Narrow-band imaging with magnification and the water immersion technique: a case-finding, cost-effective approach to diagnose villous atrophy

INTRODUCTION@#Narrow-band imaging with magnification endoscopy (NBI-ME) allows real-time visual assessment of the mucosal surface and vasculature of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine the performance of NBI-ME combined with the water immersion technique (NBI-ME-WIT) in detecting villous atrophy.@*METHODS@#All patients who underwent gastroscopy were included. The duodenum was further examined with NBI-ME-WIT only after examination with white light endoscopy did not reveal a cause of anaemia or dyspepsia. Targeted biopsies were taken of visualised areas. NBI-ME-WIT findings were compared with the final histopathological analysis. We calculated the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of NBI-ME-WIT in detecting villous atrophy and the hypothetical cost saved by using a biopsy-avoiding approach.@*RESULTS@#124 patients (83 female) with a mean age of 46 (range 18-82) years were included. The most common indication for gastroscopy was abdominal pain (39%), followed by anaemia (35%), chronic diarrhoea/altered bowel habits (19%) and dyspepsia (6%). NBI-ME-WIT was able to detect all nine patients with villous atrophy - eight patchy and one total villous atrophy. The Sn, Sp, PPV and NPV of NBI-ME-WIT in detecting villous atrophy were 100.0%, 99.1%, 90.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Taking into account the cost of biopsy forceps (AUD 17) and pathology (AUD 140), this biopsy-avoidance strategy could have saved AUD 18,055 in these patients.@*CONCLUSION@#NBI-ME-WIT is a specific and sensitive tool to recognise and accurately diagnose villous atrophy. Biopsies can be avoided in patients with normal-sized villi, which may decrease the overall cost of the procedure.

Nervous Mechanism of Gastric Mucosal Lesion Induced by Restraint Water-immersion Stress in Rats / 胃肠病学

Stress-induced gastric mucosal lesion (SGML) is one of the most common visceral complications after trauma. Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS) can induce gastric mucosal lesion within a few hours. It has been confirmed that hyperfunction of parasympathetic nervous system contributes to the gastric dysfunction induced by RWIS. The dorsal motor nucleus of vagus, nucleus of solitary tract, hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, central amygdaloid nucleus and medial prefrontal cortex are all involved in the formation of SGML. Neurotransmitter/neuromodulation such as substance P, acetylcholine, oxytocin may be involved in the physiological process. This article reviewed the nervous mechanism of gastric mucosal lesion induced by RWIS in rats.

Cryotherapy: biochemical alterations involved in reduction of damage induced by exhaustive exercise

When exercises are done in intense or exhaustive modes, several acute biochemical mechanisms are triggered. The use of cryotherapy as cold-water immersion is largely used to accelerate the process of muscular recovery based on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The present study aimed to study the biochemical effects of cold-water immersion treatment in mice submitted to exercise-induced exhaustion. Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 treatment groups: control, cold-water immersion (CWI), swimming exhaustive protocol (SEP), and SEP+CWI. Treatment groups were subdivided into times of analysis: 0, 1, 3, and 5 days. Exhaustion groups were submitted to one SEP session, and the CWI groups submitted to one immersion session (12 min at 12°C) every 24 h. Reactive species production, inflammatory, cell viability, and antioxidant status were assessed. The SEP+CWI group showed a decrease in inflammatory damage biomarkers, and reactive species production, and presented increased cell viability compared to the SEP group. Furthermore, CWI increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the first two sessions. The present study showed that CWI was an effective treatment after exercise-induced muscle damage. It enhanced anti-inflammatory response, decreased reactive species production, increased cell viability, and promoted redox balance, which could decrease the time for the recovery process.

Altered Neuronal Activity in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Induced by Restraint Water-Immersion Stress in Rats / 神经科学通报·英文版

Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS), a compound stress model, has been widely used to induce acute gastric ulceration in rats. A wealth of evidence suggests that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) is a focal region for mediating the biological response to stress. Different stressors induce distinct alterations of neuronal activity in the CEA; however, few studies have reported the characteristics of CEA neuronal activity induced by RWIS. Therefore, we explored this issue using immunohistochemistry and in vivo extracellular single-unit recording. Our results showed that RWIS and restraint stress (RS) differentially changed the c-Fos expression and firing properties of neurons in the medial CEA. In addition, RWIS, but not RS, induced the activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the CEA. These findings suggested that specific neuronal activation in the CEA is involved in the formation of RWIS-induced gastric ulcers. This study also provides a possible theoretical explanation for the different gastric dysfunctions induced by different stressors.

Water immersion-assisted endoscopic en bloc resection for colorectal sessile tumors / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective@#To compare the feasibility and efficacy of attempted underwater endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) with conventional EMR for colorectal sessile or flat tumors.@*Methods@#A total of 120 colorectal tumors of 5 to 30 mm in size were removed using underwater EMR or conventional EMR. En bloc resection rates of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed.@*Results@#Underwater EMR was performed on 53 colorectal sessile/flat tumors with the median size of 22 mm, and conventional EMR was performed on 67 tumors of the same median size. The overall en bloc resection rate of the underwater EMR group was higher than that of the conventional EMR group(81.1% VS 59.7%, P=0.012). The subgroup analysis showed en bloc resection rates of Paris 0-Ⅱa tumor (76.7% VS 50.0%, P=0.035) and those located at the inaccessible regions (100.0% VS 42.9%, P=0.004) were higher than that of conventional EMR. Neither postoperative bleeding nor perforation occurred in the two groups. Residual adenoma was found in 1 patient in underwater EMR group and 2 in the conventional EMR group, respectively(P=0.712).@*Conclusion@#Underwater EMR with prior submucosal injection appears superior to conventional EMR for the removal of colorectal sessile or flat Paris 0-Ⅰs/Ⅱa tumors of less than 3 cm in size in the rate of complete endoscopic resection and defect closure.

Clinical application of modified water infusion single colonoscopy / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of modified water infusion single colonoscopy. Methods Seventy patients underwent single colonoscopy from June 2016 to June 2017 were selected and randomly divided (by means of random number table) into study group (n = 35) and control group (n = 35). The study group was given modified water infusion single colonoscopy, and the control group was given air insufflation single colonoscopy. The success rate of ileocecal inserted, times of cecal intubation and complications rates were recorded;Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of abdominal pain and abdominal bloating. Results The success rate of ileocecal inserted and complications rates were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Times of cecal intubation of study group (4.86 ± 1.66) min was significantly shorter than that of the control group (6.45 ± 2.34) min (P < 0.05). The mean abdominal pain score of study group was significantly lower than that of control group [(2.71 ± 1.05) vs (3.31 ± 1.13), P < 0.05]. The mean abdominal bloating score of study group was significantly lower than that of control group [(3.31 ± 1.05) vs (3.97 ± 1.10), P < 0.05]. Conclusion Modified water infusion colonoscopy is rapid and security, which can effectively improve the comfortableness of patients.

Effect of water immersion on a dental self-healing and antibacterial resin composite / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This investigation aimed to develop a novel self-healing and antibacterial dental resin composite. The effects of water immersion on its properties were also evaluated.@*METHODS@#Microcapsules filled with healing agent of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate were synthesized on the basis of previous studies. Antibacterial resin composite contained nano-antibacterial inorganic fillers that were modified by quaternary ammonium salt with long-chain alkyl. Microcapsules were incorporated into antibacterial resin composite at mass fraction of 7.5%. A commercial resin composite named Tetric N-Ceram was used as control. The resin samples were immersed in 37 °C distilled water for different periods. A flexural test was used to measure the mechanical properties of the novel resin composite. A single-edge V-notched beam method was used to measure fracture toughness and self-healing efficiency. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model with human saliva as inoculum was formed. Colony-forming units (CFU) and lactic acid production of biofilm on the novel resin composite were calculated to test the antibacterial property.@*RESULTS@#Mechanical properties and fracture toughness decreased significantly after the composite was immersed in water for 30 days (P0.05). Water immersion did not weaken the self-healing capability of the composite (P>0.05), and self-healing efficiency of 64% could still be obtained even after 270 days. The antibacterial resin composite showed a strong inhibition effect on the biofilm metabolic activity versus water immersion time from 1 day to 270 days. Therefore, the composite could still have a promising antibacterial property even after being immersed in water (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Water immersion could weaken the mechanical properties of the novel self-healing and antibacterial resin composite, but it insignificantly affected the self-healing and antibacterial properties of the composite.

Difficult colonoscopy: air, carbon dioxide, or water insufflation?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to compare tolerance to air, carbon dioxide, or water insufflation in patients with anticipated difficult colonoscopy (young, thin, obese individuals, and patients with prior abdominal surgery or irradiation). METHODS: Patients with body mass index (BMI) less than 18 kg/m2 or more than 30 kg/m2, or who had undergone previous abdominal or pelvic surgeries were randomized to air, carbon dioxide, or water insufflation during colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was cecal intubation with mild pain (less than 5 on visual analogue scale [VAS]), without use of sedation. RESULTS: The primary end point was achieved in 32.7%, 43.8%, and 84.9% of cases with air, carbon dioxide and water insufflation (P 30 kg/m2.

Colonic dysmotility and morphological abnormality frequently detected in Japanese patients with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) are used primarily to exclude organic diseases in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rather than to assess the pathophysiology of IBS. We aimed to evaluate colonic dysmotility and morphology in Japanese patients with IBS. METHODS: One hundred eighty-four patients with IBS and 49 asymptomatic controls who underwent colonoscopy in combination with CT colonography or barium enema were retrospectively reviewed between 2008 and 2012. Water-aided colonoscopy was performed without sedation by a single endoscopist. The duration and pattern of colonic movement and cecal intubation time were recorded. To assess colonic morphology, barium enema or CT colonography were performed immediately after colonoscopy. RESULTS: Colonic dysmotility was more frequent in the IBS group (28.8% vs. 2.0% in controls, P<0.001), especially in cases of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) (IBS with constipation [IBS-C] 28.8% vs. IBS-D 60.0% vs. mixed IBS [IBS-M] 5.1%, P<0.001). Colonic morphological abnormality was more frequent in the IBS group than in the control group (77.7% vs. 24.5%, P<0.001), especially in IBS-M and IBS-C groups (IBS-C 77.5% vs. IBS-D 48.9% vs. IBS-M 100%, P<0.001). Most patients with IBS with colonic dysmotility had experienced stress related to their symptoms. Cecal intubation time was significantly longer in the IBS group than in the control group (12.1±6.9 minutes vs. 4.6±1.9 minutes, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Unsedated colonoscopy, combined with radiographic findings, can detect colonic dysmotility and morphological abnormality. Technical difficulties observed during cecal intubation may partially explain the pathophysiology of IBS.

The impact of water immersion recovery to the neck after short distance swimming on pulmonary functions in individuals with the past history of bronchial asthma / 体力科学

<p>The purpose of this study was to assess an impact of water immersion recovery after short distance swimming on the recovery process in pulmonary functions in individuals with the past history of bronchial asthma (PHA). Eleven Japanese healthy males with PHA (23 years) volunteered to perform two bouts of a 25-m maximal front crawl session in an indoor pool. The two bouts were separated by either 10-min of recovery on the land (L-session) or the same condition with water immersion to the neck (W-session), using a counterbalanced crossover design. Water temperature was 30 °C. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV_1.0) (%predicted) were measured according to the following time course; at baseline (REST), water immersion to the neck (WIN) before the swimming session, after 5-min (REC-5) and 10-min (REC-10) recovery with the assessment of dyspnea sensation (ADS) at the same time point. %FVC and %FEV_1.0 at WIN, REC-5 and REC-10 in the W-session were significantly lower than those REST. A similar reduction was observed at WIN in the L-session, and %FEV_1.0 at REC-5 was significantly different from those REST. The subjects had higher ADS at REC-5 in both sessions compared with those REST. %FVC and %FEV_1.0 at REC-5 and REC-10 in W-session were significantly lower than those at REC-5 and REC-10 in L-session. These results indicates a negative impact of not only water immersion recovery but also recovery on the land after short distance swimming on pulmonary function in individuals with PHA.</p>

Preventive Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Water Extract on Model Rats with Water Immersion Stress-induced Gastric Ulcer / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the preventive effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum water extract on model rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer. METHODS:60 rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,positive group (Sanjiu weitai granules,3.69 g/kg)and G. pentaphyllum water extract high-dose,medium-dose,low-dose groups(4.0,2.0,1.0 g/kg,cal-culated by crude drug),10 in each group. All rats were intragastrically administrated,once a day,for one week. After 2 h of ad-ministration,except for normal group,rats were induced to stress gastric ulcer model by water immersion method in other groups. After 3 h of modeling,ulcer index (UI),ulcer inhibition rate were detected;superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)in serum,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),nitric oxide(NO)and endothelin-1(ET-1)levels in gastric mucosal tissue were determined. RESULTS:Compared with normal group,SOD level in model group was decreased, while MDA level was increased in serum(P<0.05);PGE2,NO levels were decreased,TNF-α,ET-1 levels were increased in gas-tric mucosal tissue (P<0.05). Compared with model group,UI in administration groups were obviously decreased,above-men-tioned indexes were obviously improved,which showed certain dose-dependence. And the levels of PEG2,ET-1 of gastric mucosal tissue in G. pentaphyllum water extract high-dose group improved more obviously than positive group,with statistical significances (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:G. pentaphyllum water extract plays a role in preventing gastric ulcer by regulating serum SOD-MDA balance,gastric mucosal tissue NO-ET-1 balance and reduce the degree of gastric mucosa injury,etc.

The influence of restraint water-immersion stress on firing activities of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex in rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the effects of restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS) on the firing activities of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) of rats.Methods Multi-channel in vivo recording techniques were used to record firing activities of pyramidal neurons before and during 4-h RWIS in rats.Firing rates,inter-spike intervals and burst firing rates were taken as indices to study the influence of RWIS on neuronal firing activities.Results Twenty-five pyramidal neurons of 12 rats were recorded.The opposite patterns of firing activities were observed in two different classes of neurons,type A and type B neurons which account for 72％ and 28％,respectively.In type A neurons,inhibited firing activities were in direct proportion to the stress-exposure.Mean firing rates and mean burst firing rates were significantly reduced to (0.81 ± 0.11) Hz and (1.012 ± 0.50) counts/min after 4h constant RWIS compared with those before RWIS,(3.57 ± 0.63) Hz and (10.29 ± 3.04) counts/min.However,in type B neurons,firing activities were enhanced.After 2h constant RWIS,mean firing rates and mean burst firing rates were increased from (1.77±0.45) Hz and (2.01±0.73) counts/min to (2.67±0.74)Hz and (9.04±2.42) counts/min,respectively.Moreover,the percentage of spikes in bursts was significantly increased and mean inter-spike intervals were remarkably shortened.Interestingly,the effect of RWIS on type B neurons lasted for shorter time compared with its effect on type A neurons.Conclusion RWIS differentially affects the firing activity of pyramidal neuron in the MPFC,i.e.,inhibiting the firing activity of type A neurons,but enhancing the firing activity of type B neurons.

Effect of APETx2 on the expression of ASIC3 in dorsal root ganglia in rat AGML model / 实用医学杂志

Objective To study the effect of APETx2 on the expression of ASIC3 APETx2 in a rat model of acute gastric mucosal lesion(AGML). Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups in equal number : normal control group, water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) group, APETx2 treatment group. AGML was induced by WIRS for 6 hours, and APETx2 (25 μg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally before the onset of stress. Intragastric pH and gastric histopathological changes were measured and the expression of ASIC3 mRNA in DRG neurons projecting to rat stomach was examined by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the localization of ASIC3. Results Compared with the normal control group, the WIRS group showed obvious gastric injury with lower values of intragastric pH and extensive expression of ASIC3 in the DRG neurons (P < 0.05). The treatment with APETx2 before the onset of WIRS significantly alleviated the gastric mucosal injury, decreased gastric acidity and reduced ASIC3 expression in DRG neurons (P < 0.05). Conclusions ASIC3 expression in DRG neurons projecting to rat stomach is strongly associated with gastric mucosal lesion and acidosis in the WIRS model. APETx2 can improve gastric acidosis and prevent the occurrence of these lesions.

Colonoscopia en niños: comparación técnica de inmersión modificada con estándar. Reporte preliminar / Colonoscopy in children: technical comparison of the modified inmersion vs the standard technique. Preliminary report

Introducción: El dolor y las dificultades técnicas constituyen un problema al realizar la colonoscopia estándar. El empleo de agua en la colonoscopia es una técnica que facilita la inserción del instrumento y se relaciona con mejor tolerabilidad por el paciente. Objetivo: comparar la colonoscopia de inmersión modificada con la colonoscopia estándar como mejor técnica y uso de menos sedación en niños. Pacientes y Método: estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado, desde septiembre de 2012 a marzo de 2013. Grupo A: inmersión con agua e insuflación. Grupo B: con insuflación (estándar). Se evaluó la tasa de intubación cecal y tiempo de intubación cecal, sedación adicional, analgesia y tolerabilidad del paciente considerando la presencia de dolor. Resultados: Grupo A: 10 niños, edad promedio 6,6 años (rango: 2-11), 76,92% varones. Grupo B: 13 niños, edad promedio: 6,3 años (rango: 2-12), 70% varones. La indicación más frecuente del estudio fue rectorragia en ambos grupos. La tasa de intubación del ciego, en el grupo A fue 80% frente a 61,53% del grupo B, OR=2,5 (IC 95%= 0,37-16,89), El tiempo promedio de intubación del ciego en el grupo A fue 9,18 minutos + 3,51 y en el grupo B 13,97 minutos + 4,88, sin diferencia significativa (p=0.2362). Sedación adicional y administración de bromuro de butilhioscina fue requerida en 1/9(10%) del grupo A y en 8/13(61,53%) del grupo B, con una diferencia significativa (p=0.0288), con mejor tolerabilidad del procedimiento en el grupo A. Conclusiones: la técnica de agua e insuflación en la colonoscopia en niños se asoció a menor sedación y mejor tolerabilidad del procedimiento. La aplicación de la técnica en un grupo más numeroso permitirá establecer un mejor tiempo y éxito en la intubación cecal.

Introduction: Pain and technical difficulties are a problem when performing standard colonoscopy. The use of water in colonoscopy is a technique that facilitates insertion of the instrument and is associated with better tolerated by the patient. Objective: To compare the modified immersion colonoscopy versus standard colonoscopy as better technical and use less sedation in children. Patients and Methods: A prospective, randomized study, from September 2012 to March 2013. Group A: immersion in water and air insuffl ation. Group B: with insufflation (standard). We evaluated the rate cecal intubation, cecal intubation time, additional sedation, analgesia and tolerability considering the presence of pain. Results: Group A: 10 children, mean age 6.6 years (range: 2-11), 76.92% males. Group B: 13 children, mean age 6.3 years (range: 2-12), 70% male. The most frequent indication was rectal bleeding in both groups. The cecal intubation rate in group A was 80% compared to 61.53% in group B, OR = 2.5 (95% CI = 0.37 to 16.89), The average cecal intubation in group A was 9,18 minutes + 3,51 y en el grupo B 13,97 minutes + 4,88, without significant difference (p = 0.2362). Additional sedation Butylscopolamine bromide administration was required in 1/9 (10%) in group A and in 8/13 (61.53%) in group B, with a significant difference (p = 0.0288), with better tolerability process in group A. Conclusions: technique of water and air insuffl ation on colonoscopy in children was associated with less sedation and better tolerability of the procedure. The application of the technique in a larger group will establish a better time and cecal intubation success.

Hot water immersion as a treatment for stonefish sting: A case report

The North Borneo state of Sabah is known worldwide for its beautiful islands and dive sites. Local hospitals deal with a number of marine-related injuries, including marine fauna envenomation by Scorpaenidae and Synanceiidae families of fish. We report a case of a tourist who presented with excruciating pain on her right foot after stepping on a stonefish. Despite being given parenteral analgesia and regional anaesthesia, the pain persisted. Her pain improved after she soaked her foot in hot water for about 30 minutes. No further treatment was required. We reviewed the literature comparing this inexpensive mode of treatment with other conventional treatments. We also explored the possibility of using hot water immersion for treatment of envenomation by other types of marine animals.

Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation suppressed stress-induced gastric oxidative stress in rats.

Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), an extract from palm oil containing both tocotrienol and tocopherol, is known for its antioxidant effect. The present study investigated the effect of palm TRF on the stomach using a water immersion restraint stress (WRS) model. Fortytwo male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and were administered 60 mg/kg/d of palm TRF, α-tocopherol or vehicle only for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, half of the rats from each group were subjected to WRS for 3.5 hours, after which the rats were sacrificed. The stomachs were then examined for lesions and measured for thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content and xanthine oxidase activity. Rats exposed to WRS showed gastric mucosal lesions. Pretreatments of the palm TRF and α-tocopherol reduced the occurrence of the lesions. WRS also increased gastric malondialdehyde content and xanthine oxidase activity significantly, but the increase in the oxidative stress parameters were significantly suppressed by both vitamin E pretreatments. However, the effects of palm TRF and α-tocopherol on the parameters measured were not different. In conclusion, palm TRF has the ability to protect against gastric mucosal injury, likely via its ability to inhibit oxidative stress.

Left Ventricular Function during and After Warm-water Immersion at 40°C in Elderly Subjects / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<B>Objective:</B> To assess LV function during and after warm-water immersion in elderly subjects. Concomitantly with aging, left ventricular (LV) diastolic function decreases. According to results of previous studies, warm-water immersion improves cardiac function in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, its effect in normal elderly is still unclear.<BR><B>Material and Methods:</B> To investigate the effect of acute warm-water immersion on LV function with Doppler echocardiography in elderly subjects, subjects underwent immersion in 40°C water to nipple level for 15 min.<BR><B>Results:</B> The stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) increased significantly during and after warm-water immersion. The ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow (E) and early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E’), an index LV of filling pressure, did not increase during or after immersion. Some LV diastolic function indexes such as E increased during immersion, but after immersion indexes of diastolic function were not different relative to before immersion.<BR><B>Conclusion:</B> These results suggest that LV diastolic function did not correspond to the increased systolic function in elderly subjects, so it might suggest that the LV contraction-relaxation coupling may be interrupted in elderly.

Left Ventricular Function during and After Warm-water Immersion at 40°C in Elderly Subjects / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objective: To assess LV function during and after warm-water immersion in elderly subjects. Concomitantly with aging, left ventricular (LV) diastolic function decreases. According to results of previous studies, warm-water immersion improves cardiac function in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, its effect in normal elderly is still unclear. Material and Methods: To investigate the effect of acute warm-water immersion on LV function with Doppler echocardiography in elderly subjects, subjects underwent immersion in 40°C water to nipple level for 15 min. Results: The stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) increased significantly during and after warm-water immersion. The ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow (E) and early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E’), an index LV of filling pressure, did not increase during or after immersion. Some LV diastolic function indexes such as E increased during immersion, but after immersion indexes of diastolic function were not different relative to before immersion. Conclusion: These results suggest that LV diastolic function did not correspond to the increased systolic function in elderly subjects, so it might suggest that the LV contraction-relaxation coupling may be interrupted in elderly.

Impact strength of denture base and reline acrylic resins subjected to long-term water immersion

Water may influence the mechanical properties of the acrylic resins. Thus, the effect of water storage on the impact strength (IS) of one denture base (Lucitone 550 - L) and four reline resins (Tokuyama Rebase II - T; UfiGel Hard - U; Kooliner - K; New Truliner - NT) was evaluated. Bars of L were made (60 x 6 x 2 mm) and relined (2 mm) with T, U, K, NT and L. Intact specimens of each material (60 x 6 x 4 mm) were also fabricated for comparative purposes. Specimens were submitted to Charpy impact tests without water storage (control) and after immersion in water for 7, 90 and 180 days. Data (kJ/m²) analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p=0.05) revealed that after 90 days, U exhibited an increase in the IS (0.93) compared to 7 days (0.58). K (1.48) and L/K (7.21) exhibited a decrease at the 7-day period (1.01 and 3.23, respectively). NT (0.60) showed an increase in the IS after 180 days (1.52), whereas L/NT (7.70) showed a decrease (3.17). Water immersion improved the IS of U and NT, and decreased the IS of K, L/K, and L/NT. Water may affect differently the IS of acrylic resins and, consequently, the resistance to fracture of relined denture bases.

A água pode influenciar as propriedades mecânicas das resinas acrílicas. Assim, o efeito do armazenamento em água na resistência ao impacto (RI) de uma resina para base de prótese (Lucitone 550-L) e quatro materiais reembasadores (Tokuyama Rebase II-T; UfiGel Hard-U; Kooliner-K; New Truliner-NT) foi avaliado. Barras da resina L foram confeccionadas (60 x 6 x 2 mm) e reembasadas (2 mm) com T, U, K, NT e L. Amostras não reembasadas de cada material também foram confeccionadas (60 x 6 x 4 mm) para fins comparativos. As amostras foram submetidas aos testes de impacto tipo Charpy sem armazenamento (controle) e após imersão em água por 7, 90 e 180 dias. Os resultados (kJ/m²) analisados por meio de ANOVA dois fatores e teste de Tukey (p=0,05) revelaram que, após 90 dias, U exibiu aumento na RI (0,93) comparado com 7 dias (0,58). K (1,48) e L/K (7,21) exibiram diminuição no período de 7 dias (1,01 e 3,23, respectivamente). NT (0,60) apresentou aumento na RI após 180 dias (1,52), enquanto L/NT (7,70) apresentou redução (3,17). A imersão em água melhorou a RI de U e NT e diminuiu a RI de K, L/K, e L/NT. A água pode afetar de maneira diversa a RI das resinas acrílicas e, consequentemente, a resistência à fratura das bases de próteses reembasadas.

Protective effect of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide on acute gastric ulcer in rats / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide (Ala-Gin) on different acute gastric ulcer models in rats and investigate its possible mechanisms. Methods: The gastric ulcer in rats was induced by waterimmersion restraint stress, ethanol and pylorus ligation. On each gastric ulcer model, sixty SD rats were randomly divided into six groups including the gastric ulcer control group, cimetidine (0.1 g/kg) and marzulene-S (1.0 g/kg) treatment groups,as well as 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg Ala-Gin treatment groups. Before the gastric ulcer, different doses of drugs were administered intragastrically,once a day for 3 days. Ulcer index, gastric acid, gastric juice value, gastric acid, free acid, total acid and pepsin activity were used to evaluate and compare the protective effect of Ala-Gin and other anti-ulcer drugs. Results: Ala-Gin significantly reduced the gastric ulcer index in all giving dose (P<0.01) and its protective effect increased significantly with the climbing dose. In all three gastric ulcer models,the anti-ulcer effects of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg Ala-Gin treatment groups were equal to that of marzulene-S. In addition, Ala-Gin also markedly inhibited the secretion of free acid (P<0.01)and decreased the activity of pepsin (P<0.05) on pylorus ligation gastric ulcer rats. Conclusion: Ala-Gin has obviously anti-ulcer effect on different experimental gastric ulcer models. Except for the known protective effect on gastric mucosa, its anti-ulcer mechanisms may be related to its inhibitory effect on gastric acid and pepsin.