Reactive Oxygen Stimulation of Interleukin-6 Release in the Human Trophoblast Cell Line HTR-8/SVneo by the Trichlorethylene Metabolite S-(1,2-Dichloro)-l-Cysteine.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common environmental pollutant associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in humans. TCE intoxication occurs primarily through its biotransformation to bioactive metabolites, including S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC). TCE induces oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and kidney. Although the placenta is capable of xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress and inflammation in placenta have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, TCE toxicity in the placenta remains poorly understood. We determined the effects of DCVC by using the human extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. Exposure to 10 and 20 µM DCVC for 10 h increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) as measured by carboxydichlorofluorescein fluorescence. Moreover, 10 and 20 µM DCVC increased mRNA expression and release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) after 24-h exposure, and these responses were inhibited by the cysteine conjugate beta-lyase inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid and by treatments with antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol and deferoxamine), suggesting that DCVC-stimulated IL-6 release in HTR-8/SVneo cells is dependent on beta-lyase metabolic activation and increased generation of ROS. HTR-8/SVneo cells exhibited decreased mitochondrial membrane potential at 5, 10, and 20 µM DCVC at 5, 10, and 24 h, showing that DCVC induces mitochondrial dysfunction in HTR-8/Svneo cells. The present study demonstrates that DCVC stimulated ROS generation in the human placental cell line HTR-8/SVneo and provides new evidence of mechanistic linkage between DCVC-stimulated ROS and increase in proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Because abnormal activation of cytokines can disrupt trophoblast functions necessary for placental development and successful pregnancy, follow-up investigations relating these findings to physiologic outcomes are warranted.

Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine Guidelines on Preoperative Screening and Assessment of Adult Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The purpose of the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine guideline on preoperative screening and assessment of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is to present recommendations based on the available clinical evidence on the topic where possible. As very few well-performed randomized studies in this field of perioperative care are available, most of the recommendations were developed by experts in the field through consensus processes involving utilization of evidence grading to indicate the level of evidence upon which recommendations were based. This guideline may not be appropriate for all clinical situations and all patients. The decision whether to follow these recommendations must be made by a responsible physician on an individual basis. Protocols should be developed by individual institutions taking into account the patients' conditions, extent of interventions and available resources. This practice guideline is not intended to define standards of care or represent absolute requirements for patient care. The adherence to these guidelines cannot in any way guarantee successful outcomes and is rather meant to help individuals and institutions formulate plans to better deal with the challenges posed by perioperative patients with OSA. These recommendations reflect the current state of knowledge and its interpretation by a group of experts in the field at the time of publication. While these guidelines will be periodically updated, new information that becomes available between updates should be taken into account. Deviations in practice from guidelines may be justifiable and such deviations should not be interpreted as a basis for claims of negligence.

Trichloroethylene exposure in mid-pregnancy decreased fetal weight and increased placental markers of oxidative stress in rats.

Although epidemiology studies have associated maternal trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure with decreased birth weight and preterm birth, mechanistic explanations for these associations are currently lacking. We hypothesized that TCE targets the placenta with adverse consequences for pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed orally to vehicle or 480 mg TCE/kg body weight from gestational days (gd) 6-16, and tissues were collected on gd 16. Exposure to TCE significantly decreased average fetal weight without reducing maternal weight. In placenta, TCE significantly increased 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, and mRNA expression of Tet3, which codes for an enzyme involved in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine formation. Furthermore, glutathione S-transferase activity and immunohistochemical staining were increased in placentas of TCE-exposed rats. The present study provides the first evidence that TCE increases markers of oxidative stress in placenta in a fetal growth restriction rat model, providing new insight into the placenta as a potentially relevant target for TCE-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Aloe Vera Gel and Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1 % in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

A randomized clinical trial is conducted to compare the efficacy of aloe vera gel and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus. The study involved a sample of 30 patients (16 males and 14 females) diagnosed with oral lichen planus clinically and histopathologically, who were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients in Group A were administered Aloe vera gel, while those in Group B received 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide as a local application. After the treatment, the results obtained were statistically analyzed and tabulated. Research results indicate tha t applying Aloe vera topically is just as effective as using topical triamcinolone acetonide, suggesting that Aloe vera may be a preferable replacement due to its safety profile in comparison to 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide.

Se llevó a cabo un ensayo clínico aleatorizado para comparar la eficacia del gel de aloe vera y el acetónido de triamcinolona al 0,1% en el tratamiento del liquen plano oral sintomático. El estudio involucró una muestra de 30 pacientes (16 hombres y 14 mujeres) diagnosticados clínica e histopatológicamente con liquen plano oral, que fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos. A los pacientes del grupo A se les administró gel de aloe vera, mientras que los del grupo B recibieron acetónido de triamcinolona al 0,1% como aplicación local. Después del tratamiento, los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados estadísticamente y tabulados. Los resultados de la investigación indican que la aplicación tópica de Aloe vera es tan efectiva como usar acetónido de triamcinolona tópico, lo que sugiere que el Aloe vera puede ser un reemplazo preferible debido a su perfil de seguridad en comparación con el acetónido de triamcinolona al 0,1%.

The Physical Activity Daily (PAD) Trial: The rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial evaluating an internet walking program to improve maximal walking distance among patients with peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite established guidelines for regular walking as a first line therapy for adults with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), most patients do not walk routinely. This paper presents the design specifications for a randomized clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of an internet-based walking program compared to a telephone intervention, or the combination (internet-based with telephone counseling) for promotion of regular walking in patients with PAD. METHODS: Sedentary adults with documented lower extremity PAD are being recruited from the University of Michigan Health System and the surrounding area. Participants are randomized to one of four arms in a 2×2 factorial design: 1) telephone counseling to promote walking, 2) an internet-based walking program with tailored step-count goals, 3) the combination of telephone counseling with the internet-based walking program, or 4) waitlist control. Participants receive a 4-month intervention phase, after which all participants are followed for an additional 8months to assess long-term adherence to regular walking. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 4 and 12months. The primary outcome is walking distance assessed through a standardized treadmill protocol. Additional outcomes include change in step-counts measured with a commercial activity tracker, pain-free walking distance, and changes in health-related quality of life from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Finding effective and feasible programs to promote walking among PAD patients is warranted. This study will add to current evidence regarding use of internet based programs with and without telephone counseling to promote regular walking in this population.

Investigation of fundo-antral reflex in human beings.

AIM: To examine the sensory and motor response(s) of the stomach following fundic distention and to assess whether cholinergic mechanisms influence these responses. METHODS: Fundic tone, gastric sensory responses and antral motility were evaluated in eight healthy volunteers after a probe with two sensors was placed in the antrum and a highly compliant balloon in the fundus. Isobaric balloon distentions were performed with a barostat. Study was repeated in six volunteers after intravenous atropine was given. RESULTS: Fundic distention induced large amplitude antral contractions in all subjects. The area under the curve was higher (P<0.05) during fundic distention. First sensation was reported at 12+/-4 mmHg, moderate sensation at 18+/-4 mmHg and discomfort at 21+/-4 mmHg. Discomfort was associated with a decrease in antral motility. After atropine was given, the area under the curve of pressure waves and fundic tone decreased (P<0.05). Sensory thresholds were not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Fundic balloon distention induces an antral motor response, the fundo-antral reflex, which in part may be mediated by cholinergic mechanisms.

Supraglottic airway devices.

Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are used to keep the upper airway open to provide unobstructed ventilation. Early (first-generation) SADs rapidly replaced endotracheal intubation and face masks in > 40% of general anesthesia cases due to their versatility and ease of use. Second-generation devices have further improved efficacy and utility by incorporating design changes. Individual second-generation SADs have allowed more dependable positive-pressure ventilation, are made of disposable materials, have integrated bite blocks, are better able to act as conduits for tracheal tube placement, and have reduced risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. SADs now provide successful rescue ventilation in > 90% of patients in whom mask ventilation or tracheal intubation is found to be impossible. However, some concerns with these devices remain, including failing to adequately ventilate, causing airway damage, and increasing the likelihood of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Careful patient selection and excellent technical skills are necessary for successful use of these devices.

Diagnostic testing in fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence is a common problem that disproportionately affects women and the elderly and has a significant impact on the quality of life. Incontinence is often multifactorial. Anorectal manometry, anal endosonography, magnetic resonance imaging, pudendal nerve latency, and electromyography provide morphologic and physiologic assessments of the internal and external anal sphincters, rectal motor and sensory function, rectal compliance, and rectoanal reflexes. This information, in concert, provides clues to the pathophysiology of fecal incontinence and may help to guide medical, surgical, or biofeedback therapy. These tests have also been used to assess the effectiveness of the therapeutic modalities. No data are available on the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic testing in fecal incontinence. Newer techniques, including electrophysiologic testing and morphologic imaging of the anorectum, are being pursued.