Aquatic Osteopathy Treatment Assessment by Infrared Thermography on Healthy Subjects After Thermoneutral Water Immersion.

OBJECTIVE: Aquatic osteopathy (AO) is a recent discipline that has not yet demonstrated its value compared with existing therapies. This study compared AO with aquatic therapy (AT)-that is, thermoneutral water immersion-using infrared thermography on healthy individuals to assess differences in cutaneous body temperature. METHODS: Fifty-five healthy individuals were immersed in thermoneutral water for 1 hour and then underwent AO treatment, with application of a classic diagnosis routine and subsequent manual therapy. Thermograms were recorded to measure the distribution of skin surface temperature throughout the entire body after 1 hour of immersion in thermoneutral water (AT) and compared with thermograms taken after AO. RESULTS: Visual analysis of the thermograms showed that there were thermographic differences between the 2 groups. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences between post-AT and post-AO thermograms (P = .002): the mean variance in cutaneous body temperature was significantly lower in the post-AO group than in the post-AT group. Therefore, cutaneous body temperatures were more homogeneous after AO than after AT. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous thermal reactions were more homogenous after AO than after AT alone, with cutaneous temperatures returning closer to normal than after AT alone. These reactions may be related to physiological reactions due to a decrease in vasoconstriction or trigger points. Further studies are needed to clarify these physiological reactions to establish the mechanisms of AO and thus better define its indications.

Liver Tuberculosis a case report.

Tuberculosis remains a global health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Pulmonary form of tuberculosis presents 80-90% of cases with prevalence declining worldwide. On the other hand, extrapulmonary tuberculosis remains at the same level. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases are rare at our department. In our article we present a patient who underwent a liver resection with an unexpected finding of liver tuberculosis. In this form of tuberculosis it is difficult to establish a definite diagnosis since clinical symptoms and results of imaging tests maybe equivocal orin determinate. The rare occurrence and the fact that the majority of extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases are not transmitted to other patients lead to lower attention of health professionals. The goal of our article is to bring this rare form of tuberculosis to attention. Inclusion of this form of tuberculosis in differential diagnosis may help to establish correct a diagnosis and therapy. Key words: extrapulmonary tuberculosis - liver.

The chemical composition of smokeless tobacco: a survey of products sold in the United States in 2006 and 2007.

Selected toxicant concentrations and other chemical measures have been determined for 43 U.S. smokeless tobacco products sold in 2006 and 2007. Products evaluated included moist snuff, dry snuff, loose leaf, plug, dissolvable and snus tobacco brands. Reference products available for scientific research purposes and eleven Swedish products were also evaluated and compared to the commercial products studied. Chemical endpoints determined included benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT), N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), nitrite, cadmium, lead, arsenic, nickel, chromium, chloride, water, pH and nicotine. Different toxicant profiles were observed for the products studied, with snus tobacco brands generally containing relatively low concentrations of B[a]P and tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) compared to other moist snuffs. Smokeless tobacco reference product toxicant profiles were similar to corresponding commercial products, with the exception of the TSNA content of the dry snuff reference material. TSNA concentrations observed for all commercial products were lower than historically reported values, likely reflecting changes in product shelf life, tobacco curing practices and, possibly, product blend formulations during the last 20-30 years. The survey results summarized provide a temporal point of comparison with future data anticipated from FDA "harmful and potentially harmful constituents in tobacco products" reporting.

Mainstream smoke chemistry analysis of samples from the 2009 US cigarette market.

A survey of selected mainstream smoke constituents from commercially marketed US cigarettes was conducted in 2009. The US cigarette market was segmented into thirteen (13) strata based on Cambridge Filter Method (CFM) "tar" category and cigarette design parameters. Menthol and non-menthol cigarettes were included. Sixty-one (61) cigarette brand styles were chosen to represent the market. Another thirty-four (34) brand styles of interest were included in the survey along with a Kentucky 3R4F reference cigarette. Twenty mainstream smoke constituents were evaluated using the Health Canada smoking regimen. By weighting the results of the 61 brand styles using the number of brand styles represented by each stratum, the mainstream smoke constituent means and medians of the US cigarette market were estimated. For nicotine, catechol, hydroquinone, benzo(a)pyrene and formaldehyde the mean yields increased with increasing "tar" yields. Constituent yields for the ultra-low "tar" and low "tar" cigarettes were not significantly different for most other analytes as ventilation blocking defeated any filter air dilution design features. In contrast, normalization per mg nicotine provided an inverse ranking of cigarette yields per CFM "tar" categories. Menthol cigarette mean constituent yields were observed to be within the range of the non-menthol cigarettes of similar "tar" categories.

Quality of life and psychological well-being in patients with various pacing modes.

AIM: of the study was to assess the influence of different pacing modes on the quality of life (QOL), anxiety and depression. METHODS: QOL was assessed in 101 patients (58 men, mean age 69.39 +/- 14.64 years) with implanted pacemaker (35 patients received VVI pacemaker, 17 patients VVIR, 21 patients DDD, 28 patients DDDR). QOL was measured by the SF-36 and Aquarel questionnaires, anxiety by Beck scale and depression by Zung scale. RESULTS: No differences in QOL were observed between patients with single chamber and dual chamber pacing. Patients with rate-adaptive pacing had higher scores in SF 36 scales (physical component summary, mental component summary, vitality and bodily pain), Aquarel (chest pain and dyspnea) and they exhibited lower degree of anxiety and depression compared to non-rate-adaptive pacing. Differences were shown only in a group of dual chamber pacemakers, not in the group of single chamber pacemakers. There was a strong correlation between the degree of anxiety and depression and the QOL in pacemaker patients. CONCLUSION: Dual chamber rate-adaptive pacing offered better QOL and psychological profile compared to dual chamber non-rate-adaptive pacing. No differences were observed between single chamber and dual chamber pacing (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 24).

Assessment of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in mainstream smoke from selected US cigarette brands and reference cigarettes.

Mainstream cigarette smoke (MSS) from 12 US cigarette brands and two reference cigarettes was evaluated to determine concentrations of dioxins (i.e., polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)). The study included three 'tar' ranges based on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determination: Low Yield (LY) < or = 5.5, Medium Yield (MY) 9.6-12.2, and High Yield (HY)> or = 14.5 mg/cig. Of the brands studied, the HY cigarettes yielded the greatest mean concentrations of 2005 World Health Organization Toxic Equivalents (WHO-TEQs) on a per cigarette basis. WHO-TEQ levels in LY cigarettes were significantly lower than for HY cigarettes (p=0.039) on a yield per cigarette basis and WHO-TEQ concentrations correlated with 'tar' yield (r=0.73, p=0.007), as did concentration on a WHO-TEQ per body mass per day basis (r=0.73, p=0.007). However, a statistically significant relationship was not observed between 'tar' yield levels and WHO-TEQ concentrations on a per mg Total Particulate Matter (TPM) basis. Concentrations for all brands tested ranged from 0.44 to 3.88 fg WHO-TEQ/mg TPM. Maximum daily exposure estimates calculated from this range (0.004-0.074 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bw/day) are below the current WHO Tolerable Daily Intake range of 1-5 pg/kg bw/day.

Nucleic acid amplification technique for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection from clinical urogenital swabs.

An improved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to detect Chlamydia trachomatis infections, based on PCR amplification within its cryptic plasmid (CT1/CT2 Test) was developed. DNA was extracted from urogenital swabs and a 594-bp long DNA fragment from the cryptic plasmid (pCT) was amplified. The sensitivity and specificity of the CT1/CT2 Test were determined to be 100 and 99%, respectively, when directly compared with current amplification kit for sexually transmitted diseases (MPCR). Basic epidemiological data related to the patients attending gynecological and/or urological clinics are also provided. The overall prevalence rate in this group of patients suspected for C. trachomatis infection was determined to be about 95 per 1000 (88 and 107 per 1000 in females and males, respectively). It demonstrates that the CT1/CT2 Test is suitable for epidemiological screening and/or diagnostic practice.

Molecular detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection from clinical urogenital swabs.

A simple nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) was developed for detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection based on the PCR amplification of the urease gene (UU1/UU2 Test). DNA was extracted from urogenital swabs and a 225-bp long DNA fragment was amplified by PCR. NAAT was compared to the commercial amplification kit for sexually transmitted disease reference assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the UU1/UU2 Test were determined to be 100 and 98.9%, respectively. The overall prevalence rate in this group of patients was found to be about 236 per 1000 (283 and 166 per 1000 in females and males, respectively). These data demonstrate that UU1/UU2 Test is suitable for effective epidemiological screening and/or diagnostic practice.

[Diagnostic benefit of the use of implanted loop recorder (Reveal Plus) for patients with syncope with unclear aetiology]. / Diagnostický prínos pouzitia implantovaného sluckového rekordéra (Reveal Plus) u pacientov so synkopou nejasnej etiológie.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a loop recorder (Reveal Plus, Medtronic) in the diagnosis of syncope conditions whose aetiology remains unclear despite the performance of a full diagnostic procedure. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Loop recorders were implanted in 25 patients with recurrent syncope (9 men, 16 women, average age 59 +/- 14 years), who reported 4 +/- 2.7 episodes of syncope (2-10 episodes). A complete diagnostic algorithm was performed for all patients before implantation including the head-up tilt test, an invasive electrophysiological examination and a neurological examination. The aetiology of the syncope was not established by these examinations. RESULTS: During an average monitoring period of 13 +/- 8 months (1-24 months) 10 patients experiences recidivating syncope, 7 patients experienced pre-syncope and 1 patient experienced palpitations. 7 were asymptomatic during monitoring. Symptomatic arrhythmia was detected in 10 patients (40%). The most frequent finding was bradyarrhythmia (6 patients--sinus arrest in 3 patients, serious bradycardia in 2 patients, AV block in 1 patient). Tachyarrhythmia was the cause of symptoms in 4 patients (supraventricular tachycardia in 3 patients, ventricular bigeminy in 1 patient). In the case of 5 patients (20%) syncope (pre-syncope) took place in the absence of a serious arrhythmia and was classified as vasovagal syncope. CONCLUSION: The implantable loop recorder established a diagnosis in 15 of 25 patients (60%) with syncope that was not diagnosed by conventional tests and it is a highly beneficial method for diagnosing syncope.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Txnip-deficient mice.

The molecular pathogenesis and the genetic aberrations that lead to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the thioredoxin interacting protein (Txnip) gene is a candidate tumor suppressor gene in vivo. We previously showed that the recombinant inbred congenic strain HcB-19 has a spontaneous mutation of the Txnip gene, and we now show that the strain has dramatically increased incidence of HCC, and that the HCC cosegregates with the Txnip mutation. Approximately 40% of the Txnip-deficient mice developed hepatic tumors with an increased prevalence in male mice. Visible tumors develop as early as 8 months of age. Histological analysis confirmed the morphology of HCC in the Txnip-deficient mice. Molecular markers of HCC, alpha-fetoprotein and p53, were increased in tumors of Txnip-deficient mice. The upregulation of p53 preceded tumor development; however, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of normal hepatic tissue of Txnip-deficient mice did not reveal increased cell proliferation. Finally, microarray analyses of tumor, non-tumor adjacent, and normal tissue of Txnip-deficient mice highlighted the genetic differences leading to the predisposition and onset of HCC. Our findings suggest that Txnip deficiency is sufficient to initiate HCC and suggest novel mechanisms in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Fine mapping of Hyplip1 and the human homolog, a potential locus for FCHL.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is a common genetic dyslipidemia predisposing to premature coronary heart disease (CHD). We previously identified a locus for FCHL on human Chromosome (Chr) 1q21-q23 in 31 Finnish FCHL families. We also mapped a gene for combined hyperlipidemia (Hyplip1) to a potentially orthologous region of mouse Chr 3 in the HcB-19/Dem mouse model of FCHL. The human FCHL locus was, however, originally mapped about 5 Mb telomeric to the synteny border, the centromeric part of which is homologous to mouse Chr 3 and the telomeric part to mouse Chr 1. To further localize the human Hyplip1 homolog and estimate its distance from the peak linkage markers, we fine-mapped the Hyplip1 locus and defined the borders of the region of conserved synteny between human and mouse. This involved establishing a physical map of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig across the Hyplip1 locus and hybridizing a set of BACs to both human and mouse chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We narrowed the location of the mouse Hyplip1 gene to a 1.5-cM region that is homologous only with human 1q21 and within approximately 5-10 Mb of the peak marker for linkage to FCHL. FCHL is a complex disorder and this distance may, thus, reflect the well-known problems hampering the mapping of complex disorders. Further studies identifying and sequencing the Hyplip1 gene will show whether the same gene predisposes to hyperlipidemia in human and mouse.

Programming the Drosophila embryo 2: from genotype to phenotype.

Although development is a single hierarchical process, scientists tend to study only one level at a time: molecular, cellular, or organismal. The data and theory are available to integrate molecular, cellular, and organismal levels into a series of maps for development of the Drosophila embryo. These maps link the transcriptional cascade with mitotic and phenotypic fate maps to trace hierarchical mechanisms of development from the genotype in the egg to the phenotype in the larva.

[Effect of nitrates on active transport of iodine]. / Ovplyvnenie aktívneho transportu jódu nitrátmi.

Active iodine transport into the thyrocyte is catalyzed by the transmembrane transport protein Na+/J- symport (NIS) Nitrates can expel iodine from the bond with this transport protein which was found not only in the thyrocyte membrane but also in the cell membrane of the gastric mucosa. The weight of the thyroid gland in mg was significantly greater even when calculated in relation to body weight in the NIT group of rats who were given for 6 days nitrate by gastric tube (100 mg/kg/day) as compared with controls (CON) 17.56 +/- 8.4, 0.07 +/- 0.03/12.10 +/- 9.57, 0.05 +/- 0.03, P < or = 0.01. A lower thyroid activity in per cent calculated per 1 mg of its weight (1.39 +/- 1.0/2.22 +/- 0.9, P < or = 0.01), a higher activity in blood before removal of the thyroid gland (8.54 +/- 4.09/5.45 +/- 2.78) and a lower one after removal of the thyroid gland (1.09 +/- 0.05/0.21 +/- 0.10) before oral administration of I131 in group NIT, suggests a negative effect of nitrates on active iodine transport not only at the level of the thyrocyte but also possible interaction with iodine at the level of the digestive tract. A significantly higher serum level of TT3 in group NIT (0.66 +/- 0.27/0.44 +/- 0.21, P < or = 0.01 regardless of the TSH serum level (2.31 +/- 1.83/2.64 +/- 1.52) and T4 (22.72 +/- 8.2/25 +/- 11.0) suggests a qualitative change in thyroid hormone production in favour of T3 caused even by short-term nitrate administration.

[Repair of chondral defects of the knee using a combination of autologous chondrocytes and osteochondral allograft--an animal model. Part I: in vitro culture of autologous chondrocytes]. / Reparácia chondrálneho defektu kolena kombináciou autológnych chondrocytov a osteochondrálnych alostepov--animálny model. I. Cast: in vitro kultivácia autológnych chondrocytov.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In the study we used in vitro cultivated autologous chondrocytes in combination with osteochondral allografts for the treatment of local defects of articular cartilage on the animal model (rabbit). MATERIAL: Chondrocytes for in vitro cultivation were harvested by biopsy of articular cartilage of rabbit. For the monolayer cultivation we used Nutrient mix F 12 (Gibco BRL) with addition of Lascorbic acid (50 micrograms/ml, Sigma) and insulin-trasferin-selenium (A 6.26 micrograms/ml, Gibco BRL), 20% of fectal serum (Gibco BRL) and antibiotic antimycotic solution (Gibco BRL). Cultivation of chondrocytes took place at 37 degrees in the atmosphere of 5% CO2. Multiplied chondrocytes re-suspended in fibrin glue in combination with two osteochondral allografts were used for the reparation of artificial defect of the rabbit cartilage. METHODS: For the analysis of collagen type II in the cultivation medium we used the principle of salting out by 30% ammonium sulphate and subsequent pepsinization in an acid environment with a repeated salting out by means of 2M of NaCl. Precipitates were dissolved in 5.0 M of acetic acid and used for SDS PAGE and immunoblotting. As a detection system we used ECL (Amersham/Pharmacia Biotech). RESULTS: The final average number of chondrocytes multiplied by monolayer cultivation was 1.10(5). The presence of collagen of type II has proved the preservation of the original phenotype of chondrocytes during cultivation. DISCUSSION: Bioengineering use of cell and tissue cultivation provides new options of the treatment of defect of connective tissue. Transplantation of autologous chondrocytes in combination with osteochondral allografts is on the basis of our results obtained so far a promising therapy. CONCLUSION: The aim of our work was an ex vivo expansion of autologous chondrocytes for the purpose of cell transplantation.

Novel genes for familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is a complex genetic disorder of unknown etiology. Recently, 'modifier' genes of the FCHL phenotype, such as the apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster and LPL, have been identified in several populations. A 'major' gene for FCHL has been identified in a Finnish isolate which maps to a region syntenic to murine chromosome 3 where a locus for combined hyperlipidemia has been identified. We review these and other recent studies which indicate that FCHL is genetically heterogeneous.

Relation between aerobic fitness level and stress induced alterations in neuroendocrine and immune function.

Alterations in neuroendocrine and immune function were examined in sedentary (n=15) (VO2peak; 31.4+/-0.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); 24.4+/-1.2yr), moderately active (n=15) (VO2peak; 45.4+/-1.1 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); 24.2+/-1.1 yr) and aerobically trained (n=15) (VO2peak; 58.8+/-0.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); 24.3+/-1.0 yr) men following exposure to an acute mild psychological stressor. Subjects had 2 min to prepare, and 3 min to deliver a speech in front of 3 observers. Blood samples were drawn from an indwelling catheter before, during and 30 min following the speech task (ST). Self-reported measures of anxiety were obtained prior to and immediately following the stressor. The ST resulted in significant alterations in the number and function of immune cells, and in self-reported anxiety scores. Plasma levels of norepinephrine increased during the speech task. The neuroendocrine and immune response to the chosen stressor were independent of subject aerobic fitness level.

Chemical and biological studies of a new cigarette that primarily heats tobacco. Part 1. Chemical composition of mainstream smoke.

A new-technology cigarette has been developed. While the new cigarette burns some tobacco, it does not use tobacco as the fuel to sustain combustion and provide heat to the cigarette. Rather, the new cigarette primarily heats tobacco thereby reducing products of smoke formation mechanisms such as tobacco combustion, tobacco pyrolysis and pyrosynthesis. The mainstream smoke composition from a cigarette based on the new design (TOB-HT) has been characterized in comparative chemical testing with two reference cigarettes using the FTC puffing regimen. Thermal properties, UV absorption characteristics, elemental composition and materials balance studies all suggest a simplified smoke aerosol. Twenty-five smoke constituents ("target compounds") identified by the scientific community as compounds that may contribute to the diseases statistically associated with smoking have also been measured. Mainstream smoke concentrations of most target compounds are significantly lower with the TOB-HT cigarette when compared with reference cigarettes in the ultra-light "tar" and light "tar" categories. Taken together, chemical analysis results suggest simplified TOB-HT smoke chemistry with marked reductions in specific chemicals reported to be biologically active.

Chemical and biological studies of a new cigarette that primarily heats tobacco. Part 1. Chemical composition of mainstream smoke.

A new-technology cigarette has been developed. While the new cigarette burns some tobacco, it does not use tobacco as the fuel to sustain combustion and provide heat to the cigarette. Rather, the new cigarette primarily heats tobacco thereby reducing products of smoke formation mechanisms such as tobacco combustion, tobacco pyrolysis and pyrosynthesis. The mainstream smoke composition from a cigarette based on the new design (TOB-HT) has been characterized in comparative chemical testing with two reference cigarettes using the FTC puffing regimen. Thermal properties, UV absorption characteristics, elemental composition and materials balance studies all suggest a simplified smoke aerosol. Twenty-five smoke constituents ("target compounds") identified by the scientific community as compounds that may contribute to the diseases statistically associated with smoking have also been measured. Mainstream smoke concentrations of most target compounds are significantly lower with the TOB-HT cigarette when compared with reference cigarettes in the ultra-light "tar" and light "tar" categories. Taken together, chemical analysis results suggest simplified TOB-HT smoke chemistry with marked reductions in specific chemicals reported to be biologically active.

Mapping a gene for combined hyperlipidaemia in a mutant mouse strain.

Familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL) is a common, multifactorial disorder associated with elevated levels of plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, or both. A characteristic feature is increased secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and apolipoprotein B (apoB). Although FCHL is the most common cause of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), accounting for over 10% of cases, its aetiology remains largely unknown. One powerful approach to the dissection of complex genetic traits involves the use of animal models. We have identified a mouse strain, HcB-19/Dem (HcB-19), which exhibits hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and elevated levels of plasma apoB. Like FCHL patients, HcB-19 mice also exhibit increased secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and their hyperlipidaemia becomes progressively more severe with age. It is likely that the hyperlipidaemia results from a mutation of a novel gene that arose during development of strain HcB-19. We mapped the hyperlipidaemia gene (Hyplip1) to the distal portion of mouse chromosome 3. This region is syntenic to human chromosome 1q21-q23, which has recently been shown to harbour a gene associated with FCHL in families from a Finnish isolate.