A comparative study on the effect of limestone particle size on performance, ileal digestibility of calcium and phosphorus, and bone characteristics in broilers and pullets.

1. The effects of limestone particle size on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits, ileal morphology, duodenal gene expression of calbindin, apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and tibia characteristics in broilers and pullets were assessed in broilers and pullets. These birds have different growth rates and likely different responses to parameters, such as particle size.2. A total of 240 chicks aged one day, 120 Ross 308 female broilers, and 120 Hy-Line pullets were allocated randomly into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two bird types (broilers vs. pullets) and two limestone particle sizes (<0.5 mm versus 1-2 mm) to give six replicates containing 10 chicks in each from 1 to 21 d of age.3. Feed intake and weight gain were greater (P < 0.001) and feed per gain (FCR) was better (P < 0.001) in broilers compared to pullets from 1 to 21 d of age. Greater villus width (P < 0.01), villus height (P < 0.001) and crypt depth (P < 0.01) were seen for broilers compared to pullets.4. Pullets fed coarse Ca particles had higher calbindin gene expression at 21 d of age (P = 0.05). Both AIDC of Ca and P were higher (P < 0.001) in broilers compared to pullets. The AIDC of Ca from 0.463 to 0.516 was increased (P < 0.05) by feeding coarse limestone particles. A significant interaction was found between bird type and limestone particle size (P < 0.01), where pullets fed coarse Ca particles had higher bone P concentration in tibia than broilers.5. Broilers had better ileum absorptive capacity and growth performance compared to pullets. The AIDC of Ca and P was higher in broilers than in pullets. Increased limestone particle size elevated villus height, AIDC of Ca and concentration of P in the tibia.

Community-based cardiovascular disease prevention programmes and cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to summarise the effect of community-based intervention programmes on the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search in the PubMed database and screening of reference lists aimed to identify community-based CVD prevention programmes from inception up to April 2020. The mean differences and standard deviations for CVD risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose and body weight indices, were extracted and pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: Screening of 11,889 titles/abstracts and full texts resulted in 48 studies being included in this review. The meta-analysis showed that community-based programmes have led to considerable decreases in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -2.90 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: -3.63, -2.16), diastolic blood pressure (WMD = -2.21 mm Hg, 95% CI: -3.12, -1.29), serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD = -8.88 mg/dl, 95% CI: -12.84, -4.92), triglycerides (WMD = -8.40 mg/dl, 95% CI: -12.10, -4.70), total cholesterol (WMD = -2.96 mg/dl, 95% CI: -3.10, -2.81) and fasting blood glucose (WMD = -2.06 mg/dl, 95% CI: -3.02, -1.10). A moderate decrease in body weight was also found with community-based CVD prevention programmes. However, community-based CVD prevention programmes were not associated with any significant changes in serum levels of high-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that community-based strategies have successfully led to an improvement in CVD risk factors, particularly by reducing blood pressure, serum levels of LDL-C and triglycerides, obesity indices and blood glucose. The impact of these programmes on CVD is modified by the type of intervention and by different cultural and physical environments.

The effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 on plasma metabolites and hepatic gene expression in broiler breeder hens.

1. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on laying rate, body weight, plasma metabolites and some liver gene expression in broiler breeder hens. 2. A total of 128 broiler breeder hens (Arbor Acres Plus, 47 weeks of age) were randomly distributed to four dietary groups supplemented with different levels of CoQ10 (0, 300, 600 or 900 mg/kg diet) with four replicates of eight hens each. During 47-54 weeks of age, laying rate, egg mass and body weight were recorded weekly. To assay plasma biochemical indicators, blood samples were collected at 54 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, for evaluating the abdominal fat weight, liver weight and expression of the adiponectin and proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) genes in the liver, eight hens per treatment were selected, weighed and humanely killed by decapitation. 3. Dietary supplementation of CoQ10 linearly decreased abdominal fat weight, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities by increased levels of CoQ10. The plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were quadratically decreased by increased levels of CoQ10. The best plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and ALP activity were estimated at 562.5, 633.3 and 517.8 mg CoQ10/kg diet, respectively. Adiponectin and PPARα gene expression exhibited a linear increased by increased levels of CoQ10. 4. In conclusion, addition of CoQ10 to the diet influenced lipid metabolism and expression of the adiponectin and PPAR-α genes, which might be partially due to the improvement in mitochondrial metabolism and energy production. However, further studies are necessary to determine the effects of CoQ10 on these indicators in broiler breeder hens during ageing.

Evaluation of the NOX5 protein expression and oxidative stress in sperm from asthenozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic men.

PURPOSE: NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5), the main isoform of NOX in spermatozoa, has been recognized as the main active generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anion (O 2 -. ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). ROS have been shown to play important roles in many physiological and pathological conditions in spermatozoa. The present study aims to investigate the alterations of NOX5 protein expression and oxidative stress (OS) status in asthenozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic men. METHODS: Semen samples were collected from 25 asthenozoospermic men and 28 normozoospermic men. In this study, NOX5 protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. An OS status was evaluated by measuring of ROS (O 2 -. and H2O2), DNA damage and plasma membrane integrity in spermatozoa. RESULTS: The protein expression of NOX5 (p < 0.0001) was remarkably higher in asthenozoospermic men in comparison to normozoospermic men. In addition, the percentages of intracellular O 2 -. (p < 0.0001), H2O2 (p < 0.0001) in viable spermatozoa, apoptotic sperm cells with altered plasma membrane (p < 0.001) and DNA damage (p = 0.001) were significantly increased in asthenozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic men. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that the overexpression of NOX5 protein may induce excessive ROS production and oxidative stress damages to DNA and plasma membrane integrity in asthenozoospermic men.

Grain source and chromium supplementation: Effects on health, metabolic status, and glucose-insulin kinetics in Holstein heifer calves.

Carbohydrate-rich diets may increase urinary excretion of chromium (Cr) and the need to supplement the diet with Cr to meet animal requirements. The present study was performed to examine the effect of the type of grain (corn vs. barley) and Cr-methionine supplementation on health-related variables, blood levels of metabolites and hormones related to energy metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in Holstein calves. Forty-eight newborn heifers (3 d of age) were assigned randomly to 4 diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Experimental diets were either corn-based (CBD) or barley-based (BBD) diets supplemented with 0 or 0.05 mg/kg of metabolic body weight. Chromium was provided in milk before weaning (d 3-73 of age) and in prewarmed water after weaning (d 74-94 of age). There was no interaction between the type of grain and Cr on the health-related variables and blood metabolites and hormones. Type of grain did not affect fecal score, respiration rate, and rectal temperature; however, there were tendencies for higher diarrhea occurrence (odds ratio = 1.69) and lower chance of having pneumonia (odds ratio = 0.49) in calves fed BBD versus CBD despite longer duration of diarrhea (0.54 d) and shorter days with pneumonia (0.63 d) in calves fed BBD. Calves supplemented with Cr had lower fecal score during the preweaning and overall periods and respiration rate throughout the study. Supplemental Cr decreased the duration (0.63 d) and chance of having pneumonia (odds ratio = 2.01). Calves fed BBD had lower blood levels of urea N during the postweaning period, with no changes in other blood variables between CBD and BBD. Tendencies were detected for lower blood levels of ß-hydroxybutyric acid during the preweaning and overall periods and higher cortisol in Cr-supplemented calves. Chromium supplementation increased insulin clearance rate and decreased the time to half-maximal concentration and the area under the curve in BBD but not CBD calves. The calves were generally healthy, and the type of grain did not affect the health and blood variables related to energy metabolism. However, Cr supplementation increased fecal consistency, decreased respiration rate and days with pneumonia, and increased insulin sensitivity when added to BBD.

Longitudinal association of metabolic syndrome and dietary patterns: A 13-year prospective population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diet is a potential factor contributing to the development of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This longitudinal study with repeated measurements of dietary intake was thus conducted to examine the longitudinal association between major dietary patterns and risk of MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was conducted within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS), in which 1387 participants were followed from 2001 to 2013. Validated food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting serum lipids and blood sugars were evaluated in three phases of the study. Mixed effect Logistic and Cumulative Logit regressions were applied to evaluate the longitudinal associations between dietary patterns change and MetS and number of MetS components. Three dietary patterns were identified: Healthy, Iranian and Western dietary patterns. After adjustment for potential confounders, the higher scores of Healthy diet were inversely associated with the risk of MetS and number of MetS components (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.70, OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39-0.70, respectively). The greater adherence to the Iranian diet was positively associated with the risk of MetS and number of MetS components (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.65, OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16-1.81, respectively). The Western dietary pattern did not show any significant associations. CONCLUSION: Adherence to a Healthy diet was associated with lower risk of MetS even in a developing country setting. However, the Iranian diet was positively associated with the risk of MetS. These results may guide the development of improved preventive nutrition interventions in this adult population.

Nutrient patterns and asthenozoospermia: a case-control study.

The association of dietary nutrient patterns and sperm motility is not yet well elucidated, and previous studies have just focused on the isolated nutrients. This case-control study examined the association of nutrient patterns with asthenozoospermia among Iranian men. In total, 107 incident asthenozoospermic men and 235 age-matched controls were interviewed through the infertility clinics in Tehran, Iran, from January 2012 to November 2013. Semen quality data were analysed according to the fifth edition of WHO guideline. Nutrient patterns were identified using principal component analysis based on semiquantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaires. All nutrient intakes were energy-adjusted by the residual method. In principal component analysis, three dietary patterns emerged. The first pattern, which was high in vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, folate, total fibre, selenium and polyunsaturated fatty acids, was significantly associated with lower risk of asthenozoospermia. After adjustment for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of the first pattern scores had 51% lower risk of asthenozoospermia compared with those in the lowest (p-trend: .004). Our findings suggest that adherence to the pattern comprising mainly of antioxidant nutrients may be inversely associated with asthenozoospermia.

Static standing, dynamic standing and spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-over efficacy study design. OBJECTIVE: To determine spasticity differences between static and dynamic standing training in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Vancouver, Canada. METHODS: Ten individuals with SCI who could stand with or without bracing or supports participated in both dynamic and static standing training (one session each, 2 days apart) using a Segway. The primary outcome was spasticity as measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and electromyography (EMG) of the quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors and gastrocnemius. RESULTS: There was no statistically detectable difference in spasticity between dynamic and static standing training in individuals with SCI as measured by VAS, MAS or EMG, although there was a trend towards decreased spasticity after the dynamic training. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in spasticity outcomes between static and dynamic standing training on a Segway for individuals with SCI. SPONSORSHIP: This research was funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries.

Serum levels of chemokines CCL4 and CCL5 in cirrhotic patients indicate the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The prognostic value of serum tumour markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is limited. The aim of our study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum growth factors, apoptotic and inflammatory mediators of cirrhotic patients with and without HCC. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from cirrhotic potential liver transplant patients (LTx) with (n=61) and without HCC (n=78) as well as from healthy controls (HCs; n=39). Serum concentrations of CRP, neopterin and IL-6 as markers of inflammation and thrombopoietin (TPO), GCSF, FGF basic and VEGF, HMGB1, CK-18 (M65) and CK18 fragment (M30) and a panel of proinflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL5 and IL-8) were measured. Chi square, Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney U-tests, ROC curve analysis and forward stepwise logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Patients with HCC had higher serum TPO and chemokines (P<0.001 for TPO, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL5) and lower CCL2 (P=0.008) levels than cirrhotic patients without HCC. Multivariate forward stepwise regression analysis for significant parameters showed that among the studied parameters CCL4 and CCL5 (P=0.001) are diagnostic markers of HCC. Serum levels of TPO and chemokines were lower, whereas M30 was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than in HCs. CONCLUSIONS: High serum levels of inflammatory chemokines such as CCL4 and CCL5 in the serum of cirrhotic patients indicate the presence of HCC.

Numerical modeling of drug delivery in a dynamic solid tumor microvasculature.

The complicated capillary network induced by angiogenesis is one of the main reasons of unsuccessful cancer therapy. A multi-scale mathematical method which simulates drug transport to a solid tumor is used in this study to investigate how capillary network structure affects drug delivery. The mathematical method involves processes such as blood flow through vessels, solute and fluid diffusion, convective transport in extracellular matrix, and extravasation from blood vessels. The effect of heterogeneous dynamic network on interstitial fluid flow and drug delivery is investigated by this multi-scale method. The sprouting angiogenesis model is used for generating capillary network and then fluid flow governing equations are implemented to calculate blood flow through the tumor-induced capillary network and fluid flow in normal and tumor tissues. Finally, convection-diffusion equation is used to simulate drug delivery. Three approaches are used to simulate drug transport based on the developed mathematical method: without a vascular network, using a static vascular network, and a dynamic vascular network. The avascular approach predicts more uniform and higher drug concentration than vascular approaches since the simplified assumptions are implemented in this method. The dynamic network which uses more realistic assumptions predicts more irregular blood vessels, high interstitial pressure, and more heterogeneity in drug distribution than other two approaches.

Immobilising effect of Ruta graveolens L. on human spermatozoa: coumarin compounds are involved.

This study was designed to find out Ruta graveolens L. functional components, which have immobilisation effect on human spermatozoa for contraceptive use. A five-step fractionation method was used to derive different components from rue aqueous extract by using hexane, chloroform, ethanol, acetone and ultrapure water. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometery (GC-MS) of all fractions and the aqueous extract were performed to determine the chemical components. The immobilisation assay and membrane integrity test were also performed with four different coumarins, which were found in GC-MS in a concentration of 10 µm. Hexane, chloroform, acetone and ethanol fractions could significantly decrease motility of sperms within the first and the second hours. Hexane fraction had also significant immediate effect. The aqueous fraction had no effect on sperm motility. Meanwhile, GC-MS revealed that aqueous extract and effective fractions had similar coumarin compounds. We performed the immobilisation assay on four different coumarins, which were found in GC-MS in a concentration of 10 µm. Reduction of sperm motility was only significant for xanthotoxin. In the sperm viability and membrane integrity tests, hexane and ethanolic fractions could impair sperm vitality significantly, in contrast to coumarins. These results indicated that a part of immobilising effect of rue could be due to its coumarins. The possible mechanism could be blocking of spermatozoa potassium channels.

Effect of vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on the level of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Since free radicals and antioxidant enzymes may play an important role in the development of diabetes, the present study was designed to assess the effect of supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and ω-3 fatty acids on catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: A total of 64 male Wistar rats weighing 250 g were divided into four groups as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic supplemented with vitamin A, E and C and diabetic supplemented with ω-3 fatty acids. After four weeks the rats were anesthetized and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were investigated in blood samples, liver and heart homogenates. RESULTS: In diabetic rats, the activity levels of heart SOD (p < 0.001) and heart and liver CAT (p < 0.001) were significantly lower than in normal control rats. Supplementation with vitamins A, E and C significantly increased heart CAT (p = 0.05). No significant change was observed in diabetic rats supplemented with ω-3 fatty acids. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and ω-3 fatty acids was found to increase heart CAT activity in diabetic rats and they can be valuable candidates in the treatment of the complications of diabetes (Tab. 6, Ref. 26).

Association of pituitary specific transcription factor-1 (POU1F1) gene polymorphism with growth and biometric traits and blood metabolites in Iranian Zel and Lori-Bakhtiari sheep.

The pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1 (POU1F1) gene has been the subject of many recent studies because of its important roles in growth and development of mammals. In this study, we investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the third exon of POU1F1 gene and its association with growth and biometric traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds, Zel and Lori-Bakhtiari. Blood samples from 90 Lori-Bakhtiari and 90 Zel sheep were collected to extract DNA and the 295-bp fragment of the POU1F1 gene was amplified and the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was adopted for genotyping. A SNP was identified in both Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel sheep breeds, which represents a non-synonymous single base mutation at restriction site for endonuclease AciI. The results revealed differential frequencies of alleles between the two studied breeds, where A allele was more frequent in Lori-Bakhtiari breed, while G allele was more frequent in Zel breed. When POU1F1 genotypes were tested, the animals with AA genotype had a higher weaning weight than those with GG genotype (p < 0.05), however there were not significant association between genotypes and birth weight, biometric traits (body length, body height, heart girth, thigh girth and abdominal girth) and blood metabolites (triglyceride and cholesterol) of the studied breeds (p > 0.05). These findings imply that the POU1F1 polymorphism may affect weaning weight, thus can be used as a molecular marker for this production trait.

Regeneration of spermatogenesis in a mouse model of azoospermia by follicle-stimulating hormone and oestradiol.

Busulfan is a chemotherapeutic drug that induces sterility, azoospermia and testicular atrophy. To induce degeneration of spermatogenesis, we used different amounts of busulfan. Adult male C57Bl/6 mice were treated with 15, 30 and 45 mg kg(-1) of busulfan. After 5 weeks, animals had daily injections of 7.5 IU human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) and 12.5 µg kg(-1) oestradiol benzoate (EB), separately or simultaneously. After this time, the animals were killed and blood samples were taken through cardiac puncture. Testes were used for histopathology experiments, DNA flow cytometry and RNA extraction for expression of c-kit and cyclin B1 genes. EB unlike FSH has induced stimulatory effects on spermatogenesis, increased the level of serum testosterone 2-fold and caused a 2-fold increase in the number of haploid cells. The result showed that hFSH with EB multiplied EB stimulatory effects on spermatogenesis up to four times. Expression of c-kit and cyclin B1 genes increased in EB and hFSH+EB groups. These findings suggest that EB regulates spermatogonial stem cells via hFSH. hFSH with EB had synergistic effect on regeneration of spermatogenesis.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial.

Low seminal plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been correlated with impaired sperm parameters, but the exact mechanism remains of dominating interest. This randomised, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of CoQ10 on catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and F2 -isoprostanes in seminal plasma in infertile men and their relation with CoQ10 concentration. Sixty infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) were randomised to receive 200 mg d(-1) of CoQ10 or placebo for 3 months. 47 persons of them completed the study. Semen analysis, anthropometric measurements, diet and physical activity assessment were performed for subjects before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-test, chi-square test and ancova were compared outcomes of supplementation between two groups. CoQ10 levels increased from 44.74 ± 36.47 to 68.17 ± 42.41 ng ml(-1) following supplementation in CoQ10 (P < 0.001). CoQ10 group had higher catalase and SOD activity than the placebo group. There was a significant positive correlation between CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.037), catalase (P = 0.041) and SOD (P < 0.001). Significant difference was shown between the mean of changes in seminal plasma 8-isoprostane in two groups (P = 0.003) after supplementation. Three-month supplementation with CoQ10 in OAT infertile men can attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve semen parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity.

The micronutrient supplements, zinc sulphate and folic acid, did not ameliorate sperm functional parameters in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men.

We investigated the effects of folic acid and zinc sulphate supplementation on the improvement of sperm function in subfertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men. Eighty-three OAT men participated in a 16-week intervention randomised, double-blind clinical trial with daily treatment of folic acid (5 mg day(-1) ) and zinc sulphate (220 mg day(-1) ), or placebo. Before and after treatment, semen and blood samples were obtained for determining sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, sperm viability, sperm mitochondrial function, sperm chromatin status using toluidine blue, aniline blue, acridine orange and chromomycin A3 staining; and semen and blood folate, zinc, B12 , total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Sperm concentration (×10(6)  ml(-1) ) increased in subfertile men receiving the combined treatment of folic acid and zinc sulphate and also in the group receiving only folic acid treatment; however, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.056 and P = 0.05, respectively). Sperm chromatin integrity (%) increased significantly in subfertile men receiving only zinc sulphate treatment (P = 0.048). However, this improvement in sperm quality was not significant after adjusting placebo effect. This study showed that zinc sulphate and folic acid supplementation did not ameliorate sperm quality in infertile men with severely compromised sperm parameters, OAT. Male infertility is a multifactorial disorder, and also nutritional factors play an important role in results of administration of supplementation on sperm parameters. However, these results should be confirmed by multiple studies in larger populations of OAT men.

Impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on the quality of life of patients with nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic sinusitis with polyposis (CSWP) is associated with high direct and indirect annual costs. This condition affects several aspects of daily life, and CSWP patients usually suffer from decreased quality of life (QOL). Treatment with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is reported to improve the QOL of patients with CS. Here we evaluated the factors that affected QOL improvement in CSWP patients who were candidates for FESS. METHODS: All patients with CSWP who were treated at the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehan, Iran that were candidates for FESS were recruited. Patients with systemic or neurologic diseases that could affect their QOL were excluded. Clinical signs were recorded before and after FESS using the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and QOL questionnaires. The patient's history of allergic rhinitis, aspirin sensitivity, asthma and smoking was recorded. QOL and associations with clinical features were evaluated within twelve months after FESS. RESULTS: The study included 47 patients with a mean age of 39.5 +/- 15.4 years (61.7% women). FESS resulted in significant improvements in QOL based on the SNOT-22 and QOL questionnaires (p = 0.0001 for both). Septal deviation was the only single characteristic that was significantly associated with QOL improvements. CONCLUSION: FESS significantly improved the QOL of patients with CSWP. However, patients with septal deviation benefited the most from FESS.

Density-induced molecular arrangements of water inside carbon nanotubes.

Water inside carbon nanotubes is an interesting confined system, and its theoretical and applied aspects have been studied extensively. The confinement in nanometer- and sub-nanometer-sized nanotubes gives rise to new molecular arrangements of water and affects its physical properties drastically. In order to study these new arrangements, Monte Carlo simulations of water inside carbon nanotubes have been performed. Simulations are carried out for water with a wide range of density inside carbon nanotubes with different diameters. It is observed that at constant temperature, the density of water dictates the presence of water clusters, filled states, and different ordered phases. The transitions between these states and their effects on the physical properties of this system are studied in detail.

Regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor in hippocampal neurons following different long-lasting treatments of castrated adult rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different Luteinizing hormone (LH) and steroid hormones levels on LH receptor (LHR) expression in the hippocampal cells. Rats (24 males and 24 females) were assigned to four groups: one control and three experimental [gonadectomy (GDX), gonadectomy + gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GDX+GnRHa) and GDX+GnRHa+estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T)] independently for each gender. All experimental rats were gonadectomized; then GnRHa was administrated to GDX+GnRHa group, and GnRHa plus steroid hormone to GDX+GnRHa+E2 or T group in both genders for four-month. LHR mRNA expression and its protein level in hippocampal cells were measured using QRT-PCR and Western blotting. Quantification of mRNA revealed a decrease in LHR transcripts level in GDX+GnRHa group of females. A significant change was observed between GDX groups and GDX+GnRHa+E2 or T versus GDX+GnRHa group in females. High levels of LH decreased significantly the immature isoform of LHR in GDX group compared to control group in both genders, but low LH concentrations in GDX+GnRHa group induced immature LHR isoform production only in females. Therefore increased LH concentration induces production of incomplete LHR transcripts in hippocampal cells and decreases immature LHR at the protein level. This implies that LH decreases the efficiency of translation through either producing non-functional LHR molecules or preventing their translation.

Postrhinoplasty acne formation: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Acne formation is a common dermatological problem which, if left untreated, may lead to severe facial scars, a consideration that may be particularly important for patients who seek cosmetic surgery. Postrhinoplasty acne development has not yet been discussed in the literature. We therefore decided to evaluate the occurrence of acne in nasal plastic surgery in a case-control study. SUBJECTS & METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were selected for this case-control study and were then assigned to case and control groups, each consisting of 60 patients. None of the participants was a known case of acne and those with any specific skin condition were excluded from the study. The cases were patients whose external nasal structures had been affected by the procedure; the control group consisted of matched patients who were candidates for closed septoplasty. After the operation, acne formation was evaluated in all participants and a comparison was made between cases and controls looking at the surgical method employed, and at the patients' personal and family backgrounds. RESULTS: Twelve patients, all from the case group, developed postsurgical acne; all these patients had undergone open rhinoplasty. Age, gender, family history for acne and recent medication use prior to the surgery showed no significant correlation with acne formation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of acne after nasal plastic surgery was significantly higher than in the control group, especially when the method of surgery was open rhinoplasty.