Potential role of thoracolumbar fascia in younger middle-aged patients with chronic low back pain.

AIM: This study aimed to quantitatively assess the thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) and lumbar multifidus muscle through ultrasound imaging in younger-middle aged individuals, both those experiencing chronic low back pain (LBP) and those without LBP. Additionally, the study sought to explore the potential significance of these anatomical structures in relation to clinical and sonographic findings. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a cohort of 50 participants, divided into two groups: chronic LBP group (Group LBP, n = 30) and a group without LBP (Group control, n = 20). Participants from both groups underwent assessments pertaining to pain characteristics (intensity and quality), functional impairment, and kinesiophobia. The thicknesses of the thoracolumbar fascia and lumbar multifidus muscle were measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS: Among participants with chronic LBP, the thoracolumbar fascia displayed a statistically significant increase in thickness on the left side, whereas the lumbar multifidus muscle exhibited reduced thickness on the left side. Notably, positive correlations were observed between the thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia and scores from the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity (r = 0.472, p = 0.008) as well as the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) (r = 0.547, p = 0.002). Moreover, a positive correlation was established between the thickness of the lumbar multifidus muscle and the modified Schober test (r = 0.174, p = 0.040). However, the thickness of the lumbar multifidus muscle demonstrated a negative correlation with age (r = -0.304, p = 0.032). Multiple logistic regression analysis did not identify any significant predictors for the presence of LBP based on demographic or clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals afflicted with chronic LBP exhibited pronounced thickening of the thoracolumbar fascia and attenuation of the lumbar multifidus muscle in comparison to asymptomatic counterparts. Notably, increased thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia corresponded to heightened pain intensity, while reduction in lumbar multifidus muscle thickness was associated with decreased lumbar flexion ability. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating tailored regimens targeting both fascial and muscular components in the rehabilitation of individuals with LBP.

Multispectral tracing in densely labeled mouse brain with nTracer.

SUMMARY: This note describes nTracer, an ImageJ plug-in for user-guided, semi-automated tracing of multispectral fluorescent tissue samples. This approach allows for rapid and accurate reconstruction of whole cell morphology of large neuronal populations in densely labeled brains. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: nTracer was written as a plug-in for the open source image processing software ImageJ. The software, instructional documentation, tutorial videos, sample image and sample tracing results are available at https://www.cai-lab.org/ntracer-tutorial. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Physical characterization of the hair of Mexican women.

Hairs collected from 257 Mexican women, residing in Mexico City, were characterized by instrumental measurements for comparison to more-commonly reported Caucasian, Asian and African hairs. Subjects were subdivided into five age groups and their hairs were characterized by fibre dimension, shape and tensile strength. Results show that Mexican hair appears to be intermediate of Asian and Caucasian hair in diameter and cross-sectional ellipticity. Such findings seem in line with the early and late ethnic origins of Mexican people. Results also illustrate and confirm the large intra- and inter-individual variability within any single hair property. Unexpectedly high levels of hair tensile damage were sometimes encountered.

Des cheveux prélevés sur 257 mexicaines, résidant dans la ville de Mexico, ont été mesurés et comparés avec des cheveux caucasiens, asiatiques et africains, généralement mieux connus. Les sujets ont été répartis en 5 catégories d'âge et leurs cheveux caractérisés selon la dimension de la fibre, leur forme et leur résistance mécanique. Les résultats montrent que les cheveux mexicains se situent, en termes de diamètre et d'ellipticité, entre les asiatiques et les caucasiens. Cela semble en cohérence avec les origines ethniques récentes et anciennes du peuple mexicain. Les résultats illustrent aussi et confirment la grande diversité intra et inter individu pour toutes les propriétés du cheveu. Des cheveux anormalement fragiles lorsque soumis à un test de tension ont parfois été rencontrés.

Dimerization of mammalian kinesin-3 motors results in superprocessive motion.

The kinesin-3 family is one of the largest among the kinesin superfamily and its members play important roles in a wide range of cellular transport activities, yet the molecular mechanisms of kinesin-3 regulation and cargo transport are largely unknown. We performed a comprehensive analysis of mammalian kinesin-3 motors from three different subfamilies (KIF1, KIF13, and KIF16). Using Forster resonance energy transfer microscopy in live cells, we show for the first time to our knowledge that KIF16B motors undergo cargo-mediated dimerization. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the monomer-to-dimer transition center around the neck coil (NC) segment and its ability to undergo intramolecular interactions in the monomer state versus intermolecular interactions in the dimer state. Regulation of NC dimerization is unique to the kinesin-3 family and in the case of KIF13A and KIF13B requires the release of a proline-induced kink between the NC and subsequent coiled-coil 1 segments. We show that dimerization of kinesin-3 motors results in superprocessive motion, with average run lengths of ∼10 µm, and that this property is intrinsic to the dimeric kinesin-3 motor domain. This finding opens up studies on the mechanistic basis of motor processivity. Such high processivity has not been observed for any other motor protein and suggests that kinesin-3 motors are evolutionarily adapted to serve as the marathon runners of the cellular world.

Expression of GnRH receptor in the canine corpus luteum, and luteal function following deslorelin acetate-induced puberty delay.

The goals of this study were as follows: (Experiment 1) to examine the basic capability of canine corpora lutea (CL) to respond to GnRH by assessing expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in luteal samples collected throughout the luteal lifespan from non-pregnant dogs, and (Experiment 2) to investigate the effects of pre-pubertal application of the GnRH agonist deslorelin acetate on luteal function following the first oestrus. Mature CL were collected during the mid-luteal phase (days 30-45) from treated and control bitches. Transcript levels of several factors were determined: estrogen receptors (ESR1/ERα, ESR2/ERß), progesterone (P4)-receptor (PGR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), PGE2-synthase (PTGES) and PGE2 receptors (PTGER2/EP2, PTGER4/EP4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2/PTGS2), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ßHSD). Additionally, levels of Kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1) and its receptor (KISS1-R) were evaluated. Although generally low, GnRH-R expression was time dependent and was elevated during early dioestrus, with a significant decrease towards luteal regression. In deslorelin-treated and control dogs, its expression was either low or frequently below the detection limit. EP2 and VEGFR1 were higher in the treated group, which could be caused by a feedback mechanism after long-term suppression of reproductive activity. Despite large individual variations, 3ßHSD was higher in the deslorelin-treated group. This, along with unchanged STAR expression, was apparently not mirrored in increased luteal functionality, because similar P4 levels were detected in both groups. Finally, the deslorelin-mediated long-term delay of puberty does not have negative carry-over effects on subsequent ovarian functionality in bitches.

Kisspeptin-10 and the G protein-coupled receptor 54 are differentially expressed in the canine pregnant uterus and trophoblast cells.

Uterine tissue was collected from bitches after ovariohysterectomy at different times after ovulation. Samples were assigned to four groups: metestrous non-pregnant, day 10-12, n = 4; pre-implantation, day 10-12, n = 9; post-implantation, day 18-25, n = 13; mid-gestation, day 30-40, n = 7. RT-qPCR detection was performed for kiss1 and the G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54, specific receptor for kisspeptin). In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed for detection of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10), GPR54, as well as pan-cytokeratin and vimentin. The latter two were included to differentiate the different placental cell types. The percentage of positive stained cells was evaluated, and an immunoreactivity score (IRS) was obtained by multiplying the labelling intensity score (0-3) with the percentage of immunolabelled cells (range: 0-300). In non-pregnant and pre-implantation tissues, gene expression was highly variable for kiss1 and GPR54. Expression of GPR54 was higher before embryo adhesion than during post-implantation and mid-gestation (p < .05), whereas there was no difference found between groups for kiss1. Except during the pre-implantation period, KP-10 expression was higher in the non-pregnant uterus compared to all gestational periods investigated, indicating a pregnancy-related downregulation. In the pre-implantation period, KP-10 was present in larger vessels only, whereas the presence of GPR54 in vessels was found in all samples, with most labelling in the post-implantation period. KP-10 was present in superficial uterine glands, GPR54 in superficial and deep uterine glands of the post-implantation uterus. In myocytes, the highest staining for KP-10 was seen in the non-pregnant uterus, whereas the highest staining for GPR54 was seen in post-implantation and mid-gestation. Syncytiotrophoblast cells stained for both KP-10 and GPR54 in post-implantation and mid-gestation, with maximum intensity for GPR54 in the latter. We conclude that KP-10 and GPR54 are expressed in the canine uterus and trophoblast cells. However, during pregnancy, expression of both proteins seems to be differentially regulated.

A discrete artificial bee colony algorithm for detecting transcription factor binding sites in DNA sequences.

The great majority of biological sequences share significant similarity with other sequences as a result of evolutionary processes, and identifying these sequence similarities is one of the most challenging problems in bioinformatics. In this paper, we present a discrete artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, which is inspired by the intelligent foraging behavior of real honey bees, for the detection of highly conserved residue patterns or motifs within sequences. Experimental studies on three different data sets showed that the proposed discrete model, by adhering to the fundamental scheme of the ABC algorithm, produced competitive or better results than other metaheuristic motif discovery techniques.

Prognostic utility of serum vitronectin levels in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Vitronectin (VN) functions as a regulator of platelet adhesion and aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of serum VN levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: In this study 62 patients admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) were enrolled. Serum VN levels were measured within 6 h after onset of chest pains. RESULTS: The VN serum levels were higher in MI patients with a mean of 2.257 µg/ml (range 1.541-4.493 µg/ml) in the STEMI group, 1.785 µg/ml (range 1.372-4.113 µg/ml) in the NSTEMI group, and 1.222 µg/ml (range 1.033-1.466 µg/ml) in the controls (p = 0.012). Major adverse cardiovascular events could be predicted at 6 months using VN levels independently of other variables [odds ratio (OR) 9.87, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.54-47.37, p = 0.001]. There was a significant positive correlation between VN levels and the Gensini score in NSTEMI patients (r = 0.436, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The VN level may be relevant as a clinical biomarker for adverse cardiovascular outcomes not only in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing coronary interventions, as previously reported, but also in coronary artery disease patients presenting with acute MI.

Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a multicenter, prospective study. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). SETTING: This study was conducted in rehabilitation centers of three hospitals in Turkey. METHODS: Two-hundred and four (n=204) consecutive patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) were included in the study. Each patient was examined by two physicians. Neurologic impairment was measured according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) 2000 revised criteria. Backward and forward translation of SCIM-III was performed by native speakers in both languages. To measure the validity of SCIM-III, the scores were compared with patients' AIS grades, total motor scores and the Health Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36) subscale scores. SCIM-III was analyzed for test-retest reliability by the same rater on 49 patients during the follow-up evaluations. RESULTS: Total agreement values between raters changed between 75.9 and 100%. Kappa values were all above 0.6, and they were statistically significant. The Pearson's correlation values between the raters were very high and statistically significant. The Cronbach's α-values for the two consecutive raters were 0.865 and 0.896. Test-retest reliability was assessed by paired samples t-test, and no significant difference was observed. SCIM-III and SF-36 physical (r=0.339, P<0.005) and general health scores (r=0.200, P<0.005) showed correlation. All subscales of the SCIM-III, with the exception of self-care, had significant differences in comparison with the AIS grades. SCIM-III total and total motor scores showed correlation (r=0.585, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of SCIM-III was found to be valid and reliable.

Expression of genes involved in the embryo-maternal interaction in the early-pregnant canine uterus.

Although there is no acute luteolytic mechanism in the absence of pregnancy in the bitch, a precise and well-timed embryo-maternal interaction seems to be required for the initiation and maintenance of gestation. As only limited information is available about these processes in dogs, in this study, the uterine expression of possible decidualization markers was investigated during the pre-implantation stage (days 10-12) of pregnancy and in the corresponding nonpregnant controls. In addition, the expression of selected genes associated with blastocyst development and/or implantation was investigated in embryos flushed from the uteri of bitches used for this study (unhatched and hatched blastocysts). There was an upregulated expression of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and IGF2 observed pre-implantation. The expression of PRL and of IGF1 was unaffected, and neither was the expression of progesterone- or estrogen receptor ß (ESR2). In contrast, (ESR1) levels were elevated during early pregnancy. Prostaglandin (PG)-system revealed upregulated expression of PGE2-synthase and its receptors, PTGER2 and PTGER4, and of the PG-transporter. Elevated levels of AKR1C3 mRNA, but not the protein itself, were noted. Expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) remained unaffected. Most of the transcripts were predominantly localized to the uterine epithelial cells, myometrium and, to a lesser extent, to the uterine stroma. PGES (PTGES) mRNA was abundantly expressed in both groups of embryos and appeared higher in the hatched ones. The expression level of IGF2 mRNA appeared higher than that of IGF1 mRNA in hatched embryos. In unhatched embryos IGF1, IGF2, and PTGS2 mRNA levels were below the detection limit.

Suppression of fertility in pre-pubertal dogs and cats.

Pre-pubertal gonadectomy in dogs and cats is still controversially discussed because some consequences cause health problems. Nevertheless, postponement of puberty, that is, prevention of an increase in sexual hormones and thereby prevention of their manifold effects, is of major importance, not only in controlling overpopulation but also to preserve the genetic base for future breeding stock and pets. Therefore, alternatives for surgical suppression of fertility in pre-pubertal animals were critically reviewed. As a promising alternative, the slow-release GnRH agonist deslorelin and other GnRH analogues have been investigated. In female dogs and cats, puberty could be significantly postponed without initial flare-up effect and without disturbance of body development. First trials to delay puberty in female and male cats by application of a 4.7-mg deslorelin implant 24 h after birth so far are promising. In female dogs, a previous investigation showed that when the implant was inserted at the age of 4 months, the initial flare-up effect was prevented. Body development was normal in the studies reviewed here, and with the 9.4-mg implant, puberty was significantly delayed until the age of 21 months or older. In one study, bitches either received a 4.7- or a 9.4-mg implant at the age of 4 months and the epiphyses were mostly closed before the time of first oestrus. Using a 4.7-mg deslorelin implant in pre-pubertal male dogs significantly postponed puberty, and age at puberty was >2 years when a 9.4-mg implant was used. However, further investigations are required, especially concerning the effect of different GnRH agonist dosages and resorption rates on the duration of postponement of puberty as well as long-term effects in both dogs and cats.

Effects of isolation rooms on the prevalence of hospital acquired pneumonia in a respiratory ICU.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) varies according to the type of intensive care units (ICUs). AIM: The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and the effect of isolation rooms on the frequency of pneumonia in the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present investigation was carried out between January 2004 and July 2008. The ICU, which was 4-bed ward-type between January 2004 and February 2006 (1st period), was reconfigured as isolated rooms with only 2 beds each after March 2006 (2nd period). 153 and 379 patients were followed up in the ICU in the 1st and 2nd periods, respectively. Blood, sputum, and deep tracheal aspiration cultures were used for the isolation of the causative agents. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between the general characteristics of patients. HAP developed in 101 patients (19%). The prevalence of HAP was 22.9% in the 1st period and 17.4% in the 2nd period. During the 1st and 2nd periods, the HAP infection densities were 22.2 and 16.1/1000 patient-days and the ventilator-associated pneumonia densities were 48.1 and 37.6/1000 ventilator-days, respectively. Eighty-six percent of HAP was ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). CONCLUSIONS: Isolation rooms in the ICU may be an effective strategy to control and decrease the rate of pneumonia in the ICU in addition to other preventive strategies.

Vascular endothelial (VEGF) and epithelial growth factor (EGF) as well as platelet-activating factor (PAF) and receptors are expressed in the early pregnant canine uterus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the course of expression of platelet-activating factor (PAF), PAF-receptor (PAF-R), epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF-R, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2 in uterine tissue during canine pregnancy. For this purpose, 20 bitches were ovariohysterectomized at days 10-12 (n = 10), 18-25 (n = 5) and 28-45 (n = 5) days after mating, respectively. The pre-implantation group was proven pregnant by embryo flushing of the uterus after the operation, the others by sonography. Five embryo negative, that is, non-pregnant, bitches in diestrus (day 10-12) served as controls. Tissue samples from the uterus (placentation sites and horn width, respectively) were excised and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen after embedding in Tissue Tec(®). Extraction of mRNA for RT-PCR was performed with Tri-Reagent. In the embryos, mRNA from all factors except VEGF was detected. In the course of pregnancy, significantly higher expression of PAF and PAFR as well as VEGF and VEGFR2 during the pre-implantation stage than in all other stages and a strong upregulation of EGF during implantation were characteristic. The course of EGF was in diametrical opposition to the course of the receptor. These results point towards an increased demand for VEGF, EGF and PAF during the earliest stages of canine pregnancy.

Wildflower (Hyoscyamus reticulatus) causes QT prolongation.

INTRODUCTION: In the environment, there are hundreds of poisonous and injurious plants with a wide variety of toxicity. Among all plants with anticholinergic effect, Hyoscyamus reticulatus is a species whose clinicopathological effects have been poorly described in literature. The paper is especially aimed at drawing attention to the possibly fatal syndrome of prolonged QT, as well as to clinical and laboratory changes in six members of a single family poisoned with this plant. CASES: Six female patients aged from 19 to 49 presented to our emergency room with a suspicion of being poisoned after having ingested a plant known as 'the mad axe plant' (Hyoscyamus reticulatus). At least one of anticholinergic symptoms including flushing, mydriasis, dry mouth and tachycardia was present in all of the patients. In addition, different levels of agitation were observed in four of the patients. A euphoric emotional state was present in two patients. The corrected QT distances were found to be prolonged in three of the patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on economical, social and cultural reasons, it is a very common habit in our country, especially in our region in spring and summer months, to consume some plants growing spontaneously in rural areas as food. Intoxication with Hyoscyamus reticulatus is a plant poisoning that is poorly described in literature. Its classical symptoms are predominantly anticholinergic. Although it is commonly self-limited and can be corrected with close observation and supportive treatments, it should be kept in mind that the prolongation of QT interval can accompany the symptoms of poisoning with this plant (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 19).

The impact of bariatric surgery on obesity-related infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to investigate the effect of morbid obesity surgery on infertility using laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis from a prospectively collected database from May 2014 until December 2019. The mean age of the 23 morbidly obese women included in the study and followed-up for five years was 31.26 ± 5.06 years (minimum 24, maximum 43), mean duration of marriage was 9.3478 ± 4.76 years (minimum 4, maximum 23). Mean body mass index (BMI) values were 45.04 ± 3.43 (minimum 40, maximum 52) pre-LSG and 28.65 ± 3.14 (minimum 24, maximum 36) 12 months post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). RESULTS: Out of 23 infertile patients studied underwent LSG. Significant correlation was determined between the change in BMI, 12 months after LSG, compared to pre-LSG and having children after surgery (p=0.001). Conception occurred in 21 patients (91.3%) after surgery, but not in the remaining two (8.7%). CONCLUSIONS: LSG is an important surgical technique used in the treatment of obesity and in preventing obesity-related comorbidities. It can improve pregnancy and live birth rates by contributing to weight loss and hormonal regulation in obese infertile women.

Short-term clinical and hormonal effects of a deslorelin implant on late-prepubertal bitches - Based on flare-up signs.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists offer an alternative to surgical sterilization in prepubertal dogs, preserving ovarian and uterine functions. However, the clinical and hormonal effects of GnRH agonist application during the late-prepubertal stage remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect (flare-up) and hormonal changes, specifically serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) levels, in bitches treated with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate (DA) implants (Suprelorin®, Virbac, F) during the late prepubertal period. Sixteen clinically healthy kangal cross-breed bitches, aged 7-8 months, with a mean body weight of 20.5 ± 0.8 kg, were implanted with DA. Estrus signs were monitored daily, and blood and vaginal cytological samples were collected every other day for four weeks. Cytological changes were analyzed for overall and superficial cell index. Six out of sixteen DA-treated bitches (EST group; n = 6) exhibited clinical proestrus 8.6 ± 0.6 days after implant insertion. The mean serum concentrations of P4 and E2 at the onset of estrus were 1.38 ± 0.32 ng/ml and 37.38 ± 10.07 pg/ml, respectively. Notably, all non-estrus (N-EST group; n = 10) bitches demonstrated an increase in superficial cell index, in addition to expected cytological changes observed in the EST group. On the 18th day post-implantation, the EST group exhibited a significantly higher number of superficial cells compared to the N-EST group (p < 0.001). DA implantation resulted in cytological profile alterations accompanied by a slight increase in estrogen concentrations in all dogs. However, the flare-up response exhibited significant variability, differing from that observed in adult dogs. This study highlights the importance of meticulous timing and breed-specific considerations when utilizing DA for puberty manipulation in late-prepubertal bitches. The observed cytological and hormonal changes in response to DA implants provide valuable insights, but the variability in flare-up responses warrants further investigation.

Variability in training unlocks generalization in visual perceptual learning through invariant representations.

Stimulus and location specificity are long considered hallmarks of visual perceptual learning. This renders visual perceptual learning distinct from other forms of learning, where generalization can be more easily attained, and therefore unsuitable for practical applications, where generalization is key. Based on the hypotheses derived from the structure of the visual system, we test here whether stimulus variability can unlock generalization in perceptual learning. We train subjects in orientation discrimination, while we vary the amount of variability in a task-irrelevant feature, spatial frequency. We find that, independently of task difficulty, this manipulation enables generalization of learning to new stimuli and locations, while not negatively affecting the overall amount of learning on the task. We then use deep neural networks to investigate how variability unlocks generalization. We find that networks develop invariance to the task-irrelevant feature when trained with variable inputs. The degree of learned invariance strongly predicts generalization. A reliance on invariant representations can explain variability-induced generalization in visual perceptual learning. This suggests new targets for understanding the neural basis of perceptual learning in the higher-order visual cortex and presents an easy-to-implement modification of common training paradigms that may benefit practical applications.

Does intestinal obstruction influence hypo-albuminemia: assessment of the physio-pathogenesis of protein-losing enteropathy with literature review.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use may cause diaphragm-like lesions in the bowel. Although NSAID-enteropathy is among the causes of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), intractable hypoalbuminemia is rare. CASE REPORT: Here, we discuss a case of NSAID-enteropathy with a diaphragm-like disease that presented with Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) rather than obstruction. The hypoalbuminemia recovered immediately after resection of the obstructive segment, despite ongoing annular ulcerations in the early postoperative period. Thus, it was not clear whether obstructive mechanisms influenced resistant hypoalbuminemia besides the ulcers. We also reviewed the English-written literature for "diaphragm-type lesion, NSAID-enteropathy, obstruction, and protein-losing enteropathy". We noted that the role of obstruction in the pathophysiology of PLE was not clear. CONCLUSIONS: As our case and a couple of cases reported in literature, slow-onset obstructive pathology seems to contribute to well-known factors: inflammatory response, exudation, tight-junction dysfunction, and increase in permeability in the physiopathology of NSAID-induced PLE. Factors such as distention-induced low-flow ischemia and reperfusion, cholecystectomy-related continuous bile flow, bacterial overgrowth-related bile deconjugation and concomitant inflammation are among other potential influencers. The possible role of a slow-onset obstructive pathology in the physiopathology of NSAID-induced and other PLE needs to be further elucidated.

Effect of reciprocating sliding speed on the tribological performance of nano SiC(p) reinforced Ni-metal matrix composites produced by electrocodeposition.

In the present work, Ni/SiC metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings were prepared from a modified Watt's type electrolyte containing nano-SiC particles by direct current (DC) plating method to increase wear resistance of the electro co-deposited Ni. SiC nano particles with average particle size of 0, 1-1 microm were co-deposited with nickel matrix on the steel substrates. For this purpose, several studies were carried out to optimize deposition parameters for specific applications. The depositions were controlled to obtain the specific thickness (between 175-200 microm) and particle volume fraction in the matrix (between 0.03 and 0.10). The hardness of the resultant coatings was measured and found to be 280-571 HV depending on the particle concentration in the electrolyte and therefore, particle volume in the Ni matrix. The tribological tests were performed by a reciprocating ball-on disk apparatus sliding against M50 steel ball (Ø10 mm). All the friction and wear tests were performed under the unlubricated conditions at room temperature and in the ambient air (relative humidity 55-65%). The wear tests were carried out at different sliding velocities of 50 mm/s, 100 mm/s and 150 mm/s by using a constant dead load of 1.0 N. It was detected that increasing sliding speed resulted to increase wear rate but decreasing friction coefficient due to change in wear mechanism. Increasing sliding speed showed formation of tribo induced oxides up to 20 g/l SiC(p) in the electrolyte and wear mechanism was controlled by temperature induced fatigue wear. Further increase in the SiC(p) in the electrolyte caused an abrasive type of the wear.

Is apoptosis a regulatory mechanism during early canine pregnancy?

Fas is a membrane-bound protein which upon activation causes programmed cell death. Fas ligand (FasL) binds Fas on target cells. Both these factors are known to regulate apoptosis at implantation in different species and thus might be involved in the regulation of implantation in dogs. The aim of the study was to assess the expression of Fas and FasL in canine uterine tissue throughout pregnancy as well as in pre-implantation embryos using RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. Uterine tissues was collected from of 21 healthy pregnant bitches (group I: days 10-12, n = 5; group II: days 18-25, n = 6; group III: days 28-45, n = 6) and from 4 non-pregnant bitches (controls: days 10-12). Pregnancy stage was determined by days after mating, that is, 2-3 days after ovulation as determined by vaginal cytology and progesterone measurement. After ovariohysterectomy, uteri from group I bitches were flushed with PBS and the embryos washed and stored frozen at -80°. Tissues from the other groups were taken from the implantation and placentation sites, respectively, covered with Tissue Tek(®) and frozen at -80°. Extraction of RNA was performed with Trizol Reagent and RT-qPCR using SYBR green probes. In pre-implantation embryos, only FasL but not Fas could be detected. In all tissues from pregnant and non-pregnant bitches, both parameters were detectable. Before implantation (group I) expression of FasL resembled that of non-pregnant bitches in early dioestrus and decreased significantly during implantation and thereafter (p < 0.05). Expression of Fas did not change significantly until day 45. The relative expression of Fas exceeded that of FasL at each stage investigated, which is comparable to observations of other species; however, high standard deviations indicate high individual differences. These preliminary results point towards a regulatory function of the Fas/FasL system during early canine pregnancy.