Nitric oxide participates in IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability

The endothelial barrier function is tightly controlled by a broad range of signaling cascades including nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathway. It has been proposed that disturbances in NO and cGMP production could interfere with proper endothelial barrier function. In this study, we assessed the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, on NO and cGMP levels and examined the mechanisms by which NO and cGMP regulate the IFN-gamma-mediated HUVECs hyperpermeability. The flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran across cell monolayers was used to study the permeability of endothelial cells. Here, we found that IFN-gamma significantly attenuated basal NO concentration and the increased NO levels supplied by a NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Besides, application of IFN-gamma also significantly attenuated both the basal cGMP concentration and the increased cGMP production donated by a cell permeable cGMP analogue, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (8-Br-cGMP). In addition, exposure of the cell monolayer to IFN-gamma significantly increased HUVECs basal permeability. However, L-NAME pretreatment did not suppress IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. L-NAME pretreatment followed by SNP or SNP pretreatment partially reduced IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. Pretreatment with a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583), led to a further increase in IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. The findings suggest that the mechanism underlying IFN-gamma-induced increased HUVECs permeability is partly related to the inhibition of NO production.

Comparison of biopsy-based methods for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection

Various biopsy-based methods for the detection of Helicobacter pylori are evaluated to determine their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of H. pylori (16S PCR) to confirm the results. Seventyfive patients (65% [49] males, age range: 17-77 years, mean 42+/-14.6 years) with dyspeptic symptoms are included in the study. Gastric antrum biopsy specimens collected during endoscopy are tested using a urea agar base enriched with 40% urea solution (eUAB, Oxoid)), a commercial rapid urease test (Pronto Dry, Medical Instrument Corp, Switzerland), histopathology and 16S PCR. The eUAB test showed 97% sensitivity, 86% specificity, 84% PPV, 97% NPV and 91% accuracy when the diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made with positive Pronto Dry and histopathology. Pronto Dry showed 100% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 80% PPV, 100% NPV and 89% accuracy when the diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made on positive histopathology and eUAB. Thus, the eUAB can be used as a rapid urease test. It is economical and has a sensitivity and specificity comparable to a commercially available rapid urease test to detect urease activity of H. pylori in gastric biopsy.

Effect of Plug Temperature on the Strain and Thickness Distribution of Components Made by Plug Assist Thermoforming

Plug temperature is a key parameter affecting the thickness distribution of thermoplastic components made by plug assist thermoforming. For a specified pair of plug and plastic sheet, the variation in plug temperature can alter the coefficient of friction (COF) between the pair. We show here how the temperature dependence of COF influences the nature and extent of biaxial stretching of the sheet and consequently the thickness distribution of the thermoformed component. In the present study, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) sheets were thermoformed into axisymmetric cups using a plug-assist process in which the aluminum plug temperature (Tplug) was varied from ambient to above the glass transition temperature of HIPS (∼100 °C). Biaxial strain maps on the surfaces of the formed cups were measured and quantified using Grid Strain Analysis (GSA). Thickness distributions of the cups were also measured. Temperature dependent COF between HIPS and aluminum was determined independently using a rotational rheometer. The measured COF was low for T < 100 °C, whereas it increased appreciably at and above 100 °C. We conclude that when Tplug < 100 °C the HIPS sheet slips on the plug during forming, and this results in biaxial stretching of the base and walls of the formed cup. In contrast for Tplug > 100 °C, a significant reduction in the magnitude of slip is expected. Here the sheet is gripped at the clamp and by the plug during forming which causes reduced biaxial stretching of the base and increased uniaxial stretching of the walls of the cup. Simulations of plug-assist thermoforming using a temperature dependent COF showed qualitative agreement with the GSA data thereby supporting our inferences.

Polymeric Based Therapeutic Delivery Systems Prepared Using Electrohydrodynamic Processes

The development of therapeutic dosage (e.g. pharmaceutical) systems is an ongoing process which, in recent times has incorporated several emerging disciplines and themes at timely intervals. While the concepts surrounding dosage forms have developed and evolved, many polymeric excipients remain as the preferred choice of materials over existing counterparts, serving functions as matrix materials, coatings and providing other specific functional properties (e.g. adhesion, controlled release and mechanical properties). There have been, however, developments in the deployment of synthetic polymeric materials (e.g. polycaprolactone, poly lactic co-glycolic acid) when compared to naturally occurring materials (e.g. lactose, gelatin). Advances in pharmaceutical process technologies have also provided novel engineering platforms to develop a host of exciting structure based materials ranging from the nanometer to the macro scales. Some of these structure enabling technologies include spray drying, super critical processing, microfluidics and even wet chemical methods. More recently electrohydrodynamic (EHDA) engineering methods have emerged as robust technologies offering potential to fabricate a plethora of generic structures (e.g. particles, fibres, bubbles and pre-determined patterns) on a broad scale range. This review focuses on key developments using various EHDA technologies for the pharmaceutical and biomaterial remits when selecting synthetic and/or naturally occurring polymers as pharmaceutical (and therapeutic) excipients. In addition, the underlying EHDA process principles are discussed along with key parameters and variables (both materials and engineering). EHDA technologies are operational at ambient conditions and recent developments have also demonstrated their viability for large scale production. These are promising technologies which have potential in established (e.g. films, dressings and microparticles) and emerging scientific themes (e.g. nanomedicines and tissue engineering).

Supplemental exogenous NPK application alters biochemical processes to improve yield and drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The recent food security issues, combined with the threats from climate change, demand future farming systems to be more precise and accurate to fulfill the ever increasing global food requirements. The role of nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) in stimulating plant growth and development is well established; however, little is known about their function, if applied in combination, in improving crop yields under environmental stresses like drought. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined foliar spray of supplemental NPK (NPKc) on physiological and biochemical mechanisms that enhance the drought tolerance potential of wheat for improved yield. Foliar NPKc markedly influenced the accumulation of osmoprotectants and activity of both nitrogen assimilation and antioxidant enzymes. It significantly improved the concentration of proline (66 %), total soluble sugars (37 %), and total soluble proteins (10 %) and enhanced the activity of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, catalase, and peroxidase by 47, 45, 19, and 8 %, respectively, with respect to no spray under water-deficit conditions which, in turn, improve the yield and yield components. The accumulation of osmolytes and activity of antioxidant machinery were more pronounced in drought tolerant (Bhakkar-02) than sensitive genotype (Shafaq-06).

Helicobacter pylori: correlation of the virulence marker iceA allele with clinical outcome in a high prevalence area

The association of Helicobacter pylori virulence marker 'induced by contact with epithelium A' (iceA) allele types was determined in H. pylori-related diseases and virulence markers. Gastric biopsies were obtained at EGD from patients for culture, histopathology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for iceA types, cagA and vacA alleles. Two hundred and eighty-four H. pylori isolates were examined. iceA type 1 was positive in 177 (62%) and iceA type 2 in 158 (56%). In iceA type 2, gastric ulcer was present in 34 (21%) (P < 0.001) and carcinoma in 28 (25%) (P = 0.002), compared to nine (8%) and 2 (2%) in iceA type 2-negative cases. For iceA type 2, 139 (88%) were associated with chronic active gastritis compared to 95 (75%) (P = 0.006) in iceA type 2-negative. H. pylori cagA was positive in 101 (64%) iceA type 2 strains compared to 57 (45%) in negative strains (P = 0.002). H. pylori iceA type 2 was dominant and associated with cagA, chronic active inflammation, gastric ulcer and carcinoma.

The clinical efficacy of Diphoterine® in the management of cutaneous chemical burns: a 2-year evaluation study

Diphoterine(®) is an amphoteric irrigating agent for the treatment of chemical burns and rapidly neutralises both acids and alkalis faster than water alone. Diphoterine(®) is widely used as a first aid agent in a wide range of industries globally. This is a retrospective review of the clinical use of Diphoterine(®) on chemical burns in an adult tertiary referral burn centre, often with a delay of several hours after the injury. patients admitted with chemical burns within 24 hours of the incident with an abnormal wound pH or in pain, were treated with Diphoterine(®) spray. Over a 32-month period, 1,875 burn referrals were admitted of which 131 (7%) were chemical burns. Diphoterine(®) was used in 47 patients (36%). The male to female ratio for the 131 patients was 4:1. Alkaline burns were the commonest (55%). patients who received Diphoterine(®) were significantly younger (38 vs 43 years; p=0.05) and presented earlier (0.5 vs 2.55 days; p=0.004). There was a significant change in the wound pH pre- and post-application of Diphoterine(®), compared to patients who were treated with water irrigation only, with a pH change of 1.076 vs 0.4 (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in the time to healing, the length of hospital stay, or need for surgery. in conclusion, based on our retrospective cohort, Diphoterine(®) could be a valuable tool for use in hospital settings to neutralise both alkaline and acid burns.

How to interpret computed tomography of the lumbar spine

Computed tomography (CT) of the spine has remained an important tool in the investigation of spinal pathology. This article helps to explain the basics of CT of the lumbar spine to allow the clinician better use of this diagnostic tool.

Assessing the genetic relationships of Curcuma alismatifolia varieties using simple sequence repeat markers

The genus Curcuma is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that has recently become popular for use as flowering pot plants, both indoors and as patio and landscape plants. We used PCR-based molecular markers (SSRs) to elucidate genetic variation and relationships between five varieties of Curcuma (Curcuma alismatifolia) cultivated in Malaysia. Of the primers tested, 8 (of 17) SSR primers were selected for their reproducibility and high rates of polymorphism. The number of presumed alleles revealed by the SSR analysis ranged from two to six alleles, with a mean value of 3.25 alleles per locus. The values of HO and HE ranged from 0 to 0.8 (mean value of 0.2) and 0.1837 to 0.7755 (mean value of 0.5102), respectively. Eight SSR primers yielded 26 total amplified fragments and revealed high rates of polymorphism among the varieties studied. The polymorphic information content varied from 0.26 to 0.73. Dice's similarity coefficient was calculated for all pairwise comparisons and used to construct an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) dendrogram. Similarity coefficient values from 0.2105 to 0.6667 (with an average of 0.4386) were found among the five varieties examined. A cluster analysis of data using a UPGMA algorithm divided the five varieties/hybrids into 2 groups.

Smart microneedle coatings for controlled delivery and biomedical analysis

The work presented demonstrates an unconventional approach in the preparation of smart microneedle (MN) coatings utilising electrohydrodynamic atomisation (EHDA) principles. Stainless steel (600-900 µm in height) MNs were coupled to a ground electrode (in the EHDA coating set-up) with the deposition distance and collecting methodology varied for an ethanol:methanol (50:50) vehicle system. The preparation of nano- and micrometre-scaled pharmaceutical coatings was achieved. Fluorescein dye (serving as potential drug, sensory materials or disease state markers) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, polymer matrix system) formed the remaining components of the coating formulation. Based on these excipients and by varying the coating process, particles (100 nm to 3 µm) and fibres (400 nm to 1 µm) were deposited directly on MNs in controlled and selectable fashion (flow rates variable ∼ 5-50 µL/min, applied voltage variable 6-19 kV). These demonstrated options for multiple targeting and analysis applications. The underlying EHDA process permits room temperature fabrication, controlled output and scale-up potential for emerging MN devices as drug systems or lab-chip testing devices.

Tissue metal distribution and risk assessment for important fish species from Saudi Arabia

The concentrations of nine heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, As and Fe) in the muscle tissue of four fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Poecilia latipinna and Aphanius dispar dispar) collected from Wadi Hanifah were detected in two different seasons. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals, except for Cd, Pb, Ni and Cu in A. d. dispar and P. latipinna, were found to be below the safe limits recommended by various authorities and thus provide an indication of the extent of pollution of these metals. The present study also demonstrates that Zn and Cr were the most and least accumulated metals, respectively, in the studied fish muscle tissues. From the standpoint of human health, this study suggests that there is a possible health risk to consumers due to the current consumption rate of A. d. dispar and P. latipinna in Saudi Arabia.

Lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, or ’tennis elbow’, is a common condition that usually affects patients between 35 and 55 years of age. It is generally self-limiting, but in some patients it may continue to cause persistent symptoms, which can be refractory to treatment. This review discusses the mechanism of disease, symptoms and signs, investigations, current management protocols and potential new treatments.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1158–64.

Genetic relationships among five varieties of Curcuma alismatifolia (Zingiberaceae) based on ISSR markers

The genus Curcuma is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that has recently become popular for use as flowering pot plants, both indoors and as patio and landscape plants. We used PCR-based molecular markers (ISSRs) to assess genetic variation and relationships between five varieties of curcuma (Curcuma alismatifolia) cultivated in Malaysia. Sixteen ISSR primers generated 139 amplified fragments, of which 77% had high polymorphism among these varieties. These markers were used to estimate genetic similarity among the varieties using Jaccard's similarity coefficient. The similarity matrix was used to construct a dendrogram, and a principal component plot was developed to examine genetic relationships among varieties. Similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.40 to 0.58 (with a mean of 0.5) among the five varieties. The mean value of number of observed alleles, number of effective alleles, mean Nei's gene diversity, and Shannon's information index were 8.69, 1.48, 0.29, and 0.43, respectively.

The role of noninvasive methods in assessing airway inflammation and structural changes in asthma and COPD

AIM

The aim of our study was to assess the role of non-invasive methods in assessing airway inflammation and structural changes in asthma and COPD.

METHODS

The study was conducted on patients attending outpatient and inpatient department of TB and Chest Diseases and Department of Pathology at our hospital from January 2006 to August 2007. 50 asthmatic and 46 COPD patients were selected. A detailed history and clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, pulmonary function testing, Chest X-ray PA and lateral view, HRCT Thorax, biochemical and cellular analysis of sputum was carried out in all cases. Quality control and procedures of pulmomary function test were performed according to the European Respiratory Society guidelines.

RESULTS

Bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis and air trapping correlated well with disease severity in asthmatics while all abnormal HRCT finding correlate well with disease severity in COPD patients. The levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 increased significantly with increasing disease severity in both asthmatic and COPD groups. The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio decreased with increasing disease severity in both groups. The major source of MMP-9 in human lungs is macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. Macrophages and neutrophils were also the source of TIMP-1.

CONCLUSION

Asthma and COPD are characterised by an imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1. COPD patients showed a higher prevalence of HRCT findings which correlate with their lower MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio than asthmatics supporting fact that the destruction and fibrosis of alveolar walls are more prominent in COPD. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio is associated with magnitude of HRCT findings in asthma and COPD and suggests that level of these markers reflect the extent of structural changes of airway.

Effects of Soy on Body Composition: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial among Iranian Elderly Women with Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND

To examine the effects of soy [in the form of textured soy protein (TSP) and soy-nut] on body composition in elderly women with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

A 12-week randomized clinical trial was conducted on 75 women between 60-70 years of age with MetS in rural health clinics around Babol, Iran in 2009. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups of soy-nut (35g/d), TSP (35g/d) and control. Body fat, lean mass and anthropometric indicators were measured before and after intervention, too.

RESULTS

Participants were classified as overweight and showing android fat distribution. After 12 weeks of intervention, both soy-nut and TSP groups showed an increase of non-significant in lean mass (0.9 and 0.7 kg), hip circumference (0.45 and 0.28 cm), triceps skinfold (TSF) thickness (0.87 and 0.67mm) and reduction in BMI (-0.15 and -0.33), waist circumference (-0.83 and -1.2) and body fat (-1.5% and -1.7%). Significant increase in the mean change of TSF and lean mass was observed in the users of soy-nut compared to the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

12-week intervention of soy had a mild favorable effect on body composition in elderly women with MetS.

A case series of skin necrosis following use of non invasive ventilation pressure masks

Two cases of nasal skin necrosis secondary to pressure from the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) face masks are presented. Both developed skin necrosis as a result of wearing these masks over the nasal bridge. These cases highlight the need for clinical vigilance in application of CPAP masks, the need for monitoring the skin of the nose during CPAP use and the possible need for modifications in design to help prevent this serious complication.

Plasmodium berghei ANKA Infection in ICR Mice as a Model of Cerebral Malaria

BACKGROUND

Animal models with various combination of host-parasite have long been employed to study malaria pathogenesis. Here, we describe the combination of Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in inbred ICR mice as a model of cerebral malaria (CM).

METHODS

Infection in mice was initiated by intraperitoneal injection of 2 x 10(7) (0.2ml) parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs).

RESULTS

This model can produce a severe degree of infection presented by the high degree of parasitaemia followed by death 6-7 days post infection. Severe anemia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and discolourations of major organs were observed. Histopathological findings revealed several important features mimicking human CM including, microvascular sequestration of PRBCs in major organs, particularly in the brain, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the kupffer cells in the liver, pulmonary edema and hyaline membrane formation in the lungs and haemorrhages in the kidney's medulla and cortex. Proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-18, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were all found to be elevated in the plasma of infected mice.

CONCLUSION

This model can reproduce many of the important features of CM and therefore can be used as a tool to advance our understanding of the disease pathogenesis.

Stratified scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering applications: Electrospun PDLLA nanofibre coated Bioglass®-derived foams

This work focuses on designing bilayered constructs by combining electrospun poly-DL-Lactide (PDLLA) fibers and Bioglass®-derived scaffolds for development of osteochondral tissue replacement materials. Electrospinning was carried out using a solution of 5 wt/v% PDLLA in dimethyl carbonate. The PDLLA layer thickness increased from 2 to 150 µm with varying electrospinning time. Bioactivity studies in simulated body fluid showed that HA mineralization decreased as the thickness of the PDLLA layer increased. A preliminary in vitro study using chondrocyte cells (ATDC5) showed that cells attached, proliferated and migrated into the fibrous network, confirming the potential applicability of the bilayered scaffolds in osteochondral defect regeneration.

LINAC based radiosurgery and radiotherapy for neurosurgical diseases: what have we learnt so far

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiosurgery uses a single fraction high dose radiation while stereotactic radiotherapy uses multifractionated lower dose focused radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiosurgery used rigid CRW head frame while stereotactic radiotherapy utilized GTC or HNL relocatable frames. Stereotactic planning and radiation involved Radionics X-plan and LINAC system.

RESULTS

Since December 2001, we have treated 83 lesions from 77 patients using either radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Eighty six percent (86%) of our treated lesions showed favourable outcomes with median follow-up of 32 months (0-7 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Our lessons from LINAC precision radiation therapy uphold its value as a promising and effective tool in treating a range of nervous system pathologies.