Assessment of electrocardiogram interpretation competency among healthcare professionals and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences: a multidisciplinary study.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a core clinical skill that helps to rapid diagnosis of potentially life-threatening diseases. Misinterpretation of the electrocardiogram can lead to inappropriate clinical decisions with adverse outcomes. The main aim of this survey was to assess the competency of electrocardiogram interpretation and related factors among healthcare professionals and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 323 staff and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in northwestern Iran. Data were collected randomly from November to January 1400 using the Badell-Coll ECG Interpretation Competency Questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS V.14. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of electrocardiogram interpretation competency of health professional staff and students was 5.13 ± 2.25 (maximum score = 10). The large number of participants wasn't able to identify normal sinus rhythm (n = 251, 77.3%), acute myocardial infarction (n = 206, 63.8%) and pathological Q waves (n = 201, 62.2%). The results of multiple linear regression showed that the variables of education level, self-assessment of electrocardiogram interpretation competence, work experience, and type of hospital were able to predict the competence of ECG interpretation in participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the participants' level of electrocardiogram interpretation competency was low. Hence, regular, standard training and education are recommended. Also, managers and educators of the health system should consider the role of positive self-assessment and exposure to ECG interpretation in improving the competence of staff and students to interpret ECG.

A non-monotone pattern search approach for systems of nonlinear equations.

In this paper, a new pattern search is proposed to solve the systems of nonlinear equations. We introduce a new non-monotone strategy which includes a convex combination of the maximum function of some preceding successful iterates and the current function. First, we produce a stronger non-monotone strategy in relation to the generated strategy by Gasparo et al. [Nonmonotone algorithms for pattern search methods, Numer. Algorithms 28 (2001), pp. 171-186] whenever iterates are far away from the optimizer. Second, when iterates are near the optimizer, we produce a weaker non-monotone strategy with respect to the generated strategy by Ahookhosh and Amini [An efficient nonmonotone trust-region method for unconstrained optimization, Numer. Algorithms 59 (2012), pp. 523-540]. Third, whenever iterates are neither near the optimizer nor far away from it, we produce a medium non-monotone strategy which will be laid between the generated strategy by Gasparo et al. [Nonmonotone algorithms for pattern search methods, Numer. Algorithms 28 (2001), pp. 171-186] and Ahookhosh and Amini [An efficient nonmonotone trust-region method for unconstrained optimization, Numer. Algorithms 59 (2012), pp. 523-540]. Reported are numerical results of the proposed algorithm for which the global convergence is established.

Effect of local administration of cyclosporine A on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) loaded in chitosan conduit on bridging the sciatic nerve defects in a rat model. METHODS: A 10 mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with 10 µl carrier-drug dilution (10 µg/L CsA). In control group, the conduit was filled with the same volume of carrier dilution alone. The regene-rated fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The functional study confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in treatment group than control group (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference of the gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios between treatment and control groups (P<0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in CsA-treated animals were significantly higher than those in control group. In immunohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CsA group was clearly more positive than control group. CONCLUSION: CsA loaded in a chitosan conduit results in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. It is easily available without any complications compared with its systemic administration.

Effects of undifferentiated cultured omental adipose-derived stem cells on peripheral nerve regeneration.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Employment of regenerative properties of stem cells at the service of nerve repair has been initiated during recent decades. Effects of transplantation of undifferentiated cultured omental adipose-derived stem cells (uADSCs) on peripheral nerve regeneration were studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. METHODS: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone rubber chamber filled with uADSCs. In control group, the silicone conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12wk after surgery. In sham-operated group, the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated. RESULTS: Functional study confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in uADSC-transplanted animals than in control group (P<0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in uADSC-transplanted animals is found to be significantly more than that in control group. Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in uADSC-transplanted animals than in control group. In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in uADSC-transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in control group. CONCLUSION: uADSC transplantation could be considered as a readily accessible source of stromal cells that improve functional recovery of sciatic nerve.

Betamethasone-enhanced vein graft conduit accelerates functional recovery in the rat sciatic nerve gap.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of topically administered betamethasone on peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery after sciatic nerve transection in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five healthy male white Wistar rats were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 15), randomly. In the treatment group, a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged by use of an inside-out vein graft filled with 10 µL betamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) (IOVG/BETA group). In the control group, the vein was filled with phosphate-buffered saline solution alone (IOVG group). In the sham surgery group, the sciatic nerve was exposed with no further deleterious manipulations (SHAM group). Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups of 5 animals each, and the regenerated nerve fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Functional study confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in the IOVG/BETA group than in the IOVG group (P < .05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in the IOVG/BETA group was found to be significantly greater than that in the IOVG group (P < .05). Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in the IOVG/BETA group than in the control group (P < .05). By use of immunohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in IOVG/BETA was clearly more positive than that in the IOVG group. CONCLUSIONS: When loaded in a vein graft, betamethasone resulted in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. Topical application of this readily available agent offers the benefit of cost savings, as well as avoiding the complications associated with systemic administration.

Functional effects of local administration of thyroid hormone combined with chitosan conduit after sciatic nerve transection in rats.

PURPOSE: To assess the local effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve transection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male healthy white Wistar rats were divided randomly into 3 experimental groups (n = 15): sham operation, control (CHIT), and T3 treatment (CHIT/T3). In the sham-operated group, the left sciatic nerve was exposed under anesthesia through a gluteal muscle incision and the muscle was sutured after homeostasis. In the CHIT group, the left sciatic nerve was exposed the same way and transected proximal to the tibioperoneal bifurcation, leaving a 10-mm gap. Each proximal and distal stump was inserted into a chitosan conduit, which was filled with phosphate buffered solution 10 µL. In the CHIT/T3 group, the defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with T3 10 µL. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups of 5 animals each and studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Data were analyzed statistically by factorial analysis of variance and the Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: Behavioral testing and sciatic nerve function study confirmed a faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in the CHIT/T3 group than in the CHIT group (P < .05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass was significantly larger in the CHIT/T3 group than in the CHIT group. Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly larger in the CHIT/T3 group than in the CHIT group. Immunohistochemistry showed that the locations of reaction to S-100 were clearly more positive in the CHIT/T3 group than in the CHIT group. CONCLUSIONS: The response to local treatment showed that thyroid hormone influenced and improved the functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration.

Local effect of celecoxib on peripheral nerve repair combined with silicone tubulization in rat.

OBJECTIVE: To assess local effect of celecoxib on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. METHODS: Forty-five male healthy white Wistar rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n equal to 15 for each): sham-operation (SHAM), control (SIL) and celecoxib treated (SIL/CLX) groups. In SHAM group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In SIL group the left sciatic nerve was exposed in the same way and transected proximal to tibioperoneal bifurcation leaving a 10 mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube and filled with 10 microlitre phosphate buffered solution. In SIL/CLX group defect was bridged using a silicone tube filled with 10 microlitre celecoxib (0.1 g/L). RESULTS: Functional study and gastrocnemius muscle mass confirmed faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in SIL/CLX than in SIL group (P less than 0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/CLX were significantly greater than those in control group. In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in SIL/CLX was clearly more positive than that in SIL group. CONCLUSION: Response to local treatment of celecoxib demonstrates that it influences and improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration.

Vascular endothelial growth factor promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve transection in rat.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the local effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on transected sciatic nerve regeneration. METHODS: Sixty male white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups randomly (n equal to 15). In transected group the left sciatic nerve was transected and the stump was fixed to adjacent muscle. In treatment group the defect was bridged using a silicone graft filled with 10 microlitre VEGF. In silicone group the graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In sham-operated group the sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups with five animals in each and nerve fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. RESULTS: Behavioral test, functional study of sciatic nerve, gastrocnemius muscle mass and morphometric indices confirmed a faster recovery of regenerated axons in VEGF group than in silicone group (P less than 0.05). In immunohistochemical assessment, reactions to S-100 in VEGF group were more positive than that in silicone group. CONCLUSION: Local administration of VEGF will improve functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.

Clinical Outcomes of Fixation of Depressed Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures Using a Direct Lateral Approach.

Introduction: Fixation of plateau posterolateral fracture (PLF) is challenging because the fracture site is mostly covered by vital neurovascular structures. We operated on 15 cases of PLF using a direct lateral approach. This study aims to report on clinical results. Material and methods: Between 2017 and 2019, 15 cases of PLFs were fixed with a direct lateral approach and a tricortical autologous bone graft from the iliac crest. A depression of more than 2 mm was indicated for the surgical treatment. Clinical evaluation included Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC) score, and Tegner activity scale after two years follow-up. Results: The last follow-up was at 24 months after the operation. The mean postoperative Tegner activity scale did not change significantly compared to before the injury (6.5 (6-7) vs. 7 (6-8, p = 0.5)). The postoperative IKDC and Lysholm scores improved significantly compared to before the operation (p < 0.001). The full range of motion was seen in all patients except one who was manipulated after three months. Conclusions: Surgical treatment using a direct lateral approach is a safe procedure for PLFs that results in good, short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes without fibular osteotomy or compromising the important neurovascular structures. Level of evidence: IV.

Effects of topically administered FK506 on sciatic nerve regeneration and reinnervation after vein graft repair of short nerve gaps.

OBJECT: Despite the development of various nerve coaptation materials and techniques, achievement of desired functional peripheral nerve regeneration is still inadequate, and repair of peripheral nerve injuries is still one of the most challenging tasks and concerns in neurosurgery. The effect of an FK506-loaded vein graft as an in situ delivery system for FK506 in bridging the defects was studied using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model. METHODS: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using an inside-out vein graft (IOVG) filled with 10 µl of a carrier-drug dilution (10 ng/ml FK506) in the IOVG/FK506 group. In the IOVG control group, the vein was filled with the same volume of carrier dilution alone. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Functional study confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios of the IOVG/FK506 and IOVG control groups (p < 0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG control group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed more positive immunoreactivity to S100 protein in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG control group. CONCLUSIONS: When loaded in a vein graft, FK506 resulted in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. Topical application of this readily available agent offers the benefit of cost savings as well as avoiding the complications associated with systemic administration.

Homeopathic treatment for peripheral nerve regeneration: an experimental study in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

AIM: Effects of homeopathic treatment with Hypericum perforatum (Hypericum) on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. METHODS: Fifty-four male healthy White Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 18), randomly: Sham-operation (Sham), control: silicon tube (Sil) and treatment: silicon tube + Hypericum (Sil/Hypericum). In the Sham group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In the Sil group the left sciatic nerve was exposed the same way and transected proximal to tibio-peroneal bifurcation leaving a 10-mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube. In the Sil/Hypericum group a silicone tube was implanted the same way and each animal received three oral drops of Hypericum 30c twice daily for 1 week. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of six animals each studied 4, 8, 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Data were analyzed statistically by factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and, the Bonferroni test for pair-wise comparisons. Functional study showed faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in Sil/Hypericum than in Sil group (P < 0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in Sil/Hypericum was significantly greater than in Sil group. Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in Sil/Hypericum were significantly higher than in control group. Immunohistochemistry, showed the location of reactions to S-100 in Sil/Hypericum was clearly more positive than in Sil group. CONCLUSION: Hypericum improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration in rats.

Comparison of beneficial effects of undifferentiated cultured bone marrow stromal cells and omental adipose-derived nucleated cell fractions on sciatic nerve regeneration.

Adipose tissue is a good source for isolation of cells with stem-cell-like properties. The effects of undifferentiated cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and omental adipose-derived nucleated cells (OADNCs) on peripheral nerve regeneration were compared in a rat nerve regeneration model. A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a vein graft. In one group, the vein was filled with BMSCs and in the other group with OADNCs. Functional study, morphometric indices, and immunohistochemistry indicated there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between groups in recovery of regenerated axons at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. OADNCs enhanced regeneration similar to undifferentiated BMSCs. These observations suggest OADNCs represent an effective and cost-saving cell population due to the shortened time interval from tissue collection to cell injection as well as procedural simplicity. This approach is clinically translatable toward new methods for enhanced peripheral nerve repair without the limitations of BMSC.

Functional recovery of sciatic nerve through inside-out vein graft in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Present study aimed at further comprehensive functional, histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration using rat sciatic nerve transection model. METHODS: The 10-mm rat sciatic nerve gap was created in rats. In control group nerve stumps were sutured to adjacent muscle and in treatment group the gap was bridged using an inside-out vein graft. In sham-operated group the nerve was manipulated and left intact. All animals underwent walking track analysis test 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Subsequently, muscle mass measurement was performed to assess reenervation, histological examination to observe the sciatic nerve regeneration morphologically and immunohistochemistry to detect Schwann cells using anti S-100. Results were analyzed using a factorial ANOVA with two between-subjects factors. Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons was used to examine the effect of treatments. RESULTS: Functional analysis of myelinated nerve fibers showed that nerve function improved significantly in the time course in treatment group. However, quantitative morphometrical analysis of myelinated nerve fibers showed that there was no significant difference between 8 and 12 weeks in treatment group. Muscle weight ratio was bigger and weight loss of the gastrocnemius muscle was ameliorated by inside-out vein grafting. The position of positive immunohistochemical reactions further implied that regenerated axons and Schwann cell-like cells existed after vein grafting was performed, and was accompanied by the process of myelination and structural recovery of regenerated nerves. CONCLUSION: Functional analysis of peripheral nerve repair is far more reliable than quantitative morphometrical analysis.

Topical Tranexamic Acid versus Phenylephrine-lidocaine for the Treatment of Anterior Epistaxis in Patients Taking Aspirin or Clopidogrel; a Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Epistaxis is one of the most prevalent complaints in the emergency department (ED), especially in patients who take antiplatelet agents. This study aimed to compare the effect of topical use of tranexamic acid (TXA) with phenylephrine-lidocaine anterior nasal packing (PANP) in controlling epistaxis of patients who take aspirin or clopidogrel. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the effect of topical use of intravenous (IV) TXA compared with PANP on controlling anterior epistaxis in patients who take aspirin or clopidogrel. RESULTS: One hundred patients with the mean age of 59.24 ± 7.75 (45 - 75) years were studied (52% male). Two groups were similar in terms of age (p=0.81) and sex (p=0.23) distribution, diabetes mellitus (p=0.54), and hypertension (p = 0.037). The mean time to stop bleeding was 6.70 ± 2.35 minutes in the TXA group and 11.50±3.64 minutes in the PANP group (p=0.002). Bleeding recurrence occurred in 3 (6%) cases of the TXA group and 10 (20%) cases of the PANP group (p =0.03). Time to discharge from ED in the TXA group was significantly lower than the PANP group (p<0.001). The absolute risk reduction (ARR), relative risk reduction, and number needed to harm of treatment with TXA for anterior nasal bleeding were 14.00% (95%CI: 1.11 - 26.89), 17.50% (95%CI: 0.60 - 37.27), and 7.14 (95%CI: 3.71 -90.43), respectively. CONCLUSION: Topical TXA is an appropriate treatment option in bleeding cessation, and reducing re-bleeding and duration of hospital stay in patients with epistaxis who take antiplatelet agents.

Topically-administered acetyl-L-carnitine increases sciatic nerve regeneration and improves functional recovery after tubulization of transected short nerve gaps.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries repair is still among the most challenging and concern-raising tasks in neurosurgery. The effect of an acetyl-L-carnitin-loaded silicone tube as an in-situ delivery system in defects bridging was studied using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model. METHODS: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone tube (SIL/ALC) filled with 10 µL acetyl-L-carnitine (100 ng/mL). In the control group (SIL), the tube was filled with the same volume of the phosphate-buffered solution. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The functional study confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in acetyl-L-carnitine treated than control group (P<0.05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was a statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of SIL/ALC and SIL groups (P<0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/ALC were significantly higher than in the control group. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in the SIL/ALC group was clearly more positive than in the SIL group. CONCLUSIONS: Acetyl-L-carnitine, when loaded in a silicone tube, can bring to an improvement in functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.

Guided bone regeneration of mandibles using chitosan scaffold seeded with characterized uncultured omental adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction: an animal study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of characterized uncultured omental adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on bone regeneration in a circular mandibular bone defect. A chitosan scaffold was used to maintain the cells in situ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five healthy male white Wistar rats were randomized into three experimental groups. In the control group, a surgical bone defect was created in the body of the mandible. In the scaffold group, a chitosan scaffold was placed into the defect. In the scaffold/SVF group, a scaffold was implanted and seeded with 10-µL SVF aliquots (2.19 ± 0.43 x 10(7) cells). RESULTS: Microscopic and histomorphometric analyses showed improved and earlier regeneration of bone defects in the scaffold/SVF group compared to the scaffold-only group. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, the use of a chitosan scaffold with SVF aliquots resulted in significantly earlier regeneration of bone than the use of the scaffold alone.

Alpha-lipoic acid loaded in chitosan conduit enhances sciatic nerve regeneration in rat.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of topical administration of alpha-lipoic acid into chitosan conduit on peripheral nerve regeneration using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups randomly. A 10-mm gap of sciatic nerve was bridged with a chitosan conduit following surgical preparation and anesthesia. In treatment group, the conduit was filled with 30 µl alpha-lipoic acid (10 mg/kg/bw).It was filled with 30 µl phosphate buffered saline solution in control group. In Sham group sciatic nerve was just exposed. RESULTS: The recovery of nerve function was faster in treatment group than in control, at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery (P-value<0.05). Conduction velocity was better in treatment group than in control group at 4 and 12 weeks (P-value<0.05). Recovery index was higher in treatment group than the control group, 8 weeks after surgery (P-value <0.05). Greater nerve fiber diameter, axon diameter, and myelin sheath thickness were observed in treatment group compared to control group at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery (P-value<0.05). The immunoreactivity of regenerated axons and myelin sheath in treatment group were far more similar to sham group. CONCLUSION: Alpha-lipoic acid when loaded in a chitosan conduit could improve transected sciatic nerve regeneration in rat.

Association of increased rate of condemnation of broiler carcasses due to hepatic abnormalities with immunosuppressive diseases in the broiler chicken industry in Saskatchewan.

The objective of this study was to identify the causative agents of hepatitis observed in broiler chickens at processing. Livers of chickens from 16 broiler farms in Saskatchewan with gross lesions of hepatitis were collected at processing. In addition to routine bacterial isolation and histopathological examination, serologic studies for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and Chicken anaemia virus (CAV), calculation of the ratio of the weight of the bursa of Fabricius (BF) to body weight (BBW), and histopathological examination of the BF were done. Of the 264 livers with gross lesions, 83% had multifocal to coalescing necrotizing hepatitis, 16% had perihepatitis, and 1% had hemorrhages. No definitive causative microorganisms were isolated from the hepatic lesions; however, no significant bacterial isolations were made. Bursal atrophy, low BBW ratio, and high titer of antibody against IBDV each correlated with the rate of total condemnations (P = 0.0188, P = 0.0001, and P = 0.0073, respectively). Nucleotide sequencing of IBDV isolated from the BF identified the variant strains Delaware-E and 586. Condemnation because of hepatic lesions was correlated with titer of antibody against IBDV and BBW (P = 0.016 and P = 0.027). The results of this study demonstrate that hepatic lesions in Saskatchewan chickens are not currently caused by a primary bacterial pathogen but are associated with indicators of immunosuppression that is likely due to variant IBDV.

L'objectif de la présente étude était d'identifier les agents causals de l'hépatite observée chez des poulets à griller au moment de la transformation. Les foies de poulets provenant de 16 fermes de poulets à griller en Saskatchewan avec des lésions macroscopiques d'hépatite furent prélevés. En plus de l'isolement bactérien de routine et de l'examen histopathologique, on effectua des analyses sérologiques pour le virus de la bursite infectieuse aviaire (VBIA) et le virus de l'anémie du poulet (VAP), le calcul du ratio du poids de la bourse de Fabricius (BF) sur le poids corporel (BPC), et l'examen histopathologique de la BF. Sur les 264 foies ayant des lésions macroscopiques, 83 % avaient des lésions multifocales à coalescentes d'hépatite nécrosante, 16 % de la péri-hépatite et 1 % des hémorragies. Aucun agent causal définitif ne fut isolé des lésions hépatiques; toutefois, aucun agent bactérien significatif ne fut isolé. Une atrophie de la bourse, un faible ratio BPC, et un titre élevé d'anticorps dirigé contre VBIA corrélaient tous avec le taux de condamnation totale (P = 0,0188, P = 0,0001, et P = 0,0073, respectivement). Le séquençage nucléotidique des VBIA isolés des BF identifia les souches variantes Delaware-E et 586. La condamnation due aux lésions hépatiques était corrélée avec le titre d'anticorps contre VBIA et le BPC (P = 0,016 et P = 0,027, respectivement). Les résultats de la présente étude démontrent que les lésions hépatiques chez les poulets de la Saskatchewan ne sont pas actuellement causées par un agent bactérien pathogène primaire mais sont associées à des indicateurs d'immunosuppression qui est probablement causée par un variant de VBIA.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Sciatic nerve regeneration induced by transplantation of in vitro bone marrow stromal cells into an inside-out artery graft in rat.

Traumatic injury to peripheral nerves results in considerable motor and sensory disability. Several research groups have tried to improve the regeneration of traumatized nerves by invention of favorable microsurgery. Effect of undifferentiated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) combined with artery graft on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model. A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using an artery graft (IOAG) filled with undifferentiated BMSCs (2 × 10(7) cells/mL). In control group, the graft was filled with phosphated buffer saline alone. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Assessment of nerve regeneration was based on behavioral, functional (Walking Track Analysis), electrophysiological, histomorphometric and immuohistochemical (Schwann cell detection by S-100 expression) criteria. The behavioral, functional and electrophysiological studies confirmed significant recovery of regenerated axons in IOAG/BMSC group (P < 0.05). Quantitative morphometric analyses of regenerated fibers showed the number and diameter of myelinated fibers in IOAG/BMSC group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). This demonstrates the potential of using undifferentiated BMSCs combined with artery graft in peripheral nerve regeneration without limitations of donor-site morbidity associated with isolation of Schwann cells. It is also cost saving due to reduction in interval from tissue collection until cell injection, simplicity of laboratory procedures compared to differentiated BMSCs and may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve transection.

Transplantation of undifferentiated bone-marrow stromal cells into a vein graft accelerates sciatic nerve regeneration in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Influence of undifferentiated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) combined with vein graft on transected sciatic nerve repair was studied in diabetic rats. A nerve segment, 10 mm, was excised and a vein graft (VG) was used to bridge the gap. 10 microliter undifferentiated BMSCs (2 x 10(7) cells /mL) were administered into the graft in treatment group (VG/BMSC). Phosphate buffered saline was only administered into the graft in control group. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied in three time points of 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Evaluation of the repair process was based on behavioral, functional (Walking Track Analysis), electrophysiological, histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical criteria. The behavioral, functional and electrophysiological studies indicated that there was significant recovery in regeneration of axons in VG/BMSC group (P < 0.05). Morphometric evaluations showed that the number and diameter of myelinated fibers in VG /BMSC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). This indicates the potential of using undifferentiated BMSCs combined with vein graft in peripheral nerve repair in diabetic rats with no restrictions of donor-site morbidity associated with isolation of Schwann cells. This technique is also cost saving because of decrease in interval from tissue harvest until administration of the cells and simplicity of laboratory techniques in comparison with undifferentiated BMSCs. It may have clinical implications for the surgical management of diabetic patients after nerve transection.