Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Control Groups (control + groups)
Kinds of Control Groups Selected AbstractsEvaluation of HIV/AIDS Education in Russia Using a Video ApproachJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 6 2000Mohammad R. Torabi ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS has intruded upon the geographic, political, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation of communities all over the world. As of April 1999, Russia has recorded approximately 13,532 cases of HIV infection. Since the costs of treatment are expensive for many countries, and especially for Russia, educational intervention appears to offer the most effective and affordable solution. A quasi-experimental design, with pre/post tests and intervention (through video education)/control groups, was used to study 20 public schools in St. Petersburg, Russia. Results confirmed the lack of HIV/AIDS education in schools and insufficient information sources from parents, friends, and public health education. ANCOVA statistics demonstrated that use of video education significantly improved students' scores on knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS prevention. Thus, health educators should consider video education as an effective and efficient tool to present facts to a young audience when they face constraints of shortage of funds, lack of trained teachers, and scarcity of related information. [source] Prospective Clinical Trial, DEFI 2005: Does an AED Algorithm with More CPR Impact Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Prognosis?ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2008Herve Degrange Background:, Level 1 evidence is lacking for the Guidelines 2005 recommended changes in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) protocols. Objectives:, We conducted a block-randomized controlled trial to evaluate if changes to CPR during AED use could improve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and hospital admission rates. Methods:, From September 2005 to March 2007, 200 biphasic LIFEPAKs, 500 AEDs, used by firefighters, were randomized every 2 months by fire station (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00139542). The 100 CONTROL AEDs conformed to Guidelines 2000. The 100 STUDY AEDs added pre-shock CPR and removed stacked shocks and post-shock pulse checks. In both groups, firefighters received weekly CPR training. ECG and impedance signals recorded by AEDs were reviewed to quantify CPR delivery. Median [interquartile range], *p < 0.05. Results:, Informed consent was obtained for 840 defibrillated patients (420 CONTROL vs. 420 STUDY). There were no differences in patient characteristics (age, sex, location, etiology, witnessed, bystander CPR, chest compression (CC) rate) and time from call to AED power on. The STUDY AEDs prompted for more CPR during AED use (81% [80, 83] vs. 62% [55, 67]*), resulting in more hands-on time (62% [54, 69] vs 49% [39, 57]*), more patients receiving only one shock (40 vs 33%*), and shorter pauses in CC before (9s [7, 13] vs 19s [16, 21]*) and after (11s [8, 14] vs 32s [26, 38]*) the shock. There was no difference in the rates of ROSC (48% [44, 53] vs 50% [45, 55], p = 0.63) and hospital admission (44% [40, 49] vs 45% [40, 49], p = 0.94) for the STUDY vs CONTROL groups. Conclusions:, Increasing CPR, shortening CC pauses and delivering fewer shocks resulted in no observed difference in ROSC or survival to hospital admission. The overall rate of hospitalization was higher than the historical expectation (34% hospital admission before study), possibly due to the increased emphasis on training and importance of CPR in both groups. [source] Eyeblink conditioning using cochlear nucleus stimulation as a conditioned stimulus in developing ratsDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008John H. Freeman Abstract Previous studies demonstrated that the development of auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) input to the cerebellum may be a neural mechanism underlying the ontogenetic emergence of eyeblink conditioning in rats. The current study investigated the role of developmental changes in the projections of the cochlear nucleus (CN) in the ontogeny of eyeblink conditioning using electrical stimulation of the CN as a CS. Rat pups were implanted with a bipolar stimulating electrode in the CN and given six 100-trial training sessions with a 300 ms stimulation train in the CN paired with a 10 ms periorbital shock unconditioned stimulus (US) on postnatal days (P) 17,18 or 24,25. Control groups were given unpaired presentations of the CS and US. Rats in both age groups that received paired training showed significant increases in eyeblink conditioned responses across training relative to the unpaired groups. The rats trained on P24,25, however, showed stronger conditioning relative to the group trained on P17,18. Rats with missed electrodes in the inferior cerebellar peduncle or in the cerebellar cortex did not show conditioning. The findings suggest that developmental changes in the CN projections to the pons, inferior colliculus, or medial auditory thalamus may be a neural mechanism underlying the ontogeny of auditory eyeblink conditioning. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 640-646, 2008. [source] Intersensory redundancy educates selective attention in bobwhite quail embryosDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2006Robert Lickliter We assessed whether exposure to amodal properties in bimodal stimulation (e.g. rhythm, rate, duration) could educate attention to amodal properties in subsequent unimodal stimulation during prenatal development. Bobwhite quail embryos were exposed to an individual bobwhite maternal call under several experimental and control conditions during the day prior to hatching. Experimental groups received redundant auditory and visual exposure to the temporal features of an individual maternal call followed by unimodal auditory exposure to the same call immediately or after a 2-hr or 4-hr delay. Control groups received (1) the same exposure but in the reverse sequence (unimodal , redundant bimodal), (2) asynchronous bimodal , unimodal, (3) only unimodal exposure, or (4) only bimodal exposure. All experimental groups showed a significant preference for the familiar maternal call over a novel maternal call when tested 2 days after hatching, whereas none of the control groups showed a significant preference for the familiar call. These results indicate that intersensory redundancy can direct attention to amodal properties in bimodal stimulation and educate attention to the same amodal properties in subsequent unimodal stimulation where no intersensory redundancy is available. [source] The effect of practice on low-level auditory discrimination, phonological skills, and spelling in dyslexiaDYSLEXIA, Issue 2 2004Tina Schäffler Abstract Phonological awareness is believed to play a major role in the auditory contribution to spelling skills. The previous paper reports low-level auditory deficits in five different subdomains in 33,70% of the dyslexics. The first study of this paper reports the results of an attempt to improve low-level auditory skills by systematic daily practice of those tasks that had not been passed in previous diagnostic sessions. The data of 140 dyslexics indicate that the average number of unsolved tasks can be reduced from 3 of 5 to 1 of 5. The success rates have values of 70,80% for intensity and frequency discrimination and for gap detection, but reach only 36% for time-order judgement and 6% for side-order judgement. The second study reports that successful low-level auditory training transfers completely to language-related phonological skills and also to spelling with the largest profit in spelling errors due to poor auditory analysis. Control groups (waiting and placebo) did not exhibit significant improvements. It is concluded that low-level auditory deficits should be considered and improved by practice in order to give the dyslexics more phonological help when trying to transfer what they hear to spelling. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways after soman poisoning in rat cerebellar granule neuronsJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2008J. Pejchal Abstract The expression of activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activated MAPK transcription factors c-jun, c-myc and elk-1 were examined in rat cerebellum after soman poisoning to determine the pathogenetic mechanism of the non-specific long-term effects of nerve agents. Male Wistar rats were poisoned by intramuscular administration of soman at a dose 60 µg kg,1 (70% LD50) and samples were taken 1, 7 and 14 days after poisoning, immunohistochemically stained and p-p38MAPK, p-c-jun, p-c-myc and p-elk-1 expressions were measured using image analysis. Control groups were administered with saline instead of soman. The expression of activated p38MAPK and c-myc increased 14 days after soman poisoning while c-jun and elk-1 expressions remained unchanged 1, 7 and 14 days after soman poisoning. Delayed activation of p38 MAPK and its targets might be involved in the pathogenetic mechanism of the long-term neurophysiological toxic effects of nerve agents. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hepatitis E antibody profiles in serum and urineJOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2002M.S. Joshi Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-HEV antibody profiles in urine specimens in comparison to corresponding serum samples to assess the utility of urine as a clinical specimen. Paired serum and urine specimens from 71 hepatitis E patients, 33 non-E hepatitis patients, 63 patients with nonhepatic diseases, and 26 healthy individuals were tested by recombinant HEV protein (55 kD)-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Uronegativity for anti-HEV IgM was noted in 71 (100%) serologically confirmed patients with hepatitis E. Hepatitis E patients (10/10) showed urinary absence or very low levels of total IgM by capture ELISA, suggesting absence or low levels of filtration, and/or local synthesis, and/or transudation of IgM in urine during infection. When these patients were tested for total IgG and IgA, microquantities of immunoglobulins were noted in all urine samples (10/10 for each). However, the proportions of uropositivity for anti-HEV IgG and IgA in hepatitis E patients were low and indicated only 21.42% and 49.33% concordance with seropositivity, respectively. Control groups also showed low and variable uropositivity for anti-HEV IgG and IgA. Overall, HEV-specific antibodies exhibited by serum in recent and past infections were not found in urine. The study demonstrated the inadequacy of urine specimens for detection of hepatitis E antibodies. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:137,142, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A study of the susceptibility of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus isolated from turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 4 2003T J Bowden Abstract The susceptibility of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) was tested. Juvenile halibut of approximately 5 g weight were subjected to challenge by intraperitoneal injection, cohabitation and immersion to a VHSV isolate from an outbreak of the disease in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.). The intraperitoneal injection gave the highest mortality rate of 28% after 50 days. The cohabitee group suffered 19% mortality rate and the immersion group only 2%. Control groups included turbot exposed either by intraperitoneal injection or immersion which suffered mortality rates of 93 and 50%, respectively. The results suggest that halibut are markedly less susceptible to VHSV than turbot. [source] Functional hepatic recovery after xenotransplantation of cryopreserved fetal liver cells or soluble cell-factor administration in a cirrhotic rat model: Are viable cells necessary?JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7pt2 2008Olga V Ochenashko Abstract Background and Aim:, Chronic liver failure results in the decrease of the number of functioning hepatocytes. It dictates the necessity of using exogenous viable cells or/and agents that can stimulate hepatic regenerative processes. Fetal liver contains both hepatic and hematopoietic stem cells with high proliferative potential, which may replace damaged cells. Also, immature cells produce fetal-specific factors which may support the injured liver. Our aim was to test the ability of human fetal liver cells and cell-free fetal-specific factors of non-hepatic origin to stimulate recovery processes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride,induced cirrhosis in rats. Methods:, Cirrhotic rats were intrasplenically injected with fetal liver cells (1 × 107 cells/0.3 mL medium) or cell-free fetal-specific factors (0.3 mL/1 mg protein). Control groups received medium alone. Serum indexes, hepatic functions, and morphology were evaluated for 15 days. Result:, Human fetal liver cell transplantation was shown to abrogate the mortality of cirrhotic animals, to improve serum markers, and to restore liver mitochondrial function and detoxification. Morphological patterns of liver recovery were observed by histology. In comparison, an injection of fetal-specific factors produced similar functional recovery, whilst a more limited liver regeneration was observed by histology. Conclusions:, The positive effects of fetal liver cell and cell-free fetal-specific factors in experimental cirrhosis may result from the presence of stage-specific factors activating hepatocellular repair. [source] The effect of thermocycling on peel strength of six soft lining materialsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 6 2002A. Sertgöz The bond strength of two heat-cured and four cold-cured soft lining materials was compared using a peeling test method before and after thermocycling. Tested soft lining materials were Molloplast B, Mollosil, Ufigel P, Ufigel C, Permaquick and Permaflex. Six specimens, 6·5 × 2 × 0·3 cm, for each group were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. Control groups were stored in a humidor for 24 h, whereas the others were thermocycled in a water bath between the 5 and 55 °C for 5000 cycles. Peel strength of samples were measured using an Instron Universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 5 mm min,1. The types of failure were observed using an electron microscope. The highest peel bond strength values were calculated for Permaflex and Permaquick before and after thermocycling, respectively. Molloplast B, Mollosil, Ufigel P and Permaquick demonstrated an increase in peel strength after thermocycling, with Permaquick lining material having statistically significant increase. However, decrease in peel strength was observed for Ufigel C and Permaflex after thermocycling. Failure mode within the control groups was cohesive for Molloplast B, Permaquick and Permaflex, whereas adhesive for Ufigel P and Ufigel C. Mollosil demonstrated a mixed mode of failure for both thermocycled and control groups. [source] Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes From a Comprehensive Magnetic Resonance Study of Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2009Susan J. Astley Background:, Magnetic resonance (MR) technology offers noninvasive methods for in vivo assessment of neuroabnormalities. Methods:, A comprehensive neuropsychological/psychiatric battery, coupled with MR imaging, (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI) assessments, were administered to children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to determine if global and/or focal abnormalities could be identified, and distinguish diagnostic subclassifications across the spectrum. The 4 study groups included: (i) fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)/partial FAS (PFAS); (ii) static encephalopathy/alcohol exposed (SE/AE); (iii) neurobehavioral disorder/alcohol exposed (ND/AE) as diagnosed with the FASD 4-Digit Code; and (iv) healthy peers with no prenatal alcohol exposure. Presented here are the MRI assessments that were used to compare the sizes of brain regions between the 4 groups. The neuropsychological/behavioral, MRS, and fMRI outcomes are reported separately. Results:, Progressing across the 4 study groups from Controls to ND/AE to SE/AE to FAS/PFAS, the mean absolute size of the total brain, frontal lobe, caudate, putamen, hippocampus, cerebellar vermis, and corpus callosum length decreased incrementally and significantly. The FAS/PFAS group (the only group with the 4-Digit FAS facial phenotype) had disproportionately smaller frontal lobes relative to all other groups. The FAS/PFAS and SE/AE groups [the 2 groups with the most severe central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction] had disproportionately smaller caudate regions relative to the ND/AE and Control groups. The prevalence of subjects in the FAS/PFAS, SE/AE, and ND/AE groups that had 1 or more brain regions, 2 or more SDs below the mean size observed in the Control group was 78, 58, and 43%, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between size of brain regions and level of prenatal alcohol exposure, magnitude of FAS facial phenotype, and level of CNS dysfunction. Conclusions:, Magnetic resonance imaging provided further validation that ND/AE, SE/AE, and FAS/PFAS as defined by the FASD 4-Digit Code are 3 clinically distinct and increasingly more affected diagnostic subclassifications under the umbrella of FASD. Neurostructural abnormalities are present across the spectrum. MRI could importantly augment diagnosis of conditions under the umbrella of FASD, once population-based norms for structural development of the human brain are established. [source] Genetic Correlation Between Innate Alcohol Preference and Fear-Potentiated Startle in Selected Mouse LinesALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2007Gustavo D. Barrenha Background: There is a high rate of co-occurrence between anxiety and alcohol-use disorders in humans that may arise from the inheritance of common genes that increase the risk for both psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a genetic relationship exists between innate alcohol preference and propensity to develop learned fear, using the fear-potentiated startle (FPS) paradigm, in 2 mouse lines selectively bred for high or low alcohol preference. Methods: Alcohol-naïve, male, and female mice from replicate pairs of lines selectively bred for high alcohol preference and low alcohol preference were randomly assigned to a fear-conditioned or control group. Mice in the fear-conditioned group received 20 pairings of a light stimulus and footshock; the control group received the same number of exposures to light and footshock, except that these stimuli were explicitly unpaired. During testing for FPS, acoustic stimuli were presented both in the presence and in the absence of the light stimulus. Results: In both replicate pairs of lines, mice selectively bred for high alcohol preference showed greater FPS than mice selectively bred for low alcohol preference. No sex differences in FPS were found in any line. Control groups did not show FPS. Conclusion: These findings suggest that common genes mediate both innate alcohol preference and propensity to develop learned fear in these selected mouse lines. [source] Interaction of Phytochemical-Quercetin with the Other Antioxidant, Ascorbic Acid and their Protective Effect in Tilapia after Ultraviolet IrradiationJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 5 2009Gustavo A. Rodriguez-Montes De Oca Semi-purified, casein-gelatin-based diets were prepared and supplemented with quercetin (Q) and/ or ascorbic acid (AA): control diet C,Q,(100 mg/kg AA), diet C ,Q+ (100 mg/kg AA + quercetin 10 g/kg), diet C +Q, (1000 mg/kg AA), and diet C +Q+ (1000 mg/kg AA + quercetin 10 g/kg). These diets were fed to tilapia for 19 wk and then fish were divided into controls and ultraviolet (UV) treatments. Fish were exposed to UV radiation. Control groups were protected with a MYLAR® polyester film and plexiglass. At week 20, the same fish were re-exposed to UV radiation. Control groups of fish were protected by a double layer of MYLAR® and the UV groups were exposed with no protection. Before UV exposure, 24 h after, and 7 d after the second treatment, fish liver and skin were dissected for Q and AA analyses. The proportion of oxidized ascorbate was significantly increased in fish from treatments C ,Q, and C ,Q+ . Q concentrations in fish after exposures were negligible in skin, whereas liver concentrations were significantly different among control (34 ± 10 ,g/g) and UV-irradiated fish (11 ± 6 ,g/g), respectively. The interaction between these two dietary antioxidants may change after chronic UV irradiation. [source] Nucleated red blood cell counts and erythropoietin levels in high-risk neonatesPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2002Ülfet Vatansever Abstract Background: The presence of increased numbers of nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) and increased levels of erythropoietin (EPO) in the circulation of neonates has been associated with states of relative hypoxia. The aim of this study is to assess the pattern of NRBC counts and EPO levels in a group of high-risk neonates under stress conditions and determine the short-term outcome for these babies by using these parameters. Methods: There were 69 high-risk neonates; 14 intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR), 25 preterm infants, 18 term infants with asphyxia and 12 infants of diabetic mothers. Control groups included healthy, term infants delivered either vaginally (n = 18) or with cesarean section (n = 19). Three blood samples were obtained from each infant within 12 h (initial), 3 days and 7 days after birth to measure NRBC counts and EPO levels. Neonatal and short-term outcomes at 3 and 6 months of age were determined. Results: There was no significant difference among the groups with regard to the initial serum EPO concentrations. The initial NRBC counts were significantly lower in the control groups compared with the study groups (P = 0.002). While there was no significant difference between patients with good and poor outcome in terms of EPO concentrations of initial samples, a significant difference existed in terms of NRBC counts (P = 0.038). Conclusions: Both serum EPO level and NRBC count provide limited clinical benefit in the detection of pathological conditions of the neonatal period, but NRBC count determination seems to be especially helpful in predicting short-term neurodevelopmental outcome. [source] Do mandibular cross-sectional properties and dental microwear give similar dietary signals?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Jason M. Organ Abstract Previous animal experimental work evaluating the effects of dietary consistency on mastication was generally limited to studies of either mandibular structure or rates and types of tooth wear. Control groups fed hard diets (HD) consistently exhibited increased cortical remodeling and/or bone strength when compared to groups fed soft diets (SD). Results of tooth-wear studies showed faster rates of tooth wear in HD animals. This study evaluates the effects of dietary differences on both mandibular structural morphology and postcanine dental microwear in the same animals. We examined mandibles and dentitions from eight miniature swine, raised from 4 weeks to 9 months of age on HD and SD (n = 4, each group). Mandibular structural properties were calculated from peripheral quantitative computed tomography slices at the dp3,dp4 and dp4,M1 junctions. Dental microwear analysis was performed on mandibular lingual crushing facets of dp4 and M1, using photomicrographs of high-resolution casts taken at 500× magnification in a scanning electron microscope. Our results suggest that between the dp3,dp4 contact, HD animals have mandibles that are stronger and more rigid mediolaterally than SD animals. At the dp4,M1 contact, HD animals have mandibles that are stronger and more rigid mediolaterally, dorsoventrally, and in torsion than SD animals. Dental microwear results indicate that SD pigs have higher incidences of pitting and more overall microwear features on their premolars than do HD pigs, yet there are no significant differences in molar microwear morphology between the dietary groups. Near-significant correlations exist between pit size and dorsoventral bending strength, but only for HD pigs. These results suggest that dietary consistency significantly affects both mandibular structure and dental microwear, yet direct correlations between the two are complicated by a number of factors Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Welfare Reform and the Labour Supply of Lone Parents in Australia: A Natural Experiment ApproachTHE ECONOMIC RECORD, Issue 249 2004Denise J. Doiron Large shifts in the labour supply of lone parents in Australia were observed between 1986 and 1990. Changes in the observed characteristics of lone parents explain only a small portion of these shifts. Propensity score matching and difference-in-differences are used to estimate the effects of the substantial policy shifts implemented in 1987. Control groups are constructed from the sample of married mothers. Results suggest that the policy reforms caused a substantial increase in the employment of lone parents while causing a reduction in the hours of work among the workers. [source] Indirect Recognition of MHC Class I Allopeptides Accelerates Lung Allograft Rejection in Miniature SwineAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2005Tsuyoshi Shoji The role of indirect allorecognition in graft rejection is examined in two experiments using a swine lung transplantation model. First, two swine received class I mismatched grafts without immunosuppression; another two recipients were treated postoperatively with cyclosporine (CsA). These swine exhibited acute and chronic rejection, respectively. All four recipients developed T-cell reactivity to donor-derived class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptides. Second, six swine were immunized with synthetic donor-derived class I allopeptides prior to transplantation. Control groups consisted of nonimmunized recipients (n = 6) and recipients immunized with an irrelevant peptide (n = 3). These recipients all received a 12-day course of post-operative CsA. Swine immunized with allopeptides exhibited accelerated graft rejection, as compared to both control groups (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). Within the experimental group, the dominant histologic finding was acute rejection (AR). Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) was seen in the graft with the longest survival. Both control groups showed a lesser degree of AR, with four out of six nonimmunized swine ultimately developing OB. These studies suggest that indirect allorecognition is operative during lung allograft rejection, and that pre-transplant sensitization to donor-derived MHC allopeptides can accelerate graft rejection. [source] Significance of the injection timing of ephedrine to reduce the onset time of rocuroniumANAESTHESIA, Issue 8 2008D. W. Han Summary We postulated that the onset time of rocuronium can be accelerated effectively if it is administered at the time when the effect of ephedrine on cardiac output has reached its maximum. Seventy-five male, anaesthetised, patients were randomly allocated to three groups. Ephedrine 70 ,g.kg,1 was administered at 4 min (Early) or 30 s (Late) before administering rocuronium. The control group received saline at 4 min and at 30 s before rocuronium. The onset time of rocuronium in the Early group was significantly shorter than in the Control group, but there was no difference in the onset time between the Late and Control groups. There were no significant differences in the intubating conditions of the three groups. Ephedrine 70 ,g.kg,1 can reduce the onset time of rocuronium effectively if rocuronium is administered at 4 min following the ephedrine injection, when the effect of ephedrine on cardiac output is expected to reach its maximum. [source] Toxic effects of dexamethasone on mouse testicular germ cellsANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2010M. Orazizadeh Summary Exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) leads to numerous changes in various biological systems including the reproductive system. This work evaluated effects of dexamethasone (Dex), a widely used GC, on mouse testicular germ cells. Experimental groups (E1,E3) received one of the following treatments daily for 7 days: 4, 7 and 10 mg kg,1 Dex respectively. Control groups were treated with equivalent volumes of saline. Testicular histopathology, morphometric analysis and deoxy-UTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assessment were performed for evaluation of the toxic effects of Dex and detection of the apoptotic cells. The results showed that Dex induces histopathological alterations such as epithelial vacuolisation, atrophy and reduction in testicular spermatozoid. Morphometrical data showed that Dex significantly reduced tubular diameter and epithelial height (P < 0.05). Johnsen's scoring also showed poor spermatogenesis in E2 and E3 groups (P < 0.05). Apoptotic index of germ cells was significantly increased in E2 (18.9% versus 1.76%, P < 0.01) and E3 (24.6 versus 1.76%, P < 0.001) groups. It is concluded that Dex acts as testicular toxicant and that further studies are needed to establish its mechanism of action upon spermatogenesis. [source] Loss of ,1 integrin in mouse fibroblasts results in resistance to skin scleroderma in a mouse modelARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2009Shangxi Liu Objective Activated adhesive signaling is a hallmark of fibroblasts isolated from the scars of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) lesions. Beta-1 integrin plays a key role in adhesive signaling. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of ,1 integrin in a mouse model of skin scleroderma using mice bearing a fibroblast-specific deletion of ,1 integrin. Methods Cutaneous sclerosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of bleomycin. Control groups were treated with phosphate buffered saline. Mice bearing a fibroblast-specific deletion of ,1 integrin and control mice were investigated. Dermal thickness, collagen production, and the number of ,-smooth muscle actin,positive cells were determined. The quantity of the collagen-specific amino acid hydroxyproline was also measured. Results Bleomycin treatment induced marked cutaneous thickening and fibrosis in control mice. Conversely, the deletion of ,1 integrin resulted in resistance to bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Conclusion Expression of ,1 integrin by fibroblasts is required for fibrogenesis. Inhibition of ,1 integrin may be a viable method to alleviate the development of cutaneous sclerosis. [source] Investigation of sensory neurogenic components in a bleomycin-induced scleroderma model using transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor, and calcitonin gene-related peptide,knockout miceARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 1 2008Árpád Szabó Objective Along with their classic afferent function (nociception), capsaicin-sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor,expressing sensory nerve terminals exert local and systemic efferent activities. Activation of TRPV1 causes sensory neuropeptide release, which modulates the inflammation process. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of this modulatory role of TRPV1 receptor and that of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in bleomycin-induced scleroderma, using transgenic mice. Methods Cutaneous sclerosis was induced with daily subcutaneous injections of bleomycin for 30 days. Control groups were treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). TRPV1 receptor gene,deficient (TRPV1,/,) mice and CGRP-knockout (CGRP,/,) mice and their wild-type (WT) counterparts were investigated. A composite sclerosis score was calculated on the basis of thickening, leukocyte infiltration, and the amount/orientation of collagen bundles. Dermal thickness and the number of ,-smooth muscle actin (,-SMA),positive cells were also determined. The quantity of the collagen-specific amino acid hydroxyproline was measured by spectrophotometry. Results Bleomycin treatment induced marked cutaneous thickening and fibrosis compared with that observed in control mice treated with PBS. The composite sclerosis score was 18% higher, dermal thickness was 19% higher, the number of ,-SMA,positive cells was 47% higher, and the amount of hydroxyproline was 57% higher in TRPV1,/, mice than in their WT counterparts. Similarly, the composite sclerosis score was 47% higher, dermal thickness was 29% higher, the number of ,-SMA,positive cells was 76% higher, and the amount of hydroxyproline was 30% higher in CGRP,/, mice than in the respective WT groups. Conclusion These results suggest that activation of the TRPV1 receptor by mediators of inflammation induces sensory neuropeptide release, which might exert protective action against fibrosis. We confirmed the protective role of CGRP in the development of cutaneous sclerosis. [source] Pulsed electromagnetic fields induce peripheral nerve regeneration and endplate enzymatic changesBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 1 2005J.A. De Pedro Abstract An experimental study was carried out in rats with the purpose of demonstrating the capacity of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) to stimulate regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Wistar and Brown Norway (BN) rats were used. Direct sciatic nerve anastomoses were performed after section or allograft interposition. Treatment groups then received 4 weeks of PEMFs. Control groups received no stimulation. The evaluation of the results was carried out by quantitative morphometric analysis, demonstrating a statistically significant increase in regeneration indices (P,<,0.05) in the stimulated groups (9000,±,5000 and 4000,±,6000) compared to the non-stimulated groups (2000,±,4000 and 700,±,200). An increase of NAD specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) activity was found along with an increase in the activity of acetyl cholinesterase at the motor plate. The present study might lead to the search for new alternatives in the stimulation of axonal regenerative processes in the PNS and other possible clinical applications. Bioelectromagnetics 26:20,27, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Susceptibility and reactivity in polysensitized individuals following controlled inductionCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2010Nannie Bangsgaard Background: It is uncertain whether polysensitized patients acquire multiple allergies only because of a high degree of exposure to environmental allergens, or because of being highly susceptible to developing contact allergy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare susceptibility and reactivity in polysensitized and monosensitized individuals, and in healthy controls. Patients/methods: We sensitized 66 adult individuals (21 polysensitized, 22 monosensitized, and 23 healthy controls) with diphenylcyclopropenone and assessed challenge responses with visual scoring and ultrasound. We compared sensitization rates using a chi-square test and logistic regression analyses, and calculated linear regression lines of the elicitation responses for each individual. The mean values of the slopes and the intercepts for each group were used to measure the strength of the elicitation response, and were compared using the Mann,Whitney test. Results: Sensitization ratio was equal in the three groups: 57% for the polysensitized, 59% for the monosensitized, and 65% for the healthy control group. There was a lowered elicitation threshold in the polysensitized group compared with that in the monosensitized and healthy control groups and, although not statistically significant, a stronger elicitation response was observed in the polysensitized group. Conclusion: Increased reactivity was found in the polysensitized group, demonstrated by a lowered elicitation threshold, compared with that in the monosensitized and healthy control groups. [source] PROPOSITION 8 AND CRIME RATES IN CALIFORNIA: THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING DETERRENTCRIMINOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY, Issue 3 2006CHERYL MARIE WEBSTER Research Summary: In 1999, Daniel Kessler and Steven Levitt published an article that purported to provide support for the marginal deterrent effects of harsher sanctions on levels of crime. Specifically, they concluded that sentence enhancements that came into effect in California in June 1982 as a result of Proposition 8 were responsible for a subsequent drop in serious crime in this state. Our article examines the analyses and findings of this article and suggests that their conclusion of a deterrent impact fails to withstand scrutiny when more complete and more detailed crime data are used and the comparability of "control" groups is carefully examined. In particular, the addition of annual crime levels for all years (versus only the odd-numbered years that Kessler and Levitt examine) calls into question the prima facie support for a deterrent effect presented by Kessler and Levitt. Specifically, it demonstrates not only that the crime drop in California began before, rather than after, the passing into law of the sentence enhancements in 1982 but also that the downward slope did not accelerate after the change in law. Furthermore, the comparability of the two "control" groups with the "treatment" group is challenged, rendering suspect any findings based on these comparisons. Policy Implications: Case studies suggesting that crime decreased after the imposition of harsh sentencing policies are often cited as evidence of marginal general deterrence. As has been demonstrated in other contexts, the question that needs to be asked is "Compared with what?" Kessler and Levitt's (1999) article demonstrates that those interested in sentencing policy need to be sensitive not only to the appropriateness of the comparisons that are made, but also to the choice of data that are presented. [source] Changes in capillary luminal diameter in rat soleus muscle after hind-limb suspensionACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2000Kano This study examined the time course change of the capillary luminal diameter and the number of capillaries in the rat soleus muscle during hind-limb suspension. Male Wistar rats were divided into 1 and 3 weeks of hind-limb suspension (HS) groups (HS-1 and HS-3). The HS groups were compared with age-matched control groups. All morphometric parameters with respect to capillary and muscle fibre cross-sectional area were determined in perfusion-fixed soleus muscles. After 1 and 3 weeks of hind-limb suspension, the mean muscle fibre cross-sectional area was significantly decreased in HS-1 (,32.0%) and HS-3 (,59.3%) compared with age-matched control groups. Despite a lower capillary-to-fibre ratio (HS-1, ,19.3%; HS-3, ,21.2%), the capillary density was unchanged in HS-1 and significantly increased in HS-3 compared with age-matched control groups. The mean capillary luminal diameter was significantly smaller in HS-1 (,19.9%) and HS-3 (,21.9%) than in the age-matched control groups. The capillary-to-fibre perimeter ratio which indicates the capillary surface area available for gas exchange between blood and tissue did not significantly differ between control groups and HS groups. In conclusion, the morphometrical adaptations in rat soleus with the suspension involved changes in both the capillary luminal diameter and number of capillaries, and the change in capillary surface area was proportional to the degree of muscle atrophy in HS groups. [source] Viability of fibroblasts in a novel probiotic storage mediaDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010E Çaglar The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the number of viable PDL cells of avulsed teeth treated by Hank's Balanced Salt Solutions (HBSS), saline, a novel probiotic solution and milk. Thirty-six freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth with closed apices were divided into one of the four experimental groups and two control groups (N = 6 each). The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time respectively. Following extraction, the coronal 3 mm of PDL tissue was scraped with a #15 scalpel to remove cells that might have been damaged. The experimental teeth were dried for 30 min followed by a 45 min immersion in one of the four experimental media. Each experimental tooth, after drying and soaking, was incubated for 30 min with a 2.5 ml solution of 0.2 mg ml,1 of collagenase CLS II and a 2.4 mg ml,1 solution of dispase grade II in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The cells were then labelled with 0.4% Trypan blue for determination of viability. The teeth stored in positive control demonstrated the highest number of viable PDL cells followed in rank order by HBSS, saline, Lactobacillus reuteri solution and milk. There was no significant difference in the number of viable PDL cells between HBSS, milk, L. reuteri solution and saline. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that probiotic may be able to maintain PDL cell viability as HBSS, milk, or saline. [source] A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis in a routine clinical serviceACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010E. Peters Peters E, Landau S, McCrone P, Cooke M, Fisher P, Steel C, Evans R, Carswell K, Dawson K, Williams S, Howard A, Kuipers E. A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis in a routine clinical service. Objective:, To evaluate cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) delivered by non-expert therapists, using CBT relevant measures. Method:, Participants (N = 74) were randomised into immediate therapy or waiting list control groups. The therapy group was offered 6 months of therapy and followed up 3 months later. The waiting list group received therapy after waiting 9 months (becoming the delayed therapy group). Results:, Depression improved in the combined therapy group at both the end of therapy and follow-up. Other significant effects were found in only one of the two therapy groups (positive symptoms; cognitive flexibility; uncontrollability of thoughts) or one of the two time points (end of therapy: general symptoms, anxiety, suicidal ideation, social functioning, resistance to voices; follow-up: power beliefs about voices, negative symptoms). There was no difference in costs between the groups. Conclusion:, The only robust improvement was in depression. Nevertheless, there were further encouraging but modest improvements in both emotional and cognitive variables, in addition to psychotic symptoms. [source] Assessment of post-traumatic PDL cells viability by a novel collagenase assayDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Roberta Pileggi Abstract,,,Both length of extra-alveolar time and type of storage media are significant factors that can affect the long-term prognosis for replanted teeth. Numerous studies have examined various media in an attempt to determine the ideal material for storage of the avulsed tooth. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of viable periodontium ligament (PDL) cells in different storage media using a collagenase assay. Thirty-three freshly extracted human teeth were divided into four experimental and two control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed in one of four media (Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), milk, saline, water) for 45 min. The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 min. The number of viable and nonviable PDL cells was counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. An anova demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the viability of PDL cells among saline, HBSS and milk. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that milk or saline is an equally viable alternative to HBSS for storage of avulsed teeth. [source] Periodontal response to two intracanal medicaments in replanted monkey incisorsDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Y. L. Thong Abstract , Intracanal medicaments are recommended for use in replanted teeth to inhibit inflammatory root resorption. This study compared the effect of calcium hydroxide (Pulpdent®) and a corticosteroid-antibiotic paste (Ledermix®) on periodontal healing and root resorption following replantation. Incisors of eight Macaca fascicularis monkeys were extracted, stored dry for 15 min and replanted. After 11 days, root canals in two adjacent maxillary incisors were treated with one medicament and contralateral incisors with the other medicament, or left as untreated controls. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks later and the teeth prepared for histomorphometric evaluation of periodontal ligament inflammation and root resorption. Periodontal ligament inflammation and inflammatory root resorption were markedly inhibited by both calcium hydroxide and corticosteroid-antibiotic relative to untreated controls. Replacement resorption was lowest in the corticosteroid-antibiotic group, and significantly (P<0.05) more normal periodontal ligament was present in this group (79.6%) than in calcium hydroxide and control groups (64.6% and 62.7%, respectively). Treatment with the corticosteroid-antibiotic inhibited inflammatory resorption and was slightly more effective than calcium hydroxide in producing a periodontal healing response. [source] Folic acid efficacy as an alternative drug added to sodium valproate in the treatment of acute phase of mania in bipolar disorder: a double-blind randomized controlled trialACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2009A. H. Behzadi Objective:, The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adding folic acid to sodium valproate in the acute phase of mania. Method:, Following a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 88 clinically manic patients with diagnosis of type I bipolar disorder (BID) were divided randomly into two groups (case and control). The case group was treated with folic acid and sodium valproate and the control group with sodium valproate and placebo. The severity of mania was assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) at the beginning and end of the first, second and third weeks of the study. Results:, The case group's mean manic YMRS measurements (SD) before the initiation of therapy and in the first, second and third weeks of treatment were 34.0 ± 7.7, 26.7 ± 2.1, 18.1 ± 2.1 and 7.1 ± 0.9 respectively. The control group's measurements were 34.7 ± 3.8, 27.3 ± 2.3, 20.7 ± 2.5 and 10.1 ± 1.1. There was a statistically significant difference in YMRS scaling results between the case and control groups after 3 weeks of treatment (7.1 ± 0.9 vs. 10.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.005). Conclusion:, Based on our findings, folic acid seems to be an effective adjuvant to sodium valproate in the treatment of the acute phase of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||