression analysis, smoking status had a significant effect on urinary 8-OH-dG (p=0.049). Urinary 1-OHP tended to have a positive correlation with urinary 8-OH-dG (p=0.070). Vietnamese coke-oven workers were exposed to PAHs during their work shift. Urinary 1-OHP exceeded the recommended limit, and elevated oxidative DNA damage occurred in top- and side-oven workers on the second day of work. A tendency for positive correlation was found between urinary 1-OHP and urinary 8-OH-dG.

Implementation of enhanced recovery programme for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: feasibility, safety and cost analysis.

PubMed

Richardson, John; Di Fabio, Francesco; Clarke, Hannah; Bajalan, Mohammed; Davids, Joe; Abu Hilal, Mohammed

2015-01-01

The adoption of laparoscopy for distal pancreatectomy has proven to substantially improve short-term outcomes. Stress response after major surgery can be further minimized within an enhanced recovery programme (ERP). However, data on the potential benefit of an ERP for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are still lacking. The aim was to assess the feasibility, safety and cost of ERP for patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. This is a case-control study from a Tertiary University Hospital. Sixty-six consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy were analyzed. Twenty-two patients were enrolled for the ERP and compared with previous consecutive 44 patients managed traditionally (1:2 ratio). Operative details, post-operative outcome and cost analysis were compared in the two groups. Patients enrolled in the ERP had similar intraoperative blood loss (median 165 ml vs. 200 ml; p = 0.176), operation time (225 min vs. 210 min; p = 0.633), time to remove naso-gastric tube (1 vs. 1 day; p = 0.081) but significantly shorter time to mobilization (median 1 vs. 2 days; p = 0.0001), start solid diet (2 vs. 3 days; p = 0004), and pass stools (3 vs. 5 days; p = 0.002) compared to the control group. Median length of stay was significantly shorter in the ERP group (3 vs. 6 days; p < 0.0001). No significant difference in readmission or complication rate was observed. Cost analysis was significantly in favor of the ERP group (p = 0.0004). Implementation of ERP optimizes outcomes for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with significant earlier return to normal gut function, reduced length of stay and cost saving. Copyright © 2015 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effect of fentanyl on expression of mu-receptor and beta-arrestin 2 in periaqueductal gray of rats tolerant to morphine].

PubMed

Liu, Ruo-shan; Sun, Li; Liu, Xiao-yan; Li, Xuan-ying; Xu, Lei

2009-05-19

To investigate the effect of fentanyl upon the expression of mu-receptor and beta-arrestin 2 in peri-aqueductal gray of morphine-tolerant rats. Forty male SD rats weighing (230 +/- 20) g were randomly divided into 5 groups of eight animals each: group NS, group M, group MF1, group MF2 and group MF3. Rats in group NS received only subcutaneous normal saline 1 ml/kg twice a day for 9 consecutive days; group M received subcutaneous morphine 10 mg/kg followed by NS 1 ml/kg twice a day for 9 consecutive days; In groups MF1, MF2 and MF3, morphine 10 mg x kg(-1) was injected subcutaneously followed by fentanyl 3, 6, 12 microg/kg respectively. All animals were sacrificed at Day 9 after measurement of pain threshold. Periaqueductal gray was removed for determination of the expression of mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein (Western-blot) of mu-receptor and beta-arrestin 2. Compared with group NS, TFL of group M was significantly elevated after the first morphine injection (P < 0.01). But TFL of group M returned to the baseline value after chronic morphine treatment. Compared with group M, TFL increased in groups MF2 and MF3 at Days 7 and 9 (P < 0.05 or 0.01). However, TFL of group MF1 was negative (P > 0.05). The expression of mu-receptor mRNA and protein was significantly lower in group M than in group NS (P < 0.01). Compared with group M, the expressions of mu-receptor mRNA and protein were significantly elevated in group MF2 and MF3 (P < 0.05 or 0.01) but there was no significant change in group MF1 (P > 0.05). The expression of beta-arrestin 2 mRNA and protein significantly decreased in group M as compared with group NS (P < 0.01). Compared with group M, the expressions of beta-arrestin 2 mRNA and protein were significantly elevated in group MF2 and MF3 (P < 0.05 or 0.01), but there was no significant change in group MF1 (P > 0.05). Fentanyl at 6 and 12 microg/kg can partly inhibit morphine tolerance through an increased expression of mu-receptor and beta-arrestin 2 in periaqueductal gray of morphine-tolerant rats.

Role of Biofeedback in Optimizing Psychomotor Performance in Sports

PubMed Central

Paul, Maman; Garg, Kanupriya; Singh Sandhu, Jaspal

2012-01-01

Purpose Biofeedback is an emerging tool to acquire and facilitate physiological and psychological domains of the human body like response time and concentration. Thus, the present study aims at determining the reconstitution of psychomotor and performance skills in basketball players through biofeedback training. Methods Basketball players (N=30) with different levels of expertise (university, state and national) aged 18-28 years (both male and female) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups - Experimental group, Placebo group and Control group. The experimental group received Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback training for 10 consecutive days for 20 minutes that included breathing at individual's resonant frequency through a pacing stimulus; Placebo group was shown motivational video clips for 10 consecutive days for 10 minutes, whereas Control group was not given any intervention. At session 1, 10 and 1month follow up, heart rate variability, respiration rate, response time (reaction and movement time), concentration and shooting performance were assessed. Results Two way repeated measure ANOVA was used to simultaneously compare within and between group differences. Response time, concentration, heart rate variability, respiration rate and shooting differences were statistically significant in each group along with interaction of group and time (P<0.001). Also, all the measures showed statistically significant inter group difference (P<0.05). Conclusion The results of the study suggest that biofeedback training may help to train stressed athletes to acquire a control over their psychophysiological processes, thus helping an athlete to perform maximally. PMID:22461963

Impact of Dual Use of Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D Drug Benefits on Potentially Unsafe Opioid Use.

PubMed

Gellad, Walid F; Thorpe, Joshua M; Zhao, Xinhua; Thorpe, Carolyn T; Sileanu, Florentina E; Cashy, John P; Hale, Jennifer A; Mor, Maria K; Radomski, Thomas R; Hausmann, Leslie R M; Donohue, Julie M; Gordon, Adam J; Suda, Katie J; Stroupe, Kevin T; Hanlon, Joseph T; Cunningham, Francesca E; Good, Chester B; Fine, Michael J

2018-02-01

To estimate the prevalence and consequences of receiving prescription opioids from both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare Part D. Among US veterans enrolled in both VA and Part D filling 1 or more opioid prescriptions in 2012 (n = 539 473), we calculated 3 opioid safety measures using morphine milligram equivalents (MME): (1) proportion receiving greater than 100 MME for 1 or more days, (2) mean days receiving greater than 100 MME, and (3) proportion receiving greater than 120 MME for 90 consecutive days. We compared these measures by opioid source. Overall, 135 643 (25.1%) veterans received opioids from VA only, 332 630 (61.7%) from Part D only, and 71 200 (13.2%) from both. The dual-use group was more likely than the VA-only group to receive greater than 100 MME for 1 or more days (34.3% vs 10.9%; adjusted risk ratio [ARR] = 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9, 3.1), have more days with greater than 100 MME (42.5 vs 16.9 days; adjusted difference = 16.4 days; 95% CI = 15.7, 17.2), and to receive greater than 120 MME for 90 consecutive days (7.8% vs 3.1%; ARR = 2.2; 95% CI = 2.1, 2.3). Among veterans dually enrolled in VA and Medicare Part D, dual use of opioids was associated with more than 2 to 3 times the risk of high-dose opioid exposure.

Pharmacokinetics interaction between imatinib and genistein in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Zhe; Wang, Li; Xia, Meng-Ming; Sun, Wei; Huang, Cheng-Ke; Cui, Xiao; Hu, Guo-Xin; Lian, Qing-Quan; Wang, Zeng-Shou

2015-01-01

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of orally administered genistein on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib in rats. Twenty-five healthy male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were randomly divided into five groups: A group (control group), B group (multiple dose of 100 mg/kg genistein for consecutive 15 days), C group (multiple dose of 50 mg/kg genistein for consecutive 15 days), D group (a single dose of 100 mg/kg genistein), and E group (a single dose of 50 mg/kg genistein). A single dose of imatinib is administered orally 30 min after administration of genistein (100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg). The pharmacokinetic parameters of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib were calculated by DAS 3.0 software. The multiple dose of 100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg genistein significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the AUC0-t and C max of imatinib. AUC0-t and the C max of N-desmethyl imatinib were also increased, but without any significant difference. However, the single dose of 100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg genistein has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib. Those results indicated that multiple dose of genistein (100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) induces the metabolism of imatinib, while single dose of genistein has no effect.

Effects of intrathecal injection of rapamycin on pain threshold and spinal cord glial activation in rats with neuropathic pain.

PubMed

Lv, Jing; Li, Zhenci; She, Shouzhang; Xu, Lixin; Ying, Yanlu

2015-08-01

To evaluate the effects of intrathecal injection of rapamycin on pain threshold and spinal cord glial activation in rats with neuropathic pain. Healthy 30 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5 in each group): (1) control group without any treatments; (2) chronic constriction injury (CCI) group; (3) Early-rapamycin group with intrathecal injection of rapamycin 4 hours after CCI days; (4) Early-vehicle group with intrathecal injection of DMSO; (5) Late-rapamycin group with intrathecal injection of rapamycin 7 days after CCI; (6) Late-vehicle group with intrathecal injection of DMSO 7 days after CCI. Rapamycin or DMSO was injected for 3 consecutive days. Mechanical and thermal threshold were tested before and after the CCI operation. Lumbar segment of spinal cords was tested for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by immunohistochemistry on 14th day after operation. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia emerged on fourth day were maintained till fourteenth day after operation. After intrathecal injection of rapamycin 4 hours or 7 days after CCI, mechanical and thermal threshold significantly increased compared to injection of DMSO. The area of GFAP positive and the mean density of GFAP positive area in the dorsal horn of the ipsilateral side greatly increased in rapamycin-treated groups. Intrathecal injection of rapamycin may attenuate CCI-induced hyperalgesia and inhibit the activation of astrocyte.

Supplemental intermittent-day heat training and the lactate threshold.

PubMed

Gollan, Stuart; Chalmers, Samuel; Alderton, Stephen; Norton, Kevin

2017-04-01

Heat acclimation over consecutive days has been shown to improve aerobic-based performance. Recently, it has been suggested that heat training can improve performance in a temperate environment. However, due to the multifactorial training demands of athletes, consecutive-day heat training may not be suitable. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of brief (8×30min) intermittent (every 3-4 days) supplemental heat training on the second lactate threshold point (LT 2 ) in temperate and hot conditions. 21 participants undertook eight intermittent-day mixed-intensity treadmill exercise training sessions in hot (30°C; 50% relative humidity [RH]) or temperate (18°C; 30% RH) conditions. A pre- and post-incremental exercise test occurred in temperate (18°C; 30% RH) and hot conditions (30°C; 50% RH) to determine the change in LT 2 . The heat training protocol did not improve LT 2 in temperate (Effect Size [ES]±90 confidence interval=0.10±0.16) or hot (ES=0.26±0.26) conditions. The primary finding was that although the intervention group had a change greater than the SWC, no statistically significant improvements were observed following an intermittent eight day supplemental heat training protocol comparable to a control group training only in temperate conditions. This is likely due to the brief length of each heat training session and/or the long duration between each heat exposure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid.

PubMed

Gruenwald, Joerg; Graubaum, Hans-Joachim; Busch, Regina; Bentley, Christine

2006-01-01

The goal of this randomized, double-blind crossover clinical trial in 50 healthy volunteers sensitive to acidic foods was to evaluate whether Ester-C calcium ascorbate causes fewer epigastric adverse effects than are produced by regular ascorbic acid (AA). Volunteers were randomly separated into 2 groups of 25. The study comprised an observation period of 9 days (phase 1 medication for 3 consecutive days, washout phase for 3 consecutive days, phase 2 medication for 3 consecutive days). Participants took 1000 mg vitamin C as Ester-C during phase 1 of the study followed by 1000 mg of vitamin C as AA during phase 2, or vice versa. During the course of the study, 3 examinations for the evaluation of epigastric adverse effects were performed (on days 0, 3, and 9). Participants used a diary to record epigastric adverse effects on a daily basis. In total, 28 (56%) of 50 participants reported 88 epigastric adverse effects of mild to moderate intensity. Of these 88 adverse effects, 33 (37.5%) occurred after intake of Ester-C and 55 (62.5%) were noted after intake of AA. The tolerability of Ester-C was rated "very good" by 72% of participants, whereas AA was rated "very good" by only 54%. This difference is statistically significant (P<.05). Investigators concluded that Ester-C compared with AA caused significantly fewer epigastric adverse effects in participants sensitive to acidic foods and that Ester-C is much better tolerated.

Development of a programmable piggyback syringe pump and four-times-a-day injection regimen for superovulation in non-lactating Holstein cows

PubMed Central

IRSHAD, Abdul Razaq; SASAKI, Taihei; KUBO, Tomoaki; ODASHIMA, Naoyuki; KATANO, Keiji; OSAWA, Takeshi; TAKAHASHI, Toru; IZAIKE, Yoshiaki

2015-01-01

The objectives of the present study were to develop a programmable piggyback syringe pump for bovine superovulation and to evaluate the effects of a four-times-a-day injection regimen using the pump. Non-lactating Holstein cows were treated with a total of 30 armour units of porcine FSH by injection four times a day with the pump (study, n = 9) or injection twice a day manually (control, n = 9) for four consecutive days from D10 of the estrous cycle. The pump-driven program successfully induced superovulation in all cows tested. The numbers of small (3– < 5 mm in diameter) and large (≥ 10 mm in diameter) follicles were greater in the study group on D11-13 and D14, respectively. There were fewer unovulated follicles detected on D21 (7 days after estrus) in the study group than in the control group (1.2 ± 0.4 and 3.2 ± 0.6, respectively). PMID:26052155

Development of a programmable piggyback syringe pump and four-times-a-day injection regimen for superovulation in non-lactating Holstein cows.

PubMed

Irshad, Abdul Razaq; Sasaki, Taihei; Kubo, Tomoaki; Odashima, Naoyuki; Katano, Keiji; Osawa, Takeshi; Takahashi, Toru; Izaike, Yoshiaki

2015-01-01

The objectives of the present study were to develop a programmable piggyback syringe pump for bovine superovulation and to evaluate the effects of a four-times-a-day injection regimen using the pump. Non-lactating Holstein cows were treated with a total of 30 armour units of porcine FSH by injection four times a day with the pump (study, n = 9) or injection twice a day manually (control, n = 9) for four consecutive days from D10 of the estrous cycle. The pump-driven program successfully induced superovulation in all cows tested. The numbers of small (3- < 5 mm in diameter) and large (≥ 10 mm in diameter) follicles were greater in the study group on D11-13 and D14, respectively. There were fewer unovulated follicles detected on D21 (7 days after estrus) in the study group than in the control group (1.2 ± 0.4 and 3.2 ± 0.6, respectively).

The effects of guided imagery on comfort, depression, anxiety, and stress of psychiatric inpatients with depressive disorders.

PubMed

Apóstolo, João Luís Alves; Kolcaba, Katharine

2009-12-01

This article describes the efficacy of a guided imagery intervention for decreasing depression, anxiety, and stress and increasing comfort in psychiatric inpatients with depressive disorders. A quasi-experimental design sampled 60 short-term hospitalized depressive patients selected consecutively. The experimental group listened to a guided imagery compact disk once a day for 10 days. The Psychiatric Inpatients Comfort Scale and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) were self-administered at two time points: prior to the intervention (T1) and 10 days later (T2). Comfort and DASS-21 were also assessed in the usual care group at T1 and T2. Repeated measures revealed that the treatment group had significantly improved comfort and decreased depression, anxiety, and stress over time.

Ovicidal efficacy of fenbendazole after treatment of horses naturally infected with cyathostomins.

PubMed

Daniels, S P; Proudman, C J

2016-08-30

The ovicidal activity of benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics is unique and not seen in other drug classes. Such ovicidal efficacy is not widely reported for equine cyathostomins, nor has this activity been tested in the face of BZ resistance. Although the product label states that fenbendazole is for use against BZ-susceptible cyathostomins, susceptibility testing is rarely performed. In this field-based study, the ovicidal efficacy of fenbendazole in horses (n=39) harbouring BZ-resistant cyathostomins was compared when dosed at 7.5mg/kg body weight (BW) orally, as a single dose per os (n=21) or daily for five consecutive days in feed (n=18). Suppression of egg hatch rate was observed in the single and five- day treatment groups; a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment egg hatch rates (P<0.05) was observed for three days after treatment with a single dose of fenbendazole (on premises with BZ-resistant cyathostomins), and for three days after treatment for five consecutive days with fenbendazole (on premises with BZ-resistant cyathostomins). Post treatment numbers of eggs and larvae remained significantly lower (P<0.05) than pre-treatment levels to the end of the trial. We conclude that in the face of BZ-resistant cyathostomins the ovicidal effect of fenbendazole persist for three days after both a single oral dose of 7.5mg/kg per os and after treatment orally for five consecutive daily doses at 7.5mg/kg in feed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antiaggressive activity of hyperforin: A preclinical study.

PubMed

Kumar, N; Husain, G M; Singh, P N; Kumar, V

2009-08-01

The aim of present study was to investigate the in vivo antiaggressive activity of hyperforin using defensive and offensive behavioral models in rodents. Adult male rats and mice were used for the present study. Animals were divided into three groups, with 6 animals in each. Lorazepam was used as standard antiaggressive agent. Animals were treated once daily, for seven consecutive days. Hyperforin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected in a volume of 10 mL/kg for seven consecutive days. Standard group was treated with lorazepam (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). The control group was treated with equal volume of vehicle (0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose suspension, i.p.). Animals were screened for aggressive behavior before dividing them into groups. At the end of 7 days, experiments were performed. Antiaggressive activity was evaluated using following validated models of aggression viz. foot shock-induced aggression, isolation-induced aggression, resident-intruder aggression and water competition test. Hyperforin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced various aggressive parameters viz. latency to first attack and number of fights in isolation induced aggression, resident intruder aggression and foot shock induced aggression tests. In water competition test, hyperforin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the duration of water consumption and frequency of water spout possession. We conclude that hyperforin, the major lipophilic compound contained in extracts of Hypericum perforatum, is thus responsible for the antiaggressive activity, suggesting the therapeutic potential of hyperforin as an antiaggressive agent.

Wound infection prophylaxis in pediatric acute appendicitis: a 26-year prospective study.

PubMed

Ein, Sigmund H; Sandler, Anthony

2006-03-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the best wound infection prophylaxis in pediatric acute appendicitis. From 1969 to 1995 inclusive, 453 consecutive pediatric patients at the same children's hospital had an appendix with acute inflammation (acute appendicitis) removed by the same staff surgeon and his resident. The stump was not inverted, and chromic catgut was used throughout. No intraperitoneal antibiotics, irrigation, or drains were used, and the skin closure was with silk sutures initially and then with staples since 1986. The infants and children were divided into 6 consecutive groups of 52 to 96 patients, with each group lasting 2 to 5 years. The wound treatment groups were as follows: no treatment, drain or pack, drain or pack plus antibiotic powder, antibiotic powder, preoperative intravenous antibiotic plus antibiotic powder, and preoperative intravenous antibiotic. The wound Penrose drain, one half-inch gauze pack, and/or antibiotic powder (ampicillin, 1977-1981; cefoxitin, 1982-1995) were all placed in the subcutaneous space. There were a total of 50 (11%) wound infections (pus) that occurred between 4 and 40 days when no antibiotic powder was used and 2 to 14 days with antibiotic powder. In all 6 groups of patients, no organism was grown in most (80%) infections and Escherichia coli was the second commonest (12%). The serous ooze, which occurred only with the use of antibiotic powder (8%), was seen between 6 and 18 days, and no organism was ever cultured. The patients with preoperative (or intraoperative) intravenous antibiotics (cefoxitin) plus wound antibiotic powder (cefoxitin) had the lowest infection rate (2.5%). When this group was compared with the baseline group 1 (no treatment), it was the only group in which wound treatment made a significant difference (P = .003).

Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks with Single-Dose Liposomal Bupivacaine in Conjunction with a Nonnarcotic Pain Regimen Help Reduce Length of Stay following Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

PubMed

Jablonka, Eric M; Lamelas, Andreas M; Kim, Julie N; Molina, Bianca; Molina, Nathan; Okwali, Michelle; Samson, William; Sultan, Mark R; Dayan, Joseph H; Smith, Mark L

2017-08-01

Side effects associated with use of postoperative narcotics for pain control can delay recovery after abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. The authors evaluated a nonnarcotic pain control regimen in conjunction with bilateral transversus abdominis plane blocks on facilitating early hospital discharge. A retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive patients who underwent breast reconstruction using abdominally based free flaps, with or without being included in a nonnarcotic protocol using intraoperative transversus abdominis plane blockade. During this period, the use of locoregional analgesia evolved from none (control), to continuous bupivacaine infusion transversus abdominis plane and catheters, to single-dose transversus abdominis plane blockade with liposomal bupivacaine solution. Demographic factors, length of stay, inpatient opioid consumption, and complications were reported for all three groups. One hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients (182 flaps) were identified. Forty patients (62 flaps) were in the infusion-liposomal bupivacaine group, 48 (66 flaps) were in the single-dose blockade-catheter group, and 40 (54 flaps) were in the control group. The infusion-liposomal bupivacaine patients had a significantly shorter hospital stay compared with the single-dose blockade-catheter group (2.65 ± 0.66 versus 3.52 ± 0.92 days; p < 0.0001) and the control group (2.65 ± 0.66 versus 4.05 ± 1.26 days; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in flap loss or major complications among groups. When used as part of a nonnarcotic postoperative pain regimen, transversus abdominis plane blocks performed with single injections of liposomal bupivacaine help facilitate early hospital discharge after abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. A trend toward consistent discharge by postoperative day 2 was seen. This could result in significant cost savings for health care systems. Therapeutic, III.

The effects of oral consumption of selenium nanoparticles on chemotactic and respiratory burst activities of neutrophils in comparison with sodium selenite in sheep.

PubMed

Kojouri, Gholam Ali; Sadeghian, Sirous; Mohebbi, Abdonnaser; Mokhber Dezfouli, Mohammad Reza

2012-05-01

The present study was designed to compare the effects of nano-selenium and of sodium selenite on the chemotactic and respiratory burst activities of neutrophils in sheep. Fifteen sheep were randomly divided into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 received selenium nanoparticles (1 mg/kg) or sodium selenite (1 mg/kg) orally, respectively, for ten consecutive days, and the third group was considered as the control. To determine the chemotactic and respiratory burst activities of the neutrophils, the leading front assay and the NBT test were used on heparinized blood samples that were collected at different intervals (days 0, 10th, 20th, and 30th). The results obtained showed that the chemotactic activities in groups 1 and 2 increased significantly on the 10th, 20th, and 30th day, compared to day 0, and on the 20th day in comparison with the 10th day, while in group 2, there was a significant decrease on the 30th day compared to the 20th day. The chemotactic activities in group 1 were significantly higher than in group 2 on the 10th day and in the control group on the 10th, 20th, and 30th day, but the chemotactic activities in group 2 were significantly higher than those in the control group only on the 20th day. On the 30th day into the experiment, the respiratory bursts in groups 1 and 2 were significantly stronger in comparison with those at day 0. Overall, nano-selenium increased the chemotactic and respiratory burst activities more significantly than sodium selenite, which is suggestive of a stronger stimulatory effect of the Se nanoparticles on intracellular activities.

Implementation of pre-seasonal sublingual immunotherapy with a five-grass pollen tablet during optimal dosage assessment.

PubMed

Horak, F; Jaeger, S; Worm, M; Melac, M; Didier, A

2009-03-01

The optimal dose (300IR) of a five-grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy tablet in terms of efficacy was previously demonstrated from the first pollen season. Here, we aim to confirm whether this dose remained optimal during the peak of the pollen season by assessing the efficacy and quality of life data. A total of 628 subjects with grass pollen rhinoconjunctivitis were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre, pan-European trial. Subjects received once-daily tablets (Stallergenes, Antony, France) of 100IR, 300IR, 500IR or placebo, starting 4 months before and throughout the 2005 grass pollen season. The pollen season was defined as the first day of 3 consecutive days with a grass pollen count above 30 grains/m(3) of air, recorded using Hirst-type volumetric pollen traps, to the last day before 3 consecutive days with a pollen count below 30 grains/m(3). The grass pollen season lasted an average of 30 days, with a peak of 12 days. The mean treatment duration before the grass pollen season was similar in the four treatment groups (121.4+/-31.1 to 128.6+/-15.4 days in the safety population). Both the 300IR and 500IR groups had highly significant improvements in Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (RTSS) vs. placebo at the peak pollen season (P=0.0005 and 0.0014, respectively), which agreed with improvements in RTSS in the primary evaluations. The average RTSS scores were slightly elevated during the peak pollen season in all treatment groups. The overall Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score confirmed the optimal dosage 300IR at peak (P<0.0001) and at the end (P< or =0.0031) of the pollen season. All doses were well tolerated. At the peak pollen season, the efficacy and quality of life data for both 300IR and 500IR groups was significantly improved vs. the placebo group. These results confirm the conclusions of the primary evaluations and validate the use of 300IR tablets for clinical practice.

The influence of serial fecal sampling on the diagnosis of giardiasis in humans, dogs, and cats.

PubMed

Uchôa, Flávia Fernandes de Mendonça; Sudré, Adriana Pittella; Macieira, Daniel de Barros; Almosny, Nádia Regina Pereira

2017-08-24

Giardia infection is a common clinical problem in humans and pets. The diagnosis of giardiasis is challenging as hosts intermittently excrete protozoan cysts in their feces. In the present study, we comparatively evaluated two methods of serial fecal sampling in humans, dogs, and cats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Faust et al. technique was used to examine fecal specimens collected in triplicate from 133 patients (52 humans, 60 dogs, and 21 cats). Specimens from 74 patients were received from the group assigned to carry out sampling on consecutive days - 34 humans, 35 dogs, and 5 cats, and specimens from 59 patients were received from the group assigned to carry out sampling on non-consecutive, separate days - 18 human beings, 25 dogs, and 16 cats. G. duodenalis cysts were found in stools of 30 individuals. Multiple stool sampling resulted in an increase in the number of samples that were positive for Giardia in both groups. The authors therefore conclude that multiple stool sampling increases the sensitivity of the Faust et al . technique to detect G. duodenalis cysts in samples from humans, cats and dogs.

Haematological and histopathological effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin based on uterotrophic assay in immature Wistar female albino rats.

PubMed

Barlas, N; Karabulut, G

2015-07-01

In this study, it is aimed to determine the histopathological and haematological effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin on Wistar immature female rats using Tier 2 of the uterotrophic assay. The female rats were divided into 17 groups with 6 rats in each group. There was a negative control group and positive control dose groups that contained 0.07 µg/kg/day, 0.7 µg/kg/day and 7 µg/kg/day of ethinyl estradiol (EE), 0.7 µg/kg/day 17α-ethinyl estradiol + 1 mg/kg/day tamoxifen and genistein. The other dose groups contain 1 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day of apigenin, myricetin and phloretin. All chemicals had been given to Wistar immature female rats with oral gavage for three consecutive days. At the end of the study, blood samples were analysed for haematological parameters. Tissue samples that were taken from the liver, kidney, spleen and thyroid were histopathologically and histomorphometrically examined. There were no significant differences between oil control and other dose groups for glomerular histomorphometry. However, there were significant differences for thyroid histomorphometry. Especially, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day of phloretin dose groups had a significant increase in colloid surface area in thyroid compared with the 1 mg/kg/day of phloretin and oil control groups. Significant histopathological changes (congestion, degeneration, fibrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration) were noted in the tissue specimens obtained from the treatment groups compared with the control group. According to the results of the haematological analysis of the groups, especially the values of erythrocytes and haematocrit were increased significantly in most of the dose groups according to the oil control group. © The Author(s) 2014.

The impact of sustained hot weather on risk of acute work-related injury in Melbourne, Australia.

PubMed

McInnes, Judith Anne; MacFarlane, Ewan M; Sim, Malcolm R; Smith, Peter

2018-02-01

It has been reported that weather-related high ambient temperature is associated with an increased risk of work-related injury. Understanding this relationship is important because work-related injuries are a major public health problem, and because projected climate changes will potentially expose workers to hot days, including consecutive hot days, more often. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of exposure to sustained periods of hot weather on work-related injury risk for workers in Melbourne, Australia. A time-stratified case crossover study design was utilised to examine the association between two and three consecutive days and two and three consecutive nights of hot weather and the risk of work-related injury, using definitions of hot weather ranging from the 60th to the 95th percentile of daily maximum and minimum temperatures for the Melbourne metropolitan area, 2002-2012. Workers' compensation claim data was used to identify cases of acute work-related injury. Overall, two and three consecutive days of hot weather were associated with an increased risk of injury, with this effect becoming apparent at a daily maximum temperature of 27.6 °C (70th percentile). Three consecutive days of high but not extreme temperatures were associated with the strongest effect, with a 15% increased risk of injury (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.30) observed when daily maximum temperature was ≥33.3 °C (90th percentile) for three consecutive days, compared to when it was not. At a threshold of 35.5 °C (95th percentile), there was no significant association between temperature and injury for either two or three consecutive days of heat. These findings suggest that warnings to minimise harm to workers from hot weather should be given, and prevention protocol initiated, when consecutive warm days of temperatures lower than extreme heat temperatures are forecast, and well before the upper ranges of ambient daytime temperatures are reached.

The impact of sustained hot weather on risk of acute work-related injury in Melbourne, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McInnes, Judith Anne; MacFarlane, Ewan M.; Sim, Malcolm R.; Smith, Peter

2018-02-01

It has been reported that weather-related high ambient temperature is associated with an increased risk of work-related injury. Understanding this relationship is important because work-related injuries are a major public health problem, and because projected climate changes will potentially expose workers to hot days, including consecutive hot days, more often. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of exposure to sustained periods of hot weather on work-related injury risk for workers in Melbourne, Australia. A time-stratified case crossover study design was utilised to examine the association between two and three consecutive days and two and three consecutive nights of hot weather and the risk of work-related injury, using definitions of hot weather ranging from the 60th to the 95th percentile of daily maximum and minimum temperatures for the Melbourne metropolitan area, 2002-2012. Workers' compensation claim data was used to identify cases of acute work-related injury. Overall, two and three consecutive days of hot weather were associated with an increased risk of injury, with this effect becoming apparent at a daily maximum temperature of 27.6 °C (70th percentile). Three consecutive days of high but not extreme temperatures were associated with the strongest effect, with a 15% increased risk of injury (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.30) observed when daily maximum temperature was ≥33.3 °C (90th percentile) for three consecutive days, compared to when it was not. At a threshold of 35.5 °C (95th percentile), there was no significant association between temperature and injury for either two or three consecutive days of heat. These findings suggest that warnings to minimise harm to workers from hot weather should be given, and prevention protocol initiated, when consecutive warm days of temperatures lower than extreme heat temperatures are forecast, and well before the upper ranges of ambient daytime temperatures are reached.

Efficacy and tolerability of a new synergized pyrethrins thermofobic foam in comparison with benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies in convicts: the ISAC study (Studio Della scabbia in ambiente carcerario).

PubMed

Biele, M; Campori, G; Colombo, R; De Giorgio, G; Frascione, P; Sali, R; Starnini, G; Milani, M

2006-07-01

Scabies is a very common skin infection in convicts. The SIMSPE Society (Società Italiana di Medicina e Sanità Penitenziaria) has organized and conducted a multicentre, randomized, comparative, parallel group, investigator-blinded trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of synergized pyrethrins foam (PF) in comparison with benzyl benzoate (BB) lotion. A total of 240 convicted patients, enrolled in eight National Jail Institutions, with a clinical diagnosis of scabies, were treated with PF (n = 120) for three consecutive days or BB (n = 120) for five consecutive days. Primary study endpoints were the clinical cure rate and the local tolerability. Secondary endpoints were clinical evolution of scabietic lesions and itching intensity. Study outcomes were assessed using appropriate semiquantitative scores at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks. A second treatment cycle was applied if after 2 weeks the patient was not judged clinically cured. At week 2, a total of 75% (95% CI: 66-82%) and 71% (95% CI: 62-78%) of patients showed a complete clinical cure rate in the PF and BB groups, respectively. At week 4, the percentage of totally cured patients increased up to 95% (95% CI: 89-97%) and 91% (95% CI: 83-94%) in the PF and BB groups, respectively (P = NS between groups). At week 4, 5% in the PF group and 9% in the BB group complained of itching. Burning and irritation after treatment applications were more common in the BB group in comparison with the PF group. The tolerability score was better in the PF group in comparison with to BB group (2.9 vs. 2.2; P = 0.0001). A total of 95% of patients in the PV group had a good tolerability score (i.e. = 3) in comparison with 41% in the BB group. Our results show that a 3-day treatment with pyrethrins thermofobic foam is at least as effective as a 5-day treatment with benzyl benzoate lotion in convicted subjects with scabies. The foam formulation is better tolerated than the benzyl benzoate lotion.

Efficacy of metaphylactic florfenicol therapy during natural outbreaks of bovine respiratory disease.

PubMed

Catry, B; Duchateau, L; Van de Ven, J; Laevens, H; Opsomer, G; Haesebrouck, F; De Kruif, A

2008-10-01

The efficacy of an injectable formulation of florfenicol (300 mg/mL) as metaphylactic control of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was evaluated in two double-blind randomly controlled field studies on two Dutch veal calf herds (A and B). Cattle aged not older than 3 months and in the direct presence of calves with clinical respiratory disease were randomly allocated to treatment with 40 mg/kg florfenicol subcutaneously (s.c.) a positive control treatment (12.5 mg/kg tilmicosin p.o. twice daily for five consecutive days in herd A, and 12.5 mg/kg doxycycline p.o. twice daily for five consecutive days in herd B), or a negative control (one placebo saline s.c. administration on D0). The predominant respiratory pathogens present in pretreatment respiratory samples from affected animals were Mycoplasma bovis and Pasteurella multocida in outbreaks A and B, respectively. Metaphylactic administration of florfenicol resulted in a statistically significant weight gain, decreased rectal temperature for five consecutive days after treatment and decreased metaphylactic failure percentages compared with both positive and negative control groups. In summary, these studies demonstrated that a single s.c. injection of florfenicol is effective and practical for control of the bacterial component of BRD in veal calves.

The association between daily steps and health, and the mediating role of body composition: a pedometer-based, cross-sectional study in an employed South African population.

PubMed

Pillay, Julian D; van der Ploeg, Hidde P; Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy L; Proper, Karin I; van Stralen, Maartje; Tomaz, Simone A; van Mechelen, Willem; Lambert, Estelle V

2015-02-22

Walking is recognized as an easily accessible mode of physical activity and is therefore supported as a strategy to promote health and well-being. To complement walking, pedometers have been identified as a useful tool for monitoring ambulatory physical activity, typically measuring total steps/day. There is, however, little information concerning dose-response for health outcomes in relation to intensity or duration of sustained steps. We aimed to examine this relationship, along with factors that mediate it, among employed adults. A convenience sample, recruited from work-site health risk screening (N = 312, 37 ± 9 yrs), wore a pedometer for at least three consecutive days. Steps were classified as "aerobic" (≥100 steps/minute and ≥10 consecutive minutes) or "non-aerobic" (<100 steps/minute and/or <10 consecutive minutes). The data were sub-grouped according to intensity-based categories i.e. "no aerobic activity", "low aerobic activity" (1-20 minutes/day of aerobic activity) and "high aerobic activity" (≥21 minutes/day of aerobic activity), with the latter used as a proxy for current PA guidelines (150-minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week). Health outcomes included blood pressure, body mass index, percentage body fat, waist circumference, blood cholesterol and blood glucose. Analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, gender and total steps/day were used to compare groups according to volume and intensity-based steps categories. A further analysis compared the mediation effect of body fat estimates (percentage body fat, body mass index and waist circumference) on the association between steps and health outcomes, independently. Average steps/day were 6,574 ± 3,541; total steps/day were inversely associated with most health outcomes in the expected direction (p < 0.05). The "no aerobic activity" group was significantly different from the "low aerobic activity" and "high aerobic activity" in percentage body fat and diastolic blood pressure only (P < 0.05). Percentage body fat emerged as the strongest mediator of the relationship between steps and outcomes, while body mass index showed the least mediation effect. The study provides a presentation of cross-sectional pedometer data that relate to a combination of intensity and volume-based steps/day and its relationship to current guidelines. The integration of volume, intensity and duration of ambulatory physical activity in pedometer-based messages is of emerging relevance.

Work Enabling Opioid Management.

PubMed

Lavin, Robert A; Kalia, Nimisha; Yuspeh, Larry; Barry, Jill A; Bernacki, Edward J; Tao, Xuguang Grant

2017-08-01

This study describes the relationship between opioid prescribing and ability to work. The opioid prescription patterns of 4994 claimants were studied. Three groups were constructed: 1) at least 3 consecutive months prescribed (chronic opioid therapy; COT); 2) less than 3 consecutive months prescribed (acute opioid therapy; AOT); and 3) no opioids prescribed. Variables included sex, age, daily morphine equivalent dose (MED), days opioids were prescribed, temporary total days (TTDs), and medical/indemnity/total costs. The COT versus AOT claimants had higher opioid costs ($8618 vs $94), longer TTD (636.2 vs 182.3), and average MED (66.8 vs 34.9). Only 2% of the COT cohort were not released to work. Fifty-seven percent of patients in the COT category (64 of 112) were released to work while still receiving opioids. COT does not preclude ability to work when prescribing within established guidelines.

A pilot study: the effect of healing touch on anxiety, stress, pain, pain medication usage, and physiological measures in hospitalized sickle cell disease adults experiencing a vaso-occlusive pain episode.

PubMed

Thomas, Linda S; Stephenson, Nancy; Swanson, Mel; Jesse, D Elizabeth; Brown, Sylvia

2013-12-01

This pilot study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Healing Touch on anxiety, stress, pain, pain medication usage, and selected physiological measures of hospitalized adults with sickle cell disease experiencing a vaso-occlusive pain episode. Healing Touch sessions were administered for 30 minutes on four consecutive days, and the self-reported data on anxiety, stress, pain, and the selected physiological data were collected while controlling for music and presence. A parallel-group randomized control trial comparing the effects of Healing Touch with Music (HTM) to Attention Control with Music (ACM). Due to the small sample size, there were no statistically significant changes in any between-group comparisons, except for present pain on Day 4 for the ACM group. For both groups, the within-group comparison showed a nonsignificant reduction in physiological parameters, a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and stress for the ACM group after Day 4, and a statistically significant reduction in stress in the HTM group after Days 2 and 4. The pre- to postintervention reductions in present pain were greater in the HTM group across all 4 days, but the only statistically significant within groups findings were in the HTM group (p < .01) on Day 1. Further research is needed.

Profertility and antidiabetic properties of Gynura procumbens on streptozotocin induced male rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaidatul Akmar, K.; Mahanem, M. N.

2016-11-01

Gynura procumbens (GP) is an herbal plant that is used for treating diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and also fertility. The objective of this study was to determine the anti-diabetic and pro-fertility effect of GP on streptozotocin induced male rats within 14 days. A total of 42 male rats were randomly assigned into six groups; normal, negative, and positive control, and three treated groups of different dosages of GP; 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg. The treated groups were given aqueous extract GP via oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) level in all treated groups showed significant decreased compared to negative and positive group after 14 days treatment. Sperm quality parameters in GP treated group (450 mg/kg) showed significant increase when compared to negative and positive group. It was observed that the histology of testes in the treated group (450 mg/kg) produced a significant result whereby the germinal cell layer shown an arranged order of cells compared to the negative and positive control groups. It appeared that aqueous extract of GP have a pro-fertility effect and possess anti-hyperglycemic activity within 14 days of treatment.

The influence of ictal cutaneous allodynia on the response to occipital transcutaneous electrical stimulation in chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache: a randomized, sham-controlled study.

PubMed

Bono, F; Salvino, D; Mazza, M R; Curcio, M; Trimboli, M; Vescio, B; Quattrone, A

2015-04-01

The objective of this article is to determine whether cutaneous allodynia (CA) influences the response to treatment with occipital transcutaneous electrical stimulation (OTES) in chronic migraine (CM) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). One hundred and sixty consecutive patients with CM or CTTH were randomized to be treated with real or sham OTES stimulation three times a day for two consecutive weeks. All patients completed the validated 12-item allodynia symptom checklist for assessing the presence and the severity of CA during headache attack. Primary end-point was change (≥50%) in number of monthly headache-free days. There was a significant difference in the percentage of responders in the real OTES compared with sham OTES group (p <0.001). Importantly, there was not a significant change of monthly headache-free days in the allodynic patients with CM and CTTH treated both with real and sham OTES, while the number of headache-free days per month was significantly reduced in the real (86%) but not in the sham group (7%) of non-allodynic patients with CTTH and CM. Severe CA is associated with decreased response to treatment with OTES in patients with CM and CTTH. © International Headache Society 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Progressive decrease of melatonin production over consecutive days of simulated night work.

PubMed

Dumont, Marie; Paquet, Jean

2014-12-01

Decreased melatonin production, due to nighttime exposure to light, has been proposed as one of the physiological mechanisms increasing cancer risk in night workers. However, few studies measured melatonin production in night workers, and most of these studies did not measure melatonin over 24 h. One study compared total melatonin production between day and night shifts in rotating night workers and did not find significant differences. However, without baseline measures, it was not possible to exclude that melatonin production was reduced during both day and night work. Here, we used data collected in a simulation study of night work to determine the effect of night work on both nighttime and 24-h melatonin production, during three consecutive days of simulated night work. Thirty-eight healthy subjects (15 men, 23 women; 26.6 ± 4.2 years) participated in a 6-d laboratory study. Circadian phase assessments were made with salivary dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) on the first and last days. Simulated day work (09:00-17:00 h) occurred on the second day, followed by three consecutive days of simulated night work (00:00-08:00 h). Light intensity at eye level was set at 50 lux during both simulated day and night work. The subjects were divided into three matched groups exposed to specific daytime light profiles that produced various degrees of circadian phase delays and phase advances. Melatonin production was estimated with the excretion of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s). For the entire protocol, urine was collected every 2 h, except for the sleep episodes when the interval was 8 h. The aMT6s concentration in each sample was multiplied by the urine volume and then added to obtain total aMT6s excretion during nighttime (00:00-08:00 h) and during each 24-h day (00:00-00:00 h). The results showed that melatonin production progressively decreased over consecutive days of simulated night work, both during nighttime and over the 24 h. This decrease was larger in women using oral contraceptives. There was no difference between the three groups, and the magnitude of the decrease in melatonin production for nighttime and for the 24 h was not associated with the magnitude of the absolute circadian phase shift. As light intensity was relatively low and because the decrease in melatonin production was progressive, direct suppression by nighttime light exposure was probably not a significant factor. However, according to previous experimental observations, the decrease in melatonin production most likely reflects the circadian disruption associated with the process of re-entrainment. It remains to be determined whether reduced melatonin production can be harmful by itself, but long-term and repeated circadian disruption most probably is.

Autoshaping i.v. cocaine self-administration in rats: effects of nondrug alternative reinforcers on acquisition.

PubMed

Carroll, M E; Lac, S T

1993-01-01

The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of a nondrug alternative reinforcer and feeding conditions on the acquisition of cocaine self-administration. Rats were autoshaped to press a lever that resulted in a 0.2 mg/kg i.v. cocaine infusion. Responses on the lever were monitored during six consecutive autoshaping sessions that occurred each day. A retractable lever was inserted into the operant chamber on a random time 60 s schedule 10 times per session for six sessions that began each hour. Each day the six autoshaping sessions were followed by a 6-h cocaine self-administration session. During self-administration the lever remained extended, and each response on the lever resulted in a cocaine infusion (0.2 mg/kg). The criterion for acquisition of cocaine-reinforced behavior was met when there were 5 consecutive days during which the mean number of infusions during the 6-h self-administration session was at least 100. This procedure was repeated daily until the criterion was met or 30 days elapsed. The rats were also trained to respond on lick-operated automatic drinking devices that delivered 0.05 ml water or a glucose and saccharin solution (G + S) contingent upon each lick response. Five groups of 12-14 rats were compared. The first four groups constituted a 2 x 2 factorial design whereby either G + S or water was available in the home cage for 3 weeks before autoshaping began and G + S or water was available in the operant chamber during autoshaping. These groups were limited to 20 g food per day and all had free access to water.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Impact of the implementation of a Sepsis Code hospital protocol in antibiotic prescription and clinical outcomes in an intensive care unit.

PubMed

García-López, L; Grau-Cerrato, S; de Frutos-Soto, A; Bobillo-De Lamo, F; Cítores-Gónzalez, R; Diez-Gutierrez, F; Muñoz-Moreno, M F; Sánchez-Sánchez, T; Gandía-Martínez, F; Andaluz-Ojeda, D

A study was performed to analyze the impact of an in-hospital Sepsis Code (SC) program on use of antibiotic and clinical outcomes. Quasi-experimental observational retrospective study. Polyvalent 11 beds ICU belonging to a tertiary Universitary hospital. Patients admitted consecutively to the ICU with diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. A post intervention group (POST-SC) (September 2012-August 2013) was compared with a historical group (PRE-SC) used as control (January-December 2010). Antibiotic treatment, therapeutic antibiotic strategy, mortality and length of stay. Antibiotic consumption was expressed as defined daily doses (DDD)/ 100 stays. 42 patients with SS/SS in POST-SC group and 50 patients in PRE-SC group were consecutively recluted and further analyzed. Total antibiotic consumption (DDD) was similar in both groups. Rate of de-escalation therapy was significantly higher in POST-SC group (75% vs 30,8%, p<0,005) while prescription of restricted antibiotics was significantly lower (74% vs 52%, p=0,031). Finally POST-SC patients showed a significantly decrease in hospital and 28 days mortality rates [23% vs 44%, (p=0,035) and 31% vs 56% (p=0,014) respectively] as well as a reduction in ICU length of stay compared to PRE-SC cohort (5 days vs 10,5 days, p=0,05). The implementation of a Sepsis Code-hospital protocol is associated to an improvement in the management of antibiotic therapy with a significant increase in de-escalation therapy and lesser utilization of restricted use antibiotics, as well as a significant reduction in mortality, and a tendency towards shorter ICU length stay. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Radioprotective effects of Silymarin on the sperm parameters of NMRI mice irradiated with γ-rays.

PubMed

Fatehi, Daryoush; Mohammadi, Mohsen; Shekarchi, Babak; Shabani, Arash; Seify, Mohammad; Rostamzadeh, Ayoob

2018-01-01

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated using various endogenous systems or from external sources such as exposure to different physiochemicals. Ionizing radiation damage to the cell can be caused by the direct or indirect effects of radiotherapy processes. Silymarin (SM), a flavanolignan compound, has been identified as a natural potent antioxidant with cytoprotection activities due to scavenging free radicals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of SM on sperm parameters of mice induced by γ-rays. A total number of 40 adult, male NMRI mice were randomly divided into four equal groups. The control group was neither treated with SM nor irradiated by γ-rays. The second group was only irradiated with 2Gy of γ-rays. The third group was firstly treated with 50mg/kg of SM for 7 consecutive days, and one day later, last injections were irradiated by 2Gy of γ-rays. The fourth groups received only 50mg/kg of SM for 7 consecutive days. All the animals were treated intraperitoneally. Histopathological and morphometrical examinations were performed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. The results showed that in the radiation-only group when compared with those treated with SM and irradiated, a significant different was observed in testicular parameters and DNA damage (p<0.05). In conclusion, SM can be considered as a promising herbal radioprotective agent in complementary medicine which may play an important role to protect normal spermatocytes against possible effects of γ-radiation-induced cellular damage. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of infrasound on cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult rats.

PubMed

Liu, Juanfang; Lin, Tian; Yan, Xiaodong; Jiang, Wen; Shi, Ming; Ye, Ruidong; Rao, Zhiren; Zhao, Gang

2010-06-02

Adult rats were used to identify the effects of infrasound on neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. After 7 consecutive days' exposure to infrasound of 16 Hz at 130 dB, immunostaining of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and doublecortin (DCX) was preformed. Compared with those in normal groups, the numbers of BrdU+ and DCX+/BrdU+ cells in the subgranular zone in infrasound groups were significantly decreased at 3, 6, 10 and 14 days and returned to normal at 18 days. The percentage of BrdU+ cells that were co-labeled with DCX showed no significant differences between the infrasound and normal groups. These data suggest that infrasound inhibits the cell proliferation in adult rat dentate gyrus but has no effects on early migration and differentiation of these newborn cells.

Differences in cortisol profiles and circadian adjustment time between nurses working night shifts and regular day shifts: A prospective longitudinal study.

PubMed

Niu, Shu-Fen; Chung, Min-Huey; Chu, Hsin; Tsai, Jui-Chen; Lin, Chun-Chieh; Liao, Yuan-Mei; Ou, Keng-Liang; O'Brien, Anthony Paul; Chou, Kuei-Ru

2015-07-01

This study explored the differences in the circadian salivary cortisol profiles between nurses working night shifts and regular day shifts following a slow rotating shift schedule to assess the number of days required for adjusting the circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol levels in nurses working consecutive night shifts and the number of days off required to restore the diurnal circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol levels. This was a prospective, longitudinal, parallel-group comparative study. The participants were randomly assigned to night and day-shift groups, and saliva samples were collected to measure their cortisol levels and circadian secretion patterns. Significant differences were observed in the overall salivary cortisol pattern parameters (cortisol awakening response, changes in cortisol profiles between 6 and 12h after awakening, and changes in cortisol profiles between 30 min and 12 h after awakening) from Days 2 to 4 of the workdays between both groups. However, on Day 2 of the days off, both groups exhibited similar cortisol profiles and the cortisol profiles in the night-shift group were restored. Nurses working night shifts require at least 4 days to adjust their circadian rhythms of cortisol secretions. Moreover, on changing from night shift to other shifts, nurses must be allowed more than 2 days off work. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Choreito formula for BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PubMed

Kawashima, Nozomu; Ito, Yoshinori; Sekiya, Yuko; Narita, Atsushi; Okuno, Yusuke; Muramatsu, Hideki; Irie, Masahiro; Hama, Asahito; Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Kojima, Seiji

2015-02-01

Therapy for BK virus (BKV)-associated hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV-HC) is limited after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We examined whether choreito, a formula from Japanese traditional Kampo medicine, is effective for treating BKV-HC. Among children who underwent allogeneic HSCT between October 2006 and March 2014, 14 were diagnosed with BKV-HC (median, 36 days; range, 14 to 330 days) after HSCT, and 6 consecutive children received pharmaceutical-grade choreito extract granules. The hematuria grade before treatment was significantly higher in the choreito group than in the nonchoreito group (P = .018). The duration from therapy to complete resolution was significantly shorter in the choreito group (median, 9 days; range, 4 to 17 days) than in the nonchoreito group (median, 17 days; range, 15 to 66 days; P = .037). In 11 children with macroscopic hematuria, the duration from treatment to resolution of macroscopic hematuria was significantly shorter in the choreito group than in the nonchoreito group (median, 2 days versus 11 days; P = .0043). The BKV load in urine was significantly decreased 1 month after choreito administration. No adverse effects related to choreito administration were observed. Choreito may be a safe and considerably promising therapy for the hemostasis of BKV-HC after HSCT. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Effect of the night shift work on micturition patterns of nurses].

PubMed

Wang, Q; Hu, H; Liang, C; Wang, J; Xu, K X

2016-02-18

To compare the effects of rotational night shifts on the micturition patterns of female nurses. A total of 58 nurses without lower urinary tract symptoms were recruited, who worked in the Peking University People's Hospital during January and June in 2014. The nurses aged 20-43 years were divided into two groups, the night-shift group (n=28) and the non-shift group (n=30). The alcohol or coffee intaking were forbidden. In the night-shift group, nurses had worked on rotational shifts for at least 6 months. Their average age was (26.75±4.11) years. In the non-shift group, nurses took regular day-time work, whose average age was (27.80±5.60) years. A voiding diary was kept for 7 consecutive days at the end of 6 months, starting 2 days before their night duties until 4 days after completion of their night duties. For comparison, the non-shift group with regular shifts completed a 7-day voiding diary. In the 7-day recording voiding diary, the nurses were required to have the normal intake of liquid about 1 500-2 000 mL/d. The frequency volume charts of nocturia, the 8-hour interval urine production and frequency were compared between the two groups. Nocturia frequency was increased in the night-shift group [0.5 (0-2.4)] compared with the non-shift group [0 (0-2), P=0.02]. The volume of nocturia was increased in the night-shift group [125 mL (0-660 mL)] compared with the non-shift group [0 mL (0-340 mL), P<0.01]. The 8-hour interval indices showed that urine production changed with shift (P<0.01). In the consecutive 7 days, the nocturnal volume of the night-shift group increased on the day after night shift. When the night-shift nurses returned to daytime duty, the volume of urine decreased but nocturnal urine production remained high, and the frequency of nocturia also increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the 8-hour interval indices, the night-shift group's voiding volume [(542.35±204.66) mL] and voiding frequency (2.24±0.69) were more than those of the non-shift group at the afternoon time (from 2 pm to 10 pm). During the 8 h interval night time (from 10 pm to 6 am), the volume of nocturia in the night-shift group [(309.74±162.74) mL] was more than that in the non-shift group [(199.38±153.98) mL, P=0.01]; the frequency of nocturia in the night-shift group (1.31±0.52) was increased than that in the non-shift group (0.82±0.55, P<0.01). The rotational shifts affect the micturition patterns of nurses who go through the night shift work, which increases the volume and frequency of the nocturia.

[Effect of the night shift work on micturition patterns of nurses].

PubMed

Wang, Q; Hu, H; Liang, C; Wang, J; Xu, K X

2016-08-18

To compare the effects of rotational night shifts on the micturition patterns of female nurses. A total of 58 nurses without lower urinary tract symptoms were recruited, who worked in the Peking University People's Hospital during January and June in 2014. The nurses aged 20-43 years were divided into two groups, the night-shift group (n=28) and the non-shift group (n=30). The alcohol or coffee intaking were forbidden. In the night-shift group, nurses had worked on rotational shifts for at least 6 months. Their average age was (26.75±4.11) years. In the non-shift group, nurses took regular day-time work, whose average age was (27.80±5.60) years. A voiding diary was kept for 7 consecutive days at the end of 6 months, starting 2 days before their night duties until 4 days after completion of their night duties. For comparison, the non-shift group with regular shifts completed a 7-day voiding diary. In the 7-day recording voiding diary, the nurses were required to have the normal intake of liquid about 1 500-2 000 mL/d. The frequency volume charts of nocturia, the 8-hour interval urine production and frequency were compared between the two groups. Nocturia frequency was increased in the night-shift group [0.5 (0-2.4)] compared with the non-shift group [0 (0-2), P=0.02]. The volume of nocturia was increased in the night-shift group [125 mL (0-660 mL)] compared with the non-shift group [0 mL (0-340 mL), P<0.01]. The 8-hour interval indices showed that urine production changed with shift (P<0.01). In the consecutive 7 days, the nocturnal volume of the night-shift group increased on the day after night shift. When the night-shift nurses returned to daytime duty, the volume of urine decreased but nocturnal urine production remained high, and the frequency of nocturia also increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the 8-hour interval indices, the night-shift group's voiding volume [(542.35±204.66) mL] and voiding frequency (2.24±0.69) were more than those of the non-shift group at the afternoon time (from 2 pm to 10 pm). During the 8 h interval night time (from 10 pm to 6 am), the volume of nocturia in the night-shift group [(309.74±162.74) mL] was more than that in the non-shift group [(199.38±153.98) mL, P=0.01]; the frequency of nocturia in the night-shift group (1.31±0.52) was increased than that in the non-shift group (0.82±0.55, P<0.01). The rotational shifts affect the micturition patterns of nurses who go through the night shift work, which increases the volume and frequency of the nocturia.

The Effect of a Moderately Low and High Carbohydrate Intake on Crossfit Performance

PubMed Central

ESCOBAR, KURT A.; MORALES, JACOBO; VANDUSSELDORP, TRISHA A.

2016-01-01

CrossFit is a metabolically demanding strength and conditioning method which performance may benefit from a carbohydrate (CHO)-rich diet. This study investigated the effect of three consecutive days of high CHO intake on CrossFit performance and corresponding metabolically -related variables in strength trained individuals. Eighteen subjects with a CHO intake of <6 g/kg/day were randomly assigned into a CHO (n = 9) or control (C) group (n =9) and underwent a 9-day training protocol. During days 1, 5, and 9, performance was measured as repetitions completed during a 12 minute CrossFit workout. Oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (BL) were also measured. Days 6–8, the CHO group increased CHO intake from <6 g/kg/day to 6–8 g/kg/day; the C group maintained their current intake of <6 g/kg/day. On days 6 and 7 both groups performed CrossFit workouts followed by a day of rest prior to day 9. There was a significant increase in repetitions completed in both groups in day 9 (vs. means score of day 1 + 5) (p = 0.002), but no differences between C and CHO groups (p = 0.111). However, the CHO group displayed a 15.2 repetition increase (+10.9%) in day 9, compared to 5.7 (+4.2%) by the C group. VO2, RER, and BL were not influenced by the experimental intervention. Our results suggest that the CrossFit-embraced practice of moderately-low CHO diets may be adequate in CHO during short periods of training, however, given the noted trend, extended training periods may be effected. PMID:27766133

The Effect of a Moderately Low and High Carbohydrate Intake on Crossfit Performance.

PubMed

Escobar, Kurt A; Morales, Jacobo; Vandusseldorp, Trisha A

2016-01-01

CrossFit is a metabolically demanding strength and conditioning method which performance may benefit from a carbohydrate (CHO)-rich diet. This study investigated the effect of three consecutive days of high CHO intake on CrossFit performance and corresponding metabolically -related variables in strength trained individuals. Eighteen subjects with a CHO intake of <6 g/kg/day were randomly assigned into a CHO (n = 9) or control (C) group (n =9) and underwent a 9-day training protocol. During days 1, 5, and 9, performance was measured as repetitions completed during a 12 minute CrossFit workout. Oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (BL) were also measured. Days 6-8, the CHO group increased CHO intake from <6 g/kg/day to 6-8 g/kg/day; the C group maintained their current intake of <6 g/kg/day. On days 6 and 7 both groups performed CrossFit workouts followed by a day of rest prior to day 9. There was a significant increase in repetitions completed in both groups in day 9 (vs. means score of day 1 + 5) (p = 0.002), but no differences between C and CHO groups (p = 0.111). However, the CHO group displayed a 15.2 repetition increase (+10.9%) in day 9, compared to 5.7 (+4.2%) by the C group. VO 2 , RER, and BL were not influenced by the experimental intervention. Our results suggest that the CrossFit-embraced practice of moderately-low CHO diets may be adequate in CHO during short periods of training, however, given the noted trend, extended training periods may be effected.

Effect of working consecutive night shifts on sleep time, prior wakefulness, perceived levels of fatigue and performance on a psychometric test in emergency registrars.

PubMed

Haire, Julia Christine Lydia; Ferguson, Sally Anne; Tilleard, James D; Negus, Paul; Dorrian, Jillian; Thomas, Matthew Jw

2012-06-01

To evaluate the effect of working consecutive night shifts on sleep time, prior wakefulness, perceived levels of fatigue and psychomotor performance in a group of Australian emergency registrars. A prospective observational study with a repeated within-subjects component was conducted. Sleep time was determined using sleep diaries and activity monitors. Subjective fatigue levels and reciprocal reaction times were evaluated before and after day and night shifts. A total of 11 registrars participated in the study with 120 shifts analysed. Sleep time was found to be similar during consecutive night and day shifts. The mean number of hours spent awake before the end of a night shift was 14.33. Subjective fatigue scores were worst at the end of a night shift. There was no difference in reciprocal reaction time between the end of night shift and the start of day shift. Registrars sleep a similar amount of time surrounding night and day shifts. Despite reporting the highest levels of fatigue at the end of a night shift, there is no significant difference in reaction times at the end of night shift compared with the beginning of day shift. This correlates with the finding that at the end of night shift the registrars have been awake for less than 16 h, which is the point at which psychomotor performance is expected to decline. © 2012 The Authors. EMA © 2012 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.

Anodal tDCS to V1 blocks visual perceptual learning consolidation.

PubMed

Peters, Megan A K; Thompson, Benjamin; Merabet, Lotfi B; Wu, Allan D; Shams, Ladan

2013-06-01

This study examined the effects of visual cortex transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on visual processing and learning. Participants performed a contrast detection task on two consecutive days. Each session consisted of a baseline measurement followed by measurements made during active or sham stimulation. On the first day, one group received anodal stimulation to primary visual cortex (V1), while another received cathodal stimulation. Stimulation polarity was reversed for these groups on the second day. The third (control) group of subjects received sham stimulation on both days. No improvements or decrements in contrast sensitivity relative to the same-day baseline were observed during real tDCS, nor was any within-session learning trend observed. However, task performance improved significantly from Day 1 to Day 2 for the participants who received cathodal tDCS on Day 1 and for the sham group. No such improvement was found for the participants who received anodal stimulation on Day 1, indicating that anodal tDCS blocked overnight consolidation of visual learning, perhaps through engagement of inhibitory homeostatic plasticity mechanisms or alteration of the signal-to-noise ratio within stimulated cortex. These results show that applying tDCS to the visual cortex can modify consolidation of visual learning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 422.55 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P... consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride (as F) 75 25 pH (1) (1) 1 Within...

40 CFR 422.55 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P... consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride (as F) 75 25 pH (1) (1) 1 Within...

The influence of different training schedules on the learning of psychomotor skills for endoscopic surgery.

PubMed

Verdaasdonk, E G G; Stassen, L P S; van Wijk, R P J; Dankelman, J

2007-02-01

Psychomotor skills for endoscopic surgery can be trained with virtual reality simulators. Distributed training is more effective than massed training, but it is unclear whether distributed training over several days is more effective than distributed training within 1 day. This study aimed to determine which of these two options is the most effective for training endoscopic psychomotor skills. Students with no endoscopic experience were randomly assigned either to distributed training on 3 consecutive days (group A, n = 10) or distributed training within 1 day (group B, n = 10). For this study the SIMENDO virtual reality simulator for endoscopic skills was used. The training involved 12 repetitions of three different exercises (drop balls, needle manipulation, 30 degree endoscope) in differently distributed training schedules. All the participants performed a posttraining test (posttest) for the trained tasks 7 days after the training. The parameters measured were time, nontarget environment collisions, and instrument path length. There were no significant differences between the groups in the first training session for all the parameters. In the posttest, group A (training over several days) performed 18.7% faster than group B (training on 1 day) (p = 0.013). The collision and path length scores for group A did not differ significantly from the scores for group B. The distributed group trained over several days was faster, with the same number of errors and the same instrument path length used. Psychomotor skill training for endoscopic surgery distributed over several days is superior to training on 1 day.

Intra-individual variation in urinary iodine concentration: effect of statistical correction on population distribution using seasonal three-consecutive-day spot urine in children

PubMed Central

Ji, Xiaohong; Liu, Peng; Sun, Zhenqi; Su, Xiaohui; Wang, Wei; Gao, Yanhui; Sun, Dianjun

2016-01-01

Objective To determine the effect of statistical correction for intra-individual variation on estimated urinary iodine concentration (UIC) by sampling on 3 consecutive days in four seasons in children. Setting School-aged children from urban and rural primary schools in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. Participants 748 and 640 children aged 8–11 years were recruited from urban and rural schools, respectively, in Harbin. Primary and secondary outcome measures The spot urine samples were collected once a day for 3 consecutive days in each season over 1 year. The UIC of the first day was corrected by two statistical correction methods: the average correction method (average of days 1, 2; average of days 1, 2 and 3) and the variance correction method (UIC of day 1 corrected by two replicates and by three replicates). The variance correction method determined the SD between subjects (Sb) and within subjects (Sw), and calculated the correction coefficient (Fi), Fi=Sb/(Sb+Sw/di), where di was the number of observations. The UIC of day 1 was then corrected using the following equation: Results The variance correction methods showed the overall Fi was 0.742 for 2 days’ correction and 0.829 for 3 days’ correction; the values for the seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter were 0.730, 0.684, 0.706 and 0.703 for 2 days’ correction and 0.809, 0.742, 0.796 and 0.804 for 3 days’ correction, respectively. After removal of the individual effect, the correlation coefficient between consecutive days was 0.224, and between non-consecutive days 0.050. Conclusions The variance correction method is effective for correcting intra-individual variation in estimated UIC following sampling on 3 consecutive days in four seasons in children. The method varies little between ages, sexes and urban or rural setting, but does vary between seasons. PMID:26920442

Effect of colchicine on polycystic ovary syndrome: an experimental study.

PubMed

Gozukara, Ilay Ozturk; Pınar, Neslihan; Ozcan, Oğuzhan; Ozgur, Tumay; Dokuyucu, Recep; Kurt, Raziye Keskin; Kucur, Suna Kabil; Aksoy, Ayşe Nur

2016-03-01

To investigate whether there is any therapeutic effect of colchicine on a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty-two Wistar-Albino rats were randomly assigned into four with 8 rats in each group: control group; PCOS only group; PCOS-metformin group and PCOS-colchicine group. PCOS was induced by gavage with letrozole once daily at the concentration of 1 mg/kg orally with 21 consecutive days. After PCOS model assessment, PCOS-metformin group was received metformin orally with 500 mg/kg and PCOS-colchicine group was received colchicine orally with 1 mg/kg for the 35 day. Histopathology of ovaries, circulating estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), total testosterone, androstenedione and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated. cystic and atretic follicle number was significantly decreased, but CRP and hormone parameters were not significantly changed with colchicine treatment. Colchicine has provided histopathological improvement compared with metformin in PCOS rat model.

Tendencies in cerebral aneurism treatment: Analysis of a hospital series.

PubMed

Lago, A; López-Cuevas, R; Tembl, J I; Fortea, G; Górriz, D; Aparici, F; Parkhutik, V

To discover if there have been changes in the treatment time for SAH in our hospital environment. Comparative analysis of 571 patients treated at Hospital Universitari la Fe during 2 different time periods. The SAH-OLD group consisted of 462 patients attended consecutively between April 1997 and March 2005, while SAH-NEW comprised 109 patients attended consecutively between March 2007 and April 2010. We analysed demographic factors, risk factors, severity at time of admission, time to arteriography, diagnosis of aneurysm, use of surgical or endovascular treatment and time to treatment, frequency of neurological complications, in-hospital deaths, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. Mean time to arteriography was 2.18 ± 2.5 days for the SAH-OLD group and 2.37 ± 2.23 days, for the SAH-NEW group (P=.49). Mortality rates for SAH-OLD patients were calculated at 30%, compared to 18.3% in SAH-NEW patients (P=.01). Among patients surviving the hospital stay in the SAH-OLD group, 13.3% had an mRS > 3, compared to 21.3% of survivors in the SAH-NEW group (P=.06). Two hundred forty-five patients in the SAH-OLD group had cerebral aneurysms and 208 were treated (45% of the patient total). Sixty-five of the SAH-NEW patients received treatment (60% of the patient total, P=.007). In the SAH-OLD group, 62.9% of the patients underwent embolisation vs 74.6% in the SAH-NEW group (P=.08). Time to embolisation was 4.7 ± 8.2 days for SAH-OLD patients and 2.12 ± 2.2 days for SAH-NEW patients (P=.01). Twenty-two percent of SAH-OLD patients underwent surgery, compared to 25.4% in the SAH-NEW group (P=.62). Care for SAH patients has improved in this hospital: results include fewer mortalities, a higher number of treatments with a smaller proportion of endovascular treatments, and shorter times to treatment. Elapsed time to arteriography remains stable. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Toxic effects of prolonged administration of leaves of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) to goats.

PubMed

Soto-Blanco, Benito; Górniak, Silvana Lima

2010-07-01

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major source of dietary energy for humans and domestic animals in many tropical countries. However, consumption of cassava is limited by its characteristic content of cyanogenic glycosides. The present work aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of ingestion of cassava leaves by goats for 30 consecutive days, and to compare the results with the toxic effects of cyanide in goats, which have been described previously. Eight Alpine cross-bred female goats were divided into two equal groups, and were treated with ground frozen cassava leaves at a target dose of 6.0mg hydrogen cyanide (HCN)/kg/day (treated animals), or with ground hay and water only (control group) by gavage for 30 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 15, 21, and 30 for biochemical panel and cyanide determination. At the end of the experiment, fragments of pancreas, thyroid gland, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, spleen, and the whole central nervous system were collected for histopathological examination. Clinical signs were observed in all goats treated with cassava on the first day of the experiment. From the second day the dose of cassava leaves was reduced to 4.5mgHCN/kg/day. No changes were found in the blood chemical panel. A mild increase in the number of resorption vacuoles in the thyroid follicular colloid, slight vacuolation of periportal hepatocytes, and spongiosis of the mesencephalon were found in goats treated with cassava. The pattern of lesions seen in the present goats was similar to what has been described previously in cyanide-dosed goats. Thus, the toxic effects of the ingestion of cassava leaves by goats can be attributed to the action of cyanide released from cyanogenic glycosides, and none of the effects was promoted by these glycosides directly.

Resveratrol influences platinum pharmacokinetics: A novel mechanism in protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

PubMed

Darwish, Mostafa A; Abo-Youssef, Amira M; Khalaf, Marwa M; Abo-Saif, Ali A; Saleh, Ibrahim G; Abdelghany, Tamer M

2018-06-15

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used drug in treatment of solid tumors. However, the use of CP was hampered by its serious side effects especially nephrotoxicity. This study aims to investigate the effect of resveratrol (RES) on CP-induced nephrotoxicity, particularly, the effect of RES on CP pharmacokinetics (PKs). Male white albino rats were divided to four group's six rats each. The first group received (1%) tween 80 in normal saline and served as control. The second group received RES (30 mg kg -1 ) per day for 14 consecutive day's i.p. The third and fourth groups were given a single i.p. injection of CP (6 mg kg -1 ) with or without pre-treatment of RES (30 mg kg -1 per day for 14 consecutive days), respectively. Following administration of CP, plasma, urine and kidney platinum concentration were monitored to study PKs of CP. Five days after the CP injection, rats were killed; blood samples were collected; kidneys were dissected; and biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological examinations were performed. Our results revealed that CP treatment significantly deteriorated kidney functions with subsequent alteration in redox balance of the kidney. On the other hand, RES successfully ameliorated CP-induced kidney injury and recovered normal kidney tissue redox status. Importantly, while RES pre-treatment did not significantly alter the plasma CP level, it dramatically decreased the urine concentration of CP and lowered its accumulation into the kidneys. Moreover, it increased CP plasma half-life (t 1/2 ) with subsequent decrease in its elimination rate constant, indicating an important role of PKs modulation in RES protection against CP-induced renal damage. Taken together, RES may protect the kidney tissue from the deleterious effects of CP through constringe of CP renal accumulation and enhancement of CP-induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three consecutive days of interval runs to exhaustion affects lymphocyte subset apoptosis and migration.

PubMed

Navalta, James W; Tibana, Ramires Alsamir; Fedor, Elizabeth A; Vieira, Amilton; Prestes, Jonato

2014-01-01

This investigation assessed the lymphocyte subset response to three days of intermittent run exercise to exhaustion. Twelve healthy college-aged males (n = 8) and females (n = 4) (age = 26 ± 4 years; height = 170.2 ± 10 cm; body mass = 75 ± 18 kg) completed an exertion test (maximal running speed and VO2max) and later performed three consecutive days of an intermittent run protocol to exhaustion (30 sec at maximal running speed and 30 sec at half of the maximal running speed). Blood was collected before exercise (PRE) and immediately following the treadmill bout (POST) each day. When the absolute change from baseline was evaluated (i. e., Δ baseline), a significant change in CD4+ and CD8+ for CX3CR1 cells was observed by completion of the third day. Significant changes in both apoptosis and migration were observed following two consecutive days in CD19+ lymphocytes, and the influence of apoptosis persisted following the third day. Given these lymphocyte responses, it is recommended that a rest day be incorporated following two consecutive days of a high-intensity intermittent run program to minimize immune cell modulations and reduce potential susceptibility.

49 CFR 395.5 - Maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... hours in any 7 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier does not operate commercial motor vehicles every day of the week; or (2) Having been on duty 70 hours in any period of 8 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles every day of the week. [70 FR 50073...

40 CFR 422.43 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride (as F) 75 25 (d... Maximum for any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus...

40 CFR 422.43 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride (as F) 75 25 (d... Maximum for any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus...

Effect of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist on psychologically suppressed masculine sexual behavior in rats.

PubMed

Miwa, Yoshiji; Nagase, Keiko; Oyama, Nobuyuki; Akino, Hironobu; Yokoyama, Osamu

2011-03-01

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) coordinates various responses of the body to stress, and CRF receptors are important targets of treatment for stress-related disorders. To investigate the effect of a nonselective CRF receptor antagonist, astressin, on suppression of masculine sexual behavior by psychological stress in rats. First, we investigated the influence of psychological stress, induced 2 hours per day for three consecutive days, on sexual behavior. Then, rats were divided into 4 groups: a control group, an astressin administration group (A), a psychological stress loading group (PS), and a psychological stress loading and astressin administration group (PS + A). The rats were exposed to sham or psychological stress for three consecutive days. After the last stress loading, the rats were injected with vehicle or astressin, and their sexual behavior was observed. We also measured serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The effects of astressin on sexual behavior and serum levels of ACTH in rats affected by psychological stress were determined. Sexual behavior was reduced after psychological stress loading. The PS rats had significantly longer mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies and lower ejaculation frequency than did the control, A, and PS + A rats. The intromission latency and ejaculation frequency in the PS + A rats did not achieve the level observed in the controls. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the control and A rats. Serum ACTH levels were significantly lower in PS + A rats than in PS rats. Psychologically suppressed masculine sexual behavior could be partially recovered with astressin administration in rats. These data provide a rationale for the further study of CRF receptor antagonists as novel agents for treating psychological sexual disorders. © 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

[Ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A cohort study of 1,600 consecutive cases].

PubMed

Planells Roig, Manuel; Garcia Espinosa, Rafael; Cervera Delgado, María; Navarro Vicente, Francisco; Carrau Giner, Miguel; Sanahuja Santafé, Angel; Arnal Bertomeu, Consuelo

2013-03-01

A descriptive analysis of day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) in a cohort of 1,600 consecutive patients performed in Instituto de Cirugía y Aparato Digestivo (ICAD), Clínica Quirón de Valencia in the period 1997-2010. Prospective observational study of 1,601 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) provided by the regional health service and private health companies. Conversion rate, non-planned admissions, readmissions, surgery duration and demographics. ALC was successfully performed in 80.8% of cases. LC with over-night (ON) stay accounted for 13.4% of patients. Admission was necessary in 4.6%. Mortality was 0.13%, 0.08 in ALC and 0.5% in ON LC. Readmissions occurred in 2.1%, 1.6% in ALC group, 5.4% in ON stay and 4.2% in admission group. ALC is a reliable and safe procedure. Minimization of admission rates is the key for cost-effective optimization in the management of cholelithiasis. ALC should be considered as the reference standard in gallbladder stone disease treatment. Copyright © 2011 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Changing Patient Expectations Decreases Length of Stay in an Enhanced Recovery Program for THA.

PubMed

Tanzer, Dylan; Smith, Karen; Tanzer, Michael

2018-02-01

The implementation of care pathways in hip arthroplasty programs has been shown to result in a decreased length of stay (LOS), but often multiple elements of a care pathway are implemented at the same time. As a result, it is difficult to understand the impact each of the individual modifications has made to the patient's prepathway care. In particular, it is unknown what the role of patient expectations pertaining to anticipated LOS alone is on the LOS after primary THA. (1) Does changing the patient's expectations regarding his or her anticipated LOS, without intentionally changing the rest of the care pathway, result in a change in the patient's LOS after primary THA? (2) Is the resultant LOS associated with the patient's age, gender, or day of the week the surgery was performed? We retrospectively compared the LOS in 100 consecutive patients undergoing THA immediately after the implementation of a 4-day care pathway (4-day Group) with 100 consecutive patients, 3 months later, who were also in the same pathway but were told by their surgeon preoperatively and in the hospital to expect a LOS of 2 days (2-day Group). Aside from reeducation by the surgeon, there was no difference in the surgery or intentional changes to the intraoperative or postoperative management of the two groups. Only the patient and the surgeon were made aware of the accelerated discharge plan. We compared the LOS between the two groups and the number of patients who met their discharge goal. As well, the ability to meet the discharge goal for each group was further determined based on age, gender, and day of the week the surgery was performed. Overall, patients in the 2-day Group had a shorter LOS than those in the 4-day Group (2.9 ± 0.88 days versus 3.9 ± 1.71 days; mean difference 1 day; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-1.36; p = 0.001). In the 2-day Group, the LOS was 2 days in 32% compared with 8% in the 4-day Group (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.76-9.11; p < 0.001). Men in the 4-day Group had a shorter LOS than women (3.4 ± 1.22 days versus 4.2 ± 1.89 days; mean difference 0.8 days; 95% CI, 0.17-1.78; p = 0.019), but there was no difference in LOS by gender in the 2-day Group (2.8 ± 0.81 days versus 3.1 ± 0.93 days; mean difference 0.3 days; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.61; p = 0.219). For all patients > 40 years and < 90 years of age, a greater percentage of patients in the 2-day Group went home by postoperative day 2 than those in the 4-day Group (32% compared with 7%; odds ratio, 4.6; p < 0.001). In both groups, there was no difference in the LOS if the surgery was on Friday compared with an earlier day of the week (4-day Group: 3.4 ± 0.67 days versus 4.0 ± 1.80 days; p = 0.477 and 2-day Group: 2.8 ± 0.62 days versus 3.0 ± 0.93 days; p = 0.547). We found that a surgeon who sets a clear expectation in terms of LOS could achieve a reduction in this parameter. Although it is impossible to be certain in the context of a retrospective study whether other caregivers adjusted the pathway in response to the surgeon's preferences, and we suspect this probably did occur, this still points to an opportunity on the topic of expectations setting that future studies should explore. This study highlights the influence patient education and expectations has on the effectiveness of care pathways in THA as well as the importance of continuous reinforcement of discharge planning both preoperatively and in the hospital. Level III, therapeutic study.

Influence of 340 mT static magnetic field on germination potential and mid-infrared spectrum of wheat.

PubMed

Ćirković, Saša; Bačić, Jasmina; Paunović, Novica; Popović, Tamara B; Trbovich, Alexander M; Romčević, Nebojša; Ristić-Djurović, Jasna L

2017-10-01

In a number of studies, a static magnetic field was observed to positively influence the growing process of various plants; however, the effect has not yet been related to possible structural changes. We investigate if the static magnetic field that improves germination of wheat also alters wheat's near-infrared spectrum. Two groups of seeds were exposed to 340 mT for 16 h cumulatively. The first group was exposed 8 days for 2 h per day, while the second group was exposed 4 h per day for 4 consecutive days. One half of each of the exposed seed groups as well as of the unexposed control groups was sown, and the other half was used for mid-infrared spectra measurements. The sown seeds were monitored for 3 weeks after sowing. Germination of the groups exposed to the magnetic field was faster compared to corresponding non-exposed groups that were grown under the same conditions. The magnetic field exposure caused the enhancement of one OH peak at 3,369 cm -1 and two CO peaks at 1,662 cm -1 and 1,740 cm -1 in the mid-infrared spectrum. The effect was more pronounced for the 4 day, 4 h/day exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:533-540, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

RAPD Profiling, DNA Fragmentation, and Histomorphometric Examination in Brains of Wistar Rats Exposed to Indoor 2.5 Ghz Wi-Fi Devices Radiation.

PubMed

Ibitayo, A O; Afolabi, O B; Akinyemi, A J; Ojiezeh, T I; Adekoya, K O; Ojewunmi, O O

2017-01-01

The advent of Wi-Fi connected high technology devices in executing day-to-day activities is fast evolving especially in developing countries of the world and hence the need to assess its safety among others. The present study was conducted to investigate the injurious effect of radiofrequency emissions from installed Wi-Fi devices in brains of young male rats. Animals were divided into four equal groups; group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to 2.5 Ghz at intervals of 30, 45, and 60 consecutive days with free access to food and water ad libitum. Alterations in harvested brain tissues were confirmed by histopathological analyses which showed vascular congestion and DNA damage in the brain was assayed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Histomorphometry analyses of their brain tissues showed perivascular congestion and tissue damage as well.

Novel and Distinct Metabolites Identified Following a Single Oral Dose of Alpha- or Gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane in Mice

EPA Science Inventory

The metabolism of alpha- and gamma-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was investigated in adult C57BL/6 female mice. Alpha- or gamma-[14C]HBCD (3 mg/kg bw) was orally administered with subsequent urine and feces collection for 4 consecutive days; a separate group of mice were dosed a...

Feasibility of group Cognitive Remediation Therapy in an adult eating disorder day program in New Zealand.

PubMed

Roberts, Marion E

2018-05-02

To explore the feasibility of integrating group Cognitive Remediation Therapy (gCRT) into an eating disorder day program in Auckland, New Zealand. A consecutive series of 28 patients took part over an 8-month period in the context of a service audit. Main outcome measures were the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) and qualitative feedback from patients. Significant shifts in self-report inefficient cognitive style were observed pre/post gCRT with large effect sizes (Cohen's d av ) for both cognitive rigidity and attention to detail outcomes. Patient feedback was positive, with themes of enjoyment, increased insight, and positive social interaction/esteem boosting in the context of the group emerging. Support for the acceptability, adaptation, expansion, practicality, and limited-efficacy testing of gCRT in an Australasian day program setting has been found, suggesting integration of this module into existing day treatment programs is merited. Larger scale trials may help delineate the clinical characteristics of good responders. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effects of near-infrared LED therapy on experimental tooth replantation in rats.

PubMed

Pigatto Mitihiro, Débora; de Paula Ramos, Solange; Corazza Montero, Janaína; Alves Campos, Aline; de Oliveira Toginho Filho, Dari; Dezan Garbelini, Cassia Cilene

2017-02-01

Dental avulsion damages periodontal tissues and may induce dentoalveolar ankylosis and root resorption after replantation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy after tooth replantation. The upper right incisors of 36 male Wistar rats were extracted and replanted after 15 min. The control group (Co, n = 18) was submitted to replantation and the LED group (n = 18) was submitted to replantation and LED therapy (940 nm, 4 J cm -2 ) for three consecutive days (0, 24, and 48 h). Six animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 14, and 21 days for histological analysis. The upper left incisors were used as a negative control. Data were compared using the Fisher exact test, considering P < 0.05. After 7 days, the Co (73.3%) and LED (72.2%) groups presented areas of periodontal ligament necrosis. However, periodontal ligament necrosis was more frequent in the LED group at 14 (70%, P < 0.05) and 21 days (43.2%, P < 0.05) in relation to the Co group (33 and 21.6%). Inflammatory cell infiltration was more frequent in the Co group at 7 days (100%) than the LED group (24.4%, P < 0.05), but increased in the LED group after 21 days (83.3%, P < 0.05). Bone necrosis was more frequent in the LED group after 14 (79%, P < 0.05) and 21 days (60%, P < 0.005) than in the Co group (45% and 20%). Bone repair was evident in the Co group at 14 days. All of the replanted teeth had pulp necrosis. The results suggest that the application of LED therapy up to 48 h after tooth replantation may delay periodontal ligament repair. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Microanatomical effects of ethanolic extract of Cola nitida on the stomach mucosa of adult Wistar rats.

PubMed

Ojo, Gideon B; Nwoha, Polycarp U; Ofusori, David A; Ajayi, Sunday A; Odukoya, Samson A; Ukwenya, Victor O; Bamidele, Olubayode; Ojo, Olumide A; Oluwayinka, Oladele P

2009-10-15

The study investigated the microanatomical effects of the extracts of Cola nitida on the stomach mucosa of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups of A, B, C and D (n = 5). Animals in experimental groups B, C and D were given 600 mg/kg body weight of crude extract of Cola nitida each by oral intubation for five, seven and nine consecutive days respectively, while group A (control) received equivalent volume of distilled water. Twenty four hrs after the last administration, the animals were sacrificed; tissues were harvested and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological analysis. The study revealed necrotized surface epithelium, degenerated gastric mucosa, and loss of glandular elements in the stomachs of experimental groups' vis-à-vis the control group. These observations were days-dependent; as those groups which received the extract for higher number of days were seen to be adversely affected. In conclusion, Cola nitida at 600 mg/kg body weight can cause gastric lesion in animals. This lesion may be pronounced if the administration continued for days. Cola nitida should, therefore, be taken with caution to avoid gastric complications.

49 CFR 395.3 - Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... on duty 60 hours in any period of 7 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier does not operate commercial motor vehicles every day of the week; or (2) Having been on duty 70 hours in any period of 8 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles every day of the week. (c...

Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum (Linn.) Bulbs Ameliorated Pituitary-Testicular Injury and Dysfunction in Wistar Rats with Pb-Induced Reproductive Disturbances.

PubMed

Ayoka, Abiodun O; Ademoye, Aderonke K; Imafidon, Christian E; Ojo, Esther O; Oladele, Ayowole A

2016-06-15

To determine the effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulbs (AEASAB) on pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with lead-induced reproductive disturbances. Male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups such that the control group received propylene glycol at 0.2 ml/100 g intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days, the toxic group received lead (Pb) alone at 15 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 10 days while the treatment groups were pretreated with lead as the toxic group after which they received graded doses of the extract at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day via oral route for 28 days. Pb administration induced significant deleterious alterations in the antioxidant status of the brain and testis, sperm characterization (counts, motility and viability) as well as reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) of exposed rats (p < 0.05). These were significantly reversed in the AEASAB-treated groups (p < 0.05). Also, there was marked improvement in the Pb-induced vascular congestion and cellular loss in the pituitary while the observed Pb-induced severe testicular vacuolation was significantly reversed in the representative photomicrographs, following administration of the extract. AEASAB treatment ameliorated the pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with Pb-Induced reproductive disturbances.

Laparoscopic and open subtotal colectomies have similar short-term results.

PubMed

Hoogenboom, Froukje J; Bosker, Robbert J I; Groen, Henk; Meijerink, Wilhelmus J H J; Lamme, Bas; Pierie, Jean Pierre E N

2013-01-01

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC) is a complex procedure. It is possible that short-term benefits for segmental resections cannot be attributed to this complex procedure. This study aims to assess differences in short-term results for laparoscopic versus open STC during a 15-year single-institute experience. We reviewed consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or open elective or subacute STC from January 1997 to December 2012. Fifty-six laparoscopic and 50 open STCs were performed. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group, median 266 min (range 121-420 min), compared to 153 min (range 90-408 min) in the open group (p < 0.001). Median hospital stay showed no statistical difference, 14 days (range 1-129 days) in the laparoscopic and 13 days (range 1-85 days) in the open group. Between-group postoperative complications were not statistically different. Laparoscopic STC has short-term results similar to the open procedure, except for a longer operation time. The laparoscopic approach for STC is therefore only advisable in selected patients combined with extensive preoperative counseling. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Ameliorative effect of Vernonia cinerea in vincristine-induced painful neuropathy in rats.

PubMed

Thiagarajan, Venkata Rathina Kumar; Shanmugam, Palanichamy; Krishnan, Uma Maheswari; Muthuraman, Arunachalam

2014-10-01

The present study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive potential of Vernonia cinerea (VC) on vincristine-induced painful neuropathy in rats. A chemotherapeutic agent, vincristine (50 μg/kg intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days), was administered for the induction of neuropathic pain in rats. The painful behavioral changes were assessed using hot plate, acetone drop, paw pressure, Von Frey hair and tail immersion tests to assess the degree of hyperalgesic and allodynic pain sensation in paw and tail. Tissue biomarker changes including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total calcium levels were estimated in sciatic nerve tissue samples to assess the degree of oxidative stress. Histopathological changes were also observed in transverse sections of rat sciatic nerve tissue. Ethanolic extract of VC leaves and pregabalin were administered for 14 consecutive days from day 0 (day of surgery). Pregabalin served as a positive control in the present study. Vincristine administration resulted in a significant reduction in painful behavioral changes along with a rise in the levels of TBARS, total calcium and decrease in GSH levels when compared with the normal control group. Furthermore, significant histopathological changes were also observed. Pretreatment with VC significantly attenuated vincristine-induced development of painful behavioral, biochemical and histological changes in a dose-dependent manner, which is similar to that of pregabalin-pretreated group. The attenuating effect of VC in vincristine-induced nociceptive painful sensation may be due to its potential of antioxidative, neuroprotective and calcium channel inhibitory action. © The Author(s) 2012.

Effects of L-carnitine and coenzyme q10 on impaired spermatogenesis caused by isoproterenol in male rats.

PubMed

Ghanbarzadeh, S; Garjani, A; Ziaee, M; Khorrami, A

2014-09-01

Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases and male infertility are two big health problems in industrial countries.The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of coenzyme Q10 and L-Carnitine pretreatment in the impaired spermatogenesis caused by isoproterenol (ISO) in male rats.Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated in 4 groups. ISO was injected for 2 consecutive days (100 mg/kg) in ISO treated groups. Before ISO administration, pretreatment with Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg/day) and L-Carnitine (350 mg/kg/day) were conducted for 20 consecutive days. Sex hormones level, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant concentration as well as testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle weight were investigated.Increase in the concentration of MDA and decrease in total antioxidant level was observed following ISO administration. Accordingly, the sperm viability as well as testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle weights were decreased. In the case of sex hormones, the testosterone and LH levels were decreased and the concentration of FSH was increased. Pretreatment with L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 significantly decreased the MDA level and increased total antioxidant, LH and testosterone levels. Pretreatment with L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 also improved semen parameters and organs weight which were impaired by ISO administration.L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 pretreatment could protect spermatogenesis in male rats with ISO administration. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation downregulates the increase of monocytes expressing toll-like receptor 4 in response to 6-day intensive training in kendo athletes.

PubMed

Shimizu, Kazuhiro; Kon, Michihiro; Tanimura, Yuko; Hanaoka, Yukichi; Kimura, Fuminori; Akama, Takao; Kono, Ichiro

2015-06-01

This study examined changes in toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4)-expressing monocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations in response to continuous intensive exercise training in athletes, as well as the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on these changes. Eighteen male elite kendo athletes in Japan were randomly assigned to a CoQ10-supplementation group (n = 9) or a placebo-supplementation group (n = 9) using a double-blind method. Subjects in the CoQ10 group took 300 mg CoQ10 per day for 20 days. Subjects in the placebo group took the same dosage of placebo. All subjects practiced kendo 5.5 h per day for 6 consecutive days during the study period. Blood samples were collected 2 weeks before training, on the first day (day 1), third day (day 3), and fifth day of training (day 5), and 1 week after the training period (post-training) to ascertain TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) monocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD28(+)/CD4(+), CD28(+)/CD8(+), and CD56(+)/CD3(-) cells) using flow cytometry analysis. The group × time interaction for TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) cells did not reach significance (p = 0.08). Within the CoQ10 group, the absolute number of TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) cells was significantly higher only at day 5. The placebo group showed a significant increase in the absolute number of TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) cells at day 3, day 5, and post-training (p < 0.05). There was no significant group × time interaction for any lymphocyte subpopulation. CD3(+), CD8(+), and CD56(+)/CD3(-) cells were significantly reduced at day 3 in both groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CoQ10 supplementation might downregulate the increase of TLR-4-expressing monocytes in response to continuous strenuous exercise training in kendo athletes.

Inhalation reproductive toxicology studies: Sperm morphology study of n-hexane in B6C3F1 mice: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mast, T.J.; Hackett, P.L.; Decker, J.R.

The straight-chain hydrocarbon, n-hexane, is a volatile, ubiquitous solvent routinely used in industrial environments. Although myelinated nerve tissue is the primary target organ of hexane, the testes have also been identified as being sensitive to hexacarbon exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epididymal sperm morphology of male B6D3F1 mice 5 weeks after exposure to 0, 200, 1000, or 5000 ppM n-hexane, 20 h/day for 5 consecutive days. Two concurrent positive control groups of animals were injected intraperitoneally with either 200 or 250 mg/kg ethyl methanesulfonate, a known mutagen, once each day for 5 consecutive days. Themore » mice were weighed just prior to the first day of exposure and at weekly intervals until sacrifice. During the fifth post-exposure week the animals were killed and examined for gross lesions of the reproductive tract and suspensions of the epididymal sperm were prepared for morphological evaluations. The appearance and behavior of the mice were unremarkable throughout the experiment and there were no deaths. No evidence of lesions in any organ was noted at sacrifice. Mean body weights of male mice exposed to n-hexane were not significantly different from those for the 0-ppM animals at any time during the study. Analyses of the sperm morphology data obtained 5 weeks post-exposure (the only time point examined) indicated that exposure of male mice to relatively high concentrations of n-hexane vapor for 5 days produced no significant effects on the morphology of sperm relative to that of the 0-ppM control group. 24 refs., 2 figs., 7 tabs.« less

Magnitude and frequency of low flows in the Suwannee River Water Management District, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Giese, G.L.; Franklin, M.A.

1996-01-01

Low-flow frequency statistics for 20 gaging stations having at least 10 years of continuous record and 31 other stations having less than 10 years of continu ous record or a series of at least two low- flow measurements are presented for unregulated streams in the Suwannee River Water Management District in north-central Florida. Statistics for the 20 continuous-record stations included are the annual and monthly minimum consecutive-day average low- flow magnitudes for 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 consecutive days for recurrence intervals of 2, 5, 10, 20, and, for some long-term stations, 50 years, based on records available through the 1994 climatic year.Only theannual statistics are given for the 31 other stations; these are for the 7- and 30-consecutive day periods only and for recurrence intervals of 2 and 10 years only. Annual low-flow frequency statistics range from zero for many small streams to 5,500 cubic feet per second for the annual 30- consecutive-day average flow with a recurrenceinterval of 2 years for the Suwannee River near Wilcox (station 02323500). Monthly low-flow frequency statistics range from zero for many small streams to 13,800 cubic feet per second for the minimum 30-consecutive-day average flow with a 2-year recurrence interval for the month of March for the same station. Generally, low-flow characteristics of streams in the Suwannee River Water Management District are controlled by climatic, topographic, and geologic fac tors. The carbonate Floridan aquifer system underlies, or is at the surface of, the entire District. The terrane's karstic nature results in manysinkholes and springs. In some places, springs may contribute greatly to low streamflow and the contributing areas of such springs may include areasoutside the presumed surface drainage area of the springs. In other places, water may enter sinkholes within a drainage basin, then reappear in springs downstream from a gage. Many of the smaller streams in the District go dry or have no flow forseveral months in many years. In addition to the low-flow statistics, four synoptic low-flow measurement surveys were conducted on 161 sites during 1990, 1995, and 1996. Themeasurements were made to provide "snapshots" of flow conditions of streams throughout the Suwannee River Water Management District. Magnitudes of low flows during the 1990 series of measurements were in the range associated withminimum 7-consecutive-day 50-year recurrence interval to the minimum 7-consecutive-day 20-year recurrence interval, except in Taylor and Dixie Counties, where the magnitudes ranged from the minimum 7-consecutive-day 5-year flow level to the7-consecutive-day 2-year flow level. The magnitudes were all greater than the minimum 7- consecutive-day 2-year flow level during 1995 and 1996. Observations of no flow were recorded at many of the sites for all four series of measurements.

Daily morning running for 3 weeks improved sleep and psychological functioning in healthy adolescents compared with controls.

PubMed

Kalak, Nadeem; Gerber, Markus; Kirov, Roumen; Mikoteit, Thorsten; Yordanova, Juliana; Pühse, Uwe; Holsboer-Trachsler, Edith; Brand, Serge

2012-12-01

To compare sleep electroencephalographic patterns and psychological functioning of healthy adolescents running regularly in the mornings with those of control subjects. Although several studies have shown that regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise is related to favorable sleep and psychological functioning in adolescents, research on the effectiveness of short interventions is more limited. Fifty-one adolescents (mean age = 18.30 years; 27 female [53%]) took part in the study; they were randomly assigned either to a running or to a control group. The running group went running every morning for 30 minutes at moderate intensity during weekdays for 3 consecutive weeks. Sleep electroencephalographic patterns and psychological functioning were assessed in both groups before and after the 3-week period. All participants also kept a sleep log for 3 weeks. Objective sleep improved (slow-wave sleep increased; sleep onset latency decreased) in the running group compared with the control group. Subjective sleep quality, mood, and concentration during the day improved, whereas sleepiness during the day decreased. Thirty minutes of running in the morning during weekdays for 3 consecutive weeks impacted positively on sleep and psychological functioning in healthy adolescents compared with control subjects. Running is inexpensive and easy to implement during school schedules, and as both objective and subjective improvements were observed within 3 weeks, regular physical exercise should be promoted. Copyright © 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

8-OH-DPAT does not interfere with habituation to motion-induced emesis in cats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucot, James B.; Crampton, George H.

1991-01-01

Experiments were performed to determine if suppression of motion-induced emesis (motion sickness) by 8-OH-DPAT altered the development or retention of habituation to the motion stimulus. Cats received 8-OH-DPAT followed by provocative motion on three consecutive treatment days. A drug-free test on the fourth day resulted in an incidence of emesis that was not different from that obtained on the fourth consecutive day of drug-free motion testing. Three consecutive days of treatment with 8-OH-DPAT without motion had no effect on the incidence of motion sickness on the fourth day. It was concluded that suppression of motion sickness by 8-OH-DPAT does not alter the acquisition or retention of habituation.

Effect of passive concentration as instructional set for training enhancement of EEG alpha.

PubMed

Knox, S S

1980-12-01

The technique of passive concentration, employed by autogenic training and Transcendental Meditation for achieving relaxation, was tested here as a technique for enhancing EEG alpha. Of 30 subjects displaying between 15% and 74% alpha in their resting EEGs recruited, 10 had to be eliminated. The remaining 20 constituted two groups. One was instructed only to attempt to maintain a tone indicating alpha but given no information about technique (control group). The other was given additional instructions in passive concentration (experimental group). Both were given four 5-min. trials a day for 4 consecutive days. Heart rate and skin conductance were measured to monitor autonomic arousal. The group receiving instructions in passive concentration had significantly less alpha than the control group, which did not increase amount of alpha above baseline. The reduction of alpha in the experimental group was interpreted as resulting from beginning long training periods (20 min. per day), a practice advocated by Transcendental Meditation but discouraged by autogenic training. It was concluded that the relevance of passive concentration for alpha enhancement is doubtful.

The protective effect of pomegranate extract against cisplatin toxicity in rat liver and kidney tissue.

PubMed

Bakır, Salih; Yazgan, Ümit Can; İbiloğlu, İbrahim; Elbey, Bilal; Kızıl, Murat; Kelle, Mustafa

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to perform a histopathological investigation, at the light microscopy level, of the protective effects of pomegranate extract in cisplatin-induced liver and kidney damage in rats. Twenty-eight adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of seven animals: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Treated for 10 consecutive days by gavage with pomegranate juice (2 ml/kg/day); Group 3: Injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin (8 mg/kg body weight, single dose) onset of the day 5, and Group 4: Treated by gavage with pomegranate juice 10 days before and after a single injection of cisplatin onset of the day 5. After 10 days, the animals were sacrificed and their kidneys and liver tissue samples were removed from each animal after experimental procedures. Cisplatin-induced renal and hepatic toxicity and the effect of pomegranate juice were evaluated by histopatological examinations. In the kidney tissue, pomegranate juice significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced structural alterations when compared with the cisplatin alone group. But in the liver tissue, although pomegranate juice attenuated the cisplatin-induced toxicity only in two rats, significant improvement was not observed. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the anti-oxidant pomegranate juice might have a protective effect against cisplatin-induced toxicity in rat kidney, but not in liver. Pomegranate juice could be beneficial as a dietary supplement in patients receiving chemotherapy medications.

Metronidazole combined with nystatin (vagitories) in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis after initial treatment with oral metronidazole.

PubMed

Pulkkinen, P; Saranen, M; Kaaja, R

1993-01-01

In a double-blind trial comprising 66 patients we assessed the effect of metronidazole-nystatin vagitories on the prevention of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women using IUD as a contraceptive method after an initial oral single dose of 2.0 g metronidazole and 7 days of intravaginal metronidazole-nystatin or placebo treatment. The prophylactic treatment consisted of metronidazole-nystatin or placebo vagitories applied at bedtime for 3 days after menstruation over 6 consecutive menstrual periods. The patients were randomized in two study groups: a treatment group of 32 patients (group A) and a placebo group of 34 patients (group B). The overall objective cure rate after the initial treatment was 97% in group A and 91% in group B. After 6 months of follow-up, the overall cumulative objective cure rate in group A was 100%, and 76% in group B. The single-dose oral treatment was well tolerated and no notable side effects were recorded.

Treatment of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion with intrapleural streptokinase in children.

PubMed

Yao, Chih-Ta; Wu, Jing-Ming; Liu, Ching-Chuan; Wu, Ming-Ho; Chuang, Hung-Yi; Wang, Jieh-Neng

2004-02-01

To evaluate the role of intrapleural streptokinase in the management of complicated parapneumonic effusions in children. Prospective comparative study. Cheng Kung University Hospital, a tertiary medical center in Tainan, Taiwan. We enrolled as our prospective study group 20 consecutive children with complicated parapneumonic effusions who received intrapleural streptokinase treatment between August 2000 and July 2002. We also retrospectively analyzed a comparison group of 22 consecutive children with complicated parapneumonic effusions who received chest tube drainage without streptokinase treatment from January 1992 to July 2000. We then compared the clinical manifestations and outcome of these two patient groups. The patient population (21 boys and 21 girls) ranged in age from 9 to 130 months (mean age, 41.5 +/- 26.3 months [mean +/- SD]). The characters of pleural effusion showed no difference between the two groups. Nineteen patients had positive findings for Streptococcus pneumoniae, 2 patients had positive findings for Staphylococcus aureus, 2 patients had positive findings for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 19 patients had undetermined pathogens. All patients were treated with appropriate antibiotics. More pleural fluid was drained from the streptokinase group than from the comparison group during streptokinase treatment (816 +/- 481 mL vs 279 +/- 238 mL, p < 0.01). The duration of fever after chest tube insertion was also significantly lower in the study group (5.3 +/- 3.1 days vs 7.9 +/- 4.6 days, p < 0.05). Only two patients in the streptokinase group required surgical intervention compared with nine patients in the comparison group (p < 0.05). No major side effects were noticed after streptokinase instillation. Intrapleural fibrinolytic treatment with streptokinase is safe and effective, and it can obviate the need for surgery in most cases. The combination treatment should be attempted early on, when complicated parapneumonic effusion is first diagnosed.

DHEA-induced ovarian hyperfibrosis is mediated by TGF-β signaling pathway.

PubMed

Wang, Daojuan; Wang, Wenqing; Liang, Qiao; He, Xuan; Xia, Yanjie; Shen, Shanmei; Wang, Hongwei; Gao, Qian; Wang, Yong

2018-01-10

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder with pathological mechanisms remain unclear. The following study investigates the ovarian hyperfibrosis forming via transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway in Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)- induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model. We furthermore explored whether TGF-βRI inhibitor (SB431542) decreases ovarian fibrosis by counterbalancing the expression of fibrotic biomarkers. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Blank group (n = 6), Oil group (n = 6), and Oil + DHEA-induced model group (n = 6 + 12). The model groups were established by subcutaneous injection of DHEA for 35 consecutive days. The 12 successful model rats were additionally divided in vehicle group (n = 6) and SB431542-treated group (n = 6). Vehicle group and SB431542-treated group, served as administration group and were intraperitoneally injected with DMSO and SB431542 for additional 14 consecutive days. Ovarian morphology, fibrin and collagen localization and expression in ovaries were detected using H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and Sirius red staining. The ovarian protein and RNA were examined using Western blot and RT-PCR. In DHEA-induced ovary in rat, fibrin and collagen had significantly higher levels, while the main fibrosis markers (TGF-β, CTGF, fibronectin, a-SMA) were obviously upregulated. SB431542 significantly reduced the expression of pro-fibrotic molecules (TGF-β, Smad3, Smad2, a-SMA) and increased anti-fibrotic factor MMP2. TGF-βRI inhibitor (SB431542) inhibits the downstream signaling molecules of TGF-β and upregulates MMP2, which in turn prevent collagen deposition. Moreover, ovarian hyperfibrosis in DHEA-induced PCOS rat model could be improved by TGF-βRI inhibitor (SB431542) restraining the transcription of accelerating fibrosis genes and modulating EMT mediator.

An evaluation of performance by older persons on a simulated telecommuting task.

PubMed

Sharit, Joseph; Czaja, Sara J; Hernandez, Mario; Yang, Yulong; Perdomo, Dolores; Lewis, John E; Lee, Chin Chin; Nair, Sankaran

2004-11-01

Telecommuting work represents a strategy for managing the growing number of older people in the workforce. This study involved a simulated customer service telecommuting task that used e-mail to answer customer queries about media-related products and company policies. Participants included 27 "younger" older adults (50-65 years) and 25 "older" older adults (66-80 years). The participants performed the task for two 2-hr sessions a day over 4 consecutive days. Although both age groups showed significant improvement across sessions on many of the performance criteria, in general the improvements were more marked for the older age-group participants. However, the participants from both age groups had difficulty meeting some of the task performance requirements. These results are discussed in terms of training strategies for older workers.

Blue Corn Tortillas: Effects on Learning and Spatial Memory in Rats.

PubMed

Aguirre López, L O; Chávez Servia, J L; Gómez Rodiles, C C; Beltrán Ramírez, J R; Bañuelos Pineda, J

2017-12-01

Consumption of pigmented corn has been associated with health benefits due to its flavonoid contents (mainly anthocyanins) and antioxidant ability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of blue corn tortilla (BM) consumption on memory and learning ability adult rats. Eighteen adult female rats were divided into three groups and fed for 38 consecutive days with commercial food (Control group) or the commercial food plus 6 g/day of either blue corn (BM) or white corn (WM) tortillas. Memory and learning capabilities were assessed using Barnes's labyrinth at the end of the feeding period. Short-and long-term memory was improved in the BM group, showing that consumption of blue maize tortillas improves learning and memory capabilities in adult rats.

Distribution of flunixin residues in muscles of dairy cattle dosed with lipopolysaccharide or saline and treated with flunixin by intravenous or intramuscular injection

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Twenty dairy cows received flunixin meglumine at 2.2 mg/kg bw, administered once daily by either the intravenous (IV) or intra muscular (IM) route for three consecutive days with either intravenous normal saline (NS) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) providing a balanced design with five animals per group...

Antioxidant status in oral subchronic toxicity of fipronil and fluoride co-exposure in buffalo calves.

PubMed

Gill, Kamalpreet Kaur; Dumka, Vinod Kumar

2016-02-01

The effects of fipronil and fluoride co-exposure were investigated on antioxidant status of buffalo calves. A total of 24 healthy male buffalo calves divided into 4 groups were treated for 98 consecutive days. Group I, receiving no treatment, served as the control. Animals of groups II and III were orally administered with fipronil at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/day and sodium fluoride (NaF) at the dosage of 6.67 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 98 days. Group IV was coadministered with fipronil and NaF at the same dosages as groups II and III. Administration of fipronil alone produced significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). However, it did not produce any significant effect on the activities of enzymatic antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). NaF exposure led to enhanced oxidative stress as shown by significant increase in the LPO and SOD activities while GPx and CAT activities and GSH levels were significantly decreased. Co-exposure to fipronil and NaF showed additive effects on LPO, GPx activity, and GSH levels. © The Author(s) 2013.

Effects of modifications to the health and social sector's collective agreement on the objective characteristics of working hours.

PubMed

Ropponen, Annina; Vanttola, Päivi; Koskinen, Aki; Hakola, Tarja; Puttonen, Sampsa; Härmä, Mikko

2017-08-08

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intervention on objective working-hour characteristics. The intervention involved making modifications to the collective agreement that would limit employees' entitlement to time off as compensation. The intervention group consisted of 493 and the control group of 2,303 health and social care shift workers, respectively. We analysed the objective pay roll-based working-hour data for 2012-2013, which we obtained from employers' records, using the repeated measures mixed model. The changes in objective working-hour characteristics were small, but systematic. The intervention had some positive effects: the amount of short recovery periods (<28 h) after the last night shift decreased from 5% to 3%, and the amount of working weeks of over 48 h decreased from 19% to 17%. The realization of employees' shift preferences increased from 18% to 20%. However, in contrast, consecutive work shifts and the number of scheduled absences increased and days off decreased, suggesting less time for recovery and thus a negative trend in shift ergonomics. When planning shifts, nursing management should avoid regulations that promote specific unhealthy shift characteristics, that is, consecutive work shifts and less days off.

Effects of modifications to the health and social sector’s collective agreement on the objective characteristics of working hours

PubMed Central

ROPPONEN, Annina; VANTTOLA, Päivi; KOSKINEN, Aki; HAKOLA, Tarja; PUTTONEN, Sampsa; HÄRMÄ, Mikko

2017-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intervention on objective working-hour characteristics. The intervention involved making modifications to the collective agreement that would limit employees’ entitlement to time off as compensation. The intervention group consisted of 493 and the control group of 2,303 health and social care shift workers, respectively. We analysed the objective pay roll-based working-hour data for 2012–2013, which we obtained from employers’ records, using the repeated measures mixed model. The changes in objective working-hour characteristics were small, but systematic. The intervention had some positive effects: the amount of short recovery periods (<28 h) after the last night shift decreased from 5% to 3%, and the amount of working weeks of over 48 h decreased from 19% to 17%. The realization of employees’ shift preferences increased from 18% to 20%. However, in contrast, consecutive work shifts and the number of scheduled absences increased and days off decreased, suggesting less time for recovery and thus a negative trend in shift ergonomics. When planning shifts, nursing management should avoid regulations that promote specific unhealthy shift characteristics, that is, consecutive work shifts and less days off. PMID:28420807

Effects of 4-nitrophenol on expression of the ER-α and AhR signaling pathway-associated genes in the small intestine of rats.

PubMed

Tang, Juan; Song, Meiyan; Watanabe, Gen; Nagaoka, Kentaro; Rui, Xiaoli; Li, ChunMei

2016-09-01

4-Nitrophenol (PNP) is a persistent organic pollutant that was proven to be an environmental endocrine disruptor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway in regulating the damage response to PNP in the small intestine of rats. Wistar-Imamichi male rats (21 d) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and PNP group. Each group had three processes that were gavaged with PNP or vehicle daily: single dose (1 d), repeated dose (3 consecutive days) (3 d), and repeated dose with recovery (3 consecutive days and 3 recovery days) (6 d). The weight of the body, the related viscera, and small intestine were examined. Histological parameters of the small intestine and the quantity of mucus proteins secreted by small goblet cells were determined using HE staining and PAS staining. The mRNA expression of AhR, ER-α, CYP1A1, and GST was measured by real-time qPCR. In addition, we also analyzed the AhR, ER-α, and CYP1A1 expression in the small intestine by immunohistochemical staining. The small intestines histologically changed in the PNP-treated rat and the expression of AhR, CYP1A1, and GST was increased. While ER-α was significantly decreased in the small intestine, simultaneously, when rats were exposed to a longer PNP treatment, the damages disappeared. Our results demonstrate that PNP has an effect on the expression of AhR signaling pathway genes, AhR, CYP1A1, and GST, and ER-α in the rat small intestine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevention of heterotopic bone formation with early post operative irradiation in high risk patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: comparison of 10. 00 Gy vs 20. 00 Gy schedules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anthony, P.; Keys, H.; Evarts, C.M.

1987-03-01

Prior studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of postoperative radiation therapy (RT) to the hip area following total hip replacement (THR) surgery in preventing the development of heterotopic bone formation in patients considered to be at high risk for development of this complication. Previously, patients received 20.00 Gy in 10 fractions (fx) over 2 weeks, beginning as soon postop as medically feasible (usually post-op day 2). In an effort to reduce hospital stay and risk of secondary malignancy, a prospective treatment program was initiated April 1982 using a reduced dose of 10.00 Gy in 5 fx over 5-7 days. As ofmore » February 1984, 46 consecutive hips determined to be at high risk were treated with this reduced dose. Prior studies have demonstrated that heterotopic bone is always radiographically evident by 8 weeks. Of the 46 hips, 41 had been evaluated with the minimum required 8 week follow-up X ray. Twenty-five of these hips, 61%, had a mean long term follow-up of 12 months. It historical control group, consisting of 54 consecutive high risk post-THR's, was shown to have a 68.5% incidence of heterotopic bone. The 20.00 Gy group, when RT was started by post-op day 5, demonstrated a 3.2% incidence, compared to 4.9% in the 10.00 Gy group. Complication rates were also comparable in the two RT groups, 19.4% and 7.3% respectively; 10.00 Gy is apparently as effective as 20.00 Gy in preventing heterotopic bone formation in high risk post-THR patients.« less

43 CFR 3862.4-1 - Newspaper publication.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... consecutive issues; if semiweekly or triweekly, in the issue of the same day of each week for nine consecutive weeks. In all cases the first day of issues shall be excluded in estimating the period of 60 days. [35... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Newspaper publication. 3862.4-1 Section...

40 CFR 418.35 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory § 418.35... values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) .45 .24... any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27...

40 CFR 418.35 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory § 418.35... values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) .45 .24... any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27...

40 CFR 418.35 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory § 418.35... values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) .45 .24... any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27...

40 CFR 418.35 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory § 418.35... values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) .45 .24... any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27...

The effect of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity and length of NICU stay in preterm infants.

PubMed

Taheri, Peymaneh Alizadeh; Goudarzi, Zahra; Shariat, Mamak; Nariman, Shahin; Matin, Elahe Nikzinat

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five-day course of sunflower oil massage with moderate pressure on the weight gain and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. Forty-four healthy preterm infants with a corrected gestational age of 30-36 weeks at the time of the study, were randomly assigned to the study group receiving body massage with sunflower oil and the control group receiving only routine NICU care. The massage was performed three times per day, each session including three consecutive five-minute stages, for five days. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity. The secondary outcome was to compare the length of NICU stay between the two groups. During the study period, the increase in the average daily and fifth-day weight gain was significant in the intervention group. The length of NICU stay was shorter in the intervention group significantly. Our findings suggest that even a short course of body massage with sunflower oil for only five days increases preterm infants' weight gain and decreases their duration of NICU stay significantly. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanoparticles of selenium as species with stronger physiological effects in sheep in comparison with sodium selenite.

PubMed

Sadeghian, Sirous; Kojouri, Gholam Ali; Mohebbi, Abdonnaser

2012-06-01

The present study was designed to compare the effects of nano red selenium and sodium selenite on the antioxidative activities of neutrophils and the hematological parameters in sheep. Fifteen sheep were randomly allocated into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 received selenium nanoparticles orally at 1 mg/kg and sodium selenite at 1 mg Se/kg for 10 consecutive days; group 3 served as the control. To assess the degrees of oxidative stress and of lipid peroxidation of the cellular membranes, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined in serum samples that were collected at different supplementation intervals, i.e., after 0, 10, 20, and 30 days. In addition, hematological parameters in the serum samples were measured by routine procedures. It was found that TBARS levels in groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher on days 20 and 30 compared to the basal level on day 0. It was also found that on day 30, the TBARS activities in both treated groups were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.05). These findings may explain the seemingly paradoxical effects of supplemental selenium on the indicators of oxidative stress, as the levels of TBARS were generally expected to decrease in the presence of selenium. There were no significant differences between the PCV and RBC values in the three groups. The white blood cell count (WBC) in group 1 showed a significant increase on days 20 and 30 in comparison with the control group. However, in group 2, there was a significant increase of the WBC value just on day 20 in comparison with the control group. Also, there were significant increases of the neutrophil counts and significant decreases of the lymphocyte counts on day 10 in group 1, in comparison with those in group 2 and controls, and on days 20 and 30 in groups 1 and 2 in comparison with those in the control group.

Nicotinic receptor involvement in antinociception induced by exposure to cigarette smoke.

PubMed

Simons, Christopher T; Cuellar, Jason M; Moore, Justin A; Pinkerton, Kent E; Uyeminami, Dale; Carstens, Mirela Iodi; Carstens, E

2005-12-02

Direct exposure of rats to tobacco smoke induces antinociception. We presently investigated if this antinociception is mediated via nicotinic and/or mu-opioid receptors. Adult male rats were surgically implanted with Alzet osmotic minipumps that delivered either saline (control), the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine, or the opiate antagonist naltrexone (3 mg/kg/day i.v. for 21 days). Nocifensive responses were assessed on alternate days using tail-flick reflex latency (TFL) over a 3-week period. During the second week, the rats were exposed to concentrated cigarette smoke in an environmental chamber for 6 h/day for 5 consecutive days; a control group was similarly exposed to filtered cigarette smoke. Rats receiving mecamylamine and naltrexone exhibited a significant weight loss after the first day of infusion. All treatment groups additionally exhibited significant weight loss during exposure to unfiltered or filtered smoke. The saline group exhibited significant antinociception on the first day of smoke exposure with rapid development of tolerance. The mecamylamine and naltrexone groups did not exhibit significant antinociception. Controls exposed to filtered smoke (with approximately 50% lower nicotine concentration) also exhibited significant analgesia on the first exposure day with rapid development of tolerance. Exposure to high levels of cigarette smoke, or to filtered smoke with a lower nicotine concentration in the vapor phase, induces antinociception with rapid development of tolerance. The antinociceptive effect appears to be mediated via nicotinic and mu-opioid receptors.

Iron Supplementation during Three Consecutive Days of Endurance Training Augmented Hepcidin Levels.

PubMed

Ishibashi, Aya; Maeda, Naho; Kamei, Akiko; Goto, Kazushige

2017-07-30

Iron supplementation contributes an effort to improving iron status among athletes, but it does not always prevent iron deficiency. In the present study, we explored the effect of three consecutive days of endurance training (twice daily) on the hepcidin-25 (hepcidin) level. The effect of iron supplementation during this period was also determined. Fourteen male endurance athletes were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an iron-treated condition (Fe condition, n = 7) or a placebo condition (Control condition; CON, n = 7). They engaged in two 75-min sessions of treadmill running at 75% of maximal oxygen uptake on three consecutive days (days 1-3). The Fe condition took 12 mg of iron twice daily (24 mg/day), and the CON condition did not. On day 1, both conditions exhibited significant increases in serum hepcidin and plasma interleukin-6 levels after exercise ( p < 0.05). In the CON condition, the hepcidin level did not change significantly throughout the training period. However, in the Fe condition, the serum hepcidin level on day 4 was significantly higher than that of the CON condition ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the hepcidin level was significantly elevated following three consecutive days of endurance training when moderate doses of iron were taken.

Iron Supplementation during Three Consecutive Days of Endurance Training Augmented Hepcidin Levels

PubMed Central

Ishibashi, Aya; Maeda, Naho; Kamei, Akiko; Goto, Kazushige

2017-01-01

Iron supplementation contributes an effort to improving iron status among athletes, but it does not always prevent iron deficiency. In the present study, we explored the effect of three consecutive days of endurance training (twice daily) on the hepcidin-25 (hepcidin) level. The effect of iron supplementation during this period was also determined. Fourteen male endurance athletes were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an iron-treated condition (Fe condition, n = 7) or a placebo condition (Control condition; CON, n = 7). They engaged in two 75-min sessions of treadmill running at 75% of maximal oxygen uptake on three consecutive days (days 1–3). The Fe condition took 12 mg of iron twice daily (24 mg/day), and the CON condition did not. On day 1, both conditions exhibited significant increases in serum hepcidin and plasma interleukin-6 levels after exercise (p < 0.05). In the CON condition, the hepcidin level did not change significantly throughout the training period. However, in the Fe condition, the serum hepcidin level on day 4 was significantly higher than that of the CON condition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the hepcidin level was significantly elevated following three consecutive days of endurance training when moderate doses of iron were taken. PMID:28758951

Does external pneumatic compression treatment between bouts of overreaching resistance training sessions exert differential effects on molecular signaling and performance-related variables compared to passive recovery? An exploratory study

PubMed Central

Romero, Matthew A.; Osburn, Shelby C.; Mobley, Christopher B.; Anderson, Richard G.; Goodlett, Michael D.; Pascoe, David D.

2017-01-01

Purpose We sought to compare the effects of external pneumatic compression (EPC) and sham when used concurrently with resistance training on performance-related outcomes and molecular measures related to recovery. Methods Twenty (N = 20) resistance-trained male participants (aged 21.6±2.4 years) were randomized to balanced sham or EPC intervention groups. The protocol consisted of 3 consecutive days of heavy, voluminous back squat exercise followed by EPC/sham treatment (Days2-4) and 3 consecutive days of recovery (Days5-7) with EPC/sham only on Days5-6. On Day1 (PRE), and Days3-7, venipuncture, flexibility and pressure-to-pain threshold (PPT) measures were performed. Vastsus lateralis muscle tissue was biopsied at PRE, 1-h post-EPC/sham treatment on Day2 (POST1) and 24-h post-EPC/sham treatment on Day7 (POST2). Isokinetic peak torque was assessed at PRE and POST2. Results Peak isokinetic strength did not change from PRE to POST2 in either group. The PPT was significantly lower on Days3-6 with sham, indicating greater muscle soreness, though this was largely abolished in the EPC group. A significant decrease in flexibility with sham was observed on Day3 (+16.2±4.6% knee joint angle; P<0.01) whereas there was no change with EPC (+2.8±3.8%; P>0.01). Vastus lateralis poly-ubiquitinated proteins significantly increased at the POST2 time point relative to PRE with sham (+66.6±24.6%; P<0.025) and were significantly greater (P<0.025) than those observed with EPC at the same time point (-18.6±8.5%). 4-hydroxynonenal values were significantly lower at POST2 relative to PRE with EPC (-16.2±5.6%; P<0.025) and were significantly lower (P<0.025) than those observed with sham at the same time point (+11.8±5.9%). Conclusion EPC mitigated a reduction in flexibility and PPT that occurred with sham. Moreover, EPC reduced select skeletal muscle oxidative stress and proteolysis markers during recovery from heavy resistance exercise. PMID:28662152

40 CFR 418.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride... consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride 75 25 [39 FR 12836, Apr. 8, 1974...

40 CFR 418.15 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride... consecutive days shall not exceed— Total phosphorus (as P) 105 35 Fluoride 75 25 [39 FR 12836, Apr. 8, 1974...

Elective colorectal surgery without bowel preparation: a historical control and case-matched study.

PubMed

Pitot, D; Bouazza, E; Chamlou, R; Van de Stadt, J

2009-01-01

Although full bowel preparation, including mechanical washout and non-absorbable antibiotherapy, has been considered for decades as a prerequisite to any elective colorectal surgery, recent literature has suggested that this habit was perhaps unjustified. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of ileocolic, colocolic and colorectal anastomosis in the absence of pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation. During a 1-year period, 59 consecutive patients underwent elective colorectal surgery with ileocolic, colocolic or colorectal anastomosis without any pre-operative preparation. This "non-prepared group" (NPG) was compared to a "control group" (CG) composed of the previous 127 consecutive cases of classically managed patients. To improve the statistical power we also compared the NPG to a "match-controlled group" (MCG) of 59 patients within the CG. Primary end-points were anastomotic leakage and abdominal infections. Secondary end-points were oral diet resume time and hospital stay. There were no differences between the 3 groups for age, gender, BMI, immunodepression status, anastomosis site and suture technique. There were no differences between NPG and CG or MCG for anastomotic leakage (3.5%, 4.7% and 6.8% respectively, NPG/CG p = 0.68 and NPG/MCG p = 0.4) or for infectious abdominal complications. Mean diet resume time was 1.4 (1-5) days in the NPG versus 3.4 (1-19) days in the CG and 3.1 (1-6) days in the MCG (p < 0.00001). Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 5 (2-81) days in the NPG versus 8 (4-100) and 8 (4-100) in the CG and the MCG respectively. In accordance with the recent literature, the present experience does not show any benefit of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal resection. This suggests that bowel preparation could be omitted before this type of surgery.

Associations between number of consecutive night shifts and impairment of neurobehavioral performance during a subsequent simulated night shift.

PubMed

Magee, Michelle; Sletten, Tracey L; Ferguson, Sally A; Grunstein, Ronald R; Anderson, Clare; Kennaway, David J; Lockley, Steven W; Rajaratnam, Shantha Mw

2016-05-01

This study aimed to investigate sleep and circadian phase in the relationships between neurobehavioral performance and the number of consecutive shifts worked. Thirty-four shift workers [20 men, mean age 31.8 (SD 10.9) years] worked 2-7 consecutive night shifts immediately prior to a laboratory-based, simulated night shift. For 7 days prior, participants worked their usual shift sequence, and sleep was assessed with logs and actigraphy. Participants completed a 10-minute auditory psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) at the start (~21:00 hours) and end (~07:00 hours) of the simulated night shift. Mean reaction times (RT), number of lapses and RT distribution was compared between those who worked 2-3 consecutive night shifts versus those who worked 4-7 shifts. Following 4-7 shifts, night shift workers had significantly longer mean RT at the start and end of shift, compared to those who worked 2-3 shifts. The slowest and fastest 10% RT were significantly slower at the start, but not end, of shift among participants who worked 4-7 nights. Those working 4-7 nights also demonstrated a broader RT distribution at the start and end of shift and had significantly slower RT based on cumulative distribution analysis (5 (th), 25 (th), 50 (th), 75 (th)percentiles at the start of shift; 75th percentile at the end of shift). No group differences in sleep parameters were found for 7 days and 24 hours prior to the simulated night shift. A greater number of consecutive night shifts has a negative impact on neurobehavioral performance, likely due to cognitive slowing.

Age and body composition influence TSH concentrations after administration of rhTSH.

PubMed

Holthausen, F F; von Müller, F; Happel, C; Kranert, W T; Grünwald, F

2015-01-01

Previous studies listed body surface area (BSA), lean body mass (LBM), and age as modifying factors on the TSH concentrations after administration of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH). The purpose of this study was to identify the main modifying factors on serum TSH levels and to compare the stimulation via single rhTSH injection after a short thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) with that of the standard stimulating protocol. 106 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) undergoing radioiodine therapy (RIT) after rhTSH administration were obtained through chart review. Two groups were evaluated: Group I was treated with a single rhTSH administration after two weeks of T3 therapy followed by one week of THW. Group II was stimulated according to the international standard protocol via rhTSH injections for two consecutive days. Serum TSH concentrations were documented prior to rhTSH administration (day 1 TSH), one day after (day 3 TSH) and 3-6 days after (mean 4.2 days, day 6 TSH) the last rhTSH injection. The following data was collected: age, gender, weight, height, BMI, LBM, BSA, residual thyroid tissue, CRP, creatinine, GFR, liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Group I: Age combined with anthropometric factors like BMI (TSH increase and day 6 TSH), BSA (TSH decrease), and gender (day 6 TSH) are the main modifying factors on serum TSH concentrations after rhTSH administration. Group II: Age and lean body mass (LBM) showed a significant impact on day 3 TSH, TSH increase (day 3-day 1), and TSH decrease (day 6-day 3). Day 6 TSH was found to be influenced by GFR (group II). Age and anthropometric parameters have significant independent influence on TSH concentrations after rhTSH injection in both groups. Anthropometric parameters (BSA, LBM) and demographic parameters (female gender) show strong influence on TSH concentrations. Further research should be conducted to examine the influence of body compartments on TSH levels through measuring total body water.

'Test n Treat (TnT)': a cluster-randomised feasibility trial of frequent, rapid-testing and same-day, on-site treatment to reduce rates of chlamydia in high-risk further education college students: statistical analysis plan.

PubMed

Phillips, Rachel; Oakeshott, Pippa; Kerry-Barnard, Sarah; Reid, Fiona

2018-06-05

There are high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in ethnically diverse, sexually active students aged 16-24 years attending London further education (FE) colleges. However, uptake of chlamydia screening remains low. The TnT study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a future trial in FE colleges to investigate if frequent, rapid, on-site testing and treatment (TnT) reduces chlamydia rates. This article presents the statistical analysis plan for the main study publication as approved and signed off by the Trial Management Group prior to the first data extraction for the final report. TnT is a cluster-randomised feasibility trial conducted over 7 months with parallel qualitative and economic assessments. Colleges will be randomly allocated into the intervention (TnT) or the control group (no TnT). Six FE colleges in London will be included. At each college for 2 days, 80 consecutive sexually active students aged 16-24 years (total 480 students across all six colleges) will be recruited from public areas and asked to provide baseline samples. One and 4 months after recruitment intervention colleges will be visited on two consecutive days by the TnT team where participating students will be texted and invited to come for same-day, on-site, rapid chlamydia testing and, if positive, treatment. Participants in the control colleges will receive 'thank you' texts 1 and 4 months after recruitment. Seven months after recruitment, participants from both groups will be invited to complete questionnaires and provide samples for TnT. All samples will be tested, and same-day treatment offered to participants with positive results. Key feasibility outcomes include: recruitment rates, testing and treatment uptake rates (at 1 and 4 months) and follow-up rates (at 7 months). ISRCTN 58038795 . Registered on 31 August 2016.

Incidence of Propionibacterium acnes in initially culture-negative thioglycollate broths-a prospective cohort study at a Danish University Hospital.

PubMed

Kvich, L; Jensen, P Ø; Justesen, U S; Bjarnsholt, T

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of Propionibacterium acnes in thioglycollate broths reported as culture-negative at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, to evaluate whether 5 days of incubation was enough to find all relevant cases. Five hundred thioglycollate broths reported as culture-negative after 5 days were consecutively collected and incubated for at least a further 9 days (at least 14 days of incubation in total). Only tissue samples from sterile sites of the body (n = 298), bone tissue (n = 197) and foreign material (n = 5) were included in this study. Samples were divided into two groups: infected group and control group. This made it possible to compare findings between groups, thereby making it possible to estimate the level of true-positive findings and contamination. Samples from 296 participants were included in this study. After exclusion criteria were met, P. acnes was cultured from ten out of 151 patients (6.6%) in the infected group and from one out of 138 participants (0.7%) in the control group. This resulted in more findings of P. acnes in the infected group on day 14 than on day 5 (p 0.002). Furthermore, P. acnes was cultured more often from bone tissue and tissue surrounding foreign materials on day 14 than on day 5 (p 0.04). Clinical microbiology laboratories should consider incubating thioglycollate broths for at least 14 days to find all relevant cases of P. acnes, especially when it comes to bone tissue and tissue surrounding foreign materials. Copyright © 2016 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A diet containing whey protein, glutamine, and TGFbeta modulates gut protein metabolism during chemotherapy-induced mucositis in rats.

PubMed

Boukhettala, Nabile; Ibrahim, Ayman; Claeyssens, Sophie; Faure, Magali; Le Pessot, Florence; Vuichoud, Jacques; Lavoinne, Alain; Breuillé, Denis; Déchelotte, Pierre; Coëffier, Moïse

2010-08-01

Mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy, is characterized by compromised digestive function, barrier integrity and immune competence. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a specifically designed diet Clinutren Protect (CP), which contains whey proteins, TGFbeta-rich casein, and free glutamine, on mucositis in rats. Mucositis was induced by three consecutive injections (day 0, day 1, day 2) of methotrexate (2.5 mg/kg). Rats had free access to CP or placebo diets from days -7 to 9. In the placebo diet, whey proteins and TGFbeta-rich casein were replaced by TGFbeta-free casein and glutamine by alanine. Intestinal parameters were assessed at day 3 and 9. Values, expressed as mean +/- SEM, were compared using two-way ANOVA. At day 3, villus height was markedly decreased in the placebo (296 +/- 11 microm) and CP groups (360 +/- 10 microm) compared with controls (464 +/- 27 microm), but more markedly in the placebo as compared to CP group. The intestinal damage score was also reduced in the CP compared with the placebo group. Glutathione content increased in the CP compared with the placebo group (2.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.2 micromol/g tissue). Gut protein metabolism was more affected in the placebo than in the CP group. The fractional synthesis rate was decreased in the placebo group (93.8 +/- 4.9%/day) compared with controls (121.5 +/- 12.1, P < 0.05), but not in the CP group (106.0 +/- 13.1). In addition, at day 9, rats exhibited improved body weight and food intake recovery in the CP compared to the placebo group. Clinutren Protect feeding reduces intestinal injury in the acute phase of methotrexate-induced mucositis in rats and improves recovery.

40 CFR 418.32 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.95 0.48 Organic nitrogen (as N...) Maximum for any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 1...

40 CFR 418.32 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.95 0.48 Organic nitrogen (as N...) Maximum for any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 1...

40 CFR 418.32 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.95 0.48 Organic nitrogen (as N...) Maximum for any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 1...

40 CFR 418.32 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.95 0.48 Organic nitrogen (as N...) Maximum for any 1 day Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 1...

Comparison of day 3 and day 5 thyroglobulin results after thyrogen injection in differentiated thyroid cancer patients.

PubMed

Sager, Sait; Hatipoglu, Esra; Gunes, Burcak; Asa, Sertac; Uslu, Lebriz; Sönmezoğlu, Kerim

2018-06-01

It is necessary to stimulate serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels either endogenously by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) or exogenously by administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen) has many advantages over THW. Radiation dose to laboratory staff while drawing blood for tests on the day 5 is one of the disadvantages of preferring Thyrogen. Our aim was to compare day 3 and day 5 blood test results after Thyrogen injections. In our study, Thyrogen was preferred in 32 differentiated thyroid cancer patients with a mean age of 50.5 ± 12.3 years. Thyrogen was injected on day 1 and day 2 intramuscularly in all patients before I-131 was given on day 3. A total of 22 patients received 5 mCi RAI for ablation control scintigraphy and 10 patients received 100-250 mCi RAI for ablation or therapy (high-dose group). Blood tests were performed on day 3 and day 5 after Thyrogen injections. Mean TSH level was 98.1 mg/dl for day 3 and 29.5 mg/dl for day 5. In the diagnostic group, thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg levels were nearly the same on day 3 and day 5. In the therapy group, day 5 Tg levels were higher than day 3. After Thyrogen injection of two consecutive days, blood sampling might be enough on day 3. Day 5 blood sampling may not be necessary routinely for radiation protection of laboratory staff. For the diagnostic group, if Tg and anti-Tg is normal then 5 mCi imaging may not be necessary.

Phase 2 Study of AZD2014, a Dual mTORC1/mTORC1 Inhibitor,for NF2 Patients with Progressive or Symptomatic Meningiomas

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

will be administered on a repeating basis at a dose of 125 mg twice daily for two consecutive days out of every seven days (1 cycle = 28 days ...a repeating basis at a dose of 125 mg twice daily for two consecutive days out of every seven days (1 cycle = 28 days ). Treatment will continue until...immunohistochemical analysis of blood and tumor specimens. Funding support N/A Name Justin Jordan, MD, MPH Project Role Co-Investigator Nearest

Effects of a bacterial probiotic on ruminal pH and volatile fatty acids during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle.

PubMed

Goto, Hiroko; Qadis, Abdul Qadir; Kim, Yo-Han; Ikuta, Kentaro; Ichijo, Toshihiro; Sato, Shigeru

2016-11-01

Effects of a bacterial probiotic (BP) on ruminal fermentation and plasma metabolites were evaluated in four Holstein cattle (body weight, 645 ± 62 kg; mean ± SD) with induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). SARA was induced by feeding a SARA-inducing diet, and thereafter, 20, 50 or 100 g per head of a commercial BP was administered for 7 consecutive days during the morning feeding. Cattle without BP served as the control. The 24-hr mean ruminal pH in the control was lower, whereas those in the BP groups administered 20 or 50 g were significantly higher compared to the control from days 2 to 7. Circadian patterns of the 1-hr mean ruminal pH were identical (6.4-6.8) among all cattle receiving BP. Although the mean minimum pH in the control on day -7 and day 0 was <5.8, the pH in the treatment groups on day 7 was >5.8 and significantly higher than that of the control group ( >5.2). Ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were not affected by BP treatment; however, the BP groups had lower lactic acid levels compared with the control group at 20:00 on day 7. Additionally, non-esterified fatty acid levels decreased from 8:00 to 20:00 in all BP groups on day 7. These results suggest that administration of 20 to 50 g of a multi-strain BP for 7 days might improve the low pH and high lactic acid level of the ruminal fluid in SARA cattle.

Effects of focal vibration on bone mineral density and motor performance of postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

PubMed

Brunetti, O; Botti, F M; Brunetti, A; Biscarini, A; Scarponi, A M; Filippi, G M; Pettorossi, V E

2015-01-01

This randomized double blind controlled study is aimed at determining the effect of repeated vibratory stimuli focally applied to the contracted quadriceps muscles (repeated muscle vibration=rMV) on bone mineral density, leg power and balance of postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The study has been conducted on 40 voluntary postmenopausal osteoporotic women, randomised at 2 groups for rMV treatment and for control. The treatment group underwent rMV (100Hz, 300-500 μm; three applications per day, each lasting 10-minutes, for 3 consecutive days) applied to voluntary contracted quadriceps (VC=vibrated and contracted group). The control group, received a sham stimulation on contracted quadriceps (NV=non vibrated group). Bone mineral density T-score of proximal femur of the participants, was evaluated in two weeks before and 360 days after intervention; body balance and explosive leg power were measured 1 day before, 30 days and 360 days after treatment. VC group T-score at one year didn't change significantly relative to baseline values (pretreatment: -2.61±0.11, post-treatment -2.62±0.13); conversely in NV subjects T-score decreased significantly from -2.64 ± 0.15 SD down to -2.99 ± 0.28 SD. A significant improvement of balance and explosive leg power was observed only in VC group at 30 and 360 days after the intervention. We conclude that rMV is a safe, short-lasting and non-invasive treatment that can significantly and persistently improve muscle performance and can effectively counteract progressive demineralisation in postmenopausal and osteoporotic women.

Prospective, randomized trial comparing diathermy excision and diathermy coagulation for symptomatic, prolapsed hemorrhoids.

PubMed

Quah, H M; Seow-Choen, F

2004-03-01

This study was designed to compare diathermy excision and diathermy coagulation in the treatment of symptomatic prolapsed piles. Forty-five consecutive patients were randomly assigned to diathermy excision hemorrhoidectomy (Group A, n = 25) and diathermy coagulation (Group B, n = 20) under general anesthesia. The median duration of surgery was ten minutes for both groups. There was no statistical difference in the severity of postoperative pain at rest between the two groups, but Group A patients felt less pain during defecation on the third postoperative day (median, 5 (interquartile range, 3-7) vs. 8 (4-9); P = 0.04) and on the sixth postoperative day (median, 5 (interquartile range, 2-6) vs. 9 (5-10); P = 0.02). There was, however, no statistical difference in postoperative oral analgesics use and patients' satisfaction scores between the two groups. Complication rates were similar except that diathermy coagulation tended to leave some residual skin components of external hemorrhoid especially in very large prolapsed piles. Group A patients resumed work earlier (mean, 12 (range, 4-20) vs. 17 (11-21) days); however, this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.1). Diathermy coagulation of hemorrhoids is a simple technique and may be considered in suitable cases.

Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum (Linn.) Bulbs Ameliorated Pituitary-Testicular Injury and Dysfunction in Wistar Rats with Pb-Induced Reproductive Disturbances

PubMed Central

Ayoka, Abiodun O.; Ademoye, Aderonke K.; Imafidon, Christian E.; Ojo, Esther O.; Oladele, Ayowole A.

2016-01-01

AIM: To determine the effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulbs (AEASAB) on pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with lead-induced reproductive disturbances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups such that the control group received propylene glycol at 0.2 ml/100 g intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days, the toxic group received lead (Pb) alone at 15 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 10 days while the treatment groups were pretreated with lead as the toxic group after which they received graded doses of the extract at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day via oral route for 28 days. RESULTS: Pb administration induced significant deleterious alterations in the antioxidant status of the brain and testis, sperm characterization (counts, motility and viability) as well as reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) of exposed rats (p < 0.05). These were significantly reversed in the AEASAB-treated groups (p < 0.05). Also, there was marked improvement in the Pb-induced vascular congestion and cellular loss in the pituitary while the observed Pb-induced severe testicular vacuolation was significantly reversed in the representative photomicrographs, following administration of the extract. CONCLUSION: AEASAB treatment ameliorated the pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with Pb-Induced reproductive disturbances. PMID:27335588

Study on acute toxicity of compound coggygria oral liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Feng; Wen, Zhonghua; Sun, Jianhua; Hao, Shaojun; Xie, Guoqi; Li, Xianyu; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To observe the effect of compound oral liquid on acute toxicity of mice cotinus coggygria. Forty mice were randomly divided into two groups: compound Cotinus coggygria oral solution group and blank control group, 20 rats in each group, half male and half female. The mice fasted for 12 hours. Coggygria oral liquid concentrated solution. In the blank control group, normal saline was administered at the maximum volume of 0.4ml/10 g. The mice were given normal diet for 4 consecutive times in 1st, each time at intervals of 6 hours. On the day of administration, the mice in each group were observed continuously after administration and after administration. Observe continuously for 3 hours, observe every hour thereafter. Fast on the 13th day 12 hours, weigh the mice on the 14th day, then kill the mice, dissect the mice. During the observation period of 14 days after administration, there was no death in mice. The activity of mice decreased slightly after initial administration, decreased after the second and third administration, and generally returned to normal after 2h of administration. No abnormalities of heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, brain and so on were observed. Conclusion: the oral toxicity of compound Cotinus coggygria is very small. In 1st, the mice did not die, and the cumulative maximum tolerance dose was 320ml/kg per day, which was 320 times of the clinical dosage.

Lipoic acid attenuates Aroclor 1260-induced hepatotoxicity in adult rats.

PubMed

Aly, Hamdy A A; Mansour, Ahmed M; Hassan, Memy H; Abd-Ellah, Mohamed F

2016-08-01

The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanistic aspect of Aroclor 1260-induced hepatotoxicity and its protection by lipoic acid. The adult male Albino rats were divided into six groups. Group I served as control. Group II received lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day). Aroclor 1260 was given to rats by oral gavage at doses 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg/day (Groups III, IV, and V, respectively). Group VI was pretreated with lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) 24 h before Aroclor 1260 (40 mg/kg/day). Treatment in all groups was continued for further 15 consecutive days. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities and total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly increased while total protein, total albumin, and high-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased. Hydrogen peroxide production and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased while superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content was significantly decreased in liver. Caspase-3 & -9 activities were significantly increased in liver. Lipoic acid pretreatment significantly reverted all these abnormalities toward their normal levels. In conclusion, Aroclor 1260 induced liver dysfunction, at least in part, by induction of oxidative stress. Apoptotic effect of hepatic cells is involved in Aroclor 1260-induced liver injury. Lipoic acid could protect rats against Aroclor 1260-induced hepatotoxicity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 913-922, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effects of interday rest on adaptation to 6 weeks of plyometric training in young soccer players.

PubMed

Ramírez-Campillo, Rodrigo; Meylan, César M P; Álvarez-Lepín, Cristian; Henriquez-Olguín, Carlos; Martinez, Cristian; Andrade, David C; Castro-Sepúlveda, Mauricio; Burgos, Carlos; Baez, Eduardo I; Izquierdo, Mikel

2015-04-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term plyometric training interposed with 24 or 48 hours of rest between training sessions on explosive and endurance adaptations in young soccer players. A total of 166 players, between 10 and 17 years of age, were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (CG; n = 55) and 2 plyometric training groups with 24 hours (PT24; n = 54) and 48 hours (PT48; n = 57) of rest between training sessions. Before and after intervention, players were measured in squat jump, countermovement jump, 20 (RSI20) cm drop jump reactive strength index, broad long jump, 20-m sprint time, 10 × 5-m agility time, 20-m multistage shuttle run test, and sit-and-reach test. The plyometric training program was applied during 6 weeks, 2 sessions per week, with a load from 140 to 260 jumps per session, replacing some soccer-specific drills. After intervention, the CG did not show significant performance changes. PT24 and PT48 groups showed a small-to-moderate significant improvement in all performance tests (p < 0.001), with no differences between treatments. Although it has been recommended that plyometric drills should not be conducted on consecutive days, the study shows that plyometric training applied twice weekly on consecutive or nonconsecutive days results in similar explosive and endurance adaptations in young male soccer players.

Expression of HSPs: an adaptive mechanism during long-term heat stress in goats ( Capra hircus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dangi, Satyaveer Singh; Gupta, Mahesh; Dangi, Saroj K.; Chouhan, Vikrant Singh; Maurya, V. P.; Kumar, Puneet; Singh, Gyanendra; Sarkar, Mihir

2015-08-01

Menacing global rise in surface temperature compelled more focus of research over understanding heat stress response mechanism of animals and mitigation of heat stress. Twenty-four goats divided into four groups ( n = 6) such as NHS (non-heat-stressed), HS (heat-stressed), HS + VC (heat-stressed administered with vitamin C), and HS + VE + Se (heat-stressed administered with vitamin E and selenium). Except NHS group, other groups were exposed to repeated heat stress (42 °C) for 6 h on 16 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected at the end of heat exposure on days 1, 6, 11, and 16. When groups compared between days, expression of all heat shock proteins (HSPs) showed a similar pattern as first peak on day 1, reached to basal level on the sixth day, and followed by second peak on day 16. The relative messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of HSP 60, HSP70, and HSP90 was observed highest ( P < 0.05) in HS group, followed by antioxidant-administered group on days 1 and 16, which signifies that antioxidants have dampening effect on HSP expression. HSP105/110 expression was highest ( P < 0.05) on day 16. We conclude that HSP expression pattern is at least two-peak phenomenon, i.e., primary window of HSP protection on the first day followed by second window of protection on day 16. HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 play an important role during the initial phase of heat stress acclimation whereas HSP105/110 joins this cascade at later phase. Antioxidants may possibly attenuate the HSP expression by reducing the oxidative stress.

What is the preferred number of consecutive night shifts? results from a crossover intervention study among police officers in Denmark.

PubMed

Nabe-Nielsen, Kirsten; Jensen, Marie Aarrebo; Hansen, Åse Marie; Kristiansen, Jesper; Garde, Anne Helene

2016-10-01

Among police officers in Denmark, we studied (i) how many consecutive night shifts participants preferred at baseline; (ii) preferences regarding three intervention conditions (two, four, and seven consecutive night shifts followed by the same number of days off/day shifts: '2 + 2', '4 + 4', '7 + 7') at follow-up; (iii) characteristics of participants preferring each of these intervention conditions. Questionnaire data from a crossover intervention study were used (baseline: n = 73; follow-up: n = 68). At baseline, 49% preferred four consecutive night shifts. At follow-up, 57% preferred '4 + 4', 26% preferred '2 + 2' and 26% preferred '7 + 7'. Participants, who preferred longer spells of night work experienced that night work was less demanding, found it easier to sleep at different times of the day, and were more frequently evening types compared with participants who preferred shorter spells of night work. The participants' preferences are likely to be influenced by their previous shift work experience. Practitioner Summary: We investigated police officers' preferences regarding the number of consecutive night shifts. The majority preferred four consecutive night shifts. Those who preferred the longer spells of night work found night work less demanding, found it easier to sleep at different times of the day, and were more frequently evening types.

Compliance with American Urological Association Guidelines for Post-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Antibiotics Does Not Appear to Increase Rates of Infection.

PubMed

Deshmukh, Sameer; Sternberg, Kevan; Hernandez, Natalia; Eisner, Brian H

2015-10-01

We compared infection rates after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a group of patients without a history of infection or struvite calculi who received 24 hours or less of antibiotics postoperatively (ie compliance with AUA guidelines) vs a group that received 5 to 7 days of antibiotics postoperatively. We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures in patients without a history of urinary tract infection. Group 1 received 24 hours or less of antibiotics postoperatively and group 2 received a mean of 6 days of antibiotics postoperatively. A total of 52 patients in group 1 (24 hours or less of antibiotics) and 30 in group 2 (mean 6 days of antibiotics) met study inclusion criteria. In 5 group 1 patients (9.6%) fever developed within 72 hours of percutaneous nephrolithotomy but none demonstrated bacteriuria or bacteremia on cultures. No patient in group 1 was treated for urinary tract infection on postoperative days 3 to 14. In 4 group 2 patients (13.3%) fever developed within 72 hours of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A single patient showed bacteriuria (less than 10,000 cfu mixed gram-positive bacteria) on culture while no patient demonstrated bacteremia. No patient in group 2 was treated for urinary tract infection on postoperative days 3 to 14. There was no difference in stone-free rates or the need for additional procedures between the 2 groups. In this pilot series compliance with AUA guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis did not result in higher rates of infection than in a comparable group of 30 patients who received approximately 6 days of antibiotics postoperatively. Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparisons of l-cysteine and d-cysteine toxicity in 4-week repeated-dose toxicity studies of rats receiving daily oral administration.

PubMed

Shibui, Yusuke; Sakai, Ryosei; Manabe, Yasuhiro; Masuyama, Takeshi

2017-07-01

Two 4-week repeated-dose toxicity studies were conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity of l-cysteine and d-cysteine. In one study, three groups of 6 male rats were each administered l-cysteine once daily by gavage at doses of 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days. The control group was administered a 0.5% methylcellulose vehicle solution. The other study followed a similar protocol except that the experimental groups received d-cysteine. Toxicological observations showed that the l-cysteine-treated groups exhibited renal injuries such as basophilic tubules with eosinophilic material in the lumen, and there were increased numbers of basophilic tubules in all treated groups. In 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg/day-treated groups, salivation and necropsy findings indicative of focal erosion in the stomach mucosa were found. Increases in reticulocyte counts were observed in the 2,000 mg/kg/day-treated group. Toxicological findings obtained for the d-cysteine-treated groups included anemia and renal injuries such as basophilic tubules with eosinophilic material in the lumen, increased numbers of basophilic tubules, and crystal deposition in the medulla in the 2,000 mg/kg/day-treated group. Additional findings included sperm granuloma in the epididymis, necropsy findings suggestive of focal erosion in the stomach mucosa, and salivation in the 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg/day-treated groups. One rat in the 2,000 mg/kg/day-treated group died due to renal failure. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) were estimated to be less than 500 mg/kg/day for l-cysteine and 500 mg/kg/day for d-cysteine under our study conditions. The toxicological profiles were similar for l-cysteine and d-cysteine; however, there were slight differences in the dose responses. The mechanisms underlying these differences remain to be determined.

Do stock prices drive people crazy?

PubMed

Lin, Chung-Liang; Chen, Chin-Shyan; Liu, Tsai-Ching

2015-03-01

This is the first research to examine a potential relation between stock market volatility and mental disorders. Using data on daily incidences of mental disorders in Taiwan over 4000 days from 1998 through 2009 to assess the time-series relation between stock price movements and mental disorders, we observe that stock price fluctuation clearly affects the hospitalization of mental disorders. We find that during a 12-year follow-up period, a low stock price index, a daily fall in the stock price index and consecutive daily falls in the stock price index are all associated with greater of mental disorders hospitalizations. A 1000-point fall in the TAIEX (Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index) increases the number of daily mental disorders hospitalizations by 4.71%. A 1% fall in the TAIEX in one single day increases daily hospitalizations for mental disorders by 0.36%. When the stock price index falls one consecutive day, it causes a daily increase of approximately 0.32% hospitalizations due to mental disorders on that day. Stock price index is found to be significant for both gender and all age groups. In addition, daily change is significant for both gender and middle-age groups, whereas accumulated change is significant for males and people aged 45-64. Stockholdings can help people accumulate wealth, but they can also increase mental disorders hospitalizations. In other words, stock price fluctuations do drive people crazy. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2014; all rights reserved.

Preschoolers Have Better Long-Term Memory for Rhyming Text than Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Király, Ildikó; Takács, Szilvia; Kaldy, Zsuzsa; Blaser, Erik

2017-01-01

The dominant view of children's memory is that it is slow to develop and is inferior to adults'. Here we pitted 4-year-old children against adults in a test of verbatim recall of verbal material. Parents read a novel rhyming verse (and an integrated word list) as their child's bedtime story on ten consecutive days. A group of young adults listened…

Heat-killed cell preparation of Corynebacterium glutamicum stimulates the immune activity and improves survival of mice against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Ebisawa, Makoto; Tsukahara, Takamitsu; Fudou, Ryosuke; Ohta, Yasuhiro; Tokura, Mitsunori; Onishi, Norimasa; Fujieda, Takeshi

2017-05-01

Fermentation by Corynebacterium glutamicum is used by various industries to produce L-Glutamate, and the heat-killed cell preparation of this bacterium (HCCG) is a by-product of the fermentation process. In present study, we evaluated the immunostimulating and survival effects against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (STEC) infection of HCCG. HCCG significantly stimulated in vitro IgA and interleukin-12 p70 production in murine Peyer's patch cells and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. Oral administration of 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) of HCCG for seven consecutive days stimulated IgA concentration in murine cecal digesta. Mice were orally administered HCCG for 17 consecutive days (d0-d17), and challenged with STEC on d4 to d6. Survival of mice tended to improve by 100 mg/kg BW of HCCG administration compared with those in control group. In conclusion, HCCG supplementation was found to prevent STEC infection in mice, and thus it may have the potential to stimulate the immune status of mammals.

Lipoic acid and Calligonum comosumon attenuate aroclor 1260-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats.

PubMed

Aly, Hamdy A A; Alahdal, Abdulrahman M; Nagy, Ayman A; Abdallah, Hossam M; Abdel-Sattar, Essam A; Azhar, Ahmad S

2017-04-01

Aroclor 1260 is one of the more representative polychlorinated biphenyls found in biota. This study was designed to delineate the testicular toxicity of Aroclor 1260 and to elucidate the potential protective role of Calligonum comosum (C. comosum) and lipoic acid in adult rats. Aroclor 1260 was dissolved in corn oil and given to rats by gavage at doses 0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg/day for 15 consecutive days (Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively). Groups V and VI were pretreated with C. comosum (200 mg/kg/day) and lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) respectively 24 h before Aroclor 1260 (40 mg/kg/day) treatment for 15 consecutive days. Aroclor 1260 (20, 40 or 60 mg/kg/day) treatment significantly decreased testes weight, sperm count and motility and daily sperm production. Serum testosterone was significantly decreased in response to treatment with 40 and 60 mg/kg/day of Aroclor 1260. LDH-X activity was significantly decreased at the three dose levels. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production (in a dose-related manner) and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased in response to Aroclor 1260 (20, 40, or 60 mg/kg/day) treatment. Aroclor 1260 at the three dose levels decreased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR and the non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH level. CAT, GPx and GSH showed a dose-response effect. These abnormalities were effectively attenuated by pretreatment with C. comosum (200 mg/kg/day) or lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day). Histopathological examination showed a dose-related increase in morphological abnormalities of the testis in response to Aroclor 1260 treatment. In conclusion, Aroclor 1260 induced testicular toxicity at least, in part, by induction of oxidative stress. By reversal of biochemical and morphological changes towards normalcy, the cytoprotective role of C. comosum and lipoic acid is illuminated. In comparison, lipoic acid was more protective than C. comosum extract against testicular toxicity induced by Aroclor 1260. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1147-1157, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Effect of the chelator Zn-DTPA on the excretion of lead in lead intoxication mice detected with ICP-MS].

PubMed

Li, Chen; Lu, Kai-zhi; Zhou, Qi; Wang, Qiong; Zeng, Yu-liang; Yin, Hong-jun; He, Xuan-hui; Tian, Ying; Dong, Jun-Xing

2014-11-01

To study the lead excretion effect of the chelator Zn-DTPA on the lead intoxication mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to detect the lead content of biological samples. The acute lead intoxication mice model was established by injecting lead acetate intraperitoneally with the dose of 1 mg. Zn-DTPA was administered intraperitoneally to mice once daily for five consecutive days 4 h after intoxication. Control group, model group, combination of Zn-DTPA and Ca-DTPA group were evaluated at the same time. The urine was collected every day. The mice were sacrificed in batches in the 2rd, 4th, 6th day. Biological samples including urine, whole blood, femur and brain were prepared and nitrated. Lead concentration was detected by ICP-MS. The result showed that Zn-DTPA could increase lead content in urine markedly and reduce lead content in blood, femur and brain.

Effects of Shuang Wuzhen Tong Capsule on acute toxicity of mice caused by swelling and auricular dimethylbenzene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Shaojun; Sun, Youshu; Guo, Junyi; Chen, Weiliang; Wang, Hongyu; Sun, Jianhua; Guan, Zhijiang; Zhang, Zhengchen; Wang, Fang

2018-04-01

To observe the effect of Shuang Wuzhen Tong Capsule on acute toxicity of mice caused by swelling and auricular dimethylbenzene. 40 rats, weighing 18 ˜ 22G, half male and half female. Shuang Wuzhen Tong Capsule maximum concentration maximum volume to mice for 1 days by gavage for 1 times, for 7 consecutive days, to observe the situation of animal death, the maximum tolerance; the other 50 mice, were divided into 5 groups, were fed with Shuang Wuzhen Tong capsule suspension, Jingfukang granule suspension and the same volume 0.5%CMC. No death in 7 days. After death animal autopsy, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, stomach, intestine and no important organ obvious bleeding, hyperemia and edema, exudation, ulcer, perforation, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial cavity without effusion. Shuang Wuzhen Tong Capsule group and Jingfukang granule group could obviously reduce the xylene induced swelling of mouse ear, ear swelling degree decreased significantly (P<0.01). Shuang Wuzhen Tong Capsule has no obvious acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory effects.

75 FR 33664 - Hours of Service of Drivers: RockTenn, Application for Exemption

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-14

... to 16 hours per day and be allowed to return to work with less than the mandatory 10 consecutive... required 10 hours off duty prior to returning to work and only allows them to work a maximum of 14 consecutive hours on any given day. They have three 8-hour shifts up to 7 days a week, and there are two...

Antibacterial Activity of Freshly Prepared Ozonated Water and Chlorhexidine on Mutans Streptococcus When Used as an Oral Rinse - A Randomised Clinical Study.

PubMed

Anumula, Lavanya; Kumar, Kv Suneel; Krishna, Chnv Murali; Lakshmi, K Sree

2017-07-01

Dental caries is one of the most common causes of morbidity of the tooth. Attempts have been made to reduce the pathogen population size i.e., Mutans Streptococci (MS) to demote the incidence of caries and increase the resistance of the tooth to cariogenic attack. To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of freshly prepared ozonated water, in proposing it as an alternative mouth rinse on MS in comparison to Chlorhexidine (CHX). Subjects with high caries incidence and MS counts more than 105 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) were selected and divided by block randomization into two groups of 23 subjects each. The subjects were advised to use the respective mouth rinses under the operator surveillance, consecutively for 14 days. Stimulated salivary samples were collected from the subjects on the first day, 7 th and 14 th day to analyse the changes in MS counts during the course of use of oral rinses. The obtained data was tabulated and statistically analysed. Freshly prepared ozonated water showed a statistically significant reduction in MS counts after an interval of 7 days and 14 days when compared to CHX. Ozonated water when consecutively used as a mouth rinse resulted in a significant reduction of MS counts. Hence, it can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

M-RNA Gene Expression of INF-Γ and IL-10 during Intestinal Phase of Trichinella spiralis after Myrrh and Albendazole Treatment.

PubMed

Bakir, Hanaa Y; Ah Attia, Rasha; Mahmoud, Abeer E; Ibraheim, Zedan

2017-01-01

The protective response developed against Trichinella spiralis infection provokes immune and inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines released from T helper cells. We aimed to evaluate the effect of albendazole or myrrh on the expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in BALB/c mice infected with T. spiralis . This study was done at the Animal House of Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University (Assiut, Egypt) from April to December 2015. Mice were infected with 300 T. spiralis larvae and treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg per day) or myrrh (500 mg/kg per day) for 3 consecutive days post-infection (pi). The expression of INF-γ and IL-10 was detected in the intestinal tissue by reverse transcription (RT) PCR. The expression of IFN-γ in mice treated with albendazole and myrrh was detected on days 3 and 15 pi respectively. In the control group, it was found on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 pi with the highest expression on day 15 pi. The expression of IL-10 was detected on days 3, 20 pi in the albendazole and myrrh treated groups, respectively. In the control group, IL-10 expression appeared on days 5 and day 20 pi. The target of albendazole and myrrh on the profile of IFN-γ and IL-10 on these cytokines were encouraging to reinforce their therapeutic use against trichinellosis.

5 CFR 211.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning... ending January 2, 1992; or (6) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of... reduction in force (see 5 U.S.C. 3502). Preference does not apply, however, to inservice placement actions...

5 CFR 211.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning... ending January 2, 1992; or (6) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of... reduction in force (see 5 U.S.C. 3502). Preference does not apply, however, to inservice placement actions...

5 CFR 211.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning... ending January 2, 1992; or (6) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of... reduction in force (see 5 U.S.C. 3502). Preference does not apply, however, to inservice placement actions...

5 CFR 211.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning... ending January 2, 1992; or (6) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of... reduction in force (see 5 U.S.C. 3502). Preference does not apply, however, to inservice placement actions...

5 CFR 211.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning... ending January 2, 1992; or (6) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of... reduction in force (see 5 U.S.C. 3502). Preference does not apply, however, to inservice placement actions...

Protective and therapeutic effects of dexpanthenol on isoproterenol-induced cardiac damage in rats.

PubMed

Kalkan, Ferhat; Parlakpinar, Hakan; Disli, Olcay M; Tanriverdi, Lokman H; Ozhan, Onural; Polat, Alaaddin; Cetin, Aslı; Vardi, Nigar; Otlu, Yılmaz O; Acet, Ahmet

2018-05-18

The purpose of the study was to explore the protective and therapeutic effects of dexpanthenol (DEX) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac damage. Forty rats were distributed into four groups: group I (Control); group II (ISO); ISO (150 mg/kg/day) was given to rats once a day for 2 consecutive days with an interval of 24 h; group III (DEX+ISO): DEX (250 mg/kg) was applied 30 min before the first ISO administration and continued in the next two days after second ISO administration; group IV (ISO+DEX): After the ISO treatment at 1st and 2nd days, DEX was given at 3rd and 4th days. Rats were monitored for mean arterial blood pressure (BP), heart rate, oxygen saturation (%SO 2 ), and electrocardiography (ECG). Heart tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), reduced glutathione (GSH), total oxidant status (TOS); total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and caspase-3 were determined. BP and SO 2 values indicated a significant decrease in the ISO group. Also, T wave negativity was observed in 6 of 10 rats, SOD, CAT, and GPX levels were significantly lower in ISO group than control group. ISO administration increased TOS and OSI levels, whereas DEX treatment significantly reduced these parameters. Also, ISO-induced morphological alterations such as disorganization of cardiomyocytes, loss of myofibrils and cytoplasmic vacuolization whereas these histological damages were significantly decreased in ISO+DEX and DEX+ISO groups when compared to the ISO group. This study implies the cardioprotective effects of DEX on ISO-induced cardiotoxicity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optimizing the number of embryos to transfer on day 5: two should be the limit.

PubMed

Ruhlmann, Claudio; Molina, Lucas; Tessari, Graciano; Ruhlmann, Felicitas; Tessari, Lautaro; Gnocchi, Diego; Cattaneo, Antonio; Irigoyen, Marcela; Martínez, Alejandro Gustavo

2017-02-01

To define the appropriate number of embryos to be transferred at day 5. Retrospective analysis of 784 consecutive fresh day-5 embryo transfers performed between 2007 and 2015, divided in three groups: Group A (N = 219): received the only 2 embryos that reached a transferable stage; Group B (N = 357): received 2 selected embryos among several that reached a transferable stage; Group C (N = 208): received the only 3 developing embryos. Clinical pregnancy, implantation, multiple pregnancy and delivery rates were registered. Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher Exact tests were applied as appropriate. Age and previous attempts were comparable in the 3 groups. Compared with Group A, Groups B and C had a higher oocyte recovery (10.7 ± 5.6 vs. 14.7 ± 8.0 vs. 13.8 ± 6.6), fertilization rate (75.97% vs. 81.60% vs. 83.29%) and percentage of embryos reaching a transferable stage on day 5 (39.98% vs. 63.99% vs. 60.97%), as well as a significantly higher clinical pregnancy (42.92% vs. 61.06% vs. 58.17%) and implantation rates (21.09% vs. 40.98% vs. 36.97%). The multiple pregnancy rate was higher in Groups B and C than in Group A (11.70% vs. 31.19% vs. 37.19%). The high order multiple pregnancy rate (> 2) was significantly increased in group C (1.06% vs. 0.92% vs. 14.05%). In patients with 3 or more day 5 developing embryos, delivery rates are similar if 2 or 3 embryos are transferred. The transfer of 3 embryos carries an unacceptable increase in the risk of high order multiple pregnancy, with its known consequences. According to our data, we should not exceed the number of 2 day-5 fresh embryos transferred.

Optimizing the number of embryos to transfer on day 5: two should be the limit

PubMed Central

Ruhlmann, Claudio; Molina, Lucas; Tessari, Graciano; Ruhlmann, Felicitas; Tessari, Lautaro; Gnocchi, Diego; Cattaneo, Antonio; Irigoyen, Marcela; Martínez, Alejandro Gustavo

2017-01-01

Objective To define the appropriate number of embryos to be transferred at day 5. Methods Retrospective analysis of 784 consecutive fresh day-5 embryo transfers performed between 2007 and 2015, divided in three groups: Group A (N = 219): received the only 2 embryos that reached a transferable stage; Group B (N = 357): received 2 selected embryos among several that reached a transferable stage; Group C (N = 208): received the only 3 developing embryos. Clinical pregnancy, implantation, multiple pregnancy and delivery rates were registered. Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher Exact tests were applied as appropriate. Results Age and previous attempts were comparable in the 3 groups. Compared with Group A, Groups B and C had a higher oocyte recovery (10.7 ± 5.6 vs. 14.7 ± 8.0 vs. 13.8 ± 6.6), fertilization rate (75.97% vs. 81.60% vs. 83.29%) and percentage of embryos reaching a transferable stage on day 5 (39.98% vs. 63.99% vs. 60.97%), as well as a significantly higher clinical pregnancy (42.92% vs. 61.06% vs. 58.17%) and implantation rates (21.09% vs. 40.98% vs. 36.97%). The multiple pregnancy rate was higher in Groups B and C than in Group A (11.70% vs. 31.19% vs. 37.19%). The high order multiple pregnancy rate (> 2) was significantly increased in group C (1.06% vs. 0.92% vs. 14.05%). Conclusions In patients with 3 or more day 5 developing embryos, delivery rates are similar if 2 or 3 embryos are transferred. The transfer of 3 embryos carries an unacceptable increase in the risk of high order multiple pregnancy, with its known consequences. According to our data, we should not exceed the number of 2 day-5 fresh embryos transferred. PMID:28333024

Survey of Access to GastroEnterology in Canada: The SAGE wait times program

PubMed Central

Leddin, Desmond; Bridges, Ronald J; Morgan, David G; Fallone, Carlo; Render, Craig; Plourde, Victor; Gray, Jim; Switzer, Connie; McHattie, Jim; Singh, Harminder; Walli, Eric; Murray, Iain; Nestel, Anthony; Sinclair, Paul; Chen, Ying; Irvine, E Jan

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND: Assessment of current wait times for specialist health services in Canada is a key method that can assist government and health care providers to plan wisely for future health needs. These data are not readily available. A method to capture wait time data at the time of consultation or procedure has been developed, which should be applicable to other specialist groups and also allows for assessment of wait time trends over intervals of years. METHODS: In November 2008, gastroenterologists across Canada were asked to complete a questionnaire (online or by fax) that included personal demographics and data from one week on at least five consecutive new consultations and five consecutive procedure patients who had not previously undergone a procedure for the same indication. Wait times were collected for 18 primary indications and results were then compared with similar survey data collected in 2005. RESULTS: The longest wait times observed were for screening colonoscopy (201 days) and surveillance of previous colon cancer or polyps (272 days). The shortest wait times were for cancer-likely based on imaging or physical examination (82 days), severe or rapidly progressing dysphagia or odynophagia (83 days), documented iron-deficiency anemia (90 days) and dyspepsia with alarm symptoms (99 days). Compared with 2005 data, total wait times in 2008 were lengthened overall (127 days versus 155 days; P<0.05) and for most of the seven individual indications that permitted data comparison. CONCLUSION: Median wait times for gastroenterology services continue to exceed consensus conference recommended targets and have significantly worsened since 2005. PMID:20186352

Edaravone reduces astrogliosis and apoptosis in young rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus.

PubMed

Garcia, Camila Araújo Bernardino; Catalão, Carlos Henrique Rocha; Machado, Hélio Rubens; Júnior, Ivair Matias; Romeiro, Thais Helena; Peixoto-Santos, José Eduardo; Santos, Marcelo Volpon; da Silva Lopes, Luiza

2017-03-01

We investigated the possible neuroprotective effects of the free radical scavenger edaravone in experimental hydrocephalus. Seven-day-old Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (C), untreated hydrocephalic (H), and hydrocephalic treated with edaravone (EH). The H and EH groups were subjected to hydrocephalus induction by 20% kaolin intracisternal injection. The edaravone (20 mg/kg) was administered daily for 14 days from the induction of hydrocephalus. All animals were daily weighed and submitted to behavioral test and assessment by magnetic resonance imaging. After 14 days, the animals were sacrificed and the brain was removed for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The gain weight was similar between groups from the ninth post-induction day. The open field test performance of EH group was better (p < 0.05) as compared to untreated hydrocephalic animals. Hydrocephalic animals (H and EH) showed ventricular ratio values were higher (p < 0.05), whereas magnetization transfer values were lower (p < 0.05), as compared to control animals. Astrocyte activity (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and apoptotic cells (caspase-3) of EH group were decreased on the corpus callosum (p > 0.01), germinal matrix (p > 0.05), and cerebral cortex (p > 0.05), as compared to H group. We have demonstrated that administration of edaravone for 14 consecutive days after induction of hydrocephalus reduced astrocyte activity and that it has some beneficial effects over apoptotic cell death.

Effect of intracameral carbachol in phacoemulsification surgery on macular morphology and retinal vessel caliber.

PubMed

Pekel, Gökhan; Yagci, Ramazan; Acer, Semra; Cetin, Ebru Nevin; Cevik, Ali; Kasikci, Alper

2015-03-01

To investigate the effects of intracameral carbachol in phacoemulsification surgery on central macular thickness (CMT), total macular volume (TMV) and retinal vessel caliber (RVC). In this prospective consecutive case series, 82 patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation. Unlike patients in the control group (43 eyes), patients in the study group (42 eyes) were injected with intracameral 0.01% carbachol during surgery. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to analyze the parameters of CMT, TMV and RVC. On the first postoperative day, mean CMT and TMV decreased markedly in the carbachol group, though these values did not change significantly in the control group. During follow-up visits, no statistically significant differences between the groups occurred regarding changes in mean CMT (p = 0.25, first day; p = 0.80, first week; p = 0.95, first month). However, change in mean TMV between groups on the first postoperative day was statistically significant (p = 0.01, first day; p = 0.96, first week; p = 0.68, first month). RVC values were similar on the preoperative and postoperative first days in both groups (p > 0.05). Results suggest that the effect of intracameral carbachol on macular OCT is related to pharmacological effects, as well as optic events (e.g. miosis). Intracameral carbachol given during cataract surgery decreases macular thickness and volume in the early postoperative period but does not exert any gross effect on RVC.

The Effect of Congenital and Postnatal Hypothyroidism on Depression-Like Behaviors in Juvenile Rats.

PubMed

Özgür, Erdoğan; Gürbüz Özgür, Börte; Aksu, Hatice; Cesur, Gökhan

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate depression-like behaviors of juvenile rats with congenital and postnatal hypothyroidism. Twenty-seven newborn rat pups were used. First, 6-month-old Wistar Albino female rats were impregnated. Methimazole (0.025% wt/vol) was given to dam rats from the first day of pregnancy until postnatal 21 days (P21) to generate pups with congenital hypothyroidism (n=8), whereas in the postnatal hypothyroidism group (n=10), methimazole was given from P0 to P21. In the control group (n=9), dam rats were fed ad libitum and normal tap water. Offspring were fed with breast milk from their mothers. The behavioral parameters were measured with the juvenile forced swimming test (JFST). The procedure of JFST consisted of two sessions in two consecutive days: the 15-minute pre-test on day 1 and the 5-minute test on day 2. Increased immobility and decreased climbing duration were observed in both congenital and postnatal hypothyroidism groups. Decreased swimming duration was detected in the postnatal hypothyroidism group. Both hypothyroidism groups had a lower body weight gain compared with the control group, while the congenital hypothyroidism group had the lowest body weight. Our results showed that hypothyroidism had negative effects on depression-like behavior as well as on growth and development. Both congenital and postnatal hypothyroidism caused an increase in immobility time in JFST. New studies are required to understand the differing results on depression-like behavior between congenital and postnatal hypothyroidism.

Toltrazuril and sulphonamide treatment against naturally Isospora suis infected suckling piglets: is there an actual profit?

PubMed

Scala, Antonio; Demontis, Francesca; Varcasia, Antonio; Pipia, Anna Paola; Poglayen, Giovanni; Ferrari, Nicola; Genchi, Marco

2009-08-26

A study was carried out to assess the efficacy and the economic profit of prophylactic treatment against Isopsora suis with toltrazuril or with a sulfamethazine/trimethoprim combination in piglets from an intensive pig farm. Thirty-one litters were included in study. Eight litters were treated once with toltrazuril (20 mg/kg b.w.) at 3 days of age (Toltra group); 8 litters were treated with 2 ml/animal of a [corrected] sulphonamide combination (sodium sulfamethazine 250 [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] mg and trimethoprim 50 [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] mg/kg b.w.) for 3 consecutive days starting at 3 days of age (Sulfa group), and 15 litters were untreated (control group). Counts of oocyst per gram on pooled feces sampled from each litter were carried out on Days 7, 14, 21 and 28 and diarrhea was registered daily from pooled samples. Piglets were weighed on Days 1, 7 and 28 and mean weight gain (WG) and daily weight gain (DWG) were evaluated. The economic profit of treatment was evaluated comparing the WG of piglets of each treatment group from the day of birth to Day 28. On Days 14, 21 and 28, toltrazuril showed a better efficacy in controlling fecal oocyst output, diarrhea and weight gain compared with sulphamidic treatment (P<0.001). The budgeting analysis showed a return of economic benefit of euro 0.915 per toltrazuril-treated piglets and an additional cost of euro 1.155 per sulphonamide-treated piglets.

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Treatments and Vaccination Regimens for Control of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Streptococcus suis Coinfection of Nursery Pigs

PubMed Central

Halbur, P.; Thanawongnuwech, R.; Brown, G.; Kinyon, J.; Roth, J.; Thacker, E.; Thacker, B.

2000-01-01

Seventy-six, crossbred, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-free pigs were weaned at 12 days of age and randomly assigned to seven groups of 10 to 11 pigs each. Pigs in group 1 served as unchallenged controls. Pigs in groups 2 to 7 were challenged intranasally with 2 ml of high-virulence PRRSV isolate VR-2385 (104.47 50% tissue culture infective doses per 2 ml) on day 0 of the study (30 days of age). Seven days after PRRSV challenge, pigs in groups 2 to 7 were challenged intranasally with 2 ml of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (108.30 CFU/2 ml). Group 2 pigs served as untreated positive controls. Antimicrobial treatments included daily intramuscular injection with 66,000 IU of procaine penicillin G per kg of body weight on days 8 to 10 (group 3), drinking water medication with 23.1 mg of tiamulin per kg during days 8 to 10 (group 4), and daily intramuscular injection of 5.0 mg of ceftiofur hydrochloride per kg on days 8 to 10 (group 5). Vaccination regimens included two intramuscular doses of an autogenous killed S. suis vaccine (group 6) prior to S. suis challenge or a single 2-ml intramuscular dose of an attenuated live PRRSV vaccine (group 7) 2 weeks prior to PRRSV challenge. Mortality was 0, 63, 45, 54, 9, 40, and 81% in groups 1 to 7, respectively. Ceftiofur treatment was the only regimen that significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mortality associated with PRRSV and S. suis coinfection. The other treatments and vaccinations were less effective. We conclude that ceftiofur administered by injection for three consecutive days following S. suis challenge was the most effective regimen for minimizing disease associated with PRRSV and S. suis coinfection. PMID:10699012

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in enhancing expressions of e-NOS, TNF-α and VEGF in wound healing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susilo, Imam; Devi, Anita; Purwandhono, Azham; Hadi Warsito, Sunaryo

2017-05-01

Wound healing is a physiological process that occurs progressively through overlapping phases. Tissue oxygenation is an important part of the complex regulation for wound healing. Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy is a method of increasing oxygen delivery to tissues. The therapy improves tissue oxygenation and stimulates the formation of H2O2 as a secondary messenger for Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF α), e-NOS, VEGF and Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta phosphorylation (NF-Kb) which play an important role in the rapid transcription of a wide variety of genes in response to extracellular stimuli. This study aims to determine the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy in enhancing the expressions of e-NOS, TNF-α, VEGF and wound healing. This study is an animal study with a ‘randomized control group of pre-test and post test design’ on 28 Wistar rats. Randomly, the rats were divided into 4 groups with 7 rats in each group. The HBO treatment group 1 received 5 sessions of HBO 2.4 ATA in 3 × 30 minutes; the HBO treatment group 2 received 10 sessions of HBO 2.4 ATA in 3 × 30 minutes; and each of the control groups were without HBO. Each of the 28 male rats were given a full thickness excisional wound of 1 × 1cm. Examinations of e-NOS, TNF-α, VEGF expressions and wound healing were performed on day-0 (pre-HBO) and day-5 HBO or on day-0 (pre-HBO) and day-10 HBO. The resultsshowthat the Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy can improve e-NOS (p=0.02), TNF-α (p= 0.02), VEGF expression (p=0.02) and wound healing (p=0.002) significantly in the provision of HBO 2.4 ATA for 3 × 30 minutes in 5 sessions over 5 consecutive days. While the 10 sessions of HBO 2.4 ATA for 3 × 30 minutes over 10 consecutive days only increase e-NOS (p=0.02), TNF-α (p=0.04), VEGF expression significantly (p=0.03) but do not improve wound healing significantly (p=0.3) compared with no HBO. The study concludes that HBO can improve the expressions of e-NOS, TNF-α, VEGF and wound healing in the provision of HBO 2.4 ATA for 3 × 30 minutes in 5 sessions, while the 10 sessions of HBO 2.4 ATA for 3 × 30 minutes only increase e-NOS, TNF-α, VEGF expression but do not improve wound healing.

Safety of carotid endarterectomy while on clopidogrel (Plavix). Clinical article.

PubMed

Wait, Scott D; Abla, Adib A; Killory, Brendan D; Starke, Robert M; Spetzler, Robert F; Nakaji, Peter

2010-10-01

Many patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) regularly take clopidogrel, a permanent platelet inhibitor. The authors sought to determine whether taking clopidogrel in the period before CEA leads to more bleeding or other complications. The authors performed a retrospective, institutional review board–approved review of 182 consecutive patients who underwent CEA. Clinical, radiographic, and surgical data were gleaned from hospital and clinic records. Analysis was based on the presence or absence of clopidogrel in patients undergoing CEA and was performed twice by considering clopidogrel use within 8 days and within 5 days of surgery to define the groups. Taking clopidogrel within 8 days before surgery resulted in no statistical increase in any measure of morbidity or death. Taking clopidogrel within 5 days was associated with a small but significant increase in operative blood loss and conservatively managed postoperative neck swelling. No measure of permanent morbidity or death was increased in either clopidogrel group. Findings in this study support the safety of preoperative clopidogrel in patients undergoing CEA.

Short-term improvement of erectile dysfunction by viewing humorous films in patients with atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Kimata, Hajime

2008-09-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by eczema, pruritus and cutaneous hyperreactivity to allergic triggers. We and others have reported that psychogenic stress aggravates these symptoms, while viewing humorous films alleviates them. We have also found that many AD patients suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). ED exhibits multifactorial etiologies, including psychogenic stress and reduction of serum testosterone levels. This study assessed the effects of viewing humorous films on ED in patients with AD. The effects of viewing humorous films on International Index Erectile Function (IIEF) domain (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction) were studied. Subjects comprised 36 AD patients with ED and their healthy wives. Randomly assigned 18 patients and their healthy wives first viewed humorous films on three consecutive days (Days 1-3). After 2 weeks, they viewed control nonhumorous weather information films on three consecutive days (Days 1-3). Alternatively, other 18 patients and their wives first viewed control films on three consecutive days, and after 2 weeks they viewed humorous films on three consecutive days. Severity of ED and serum testosterone and estradiol levels were assessed 1 day before viewing (Day -1) and 1-4 days after viewing (Days 4-7). Viewing humorous films significantly improved the IIEF domain in association with increased serum testosterone levels and decreased serum estradiol levels on Day 4, while viewing control films failed to do so. However, this effect was short-term. After 4 days of viewing (Day 7), no improvement in ED or modulation of serum sex hormone levels was observed. Viewing humorous films improved ED in AD patients in association with increased serum testosterone levels and decreased serum estradiol levels. These results may be useful for the study and treatment of ED.

Shaping Early Reorganization of Neural Networks Promotes Motor Function after Stroke

PubMed Central

Volz, L. J.; Rehme, A. K.; Michely, J.; Nettekoven, C.; Eickhoff, S. B.; Fink, G. R.; Grefkes, C.

2016-01-01

Neural plasticity is a major factor driving cortical reorganization after stroke. We here tested whether repetitively enhancing motor cortex plasticity by means of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) prior to physiotherapy might promote recovery of function early after stroke. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to elucidate underlying neural mechanisms. Twenty-six hospitalized, first-ever stroke patients (time since stroke: 1–16 days) with hand motor deficits were enrolled in a sham-controlled design and pseudo-randomized into 2 groups. iTBS was administered prior to physiotherapy on 5 consecutive days either over ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1-stimulation group) or parieto-occipital vertex (control-stimulation group). Hand motor function, cortical excitability, and resting-state fMRI were assessed 1 day prior to the first stimulation and 1 day after the last stimulation. Recovery of grip strength was significantly stronger in the M1-stimulation compared to the control-stimulation group. Higher levels of motor network connectivity were associated with better motor outcome. Consistently, control-stimulated patients featured a decrease in intra- and interhemispheric connectivity of the motor network, which was absent in the M1-stimulation group. Hence, adding iTBS to prime physiotherapy in recovering stroke patients seems to interfere with motor network degradation, possibly reflecting alleviation of post-stroke diaschisis. PMID:26980614

Sex steroid receptors profiling is influenced by nandrolone decanoate in the ampulla of the fallopian tube: Post-treatment and post-recovery analyses.

PubMed

Andrade, G H B; Simão, V A; Souza, B R; Chuffa, L G A; Camargo, I C C

2018-02-01

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are recommended for therapeutic clinic, but their use has increased in recent decades for aesthetic reasons. No study has evaluated the impact of AAS in the fallopian tube, after treatment and recovery periods. Herein, the aim of study was to investigate the effects of Nandrolone Decanoate (ND), administered in different doses (1.87; 3.75; 7.5 and 15 mg/kg) on the ampulla of the fallopian tube in rats, following post-treatment (PT; 15 consecutive days) and post-recovery (PR; 30 consecutive days) periods. The control group received mineral oil. Estrous cycle was monitored daily during both periods and in sequence the rats (n = 8/group/period) were killed. All ND-treated animals showed estral acyclicity during the PT and PR periods, but the histomorphometric changes in the fallopian tube varied according to the ND dose level. The expression of AR, ERα and ERβ varied in the nucleus and cytoplasm of epithelial cells. No AR expression was observed in the stroma. The muscle cells exhibited variation in immunostaining. In conclusion, ND promoted histomorphometric and immunohistochemical changes in the ampullary portion of the fallopian tube after treatment and recovery periods in a dose-independent manner. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypoglycemia-Associated EEG Changes Following Antecedent Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Sejling, Anne-Sophie; Kjaer, Troels W; Pedersen-Bjergaard, Ulrik; Remvig, Line S; Frandsen, Christian S; Hilsted, Linda; Faber, Jens; Holst, Jens Juul; Tarnow, Lise; Møller, Jakob Skadkær; Nielsen, Martin N; Thorsteinsson, Birger; Juhl, Claus B

2017-02-01

Recurrent hypoglycemia has been shown to blunt hypoglycemia symptom scores and counterregulatory hormonal responses during subsequent hypoglycemia. We therefore studied whether hypoglycemia-associated electroencephalogram (EEG) changes are affected by an antecedent episode of hypoglycemia. Twenty-four patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (10 with normal hypoglycemia awareness, 14 with hypoglycemia unawareness) were studied on 2 consecutive days by hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp at hypoglycemia (2.0-2.5 mmol/L) during a 1-h period. EEG was recorded, cognitive function assessed, and hypoglycemia symptom scores and counterregulatory hormonal responses were obtained. Twenty-one patients completed the study. Hypoglycemia-associated EEG changes were identified on both days with no differences in power or frequency distribution in the theta, alpha, or the combined theta-alpha band during hypoglycemia on the 2 days. Similar degree of cognitive dysfunction was also present during hypoglycemia on both days. When comparing the aware and unaware group, there were no differences in the hypoglycemia-associated EEG changes. There were very subtle differences in cognitive function between the two groups on day 2. The symptom response was higher in the aware group on both days, while only subtle differences were seen in the counterregulatory hormonal response. Antecedent hypoglycemia does not affect hypoglycemia-associated EEG changes in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Effectiveness of treatment based on PiCCO parameters in critically ill patients with septic shock and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhongheng; Ni, Hongying; Qian, Zhixian

2015-03-01

To compare treatment based on either PiCCO-derived physiological values or central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring, we performed a prospective randomized controlled trial with group sequential analysis. Consecutive critically ill patients with septic shock and/or ARDS were included. The planned total sample size was 715. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality after randomization. Participants underwent stratified randomization according to the classification of ARDS and/or septic shock. Caregivers were not blinded to the intervention, but participants and outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. The study was stopped early because of futility after enrollment of 350 patients including 168 in the PiCCO group and 182 in the control group. There was no loss to follow-up and data from all enrolled participants were analyzed. The result showed that treatment based on PiCCO-derived physiological values was not able to reduce the 28-day mortality risk (odds ratio 1.00, 95 % CI 0.66-1.52; p = 0.993). There was no difference between the two groups in secondary outcomes such as 14-day mortality (40.5 vs. 41.2 %; p = 0.889), ICU length of stay (median 9 vs. 7.5 days; p = 0.598), days free of vasopressors (median 14.5 vs. 19 days; p = 0.676), and days free of mechanical ventilation (median 3 vs. 6 days; p = 0.168). No severe adverse event was reported in both groups. On the basis of our study, PICCO-based fluid management does not improve outcome when compared to CVP-based fluid management.

Effects of a bacterial probiotic on ruminal pH and volatile fatty acids during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle

PubMed Central

GOTO, Hiroko; QADIS, Abdul Qadir; KIM, Yo-Han; IKUTA, Kentaro; ICHIJO, Toshihiro; SATO, Shigeru

2016-01-01

Effects of a bacterial probiotic (BP) on ruminal fermentation and plasma metabolites were evaluated in four Holstein cattle (body weight, 645 ± 62 kg; mean ± SD) with induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). SARA was induced by feeding a SARA-inducing diet, and thereafter, 20, 50 or 100 g per head of a commercial BP was administered for 7 consecutive days during the morning feeding. Cattle without BP served as the control. The 24-hr mean ruminal pH in the control was lower, whereas those in the BP groups administered 20 or 50 g were significantly higher compared to the control from days 2 to 7. Circadian patterns of the 1-hr mean ruminal pH were identical (6.4–6.8) among all cattle receiving BP. Although the mean minimum pH in the control on day –7 and day 0 was <5.8, the pH in the treatment groups on day 7 was >5.8 and significantly higher than that of the control group ( >5.2). Ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were not affected by BP treatment; however, the BP groups had lower lactic acid levels compared with the control group at 20:00 on day 7. Additionally, non-esterified fatty acid levels decreased from 8:00 to 20:00 in all BP groups on day 7. These results suggest that administration of 20 to 50 g of a multi-strain BP for 7 days might improve the low pH and high lactic acid level of the ruminal fluid in SARA cattle. PMID:27430197

A comparative analysis of massed vs. distributed practice on basic math fact fluency growth rates.

PubMed

Schutte, Greg M; Duhon, Gary J; Solomon, Benjamin G; Poncy, Brian C; Moore, Kathryn; Story, Bailey

2015-04-01

To best remediate academic deficiencies, educators need to not only identify empirically validated interventions but also be able to apply instructional modifications that result in more efficient student learning. The current study compared the effect of massed and distributed practice with an explicit timing intervention to evaluate the extent to which these modifications lead to increased math fact fluency on basic addition problems. Forty-eight third-grade students were placed into one of three groups with each of the groups completing four 1-min math explicit timing procedures each day across 19 days. Group one completed all four 1-min timings consecutively; group two completed two back-to-back 1-min timings in the morning and two back-to-back 1-min timings in the afternoon, and group three completed one, 1-min independent timing four times distributed across the day. Growth curve modeling was used to examine the progress throughout the course of the study. Results suggested that students in the distributed practice conditions, both four times per day and two times per day, showed significantly higher fluency growth rates than those practicing only once per day in a massed format. These results indicate that combining distributed practice with explicit timing procedures is a useful modification that enhances student learning without the addition of extra instructional time when targeting math fact fluency. Copyright © 2015 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adolescent chronic restraint stress (aCRS) elicits robust depressive-like behavior in freely cycling, adult female rats without increasing anxiety-like behaviors.

PubMed

Hibicke, Meghan; Graham, Martha A; Hayslett, Renée L

2017-04-01

Stress during times of rapid development is a risk factor for Major Depressive Disorder, a mood disorder that disproportionately affects women. We developed an adolescent chronic restraint stress (aCRS) protocol using female rats to address the impact of adolescent stress on female adult depressive-like behavior. Animals were divided into 4 treatment groups: not restrained:saline (NRSAL), not restrained:desipramine (NRDES), restrained:saline (RSAL), and restrained:desipramine (RDES). NRSAL and NRDES rats were housed in a separate colony room from RSAL and RDES rats. All animals were weighed and handled daily. Beginning postnatal day (PND) 34(±1), RSAL and RDES rats were restrained for 1 hour daily for 14 consecutive days. Beginning PND 55(±1), NRDES and RDES rats were given subcutaneous desipramine (5 mg/kg), which served as a positive control, daily for 14 consecutive days. During that same time period, NRSAL and RSAL rats were given subcutaneous saline daily. aCRS (RSAL and RDES) rats showed significantly attenuated weight gain compared with nonrestrained (NRSAL and NRDES) rats during the restraint period. Weight gain normalized after the final restraint session. Behavioral testing took place PND 68-69(±1), and included open field testing, the elevated plus maze, locomotor activity, and the forced swim test (FST). RSAL rats showed significantly more immobility in the FST versus all other groups, indicating depressive-like behavior. No differences between groups were observed in the other behavioral measures. These results indicate that aCRS elicits depressive-like behavioral characteristics in adult female rats without increasing anxiety-like behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

In vivo effect of Commiphora swynnertonii ethanolic extracts on Trypanosoma congolense and selected immunological components in mice.

PubMed

Nagagi, Yakob P; Silayo, Richard S; Luziga, Claudius; Kweka, Eliningaya J

2017-05-23

The search for alternative trypanocidal compounds which can be available at affordable price is of paramount importance for control of trypanosomosis in human and animals. The current study evaluates the in vivo activity of ethanolic stem bark extracts on Trypanosoma congolense and selected immunological components in an inbred Swiss albino mouse model. Groups of mice infected with T. congolense were treated with the stem bark extracts at a rate of 1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg, twice a day in one set and thrice a day in another setting for three days consecutively. Negative (infected and untreated) and positive (infected treated with diminazene diaceturate at 3.5 mg/kg) control groups were used. Levels of parasitaemia were monitored daily for the first 10 days and thereafter 2-3 times per week to the end of experiment. In the other setting, uninfected mice, randomized in groups were treated with the extract but categorized as: thorough mixed extract (TME) and supernatant extract (SE) each at 500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg, in 8 hourly intervals respectively for three days consecutively. Control group was administered with phosphate buffered saline with glucose at 0.1 ml/10 g in a similar manner as for the extract. Whole blood and spleen were taken 24 h after the last treatment for hematological and histopathological analysis. The groups that received the extracts at 8 hourly intervals drastically reduced the parasitaemia. The higher dose of SE significantly reduced the percentage of lymphocytes (P < 0.05). Both high and low dose of TME significantly reduced lymphocytes percent (P < 0.05) while percent of neutrophils and monocytes increased significantly (P < 0.05). Histopathological changes of the spleen in the mice treated with higher concentrations of the extract of C. swynnertonii were suggestive of lymphocytes toxicity. The current study has provided evidence that, in vivo trypanocidal activity of ethanolic bark extracts of C. swynnertonii is probably affected by its negative effect on humoral mediated immune response. Further studies are recommended to determine its potential as an alternative source of lead compounds for trypanocidal drug discovery.

Short-term creatine supplementation has no impact on upper-body anaerobic power in trained wrestlers.

PubMed

Aedma, Martin; Timpmann, Saima; Lätt, Evelin; Ööpik, Vahur

2015-01-01

Creatine (CR) is considered an effective nutritional supplement having ergogenic effects, which appears more pronounced in upper-body compared to lower-body exercise. Nevertheless, results regarding the impact of CR loading on repeated high-intensity arm-cranking exercise are scarce and in some cases conflicting. Interestingly, few of the conducted studies have structured their research designs to mimic real world sporting events. Therefore, our purpose was to address the hypothesis that CR ingestion would increase anaerobic power output in consecutive upper-body intermittent sprint performance (UBISP) tests designed to simulate wrestling matches on a competition-day. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 20 trained wrestlers were assigned to either placebo or CR supplemented group (0.3 g ∙ kg(-1) of body mass per day). Four 6-min UBISP tests interspersed with 30-min recovery periods were performed before (trial 1) and after 5 days (trial 2) of supplementation. Each test consisted of six 15-s periods of arm-cranking at maximal executable cadence against resistance of 0.04 kg ∙ kg(-1) body mass interspersed with 40-s unloaded easy cranking periods and 5-s acceleration intervals (T1-T4). Mean power (MP), peak power (PP), fatigue index and heart rate parameters were measured during UBISP tests. Also, body weight and hydration status were assessed. Principle measures were statistical analysed with mixed-model ANOVAs. Mean individual CR consumption in the CR group was 24.8 ± 2.5 g ∙ d(-1). No significant (P > 0.05) differences occurred in body mass or hydration status indices between the groups or across trials. MP, PP and fatigue index responses were unaffected by supplementation; although, a significant reduction in MP and PP did occurred from T1 to T4 in both trial 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Overall heart rate responses in the tests tended to be higher in the CR than PLC group (P < 0.05); but, trends in responses in trials and tests were comparable (P > 0.05). These results suggest that 5-day CR supplementation has no impact on upper-body muscle anaerobic power output in consecutive UBISP anaerobic tests mimicking wrestling matches on a competition day.

Pattern and determinants of hospitalization during heat waves: an ecologic study

PubMed Central

Mastrangelo, Giuseppe; Fedeli, Ugo; Visentin, Cristiana; Milan, Giovanni; Fadda, Emanuela; Spolaore, Paolo

2007-01-01

Background Numerous studies have investigated mortality during a heatwave, while few have quantified heat associated morbidity. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between hospital admissions and intensity, duration and timing of heatwave across the summer months. Methods The study area (Veneto Region, Italy) holds 4577408 inhabitants (on January 1st, 2003), and is subdivided in seven provinces with 60 hospitals and about 20000 beds for acute care. Five consecutive heatwaves (three or more consecutive days with Humidex above 40°C) occurred during summer 2002 and 2003 in the region. From the regional computerized archive of hospital discharge records, we extracted the daily count of hospital admissions for people aged ≥75, from June 1 through August 31 in 2002 and 2003. Among people aged over 74 years, daily hospital admissions for disorders of fluid and electrolyte balance, acute renal failure, and heat stroke (grouped in a single nosologic entity, heat diseases, HD), respiratory diseases (RD), circulatory diseases (CD), and a reference category chosen a priori (fractures of the femur, FF) were independently analyzed by Generalized Estimating Equations. Results Heatwave duration, not intensity, increased the risk of hospital admissions for HD and RD by, respectively, 16% (p < .0001) and 5% (p < .0001) with each additional day of heatwave duration. At least four consecutive hot humid days were required to observe a major increase in hospital admissions, the excesses being more than twofold for HD (p < .0001) and about 50% for RD (p < .0001). Hospital admissions for HD peaked equally at the first heatwave (early June) and last heatwave (August) in 2004 as did RD. No correlation was found for FF or CD admissions. Conclusion The first four days of an heatwave had only minor effects, thus supporting heat health systems where alerts are based on duration of hot humid days. Although the finding is based on a single late summer heatwave, adaptations to extreme temperature in late summer seem to be unlikely. PMID:17688689

Improvement of thrombocytopenia following bone marrow transplantation by pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor in mice.

PubMed

Kabaya, K; Shibuya, K; Torii, Y; Nitta, Y; Ida, M; Akahori, H; Kato, T; Kusaka, M; Miyazaki, H

1996-12-01

We examined whether pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) is capable of improving thrombocytopenia and promoting thrombopoietic reconstitution following lethal irradiation and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in mice. Immediately after receiving 10 Gy whole body irradiation (day 0), male C3H/HeN mice were inoculated with 10(6) bone marrow cells obtained from syngeneic mice. Circulating platelet counts decreased to below 4% of the normal counts with a nadir on day 10, and then returned to the normal level on day 28 in the control mice undergoing BMT. Subcutaneous consecutive treatment with PEG-rHuMGDF at doses from 10 to 300 micrograms/kg/day from day 1 for 13 days significantly improved the platelet nadir and promoted platelet recovery. The white blood cell counts and hemoglobin concentration following BMT were not influenced by the PEG-rHuMGDF. PEG-rHuMGDF-injection starting from day 5 did not improve the platelet nadir following BMT. Furthermore, administration with PEG-rHuMGDF on alternate days at 55.7 micrograms/kg/day for 7 days or at an interval of 3 days at 78 micrograms/kg/day for 4 days (twice a week for 2 weeks) had a significant efficacy, but these administration regimens had less efficacy than consecutive administration at 30 micrograms/kg/day for 13 days. The numbers of megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte progenitor cells decreased to 5 and 0.2% of normal level, respectively, in the control mice. Consecutive administration of PEG-rHuMGDF enhanced the recovery of the mean number of these cells compared to those in vehicle-treated mice, although such effects were not statistically significant except for the number of megakaryocyte progenitors on day 12. These results suggest that consecutive treatment with PEG-rHuMGDF beginning from the day after BMT may be effective in improving thrombocytopenia following BMT.

Cardioprotective Effect of Selenium Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats.

PubMed

Gunes, Sibel; Sahinturk, Varol; Karasati, Pinar; Sahin, Ilknur Kulcanay; Ayhanci, Adnan

2017-05-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible protective effects of selenium (Se) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats. A total of 42 male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n = 7). Rats in the first group were served as control. Rats in the second group received CP (150 mg/kg) at the sixth day of experiment. Animals in the third and fourth groups were treated with only 0.5 and 1 mg/kg Se respectively for six consecutive days. Rats in the fifth and sixth groups received respective Se doses (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) for 6 days and then a single dose of CP administered on the sixth day. On day 7, the animals were sacrificed; blood samples were collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels. Heart tissues were processed routinely and tissue sections were stained with H + E for light microscopic examination. In the CP-treated rats MDA, LDH, CK-MB, and IMA serum levels increased, while GSH levels decreased. Microscopic evaluation showed that tissue damage was conspicuously lower in CP plus Se groups. Moreover, 1 mg/kg Se was more protective than 0.5 mg/kg Se as indicated by histopathological and biochemical values. In conclusion, Se is suggested to be a potential candidate to ameliorate CP-induced cardiotoxicity which may be related to its antioxidant activity.

Venous thrombosis after abdominal surgery. A comparison between subcutaneous heparin and antithrombotic stockings, or both

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rasmussen, A.; Hansen, P.T.; Lindholt, J.

1988-01-01

In an open controlled study, 248 consecutive patients (age more than 40 yrs) admitted for major abdominal surgery were randomized to one of three prophylactic antithrombotic treatments. Eighty-five patients received subcutaneous heparin, 74 patients had graduated compression stockings to the knee (TED stockings), and 89 patients had both subcutaneous heparin and stockings. Treatment began on the evening before operation and continued to complete mobilization, or for not less than five days postoperatively. On the fourth or fifth postoperative day, the patients underwent a /sup 99m/Tc-plasmin test of the lower limbs as a test for deep vein thrombosis. There were 29.7%more » positive tests in the stocking group, 29.4% in the group with heparin prophylaxis, and 25.8% in the combined group. Differences between treatments were not statistically significant.« less

Mitigation of diazinon-induced cardiovascular and renal dysfunction by gallic acid

PubMed Central

Ajibade, Temitayo Olabisi; Omobowale, Temidayo Olutayo; Asenuga, Ebunoluwa Racheal; Afolabi, Jeremiah Moyinoluwa; Adedapo, Adeolu Alex

2016-01-01

Studies of the link between environmental pollutants and cardiovascular dysfunction, neglected for decades, have recently provided new insights into the pathology and consequences of these killers. In this study, rats were divided into four groups, each containing 10 rats. The rats in group one served as controls and were administered normal saline, whereas the rats in group two were orally gavaged with 3 mg/kg of diazinon (DZN) alone for twenty one consecutive days. The rats in groups 3 and 4 were administered respective 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg gallic acid (GA) in addition to DZN for twenty one consecutive days. Exposure of rats to diazinon significantly (p<0.05) reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were also significantly (p<0.05) elevated following DZN exposure. DZN further caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease of heart rate and QT interval prolongation. Hematologic analysis revealed significant reduction (p<0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, and total white blood cell count of rats administered only DZN. Observations in this study suggest a modulatory role of gallic acid in diazinon-induced anemia and associated cardiovascular dysfunction in rats. Treatment with gallic acid reversed the oxidative stress markers studied, increased the antioxidant defence system and reduced deleterious effects on hematological parameters in rats. Pathologic findings of the heart and kidney were also found to be lessened. PMID:28652848

Edaravone offers neuroprotection for acute diabetic stroke patients.

PubMed

Zheng, J; Chen, X

2016-11-01

Edaravone, a novel free-radical scavenger, has been shown to alleviate cerebral ischemic injury and protect against vascular endothelial dysfunction. However, the effects of edaravone in acute diabetic stroke patients remain undetermined. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed to prospectively evaluate the effects of edaravone on acute diabetic stroke patients admitted to our hospital within 24 h of stroke onset. The edaravone group received edaravone (30 mg twice per day) diluted with 100 ml of saline combined with antiplatelet drug aspirin and atorvastatin for 14 days. The non-edaravone group was treated only with 100 ml of saline twice per day combined with aspirin and atorvastatin. Upon admission, and on days 7, 14 post-stroke onset, neurological deficits and activities of daily living were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Barthel Index (BI), respectively. The occurrence of hemorrhage transformation, pulmonary infection, progressive stroke and epilepsy was also evaluated on day 14 post-treatment. A total of 65 consecutive acute diabetic stroke patients were enrolled, of whom 35 were allocated to the edaravone group and 30 to the non-edaravone group. There was no significant group difference in baseline clinical characteristics, but mean NIHSS scores were lower (60 %), and BI scores were 1.7-fold higher, in edaravone-treated patients vs. controls on day 14. Furthermore, the incidence of hemorrhage transformation, pulmonary infection, progressive stroke and epilepsy was markedly reduced in the edaravone vs. non-edaravone group. Edaravone represents a promising neuroprotectant against cerebral ischemic injury in diabetic patients.

[A comparative study on behaviors of two depression models in rats induced by chronic forced swimming stress].

PubMed

Han, Ming-Fei; Gao, Dong; Sun, Xue-Li

2010-01-01

To compare the behaviors of rats with depressions induced by chronic forced swimming stress under two different conditions. Eighteen male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the control group (C group) were not forced into swimming, while the rats in the stress groups (S1 and S2) were forced to swim for 14 consecutive days. The rats in S1 group and S2 group swam for five minutes every morning, in water with (23 +/- 1) degree C, and (10 +/- 0.5) degree C in temperature, respectively. The weight gain, food intake, open-field test and saccharin solution test were observed on the seventh day and fourteenth day. On the seventh day following chronic swim stress, the rats in the S2 group had significant lower ratio in weight gain and food intake than the controls (P < 0.05). On the fourteenth day, the rats in the S2 group had significant lower ratio in weight gain (12.26 +/- 4.04)%, food intake (9.49 +/- 0.96)%, sucrose intake (28.63 +/- 3.51) g, and preference for saccharin solution (76.25 +/- 2.51)%, and less number of crossing (12.17 +/- 9.00) and times of rearing (3.17 +/- 3.60) than the controls (P < 0.05). The rats in the S1 group had significant lower ratio in weight gain and food intake than the controls on the seventh day following forced swimming. On the fourteenth day, the rats in the S1 group still had lower ratio in weight gain, but had higher ratio in food intake and preference for saccharin solution, and greater number of crossing than the controls. Chronic forced swimming at a lower temperature could induce depression better than at a higher temperature.

Hemodilution after Initial Treatment in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

PubMed

Fujita, Teppei; Inomata, Takayuki; Yazaki, Mayu; Iida, Yuichiro; Kaida, Toyoji; Ikeda, Yuki; Nabeta, Takeru; Ishii, Shunsuke; Maekawa, Emi; Yanagisawa, Tomoyoshi; Koitabashi, Toshimi; Takeuchi, Ichiro; Ako, Junya

2018-05-09

Decongestion is an important goal of heart failure (HF) management. Blood cell concentration is a recognized indicator for guiding decongestive treatment for HF. We aimed to assess the clinical impact of hemodilution and hemoconcentration after initial treatment in acute decompensated HF (ADHF) patients. We retrospectively evaluated hemoglobin levels and body weight obtained before admission, on admission, 3 days after admission, and at discharge in 102 consecutive patients admitted with ADHF. Patients were then stratified into hemodilution (n = 55) and hemoconcentration (n = 47) groups based on whether their hemoglobin levels decreased or increased, respectively, during the first 3 days after admission. From before admission to admission, hemoglobin levels decreased less in the hemodilution group (-0.16 ± 0.98 g/dL) than in the hemoconcentration group (-0.88 ± 1.11 g/dL) (P < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in body weight (P≥ 0.05). More patients in the hemodilution group (85%) had grade III/IV pulmonary edema (Turner's criteria) compared with the hemoconcentration group (63%) (P < 0.01). Rate of readmission for HF within 180 days of discharge was higher in the hemodilution group (34%) compared with the hemoconcentration group (9%) (P < 0.01). Hemodilution after initial treatment for ADHF was associated with severe pulmonary edema at admission and higher readmission rates.

[Effect of bee venom injection on TrkA and TRPV1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion of rats with collagen-induced arthritis].

PubMed

Xian, Pei-Feng; Chen, Ying; Yang, Lu; Liu, Guo-Tao; Peng, Peng; Wang, Sheng-Xu

2016-06-01

To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupoint injection of bee venom on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explore the mechanism of bee venom therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Fifteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into bee venom treatment group (BV group), CIA model group, and control group. In the former two groups, CIA was induced by injections of collagen II+IFA (0.2 mL) via the tail vein, and in the control group, normal saline was injected instead. The rats in BV group received daily injection of 0.1 mL (3 mg/mL) bee venom for 7 consecutive days. All the rats were assessed for paw thickness and arthritis index from days 14 to 21, and the pain threshold was determined on day 21. The expressions of TRPV1 and TrkA in the dorsal root ganglion at the level of L4-6 were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively. The rats in CIA model group started to show paw swelling on day 10, and by day 14, all the rats in this group showed typical signs of CIA. In BV group, the rats receiving been venom therapy for 7 days showed a significantly smaller paw thickness and a low arthritis index than those in the model group. The pain threshold was the highest in the control group and the lowest in the model group. TRPV1-positive cells and TrkA expression in the dorsal root ganglion was significantly reduced in BV group as compared with that in the model group. s Injection of bee venom can decrease expression of TRPV1 and TrkA in the dorsal root ganglion to produce anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, suggesting the potential value of bee venom in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effect of training frequency on the learning curve on the da Vinci Skills Simulator.

PubMed

Walliczek, Ute; Förtsch, Arne; Dworschak, Philipp; Teymoortash, Afshin; Mandapathil, Magis; Werner, Jochen; Güldner, Christian

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of training on the performance outcome with the da Vinci Skills Simulator. Forty novices were enrolled in a prospective training curriculum. Participants were separated into 2 groups. Group 1 performed 4 training sessions and group 2 had 2 training sessions over a 4-week period. Five exercises were performed 3 times consecutively. On the last training day, a new exercise was added. A significant skills gain from the first to the final practice day in overall performance, time to complete, and economy of motion was seen for both groups. Group 1 had a significantly better outcome in overall performance, time to complete, and economy of motion in all exercises. There was no significant difference found regarding the new exercise in group 1 versus group 2 in nearly all parameters. Longer time distances between training sessions are assumed to play a secondary role, whereas total repetition frequency is crucial for improvement of technical performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1762-E1769, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bolus and continuous infusion mitoxantrone in newly diagnosed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of two consecutive phase II clinical studies.

PubMed

Koc, Y; Akpek, G; Kansu, E; Kars, A; Tekuzman, G; Baltali, E; Güler, N; Barista, I; Güllü, I; Ozisik, Y; Firat, D

1998-01-01

Two consecutive phase II clinical studies were designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bolus and continuous infusion (CI) mitoxantrone (MTZ) in 39 patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). MTZ was used as part of the classical ALL induction regimen. Twenty patients were treated with bolus MTZ (10 mg/m2 for 3 days) combined with vincristine and prednisone. The same regimen was given to a second set of 19 patients, except that MTZ was administered as a 24-hr CI. Both groups received bimonthly intensifications with vincristine and prednisone for 3 years, along with oral maintenance therapy. Patients in the CI-MTZ study arm received additional MTZ on the first day of intensification cycles. Seventeen patients (85%) in the bolus arm and 15 patients (79%) in the CI arm achieved complete remission (CR). Median disease-free survivals (DFS) in the bolus and CI groups were 11 and 15 months after median follow-ups of 16 (3.5-96) and 13 (2.3-32) months, respectively. At 2.5 years, DFS rates were 29.4% and 34.4% in the bolus and CI groups (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between two groups in rates of early death, degree of organ toxicity, or duration of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Significant cardiac toxicity was not observed in either group. Bolus or CI administration of MTZ was equally effective and was well tolerated. Neither the mode of administration nor increasing the dose intensity of MTZ by incorporating intensification cycles reduced relapse rates. Development of new antileukemia agents and novel treatment approaches are still needed to improve the high relapse rates in adult ALL once a complete response is achieved.

Analysis of 2-Week Data from Two Randomized, Controlled Trials Conducted in Subjects with Frequent Heartburn Treated with Esomeprazole 20 mg.

PubMed

Katz, Philip O; Le Moigne, Anne; Pollack, Charles

2017-05-01

These secondary analyses used data from 2 similarly designed studies in subjects experiencing frequent heartburn to evaluate the efficacy of esomeprazole 20 mg once daily for 2 weeks, which reflects the approved over-the-counter dosage and duration. Subjects without endoscopically identified erosive esophagitis who were experiencing heartburn for ≥6 months and ≥4 of 7 days prior to baseline (study 1, N = 368; study 2, N = 349) were randomly assigned to receive double-blind treatment with esomeprazole 40 or 20 mg (administered as esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate 44.5 and 22.3 mg, respectively) or placebo once daily for 4 weeks. Subjects recorded the severity of heartburn in a daily diary, and investigators assessed subjects at each study visit. Two-week assessments were the primary end points of interest in these analyses and included the percentage of subjects with complete heartburn resolution (no episodes during 7 consecutive days), time to sustained complete heartburn resolution (the first of 7 consecutive episode-free days), and heartburn relief (no episodes other than ≤1 mild episode during 7 consecutive days). At week 2, the percentages of subjects who experienced complete heartburn resolution were significantly greater with esomeprazole 40 mg (study 1, 26.1%; study 2, 35.3%) and 20 mg (study 1, 25.2%; study 2, 35.7%) compared with placebo (study 1, 9.0%; study 2, 3.4%) (all, P ≤ 0.001). Beginning on day 1, the percentages of subjects who experienced sustained heartburn resolution was significantly greater in the groups treated with esomeprazole 40 mg (study 1, 19%; study 2, 19%; P < 0.0001) and 20 mg (study 1, 10%; study 2, 15%; P < 0.05) compared with the group that received placebo (study 1, 2%; study 2, 1%). Additionally, at week 2, the percentages of subjects experiencing heartburn relief were significantly greater with esomeprazole 40 mg (study 1, 35.3%; study 2, 40.5%) and 20 mg (study 1, 34.5%; study 2, 46.4%) compared with placebo (study 1, 16.5%; study 2, 8.6%) (all, P ≤ 0.001). The results of this study demonstrate that once-daily treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg for 2 weeks effectively resolved subjects׳ heartburn compared with placebo, beginning on day 1. Studies precede FDA Act 801 clinical trial registration and results submission requirements. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemopreventive evaluation of a Schiff base derived copper (II) complex against azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in rats.

PubMed

Hajrezaie, Maryam; Hassandarvish, Pouya; Moghadamtousi, Soheil Zorofchian; Gwaram, Nura Suleiman; Golbabapour, Shahram; Najihussien, Abdrabuh; Almagrami, Amel Abdullah; Zahedifard, Maryam; Rouhollahi, Elham; Karimian, Hamed; Fani, Somaye; Kamalidehghan, Behnam; Majid, Nazia Abdul; Ali, Hapipah Mohd; Abdulla, Mahmood Ameen

2014-01-01

Based on the potential of Schiff base compounds to act as sources for the development of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, this in vivo study was performed to investigate the inhibitory properties of the synthetic Schiff base compound Cu(BrHAP)2 on colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). This study involved five groups of male rats. The negative control group was injected with normal saline once a week for 2 weeks and fed 10% Tween 20 for 10 weeks, the cancer control group was subcutaneously injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks, the positive control group was injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks and 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (injected intra-peritoneally) for 4 weeks, and the experimental groups were first injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks and then fed 2.5 or 5 mg/kg of the Schiff base compound once a day for 10 weeks. Application of the Schiff base compound suppressed total colonic ACF formation by up to 72% to 74% (P<0.05) when compared with the cancer control group. Analysis of colorectal specimens revealed that treatments with the Schiff base compound decreased the mean crypt scores in azoxymethane-treated rats. Significant elevations of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and a reduction in the level of malondialdehyde were also observed. Histologically, all treatment groups exhibited significant decreases in dysplasia compared to the cancer control group (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated down-regulation of the PCNA protein. Comparative western blot analysis revealed that COX-2 and Bcl2 were up-regulated and Bax was down-regulated compared with the AOM control group. The current study demonstrated that the Cu(BrHAP)2 compound has promising chemoprotective activities that are evidenced by significant decreases in the numbers of ACFs in azoxymethane-induced colon cancer.

Chemopreventive Evaluation of a Schiff Base Derived Copper (II) Complex against Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Cancer in Rats

PubMed Central

Hajrezaie, Maryam; Hassandarvish, Pouya; Moghadamtousi, Soheil Zorofchian; Gwaram, Nura Suleiman; Golbabapour, Shahram; NajiHussien, Abdrabuh; Almagrami, Amel Abdullah; Zahedifard, Maryam; Rouhollahi, Elham; Karimian, Hamed; Fani, Somaye; Kamalidehghan, Behnam; Majid, Nazia Abdul; Ali, Hapipah Mohd; Abdulla, Mahmood Ameen

2014-01-01

Background Based on the potential of Schiff base compounds to act as sources for the development of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, this in vivo study was performed to investigate the inhibitory properties of the synthetic Schiff base compound Cu(BrHAP)2 on colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Methodology This study involved five groups of male rats. The negative control group was injected with normal saline once a week for 2 weeks and fed 10% Tween 20 for 10 weeks, the cancer control group was subcutaneously injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks, the positive control group was injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks and 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (injected intra-peritoneally) for 4 weeks, and the experimental groups were first injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks and then fed 2.5 or 5 mg/kg of the Schiff base compound once a day for 10 weeks. Application of the Schiff base compound suppressed total colonic ACF formation by up to 72% to 74% (P<0.05) when compared with the cancer control group. Analysis of colorectal specimens revealed that treatments with the Schiff base compound decreased the mean crypt scores in azoxymethane-treated rats. Significant elevations of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and a reduction in the level of malondialdehyde were also observed. Histologically, all treatment groups exhibited significant decreases in dysplasia compared to the cancer control group (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated down-regulation of the PCNA protein. Comparative western blot analysis revealed that COX-2 and Bcl2 were up-regulated and Bax was down-regulated compared with the AOM control group. Conclusion The current study demonstrated that the Cu(BrHAP)2 compound has promising chemoprotective activities that are evidenced by significant decreases in the numbers of ACFs in azoxymethane-induced colon cancer. PMID:24618844

The effect of a commercial competitive exclusion product on the selection of enrofloxacin resistance in commensal E. coli in broilers.

PubMed

Chantziaras, Ilias; Smet, Annemieke; Filippitzi, Maria Eleni; Damiaans, Bert; Haesebrouck, Freddy; Boyen, Filip; Dewulf, Jeroen

2018-06-07

The effect of a competitive exclusion product (Aviguard ® ) on the selection of fluoroquinolone resistance in poultry was assessed in vivo in the absence or presence of fluoroquinolone treatment. Two experiments using a controlled seeder-sentinel animal model (2seeders:4sentinels per group) with one-day-old chicks were used. For both experiments,as soon as the chicks were hatched, the animals of two groups were administered Aviguard ® and two groups were left untreated. Three days later, all groups were inoculated with an enrofloxacin-susceptible commensal E. coli strain. Five days after hatching, two animals per group were inoculated either with a bacteriologically-fit or a bacteriologically non-fit enrofloxacin-resistant commensal E. coli strain. In experiment 2, all groups were orally treated for three consecutive days (Day 8-10) with enrofloxacin. Throughout the experiments, faecal excretion of all inoculated E. coli strains was determined on days 2-5-8-11-18-23 by selective plating (via spiral plater). Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of Aviguard ® on the selection of fluoroquinolone resistance. The use of Aviguard® (p<0.01) reduced the excretion of enrofloxacin-resistant E. coli when no enrofloxacin treatment was administered. However, this beneficial effect disappeared (p=0.37) when the animals were treated with enrofloxacin. Similarly, bacterial fitness of the enrofloxacin-resistant E. coli strain used for inoculation had an effect (p<0.01) on the selection of enrofloxacin resistance when no treatment was administered, whereas this effect was no longer present when enrofloxacin was administered (p =0.70). Thus, enrofloxacin treatment cancelled the beneficial effects from administrating Aviguard ® in one-day-old broiler chicks and resulted in a enrofloxacin-resistant flora.

Astronomy at the Airport: Supernova Science in the Southampton Airport Departure Lounge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, S.

2017-09-01

Over four consecutive days in February 2016 a group of astronomy researchers from the University of Southampton, UK, engaged a total of 1500 passengers waiting in the departure lounge at Southampton Airport with their astronomy research. This article reflects on the challenges and successes of the project which aimed to reach out to young families who would not normally attend science events, and show astronomers as positive role models.

Effects of castration and weaning conducted concurrently or consecutively on behaviour, blood traits and performance in beef calves.

PubMed

Lambertz, C; Farke-Röver, A; Moors, E; Gauly, M

2015-01-01

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of Burdizzo castration and abrupt weaning on the behaviour, blood traits and performance of beef calves when weaning was conducted concurrently or consecutively to castration. In total, 64 male beef calves aged between 6 and 7 months were assigned to a 2×2 factorial design with the following treatment groups (n=16 animals per treatment): (1) castrated and concurrently weaned in week 0 (CAS-WEA); (2) castrated in week 0 and weaned in week 4 (CAS-CON); (3) bulls weaned in week 0 (BUL-WEA); and (4) bulls weaned in week 4 (BUL-CON). The behaviour of the calves was observed for 3 days following weaning. Blood was collected weekly from weeks 0 to 5 and analysed for the acute-phase protein haptoglobin, and neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages. BW was recorded weekly from weeks 0 to 7. Animals were slaughtered at 17 months and weight, dressing percentage and carcass classifications were recorded. On day 1 after weaning, the number of vocalizations (calls/10 min) was higher in BUL-WEA (7.2) and CAS-WEA (5.4) than in calves of CAS-CON (2.8) and BUL-CON (2.9) groups (P<0.05). From days 1 to 3 vocalizations decreased in all groups. CAS-CON and BUL-CON animals spent 20% lying on day 1 after weaning compared with 40% in CAS-WEA and BUL-WEA calves (P<0.05). The haptoglobin concentration decreased during the first 5 weeks after weaning in all groups independent of the castration, weaning group or its interaction (P>0.05). WEA groups showed an increased average daily gain (ADG) during weeks 0 to 3 and a reduced ADG during 4 to 7 weeks in comparison with CON animals. At slaughter, bulls were about 80 kg heavier than castrates and had a superior dressing percentage and carcass classification (P>0.05). In conclusion, weaning had a greater effect on the number of vocalizations, standing/walking and lying behaviour and ADG compared with Burdizzo castration. In comparison with undertaking the procedures separately, concurrent castration and weaning neither affected behaviour and haematological parameters nor impaired performance. There was no evidence that the concurrent application of both treatments markedly increased the stress response compared with their application at intervals of a few weeks.

Prospective, nonrandomized controlled trials to compare the effect of a silk-like fabric to standard hospital linens on the rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.

PubMed

Coladonato, Joseph; Smith, Annette; Watson, Nancy; Brown, Anne T; McNichol, Laurie L; Clegg, Amy; Griffin, Tracy; McPhail, Lora; Montgomery, Terry G

2012-10-01

Hospital bedding and gowns influence skin moisture, temperature, friction, and shear, which in turn may affect the development of pressure ulcers. To evaluate the effect of a new silk-like synthetic fabric on the incidence of pressure ulcers in an acute care setting, two consecutive 6-month clinical trials were conducted among 307 consecutively admitted patients in a Medical Renal Unit (August 2008 and March 2010) and in 275 patients admitted to a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (September 2009 to March 2010). During the first 8 weeks, all patients used standard hospital bed linens, reusable underpads, and gowns. During the second 8 weeks, all admitted patients used the intervention linens (a silk-like fabric) followed by another 8 weeks of control (standard linen) use. Demographic variables and the prevalence of pressure ulcers on admission were statistically similar for control and intervention groups in both study populations with the exception of gender in the Renal Unit study (13% higher proportion of men in intervention group). Average Braden Scores were also similar and low (<18) in all study patients. Upon admission to the Medical Renal Unit, 21 of 154 patients (13.6%) in the control and 26 of 153 patients (17.0%) in the intervention group had a pressure ulcer. The incidence of new ulcers was 12.3% in the control and 4.6% in the intervention group (P = 0.01); average length of stay was 5.97 days (σ = 4.0) for control and 5.31 days (σ = 3.8) for intervention patients (P = 0.07). In the Surgical ICU group, 18 of 199 patients in the control (9.1%) and four of 76 patients in the intervention group (5.3%) were admitted with a pressure ulcer; the incidence of new pressure ulcers was 7.5 % in the control and 0% in the intervention group (P = 0.01). Average length of stay was 4.5 days and 4.33 days in the control and intervention groups, respectively (P = 0.33). The significant differences between the control and intervention group in the rate of pressure ulcer development suggests that the type of linens used affect pressure ulcer risk and that this silk-like synthetic fabric technology may help reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in high-risk patients. Controlled clinical studies in other patient populations are warranted.

Comparative Analgesic Efficacy of Pregabalin Administered According to Either a Prevention Protocol or an Intervention Protocol in Rats with Cisplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

PubMed

Han, F Y; Kuo, A; Nicholson, J R; Corradinni, L; Smith, M T

2018-05-21

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a type of peripheral neuropathic pain that may be dose-limiting in patients administered potentially curative cancer chemotherapy dosing regimens. In cancer survivors, persistent CIPN adversely affects patient quality of life and so adjuvant drugs (anticonvulsants e.g. pregabalin or antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline) are recommended for the relief of CIPN. However, most studies in rodent models of CIPN involve administration of single bolus doses of adjuvant drugs to assess pain-relieving efficacy. Hence this study was designed to assess the efficacy of pregabalin administered to CIPN-rats according to either a prevention or an intervention protocol. Groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats received four single intraperitoneal bolus doses of cisplatin at 3 mg/kg at once-weekly intervals to induce CIPN. For the prevention protocol, oral pregabalin (or vehicle) was administered to CIPN-rats once-daily for 21 consecutive days from day 0 to day 20 inclusive. For the intervention protocol, oral pregabalin was administered once-daily for 21 consecutive days from day 28 to day 48 inclusive. Mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia in the bilateral hindpaws were assessed just prior to each dose of cisplatin and at least once-weekly until study completion (day 27, prevention protocol; or day 48, intervention protocol). Mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia were also determined at the time of peak effect at ~2 h post- pregabalin/vehicle administration once-weekly until study completion. For the prevention protocol in CIPN-rats, pregabalin alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia but not mechanical allodynia. For the intervention protocol, pregabalin alleviated both mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia in the hindpaws. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of submucosal aprotinin injection and intravenous dexamethasone in reducing pain and swelling after third molar surgery: a prospective study.

PubMed

Arakeri, Gururaj; Rai, Kirthi Kumar; Shivakumar, H R; Jayade, Bhushan

2013-03-01

The purpose of this study was to compare two different groups of drugs, aprotinin and dexamethasone for its efficacy in reducing post operative swelling and pain after third molar surgery. Fifty consecutive patients requiring surgical removal of single mandibular third molar (class II position B) under local anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups, each group consisting of 25 patients. One group was administered 8 mg dexamethasone through intravenous route pre-operatively. The other group received 1 ml of Aprotinin through submucosal route in operating area after the onset of local anesthesia. Swelling was assessed by measuring facial contours at baseline and at 1st, 3rd and 7th post-operative days. Pain was measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th post-operative days using visual analog scale. Based on statistical analysis (paired t test and Wilcoxon's signed ranking test), the results showed statistically significant difference in post operative swelling and pain on 3rd postoperative day in dexamethasone group as compared to aprotinin group. The results of present study showed a similar reduction in the severity of pain and swelling at the aprotinin and dexamethasone sites on 1st and 7th postoperative day. It was also noticed that the aprotinin promoted a greater reduction of swelling and pain on 3rd postoperative day. It appeared that, benefits of aprotinin against the risks of dexamethasone and its efficacy in controlling pain and swelling after third molar surgery makes aprotinin to be a valuable alternative to dexamethasone.

Reliability of BOD POD Measurements Remains High After a Short-Duration Low-Carbohydrate Diet.

PubMed

Greer, Beau Kjerulf; Edsall, Kathleen M; Greer, Anna E

2016-04-01

The purpose of the current study was to determine whether expected changes in body weight via a 3-day low-carbohydrate (LC) diet will disrupt the reliability of air displacement plethysmography measurements via BOD POD. Twenty-four subjects recorded their typical diets for 3 days before BOD POD and 7-site skinfold analyses. Subjects were matched for lean body mass and divided into low-CHO (LC) and control (CON) groups. The LC group was given instruction intended to prevent more than 50 grams/day of carbohydrate consumption for 3 consecutive days, and the CON group replicated their previously recorded diet. Body composition measurements were repeated after dietary intervention. Test-retest reliability measures were significant (p < .01) and high for body fat percentage in both the LC and the CON groups (rs = .993 and .965, respectively). Likewise, skinfold analysis for body fat percentage reliability was high in both groups (rs = .996 and .997, respectively). There were significant differences between 1st and 2nd BOD POD measurements for body mass (72.9 ± 13.3 vs. 72.1 ± 13.0 kg [M ± SD]) and body volume (69.0 ± 12.7-68.1 ± 12.2 L) in the LC group (p < .05). However, there were no differences (p > .05) in BOD POD-determined body fat percentage, lean body mass, or fat mass between the 1st and 2nd trial in either group. Body composition measures via BOD POD and 7-site skinfolds remain reliable after 3 days of an LC diet despite significant decreases in body mass.

A cost analysis of orthopedic foot surgery: can outpatient continuous regional analgesia provide the same standard of care for postoperative pain control at home without shifting costs?

PubMed

Saporito, Andrea; Calciolari, Stefano; Ortiz, Laura Gonzalez; Anselmi, Luciano; Borgeat, Alain; Aguirre, José

2016-11-01

Same-day surgery is common for foot surgery. Continuous regional anesthesia for outpatients has been shown effective but the economic impact on the perioperative process-related healthcare costs remains unclear. One hundred twenty consecutive patients were included in this assessor-blinded, prospective cohort study and allocated according to inclusion criteria in the day-care or in the in-patient group. Standardized continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block was performed in both groups for 48 h using an elastomeric pump delivering ropivacaine 0.2 % at a rate of 5 ml/h with an additional 5 ml bolus every 60 min. Outpatients were discharged the day of surgery and followed with standardized telephone interviews. The total direct health costs of both groups were compared. Moreover, the difference in treatment costs and the difference in terms of quality of care and effectiveness between the groups were compared. Total management costs were significantly reduced in the day-care group. There was no difference between the groups regarding pain at rest and with motion, persistent pain after catheter removal and the incidence of PONV. Persistent motor block and catheter inflammation/infection were comparable in both groups. There was neither a difference in the number of unscheduled ambulatory visits nor in the number of readmissions. Day-care continuous regional analgesia leads to an overall positive impact on costs by decreasing the incidence of unplanned ambulatory visits and unscheduled readmissions, without compromising on the quality of analgesia, patients' satisfaction, and safety.

[Peptide correction of age-related pineal disturbances in monkeys].

PubMed

Goncharova, N D; Vengerin, A A; Shmaliĭ, A V; Khavinson, V Kh

2003-01-01

Investigation of the age-related changes of the pineal gland function and possible ways for their overcoming on nonhuman monkey model was the purpose of this study. Hormonal function of the pineal gland was studied in 38 Macaca mulatta females of two age groups: 6-8 years old, n = 18 and 20-26 years old, n = 20. Pineal function was studied in basal conditions and after administration of pineal peptide preparations--epithalamin and epitalon, both developed in the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology (Russia). It has been revealed that plasma melatonin concentration in monkeys has well expressed high amplitude diurnal rhythm. Minimum is manifested at 4 p.m. and maximum--at 10 p.m.-3 a.m. In aging the mean diurnal melatonin concentration decreases by 1.5-2 times as well as in different points of the day: 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Administration of pineal peptides--epithalamin (at the dose 5 mg/animal/day intramuscularly during 10 consecutive days) or epitalon (at the dose 10 micrograms/animal/day intramuscularly during 7-10 consecutive days) induced significant increase in the night plasma melatonin in old monkeys, but the treatment did not change the melatonin level in young monkeys. Taking into consideration that melatonin is very important for regulation of the diurnal rhythm of functioning of some organs and systems it should be suggested that applying epithalamin and epitalon are perspective in the correction of age-related hormonal imbalance and age pathology.

Cardiac Surgery in Children of Jehovah's Witnesses

PubMed Central

Carmichael, Michael J.; Cooley, Denton A.; Kuykendall, R. Craig; Walker, William E.

1985-01-01

A retrospective study was done of 73 consecutive Jehovah's Witness children less than 2 years of age who were operated on for lesions of the heart and major vessels. The series was divided into three groups: (1) neonates less than 31 days old, (2) children between 31 days and 2 years, and (3) children requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. The overall mortality rate for the series was 12.3% (9/73). Only three of the nine deaths were complicated by blood loss and anemia. The mortality rate for Group I was 18.2% (2/11). Only one of the two deaths was partly attributable to anemia. The overall mortality rate for Group II was 14.9% (7/47). Only two of these seven deaths were complicated by anemia. No deaths occurred among the 15 patients in Group III. Bloodless prime hemodilution techniques were used in all patients. Based upon our data, we have concluded that cardiac surgery can be performed when indicated on children of Jehovah's Witnesses with acceptable mortality rates and relatively straightforward perioperative care. PMID:15227042

Examining the Impact of Adherence to a Vegan Diet on Acid-Base Balance in Healthy Adults.

PubMed

Cosgrove, Kelly; Johnston, Carol S

2017-09-01

Acidogenic diets, commonly measured by the potential renal acid load (PRAL), have been linked with metabolic diseases including insulin resistance, hepatic dysfunction, and cardiometabolic risk. Vegan diets are linked to low dietary acid loads, but the degree of adherence to a vegan diet to demonstrate this benefit is unknown. This study compared the change in PRAL and urine pH of omnivores who followed a vegan diet for either 2, 3, or 7 days over one week. Healthy adults were recruited from a campus population and randomly assigned to one of the three groups: VEG7 (vegan diet followed for seven consecutive days); VEG3 (vegan diet followed for three evenly spaced days over one week); or VEG2 (vegan diet followed for two evenly spaced days over one week). Gender, age, and body mass index did not differ between groups (overall: 21.8 ± 2.4 y and 24.4 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 ). Following the one week intervention, outcome measures did not vary between the VEG2 and VEG3 groups, and these groups were collapsed for the final analyses. The 24-h urine pH was raised after seven consistent days of vegan diet adherence and was unchanged after 2-3 days of vegan diet adherence over the course of a week (+0.52 ± 0.69 and -0.02 ± 0.56 respectively, p = 0.048). However, dietary PRAL scores fell significantly in both dietary groups during the 7-day trial. Since low dietary PRAL scores have been related to improve metabolic parameters, adoption of a vegan diets for several days per week should be explored as a diet strategy to lower disease risk.

A hospital-based palliative care service for patients with advanced organ failure in sub-Saharan Africa reduces admissions and increases home death rates.

PubMed

Desrosiers, Taylor; Cupido, Clint; Pitout, Elizabeth; van Niekerk, Lindi; Badri, Motasim; Gwyther, Liz; Harding, Richard

2014-04-01

Despite emerging data of cost savings under palliative care in various regions, no such data have been generated in response to the high burden of terminal illness in Africa. This evaluation of a novel hospital-based palliative care service for patients with advanced organ failure in urban South Africa aimed to determine whether the service reduces admissions and increases home death rates compared with the same fixed time period of standard hospital care. Data on admissions and place of death were extracted from routine hospital activity records for a fixed period before death, using standard patient daily expense rates. Data from the first 56 consecutive deaths under the new service (intervention group) were compared with 48 consecutive deaths among patients immediately before the new service (historical controls). Among the intervention and control patients, 40 of 56 (71.4%) and 47 of 48 (97.9%), respectively, had at least one admission (P < 0.001). The mean number of admissions for the intervention and control groups was 1.39 and 1.98, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean total number of days spent admitted for intervention and control groups was 4.52 and 9.3 days, respectively (P < 0.001). For the intervention and control patients, a total of 253 and 447 admission days were recorded, respectively, with formal costs of $587 and $1209, respectively. For the intervention and control groups, home death was achieved by 33 of 56 (58.9%) and nine of 48 (18.8%), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). These data demonstrate that an outpatient hospital-based service reduced admissions and improved the rate of home deaths and offers a feasible and cost-effective model for such settings. Copyright © 2014 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of long-term administration of omeprazole on bone mineral density and the mechanical properties of the bone.

PubMed

Yanagihara, Gabriela Rezende; de Paiva, Aline Goulart; Neto, Maurílio Pacheco; Torres, Larissa Helena; Shimano, Antônio Carlos; Louzada, Mário Jefferson Quirino; Annoni, Raquel; de Oliveira Penoni, Álvaro César

2015-01-01

Epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and bone metabolism. However, this relationship has not yet become established. The aim of the present study was to analyze the mechanical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of rats that were subjected to long-term omeprazole use. Fifty Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 240 g were divided equally into five groups: OMP300 (omeprazole intake at a dose of 300 μmoL/kg/day); OMP200 (200 μmoL/kg/day); OMP40 (40 μmoL/kg/day); OMP10 (10 μmoL/kg/day); and Cont (control group; intake of dilution vehicle). The solutions were administered for 90 consecutive days. After the rats had been sacrificed, their BMD, the mechanical properties of the dissected femurs and their serum Ca++ levels were analyzed. The BMD of the OMP300 group was lower than that of the controls (p = 0.006). There was no difference on comparing the OMP200, OMP40 and OMP10 groups with the controls. The maximum strength and rigidity of the femur did not differ in the experimental groups in comparison with the controls. The OMP300 group had a statistically lower serum Ca++ concentration than that of the controls (p = 0.049), but the other groups did not show any difference in relation to the controls. Daily intake of 300 μmoL/kg/day of omeprazole decreased the BMD of the femur, but without changes to the rigidity and strength of the femur in adult rats.

Effects of Immediate vs. Delayed Massage-like Loading on Skeletal Muscle Viscoelastic Properties Following Eccentric Exercise

PubMed Central

Crawford, Scott K.; Haas, Caroline; Wang, Qian; Zhang, Xiaoli; Zhao, Yi; Best, Thomas M.

2014-01-01

Background This study compared immediate versus delayed massage-like compressive loading on skeletal muscle viscoelastic properties following eccentric exercise. Methods Eighteen rabbits were surgically instrumented with peroneal nerve cuffs for stimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle. Rabbits were randomly assigned to a massage loading protocol applied immediately post exercise (n=6), commencing 48 hours post exercise (n=6), or exercised no-massage control (n=6). Viscoelastic properties were evaluated in vivo by performing a stress-relaxation test pre- and post-exercise and daily pre- and post-massage for four consecutive days of massage loading. A quasi-linear viscoelastic approach modeled the instantaneous elastic response (AG0), fast ( g1p) and slow ( g2p) relaxation coefficients, and the corresponding relaxation time constants τ1 and τ2. Findings Exercise increased AG0 in all groups (P<0.05). After adjusting for the three multiple comparisons, recovery of AG0 was not significant in the immediate (P=0.021) or delayed (P=0.048) groups compared to the control group following four days of massage. However, within-day (pre- to post-massage) analysis revealed a decrease in AG0 in both massage groups. Following exercise, g1p increased and g2p and τ1 decreased for all groups (P<0.05). Exercise had no effect on τ2 (P>0.05). After four days of massage, there was no significant recovery of the relaxation parameters for either massage loading group compared to the control group. Interpretation Our findings suggest that massage loading following eccentric exercise has a greater effect on reducing muscle stiffness, estimated by AG0, within-day rather than affecting recovery over multiple days. Massage loading also has little effect on the relaxation response. PMID:24861827

L-ornithine-L-aspartate infusion efficacy in hepatic encephalopathy.

PubMed

Ahmad, Irfan; Khan, Anwaar A; Alam, Altaf; Dilshad, Akif; Butt, Arshad Kamal; Shafqat, Farzana; Malik, Kashif; Sarwar, Shahid

2008-11-01

To determine the efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate in treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from February to August 2005. Cirrhotic patients with hyperammonemia and overt hepatic encephalopathy were enrolled. Eighty patients were randomized to two treatment groups, L-ornithine-L-aspartate (20 g/d) or placebo, both dissolved in 250 mL of 5% dextrose water and infused intravenously for four hours a day for five consecutive days with 0.5 g/kg dietary protein intake at the end of daily treatment period. Outcome variables were postprandial blood ammonia and mental state grade. Adverse reactions and mortality were also determined. Both treatment groups were comparable regarding age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class, mental state grade and blood ammonia at baseline. Although, improvement occurred in both groups, there was a greater improvement in L-ornithine-L-aspartate group with regard to both variables. Four patients in the placebo group and 2 in L-ornithine-L-aspartate group died. L-ornithine-L-aspartate infusions were found to be effective in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

Autologous cultured keratinocytes on porcine gelatin microbeads effectively heal chronic venous leg ulcers.

PubMed

Liu, Jin Yu; Hafner, Jürg; Dragieva, Galya; Seifert, Burkhardt; Burg, Günter

2004-01-01

We have established a specific bioreactor microcarrier cell culture system using porcine gelatin microbeads as carriers to produce autologous keratinocytes on a large scale. Moreover, we have shown that autologous keratinocytes can be cultured on porcine collagen pads, thereby forming a single cell layer. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of autologous cultured keratinocytes on microbeads and collagen pads in the treatment of chronic wounds. Fifteen patients with recalcitrant venous leg ulcers were assigned to three groups in a single-center, prospective, uncontrolled study: five underwent a single treatment with keratinocyte monolayers on collagen pads (group 1); another five received a single grafting with keratinocyte-microbeads (group 2); and the last five received multiple, consecutive applications of keratinocyte-microbeads 3 days apart (group 3). All patients were followed for up to 12 weeks. By 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in the initial wound area of 50, 83, and 97 percent in the three groups, respectively. The changes in wound size were statistically significant between the first and third groups (p= 0.0003). Keratinocyte-microbeads proved to be more effective than keratinocyte monolayers on collagen pads when the former were applied every 3 days. Rapid availability within 10-13 days after skin biopsy and easy handling represent particular advantages.

Effectiveness of intervention with a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy.

PubMed

Akiyama, Yuji; Iwaya, Takeshi; Endo, Fumitaka; Shioi, Yoshihiro; Kumagai, Motoi; Takahara, Takeshi; Otsuka, Koki; Nitta, Hiroyuki; Koeda, Keisuke; Mizuno, Masaru; Kimura, Yusuke; Suzuki, Kenji; Sasaki, Akira

2017-12-01

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed 85 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy via right thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery with gastric tube reconstruction. Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the non-intervention group (group N) from May 2011 to September 2012, 31 patients in the perioperative rehabilitation group (group R) from October 2012 to April 2014, and 33 patients in the multidisciplinary support team group (group S) from May 2014 to September 2015. Morbidity rates were 38, 45.2, and 42.4% for groups N, R, and S, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the incidence of pneumonia among the groups, the durations of fever and C-reactive protein positivity were shorter in group S. Moreover, postoperative oral intake commenced earlier [5.9 (5-8) days] and postoperative hospital stay was shorter [19.6 (13-29) days] for group S. The intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy was effective in preventing the progression and prolongation of pneumonia as well as earlier ambulation, oral feeding, and shortening of postoperative hospitalization.

Potential impact of 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming on consecutive dry and wet days over West Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ama Browne Klutse, Nana; Ajayi, Vincent O.; Olabode Gbobaniyi, Emiola; Egbebiyi, Temitope S.; Kouadio, Kouakou; Nkrumah, Francis; Akumenyi Quagraine, Kwesi; Olusegun, Christiana; Diasso, Ulrich; Abiodun, Babatunde J.; Lawal, Kamoru; Nikulin, Grigory; Lennard, Christopher; Dosio, Alessandro

2018-05-01

We examine the impact of +1.5 °C and +2 °C global warming levels above pre-industrial levels on consecutive dry days (CDD) and consecutive wet days (CWD), two key indicators for extreme precipitation and seasonal drought. This is done using climate projections from a multi-model ensemble of 25 regional climate model (RCM) simulations. The RCMs take boundary conditions from ten global climate models (GCMs) under the RCP8.5 scenario. We define CDD as the maximum number of consecutive days with rainfall amount less than 1 mm and CWD as the maximum number of consecutive days with rainfall amount more than 1 mm. The differences in model representations of the change in CDD and CWD, at 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming, and based on the control period 1971‑2000 are reported. The models agree on a noticeable response to both 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming for each index. Enhanced warming results in a reduction in mean rainfall across the region. More than 80% of ensemble members agree that CDD will increase over the Guinea Coast, in tandem with a projected decrease in CWD at both 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming levels. These projected changes may influence already fragile ecosystems and agriculture in the region, both of which are strongly affected by mean rainfall and the length of wet and dry periods.

[Optical quality after 2.2mm microincisional cataract surgery with bimanual I/A in 154 eyes].

PubMed

Dot, C; El Chehab, H; Agard, E; Russo, A; Ract-Madoux, G; Dussart, C

2013-12-01

A prospective study to analyze the effects of 2.2mm microincisional coaxial phacoemulsification with bimanual irrigation/aspiration on the optical quality of the cornea and whole eye. We compare two groups. Group A: 102 consecutive eyes undergoing this three-incision procedure and implanted with an Alcon® SN60WF IQ aspheric intraocular lens. Astigmatism, corneal and total asphericity, as well as H/B ratio were measured by OPD scann II, Nidek®, Japan, preoperatively (Day 0), 15 days postoperatively (Day 15) and 1 month postoperatively (M1). Group B: 52 eyes with corneal astigmatism greater than 1.25D, undergoing the same procedure but implanted with a Toric IOL (Alcon® Toric IQ SN6AT), followed in the same manner but with additional follow-up at 1 year. Corneal surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was essentially neutral: 0.065D ± 0.86 at Day 30 in group A, and 0.06D ± 0.34 at 1 month and -0.008D ± 0.4 at 12 months in group B. Corneal topographic astigmatism underwent a mean axis shift of 29.95° ± 27.6 in group A compared to 5.3° ± 3.7 in Group B, and remained stable at 1 year. Corneal asphericity did not change significantly between Day 0 and 30 in either group. H/B ratio increased significantly in both groups, with a gain of 22 % to 24 % after surgery. This three-incision procedure does not degrade the optical quality of the cornea. Postoperative shift in the axis of astigmatism is only an issue in cases of low or asymmetric astigmatism and must be kept in mind for low-power toric IOL implantation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Influence of a Shorter Duration of Post-Operative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Elective Liver Resection.

PubMed

Sakoda, Masahiko; Iino, Satoshi; Mataki, Yuko; Kawasaki, Yota; Kurahara, Hiroshi; Maemura, Kosei; Ueno, Shinichi; Natsugoe, Shoji

Antibiotic prophylaxis has been recommended to reduce post-operative infectious complications. Discontinuation of post-operative antibiotic administration within 24 hours of operation is currently recommended. Many surgeons, however, conventionally tend to extend the duration of prophylactic antibiotic use. In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis to assess the efficacy of extended post-operative antibiotic use in patients who underwent elective liver resection. A total of 208 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection without biliary reconstruction were investigated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of post-operative antibiotic use: Only once after the operation (the post-operative day [POD] 0 group) and until three days after the operation (the POD 3 group). Post-operative complications in the two groups were analyzed and compared. Incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) were observed in 5% of the POD 0 group and 3% of the POD 3 group (p = 0.517). Organ/space SSIs were observed in 2% of the POD 0 group and 3% of the POD 3 group (p = 0.694). Overall infectious complications including SSIs and remote site infections were observed in 12% of the POD 0 group and 11% of the POD 3 group. Multi-variable analyses revealed that the short-term post-operative antibiotic regimen did not confer additional risk for infectious complications. In elective liver resection, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics on the operative day alone appears to be sufficient, because no additional benefit in the incidence of post-operative infectious complications was conferred on patients given antibiotic agents for three days.

A new postoperative pain management (intravenous acetaminophen: Acelio®) leads to enhanced recovery after esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PubMed

Ohkura, Yu; Shindoh, Junichi; Ueno, Masaki; Iizuka, Toshiro; Haruta, Shusuke; Udagawa, Harushi

2018-05-01

To investigate the efficacy of postoperative scheduled intravenous acetaminophen to reduce the opioid use and enhance the recovery after esophagectomy. A propensity score-matched population was created using the 93 and 69 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer before and after the introduction of postoperative scheduled intravenous acetaminophen, and the short-term clinical outcomes were compared. Significant defervescence was demonstrated in the Acetaminophen group (A-group) compared with control group (C-group) during the perioperative period (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed in the postoperative inflammatory parameters. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the groups. The number of PCA pushes and the frequency of using other non-opioid analgesics were significantly smaller in the A-group than in the C-group (p < 0.05). Both daily and cumulative opioid uses were significantly smaller in the A-group than in the C-group (p < 0.05). The time to first flatus was significantly shorter in the A-group than in the C-group (p < 0.001). The day of first walking after surgery was significantly earlier in the A-group than in the C-group (1.0 versus 2.0 days, p = 0.003). The ICU stay (2.86 versus 3.61 days, p < 0.001) and the hospital stay (21.5 versus 26.0 days, p = 0.061) tended to be shorter in the A-group than in the C-group. Postoperative scheduled intravenous acetaminophen decreased the rate of opioid use without increasing the intensity of postoperative pain and may be a feasible new pain management option in the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol following esophagectomy.

Suppression of follicular rupture with meloxicam, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor: potential for emergency contraception.

PubMed

Jesam, Cristián; Salvatierra, Ana María; Schwartz, Jill L; Croxatto, Horacio B

2010-02-01

There is evidence that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors can prevent or delay follicular rupture. COX-2 inhibitors, such as meloxicam, may offer advantages over emergency contraception with levonorgestrel, such as extending the therapeutic window for up to 24 h. We assessed the effect of meloxicam administered in the late follicular phase upon ovulation in women. This was a single center, double blind, crossover study designed to assess the effects in 27 eligible women (18-40 years old, surgically sterilized with regular menstrual cycles) of meloxicam, 15 or 30 mg/day, administered orally for five consecutive days during the late follicular phase, starting when the leading follicle reached 18 mm diameter. Volunteers underwent two treatment cycles separated by one resting cycle, with randomization to dose sequence. Main outcomes were follicular rupture; serum LH, progesterone and estradiol (E2) levels; and incidence of adverse events. Twenty-two volunteers completed the study. There were no differences between meloxicam doses in menstrual cycle length. Dysfunctional ovulation was observed in 11/22 (50%) cycles treated with 15 mg/day and 20/22 (90.9%) cycles with 30 mg/day (P = 0.0068). All women had normal luteal phase progesterone levels; mean maximal values +/- SEM were 42 +/- 4.1 and 46.8 +/- 2.6 nmol/l for 15 and 30 mg/day groups, respectively. There were no serious adverse events, and no changes in LH and E2 levels or in cycle length. Meloxicam 30 mg given for five consecutive days in the late follicular phase is safe, effective and may be an alternative form of emergency contraception.

Comparison of carbon dioxide and air insufflation during consecutive EGD and colonoscopy in moderate-sedation patients: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kim, Su Young; Chung, Jun-Won; Park, Dong Kyun; Kwon, Kwang An; Kim, Kyoung Oh; Kim, Yoon Jae; Kim, Jung Ho

2017-06-01

Endoscopy is performed with air insufflation and is usually associated with abdominal pain. It is well recognized that carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is absorbed more quickly into the body than air; however, to date, few studies have investigated the use of CO 2 insufflation during consecutive EGD and colonoscopy (CEC). Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of CO 2 insufflation compared with air insufflation in CEC. From March 2014 to April 2016, a total of 215 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive CO 2 insufflation (CO 2 group, n = 108) or air insufflation (air group, n = 107). Abdominal pain after CEC was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The amount of sedatives administered, use of analgesics, polyp detection rate (PDR), adenoma detection rate (ADR), abdominal circumference, and adverse events were also analyzed. Baseline patient characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. Abdominal pain on the VAS in the CO 2 group and air group 1 hour after CEC was, respectively, 13.8 and 20.1 (P = .010), 3 hours after CEC was 8.3 and 12.5 (P = .056), 6 hours after CEC was 3.5 and 5.3 (P = .246), and 1 day after CEC was 1.8 and 3.4 (P = .192). The dose of sedative administered, analgesic usage, PDR, ADR, and adverse events were not statistically different between the groups. However, the increase in abdominal circumference was significantly higher in the air group than in the CO 2 group. CO 2 insufflation was superior to air insufflation with regard to the pain score on the VAS in the hour after CEC. (Clinical trial registration number: KCT0001491.). Copyright © 2017 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Randomized clinical trial of extended use of a hydrophobic condenser humidifier: 1 vs. 7 days.

PubMed

Thomachot, Laurent; Leone, Marc; Razzouk, Karim; Antonini, François; Vialet, Renaud; Martin, Claude

2002-01-01

To determine whether extended use (7 days) would affect the efficiency on heat and water preservation of a hydrophobic condenser humidifier as well as the rate of ventilation-acquired pneumonia, compared with 1 day of use. Prospective, controlled, randomized, not blinded, clinical study. Twelve-bed intensive care unit of a university hospital. One hundred and fifty-five consecutive patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for > or = 48 hrs. After randomization, patients were allocated to one of the two following groups: a) heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) changed every 24 hrs; b) HMEs changed only once a week. Devices in both groups could be changed at the discretion of the staff when signs of occlusion or increased resistance were identified. Efficient airway humidification and heating were assessed by clinical variables (numbers of tracheal suctionings and instillations required, peak and mean airway pressures). The frequency rates of bronchial colonization and ventilation-acquired pneumonia were evaluated by using clinical and microbiological criteria. Endotracheal tube occlusion, ventilatory support variables, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care, acquired multiorgan dysfunction, and mortality rates also were recorded. The two groups were similar at the time of randomization. Endotracheal tube occlusion never occurred. In the targeted population (patients ventilated for > or = 7 days), the frequency rate of ventilation-acquired pneumonia was 24% in the HME 1-day group and 17% in the HME 7-day group (p > .05, not significant). Ventilation-acquired pneumonia rates per 1000 ventilatory support days were 16.4/1000 in the HME 1-day group and 12.4/1000 in the HME 7-day group (p > .05, not significant). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, acquired organ system derangements, and mortality rate. There was indirect evidence of very little, if any, change in HME resistance. Changing the studied hydrophobic HME after 7 days did not affect efficiency, increase resistance, or altered bacterial colonization. The frequency rate of ventilation-acquired pneumonia was also unchanged. Use of HMEs for > 24 hrs and up to 7 days is safe.

Contamination of Ambient Air with Acinetobacter baumannii on Consecutive Inpatient Days.

PubMed

Shimose, Luis A; Doi, Yohei; Bonomo, Robert A; De Pascale, Dennise; Viau, Roberto A; Cleary, Timothy; Namias, Nicholas; Kett, Daniel H; Munoz-Price, L Silvia

2015-07-01

Acinetobacter-positive patients had their ambient air tested for up to 10 consecutive days. The air was Acinetobacter positive for an average of 21% of the days; the rate of contamination was higher among patients colonized in the rectum than in the airways (relative risk [RR], 2.35; P = 0.006). Of the 6 air/clinical isolate pairs available, 4 pairs were closely related according to rep-PCR results. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

40 CFR 418.33 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory... consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) 0.45 0.24 Note: Metric... of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen...

40 CFR 418.33 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory... consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) 0.45 0.24 Note: Metric... of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen...

40 CFR 418.33 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory... consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) 0.45 0.24 Note: Metric... of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen...

40 CFR 418.33 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory... consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) 0.45 0.24 Note: Metric... of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen...

40 CFR 418.33 - Effluent limitations and guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Urea Subcategory... consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen (as N) 0.45 0.24 Note: Metric... of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Ammonia (as N) 0.53 0.27 Organic nitrogen...

Anticancer effects on leiomyosarcoma-bearing Wistar rats after electromagnetic radiation of resonant radiofrequencies.

PubMed

Avdikos, Antonios; Karkabounas, Spyridon; Metsios, Apostolos; Kostoula, Olga; Havelas, Konstantinos; Binolis, Jayne; Verginadis, Ioannis; Hatziaivazis, George; Simos, Ioannis; Evangelou, Angelos

2007-01-01

In the present study, the effects of a resonant low intensity static electromagnetic field (EMF), causing no thermal effects, on Wistar rats have been investigated. Sarcoma cell lines were isolated from leiomyosarcoma tumors induced in Wistar rats by the subcutaneous (s.c) injection of 3,4-benzopyrene. Furthermore, smooth muscle cells (SMC) were isolated from the aorta of Wistar rats and cultivated. Either leiomyosarcoma cells (LSC) or SMC were used to record a number of characteristic resonant radiofrequencies, in order to determine the specific electromagnetic fingerprint spectrum for each cell line. These spectra were used to compose an appropriate algorithm, which transforms the recorded radiofrequencies to emitted ones. The isolated LSC were cultured and then exposed to a resonant low intensity radiofrequency EMF (RF-EMF), at frequencies between 10 kHz to 120 kHz of the radiowave spectrum. The exposure lasted 45 consecutive minutes daily, for two consecutive days. Three months old female Wistar rats were inoculated with exposed and non-exposed to EMF LSC (4 x 10(6) LCS for animal). Inoculated with non-exposed to EMF cells animals were then randomly separated into three Groups. The first Group was sham exposed to the resonant EMF (control Group-CG), the second Group after the inoculation of LSC and appearance of a palpable tumor mass, was exposed to a non-resonant EMF radiation pattern, for 5 h per day till death of all animals (experimental control Group-ECG). The third Group of animals after inoculation of LSC and the appearance of a palpable tumor mass, was exposed to the resonant EMF radiation for 5 h per day, for a maximum of 60 days (experimental Group-I, EG-I). A fourth Group of animals was inoculated with LSC exposed to EMF irradiation and were not further exposed to irradiation (experimental Group-II, EG-II). Tumor induction was 100% in all Groups studied and all tumors were histologically identified as leiomyosarcomas. In the case of the EG-I, a number of tumors were completely regretted (final tumor induction: 66%). Both Groups of animals inoculated with exposed or non-exposed to the EMF LSC, (EG-I and EG-II, respectively) demonstrated a significant prolongation of the survival time and a lower tumor growth rate, in comparison to the control Group (CG) and the experimental control Group (ECG). However, the survival time of EG-I animals was found to be significantly longer and tumor growth rate significantly lower compared to EG-II animals. In conclusion, our results indicate a specific anticancer effect of resonant EMF irradiation. These results may possibly be attributed to (a) the duration of exposure of LSC and (b) the exposure of the entire animal to this irradiation.

Palliative treatment with radiation-emitting metallic stents in unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Lu, Jian; Guo, Jin-He; Zhu, Hai-Dong; Zhu, Guang-Yu; Wang, Yong; Zhang, Qi; Chen, Li; Wang, Chao; Pan, Tian-Fan; Teng, Gao-Jun

2017-01-01

The emerging data for stenting in combination with brachytherapy in unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma are encouraging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiation-emitting metallic stents (REMS) for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous placement with REMS or uncovered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma between September 2011 and April 2016 were identified into this retrospective study. Data on patient demographics and overall survival, functional success, stent patency and complications were collected at the authors' hospital. A total of 59 patients were included: 33 (55.9%) in the REMS group and 26 (44.1%) in the SEMS group. The median overall survival was 338 days in the REMS group and 141 days in the SEMS group (p<0.001). The median stent patency time was 385 days for REMS and 142 days for SEMS (p<0.001). The functional success rate (87.9% vs 84.6%, p=0.722) and incidence of overall complications (27.3% vs 26.9%, p=0.999) did not differ in the two groups. Placement with REMS is safe and effective in palliation for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and seems to prolong survival as well as patency of stent in these patients.

Caphosol(®) mouthwash gives no additional protection against oral mucositis compared to cryotherapy alone in stem cell transplantation. A pilot study.

PubMed

Svanberg, Anncarin; Öhrn, Kerstin; Birgegård, Gunnar

2015-02-01

To investigate if adding Caphosol(®), a mouthwash solution, to oral cryotherapy (OC) further protects against oral mucositis (OM), a toxic painful complication to high dose chemotherapy. The study was a randomised, controlled, study design. Patients ≥16 years scheduled for allogeneic stem cell transplantation were included consecutively and randomised to experimental group receiving OC combined with Caphosol(®) (n = 20) or control group receiving OC only (n = 20). OC was given from start to end of HDCT. Caphosol(®), from day 0 to day 21. There were no significant differences regarding age or gender between the groups. Mucositis was assessed with the World Health Organisation (WHO) grading scale. Pain was assessed with a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 = no pain to 10 = worst imaginable pain. Start and duration of therapy with pain relieving drugs, serum C-reactive protein values, and number of days of hospitalisation were collected from the medical records. Data on OM, oral pain, use of i.v. opioids and total parenteral nutrition were collected during 22 days. There was no significant difference between the groups on OM, oral pain, use of i.v. opioids or TPN between the groups. The study showed no additional effect of combining Caphosol(®) with OC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of compression garments on intermittent exercise performance and recovery on consecutive days.

PubMed

Duffield, Rob; Edge, Johann; Merrells, Robert; Hawke, Emma; Barnes, Matt; Simcock, David; Gill, Nicholas

2008-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether compression garments improve intermittent-sprint performance and aid performance or self-reported recovery from high-intensity efforts on consecutive days. Following familiarization, 14 male rugby players performed two randomized testing conditions (with or without garments) involving consecutive days of a simulated team sport exercise protocol, separated by 24 h of recovery within each condition and 2 weeks between conditions. Each day involved an 80-min high-intensity exercise circuit, with exercise performance determined by repeated 20-m sprints and peak power on a cart dynamometer (single-man scrum machine). Measures of nude mass, heart rate, skin and tympanic temperature, and blood lactate (La-) were recorded throughout each day; also, creatine kinase (CK) and muscle soreness were recorded each day and 48 h following exercise. No differences (P=.20 to 0.40) were present between conditions on either day of the exercise protocol for repeated 20-m sprint efforts or peak power on a cart dynamometer. Heart rate, tympanic temperature, and body mass did not significantly differ between conditions; however, skin temperature was higher under the compression garments. Although no differences (P=.50) in La- or CK were present, participants felt reduced levels of perceived muscle soreness in the ensuing 48 h postexercise when wearing the garments (2.5+/-1.7 vs 3.5+/-2.1 for garment and control; P=.01). The use of compression garments did not improve or hamper simulated team-sport activity on consecutive days. Despite benefits of reduced self-reported muscle soreness when wearing garments during and following exercise each day, no improvements in performance or recovery were apparent.

Planar embryos have poor prognosis in terms of blastocyst formation and implantation.

PubMed

Ebner, T; Maurer, M; Shebl, O; Moser, M; Mayer, R B; Duba, H C; Tews, G

2012-09-01

Normally, day-2 embryos show a crosswise arrangement of four cells with three blastomeres lying side by side. Cleavage anomalies include embryos that are characterized by a particular planar constellation of four blastomeres with presumed incomplete cleavage. Since little is known on the developmental fate of such conceptuses, within a 10-month period all consecutive patients were screened for day-2 planar embryos. A total of 64/2070 embryos with suboptimal blastomere configuration were detected (3.1%). In conventional IVF, planar embryos were significantly less frequent (0.7%) as compared with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (2.8%; P<0.05) and cases of testicular sperm extraction (5.4%; P<0.01). Interestingly, embryos with a cleavage anomaly showed better morphology both on day 2 (P<0.005) and day 3 (P<0.001). In contrast, blastocyst formation (P<0.001) and blastocyst quality (P=NS) was higher in tetrahedral embryos. There was a significant increase in implantation rate if tetrahedral embryos could be transferred compared with when planar embryos had to be transferred (P<0.01). It may be postulated that, in planar embryos, the mitotic spindle might have been affected, e.g. sperm centrosome composition or function, which in turn might have led to the observed cleavage anomaly. Normally, day-2 embryos show a crosswise arrangement of four cells with three blastomeres lying side by side. Cleavage anomalies include more planar embryos that are characterized by a particular flat constellation of four blastomeres with presumed premature cleavage (like a tetrafoliate clover). Since little is known on the developmental fate of such embryos within a 10-month study period, all consecutive patients were screened for the presence of day-2 planar embryos (study group). A total of 64 (out of 2070) embryos with abnormal blastomere configuration were detected (3.1%). Interestingly, in conventional IVF (0.7%), the presence of planar embryos was significantly less frequent as compared with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (2.8%; P<0.05) and cases of testicular biopsy (5.4%; P<0.01). Embryos from the study group showed better morphology both on day 2 (P<0.005) and day 3 (P<0.001). In contrast, blastocyst formation (survival to day 5 of preimplantation development) was higher in the normally cleaved control group (P<0.001) and so was blastocyst quality; however, the latter parameter did not reach level of significance. This was also reflected in a significantly higher implantation rate in the control group (P<0.01). Based on present data, it may be postulated that, in planar embryos, the mitotic spindle (which involves the sperm centrosome) might have been affected, which in turn might have led to an incomplete cleavage. Copyright © 2012 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Safety of aquaflor (florfenicol, 50% type a medicated article), administered in feed to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gaikowski, Mark P.; Wolf, Jeffery C.; Endris, Richard G.; Gingerich, William H.

2003-01-01

Aquaflor, a feed premix containing the broad spectrum antibacterial agent florfenicol (50% w/w), is being developed for use to control enteric septicemia (ESC) in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus caused by the gram-negative enterobacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri. The recommended dose of Aquaflor to control ESC is 10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for 10 days. The study objective was to determine the safety of Aquaflor administered in feed to channel catfish at doses of 0 (control), 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg BW/day for 20 consecutive days. Parameters evaluated included daily mortality, behavioral (appetite, distribution, flight/fright response), and water chemistry observations, initial and terminal weight measurements, and gross and microscopic pathology. Medicated feed consumption was 67-86% of target with group mean doses of 8.5 mg/kg BW/day, 24.6 mg/kg BW/day, and 34.9 mg/kg BW/day. There were no mortalities or clinically observable changes noted at any of the dose levels tested. Aquaflor-related changes were limited to the food consumption and histopathology data. Although Aquaflor-related decreased feed consumption was noted in the 30 and 50 mg/kg BW/day groups, there were no differences in fish growth among the treatment groups. Aquaflor-related histopathology findings were limited to a histomorphologically evident dose-dependent decrease in hematopoietic/lymphopoietic tissue in the anterior kidneys, posterior kidneys, and spleens of channel catfish.

Safety of Aquaflor (Florfenicol, 50% Type A Medicated Article), Administered in Feed to Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gaikowski, M.P.; Wolf, J.C.; Endris, R.G.; Gingerich, W.H.

2003-01-01

Aquaflor, a feed premix containing the broad spectrum antibacterial agent florfenicol (50% w/w), is being developed for use to control enteric septicemia (ESC) in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus caused by the gram-negative enterobacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri. The recommended dose of Aquaflor to control ESC is 10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for 10 days. The study objective was to determine the safety of Aquaflor administered in feed to channel catfish at doses of 0 (control), 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg BW/day for 20 consecutive days. Parameters evaluated included daily mortality, behavioral (appetite, distribution, flight/fright response), and water chemistry observations, initial and terminal weight measurements, and gross and microscopic pathology. Medicated feed consumption was 67-86% of target with group mean doses of 8.5 mg/kg BW/day, 24.6 mg/kg BW/day, and 34.9 mg/kg BW/day. There were no mortalities or clinically observable changes noted at any of the dose levels tested. Aquaflor-related changes were limited to the food consumption and histopathology data. Although Aquaflor-related decreased feed consumption was noted in the 30 and 50 mg/kg BW/day groups, there were no differences in fish growth among the treatment groups. Aquaflor-related histopathology findings were limited to a histomorphologically evident dose-dependent decrease in hematopoietic/lymphopoietic tissue in the anterior kidneys, posterior kidneys, and spleens of channel catfish.

Evaluation of effect of minocycline on rewarding potential and alcohol relapse in place preference model in mice.

PubMed

Gajbhiye, Snehalata V; Tripathi, Raakhi K; Salve, Bharat; Petare, Anup; Potey, Anirudha V

2017-05-10

Medical management for alcohol abuse has limitations. Alcohol consumption activates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and release of nitric oxide which can be inhibited by minocycline as it readily crosses blood brain barrier and may have effect on alcohol consumption. Thus, study objective is to evaluate the effect of minocycline on rewarding property, extinction and the reinstatement phenomenon induced by alcohol in a model of conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice. To evaluate rewarding effects of alcohol, CPP procedure consisted of 4 parts, including adaptation (day 1), pre-conditioning test (day 2), conditionings with alcohol (days 3, 5, 7 and 9) or saline (days 4, 6, 8 and 10) and postconditioning test (day 11) conducted on 11 consecutive days. The groups included were saline treated group (alcohol control), naltrexone - 1mg/kg (positive control), and minocycline in the doses of 10, 30 and 50mg/kg. To evaluate the effect of minocycline on alcohol relapse, CPP procedure consisted 6 parts, the first 4 were the same as enumerated above followed by extinction (days 12-16) and reinstatement phase (day 17). The time spent in alcohol paired compartment by different groups, revealed that minocycline and naltrexone significantly attenuated alcohol-induced place preference compared to alcohol control (p<0.05). Pretreatment with minocycline and naltrexone blocked reinstatement of extinguished CPP. Minocycline may have a role in attenuating the rewarding property of alcohol and prevent alcohol relapse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of Saccharomyces boulardii in Reduction of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

PubMed Central

Suganthi, V.

2016-01-01

Introduction Probiotics are known to reduce the severity of hyperbilirubinemia. Aim This study was done to evaluate the effect of probiotic on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates. Materials and Methods A total of 181 healthy term neonates after birth were divided into a control group (n=95) and a treatment group (n=86) randomly and treated with placebo and probiotic (Saccharomyces boulardii) respectively. A total of two doses were given orally in the first two consecutive days. The serum bilirubin levels were detected on day three of life. Babies were exclusively breastfed, clinical outcome was recorded. Comparison between groups was made by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the quantitative variables. A p-value of <0.05 using a two-tailed test was taken as being of significance for all statistical tests. Results On day 3, mean total serum bilirubin in control group among patient who has not developed clinical jaundice is 6.5mg% and in the treatment group is 5mg%. In patient with clinical jaundice, it is 13.6mg% in control group and 10.7mg% in the treatment group. The p-value was found to be <0.05 which is statistically significant. No obvious adverse reactions noted in either group. Conclusion Probiotics lowered the serum bilirubin level of healthy neonate with jaundice safely and significantly without any adverse reaction. PMID:28050461

Role of Saccharomyces boulardii in Reduction of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia.

PubMed

Suganthi, V; Das, A Gokul

2016-11-01

Probiotics are known to reduce the severity of hyperbilirubinemia. This study was done to evaluate the effect of probiotic on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates. A total of 181 healthy term neonates after birth were divided into a control group (n=95) and a treatment group (n=86) randomly and treated with placebo and probiotic ( Saccharomyces boulardii ) respectively. A total of two doses were given orally in the first two consecutive days. The serum bilirubin levels were detected on day three of life. Babies were exclusively breastfed, clinical outcome was recorded. Comparison between groups was made by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the quantitative variables. A p-value of <0.05 using a two-tailed test was taken as being of significance for all statistical tests. On day 3, mean total serum bilirubin in control group among patient who has not developed clinical jaundice is 6.5mg% and in the treatment group is 5mg%. In patient with clinical jaundice, it is 13.6mg% in control group and 10.7mg% in the treatment group. The p-value was found to be <0.05 which is statistically significant. No obvious adverse reactions noted in either group. Probiotics lowered the serum bilirubin level of healthy neonate with jaundice safely and significantly without any adverse reaction.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine treatment on oxidative stress and inflammation after severe burn.

PubMed

Csontos, C; Rezman, B; Foldi, V; Bogar, L; Drenkovics, L; Röth, E; Weber, G; Lantos, J

2012-05-01

Oxidative stress and inflammation generate edema in burns. The aim of our study was to assess effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on oxidative stress, inflammation, fluid requirement, multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) score and vasoactive drug requirement. In this study 15 patients were on standard therapy, whereas for other 15 patients NAC was supplemented. Blood samples were taken on admission and on the next five consecutive mornings. Levels of malondialdehyde, protein sulfhydril (PSH) groups, reduced gluthation (GSH), activity of myeloperoxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes and induced free radical generating capacity were measured as well as concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. MOD score, use of vasopressor agents and fluid utilisation were recorded daily. NAC treatment increased GSH level on days 4-5 (p<0.05) and PSH level on days 2-6 (p<0.05) compared to controls. Plasma IL-6 was lower on days 4-5 (p<0.05), IL-8 on days 4-6 (p<0.05) and IL-10 on days 4-6 (p<0.05) in NAC group. NAC group received less catecholamines than controls (p<0.01) from day 4 without significant differences in MOD score. NAC treatment is associated with a diminished oxidative stress reflected in preserved antioxidant levels, lower inflammation mirrored in lower interleukin levels and less vasopressor requirement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Use after Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Comparison of Two Practices.

PubMed

Singh, Amrita D; Parmar, Sapna; Patel, Khilna; Shah, Shreya; Shore, Tsiporah; Gergis, Usama; Mayer, Sebastian; Phillips, Adrienne; Hsu, Jing-Mei; Niesvizky, Ruben; Mark, Tomer M; Pearse, Roger; Rossi, Adriana; van Besien, Koen

2018-02-01

Administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is generally recommended to reduce the duration of severe neutropenia; however, data regarding the optimal timing of G-CSFs post-transplantation are limited and conflicting. This retrospective study was performed at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center between November 5, 2013, and August 9, 2016, of adult inpatient autologous PBSCT recipients who received G-CSF empirically starting on day +5 (early) versus on those who received G-CSF on day +12 only if absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was <0.5 × 10 9 /L (ANC-driven). G-CSF was dosed at 300 µg in patients weighing <75 kg and 480 µg in those weighing ≥75 kg. One hundred consecutive patients underwent autologous PBSCT using either the early (n = 50) or ANC-driven (n = 50) G-CSF regimen. Patient and transplantation characteristics were comparable in the 2 groups. In the ANC-driven group, 24% (n = 12) received G-CSF on day +12 and 60% (n = 30) started G-CSF earlier due to febrile neutropenia or at the physician's discretion, 6% (n = 3) started after day +12 at the physician's discretion, and 10% (n = 5) did not receive any G-CSF. The median start day of G-CSF therapy was day +10 in the ANC-driven group versus day +5 in the early group (P < .0001). For the primary outcome, the median time to neutrophil engraftment was 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 11-13 days) in the early group versus 13 days (IQR, 12-14 days) in the ANC-driven group (P = .07). There were no significant between-group differences in time to platelet engraftment, 1-year relapse rate, or 1-year overall survival. The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 74% in the early group versus 90% in the ANC-driven group (P = .04); however, there was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of positive bacterial cultures or transfer to the intensive care unit. The duration of G-CSF administration until neutrophil engraftment was 6 days in the early group versus 3 days in the ANC-driven group (P < .0001). The median duration of post-transplantation hospitalization was 15 days (IQR, 14-19 days) in the early group versus 16 days (IQR, 15-22 days) in the ANC-driven group (P = .28). Our data show that early initiation of G-CSF (on day +5) and ANC-driven initiation of G-CSF following autologous PBSCT were associated with a similar time to neutrophil engraftment, length of stay post-transplantation, and 1-year overall survival. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Biosorbable poly-L-lactide rib-connecting pins may reduce acute pain after thoracotomy.

PubMed

Iwasaki, A; Hamatake, D; Shirakusa, T

2004-02-01

Conventional thoracotomy is currently used as a standard procedure, and is often required to treat numerous diseases. Additionally, rib resections are occasionally required to maintain an adequate field of view for surgery. The benefits of using rib pins for chest closure following such procedures have not yet been established. This study sought to evaluate the usefulness of rib pins in reducing acute postoperative pain. Thirty-three consecutive patients with lung cancer underwent lobectomies using the posterolateral approach. The patients were rib-resected and reconstructed with two techniques: 21 patients with absorbable rib pins (ARP group) and 12 patients by ligation with absorbable sutures (LAS group). Intensity of pain was assessed during the 3 days immediately following surgery. The two groups were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) as a pain scale, amounts consumed of patient-controlled analgesics (PCA), and additional chest x-rays. On the first day following surgery, the mean VAS intensity of the ARP group for patient motion was 2.71 +/- 2.14, compared to 5.33 +/- 2.99 in the LAS group. After three days, the mean score for the ARP group was 1.98 +/- 1.89, compared to 4.60 +/- 1.97 in the LAS group. Scores in the ARP group were significantly lower than in the LAS group one day and three days following thoracotomy. The LAS group (55.0 +/- 15.9 times) made more frequent requests than the ARP group (16.1 +/- 10.3 times). The PCA requirement was also significantly lower in the ARP group. Excessive derangement of the rib (grade 2) was found in one case (4.7 %) in the ARP group compared to five cases (41.6 %) in the LAS group. Rib shifts were seen in numerous cases in the LAS group compared to the ARP group as measured by chest x-rays. Use of absorbable rib pins reduced postoperative pain and may improve long-term prospects for the post-thoracotomy course.

Wound-healing improvement by resurfacing split-thickness skin donor sites with thin split-thickness grafting.

PubMed

Bian, Yongqian; Sun, Chaofeng; Zhang, Xinping; Li, Yuejun; Li, Wangzhou; Lv, Xiaoxing; Li, Jing; Jiang, Li; Li, Jinqing; Feng, Jian; Li, Xue-Yong

2016-02-01

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site dressing has been controversial until now. Our study aimed to assess the patient comfort and wound-healing efficacy with the application of thin split-thickness skin grafts regrafting on STSG donor sites. One hundred ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting were included in the study, and the participants were randomly divided into the following three groups: group A was regrafted with thin STSGs and groups B and C were covered with occlusive hydrocellular dressing and paraffin gauze, respectively. The participants were compared according to the epithelialization time, pain and scar formation. The average time of epithelialization was 6.2 ± 1.1 days in group A, 11.1 ± 2.1 days in group B and 13.5 ± 2.5 days in group C. The pain scores on days 2 and 5 after operation were 2.3 ± 0.8 and 1.9 ± 0.8 in group A, 2.5 ± 1.1 and 3.9 ± 1.3 in group B, and 3.8 ± 1.4 and 5.9 ± 2.1 in group C. The scar scores at half a year and one year after operation were 4.3 ± 0.6 and 2.50 ± 0.6 in group A, 7.4 ± 0.6 and 6.2 ± 0.6 in group B, and 11.8 ± 0.4 and 10.9 ± 1.0 in group C, separately. The difference in the three groups was significant. Utilizing thin STSGs regrafting on donor sites could significantly shorten the epithelialization time, reduce pain and prevent hyperplastic scar formulation. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Adverse effect of combination of chronic psychosocial stress and high fat diet on hippocampus-dependent memory in rats.

PubMed

Alzoubi, K H; Abdul-Razzak, K K; Khabour, O F; Al-Tuweiq, G M; Alzubi, M A; Alkadhi, K A

2009-12-01

The combined effects of high fat diet (HFD) and chronic stress on the hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory were studied in rats using the radial arm water maze (RAWM). Chronic psychosocial stress and/or HFD were simultaneously administered for 3 months to young adult male Wister rats. In the RAWM, rats were subjected to 12 learning trials as well as short-term and long-term memory tests. This procedure was applied on a daily basis until the animal reaches days to criterion (DTC) in the 12th learning trial and in memory tests. DTC is the number of days that the animal takes to make zero error in two consecutive days. Groups were compared based on the number of errors per trial or test as well as on the DTC. Chronic stress, HFD and chronic stress/HFD animal groups showed impaired learning as indicated by committing significantly (P<0.05) more errors than untreated control group in trials 6 through 9 of day 4. In memory tests, chronic stress, HFD and chronic stress/HFD groups showed significantly impaired performance compared to control group. Additionally, the stress/HFD was the only group that showed significantly impaired performance in memory tests on the 5th training day, suggesting more severe memory impairment in that group. Furthermore, DTC value for above groups indicated that chronic stress or HFD, alone, resulted in a mild impairment of spatial memory, but the combination of chronic stress and HFD resulted in a more severe and long-lasting memory impairment. The data indicated that the combination of stress and HFD produced more deleterious effects on hippocampal cognitive function than either chronic stress or HFD alone.

Three consecutive days of application of LED therapy is necessary to inhibit experimentally induced root resorption in rats: a microtomographic study.

PubMed

Higashi, Dayla Thyeme; Andrello, Avacir Casanova; Tondelli, Pedro Marcelo; de Oliveira Toginho Filho, Dari; de Paula Ramos, Solange

2017-01-01

Previous studies have suggested that phototherapy may modulate orthodontic tooth movement and the incidence of root resorption. We aimed to identify a minimal dose-response relationship to LED therapy with regard to orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and root resorption in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups with equal and random distribution: control (C) no intervention; three daily LED irradiation (CLED); submitted only to OTM (RR); OTM and LED irradiation on the first day (LED1); OTM and two LED irradiation on the first and second days (LED2); and OTM and three LED irradiation on the first, second, and third days (LED3). Orthodontic appliance was installed in groups RR, LED1, LED2, and LED3 to promote OTM. Animals from groups CLED, LED1, LED2, and LED3 received LED therapy (940 nm, 4 J, 4 J/cm2) according to each group of treatment. After 7 days, all the animals were sacrificed. The jaws were fixed and scanned with microtomography (micro-CT). The micro-CT images were reconstructed on 2D and 3D models. These models were used to identify and measure root resorption number and dimensions (diameter, depth, and volume). The distance between the first and second molars was used to verify tooth displacement. The results showed that LED3 group had significantly lower number of root resorption. The root resorption dimensions (diameter and depth) had no significant differences among the experimental groups. LED3 group had significant tooth displacement in relation to C and CLED groups. In conclusion, three daily LED therapy doses are required to inhibit root resorption after appliance of orthodontic forces.

Muscle electrical stimulation improves neurovascular control and exercise tolerance in hospitalised advanced heart failure patients.

PubMed

Groehs, Raphaela V; Antunes-Correa, Ligia M; Nobre, Thais S; Alves, Maria-Janieire Nn; Rondon, Maria Urbana Pb; Barreto, Antônio Carlos Pereira; Negrão, Carlos E

2016-10-01

We investigated the effects of muscle functional electrical stimulation on muscle sympathetic nerve activity and muscle blood flow, and, in addition, exercise tolerance in hospitalised patients for stabilisation of heart failure. Thirty patients hospitalised for treatment of decompensated heart failure, class IV New York Heart Association and ejection fraction ≤ 30% were consecutively randomly assigned into two groups: functional electrical stimulation (n = 15; 54 ± 2 years) and control (n = 15; 49 ± 2 years). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was directly recorded via microneurography and blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography. Heart rate and blood pressure were evaluated on a beat-to-beat basis (Finometer), exercise tolerance by 6-minute walk test, quadriceps muscle strength by a dynamometer and quality of life by Minnesota questionnaire. Functional electrical stimulation consisted of stimulating the lower limbs at 10 Hz frequency, 150 ms pulse width and 70 mA intensity for 60 minutes/day for 8-10 consecutive days. The control group underwent electrical stimulation at an intensity of < 20 mA. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except age that was higher and C-reactive protein and forearm blood flow that were smaller in the functional electrical stimulation group. Functional electrical stimulation significantly decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity and increased muscle blood flow and muscle strength. No changes were found in the control group. Walking distance and quality of life increased in both groups. However, these changes were greater in the functional electrical stimulation group. Functional electrical stimulation improves muscle sympathetic nerve activity and vasoconstriction and increases exercise tolerance, muscle strength and quality of life in hospitalised heart failure patients. These findings suggest that functional electrical stimulation may be useful to hospitalised patients with decompensated chronic heart failure. © The European Society of Cardiology 2016.

Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological impacts of barium chloride and barium carbonate accumulation in soft tissues of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Mohammed, Amany Tharwat; Ismail, Hager Tarek H

2017-12-01

The present study was designed to investigate the hematotoxicity, sero-biochemical and histological changes due to the accumulation of BaCl 2 and BaCO 3 , the most important barium salts in our daily lives, in different soft tissues including the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen of adult rats after an oral exposure for 30 consecutive days, and to explain the different mechanisms by which this metal can exert these impacts. For this purpose, adult male rats were divided into three main groups of 15 animals each: group I, serving as controls, group II, receiving BaCl 2 orally in a dose of 179 mg barium/kg b.wt, and group III, receiving BaCO 3 orally in a dose of 418 mg barium/kg b.wt. for 30 consecutive days. Obviously, normocytic normochromic anemia was evident in both barium groups. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant declines in glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and urea with significant elevations in malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase levels. Hyperphosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypochloremia were also evident in both barium groups. Besides, residual analysis of both barium salts in different body organs revealed significantly abundant barium residues in the liver, spleen, heart, and kidney, respectively in both barium salts groups. Moreover, splenic tissue showed hemosiderosis, peritubular congestion, and necrotic glomeruli with intratubular hemorrhage. Sever subepicardial congestion with intramuscular edema was evident in the heart. In conclusion, BaCl 2 and BaCO 3 were able to deliver mortalities, antioxidant enzymes exhaustion, and a sort of normocytic normochromic anemia, as well as marked disturbances in cardiac, hepatic, and renal functions due to the accumulation of these two salts in the soft tissues. Therefore, these results demonstrate the unrecognized toxicity of those two barium salts due to their accumulation in various soft tissues of the body and so, this needs to reconsider about barium exposure.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor supportive treatment following intensive chemotherapy in acute lymphocytic leukemia in first remission.

PubMed

Kantarjian, H M; Estey, E; O'Brien, S; Anaissie, E; Beran, M; Pierce, S; Robertson, L; Keating, M J

1993-11-15

The efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in reducing neutropenia and its associated complications in adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) undergoing intensive chemotherapy in first remission was evaluated. Fourteen adult patients with ALL in first remission received intensive chemotherapy consisting of mitoxantrone 5 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) over 1 hour daily for 3 days, cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) 3 g/m2 IV over 2 hours every 12 hours x 4 on days 1 and 2, vincristine 2 mg IV on day 1, solumedrol 50 mg IV twice daily for 5 days, and G-CSF 5 micrograms/kg subcutaneously daily starting on day 4 until granulocyte recovery. Their outcome was compared with that of 14 consecutive patients who received the same intensification chemotherapy, but without G-CSF. The latter patients had been entered on the same ALL protocol from April 1990 through June 1991. G-CSF administration was associated with a significant shortening in the duration of neutropenia. The number of days to granulocyte recovery above 0.5 x 10(3)/microliters was 14 in the G-CSF group versus 18 days in the historical group (P < 0.001). Two episodes of documented infections were observed in the G-CSF group compared with four episodes in the historical group. Death during intensification therapy occurred in 2 of 14 patients in the historical group, but in none of the 14 patients receiving G-CSF. G-CSF as an adjunct to intensive chemotherapy in adults with ALL in first remission yielded positive results. Future studies incorporating growth factors supportive care during remission, induction, and consolidation may reduce treatment-related morbidity and mortality, increase the dose-intensity delivery of therapy, and potentially improve patient outcome.

The phytoremediation potential of Plectranthus neochilus on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and the role of antioxidant capacity in herbicide tolerance.

PubMed

Ramborger, Bruna Piaia; Ortis Gularte, Claudia Alves; Rodrigues, Daniela Teixeira; Gayer, Mateus Cristofari; Sigal Carriço, Murilo Ricardo; Bianchini, Matheus Chimelo; Puntel, Robson Luiz; Denardin, Elton Luis Gasparotto; Roehrs, Rafael

2017-12-01

The possible phytoremediation capacity of Plectranthus neochilus (boldo) exposed to the commercial pesticide (Aminol) in soil and water through consecutive extractions (days interval) was evaluated. After the exposure period, tea leaves from the plant were analyzed in terms of the presence of 2,4-D, total antioxidant capacity (DPPH), concentration of total polyphenols and flavonoids for plants exposed to soil and water. In water, 2,4-D remained up to 67% in the 60 days of experiment in the control group, which provided the use of two treatment groups with the plant (one group of plants for 30 days and another group in the remaining 30 days in the same system), thus, a decontamination up to 49% of the 2,4-D was obtained in this system with water. In both experiments (soil and water) the 2,4-D was not detected in tea leaves, the reduction of the antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavonoids of plants exposed to the herbicide was also observed when compared to the non-exposed plants. In tea - plants in water - it was also possible to quantify the phenolic compounds and it was observed that in the group of plants of the first 30 days there was a decrease in caffeic acid and an increase in coumaric and ferulic acids, compared to the group of plants that were not exposed to 2,4-D. In the remaining 30 days with the new seedlings there was a decrease of the coumaric acid and an increase of the caffeic and ferulic acids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Holistic Healing Through Herbs: Effectiveness of Aloe Vera on Post Extraction Socket Healing

PubMed Central

Talla, Harsha Vardhan; Bairi, Jaya Krishna; Gopaldas, Madhulatha; Bathula, Haritha; Vangdoth, Sandeep

2017-01-01

Introduction Advances in the field of alternative medicine has encouraged the use of various natural products for multiple uses in the field of dentistry for treatment of various oral diseases. A natural herbal product is Aloe vera, which has number of benefits with no reported side effects and gaining considerable importance in clinical research. Aim The aim of this cross-sectional randomized interventional study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Aloe vera in the healing of post extraction sockets. Materials and Methods A sample size of 40 patients undergoing atraumatic extraction was divided into two groups. Group A-patients were prescribed only analgesics and followed for seven consecutive days and socket healing assessment was done. Group B-Patients were given Aloe vera soaked gel foams, followed up to the third and seventh day by two observers and the socket healing was assessed using the standardized index by Landry, Turnbull and Howley. In addition to healing the common complaint associated with extraction wound, the pain was assessed using numerical rating scale. Data obtained was statistically analysed using Mann-whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed ranks test and Spearman’s rank correlation method. Results Control group on the third and the seventh day showed healing of 60% and 70% respectively and the Aloe vera group showed a better result having a healing potential of 70% on the third day and 90% on the seventh day which was statistically significant with a (p-value<0.001). Aloe vera group showed a significant decrease in pain after two hours on the day of extraction followed by second, third and seventh day which was statistically significant (p-value<0.001) and better than the control group. Conclusion Aloe vera has been proved to have a unique property that is implicated in better healing than other group without any side effects. Aloe vera is economical, effective, powerful nutritional supplement and antioxidant that protects and promotes wound healing. PMID:28511517

Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Arginine Improve Performance in Two Consecutive Days of Simulated Handball Games in Male and Female Athletes: A Randomized Trial

PubMed Central

Chang, Chen-Kang; Chang Chien, Kun-Ming; Chang, Jung-Hsien; Huang, Mei-Hsuan; Liang, Ya-Chuan; Liu, Tsung-Han

2015-01-01

The central nervous system plays a crucial role in the development of physical fatigue. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of combined supplementation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and arginine on intermittent sprint performance in simulated handball games on 2 consecutive days. Methods: Fifteen male and seven female handball players consumed 0.17 g/kg BCAA and 0.04 g/kg arginine together (AA trial), or placebo (PB trial) before exercise. Each trial contained two 60-min simulated handball games on consecutive days. The game was consisted of 30 identical 2-min blocks and a 20 m all-out sprint was performed at the end of each block. The performance, measured by percentage changes of sprint time between day 1 and 2, was significantly better in the AA trial (first half: AA trial: -1.34±0.60%, PB trial: -0.21±0.69%; second half: AA trial: -1.68±0.58%, PB trial: 0.49±0.42%). The average ratings of perceive exertion throughout the 2-day trial was significantly lower in the AA trial (14.2±0.3) than the PB trial (15.1±0.4). Concurrently, post-exercise tryptophan/BCAA ratio on both days in the AA trial was significantly lower than the baseline. This study showed that BCAA and arginine supplementation could improve performance in intermittent sprints on the second consecutive day of simulated handball games in well-trained athletes by potentially alleviating central fatigue. PMID:25803783

Effect of Oral Administration of Bromelain on Postoperative Discomfort After Third Molar Surgery.

PubMed

Ghensi, Paolo; Cucchi, Alessandro; Creminelli, Luca; Tomasi, Cristiano; Zavan, Barbara; Maiorana, Carlo

2017-03-01

The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of bromelain on discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery. Eighty-four consecutive patients requiring surgical removal of a single mandibular impacted third molar under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to receiving no drug (control group, Group A), postoperative 40 mg bromelain every 6 hours for 6 days (Group B), preoperative 4 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate as a submucosal injection (Group C), and preoperative 4 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate as a submucosal injection plus postoperative 40 mg bromelain every 6 hours for 6 days (Group D). Standardized surgical and analgesic protocols were adopted. Maximum interincisal distance and facial contours were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 2 and 7. Pain was measured objectively by counting the number of analgesic tablets required. Patient perception of the severity of symptoms was assessed with a follow-up questionnaire (PoSSe scale). On postoperative day 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in facial edema in both Groups C and D compared with the control group, but no statistically significant differences were observed between Group B and the control group. At evaluation on postoperative day 7, Group D showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative swelling compared with the control group. The combined use of bromelain and dexamethasone (Group D) induced a statistically significant reduction in the total number of analgesic tablets taken after surgery compared with the control group. The treatment groups had a limited, nonsignificant effect on trismus when compared with the control group. Bromelain used singly showed moderate anti-inflammatory efficacy, reducing postoperative swelling, albeit not to any significant extent compared with no drug administration. The combined use of bromelain and dexamethasone sodium phosphate yielded the best results in terms of control of postoperative discomfort.

Influence of Light Emitting Diode-Derived Blue Light Overexposure on Mouse Ocular Surface.

PubMed

Lee, Hyo Seok; Cui, Lian; Li, Ying; Choi, Ji Suk; Choi, Joo-Hee; Li, Zhengri; Kim, Ga Eon; Choi, Won; Yoon, Kyung Chul

2016-01-01

To investigate the influence of overexposure to light emitting diode (LED)-derived light with various wavelengths on mouse ocular surface. LEDs with various wavelengths were used to irradiate C57BL/6 mice at an energy dose of 50 J/cm2, twice a day, for 10 consecutive days. The red, green, and blue groups represented wavelengths of 630 nm, 525 nm, and 410 nm, respectively. The untouched group (UT) was not exposed to LED light and served as the untreated control. Tear volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in the cornea and conjunctiva using a multiplex immunobead assay at day 10. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry, 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay, histologic analysis, immunohistochemistry with 4-hydroxynonenal, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining were also performed. TBUT of the blue group showed significant decreases at days 7 and 10, compared with the UT and red groups. Corneal fluorescein staining scores significantly increased in the blue group when compared with UT, red, and green groups at days 5, 7, and 10. A significant increase in the corneal levels of IL-1β and IL-6 was observed in the blue group, compared with the other groups. The blue group showed significantly increased reactive oxygen species production in the DCF-DA assay and increased inflammatory T cells in the flow cytometry. A significantly increased TUNEL positive cells was identified in the blue group. Overexposure to blue light with short wavelengths can induce oxidative damage and apoptosis to the cornea, which may manifest as increased ocular surface inflammation and resultant dry eye.

An intervention to increase patients' trust in their physicians. Stanford Trust Study Physician Group.

PubMed

Thom, D H; Bloch, D A; Segal, E S

1999-02-01

To investigate the effect of a one-day workshop in which physicians were taught trust-building behaviors on their patients' levels of trust and on outcomes of care. In 1994, the study recruited 20 community-based family physicians and enrolled 412 consecutive adult patients from those physicians' practices. Ten of the physicians (the intervention group) were randomly assigned to receive a one-day training course in building and maintaining patients' trust. Outcomes were patients' trust in their physicians, patients' and physicians' satisfaction with the office visit, continuity in the patient-physician relationship, patients' adherence to their treatment plans, and the numbers of diagnostic tests and referrals. Physicians and patients in the intervention and control groups were similar in demographic and other data. There was no significant difference in any outcome. Although their overall ratings were not statistically significantly different, the patients of physicians in the intervention group reported more positive physician behaviors than did the patients of physicians in the control group. The trust-building workshop had no measurable effect on patients' trust or on outcomes hypothesized to be related to trust.

Anthelmintic efficacy of ivermectin and abamectin, administered orally for seven consecutive days (100 µg/kg/day), against nematodes in naturally infected pigs.

PubMed

Lopes, Welber Daniel Zanetti; Teixeira, Weslen Fabricio Pires; Felippelli, Gustavo; Cruz, Breno Cayeiro; Buzulini, Carolina; Maciel, Willian Giquelin; Fávero, Flávia Carolina; Gomes, Lucas Vinicius Costa; Prando, Luciana; Bichuette, Murilo A; Dos Santos, Thais Rabelo; da Costa, Alvimar José

2014-12-01

The present study aimed to evaluate ivermectin and abamectin, both administered orally in naturally infected domestic swine, as well as analysing if the EPG (eggs per gram of faeces) values were equivalent with the ivermectin and abamectin efficacy obtained by parasitological necropsies. The animals were randomly selected based on the average of three consecutive EPG counts of Strongylida, Ascaris suum and Trichuris for experiment I, and of Strongylida and Trichuris for experiment II. After the random draw, eight animals were treated, orally, during seven consecutive days with 100 µg/kg/day ivermectin (Ivermectina® premix, Ouro Fino Agronegócios), eight other animals were treated, orally, during seven consecutive days with 100 µg/kg/day abamectin (Virbamax® premix - Virbac do Brasil Indústria e Comércio Ltda.), and eight pigs were kept as controls. EPG counts were performed for each individual animal at 14th day post-treatment (DPT). All animals (control and treatment) were necropsied at the 14th DPT. The results from both experiments demonstrate that both ivermectin and abamectin, administered orally for a continuous period of seven days, at a daily dosage of 100 µg/kg, were highly effective (>95%) against Hyostrongylus rubidus, Strongyloides ransomi, Ascaris suum and Metastrongylus salmi. Against Oesophagostomum dentatum, abamectin presented over 95% efficacy against both evaluated strains, while ivermectin reached other strain as resistant. Regarding T. suis, both ivermectin and abamectin were effective (efficacies >90%) against one of the tested strains, while the other one was classified as resistant. Furthermore, the EPG values were equivalent with the ivermectin and abamectin efficacy obtained by parasitological necropsies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus After Liver Transplantation: Assessment of Insulin Administration as a Risk Factor.

PubMed

Linder, Kristin E; Baker, William L; Rochon, Caroline; May, Scott T; Sheiner, Patricia A; Martin, Spencer T

2016-05-01

Impaired glucose regulation posttransplantation can affect allograft survival and may lead to the development of posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). The primary purpose of this study is to assess the difference in insulin burden between liver transplant patients who develop PTDM and patients who do not. This was a single-center, retrospective study. Adult liver transplant recipients transplanted between January 1, 2005, and August 1, 2013, were included. PTDM was defined as: (1) use of an oral antihyperglycemic agent for ≥30 consecutive days after transplant, (2) use of insulin ≥30 consecutive days after transplant, or (3) hemoglobin A1C≥6.5 any time after transplant. Of the 114 patients included, 48 (42%) developed PTDM. The average 24-hour insulin requirement on the medical floors was 17.2 ± 14.5 units in the PTDM group and 11.3 ± 12.2 units in the PTDM-free group;P= 0.02. The average blood glucose level on the medical floor was 184.7 ± 31.5 mg/dL in the PTDM group and 169.3 ± 31.4 mg/dL in the PTDM-free group;P= 0.013. Multivariate analysis revealed that experiencing rejection was positively associated with the development of PTDM: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.237; 95% CI = 1.214-8.633. Basiliximab was negatively associated with the development of PTDM: AOR = 0.182; 95% CI = 0.040-0.836. Univariate analyses suggest that insulin burden is a positive risk factor for the development of PTDM; this association is lost in multivariate analyses. Rejection was a positive predictor, and use of basiliximab was a negative predictor for the development of PTDM. © The Author(s) 2016.

Effect of Royal Jelly on premenstrual syndrome among Iranian medical sciences students: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Taavoni, Simin; Barkhordari, Fatemeh; Goushegir, Ashrafeddin; Haghani, Hamid

2014-08-01

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may have negative effects on women's health and sometimes need therapeutic non-pharmacological management. To determine the effect of oral consumption of 1000 mg Royal Jelly capsule on premenstrual syndrome. This is a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, which was conducted in Tehran University of Medical Sciences female dormitories between December 2011 and October 2012. The study population comprised 110 medical sciences student with PMS, whom were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Each participant in the intervention group took one Royal jelly capsule orally per day, starting on the first day of menstruation and continued the same treatment daily throughout two consecutive menstrual cycles, while participants in the intervention group took placebo capsules as same method. The outcome measure in this study was PMS score as obtained through the Premenstrual Profile 2005. The mean of personal characteristics and baseline level of the premenstrual score before intervention did not differ between groups. After two consecutive months consumption of Royal Jelly, PMS score had decreased from 23.17 ± 17.43 to 11.42 ± 14.58 (mean change: 11.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.31-15.19) and in Placebo, PMS score changed from 21.48 ± 16.39 to 20.27 ± 15.76 (mean change: 1.20; 95% CI: -1.69 to 4.10). Also difference between mean changes was significant (mean difference: 10.54; 95% CI: 6.10-14.98). The results of the study have demonstrated that 2 months consumption of Royal Jelly was effective in reducing PMS. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs: a placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Landsberg, G M; Beck, A; Lopez, A; Deniaud, M; Araujo, J A; Milgram, N W

2015-09-12

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) collar in reducing sound-induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. Twenty-four beagle dogs naïve to the current test were divided into two treatment groups (DAP and placebo) balanced on their fear score in response to a thunderstorm recording. Each group was then exposed to two additional thunderstorm simulation tests on consecutive days. Dogs were video-assessed by a trained observer on a 6-point scale for active, passive and global fear and anxiety (combined). Both global and active fear and anxiety scores were significantly improved during and following thunder compared with placebo on both test days. DAP significantly decreased global fear and anxiety across 'during' and 'post' thunder times when compared with baseline. There was no significant improvement in the placebo group from baseline on the test days. In addition, the DAP group showed significantly greater use of the hide box at any time with increased exposure compared with the placebo group. The DAP collar reduced the scores of fear and anxiety, and increased hide use in response to a thunder recording, possibly by counteracting noise-related increased reactivity. British Veterinary Association.

Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs: a placebo-controlled study

PubMed Central

Landsberg, G. M.; Beck, A.; Lopez, A.; Deniaud, M.; Araujo, J. A.; Milgram, N. W.

2015-01-01

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) collar in reducing sound-induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. Twenty-four beagle dogs naïve to the current test were divided into two treatment groups (DAP and placebo) balanced on their fear score in response to a thunderstorm recording. Each group was then exposed to two additional thunderstorm simulation tests on consecutive days. Dogs were video-assessed by a trained observer on a 6-point scale for active, passive and global fear and anxiety (combined). Both global and active fear and anxiety scores were significantly improved during and following thunder compared with placebo on both test days. DAP significantly decreased global fear and anxiety across ‘during’ and ‘post’ thunder times when compared with baseline. There was no significant improvement in the placebo group from baseline on the test days. In addition, the DAP group showed significantly greater use of the hide box at any time with increased exposure compared with the placebo group. The DAP collar reduced the scores of fear and anxiety, and increased hide use in response to a thunder recording, possibly by counteracting noise-related increased reactivity. PMID:26311736

Effect of Repositioning Maneuver Type and Postmaneuver Restrictions on Vertigo and Dizziness in Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo

PubMed Central

Toupet, Michel; Ferrary, Evelyne; Bozorg Grayeli, Alexis

2012-01-01

Introduction. To compare the efficiency of Epley (Ep) and Sémont-Toupet (ST) repositioning maneuvers and to evaluate postmaneuver restriction effect on short-term vertigo and dizziness after repositioning maneuvers by an analog visual scale (VAS) in benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV). Material and Methods. 226 consecutive adult patients with posterior canal BPPV were included. Patients were randomized into 2 different maneuver sequence groups (n = 113): 2 ST then 1 Ep or 2 Ep then 1 ST. Each group of sequence was randomized into 2 subgroups: with or without postmaneuver restrictions. Vertigo and dizziness were assessed from days 0 to 5 by VAS. Results. There was no difference between vertigo scores between Ep and ST groups. Dizziness scores were higher in Ep group during the first 3 days but became similar to those of ST group at days 4 and 5. ST maneuvers induced liberatory signs more frequently than Ep (58% versus 42% resp., P < 0.01, Fisher's test). After repositioning maneuvers, VAS scores decreased similarly in patients with and without liberatory signs. Postmaneuver restrictions did not influence VAS scores. Conclusion. Even if ST showed a higher rate of liberatory signs than Ep in this series, VAS scores were not influenced by these signs. PMID:22973168

[Efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and its effects on T lymphocyte subsets and activity of NK cell].

PubMed

Xia, Depeng; Chen, Peifang; Du, Peixue; Ding, Lijun; Liu, Anli

2017-08-12

To observe the efficacy differences between acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion and regular acupuncture on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome, and to explore its effects on T lymphocyte subsets and activity of NK cell. A total of 60 patients with CFS of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into a catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion (CECGP) group and a regular acupuncture group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the CECGP group were treated with acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion; the acupoint catgut embedding was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Qihai (CV 6), once a week, while the ginger-partitioned moxibustion was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once every three days for consecutive one month. The patients in the regular acupuncture group were treated with regular acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Qihai (CV 6), once a day, 6 treatments per week (one day for rest) for consecutive one month. The clinical symptom scores, fatigue scale-14 (FS-14), fatigue assessment instrument (FAI), laboratory test results and total effective rate were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. (1) After treatment, the clinical symptom scores, FS-14 and FAI were reduced in the two groups (all P <0.05); after treatment, the clinical symptom scores, FS-14 and FAI in the CECGP group were significantly lower than those in the regular acupuncture group (all P <0.05). (2) After treatment, the CD 4 + /CD 8 + , natural killer cell% (NK%), CD 3 + %, CD% were all increased in the two groups (all +4 P <0.05); the CD 4 + /CD 8 + , CD 3 + %, CD% in the CECGP group were significantly higher than those in the regular acupuncture group (all P <0.05). (3) After treatment, the total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30) in the CECGP group, which was similar to 93.3% (28/30) in the regular acupuncture group ( P >0.05). The acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion, which could effectively relieve the symptoms, regulate T lymphocyte subsets and the activity of NK cell, is an effective method for CFS of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome.

The influence of microwave radiation from cellular phone on fetal rat brain.

PubMed

Jing, Ji; Yuhua, Zhang; Xiao-qian, Yang; Rongping, Jiang; Dong-mei, Guo; Xi, Cui

2012-03-01

The increasing use of cellular phones in our society has brought focus on the potential detrimental effects to human health by microwave radiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress and the level of neurotransmitters in the brains of fetal rats chronically exposed to cellular phones. The experiment was performed on pregnant rats exposed to different intensities of microwave radiation from cellular phones. Thirty-two pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups: CG, GL, GM, and GH. CG accepted no microwave radiation, GL group radiated 10 min each time, GM group radiated 30 min, and GH group radiated 60 min. The 3 experimental groups were radiated 3 times a day from the first pregnant day for consecutively 20 days, and on the 21st day, the fetal rats were taken and then the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), noradrenaline (NE), dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HT) in the brain were assayed. Compared with CG, there were significant differences (P<0.05) found in the contents of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA in GM and GH; the contents of SOD and GSH-Px decreased and the content of MDA increased. The significant content differences of NE and DA were found in fetal rat brains in GL and GH groups, with the GL group increased and the GH group decreased. Through this study, we concluded that receiving a certain period of microwave radiation from cellular phones during pregnancy has certain harm on fetal rat brains.

In vitro analysis of low-level laser irradiation on human osteoblast-like cells proliferation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloise, Nora; Saino, Enrica; Bragheri, Francesca; Minzioni, Paolo; Cristiani, Ilaria; Imbriani, Marcello; Visai, Livia

2011-07-01

The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro effect of a single or a multiple doses of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on proliferation of the human osteosarcoma cell line, SAOS-2. SAOS-2 cells were divided in five groups and exposed to LLLI (659 nm diode laser; 11 mW power output): group I as a control (dark), group II exposed to a single laser dose of 1 J/cm2, group III irradiated with a single dose of 3 J/cm2, and group IV and V exposed for three consecutive days to 1 or 3 J/cm², respectively. Cellular proliferation was assessed daily up to 7 days of culturing. The obtained results showed an increase in proliferative capacity of SAOS-2 cells during the first 96 h of culturing time in once-irradiated cells, as compared to control cells. Furthermore, a significantly higher proliferation in the group IV and V was detected if compared to a single dose or to control group after 96 h and 7 days. In conclusion, the effect of the single dose on cell proliferation was transitory and repeated irradiations were necessary to observe a strong enhancement of SAOS-2 growth. As a future perspective, we would like to determine the potential of LLLI as a new approach for promoting bone regeneration onto biomaterials.

Local Anaesthetic Infiltration and Indwelling Postoperative Wound Catheters for Patients with Hip Fracture Reduce Death Rates and Length of Stay

PubMed Central

Harrison, William D.; Lees, Deborah; A'Court, Jamie; Ankers, Thomas; Harper, Ian; Inman, Dominic; Reed, Mike R.

2015-01-01

Background. An analgesic enhanced recovery (ER) protocol for patients with a hip fracture was introduced. It was hypothesised that the ER would reduce pain, length of stay and improve clinical outcomes. The protocol used intraoperative infiltration of levobupivacaine followed by ongoing wound infusions. Methods. Consecutive patients admitted to two hospitals were eligible for the ER protocol. Numerical Reporting Scale pain scores (0–10) were recorded alongside opiate requirements. 434 patients in the ER group (316 full ER, 90 partial ER, and 28 no ER) were compared to a control group (CG) of 100 consecutive patients managed with traditional opiate analgesia. Results. Mean opiate requirement was 49.2 mg (CG) versus 32.5 mg (ER). Pain scores were significantly reduced in the full ER group, p < 0.0001. Direct discharge home and mean acute inpatient stay were significantly reduced (p = 0.0031 and p < 0.0001, resp.). 30-day mortality was 15% (CG) versus 5.5% (ER), p = 0.0024. Conclusions. This analgesic ER protocol for patients with a hip fracture was safe and effective and was associated with reduced inpatient stay and mortality. PMID:26649330

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Mortality and Ventilator-Free Days in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation With Sepsis

PubMed Central

Kawazoe, Yu; Miyamoto, Kyohei; Morimoto, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Tomonori; Fuke, Akihiro; Hashimoto, Atsunori; Koami, Hiroyuki; Beppu, Satoru; Katayama, Yoichi; Itoh, Makoto; Ohta, Yoshinori

2017-01-01

Importance Dexmedetomidine provides sedation for patients undergoing ventilation; however, its effects on mortality and ventilator-free days have not been well studied among patients with sepsis. Objectives To examine whether a sedation strategy with dexmedetomidine can improve clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis undergoing ventilation. Design, Setting, and Participants Open-label, multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted at 8 intensive care units in Japan from February 2013 until January 2016 among 201 consecutive adult patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours. Interventions Patients were randomized to receive either sedation with dexmedetomidine (n = 100) or sedation without dexmedetomidine (control group; n = 101). Other agents used in both groups were fentanyl, propofol, and midazolam. Main Outcomes and Measures The co–primary outcomes were mortality and ventilator-free days (over a 28-day duration). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8), sedation control, occurrence of delirium and coma, intensive care unit stay duration, renal function, inflammation, and nutrition state were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results Of the 203 screened patients, 201 were randomized. The mean age was 69 years (SD, 14 years); 63% were male. Mortality at 28 days was not significantly different in the dexmedetomidine group vs the control group (19 patients [22.8%] vs 28 patients [30.8%]; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.38-1.22; P = .20). Ventilator-free days over 28 days were not significantly different between groups (dexmedetomidine group: median, 20 [interquartile range, 5-24] days; control group: median, 18 [interquartile range, 0.5-23] days; P = .20). The dexmedetomidine group had a significantly higher rate of well-controlled sedation during mechanical ventilation (range, 17%-58% vs 20%-39%; P = .01); other outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Adverse events occurred in 8 (8%) and 3 (3%) patients in the dexmedetomidine and control groups, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the use of dexmedetomidine compared with no dexmedetomidine did not result in statistically significant improvement in mortality or ventilator-free days. However, the study may have been underpowered for mortality, and additional research may be needed to evaluate this further. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01760967 PMID:28322414

Effects of a Bacteria-Based Probiotic on Subpopulations of Peripheral Leukocytes and Their Cytokine mRNA Expression in Calves

PubMed Central

QADIS, Abdul Qadir; GOYA, Satoru; YATSU, Minoru; YOSHIDA, Yu-uki; ICHIJO, Toshihiro; SATO, Shigeru

2013-01-01

ABSTRACT Eight Holstein calves (10 ± 3 weeks) were used to examine the interaction between a bacteria-based probiotic agent (probiotic) and the function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The probiotic, consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and Clostridium butyricum, was administered orally at 3.0 g/100 kg body weight to calves once daily for 5 consecutive days. Calves given the vehicle alone with no probiotic served as the control. In the treatment group, increases in numbers of CD282+ (TLR2) monocytes, CD3+ T cells and CD4+, CD8+ and WC1+ γδ T cell subsets were noted on day 7 post-placement compared to predose day and the control group. Expression of interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was elevated in peripheral leukocytes on days 7 and 14. These results suggest that peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy calves may be stimulated via the gastrointestinal microbiota, which was increased by the oral probiotic treatment, with overall stability of the rumen bacterial flora. The 5-day repeated administration of a bacteria-based probiotic may enhance cellular immune function in weaned calves. PMID:24131856

Effects of a bacteria-based probiotic on subpopulations of peripheral leukocytes and their cytokine mRNA expression in calves.

PubMed

Qadis, Abdul Qadir; Goya, Satoru; Yatsu, Minoru; Yoshida, Yu-Uki; Ichijo, Toshihiro; Sato, Shigeru

2014-03-01

Eight Holstein calves (10 ± 3 weeks) were used to examine the interaction between a bacteria-based probiotic agent (probiotic) and the function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The probiotic, consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and Clostridium butyricum, was administered orally at 3.0 g/100 kg body weight to calves once daily for 5 consecutive days. Calves given the vehicle alone with no probiotic served as the control. In the treatment group, increases in numbers of CD282(+) (TLR2) monocytes, CD3(+) T cells and CD4(+), CD8(+) and WC1(+) γδ T cell subsets were noted on day 7 post-placement compared to predose day and the control group. Expression of interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was elevated in peripheral leukocytes on days 7 and 14. These results suggest that peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy calves may be stimulated via the gastrointestinal microbiota, which was increased by the oral probiotic treatment, with overall stability of the rumen bacterial flora. The 5-day repeated administration of a bacteria-based probiotic may enhance cellular immune function in weaned calves.

Antibody responses and viral load in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: a comprehensive analysis during the early stages of the infection.

PubMed

Ergunay, Koray; Kocak Tufan, Zeliha; Bulut, Cemal; Kinikli, Sami; Demiroz, Ali Pekcan; Ozkul, Aykut

2014-05-01

This study was performed to assess viral load, viral nucleocapsid (N), and glycoprotein precursor (GPC) antibodies in consecutive samples obtained from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever patients to reveal viral replication kinetics and antiviral immune responses during the early stages of the infection. Among 116 samples from 20 individuals, 43.9% and 76.7% were positive for viral RNA and IgM/IgG antibodies, respectively, whereas both markers could be detected in 22.4%. Mean duration of viremia was 3 days (range: 1-6 days). N-IgM antibodies were identified as the initial serological marker during the infection, becoming detectable in a median of 2-3 days after disease onset, followed by GPC-IgM (4-6 days) and IgG antibodies (5-6 days). Clearance of viremia followed or coincided N-IgM response. Partial S gene sequences amplified in viremic patients were identical or closely related to previously characterized strains and grouped within European lineage I group II viruses via neighbor-joining analysis without significant amino acid substitutions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fecal Fat Analyses in Chronic Pancreatitis Importance of Fat Ingestion before Stool Collection

PubMed Central

Engjom, Trond; Jurmy, Palwasha; Tjora, Erling; Gilja, Odd Helge; Dimcevski, Georg

2017-01-01

Objective Quantitative determination of fecal fat still is the gold standard for measuring malabsorption. We evaluated the importance of standardized food intake before and under the collection of feces. Material and Methods In a project, evaluating patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis (CP) and healthy volunteers (HC), stools were collected for 72 hours coupled to registration of nutritional intake over five consecutive days. Patient groups were created by a modified Layer score, which includes imaging findings, clinical parameters and pancreas function testing. Results We found 12 patients with CP, 11 patients without CP and 13 healthy individuals in our database. Median fecal fat in CP patients was 12 g/day, in non-CP patients 5 g/day and in healthy controls 5 g/day. Median fat absorption coefficient was 81% in those with chronic pancreatitis, 92% in those without CP and 92% in healthy controls. Corresponding median fat intake was 65 g/day, 68 g/day and 81 g/day in the respective groups. Spearman Rank Order Correlation between fecal fat (g/d) and fat absorption coefficient in all study subjects (n = 36) was good (-0.88 (p<0.001)). When we stratified groups according to fat intake, correlation between fecal fat and fat absorption was also good (-0.86 to -0.95). Conclusion In the diagnoses of fat malabsorption, calculating the ratio of fat absorption did not give additional information compared to fecal fat. PMID:28095460

GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in ovarian stimulation: is the emperor naked?

PubMed

Orvieto, R; Rabinson, J; Meltzer, S; Homburg, R; Anteby, E; Zohav, E

2006-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of type of GnRH-analog used during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. All consecutive women aged < or = 35 years admitted to our IVF unit from January 2001 to December 2004 were enrolled in the study. Only patients undergoing up to their third IVF cycle attempt were included. Ovarian stimulation characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred, and clinical pregnancy rate were compared between women given GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist during COH. Four hundred and eighty-seven consecutive IVF cycles were evaluated, 226 in the agonist group and 261 in the antagonist group. A clinical pregnancy was achieved in 93 patients in the agonist group (pregnancy rate 41.2% per cycle) and 66 patients in the antagonist grup (pregnancy rate 25.3%); this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The agonist group also used significantly more gonadotropin ampoules, required longer stimulation, and had higher estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration. The midluteal long GhRH-agonist suppressive protocol should be the protocol of choice in young patients in their first three IVF cycle attempts.

Nutritional composition of school meals serving children from 7 to 36 months of age in municipal day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

PubMed

Retondario, Anabelle; Silva, Débora Letícia Frizzi; Salgado, Silvana Magalhães; Alves, Márcia Aurelina de Oliveira; Ferreira, Sila Mary Rodrigues

2016-06-01

The Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE) seeks to meet student's nutritional needs during the period they remain in school. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition of meals provided in municipal day-care centres serving children of 7-11 months (group A) and 12-36 months (group B) of age and to compare observed values with the PNAE's and dietary reference intakes' (DRI) recommendations. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, between June and November 2013. Food samples of six daily meals were collected during 20 non-consecutive days, totalling 120 samples. For each meal, average served and consumed portions were submitted for laboratory analysis of moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Na, Ca and Fe and compared with the PNAE's and DRI's values. No statistically significant difference was found between age groups (P=0·793) regarding portion sizes and nutritional composition. The same menu was offered to both groups in 95 % of the meals (n 114), although the groups' nutritional needs were different. For group A, served meals met PNAE's recommendations for energy, carbohydrates, proteins, Na and Ca content, and consumed portions provided 70 % of the nutritional needs for carbohydrates, proteins and Ca. For group B, served portions complied with the PNAE's values for proteins, Na and Ca. Proteins and Na reached 70 % of the nutritional needs when consumed food was evaluated. School feeding in day-care centres partially meet PNAE's guidelines and children's nutritional requirements, contradicting the primary objective established by the national programme.

[Clinical observation of preoperative administration of enteral nutrition support in gastric cancer patients at risk of malnutrition].

PubMed

Chen, Bo; Zhou, Yong; Yang, Ping; Qin, Xian-peng; Li, Ning-ning; He, Dan; Feng, Jin-yan; Yan, Chuan-jing; Wu, Xiao-ting

2013-11-01

To evaluate safety and efficacy of preoperative administration of enteral nutrition support in gastric cancer patients at risk of malnutrition. A single center randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in 60 gastric cancer patients in West China Hospital from May to October 2012. Thirty patients were given enteral nutrition support(Ensure(R)) manufactured by Abbott Laboratories for ten consecutive days before surgical operation in the treatment group, and 30 patients were given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous homogenized diet in the control group for 10 days as well. The laboratory parameters of nutritional status and hepatorenal function were observed and compared between the two groups on admission, preoperative day 1 and postoperative day 3, respectively. Clinical observations, such as nausea and vomiting, were carried out until patients were discharged. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The levels of serum albumin [(33.9±5.6) g/L vs. (31.0±5.3) g/L, P<0.05], and hemoglobin[(103.4±7.7) g/L vs.(96.6±10.5) g/L, P<0.01] were significantly improved in the treatment group on postoperative day 3. However, the levels of body mass index, lymphocyte count, liver and renal function, serum glucose, sodium, and potassium were not significantly different between the two groups(all P>0.05). Moreover, two patients with nausea and one with vomiting in each group were found. In clinical observation period, no severe treatment-related adverse event were observed. The enteral supplement with Ensure(R) in gastric cancer patients at risk of malnutrition during preoperative period is effective and safe, which is superior to homogenized diet and an appropriate choice for gastric cancer patients with nutritional risk.

Study of the Effect of Mint Oil on Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Pasha, Hajar; Behmanesh, Fereshteh; Mohsenzadeh, Farideh; Hajahmadi, Mahmood; Moghadamnia, Ali Akbar

2012-01-01

Background Approximately 80 percent of pregnant women suffer by some degree of nausea and vomiting. But the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is rarely successful. Objectives The aim of this study was evaluation the effect of mint on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that its treatment in some recent research has been effective. Materials and Methods In this double blind RCT, 60 pregnant women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy were sampled and divided into two groups with Block-randomized method. mint group, in addition to giving the routine training, for four consecutive nights, before sleeping, a bowel of water whit four drops of pure mint essential oil placed on the floor near their beds and in control groups were used four drops of normal saline . The severity of nausea by using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and severity of vomiting by counting the number of its in 7 days prior, 4 days during, and 7 days after intervention were assessed. Results The results showed that the severity of nausea and vomiting did not differ between the two groups in 7days before and after intervention by using repeated measurement test. But during intervention, the severity of nausea showed a decreasing trend (especially in 4th night) in the mint and an increasing trend in the control group. The severity of nausea within 7 days after the intervention had a decreasing trend in both groups; however, the intensity was lower in the mint than saline group but not statically significant. No meaningful relationship has been detected during and after intervention for the intensity of vomiting. Conclusions The results of study showed that peppermint essential oil hasn't the effect on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. PMID:23396673

Study of the effect of mint oil on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

PubMed

Pasha, Hajar; Behmanesh, Fereshteh; Mohsenzadeh, Farideh; Hajahmadi, Mahmood; Moghadamnia, Ali Akbar

2012-11-01

Approximately 80 percent of pregnant women suffer by some degree of nausea and vomiting. But the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is rarely successful. The aim of this study was evaluation the effect of mint on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that its treatment in some recent research has been effective. In this double blind RCT, 60 pregnant women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy were sampled and divided into two groups with Block-randomized method. mint group, in addition to giving the routine training, for four consecutive nights, before sleeping, a bowel of water whit four drops of pure mint essential oil placed on the floor near their beds and in control groups were used four drops of normal saline . The severity of nausea by using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and severity of vomiting by counting the number of its in 7 days prior, 4 days during, and 7 days after intervention were assessed. The results showed that the severity of nausea and vomiting did not differ between the two groups in 7days before and after intervention by using repeated measurement test. But during intervention, the severity of nausea showed a decreasing trend (especially in 4th night) in the mint and an increasing trend in the control group. The severity of nausea within 7 days after the intervention had a decreasing trend in both groups; however, the intensity was lower in the mint than saline group but not statically significant. No meaningful relationship has been detected during and after intervention for the intensity of vomiting. The results of study showed that peppermint essential oil hasn't the effect on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Local infiltration analgesia in TKA patients reduces length of stay and postoperative pain scores.

PubMed

Tripuraneni, Krishna R; Woolson, Steven T; Giori, Nicholas J

2011-03-11

Numerous postoperative pain protocols exist for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We compared the length of stay, early range of motion (ROM), and pain scores of a control group with a femoral nerve block to those of a group with femoral nerve block and local infiltration analgesia following TKA. In a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary TKA at a Veteran's Administration hospital, 40 patients (40 TKAs) who had local infiltration analgesia were compared to a historical group of 43 patients (43 TKAs) who had a long-acting femoral nerve block without local infiltration analgesia. Local infiltration analgesia consisted of intraoperative injection of 150 mL of 300 mg ropivacaine, 30 mg ketorolac, and 500 μg epinephrine using 50 mL into each of 3 areas: (1) posterior capsule, (2) medial and lateral capsule, and (3) anterior capsule and subcutaneous tissues. A 17-gauge intra-articular catheter was used to inject an additional 100 mg of ropivacaine on postoperative day 1. The control group had a single-shot femoral nerve block using 150 mg of ropivacaine with epinephrine. Mean length of stay for the local infiltration analgesia group compared to controls was 3.2±1.4 days vs 3.8±1.6 days, respectively (P=.03). No significant differences existed in average ROM (6 weeks), discharge hematocrit, transfusions, and temperature. Mean pain scores were lower in the local infiltration analgesia group on postoperative day 1 (P=.04), but not on postoperative day 2 or 3. Maximum visual analog scale scores (P<.01) were reduced in the local infiltration analgesia group. Our early experience with local infiltration analgesia demonstrated a significantly reduced length of stay due to decreased postoperative pain. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.

Hypersomnia Following Traumatic Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Watson, Nathaniel F; Dikmen, Sureyya; Machamer, Joan; Doherty, Michael; Temkin, Nancy

2007-01-01

Study Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and natural history of sleepiness following traumatic brain injury. Methods: This prospective cohort study used the Sickness Impact Profile to evaluate sleepiness in 514 consecutive subjects with traumatic brain injury (TBI), 132 non-cranial trauma controls, and 102 trauma-free controls 1 month and 1 year after injury. Results: Fifty-five percent of TBI subjects, 41% of non-cranial trauma controls, and 3% of trauma-free controls endorsed 1 or more sleepiness items 1 month following injury (p < .001). One year following injury, 27% of TBI subjects, 23% of non-cranial trauma controls, and 1% of trauma-free controls endorsed 1 or more sleepiness items (p < .001). Patients with TBI were sleepier than non-cranial trauma controls at 1 month (p < .02) but not 1 year after injury. Brain-injured subjects were divided into injury-severity groups based on time to follow commands (TFC). At 1 month, the non-cranial trauma controls were less sleepy than the 1- to 6-day (p < .05), 7- to 13-day (p < .01), and 14-day or longer (p < .01) TFC groups. In addition, the ≤ 24-hour group was less sleepy then the 7- to 13-day and 14-day or longer groups (each p < .05). At 1 year, the non-cranial trauma control group (p < .05) and the ≤ 24-hour TFC group (p < .01) were less sleepy than the 14-day or longer TFC group. Sleepiness improved in 84% to 100% of subjects in the TBI TFC groups, as compared with 78% of the non-cranial trauma control group (p < .01). Conclusions: Sleepiness is common following traumatic injury, particularly TBI, with more severe injuries resulting in greater sleepiness. Sleepiness improves in many patients, particularly those with TBI. However, about a quarter of TBI subjects and non-cranial trauma control subjects remained sleepy 1 year after injury. Citation: Watson NF; Dikmen S; Machamer J et al. Hypersomnia following traumatic brain injury. J Clin Sleep Med 2007;3(4):363-368. PMID:17694724

Dietary arsenic consumption and urine arsenic in an endemic population: response to improvement of drinking water quality in a 2-year consecutive study.

PubMed

Biswas, Anirban; Deb, Debasree; Ghose, Aloke; Du Laing, Gijs; De Neve, Jan; Santra, Subhas Chandra; Guha Mazumder, Debendra Nath

2014-01-01

We assessed the association between arsenic intake through water and diet, and arsenic levels in first morning-void urine under variable conditions of water contamination. This was done in a 2-year consecutive study in an endemic population. Exposure of arsenic through water and diet was assessed for participants using arsenic-contaminated water (≥50 μg L(-1)) in a first year (group I) and for participants using water lower in arsenic (<50 μg L(-1)) in the next year (group II). Participants with and without arsenical skin lesions were considered in the statistical analysis. Median dose of arsenic intake through drinking water in groups I and II males was 7.44 and 0.85 μg kg body wt.(-1) day(-1) (p <0.0001). In females, it was 5.3 and 0.63 μg kg body wt.(-1) day(-1) (p <0.0001) for groups I and II, respectively. Arsenic dose through diet was 3.3 and 2.6 μg kg body wt.(-1) day(-1) (p = 0.088) in males and 2.6 and 1.9 μg kg body wt.(-1) day(-1) (p = 0.0081) in females. Median arsenic levels in urine of groups I and II males were 124 and 61 μg L(-1) (p = 0.052) and in females 130 and 52 μg L(-1) (p = 0.0001), respectively. When arsenic levels in the water were reduced to below 50 μg L(-1) (Indian permissible limit), total arsenic intake and arsenic intake through the water significantly decreased, but arsenic uptake through the diet was found to be not significantly affected. Moreover, it was found that drinking water mainly contributed to variations in urine arsenic concentrations. However, differences between male and female participants also indicate that not only arsenic uptake, but also many physiological factors affect arsenic behavior in the body and its excretion. As total median arsenic exposure still often exceeded 3.0 μg kg body wt.(-1) day(-1) (the permissible lower limit established by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) after installation of the drinking water filters, it can be concluded that supplying the filtered water only may not be sufficient to minimize arsenic availability for an already endemic population.

Does the time between CT scan and chemotherapy increase the risk of acute adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media in cancer patients?

PubMed

Farolfi, Alberto; Carretta, Elisa; Luna, Corradina Della; Ragazzini, Angela; Gentili, Nicola; Casadei, Carla; Barone, Domenico; Minguzzi, Martina; Amadori, Dino; Nanni, Oriana; Gavelli, Giampaolo

2014-10-31

Cancer patients undergo routine computed-tomography (CT) scans and, therefore, iodinated contrast media (ICM) administration. It is not known whether a time-dependent correlation exists between chemotherapy administration, contrast enhanced CT and onset of acute ICM-related adverse reactions (ARs). All consecutive contrast-enhanced CTs performed from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012 within 30 days of the last chemotherapy administration were retrospectively reviewed. Episodes of acute ICM-related ARs were reported to the pharmacovigilance officer. We analyzed time to CT evaluation calculated as the time elapsed from the date of the CT performed to the date of the last chemotherapy administration. Patients were classified into 4 groups based on the antineoplastic treatment: platinum-based, taxane-based, platinum plus taxane and other group. Out of 10,472 contrast-enhanced CTs performed, 3,945 carried out on 1,878 patients were considered for the study. Forty acute ICM-related ARs (1.01%; 95% CI, 0.70-1.33) were reported. No differences were seen among immediate (within 10 days of the last chemotherapy administration), early (11-20 days) and delayed (21-30 days) CTs. Median time to CT in patients who experienced an acute ICM-related AR by treatment group was not statistically different: 20 days (range 6-30), 17 days (range 5-22), 13 days (range 8-17), 13 days (range (2-29) for the platinum, taxane, platinum plus taxane and other group, respectively (P =0.251). Our results did not reveal any correlation between time to CT and risk of acute ICM-related ARs in cancer patients.

Assessment of nutrient and water intake among adolescents from sports federations in the Federal District, Brazil.

PubMed

de Sousa, Eliene F; Da Costa, Teresa H M; Nogueira, Julia A D; Vivaldi, Lúcio J

2008-06-01

Adolescents aged 11-14 years (n 326), belonging to organized sports federations in the Federal District, Brazil were interviewed. Subjects (n 107) provided four non-consecutive days of food consumption and 219 subjects provided two non-consecutive days of intake. The objective was to assess their nutrient and water intake according to dietary reference intake values and their energy and macronutrient intake by sex and sports groups they were engaged in: endurance, strength-skill or mixed, according to the guidelines established by the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM). Dietary data were corrected for intra-individual variation. Total energy expenditure was higher among endurance athletes (P < 0.001) following their higher training time (P < 0.001) when compared to adolescents engaged in strength-skill or mixed sports. Total energy intake was only significantly higher among endurance-engaged females (P = 0.05). Protein intake of males was above the guidelines established by the ACSM for all sports groups. All male sport groups fulfilled the intake levels of carbohydrate per kg body weight but only females engaged in endurance sports fulfilled carbohydrate guidelines. Intakes of micronutrients with low prevalence of adequate intake were: vitamins B1, E and folate, magnesium and phosphorus. Few adolescents ( < 5 %) presented adequate intake for calcium, fibre, drinking water and beverages. For micronutrients, prevalence of adequacies were lower for females than males, except for liquids and water. Nutrition guidance is needed to help adolescents fulfil specific guidelines of macronutrient intake for their sports and to improve their intake of micronutrients and water. Special attention should be given to female adolescent athletes.

Fixed-time induction of ovulation in camels superovulated by different eCG modalities during the transition period in Egypt : Superovulation in camels during the transition period.

PubMed

Khalifa, Marwa Ahmed; Rateb, Sherif Abdel-Razzak; El-Bahrawy, Khalid Ahmed

2016-04-01

The current investigation aimed to establish a fixed-time induction of ovulation/ insemination protocol in camels superovulated by different equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) regimens during the transition period in Egypt (mid-October to mid-November). Seventeen pluriparous camels, Camelus dromedarius, were used. All females retained controlled intra-vaginal drug releasers (CIDRs) for 13 consecutive days, and at CIDR withdrawal, the camels were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (n = 5) received 1 ml saline intra-muscularly (i.m.), whereas remaining camels were superovulated by 2500 IU eCG either in a single shot (SS, n = 6) or in serial decreasing doses over 3 days (DD, n = 6). Ovarian dynamics were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography at 2-day intervals, and ovulation was induced by 5000 IU hCG i.m. The changes in reproductive hormones throughout the period of the study were determined. The results showed that mean values of total no. of follicles and size of dominant follicles remained low (P < 0.05) in all groups until day of CIDR removal. Thereafter, total follicle no. increased (P < 0.05) in both superovulated groups compared to the control, where the dominant follicles attained the highest (P < 0.05) diameter 12 days after the eCG treatment. Double-ovulation rate was higher (P < 0.05) in SS (50%) and DD (66.6%) groups compared to that of control (0.0%). However, 33.3% of the SS group developed large anovulatory follicles (ø > 25 mm), which did not respond to induction to ovulation. These results elucidate that eCG administration in serial decreasing doses generates a reliable superovulatory response in camels, and ovulation can be blindly induced 12 days after the gonadotropin treatment. This fixed-time hormonal protocol represents a sufficient alternative to conventional day-to-day ultrasonography and would have profound implication for enhanced fertility in dromedary camels by facilitating infield application of embryo transfer technique.

Effects of dexpanthenol on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

PubMed Central

Cagin, Yasir Furkan; Parlakpinar, Hakan; Vardi, Nigar; Polat, Alaadin; Atayan, Yahya; Erdogan, Mehmet Ali; Tanbek, Kevser

2016-01-01

While the pathogenesis of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis is unclear, reactive oxygen species are considered to have a significant effect. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the therapeutic potential of dexpanthenol (Dxp) on the amelioration of colitis in rats. Group I (n=8; control group) was intrarectally administered 1 ml saline solution (0.9%); group II [n=8; AA] was administered 4% AA into the colon via the rectum as a single dose for three consecutive days; group III (n=8; AA + Dxp) was administered AA at the same dosage as group II from day 4, and a single dose of Dxp was administered intraperitoneally; and group IV (n=8; Dxp) was administered Dxp similarly to Group III. Oxidative stress and colonic damage were assessed via biochemical and histologic examination methods. AA treatment led to an increase in oxidative parameters and a decrease in antioxidant systems. Histopathological examination showed that AA treatment caused tissue injury and increased caspase-3 activity in the distal colon and triggered apoptosis. Dxp treatment caused biochemical and histopathological improvements, indicating that Dxp may have an anti-oxidant effect in colitis; therefore, Dxp may be a potential therapeutic agent for the amelioration of IBD. PMID:27882101

Effects of dexpanthenol on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

PubMed

Cagin, Yasir Furkan; Parlakpinar, Hakan; Vardi, Nigar; Polat, Alaadin; Atayan, Yahya; Erdogan, Mehmet Ali; Tanbek, Kevser

2016-11-01

While the pathogenesis of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis is unclear, reactive oxygen species are considered to have a significant effect. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the therapeutic potential of dexpanthenol (Dxp) on the amelioration of colitis in rats. Group I (n=8; control group) was intrarectally administered 1 ml saline solution (0.9%); group II [n=8; AA] was administered 4% AA into the colon via the rectum as a single dose for three consecutive days; group III (n=8; AA + Dxp) was administered AA at the same dosage as group II from day 4, and a single dose of Dxp was administered intraperitoneally; and group IV (n=8; Dxp) was administered Dxp similarly to Group III. Oxidative stress and colonic damage were assessed via biochemical and histologic examination methods. AA treatment led to an increase in oxidative parameters and a decrease in antioxidant systems. Histopathological examination showed that AA treatment caused tissue injury and increased caspase-3 activity in the distal colon and triggered apoptosis. Dxp treatment caused biochemical and histopathological improvements, indicating that Dxp may have an anti-oxidant effect in colitis; therefore, Dxp may be a potential therapeutic agent for the amelioration of IBD.

Deeply reinverted T wave at 14 days after the onset of first anterior acute myocardial infarction predicts improved left ventricular function at 6 months.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Hiroaki; Tomita, Hirofumi; Nishizaki, Fumie; Hanada, Kenji; Shibutani, Shuji; Yamada, Masahiro; Abe, Naoki; Higuma, Takumi; Osanai, Tomohiro; Okumura, Ken

2015-03-01

Changes in electrocardiogram (ECG), especially in the ST segment and T wave, have been recognized as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for coronary flow or myocardial injury. A deeply inverted T wave at 14 days after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) predicts improved left ventricular (LV) function at 6 months. We enrolled 112 consecutive patients (88 men, 63 ± 11 years) with first anterior STEMI who underwent successful PCI. A 12-lead ECG was recorded everyday from admission through 14 days. After PCI, the first T-wave inversion was observed within 2 days, and the second occurred at 14 days. We measured the maximum depth of the reinverted T wave (Neg-T) and divided the patients into 2 groups based on the median value of Neg-T: the deep group (≥0.6 mV, n = 62) and the nondeep group (<0.6 mV, n = 50). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at 14 days did not differ between the 2 groups, but it was greater in the deep than in the nondeep group at 6 months (50.0% ± 8.8% vs 42.5% ± 9.8 %, P < 0.0001). The maximum creatinine phosphokinase-myocardial band (CPK-MB) value was significantly lower in the deep than in the nondeep group. Reappearance of the R wave in precordial leads at 6 months was more frequently observed in the deep than in the nondeep group (68% vs 46%, P = 0.02). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the Neg-T and max CPK-MB were independent contributors to LVEF at 6 months. A deeply reinverted T wave at 14 days after onset of first anterior STEMI can be a useful predictive marker for improved LV function at 6 months. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tolerance-like innate immunity and spleen injury: a novel discovery via the weekly administrations and consecutive injections of PEGylated emulsions

PubMed Central

Wang, Long; Wang, Chunling; Jiao, Jiao; Su, Yuqing; Cheng, Xiaobo; Huang, Zhenjun; Liu, Xinrong; Deng, Yihui

2014-01-01

There has been an increasing interest in the study of the innate immune system in recent years. However, few studies have focused on whether innate immunity can acquire tolerance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated tolerance in the innate immune system via the consecutive weekly and daily injections of emulsions modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG), referred to as PEGylated emulsions (PE). The effects of these injections of PE on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were studied in normal and macrophage-depleted rats. Additionally, we evaluated the antigenic specificity of immunologic tolerance. Immunologic tolerance against PE developed after 21 days of consecutive daily injections or the fourth week of PE administration. Compared with a single administration, it was observed that the tolerant rats had a lower rate of PE clearance from the blood, which was independent of the stress response. In addition, weekly PE injections caused injury to the spleen. Furthermore, the rats tolerant to PEs with the methoxy group (–OCH3) of PEG, failed to respond to the PEs with a different terminal group of PEG or to non-PEG emulsions. Innate immunity tolerance was induced by PE, regardless of the mode of administration. Further study of this mechanism suggested that monocytes play an essential role in the suppression of innate immunity. These findings provide novel insights into the understanding of the innate immune system. PMID:25120362

Consecutive Isoproterenol and Adenosine Treatment Confers Marked Protection against Reperfusion Injury in Adult but Not in Immature Heart: A Role for Glycogen.

PubMed

Lewis, Martin; Szobi, Adrian; Balaska, Dirki; Khaliulin, Igor; Adameova, Adriana; Griffiths, Elinor; Orchard, Clive H; Suleiman, M-Saadeh

2018-02-07

Consecutive treatment of adult rat heart with isoproterenol and adenosine (Iso/Aden), known to consecutively activate PKA/PKC signaling, is cardioprotective against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Whether this is cardioprotective in an immature heart is unknown. Langendorff-perfused hearts from adult and immature (60 and 14 days old) male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion, with or without prior perfusion with 5 nM Iso for 3 min followed by 30 μM Aden for 5 min. Changes in hemodynamics (developed pressure and coronary flow) and cardiac injury (Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) release and infarct size) were measured. Additional hearts were used to measure glycogen content. Iso induced a similar inotropic response in both age groups. Treatment with Iso/Aden resulted in a significant reduction in time to the onset of ischemic contracture in both age groups whilst time to peak contracture was significantly shorter only in immature hearts. Upon reperfusion, the intervention reduced cardiac injury and functional impairment in adults with no protection of immature heart. Immature hearts have significantly less glycogen content compared to adult. This work shows that Iso/Aden perfusion confers protection in an adult heart but not in an immature heart. It is likely that metabolic differences including glycogen content contribute to this difference.

Consecutive Isoproterenol and Adenosine Treatment Confers Marked Protection against Reperfusion Injury in Adult but Not in Immature Heart: A Role for Glycogen

PubMed Central

Szobi, Adrian; Balaska, Dirki; Khaliulin, Igor; Adameova, Adriana; Griffiths, Elinor; Orchard, Clive H.; Suleiman, M.-Saadeh

2018-01-01

Consecutive treatment of adult rat heart with isoproterenol and adenosine (Iso/Aden), known to consecutively activate PKA/PKC signaling, is cardioprotective against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Whether this is cardioprotective in an immature heart is unknown. Langendorff–perfused hearts from adult and immature (60 and 14 days old) male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion, with or without prior perfusion with 5 nM Iso for 3 min followed by 30 μM Aden for 5 min. Changes in hemodynamics (developed pressure and coronary flow) and cardiac injury (Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) release and infarct size) were measured. Additional hearts were used to measure glycogen content. Iso induced a similar inotropic response in both age groups. Treatment with Iso/Aden resulted in a significant reduction in time to the onset of ischemic contracture in both age groups whilst time to peak contracture was significantly shorter only in immature hearts. Upon reperfusion, the intervention reduced cardiac injury and functional impairment in adults with no protection of immature heart. Immature hearts have significantly less glycogen content compared to adult. This work shows that Iso/Aden perfusion confers protection in an adult heart but not in an immature heart. It is likely that metabolic differences including glycogen content contribute to this difference. PMID:29414860

40 CFR 420.83 - Effluent limitations representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the application...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days Kg/kkg (pounds per 1,000 lb) of product Chromium 0.00292 0... per 1,000 lb) of product Chromium 0.00175 0.000701 Nickel 0.00158 0.000526 (3) Batch, pipe and tube... values for 30 consecutive days Kg/kkg (pounds per 1,000 lb) of product Chromium 0.00709 0.00284 Nickel 0...

Electric Field Exposure Improves Subjective Symptoms Related to Sleeplessness in College Students: A Pilot Study of Electric Field Therapy for Sleep Disorder

PubMed Central

Ohtsuki, Takashi; Nabeta, Tomoyuki; Nakanishi, Hiromoto; Kawahata, Hirohisa; Ogihara, Toshio; Morishita, Ryuichi; Aoki, Motokuni

2017-01-01

Background: Sleep disorder is a common health problem in modern days. Estab-lishment of safe, non-invasive, convenient and effective treatment is anticipated in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. Objective: We designed a protocol for a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of Electric Field (EF) exposure on sleep disorder. Methods: Nineteen college students with sleep disorder, defined as a score of 8 or higher on the Pitzburg Sleep Quality Index, were divided into two groups; EF intervention and sham treatment. EF exposure (50-Hz, 18 kV) was performed for 30 minutes a day for five con-secutive days. Subjective parameters were obtained by an OSA sleep inventory MA version consisting of five factors, and objective parameters were measured using a sleep-scan. Results: Significant improvement in scores of three factors (sleepiness on rising, refreshing and sleep length) was observed after 5 days of EF exposure intervention, as compared to both before intervention and after 5 days of sham treatment. Moreover, improvement rati-os for these three factors were significantly higher in the EF group than in the sham treat-ment group. Analysis of the sleep-scan demonstrated a high improvement ratio for duration of nocturnal awakening in the EF group. Conclusion: The beneficial effect of electric field therapy on sleep disorder in college stu-dents is considered to be beyond a placebo effect. This study raises the therapeutic possibil-ity of electric field exposure.

Vitamin E mitigates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity due to reversal of oxidative/nitrosative stress, suppression of inflammation and reduction of total renal platinum accumulation.

PubMed

Darwish, Mostafa A; Abo-Youssef, Amira M; Khalaf, Marwa M; Abo-Saif, Ali A; Saleh, Ibrahim G; Abdelghany, Tamer M

2017-01-01

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents. Unfortunately, CP-induced nephrotoxicity hampered its use. This study aims to investigate the effect of vitamin E (Vit E) on CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Male white albino rats were divided to four group's six rats each and received either, 1% tween 80 in normal saline or Vit E (75 mg/kg) per day for 14 consecutive days or a single injection of CP (6 mg/kg) alone or CP (6 mg/kg) together with Vit E (75 mg/kg per day for 14 consecutive days). Five days after the CP injection, rats were euthanized; blood samples were collected; kidneys were dissected; and biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological examinations were performed. Our results revealed that CP treatment significantly increased serum levels of creatinine and urea. Moreover, reduced glutathione (GSH) content as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly reduced with concurrent increase in kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) content following CP treatment. Vit E successfully lowered serum levels of urea and creatinine, enhanced creatinine clearance and diuresis, and normalized relative kidney/body weight. Furthermore, Vit E successfully normalized renal MDA and nitrite concentrations, elevated GSH level, and restored CAT and SOD activities in renal tissues. Histopathological examination of rat kidney revealed that Vit E significantly mitigated CP-induced renal damage. Importantly, administration of Vit E reduced kidney total platinum concentration indicating a role of platinum renal accumulation on the ability of Vit E to protect against CP nephrotoxicity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Experimental study on acute toxicity of Qingnao tablet to mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Guoqi; Wang, Huamin; Ma, Zhenzhen; Hao, Shaojun; Li, Jun; Wang, Hongyu; Wen, Zhonghua; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To investigate the effect of Qingnao tablets on acute toxicity in mice. Forty mice, half male and half female, were randomly divided into normal saline group and Qingnao tablet group. After fasting for 12 hours, the mice were given 0. 4 ml / 10 g in maximum volume. In 1st, the rats were perfused 3 times (every 8 hours). The rats in the saline group were perfused with the same volume of saline in the same way. The mice were observed continuously within 3 hours and then every hour. The mice were given a normal diet for 14 consecutive days, and the changes of autonomous activity, reaction, diet, stool, secretion, eye and nose were observed daily. The mice fasted on the 13th day and weighed on the 14th day. And then put the mice to death, The changes of the liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, intestines, and brain were observed by the naked eye. There was no obvious abnormality in normal saline group. The autonomous activity of mice in the administration group decreased after initial administration, and gradually returned to normal after 2 hours of administration. On the day of administration, the stool of the mice became dark brown, and the feces returned to normal after 1.1 days of normal urination. No other mice had abnormal secretion, reaction, eye nose, diet, etc. On the 14th day, there were no visible heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal tract in normal saline group and Qingnao tablet group. Abnormal changes in brain and other organs (edema, color, etc.). In the normal saline group and Qingnao tablet group, the initial weight of the mice was: 21.70 ± 0.97N 21.71 ± 1.13, and the weight of the mice on the 7th day was 29.70 ± 2.4c28.65 ± 3.11. On the 14th day, the body weight was 32.38 ± 3.40, 33.77 ± 3.82. Qingnao tablet has no obvious toxicity to the main organs of mice, so it can be considered safe in clinical use.

The gastroduodenal effects of buffered aspirin, carprofen, and etodolac in healthy dogs.

PubMed

Reimer, M E; Johnston, S A; Leib, M S; Duncan, R B; Reimer, D C; Marini, M; Gimbert, K

1999-01-01

Twenty-four healthy mixed-breed dogs were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received a placebo p.o. q12h, group 2 received an average of 16.5 (15.1-17.8) mg/kg buffered aspirin p.o. q12h, group 3 received an average of 2.2 (2.0-2.4) mg/kg carprofen p.o. q12h, and group 4 received an average of 12.8 (11.7-13.8) mg/kg etodolac p.o. q24h (with a placebo in the PM). All treatments continued for 28 consecutive days. Gastroduodenal endoscopy was performed on days -9, 0, 5, 14, and 28. Multiple gastric biopsies were obtained endoscopically on day -9 to determine each dog's Helicobacter infection status. Four regions in the stomach and 1 region in the proximal duodenum were evaluated endoscopically, and each was assigned a score from 1 to 11. Scores for each region then were summed to give a total score for each endoscopic evaluation. Erosions and submucosal hemorrhages were seen in all dogs receiving aspirin. Only minor gastric lesions were observed in the carprofen, etodolac, and control groups. No adverse clinical signs were noted in any dog given any treatment. Median total score on days 0, 5, 14, and 28, respectively, were as follows: group 1: 5.0, 5.0, 5.0, 5.0; group 2: 5.0, 27.0, 26.0, 27.5; group 3: 5.0, 5.0, 6.0, 5.0, group 4: 5.0, 7.0, 5.0, 5.0. There was no significant difference among dogs receiving carprofen, etodolac, or placebo. The administration of carprofen, etodolac, or placebo to healthy dogs resulted in significantly less gastroduodenal lesion development than in dogs receiving buffered aspirin.

[Injuries after lobectomy: a prospective randomized comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and mini-thoracotomy].

PubMed

Long, Hao; Lin, Zhi-chao; Situ, Dong-rong

2008-03-15

To compare the differences of injuries and recovery between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and mini-thoracotomy (MT) in patients with clinical early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after lobectomy. From March 2004 to December 2006, 47 consecutive patients with early stage NSCLC with a diameter of tumor less than 6 cm were recruited and randomized to VATS group and MT group. Incision length, duration of operation and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale before operation and daily for the first 7 days after operation. The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured by cytometric bead array before operation and at 4, 24, and 48 h after operation. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was assessed before operation and daily for the first 7 days after operation. Incision length was (6.0 +/- 0. 9) cm in the VATS group and (12.5 +/- 1.5) cm in the MT group. There was no significant difference in duration of operation and intraoperative blood loss between the VATS group and the MT group. Postoperative pain was significantly less in the VATS group in the 5th to 7th day postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 between the VATS group and the MT group at 4, 24, and 48 h after operation. KPS score was significantly higher in the VATS group on 2nd to 7th day postoperatively (P < 0.05). Compared with MT, VATS for lobectomy has less postoperative pain, faster recovery, but can't reduce postoperative release of cytokines.

Effect of overtime work on cognitive function in automotive workers.

PubMed

Proctor, S P; White, R F; Robins, T G; Echeverria, D; Rocskay, A Z

1996-04-01

The present investigation examined whether increased overtime work predicts impairment in cognitive performance in the domains of attention, executive function, and mood. The behavioral and cognitive functions of 248 automotive workers were measured by a neurobehavioral test performance. Overtime, defined as number of hours worked greater than 8 h a day or greater than 5 d a week, was calculated from company payroll records for the week before the test day. The number of consecutive days worked before the test day was also determined. Cross-sectional data analysis by multiple linear regression, after adjustment for the effects of age, education, gender, alcohol intake, repeated grade in school, acute petroleum naphtha exposure, shift worked, job type, number of consecutive days worked before the test day, and number of hours worked on the test day before the testing, demonstrated that increased overtime was significantly associated with impaired performance on several tests of attention and executive function. Increased feelings of depression, fatigue, and confusion were also associated with increased overtime work. In addition significant interaction effects were observed for job type but not for naphtha exposure. The findings support the hypothesis that overtime work results in impaired cognitive performance in the areas of attention and executive function and that both overtime hours and the number of consecutive days worked prior to a test day affect mood.

Clinical Effects of Laser Acupuncture plus Chinese Cupping on the Pain and Plasma Cortisol Levels in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Lin, Mu-Lien; Wu, Hung-Chien; Shih, Yong-Sheng; Chiu, I-Ting; Chen, Chao-Yi

2017-01-01

Objectives Chronic nonspecific lower back pain (LBP) is a common disease. Insufficient data is currently available to conclusively confirm the analgesic effects of laser acupuncture on LBP. This study evaluated the effectiveness of laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping in LBP treatment. Methods Patients with chronic nonspecific LBP were enrolled for a randomized controlled trial and assigned to the laser acupuncture group (laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping) and control group (sham laser plus Chinese cupping). Laser acupuncture (808 nm; 40 mW; 20 Hz; 15 J/cm2) and Chinese cupping were applied on the Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints for 5 consecutive days. Plasma cortisol levels were assessed before and after the 5-day treatment session. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded at baseline and throughout the 5-day treatment session. Results After the treatment session, the plasma cortisol levels and VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups. In the laser acupuncture group, the VAS scores decreased significantly on days 4 and 5, and an enhanced reduction in VAS scores was observed. Conclusion Laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping at the Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints effectively reduced pain and inflammation in chronic nonspecific LBP. This therapy could be a suitable option for LBP treatment in clinical settings. PMID:28848615

Clinical Effects of Laser Acupuncture plus Chinese Cupping on the Pain and Plasma Cortisol Levels in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Lin, Mu-Lien; Wu, Jih-Huah; Lin, Chi-Wan; Su, Chuan-Tsung; Wu, Hung-Chien; Shih, Yong-Sheng; Chiu, I-Ting; Chen, Chao-Yi; Chang, Wen-Dien

2017-01-01

Chronic nonspecific lower back pain (LBP) is a common disease. Insufficient data is currently available to conclusively confirm the analgesic effects of laser acupuncture on LBP. This study evaluated the effectiveness of laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping in LBP treatment. Patients with chronic nonspecific LBP were enrolled for a randomized controlled trial and assigned to the laser acupuncture group (laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping) and control group (sham laser plus Chinese cupping). Laser acupuncture (808 nm; 40 mW; 20 Hz; 15 J/cm 2 ) and Chinese cupping were applied on the Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints for 5 consecutive days. Plasma cortisol levels were assessed before and after the 5-day treatment session. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded at baseline and throughout the 5-day treatment session. After the treatment session, the plasma cortisol levels and VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups. In the laser acupuncture group, the VAS scores decreased significantly on days 4 and 5, and an enhanced reduction in VAS scores was observed. Laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping at the Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints effectively reduced pain and inflammation in chronic nonspecific LBP. This therapy could be a suitable option for LBP treatment in clinical settings.

Pharmacokinetics of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol in Caucasian and Japanese women.

PubMed

Blode, Hartmut; Kowal, Kristin; Roth, Katrin; Reif, Stefanie

2012-08-01

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of drospirenone (DRSP) and ethinylestradiol (EE) in Caucasian and Japanese women. Three open-label, non-randomised studies were performed to assess the pharmacokinetics following single doses of EE 0.02 mg/DRSP 3 mg or DRSP monotherapy (1, 3 or 6 mg) in Caucasian (Study 1) and Japanese (Study 2) women, and daily doses with EE 0.02 mg/DRSP 3 mg over 21 consecutive days in Caucasian and Japanese women (Study 3). In Studies 1 and 2, there was a linear dose-dependent increase in DRSP C(max) and systemic exposure across the range of doses used in both ethnic groups. The co- administration of EE had no relevant effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of 3 mg DRSP. In Study 3, steady-state DRSP concentrations were achieved after about eight days of treatment in both ethnic groups with approximately a threefold accumulation. There was about a twofold EE accumulation over 21 days in both ethnic groups. There were no differences in DRSP or EE exposure at day 21 between ethnic groups; the ratio of the geometric means (Japanese/Caucasian) of the AUC(0-24h) were 1.05 (90% CI: 0.95-1.17) and 1.02 (90% CI: 0.76-1.38), respectively. Ethnic origin had no clinically relevant influence on the pharmacokinetics of DRSP and EE.

Pharmacokinetics of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol in Caucasian and Japanese women

PubMed Central

Blode, Hartmut; Kowal, Kristin; Roth, Katrin; Reif, Stefanie

2012-01-01

Objective To investigate the pharmacokinetics of drospirenone (DRSP) and ethinylestradiol (EE) in Caucasian and Japanese women. Method Three open-label, non-randomised studies were performed to assess the pharmacokinetics following single doses of EE 0.02 mg/DRSP 3 mg or DRSP monotherapy (1, 3 or 6 mg) in Caucasian (Study 1) and Japanese (Study 2) women, and daily doses with EE 0.02 mg/DRSP 3 mg over 21 consecutive days in Caucasian and Japanese women (Study 3). Results In Studies 1 and 2, there was a linear dose-dependent increase in DRSP Cmax and systemic exposure across the range of doses used in both ethnic groups. The coadministration of EE had no relevant effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of 3 mg DRSP. In Study 3, steady-state DRSP concentrations were achieved after about eight days of treatment in both ethnic groups with approximately a threefold accumulation.There was about a twofold EE accumulation over 21 days in both ethnic groups. There were no differences in DRSP or EE exposure at day 21 between ethnic groups; the ratio of the geometric means (Japanese/Caucasian) of the AUC0−24h were 1.05 (90% CI: 0.95–1.17) and 1.02 (90% CI: 0.76–1.38), respectively. Conclusion Ethnic origin had no clinically relevant influence on the pharmacokinetics of DRSP and EE. PMID:22680989

Haematolohical profile of subacute oral toxicity of molybdenum and ameliorative efficacy of copper salt in goats.

PubMed

Kusum; Raina, R; Verma, P K; Pankaj, N K; Kant, V; Kumar, J; Srivastava, A K

2010-07-01

Molybdenum toxicity produces a state of secondary hypocuprosis, resulting into alterations in normal hematological profile. In the present study, ammonium molybdate alone and with copper sulfate (II) pentahydrate (ameliorative agent) was administered orally for 30 consecutive days in healthy goats of group 1 and 2, respectively, to access the effect on the hematological profile on different predetermined days of dosing. Administration of ammonium molybdate alone produced significant decline in the mean values of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), with a significant increase in neutrophil level and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). However, values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and differential leukocyte count were not significantly altered. On comparing observations of ameliorative group with the group 1 goats, it is concluded that the ameliorative copper salt has beneficial effects in alleviating the alterations in the values of Hb, PCV, TLC, TEC, MCV, MCHC, and neutrophils.

Haematolohical Profile of Subacute Oral Toxicity of Molybdenum and Ameliorative Efficacy of Copper Salt in Goats

PubMed Central

Kusum; Raina, R.; Verma, P. K.; Pankaj, N. K.; Kant, V.; Kumar, J.; Srivastava, A. K.

2010-01-01

Molybdenum toxicity produces a state of secondary hypocuprosis, resulting into alterations in normal hematological profile. In the present study, ammonium molybdate alone and with copper sulfate (II) pentahydrate (ameliorative agent) was administered orally for 30 consecutive days in healthy goats of group 1 and 2, respectively, to access the effect on the hematological profile on different predetermined days of dosing. Administration of ammonium molybdate alone produced significant decline in the mean values of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), with a significant increase in neutrophil level and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). However, values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and differential leukocyte count were not significantly altered. On comparing observations of ameliorative group with the group 1 goats, it is concluded that the ameliorative copper salt has beneficial effects in alleviating the alterations in the values of Hb, PCV, TLC, TEC, MCV, MCHC, and neutrophils. PMID:21170251

Report on the Acceptance Test of the CRI Y-MP 8128, 10 February - 12 March 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Russell; Kutler, Paul (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

The NAS Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility's HSP 2 computer system, a CRI Y-MP 832 SN #1002, underwent a major hardware upgrade in February of 1990. The 32 MWord, 6.3 ns mainframe component of the system was replaced with a 128 MWord, 6.0 ns CRI Y-MP 8128 mainframe, SN #1030. A 30 day Acceptance Test of the computer system was performed by the NAS RND HSP group from 08:00 February 10, 1990 to 08:00 March 12, 1990. Overall responsibility for the RND HSP Acceptance Test was assumed by Duane Carbon. The terms of the contract required that the SN #1030 achieve an effectiveness level of greater than or equal to ninety (90) percent for 30 consecutive days within a 60 day time frame. After the first thirty days, the effectiveness level of SN #1030 was 94.4 percent, hence the acceptance test was passed.

A randomized controlled trial of self-perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed or removable appliances.

PubMed

Wiedel, Anna-Paulina; Bondemark, Lars

2016-03-01

To compare patients' perceptions of fixed and removable appliance therapy for correction of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition, with special reference to perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function. Sixty-two patients with anterior crossbite and functional shift were recruited consecutively and randomized for treatment with fixed appliances (brackets and archwires) or removable appliances (acrylic plates and protruding springs). A questionnaire, previously found to be valid and reliable, was used for evaluation at the following time points: before appliance insertion, on the evening of the day of insertion, every day/evening for 7 days after insertion, and at the first and second scheduled appointments (after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively). Pain and discomfort intensity were higher for the first 3 days for the fixed appliance. Pain and discomfort scores overall peaked on day 2. Adverse effects on school and leisure activities were reported more frequently in the removable than in the fixed appliance group. The fixed appliance group reported more difficulty eating different kinds of hard and soft food, while the removable appliance group experienced more speech difficulties. No significant intergroup difference was found for self-estimated disturbance of appearance between the appliances. The general levels of pain and discomfort were low to moderate in both groups. There were some statistically significant differences between the groups, but these were only minor and with minor clinical relevance. As both appliances were generally well accepted by the patients, either fixed or removable appliance therapy can be recommended.

Use of a pocket compression device for the prevention and treatment of pocket hematoma after pacemaker and defibrillator implantation (STOP-HEMATOMA-I).

PubMed

Turagam, Mohit K; Nagarajan, Darbhamulla V; Bartus, Krzysztof; Makkar, Akash; Swarup, Vijay

2017-08-01

Pocket hematoma is a recognized complication after placement of cardiac implantable electronic devices and is associated with increased device infection, length of hospitalization, and morbidity especially with uninterrupted antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. We assessed the use of a post-surgical vest to decrease the incidence of pocket hematoma in patients undergoing device implantation with uninterrupted antiplatelet and anticoagulants. In this observational study, a vest was used by 20 consecutive patients who were compared to 20 age-, gender-, procedure-matched patients who received standard care. All patients were continued on antiplatelet and anticoagulants in the perioperative period. The pocket was assessed at post procedure day 0, 2, and 7, respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between both groups. Baseline mean international normalized ratio (INR) was significantly higher in the vest group when compared with the control group (2.7 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 0.3 = <0.001). The incidence of pocket hematoma was significantly lower in the vest group than the control group (0 vs 30%, p = 0.02) at the end of 7 days. Control group had a total of six hematomas with one patient requiring evacuation and blood transfusion. The vest group had three hematomas on day 2 that resolved by day 7. The risk of moderate or large pocket hematoma is significantly reduced with the use of this vest in high-risk patients undergoing implantable devices on uninterrupted antiplatelet and anticoagulants.

Effects of at-home and in-office bleaching agents on the shear bond strength of metal, ceramic, and composite brackets to enamel.

PubMed

Rahul, M; Kumar, P Anil; Nair, Amal S; Mathew, Shino; Amaladas, Antony Shijoy; Ommen, Anna

2017-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of at-home and in-office bleaching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal, ceramic, and composite orthodontic brackets and to compare their SBSs. A total of 96 human lower premolar teeth were used for this study. Six teeth were used for scanning electron microscopic study while the remaining ninety were divided into three equal groups. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups with ten samples each. Three protocols were used. In the at-home bleaching group (n = 30), opalescence non-PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride) bleaching agent (10% carbamide peroxide) was applied onto the teeth daily for 14 days and left for 8 h each day. Teeth in the in-office group (n = 30) were treated twice in consecutive days with Opalescence boost PF (40% hydrogen peroxide). After bleaching, the specimens were stored in distilled water for 1 day before bonding. SBS testing was performed on all teeth using Instron universal testing machine. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference (P < 0.005) among the groups. Maximum SBS was shown by ceramic brackets in control group (Ib) and minimum was shown by composite brackets of in-office bleached group (IIIc). The results showed that at-home bleaching did not affect the SBS significantly whereas in-office bleaching reduced SBS of metal, ceramic, and composite brackets significantly. It is preferable to use metal or ceramic brackets than composite brackets for bonding 24 h after bleaching.

Efficacy of a Probiotic-Prebiotic Supplement on Incidence of Diarrhea in a Dog Shelter: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Rose, L; Rose, J; Gosling, S; Holmes, M

2017-03-01

Diarrhea is the most frequent morbidity affecting kenneled dogs in animal shelters. Diarrhea impacts animal welfare and the finances of the shelter as they must treat, clean, and house affected animals until recovered. Supplementing dogs entering an animal shelter with a probiotic-prebiotic, known as a synbiotic, will decrease the incidence of diarrhea. Seven hundred and seventy-three dogs entering an animal shelter in the United Kingdom. A prospective double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Statistical difference was found between the groups across 3 measures of diarrhea incidence. First, the mean percentage of scored days per dog that were scored as diarrhea throughout their stay was 2.0% in the synbiotic group and 3.2% in the placebo group (P = .0022). Second, the occurrence of diarrhea within the first 14 days' stay was 18.8% in the synbiotic product group and 27.2% in the placebo group (P = .0008). Third, the occurrence of ≥2 consecutive days of diarrhea within the first 14 days' stay was 4.6% in the synbiotic product group and 8.0% in the placebo group (P = .0300). Supplementing healthy dogs entering an animal shelter with a synbiotic supplement significantly decreased the incidence of diarrhea in this trial. Animal shelters can use synbiotic supplements to improve animal welfare and decrease costs involved in cleaning and housing animals as well as potentially decreasing veterinary intervention. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Experimental study on the role of intra-articular injection of MSCs on cartilage regeneration in haemophilia.

PubMed

Ravanbod, R; Torkaman, G; Mophid, M; Mohammadali, F

2015-09-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy is a field in progress in cartilage repair strategies. We tried to investigate the functional properties of the joint and cartilage in experimental haemarthrosis (EH) after MSCs intra-articular (IA) injection. One millilitre of fresh autologous blood was injected twice a week for three consecutive weeks in three groups including control haemophilia 10 days (n = 8), control haemophilia 38 days (n = 8) and MSCs (n = 8) group. In later, 10 days after the end of IA blood injections, MSCs IA injection was performed. Eight animals received no treatment as the normal control group. Thirty-eight days after the end of IA blood injections, animals were sacrificed. Joint friction and stress-relaxation tests were done, inflammatory cytokines of synovial membrane and scanning electron microscopy of the cartilage assessed. Joint friction decreased in MSCs in comparison to other groups and was significant with normal control group, (P = 0.011). The mechanical properties of cartilage showed no significant differences between groups. Tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta decreased and IL-4 very slightly increased in MSCs in comparison to the time-matched control group. Scanning electron microscopy enabled acquisition of good structural properties of the surface and layers of the cartilage after MSCs injection. The hole induced in the medial plateau of the tibia bones, after inducing haemarthrosis, were covered with cartilage-like structure. The results showed that MSCs IA injection has some beneficial effects on cartilage structure and function in haemarthrosis model and is promising in patients with haemophilia. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Herb-Drug Pharmacokinetic Interaction of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San with 5-Fluorouracil in the Blood and Brain of Rat Using Microdialysis

PubMed Central

Chiang, Meng-Hsuan; Chang, Li-Wen; Wang, Ju-Wen; Lin, Lie-Chwen; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2015-01-01

According to a survey from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is the most popular Chinese medicine for cancer patients in Taiwan. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a general anticancer drug for the chemotherapy. To investigate the herb-drug interaction of JWXYS on pharmacokinetics of 5-FU, a microdialysis technique coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography system was used to monitor 5-FU in rat blood and brain. Rats were divided into four parallel groups, one of which was treated with 5-FU (100 mg/kg, i.v.) alone and the remaining three groups were pretreated with a different dose of JWXYS (600, 1200, or 2400 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) followed by a combination with 5-FU. This study demonstrates that 5-FU with JWXYS (600 mg/kg/day or 1200 mg/kg/day) has no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in the blood and brain. However, JWXYS (2400 mg/kg/day) coadministered with 5-FU extends the elimination half-life and increases the volume of distribution of 5-FU in the blood. The elimination half-life of 5-FU in the brain for the pretreatment group with 2400 mg/kg/day of JWXYS is significantly longer than that for the group treated with 5-FU alone and also reduces the clearance. This study provides practical dosage information for clinical practice and proves the safety of 5-FU coadministered with JWXYS. PMID:25861367

Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction of a traditional chinese medicine jia-wei-xiao-yao-san with 5-Fluorouracil in the blood and brain of rat using microdialysis.

PubMed

Chiang, Meng-Hsuan; Chang, Li-Wen; Wang, Ju-Wen; Lin, Lie-Chwen; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2015-01-01

According to a survey from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is the most popular Chinese medicine for cancer patients in Taiwan. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a general anticancer drug for the chemotherapy. To investigate the herb-drug interaction of JWXYS on pharmacokinetics of 5-FU, a microdialysis technique coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography system was used to monitor 5-FU in rat blood and brain. Rats were divided into four parallel groups, one of which was treated with 5-FU (100 mg/kg, i.v.) alone and the remaining three groups were pretreated with a different dose of JWXYS (600, 1200, or 2400 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) followed by a combination with 5-FU. This study demonstrates that 5-FU with JWXYS (600 mg/kg/day or 1200 mg/kg/day) has no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in the blood and brain. However, JWXYS (2400 mg/kg/day) coadministered with 5-FU extends the elimination half-life and increases the volume of distribution of 5-FU in the blood. The elimination half-life of 5-FU in the brain for the pretreatment group with 2400 mg/kg/day of JWXYS is significantly longer than that for the group treated with 5-FU alone and also reduces the clearance. This study provides practical dosage information for clinical practice and proves the safety of 5-FU coadministered with JWXYS.

School-based prevention of bullying and relational aggression in adolescence: the fairplayer.manual.

PubMed

Scheithauer, Herbert; Hess, Markus; Schultze-Krumbholz, Anja; Bull, Heike Dele

2012-01-01

The fairplayer.manual is a school-based program to prevent bullying. The program consists of fifteen to seventeen consecutive ninety-minute lessons using cognitive-behavioral methods, methods targeting group norms and group dynamics, and discussions on moral dilemmas. Following a two-day training session, teachers, together with skilled fairplayer.teamers, implement fairplayer.manual in the classroom during regular school lessons. This chapter offers a summary of the program's conception and underlying prevention theory and summarizes the results from two evaluation studies. Standardized questionnaires showed a positive impact of the intervention program on several outcome variables. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company.

[Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Jewish and Bedouin patients].

PubMed

Rabaev, Elena; Sagy, Iftach; Zaid, Eed Abu; Nevzorov, Roman; Harman-Boehm, Ilana; Zeller, Lior; Barski, Leonid

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the Jewish and Bedouin populations. A retrospective analysis was conducted of hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis in adult patients between 2003 and 2010. The clinical and biochemical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis patients of Jewish origin were compared with those of Bedouin origin. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. The study cohort included 220 consecutive patients for whom the admission diagnosis was diabetic ketoacidosis. The cohort was categorized according to Jewish and Bedouin origin as follows: 177 (80.5%) Jewish and 43 (19.5%) Bedouin patients. The Jewish patients were significantly older than the Bedouin patients (45.8 +/- 18.9 vs. 32.9 +/- 15.3, p < 0.001). The majority of the patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in both the Jewish and Bedouin groups had type 1 diabetes mellitus. No differences were found for in-hospital mortality, 30 days mortality or complication rates in groups of Jewish and Bedouin patients. The Length of hospital stay was significantly Longer in the Jewish compared to the Bedouin groups of patients (median 4 days (IQR 2; 6 days) vs. median 3 days (IQR 2; 4 days) respectively, p = 0.05). We did not find significant differences in the outcomes between Bedouin and Jewish patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. The Bedouin patients in the present study were younger compared to Jewish patients and the Length of the hospital stay was shorter in the Bedouin compared to the Jewish group. Advanced age, mechanical ventilation and bed-ridden state were independent predictors of 30-day mortality in both ethnic groups.

Folic acid supplement decreases the homocysteine increasing effect of filtered coffee. A randomised placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Strandhagen, E; Landaas, S; Thelle, D S

2003-11-01

Elevated levels of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) are identified as independent risk factors for coronary heart disease and for fetal neural tube defects. tHcy levels are negatively associated with folic acid, pyridoxine and cobalamine, and positively associated with coffee consumption and smoking. A total of 600 ml of filtered coffee results in a tHcy increase that 200 mug of folic acid or 40 mg of pyridoxine supplementation might eliminate. Randomised, blinded study with two consecutive trial periods. Free living population. Volunteers. A total of 121 healthy, nonsmoking men and women (78%) aged 29-65 y. (1) A coffee-free period of 3 weeks, (2) 600 ml coffee/day and a supplement of 200 mug folic acid/day or placebo for 4 weeks, (3) 3-week coffee-free period, (4) 600 ml coffee/day and 40 mg pyridoxine/day or placebo for 4 weeks. The difference between the change in tHcy in the supplement group and the change in tHcy in the placebo group during the 4-week trial period. Coffee abstention resulted in a tHcy decrease of 1.04 mumol/l for the whole group. In the subsequent coffee period, a further decrease of 0.17 mumol/l was observed in the folic acid group whereas an increase of 1.26 mumol/l was observed in the placebo group, the difference was 1.43 mumol/l (95% CI: 0.80, 2.07). Pyridoxine supplement had no impact on tHcy levels. Supplementation of 200 mug folic acid/day eliminates the tHcy increasing effect of 600 ml filtered coffee in subjects not already on folic acid supplements. A supplement of 40 mg pyridoxine/day does not have the same effect.

Procalcitonin, interleukin 6 and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS): early markers of postoperative sepsis after major surgery.

PubMed

Mokart, D; Merlin, M; Sannini, A; Brun, J P; Delpero, J R; Houvenaeghel, G; Moutardier, V; Blache, J L

2005-06-01

Patients who undergo major surgery for cancer are at high risk of postoperative sepsis. Early markers of septic complications would be useful for diagnosis and therapeutic management in patients with postoperative sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between early (first postoperative day) changes in interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentrations and the occurrence of subsequent septic complications after major surgery. Serial blood samples were collected from 50 consecutive patients for determination of IL-6, PCT and CRP serum levels. Blood samples were obtained on the morning of surgery and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Sixteen patients developed septic complications during the first five postoperative days (group 1), and 34 patients developed no septic complications (group 2). On day 1, PCT and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in group 1 (P-values of 0.003 and 0.006, respectively) but CRP levels were similar. An IL-6 cut-off point set at 310 pg ml(-1) yielded a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 58% to differentiate group 1 patients from group 2 patients. When associated with the occurrence of SIRS on day 1 these values reached 100% and 79%, respectively. A PCT cut-off point set at 1.1 ng ml(-1) yielded a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 72%. When associated with the occurrence of SIRS on day 1, these values reached 100% and 86%, respectively. PCT and IL-6 appear to be early markers of subsequent postoperative sepsis in patients undergoing major surgery for cancer. These findings could allow identification of postoperative septic complications.

49 CFR Appendix A to Part 355 - Guidelines for the Regulatory Review

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... working at the required performance level, and other key components included in 49 CFR part 393. Hours of... hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty; after being on duty 15 hours, after being on duty more than 60 hours in any 7 consecutive days; or after being on duty more than 70 hours in any 8 consecutive...

Risk factors of significant pain syndrome 90 days after minor thoracic injury: trajectory analysis.

PubMed

Daoust, Raoul; Emond, Marcel; Bergeron, Eric; LeSage, Natalie; Camden, Stéphanie; Guimont, Chantal; Vanier, Laurent; Chauny, Jean-Marc

2013-11-01

The objective was to identify the risk factors of clinically significant pain at 90 days in patients with minor thoracic injury (MTI) discharged from the emergency department (ED). A prospective, multicenter, cohort study was conducted in four Canadian EDs from November 2006 to November 2010. All consecutive patients aged 16 years or older with MTI were eligible at discharge from EDs. They underwent standardized clinical and radiologic evaluations at 1 and 2 weeks, followed by standardized telephone interviews at 30 and 90 days. A pain trajectory model characterized groups of patients with different pain evolutions and ascertained specific risk factors in each group through multivariate analysis. In this cohort of 1,132 patients, 734 were eligible for study inclusion. The authors identified a pain trajectory that characterized 18.2% of the study population experiencing clinically significant pain (>3 of 10) at 90 days after a MTI. Multivariate modeling found two or more rib fractures, smoking, and initial oxygen saturation below 95% to be predictors of this group of patients. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first prospective study of trajectory modeling to detect risk factors associated with significant pain at 90 days after MTI. These factors may help in planning specific treatment strategies and should be validated in another prospective cohort. © 2013 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Ocular surface changes following oral anticholinergic use for overactive bladder.

PubMed

Sekeroglu, Mehmet Ali; Hekimoglu, Emre; Tasci, Yasemin; Dolen, Ismail; Arslan, Umut

2016-09-01

To investigate the effect of oral solifenacin succinate on Schirmer I test results, tear break-up time (TBUT) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores in overactive bladder (OAB) patients and to compare these results with those of healthy control subjects. The female OAB patients who were prescribed oral solifenacin succinate 5 mg/day (Group I, N = 80) and age-matched healthy female subjects (Group II, N = 40) were recruited for the study and underwent ophthalmological examination prior to oral treatment and after 4 weeks. They completed the OSDI questionnaire and underwent ocular surface tests including Schirmer I test and TBUT. The statistical analysis of the Schirmer I test and TBUT revealed no significant difference between the baseline and 4th week values in both groups (Group I, p = 0.506 and p = 0.070 consecutively) (Group II, p = 0.810 and p = 0.823 consecutively). OSDI scores were found to be significantly increased in group I (21.8 ± 4.2 vs 23.1 ± 4.6, p = 0.020) and remained unchanged in group II (20.5 ± 7.0 vs 20.7 ± 7.0, p = 0.805). Short-term solifenacin succinate treatment has no effect on the Schirmer I test results and TBUT, but ocular surface symptoms appeared to be exacerbated in respect with increased OSDI scores. However, the clinical significance needs to be further evaluated with larger studies.

Effect of time to infusion of autologous stem cells (24 vs. 48 h) after high-dose melphalan in patients with multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Talamo, Giampaolo; Rakszawski, Kevin L; Rybka, Witold B; Dolloff, Nathan G; Malysz, Jozef; Berno, Tamara; Zangari, Maurizio

2012-08-01

High-dose melphalan (HD-Mel) is considered the current standard of care among the preparative regimens used in autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (SCT) for multiple myeloma (MM), but optimal time and schedule of administration is not defined. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes and toxicities of HD-Mel administered on day -2 vs. day -1 before autologous stem cells infusion. A total of 138 consecutive MM patients treated at Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute between 2007 and 2010 were included in this study. No difference in time to hematopoietic recovery, common SCT-related toxicities, and clinical outcomes was seen between patients who received HD-Mel on day -2 (group A, n = 47), and those who received it on day -1 (group B, n = 91). Prompt and full hematopoietic recovery occurred even when stem cells were infused between 8 and 24 h after completion of chemotherapy. In the absence of prospective and randomized data, we conclude that a single I.V. infusion of HD-Mel on day -1 is a safe and effective practice, and the so-called 'day of rest' before the transplant appears not to be necessary. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

The predictive value of plasma cytokines on gastroesophageal anastomotic leakage at an early stage in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

PubMed

Song, Jie-Qiong; He, Yi-Zhou; Fang, Yuan; Wu, Wei; Zhong, Ming

2017-08-01

It's difficult to diagnose gastroesophageal anastomotic leakage (GAL) at early postoperative stage. This study was conducted to evaluate the early predictive value of plasma cytokines levels on GAL in patients undergoing esophagectomy. Consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy and admitted to Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) just after surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline and postoperative 1 day plasma cytokine levels were collected and analyzed to evaluate the predictive value for clinically important anastomotic leakage. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis was also performed. A total of 183 patients were included. Sixteen patients (8.74%) experienced GAL (GAL group) and the others did not (non-GAL group). The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in plasma on the first postoperative day significantly increased in the GAL group than in the non-GAL group (P<0.05). IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were fair predictors of GAL (AUROC >0.7) and the other two cytokines were poorly predictive (AUROC <0.7). The mean length of ICU and hospital stay were significantly longer in the GAL group than in the non-GAL group (P<0.05). Plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 on the first postoperative day can predict clinically important GAL in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Comparison of cefuroxime axetil and phenoxymethyl penicillin for the treatment of children with solitary erythema migrans.

PubMed

Arnez, M; Radsel-Medvescek, A; Pleterski-Rigler, D; Ruzić-Sabljić, E; Strle, F

1999-12-10

To compare the clinical efficacy and drug-related adverse effects of 14 days of treatment with cefuroxime axetil 30 mg/kg/day or phenoxymethyl penicillin 100,000 IU/kg/day in the treatment of children with erythema migrans. Consecutive patients younger than 15 years, referred to our institution in 1996 with solitary erythema migrans and without prior antibiotic therapy, were included in this prospective study. Basic demographic features and clinical data were collected by questionnaire. The efficacy of the treatment of acute disease, development of major and/or minor manifestations of Lyme borreliosis and drug-related adverse effects were surveyed at follow-up visits during the first year after the initiation of antibiotic treatment. Forty-six patients received cefuroxime axetil (group C) and 44, phenoxymethyl penicillin (group P). The two groups differed in terms of age (patients in group C were younger), but no other differences in demographic and clinical pre-treatment characteristics were present. The clinical course during the post-treatment period revealed no significant differences between the two groups: the duration of erythema migrans (7.1 +/- 7.5 days in group C, 10.6 +/- 19.3 days in group P) and the appearance of minor manifestations of Lyme borreliosis (8.8% in group C, 9.1% in group P) were comparable; no major manifestations were recorded. Twelve months after antibiotic treatment all patients were free of symptoms. The patients treated with cefuroxime axetil had more drug-related adverse effects than did those treated with phenoxymethyl penicillin (26.1% versus 6.8%, p = 0.0301). "Herxheimer's reaction" at the beginning of treatment was identified more often in group C than in group P, but the difference was not statistically significant. Cefuroxime axetil and phenoxymethyl penicillin are equally effective in the treatment of children with solitary erythema migrans; however drug-related adverse effects were more frequently observed with cefuroxime axetil.

Blood transfusion reduction with intravenous iron in gynecologic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

PubMed

Dangsuwan, Penkae; Manchana, Tarinee

2010-03-01

To compare the incidence of repeated red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in anemic gynecologic cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy comparing intravenous and oral iron. Forty-four anemic gynecologic cancer patients (hemoglobin level below 10 mg/dl) who required RBC transfusion were stratified and randomized according to baseline hemoglobin levels and chemotherapy regimen. Study group received 200 mg of intravenous iron sucrose and control group received oral ferrous sulphate 600 mg/day. RBC transfusion requirement in the consecutive cycle of chemotherapy was the primary outcome. Quality of life was evaluated by validated Thai version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An). In a total of the 44 patients, there were 22 patients in each group. Five patients (22.7%) in the study group and 14 patients (63.6%) in the control group required RBC transfusion in consecutive cycle of chemotherapy (p=0.01). No significant difference in baseline hemoglobin and hematocrit levels was demonstrated in both groups. Significantly higher mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels after treatment were reported in the study group (10.0+/-0.8 g/dl and 30.5+/-2.4%) than the control group (9.5+/-0.9 g/dl and 28.4+/-2.7%). No significant change of total FACT-An scores was noted between before and after treatment in both groups. No serious adverse events were reported and there was no significant difference among adverse events between both groups. Intravenous iron is an alternative treatment for anemic gynecologic cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy and reduces the incidence of RBC transfusion without serious adverse events.

The efficacy and safety of clotrimazole vaginal tablet vs. oral fluconazole in treating severe vulvovaginal candidiasis.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaofang; Li, Ting; Fan, Shangrong; Zhu, Yuxia; Liu, Xiaoping; Guo, Xuedong; Liang, Yiheng

2016-07-01

To compare the efficacy and safety of two doses of clotrimazole vaginal tablet 500 mg with two doses of oral fluconazole 150 mg in treating severe vulvovaginal candidiasis (SVVC), 240 consecutive patients with SVVC were studied at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital between June 2014, and September 2015. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive treatment with either two doses of clotrimazole vaginal tablet or two doses of oral fluconazole. The clinical cure rates in the clotrimazole group and the fluconazole group at days 7-14 follow-up were 88.7% (102/115) and 89.1% (98/110) respectively; the clinical cure rates at days 30-35 in the two groups were 71.9% (82/114) and 78.0% (85/109) respectively. The mycological cure rates at days 7-14 follow-up in the two groups were 78.3% (90/115) and 73.6% (81/110) respectively. The mycological cure rates of the patients at days 30-35 in the two groups were 54.4% (62/114) and 56.0% (61/109) respectively (P > 0.05). The adverse events of clotrimazole were mainly local. This study demonstrated that two doses of clotrimazole vaginal tablet 500 mg were as effective as two doses of oral fluconazole 150 mg in the treatment of patients with SVVC and could be an appropriate treatment for this disorder. © 2016 The Authors Mycoses Published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Biochemical alterations induced by oral subchronic exposure to fipronil, fluoride and their combination in buffalo calves.

PubMed

Gill, Kamalpreet Kaur; Dumka, Vinod Kumar

2013-11-01

The effects of various pesticides and minerals on biochemical parameters have been explored in different species, but hardly any data exist regarding the combined toxicological effect of pesticides and minerals on these parameters in animals. The present study investigated the effects of fipronil and fluoride co-exposure on biochemical parameters in buffalo calves. Twenty-four healthy male buffalo calves divided into four groups were treated for 98 consecutive days. Group I, receiving no treatment served as the control. Animals of groups II and III were orally administered with fipronil @ 0.5mg/kg/day and sodium fluoride (NaF) @ 6.67 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 98 days. An additional group IV was co-administered fipronil and NaF at the same dosages as groups II and III. Administration of fipronil alone produced mild toxic signs, significant elevation in plasma proteins, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and significant decline in the plasma cholesterol levels. NaF exposure produced toxic signs specifically of muscle weakness and brown and black discoloration of teeth. Significant elevation was seen in whole blood cholinesterase, BUN and creatinine levels. However, it produced significant decline in blood glucose, cholesterol and plasma protein levels. Combined exposure to fipronil and sodium fluoride produced toxic signs with greater intensity while biochemical alterations produced were similar to those that were produced by their individual exposures. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of rhubarb (Rheum emodi) in primary dysmenorrhoea: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Rehman, Hina; Begum, Wajeeha; Anjum, Farzana; Tabasum, Humyra; Zahid, Shabnam

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the efficacy of Rheum emodi in the management of primary dysmenorrhoea. A randomized, single-blind, standard controlled trial compared efficacy of R. emodi against mefenamic acid on diagnosed subjects of primary dysmenorrhoea for three consecutive cycles. Experimental group (n=30) received capsules of R. emodi powder two times a day, two days before the expected date of menstruation, and continued first three days of menstruation, while control group (n=15) participants received mefenamic acid capsules three times a day on the same protocol. The primary outcome measures were reduced in severity and duration of pain, assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMSS), and secondary outcome measures were overall improvement of dysmenorrhoea and improved in quality of life (QOL). Statistical analysis was done by repeated measures analysis of variance and Chi-square/Fisher Exact test. The menstrual pain was significantly decreased in both groups after three-cycle intervention. Significant changes were observed in VAS (p<0.001) and VMSS (p<0.001) in the experimental group. There is a significant (p<0.001) reduction in duration of pain in both the groups. Associated symptoms and QOL were markedly improved after treatment (p<0.001). It has been clear from the above result that R. emodi is an effective herb in alleviating symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea. It can serve as an alternative treatment without any apparent side effects. These results deserve further investigations.

Comparison of the antiplatelet effect of two clopidogrel bisulfate formulations: Plavix and generic-Egitromb.

PubMed

Komosa, A; Siller-Matula, J M; Kowal, J; Lesiak, M; Siniawski, A; Mączyński, M; Michalak, M; Mularek-Kubzdela, T; Grajek, S

2015-01-01

Due to expansion of the pharmaceutical market it seems necessary to prove the efficacy of the generic drugs. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two clopidogrel formulations: brand-name-Plavix and generic drug - Egitromb. This is a prospective, randomized study comparing two groups of patients treated with two clopidogrel: brand-name Plavix and generic drug- Egitromb. The 53 consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease qualifying for coronary angiography and PCI were enrolled in this trial. They were randomized into two groups. In the group A (n = 28) patients received Egitromb 300 mg at admission followed by 8 days of 75 mg Egitromb daily. In the group B (n = 25) patients received Plavix 300 mg on the admission followed by 8 days of 75 mg Plavix maintenance therapy. Blood samples for multiple electrode aggregometry testing were drawn at baseline, 5 hours and 8 days after taking the loading dose. Median values of platelet aggregation inhibition did not differ between the Plavix and Egitromb groups when assessed at baseline: 239AU/min (IQR:329) vs. 209 (IQR:406; p = 0.894), 5 hours after loading: 183 AU/min (IQR:107) vs. 165 (IQR:171; p = 0.831) or at day 8: 174 AU/min (IQR:133) vs. 211 (IQR:133; p = 0.332. The study showed no difference in the therapeutic effect of two clopidogrel formulations (Egitromb and Plavix).

Anchoring of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent with a 5F double-pigtail plastic stent to prevent migration in the management of benign biliary strictures.

PubMed

Park, Jong Kyu; Moon, Jong Ho; Choi, Hyun Jong; Min, Seul Ki; Lee, Tae Hoon; Cheon, Gab Jin; Cheon, Young Koog; Cho, Young Deok; Park, Sang-Heum; Kim, Sun-Joo

2011-10-01

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) can be effectively placed in patients with benign biliary stricture (BBS). However, stent migration is an inherent problem of FCSEMSs. We evaluated the efficacy of anchoring with a 5F double-pigtail plastic stent (anchoring stent) to prevent migration of an FCSEMS in patients with BBS. Between January 2007 and December 2009, 33 of 37 consecutive patients with BBS who had experienced treatment failure of at least one plastic stent placement were prospectively enrolled in this study. The patients with BBS were randomly assigned to undergo FCSEMS placement with or without an anchoring stent (anchoring group: 16 patients; non-anchoring group: 17 patients). The main outcome measures were the stent migration rate and success rates. The technical success rate was 100% in both groups. Significantly less stent migration occurred in the anchoring group (6.3%, 1/16) than in the non-anchoring group (41.2%, 7/17; P=0.024). The median indwelling time was significantly longer in the anchoring group (154 days; range, 86-176 days) than in the non-anchoring group (114 days; range, 19-162 days; P=0.010). Improvement or resolution of the BBS was confirmed in 15 of 16 patients (93.8%) in the anchoring group, and in 12 of 17 patients (70.6%) in the non-anchoring group (P=0.101). The placement of an anchoring stent appears to be a simple and effective method of preventing premature migration of FCSEMSs in patients with BBS. Appropriately powered studies are needed to confirm this finding.

The effect of fixed-dose combination of valsartan and amlodipine on nighttime blood pressure in patients with non-dipper hypertension.

PubMed

Erdoğan, Doğan; İçli, Atilla; Aksoy, Fatih; Akçay, Salaheddin; Yücel, Habil; Ersoy, İbrahim; Özaydın, Mehmet

2016-07-01

Failure to decrease blood pressure (BP) during the night is associated with higher cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. There is strong evidence that fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antihypertensive agents are associated with significant improvement and non-significant adverse effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether FDC affected nocturnal BP favorably in patients with uncontrolled, non-dipper hypertension (HT). All non-dipper hypertensives were either newly diagnosed with stage 2-3 HT or had HT uncontrolled with monotherapy. Patients (n=195) were consecutively assigned to 4 treatment groups: FDC of valsartan/amlodipine (160/5 mg), free-drug combination of valsartan 160 mg and amlodipine 5 mg, amlodipine 10 mg, and valsartan 320 mg. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was repeated at 4th and 8th week. Average 24-h (24-hour) and nocturnal BP were similar among the groups at baseline evaluation, and had significantly decreased by the fourth week of treatment. However, BP continued to decrease only slightly between the 4th and 8th weeks in the valsartan and amlodipine monotherapy groups, but continued to decrease significantly in both combination groups. After 4 weeks, day-night BP difference and day-night BP % change were significantly elevated in the combination and valsartan groups. Between the 4th and 8th weeks, however, day-night BP difference and day-night BP % change continued to rise only in the FDC group, nearly reducing to baseline levels in the free-drug combination and valsartan groups. An additional 2.2 mmHg decrease was observed in the FDC group, compared to the free-drug combination group. In non-dipper HT, FDC of valsartan and amlodipine improved diurnal-nocturnal ratio of BP and provided 24-h coverage.

Treadmill exercise ameliorates symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder through reducing Purkinje cell loss and astrocytic reaction in spontaneous hypertensive rats

PubMed Central

Yun, Hyo-Soon; Park, Mi-Sook; Ji, Eun-Sang; Kim, Tae-Woon; Ko, Il-Gyu; Kim, Hyun-Bae; Kim, Hong

2014-01-01

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder of cognition. We investigated the effects of treadmill exercise on Purkinje cell and astrocytic reaction in the cerebellum of the ADHD rat. Adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYR) weighing 210± 10 g were used. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n= 15): control group, ADHD group, ADHD and methylphenidate (MPH)-treated group, ADHD and treadmill exercise group. The rats in the MPH-treated group as a positive control received 1 mg/kg MPH orally once a day for 28 consecutive days. The rats in the treadmill exercise group were made to run on a treadmill for 30 min once a day for 28 days. Motor coordination and balance were determined by vertical pole test. Immunohistochemistry for the expression of calbindinD-28 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the cerebellar vermis and Western blot for GFAP, Bax, and Bcl-2 were conducted. In the present results, ADHD significantly decreased balance and the number of calbindin-positive cells, while GFAP expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the cerebellum were significantly increased in the ADHD group compared to the control group (P< 0.05, respectively). In contrast, treadmill exercise and MPH alleviated the ADHD-induced the decrease of balance and the number of calbindine-positive cells, and the increase of GFAP expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the cerebellum (P< 0.05, respectively). Therefore, the present results suggested that treadmill exercise might exert ameliorating effect on ADHD through reduction of Purkinje cell loss and astrocytic reaction in the cerebellum. PMID:24678501

Effects of a Structured Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Method on Patient Self-Management Behavior and Metabolic Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Khamseh, Mohammad E; Ansari, Majid; Malek, Mojtaba; Shafiee, Gita; Baradaran, Hamid

2011-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of structured self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on patient self-management behavior and metabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods From January to June 2009, 30 patients with basic diabetes education were followed for a period of 90 days. To provide assessment of glycemic control and frequency of dysglycemia, patients, underwent 3 consecutive days of seven-point SMBG during each month for 3 consecutive months, using the ACCU-CHEK 360° View tool. Glucose profiles of the first and third month were used for comparison. Results Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) improved significantly during the 90-day period in all patients [confidence interval (CI) 95%, 0.32–1.64%, p < .05] and those with poor metabolic control (group B; CI 95%, 0.86–2.64%, p < .05). Mean blood glucose (MBG) values decreased significantly in group B (CI 95%, 0.56–24.78 mg/dl, p < .05) and all cases (CI 95%, 1.61–19.73 mg/dl, p < .05). Meanwhile, there was an average decrease of 15.7 mg/dl in fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels in the whole subjects. Mean postprandial blood glucose levels (MPP) decreased by 19.3 and 11.3 mg/dl in group B and in all cases, respectively. However, there were no significant changes in HbA1c, MBG, FBS, and MPP in people with good metabolic control. Conclusion A structured SMBG program improves HbA1c, FBS, MPP, and MBG in people with poorly controlled diabetes. This improvement shows the importance of patient self-management behavior on metabolic outcomes in T2DM. PMID:21527110

Efficacy of proactive long-term maintenance therapy of canine atopic dermatitis with 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate spray: a double-blind placebo controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Lourenço, Ana M; Schmidt, Vanessa; São Braz, Berta; Nóbrega, Diana; Nunes, Telmo; Duarte-Correia, José H; Matias, Daniela; Maruhashi, Emi; Rème, Christophe A; Nuttall, Tim

2016-04-01

Long-term remission between flares of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) can be difficult to achieve. Therefore, additional strategic forms of treatment are needed in order to target flare prevention. The concept of proactive therapy is recommended in the European guidelines for the treatment of human atopic eczema. To evaluate the efficacy of a proactive treatment regimen with a 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) spray for CAD. Client-owned dogs with spontaneous atopic dermatitis (AD) (n = 41). This pilot study was conducted as a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial with an end-point of treatment failure. Dogs were treated once daily to remission, then randomly assigned to receive either the HCA spray (n = 21) or a placebo (n = 20) spray on two consecutive days each week. All dogs were on appropriate flea control. No topical or systemic anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial agents were permitted. Intention-to-treat analysis was used. At Day 0, all the dogs were in remission or had mild AD based on their Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, version 3 (CADESI-03) scores. The time to relapse was significantly higher in the HCA group (median 115 d; range 31-260 d) compared to the placebo group (median 33 d; range 15-61 d) (P < 0.0001). No adverse events were attributable to the HCA spray. Four dogs were lost to follow-up and four were withdrawn after receiving prohibited medication. These results indicate that proactive long-term therapy of CAD with an HCA spray administered on two consecutive days each week is effective and well-tolerated. © 2016 ESVD and ACVD.

[The benefits of digital air leak assessment after pulmonary resection: prospective and comparative study].

PubMed

Mier, José M; Molins, Laureano; Fibla, Juan J

2010-06-01

Persistent air leaks represent the most common pulmonary complication after elective lung resection. Since there are insufficient data in the literature regarding variability in the withdrawal of postoperative pleural drainages, we have designed a prospective, consecutive and comparative study to evaluate if the use of digital devices (Thopaz and DigiVent) to measure postoperative air leak compared to a Pleur-Evac varies on deciding when to withdraw chest tubes after lung resection. A prospective, consecutive and comparative trial was conducted in 75 patients who underwent elective pulmonary resection for non small cell lung cancer. This study compared two digitals devices with the current analogue version in 75 patients. The digital and analogue groups had 26, 24, and 25 patients, respectively. Clinical population data were not statistically different between the groups. The withdrawal of the chest tube was Thopaz, 2.4 days; Digivent, 3.3 days and PleurEvac, 4.5 days. Patients and nurses were subjectively more comfortable with digital devices. Surgeons obtained more objective information with digital devices. The safety mechanism of the Thopaz was also subjectively better, and one patient was discharged home without complications after one week. The digital and continuous measurement of air leak instead of the currently used static analogue systems reduced the chest tube withdrawal and hospital stay by more accurately and reproducibly measuring air leak. Intrapleural pressure curves from the Digivent may also help predict the optimal chest tube setting for each patient. The Thopaz alarm mechanism is very useful to prevent deficiencies in the mechanism and do not required wall suction. Copyright (c) 2010 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Increased anxiety and impaired memory in rats 3 months after administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy").

PubMed

Morley, K C; Gallate, J E; Hunt, G E; Mallet, P E; McGregor, I S

2001-12-14

Male Wistar rats were administered either (a) a high dose regime of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (4 x 5 mg/kg, i.p. over 4 h on each of 2 consecutive days), (b) a moderate dose regime of MDMA (1 x 5 mg/kg on each of 2 consecutive days), (c) D-amphetamine (4 x 1 mg/kg over 4 h on each of 2 days), or (d) vehicle injections. The high MDMA dose regime and the amphetamine treatment both produced acute hyperactivity and hyperthermia. Twelve weeks later, all rats were tested in the drug-free state on a battery of anxiety tests (elevated plus maze, emergence and social interaction tests). A further 2 weeks later they were tested on a novel object recognition memory task. Rats previously given the neurotoxic dose of MDMA showed greater anxiety-like behaviour on all three anxiety tests relative to both controls and D-amphetamine-treated rats. Rats given the moderate MDMA dose regime also showed increased anxiety-like behaviour on all three tests, although to a lesser extent than rats in the high dose group. In the object recognition task, rats given the high MDMA dose regime showed impaired memory relative to all other groups when tested at a 15-min delay but not at a 60-min delay. Rats previously exposed to amphetamine did not differ from saline controls in the anxiety or memory tests. These data suggest that moderate to heavy MDMA exposure over 48 h may lead to increased anxiety and memory impairment 3 months later, possibly through a neurotoxic effect on brain serotonin systems.

40 CFR 424.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 English units (lb/1,000 lb of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 (b) The... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.176 0.088 Ammonia-N 1.762 .881...

40 CFR 424.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 English units (lb/1,000 lb of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 (b) The... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.176 0.088 Ammonia-N 1.762 .881...

40 CFR 424.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 English units (lb/1,000 lb of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 (b) The... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.176 0.088 Ammonia-N 1.762 .881...

40 CFR 424.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 English units (lb/1,000 lb of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 (b) The... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.176 0.088 Ammonia-N 1.762 .881...

40 CFR 424.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 English units (lb/1,000 lb of product) Manganese 0.678 0.339 Ammonia-N 6.778 3.389 (b) The... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of product) Manganese 0.176 0.088 Ammonia-N 1.762 .881...

40 CFR 428.105 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 2.0 0.73 BOD5 3.72 2.20 TSS 6.96 2.90 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 2.0 0.73 BOD5... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Chromium 0...

40 CFR 428.105 - Standards of performance for new sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 2.0 0.73 BOD5 3.72 2.20 TSS 6.96 2.90 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 2.0 0.73 BOD5... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Chromium 0...

Effects of electromagnetic pulse on bone metabolism of mice in vivo.

PubMed

Li, Kang-Chu; Ma, Shi-Rong; Ding, Gui-Rong; Guo, Yao; Guo, Guo-Zhen

2009-12-01

To study the effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on bone metabolism of mice in vivo. Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were divided into a control group and 2 experimental groups (n=8). The whole-body of mice in experimental groups were exposed to 50 kV/m and 400kV/m EMP, 400 pulses daily for 7 consecutive days at 2 seconds intervals. Alkaline phosphotase (ALP) activity, serum calcium concentration and osteocalcin level and trabecular bone volume (BV/TV, %) were measured immediately after EMP exposure by biochemical, ELISA and morphological methods. The ALP activity, serum calcium concentration and osteocalcin level and BV/TV in experimental groups remained unchanged after EMP exposure. Conclusion Under our experimental conditions, EMP exposure cannot affect bone metabolism of mice in vivo.

Promoting individual learning for trainees with perceived high helplessness: experiences of a safety training program.

PubMed

Kiani, Fariba; Khodabakhsh, Mohamad Reza

2014-01-01

The article arises from a research project investigating the effectiveness of safety training on changing attitudes toward safety issues. Followed by the training intervention was observed that employees' helplessness decreased. The researchers have come to the idea of investigating how safety training can reduce perceived helplessness. Thus, this research examined the effectiveness of safety training on reducing employees' helplessness with attention to the mediating role of attitude toward safety issues. The current study was an experimental study with the control group. A total of 204 (101 experimental group and 103 control group) completed safety attitude questionnaire and perceived helplessness before a safety training course including four 90-min sessions over 4 consecutive days in Esfahan Steel Company in 2012 between October and December. Only members of the experimental group participated in this course. These questionnaires, approximately 30 days later, again were run on members of both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive indexes, t-, and F-test. RESULTS by comparing the two groups showed that safety training was effective only on individuals with perceived low helplessness (p = 0.02). In individuals with perceived high helplessness, safety training only with changing safety attitudes can reduce the perceived helplessness.

Failure to account for practice effects leads to clinical misinterpretation of cognitive outcome following carotid endarterectomy.

PubMed

Marley, Christopher J; Sinnott, Andrew; Hall, Judith E; Morris-Stiff, Gareth; Woodsford, Paul V; Lewis, Michael H; Bailey, Damian M

2017-06-01

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure to remove stenotic atherosclerotic plaque from the origin of the carotid artery to reduce the risk of major stroke. Its impact on postoperative cognitive function (POCF) remains controversial; complicated, in part, by a traditional failure to account for practice effects incurred during consecutive psychometric testing. To address this for the first time, we performed psychometric testing (learning and memory, working memory, attention and information processing, and visuomotor coordination) in 15 male patients aged 68  ±  8 years with symptomatic carotid stenosis the day before and 24 h following elective CEA (two consecutive tests, 48 h apart). Multiple baselining was also performed in a separate cohort of 13 educationally, anthropometrically and age-matched controls (63  ±  9 years) not undergoing revascularization at identical time points with additional measures performed over a further 96 h (four consecutive tests, each 48 h apart). A single consecutive test in the control group resulted in progressive improvements in learning and memory, working memory, and attention and information ( P  <   0.05 vs. Test 1), with three tests required before cognitive performance stabilized. Following correction for practice effects in the patient group, CEA was associated with a deterioration rather than an improvement in learning and memory as originally observed ( P  <   0.05). These findings highlight the potential for the clinical misinterpretation of POCF unless practice effects are taken into account and provide practical recommendations for implementation within the clinical setting. © 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

Is near infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green dye useful in robotic partial nephrectomy: a prospective comparative study of 94 patients.

PubMed

Krane, L Spencer; Manny, Theodore B; Hemal, Ashok K

2012-07-01

To compare a consecutive prospective cohort of patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with indocyanine green dye (ICG) with a previous consecutive patient cohort. A total of 47 consecutive patients with renal masses suspicious for malignancy undergoing RPN were given 5-7.5 mg of ICG before hilar clamping or tumor excision. This cohort of patients was compared with 47 immediate previous consecutive patients who had undergone RPN without NIRF real-time imaging using ICG. The intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative parameters were collected in an institutional review board-approved prospective database. The preoperative demographics and tumor complexity according to the nephrometry or preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomic (PADUA) scores were similar. The mean warm ischemia time was significantly decreased in the ICG group (15 vs 17 minutes, P = .01). The median hospital stay was 2 days in both groups. No significant difference was seen in the positive margin rate (ICG, 6% vs control, 8.5%; P = .69) or observed Clavien grade III-IV complications in these 2 cohorts (ICG, 4% vs control, 15%; P = .07). No adverse events were associated with ICG dye administration. Differential ICG uptake was observed with selective clamping or in patients with cystic tumors, hypofluorescent tumors with exophytic components, and angiomyelolipomas, but these benefits could not be quantified. NIRF-ICG was transiently helpful to identify the vascular anatomy and not helpful at all for endophytic tumors. RPN using NIRF-ICG can be performed safely and effectively. A decreased warm ischemia time in the ICG cohort was observed without specific measured advantages. Differential ICG uptake by different tumors did not lead to significant differences in the positive margin rate. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Significance of changes of T lymphocytes subsets in children with infectious mononucleosis and the effects of different interventions].

PubMed

Chen, Zhuang-gui; Li, Ming; Ji, Jing-zhi; Chen, Hong; Chen, Yan-feng; Chen, Fen-hua

2009-04-01

To investigate changes of T lymphocytes subsets in children with infectious mononucleosis (IM) and the effects of different interventions. Forty-eight children with IM were enrolled, 28 cases were assigned to the group treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 400 mg/(kg x d) for 5 continuous days or IVIG 1 g/(kg x d) for 2 continuous days, the remaining 20 cases were treated with ganciclovir (GCV) 5-10 mg/(kg x d) for 5 consecutive days. All these children were given general supportive therapies. Twenty healthy children from healthcare clinic serviced as control group. CD4 (%), CD8 (%) and the CD4/CD8 ratio in healthy control group were (34.12 +/- 3.53)%, (26.22 +/- 4.43)% and (1.41 +/- 0.3), in IVIG group were (24.2 +/- 4.3)%, (36.4 +/- 6.8)% and (0.72 +/- 0.12), and in GCV group were (23.7 +/- 5.1)%, (37.3 +/- 7.8)% and (0.67 +/- 0.13), respectively. CD4 (%), CD8 (%) and the ratio CD4/CD8 in the control group were significantly different from those in both groups with IM (P < 0.05). Compared with pre-treatment levels, the 28 cases treated with IVIG had significant improvement, the CD4 (%) increased, CD8 (%) decreased and the ratio of CD4/CD8 increased after treatment (P < 0.05). However, 20 cases in GCV treatment group made less changes (P > 0.05) . Meanwhile, the clinical symptoms and signs in the IVIG group were improved faster than that in the GCV group (P < 0.05). The rate of remission in IVIG group was 88.7% vs. 59.2% of GCV group (P < 0.05); the hospital days in IVIG group were (9.2 +/- 4.3) days vs. (13.8 +/- 5.1) days in the GCV (P < 0.05). It is indicated that the subsets of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood are obviously abnormal in children with IM caused by EBV infection in acute phase. IVIG can regulate the immunological derangements of T lymphocytes subsets, on which anti-viral therapy alone may have little impact.

Major food sources contributing to energy intake--a nationwide survey of Brazilians aged 10 years and older.

PubMed

Sichieri, Rosely; Bezerra, Ilana Nogueira; Araújo, Marina Campos; de Moura Souza, Amanda; Yokoo, Edna Massae; Pereira, Rosangela Alves

2015-05-28

Identification of major sources of energy in the diet helps to implement dietary recommendations to reduce obesity. To determine the food sources of energy consumed by Brazilians, we used the traditional method of ranking energy contribution of selected food groups and also compared days with and without consumption of specific food groups. Analysis was based on two non-consecutive days of dietary record from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey, conducted among 34,003 Brazilians (aged 10 years or more), taking into account the complex design of the survey. Comparison of days with and without consumption gave more consistent results, with sweets and cookies as the most important contributors to energy intake, increasing 992 kJ/d (95% CI 883, 1096) for those days when consumption of cakes, cookies and desserts was reported compared to days without their consumption. Savoury snacks, cheese and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) also increase energy intake by about 600 kJ. The only group associated with decreased energy intake was vegetable (-155 kJ; 95% CI -272, -37). Consumption of beans, milk and fruits increased the energy intake by about 210 kJ. In total, the mean energy intake of the group was 8000 kJ. Except for the consumption of vegetables, all of the other ten food groups analysed were associated with increased energy intake. Sweets and cookies may increase the energy intake by 12% and SSB by 7%, indicating that these two groups are major targets for improving healthy eating by reducing energy intake; whereas vegetable intake is associated with the reduction of energy content of the diet.

Early myocardial revascularization for postinfarction angina: results and long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Singh, A K; Rivera, R; Cooper, G N; Karlson, K E

1985-11-01

Within 30 days of acute myocardial infarction, 108 consecutive patients underwent urgent surgical myocardial revascularization for postinfarction angina between July 1976 and March 1983. There were 84 men and 24 women whose mean age was 59.6 +/- 9.5 years (range 34 to 80). Group I (15 patients, 14%) underwent surgery within 48 hours, Group II (47 patients, 43%) between 3 and 7 days and Group III (46 patients, 43%) within 30 days. Fifty-nine patients (55%) had transmural infarction. The ejection fraction was less than 40% in 21 patients (19%). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 20 mm Hg or greater in 42 patients (39%). The incidence of single, double, triple vessel and 70% or greater left main coronary artery stenosis was 4, 20, 59 and 17%, respectively. There were two deaths (1.8%) within 30 days of operation. The incidence of intraaortic balloon pumping was higher in patients operated on earlier after myocardial infarction (53% of Group I versus 22% of Group III). Statistically, there were no differences in the use of inotropic agents or the occurrence of arrhythmias or postoperative myocardial infarction in the three groups. Late follow-up (mean 35 months, range 18 to 98) is complete for all patients (100%). There were four late myocardial infarctions and eight deaths. Actuarial survival was 87% at 5 years. Seventy-three percent of the 108 patients were free of angina and the condition of 14% improved. These results indicate that myocardial revascularization in the first 30 days after myocardial infarction can be accomplished with morbidity and mortality rates similar to those of an elective operation for chronic angina refractory to medical management.

Social behaviour of cattle in tropical silvopastoral and monoculture systems.

PubMed

Améndola, L; Solorio, F J; Ku-Vera, J C; Améndola-Massiotti, R D; Zarza, H; Galindo, F

2016-05-01

Silvopastoral systems can be a good alternative for sustainable livestock production because they can provide ecosystem services and improve animal welfare. Most farm animals live in groups and the social organization and interactions between individuals have an impact on their welfare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe and compare the social behaviour of cattle (Bos indicus×Bos taurus) in a silvopastoral system based on a high density of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) combined with guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) and some trees; with a monoculture system with C. nlemfuensis, in the region of Merida, Yucatán. Eight heifers in each system were observed from 0730 to 1530 h each day for 12 consecutive days during the dry season and 12 consecutive days during the rainy season. The animals followed a rotation between three paddocks, remaining 4 days in each paddock. The vegetation was characterized in the paddocks of the silvopastoral system to estimate the average percentage of shade provided. To make a comparison between systems, we used a t test with group dispersion, and Mann-Whitney tests with the frequency of affiliative and agonistic behaviours. We assessed differences in linearity and stability of dominance hierarchies using Landau's index and Dietz R-test, respectively. The distance of cows with respect to the centroid of the group was shorter, and non-agonistic behaviours were 62% more frequent in the intensive silvopastoral system than in the monoculture one. Heifers in the silvopastoral system had a more linear and non-random dominance hierarchy in both seasons (dry season: h'=0.964; rainy season: h'=0.988), than heifers in the monoculture system (dry season: h'=0.571, rainy season: h'=0.536). The dominance hierarchy in the silvopastoral system was more stable between seasons (R-test=0.779) than in the monoculture system (R-test=0.224). Our results provide the first evidence that heifers in the silvopastoral system maintain more stable social hierarchies and express more sociopositive behaviours, suggesting that animal welfare was enhanced.

Effects of Simulated Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Radiation on Fertilization and Embryo Development.

PubMed

Chen, Hong; Qu, Zaiqing; Liu, Wenhui

2017-04-01

This study investigated the effects of 935-MHz electromagnetic radiation (ER) on fertilization and subsequent embryonic development in mice. Ovulating mice were irradiated at three ER intensities for 4 h/day (d) or 2 h/d for three consecutive days; the ova were then harvested for in vitro fertilization to observe the 6-h fertilization rate (6-FR), 72-h morula rate (72-MR), and 110-h blastula rate (110-BR). Compared with the control group, the 6-FR, 72-MR, and 110-BR were decreased in the low ER intensity group, but the differences were not significant; in the mid- and high-intensity ER groups, 72-MR and 110-BR in the 4 h/d and 2 h/d subgroups were decreased, showing significant differences compared with the control group. Moreover, the comparison between 4 h/d and 2 h/d subgroups showed significant differences. Mid- and high-intensity ER at 935 MHz can reduce the fertilization rate in mice, and reduce the blastulation rate, thus reducing the possibility of embryo implantation.

A new approach in the first-line treatment of bacterial and mycotic vulvovaginitis with topical lipohydroperoxides and glycyrrhetic acid: a comparative study.

PubMed

Mainini, G; Rotondi, M; Scaffa, C

2011-01-01

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATIONS: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a new association of lipohydroperoxides and glycyrrhetic acid on topical treatment of bacterial and mycotic vulvovaginitis. One hundred consecutive patients with bacterial or mycotic vulvovaginitis were randomly assigned to a study group treated with vaginal lipohydroperoxides and a derivative of glycyrrhetic acid for three days (n = 50), and a control group using vaginal antibacterial metronidazole (500 mg) or antimycotic econazole (150 mg) for six days (n = 50). A clinical and microbiological response was achieved in 80.4% and 88.9% in investigational and control group, respectively (p > 0.05). Compared to traditional antimicrobial drugs, the effect appears to be faster and safer, even if not significantly. The 6-month recurrence rate was 7.7% and 5.6% in the investigational and control group, respectively. Topical medication based on lipohydroperoxides and glycyrrhetic acid showed a clinical and microbiological efficacy in the first-line treatment of bacterial and mycotic vulvovaginitis, comparable to conventional drugs.

Absence of histological changes after the administration of a continuous intrathecal clonidine in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Guevara-López, Uriah; Aldrete, J Antonio; Covarrubias-Gómez, Alfredo; Hernández-Pando, Rogelio E; López-Muñoz, Francisco J

2009-01-01

The administration of epidural and spinal clonidine has demonstrated an antinociceptive effect in animals and humans. For that reason, its spinal administration has been proposed as an adjuvant in chronic pain management. However, there is limited information about its possible neurotoxic effect after its continuous neuraxial administration. Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. Using an osmotic mini-pump a continuous infusion of intrathecal clonidine, (21.4 micrograms/day, Group A) or saline solution (Group B), was administered for 14 consecutive days. For evaluating the neurological damage a neuropathological analysis of the spinal cord was performed by light microscopy. Neurohistopathologic examination of the spinal cord specimens failed to show evidence of neurotoxic damage in either group. These findings showed that continuous intrathecal administration of clonidine did not produce evidence of histological neurotoxicity; therefore it is possible that continuous administration of intrathecal clonidine might be a safe option for treatment of chronic intractable pain; however, further investigations are necessary for evaluating diverse doses and periods of time, and to define its possible behavioral effects.

Random Versus Blocked Practice to Enhance Mental Representation in Golf Putting.

PubMed

Fazeli, Davoud; Taheri, HamidReza; Saberi Kakhki, Alireza

2017-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in mental representation from either random or blocked practice when engaged in golf putting. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to random practice, blocked practice, and no-practice groups. First, we measured novice golfers' initial mental representation levels and required them to perform 18 putting trials as a pre-test. We then asked random and blocked groups to practice in accordance with their group assignment for six consecutive days (10 blocks each day, 18 trials each). A week after the last practice session, we re-measured all participants' final mental representation levels and required them to perform 18 putting trials to evaluate learning retention through practice. While those engaged in the random practice method putted more poorly during acquisition (i.e., practice) than those in blocked practice, the random practice group experienced more accurate retention during the final putting trials, and they showed a more structured mental representation than those in blocked practice, one that was more similar to that of skilled golfers. These results support the acquisition of a rich mental representation through random versus blocked practice.

Protective Effect of Selenium Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity in an Experimental Design.

PubMed

Doğan, Sedat; Yazici, Hasmet; Yalçinkaya, Esin; Erdoğdu, Halil Ibrahim; Tokgöz, Sibel Alicura; Sarici, Furkan; Namuslu, Mehmet; Sarikaya, Yasin

2016-10-01

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of several types of malignant solid tumors but its clinical use is associated with ototoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of selenium administration on lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats. Healthy wistar albino rats (n = 21) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), cisplatin and selenium (Cis+Se). Cisplatin was administered for 3 days to Cis and Cis+Se groups. Cis+Se group received selenium 5 days before cisplatin injection and continued for 11 consecutive days. Hearing thresholds and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels of the rats were recorded before injections and at the end of experimental protocol. The cochleas of animals were harvested for histologic and immunuhistochemical examinations. In biochemichal analyses, pretreatment with selenium prevented the elevation of MDA levels in Cis+Se group rats. Moreover, animals in Cis+Se group had better hearing threshold levels than animals in cis group. Samples obtained from the animals in Cis group revealed extensive loss of the normal microarchitecture of the organ of Corti. On the other hand, animals in Cis+Se group exhibited a preservation of the morphology of the organ of Corti and outer hair cells. In the immunohistochemical examinations of cochlear tissues stained with anti-caspase-3, a higher degree of immunopositivity was found in the Cis group. When Cis+Se group and Cis group were compared, significantly less immunopositivity occurred in the Cis+Se group (P < 0.05). Thus, it appears that pretreatment with selenium may reduce cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

A Prospective Randomized Trial of the Efficacy of Fibrin Glue, Triamcinolone Acetonide, and Quilting Sutures in Seroma Prevention after Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction.

PubMed

Hart, Alexandra M; Duggal, Clarie; Pinell-White, Ximena; Losken, Albert

2017-04-01

Donor-site seroma is the most common complication following latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction. Various agents and techniques have attempted to minimize seroma formation. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of different products and quilting sutures at seroma prevention. This is a single-center, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial of a consecutive series of breast cancer patients (n = 96) undergoing latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction performed by a single surgeon. Patients were randomized to receive (1) fibrin glue (Tisseel) (n = 23), (2) triamcinolone acetonide (n = 26), or (3) normal saline (control) (n = 27) sprayed into the donor site. The fourth arm included donor-site quilting sutures (n = 20). Outcomes included seroma, drain output, and days to last drain removal. Drain removal was standardized at less than 30 cc/day. All groups were matched evenly without differences in risk, procedures, or complications. The overall seroma rate was 31.3 percent (n = 30). The quilting group had significantly less drainage for weeks 1 (p = 0.006) and 2 (p = 0.050) postoperatively. Quilting statistically reduced the incidence of seromas to 5.0 percent (n = 1; p = 0.038) compared with other groups (control, 34.5 percent; fibrin, 27.6 percent; and triamcinolone, 37.6 percent). Drains were removed 10 days earlier with quilting (control, 35.5 days; fibrin, 39.5 days; triamcinolone, 37.4 days; and quilting, 25.8 days; p = 0.001). The incidence of all other complications was similar between groups. The use of quilting donor sites significantly decreases the incidence of donor-site seromas and leads to earlier drain removal following latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction and maintains a low complication profile. Therapeutic, II.

Dose-dependent effects and reversibility of the injuries caused by nandrolone decanoate in uterine tissue and fertility of rats.

PubMed

Belardin, Larissa Berloffa; Simão, Vinícius Augusto; Leite, Gabriel Adan Araújo; Chuffa, Luiz Gustavo de Almeida; Camargo, Isabel Cristina Cherici

2014-04-01

This study is the first to investigate the effects of different doses of nandrolone decanoate (ND) upon uterine tissue and fertility, and if the reproductive alterations can be restored after cessation of the treatment. Wistar female rats were treated with ND at doses of 1.87, 3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/kg body weight, diluted in vehicle (n = 30/group), or received only mineral oil (control group, n = 45). The animals were divided into three periods of study: ND-treated receiving a daily subcutaneous injection for 15 consecutive days (1), and treatment with ND followed by 30-day recovery (2), and 60-day recovery (3). At the end of each period, five females per group were induced to death to histopathological analysis and the others were allowed to fertility evaluation (at 19th gestational day). Animals that received ND followed by 30-day recovery exhibited persistent diestrous and marked suppression of reproductive capacity. Conversely, after 60-day recovery, only lowest doses females (1.87 and 3.75 mg/kg) exhibited restoration of normal estrous cyclicity. Uterine weights were increased after ND treatment similarly to that of the controls after 60-day recovery. The ND-treated groups showed histopathological changes in the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium, and an increase in the thickness of both muscular and serous layers. Notably, the recovery of uterine tissue after ND treatment was dose- and period-dependent. We reported that administration of ND promoted damage in uterine tissue and fertility of rats, and the recovery periods were insufficient to restore all of the side effects caused by ND under a dose-dependent response. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Inhalation reproductive toxicology studies: Male dominant lethal study of n-hexane in Swiss (CD-1) mice: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mast, T.J.; Rommereim, R.L.; Evanoff, J.J.

The straight-chain hydrocarbon, n-hexane, is a volatile, ubiquitous solvent routinely used in industrial environments; consequently, the opportunity for industrial, environmental or accidental exposure to hexane vapors is significant. Although myelinated nerve tissue is the primary target organ of hexane, the testes have also been identified as being sensitive to hexacarbon exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate male dominant lethal effects in Swiss (CD-1) mice after exposure to 0, 200, 1000, or 5000 ppM n-hexane, 20 h/day for 5 consecutive days. Each exposure concentration consisted of 30 randomly selected, proven male breeders; 4 groups. The mice were weighedmore » just prior to the first day of exposure and at weekly intervals until sacrifice. Ten males in each dose group were sacrificed one day after the cessation of exposure, and their testes and epididymides were removed for evaluation of the germinal epithelium. The remaining male mice, 20 per group, were individually housed in hanging wire-mesh breeding cages where they were mated with unexposed, virgin females for eight weekly intervals; new females were provided each week. The mated females were sacrificed 12 days after the last day of cohabitation and their reproductive status and the number and viability of the implants were recorded. The appearance and behavior of the male mice were unremarkable throughout the study period and no evidence of n-hexane toxicity was observed. 18 refs., 3 figs., 11 tabs.« less

Treatment of canine parvoviral enteritis with interferon-omega in a placebo-controlled field trial.

PubMed

de Mari, K; Maynard, L; Eun, H M; Lebreux, B

2003-01-25

The clinical efficacy of a recombinant feline interferon (IFN) (type omega) was evaluated under field conditions for the treatment of dogs with parvoviral enteritis. In this multicentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 94 dogs from one to 28 months old were randomly assigned to two groups which were treated intravenously either with IFN (2.5 million units/kg) or placebo once a day for three consecutive days, and monitored for clinical signs and mortality for 10 days. Each dog received individual supportive treatment The data from 92 interpretable cases (43 IFN-treated and 49 placebo) showed that the clinical signs of the IFN-treated animals improved significantly in comparison with the control animals, and that there were only three deaths in the IFN group compared with 14 deaths in the placebo group (P = 0.0096) corresponding to a 4.4-fold reduction. Alternative analyses of the data taking into account the prior vaccination status of the dogs against canine parvovirus suggested that the IFN therapy resulted in a 6.4-fold reduction in mortality (P = 0.044) in the unvaccinated cohort, a significant reduction when compared with the vaccinated cohort.

THE EFFECT OF RADIATION AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATE ON THE SERIUM BETA- GLUCURONIDASE ACTIVITY LEVEL IN CANCER PATIENTS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bartalos, M.; Gyoerkey, F.

1962-01-01

Serial serum BETA -glucuronidase activity determinations showed a consistently higher level in 50 cancer patients as compared with a group of healthy adults. In 1 group of these patients treated with radiation alone, the serum BETA glucuronidase level rose in all reaching the highest peak about the 12th day. Another group of these cancer patients was treated with radiation and polymyxin B each day for 2 consecutive days. In all, the serum activity showed a sharp fall after the 2nd injection which was followed by clinical improvement. In order to exclude the possibility of a direct deactivating effect of radiationmore » of BETA -glucuronidase in the circulating blood, the following in vitro experiments were performed. A pure crystalline enzyme was dissolved in distilled water to an approximately similar concentration to that found in cancer patients' serums with and without polymyxin and exposed to 50,000 r radiation. This did not lower the enzyme activity level. Pleural fluid from cancer patients showing high BETA -glucoronidase activity, with and without polymyxin, exposed to a similar dose of radiation showed no change in activity. (H.H.D.)« less

Dual effects of atmospheric pressure plasma jet on skin wound healing of mice.

PubMed

Xu, Gui-Min; Shi, Xing-Min; Cai, Jing-Fen; Chen, Si-Le; Li, Ping; Yao, Cong-Wei; Chang, Zheng-Shi; Zhang, Guan-Jun

2015-01-01

Cold plasma has become an attractive tool for promoting wound healing and treating skin diseases. This article presents an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) generated in argon gas through dielectric barrier discharge, which was applied to superficial skin wounds in BALB/c mice. The mice (n = 50) were assigned randomly into five groups (named A, B, C, D, E) with 10 animals in each group. Natural wound healing was compared with stimulated wound healing treated daily with APPJ for different time spans (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 seconds) on 14 consecutive days. APPJ emission spectra, morphological changes in animal wounds, and tissue histological parameters were analyzed. Statistical results revealed that wound size changed over the duration of the experimental period and there was a significant interaction between experimental day and group. Differences between group C and other groups at day 7 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). All groups had nearly achieved closure of the untreated control wounds at day 14. The wounds treated with APPJ for 10, 20, 30, and 40 seconds showed significantly enhanced daily improvement compared with the control and almost complete closure at day 12, 10, 7, and 13, respectively. The optimal results of epidermal cell regeneration, granulation tissue hyperplasia, and collagen deposition in histological aspect were observed at day 7. However, the wounds treated for 50 seconds were less well healed at day 14 than those of the control. It was concluded that appropriate doses of cold plasma could inactivate bacteria around the wound, activate fibroblast proliferation in wound tissue, and eventually promote wound healing. Whereas, over doses of plasma suppressed wound healing due to causing cell death by apoptosis or necrosis. Both positive and negative effects may be related to the existence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) in APPJ. © 2015 by the Wound Healing Society.

Sudden cardiac death and geomagnetic activity: links to age, gender and agony time.

PubMed

Stoupel, Eliahu; Domarkiene, Stase; Radishauskas, Richardas; Abramson, Evgeny

2002-01-01

In previous studies, we analyzed sudden cardiac death (SCD) of shorter and longer agony time with geomagnetic activity (GMA) levels, with controversial results. The goals of the present study were (1) to study SCD at ages below 65 and 65 and older for each gender on days of low (Io) and higher (IIo-IVo) GMA; (2) to compare links between SCD and GMA with death at 1 h and from 1 to 24 h. We studied 1327 SCD, 392 (29.5%) females and 935 (70.5%) males, from the Kaunas Registry (part of the MONICA Study): 785 deaths during 1826 consecutive days (1994-1998) at ages 25 to 64 years and 524 deaths at ages 65 and older during 732 consecutive days (1996-1997). Of these, 261 SCD occurred at 1 h, 1076 between 1 h and 24 h without prodromes. GMA data were obtained from the National Geophysical Data Center and the National Space Services Center, USA. Student t-test and its probabilities for daily SCD at Io and IIo-IVo GMA were compared. The daily number of SCD was significantly different for most of the compared groups at lowest and higher GMA levels. For all SCD, both at age <65 and at >65, the frequency was significantly higher on days of IIo-IVo GMA than on days of Io GMA (p=0.00067-0.03). A strong trend for more SCD on days of Io GMA was seen in males aged <65 who died within 1 h (p=0.06); females aged <65 who died within >1 h to 24 h (p=0.06), and females >65 who died within 1 h (p=0.0267). Females below the age of 65 who died in less than 1 h showed a trend toward higher SCD frequency at IIo-IVo GMA that did not achieve significance (p=0.057). The distribution of SCD, with short (< or =1h) and longer (1-24 h) time of death, on days of lowest (Io) GMA differs from that on days of unsettled, active, or stormy (IIo-IVo) GMA. Despite the general trend to higher SCD frequency at IIo-IVo GMA, certain rapidly dying groups (< 65 y males, > 65 y females) showed a strong trend toward higher numbers of SCD at the lowest GMA.

Impact of preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy on bleeding complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes who undergo urgent coronary artery bypass grafting.

PubMed

Nagashima, Zenko; Tsukahara, Kengo; Uchida, Keiji; Hibi, Kiyoshi; Karube, Norihisa; Ebina, Toshiaki; Imoto, Kiyotaka; Kimura, Kazuo; Umemura, Satoshi

2017-01-01

A 5- to 7-day washout period before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is recommended for patients who have recently received a thienopyridine derivative; however, data supporting this guideline recommendation are lacking in Japanese patients. Urgent isolated CABG was performed in 130 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (101 men; mean age, 69 years). Urgent CABG was defined as operation performed within 5 days after coronary angiography. All patients continued to receive aspirin 100mg/day. The subjects were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: 30 patients with preoperative thienopyridine (clopidogrel in 15 patients, ticlopidine in 15) exposure within 5 days [dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) group] and 100 patients without exposure [single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) group]. Although the DAPT group had a higher proportion of patients who received perioperative platelet transfusions than the SAPT group (50% vs. 18%, p<0.001), intraoperative bleeding (median, 1100ml; interquartile range, 620-1440 vs. 920ml; 500-1100) and total drain output within 48h after surgery (577±262 vs. 543±277ml) were similar. CABG-related major bleeding, which was defined as type 4 or 5 bleeding according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium definitions, occurred in a significantly higher proportion of patients in the DAPT group than in the SAPT group (20% vs. 3%, p=0.005). This difference in major bleeding was driven mainly by the higher rate of transfusion of ≥5U red blood cells within a 48-h period in the DAPT group (13% vs. 1%, p=0.01). There was no significant difference in the 30-day composite endpoint including death, myocardial (re)infarction, ischemic stroke, and refractory angina between the DAPT group and SAPT group (17% vs. 19%). Preoperative DAPT increases the risk of CABG-related major bleeding in Japanese patients with ACS undergoing urgent CABG. Copyright © 2016 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Multi-central controlled study on three-part massage therapy for treatment of insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen].

PubMed

Zhou, Yun-feng; Wei, Yu-long; Zhang, Pu-lin; Gao, Shan; Ning, Guo-li; Zhang, Zhen-qiang; Hu, Bin; Wang, Dan-yi; Yan, Mei-rong; Liu, Wen-jun

2006-06-01

To make multi-central clinical evaluation for three-part massage therapy for treatment of insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen. One hundred and sixty-six cases were randomly divided into a test group (n = 84) and a control group (n = 82). Multi-central, randomized and controlled methods were adopted. The test group were treated by the three-part massage therapy, i. e. acupoints at the head, abdomen and back were massaged, once each day; and the control group by oral administration of Guipi Pills [symbol: see text], 8 pills each time, thrice daily. The treatment was given for 15 consecutive days and then the therapeutic effects were observed. Sixty-seven cases were cured, 11 markedly effective, 3 effective, and 3 ineffective in the test group, and the corresponding figures were 10, 21, 29 and 22 in the control group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P< 0.001). The test group was superior to the control group in improvement for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleepless Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Sleepless Depression Scale (SDS) (P < 0.001). The three-part massage therapy has definite therapeutic effect on insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen with safety.

Cerebral Embolic Protection During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Significantly Reduces Death and Stroke Compared With Unprotected Procedures.

PubMed

Seeger, Julia; Gonska, Birgid; Otto, Markus; Rottbauer, Wolfgang; Wöhrle, Jochen

2017-11-27

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cerebral embolic protection on stroke-free survival in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Imaging data on cerebral embolic protection devices have demonstrated a significant reduction in number and volume of cerebral lesions. A total of 802 consecutive patients were enrolled. The Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (Claret Medical Inc., Santa Rosa, California) was used in 34.9% (n = 280) of consecutive patients. In 65.1% (n = 522) of patients TAVR was performed in the identical setting except without cerebral embolic protection. Neurological follow-up was done within 7 days post-procedure. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or all-stroke according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria within 7 days. Propensity score matching was performed to account for possible confounders. Both filters of the device were successfully positioned in 280 of 305 (91.8%) consecutive patients. With use of cerebral embolic protection rate of disabling and nondisabling stroke was significantly reduced from 4.6% to 1.4% (p = 0.03; odds ratio: 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.93) in the propensity-matched population (n = 560). The primary endpoint occurred significantly less frequently, with 2.1% (n = 6 of 280) in the protected group compared with 6.8% (n = 19 of 280) in the control group (p = 0.01; odds ratio: 0.30; 95% confidence interval: 0.12 to 0.77). In multivariable analysis Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for mortality (p = 0.02) and TAVR without protection (p = 0.02) were independent predictors for the primary endpoint. In patients undergoing TAVR use of a cerebral embolic protection device demonstrated a significant higher rate of stroke-free survival compared with unprotected TAVR. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of docetaxel in rats by four consecutive days of pre-treatment with curcumin.

PubMed

Yan, Yi-Dong; Kim, Dae Hwan; Sung, Jun Ho; Yong, Chul Soon; Choi, Han Gon

2010-10-31

As with many other anti-cancer agents, docetaxel is a substrate for ATP-binding cassette transporters such as P-glycoprotein and its metabolism is mainly catalysed by CYP3A. In order to improve the oral bioavailability of docetaxel, a component of turmeric, curcumin, which can down-regulate the intestinal P-glycoprotein and CYP3A protein levels, was used for the pre-treatment of rats before the oral administration of docetaxel. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) did not significantly modify the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel when given orally 30 min before the administration of docetaxel. However, the C(max) of docetaxel in rats pre-treated with curcumin for four consecutive days was significantly increased (p<0.01) by about 10 times compared to that of the docetaxel control, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was about eight times higher than that of the control. Consequently, the absolute bioavailability of docetaxel in the treatment group (four days of curcumin at 100 mg/kg) was about 40%, which was a significant increase of about eightfold in comparison to the control value. Thus, the oral bioavailability of docetaxel was enhanced by the co-administration of regular curcumin. It could be possible to administer docetaxel orally, besides the established i.v. route. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of topical fixed-combination fortified vancomycin-amikacin (VA solution) to conventional separate therapy in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer.

PubMed

Chiang, C-C; Lin, J-M; Chen, W-L; Chiu, Y-T; Tsai, Y-Y

2009-02-01

In an in vitro study, fixed-combination fortified vancomycin and amikacin ophthalmic solutions (VA solution) had the same potency and stable physical properties as the separate components. In this retrospective clinical study, we evaluated the efficacy of the topical VA solution in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer and comparison with separate topical fortified vancomycin and amikacin. Separate topical fortified eye drops was used prior to January 2004 and switched to the VA solution afterwards in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer. The medical records of 223 patients diagnosed with bacterial corneal ulcers between January 2002 and December 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 122 patients in the VA group and 101 in the separate group. Cure was defined as complete healing of the ulcer accompanied by a nonprogressive stromal infiltrate on two consecutive visits. No significant difference was found between the VA and separate therapy group. The mean treatment duration was 15.4 days in the VA group and 16.1 days in the separate therapy group. The average hospital stay was 5.4 days (VA) and 7.2 days (separate antibiotics). Stromal infiltration regressed significantly without further expansion in both groups. All corneal ulcers completely re-epithelialized without complications related to drugs. VA solution provided similar efficacy to the conventional separate therapy in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcers; however, it is more convenient and tolerable, promotes patient's compliance, avoids the washout effect, and reduces nurse utilization. Hence, VA solution is a good alternative to separate therapy.

Effect of acetazolamide on post-NIV metabolic alkalosis in acute exacerbated COPD patients.

PubMed

Fontana, V; Santinelli, S; Internullo, M; Marinelli, P; Sardo, L; Alessandrini, G; Borgognoni, L; Ferrazza, A M; Bonini, M; Palange, P

2016-01-01

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an effective treatment in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). However, it may induce post-hypercapnic metabolic alkalosis (MA). This study aims to evaluate the effect of acetazolamide (ACET) in AECOPD patients treated with NIV. Eleven AECOPD patients, with hypercapnic respiratory failure and MA following NIV, were treated with ACET 500 mg for two consecutive days and compared to a matched control group. Patients and controls were non invasively ventilated in a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) mode to a standard maximal pressure target of 15-20 cmH2O. ACET intra-group analysis showed a significant improvement for PaCO2 (63.9 ± 9.8 vs. 54.9 ± 8.3 mmHg), HCO3- (43.5 ± 5.9 vs. 36.1 ± 5.4 mmol/L) and both arterial pH (7.46 ± 0.06 vs. 7.41 ± 0.06) and urinary pH (6.94 ± 0.77 vs 5.80 ± 0.82), already at day 1. No significant changes in endpoints considered were observed in the control group at any time-point. Inter-group analysis showed significant differences between changes in PaCO2 and HCO3- (delta), both at day 1 and 2. Furthermore, the length of NIV treatment was significantly reduced in the ACET group compared to controls (6 ± 8 vs. 19 ± 19 days). No adverse events were recorded in the ACET and control groups. ACET appears to be effective and safe in AECOPD patients with post-NIV MA.

Effect of auricular pellet acupressure on antioxidative systems in high-risk diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Liu, Chi-Feng; Yu, Lee-Fen; Lin, Chia-Hsien; Lin, Song-Chow

2008-04-01

Free radicals and lipid peroxides, both of which are easily formed in the diabetic state, play an important role in the development of diabetic complications. Antioxidative therapy may help prevent diabetic complications caused by lipoperoxidation and free-radical formation in diabetes mellitus (DM). A number of findings suggest that oxidative stress exists in persons with high-risk DM. Auricular pellet acupressure has reportedly been an effective treatment method for a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety, juvenile myopia, essential hypertension, and senile vascular dementia. However, its effects on antioxidative enzymes have not been elucidated. We therefore evaluated the impact of auricular pellet acupressure on antioxidative status in persons with high-risk DM. Our study involved 69 persons with high-risk DM, who were allocated either to undergo acupressure as active treatment for the experimental group or to a control group. The experimental group in the study received auricular pellet acupressure three times daily for 5 consecutive days. After a 2-day rest period, the procedure was performed on the contralateral ear. Acupressure was performed twice on each ear, with each application followed by its application to the contralateral ear, over a total treatment period of 20 days. The control groups did not undergo auricular pellet acupressure. At the end of the 20-day period of treatment of the experimental group, blood was collected from all of the study participants for assay of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase concentrations, as was also done for the control group. Serum concentrations of SOD (p < 0.05) and catalase (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Our findings suggest that auricular pellet acupressure can increase the concentration of antioxidative enzymes in persons with high-risk DM.

[Oral flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum) in the treatment for dry-eye Sjögren's syndrome patients].

PubMed

Pinheiro, Manuel Neuzimar; dos Santos, Procópio Miguel; dos Santos, Regina Cândido Ribeiro; Barros, Jeison de Nadai; Passos, Luiz Fernando; Cardoso Neto, José

2007-01-01

To evaluate if oral flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum), which reduces the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, may help keratoconjunctivitis sicca's treatment in Sjögren's syndrome patients. In a randomized clinical trial, 38 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erithematosus associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Sjögren's syndrome were consecutively selected from patients of the Department of Rheumatology of the Amazonas University Hospital. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca diagnosis was based on a dry-eye symptom survey score (Ocular Surface Disease Index - OSDI), Schirmer-I test, fluorescein break-up time, 1% Rose Bengal staining of ocular surface measured by the van Bijsterveld scale. All patients had ocular surface inflammation evaluated and quantified by conjunctival impression cytology, before and after the study. The subjects were divided into three groups with 13 (Group I), 12 (Group II) and 13 (Group III) patients. Group I received flaxseed oil capsules with a final 1 g/day dosis, Group II flaxseed oil capsules with a final 2 g/day dosis and Group III - controls - placebo, for 180 days. Comparing the results at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, statistically significant changes (p<0.05) in symptoms (OSDI), ocular surface inflammation quantified by conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer-I test and fluorescein break-up time occurred in Groups I e II when compared to controls. Therapy with oral flaxseed oil capsules 1 or 2 g/day reduces ocular surface inflammation and ameliorates the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in Sjögren's syndrome patients. Long-term studies are needed to confirm the role of this therapy for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in Sjögren's syndrome.

[Effects of pulsed magnetic field on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in cerebrospinal fluid and effects of IGF-1 on functional recovery].

PubMed

Song, Cheng-xian; Fan, Jian-zhong; Wu, Hong-ying; Wei, Yi; Zhen, Jian-rong

2010-10-01

To study the effects of pulsed magnetic field on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the association of IGF-1 alterations with the activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with brain injury. Sixty-five patients with brain injury were divided randomly into the control group (n=30) and magnetic therapy group (n=35), both receiving conventional therapy and in the latter group, daily pulsed magnetic field treatment (20-40 mT, 50 Hz, 20 min per time, 1 time per day) for 14 consecutive days were administered. On the first and 14th days of the treatment, 2 ml CSF was collected from the cases patients for IGF-1 measurement by radioimmunoassay, and Barthel index (BI) was used to assess the ADL of the patients. After a 14-day treatment, IGF-1 level in the CSF were significantly increased in the magnetic group in comparison with the level before the treatment and with those in the control group (P<0.05). IGF-1 in the CSF underwent no significant changes in the control group (P>0.05). The scores of BI increased significantly in both groups after the treatment (P<0.01), but the increment was more obvious in the magnetic therapy group (P<0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between IGF-1 level in the CSF and BI in these patients (r=0.283, P=0.022). Pulsed magnetic field might increase IGF-1 level in the CSF of patients with brain injury to promote the recovery of the patients ADL, suggesting its potential clinical value in the treatment of brain injury.

The clinical efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell cancer after trimodality therapy.

PubMed

Sun, Yanan; Cheng, Siguo; Lu, Yufei; Zheng, Xiaoli; Ye, Ke; Ge, Hong

2016-01-01

We aimed to assess the clinical outcome of consolidation chemotherapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) after trimodality therapy. From January 2005 to December 2012, a total of 192 consecutive locally advanced ESCC patients who underwent trimodality therapy successfully was included. Grouping was based on the degree of myelosuppression occurred during preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Of the 192 patients, 120 patients underwent trimodality therapy only (TT group), while 72 patients received consolidation chemotherapy additionally after trimodality therapy (TC group). Preoperative chemoradiotherapy included two cycles of chemotherapy concurrently with radiotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen consisted of cisplatin 20 mg/m2/day and fluorouracil 400 mg/m2/day administered intravenously infusion on days 1-5 of a 21 days cycle. Concurrent radiotherapy was delivered in a total of 40 Gy in 20 fractions. All patients underwent surgery successfully. For 72 patients in TC group, additional 1-4 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy were administered, and chemotherapy regimen was as before. The 5-year survival rate was 43.5% in TT group, as compared with 48.8% in TC group. (P = 0.238). The 5.year progression.free survival. (PFS) rates were 34.0% in TT group and 38.8% in TC group. (P = 0.049). Risk reduction in PFS was remarkable for males and those who did not achieve pathologic complete response. (pCR). The incidence rate of disease progression did not differ significantly. (P = 0.200). The addition of consolidation chemotherapy demonstrates no survival benefit for patients with locally advanced ESCC, but PFS is significantly improved, especially for males and those who did not achieve pCR.

[Interpretation of the values of urinary cotinine in smokers and non-smokers].

PubMed

Roussel, G; Le Quang, N T; Miguères, M L; Roche, D; Mongin-Charpin, D; Chrétien, J; Ekindjian, O G

1991-01-01

The values of urinary cotinine measured using high performance liquid chromatography in 125 adults (44 men and 81 women) were compared with the degree of intoxication and/or exposure to tobacco experienced over six consecutive days by auto-questionnaire. The subjects were classified in 6 groups: non exposed non smokers and non smokers exposed for less than one hour (1, n = 16); non smokers exposed for between 1 and 10 hours (2, n = 26); non smokers exposed for more than 10 hours and less than 30 hours (3, n = 33); non smokers exposed for more than 30 hours (4, n = 13); smokers smoking less than 20 cigarettes per day (5, n = 16); smokers smoking 20 cigarettes or more per day (6, n = 21). The measurements were made on urine specimens from the first morning (fraction F1), from the day and night (F2) and those of the second morning (F3). The results were expressed in micrograms/fraction and were as follows: Group 1: 37.3 (F1); 149.5 (F2); 26.8 (F3)--Group 2: 81.2; 234.1; 75.4--Group 3: 121.1; 383.1; 80.7--Group 4: 98.8; 253.7; 117.2--Group 5: 206.9; 773.8; 188--Group 6: 483.1; 1908.2; 431.3. Cotinine was found in all individuals whether they declared that they were exposed or non exposed (with the exception of a single person amongs the latter). In spite of a certain amount of overlapping between the results of the individuals in groups 4 and 5, the values obtained enabled a differentiation between the degrees of tobacco absorption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Head-to-head comparison of structurally unrelated dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in the setting of renal ischemia reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Reichetzeder, Christoph; von Websky, Karoline; Tsuprykov, Oleg; Mohagheghi Samarin, Azadeh; Falke, Luise Gabriele; Dwi Putra, Sulistyo Emantoko; Hasan, Ahmed Abdallah; Antonenko, Viktoriia; Curato, Caterina; Rippmann, Jörg; Klein, Thomas; Hocher, Berthold

2017-07-01

Results regarding protective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors in renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) are conflicting. Here we have compared structurally unrelated DPP4 inhibitors in a model of renal IRI. IRI was induced in uninephrectomized male rats by renal artery clamping for 30 min. The sham group was uninephrectomized but not subjected to IRI. DPP4 inhibitors or vehicle were given p.o. once daily on three consecutive days prior to IRI: linagliptin (1.5 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ), vildagliptin (8 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) and sitagliptin (30 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ). An additional group received sitagliptin until study end (before IRI: 30 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ; after IRI: 15 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ). Plasma-active glucagon-like peptide type 1 (GLP-1) increased threefold to fourfold in all DPP4 inhibitor groups 24 h after IRI. Plasma cystatin C, a marker of GFR, peaked 48 h after IRI. Compared with the placebo group, DPP4 inhibition did not reduce increased plasma cystatin C levels. DPP4 inhibitors ameliorated histopathologically assessed tubular damage with varying degrees of drug-specific efficacies. Renal osteopontin expression was uniformly reduced by all DPP4 inhibitors. IRI-related increased renal cytokine expression was not decreased by DPP4 inhibition. Renal DPP4 activity at study end was significantly inhibited in the linagliptin group, but only numerically reduced in the prolonged/dose-adjusted sitagliptin group. Active GLP-1 plasma levels at study end were increased only in the prolonged/dose-adjusted sitagliptin treatment group. In rats with renal IRI, DPP4 inhibition did not alter plasma cystatin C, a marker of glomerular function, but may protect against tubular damage. © 2017 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society.

Protective effects of ebselen on sodium-selenite-induced experimental cataract in rats.

PubMed

Aydemir, Orhan; Güler, Mete; Kaya, Mehmet Kaan; Deniz, Nurettin; Üstündağ, Bilal

2012-12-01

To determine whether ebselen has a protective effect or antioxidative potential in a sodium-selenite-induced experimental cataract model. Fırat University, Elazığ, Turkey. Experimental study. Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly divided into a control group, a sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group, and an ebselen-treated group; each group contained 7 rat pups. Rats in the control group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) intraperitoneally only and rats in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group received 30 nmol/g body weight sodium selenite subcutaneously and DMSO intraperitoneally 10 days postpartum. Rats in the ebselen group received 30 nmol/g body weight sodium selenite subcutaneously 10 days postpartum and were treated with 5 mg/kg body weight ebselen once a day for 4 consecutive days. Cataract development was assessed weekly for 3 weeks by slitlamp examination and graded using a scale. Reduced glutathione (GSH), total nitrite, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lens supernatants were measured at the end of 3 weeks. In the control group, all lenses were clear. In the ebselen-treated group, the mean cataract stage was significantly lower than in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group (P = .022). The GSH levels were significantly lower in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group than in the control and ebselen groups (P < .001). The MDA levels were lower in the ebselen group than in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group (P < .001). The mean total nitrite level was significantly lower in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group than in the ebselen group (P = .001). Ebselen had a protective effect on cataract development in a sodium-selenite-induced experimental model. The protective effect of ebselen appears to be due to inhibition of oxidative stress. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2012 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the outpatient ambulatory surgery setting compared with the inpatient hospital setting: analysis of 1000 consecutive cases.

PubMed

Adamson, Tim; Godil, Saniya S; Mehrlich, Melissa; Mendenhall, Stephen; Asher, Anthony L; McGirt, Matthew J

2016-06-01

OBJECTIVE In an era of escalating health care costs and pressure to improve efficiency and cost of care, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have emerged as lower-cost options for many surgical therapies. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most prevalent spine surgeries performed, and the frequency of its performance is rapidly increasing as the aging population grows. Although ASCs offer significant cost advantages over hospital-based surgical centers, concern over the safety of outpatient ACDF has slowed its adoption. The authors intended to 1) determine the safety of the first 1000 consecutive ACDF surgeries performed in their outpatient ASC, and 2) compare the safety of these outpatient ACDFs with that of consecutive ACDFs performed during the same time period in the hospital setting. METHODS A total of 1000 consecutive patients who underwent ACDF in an ACS (outpatient ACDF) and 484 consecutive patients who underwent ACDF at Vanderbilt University Hospital (inpatient ACDF) from 2006 to 2013 were included in this retrospective study of patients' medical records. Data were collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and perioperative and 90-day morbidity. Perioperative morbidity and hospital readmission were compared between the outpatient and inpatient ACDF groups. RESULTS Of the first 1000 outpatient ACDF cases performed in the authors' ASC, 629 (62.9%) were 1-level and 365 (36.5%) were 2-level ACDFs. Mean patient age was 49.5 ± 8.6, and 484 (48.4%) were males. All patients were observed postoperatively at the ASC postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for 4 hours before being discharged home. Eight patients (0.8%) were transferred from the surgery center to the hospital postoperatively (for pain control [n = 3], chest pain and electrocardiogram changes [n = 2], intraoperative CSF leak [n = 1], postoperative hematoma [n = 1], and profound postoperative weakness and surgical reexploration [n = 1]). No perioperative deaths occurred. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was 2.2%. All 90-day surgical morbidity was similar between outpatient and inpatient cohorts for both 1-level and 2-level ACDFs. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of 1000 consecutive patients who underwent ACDF in an outpatient setting demonstrates that surgical complications occur at a low rate (1%) and can be appropriately diagnosed and managed in a 4-hour ASC PACU window. Comparison with an inpatient ACDF surgery cohort demonstrated similar results, highlighting that ACDF can be safely performed in the outpatient ambulatory surgery setting without compromising surgical safety. In an effort to decrease costs of care, surgeons can safely perform 1- and 2-level ACDFs in an ASC environment.

Oesophageal atresia: Are "long gap" patients at greater anesthetic risk?

PubMed

Powell, Laura; Frawley, Jacinta; Crameri, Joe; Teague, Warwick J; Frawley, Geoff P

2018-03-01

Long gap oesophageal atresia occurs in approximately 10% of all oesophageal atresia infants and surgical repair is often difficult with significant postoperative complications. Our aim was to describe the perioperative course, morbidity, and early results following repair of long gap oesophageal atresia and to identify factors which may be associated with complications. This is a single center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with oesophageal atresia undergoing surgical repair at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne from January 2006 to June 2017. Two hundred and thirty-nine consecutive oesophageal atresia infants included 44 long gap oesophageal atresia infants and 195 non-long gap infants. A high rate of prematurity (24.7%), major cardiac (17%), and other surgically relevant malformations (12.6%) was found in both groups. The median age at oesophageal anastomosis surgery was 65.5 days for the long gap group vs 1 day for the oesophageal atresia group (mean difference 56.8 days, 95% CI 48.1-65.5 days, P < .01). Surgery for long gap oesophageal atresia included immediate primary anastomosis (n = 10), delayed primary anastomosis (n = 11), oesophageal lengthening techniques (n = 12) and primary oesophageal replacement (n = 6). Long gap oesophageal atresia was not associated with an increased incidence of difficult intubation (OR 2.8, 95% CI 0.6-22.1, P = .17), intraoperative hypoxemia (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.6-4.5, P = .32), or hypotension (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.5-1.8, P = .81). The surgical duration (177.7 vs 202.1 minute, mean difference [95% CI], 28 [5.5-50.4 minutes], P = .04) and mean duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation (107 vs 199.8 hours, mean difference [95% CI], 91.8 [34.5-149.1 hours], P < .01) were shorter for the non-long gap group. Overall in-hospital mortality was 7.5% (15.9% long gap vs 5.6% non-long gap oesophageal atresia OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.4-3.4, P = .85). Long gap oesophageal atresia infants have a similar incidence of perioperative complications to other infants with oesophageal atresia. Current surgical approaches to long gap repair, however, are associated with longer anesthetic exposures and require multiple procedures in infancy to achieve oesophageal continuity. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Learning curves and perioperative outcomes after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: a comparison between GreenLight 532-nm and holmium lasers.

PubMed

Peyronnet, Benoit; Robert, Grégoire; Comat, Vincent; Rouprêt, Morgan; Gomez-Sancha, Fernando; Cornu, Jean-Nicolas; Misrai, Vincent

2017-06-01

To compare the learning curves, perioperative and early functional outcomes after HoLEP and GreenLEP. Data from the first 100 consecutive cases treated by GreenLEP and HoLEP by two surgeons were prospectively collected from dedicated databases and analysed retrospectively. En-bloc GreenLEP and two-lobar HoLEP enucleations were conducted using the GreenLight HPS™ 2090 laser and Lumenis™ holmium laser. Patients' characteristics, perioperative outcomes and functional outcomes after 1, 3 and 6 months were compared between groups. Total energy delivered and operative times were significantly shorter for GreenLEP (58 vs. 110 kJ, p < 0.0001; 60 vs. 90 min, p < 0.0001). Operative time reached a plateau after 30 procedures in each group. Length of catheterization and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the HoLEP group (2 vs. 1 day, p < 0.0001; 2 vs. 1 day, p < 0.0001). Postoperative complications were comparable between GreenLEP and HoLEP (19 vs. 25 %; p = 0.13). There was a greater increase of Q max at 3 months and a greater IPSS decrease at 1 month for GreenLEP, whereas decreases in IPSS and IPSS-Q8 at 6 months were greater for HoLEP. Transient stress urinary incontinence was comparable between both groups (6 vs. 9 % at 3 months; p = 0.42). Pentafecta was achieved in four consecutive patients after the 18th and the 40th procedure in the GreenLEP and HoLEP group, respectively. Learning curves ranged from 14 to 30 cases for GreenLEP and 22 to 40 cases for HoLEP. Learning curves of GreenLEP and HoLEP provided roughly similar peri-operative and short-term functional outcomes.

40 CFR 428.73 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 0.26 0.093 TSS 0.50 0.25 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 0.26 0.093 TSS 0.50 0.25 pH... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material...

40 CFR 428.53 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 0.70 0.25 TSS 1.28 0.64 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 0.70 0.25 TSS 1.28 0.64 pH... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material...

40 CFR 428.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 0.42 0.15 TSS 0.80 0.40 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 0.42 0.15 TSS 0.80 0.40 pH... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material...

40 CFR 428.53 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 0.70 0.25 TSS 1.28 0.64 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 0.70 0.25 TSS 1.28 0.64 pH... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material...

40 CFR 428.73 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 0.26 0.093 TSS 0.50 0.25 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 0.26 0.093 TSS 0.50 0.25 pH... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material...

40 CFR 428.63 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material) Oil and grease 0.42 0.15 TSS 0.80 0.40 pH (1) (1) English units (lb/1,000 lb of raw material) Oil and grease 0.42 0.15 TSS 0.80 0.40 pH... Average of daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— Metric units (kg/kkg of raw material...

Prenatal and Early Postnatal Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Decreases BDNF/TrkB Signaling and Increases Abnormal Behaviors Later in Life

PubMed Central

Xiao, Lan; Kish, Vincent L.; Benders, Katherine M.

2016-01-01

Background: Cigarette smoke exposure during prenatal and early postnatal periods increases the incidence of a variety of abnormal behaviors later in life. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible critical period of susceptibility to cigarette smoke exposure and evaluate the possibe effects of cigarette smoke during early life on brain-derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor B signaling in the brain. Methods: Three different age of imprinting control region mice were exposed to cigarette smoke or filtered air for 10 consecutive days beginning on either gestational day 7 by maternal exposure, or postnatal days 2 or 21 by direct inhalation. A series of behavioral profiles and neurotrophins in brain were measured 24 hours after mice received acute restraint stress for 1 hour on postnatal day 59. Results: Cigarette smoke exposure in gestational day 7 and postnatal day 2 produced depression-like behaviors as evidenced by significantly increased immobility in both tail suspension and forced-swim test. Increased entry latencies, but not ambulation in the open field test, were also observed in the gestational day 7 and postnatal day 2 cigarette smoke exposure groups. Genetic analysis showed that gestational day 7 cigarette smoke exposure significantly altered mRNA level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B in the hippocampus. However, behavioral profiles and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B signaling were not significantly changed in PND21 cigarette smoke exposure group compared with FA group. Conclusions: These results suggest that a critical period of susceptibility to cigarette smoke exposure exists in the prenatal and early postnatal period, which results a downregulation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B signaling in the hippocampus and enhances depression-like behaviors later in life. PMID:26503133

Effect of pitching consecutive days in youth softball tournaments on objective shoulder strength and subjective shoulder symptoms

PubMed Central

Skillington, S. Andrew; Brophy, Robert H.; Wright, Rick W.; Smith, Matthew V.

2017-01-01

Background The windmill pitching motion has been associated with risk for shoulder injury. Since there are no pitching limits on youth fast-pitch softball pitchers, these athletes often pitch multiple games across consecutive days. Strength changes, fatigue levels, and shoulder pain that develop among female fast-pitch pitchers over the course of consecutive days of pitching have not been investigated. Hypothesis Over the course of 2 and 3-day fast-pitch softball tournaments, pitchers will develop progressive objective weakness and increased subjective shoulder fatigue and pain without complete recovery between days. Study Design Cross-Sectional Study. Methods Female fast-pitch softball pitchers between the ages of 14 and 18 who were pitching in 2 and 3-day tournaments were recruited for study participation. At the beginning and end of each day of tournament play, pitchers were asked to quantify shoulder fatigue and shoulder pain levels of their dominant throwing arm using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, elbow flexion, and elbow extension strength measurements were gathered using a hand-held dynamometer. Results Over the course of an average single day of tournament participation, pitchers developed significant increases in VAS shoulder fatigue (2.0, 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.0), and pain (1.3, 95% CI: 0.5 to 2.3) and significant strength loss in all tested motions. Pitchers also developed significant increases in VAS shoulder fatigue (3.5, 95% CI: 1.5 to 5.5), VAS shoulder pain (2.5, 95% CI: 1.0 to 4.5) and strength loss in all tested motions over the entire tournament. Shoulder pain, fatigue, and strength do not fully recover between days. The accumulation of subjective shoulder pain and fatigue over the course of tournament play were closely correlated. Conclusion Among youth female fast-pitch softball pitchers, there is a progressive increase in shoulder fatigue, pain, and weakness over the course of 2 and 3-day tournaments without full recovery between consecutive days pitching. PMID:28298058

Effect of Pitching Consecutive Days in Youth Fast-Pitch Softball Tournaments on Objective Shoulder Strength and Subjective Shoulder Symptoms.

PubMed

Skillington, S Andrew; Brophy, Robert H; Wright, Rick W; Smith, Matthew V

2017-05-01

The windmill pitching motion has been associated with risk for shoulder injury. Because there are no pitching limits on youth fast-pitch softball pitchers, these athletes often pitch multiple games across consecutive days. Strength changes, fatigue levels, and shoulder pain that develop among female fast-pitch pitchers over the course of consecutive days of pitching have not been investigated. Over the course of 2- and 3-day fast-pitch softball tournaments, pitchers will develop progressive objective weakness and increased subjective shoulder fatigue and pain without complete recovery between days. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Fourteen female fast-pitch softball pitchers between the ages of 14 and 18 years were evaluated for strength and fatigue changes across 2- and 3-day tournaments. At the beginning and end of each day of tournament play, pitchers were asked to quantify shoulder fatigue and shoulder pain levels of their dominant throwing arm using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, elbow flexion, and elbow extension strength measurements were gathered using a handheld dynamometer. Over the course of an average single day of tournament participation, pitchers developed significant increases in VAS scores for shoulder fatigue (median, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0) and pain (median, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.5-2.3) and significant strength loss in all tested motions. Pitchers also developed significant increases in VAS shoulder fatigue (median, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5-5.5), VAS shoulder pain (median, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.0-4.5), and strength loss in all tested motions over the entire tournament. Shoulder pain, fatigue, and strength do not fully recover between days. The accumulation of subjective shoulder pain and fatigue over the course of tournament play were closely correlated. Among youth female fast-pitch softball pitchers, there is a progressive increase in shoulder fatigue, pain, and weakness over the course of 2- and 3-day tournaments without full recovery between consecutive days of pitching.

Effects of cyclic heat stress or vitamin C supplementation during cyclic heat stress on HSP70, inflammatory cytokines, and the antioxidant defense system in Sprague Dawley rats.

PubMed

Yun, Seo-Hyun; Moon, Yang-Soo; Sohn, Sea-Hwan; Jang, In-Surk

2012-01-01

A total of 21 male SD rats were divided into three groups to investigate the effects of consecutive cyclic heat stress or vitamin C under heat stress on heat shock protein (HSP) 70, inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant systems. The heat stress (HS) and vitamin C supplementation during heat stress (HS+VC) groups were exposed to cyclic heat stress (23 to 38 to 23°C) for 2 h on each of seven consecutive days. The HS+VC group had free access to water containing 0.5% vitamin C throughout the experiment. Hepatic HSP70 mRNA in the HS group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in the control (CON) or HS+VC group. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the HS group were greater (P<0.05) than those in the CON group. The HS+VC group showed significantly (P<0.05) lower mRNA levels of hepatic interleukin-6 and TNF-α than the HS group. However, thymic HSP70 and inflammatory cytokines were unaffected by treatments. In the hepatic antioxidant system, the mRNA and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were greater (P<0.05) in the HS than in the CON group, whereas the HS+VC group showed markedly (P<0.05) lower GPX mRNA and activity than the HS group. However, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and malondialdehyde were unaffected by treatments. In conclusion, cyclic heat stress activated hepatic HSP70, TNF-α, iNOS, and GPX genes, whereas vitamin C during heat stress ameliorated heat stress-induced cellular responses in rats.

Effect of age, gender and exercise on salivary dehydroepiandrosterone circadian rhythm profile in human volunteers.

PubMed

Al-Turk, Walid; Al-Dujaili, Emad A S

2016-02-01

There has been a lot of effort by scientists to elucidate the multi functions of the naturally occurring hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). However, to plan research experiments optimally, it is important first to characterize the diurnal rhythm in healthy individuals. The aim of this research was to investigate the daily circadian rhythms of DHEA among the 2 genders, and the effect of age and exercise on salivary DHEA circadian rhythms. Volunteers (20-39 and 40-60 years) were recruited for 2 studies investigating the salivary DHEA circadian rhythm. The first study looked at the effect of gender and age on DHEA levels on 2 non-consecutive days, and the second study explored the effect of exercise on DHEA circadian rhythm in males. DHEA levels were estimated by a sensitive and specific ELISA method. The results showed a clear daily circadian rhythm in salivary DHEA in all participants groups, however the profile was flatter in the older female group. There was a significant difference between age and gender groups particularly at 8.00 h. In young males DHEA reduced from 541.1 ± 101.3 (mean ± sd) at 8.00 h to 198.9 ± 90.7 pg/mL at 18.00 h; p<0.0001, and young females from 401.6 ± 149.5 to 215.4 ± 95.3 pg/mL; p<0.001. In older males DHEA reduced from 267.5 ± 32.4 to 132.5 ± 46.7 pg/mL; p<0.001, and older females from 147.7 ± 78.1 to 89.5 ± 29.1 pg/mL; p=0.05. DHEA levels on 2 non-consecutive days showed some variations but this was not significant. Aerobic exercise has significantly increased DHEA levels at 2 time points of the day (p=0.05) in male subjects. In conclusion, our study showed a clear daily circadian rhythm in salivary DHEA in all participants was observed, but the profile was flatter in the older groups. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Ovarian P450arom, P450c17α and mRNA Expression Induced by Letrozole in PCOS Rats

PubMed Central

Wu, Huangan; Zhao, Jimeng; Cui, Yunhua; Liu, Huirong; Wu, Lingxiang; Shi, Yin; Zhu, Bing

2013-01-01

Hyperandrogenism is a core factor in the series of reproductive and endocrine metabolic disorders involved in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Abnormalities in enzymatic activity and the expression of ovarian granular cell layer P450arom and theca cell P450c17α can lead to an atypical environment of local ovarian hormones, including excessive androgen levels. Rat models prepared with letrozole exhibit similar endocrine and histological changes to those that occur in human PCOS. We used such a model to study the role of electro-acupuncture (EA) in regulating ovarian P450arom and P450c17α enzymatic activity and mRNA expression in PCOS rats. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 42 days were randomly divided into 3 groups (control, PCOS, and PCOS EA) consisting of 10 rats each. The PCOS and PCOS EA groups were administered a gavage of 1.0 mg/kg−1 of letrozole solution once daily for 21 consecutive days. Beginning in the ninth week, the PCOS EA group was administered low-frequency EA treatment daily for 14 consecutive days. After the treatment, we obtained the following results. The estrous cycles were restored in 8 of the 10 rats in the PCOS EA group, and their ovarian morphologies and ultrastructures normalized. The peripheral blood measurements (with ELISA) showed significantly decreased androgens (i.e., androstenedione and testosterone) with significantly increased estrogens (i.e., estrone, estradiol) and increased P450arom with decreased P450C17α. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting methods showed enhanced expression of ovarian granular cell layer P450arom as well as decreased expression of theca cell layer P450C17α. Fluorescence quantitative PCR methods showed enhanced expression of ovarian granular cell layer P450arom mRNA as well as decreased expression of theca cell layer P450C17α mRNA. These results may help explain the effects of electro-acupuncture in changing the local ovarian hyperandrogenic environment and improving reproductive and endocrine metabolic disorders in PCOS. PMID:24260211

Effects of electro-acupuncture on ovarian P450arom, P450c17α and mRNA expression induced by letrozole in PCOS rats.

PubMed

Sun, Jie; Jin, Chunlan; Wu, Huangan; Zhao, Jimeng; Cui, Yunhua; Liu, Huirong; Wu, Lingxiang; Shi, Yin; Zhu, Bing

2013-01-01

Hyperandrogenism is a core factor in the series of reproductive and endocrine metabolic disorders involved in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Abnormalities in enzymatic activity and the expression of ovarian granular cell layer P450arom and theca cell P450c17α can lead to an atypical environment of local ovarian hormones, including excessive androgen levels. Rat models prepared with letrozole exhibit similar endocrine and histological changes to those that occur in human PCOS. We used such a model to study the role of electro-acupuncture (EA) in regulating ovarian P450arom and P450c17α enzymatic activity and mRNA expression in PCOS rats. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 42 days were randomly divided into 3 groups (control, PCOS, and PCOS EA) consisting of 10 rats each. The PCOS and PCOS EA groups were administered a gavage of 1.0 mg/kg(-1) of letrozole solution once daily for 21 consecutive days. Beginning in the ninth week, the PCOS EA group was administered low-frequency EA treatment daily for 14 consecutive days. After the treatment, we obtained the following results. The estrous cycles were restored in 8 of the 10 rats in the PCOS EA group, and their ovarian morphologies and ultrastructures normalized. The peripheral blood measurements (with ELISA) showed significantly decreased androgens (i.e., androstenedione and testosterone) with significantly increased estrogens (i.e., estrone, estradiol) and increased P450arom with decreased P450C17α. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting methods showed enhanced expression of ovarian granular cell layer P450arom as well as decreased expression of theca cell layer P450C17α. Fluorescence quantitative PCR methods showed enhanced expression of ovarian granular cell layer P450arom mRNA as well as decreased expression of theca cell layer P450C17α mRNA. These results may help explain the effects of electro-acupuncture in changing the local ovarian hyperandrogenic environment and improving reproductive and endocrine metabolic disorders in PCOS.

A double-blind randomized controlled pilot trial examining the safety and efficacy of therapeutic touch in premature infants.

PubMed

Whitley, Julie Anne; Rich, Bonnie L

2008-12-01

To explore the hypothesis that nontouch therapy such as therapeutic touch (TT) reduces stress to a clinically important degree and is safe to use in preterm infants. A pilot randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Two groups of 10 infants were enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment or nontreatment groups. Gestational age was less than 29 weeks. Demographic descriptions of the 2 groups were statistically similar. The observer and staff were blinded to assignment; the TT practitioner was blinded to observed measurements. Each infant received either TT or no therapeutic touch (NTT) for 5 minutes on 3 consecutive days at the same time of day, behind a curtain. Heart period variability (HPV) was measured 5 minutes before, during, and after the treatment phase. Examination of the parameters of oxygen saturation and episodes of apnea demonstrated no increase in adverse events in TT group compared with NTT group. Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance on HPV revealed differences in the interaction of group assignment with low-frequency, high-frequency, and low-to-high- frequency ratio interaction (F2,143 = 8.076, P = .000) and for group, day, and low-frequency, high-frequency, and low-to-high-frequency ratio (F2,288 = 3.146, P = .015), and in the posttreatment time period (F1,16 = 6.259, P = .024), reflective of greater parasympathetic activity in TT group. In this pilot trial, HPV showed an increase for the TT group compared with the NTT group. The study reveals no adverse effects of TT in preterm infants.

Effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on low birth weight neonates.

PubMed

Aliabadi, Faranak; Askary, Reihaneh K

2013-06-01

Low Birth Weight [LBW] (1500gr ≤ Birth Weight ≤ 2499 gr) is one of the most serious health problems in neonates. These neonates need complementary interventions (e.g. tactile-kinesthetic stimulation) to promote development. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Tactile-Kinesthetic Stimulation (TKS) on physical and behavioral development of Low Birth Weight neonates. This was a randomized controlled trial with equal randomization (1:1 for two groups) and parallel group design. Forty LBW neonates were randomly allocated into test (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. TKS was provided for three 15 minute periods per day for 10 consecutive days to the test group, with the massages consisting of moderate pressure strokes in supine and prone position and kinesthetic exercises consisting of flexion and extension of limbs. All measurements were taken before and after completion of the study with the same equipment (Philips electronic weighing scale with an accuracy of ±5 grams and Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment) and by the same person. There was a trend towards increased daily weight gain, but without statistical significance. On the Brazelton scale, the test group showed statistically significant improved scores on the 'motor' (P-value <0.001) and 'regulation of state' (P-value = 0.039) clusters after the 10 days TKS. TKS has no adverse effects on physiologic parameters and gives better adaptive behavior of LBW neonates compared to those without TKS.

Efficacy of triplet regimen antiemetic therapy for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy, and an efficacy comparison of single-shot palonosetron and consecutive-day granisetron for CINV in a randomized, single-blinded crossover study

PubMed Central

Kimura, Hiroaki; Yamamoto, Norio; Shirai, Toshiharu; Nishida, Hideji; Hayashi, Katsuhiro; Tanzawa, Yoshikazu; Takeuchi, Akihiko; Igarashi, Kentaro; Inatani, Hiroyuki; Shimozaki, Shingo; Kato, Takashi; Aoki, Yu; Higuchi, Takashi; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki

2015-01-01

The first aim of this study was to evaluate combination antiemetic therapy consisting of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK-1RAs), and dexamethasone for multiple high emetogenic risk (HER) anticancer agents in bone and soft tissue sarcoma. The second aim was to compare the effectiveness of single-shot palonosetron and consecutive-day granisetron in a randomized, single-blinded crossover study. A single randomization method was used to assign eligible patients to the palonosetron or granisetron arm. Patients in the palonosetron arm received a palonosetron regimen during the first and third chemotherapy courses and a granisetron regimen during the second and fourth courses. All patients received NK-1RA and dexamethasone. Patients receiving the palonosetron regimen were administered 0.75 mg palonosetron on day 1, and patients receiving the granisetron regimen were administered 3 mg granisetron twice daily on days 1 through 5. All 24 patients in this study received at least 4 chemotherapy courses. A total of 96 courses of antiemetic therapy were evaluated. Overall, the complete response CR rate (no emetic episodes and no rescue medication use) was 34%, while the total control rate (a CR plus no nausea) was 7%. No significant differences were observed between single-shot palonosetron and consecutive-day granisetron. Antiemetic therapy with a 3-drug combination was not sufficient to control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) during chemotherapy with multiple HER agents for bone and soft tissue sarcoma. This study also demonstrated that consecutive-day granisetron was not inferior to single-shot palonosetron for treating CINV. PMID:25533447

Consecutive learning of opposing unimanual motor tasks using the right arm followed by the left arm causes intermanual interference

PubMed Central

Thürer, Benjamin; Stein, Thorsten

2017-01-01

Intermanual transfer (motor memory generalization across arms) and motor memory interference (impairment of retest performance in consecutive motor learning) are well-investigated motor learning phenomena. However, the interplay of these phenomena remains elusive, i.e., whether intermanual interference occurs when two unimanual tasks are consecutively learned using different arms. Here, we examine intermanual interference when subjects consecutively adapt their right and left arm movements to novel dynamics. We considered two force field tasks A and B which were of the same structure but mirrored orientation (B = -A). The first test group (ABA-group) consecutively learned task A using their right arm and task B using their left arm before being retested for task A with their right arm. Another test group (AAA-group) learned only task A in the same right-left-right arm schedule. Control subjects learned task A using their right arm without intermediate left arm learning. All groups were able to adapt their right arm movements to force field A and both test groups showed significant intermanual transfer of this initial learning to the contralateral left arm of 21.9% (ABA-group) and 27.6% (AAA-group). Consecutively, both test groups adapted their left arm movements to force field B (ABA-group) or force field A (AAA-group). For the ABA-group, left arm learning caused significant intermanual interference of the initially learned right arm task (68.3% performance decrease). The performance decrease of the AAA-group (10.2%) did not differ from controls (15.5%). These findings suggest that motor control and learning of right and left arm movements involve partly similar neural networks or underlie a vital interhemispheric connectivity. Moreover, our results suggest a preferred internal task representation in extrinsic Cartesian-based coordinates rather than in intrinsic joint-based coordinates because interference was absent when learning was performed in extrinsically equivalent fashion (AAA-group) but interference occurred when learning was performed in intrinsically equivalent fashion (ABA-group). PMID:28459833

Consecutive learning of opposing unimanual motor tasks using the right arm followed by the left arm causes intermanual interference.

PubMed

Stockinger, Christian; Thürer, Benjamin; Stein, Thorsten

2017-01-01

Intermanual transfer (motor memory generalization across arms) and motor memory interference (impairment of retest performance in consecutive motor learning) are well-investigated motor learning phenomena. However, the interplay of these phenomena remains elusive, i.e., whether intermanual interference occurs when two unimanual tasks are consecutively learned using different arms. Here, we examine intermanual interference when subjects consecutively adapt their right and left arm movements to novel dynamics. We considered two force field tasks A and B which were of the same structure but mirrored orientation (B = -A). The first test group (ABA-group) consecutively learned task A using their right arm and task B using their left arm before being retested for task A with their right arm. Another test group (AAA-group) learned only task A in the same right-left-right arm schedule. Control subjects learned task A using their right arm without intermediate left arm learning. All groups were able to adapt their right arm movements to force field A and both test groups showed significant intermanual transfer of this initial learning to the contralateral left arm of 21.9% (ABA-group) and 27.6% (AAA-group). Consecutively, both test groups adapted their left arm movements to force field B (ABA-group) or force field A (AAA-group). For the ABA-group, left arm learning caused significant intermanual interference of the initially learned right arm task (68.3% performance decrease). The performance decrease of the AAA-group (10.2%) did not differ from controls (15.5%). These findings suggest that motor control and learning of right and left arm movements involve partly similar neural networks or underlie a vital interhemispheric connectivity. Moreover, our results suggest a preferred internal task representation in extrinsic Cartesian-based coordinates rather than in intrinsic joint-based coordinates because interference was absent when learning was performed in extrinsically equivalent fashion (AAA-group) but interference occurred when learning was performed in intrinsically equivalent fashion (ABA-group).

Early cavopulmonary anastomosis in very young infants after the Norwood procedure: impact on oxygenation, resource utilization, and mortality.

PubMed

Jaquiss, Robert D B; Ghanayem, Nancy S; Hoffman, George M; Fedderly, Raymond T; Cava, Joseph R; Mussatto, Kathleen A; Tweddell, James S

2004-04-01

The optimal timing of second-stage palliation after Norwood operations remains undefined. Advantages of early cavopulmonary anastomosis are early elimination of volume load and shortening the high-risk interstage period. Potential disadvantages include severe cyanosis, prolonged pleural drainage and hospitalization, and excess mortality. We reviewed our recent experience to evaluate the safety of early cavopulmonary anastomosis. Eighty-five consecutive patients undergoing post-Norwood operation cavopulmonary anastomosis were divided into group I (cavopulmonary anastomosis at <4 months; n = 33) and group II (cavopulmonary anastomosis at >4 months; n = 52). Groups were compared for age; size; early and late mortality; preoperative, initial postoperative, and discharge oxygen saturation; and duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, pleural drainage, and hospitalization. Group I patients were younger than group II patients (94 +/- 21 days vs 165 +/- 44 days, respectively; P <.001) and smaller (4.8 +/- 0.8 kg vs 5.8 +/- 0.9 kg; P <.001). The preoperative oxygen saturation was not different (group I, 75% +/- 10%; group II, 78% +/- 8%; P =.142). The oxygen saturation was lower immediately after surgery in group I compared with group II (75% +/- 7% vs 81% +/- 7%, respectively; P <.001) but not by discharge (group I, 79% +/- 4%; group II, 80% +/- 4%). Younger patients were ventilated longer (62 +/- 86 hours vs 19 +/- 42 hours; P =.001), in the intensive care unit longer (130 +/- 111 hours vs 104 +/- 94 hours; P =.049), hospitalized longer (12.5 +/- 11.5 days vs 10.3 +/- 14.8 days; P =.012), and required longer pleural drainage (106 +/- 45 hours vs 104 +/- 93 hours; P =.046). Hospital survival was 100% in both groups. Actuarial survival to 12 months was 96% +/- 4% for group I and 96% +/- 3% for group II. Early cavopulmonary anastomosis after the Norwood operation is safe. Younger patients are more cyanotic initially after surgery and have a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, pleural drainage, intensive care unit stay, and hospitalization.

The protective efficacy and safety of bandage contact lenses in children aged 5 to 11 after frontalis muscle flap suspension for congenital blepharoptosis: A single-center randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Chen, Lin; Pi, Lianhong; Ke, Ning; Chen, Xinke; Liu, Qing

2017-09-01

Postoperative complications, lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy sometimes occur after surgery for congenital blepharoptosis. Bandage contact lenses (BCL) can help prevent some ocular surface disorders. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BCL for protection of the ocular surface in children aged 5 to 11 years after frontalis muscle flap suspension for congenital blepharoptosis. We conducted a prospective randomized clinical study of 30 eyes of 30 patients with congenital blepharoptosis consecutively enrolled at the Ophthalmology Ward of the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China from September 1, 2016, to February 30, 2017. After frontalis muscle flap suspension surgery, patients were randomly assigned to undergo BCL application (BCL group, 15 eyes) or no BCL application (control group, 15 eyes). All patients were treated with bramycin 0.3% and polyvinyl alcohol drops after surgery. The primary outcomes were dry eye assessed by tear film break time (TFBUT), fluoresce in corneal staining (FCS) on slit-lamp on days 1, 3, and 15 postoperatively, and lower tear meniscus height (LTMH) on optical coherence tomography on days 1 and 15 postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were pairwise correlation of TFBUT, FCS and LTMH. In the BCL group, abnormal TFBUT and FCS were only found in 2 patients (13.33%) on postoperative day 15. In the control group, the incidence of dry eye assessed by TFBUT was 67.00% (10/15 eyes) on day 1, 73.33% (11/15 eyes) on day 3, and 53.33% (8/15 eyes) on day 15 (P < .001). LTMH were significantly higher in the BCL group than the control group postoperatively (P < .001). Significant positive correlations were found between LTMH and TFBUT pre-operation and on days 1 and 15 post-operation. For LTMH and FCSS (R = -0.815, P < .001), and TFBUT and FCS (R = -0.837, P < .001), the Pearson coefficient was negative on postoperative day 1, but not correlated on day 15. Silicone hydrogel BCL were safe and efficacious for protective use in children after frontalis muscle flap suspension for congenital blepharoptosis.

Learning an EMG Controlled Game: Task-Specific Adaptations and Transfer

PubMed Central

van Dijk, Ludger; van der Sluis, Corry K.; van Dijk, Hylke W.; Bongers, Raoul M.

2016-01-01

Video games that aim to improve myoelectric control (myogames) are gaining popularity and are often part of the rehabilitation process following an upper limb amputation. However, direct evidence for their effect on prosthetic skill is limited. This study aimed to determine whether and how myogaming improves EMG control and whether performance improvements transfer to a prosthesis-simulator task. Able-bodied right-handed participants (N = 28) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The intervention group was trained to control a video game (Breakout-EMG) using the myosignals of wrist flexors and extensors. Controls played a regular Mario computer game. Both groups trained 20 minutes a day for 4 consecutive days. Before and after training, two tests were conducted: one level of the Breakout-EMG game, and grasping objects with a prosthesis-simulator. Results showed a larger increase of in-game accuracy for the Breakout-EMG group than for controls. The Breakout-EMG group moreover showed increased adaptation of the EMG signal to the game. No differences were found in using a prosthesis-simulator. This study demonstrated that myogames lead to task-specific myocontrol skills. Transfer to a prosthesis task is therefore far from easy. We discuss several implications for future myogame designs. PMID:27556154

Learning an EMG Controlled Game: Task-Specific Adaptations and Transfer.

PubMed

van Dijk, Ludger; van der Sluis, Corry K; van Dijk, Hylke W; Bongers, Raoul M

2016-01-01

Video games that aim to improve myoelectric control (myogames) are gaining popularity and are often part of the rehabilitation process following an upper limb amputation. However, direct evidence for their effect on prosthetic skill is limited. This study aimed to determine whether and how myogaming improves EMG control and whether performance improvements transfer to a prosthesis-simulator task. Able-bodied right-handed participants (N = 28) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The intervention group was trained to control a video game (Breakout-EMG) using the myosignals of wrist flexors and extensors. Controls played a regular Mario computer game. Both groups trained 20 minutes a day for 4 consecutive days. Before and after training, two tests were conducted: one level of the Breakout-EMG game, and grasping objects with a prosthesis-simulator. Results showed a larger increase of in-game accuracy for the Breakout-EMG group than for controls. The Breakout-EMG group moreover showed increased adaptation of the EMG signal to the game. No differences were found in using a prosthesis-simulator. This study demonstrated that myogames lead to task-specific myocontrol skills. Transfer to a prosthesis task is therefore far from easy. We discuss several implications for future myogame designs.

Antioxidant effects of a grape seed extract in a rat model of diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Chis, Irina C; Ungureanu, Marius I; Marton, Adriana; Simedrea, Ramona; Muresan, Adriana; Postescu, Ion-Dan; Decea, Nicoleta

2009-07-01

In the present study we investigated the anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidant effect of grape seed extract, a polyphenolic flavonoid, in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group I: non-diabetic control; Group II: diabetic control; Group III: diabetic rats treated with grape seed extract, administered via an intragastric tube (0.6 ml/rat), at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 20 consecutive days after the induction of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was induced by an i.p. injection with streptozotocin for groups II and III. TheTBARS, carbonylated proteins, were measured in the plasma and in the supernatant of liver homogenisates, and superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured in the haemolysates of RBCs and supernatant of liver homogenisates. The results showed that oral administration of grape seed extract (100 mg/kg/day) reduced the levels of lipid peroxides and carbonylated proteins and improved the antioxidant activity in plasma and hepatic tissue in rats treated with grape seed natural extract as compared with the diabetic control rats. These results suggested that the grape seed extract enhanced the antioxidant defence against reactive oxygen species produced under hyperglycaemic conditions, hence protecting the liver cells.

Sleeping in moderate hypoxia at home for prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS): a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind study.

PubMed

Dehnert, Christoph; Böhm, Astrid; Grigoriev, Igor; Menold, Elmar; Bärtsch, Peter

2014-09-01

Acclimatization at natural altitude effectively prevents acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is, however, unknown whether prevention of AMS is also possible by only sleeping in normobaric hypoxia. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study 76 healthy unacclimatized male subjects, aged 18 to 50 years, slept for 14 consecutive nights at either a fractional inspired oxygen (Fio2) of 0.14 to 0.15 (average target altitude 3043 m; treatment group) or 0.209 (control group). Four days later, AMS scores and incidence of AMS were assessed during a 20-hour exposure in normobaric hypoxia at Fio2 = 0.12 (equivalent to 4500 m). Because of technical problems with the nitrogen generators, target altitude was not achieved in the tents and only 21 of 37 subjects slept at an average altitude considered sufficient for acclimatization (>2200 m; average, 2600 m). Therefore, in a subgroup analysis these subjects were compared with the 21 subjects of the control group with the lowest sleeping altitude. This analysis showed a significantly lower AMS-C score (0.38; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.54) vs 1.10; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.62; P = .04) and lower Lake Louise Score (3.1; 95% CI, 2.2 to 4.1 vs 5.1; 95% CI, 3.6 to 6.6; P = .07) for the treatment subgroup. The incidence of AMS defined as an AMS-C score greater than 0.70 was also significantly lower (14% vs 52%; P < .01). Sleeping 14 consecutive nights in normobaric hypoxia (equivalent to 2600 m) reduced symptoms and incidence of AMS 4 days later on exposure to 4500 m. Copyright © 2014 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of ketoconazole and rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics of GLS4, a novel anti-hepatitis B virus compound, in dogs.

PubMed

Zhou, Xin; Gao, Zhi-wei; Meng, Jian; Chen, Xiao-yan; Zhong, Da-fang

2013-11-01

To investigate the metabolism of GLS4, a heteroaryldihydropyrimidine compound with anti-hepatitis B virus activity, in dog and human liver microsomes in vitro and evaluate the effects of ketoconazole (a potent CYP3A inhibitor) or rifampicin (a potent CYP3A inducer) on GLS4 pharmacokinetics in dogs. Dog and human liver microsomes and CYP3A4 were incubated with [(14)C]GLS4 for 15 min and then analyzed using a HPLC-dynamic online radio flow detection method. Two groups of beagle dogs were used for in vivo studies. Group A were orally administered a single dose of GLS4 (15 mg/kg) with or without ketoconazole pretreatment (100 mg/d for 8 consecutive days). Group B were orally administered a single dose of GLS4 (15 mg/kg) with or without rifampicin pretreatment (100 mg/d for 8 consecutive days). Plasma was sampled after GLS4 dosing. GLS4 concentrations were determined by HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolic profile of [(14)C]GLS4 in human and dog liver microsomes and CYP3A4 was similar. The major metabolites were morpholine N-dealkylated GLS4 and morpholine N,N-di-dealkylated GLS4. Pretreatment with ketoconazole or rifampicin significantly affected the plasma concentrations of GLS4 in dogs: ketoconazole increased the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity and peak concentration of GLS4 by 4.4 and 3.3 folds, respectively, whereas rifampicin decreased these parameters by 88.5% and 83.2%, respectively. GLS4 is a sensitive substrate of CYP3A. CYP3A inhibitors or inducers cause considerable change of GLS4 plasma concentrations in dogs, which should be considered in clinical practice.

CMV pneumonia in allogeneic BMT recipients undergoing early treatment of pre-emptive ganciclovir therapy.

PubMed

Machado, C M; Dulley, F L; Boas, L S; Castelli, J B; Macedo, M C; Silva, R L; Pallota, R; Saboya, R S; Pannuti, C S

2000-08-01

The incidence, treatment and outcome of CMV interstitial pneumonia (CMV-IP) were reviewed in 139 consecutive allogeneic BMT patients undergoing extended CMV antigenemia surveillance and two different ganciclovir (GCV) strategies to control CMV infection. Nineteen cases of CMV-IP were reviewed, 16 of 63 patients (25.4%) who received early GCV treatment (ET) and three of 76 patients (3.9%) who received preemptive (PE) GCV therapy. In the ET group, the median time for occurrence of CMV-IP was 55 (range 36 to 311) days. Two patients had three episodes of CMV-IP recurrences after day +100. CMV-IP-related death occurred in two patients (15.4%). In the PE group, 41 patients received pre-emptive GCV therapy prompted by the appearance of positive antigenemia > or =2 cells. The median time for the occurrence of CMV-IP was 92 (range 48 to 197) days. Response to therapy was observed when GCV was introduced within 6 days of antigenemia positivity. The use of IVIg in association with GCV did not play a major role in response to therapy. The median time for occurrence of CMV-IP was delayed during PE strategy and the cost-effectiveness of CMV surveillance after day +100 should be investigated in this population.

A prospective randomized, controlled trial deems a drainage of 300 ml/day safe before removal of the last chest drain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

PubMed

Xie, Hong-Ya; Xu, Kai; Tang, Jin-Xing; Bian, Wen; Ma, Hai-Tao; Zhao, Jun; Ni, Bin

2015-08-01

To study the feasible and safe volume threshold for chest tube removal following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lobectomy. One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients (18 were excluded) who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy or bilobectomy with two incisions between August 2012 and February 2014 were included. Eligible patients were randomized into three groups: Group A (chest tube was removed at a drainage volume of 150 ml/day or less. n = 49); Group B (chest tube was removed when the drainage volume was less than 300 ml/day. n = 50); Group C (chest tube was removed when the drainage volume was less than 450 ml/day. n = 51). The postoperative care of all patients was consistent. The time of extracting the drainage tube, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative visual analogue scale grades, dosage of analgesic, and the incidence of complications and thoracocentesis were measured. Group B and C had a much shorter drainage time and postoperative hospital stay than Group A (P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, Group C had a notably shorter drainage time (P = 0.036). The postoperative hospital stay was not statistically different between Group B and Group C (P > 0.05). The mean dosage of pethidine hydrochloride was 248.9 ± 33.3 mg in Group B and 226.1 ± 32.7 mg in Group C (P > 0.05). The dosage of pethidine hydrochloride of Group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and C (P < 0.05). The total visual analogue scale (VAS) score during the five days showed no statistical differences compared with Group B and Group C (P > 0.05), Group A had a significantly higher total VAS score than Group B and C (P < 0.05). The number of patients who needed thoracentesis in Group C was more than those in Group B and A (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of patients who needed reinsertion of chest drains among the three groups (P > 0.05). A 300-ml/day volume threshold for chest tube removal after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy is feasible and safe, demonstating more advantages than the 150-ml/day volume threshold. However, a 450-ml/day volume threshold for chest tube removal may increase the risk of thoracentesis compared with the 300- and the 150-ml/day volume threshold. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract against streptozotocin induced sperm damage in diabetic rats

PubMed Central

Idris, Muhd Hanis Md; Budin, Siti Balkis; Osman, Mohamad; Mohamed, Jamaludin

2012-01-01

Diabetes mellitus contributes to male sexual dysfunction and infertility by modulating oxidative damage. To date, a number of studies have demonstrated antioxidant properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. This study was designed to investigate the effects of H. sabdariffa UKMR-2 variety on sperm functioning of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allotted into four groups, namely control group (C), H. sabdariffa extract (HSE) group, diabetes group (D) and diabetes plus HSE group (D+HSE). HSE (100 mg/ kg/body weight) was administered orally for 28 consecutive days. After 28-days of supplementation, the rats were sacrificed to obtain epididymal sperm. Administration of HSE significantly lowered the level of fasting blood glucose and increased plasma insulin level in D+HSE group as compared to D group (p<0.05). Sperm quality in the D+HSE group was improved with significantly higher sperm concentrations (p<0.05) and sperm motility (p<0.001) as well as lower percentage of sperm abnormality (p<0.05) as compared to the diabetic group. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level was significantly elevated (p<0.05) in D+HSE group than in D group while no significant alteration in plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level were seen between groups. In conclusion, this study suggested that H. sabdariffa UKMR-2 variety has a potential protective role against diabetes-induced sperm damage. PMID:27847454

Protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract against streptozotocin induced sperm damage in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Idris, Muhd Hanis Md; Budin, Siti Balkis; Osman, Mohamad; Mohamed, Jamaludin

2012-01-01

Diabetes mellitus contributes to male sexual dysfunction and infertility by modulating oxidative damage. To date, a number of studies have demonstrated antioxidant properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. This study was designed to investigate the effects of H. sabdariffa UKMR-2 variety on sperm functioning of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allotted into four groups, namely control group (C), H. sabdariffa extract (HSE) group, diabetes group (D) and diabetes plus HSE group (D+HSE). HSE (100 mg/ kg/body weight) was administered orally for 28 consecutive days. After 28-days of supplementation, the rats were sacrificed to obtain epididymal sperm. Administration of HSE significantly lowered the level of fasting blood glucose and increased plasma insulin level in D+HSE group as compared to D group (p<0.05). Sperm quality in the D+HSE group was improved with significantly higher sperm concentrations (p<0.05) and sperm motility (p<0.001) as well as lower percentage of sperm abnormality (p<0.05) as compared to the diabetic group. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level was significantly elevated (p<0.05) in D+HSE group than in D group while no significant alteration in plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level were seen between groups. In conclusion, this study suggested that H. sabdariffa UKMR-2 variety has a potential protective role against diabetes-induced sperm damage.

The Effect on Performance Time and Quality of the Knots after Mono or Bimanual Training of Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Knot Tying according to the Gladiator Rule Technique.

PubMed

Asencio, Fernanda de Almeida; Ribeiro, Helizabet Abdala Salomão Ayroza; Romeo, Armando; Wattiez, Arnauld; Ribeiro, Paulo Augusto Galvão Ayroza

2018-05-18

 To assess whether the monomanual or bimanual training of laparoscopic suture following the same technique may interfere with the knots' performance time and/or quality.  A prospective observational study involving 41 resident students of gynecology/obstetrics and general surgery who attended a laparoscopic suture training for 2 days. The participants were divided into two groups. Group A performed the training using exclusively their dominant hand, and group B performed the training using both hands to tie the intracorporeal knot. All participants followed the same technique, called Romeo Gladiator Rule. At the end of the course, the participants were asked to perform three exercises to assess the time it took them to tie the knots, as well as the quality of the knots.  A comparative analysis of the groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference ( p  = 0.334) between them regarding the length of time to tie one knot. However, when the time to tie 10 consecutive knots was compared, group A was faster than group B ( p  = 0.020). A comparison of the knot loosening average, in millimeters, revealed that the knots made by group B loosened less than those made by group A, but there was no statistically significant difference regarding the number of knots that became untied.  This study demonstrated that the knots from group B showed better quality than those from group A, with lower loosening measures and more strength necessary to untie the knots. The study also demonstrated that group A was faster than B when the time to tie ten consecutive knots was compared. Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Five-year Experience With Arterial Switch Operation in the First Hours of Life.

PubMed

Chasovskyi, Kyrylo; Mykychak, Yaroslav; Rudenko, Nadiia; Vorobyova, Hanna; Yemets, Illya

2017-01-01

We assessed morbidity after 2 management strategies for arterial switch operation (ASO) in a single institution: first hours of life surgery and conventional approach. From September 2009 to September 2014, 346 consecutive patients who underwent ASO were enrolled. The study group included 92 patients who underwent ASO in the first 24 hours after birth (group I). The control group consisted of 254 patients who underwent ASO after 24 hours of life in the conventional way (group II). Three outcomes were analyzed: postoperative ventilation time (VT), post-extubation hospital length of stay (peLOS), and a composite morbidity index, defined as postoperative VT + peLOS + occurrence of selected major complications. Overall 30-day survival was 98% (2 [2%] group I vs 5 [2%] group II, P = 1.000). Fifty (13.3%) major complications were observed: 14 (15%) in group I and 36 (15%) in group II (P = 0.635). Although peLOS and morbidity index did not differ significantly between groups, postoperative VT (42 hours [24, 67] vs 27 hours [22, 47], P = 0.008) and total hospital stay were significantly longer in group II (18 days [10, 19] vs 14 days [12, 18]). A median volume of 80 mL (60-100 mL) of autologous umbilical cord blood was collected (80 mL, group 1 vs 60 mL, group II; P = 0.090). Homologous blood cell transfusion was avoided in 70 patients (78%) in group I and in 13 patients (6%) in group II (P < 0.001). Arterial switch operation during the initial 24 hours of life has similar outcomes in view of morbidity and mortality to the conventional approach. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiple presentations reduce the behavioral impact of protected predator exposure in rats.

PubMed

Genovese, Raymond F; Johnson, Christina C; Tobin, Christine A; Gauchan, Sangeeta

2014-10-01

Exposure of rats to a predator species, such as a cat, or stimuli associated with a predator species has been used to model the effects of traumatic stress. We further investigated this procedure to determine if the behavioral effects from such exposure could be increased by multiple exposures. In rats (n=8 for each treatment group), we evaluated single (1×) and multiple (1×/day for 3 consecutive days [3×] and 2×/day for 3 consecutive days [6×]) exposures using cats and soiled cat litter. All exposures were 15min in duration and the rats were directly exposed to the cats but in a protected fashion that did not allow the predator to physically injure the rat. Sham exposures were conducted using similar conditions without the presence of the predator or litter. The effects of the exposures were evaluated using an elevated plus maze (EPM). Sessions on the EPM were conducted before the exposures and at various times after the exposure. Difference scores (post-pre) were calculated for dependent measures from the EPM, and statistical analyses compared the slopes and intercept values derived from regression functions from these scores over the post-exposure sessions. During the first 30 days after exposure, a significant reduction in activity on the EPM was observed for the 1× treatment and a smaller reduction was observed for the 3× treatment, but no reduction was observed for the 6× and sham control treatments. Thus, increasing the number of exposures did not increase the magnitude of the effect but, instead, resulted in a decrease. These results show that adaptation to the effects of the predator exposure occurred with repeated sessions. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Hydropolish: a controlled trial on a technique to eradicate residual cortical lens fibers in phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

PubMed

Wang, Sarah B; Quah, Xhian M; Amjadi, Shahriar; Tong, Jessica; Francis, Ian C

2015-01-01

To assess the efficacy and safety of a noncontact, fluid-based capsular polishing technique (hydropolish) to remove residual cortical fibers (RCFs) and epithelial cells from the posterior and equatorial capsule in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Hydropolish involved manual irrigation of the posterior and equatorial capsule after irrigation/aspiration, using a 27-G hydrodissection cannula. This prospective, consecutive, single surgeon controlled trial was conducted at a dedicated ophthalmic surgery center in Sydney, Australia, between December 20, 2006, and July 14, 2010. Single eyes of consecutive patients underwent cataract surgery without use of hydropolish (control group), while those on or after July 21, 2010, underwent hydropolish (intervention group). Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) up to 1 month postoperatively, surgical complications, and hydropolish time were documented. A total of 1531 eyes were included in this study (hydropolish n = 682; control n = 849). After adjusting for age, sex, and nuclear sclerosis grade, no significant difference was found between hydropolish and control groups when preoperative CDVA was compared against postoperative CDVA at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month (p>0.05). Hydropolish is a rapid and safe technique that can remove RCFs from the posterior and equatorial capsule in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. It does not compromise postoperative CDVA.

Impact of food choice on sodium intake patterns from multiple NHANES surveys.

PubMed

Dong, Zefeng; Gao, Zhifeng; McFadden, Brandon

2017-02-01

To examine how the food consumption from various food groups would impact American adults' sodium intake and whether this impact structurally changes over time, data were obtained from six-cycle National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2010. Foods were categorized by the first two digits of the USDA food code. Regression models were employed to investigate the associations between the consumption of each food group and sodium intake, and whether there were changes in the associations in consecutive six cycles. Results show that the calorie consumption of oils, beverages and water, fruit juices, fruits, lamb, fruit products, and sugars and sweets had no significant impact on individuals' sodium intake, while calorie consumption of tomatoes, fish, dark-green vegetables, and crackers contributes the most to sodium intake. The contribution to sodium intake of most food groups does not change significantly over time, with the exception of salad dressing whose contribution to sodium intake increased in four consecutive years when compared to that of 1999-2000. The sodium amount contributed by one calorie consumption (sodium density) of most food was above the daily recommendation level, 1.2 mg per calorie per day. Lowering individuals' sodium intake involves either guiding individuals to consume more fruit related products or decreasing the amount of sodium in most food groups at the production or food preparation stages. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shenfu injection for improving cellular immunity and clinical outcome in patients with sepsis or septic shock.

PubMed

Zhang, Ning; Liu, Jianhua; Qiu, Zeliang; Ye, Yiping; Zhang, Jian; Lou, Tianzheng

2017-01-01

To assess the efficacy of Shenfu injection (SFI) for enhancing cellular immunity and improving the clinical outcomes of patients with septic shock. Patients with sepsis were randomly assigned to receive either SFI at a dose of 100mL every 24hours for 7 consecutive days or a placebo in addition to conventional therapy. The immunologic parameters were collected on days 1, 3, and 7 after the above treatments, and the clinical outcomes were updated for 28days. Of these160 patients, 3 were excluded from the analysis due to protocol violation and withdrawal of consent; thus, 157 completed the study (78 in the SFI group and 79 in the placebo group). We found that SFI increased both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in peripheral blood and up-regulated HLA-DR expression in monocytes (P<.05). Furthermore, SFI was also found to restore ex vivo monocytic tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 proinflammatory cytokine release in response to the endotoxin (P<.05). Importantly, the SFI group showed better clinical outcomes than did the placebo group in terms of the duration of vasopressor use (P=.008), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (P=.034), Marshall score (P=.01), and length of intensive care unit stay (10.5±3.2 vs 12.2±2.8days; P=.012). However, the 28-day mortality rate was not significantly different between the SFI (20.5%; 16/78) and placebo groups (27.8%; -22/79; P=.28). These findings suggest that SFI can enhance the cellular immunity of patients with septic shock and could be a promising adjunctive treatment for patients with septic shock. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of high intensity interval training on cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in wistar rats

PubMed Central

Rahimi, Mostafa; Shekarforoush, Shahnaz; Asgari, Ali Reza; Khoshbaten, Ali; Rajabi, Hamid; Bazgir, Behzad; Mohammadi, Mohammad Taghi; Sobhani, Vahid; Shakibaee, Abolfazl

2015-01-01

The aims of the present study were to determine whether short term high intensity interval training (HIIT) could protect the heart against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury; and if so, to evaluate how long the exercise-associated protection can be lasted. Sixty-three rats were randomly assigned into sedentary (n = 15), sham (n = 7), and exercise groups (n = 41). Rats in the exercise groups performed 5 consecutive days of HIIT on treadmill: 5 min warm up with 50 % VO2max, 6×2 min with 95-105 % VO2max (about 40 to 45 m/min), 5×2 min recovery with 65-75 % VO2max (about 28 to 32 m/min), and 3 min cool down with 50 % VO2max, all at 0 % grade. Animals exposed to an in vivo cardiac IR surgery, performed at days 1, 7, and 14 following the final exercise session. Ischemia-induced arrhythmias, myocardial infarct size (IS), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities were measured in all animals. Compared to sedentary rats, exercised animals sustained less IR injury as evidenced by a lower size of infarction and lower levels of LDH and CK at day one and day 7 post exercise. In comparison of sedentary group, IS significantly decreased in EX-IR1 and EX-IR7 groups (50 and 35 %, respectively), but not in EX-IR14 group (19 %). The exercise-induced cardioprotection disappeared 14 days following exercise cessation. There were no significant changes in ischemia-induced arrhythmia between exercised and sedentary rats. The results clearly demonstrate that HIIT protects the heart against myocardial IR injury. This protective effect can be sustained for at least one week following the cessation of the training. PMID:26417361

Can more than one incremental cycling test be performed within one day?

PubMed

Scharhag-Rosenberger, Friederike; Carlsohn, Anja; Lundby, Carsten; Schüler, Stefan; Mayer, Frank; Scharhag, Jürgen

2014-01-01

Changes in performance parameters over four consecutive maximal incremental cycling tests were investigated to determine how many tests can be performed within one single day without negatively affecting performance. Sixteen male and female subjects (eight trained (T): 25 ± 3 yr, BMI 22.6 ± 2.5 kg·m(-2), maximal power output (P(max)) 4.6 ± 0.5 W·kg(-1); eight untrained (UT): 27 ± 3 yr, BMI 22.3 ± 1.2 kg·m(-2), P(max) 2.9 ± 0.3 W·kg(-1)) performed four successive maximal incremental cycling tests separated by 1.5 h of passive rest. Individual energy requirements were covered by standardised meals between trials. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) remained unchanged over the four tests in both groups (P = 0.20 and P = 0.33, respectively). P(max) did not change in the T group (P = 0.32), but decreased from the third test in the UT group (P < 0.01). Heart rate responses to submaximal exercise were elevated from the third test in the T group and from the second test in the UT group (P < 0.05). The increase in blood lactate shifted rightward over the four tests in both groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Exercise-induced net increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine were not different between the tests in either group (P ≥ 0.15). If VO(2max) is the main parameter of interest, trained and untrained individuals can perform at least four maximal incremental cycling tests per day. However, because other parameters changed after the first and second test, respectively, no more than one test per day should be performed if parameters other than VO(2max) are the prime focus.

TACE Combined with Implantation of Irradiation Stent Versus TACE Combine with Bare Stent for HCC Complicated by IVCTT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Qing-hui; Zhang, Wen; Liu, Qing-xin

PurposeThis study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with intra-IVC implantation of an irradiation stent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated by inferior vena cava tumor thrombosis (IVCTT).MethodsSixty-one consecutive patients with HCC complicated by IVCTT treated by TACE combined with IVC stenting were retrospectively analysed. IVC stenting was performed using a stent loaded with {sup 125}I seeds strands (the irradiation stent) in 33 patients (Group A) and 28 patients with a bare stent (Group B). Propensity score matching eliminated the baseline differences. Overall survival, oedema related to IVC obstruction remission ratemore » and procedure-related adverse events were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe adverse effect rate was similar for both Group A and Group B patients, and complications were adequately handled by medical treatment. TACE combined with implantation of an irradiation stent showed a significant median survival benefit over TACE combined with a bare stent, with a median survival time of 203.0 ± 28.135 days versus 93.0 ± 24.341 days (p = 0.006). The propensity score-matched (24 pairs) cohort analyses (200 ± 31.231 days vs. 66 ± 23.270 days, p = 0.019). The oedema remission rate was 97.0 % in group A patients and 96.4 % in group B, respectively. TACE-irradiation stent and object tumor response were the independent prognostic factors of favorable survival.ConclusionsTACE combined with irradiation stent implantation is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with HCC complicated by IVCTT and may extend their survival time.« less

Syncope paradox in the outcome of patients with pulmonary thromboembolism: short-term and midterm outcome.

PubMed

Seyyedi, Seyyed-reza; Jenab, Yaser; Tokaldany, Masoumeh Lotfi; Shirani, Shapoor; Sadeghian, Saeed; Jalali, Arash

2016-01-01

We compare the early and midterm outcomes of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in patients with and without syncope in our single-center registry. Between December 2006 and May 2013, 351 consecutive patients (mean age = 60.21 ± 16.91 years, 55.3% male) with confirmed acute symptomatic PTE were divided in with and without syncope groups. Groups were compared in terms of the effect of syncope on 30-day mortality and adverse events, and mortality in a median follow-up time of 16.9 months. From 351 patients, 39 (11.1%) had syncope and 312 (88.9%) did not. Syncope group had less frequently chest pain (30.8% vs 51.4%; P value = 0.015). Also, the rates of 30-day adverse events and mortality were 12.8% and 5.1% for the group with syncope, and 14.4% and 10.3% for the group without syncope, respectively, with no significant difference. At follow up, 65 patients died and mortality was 18.5% for 351 patients (5.1% in the group with syncope and 20.2% for the other group). After adjustment for confounding factors, the effect of syncope on 30-day adverse events and mortality remained non-significant and on the midterm mortality was significant, showing that the presence of syncope was associated with lower midterm mortality (P value = 0.038). Among PTE patients in our registry, 11.1% presented with syncope. Relationship between syncope and 30-day adverse events and mortality remained non-significant after adjustments for other factors. However, in midterm follow up, patients with syncope were significantly at decreased risk of mortality compared to those without syncope. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Bobath or motor relearning programme? A comparison of two different approaches of physiotherapy in stroke rehabilitation: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Langhammer, B; Stanghelle, J K

2000-08-01

To examine whether two different physiotherapy regimes caused any differences in outcome in rehabilitation after acute stroke. A double-blind study of patients with acute first-ever stroke. Sixty-one patients were consecutively included, block randomized into two groups, and stratified according to gender and hemiplegic site. Group 1 (33 patients) and group 2 (28 patients) had physiotherapy according to Motor Relearning Programme (MRP) and Bobath, respectively. The supplemental treatment did not differ in the two groups. The Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), the Sødring Motor Evaluation Scale (SMES), the Barthel ADL Index and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were used. The following parameters were also registered: length of stay in the hospital, use of assistive devices for mobility, and the patient's accommodation after discharge from the hospital. Patients treated according to MRP stayed fewer days in hospital than those treated according to Bobath (mean 21 days versus 34 days, p = 0.008). Both groups improved in MAS and SMES, but the improvement in motor function was significantly better in the MRP group. The two groups improved in Barthel ADL Index without significant differences between the groups. However, women treated by MRP improved more in ADL than women treated by Bobath. There were no differences between the groups in the life quality test (NHP), use of assistive devices or accommodation after discharge from the hospital. The present study indicates that physiotherapy treatment using the MRP is preferable to that using the Bobath programme in the acute rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Benefits of pre-emptive analgesia by local infiltration at day-case general anaesthetic open inguinal hernioplasty.

PubMed

Radwan, R W; Gardner, A; Jayamanne, H; Stephenson, B M

2018-03-15

Introduction The open prosthetic repair of inguinal hernias under local anaesthesia (LA) is well established, with the concept of intraoperative 'pre-emptive analgesia' evolving so that patients are as comfortable as possible. We used a peri-incisional LA solution in patients undergoing day-case inguinal hernioplasty under general anaesthesia (GA) and recorded use of analgesia in the immediate postoperative period. Methods In this observational cohort study, 100 consecutive unselected men underwent open inguinal hernia repair as a day case. Of these, 75 underwent repair under GA and 25 with peri-incisional LA solution (equal mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine and 1% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline). Analgesia prescribed at induction, for maintenance and after cessation of anaesthesia was scored in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder. Results The median age in the GA group was 59 years (range: 25-89 years) and in the GA+LA group, it was 62 years (range: 27-88 years). Of the 100 patients, 82 underwent a mesh plug repair by seven surgeons whereas 18 underwent a flat (Lichtenstein) mesh repair by two surgeons. WHO analgesic induction and postoperative scores were significantly lower in the GA+LA group (p=0.034 and p<0.001 respectively). There was also a significant difference in use of postoperative antiemetics (23% vs 0% in the GA only and GA+LA cohorts respectively, p=0.020). Six patients (8%) in the GA group failed day-case discharge criteria. Conclusions Patients undergoing contemporary day-case GA inguinal hernioplasty with pre-emptive LA solution infiltration require lower levels of postoperative opioid analgesia and antiemetics. These cases are less likely to fail discharge criteria for planned day surgery.

Efficacy and safety of imidacloprid/moxidectin spot-on solution and fenbendazole in the treatment of dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866).

PubMed

Willesen, J L; Kristensen, A T; Jensen, A L; Heine, J; Koch, J

2007-07-20

A randomized, blinded, controlled multicentre field trial study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% spot-on solution and fenbendazole in treating dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Dogs were randomly treated either with a single dose of 0.1 ml/kg bodyweight of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% spot-on solution or with 25 mg/kg bodyweight fenbendazole per os for 20 days. The study period was 42 days with dogs being examined on days 0, 7 and 42. The primary efficacy parameter was the presence of L1 larvae in faecal samples evaluated by a Baermann test from three consecutive days. Thoracic radiographs performed on each visit were being taken as a paraclinical parameter to support the results of the Baermann test. Twenty-seven dogs in the imidacloprid/moxidectin group and 23 dogs in the fenbendazole group completed the study according to protocol. The efficacies of the two treatment protocols were 85.2% (imidacloprid/moxidectin) and 91.3% (fenbendazole) with no significant difference between treatment groups. On radiographic evaluation pulmonary parenchyma showed similar improvement in each group. No serious adverse effects to treatment were recorded: most of the minor adverse effects were gastrointestinal such as diarrhea (nine dogs), vomitus (eight dogs) and salivation (three dogs). In general, these adverse effects were of short duration (1-2 days) within the first few days after treatment start and required little or no treatment. This prospective study demonstrates that both treatment protocols used are efficacious under field conditions, that treatment of mildly to moderately infected dogs with either of these protocols is safe and yields an excellent prognosis for recovering from the infection.

A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial of Contingency Management for Alcohol Use Reduction Using a Transdermal Alcohol Sensor

PubMed Central

Barnett, Nancy P.; Celio, Mark A.; Tidey, Jennifer W.; Murphy, James G.; Colby, Suzanne M.; Swift, Robert M.

2017-01-01

Aims We tested the efficacy of daily contingent reinforcement for reducing alcohol use compared with (yoked) noncontingent reinforcement (NR) using a transdermal alcohol sensor to detect alcohol use. Design Pilot randomized controlled design with one baseline week, three intervention weeks, and one-month follow up. Setting New England, USA. Participants Heavy drinking adults (46.7% female) not seeking treatment were randomized to 1) an escalating schedule of cash reinforcement (CR; n =15) for days on which alcohol was neither reported nor detected or 2) yoked NR (n =15). Intervention and comparator Reinforcement for CR participants started at $5 and increased $2 every subsequent day on which alcohol was not detected or reported, to a maximum of $17. Participants received no reinforcement for days on which alcohol use was detected or reported, and the reinforcer value was re-set to $5 the day after a drinking day. NR participants were yoked to the daily reinforcer value of an individual in the CR condition, in order of enrollment. Paired participants in CR and NR therefore received the same amount of money, but the amount for the NR participant was not behavior-related. Measurements The primary outcome was percent days without sensor-detected drinking. Secondary outcomes were number of consecutive days with no detected drinking, peak transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC), self-reported drinks per week, and drinking below NIH low-risk guidelines. Findings Controlling for baseline, CR had higher percent days with no drinking detected (54.3%) than NR (31.2%) during intervention weeks (p = .05, Cohen’s d = 0.74; 95% CI: 007–1.47). The longest period of consecutive days with no drinking detected was 8.0 for CR vs. 2.9 for NR (p = .03, d = 0.85; 95% CI: .08–1.61). Peak TAC during intervention showed a nonsignificant group difference (p = .20; d = .48; 95% CI: .00–1.18); a similar result was found for drinks per week (p = .12; d = .59; 95% CI: .00–1.30). Four times more participants in CR drank below NIH low-risk drinking guidelines during intervention than did participants in NR: 31.1% vs. 7.1% (p = .07; d = .71; 95% CI: −0.04–1.46). At 1-month follow up, the highest number of consecutive days without drinking (self-report) did not differ significantly between conditions (p = .26), but showed a medium effect size (d = .44; 95% CI: −.32–1.18). Conclusions Cash incentives linked to a transdermal alcohol sensor can reduce heavy alcohol consumption while the incentives are in operation. PMID:28107772

[Effect of leptin on long-term spatial memory of rats with white matter damage in developing brain].

PubMed

Feng, Er-Cui; Jiang, Li

2017-12-01

To investigate the neuroprotective effect of leptin by observing its effect on spatial memory of rats with white matter damage in developing brain. A total of 80 neonatal rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operation (n=27), model (n=27) and leptin intervention (n=27). The rats in the model and leptin intervention groups were used to prepare a model of white matter damage in developing brain, and the rats in the leptin intervention group were given leptin (100 μg/kg) diluted with normal saline immediately after modelling for 4 consecutive days. The survival rate of the rats was observed and the change in body weight was monitored. When the rats reached the age of 21 days, the Morris water maze test was used to evaluate spatial memory. There was no significant difference in the survival rate of rats between the three groups (P>0.05). Within 10 days after birth, the leptin intervention group had similar body weight as the sham-operation group and significantly lower body weight than the model group (P<0.05); more than 10 days after birth, the leptin intervention group had rapid growth with higher body weight than the model and sham-operation groups (P>0.05). The results of place navigation showed that from the second day of experiment, there was a significant difference in the latency period between the three groups (P<0.05); from the fourth day of experiment, the leptin intervention group had a similar latency period as the sham-operation and a significantly shorter latency period than the model group (P<0.05). The results of space search experiment showed that compared with the sham-operation group, the model group had a significant reduction in the number of platform crossings and a significantly longer latency period (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the leptin intervention group had a significantly increased number of platform crossings and a significantly shortened latency period (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the leptin intervention and sham-operation groups. Leptin can alleviate spatial memory impairment of rats with white matter damage in developing brain. It thus exerts a neuroprotective effect, and is worthy of further research.

40 CFR 436.42 - Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction attainable by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...— TSS 45 mg/l 25 mg/l. pH (1) (1) 1 Within the range 6.0 to 9.0. (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (a... daily values for 30 consecutive days shall not exceed— TSS 0.046 0.023 Total fluoride .006 .003 pH (1... consecutive days shall not exceed— TSS 45 mg/l 25 mg/l. pH (1) (1) 1 Within the range 6.0 to 9.0. (b) Any...

The Immunostimulatory Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria in a Rat Model.

PubMed

Karamese, Murat; Aydin, Hakan; Sengul, Emin; Gelen, Volkan; Sevim, Cigdem; Ustek, Duran; Karakus, Emre

2016-09-01

Probiotics are "live", beneficial microbes that provide important health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, by detecting serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first group was "Control group" and other 3 groups were probiotic application groups who received different doses of probiotics. The probiotic mixture included 12 probiotic bacteria, mostly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Probiotic mixture was administered to rats for 12 consecutive days. TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1-β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels as well as serum IgG and IgA concentrations were detected in the sera after 12 days. Probiotics led to a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β; however, they led to increase in the serum levels of IL-10, IgG and IgA. There were significant differences between control group and probiotic application groups (p<0.05). These data suggest that the commensal microbiota are important for stimulating both proinflammatory and regulatory responses in order to rapidly clear infections and minimize inflammation-associated tissue damage.

Motor responses and weight gaining in neonates through use of two methods of earmuff and receiving silence in NICU.

PubMed

Abdeyazdan, Z; Ghasemi, S; Marofi, M; Berjis, N

2014-01-01

With technological advances in NICUs the survival rate of preterm infants has been increased. Because NICU environment is a potent source of stress for infants, its modification is an essential measure to decrease infants' morbidity. The purposes of this study were to compare the effects of wearing earmuff and provision silence for infants on their motor responses and gaining weight. In a randomized clinical trial 96 preterm infants were enrolled. Their motor responses were evaluated for two consecutive days in the morning and afternoon shifts, in the groups of earmuff and silence, and at similar time points in the control group. Also their weight was measured at days 1 and 10. In the two intervention groups, means of motor responses in infants were significantly less than in the control group, and weight gain of infants was more than the control group. However weight gain was more pronounced in the earmuff group. Both interventions led to decreasing number of motor responses and improvement of weight gain pattern, but these effects were more pronounced in earmuff group; thus because implementation of silence in NICUs has many barriers, it is suggested to use earmuff for preterm infants in these units. This trial obtained IRCT registration number IRCT2012092010812N2.

Characterizing prolonged heat effects on mortality in a sub-tropical high-density city, Hong Kong

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Hung Chak; Lau, Kevin Ka-Lun; Ren, Chao; Ng, Edward

2017-11-01

Extreme hot weather events are likely to increase under future climate change, and it is exacerbated in urban areas due to the complex urban settings. It causes excess mortality due to prolonged exposure to such extreme heat. However, there is lack of universal definition of prolonged heat or heat wave, which leads to inadequacies of associated risk preparedness. Previous studies focused on estimating temperature-mortality relationship based on temperature thresholds for assessing heat-related health risks but only several studies investigated the association between types of prolonged heat and excess mortality. However, most studies focused on one or a few isolated heat waves, which cannot demonstrate typical scenarios that population has experienced. In addition, there are limited studies on the difference between daytime and nighttime temperature, resulting in insufficiency to conclude the effect of prolonged heat. In sub-tropical high-density cities where prolonged heat is common in summer, it is important to obtain a comprehensive understanding of prolonged heat for a complete assessment of heat-related health risks. In this study, six types of prolonged heat were examined by using a time-stratified analysis. We found that more consecutive hot nights contribute to higher mortality risk while the number of consecutive hot days does not have significant association with excess mortality. For a day after five consecutive hot nights, there were 7.99% [7.64%, 8.35%], 7.74% [6.93%, 8.55%], and 8.14% [7.38%, 8.88%] increases in all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, respectively. Non-consecutive hot days or nights are also found to contribute to short-term mortality risk. For a 7-day-period with at least five non-consecutive hot days and nights, there was 15.61% [14.52%, 16.70%] increase in all-cause mortality at lag 0-1, but only -2.00% [-2.83%, -1.17%] at lag 2-3. Differences in the temperature-mortality relationship caused by hot days and hot nights imply the need to categorize prolonged heat for public health surveillance. Findings also contribute to potential improvement to existing heat-health warning system.

Characterizing prolonged heat effects on mortality in a sub-tropical high-density city, Hong Kong.

PubMed

Ho, Hung Chak; Lau, Kevin Ka-Lun; Ren, Chao; Ng, Edward

2017-11-01

Extreme hot weather events are likely to increase under future climate change, and it is exacerbated in urban areas due to the complex urban settings. It causes excess mortality due to prolonged exposure to such extreme heat. However, there is lack of universal definition of prolonged heat or heat wave, which leads to inadequacies of associated risk preparedness. Previous studies focused on estimating temperature-mortality relationship based on temperature thresholds for assessing heat-related health risks but only several studies investigated the association between types of prolonged heat and excess mortality. However, most studies focused on one or a few isolated heat waves, which cannot demonstrate typical scenarios that population has experienced. In addition, there are limited studies on the difference between daytime and nighttime temperature, resulting in insufficiency to conclude the effect of prolonged heat. In sub-tropical high-density cities where prolonged heat is common in summer, it is important to obtain a comprehensive understanding of prolonged heat for a complete assessment of heat-related health risks. In this study, six types of prolonged heat were examined by using a time-stratified analysis. We found that more consecutive hot nights contribute to higher mortality risk while the number of consecutive hot days does not have significant association with excess mortality. For a day after five consecutive hot nights, there were 7.99% [7.64%, 8.35%], 7.74% [6.93%, 8.55%], and 8.14% [7.38%, 8.88%] increases in all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, respectively. Non-consecutive hot days or nights are also found to contribute to short-term mortality risk. For a 7-day-period with at least five non-consecutive hot days and nights, there was 15.61% [14.52%, 16.70%] increase in all-cause mortality at lag 0-1, but only -2.00% [-2.83%, -1.17%] at lag 2-3. Differences in the temperature-mortality relationship caused by hot days and hot nights imply the need to categorize prolonged heat for public health surveillance. Findings also contribute to potential improvement to existing heat-health warning system.

Effect of tonic pain on motor acquisition and retention while learning to reach in a force field.

PubMed

Lamothe, Mélanie; Roy, Jean-Sébastien; Bouffard, Jason; Gagné, Martin; Bouyer, Laurent J; Mercier, Catherine

2014-01-01

Most patients receiving intensive rehabilitation to improve their upper limb function experience pain. Despite this, the impact of pain on the ability to learn a specific motor task is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of experimental tonic pain interferes with the acquisition and retention stages of motor learning associated with training in a reaching task. Twenty-nine healthy subjects were randomized to either a Control or Pain Group (receiving topical capsaicin cream on the upper arm during training on Day 1). On two consecutive days, subjects made ballistic movements towards two targets (NEAR/FAR) using a robotized exoskeleton. On Day 1, the task was performed without (baseline) and with a force field (adaptation). The adaptation task was repeated on Day 2. Task performance was assessed using index distance from the target at the end of the reaching movement. Motor planning was assessed using initial angle of deviation of index trajectory from a straight line to the target. Results show that tonic pain did not affect baseline reaching. Both groups improved task performance across time (p<0.001), but the Pain group showed a larger final error (under-compensation) than the Control group for the FAR target (p = 0.030) during both acquisition and retention. Moreover, a Group x Time interaction (p = 0.028) was observed on initial angle of deviation, suggesting that subjects with Pain made larger adjustments in the feedforward component of the movement over time. Interestingly, behaviour of the Pain group was very stable from the end of Day 1 (with pain) to the beginning of Day 2 (pain-free), indicating that the differences observed could not solely be explained by the impact of pain on immediate performance. This suggests that if people learn to move differently in the presence of pain, they might maintain this altered strategy over time.

Effects of a progesterone-based oestrous synchronization protocol in 51- to 57-day postpartum high-producing dairy cows.

PubMed

Garcia-Ispierto, I; López-Gatius, F; Bech-Sàbat, G; Yániz, J L; Angulo, E; Maris, C; Floc'h, S; Martino, A

2010-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of applying a progesterone-based oestrous synchronization protocol at 51-57 days postpartum in high-producing dairy cows. The data analysed were derived from 1345 lactating cows. Cows between 51 and 57 days postpartum were assigned to the groups: control, PRID (receiving a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device for 9 days, and prostaglandin F(2α) 24 h before PRID removal) or GnRH-PRID (the same as the PRID group plus GnRH at PRID insertion). Oestrus was detected by using pedometers and confirmed by examination of the genital tract at AI. Oestrous and conception rates before days 71-77 postpartum, pregnancy loss in early pregnant cows or the cumulative conception rate registered on day 120 postpartum were considered as the dependent variables in four consecutive logistic regression analyses. Based on the odds ratios, the oestrous rate increased by a factor of 1.73 in cows showing oestrus before treatment for each unit increase in the number of previous oestruses; decreased by a factor of 0.44 in the control group with respect to the treatment groups; and by a factor of 0.61 in cows without luteal structures at treatment with respect to cows with corpora lutea. The conception rates of cows inseminated before days 71-77 postpartum remained similar across the groups, whereas the likelihood of pregnancy loss for cows becoming pregnant during this period was 0.11 times lower in the PRID group than in the control. Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of a higher cumulative conception rate on day 120 postpartum: increased in cows showing oestrus before treatment by a factor of 1.41 for each unit increase in the number of previous oestruses, was reduced 0.56-fold in control cows compared with treated cows, and was also reduced by a factor of 0.98 for each kilogram of milk production increase recorded at treatment. In conclusion, although oestrous synchronization programmes performed in this study did not improve fertility, cows treated with progesterone could be inseminated earlier than untreated cows, such that the treatments increased the cumulative pregnancy rates determined on day 120 postpartum. In addition, fewer pregnancy losses were observed in early pregnant cows in the PRID group than the GnRH-PRID group. © 2009 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Intracardiac versus transesophageal echocardiography for left atrial appendage occlusion with watchman.

PubMed

Frangieh, Antonio H; Alibegovic, Jasmina; Templin, Christian; Gaemperli, Oliver; Obeid, Slayman; Manka, Robert; Holy, Erik W; Maier, Willibald; Lüscher, Thomas F; Binder, Ronald K

2017-08-01

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is mostly performed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) may be an alternative imaging modality for LAAO that precludes the need for general anesthesia or sedation. All consecutive single center, single operator LAAO candidates were analyzed. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared between patients in whom a Watchman was implanted with ICE vs. TEE guidance. In 76 consecutive patients the Watchman device was deployed under ICE in 32 patients (42%) and under TEE guidance in 44 patients (58%). Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, except that patients in the TEE group were older (81 [75-85] years vs. 75 [68-80] years, P = 0.007). Total injected contrast media as well as fluoroscopy time were comparable between groups (90 ml [54-140] vs. 85 ml [80-110], P = 0.86 and 7.9 min [6.4-15.5] vs. 9.8 min [7.0-13.2], P = 0.51, for TEE vs. ICE, respectively). However, time from femoral venous puncture to transseptal puncture and to closure was longer in the ICE group (14 min [7.3-20] vs. 6 min [3.3-11], P = 0.007 and 48 min [40-60] vs. 34.5 min [27-44], P = 0.003, respectively). In the TEE group one patient suffered esophageal erosion with bleeding, which was managed conservatively and one non-LAAO related in-hospital mortality occurred in an 88-year-old patient. Device implantation success rate was 100% in both groups. No device embolization, no significant peri-device leak, no tamponade, no stroke, and no access site bleeding occurred in any patient. Total hospital stay for stand-alone LAAO was comparable between groups (2 days [2-2] vs. 2 days [2-3.3], P = 0.17, in ICE vs. TEE, respectively). ICE guidance for LAAO with the Watchman device is feasible and comparable to TEE and may become the preferred imaging modality for LAAO. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Correction of Abdominal Distention by Biofeedback-Guided Control of Abdominothoracic Muscular Activity in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Barba, Elizabeth; Accarino, Anna; Azpiroz, Fernando

2017-12-01

Abdominal distention is produced by abnormal somatic postural tone. We developed an original biofeedback technique based on electromyography-guided control of abdominothoracic muscular activity. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study to demonstrate the superiority of biofeedback to placebo for the treatment of abdominal distention. At a referral center in Spain, we enrolled consecutive patients with visible abdominal distention who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for functional intestinal disorders (47 women, 1 man; 21-74 years old); 2 patients assigned to the placebo group withdrew and 2 patients assigned to biofeedback were not valid for analysis. Abdominothoracic muscle activity was recorded by electromyography. The patients in the biofeedback group were shown the signal and instructed to control muscle activity, whereas patients in the placebo received no instructions and were given oral simethicone. Each patient underwent 3 sessions over a 10-day period. The primary outcomes were subjective sensation of abdominal distention, measured by graphic rating scales for 10 consecutive days before and after the intervention. Patients in the biofeedback group effectively learned to reduce intercostal activity (by a mean 45% ± 3%), but not patients in the placebo group (reduced by a mean 5% ± 2%; P < .001). Patients in the biofeedback group learned to increase anterior wall muscle activity (by a mean 101% ± 10%), but not in the placebo group (decreased by a mean 4% ± 2%; P < .001). Biofeedback resulted in a 56% ± 1% reduction of abdominal distention (from a mean score of 4.6 ± 0.2 to 2.0 ± 0.2), whereas patients in the placebo group had a reduction of only 13% ± 8% (from a mean score of 4.7 ± 0.1 to 4.1 ± 0.4) (P < .001). In a randomized trial of patients with a functional intestinal disorder, we found that abdominal distention can be effectively corrected by biofeedback-guided control of abdominothoracic muscular activity, compared with placebo. ClincialTrials.gov no: NCT01205100. Copyright © 2017 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of desflurane on postoperative oral intake compared with propofol.

PubMed

Yatabe, Tomoaki; Yamashita, Koichi; Yokoyama, Masataka

2014-01-01

Postoperative oral intake is an important predictor of early postoperative recovery, and anesthesia is known to influence this intake. We compared the influences of desflurane anesthesia and propofol anesthesia on early postoperative oral intake retrospectively. The subjects included a consecutive series of patients who received general anesthesia with propofol or desflurane between June and December 2013. The total amount of calories and proteins taken orally and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) on postoperative days (POD) 0, 1, and 2 were collected. A total of 147 patients were analyzed. The desflurane (Des) and the propofol (Pro) groups included 52 and 95 patients, respectively. The incidence of PONV on POD 0, 1, and 2 did not show significant intergroup differences. Total calorie intake on POD 1 and 2 was not significantly different between the 2 groups (1117 ± 508 vs. 1036 ± 549 kcal/day, p=0.39 and 1504 ± 368 vs. 1437 ± 433 kcal/day, p=0.35, respectively). Total amount of protein via oral intake on POD 1 and 2 were not significantly different between the two groups (45.9 ± 21.1 vs. 43.8 ± 22.8 g/day, p=0.60 and 61.3 ± 15.0 vs. 58.9 ± 18.0 g/day, p=0.42, respectively). These findings suggest that desflurane and propofol affect postoperative oral intake in a similar fashion. These results should be confirmed in a future prospective study.

Clinical efficacy of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) and dry cupping therapy on intensity of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

PubMed

Inanmdar, Wajida; Sultana, Arshiya; Mubeen, Umraz; Rahman, Khaleequr

2016-05-25

To determine the effificacy and safety of fenugreek seed and dry cupping on intensity of pain in primary dysmenorrhea. Sixty patients with primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled in this prospective, open-labeled, randomized, standard-controlled study, conducted in the National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital between February 2010 and April 2011. In group A (20 cases), 3 g powder of fenugreek seed (3 capsules, 1 g each) was given orally twice daily from day 1 to 3 of menstrual cycle. Group B (20 cases) received the same dose of fenugreek seed as group A along with dry cupping therapy [two 4.2-cm and one 2.5-cm cups (internal diameter)], which was applied below the umbilicus for 15 min on day 1 and day 3 of menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive months. The control group C (20 cases) was given mefenamic acid, 500 mg twice daily, on the same protocol. The reduction in menstrual pain intensity was measured with well validated Visual Analogue Scale and safety of fenugreek seed was evaluated by clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Baseline characteristics and biochemical parameters were comparable and homogenous among all groups (P>0.05). The percentage reduction in lower abdominal pain was 66.89%, 66.49%, and 62.88% in A, B and C groups respectively at the end of the treatment. No adverse drug effects were noticed. The fenugreek seed and dry cupping are effificacious, safe, cost effective, and well tolerated.

Creating an educationally minded schedule: one approach to minimize the impact of duty hour standards on intern continuity clinic experience.

PubMed

DeBlasio, Dominick; Kerrey, M Kathleen; Sucharew, Heidi; Klein, Melissa

2014-11-01

To determine if implementing an educationally minded schedule utilizing consecutive night shifts can moderate the impact of the 2011 duty hour standards on education and patient continuity of care in longitudinal primary care experience (continuity clinic). A 14-month pre-post study was performed in continuity clinic with one supervising physician group and two intern groups. Surveys to assess attitudes and education were distributed to the supervising physicians and interns before and after the changes in duty hour standards. Intern groups' schedules were reviewed for the number of regular and alternative day clinic (i.e. primary care experience on a different weekday) sessions and patient continuity of care. Fifteen supervising physicians and 51 interns participated (25 in 2011, 26 in 2012). Intern groups' comfort when discussing patient issues, educational needs and teamwork perception did not differ. Supervising physicians' understanding of learning needs and provision of feedback did not differ between groups. Supervising physicians indicated a greater ability to provide feedback and understand learning needs during regular continuity clinic sessions compared with alternative day clinics (all p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between intern groups in the number of regularly scheduled continuity clinics, alternative day clinics or patient continuity of care. The 2011 duty hour standards required significant alterations to intern schedules, but educationally minded scheduling limited impact on education and patient continuity in care.

Physical Workload and Work Capacity across Occupational Groups

PubMed Central

Brighenti-Zogg, Stefanie; Mundwiler, Jonas; Schüpbach, Ulla; Dieterle, Thomas; Wolfer, David Paul; Leuppi, Jörg Daniel; Miedinger, David

2016-01-01

This study aimed to determine physical performance criteria of different occupational groups by investigating physical activity and energy expenditure in healthy Swiss employees in real-life workplaces on workdays and non-working days in relation to their aerobic capacity (VO2max). In this cross-sectional study, 337 healthy and full-time employed adults were recruited. Participants were classified (nine categories) according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 and merged into three groups with low-, moderate- and high-intensity occupational activity. Daily steps, energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents and activity at different intensities were measured using the SenseWear Mini armband on seven consecutive days (23 hours/day). VO2max was determined by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Data of 303 subjects were considered for analysis (63% male, mean age: 33 yrs, SD 12), 101 from the low-, 102 from the moderate- and 100 from the high-intensity group. At work, the high-intensity group showed higher energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents, steps and activity at all intensities than the other groups (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in physical activity between the occupational groups on non-working days. VO2max did not differ across groups when stratified for gender. The upper workload limit was 21%, 29% and 44% of VO2max in the low-, moderate- and high-intensity group, respectively. Men had a lower limit than women due to their higher VO2max (26% vs. 37%), when all groups were combined. While this study did confirm that the average workload limit is one third of VO2max, it showed that the average is misrepresenting the actual physical work demands of specific occupational groups, and that it does not account for gender-related differences in relative workload. Therefore, clinical practice needs to consider these differences with regard to a safe return to work, particularly for the high-intensity group. PMID:27136206

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of meloxicam in cats with painful locomotor disorders.

PubMed

Lascelles, B D; Henderson, A J; Hackett, I J

2001-12-01

The ability of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to modify the clinical manifestations of pain associated with locomotor disease was assessed. Sixty-nine cats with acute or chronic locomotor disorders were recruited from 14 first opinion UK veterinary practices and randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups. Group A received meloxicam drops (0.3 mg/kg orally on day 1 followed by 0.1 mg/kg daily for four more consecutive days) and group B received ketoprofen tablets (1.0 mg/kg orally once daily for five days). Each cat underwent a full clinical examination before treatment, 24 hours after initiation of treatment and 24 hours after completion of treatment. General clinical parameters (demeanour and feed intake) and specific locomotor parameters (weightbearing, lameness, local inflammation and pain on palpation) were scored using a discontinuous scale scoring system. The two groups did not differ in terms of age, weight, gender distribution or duration of clinical signs; nor did they differ in terms of general clinical or specific locomotor scores pretreatment. Both treatment regimens resulted in a significant improvement in demeanour, feed intake and weightbearing, and a significant reduction in lameness, pain on palpation and inflammation. No significant difference was observed between the two treatment groups with respect to any of the parameters measured and both treatments were associated with minimal observed side effects. Meloxicam and ketoprofen were found to be effective analgesics and well tolerated in cats with acute or chronic locomotor disorders when administered for short-term treatment (five days) in such cases. However, meloxicam was assessed to be significantly more palatable than ketoprofen.

Photodynamic therapy on bacterial reduction in dental caries: in vivo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baptista, Alessandra; Araujo Prates, Renato; Kato, Ilka Tiemy; Amaral, Marcello Magri; Zanardi de Freitas, Anderson; Simões Ribeiro, Martha

2010-04-01

The reduction of pathogenic microorganisms in supragingival plaque is one of the principal factors in caries prevention and control. A large number of microorganisms have been reported to be inactivated in vitro by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The purpose of this study was to develop a rat model to investigate the effects of PDT on bacterial reduction in induced dental caries. Twenty four rats were orally inoculated with Streptococcus mutans cells (ATCC 25175) for three consecutive days. The animals were fed with a cariogenic diet and water with 10% of sucrose ad libitum, during all experimental period. Caries lesion formation was confirmed by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) 5 days after the beginning of the experiment. Then, the animals were randomly divided into two groups: Control Group: twelve animals were untreated by either light or photosensitizer; and PDT Group: twelve animals were treated with 100μM of methylene blue for 5min and irradiated by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) at λ = 640+/-30nm, fluence of 172J/cm2, output power of 240mW, and exposure time of 3min. Microbiological samples were collected before, immediately after, 3, 7 and 10 days after treatment and the number of total microaerophiles was counted. OCT images showed areas of enamel demineralization on rat molars. Microbiological analysis showed a significant bacterial reduction after PDT. Furthermore, the number of total microaerophiles in PDT group remained lower than control group until 10 days posttreatment. These findings suggest that PDT could be an alternative approach to reduce bacteria in dental caries.

Early primary repair of tetralogy of fallot in neonates and infants less than four months of age.

PubMed

Tamesberger, Melanie I; Lechner, Evelyn; Mair, Rudolf; Hofer, Anna; Sames-Dolzer, Eva; Tulzer, Gerald

2008-12-01

The ideal age for correction of tetralogy of Fallot is still under discussion. The aim of this study was to analyze morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent early primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot at the age of less than 4 months and to assess whether neonates, who needed early repair within the first 4 weeks of life, faced an increased risk. From 1995 to 2006, 90 consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary stenosis underwent early primary repair. Patient charts were analyzed retrospectively for two groups: group A, 25 neonates younger than 28 days who needed early operation owing to duct-dependent pulmonary circulation or severe hypoxemia; and group B, 65 infants younger than 4 months of age who underwent elective early repair. There was no 30-day mortality; late mortality was 2% after a median follow-up time of 4.7 years. Seven of 88 patients (8%) needed reoperation and twelve of 88 patients (14%) needed reintervention. Groups A and B did not differ significantly in terms of intensive care unit stay, days of mechanical ventilation, overall hospital stay, major or minor complications, or reoperation. Significant differences were found in a more frequent use of a transannular patch (p = 0.045) and more reinterventions (p = 0.046) in group A. Early primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot can be performed safely and effectively in infants younger than 4 months of age and even in neonates younger than 28 days with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation or severe hypoxemia.

A Randomized Cross‐over Study of High‐dose Metoclopramide plus Dexamethasone versus Granisetron plus Dexamethasone in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy with High‐dose Cisplatin

PubMed Central

Eguchi, Kenji; Shinkai, Tetsu; Tamura, Tomohide; Ohe, Yuichiro; Nisio, Masato; Kunikane, Hiroshi; Arioka, Hitoshi; Karato, Atsuya; Nakashima, Hajime; Sasaki, Yasutsuna; Tajima, Kinuko; Tada, Noriko; Saijo, Nagahiro

1994-01-01

We carried out a randomized, single‐blind, cross‐over trial to compare the antiemetic effect, for both acute and delayed emesis, of granisetron plus dexamethasone (GRN+Dx) with that of high‐dose metoclopramide plus dexamethasone (HDMP + Dx). Fifty‐four patients with primary or metastatic lung cancer, given single‐dose cisplatin (> 80 mg/m2) chemotherapy more than twice, were enrolled in this study. They were treated with both HDMP+Dx and GRN+Dx in two consecutive chemotherapy courses. On day 1, patients experienced a mean of 2.5 (SD=4.3) and 0,1 (SD = 0.4) episodes of vomiting in the HDMP+Dx and the GRN + Dx groups, respectively (P=0.0008). Complete response rate on day 1 was 45 and 90% in the HDMP+Dx and the GRN+Dx groups, respectively (P= 0.0001). Patients treated with GRN+Dx had a tendency to suffer more episodes of vomiting than the HDMP+Dx group on days 2–5, but it was not statistically significant. Twenty‐four patients (57%) preferred the GRN+Dx treatment and 14 patients (33%), HDMP + Dx. In the HDMP + Dx group, nine patients (21%) had an extrapyramidal reaction, and 5 patients (12%) had constipation that lasted for at least two days. In contrast, no patients had extrapyramidal reactions, and IS patients (43%) had constipation in the GRN+Dx group (P < 0.01). GRN+Dx was more effective than HDMP+Dx only in preventing the acute emesis induced by cisplatin. An effective treatment for delayed emesis is still needed. PMID:7829401

Protective effect of DA-9401 in finasteride-induced apoptosis in rat testis: inositol requiring kinase 1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway.

PubMed

Soni, Kiran Kumar; Shin, Yu Seob; Choi, Bo Ram; Karna, Keshab Kumar; Kim, Hye Kyung; Lee, Sung Won; Kim, Chul Young; Park, Jong Kwan

2017-01-01

Finasteride is used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. This study investigated the toxicity of finasteride and recovery by DA-9401 using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Forty adult male SD rats were assigned to four groups: control (CTR), finasteride 1 mg/kg/day (F), finasteride 1 mg/kg + DA-9401 100 mg/kg/day (F + DA 100) and finasteride 1 mg/kg + DA-9401 200 mg/kg/day (F + DA 200). Treatments were by oral delivery once daily for 90 consecutive days. The gross anatomical parameters assessed included: genital organ weight; vas deferens sperm count and sperm motility; testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and malondialdehyde levels; and histological and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase enzyme mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining of testis for spermatogenic cell density, Johnsen's score and apoptosis. Testicular tissue was also used for evaluating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptotic proteins. Epididymis weight, seminal vesicle weight, prostate weight, penile weight and vas deferens sperm motility showed significant differences between the F group and the CTR, F + DA 100 and F + DA 200 groups. There was no significant change in the testosterone level. DHT level decreased significantly in the F group compared with the CTR group. Testis tissue revealed significant changes in spermatogenic cell density, Johnsen's score and apoptotic index. Western blot showed significant changes in the ER stress and apoptotic markers. Finasteride resulted in reduced fertility and increased ER stress and apoptotic markers, which were recovered by administration of DA-9401 in the SD rats.

Early surgical management for giant omphalocele: Results and prognostic factors.

PubMed

Roux, Nathalie; Jakubowicz, Déborah; Salomon, Laurent; Grangé, Gilles; Giuseppi, Agnès; Rousseau, Véronique; Khen-Dunlop, Naziha; Beaudoin, Sylvie

2018-05-23

Giant omphalocele often represents a major surgical challenge and is reported with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of neonates with giant omphalocele managed with early operative surgical treatment, and subsequently to identify possible factors that could alter the prognosis. We reviewed the medical records of 29 consecutive newborns with prenatally diagnosed giant omphalocele. In these cases one of two procedures had been performed: either staged closure after silo, or immediate closure with a synthetic patch. The cases were separated into 2 groups: Isolated giant omphalocele (IO group) and giant omphalocele associated with malformation (NIO group). Infants in the IO group had a lower size of the omphalocele (p<0,001), a shorter hospital stay (95 days [45-915] vs. 41.5 days [10-110] p= 0, 02), and a shorter median ventilation length (10 days [1-33] vs. 27, 5 [6-65] p = 0, 05). In the NIO group, 5 cases displayed a significantly more difficult course than the others. They were compared to the remaining cases for prenatal and anatomic features. Four factors associated with greater morbidity were identified: CONCLUSIONS: Isolated omphalocele, even containing the whole liver, has a very good prognosis with early surgical treatment. Without associated anomalies, 95% of giant omphaloceles can be discharged with a median of 41.5 days in hospital. However, associated anomalies (especially cardiopathies) may burden the prognosis and should be both carefully assessed during pregnancy and taken into account in parental information. Retrospective Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of dental correction on nociceptive test responses, fecal appearance, body condition score, and apparent digestibility coefficient for dry matter of Zamorano-leones donkeys (Equus asinus).

PubMed

Rodrigues, J B; Ferreira, L M; Bastos, E; San Roman, F; Viegas, C; Santos, A S

2013-10-01

The influence of dental correction on nociceptive (pressure) test responses, fecal appearance, BCS, and apparent digestibility coefficient for DM was studied in 18 Zamorano-Leonés donkeys, an endangered local breed from the Zamora province in Spain. For this purpose, donkeys were divided into 2 homogeneous control and treatment groups, based on age, BCS, and dental findings. On d 1, 45, 90, and 135, BCS and nociceptive test responses were evaluated in all donkeys. Feed and fecal samples were collected from all donkeys for 3 consecutive days, starting at each of the aforementioned days. Apparent digestibility coefficient for DM was estimated, using ADL as an internal marker. A progressive decrease of positive nociceptive test responses was observed from d 1 up to 90 (P < 0.01) in the treatment group. No difference between groups was observed for BCS. However, BCS at d 90 was greater (P = 0.018) than observed on d 1 or 45, indicating a time influence. Concerning apparent digestibility coefficient for DM, there were differences among collection days in apparent digestibility coefficient for DM (P < 0.05). No differences in fecal appearance were observed between treatments or collection days. This study highlighted the importance of regular dental care for not only Zamorano-Leonés donkeys but also the equid population, in general, to improve their welfare.

Clinical outcome of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding after hours: the role of urgent endoscopy.

PubMed

Ahn, Dong-Won; Park, Young Soo; Lee, Sang Hyub; Shin, Cheol Min; Hwang, Jin-Hyeok; Kim, Jin-Wook; Jeong, Sook-Hyang; Kim, Nayoung; Lee, Dong Ho

2016-05-01

This study was performed to investigate the clinical role of urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) performed by experienced endoscopists after hours. A retrospective analysis was performed for consecutively collected data of patients with ANVUGIB between January 2009 and December 2010. A total of 158 patients visited the emergency unit for ANVUGIB after hours. Among them, 60 underwent urgent EGD (within 8 hours) and 98 underwent early EGD (8 to 24 hours) by experienced endoscopists. The frequencies of hemodynamic instability, fresh blood aspirate on the nasogastric tube, and high-risk endoscopic findings were significantly higher in the urgent EGD group. Primary hemostasis was achieved in all except two patients. There were nine cases of recurrent bleeding, and 30-day mortality occurred in three patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in primary hemostasis, recurrent bleeding, and 30-day mortality. In a multiple linear regression analysis, urgent EGD significantly reduced the hospital stay compared with early EGD. In patients with a high clinical Rockall score (more than 3), urgent EGD tended to decrease the hospital stay, although this was not statistically significant (7.7 days vs. 12.0 days, p > 0.05). Urgent EGD after hours by experienced endoscopists had an excellent endoscopic success rate. However, clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the urgent and early EGD groups.

Hydration, Fluid Intake, and Related Urine Biomarkers among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study-Applications for Assessing Fluid Intake and Adequate Water Intake.

PubMed

Zhang, Na; Du, Songming; Tang, Zhenchuang; Zheng, Mengqi; Yan, Ruixia; Zhu, Yitang; Ma, Guansheng

2017-05-11

The objectives of this study were to assess the associations between fluid intake and urine biomarkers and to determine daily total fluid intake for assessing hydration status for male college students. A total of 68 male college students aged 18-25 years recruited from Cangzhou, China completed a 7-day cross-sectional study. From day 1 to day 7; all subjects were asked to complete a self-administered 7-day 24-h fluid intake record. The foods eaten by subjects were weighed and 24-h urine was collected for three consecutive days on the last three consecutive days. On the sixth day, urine osmolality, specific gravity (USG), pH, and concentrations of potassium, sodium, and chloride was determined. Subjects were divided into optimal hydration, middle hydration, and hypohydration groups according to their 24-h urine osmolality. Strong relationships were found between daily total fluid intake and 24-h urine biomarkers, especially for 24-h urine volume ( r = 0.76; p < 0.0001) and osmolality ( r = 0.76; p < 0.0001). The percentage of the variances in daily total fluid intake ( R ²) explained by PLS (partial least squares) model with seven urinary biomarkers was 68.9%; two urine biomarkers-24-h urine volume and osmolality-were identified as possible key predictors. The daily total fluid intake for assessing optimal hydration was 2582 mL, while the daily total fluid intake for assessing hypohydration was 2502 mL. Differences in fluid intake and urine biomarkers were found among male college students with different hydration status. A strong relationship existed between urine biomarkers and fluid intake. A PLS model identified that key variables for assessing daily total fluid intake were 24-h urine volume and osmolality. It was feasibility to use total fluid intake to judge hydration status.

A retrospective study of treatment for curative synchronous double primary cancers of the head and neck and the esophagus.

PubMed

Okamoto, Tabito; Katada, Chikatoshi; Komori, Shouko; Yamashita, Keishi; Miyamoto, Shunsuke; Kano, Koichi; Seino, Yutomo; Hosono, Hiroshi; Matsuba, Hiroki; Moriya, Hiromitsu; Sugawara, Mitsuhiro; Azuma, Mizutomo; Ishiyama, Hiromichi; Tanabe, Satoshi; Hayakawa, Kazushige; Koizumi, Wasaburo; Okamoto, Makito; Yamashita, Taku

2018-05-08

Curative synchronous double primary cancers of the head and neck and the esophagus (CSC-HE) are frequently detected, but a standard treatment remains to be established. We studied the clinical course to explore appropriate treatment strategies. We retrospectively studied consecutive 33 patients who had CSC-HE. The disease stage was classified into 4 groups: group A, early head and neck cancer (HNC) and early esophageal cancer (EC); group B, early HNC and advanced EC; group C, advanced HNC and early EC; and group D, advanced HNC and advanced EC. As induction chemotherapy, the patients received 3 courses of TPF therapy (docetaxel 75mg/m 2 on day 1, cisplatin 75mg/m 2 on day 1, and 5-fluorouracil 750mg/m 2 on days 1-5) at 3-week intervals. The clinical courses and treatment outcomes were studied according to the disease stage of CSC-HE. The disease stage of CSC-HE was group A in 1 patient (3%), group B in 9 patients (27.3%), group C in 3 patients (9.1%), and group D in 20 patients (60.6%). The median follow-up was 26months, and the 2-year overall survival rate was 67.4%. In groups A, B, and C, the 2-year overall survival rate was 83.3%. In group D, the 2-year overall survival rate was 62.6%. Ten of 20 patients in group D received induction chemotherapy with TPF, and 6 patients were alive and disease free at the time of this writing. The treatment outcomes of patients with CSC-HE were relatively good. TPF induction chemotherapy might be an effective treatment for patients with advanced HNC and advanced EC. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Overweight and Obese Humans Overeat Away from Home

PubMed Central

de Castro, John M.; King, George A.; Duarte-Gardea, Maria; Gonzalez-Ayala, Salvador; Kooshian, Charles H.

2012-01-01

The built environment has been implicated in the development of the epidemic of obesity. We investigated the differences in the meal patterns of normal weight vs. overweight/obese individuals occurring at home vs. other locations. The location of meals and their size in free-living participants were continuously recorded for 7 consecutive days. Study 1: 81 males and 84 females recorded their intake in 7-d diet diaries and wore a belt that contained a GPS Logger to record their location continuously for 7 consecutive days. Study 2: 388 males and 621 females recorded their intake in diet diaries for 7 consecutive days. In both studies, compared to eating at home, overweight/obese participants ate larger meals away from home in both restaurants and other locations than normal weight participants. Overweight/obese individuals appear to be more responsive to environmental cues for eating away from home. This suggests that the influence of the built environment on the intake of overweight/obese individuals may contribute to the obesity epidemic. PMID:22565154

[Effects of different oxygen inhalation modes on retinal vessels development in neonatal mice].

PubMed

Wang, Yu-Huan; Chen, Chao; Shi, Wen-Jing; Xiao, Hong-Lei; Tong, Bei-Yan; Zhou, Guo-Min

2006-04-01

This study was designed to investigate the effects of different oxygen inhalation modes on retinal vessels development in neonatal mice in order to provide experimental data for proper oxygen therapy for premature infants. A total of 144 postnatal day (P) 7 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups according to different oxygen inhalation modes (n=24). Experimental group 1 was exposed to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 75% oxygen in turn for one day respectively, followed by room air exposure for 5 days. Experimental group 2 was exposed to 75%, 60%, 50%, 40% and 30% oxygen in turn for one day respectively, followed by room air exposure for 5 days. Experimental group 3 was exposed to 75% oxygen for 5 days, followed by room air exposure for 5 days. Experimental group 4 was exposed to 75% oxygen for 5 days, 50% oxygen for 2 days and 30% oxygen for 2 days, then room air exposure for 6 days. The supplemental 75% oxygen and room air recovering was performed alternately for the mice in Experimental group 5 for 3 times and then room air exposure for 5 days. The Control group was exposed to room air for consecutive 10 days. The retinal vascular development and proliferation were evaluated by the retinal flat-mounts (ADPase stained retina) and cross-section. The peripheral vascular pattern was clear, and a few avascular areas were seen in the Control group at P12. At P14 the avascular area disappeared. At P17, the entire vascular pattern became completely normal. In the Experimental groups 1, 3 and 5, the central vessels became tortuous and constricted and the central avascular area increased at P12. At P14, neovascularization was seen peaking at P17 in the Experimental groups 1, 3 and 5. In the Experimental group 4, the central avascular area increased and neovascularization was seen at P14, but the central avascular area was reduced and abnormal neovascularization disappeared, with slight constriction of the deep vessels, at P17. Five days later the vascular pattern became almost normal in the Experimental group 4. The retinal vascular form of the Experimental group 2 was similar to that of the Control group. The average number of neovascular nuclei extending into the vitreous per cross-section in the Experimental groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and the Control group was 49.50 +/- 1.36, 5.17 +/- 0.67, 47.68 +/- 4.70, 5.74 +/- 2.37, 29.15 +/- 2.48, and 1.22 +/- 0.20 respectively. There were significant differences between the Experimental groups 1, 3, 5 and the Control group (P < 0.05). The effects of different oxygen inhalation modes on the retinal vessels development in neonatal mice were different. The obvious fluctuation of inhaled oxygen concentration and abrupt stop of supplemental oxygen after high levels of supplemental oxygen may severely affect the development of retina vascular, leading to the pathologic changes similar to retinopathy of prematurity.

Total ginsenosides synergize with ulinastatin against septic acute lung injury and acute respir atory distress syndrome

PubMed Central

Sun, Rongju; Li, Yana; Chen, Wei; Zhang, Fei; Li, Tanshi

2015-01-01

Total ginsenosides synergize with ulinastatin (UTI) against septic acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We randomly divided 80 cases of severe sepsis-induced ALI and ARDS into a UTI group and a ginsenosides (GS)+UTI group. Continuous electrocardiac monitoring of pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate; invasive hemodynamic monitoring; ventilator-assisted breathing and circulation support; and anti-infection as well as UTI treatment were given in the UTI group with GS treatment added for 7 consecutive days in the GS+UTI group. The indicators of pulmonary vascular permeability, pulmonary circulation, blood gases, and hemodynamics as well as APACHE II and ALI scores were detected on days 1, 3, and 7. The ALI score in the GS+UTI group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with that of the UTI group, and the indicators of pulmonary capillary permeability such as pulmonary vascular permeability index, extravascular lung water index, and oxygenation index, in the GS+UTI group improved significantly more than that of the UTI group. The indicators of hemodynamics and pulmonary circulation such as cardiac index, intrathoracic blood volume index, and central venous pressure improved significantly (P < 0.05), and the APACHE II score in the GS+UTI group was lower than that of the UTI group. GS can effectively collaborate with UTI against ALI and/or ARDS. PMID:26261640

Effects of calcium disodium EDTA and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid on tissue concentrations of lead for use in treatment of calves with experimentally induced lead toxicosis.

PubMed

Meldrum, James B; Ko, Kam W

2003-06-01

To compare the efficacy of calcium disodium EDTA (CaNa2EDTA) and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in reducing concentrations of lead in selected tissues for use in treatment of calves with experimentally induced lead toxicosis. 19 sexually intact male Holstein calves that weighed 35 to 60 kg. Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups: group 1, control calves; group 2, lead only; group 3, lead and EDTA; group 4, lead and DMSA; and group 5, lead, EDTA, and DMSA. Calves in groups 2 to 5 were dosed daily with lead (5 mg/kg, PO) for 10 days. Doses of EDTA (100 mg/kg) and DMSA (25 mg/kg) were administered IV once daily for 4 consecutive days beginning on day 11. Effects of the chelators on lead concentrations in the liver, kidneys, testes, muscles, bones, and brain were compared among the various groups. Compared with the effects of EDTA, DMSA greatly reduced lead concentrations in renal and hepatic tissues. We did not detect significant differences for the effects of EDTA or DMSA on lead concentrations in the testes; there was an adverse interaction of EDTA with DMSA that caused an increase in lead concentrations in the testes. DMSA is much more effective than EDTA in removing lead from renal and hepatic tissues in calves. Use of DMSA in calves with lead intoxication appears to be a viable treatment option. Combining DMSA and EDTA as a treatment modality in calves did not offer any advantages.

Effect of Carica papaya Leaf Extract Capsule on Platelet Count in Patients of Dengue Fever with Thrombocytopenia.

PubMed

Gadhwal, Ajeet Kumar; Ankit, B S; Chahar, Chitresh; Tantia, Pankaj; Sirohi, P; Agrawal, R P

2016-06-01

Thrombocytopenia in dengue fever is a common and serious complication. However, no specific treatment is available for dengue fever induced thrombocytopenia. In few countries (Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries) the leaf extract of Carica papaya has been effectively used for thrombocytopenia. So, the study is planned to access effect of Carica papaya leaf extract on platelet count in dengue fever patients. All participants were randomised into two groups, study group and control group; the study group was given papaya leaf extract capsule of 500 mg once daily and routine supportive treatment for consecutive five days. The controls were given only routine supportive treatment. Daily complete blood counts, platelet counts and haematocrit level, liver function test, renal function test of both groups were observed. On the first day platelet count of study group and control group was (59.82±18.63, 61.06±20.03 thousands, p value 0.36). On the 2nd day platelet count of both study and control groups was not significantly different (61.67±19.46 and 59.93±19.52 thousands, p value 0.20) but on 3rd day platelet count of study group was significantly higher than control group (82.96±16.72, 66.45±17.36 thousands, p value < 0.01). On 4th and 5th day platelet count of study group (122.43±19.36 and 112.47±17.49 thousands respectively) was also significantly higher than the control group (88.75±21.65 and 102.59±19.35 thousands) (p value < 0.01). On 7th day platelet count of study group and control group were not significantly different (124.47±12.35 and 122.46±19.76 thousands respectively, p value 0.08). Average hospitalization period of study group v/s control group was 3.65±0.97 v/s 5.42±0.98 days (p value < 0.01). Average platelet transfusion requirement in study group was significantly less than control group (0.685 units per patient v/s 1.19 units per patient) (p value <0.01). It is concluded that Carica papaya leaf extract increases the platelet count in dengue fever without any side effect and prevents the complication of thrombocytopenia. So, it can be used in dengue fever with thrombocytopenia patients.

Vacuum assisted closure for the treatment of sternal wounds: the bridge between débridement and definitive closure.

PubMed

Song, David H; Wu, Liza C; Lohman, Robert F; Gottlieb, Lawrence J; Franczyk, Mieczyslawa

2003-01-01

A method to refine the treatment of sternal wounds using Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) therapy as the bridge between débridement and delayed definitive closure is described. A retrospective review of 35 consecutive patients with sternal wound complications over a 2-year period (March of 1999 to March of 2001) was performed. The treatment of sternal wounds with traditional twice-a-day dressing changes was compared with the treatment with the wound V.A.C. device. An analysis of the number of days between initial débridement and closure, number of dressing changes, number and types of flaps needed for reconstruction, and complications was performed. Eighteen patients were treated with traditional twice-a-day dressing changes and 17 patients were treated with V.A.C. therapy alone. The two groups were similar regarding age, sex, type of cardiac procedure, and type of sternal wound. The V.A.C. therapy group had a trend toward a shorter interval between débridement and closure, with a mean of 6.2 days, whereas the dressing change group had mean of 8.5 days. The V.A.C. therapy group had a significantly lower number of dressing changes, with a mean of three, whereas the twice-a-day dressing change group had a mean of 17 (p < 0.05). Reconstruction required an average of 1.5 soft-tissue flaps per patient treated with traditional dressing changes versus 0.9 soft-tissue flaps per patient for those treated with V.A.C. therapy (p < 0.05). Before closure, there was one death among patients undergoing dressing changes and three in the V.A.C. therapy group, all of which were unrelated to the management of the sternal wound. Patients with sternal wounds who have benefited from V.A.C. therapy alone have a significant decrease in the number of dressing changes and number of soft-tissue flaps needed for closure. Finally, the V.A.C. therapy group had a trend toward a decreased number of days between débridement and closure.

HemoHIM improves ovarian morphology and decreases expression of nerve growth factor in rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Ho; Lee, Hae June; Kim, Joong Sun; Moon, Changjong; Kim, Jong Choon; Bae, Chun Sik; Park, Hae Ran; Jung, Uhee; Jo, Sung Kee

2009-12-01

Estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovaries (PCOs) in rats cause the anovulation and cystic ovarian morphology. We investigated whether treatment with HemoHIM influences the ovarian morphology and the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in an EV-induced PCO rat model. PCO was induced by a single intramuscular injection of EV (4 mg, dissolved in sesame oil) in adult cycling rats. HemoHIM was either administered orally (100 mg/kg of body weight/day) for 35 consecutive days or injected intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg of body weight) every other day after EV injection. Ovarian morphology was almost normalized, and NGF was normalized in the PCO + HemoHIM group. HemoHIM lowered the high numbers of antral follicles and increased the number of corpora lutea in PCOs. The results are consistent with a beneficial effect of HemoHIM in the prevention and treatment of PCO syndrome.

Effect of granulocyte colony stimulating EPC on cardiac function and myocardial energy expenditure in patients with heart failure after myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Zhao, Zilin; Luo, Jianchun; Ma, Lixian; Luo, Xia; Huang, Liangyan

2015-01-01

To study the changes of cardiac function and myocardial energy expenditure following treatment with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with heart failure after myocardial infarction. Thirty-eight patients with heart failure after myocardial infarction were randomized into G-CSF treatment group and control group. All the patients received conventional treatment (medication and interventional therapy), and the patients in treatment group were given additional G-CSF (600 μg/day) for 7 consecutive days. The plasma level of brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in the peripheral blood were detected before and at 7 days and 4 months after the treatment. The cardiac functions (LVEF, FS, LVIDs, PWTs, EDV, SV, ET) was evaluated by ultrasonic imaging before and at 2 weeks and 4 months after the treatment. The MEE and circumferential end-systolic wall stress (cESS) were calculated by correlation formula. The number of EPC was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group after the treatment especially at 7 days (P<0.01). In both groups, BNP level was lowered significantly after the treatment to recover the normal level (P<0.01). The cardiac functions and myocardial energy expenditure were improved in all the patients at 2 weeks and 4 months after the treatment, and the improvement was more obvious in the treatment group (P<0.05), especially in terms of the MEE and cESS was significantly lowered in the treatment group than in the control group after the treatment at 2 weeks (P<0.01), the LVEF and FS was significantly increased in the treatment group than in the control group after the treatment at 4 months (P<0.01). EPC mobilization by G-CSF can effectively improve the cardiac functions, lessen ventricular remodeling and reduce myocardial energy expenditure in patients with heart failure after myocardial infarction.

A field efficacy evaluation of emamectin benzoate for the control of sea lice on Atlantic salmon.

PubMed

Armstrong, R; MacPhee, D; Katz, T; Endris, R

2000-08-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of emamectin benzoate, 0.2% aquaculture premix, against sea lice on Atlantic salmon in eastern Canada. Salmon pens received either emamectin benzoate, orally, in feed at 50 micrograms/kg body weight/day for 7 consecutive days, or the same diet with no added medication. The site veterinarian had the option of administering a bath treatment with azamethiphos to any pen in the trial. The mean number of lice per fish was lower (P < 0.05) in the experimental group when measured 1, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after the start of medication. Treatment efficacy was 70%, 88%, 95%, and 61%, respectively. Three azamethiphos bath treatments were applied to each control pen during the trial, while the treatment pens received no bath treatment. No gravid female parasites were observed on any fish in the treatment group, while these life stages were observed on fish in the control group. Orally administered emamectin benzoate was palatable and highly effective for control of sea lice on salmon.

A field efficacy evaluation of emamectin benzoate for the control of sea lice on Atlantic salmon.

PubMed Central

Armstrong, R; MacPhee, D; Katz, T; Endris, R

2000-01-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of emamectin benzoate, 0.2% aquaculture premix, against sea lice on Atlantic salmon in eastern Canada. Salmon pens received either emamectin benzoate, orally, in feed at 50 micrograms/kg body weight/day for 7 consecutive days, or the same diet with no added medication. The site veterinarian had the option of administering a bath treatment with azamethiphos to any pen in the trial. The mean number of lice per fish was lower (P < 0.05) in the experimental group when measured 1, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after the start of medication. Treatment efficacy was 70%, 88%, 95%, and 61%, respectively. Three azamethiphos bath treatments were applied to each control pen during the trial, while the treatment pens received no bath treatment. No gravid female parasites were observed on any fish in the treatment group, while these life stages were observed on fish in the control group. Orally administered emamectin benzoate was palatable and highly effective for control of sea lice on salmon. PMID:10945125

"Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants"*: the efficacy of sun exposure for reducing fungal contamination in used clothes.

PubMed

Amichai, Boaz; Grunwald, Marcelo H; Davidovici, Batya; Shemer, Avner

2014-07-01

Tinea pedis is a common chronic skin disease; the role of contaminated clothes as a possible source of infection or re-infection has not been fully understood. The ability of ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms has long been known and UV is used in many applications. To evaluate the effectivity of sun exposure in reducing fungal contamination in used clothes. Fifty-two contaminated socks proven by fungal culture from patients with tinea pedis were studied. The samples were divided into two groups: group A underwent sun exposure for 3 consecutive days and group B remained indoors. At the end of each day fungal cultures of the samples were performed. Overall, there was an increase in the percentage of negative cultures with time. The change was significantly higher in socks that were left in the sun (chi-square for linear trend = 37.449, P < 0.0001). Sun exposure of contaminated clothes was effective in lowering the contamination rate. This finding enhances the current trends of energy saving and environmental protection, which recommend low temperature laundry.

Trends in autumn rain of West China from 1961 to 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chi; Wang, Zunya; Zhou, Botao; Li, Yonghua; Tang, Hongyu; Xiang, Bo

2018-02-01

Autumn rain of West China is a typical climate phenomenon, which is characterized by continuous rainy days and large rainfall amounts and exerts profound impacts on the economic society. Based on daily precipitation data from 524 observation stations for the period of 1961-2014, this article comprehensively examined secular changes in autumn rain of West China, including its amount, frequency, intensity, and associated extremes. The results generally show a significant reduction of rainfall amount and rainy days and a significant enhancement of mean rainfall intensity for the average of West China during autumn (September-October) since 1961. Meanwhile, decreasing trends are consistently observed in the maximum daily rainfall, the longest consecutive rainy days, the greatest consecutive rainfall amount, and the frequencies of the extreme daily rainfall, consecutive rainfall, and consecutive rainfall process. Further analysis indicates that the decreases of autumn rainfall and related extremes in West China are associated with the decreases in both water vapor content and atmospheric unstable stratification during the past decades. On the regional scale, some differences exist in the changes of autumn rainfall between the eastern and western parts of West China. Besides, it is found that the autumn rainy season tends to start later and terminate earlier particularly in eastern West China.