Stem cell therapy targets the neointimal smooth muscle cells in experimentally induced atherosclerosis: involvement of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM).

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are currently considered a central pivotal player in pathogenesis and development of atherosclerotic lesions. As consequence of vascular injury, SMCs migrate from the tunica media into the tunica intima layers where they contribute to neointimal formation by converting into foam cells and producing pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. We targeted the replacement of neointimal SMCs by using the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in experimentally induced atherosclerosis in an attempt to improve the atherosclerotic lesion and its concomitant complications. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n=20). Control group: rats kept on a standard chow diet; atherosclerotic group: rats received the atherogenic diet; stem cells-treated group: rats were injected with CD34+ stem cells (6×106 cells in 0.5 mL PBS in rat tail vein) and maintained on the atherogenic diet; and resveratrol-treated group: rats were supplemented orally with resveratrol at a dose level 3 mg/kg per day and the atherogenic diet. After 12 weeks, rats were euthanized, blood samples were collected for separation of serum, and abdominal aortas were excised for further biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. We used resveratrol, the well-established anti-atherosclerotic drug, as a benchmark to assess the efficacy of stem cell therapy. MSCs treatment revealed significant amelioration in both histopathological and biochemical patterns as evidenced by decreased foam cells formation, ICAM-1, VCAM, M-CSF, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α. We concluded that MSCs therapy significantly replaced the neointimal SMCs and decreased adhesion molecules as well as the oxidative and inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis.

Stem cell therapy targets the neointimal smooth muscle cells in experimentally induced atherosclerosis: involvement of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are currently considered a central pivotal player in pathogenesis and development of atherosclerotic lesions. As consequence of vascular injury, SMCs migrate from the tunica media into the tunica intima layers where they contribute to neointimal formation by converting into foam cells and producing pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. We targeted the replacement of neointimal SMCs by using the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in experimentally induced atherosclerosis in an attempt to improve the atherosclerotic lesion and its concomitant complications. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n=20). Control group: rats kept on a standard chow diet; atherosclerotic group: rats received the atherogenic diet; stem cells-treated group: rats were injected with CD34+ stem cells (6×106 cells in 0.5 mL PBS in rat tail vein) and maintained on the atherogenic diet; and resveratrol-treated group: rats were supplemented orally with resveratrol at a dose level 3 mg/kg per day and the atherogenic diet. After 12 weeks, rats were euthanized, blood samples were collected for separation of serum, and abdominal aortas were excised for further biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. We used resveratrol, the well-established anti-atherosclerotic drug, as a benchmark to assess the efficacy of stem cell therapy. MSCs treatment revealed significant amelioration in both histopathological and biochemical patterns as evidenced by decreased foam cells formation, ICAM-1, VCAM, M-CSF, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α. We concluded that MSCs therapy significantly replaced the neointimal SMCs and decreased adhesion molecules as well as the oxidative and inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis.

Thick cement usage in percutaneous vertebroplasty for malignant vertebral fractures at high risk for cement leakage.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and safety of transpedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) using thick bone cement in patients with intractable metastatic vertebral pain and at high risk for cement leakage. METHODS: Unilateral transpedicular PVP using firm bone cement was performed in 77 patients with intractable pain due to vertebral metastases in the thoracolumbar spine, who had one or more relative contraindication to PVP. Primary outcome measures were the severity of pain as assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale and daily morphine consumption. Secondary outcome measures were the degree of disability and the incidence of procedure-related adverse outcomes. The outcome measures were assessed at the preoperative visit and at 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: Sixty-three (81.8%) patients completed the 12-week follow-up period. There were 30 men and 33 women, with a mean age of 58±11 (SD) [range: 34-81 years]. Compared with pre-procedure value, all post-procedure pain scores were significantly lower (P<0.0001). Likewise, there was a statistically significant reduction in daily morphine consumption at all follow-up times (P<0.0001). The ambulation score, ADL, and ODI were all significantly lower at all assessment times compared with pre-procedure values (P<0.0001). No serious adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: PVP using thick bone cement could be administered with reasonable safety to patients suffering from intractable pain caused by vertebral metastases who were at high risk for cement leakage. The procedure was associated with significant improvement of pain and disability.

Evaluation of who oral rehydration solution (ORS) and salt tablets in resuscitating adult patients with burns covering more than 15% of total body surface area (TBSA).

Intra-venous (IV) burn resuscitation is effective; nevertheless it has its disadvantages. WHO Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has shown high effectiveness in treating dehydration. WHO-ORS, with salt supplement, seems to be suitable for burn resuscitation, where IV resuscitation is not available, feasible or possible. The objective of the study was to evaluate acute phase efficacy and safety, as well as limitations and complications of burn resuscitation using WHO-ORS and salt tablets. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Burn Unit, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. The study group was given WHO-ORS (15% of body weight/day) with one salt tablet (5gm) per liter according to Sørensen's formula. The control group was given IV fluids according to the Parkland formula. Patients' vital signs and urine output were monitored for 72 hours after starting resuscitation. Both groups were comparable regarding age, sex, and percentage, etiology and degree of burns. For all assessed parameters, there were no major significant differences between the study group (10 cases) and control group (20 cases). Even where there was a significant difference, apart from blood pressure in the first hour of the first day, the study group never crossed safe limits for pulse, systolic blood pressure, urine output, respiratory rate and conscious level. WHO-ORS with 5gm salt tablets, given according to Sørenson's formula, is a safe and efficient alternative for IV resuscitation. It could even be a substitute, particularly in low resource settings and fire disasters.

La réanimation hydro-électrolytique IV initiale des brûlés est efficace mais connaît des effets indésirables. La SRO de l'OMS a montré son efficacité dans le traitement des déshydratations. Cette solution, supplémentée en sel, semble être utilisable pour la réanimation initiale des brûlés lorsque la voie IV n'est pas utilisable. Une étude randomisée prospective a été réalisée dans le CTB du CHU Canal de Suez d'Ismaïlia. Elle avait pour but d'analyser l'efficacité, l'innocuité, les limites et les complications de l'utilisation de la SRO supplémentée en sel dans la réanimation initiale des brûlés. Le groupe à l'étude (10 patients) recevait 15% de son poids de SRO par jour, additionné de 5 g de sel par litre (formule de Sørensen) quand le groupe contrôle (20 patients) était réanimé par voie IV selon la formule de Parkland. Les patients étaient monitorés (paramètres vitaux, diurèse) pendant 72 h. Les groupes étaient comparables en termes de l'âge, du sexe, de la surface, de la profondeur et de la cause de la brûlure. Il n'y avait pas de différence majeure entre les 2 groupes, exceptée une PA plus basse durant la première heure dans le groupe SRO. Il n'a pas été observé, dans ce groupe, d'anomalie dangereuse le la fréquence cardiaque, le la pression artérielle systolique, de la diurèse, de la fréquence respiratoire ni de l'état de conscience. La solution SRO de l'OMS additionnée de 5 g de sel, délivrée selon la formule de Sørensen, est une alternative efficace et sûre à la réanimation IV initiale des brûlés, qu'elle pourrait remplacer dans les pays à IDH bas et en cas de catastrophe.

Structure of vomeronasal organ (Jacobson organ) in male Camelus Domesticus Var. dromedaris persica.

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a tubular structure in the roof of nasal cavity. The important role of this organ is olfaction of sexual odour. In this study, position, anatomical structure and histology of VNO in Iranian camels (camelus domesticus var. dromedaris persica) were determined. Fourteen healthy male camel heads were collected from an industrial slaughterhouse in Tehran, Iran, for anatomical and histological studies (seven each). The length of VNO and width of dental pad and the number and width of palatine crests were measured. For anatomical studies, the mandible was removed, and maxilla and nasal cavity was cut longitudinally and transversely. For histological studies, the mandible was removed, and first 0.5 cm of initial part of VNO was cut. Then, nasal cavity was cut in some segments with 2 cm thickness. The width of VNO was 3.85 ± 0.31 cm and 1.57 ± 0.18 cm in front and distal parts, respectively. The length of VNO was 15.61 ± 0.59 cm. In histological examinations, VNO was surrounded by J-shape hyaline cartilage. The lining epithelium of lateral wall of VNO was originated from respiratory epithelium, while it had an olfactory epithelium origin in the medial wall. Lamina propria and tunica submucosa were a cavernous connective tissue with seromucous gland with abundant of serous secretory units. The lumen of VNO opens into nasal cavity. The presence of olfactory epithelium found in our study indicates an important role for VNO in pheromone perception and beginning of sexual behaviour.

Postoperative radiation therapy after hip replacement in high-risk patients for development of heterotopic bone formation.

PURPOSE: To report the results of postoperative radiation therapy in preventing the development of heterotopic bone formation after hip replacement surgery in high-risk patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 2007, 44 patients were preventively treated with postoperative RT after total hip replacement. In total, 47 hips were treated. All patients were considered at high risk for developing heterotopic bone formation. Most patients (63.5%) were treated because of a history of severe osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. All patients were treated with shaped parallel-opposed fields with a single fraction of 7 Gy using 6 or 18 MV photons. Most patients (94%) received radiation therapy within 72 hours postoperative and in only three patients radiation therapy was delivered after 72 hours post-surgery (5-8 days). RESULTS: Minimum follow-up was 1 year. There were 18 females and 26 males. Median age was 63 years (range: 18-80). Treatments were well tolerated and no acute toxicity was seen post-radiation therapy. Only one of the 47 hips (2%) developed heterotopic bone formation. This patient received postoperative radiation therapy to both hips but only developed heterotopic bone formation in one of them. None of the three patients treated beyond 72 hours failed. To date no late toxicity has been observed. CONCLUSION: The use of postoperative radiation therapy was an effective and safe treatment in the prevention of heterotopic bone formation in a high-risk group of patients undergoing total hip replacement.

Red light violations at rural and suburban signalized intersections in Jordan.

This case study investigated red light violations at rural and suburban signalized intersections in Jordan. Field observations were conducted at 15 signalized intersections located in different Jordanian regions: Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa. The results showed that, out of a total of 1,190 drivers who had a chance for violation, 153 (12.9%) drivers ran red lights. It was found that older drivers have less tendency for running red lights. Based on vehicle type, the analysis showed that truck drivers had the highest violation rate followed by small vehicles and then buses. The Y-shaped intersection had a higher percentage of violations as compared to the T- and cruciform-shaped intersections. The percentage of red light violations was found to be directly proportional to the subjects approach speed and inversely proportional to the conflicting traffic volumes.

Experimental fusarial hyalohyphomycosis in a murine model.

The pathogenicity of two clinical strains of Fusarium solani was studied in normal and transiently neutropenic outbred CF1 and CD1 male mice. Three inocula (5 x 10(5), 1 x 10(6), and 5 x 10(6) spores/animal) were tested. Groups of 10 mice each were injected with a single intravenous dose of one inoculum. Mortality correlated with the dose of inoculum, as survival was significantly shorter in mice injected with 5 x 10(6) cfu/mouse than in mice that received 1 x 10(6) or 5 x 10(5) cfu/mouse (P less than .001). Necrotizing abscesses with acute branching septate hyphae, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, and hemorrhage were observed. The median survival of neutropenic mice was shorter than that of normal mice (P less than .001). Neutropenic mice did not show evidence of an inflammatory cellular reaction and exhibited significantly higher numbers of fungi per gram of infected tissue (P less than .001). Intact host defenses in normal mice were able to confine the infection to the kidneys after initial dissemination. In contrast, disseminated infection persisted in most organs in immunosuppressed animals.

Antifungal susceptibility of 44 clinical isolates of Fusarium species determined by using a broth microdilution method.

The MICs and minimum fungicidal concentrations of amphotericin B, natamycin, miconazole, itraconazole, and flucytosine against 17 isolates of Fusarium solani, 14 isolates of Fusarium moniliforme, 10 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum, and 3 isolates of Fusarium semitectum were determined by a broth microdilution method. Amphotericin B and natamycin were the most active agents tested and failed to show any inoculum size effect. In contrast, miconazole and itraconazole showed poor inhibitory and fungicidal activities, and the inoculum size had a major effect on the results. Flucytosine had no activity against any of the isolates tested.