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Mann-Whitney Test (mann-whitney + test)
Selected Abstracts3231: The effect of riboflavin mediated corneal crosslinking on corneal hydrationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010G KONTADAKIS Purpose To evaluate the primary effect of corneal collagen crosslinking on corneal hydration. Methods Twenty corneal buttons from freshly enucleated porcine eyes where immersed in riboflavin 0.1% in dextran 20% dilution for three hours in order for their hydration to reach an equilibrium. Corneal buttons where divided in two groups; the first group was stored in dark conditions while the other group was irradiated with UV radiation (390nm) for 30 minutes to stimulate collagen cross-linking according to the clinically applied protocol. After irradiation all corneas were immersed in dextran 20% solution for 30 additional minutes and subsequently weighted. Finally all corneal buttons were dehydrated for 48 hours in a desiccating oven set at 62Co and weighted again to obtain their dry mass. Hydration (%) of each button was calculated. Results were analyzed with non parametric tests. Results Irradiated group of corneas had statistically significant lower hydration than the non irradiated group. (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney Test). Mean hydration in the irradiated group was 71% and in the non-irradiated 75%. Conclusion Collagen crosslinking causes corneal dehydration that can be detected immediately after the procedure. This phenomenon may contribute to increased mechanical stiffness of the cornea. [source] Correlation between coping style and quality of life among hemodialysis patients from a low-income area in BrazilHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2010Paulo Roberto SANTOS Abstract Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome among end-stage renal disease patients and can be associated with modifiable behaviors. We analyzed the correlation between coping style and QOL among hemodialysis patients. We studied 166 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. They were older than 18 years, under hemodialysis for at least 3 months, and had never received a transplant. Quality of life was assessed by SF-36 and coping style was scored by the Jalowiec Coping Scale. Emotion-oriented coping and problem-oriented coping scores were compared according to sex, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status by the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations between QOL and 2 coping styles (emotion-oriented coping and problem-oriented coping) were adjusted for age, time on dialysis, hemoglobin, creatinine, albumin, calcium,phosphorus product, and Kt/V by backward stepwise linear regression. There was no difference between coping scores according to sex, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status. Emotion-oriented coping was independently and negatively associated with 4 QOL dimensions: physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, and mental health. Our results indicate that patients with high emotion-oriented coping scores should be seen at risk for poor QOL. Patient education in coping skills may be used to change the risk of poor QOL. [source] Atrial Morphology in Hearts with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: Implications for the InterventionistJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002RAJNISH JUNEJA M.D. Atrial Morphology in Congenitally Corrected Transposition.Introduction: In view of the possible need for septal puncture to ablate left-sided lesions and the occasional difficulty in coronary sinus (CS) cannulation, we investigated relevant anatomic features in the right atrium of hearts with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). Methods and Results: Nine hearts with ccTGA and an intact atrial septum and eight weight-matched normal hearts were examined by studying the "septal" aspect of the right atrium with reference to the oval fossa (OF). The anterior margin was arbitrarily measured as the shortest distance from the OF to the superior mitral/tricuspid annulus. The posterior margin was measured from the OF to the posterior-most edge of the right atrial "septal" surface. The total "septal" surface width was measured at the middle of the OF. The stretched OF dimensions and CS isthmus length were noted. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare absolute and indexed dimensions, i.e.. normalized to total width. The posterior margin in hearts with ccTGA was shorter than in controls (6.3 ± 2.4 mm vs 11 ± 1.9 mm, P < 0.001; normalized margin P = 0.09). The CS isthmus also was significantly shorter (5.3 ± 2.7 mm vs 11.4 ± 2.2 mm, P < 0.001). In two hearts with ccTGA, the CS opening into the right atrium was on the same side of the eustachian valve as the inferior caval vein. Conclusion: The shorter posterior "septal" margin in hearts with ccTGA may increase the risk of exiting the heart while performing septal puncture when pointing the needle posteriorly. The shorter CS isthmus and the abnormal location of the CS opening in some of these hearts are important when contemplating radiofrequency ablation in this area. [source] Granulocyte elastase, matrix metalloproteinase-8 and prostaglandin E2 in gingival crevicular fluid in matched clinical sites in smokers and non-smokers with persistent periodontitisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2002B. Söder Abstract Background/aims: Smokers with persistent periodontitis may have granulocytes with impaired function. This study aimed to determine the levels of granulocyte elastase, matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in smokers and non-smokers with persistent periodontitis. Methods: We analyzed GCF from 70 matched sites in 29 periodontitis and 6 gingivitis sites in 34 subjects, 17 smokers, and 17 non-smokers. We also analyzed separately GCF from 28 of these subjects, 14 smokers and 14 non-smokers in 14 matched periodontitis sites. The following measurements were made: elastase complexed to ,1 -antitrypsin (EA-,1AT) and MMP-8 with ELISA, functional elastase with a chromogenic substrate, and PGE2 with radioimmunoassay (125I RIA). The significance of the findings was determined with Mann-Whitney test. Results: In the 29 matched periodontitis sites, smokers had significantly more functional elastase (p<0.005) and more EA-,1AT (p<0.05) than non-smokers. In the 14 matched periodontitis sites in 14 smokers and 14 non-smokers, the former had significantly more functional elastase than the latter (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between EA-,1AT and MMP-8 in smokers (p<0.05) and non-smokers (p<0.001) and a positive correlation between levels of functional elastase and MMP-8 in non-smokers (r2=0.98; p<0.001). Conclusions: Granulocyte function seems to be impaired in smokers with persistent periodontitis. The cells react to the bacterial challenge by releasing serine proteases, which reflect the degradation of connective tissue. The risk of progression of the disease is therefore higher in smokers with persistent periodontitis than in non-smokers. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund, Ziele: Raucher mit bestehender Parodontitis haben möglicherweise Granulozyten mit beeinträchtigter Funktion. Diese Studie zielt auf die Bestimmung der Levels von Granulozytenelastase, Matrix-Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) und Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in der krevikulären gingivalen Flüssigkeit (GCF) bei Rauchern und Nichtrauchern mit bestehender Parodontitis. Methoden: Wir analysierten GCF von 70 entsprechenden Flächen bei 29 Parodontitis und 6 Gingivitisflächen von 34 Personen, 17 Rauchern und 17 Nichtrauchern. Wir analysierten zusätzlich getrennt die GCF von 28 dieser Personen: 14 Raucher und 14 Nichtraucher von 14 entsprechenden parodontalen Flächen. Die folgenden Messungen wurden vorgenommen: Elastasekomplex zu ,1 -Antitrypsin (EA-,1AT) und MMP-8 mit ELISA, funktionelle Elastase mit chromogenem Substrat und PGE2 mit Radioimmunoassay (125I RIA). Die Signifikanz der Ergebnisse wurde mit dem Mann-Whitney Test bestimmt. Ergebnisse: In den 29 entsprechenden parodontalen Flächen hatten die Raucher signifikant mehr funktionelle Elastase (p<0.005) und mehr EA-,1At (p<0.05) als Nichtraucher. Bei den 14 entsprechenden parodontalen Flächen der 14 Raucher und 14 Nichtraucher hatten die ersten signifikant mehr funktionelle Elastase als die letzteren (p<0.001). Eine signifikante Korrelation wurde zwischen EA-,1AT und MMP-8 bei Rauchern (p<0.05) und Nichtrauchern (p<0.001) gefunden und eine positive Korrelation zwischen den Levels der funktionellen Elastase und MMP-8 bei Nichtrauchern (r2=0.98; p<0.001) festgestellt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Granulozytenfunktion scheint bei Rauchern mit bestehender Parodontitis beeinträchtigt zu sein. Die Zellen reagieren auf die bakterielle Herausforderung durch Freisetzung von Serinproteasen, die die Degradation von Bindegewebe reflektiert. Das Risiko einer Progression dieser Erkrankung ist deshalb bei Rauchern mit bestehender Parodontitis höher als bei Nichtrauchern. Résumé Origine, but: Les fumeurs avec parodontite persistante pourraient avoir des granulocytes ayant des fonctions déréglées. Cette étude a eu pour but de déterminer les niveaux d'élastase granulocytaire, de la métallo-protéinase-8 de la matrice (MMP-8) et de la prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) dans le fluide créviculaire gingival (GCF) chez les fumeurs et les non-fumeurs avec parodontite persistante. Méthodes: Le GCF a été prélevé de 70 sites équivalents dans 29 parodontites et 6 sites avec gingivite chez 34 sujets, 17 fumeurs et 17 non-fumeurs. Le GCF de 28 de ces sujets a été analysé séparément, 14 fumeurs et 14 non-fumeurs dans 14 sites équivalents du point de vue parodontite. Les mesures suivantes ont été relevées: l'élastase avec ,1 -antitrypsine (EA-,1AT) et MMP-8 par ELISA, l'élastase fonctionnelle avec un substrat chromogénique, et PGE2 avec un essai radio-immunitaire (125I RIA). La signification de ces découvertes a été par l'utilisation du test de Mann-Whitney. Résultats: Dans les 29 sites équivalents, les fumeurs avaient significativement plus d'élastase functionnelle (p<0.005) et plus de EA-,1AT (p<0.05) que les non-fumeurs. Dans les 14 sites équivalents du point de vue parodontite, les 14 fumeurs avaient significativement plus d'élastase fonctionnelle que les 14 non-fumeurs (p<0.001). Une relation significative a étéétablie entre EA-,1AT et MMP-8 chez les fumeurs (p<0.05) et les non-fumeurs (p<0.001) et une relation positive entre les niveaux d'élastase fonctionnelle et de MMP-8 chez les non-fumeurs (r2=0.98; p<0.001). Conclusions: La fonction granulocytaire semble être altérée chez les fumeurs avec parodontite persistante. Les cellules réagissent à l'attaque bactérienne en relâchant des protéases sérine, ce qui démontre une dégradation du tissu conjonctif. Le risque de progression de la maladie est ainsi plus élevé chez les fumeurs avec parodontite persistante que chez les non-fumeurs. [source] Peritoneal and Peripheral B-1-Cell Populations in Patients with EndometriosisJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2000Dr. Fumihisa Chishima Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of B-1 cells in the peritoneal cavity and peripheral blood of patients with endometriosis. Materials and Methods: We examined 31 patients with endometriosis and 14 normal nonpregnant women. Peripheral blood cells and peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) were stained with FITC or PE-labeled anti-CD5/CD19 monoclonal antibodies. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed using a flow cytometer. The significance of differences between the patient and control groups was determined by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: There was no significant difference in the percentages of B-1 cells in the peripheral blood of women with and without endometriosis (median, 22.7%; range, 4.7,92.3% vs median, 20.05%; range, 11.1,12.6%, respectively). Endometriosis patients with antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) demonstrated significantly elevated B-1 cells compared to both endometriosis patients without ANAs and normal controls (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). Endometriosis patients demonstrated significantly higher B-1 cell populations (B-1 cells/total B-cell ratio) in PECs than did non-endometriosis patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The peripheral B-1-cell population in patients with endometriosis is related to ANA production. B-1 cells might play important roles in the development of endometriosis through autoantibody production. [source] Effect of Aging on Coronal Microleakage in Access Cavities through Metal Ceramic Crowns Restored with Resin CompositesJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 5 2010Ali Abdullah Alwan Al-Maqtari BDS Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine if packable resin composite with/without flowable resin composite has the ability to prevent coronal leakage in restored endodontic access openings following aging. Materials and Methods: Eighty simulated standardized access cavities of metal-ceramic crowns were fabricated and fixed on Vitrebond cavities filled with an epoxy resin. The specimens were randomly divided into two main groups: (1) Group A,Access cavities filled with only packable composite (Filtek P60); (2) Group B,Access cavities filled with Filtek P60 and a flowable composite (Filtek Z350) as liner. Each main group was further subdivided randomly into four subgroups according to water storage and thermocycling periods. All specimens were immersed in blue ink solution for 24 hours and then sectioned into quadrants. The extension of blue ink along the metal-ceramic crown/composite resin interface was measured linearly using image analyzer and then analyzed by three-way ANOVA and independent t -test with a Mann-Whitney test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: All tested subgroups demonstrated different levels of microleakage. There was no significant difference related to restorative technique; however, there was a significant difference related to water storage and thermocycling. Conclusions: All tested techniques and materials in this study showed microleakage. Packable composite while a flowable liner showed a marginally better result than packable composite alone. Excessive thermocycling resulted in significant differences among the test groups. [source] The efficacy of ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream vs. ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream in the treatment of the chronic hand eczema: a double-blind studyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2008G Faghihi Abstract Background, Many therapeutic modalities have been suggested for treatment of the chronic hand eczema. Despite good immediate efficacy of some of these treatments, there is high recurrence of the dermatitis following cessation of the treatment. Aim, Regarding the beneficial effects of the zinc sulfate on the skin, we designed a double blind study to evaluate the efficacy of the ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream versus ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream in the treatment of the chronic hand eczema. Subjects and Methods, This study was a double-blind, right to left, prospective, clinical trial. In total, 47 patients with chronic hand eczema admitted to dermatology center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected and their right hand or left hand were selected at random to be treated with either the ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream or ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream twice daily for 2 weeks. All of the patients were treated for 2 weeks and were followed up at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 after starting the treatment. For determining the severity of chronic hand eczema, we assessed and scored 4 different characteristics of the lesions including redness; scaling; lichenification and pruritus. The data were analyzed using SPSS program (release 13) and statistical tests including Mann-Whitney test. Results, Overall, 47 patients (94 samples) were evaluated. All of these patients had similar and symmetrical lesions on their right and left hands. Out of them, 35 patients were females and 12 patients were male. In all of the evaluated characterisitics, the ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream was more effective than ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream (P < 0.05). The recurrence rate of eczema was significantly lower in the group treated with this combination treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion, With regard to the encouraging results of the combination treatment with Clobetasol + zinc sulphate, we suggest that in a more extensive clinical trial, the efficacy of this treatment against chronic hand dermatitis be evaluated. In addition, evaluation of this combination therapy against other inflammatory dermatosis seems to be logical. [source] Effect of low-level laser irradiation on odontoblast-like cellsLASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 9 2008C.F. Oliveira Abstract Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also referred to as therapeutic laser, has been recommended for a wide array of clinical procedures, among which the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. However, the mechanism that guides this process remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of LLL irradiation on cell metabolism (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and total protein synthesis. The expression of genes that encode for collagen type-1 (Col-1) and fibronectin (FN) was analyzed by RT-PCR. For such purposes, odontoblast-like cell line (MDPC-23) was previously cultured in Petri dishes (15000 cells/cm2) and submitted to stress conditions during 12 h. Thereafter, 6 applications with a monochromatic near infrared radiation (GaAlAs) set at predetermined parameters were performed at 12-h intervals. Nonirradiated cells served as a control group. Neither the MTT values nor the total protein levels of the irradiated group differed significantly from those of the control group (Mann-Whitney test; p > 0.05). On the other hand, the irradiated cells showed a decrease in ALP activity (Mann-Whitney test; p < 0.05). RT-PCR results demonstrated a trend to a specific reduction in gene expression after cell irradiation, though not significant statistically (Mann-Whitney test; p > 0.05). It may be concluded that, under the tested conditions, the LLLT parameters used in the present study did not influence cell metabolism, but reduced slightly the expression of some specific proteins. (© 2008 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source] Predictive value of frozen-section analysis in the histological assessment of steatosis before liver transplantationLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 12 2009Michelangelo Fiorentino Histological quality assessment of donated livers is a key factor for extending the cadaveric donor pool for liver transplantation. We retrospectively compared frozen-section analysis with routine histological permanent slides and the outcomes of grafts in liver biopsies from 294 candidate donors. The , concordance coefficient of agreement between frozen-section analysis and routine histological analysis was very good for macrosteatosis (, = 0.934), microsteatosis (, = 0.828), and total steatosis (, = 0.814). The correlation between the mean amounts of macrosteatosis, microsteatosis, and total steatosis in frozen and permanent sections was also significant (P < 0.001, Spearman's test). Macrosteatosis and microsteatosis were overestimated to >30% in 4 of 32 cases (12.5%) and in 23 of 62 cases (37.1%), respectively. The only 2 histological parameters of frozen sections able to predict graft dysfunction within 7 days of transplantation were macrosteatosis and total steatosis (P = 0.018 and P = 0.015, respectively, Mann-Whitney test). None of the other histopathological features evaluated in frozen sections, including portal inflammation, lobular necrosis, myointimal thickening, biliocyte regression, cholestasis, hepatocellular polymorphism, lipofuscin storage, and fibrous septa, were significantly correlated with the graft outcome. The frozen-section histological evaluation of biopsies from cadaveric liver donors is an accurate, time-effective, and predictive method for the assessment of graft suitability. Liver Transpl 15:1821,1825, 2009. © 2010 AASLD. [source] Compliance of the bladder neck supporting structures: Importance of activity pattern of levator ani muscle and content of elastic fibers of endopelvic fasciaNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 4 2003Matija Barbi Abstract Aims Firm bladder neck support during cough, suggested to be needed for effective abdominal pressure transmission to the urethra, might depend on activity of the levator ani muscle and elasticity of endopelvic fascia. Methods The study group of 32 patients with stress urinary incontinence and hypermobile bladder neck, but without genitourinary prolapse, were compared with the control group of 28 continent women with stable bladder neck. The height of the bladder neck (HBN) and compliance of the bladder neck support (C) were assessed, the latter by the quotient of the bladder neck mobility during cough and the change in abdominal pressure. By using wire electrodes, the integrated full-wave rectified electromyographic (EMGave) signal of the levator ani muscle was recorded simultaneously with urethral and bladder pressures. The pressure transmission ratio (PTR), time interval between the onset of muscle activation and bladder pressure increment (,T), and area under the EMGave curve during cough (EMGcough) were calculated. From bioptic samples of endopelvic fascia connecting the vaginal wall and levator ani muscle, elastic fiber content was assessed by point counting method. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare all the variables. Correlations between the parameters were evaluated by using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results In the study group, HBN was significantly lower (P,<,0.001), C was significantly greater (P,<,0.001), and PTR was significantly lower (P,<,0.001). In the study group, the muscular activation started later (median, ,Tl, ,0.147 second; ,Tr, ,0.150 second), and in the control group, it preceded (,Tl, 0.025 second; P,<,0.001; ,Tr, 0.050 second; P,<,0.001) the bladder pressure increment. EMGcough on the left side was significantly greater in the study group (P,<,0.046). Elastic fiber content showed no difference between the groups. The analysis of all patients revealed negative correlations between C and PTR (r,=,,0.546; P,<,0.001) and between C and ,Tl (r,=,,0.316; P,<,0.018). Conclusions Firm bladder neck support enables effective pressure transmission. Timely activation of the levator ani seems to be an important feature. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:269,276, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Alterations of oestradiol, testosterone, gonadotrophins and SHBG by type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal womenPRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 9 2007Clinical implications for the incidence of breast cancer, cardiovascular risk in diabetic women? Abstract Sex hormones influence cardiovascular risk and bone mineral density. Total oestradiol is increased in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, whereas its impact on androgens, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and gonadotrophins in postmenopausal women is not so clearly understood. This study aims to clarify the impact of type 2 diabetes on sex hormone levels in Caucasian postmenopausal women. Type 2 diabetic (n=42) and non-diabetic (n=45) postmenopausal women were recruited. Venous blood samples were drawn and assayed for total oestradiol, total testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and SHBG. Ratio of total testosterone to SHBG was used as an index of free testosterone (FT). Total oestradiol and FT were significantly higher in diabetic subjects compared to controls, oestradiol median: 59.5(25th,75th centiles: 41.5,74.5) vs 42.5(37.0,59.8)pmol/L, p=0.009 Mann-Whitney test; and FT: 0.038(0.021,0.070) vs 0.022(0.012,0.036), p=0.003. SHBG, FSH and LH were lower in diabetic subjects compared to controls, SHBG: 32(23.3,47.3) vs 55(37,70)nmol/L, p<0.001; FSH: 54.8(42.2,68.7) vs 71.8(55.9,98.9)iu/L, p=0.001; and LH: 27.9(20.6,39.7) vs 39.2(30.9,48.1)iu/L, p=0.011, but total testosterone was not different. The differences in oestradiol, SHBG and FSH remained when subjects were matched for BMI and age (n=29). Preliminary sub-group analysis suggests that these differences may be influenced by form of diabetic therapy and glycaemic control. Type 2 diabetes is associated with altered levels of total oestradiol, FT, SHBG, FSH, LH, in postmenopausal women. However, further research is required to determine the impact of diabetic therapy and glycaemic control, and also the clinical relevance of these alterations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons. [source] Systemic steroid reduces long-term hearing loss in experimental pneumococcal meningitis,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2010Lise Worsøe MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Sensorineural hearing loss is a common complication of pneumococcal meningitis. Treatment with corticosteroids reduces inflammatory response and may thereby reduce hearing loss. However, both experimental studies and clinical trials investigating the effect of corticosteroids on hearing loss have generated conflicting results. The objective of the present study was to determine whether systemic steroid treatment had an effect on hearing loss and cochlear damage in a rat model of pneumococcal meningitis. Study Design: Controlled animal study of acute bacterial meningitis. Methods: Adult rats were randomly assigned to two experimental treatment groups: a group treated with systemic steroid (n = 13) and a control group treated with saline (n = 13). Treatment was initiated 21 hours after infection and repeated once a day for three days. Hearing loss and cochlear damage were assessed by distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), auditory brainstem response (ABR) at 16 kHz, and spiral ganglion neuron density. Results: Fifty-six days after infection, steroid treatment significantly reduced hearing loss assessed by DPOAE (P < .05; Mann-Whitney) and showed a trend toward reducing loss of viable neurons in the spiral ganglion (P = .0513; Mann-Whitney). After pooling data from day 22 with data from day 56, we found that systemic steroid treatment significantly reduced loss of spiral ganglion neurons (P = .0098; Mann-Whitney test). Conclusions: Systemic steroid treatment reduces long-term hearing loss and loss of spiral ganglion neurons in experimental pneumococcal meningitis in adult rats. The findings support a beneficial role of anti-inflammatory agents in reducing hearing loss and cochlear damage in meningitis. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] The Bradykinin Response and Early Hypotension at the Introduction of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in the Intensive Care UnitARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2001J. Stoves Abstract: We assessed the relationship of certain clinical variables (including bradykinin [BK] release and dialysis membrane) to initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction in 47 patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in an intensive care unit. The pretreatment MAP was 84 ± 14 mm Hg for the group as a whole. The initial MAP reduction was 11.5 (7,20) mm Hg, occurring 4 to 8 min after connection. MAP reduction was 9 (6,15) mm Hg with polyacryonitrile (PAN) membranes versus 14 (5-19) mm Hg with polysulfone (PS) (not significant). There were positive correlations between MAP reduction and BK concentration at 3 (BK3; r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and 6 (BK6; r = 0.67, p < 0.001) min with PAN but not with PS. A greater reduction in MAP was seen in patients who were not receiving inotropic support (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.01). BK3 and BK6 values for the PAN and PS groups were not significantly different. However, BK concentrations greater than 1,000 pg/ml were only seen with PAN (6 patients, MAP reduction 27 [17,31] mm Hg). There were positive (albumin) and negative (age; acute physiology, age, and chronic health evaluation score; C-reactive protein [CRP]; calcium) correlations with BK3/BK6 in the PAN and PS groups, some of which (albumin, CRP) reached statistical significance. In summary, MAP reduction at the start of CRRT correlates with BK concentration. The similarity of response with PAN and PS suggests an importance for other clinical factors. In this study, hemodynamic instability was more likely in patients with evidence of a less severe inflammatory or septic illness. [source] 2127: Ghrelin concentration in the aqueous humour and plasma in open angle glaucoma patientsACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010A KATSANOS Purpose Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that exerts metabolic and smooth muscle-relaxant effects in ocular tissues. The aim of this study was to compare aqueous humor and plasma levels of ghrelin in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) and controls. Methods Twenty four OAG, including 7 pseudoexfoliation (PXG) and 17 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, and 30 controls were included. All participants were patients scheduled for cataract or glaucoma surgery. Patients with other concomitant ocular disease, previous ocular surgery or diabetes were excluded. Blood samples were collected before cataract surgery. Aqueous humor was aspirated from the anterior chamber through a paracentesis with a 27 G needle under sterile conditions. Ghrelin levels in both samples were measured quantitatively with commercially available Radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits. Results Mean±SD age was 71.0±9.3 and 69.6±6.6 years in the OAG and control groups, respectively (p=0.6). Plasma levels of ghrelin were 495.6±157.7 pg/ml in the OAG and 482.2±125.4 pg/ml in the control group, respectively (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.9). Aqueous humor levels of ghrelin were 85.5±15.4 pg/ml and 123.4 ±25.5 pg/ml in the OAG and control groups, respectively (Mann-Whitney test, p<0.01). The ratio of plasma/aqueous concentration in ghrelin was higher in the OAG versus the control group (5.82± 1.94 versus 4.00±1.04, Mann-Whitney test, p<0.01). There was no difference neither in plasma nor in aqueous humor levels of ghrelin between POAG and PXG patients (p>0.5). Conclusion Aqueous humor levels of ghrelin were significantly lower in OAG patients. This difference may manifest a role of ghrelin in the disease process or a consequence of antiglaucoma treatment. [source] Use of over-the-counter medicines in childrenINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 4 2003John McIntyre senior lecturer in child health ABSTRACT Objective To assess the reasons for over-the-counter (OTC) medicine use in children and the sociodemographic factors influencing this choice of self-care rather than GP consultation. Method Questionnaires were sent to the home address of a randomly generated list of children under 12 years of age from three GP practices in the East Midlands selected to represent bottom, middle and top tertiles of deprivation on the basis of the Jarman score. Analysis using chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests was used to identify associated factors (number of carers in the home, number of children, deprivation score, parent/carer's age, age and number of children in the house) of the responses. Setting Primary care setting in the East Midlands region of England. Key findings From 424 completed questionnaires returned (response rate 61%), 413 parents/carers had purchased OTC medicines. Fifty-one different products had been purchased, with analgesic/antipyretic and cough/cold remedies the most frequently bought. The most commonly reported reasons for parent/carer initiated medication were to avoid troubling the GP with minor childhood ailments (79% of respondents) and to have medicines available in case of future need (74%). Cost was a barrier to buying OTC medicines for the more deprived. Advice-seeking behaviour was associated with the symptom, the number of children, affluence and the age of the child. Conclusion Parent/carer initiated use of OTC medication is widespread, particularly for analgesic/antipyretic and cough/cold remedies. Differences in advice-seeking behaviour are associated with the presenting symptom and a variety of sociodemographic factors. [source] Comparison of Quantitative T-Wave Alternans Profiles of Healthy Subjects and ICD PatientsANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009B.Eng., Euler De Vilhena Garcia Ph.D., M.Sc. Background: Current relevance of T-wave alternans is based on its association with electrical disorder and elevated cardiac risk. Quantitative reports would improve understanding on TWA augmentation mechanisms during mental stress or prior to tachyarrhythmias. However, little information is available about quantitative TWA values in clinical populations. This study aims to create and compare TWA profiles of healthy subjects and ICD patients, evaluated on treadmill stress protocols. Methods: Apparently healthy subjects, not in use of any medication were recruited. All eligible ICD patients were capable of performing an attenuated stress test. TWA analysis was performed during a 15-lead treadmill test. The derived comparative profile consisted of TWA amplitude and its associated heart rate, at rest (baseline) and at peak TWA value. Chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests were used with p values , 0.05. Discriminatory performance was evaluated by a binary logistic regression model. Results: 31 healthy subjects (8F, 23M) and 32 ICD patients (10F, 22M) were different on baseline TWA (1 ± 2 ,V; 8 ± 9 ,V; p < 0.001) and peak TWA values (26 ± 13 ,V; 37 ± 20 ,V; p = 0,009) as well as on baseline TWA heart rate (79 ± 10 bpm; 67 ± 15 bpm; p < 0.001) and peak TWA heart rate (118 ± 8 bpm; 90 ± 17 bpm; p < 0.001). The logistic model yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 88.9% and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Healthy subjects and ICD patients have distinct TWA profiles. The new TWA profile representation (in amplitude-heart rate pairs) may help comparison among different research protocols. [source] | ||||||||||