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Selected AbstractsPossible common central pathway for resistin and insulin in regulating food intakeACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009C. Cifani Abstract Aim:, Adipose tissue has been the object of intense research in the field of obesity and diabetes diseases in the last decade. Examination of adipocyte-secreted peptides led to the identification of a unique polypeptide, resistin (RSTN), which has been suggested as a link between obesity and diabetes. RSTN plays a clearly documented role in blocking insulin (INS)-induced hypoglycaemia. As brain injection of INS affects feeding behaviour, we studied the possible interaction between INS and RSTN in food-deprived rats, measuring effects on food intake. In addition, we examined how RSTN might affect neuropeptide Y (NPY)-induced feeding, as studies have shown that rat RSTN can interfere with the NPY system. Methods:, Overnight food-deprived rats were injected into the third brain ventricle (3V) with either INS (10 or 20 mUI), RSTN (0.1,0.4 nmol/rat), or saline before access to food. Another group of rats was injected into the 3V with RSTN alone, NPY alone or RSTN plus NPY. Their food intake and body weight were measured. Results:, Our results confirm the hypophagic effect of RSTN on food deprivation-induced food intake, and more importantly, show that RSTN neither potentiates nor blocks the effects of INS on food intake, but does reduce the hyperphagic effect of NPY. Conclusion:, The observation that RSTN does not modify feeding INS-induced hypophagia, but does influence NPY-induced feeding, points to the possibility that RSTN may be involved in control of food intake through an NPY-ergic mechanism as INS. [source] The Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Penicillin-induced Epileptiform Activity in RatsEPILEPSIA, Issue 7 2007Mustafa Ayyildiz Summary:,Purpose: Epileptic seizure results from excessive discharge in a population of hyperexcitable neurons. A number of studies help to document the effects of active oxygen free radical scavengers such as ,-tocopherol or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In the present study, we examined the effects of ascorbic acid, at the six different doses, on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Methods: A single microinjection of penicillin (2.5 ,l, 500 units, intracortically) into the left sensorimotor cortex induced epileptiform activity within 2,5 min, progressing to full seizure activity lasting ,3,5 h. In the first set of experiments, 30 min after penicillin injection, six different doses of ascorbic acid (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (IP). The other group of animals received the effective dose of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, IP) for 7 days. Ascorbic acid administration was stopped 24 h before penicillin treatment. Another group of rats received the effective dose of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, IP) 30 min before penicillin treatment. In the second set of experiments, the lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels of brain were measured in the control, control + ascorbic acid, penicillin, and penicillin + ascorbic acid groups. Results: Ascorbic acid, at the low dose (50, 100 mg/kg, 30 min after penicillin injection), decreased both the frequency and amplitude of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats. Ascorbic acid, at intermediate doses (200, 400 mg/kg, 30 min after penicillin injection), decreased the frequency of epileptiform activity without changing the amplitude. Ascorbic acid, at the lowest dose (25 mg/kg) and highest dose (800 mg/kg) (30 min after penicillin injection), did not change either the frequency or amplitude of epileptiform activity. Ascorbic acid, at the low dose (100 mg/kg) was the most effective dose in changing the frequency and amplitude of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Pretreatment with ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) 30 min before penicillin treatment caused a significant delay in the onset of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Pretreatment with ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) for 7 days did not change the latency of epileptiform activity. The most effective dose of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) prevented both the decrease in GSH level and the increase in lipid peroxidation level (MDA) occurring after penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Conclusions: These data indicate that ascorbic acid has neuroprotective activity against penicillin-induced epileptiform electrocorticogram activity. [source] Claustral Lesions Delay Amygdaloid Kindling in the RatEPILEPSIA, Issue 9 2000Paul Mohapel Summary: Purpose: Lesions of the claustrum in cats and primates have been shown to disrupt the development and expression of amygdaloid-kindled seizures in cats and primates. Because the structure and connectivity of the claustrum can vary between species, we wanted to examine the effects of claustral lesions on kindling in rats. Methods: One group of rats received bilateral radiofrequency lesions of both anterior and posterior regions of the claustrum before amygdaloid kindling. Another group of rats received bilateral anterior and posterior radiofrequency lesions of the claustrum after amygdaloid kindling. Some rats were tested for transfer of kindling to the contralateral amygdala after claustral lesions. Results: Small lesions that destroyed 13% of the claustrum were capable of delaying, but not blocking, amygdaloid kindling. The delay in kindling was due to an increase in the stimulation trials required to kindle to stage 5 seizures. The lesions had no effect on established kindled seizures or on transfer to the contralateral amygdala. Conclusions: As in other species, the claustrum in the rat appears to play a role in kindling from the amygdala. Because of the restricted size of our claustral lesions, however, we were unable to conclusively assess the full extent of the claustrum's participation in limbic kindling. [source] Single dose intravenous thioacetamide administration as a model of acute liver damage in ratsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Tse-Min Chen Summary Thioacetamide (TAA) has been used extensively in the development of animal models of acute liver injury. Frequently, TAA is administered intraperitoneally to induce liver damage under anaesthesia. However, it is rarely administered by intravenous injection in conscious rats. The experiments in this study were designed to induce acute liver damage by single intravenous injection of TAA (0, 70 and 280 mg/kg) in unrestrained rats. Biochemical parameters and cytokines measured during the 60-h period following TAA administration, included white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobulin (Hb), platelet, aspartate transferase (GOT), alanine transferase (GPT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBI), albumin, ammonia (NH3), r-glutamyl transpeptidase (r-GT), tumour necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Rats were sacrificed by decapitation 60 h after TAA administration and livers were removed immediately for pathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) examination. Another group of rats were sacrificed by decapitation 1, 6 and 24 h after TAA administration and livers were removed immediately for time course change of pathology and IHC examination. TAA significantly increased blood WBC, GOT, GPT, TBIL, DBIL, NH3, r-GT, TNF-, and IL-6 levels but decreased the blood Hb, platelet and albumin level. The levels of histopathological damage in the liver after intravenous TAA administration were also increased with a dose-dependent trend and more increased at 60 h after TAA administration. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B) detected by IHC in the liver after intravenous TAA administration were also increased with a dose-dependent trend and more increased at 1 h after TAA administration. Single intravenous TAA administration without anaesthesia is a restorable animal model which may be used to investigate acute liver damage. [source] Diminished Bone Formation During Diabetic Fracture Healing is Related to the Premature Resorption of Cartilage Associated With Increased Osteoclast Activity,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007Rayyan A Kayal Abstract Histological and molecular analysis of fracture healing in normal and diabetic animals showed significantly enhanced removal of cartilage in diabetic animals. Increased cartilage turnover was associated with elevated osteoclast numbers, a higher expression of genes that promote osteoclastogenesis, and diminished primary bone formation. Introduction: Diminished bone formation, an increased incidence of nonunions, and delayed fracture healing have been observed in animal models and in patients with diabetes. Fracture healing is characterized by the formation of a stabilizing callus in which cartilage is formed and then resorbed and replaced by bone. To gain insight into how diabetes affects fracture healing, studies were carried out focusing on the impact of diabetes on the transition from cartilage to bone. Materials and Methods: A low-dose treatment protocol of streptozotocin in CD-1 mice was used to induce a type 1 diabetic condition. After mice were hyperglycemic for 3 weeks, controlled closed simple transverse fractures of the tibia were induced and fixed by intramedullary pins. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibias obtained 12, 16, and 22 days after fracture was performed across the fracture callus at 0.5 mm proximal and distal increments using computer-assisted image analysis. Another group of 16-day samples were examined by ,CT. RNA was isolated from a separate set of animals, and the expression of genes that reflect the formation and removal of cartilage and bone was measured by real-time PCR. Results: Molecular analysis of collagen types II and × mRNA expression showed that cartilage formation was the same during the initial period of callus formation. Histomorphometric analysis of day 12 fracture calluses showed that callus size and cartilage area were also similar in normoglycemic and diabetic mice. In contrast, on day 16, callus size, cartilage tissue, and new bone area were 2.0-, 4.4-, and 1.5-fold larger, respectively, in the normoglycemic compared with the diabetic group (p < 0.05). Analysis of ,CT images indicated that the bone volume in the normoglycemic animals was 38% larger than in diabetic animals. There were 78% more osteoclasts in the diabetic group compared with the normoglycemic group (p < 0.05) on day 16, consistent with the reduction in cartilage. Real-time PCR showed significantly elevated levels of mRNA expression for TNF-,, macrophage-colony stimulating factor, RANKL, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A in the diabetic group. Similarly, the mRNA encoding ADAMTS 4 and 5, major aggrecanases that degrade cartilage, was also elevated in diabetic animals. Conclusions: These results suggest that impaired fracture healing in diabetes is characterized by increased rates of cartilage resorption. This premature loss of cartilage leads to a reduction in callus size and contributes to decreased bone formation and mechanical strength frequently reported in diabetic fracture healing. [source] The impact of pressure ulcer risk assessment on patient outcomes among hospitalised patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 13 2009Mohammad Saleh Aims and objectives., To determine whether use of a risk assessment scale reduces nosocomial pressure ulcers. Background., There is contradictory evidence concerning the validity of risk assessment scales. The interaction of education, clinical judgement and use of risk assessment scales has not been fully explored. It is not known which of these is most important, nor whether combining them results in better patient care. Design., Pretest,posttest comparison. Methods., A risk assessment scale namely the Braden was implemented in a group of wards after appropriate education and training of staff in addition to mandatory wound care study days. Another group of staff received the same education programme but did not implement the risk assessment scale and a third group carried on with mandatory study days only. Results., Nosocomial Pressure Ulcer was reduced in all three groups, but the group that implemented the risk assessment scale showed no significant additional improvement. Allowing for age, gender, medical speciality, level of risk and other factors did not explain this lack of improvement. Clinical judgement seemed to be used by nurses to identify patients at high risk to implement appropriate risk reduction strategies such as use of pressure relieving beds. Clinical judgement was not significantly different from the risk assessment scale score in terms of risk evaluation. Conclusions., It is questioned whether the routine use of a risk assessment scale is useful in reducing nosocomial pressure ulcer. It is suggested clinical judgement is as effective as a risk assessment scale in terms of assessing risk (though neither show good sensitivity and specificity) and determining appropriate care. Relevance to clinical practice., Clinical judgement may be as effective as employing a risk assessment scale to assess the risk of pressure ulcers. If this were true it would be simpler and release nursing time for other tasks. [source] ACTIVITY DISTRIBUTION OF DIGESTIVE PROTEASES FROM NEMIPTERUS VIRGATUS AND THEIR RESPONSES TO pH VALUE AND TEMPERATUREJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2008HONG TAO ABSTRACT In the present study, three groups (I,III) of Nemipterus virgatus, with average body weights of 154.36, 250.72 and 329.09 g, respectively, were used to investigate the changes in the activity and distribution of digestive proteases in different organs and sections of the digestive tract. Another group of N. virgatus (average body weight of 188.41 g) was used to analyze the changes in the activity of digestive proteases in response to various pH values and temperatures. The activity of digestive proteases in all analyzed organs increased with the increase of body weight at the range of 154.36,329.09 g. The activities of digestive proteases in the different sections of the digestive tract were compared, and a similar change was found among groups I,III. The activities of digestive proteases from various organs were in a descending order: pylorus ceca > stomach > foregut > midgut > hindgut > hepatopancreas. Through observing the zymograms of substrate,sodium dodecil sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, many kinds of digestive proteases could be found in different organs and the varieties were changed with the change of body weight. Two peaks in the diagram between protease activity and pH value were found at pH 3.0 and 10.0, respectively. The activity under alkaline condition was 60% higher than that under acidic condition. The optimal temperature for protease activity was 50C, while the protease activity at 10C was only 30% of that at 50C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Nemipterus virgatus is one of the most important commercial fishes in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The digestive tract of N. virgatus is rich in digestive proteases and they can be employed as important biotechnological tools. The activities of digestive proteases from various organs and the effects of pH value and temperature on them were investigated in this study. The effect of body weight of N. virgatus was also evaluated. All these information would be helpful to extensively utilize this resource for the fish process industry. [source] Impact of Chronic Alcohol Ingestion on Cardiac Muscle Protein ExpressionALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2010Rachel L. Fogle Background:, Chronic alcohol abuse contributes not only to an increased risk of health-related complications, but also to a premature mortality in adults. Myocardial dysfunction, including the development of a syndrome referred to as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, appears to be a major contributing factor. One mechanism to account for the pathogenesis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy involves alterations in protein expression secondary to an inhibition of protein synthesis. However, the full extent to which myocardial proteins are affected by chronic alcohol consumption remains unresolved. Methods:, The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of chronic alcohol consumption on the expression of cardiac proteins. Male rats were maintained for 16 weeks on a 40% ethanol-containing diet in which alcohol was provided both in drinking water and agar blocks. Control animals were pair-fed to consume the same caloric intake. Heart homogenates from control- and ethanol-fed rats were labeled with the cleavable isotope coded affinity tags (ICATÔ). Following the reaction with the ICATÔ reagent, we applied one-dimensional gel electrophoresis with in-gel trypsin digestion of proteins and subsequent MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometric techniques for identification of peptides. Differences in the expression of cardiac proteins from control- and ethanol-fed rats were determined by mass spectrometry approaches. Results:, Initial proteomic analysis identified and quantified hundreds of cardiac proteins. Major decreases in the expression of specific myocardial proteins were observed. Proteins were grouped depending on their contribution to multiple activities of cardiac function and metabolism, including mitochondrial-, glycolytic-, myofibrillar-, membrane-associated, and plasma proteins. Another group contained identified proteins that could not be properly categorized under the aforementioned classification system. Conclusions:, Based on the changes in proteins, we speculate modulation of cardiac muscle protein expression represents a fundamental alteration induced by chronic alcohol consumption, consistent with changes in myocardial wall thickness measured under the same conditions. [source] Fracture Force, Deflection, and Toughness of Acrylic Denture Repairs Involving Glass Fiber ReinforcementJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 4 2008Ioannis Kostoulas DDS Abstract Purpose: Fractures in acrylic resin dentures occur quite often in the practice of prosthodontics. A durable repairing system for denture base fracture is desired to avoid recurrent fracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture force, deflection, and toughness of a heat-polymerized denture base resin repaired with autopolymerized resin alone (C), visible light-polymerizing resin (VLC), or autopolymerizing resin reinforced with unidirectional (Stick) (MA-FS) and woven glass fibers (StickNet) (MA-SN). Another group was repaired with autopolymerized resin after wetting the repair site with methyl methacrylate (MA-MMA) for 180 seconds. A group of intact specimens was used as control. Materials and Methods: Heat-polymerizing acrylic resin was used to fabricate the specimens. The specimens (10 per group) were sectioned in half, reassembled with a 3-mm butt-joint gap, and repaired. A cavity was included when glass fibers were used. Three-point bending was used to test the repaired site, and data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey's post hoc test (,, 0.05). Results: Fracture force, deflection, and toughness for the repaired groups without reinforcement (MA: 46.7 ± 8.6 N, 2.6 ± 0.3 mm, 0.08 ± 0.001 J; MA-MMA: 41.0 ± 7.2 N, 2.7 ± 0.4 mm, 0.07 ± 0.002 J) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the control group (C: 78.6 ± 9.6 N, 5.9 ± 0.4 mm, 0.27 ± 0.003 J). Repair with visible light-polymerizing resin (VLC, 15.0 ± 4.0 N, 1.2 ± 0.4 mm, 0.02 ± 0.0001 J) resulted in significant reduction of mechanical properties (p < 0.05). Reinforcement with glass fibers restored (MA-SN: 75.8 ± 9.2 N) or increased (MA-FS: 124.4 ± 12.5 N) the original strength. Conclusion: The most effective repair method was the use of autopolymerized resin reinforced with unidirectional glass fibers. [source] Dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine Reproduces the Antiapoptotic Actions of Polyenylphosphatidylcholine Against Ethanol-Induced Hepatocyte ApoptosisALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2003Ki M. Mak Background: Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC), a mixture of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines extracted from soybeans, attenuates hepatocyte apoptosis induced by ethanol feeding of rats. Our aims were to evaluate whether dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), the main component of PPC, reproduces the antiapoptotic actions of PPC against alcohol-induced apoptosis and to identify the apoptotic proteins that are affected by PPC and DLPC. Methods: Rats were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing ethanol (35% of energy) or an isocaloric amount of carbohydrate for 4 weeks. Another group of rats were given the ethanol diet supplemented with PPC (3 g/liter) or DLPC (1.5 and 3 g/liter). Hepatocyte apoptosis was assessed by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining and by caspase 3 enzyme activity. Activity of caspases 3 and 9 was assayed by using fluorogenic peptide substrates. Cytochrome c was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein contents of cytochrome c, procaspase 3, caspase 3, Bcl-xL, and Bax were analyzed by Western blot and quantified by densitometry. Lobular localization of active caspase 3 was examined by immunoperoxidase staining. Results: PPC and DLPC decreased ethanol-induced increases in hepatocyte apoptosis, cytosolic cytochrome c, and caspase 3 content and its activity. Caspase 3 activity correlated with the number of apoptotic hepatocytes. Active caspase 3 was present predominantly in perivenular hepatocytes, and ethanol feeding extended it to lobular hepatocytes; this ethanol effect was reduced by PPC and DLPC. Ethanol significantly decreased Bcl-xL in homogenate, mitochondria, and cytosol, and there was a trend for increased Bcl-xL in these fractions after PPC and DLPC supplementation. Microsomal Bcl-xL did not differ between treatment groups. Bax was detected in homogenate and cytosol, and its level was not affected by ethanol. Conclusions: DLPC, at a dose contained in PPC, reproduces the antiapoptotic actions of PPC through a reduction in cytosolic cytochrome c concentration and caspase 3 activity, possibly in association with up-regulation of Bcl-xL expression. Because DLPC is a pure and well defined compound, it may be more suitable than PPC for intervention against alcohol-induced apoptosis. [source] Feasibility of electromyography (sEMG) in measuring muscular activity during spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing knee arthroplastyACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2005L. Niemi-Murola Background:, Bromage scale (0,3) is used to measure the degree of motor block during spinal anaesthesia. However, an estimation of motor block is difficult during surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of surface EMG describing spontaneous muscular activity in the lower extremities during spinal anaesthesia. Methods:, In part I of the study, 13 patients undergoing day case surgery were studied. They received 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine at interspace L3,4. EMG, sensory and muscular block were measured at 5-min intervals during the first 30 min and then every 15 min until the patient was able to flex the knee. In part II of the study, 16 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty received 10 mg bupivacaine through spinal catheter at interspace L3,4 (Group CSA). An additional bolus of 2.5 mg was administered using EMG-guidance, if needed. Another group, 15 patients, received a single bolus of bupivacaine (15,20 mg) at L3,4 (Group Bolus). EMG, muscular and sensory block were monitored as described above. The epidural catheter was used as rescue. Results:, Part I: EMG compared to modified Bromage scale showed a significant correlation (P < 0.01, Spearman rank correlation). Part II: The amount of bupivacaine was significantly reduced with EMG guidance when compared with the single bolus group (14.0 mg vs. 17.0 mg) (P < 0.05 Mann,Whitney U). Motor block started to recover before the sensory block in 7/15 CSA patients vs. 1/15 Bolus patient. Conclusion:, Stable maximal sensory block does not necessarily correlate with adequate motor block in patients receiving spinal anaesthesia induced with small bolus doses. In spite of electrical noise, EMG-guided administration of spinal anaesthesia significantly reduced the amount of bupivacaine compared to the hospital routine. Further studies are needed to develop the method. [source] Identification of potato genes induced during colonization by Phytophthora infestansMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Katinka Beyer Summary Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH) was applied in a search for genes induced during the compatible interaction between Phytophthora infestans and potato. Using potato leaves that had been treated with benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methylester (BTH) as the control tissue, a low redundancy library with a relatively low frequency of the classic plant Pathogenesis-Related (PR) genes was generated. 288 of the clones were screened for induced sequences using Inverse Northern analysis (hybridizing the arrayed clones with radiolabelled cDNA populations). Of the 75 clones that were detectable by this method, 43 appeared to be induced. Eleven of these clones were then analysed by total RNA blot analysis, and elevation of transcript levels during P. infestans infection was confirmed for 10 of them. Some of the cDNAs analysed by RNA blot analysis have homology to genes already known to be induced during infection, e.g. to ,-1,3-glucanase. Another group of cDNAs have homology to enzymes involved in detoxification: gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase and an MRP-type ABC transporter. Other infection induced cDNAs encode putative proteins that have not previously been reported to be induced by infection: e.g. the ER-located chaperone BiP, and a homologue of Aspergillus nidulans SudD, which was isolated as a suppressor of a mutation in chromosome disjunction. The differential library therefore presents the opportunity to analyse the metabolic changes occurring during infection, and the disease process itself in more detail. [source] Infrared Radiation Influence on Molt and Regeneration of Neohelice granulata Dana, 1851 (Grapsidae, Sesarminae)PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Vinícius Cunha Gonzalez This paper analyzes the influence of infrared radiation (IR) on regeneration, after autotomy of limb buds of Neohelice granulata and consequently the time molt. Eyestalks were ablated to synchronize the start of molt. Afterward, animals were autotomized of five pereopods and divided into control and irradiated groups. The irradiated group was treated for 30 min daily until molt. Limb buds from five animals of days 4, 16 and 20 were collected and histological sections were made from them. These sections were photographed and chitin and epithelium content measured. Another group was made, and after 15 days limb buds were extracted to analyze mitochondrial enzymatic activity from complex I and II. The irradiated group showed a significant reduction in molt time (19.38 ± 1.22 days) compared with the control group (32.69 ± 1.57 days) and also a significant increase in mitochondrial complex I (388.9 ± 27.94%) and II (175.63 ± 7.66%) in the irradiated group when compared with the control group (100 ± 17.90; 100 ± 7.82, respectively). However, these effects were not acompanied by histological alterations in relation to chitin and epithelium. This way, it was possible to demonstrate that IR increases complex I and II activity, reduces the time molt and consequently increases the appendage regeneration rate. [source] Prospective study of clinical symptoms and skin test reactions in medical students exposed to formaldehyde gasTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Sachiko TAKAHASHI ABSTRACT Previous investigators have reported the occurrence of both allergic and non-allergic systemic complications due to exposure to formaldehyde gas. However, little is known about the pathogenic link between formaldehyde-induced clinical symptoms and patch test results, or about the long-term effects of formaldehyde exposure. In the present study, a questionnaire was administered to 143 medical students, and 60 of them were tested by patch test for formaldehyde at the beginning and end of a human anatomy laboratory course. Another group of 76 students who had finished the course 2,4 years previously were administered another questionnaire, and the patch test was carried out on 58 of them. The frequencies of skin irritation, eye soreness, lacrimation, eye fatigue, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, general fatigue and mood swings increased after repeated exposure. Two (3.3%) of 60 students became positive to 1% formaldehyde at the end of the anatomy course (one male with allergic hand dermatitis due to direct contact with formaldehyde, and one female with an atopic background with unbearable physical symptoms) while the remaining 58 showed a negative reaction throughout the study period. The vast majority of students complained of various non-allergic, physical symptoms, and recovered from such symptoms without subsequent complications. No progression to multiple chemical sensitivity was found. Students with an episode of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis were susceptible to formaldehyde exposure, and developed mucocutaneous symptoms, probably due to the impaired barrier function and remodeling of the skin and mucosa. [source] How Today's Consumers Perceive Tomorrow's Smart Products,THE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2009Serge A. Rijsdijk This paper investigates consumer responses to new smart products. Due to the application of information technology, smart products are able to collect, process, and produce information and can be described as "thinking" for themselves. In this study, 184 consumers respond to smart products that are characterized by two different combinations of smartness dimensions. One group of products shows the smartness dimensions of autonomy, adaptability, and reactivity. Another group of smart products are multifunctional and able to cooperate with other products. Consumer responses to these smart products are measured in terms of the innovation attributes of relative advantage, compatibility, observability, complexity, and perceived risk. The study shows that products with higher levels of smartness are perceived to have both advantages and disadvantages. Higher levels of product smartness are mainly associated with higher levels of observability and perceived risk. The effects of product smartness on relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity vary across product smartness dimensions and across product categories. For example, higher levels of product autonomy are perceived as increasingly advantageous whereas a high level of multifunctionality is perceived disadvantageous. The paper discusses the advantages and pitfalls for each of the five product smartness dimensions and their implications for new product development and concludes with a discussion of the limitations of the study and suggestions for further research. [source] Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Comparison Between Far-East Asian and White MenTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2000Kasey K. Li MD Abstract Objectives To investigate the possible differences between Far-East Asian men and white men in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Study Design Prospective nonrandomized controlled study. Methods This study compared consecutive Far-East Asian men with OSAS (n = 50) with two selected groups of White men with OSAS (n = 50 in each group). One group of white men was controlled for age, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and minimum oxygenation saturation (LSAT). Another group was controlled for age and body mass index (BMI). Cephalometric analysis was performed on all subjects. Results The majority of the Far-East Asian men were found to be nonobese (mean BMI, 26.7 ± 3.8) but had severe OSAS (mean RDI, 55.1 ± 35.1). When controlled for age, RDI, and LSAT, the white men were substantially more obese (mean BMI, 29.7 ± 5.8, P = .0055). When controlled for age and BMI, the white men had less severe illness (RDI, 34.1 ± 17.9, P = .0001). Although the posterior airway space and the distance from the mandibular plane to hyoid bone were less abnormal in the Far-East Asian men, the cranial base dimensions were significantly decreased. Conclusions The majority of the Far-East Asian men in this study were found to be nonobese, despite the presence of severe OSAS. When compared with white men, Far-East Asian men were less obese but had greater severity of OSAS. There may be differences in obesity and craniofacial anatomy as risk factors in these two groups. [source] Early Hemodynamic Injury During Donor Brain Death Determines the Severity of Primary Graft Dysfunction after Lung TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2007V. S. Avlonitis Sympathetic discharge and hypertensive crisis often accompany brain death, causing neurogenic pulmonary edema. Progressive systemic inflammatory response develops, which can injure the lung further. We investigated whether (a) early hemodynamic injury during donor brain death increases reperfusion injury after lung transplantation and (b) delaying lung recovery would augment reperfusion injury further, because of the progressive systemic inflammatory response in the donor. Brain death was induced by intracranial balloon inflation in rats, with or without ,-adrenergic blockade pretreatment to prevent the hypertensive crisis. Another group of rats had a sham procedure. Lungs were retrieved 15 min after brain death or sham procedure and reperfused using recipient rats. In a fourth group, brain death was induced and the lungs were retrieved 5 h after brain death and reperfused. Postreperfusion, lungs retrieved early from untreated brain-dead donors developed more severe reperfusion injury, as assessed by functional parameters and inflammatory markers, than those from sham or alpha-blockade-treated donors. Lungs retrieved late from brain-dead donors had similar inflammatory markers after reperfusion to those retrieved early, but significantly lower pulmonary vascular resistance. Early hemodynamic damage during donor brain death increases reperfusion injury after lung transplantation. Delaying retrieval may allow the lung to recover from the hemodynamic injury. [source] Genetic structure of a wide-spectrum chicken gene poolANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 5 2009Z. Granevitze Summary The genetic structure of 65 chicken populations was studied using 29 simple sequence repeat loci. Six main clusters which corresponded to geographical origins and histories were identified: Brown Egg Layers; predominantly Broilers; native Chinese breeds or breeds with recent Asian origin; predominantly breeds of European derivation; a small cluster containing populations with no common history and populations that had breeding history with White Leghorn. Another group of populations that shared their genome with several clusters was defined as ,Multi-clusters'. Gallus gallus gallus (Multi-clusters), one of the subspecies of the Red Jungle Fowl, which was previously suggested to be one of the ancestors of the domesticated chicken, has almost no shared loci with European and White Egg layer populations. In a further sub-clustering of the populations, discrimination between all the 65 populations was possible, and relationships between each were suggested. The genetic variation between populations was found to account for about 34% of the total genetic variation, 11% of the variation being between clusters and 23% being between populations within clusters. The suggested clusters may assist in future studies of genetic aspects of the chicken gene pool. [source] Growth response of Nile tilapia fry to salinity stress in the presence of an ,internal reference' fishAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 7 2005Zubaida U Basiao Abstract Growth of three strains of Oreochromis niloticus L. fry exposed to salinity stress in the presence of an internal reference fish were compared. The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) strain was obtained from the Freshwater Aquaculture Center, CLSU, Philippines. The ISRAEL strain was acquired from the Philippine government's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NFFTC), Munoz, Nueva Ecija. The National Inland Fisheries Institute (NIFI) strain was obtained from the NIFI, Bangkok, Thailand. Eight to nine full-sib families (replicates) per strain were split into two groups. One group was grown in freshwater for 2 weeks, acclimated to 32 ppt and reared for 2 weeks and finally grown in freshwater for another 2 weeks. Another group was contemporaneously grown in freshwater polyethylene tanks for 6 weeks. Each replicate family included a size-matched internal reference population of red tilapia strain. Two-way analysis of variance (anova) revealed no significant strain differences (P=0.081; r2=0.106). However, analysis of covariance with the internal reference strain used as a covariate showed significant (P=0.049; r2=0.638) strain effects on specific growth (based on standard length measurements). The ISRAEL strain showed consistently better growth rate in both saline and freshwater environments than the NIFI and CLSU strains. We estimated the statistical power of the two-way anova (,=,(k,,1)(factor MS,s2)/(k,s2); Zar 1984) to be ,0.30. There was a 70% probability of a Type II error and no true difference in the growth of the three strains was detected. The use of internal reference strain as a covariate improved the r2 from 0.106 to 0.638 and increased the efficiency of the test in detecting a true difference. Other strain comparison studies in our laboratory at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department showed that the ISRAEL strain shows better growth than the NIFI and CLSU strains in a crowding stress tolerance experiment, when fed only with rice bran and under restrictive feeding regimes. [source] Acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: A randomized, controlled trial with an additional nonrandomized armARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2006Claudia M. Witt Objective To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in addition to routine care, compared with routine care alone, in the treatment of patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip. Methods In a randomized, controlled trial, patients with chronic pain due to OA of the knee or hip were randomly allocated to undergo up to 15 sessions of acupuncture in a 3-month period or to a control group receiving no acupuncture. Another group of patients who did not consent to randomization underwent acupuncture treatment. All patients were allowed to receive usual medical care in addition to the study treatment. Clinical OA severity (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) and health-related quality of life (Short Form 36) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months and 6 months. Results Of 3,633 patients (mean ± SD age 61.8 ± 10.8 years; 61% female), 357 were randomized to the acupuncture group and 355 to the control group, and 2,921 were included in the nonrandomized acupuncture group. At 3 months, the WOMAC had improved by a mean ± SEM of 17.6 ± 1.0 in the acupuncture group and 0.9 ± 1.0 in the control group (3-month scores 30.5 ± 1.0 and 47.3 ± 1.0, respectively [difference in improvement 16.7 ± 1.4; P < 0.001]). Similarly, quality of life improvements were more pronounced in the acupuncture group versus the control group (P < 0.001). Treatment success was maintained through 6 months. The changes in outcome in nonrandomized patients were comparable with those in randomized patients who received acupuncture. Conclusion These results indicate that acupuncture plus routine care is associated with marked clinical improvement in patients with chronic OA,associated pain of the knee or hip. [source] Effects of Subchronic versus Acute in utero Exposure to Dexmedetomidine on Foetal Developments in RatsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Mohammad Tariq This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of in utero exposure of dexmedetomidine on foetal development and postnatal behaviour in the offspring. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were chronically treated with dexmedetomidine (0, 5, 10 and 20 µg/kg, subcutaneously) daily from gestation day 7 to day 19. Another group of animals received only a single acute dose of dexmedetomidine (20 µg/kg) on gestational day 19 to mimic a model for systemic analgesia during labour. Administration of dexmedetomidine did not affect the frequency of implantations. Chronic administration of 10 and 20 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the body weight and crown-rump length of pups, whereas a single acute dose (20 µg/kg) did not affect these parameters. None of the pups exhibited any external malformations or skeletal abnormalities irrespective of treatment assigned. All the pups showed a normal postnatal weight gain during the developmental phase. No significant differences were observed among any of the groups with respect to behavioural performances of offspring in beam balance, grip strength and inclined plane tests as well as motor activity. In conclusion, acute exposure to dexmedetomidine at the anticipated delivery time does not exert any adverse effects on perinatal morphology of pups, their birth weight, crown-rump length, physical growth and postnatal behavioural performances. Since this study was conducted in rats, its clinical relevance in human beings remains to be unclear and warrants further studies. [source] Determination of the time required for appropriate chemical de-epithelialization of an ileal segment for cystoplasty: an animal modelBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2005Jalal Bakhtiari Another group of authors from Iran attempted experimentally to determine the required time for the appropriate enzymatic treatment of the ideal segment to complete de-epithelialization, thus reducing its absorptive function. They found that 25 min of enzymatic treatment of the ideal segment was adequate for this, and that it was recommended from their experimental study for cystoplasty. OBJECTIVES To determine the time required for the appropriate enzymatic treatment of an ileal segment to de-epithelialize its mucosa and to reduce its absorptive function for cystoplasty in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one adult female Persian mixed-breed dogs were divided into seven equal groups: group 1 (negative control group) had no ileocystoplasty; group 2 (positive control group) had a routine ileocystoplasty with no enzymatic treatment of the ileal segment; and groups 3,7 had an ileocystoplasty with 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 min, respectively, of enzymatic treatment of the ileal segment with collagenase and trypsin. The seven groups were then compared for haematological, biochemical and histological changes, and glucose reabsorption assessed using a glucose-absorption test. RESULTS No dogs showed any signs of metabolic disturbances, biochemical and haematological changes. There were significant differences in blood glucose level (BGL) for the groups at different times after the glucose-absorption test, but a pair-wise comparison showed significant differences in BGL between group 1 and the other groups, except group 7. The degree of histopathological change was associated with the duration of enzymatic treatment, in that changes were more prominent in group 7. There was no shrinkage or collagen deposition. CONCLUSIONS In these conditions, 25 min of enzymatic treatment of the ileal segment is sufficient to remove the absorptive function of the augmented bladder, and is recommended for cystoplasty in dogs. [source] Induction of potent antitumour natural-killer cells from peripheral blood of patients with advanced prostate cancerBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2003T. Oikawa In this section there are four papers on a variety of topics. The subject of antitumour natural killer cells is addressed in patients with advanced prostate cancer. In another study, the authors describe their work into the effect of oestrogen and testosterone on the urethral seam of the developing male mouse genital tubercle. Another group of authors studied ion-channel currents of smooth muscle cells isolated from the prostate of the guinea pig, and the final paper describes how a novel pyrrole derivative, NS-8, suppresses the rat micturition reflex by inhibiting afferent pelvic nerve activity. OBJECTIVE To examine whether antitumour natural-killer (NK) cells can be induced from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with advanced prostate cancer, as cell therapy using antitumour immune cells is a promising candidate treatment but such patients generally have a suppressed immune response against cancer cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS PBMCs were obtained from 10 patients (four with stage D2 and six with stage B or C disease). For the NK cell expansion, PBMCs were co-cultured with irradiated HFWT cells, a cell line originating from Wilms' tumour, in RHAM , culture medium supplemented with 5% autologous plasma and interleukin-2 (200 U/mL) for 2 weeks. RESULTS When PBMCs were co-cultured with HFWT cells, lymphocytes from all patients had a 20- to 130-fold expansion after 2 weeks of culture. The CD16+ CD56+ cells constituted >,70% of the proliferated lymphocyte population. The induced NK cells had significantly greater cytotoxicity against a prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) than lymphocytes cultured with no HFWT cells. There was no significant difference in growth and phenotypes of lymphocytes and the induced NK cell activity between patients with stage D2, B or C. CONCLUSION NK cells with potent cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines from patients with advanced prostate cancer were selectively expanded. Further investigation is needed to determine whether this approach could be a candidate for cell therapy for advanced prostate cancer. [source] Planar cell polarity effector gene Fuzzy regulates cilia formation and Hedgehog signal transduction in mouseDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2009Westley Heydeck Abstract Precise planar cell polarity (PCP) is critical for the development of multiple organ systems in animals. A group of core-PCP proteins are recognized to play crucial roles in convergent extension and other PCP-related processes in mammals. However, the functions of another group of PCP-regulating proteins, the PCP-effector proteins, are yet to be fully studied. In this study, the generation and characterization of a mouse mutant for the PCP effector gene Fuzzy (Fuz) is reported. Fuz homozygous mutants are embryonically lethal, with multiple defects including neural tube defects, abnormal dorsal/ventral patterning of the spinal cord, and defective anterior/posterior patterning of the limb buds. Fuz mutants also exhibit abnormal Hedgehog (Hh) signaling and inefficient proteolytic processing of Gli3. Finally, a significant decrease in cilia was found in Fuz homozygous mutants. In conclusion, Fuz plays an important role in cilia formation, Hh signal transduction, and embryonic development in mammals. Developmental Dynamics 238:3035,3042, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Amplitude and Velocity of Mitral Annulus Motion in RabbitsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2004Li-ming Gan M.D., Ph.D. Objective: During recent years, the amplitude and the maximal systolic velocity of the mitral annulus motion (MAM) have been established as indices of the left ventricular systolic function and the maximal diastolic velocity of the annulus motion has been suggested as an index of diastolic function. The main aims of the present study were to investigate the feasibility of these techniques in rabbits and to investigate age-related changes concerning these variables. Methods: Twenty-one New Zealand white rabbits were investigated by echocardiographic M-mode and pulsed tissue Doppler. One subgroup (I) included 11 still-growing, 3.0 ± 0.2 month-old, animals and another group (II) included 10 young grown up rabbits, 12.1 ± 1.5 months old. Results: The amplitude (4.8 ± 0.6 and 3.5 ± 0.3 mm, respectively) and maximal systolic (98 ± 14 and 66 ± 7 mm/s, respectively) and diastolic (111 ± 21 and 80 ± 12 mm/s, respectively) velocities of the MAM were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in group I than in group II, despite a bigger heart in the animals in the latter group. A coefficient of variation of <5% was found for both inter- and intraobserver variability for both amplitude and velocities. Conclusions: The amplitude and velocities of MAM are easily recorded in rabbits with excellent reproducibility and the changes with age seem to be very similar to those in humans. These noninvasive M-mode and tissue Doppler methods are therefore suitable for the investigation of left ventricular function in experimental studies in rabbits. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, May 2004) [source] Influence of chorion ingestion on the performance of Ascia monuste and its association with cannibalismECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Helen C. H. Barros-Bellanda Summary 1. In some lepidopterans, the newly hatched caterpillars feed on chorion (animal protein) as their first food. This is also a frequent behaviour of newly hatched caterpillars of Ascia monuste. 2. According to some parameters tested (time for pupation, number of adults, male imago weight, and fifth-instar ingestion), chorion ingestion by first-instar larvae affects adult performance positively. The ingestion of ultraviolet-sterilised chorion provided the same positive effect on performance. It is thus suggested that young caterpillars may be benefiting from chorion nutritionally, and that chorion ingestion is a chain of events that leads to positive effects on insect performance. 3. Cannibalism in A. monuste was observed in newly hatched caterpillars and is related to the chorion ingestion behaviour. A condition for this to occur was the interval of time of hatching, which means that, if a group of caterpillars hatches very much before another group, once the caterpillars have ingested the chorion of their own eggs, there is a tendency for them to ingest the chorion of other eggs (including unhatched eggs) and, consequently, practice cannibalism. 4. Ascia monuste immatures are considered to be herbivorous, however it is important to know that they eat animal tissue (chorion and conspecific eggs). [source] The ttgGHI solvent efflux pump operon of Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E is located on a large self-transmissible plasmidENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007José J. Rodríguez-Herva Summary Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E is a solvent-tolerant strain able to grow in the presence of > 1% (v/v) toluene in the culture medium. A set of multidrug efflux pumps have been found to play a major role in the tolerance of this bacterium to organic solvents (Rojas et al., J Bacteriol 183: 3967,3973). In the course of studies of the mechanisms underlying solvent tolerance in DOT-T1E, we isolated a spontaneous solvent-sensitive mutant derivative which had lost the genes encoding the TtgGHI efflux pump, the most important extrusion element in quantitative terms. Genomic comparisons between the mutant and its parental strain by microarray analysis revealed that in addition to the ttgVW-ttgGHI gene cluster, another group of genes, highly similar to those found in the Tn4653A and ISPpu12 transposable elements of the TOL plasmid pWW0 from P. putida mt-2, were also absent from this strain. Further analysis demonstrated that strain DOT-T1E harboured a large plasmid (named pGRT1) that was lost from the solvent-sensitive mutant. Mapping analysis revealed that the ttgVW-ttgGHI genes and the Tn4653A -like transposon are borne by the pGRT1 plasmid. Plasmid pGRT1 is highly stable and its frequency of loss is below 10,8 per cell per generation under a variety of growth conditions, including nutritional and physical stresses. The pGRT1 plasmid is self-transmissible, and its acquisition by the toluene-sensitive P. putida KT2440 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 increased the recipient's tolerance to toluene up to levels similar to those exhibited by P. putida DOT-T1E. We discuss the importance and potential benefits of this plasmid for the development of bacteria with enhanced solvent tolerance, and its potential impact for bioremediation and whole-cell biotransformations. [source] Tonically active neurons in the striatum differentiate between delivery and omission of expected reward in a probabilistic task contextEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Paul Apicella Abstract Tonically active neurons (TANs) in the primate striatum are responsive to rewarding stimuli and they are thought to be involved in the storage of stimulus,reward associations or habits. However, it is unclear whether these neurons may signal the difference between the prediction of reward and its actual outcome as a possible neuronal correlate of reward prediction errors at the striatal level. To address this question, we studied the activity of TANs from three monkeys trained in a classical conditioning task in which a liquid reward was preceded by a visual stimulus and reward probability was systematically varied between blocks of trials. The monkeys' ability to discriminate the conditions according to probability was assessed by monitoring their mouth movements during the stimulus,reward interval. We found that the typical TAN pause responses to the delivery of reward were markedly enhanced as the probability of reward decreased, whereas responses to the predictive stimulus were somewhat stronger for high reward probability. In addition, TAN responses to the omission of reward consisted of either decreases or increases in activity that became stronger with increasing reward probability. It therefore appears that one group of neurons differentially responded to reward delivery and reward omission with changes in activity into opposite directions, while another group responded in the same direction. These data indicate that only a subset of TANs could detect the extent to which reward occurs differently than predicted, thus contributing to the encoding of positive and negative reward prediction errors that is relevant to reinforcement learning. [source] Long slow night hemodialysis and quality of lifeHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005P. Hakkarainen Background:,Long slow hemodialysis (LS-HD) improves many biochemical parameters compared with conventional HD. However, its influences on quality of life are less well known. Aims:,The objective of this study was to examine the quality of life of patients on LS-HD performed overnight compared to the patients on standard hemodialysis. This extends the previous study, conducted in 2001, which examined the LS-HD patients, quality of life. Patients and methods:,We sent questionnaires to 12 LS-HD (overnight, treatment time 8 h × 3/wk) patients and 15 day HD (4.5 h × 3/wk) patients, all being treated using the limited care method. Data was collected using two different structured questionnaires. One was constructed for a previous study (2001) and the other one was a standardized set of questionnaires (RAND-36). Research material was collected from patient documents, such as the essential biochemical parameters, blood pressure, weight gain, and weekly EPO doses were recorded. Ten of the LS-HD patients (83%) and 13/15 (87%) of day HD patients returned the questionnaires. Three day hemodialysis patients returned empty questionnaires, which were disqualified. Results:,Based on the medical facts, the results showed that the patients of LS-HD felt better than the patients in another group. Patients on the LS-HD had higher Kt/V (2.623 vs. 1.577) and Hb (118 vs. 111) and lower Pi (1.36 vs. 1.63) and EPO dose (epoietin-beta 2667 ky/week vs. 5833 ky/week; darbepoetin 16 ky/week vs. 37 ky/week). However, their predialysis BP as well as the weight gain between treatments and salt and fluid balances caused problems furthermore. The experiences of the therapy of the LS-HD patients were more positive than of the control group: they felt their medical condition was better than of the patients on day HD. However we didn't observe significant differences in the replies showing physical or psychosocial conditions between the two groups. Conclusions:,The study suggests that when patients can themselves make the choice between treatment modalities, it improves the quality of life of the patients. Control of anemia is improved in LS-HD overnight patients with lower doses of EPO. The LS-HD gives the patients more freedom of diet. However, more attention must be paid to salt and fluid restriction. The LS-HD makes it possible for many patients to work normally. [source] Increased lipopolysaccharide binding protein in cirrhotic patients with marked immune and hemodynamic derangementHEPATOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Agustín Albillos Intestinal bacterial overgrowth and translocation, both common in cirrhosis with ascites, may lead to the activation of monocytes and lymphocytes, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and enhanced synthesis of nitric oxide present in cirrhosis. Bacterial endotoxin promotes the synthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP), and forms a LPS-LBP complex that binds to CD14. This study was designed to evaluate LBP levels and their correlation to the immune response and the hemodynamic status in cirrhotic patients. Plasma LBP, endotoxin, soluble CD14 (sCD14), cytokines, renin, nitrites, and systemic vascular resistance were determined before and 4 weeks after norfloxacin or placebo in 102 cirrhotic patients and 30 controls. LBP was elevated in 42% of ascitic cirrhotic patients (15.7 ± 0.7 versus 6.06 ± 0.5 ,g/mL, P < .01). In 60% of high LBP patients, endotoxin was within normal range. Among ascitic patients, those with high LBP showed greater (P < .05) levels of sCD14, tumor necrosis factor , (TNF-,), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nitrites + nitrates (NOx)/creatinine, and renin, and lower vascular resistance. In the cirrhotic patients with high LBP, norfloxacin normalized (P < .01) LBP (from 16.6 ± 0.5 to 5.82 ± 0.8 , g/mL) and sCD14; reduced the level of cytokines, NOx/creatinine, and renin; and increased vascular resistance; but lacked effect in patients with normal LBP. Portal pressure was unchanged after norfloxacin in another group of 18 cirrhotic patients with high and 19 with normal LBP. In conclusion, the subset of ascitic cirrhotic patients with marked immune and hemodynamic derangement is identified by increased LBP levels. Amelioration of these abnormalities by norfloxacin suggests the involvement of enteric bacteria or their products in the triggering of the process. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||