Mechanisms modulating foam cell formation in the arterial intima: exploring new therapeutic opportunities in atherosclerosis.

In recent years, the role of macrophages as the primary cell type contributing to foam cell formation and atheroma plaque development has been widely acknowledged. However, it has been long recognized that diffuse intimal thickening (DIM), which precedes the formation of early fatty streaks in humans, primarily consists of lipid-loaded smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their secreted proteoglycans. Recent studies have further supported the notion that SMCs constitute the majority of foam cells in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Given that SMCs are a major component of the vascular wall, they serve as a significant source of microvesicles and exosomes, which have the potential to regulate the physiology of other vascular cells. Notably, more than half of the foam cells present in atherosclerotic lesions are of SMC origin. In this review, we describe several mechanisms underlying the formation of intimal foam-like cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Based on these mechanisms, we discuss novel therapeutic approaches that have been developed to regulate the generation of intimal foam-like cells. These innovative strategies hold promise for improving the management of atherosclerosis in the near future.

Effect of Plate Configuration in the Primary Stability of Osteotomies and Biological Reconstructions of Femoral Defects: Finite-Element Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Osteosynthesis is an alternative treatment for stabilizing femur-bone traumas. The initial stability of the fixation systems is one of the biomechanical parameters affecting implant failure and bone union, especially in surgeries of intercalary reconstructions after the removal of bone tumors. This study aimed to investigate the initial biomechanical effect of using one or two osteosynthesis plate configurations for femoral fixation and the effect of fastening the allograft to the osteosynthesis plate in the case of femoral allograft reconstructions. METHODS: Three finite-element models of a femur with three different fixation conditions for a transverse osteotomy in the middle of the diaphysis, i.e., using one and two osteosynthesis plates and an intercalary allograft, were constructed. An eight-hole compression plate and a six-hole second plate were used to simulate osteosynthesis plates. The plate screws were tightened previously to the loading, and the tightening sequences simulate the bolt-tightening procedure in a surgical environment. The models were imported into the ADINA System for nonlinear analysis, using compression loads applied over the femur head. RESULTS: Models with the dual fixation systems had the most outstanding compression stiffness. The femur head movement in the dual plate system was 24.8% smaller than in the single plate system. A statistical analysis of a region of interest (VOI) placed in the femur diaphysis showed that the biomechanical effect of using the dual plate system is smaller in the osteotomy region than at the femur head, e.g., a displacement average decrease of only 5% between the two systems, while the maximum value decreases by 26.8%. The allograft fixation to the second osteosynthesis plate leads to an improvement in the system stability. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this work show that including the bolt analysis in the femoral diaphysis osteotomy fixation will allow for capturing the nonlinear behavior of the osteotomy region more realistically. The stability of the intercalary reconstruction of the femoral diaphysis was higher when the allograft was fastened to the second osteosynthesis plate.

Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates and Comparison of Methods of Susceptibility to Vancomycin.

S. aureus are among the main bacteria causing problems related to multidrug resistance in nosocomial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a reliable and rapid diagnosis for the identification of the bacteria and characterization of its susceptibility profile, especially vancomycin, which is an alternative treatment against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize isolates of S. aureus regarding the resistance and virulence and to check the susceptibility to vancomycin, through different methods, for comparative purposes. Seventeen antimicrobials were tested to assess the susceptibility profile. It was evaluated the presence of identification (nuc), resistance (mecA and blaZ), biofilm (icaA and icaD) and siderophore (sfaD and sbnD) genes. The susceptibility to vancomycin was evaluated by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by broth microdilution (BMD), E-test, commercial panel (Kit), and Phoenix equipment. Most S. aureus (93,33%) was classified as MDR. These isolates were 100% positive for nuc, mecA, icaA, icaD, and sfaD genes; 96.67% for sbnD and 33.33% for blaZ. In relation to BMD, all methods correctly classified the susceptibility of the isolates; however, regarding the exact MIC value for vancomycin, Phoenix showed agreement of 63.33%, E-test (33.33%) and Kit (26.66%). In conclusion, most of S. aureus was considered MDR. Also, they presented resistance, biofilm production, and siderophores genes, showing the pathogenic potential of these bacteria. Besides, the Phoenix test was considered the most effective, as it presents advantages, such as identification of the microorganism and a greater number of antimicrobials tested at a time.

Latin American Consensus on management of residual cardiometabolic risk. A consensus paper prepared by the Latin American Academy for the Study of Lipids and Cardiometabolic Risk (ALALIP) endorsed by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology (IASC), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), and the Pan-American College of Endothelium (PACE).

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, overweight, obesity, and tobacco (smoking, chewing, and vaping), together with a pro-inflammatory and procoagulant state, are the main risk factors related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: A group of experts from the Americas, based on their clinical expertise in cardiology, cardiovascular prevention, and cardiometabolic (CM) diseases, joined together to develop these practical recommendations for the optimal evaluation and treatment of residual CM risk factors in Latin America, using a modified Delphi methodology (details in electronic TSI) to generate a comprehensive CM risk reduction guideline, and through personalized medicine and patient-centered decision, considering the cost-benefit ratio The process was well defined to avoid conflicts of interest that could bias the discussion and recommendations. RESULTS: Residual risk reduction should consider therapeutic options adapted to specific patient needs, based on five treatment objectives: triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, inflammation, impaired glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, and prothrombotic status. Comprehensive control of all CM risk factors should be a priority to deal with this important public health problem and prevent premature deaths. The recommendations in this paper address the evidence-based treatment of CM risk and are intended for clinical application in Latin American countries.

Antecedentes: Un grupo de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos (hipertensión, hiperglucemia, dislipidemia, sobrepeso, obesidad y tabaco (fumado, masticado, vaporizado), junto con un estado proinflamatorio y procoagulante, son los principales factores de riesgo relacionados con la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica. Objetivo y métodos: Basándose en su experiencia en cardiología, prevención cardiovascular y enfermedades cardiometabólicas, un grupo de expertos de las Américas se unió para desarrollar estas recomendaciones prácticas para la evaluación y tratamiento óptimos de los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos residuales en América Latina, utilizando una metodología Delphi modificada con el objetivo de generar una guía integral de pautas para la reducción del riesgo cardiometabólico, mediante la medicina personalizada y la decisión centrada en el paciente teniendo en cuenta la relación costo-beneficio. El proceso fue bien definido para evitar conflictos de intereses que podrían sesgar la discusión y las recomendaciones. Resultados: La reducción del riesgo residual debe considerar opciones terapéuticas adaptadas a las necesidades específicas del paciente, basadas en 5 objetivos de tratamiento: lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos inflamación, metabolismo de la glucosa, presión arterial alta y estado protrombótico. El Control integral de todos los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos debe ser una prioridad para hacer frente a este importante problema de salud pública y prevenir las muertes prematuras. Las recomendaciones de este documento abordan el tratamiento basado en evidencia del riesgo cardiometabólico y están destinadas a la aplicación clínica en los países de América Latina.

Feasibility, tolerability, and safety of hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (hyfosy). multicenter, prospective Spanish study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility,tolerability, and safety of the ultrasound assessment of tubal patency using foam as contrast. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study of 915 infertile nulliparous women scheduled for sonohysterosalpingography with foam instillation (HYFOSY) for tubal patency testing as a part of the fertility workup. Clinical and sonographic data were recorded into a web-shared database. Tubal patency, cervical catheterization, pain during the procedure and post-procedural complications were collected. Patients reported discomfort or pain experienced during the procedure with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: Nine hundred fifteen women were included in the final analysis. Median age was 34 (range, 21-45) years and median body mass index was 23 (range, 16-41) kg/m2. Of 839 women, only 8(0.95 %) cases were abandoned due to impossibility of introducing the intracervical catheter. Most of the cervical os were easily cannulated with either paediatric nasogastric probes or special catheter for intrauterine insemination / sonohysterosalpingography 688/914(75.3 %). With a median instillation of 4 mL (range 1-16) of foam, both tubes were identified in 649/875 (70.9 %) patients, while unilateral patency was observed in 190/875 (20.8 %). Only 36/875 (3.9 %) of the women had bilateral tubal obstruction. The median VAS score for perception of pain during HyFoSy examination was 2 (range 0-10), and only 17 (1.9 %) of women reported severe pain (VAS ≥ 7). Pain was unrelated to tubal patency or tubal blockage. Unexpectedly, difficult cervical catheterizations that needed tenaculum, were more likely associated with mild pain during procedure [nasogastric probe group 176/289 (70.9 %) vs. insemination catheter group 166/399 (41.6 %) vs. tenaculum group 190/218(87.2 %) p < 0.001]. Finally, among 915 patients, we only noticed 3 (0.32 %) complications of the technique: two vasovagal episodes and a mild urinary infection. CONCLUSION: HYFOSY is a feasible, well-tolerated and safe technique for the evaluation of tubal patency in infertile women.

Bioclimatic zoning and trend analysis applied to broilers / Zoneamento bioclimático e análise de tendência aplicados a frangos de corte

The objective of the present study was to establish the bioclimatic zoning by the temperature and humidity index (THI), considering a historical period and a future scenario, in order to represent the thermal environment for broiler breeding in the State of Minas Gerais. A historical series (1976 - 2014) of THI minimum, average and maximum calculated based on data from 48 conventional meteorological stations was used, belonging to the National Institute of Meteorology of the State of Minas Gerais. The analysis of the temporal series was based on the Mann-Kendall test and linear regression. A geostatistical analysis was also carried out to determine the comfort zoning of broilers as a function of the THI intervals. In this way, the THI spatial mapping methodologies and trend analysis for the prediction of a possible future climate scenario can help in the development of risk maps for monitoring thermal comfort of broilers, being indispensable in the planning of actions for the mitigation of the climatic change impacts on the productive chain of the State of Minas Gerais.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estabelecer o zoneamento bioclimático por meio do índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU), considerando-se um período histórico e um cenário futuro, de forma a representar o ambiente térmico para criação de frangos de corte no estado de Minas Gerais. Foi utilizada uma série histórica (1976 - 2014) de ITU mínimo, médio e máximo, que foram calculados com base em dados oriundos de 48 estações meteorológicas convencionais, pertencentes ao Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia do Estado de Minas Gerais. A análise da série temporal se baseou no teste de Mann-Kendall e na regressão linear. Procedeu-se, também, à análise geoestatística para determinação do zoneamento do conforto de frangos de corte segundo os intervalos de ITU. Dessa forma, as metodologias de mapeamento espacial do ITU e a análise de tendência para predição de um possível cenário climático futuro podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de mapas de risco para o monitoramento do conforto térmico de frangos de corte, sendo indispensáveis no planejamento de ações para mitigação dos impactos das mudanças climáticas sobre a cadeia produtiva do estado de Minas Gerais.(AU)

Aß promotes VDAC1 channel dephosphorylation in neuronal lipid rafts. Relevance to the mechanisms of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.

Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a mitochondrial protein abundantly found in neuronal lipid rafts. In these membrane domains, VDAC is associated with a complex of signaling proteins that trigger neuroprotective responses. Loss of lipid raft integrity may result in disruption of multicomplex association and alteration of signaling responses that may ultimately promote VDAC activation. Some data have demonstrated that VDAC at the neuronal membrane may be involved in the mechanisms of amyloid beta (Aß)-induced neurotoxicity, through yet unknown mechanisms. Aß is generated from amyloid precursor protein (APP), and is released to the extracellular space where it may undergo self-aggregation. Aß aggregate deposition in the form of senile plaques may lead to Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, although other pathological hallmarks (such as hyper-phosphorylated Tau deposition) also participate in this neurodegenerative process. The present study demonstrates that VDAC1 associates with APP and Aß in lipid rafts of neurons. Interaction of VDAC1 with APP was observed in lipid rafts from the frontal and entorhinal cortex of human brains affected by AD at early stages (I-IV/0-B of Braak and Braak). Furthermore, Aß exposure enhanced the dephosphorylation of VDAC1 that correlated with cell death. Both effects were reverted in the presence of tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. VDAC1 dephosphorylation was corroborated in lipid rafts of AD brains. These results demonstrate that Aß is involved in alterations of the phosphorylation state of VDAC in neuronal lipid rafts. Modulation of this channel may contribute to the development and progression of AD pathology.

Mutation frequencies of GNAQ, GNA11, BAP1, SF3B1, EIF1AX and TERT in uveal melanoma: detection of an activating mutation in the TERT gene promoter in a single case of uveal melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Uveal melanoma is the most frequent primary tumour of the eye. It is molecularly clearly distinct from cutaneous melanoma and shows a different pattern of driver mutations. The influence of sunlight ultraviolet (UV) exposure on the aetiology of uveal melanoma is a matter of debate. The recent identification of driver mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene with UV-induced cytidine-to-thymidine transitions in cutaneous melanoma prompted us to investigate whether these mutations also occur in uveal melanoma. METHODS: We analysed 50 cases of uveal melanoma obtained from enucleation surgery for mutations in the genes GNAQ, GNA11, BAP1, SF3B1, EIFAX1 and TERT, measured gene expression using microarrays and analysed gene copy numbers by SNP arrays. RESULTS: We detected a TERT mutation in only one case of a 57-year-old white male patient with clinical and histopathological features typical for uveal melanoma. The tumour showed mutations in GNA11 and EIF1AX that are typical for uveal melanoma and absent from cutaneous melanoma. No mutations were detected in GNAQ, BAP1 and SF3B1 that are frequently mutated in uveal melanoma. Both copies of chromosome 3 were retained. Several tumours among which the one carrying the TERT promoter mutation showed elevated TERT expression. Consistent with previous reports, GNAQ is inversely associated with chromosome 3 monosomy and metastasis. BAP1 mutations are significantly associated with chromosome 3 monosomy but not with relapse. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that TERT mutations are rare in uveal melanoma. No conclusion can be drawn on their potential influence on tumour progression.

Endocrine disruptor agent nonyl phenol exerts an estrogen-like transcriptional activity on estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells.

Several substances widely dispersed in the environment including hormones, industrial by-products and pollutants exert hormone like activity affecting steroid-responsive physiological systems. These compounds, named endocrine disruptors, are suspected to affect the mammalian reproductive system. However it is still unclear whether these substances are able to elicit estrogen like activity at the low concentrations encountered in the environment. Here we compare the effects of the endocrine disruptor nonylphenol with the effects elicited by 17-ß-estradiol on gene transcription in the human breast cancer cell line MCF7. The correlation of the nonylphenol induced gene expression alterations with a reference profile of estradiol treated cells shows that nonylphenol at a concentration of 100 nM exerts a significant effect on estrogen responsive gene transcription in MCF7 cells. Most of the genes regulated by 17-ß-estradiol respond to the nonylphenol in the same direction though to a much lesser extent. Molecular modeling of the potential interaction of nonylphenol with the estrogen receptor α shows that nonylphenol is likely to bind to the estrogen receptor α.

Exogenous hormonal regulation in breast cancer cells by phytoestrogens and endocrine disruptors.

Observations on the role of ovarian hormones in breast cancer growth, as well as interest in contraception, stimulated research into the biology of estrogens. The identification of the classical receptors ERα and ERß and the transmembrane receptor GPER and the resolution of the structure of the ligand bound to its receptor established the principal molecular mechanisms of estrogen action. The presence of estrogen-like compounds in many plants used in traditional medicine or ingested as food ingredients, phytoestrogens, as well as the estrogenic activities of many industrial pollutants and pesticides, xenoestrogens, have prompted investigations into their role in human health. Phyto- and xenoestrogens bind to the estrogen receptors with a lower affinity than the endogenous estrogens and can compete or substitute the hormone. Xenoestrogens, which accumulate in the body throughout life, are believed to increase breast cancer risk, especially in cases of prenatal and prepuberal exposure whereas the role of phytoestrogens is still a matter of debate. At present, the application of phytoestrogens appears to be limited to the treatment of post-menopausal symptoms in women where the production of endogenous estrogens has ceased. In this review we discuss chemistry, structure and classification, estrogen signaling and the consequences of the interactions of estrogens, phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens with their receptors, the complex interactions of endogenous and exogenous ligands, the evaluation of the health risks related to xenoestrogens, and the perspectives toward the synthesis of potent third generation selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).

Comparison of the antibacterial effect of modified 3-mix paste versus Ultrapex over anaerobic microorganisms from infected root canals of primary teeth: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial efficacy of a modified 3-mix paste and to compare it with an iodoform paste (Ultrapex) against anaerobic microorganisms isolated from root canals of infected or necrotic primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro experimental assay was performed over isolated and identified anaerobic microorganisms of 21 samples, in order to compare the antimicrobial ability of both root canal filling materials, using a disc-diffusion method. RESULTS: A total of 21 microbial samples (15 polymicrobial and 6 monomicrobial) were obtained, from which 19 different strains were identified. Modified 3-mix paste showed an excellent antimicrobial effect against most of both kinds of microbial samples, although some of them exhibited resistance; on the other hand, Ultrapex showed only minimal antimicrobial ability (null or low categories). Clostridium ramosum exhibited the most resistance to both materials. CONCLUSION: The bactericidal effect of the modified 3-mix paste was superior to Ultrapex, with a statistically significant difference, against anaerobic microorganisms isolated from infected root canals of primary teeth.

A blind algorithm for reverberation-time estimation using subband decomposition of speech signals.

An algorithm for blind estimation of reverberation time (RT) in speech signals is proposed. Analysis is restricted to the free-decaying regions of the signal, where the reverberation effect dominates, yielding a more accurate RT estimate at a reduced computational cost. A spectral decomposition is performed on the reverberant signal and partial RT estimates are determined in all signal subbands, providing more data to the statistical-analysis stage of the algorithm, which yields the final RT estimate. Algorithm performance is assessed using two distinct speech databases, achieving 91% and 97% correlation with the RTs measured by a standard nonblind method, indicating that the proposed method blindly estimates the RT in a reliable and consistent manner.

Outcome of ICU survivors: a comprehensive review. The role of patient-reported outcome studies.

Problems survivors face after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge begin while they are still in the ward, where many of their specific problems may run unrecognized, but they assume a heavy weight when they arrive at their homes and face several kind of limitations, from being unable to climb stairs because of weight loss, asthenia, dyspnea or joint stiffness to anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Follow-up consultations have given us a better understanding of these specific problems, and the information gained has been used to improve intensive care itself and promote a quality service for patients and relatives. The aim of this article is to provide an overview on adult ICU outcome studies and discuss how they have influenced and improved the delivery of intensive care. We will explain how we went from real patients to outcome studies and what we have learned concerning the consequences of critical illness and critical care. Development of outcome studies, what we have learned through them and our own experience will be outlined focusing mainly in four topics: mortality, physical disability, neuropsychological disability and health-related quality of life. Interventions to improve outcome on these main topics will be presented, and we will explain how we went from outcome studies to clinical interventions, focusing on the most recent proposals of intervention to improve outcome.

Reduction in bacterial loading using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate as an irrigant in pulpectomized primary teeth: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in bacterial loading using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate as an irrigating solution in pulpectomized primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed that included primary teeth with pulp necrosis. Forty necrotic teeth were included, 20 irrigated with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (experimental group) and 20 with sterile saline solution (control group); in all cases, 2 microbiological samples from within the canals were taken with sterile paper points, the first after the canal opening and before the first irrigation, and the second after instrumentation and final irrigation, before filling. All samples were evaluated by McFarlands scale. RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. After analyzing samples before and after irrigation in the control group (saline), we found a significant decrease of bacterial load (P < 0.0002). The same occurred in the chlorhexidine group samples (P < 0.0001). When both groups were compared post-irrigation, a statistically significant difference was observed in favor of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate. CONCLUSION: Two percent chlorhexidine gluconate showed a greater reduction of intracanal bacterial loading compared with that observed with sterile saline solution. This irrigating solution is suggested as an alternative for pulpectomy of necrotic primary teeth.

Gold nanoprobe assay for the identification of mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) are causative agents of human and animal tuberculosis. This complex encompasses several phylogenetically related species, including M. tuberculosis, the main aetiological agent of human tuberculosis, and Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, a relevant worldwide zoonosis. Clear epidemiological evaluation of appropriate and effective treatment requires unambiguous differentiation between MTC members. Routine diagnosis has been increasingly relying on the molecular identification of MTC members. In the present study, we report the use of a gold nanoparticle-based approach for the sensitive, specific and fast identification of MTC and for the differentiation of M. bovis and M. tuberculosis using the gyrB locus as target. This gold nanoprobe strategy relies on the colorimetric differentiation of specific DNA sequences based on differential aggregation profiles in the presence or absence of specific target hybridization. Three nanoprobes were designed and successfully used for the specific identification of members of MTC, M. bovis and M. tuberculosis.

Blood COX-2 and PGES gene transcription during the peripartum period of dairy cows with normal puerperium or with uterine infection.

In the dairy cow, puerperal uterine intra-luminal concentrations of PGE(2) are related to the establishment and severity of uterine infections. Here we evaluated whether the blood concentrations of PGE(2) and the gene transcription profiles of enzymes involved in its synthesis (cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E synthase) could be used as markers of predisposition and/or presence of puerperal uterine infections. We also studied the relationship between the endocrine status and the leukocyte profiles around parturition and the transcription patterns of the genes. Finally, we have characterized the in vitro gene transcription and expression response to a challenge of LPS. Gene transcription profiles, quantified by real-time PCR, were similar in normal puerperium and metritis/endometritis cows, indicating that they are not suitable markers of predisposition to/presence of puerperal uterine infections. Transcription decreased from 2 weeks before parturition until parturition, when a minimum was attained, and then increased during the first week postpartum. The lowest gene transcription, at parturition, was coincidental with the highest total leukocytes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils and CD14 positive cell numbers. It is suggested that by this mechanism, a large number of PMN can be recruited into the uterus after parturition, avoiding an excessive acute inflammatory response. The lowest gene transcription was also coincidental with the surge in cortisol concentrations, indicating that this hormone plays a main immunomodulatory role around parturition. Gene transcription was significantly greater after stimulation with LPS than in non-stimulated blood. We suggest that this PGE(2) producing cells might arrive to the uterine lumen, contributing to the local PGE(2) concentrations and mediating the inflammatory response.

Comparison of three DNA extraction methods for Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium.

AIMS: To compare three methods for DNA extraction from Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium. METHODS AND RESULTS: The DNA was extracted from mycobacterial cultures using enzymatic extraction, combined bead beating and enzymatic extraction and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) extraction. The yield and quality of DNA were compared by spectrophotometry, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease analysis and PCR. The combined bead beating and enzymatic extraction method yielded more DNA. However, that method produced some sheared DNA, visible either by agarose gel electrophoresis or by restriction endonuclease analysis. All methods were appropriate for PCR amplification of a 123 bp fragment of IS6110 in M. bovis and M. tuberculosis, and of a 1700 bp fragment of FR300 region in M. avium avium. CONCLUSIONS: Combined bead beating and enzymatic extraction method was the most efficient and easy method for extracting DNA from bacteria of the M. tuberculosis complex. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results reveal important differences among the DNA extraction methods for mycobacteria, which are relevant for the success of further downstream molecular analysis.

Gluteus medius muscle atrophy is related to contralateral and ipsilateral hip joint osteoarthritis.

In order to understand the role of the GLUTEUS MEDIUS muscle (GM) in hip joint osteoarthritis, the objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between morphometric data of GM samples with osteoarthritis scores of ipsilateral and contralateral hips in 41 patients. GM samples obtained during unilateral hip replacement surgery were used to evaluate muscle fibers in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and other features indicative for muscle aging. Clinical symptoms were assessed by the Lequesne pain score. Hip osteoarthritis was graded by the Kellgren score and by measuring the sum joint space width (sumJSW) at three different articular locations and minimal JSW in a. p. radiographs. Varying degrees of GM muscle atrophy correlated with the pain score; pain score also correlated with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. GM CSA was significantly correlated with all radiographic signs of the contralateral hip, but only with the sumJSW in the ipsilateral hip. It can be concluded that a weak GM may be the result of ipsilateral osteoarthitis, but may especially predispose the contralateral hip to develop osteoarthritis. This can be associated with an impaired GM capacity to avoid the shock impact in the load transfer during gait. Muscle strengthening is therefore recommended.