Vincristine-associated total antioxidant and oxidant status of ovaries and in vitro nuclear oocyte maturation in dogs with canine transmissible venereal tumor.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of scheduled vincristine sulfate therapy on canine oocyte quality and nuclear oocyte maturation, associated with total antioxidant and oxidant status of ovaries and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) concentrations in dogs with Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT). Six bitches suffering from CTVT and six healthy bitches were included in the study. Hemogram was carried out weekly. AMH measurements and ovariohysterectomy operations were performed after the termination of vincristine sulfate therapies. Tissue samples from ovaries were utilized for Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Total Anti-oxidative Status (TAS), Total Oxidative Status (TOS) measurements, and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) was calculated. Collected oocytes were evaluated for meiotic competence, after In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and parthenogenetic activation. No difference between the two groups was observed in hematologic parameters (P > 0.05). Meiotic stages of Germinal Vesicle Break Down (GVBD), Metaphase I (MI), and Metaphase II (MII) were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). The number of oocytes reaching MII and meiotic resumption was lower in the CTVT group. Furthermore, AMH concentrations, oxidant parameters (OSI, TOS, and MDA), and antioxidant parameters (GSH, SOD, and TAS) were also statistically different between groups (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that vincristine sulfate application in the treatment of CTVT could alter oxidant/antioxidant status in ovaries. Apart from these, oocyte quality and IVM rates seem to decline related to gonadotoxicity. Moreover, AMH could be an important marker in the evaluation of oocyte qualities in bitches, as it is in women.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 An important biomarker for developing cardiovascular diseases in chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: Our study focuses on the determination and evaluation of TGF-ß1 levels of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment because of chronic renal failure. BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure, characterized by irreversible loss of renal function, is a major public health problem in the world. Transforming growth factor-beta is a multifunctional cytokine involved in the cellular growth, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and immune regulation. Among the three TGF-ß isoforms, TGF-ß1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of renal diseases. METHODS: We studied 24 patients who were on regular hemodialysis, with non-diabetic nephropathy. 20 healthy people who proved to be in a good state of health and free from any signs of chronic diseases or disorders were enrolled as a control group. Serum samples were collected both before and after hemodialysis treatment from each patient. TGF-ß1 levels were determined by Enzyme Immunoassay method. RESULTS: TGF-ß1 levels were found significantly higher in the hemodialysis patients than those of the control groups. Also, the TGF-ß1 was significantly reduced after hemodialysis treatment but it was still higher than in control groups. CONCLUSION: This result indicates that hemodialysis is an effective treatment method to decrease the serum TGF-B1 levels. Nevertheless, this decrease is not enough to reduce existing risks (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 28).

Selection of superior bifidobacteria in the presence of rotavirus.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate bifidobacteria flora in fecal samples from children with rotavirus infection and determine the significance of their selected probiotic properties for improvement of health status. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify rotavirus antigen in fecal samples from 94 patients with gastroenteritis and from 30 without gastroenteritis. Bifidobacteria were identified by selective media, gram reaction, colony morphology, fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase enzyme activity and classical identification tests. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was identified by phenol-sulphuric acid method. The modified method was then used to identify the quantity of taurocholic and glycocholic acid deconjugation and cholesterol elimination of the strains. Thirty-five of the 94 fecal samples were found positive for rotavirus antigen (37.23%). Bifidobacteria were identified in 59 of the samples. The EPS production ranges were 29.56-102.21 mg/L. The cholesterol elimination rates ranged between 8.36-39.22%. Furthermore, a positive and strong correlation was determined between EPS production and the presence of cholesterol (r=0.984, P<0.001). The deconjugation rates for the sodium glycocholate group was higher than the sodium taurocholate group. Rotavirus (+) bifidobacteria strains had higher EPS production, deconjugation rate and cholesterol elimination compared to bifidobacteria strains isolated from children in the rotavirus (-) sample and without gastroenteritis. Significant differences were observed among groups in all parameters (P<0.05). Given the increased number of rotavirus cases in Turkey and worldwide, it is very important to add superior bifidobacteria in the diets of infected children to improve the intestinal and vital functions.

The effects of HIV disease and older age on laboratory-based, naturalistic, and self-perceived symptoms of prospective memory: does retrieval cue type and delay interval matter?

There is a rising prevalence of older HIV+ adults who are at risk of deficits in higher order neurocognitive functions and associated problems in everyday functioning. The current study applied multiprocess theory to examine the effects of HIV and aging on measures of laboratory-based, naturalistic, and self-perceived symptoms of prospective memory (PM). Participants included 125 Younger (48 with HIV, age = 32 ± 4.6 years) and 189 Older (112 with HIV, age = 56 ± 4.9 years) adults. Controlling for global neurocognitive functioning, mood, and other demographics, older age and HIV had independent effects on long-delay time-based PM in the laboratory, whereas on a naturalistic PM task older HIV- adults performed better than older HIV+ adults and younger persons. In line with the naturalistic findings, older age, but not HIV, was associated with a relative sparing of self-perceived PM failures in daily life across longer delay self-cued intervals. Findings suggest that, even in relatively younger aging cohorts, the effects of HIV and older age on PM can vary across PM delay intervals by the strategic demands of the retrieval cue type, are expressed differently in the laboratory and in daily life, and are independent of other higher order neurocognitive functions (e.g., retrospective memory).

Selection of superior bifidobacteria in the presence of rotavirus

The main purpose of this study was to investigate bifidobacteria flora in fecal samples from children with rotavirus infection and determine the significance of their selected probiotic properties for improvement of health status. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify rotavirus antigen in fecal samples from 94 patients with gastroenteritis and from 30 without gastroenteritis. Bifidobacteria were identified by selective media, gram reaction, colony morphology, fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase enzyme activity and classical identification tests. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was identified by phenol-sulphuric acid method. The modified method was then used to identify the quantity of taurocholic and glycocholic acid deconjugation and cholesterol elimination of the strains. Thirty-five of the 94 fecal samples were found positive for rotavirus antigen (37.23%). Bifidobacteria were identified in 59 of the samples. The EPS production ranges were 29.56-102.21 mg/L. The cholesterol elimination rates ranged between 8.36-39.22%. Furthermore, a positive and strong correlation was determined between EPS production and the presence of cholesterol (r=0.984, P<0.001). The deconjugation rates for the sodium glycocholate group was higher than the sodium taurocholate group. Rotavirus (+) bifidobacteria strains had higher EPS production, deconjugation rate and cholesterol elimination compared to bifidobacteria strains isolated from children in the rotavirus (-) sample and without gastroenteritis. Significant differences were observed among groups in all parameters (P<0.05). Given the increased number of rotavirus cases in Turkey and worldwide, it is very important to add superior bifidobacteria in the diets of infected children to improve the intestinal and vital functions.

Acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress and enzyme activities of blood serum and peritoneal fluid in cattle with abomasal displacement.

BACKGROUND: Blood serum and peritoneal fluid acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress indicators, and some enzymes could be used for evaluation of abomasal tissue damage because of displacement in displaced abomasum (DA) cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress indicators, and activities of enzymes in blood serum and peritoneal fluid in cattle with right displaced abomasum (RDA) and left displaced abomasum (LDA) and in healthy cows. ANIMALS: A total of 60 Holstein Friesian cows in early lactation were used, 31 with left and 9 with right displaced abomasum without volvulus diagnosis and no other postpartum disease, and 20 healthy cows as a control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DA diagnosis in dairy cows consisted of physical examination, laboratory, and specific DA tests. Acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress indicators, and enzyme activities were measured in blood serum and peritoneal fluid. RESULTS: In the RDA group, serum haptoglobin (HPG), serum amyloid A (SAA), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine deaminase (ADA), myeleperoxidase (MPO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity increased significantly, and serum HPG, MDA, ADA, and AST concentrations increased significantly in the LDA group (P < .05). Peritoneal fluid HPG, MDA, ADA, MPO, ALP, GGT, and LDH concentrations increased significantly, whereas NO concentrations reduced significantly in the RDA group, and HPG, MDA, ADA, and TP concentrations increased significantly, whereas concentrations of NO reduced significantly in the LDA group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: There are acute-phase responses, oxidative stress, and abomasal tissue damage because of displacement in DA cases. Especially, HPG, MDA, ADA, and MPO concentrations can provide specific information to help in understanding these changes.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester accelerates cutaneous wound healing in a rat model and decreases oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous injury causes a depression in antioxidant status, as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in response to injury. AIM: To determine the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, on wound healing in rats. METHODS: In total, 40 male rats were divided into two groups: one group treated with CAPE (n = 20) and a second untreated control group (n = 20). A linear full-thickness incision was performed on the back of each rat and sutured. After incision, CAPE was given to the treatment group and saline to the control group. On days 1, 3, 7 and 14, five animals in each group were killed, and wound tissues dissected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Wound tissues showed a significant increase in glutathione and nitric oxide levels, and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase levels in the CAPE group compared with the control group. Histopathology of the wound tissues displayed rapid epithelium development in the CAPE group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that CAPE partly accelerates full-thickness wound healing by its antioxidant and ROS-scavenging capabilities.

Measures of abdominal obesity assessed for visceral adiposity and relation to coronary risk.

AIMS: We aimed to identify by computed tomography (CT) the best suited of three anthropometric indices that reflect the visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and to discern the relationship between VAT and certain atherogenic risk factors and coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosis in a population sample which had a high (34%) prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: A single-scan CT was performed between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in 157 unselected men and women aged 34-69 y. Total adipose tissue area, abdominal VAT area and the abdominal sagittal diameter were determined. Diagnosis of CHD was based on clinical findings and Minnesota coding of resting electrocardiograms. RESULTS: Men had significantly higher VAT than women. Linear regression analysis for correlates of abdominal VAT area, in a model comprising age, sex, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) identified waist circumference as the only independent variable (P<0.001). Waist circumference in men and BMI in women were the independently associated parameters of sagittal diameter (P<0.001). By stepwise linear regression, it was elicited that VAT area rose significantly by a mean of 6.8 cm2 in men and 3 cm2 in women for every 1 cm increment in waist circumference, independent of WHR. Age in women and (inversely) BMI in men were further independent variables, indicating in men that a lower BMI at a given waist girth suggests the existence of a higher VAT. Apo B and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in men, and the latter in women were independently associated with VAT area in linear regression models that also comprised triglycerides, fasting insulin and C-reactive protein concentrations. In the study sample comprising 13 individuals with a CHD diagnosis, the age-adjusted odds ratio of cutpoints of VAT area > vs <140 cm2 in men and > vs <120 cm2 in women was 11.3 (95% CI (1.37, 93)). CONCLUSIONS: The best surrogate of visceral adiposity across a wide age range is waist circumference, in a population in which MS prevails. Apo B and HDL-C in men, and the latter in women were independently associated with VAT area, which proved to be closely related to CHD risk. A lower BMI at a given waist girth in men suggests the existence of a higher VAT.

Mild degree of Poland's Syndrome reconstruction with customized silicone prosthesis.

Poland's Syndrome consists of unilateral absence of the pectoralis major muscle, ipsilateral symbrachydaktylia, and occasionally associated other malformations of the anterior chest wall and breast. Mild Poland's Syndrome is characterized by asymmetry of the breasts with partial absence of the pectoralis major muscle. This report describes a 19-year-old man with unilateral hypoplasia of the breast, absence of the anterior axillary fold, and absence of the pectoralis major muscle. The patient's chest wall was reconstructed with a customized silicone prosthesis. This reconstructive technique is a simple alternative to more complex surgeries or muscle transposition.

Nasolabial V-Y advancement for closure of the midface defects.

BACKGROUND: V-Y subcutaneous advancement flaps receive an excellent blood supply from subcutaneous tissue and are ideal for use on the face. Also it is advantageous cosmetically compared to other local flaps. OBJECTIVE: Nasolabial V-Y advancement flaps are very useful in closing defects of the midface region after tumor resection. METHODS: Our experience with nasolabial V-Y flaps in 22 patients is reported. The average defect size was 2.4 cm x 3.2 cm. RESULTS: Minor flap necrosis occurred in one patient and simple lower eyelid ectropion in another. CONCLUSION: Nasolabial V-Y advancement flap is a simple and satisfactory alternative for closing relatively large defects in the midface when compared with other methods such as skin graft and rotation or transposition flaps. It is easy to design, reliable, and offers good cosmetic results.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis mimicking a rectal tumor: report of a case.

PURPOSE: The study contained herein was undertaken to report an original case of retroperitoneal fibrosis that resembled a rectal tumor both symptomatically and radiologically. METHOD: Reported is a case of retrorectal fibrosis with a brief literature review of the topic. RESULT: Although many forms of retroperitoneal fibrosis have been reported, extension below the pelvic rim is very unusual. Compression of the rectum and right ureter, with constipation as a chief complaint, made this case presentation unusual. Although computerized tomographic findings and needle biopsies supported the diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis, an exploratory laparotomy was necessary to rule out a malignancy and to release the ureter. CONCLUSION: A fibrotic mass involving the retrorectal region may mimic a rectal tumor. To reach a final diagnosis, an exploratory laparotomy may be necessary, despite sophisticated evaluation techniques, because it is difficult to differentiate whether the mass is malignant.

Gallstone recurrence after shock wave therapy.

Fifty-three patients with complete clearance of all gallstone fragments after combined extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) oral litholytic therapy were included in the study. Eight patients had recurrence of gallstones within the first year at follow-up evaluation. The rate of gallstone recurrence was 15.2 percent within the first year. Four of these eight patients reported biliary pain, the other four remained asymptomatic. The incidence of gallstone recurrence was high in patients who had multiple stones before ESWL treatment (p < 0.05). Age above 60 years was also associated with a higher rate of gallstone recurrence (p < 0.05).

Prevalence of coronary heart disease in Turkish adults.

The prevalence of coronary heart disease was determined by a conducted survey in a random sample of 3689 subjects 20 years of age or older in 59 communities representing the Turkish adult population. Interview with a questionnaire, physical examination of the cardiovascular system and recording of a 12-lead ECG were performed. The latter was coded according to the Minnesota code. Expressed in age-adjusted rates (for 35-64 years), prevalence rates per 100 men were as follows: typical angina 3.7, atypical angina 0.9, electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction and/or ischemia 3.7, any of the stated findings suggesting coronary heart disease 8. Women had a substantially higher rate of atypical angina, positive ECG findings and of any of the stated manifestations for coronary heart disease, whereas they had a significantly lower rate of Q/QS patterns as well as of a history of myocardial infarction. Based on a probability-related point score, age-adjusted clinical coronary heart disease was estimated to prevail in 5.8% of men and 5% of women (P > 0.4) in the sample of the Turkish population. The respective rates in urban residents was 6% and in rural resident 4.8%. Among participants diagnosed coronary heart disease, 63% presented the form of angina without infarction, 27% had evidence of myocardial infarction, 7% 'silent myocardial ischemia' and 3% cardiac failure alone.

Plasma lipids and their interrelationship in Turkish adults.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride profiles in a random sample of Turkish adults and analyse the effects of certain coronary risk factors on these levels. DESIGN: This was a cross sectional population based survey. SETTING: 59 communities scattered in all seven geographical regions of Turkey were surveyed in the summer of 1990. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 3689 men and women 20 years of age and over was studied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose (using Reflotron and with partial validation in reference laboratory), weight, height, and blood pressure were measured, and information on smoking, physical activity, and family income obtained. Hypercholesterolaemia (> or = 6.5 mmol/litre, 250 mg/dl) prevailed in 8.5%, and hypertriglyceridaemia (> 2.25 mmol/litre, 200 mg/dl) in 16.6% among men and women aged 40-59 years of age. Age adjusted total cholesterol values were 4.8 mmol/litre (185 mg/dl) in men and 5 mmol/litre (192 mg/dl) in women. A steep rise appeared in mean cholesterol levels between the ages of 20-29 and 40-49 years, in a ratio greater than the available data from some other populations indicated. Mean total cholesterol values increased substantially in both genders with diminishing grades of physical activity, rising serum triglyceride levels, in urban (opposed to rural) residents, in men with increasing income levels, and in the younger adults with rising body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Turkish adults have comparatively low levels of total cholesterol and medium to moderately high levels of triglycerides. Lifestyle factors affect these levels in Turks as in other populations.