Non-Infectious Complications in B-Lymphopenic Common Variable Immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is considered the most symptomatic type of inborn errors of immunity in humans. Along with infectious complications, which have numerous consequences, non-infectious complications are also a major challenge among CVID patients. METHODS: All registered CVID patients in the national database were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of B-cell lymphopenia. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, non-infectious organ involvements, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferative diseases were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 387 enrolled patients, 66.4% were diagnosed with non-infectious complications; however, 33.6% had only infectious presentations. Enteropathy, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferative disorders were reported in 35.1%, 24.3%, and 21.4% of patients, respectively. Some complications, including autoimmunity and hepatosplenomegaly, were reported to be significantly higher among patients with B-cell lymphopenia. Among organ involvement, dermatologic, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems were predominantly affected in CVID patients with B-cell lymphopenia. Among autoimmune manifestations, the frequency of rheumatologic, hematologic, and gastrointestinal autoimmunity was reported to be higher compared to other types of autoimmunity independent from the B cell-lymphopenia. Furthermore, hematological cancers, particularly lymphoma, were slightly introduced as the most common type of malignancy. Meanwhile, the mortality rate was 24.5%, and respiratory failure and malignancies were reported as the most common cause of death in our patients without significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Considering that some of the non-infectious complications might be associated with B-cell lymphopenia, therefore, regular patient monitoring and follow-up along with proper medications (besides immunoglobulins replacement therapy) are highly recommended to prevent further sequels and increase the patients' quality of life.

Knowledge of diagnosis and management of selected oral mucosal lesions among dentists in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) among dentists is relevant in diagnosing potentially malignant diseases and oral cancer at an early stage. The aim of this survey was to explore dentists' knowledge about OMLs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Respondents to a web-based questionnaire, containing 11 clinical vignettes representing patients with various OMLs, provided a (differential) diagnosis and management for each. Information about demographics and clinical experience of the participants was acquired as well. Descriptive statistics were performed and T-tests were used to test for significant (p<0.05) differences in mean scores for correct diagnosis and management between subgroups based on demographic variables. RESULTS: Forty-four of 500 invited dentists completed the questionnaire. For (potentially) malignant OMLs, the number of correct diagnoses ranged from 14 to 93%, whilst the number of correct management decisions ranged from 43 to 86%. For benign OMLs, the number of correct diagnoses and management decisions ranged from 32 to 100% and 9 to 48%, respectively. For 11 clinical vignettes, mean scores for correct diagnosis, correct management and correct diagnosis and management were respectively 7.2 (±1.8), 5.7 (±1.5), and 3.8 (±1.7). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that dentists in the Netherlands do not have sufficient knowledge to accurately diagnose some OMLs and to select a correct management. This may result in over-referral of benign OMLs and under-referral for (potentially) malignant OMLs. Clinical guidelines, that include standardized criteria for referral, and continuing education, may improve dentists' ability to correctly diagnose and accurately manage OMLs.

Intra-arterial transplantation of neural stem cells improve functional recovery after transient ischemic stroke in adult rats.

OBJECTIVES: The neural stem cell transplantation has been proposed as alternative therapy to promote functional recovery after various neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-arterial transplantation of adult neural stem cells on improving local brain ischemia injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were used. Ischemia was induced using a middle cerebral artery obstruction with monofilament nylon suture. Neural stem cells were isolated from subventricular zone of the rat brain. 24 hours after local ischemia, the cells were labeled with DiI and transplanted intra-articularly. Evaluation of neurological movement deficits was performed using a neurological deficit score. The transplanted neural stem cells differentiation into neurons and astrocytes was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The results indicated that lesion volumes in the ischemic control, PBS and the treatment groups were 31.5, 29.8 and 14.7 % respectively. Our results also showed that the number of eosinophilic neurons and also neurological impairment in the treatment group was significantly reduced compared to the control and PBS groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that intra-arterial transplantation of neural stem cells 24 hours after ischemia, led to a decrease in the volume of brain ischemic lesion and improved neurological outcomes (Fig. 7, Ref. 23).

[Burnout and work stress]. / Burn-out en werkdruk bij tandartsen.

Work stress and burnout among Dutch dentists have been studied in the past; since then, however, considerable changes have taken place in practicing dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these changes are reflected in reported burnout and stress. Also, the study sought to investigate whether burnout could be associated with making mistakes during treatment or being confronted with a formal complaint. 500 Dutch dentists were randomly selected for an online survey, 105 of whom responded (21%); 50.5% male and 49.5% female. Higher mean scores on emotional exhaustion (EE) and personal accomplishment (PA) were reported, compared to previous results, and to reference scores from the burnout measuring manual, and lower mean scores on depersonalisation (DP) compared to reference scores. No gender differences were found for burnout. Women reported more work stress on Patient Contacts and Considerations about work. The 36 to 45-year-old age group reported higher mean scores on burnout and work stress. Having been confronted with patient complaints was associated with higher scores on DP, while worrying about making mistakes was associated with higher scores on EE and DP. Burnout is a relevant topic for dentists, which appears to be most prominent at middle age. Recognising, and knowing how to deal with, demanding aspects of work is a crucial means to prevent burnout.

Derivation of motor neuron-like cells from neonatal mouse testis in a simple culture condition.

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) therapy is an exciting way to treat neurodegenerative disease and central nervous system injury. However, many ethical and immunological problems surround the use of embryonic stem cells. Finding an alternative source of stem cells is therefore pertinent. In this study, spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) were used to generate mature motor neurons. SSCs were extracted from neonatal testes and cultured in DMED/F12 medium for 3 weeks. Characterisation of SSC-derived ESC-like cells was confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunostaining, alkaline phosphatase activity and their ability to form embryoid bodies (EBs). The EBs were induced by retinoic acid and Sonic hedgehog and trypsinised to obtain single induced cells. The single cells were cultured in neural medium for 18 days. Characterisation of neural precursors and motor neuron-like cells was confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemical analysis at the 7th day (early stage) and 18th day (late stage), respectively, of culturing. The neural precursors were found to be positive for nestin and Sox2, and a small fraction of cells expressed ß-tubulin III. Upon further differentiation, multipolar neurons were detected that expressed ß-tubulin III and MAP2 markers. Moreover, the expression levels of Olig2 and PAX6 were significantly lower, while HB9, Isl1 and Isl2 expression levels were higher at the late stage when compared to the early stage. These results show that SSCs have the potential to differentiate to motor neuron-like cells and express markers specific for mature motor neurons. However, the functional ability of these cells remains to be evaluated in future studies.

Efficacy of Crocus sativus L. on reduction of cadmium-induced toxicity on spermatogenesis in adult rats.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal element, which probably cause infertility by impairment in spermatogenesis. The present work aimed (i) to study the toxic effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis in rat, as well as (ii) the protective effect of Crocus sativus L. on cadmium-intoxicated rats. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally during 16 days at intervals of 48 h between subsequent treatments. Crocus sativus L. was pre-treated in both of control and cadmium-injected rats. Animals were sacrificed on day 17 after the first treatment. The left cauda epididymis was removed and immediately immersed into Hank's balanced salt solution for the evaluation of sperm count and viability, and left testis was fixed in 10% formalin for histological evaluation. Following contamination with cadmium, a decrease was observed in the number and viability of cauda epididymis sperm, which were increased by Crocus sativus L. pre-treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, cadmium decreased both cell proliferation and Johnsen Scores in the seminiferous tubules, which were reversed by Crocus sativus pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, cadmium-induced decrease in the amount of free serum testosterone as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation activity in the testicular tissue was reversed by Crocus sativus L. (P < 0.05). These findings may support the concept that Crocus sativus L. can improve the cadmium toxicity on spermatogenesis.

Estimated incidence of cardiac contusion using transthoracic echocardiography in patients suffering from severe blunt trauma to the chest.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac contusion (CC) is a known complication of blunt trauma to the chest. There have been debates about its true incidence and there are different reports which claim that it occurs in less than 10% to more than 70% of patients. The goal of this study is to estimate the incidence of CC in patients with severe blunt chest trauma (SBCT) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). METHODS: After defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases with clinical evidences of SBCT from February 2010 until October 2011 were included in this study. Patients were assessed using electrocardiography (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Transient echocardiographic changes, including wall motion abnormalities, valvular or papillary muscle dysfunction, pericardial effusion or tamponade, free wall rupture and interatrial/interventricular septum defects, were considered to be abnormal and trauma-related. RESULTS: A total of 210 patients were assessed for CC. Fifty-two trauma-related echocardiographic changes in 47 patients were observed, in which 34 cases had simultaneous transient ECG changes. The estimated incidence of CC in these subjects was calculated to be 23.38% and 16.19%, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of both echocardiographic changes and ECG abnormalities, and those subjects without ECG changes (P = 0.03). As we evaluated stable patients without any cardiac-related clinical manifestations and TTE was chosen as our diagnostic modality, we claim that the true incidence must be higher. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that a comparison of our findings with those presented in the literature shows that the actual incidence of CC in blunt chest trauma is underestimated.

Impacts of organic manganese supplementation on blood mineral, biochemical, and hematology in Afshari Ewes and their newborn lambs in the transition period.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal mineral status, including manganese (Mn), is critical for fetal growth as well as the health of the newborn lamb. Consequently, it is essential to supply minerals at sufficient levels for the pregnant animal to achieve the development of the embryo and fetus during gestation. METHODS: The current research was conducted to investigate the impact of organic Mn supplementation on blood biochemical, other mineral and, hematology in Afshari ewes and their newborn lambs in the transition period. Twenty-four ewes were randomly divided into three groups with eight replications. The control group was fed with a diet without organic Mn. The other groups were fed a diet supplemented with 40 (recommended by the NRC) and 80 (twice-recommended by the NRC) mg/kg of DM organic Mn. RESULTS: In this study, the consumption of organic Mn caused a significant increase in ewes and lambs plasma Mn concentration. Moreover, in the groups mentioned, levels of glucose, insulin, and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased in both ewes and lambs. Concentrations of total protein and albumin were higher in ewes fed whit organic Mn. In both ewes and newborn lambs, the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular concentration in groups fed with organic Mn raised. CONCLUSION: In general, the nutrition of organic Mn, improved factors of blood biochemical and hematology in ewes and their newborn lambs, and since the twice-recommended NRC level did not cause poisoning, it was recommended to supplement the diet with 80 mg of organic Mn per kg of DM.

Autophagy-regulating microRNAs: two-sided coin in the therapies of breast cancer.

Despite recent advances in the treatment of breast cancer (BC), it still remains as a prevalent and deadly cancer in the world. Given that BC is a heterogeneous disease, it is necessary to clarify molecular mechanisms in tumor cells to improve various therapy outcomes and overcome therapy resistance. Autophagy represents one of the most important intracellular degradation pathways involved in diverse biological processes and plays an important bi-directional role in tumor formation and progression. Among the several mechanisms that affect autophagy, microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role as gene regulators. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have reported multiple miRNAs regulating autophagy in BC that affect tumor initiation, progression, and response to various therapies. In the present review, we highlighted the mechanisms through which miRNAs regulate autophagy in BC and their potential use as therapeutic targets.

Recruitment of crustose coralline algae on tiles material for monitoring coral larvae settlement's consolidators at Nature Reserve Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia.

Crustose coralline algae (Corallinophycideae) are red algae that produced calcium carbonate and are well recognized as foundation species in the epipelagic zone of the marine ecosystem. These algae induced settlement juvenile of coral by released chemical cues from bacterial communities on the surface of their colonies. Their extracellular calcium carbonate also can stabilize reef structure that influencing many invertebrate attaches and growth in the seabed. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) have obtained attention because of their distribution and health compromise to increasing seawater temperature, ocean acidification, and pollutant. As a cryptic species in the ecosystem, the presence of CCA recruit sometimes doesn't have attention, especially on their capability to occupy the empty space. This study aimed to document coverage and number of CCA recruit in two different recruitment tile's material. The highest CCA percentage of the cover was showed inside surface than others surface in all stations. Light intensity and low sedimentation were suggested as a key factor of success of high coverage. Overall, station higher CCA recruits have shown from Tiga Warna. Low sedimentation and protection from aerial exposure became the main reason for it. No significant difference number of CCA recruits between marble and sandstone in this study. Successful CCA recruitment in this study can give a wide picture that natural recruitment of coral and other reef biodiversity in Southern Malang might be will succeed because of the abundance of coralline algae that support their life history stage.

Effect of Sodium Cyanide-induced Tissue Hypoxia on Reproductive Capability of Male Mice and the Protective Effect of Ethyl Pyruvate.

The present study aimed to assess the effect of tissue hypoxia induced by sodium cyanide (NaCN) on male mice fertility and the protective role of ethyl pyruvate (EP). A number of 30 adult mice were assigned to three groups: 1) a control group, 2) a treatment group treated with 2 mg/kg of NaCN, and 3) a treatment group treated with 2 mg/kg of NaCN, along with 40 mg/kg EP (NaCN+EP). After 35 days, animals were anesthetized and serum, sperm, and tissue samples were taken. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in sperm quality, reproduction potency, and anti-oxidant potential, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation in the NaCN group (p &lt;0.05). Moreover, the use of EP effectively restrained the disastrous effects of tissue hypoxia. It can be concluded that EP can moderate the complications resulting from tissue-hypoxia that is related to testes parameters.

Quantitative analysis of taste disorder in COVID-19 patients, the hypersensitivity to salty quality.

Recently, many of the studies have illustrated that the new pandemic SARS-CoV-2 can affect Central Nervous System through the olfactory bulb. In addition to investigating anosmia or hyposmia induced by this virus, a quantitative analysis was needed to clarify the taste and smell disorder of the new coronavirus. The four basic taste quality with five concentrations for sweet, sour, bitter, and salty were administered to 75 subjects divided into three groups: COVID-19 patients with taste disorder, COVID-19 patients without taste disorder, and control group. The results indicated the increment of sweet (2.68 ± 0.14), sour (3.34 ± 0.12) and bitter (3.39 ± 0.2) thresholds in COVID-19 patients with taste disorder in comparison with patients without taste disorder that the threshold were: 2 ± 0.16, 2.11 ± 0.2 and 2.55 ± 0.5 for sweet, sour, and bitter respectively. On the other hand, the patients inversely showed a significant decrease in the salty taste threshold (0.51 ± 0.03) compared to COVID-19 positive control groups (1.11 ± 0.11). Additionally, despite taste disorder in almost all of the patients with smell deficiency, only 30% of cases with taste disorder reported smell deficiency. It may be concluded that some of the taste disorders in patients with COVID-19 disorder could be associated with taste receptors dysfunction or the spread of infection to the cranial nerves responsible for the conduction of tastes sensation.

T cell responses to an HLA-A2-restricted adipophilin peptide correlate with BMI in patients with atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease causing a vast array of cardiovascular diseases. Adipophilin has been reported to be highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions. This study investigated the possible existence of auto-reactive T cells against an HLA-A02-restricted adipophilin-derived peptide as well as peptides from Epstein-barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and influenza (Flu) virus in patients with atherosclerosis. METHODS: HLA-A02 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined by flow cytometry. PBMCs from HLA-A02 individuals were stimulated with adipophilin, CMV, EBV, and Flu peptides at a concentration of 10 µM. Interferon (IFN)-γ production was evaluated in the culture supernatant using a commercial ELISA test. RESULTS: The levels of IFN-γ production against an HLA-A02-restricted adipophilin peptide and peptides from CMV, EBV, and Flu revealed no statistically significant differences between patients and healthy controls. However, we found a positive correlation between IFN-γ production against adipophilin and Body mass index (BMI) of patients (R = 0.8, P = 0.003), whereas no significant correlation was found in healthy controls (R = -0.267, P = 0.378). No correlation between BMI and IFN-γ production against CMV, EBV, or Flu peptides was found. DISCUSSION: Atherosclerotic patients with higher BMIs might have greater numbers of T cells against adipophilin that is highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, autoimmune reactions may have a greater role in the development of atherosclerosis in individuals with higher BMI.

Semiparametric Inference for Proportional Mean Past Life Model.

The mean past lifetime provides the expected time elapsed since the failure of a subject given that he/she has failed before the time of observation. In this paper, we propose the proportional mean past lifetime model to study the association between the mean past lifetime function and potential regression covariates. In the presence of left censoring, martingale estimating equations are developed to estimate the model parameters, and the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are studied. To assess the adequacy of the model, a goodness of fit test is also investigated. The proposed method is evaluated via simulation studies and further applied to a data set.

Recruitment of crustose coralline algae on tiles material for monitoring coral larvae settlement's consolidators at Nature Reserve Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia / Recrutamento de algas coralinas crustosas em azulejos para monitorar consolidadores de assentamentos de larvas de coral na Reserva Natural Pulau Sempu, Java Oriental, Indonésia

Crustose coralline algae (Corallinophycideae) are red algae that produced calcium carbonate and are well recognized as foundation species in the epipelagic zone of the marine ecosystem. These algae induced settlement juvenile of coral by released chemical cues from bacterial communities on the surface of their colonies. Their extracellular calcium carbonate also can stabilize reef structure that influencing many invertebrate attaches and growth in the seabed. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) have obtained attention because of their distribution and health compromise to increasing seawater temperature, ocean acidification, and pollutant. As a cryptic species in the ecosystem, the presence of CCA recruit sometimes doesn’t have attention, especially on their capability to occupy the empty space. This study aimed to document coverage and number of CCA recruit in two different recruitment tile’s material. The highest CCA percentage of the cover was showed inside surface than others surface in all stations. Light intensity and low sedimentation were suggested as a key factor of success of high coverage. Overall, station higher CCA recruits have shown from Tiga Warna. Low sedimentation and protection from aerial exposure became the main reason for it. No significant difference number of CCA recruits between marble and sandstone in this study. Successful CCA recruitment in this study can give a wide picture that natural recruitment of coral and other reef biodiversity in Southern Malang might be will succeed because of the abundance of coralline algae that support their life history stage.

As algas coralinas crustosas (Corallinophycideae) são algas vermelhas que produzem carbonato de cálcio e são bem reconhecidas como espécies de base na zona epipelágica do ecossistema marinho. Essas algas induziram o assentamento juvenil de coral por meio de estímulos químicos liberados por comunidades bacterianas na superfície de suas colônias. Seu carbonato de cálcio extracelular também pode estabilizar a estrutura do recife que influencia muitos invertebrados anexados e crescimento no fundo do mar. As algas coralinas crustosas (CCA) têm obtido atenção devido à sua distribuição e comprometimento da saúde com o aumento da temperatura da água do mar, acidificação dos oceanos e poluentes. Como uma espécie enigmática no ecossistema, a presença de recrutamento CCA às vezes não recebe atenção, especialmente em sua capacidade de ocupar o espaço vazio. Este estudo teve como objetivo documentar a cobertura e o número de recrutamento de CCA em dois materiais de recrutamento diferentes. A maior porcentagem de CCA da cobertura foi mostrada na superfície interna do que nas outras superfícies em todas as estações. A intensidade da luz e a baixa sedimentação foram sugeridas como um fator-chave para o sucesso da alta cobertura. De modo geral, recrutas de CCA mais graduados mostraram-se em Tiga Warna. A baixa sedimentação e a proteção contra a exposição aérea se tornaram a principal razão para isso. Não houve diferença significativa no número de recrutas CCA entre mármore e arenito neste estudo. O recrutamento bem-sucedido de CCA neste estudo pode dar uma imagem ampla de que o recrutamento natural de corais e outros recifes da biodiversidade no sul de Malang será bem-sucedido por causa da abundância de algas coralinas que sustentam seu estágio de história de vida.

Recruitment of crustose coralline algae on tiles material for monitoring coral larvae settlements consolidators at Nature Reserve Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract Crustose coralline algae (Corallinophycideae) are red algae that produced calcium carbonate and are well recognized as foundation species in the epipelagic zone of the marine ecosystem. These algae induced settlement juvenile of coral by released chemical cues from bacterial communities on the surface of their colonies. Their extracellular calcium carbonate also can stabilize reef structure that influencing many invertebrate attaches and growth in the seabed. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) have obtained attention because of their distribution and health compromise to increasing seawater temperature, ocean acidification, and pollutant. As a cryptic species in the ecosystem, the presence of CCA recruit sometimes doesnt have attention, especially on their capability to occupy the empty space. This study aimed to document coverage and number of CCA recruit in two different recruitment tiles material. The highest CCA percentage of the cover was showed inside surface than others surface in all stations. Light intensity and low sedimentation were suggested as a key factor of success of high coverage. Overall, station higher CCA recruits have shown from Tiga Warna. Low sedimentation and protection from aerial exposure became the main reason for it. No significant difference number of CCA recruits between marble and sandstone in this study. Successful CCA recruitment in this study can give a wide picture that natural recruitment of coral and other reef biodiversity in Southern Malang might be will succeed because of the abundance of coralline algae that support their life history stage.

Resumo As algas coralinas crustosas (Corallinophycideae) são algas vermelhas que produzem carbonato de cálcio e são bem reconhecidas como espécies de base na zona epipelágica do ecossistema marinho. Essas algas induziram o assentamento juvenil de coral por meio de estímulos químicos liberados por comunidades bacterianas na superfície de suas colônias. Seu carbonato de cálcio extracelular também pode estabilizar a estrutura do recife que influencia muitos invertebrados anexados e crescimento no fundo do mar. As algas coralinas crustosas (CCA) têm obtido atenção devido à sua distribuição e comprometimento da saúde com o aumento da temperatura da água do mar, acidificação dos oceanos e poluentes. Como uma espécie enigmática no ecossistema, a presença de recrutamento CCA às vezes não recebe atenção, especialmente em sua capacidade de ocupar o espaço vazio. Este estudo teve como objetivo documentar a cobertura e o número de recrutamento de CCA em dois materiais de recrutamento diferentes. A maior porcentagem de CCA da cobertura foi mostrada na superfície interna do que nas outras superfícies em todas as estações. A intensidade da luz e a baixa sedimentação foram sugeridas como um fator-chave para o sucesso da alta cobertura. De modo geral, recrutas de CCA mais graduados mostraram-se em Tiga Warna. A baixa sedimentação e a proteção contra a exposição aérea se tornaram a principal razão para isso. Não houve diferença significativa no número de recrutas CCA entre mármore e arenito neste estudo. O recrutamento bem-sucedido de CCA neste estudo pode dar uma imagem ampla de que o recrutamento natural de corais e outros recifes da biodiversidade no sul de Malang será bem-sucedido por causa da abundância de algas coralinas que sustentam seu estágio de história de vida.

Protective effects of boron and vitamin E on ethylene glycol-induced renal crystal calcium deposition in rat.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney stone disease is a common form of renal disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E (Vit E) and boron, are substances that reduce the damage caused by oxidation. METHODS: Adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6). In group 1, rats received standard food and water for 28 days (control group); in group 2, standard rodent food and water with 0.75% ethylene glycol/d (dissolved in drinking water) (EG Group); in group 3, similar to group 2, with 3 mg of boron/d (dissolved in water) (EG+B Group); in group 4, similar to group 2, with 200 IU of vitamin E injected intraperitoneally on the first day and the 14th day, (EG+Vit E Group); in group 5, mix of groups 3 and 4, respectively (EG+B+Vit E Group). RESULTS: Kidney sections showed that crystals in the EG group increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Crystal calcium deposition score in groups of EG+B (160), EG+Vit E, and EG+B+Vit E showed a significant decrease compared to EG group. Measurement of the renal tubules area and renal tubular epithelial histological score showed the highest significant dilation in the EG group. Tubular dilation in the EG+B+Vit E group decreased compared to the EG+B and EG+Vit E groups. CONCLUSIONS: Efficient effect of boron and Vit E supplements, separately and in combination, has a complimentary effect in protection against the formation of kidney stones, probably by decreasing oxidative stress.

Acquired cross resistance to aminoglycosides in gentamicin-sensitive and gentamicin-resistant strains of enterobacteria.

The development of non-specific resistance ot gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin was studied in 12 clinical isolates of enterobacteria with various patterns of aminoglycoside resistance. Strains were characterised with respect to MIC, transferability of resistance and possession of acetylating and adenylylating enzymes. An increase in aminoglycoside resistance was induced in 10 strains by a single exposure to the concentration of gentamicin, tobramycin or amikacin immediately below the MIC. Such resistance was non-specific; all three aminoglycosides were affected irrespective of which one had been used to induce the increase. Increments in non-specific aminoglycoside resistance were also evoked by exposure of enterobacteria to changing drug concentrations similar to those achieved in plasma during therapy. When strains already resistant to gentamicin or other aminoglycosides were exposed to therapeutically achievable drug concentrations, no further increase in resistance was observed in most cases. This suggests that use of an aminoglycoside to which the organism is resistant, as during "blind" therapy, will not usually compromise subsequent treatment with related antibiotics. The possible relevance of non-specific aminoglycoside resistance to therapy is discussed.