Effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) on histopathological changes and gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model in male rats: the role of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway.

The third most prevalent malignancy to cause mortality is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is activated by binding to the transmembrane receptor Patched-1 (PTCH-1), which depresses the transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). This study was performed to examine the preventative and therapeutic effects of cannabidiol in adult rats exposed to diethyl nitrosamine (DENA)-induced HCC.A total of 50 male rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. Group I was the control group. Group II received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of DENA for 14 weeks. Group III included rats that received cannabidiol (CBD) orally (3-30 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and DENA injections for 14 weeks. Group IV rats received oral CBD for 2 weeks before 14 weeks of DENA injections. Group V included rats that received CBD orally for 2 weeks after their last injection of DENA. Measurements were made for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). Following total RNA extraction, Smo, Hhip, Ptch-1, and Gli-1 expressions were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A histopathological analysis of liver tissues was performed.The liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant state, morphological, and molecular parameters of the adult male rat model of DENA-induced HCC showed a beneficial improvement after CBD administration. In conclusion, by focusing on the Hh signaling system, administration of CBD showed a beneficial improvement in the liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant status, morphological, and molecular parameters in the DENA-induced HCC in adult male rats.

Analyzing the Effects of Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Nano-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Self-Cleaning Concrete.

The goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of nano-materials on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of self-cleaning concrete. Nano-titanium dioxide and nano-zinc oxide were used as additives for this purpose. Additionally, a comparative study on the effect of using these materials on the self-cleaning concrete's characteristics was conducted. The dosages of nano-titanium dioxide (nps-TiO2) and nano-zinc oxide (nps-ZnO) used were 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% and 0, 1, 2, and 3% of the weight of the cement, respectively. The results showed that the optimum compressive strength and the lowest corrosion rate were fulfilled at 2.5% of nps-TiO2 and 1% of nps-ZnO, and using 2.5% of nps-TiO2 achieved the highest improvement in the corrosion rate. However, 1% for nps-TiO2 mixtures and 1% for nps-ZnO mixtures were the best ratios for flexural strength. On the other hand, for the corrosion rate, the samples were tested at 2 and 6 months. When nps-TiO2 and nps-ZnO samples were compared to the control sample, 2.5% and 1% of nps-TiO2 and nps-ZnO, respectively, showed the largest improvement in resistance to corrosion. Also, the self-cleaning property of the samples containing nano-materials (nps-TiO2 and nps-ZnO) was tested. As the results illustrated, the self-cleaning property of the samples was increased over time due to photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, the results of the photocatalytic tests showed that nps-TiO2 samples outperformed nps-ZnO samples overall.

A Novel Nutrient- and Antioxidant-Based Formulation Can Sustain Tomato Production under Full Watering and Drought Stress in Saline Soil.

As a result of the climate changes that are getting worse nowadays, drought stress (DS) is a major obstacle during crop life stages, which ultimately reduces tomato crop yields. So, there is a need to adopt modern approaches like a novel nutrient- and antioxidant-based formulation (NABF) for boosting tomato crop productivity. NABF consists of antioxidants (i.e., citric acid, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, glutathione, and EDTA) and nutrients making it a fruitful growth stimulator against environmental stressors. As a first report, this study was scheduled to investigate the foliar application of NABF on growth and production traits, physio-biochemical attributes, water use efficiency (WUE), and nutritional, hormonal, and antioxidative status of tomato plants cultivated under full watering (100% of ETc) and DS (80 or 60% of ETc). Stressed tomato plants treated with NABF had higher DS tolerance through improved traits of photosynthetic efficiency, leaf integrity, various nutrients (i.e., copper, zinc, manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen), and hormonal contents. These positives were a result of lower levels of oxidative stress biomarkers as a result of enhanced osmoprotectants (soluble sugars, proline, and soluble protein), and non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities. Growth, yield, and fruit quality traits, as well as WUE, were improved. Full watering with application of 2.5 g NABF L-1 collected 121 t tomato fruits per hectare as the best treatment. Under moderate DS (80% of ETc), NABF application increased fruit yield by 10.3%, while, under severe DS (40% of ETc), the same fruit yield was obtained compared to full irrigation without NABF. Therefore, the application of 60% ETc × NABF was explored to not only give a similar yield with higher quality compared to 100% ETc without NABF as well as increase WUE.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients during Infection and after Recovery in Saudi Arabia.

This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 and other factors on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Saudi patients during infection and after recovery using the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS instruments. An observational prospective study was conducted in November 2022, during which 389 COVID-19 patients were surveyed during their visit to a medical center. Two weeks after their recovery, they were contacted again to re-evaluate their HRQoL (192 patients either refused to participate or withdrew). The mean of the EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS scores significantly increased from (0.69 ± 0.29 and 63.16 ± 24.9) during infection to (0.92 ± 0.14 and 86.96 ± 15.3) after recovery. Specifically, COVID-19 patients experienced improvement of several HRQoL dimensions post recovery, such as better mobility, enhanced self-care, returning to usual activities, less pain/discomfort, and alleviated anxiety/depression. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that having a normal weight, being employed, not being anemic, and previously taking the BCG vaccine were positively associated with a greater change in the HRQoL. An interaction between being asthmatic and taking the influenza vaccine positively predicted a lower change in the HRQoL. Having a normal weight positively predicted a greater change in the perceived health state after recovery. Increasing the consumption of natural supplements (honey and curcuma) did not improve the HRQoL or the perceived health state. Based on these findings, COVID-19 mildly impacted the HRQoL of Saudis with varying effects depending on some socio-demographic/clinical characteristics of the patients.

A Survey on AI Techniques for Thoracic Diseases Diagnosis Using Medical Images.

Thoracic diseases refer to disorders that affect the lungs, heart, and other parts of the rib cage, such as pneumonia, novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), tuberculosis, cardiomegaly, and fracture. Millions of people die every year from thoracic diseases. Therefore, early detection of these diseases is essential and can save many lives. Earlier, only highly experienced radiologists examined thoracic diseases, but recent developments in image processing and deep learning techniques are opening the door for the automated detection of these diseases. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review including: types of thoracic diseases; examination types of thoracic images; image pre-processing; models of deep learning applied to the detection of thoracic diseases (e.g., pneumonia, COVID-19, edema, fibrosis, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer); transfer learning background knowledge; ensemble learning; and future initiatives for improving the efficacy of deep learning models in applications that detect thoracic diseases. Through this survey paper, researchers may be able to gain an overall and systematic knowledge of deep learning applications in medical thoracic images. The review investigates a performance comparison of various models and a comparison of various datasets.

Association of TLR7 and TLR9 genes polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory, multiorgan, systemic autoimmune disease. It is characterized by the high production of autoantibodies against nuclear compounds. TLRs (toll-like receptors 7/9) are pattern-recognition receptors that recognize nucleic acids and induce proinflammatory responses by activating NF-kB and producing type I interferon, which play a role in eliciting innate/adaptive immune responses and developing chronic inflammation. TLR7 and TLR9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus in numerous studies (SLE). In this work, we wanted to evaluate and analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLR7 (rs3853839) and TLR9 (rs187084) genes among Egyptian SLE patients and healthy controls. Method: Whole blood samples were taken from 100 SLE patients and 100 controls; DNA was extracted and then processed for TLR7 rs3853839 and TLR9 rs187084 single nucleotide polymorphisms analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction technology and restriction fragment-length polymorphism. We also assessed the association between TLR 7 and TLR 9 genes polymorphism with SLE clinical parameters. Results: Our results showed that TLR7 rs3853839 CG genotypes and G allele were significantly associated with SLE. Also, TLR7 rs3853839 genotypes and alleles were significantly associated with nephritis, arthritis, oral ulcers, and thrombocytopenia.Whereas genotypes and alleles of TLR9 were not significantly associated with the risk nor the clinical characteristics of SLE except for malar rash. Conclusion: In the investigated Egyptian cohort, our findings suggest that TLR7 rs3853839 gene polymorphisms increase the risk for SLE development and play a role in developing clinical characteristics, especially nephritis.

Skin colonization of Staphylococcus aureus harboring superantigen toxin genes and its correlation with serum IL-22 level in psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic debilitating skin disease with an estimated prevalence reaching 2% of the worldwide population. Psoriatic disease is driven by the interactions among innate and adaptive immune systems with structural components of the skin. Interleukin (IL)-22 mediates keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia, and changes in the structure of skin flora can play a role in the secretion of IL-22. The aim of this study was to correlate serum levels of IL-22 and Staphylococcus aureus toxins with disease activity in plaque psoriasis. The study group included 50 patients with mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis. The control group comprised 20 sex- and age-matched apparently healthy volunteers. IL-22 concentration was assessed in sera of patients and the control group by using the ELISA technique. The serum levels of IL-22 in patients were higher than in the control group, but the difference was statistically insignificant (P=0.413). Serum IL-22 levels were positively correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of psoriasis patients (P=0.0003). The IL-22 serum levels in patients colonized with toxigenic strains of S. aureus were significantly higher than in patients colonized with non-toxigenic strains (P= 0.028). In conclusion, IL-22 plays a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and its secretion can be triggered by the toxins produced by S. aureus colonizing the skin of patients.

Ganoderma lucidum extract inhibits Schistosoma mansoni survival in silico and in vitro study.

Schistosomosis is a worldwide tropical disease primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni. Praziquantel is the only available drug for controlling schistosomosis, with many challenges. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro anti-Schistosoma effect of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) against adult and larval stages of Schistosoma based on the prediction of the binding activity of G. lucidum protein with proteins of various stages of S. mansoni by molecular docking to confirm its inhibitory potential through an insilico study. Results showed that Leu143, Ser165, Met214, and Asn213 were the primary crucial amino acids involved in the binding, with a promising large area of interactions between the two studied proteins. The in vitro study evaluated the motility and survival of adult and larval stages, compared to praziquantel and niclosamide, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the motility of adults after the two-hour incubation, with all concentrations and 100% death of all parasites with the minimal concentration (10 µg/ml) within 4 and 6 h of incubation (P<0.01). Regarding the cercariae, at a concentration of 10 µg/ml, all the cercariae (100%) died (P<0.01) after 15 min, and the miracidial complete mortality rate (100%) (P<0.01) occurred at a concentration of 10 µg/ml after 8 min. This study first predicted the binding activity of G. lucidum protein with proteins of S. mansoni at various stages and proved the anti-Schistosoma effect of G. lucidum in vitro, considered a promising treatment for schistosomosis.

Cardiac repolarization abnormalities in children with familial Mediterranean fever.

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease that can have conduction disturbances and cardiac rhythm disorders as manifestations of cardiac involvement. The aim of the study is to assess the susceptibility of children with FMF to cardiac repolarization abnormalities and therefore arrhythmia in children with FMF. METHODS: A cross sectional study conducted on 60 children had FMF and 40 age and sex matched healthy controls. Cardiac repolarization markers, cardiac dimensions and functions were assessed by electrocardiogram (ECG) and conventional echocardiography in patients and controls. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the patients was 10.43 ± 3.472 years, corrected QT (QTc) and the ratio of peak to end T wave (Tpe) over QTc interval (Tpe /QTc) increased significantly in FMF patients more than healthy control (p value 0.023 and 0.022 respectively). P wave dispersion (Pd) was significantly higher in FMF patients with amyloidosis (p value 0.030). No significant difference was found in cardiac dimensions and functions between the two groups. We found a statistically negative correlation between Pd and age of patients at time of study, age of disease onset and age at diagnosis. On the other hand, we found a statistically significant positive correlation between Pd with number of attacks per year and disease severity score. Furthermore, Tpe/QTc ratio correlated with FMF 50 score, QTc correlated with 24 hours proteinuria. QT, JT intervals correlated with fibrinogen. CONCLUSIONS: FMF Patients may have increased risk of arrhythmia and should be monitored on regular basis. Compliance to colchicine therapy and better disease control might play a role in decreasing this risk.

Exploring technology readiness and practices of kindergarten student-teachers in Saudi Arabia: A mixed-methods study.

This study aims to explore kindergarten student teachers' readiness to integrate technology into their future classrooms and factors affect their integration. A mixed-methods, sequential explanatory design was utilized to achieve the research purposes. There were two phases. The first phase conducted a survey to assess technical and pedagogical readiness levels as well as participants' pedagogical attitude and opinion toward technology integration. The second phase conducted follow-up interviews to understand how participants intended to transfer their intentions into practice and factors affect their technology integration. The first-phase results showed that participants were ready to implement technologies while having positive attitudes toward technology integration. The second-phase results confirmed all participants were able to transfer their technical skills into professional practice. However, few were ready to practically apply their pedagogies. The results indicate three main factors, including technological resources, the school infrastructure, and the number of students in their classrooms. It is recommended to improve teacher preparation program to develop teacher technology readiness.

The protective effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on experimental animals challenged with Trichinella spiralis; new insights on their feasibility as prophylaxis in Trichinella spiralis endemic area.

Trichinellosis is a common parasitic zoonosis. Complications of anthelmintic drugs combined with steroids raise the urge of alternative protective ways. The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic on both Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae in experimental animal models. Thirty-six male BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups: negative control Group (G I); Group (G II) mice were inoculated orally by 500 Trichinella spiralis larvae; tested Group (G III) mice were prophylactic by an oral dose of Lactobacillus acidophilus in commercially available form for seven consecutive days, before infection. Mature worms and encysted larvae were counted on the 5th and 21st day post-infection (dpi), respectively. IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α concentrations were estimated at 5th and 21st dpi of all groups. Significant reductions in mean worms and larvae burden were detected by 62.1% and 73.5% in the prophylactic group compared to the non-prophylactic group. The cytokine profiles were revealed IL-1 and IL-6 up-regulation compared to IL-10 and TNF-α down-regulation in the tested group compared to other groups. Although Lactobacillus acidophilus failed to achieve complete eradication of Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae, it showed powerful effects in reducing parasites and cytokines burdens.

Thymoquinone ameliorates age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6J mice by modulating Sirt1 activity and Bak1 expression.

Age-related hearing loss (AHL) is the most common sensory disorder of aged population. Currently, one of the most important sources of experimental medicine for AHL is medicinal plants. This study performed the first investigation of the effect of thymoquinone (TQ), a potent antioxidant, on AHL. Here, we used inbred C57BL/6J mice (B6 mice) as a successful experimental model of the early onset of AHL. The behavioral assessment of hearing revealed that the injection of a high dose of TQ (40 mg/kg; TQ40) significantly improved the auditory sensitivity of B6 mice at all tested frequencies (8, 16 and 22 kHz). Histological sections of cochlea from B6 mice injected with a low dose (20 mg/kg; TQ20) and high dose showed relatively less degenerative signs in the modiolus, hair cells and spiral ligaments, the main constituents of the cochlea. In addition, TQ40 completely restored the normal pattern of hair cells in B6 mice, as shown in scanning electron micrographs. Our data indicated that TQ20 and TQ40 reduced levels of Bak1-mediated apoptosis in the cochlea of B6 mice. Interestingly, the level of Sirt1, a positive regulator of autophagy, was significantly increased in B6 mice administered TQ40. In conclusion, TQ relieves the symptoms of AHL by downregulating Bak1 and activating Sirt1 in the cochlea of B6 mice.

Polydatin and polydatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles attenuate diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.

Hyperglycemia is associated with impairment of heart function. The current study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of polydatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PD-CSNPs), polydatin (PD) and metformin (MET) on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. Rats divided into six groups; normal-control, diabetic-control, diabetic + CSNPs (diabetic rats treated with 50 mg/kg blank chitosan nanoparticles), diabetic + PD-CSNPs (diabetic rats treated with PD-CSNPs equivalent to 50 mg/kg of polydatin), diabetic + PD (diabetic rats given 50 mg/kg polydatin), diabetic + MET (diabetic rats given 100 mg/kg metformin), orally and daily for 4 weeks. Treatment of diabetic rats with PD-CSNPs, PD and MET showed a significant reduction in the values of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin with improvement in heart function biomarkers through decreasing serum creatine kinase and creatine kinase myocardial band activities compared to diabetic control. The treatment agents also suppressed the elevated lipid peroxidation product, increased values of glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, superoxide peroxidase, and catalase activities in the heart of diabetic treated rats. Furthermore, PD-CSNPs, PD and MET decreased heart tissue levels of a pro-inflammatory cytokine; tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor-kappa ß, upregulation of heart gene expressions; nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1. Histological and ultrastructural examinations revealed the ameliorative effect of PD-CSNPs, PD and MET against the harmful of diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing the cardiac fibers, necrotic cardiac myocytes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the arrangement of the myofibrils and intercalated discs. In conclusion, the new formula of PD-CSNPs was more effective than PD and MET in amelioration the diabetic cardiomyopathy through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and prolonged-release properties.

Green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Aspergillus niger and its antiamoebic effect against Allovahlkampfia spelaea trophozoite and cyst.

BACKGROUND: Fungi represent an interesting candidate for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has many industrial and biomedical indications. We aimed in this work to biologically synthesize silver nanoparticles using Aspergillus niger and to evaluate its effect against the newly identified Allovahlkampfia spelaea that causes resistant human keratitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aspergillus niger (soil isolate) was treated with silver nitrate to produce silver nanoparticles. AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The effect of the synthesized nanoparticles against Allovahlkampfia spelaea growth, encystation, excystation, and toxicity in host cells was evaluated. RESULTS: AgNPs exhibited significant inhibition of Allovahlkampfia spelaea viability and growth of both trophozoites and cysts, with a reduction of amoebic cytotoxic activity in host cells. CONCLUSION: AgNPs may give a promising future to the treatment of Allovahlkampfia spelaea infections in humans.

Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformations in Hemodialysis Children by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac systolic dysfunction was potentially found in adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF%). In children with ESRD, little data are available on early changes in myocardial function. This study aimed to detect the early changes in myocardial mechanics in pediatric patients with ESRD using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). METHODS: Thirty ESRD children receiving hemodialysis (HD) and30 age-matched controls were prospectively studied. Patients underwent echocardiographic studies before and after HD. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), and radial strain (RS) myocardial deformation parameters (strain, strain rate) were evaluated by STE. RESULTS: The LS was significantly reduced in pre-HD and post-HD patients compared with controls (P = .000). Controls showed the highest global longitudinal strain. The RS measurements did not differ significantly among the studied groups except for the inferior segment that is significantly reduced after HD compared with controls (P < .05). The CS was significantly reduced in pre-HD and post-HD patients compared with controls at the lateral and posterior segments (P = .035 and P = .013, respectively). CONCLUSION: Speckle-tracking echocardiography might detect early changes in myocardial mechanics in children with ESRD with preserved EF%.

The Machine Learned Stethoscope Provides Accurate Operator Independent Diagnosis of Chest Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary stethoscope has limitations in diagnosis of chest conditions, necessitating further imaging modalities. METHODS: We created 2 diagnostic computer aided non-invasive machine-learning models to recognize chest sounds. Model A was interpreter independent based on hidden markov model and mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC). Model B was based on MFCC, hidden markov model, and chest sound wave image interpreter dependent analysis (phonopulmonography (PPG)). RESULTS: We studied 464 records of actual chest sounds belonging to 116 children diagnosed by clinicians and confirmed by other imaging diagnostic modalities. Model A had 96.7% overall correct classification rate (CCR), 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in discrimination between normal and abnormal sounds. CCR was 100% for normal vesicular sounds, crepitations 89.1%, wheezes 97.6%, and bronchial breathing 100%. Model B's CCR was 100% for normal vesicular sounds, crepitations 97.3%, wheezes 97.6%, and bronchial breathing 100%. The overall CCR was 98.7%, sensitivity and specificity were 100%. CONCLUSION: Both models demonstrated very high precision in the diagnosis of chest conditions and in differentiating normal from abnormal chest sounds irrespective of operator expertise. Incorporation of computer-aided models in stethoscopes promises prompt, precise, accurate, cost-effective, non-invasive, operator independent, objective diagnosis of chest conditions and reduces number of unnecessary imaging studies.

The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril attenuates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats; a mechanistic approach.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most widespread urological disorder among elderly men. It is influenced by several factors, among which is the prostatic renin angiotensin system (RAS). Prostatic RAS activates several signaling pathways as proliferation, inflammation and angiogenesis that contribute to BPH development and progression. Captopril is a potent inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the potential protective effect of captopril against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with either testosterone (3 mg/kg, s. c.) and/or captopril (100 mg/kg, orally) for four weeks. After treatments, prostatic serum markers and histopathology were assessed. Mechanistically, apoptotic, inflammatory and angiogenic pathways were examined. Testosterone significantly increased prostate weight, prostatic index, prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen. These effects were almost prevented by captopril (100 mg/kg). Moreover, testosterone significantly elevated proliferating cell nuclear antigen and reduced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, p53 and caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, it significantly elevated nuclear factor kappa-B, cyclooxygenase-II, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8. Besides, it caused a significant rise in vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. On the contrary, captopril effectively neutralised the proliferative, inflammatory and angiogenic effects of testosterone. Finally, the angiotensin-1 receptor expression in the BPH group was markedly decreased while captopril restored the receptor expression. Collectively, these findings indicate that captopril possesses a potent protective effect against testosterone-induced BPH via inducing apoptotic and suppressing inflammatory and angiogenic signaling pathways.

Left ventricular dysfunction by conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in pediatric hemodialysis patients: relation with plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a relatively new echocardiography method in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aims of this study were to evaluate left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in pediatric CKD patients using conventional pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography (cPWD) and TDI methods and correlate them with BNP levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty children on regular hemodialysis (HD) were included. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic indices and BNP levels were measured immediately before and after HD. RESULTS: After HD, LV and left atrium diameters were significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Transmitral E velocity and E/A ratio decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Also, there were significant decreases in the early diastolic velocity E' of LV wall, septal wall, and anterior wall (p = 0.001, p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Mean E/E' ratio and ratios of septal and lateral walls were decreased significantly (p = 0.004, p = 0.002 and p = 0.017, respectively). BNP levels decreased significantly during HD when comparing concentrations before and after HD (p < 0.001). BNP strongly correlated with LV diastolic function indices (before HD: mean E/E' (r = 0.401, p = 0.028), lateral E/E" (r = 0.291, p = 0.025), septal E'(r = -0.398, p = 0.029), lateral wall E' (r = -0.452, p = 0.012) and mean E' (r = -0.469, p = 0.009), after HD: mean E/E' (r = 0.38, p = 0.038) and lateral E/E" (r = 0.474, p = 0.008) and lateral wall E' (r = -0.270, p = 0.037)). CONCLUSIONS: The cPWD and TDI-derived LV indices are influenced by HD. The diagnostic utility of BNP in the presence of deteriorating renal function may be compromised to some extent.

Influence of Blood Flow on the Neuroma Formation after Transposition of the Nerve Stump into Vein: Experimental and Clinical Study.

We study the influence of blood flow on the neuroma formation after transposition of the nerve stump into a vein. A total of 30 rats were divided into two groups. In group (I), a 10-mm segment of the femoral vein was excluded from the blood stream. A venotomy was performed in the middle of this segment. The proximal nerve stump of femoral nerve was transposed into the lumen of the femoral vein via a venotomy and held with an epineural suture through the venous wall. In group (II), the same technique was used as in group (I) but without exclusion of the vein segment from blood flow. The control side of the femoral nerve was transected and then was left in place. All animals were sacrificed after 28 weeks. Histopathological evaluation was performed postoperatively; serial transverse sections were made to find the largest diameter of the neuroma. Selected specimens were processed for electron microscopy examination. The following parameters were assessed in both the groups: cross-sectional area of neuromas; myelinated axons; and neural tissue to connective tissue ratio. In group (I), the proximal end of the tibial nerve formed a nonclassic neuroma. In group (II), the proximal end of the tibial nerve formed a nonclassic neuroma smaller in diameter than group (I). The proximal end of the femoral nerve of the control sides in both groups formed a classic neuroma larger in diameter than the experimental sides in both the groups. A Kruskal-Wallis H test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in myelinated axons between the different groups, X2 (3) = 36.19, p < 0.001. The average neural tissue to connective tissue ratio in the control group (I) ranged from 39.2 to 85.8%, but on the experimental side, it was more or less equalized. The average of a neural tissue to connective tissue ratio of the group (II) ranged from 59.1 to 63.9% in the treatment sides as compared to 28.6 to 82.4% in the control sides. The clinical experience utilizing the same technique in the treatment of 10 patients of painful neuromas of the superficial radial nerve and digital nerves were presented with encouraging results. The blood flow has a considerable effect on neuroma formation. We recommend a further study to know the fine details about the exact role of blood as the bloodstream may carry away neurotrophic factors that may also be released by the nerve stump itself.