The effect of exercise on reelin level in the hippocampus of diabetic rats.

AIM: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases which can attenuate brain function by destroying hippocampus neurons, while reelin is a largely secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein in the hippocampus causing synaptic plasticity, promoting postsynaptic structures and maturing neurons. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exercise, as an external factor for neurogenesis in the brain, on reelin levels and memory improvement in diabetic rats. METHOD: Thirty rats were randomly allocated into three groups; healthy sedentary, diabetic sedentary and diabetic exercise-trained. The experimental group was treadmill-exercised at speed 22 m/min for 1 hour, 5 days per week. Finally, spatial memory of rats was tested and reelin levels were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that short-term exercise improved spatial memory in diabetic rats but had no effect on reelin levels in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: Diabetes reduced the spatial memory without altering the reelin levels while exercise improved spatial memory without altering the reelin levels (Fig. 4, Ref. 33).

The occupied electronic structure of ultrathin boron doped diamond.

Using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we compare the electronic band structure of an ultrathin (1.8 nm) δ-layer of boron-doped diamond with a bulk-like boron doped diamond film (3 µm). Surprisingly, the measurements indicate that except for a small change in the effective mass, there is no significant difference between the electronic structure of these samples, irrespective of their physical dimensionality, except for a small modification of the effective mass. While this suggests that, at the current time, it is not possible to fabricate boron-doped diamond structures with quantum properties, it also means that nanoscale boron doped diamond structures can be fabricated which retain the classical electronic properties of bulk-doped diamond, without a need to consider the influence of quantum confinement.

Simultaneous Conduction and Valence Band Quantization in Ultrashallow High-Density Doping Profiles in Semiconductors.

We demonstrate simultaneous quantization of conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) states in silicon using ultrashallow, high-density, phosphorus doping profiles (so-called Si:P δ layers). We show that, in addition to the well-known quantization of CB states within the dopant plane, the confinement of VB-derived states between the subsurface P dopant layer and the Si surface gives rise to a simultaneous quantization of VB states in this narrow region. We also show that the VB quantization can be explained using a simple particle-in-a-box model, and that the number and energy separation of the quantized VB states depend on the depth of the P dopant layer beneath the Si surface. Since the quantized CB states do not show a strong dependence on the dopant depth (but rather on the dopant density), it is straightforward to exhibit control over the properties of the quantized CB and VB states independently of each other by choosing the dopant density and depth accordingly, thus offering new possibilities for engineering quantum matter.

Dorsal Luno-capitate Impingement in a Professional Tennis Player: A Case Report.

A 30-year old male right handed professional tennis player complained about reduced athletic performance, chronic pain and restricted extension of his right wrist. Lateral radiograph of the right wrist demonstrated an osteophyte projecting from the dorsal lip of the lunate bone. The presence of an osteophyte on the lateral radiograph of the lunate along with the history, clinical examination, intra-operative findings, and post-operative satisfactory result made the diagnosis of dorsal luno-capitate impingement syndrome reasonable.

DNA fingerprinting approaches to trace Escherichia coli sharing between dogs and owners.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of cross-species sharing of Escherichia coli between healthy dogs and humans living in the same household. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two faecal E. coli isolates from 25 healthy dog-owner pairs and 16 healthy control humans were tested using three fingerprinting methods. The prevalence of within-household sharing of E. coli was 4, 8 and 8% using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR analyses respectively. Within-household bacterial sharing was more prevalent than across-household sharing (P < 0·05). According to questionnaire analyses avoiding the dog-owner behaviours such as allowing a dog to kiss or lick the owner's face, sharing people food with dog and feeding it raw meat may decrease the chance of cross-species E. coli sharing. CONCLUSIONS: Direct contact between humans and dogs and environmental reservoirs may be important routes for cross-species sharing of bacteria. Good personal hygiene and appropriate veterinary care for pets can minimize this risk. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Due to the importance of canine pathogenic E. coli reservoir hypothesis, close contacts between humans and dogs raises public health concerns. Determining the rate of cross-species bacterial sharing and confirm its accuracy by different fingerprinting techniques will help to find ways for reducing the economic impact of E. coli infections. This study support claims that public health concerns regarding the cross-species sharing of E. coli are warranted but this risk is minimal.

Identification of Helicobacter spp. in gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and hepatobiliary system of stray cats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Helicobacter species in different parts of gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system and pancreas of stray cats. Six different sites at the level of genus, gastric (H. heilmannii and H. felis) and enterohepatic species of Helicobacter were investigated in six cats using species-specific primers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Interestingly, DNA of enterohepatic spp. was detected in 1/6 duodenum, 2/6 colon and 1/6 pancreas specimens. Results of sequencing revealed that all of these four positive samples belong to Helicobacter canis. While cats have not been considered as a potential zoonotic danger for non-pylori Helicobacter infections, the results of current study show prompt re-evaluation of that view. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study about distribution of Helicobcater spp. in gastrointestinal tract of cats.

Optimization of short tandem repeats (STR) typing method and allele frequency of 8 STR markers in referring to forensic medicine of Semnan Province.

Background and Objective: Short Tandem Repeats (STR) show considerable differences among individuals in the population from which they used for identification. There are various methods for analysis of these STR loci, and capillary electrophoresis method already used as an international standard. Due to the high costs of this process, this study aimed to set up a Multiplex PCR method in some standard STR loci so that we can use its PCR product in STR analysis with different methods of HPLC, GC-Mass, and Capillary Electrophoresis. Materials and Methods: 8 typical STR loci in the identification selected according to their size in the two groups of four (CSF1PO, VWA, D18S51, PentaD and TPOX, Amelogenin, FGA, SE33) from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). The above SSR primers prepared from Genbank and Monoplex PCR was designed based on their size. Then, with the changes in temperature conditions, magnesium ion, primers concentration, and setting-up, Hot Start Multiplex PCR of four markers was carried out. PCR product investigated on the agarose gel electrophoresis (3%) and the results of genotyping analyzed by Genetic Analyzer. Results: The Results showed that all STR loci under study are detectable as Monoplex PCR at a temperature of 62°-66° and 1.5 mM magnesium ion. Moreover, Multiplex PCR results showed that when the concentration of primer and temperature measured by the fixed concentration of magnesium, CSF1PO, and D18S51 loci bands are weaker than desired. Using a standard buffer and set Magnesium conditions against changes in the primer concentration and temperature, when Taq polymerase enzyme is added to test tubes at a temperature of 94°, Multiplex PCR bands are visible desirably. Capillary electrophoresis genotyping results obtained in all eight loci and the Locus FGA had the most allelic diversity and the loci TPOX and CSF1PO had the lowest allelic diversity. TPOX and CSF1PO loci had the lowest allelic frequencies, and FGA locus had the most allelic frequency. Moreover, about the determination of statistical indicators of identification using PowerStats V12 software, CSF1PO locus allocated the most RMP (0.219) and FGA locus the highest heterozygosity (100%) and the highest polymorphic rate (PIC) (0.82). Conclusion: The setup performed in this study showed that with two-step multiplex PCR procedure of four markers, PCR can be carried out for eight loci without additional real-time products that this shows proper conditions that we can use their PCR product in analyzing SRTs with different methods of HPLC, GC-Mass, and Capillary Electrophoresis. Besides, the FGA locus was raised as the best loci for identification in the study population concerning the high PD index and high polymorphism.

Body dysmorphic disorder in aesthetic rhinoplasty candidates.

OBJECTIVE: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder defined as obsessive ideas about distorted physical appearance, leading to social, professional and personal dysfunction. Many of these patients seek aesthetic surgery and are generally dissatisfied with the outcome of their surgery. In the present study patients coming to the otolaryngology clinic of Thaleghani Hospital in Tehran seeking rhinoplasty were evaluated. METHODOLOGY: Between October 2010 and October 2011, 130 patients seeking rhinoplasty were recruited in a cross-sectional study. These patients were consecutively interviewed in the otolaryngology clinic of Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Questionnaires were filled containing demographic data. BDD was evaluated by a separate questionnaire. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was filled to evaluate depression and anxiety. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. The frequency and standard deviations were calculated. Differences between groups were evaluated by using the chi-square, and t-tests. RESULTS: Ninety nine (76.2%) of rhinoplasty candidates were female and thirty one (23.8%) were male. Eighty five (65.4%) were single and thirty eight (29.2%) were married while seven were divorced. About 63.8% were University students or University graduates. Mean age was 26.43±6.29 years old. 41 patients (31.5%) had BDD. Among BDD patients 12 (29.3%) had concurrent depression and 11 (26.8%) had concurrent anxiety. No statistically significant correlation was found between the presence or severity of BDD and age, gender, marital status, level of education and profession. CONCLUSION: Considering the high prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) among rhinoplasty candidates, psychiatric evaluation is advisable before surgery to avoid unnecessary operations and patient dissatisfaction.

Microsporidia in household dogs and cats in Iran; a zoonotic concern.

Microsporidia in dogs and cats is primarily caused by the obligate, intracellular parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which is a member of the phylum Microsporidia. The aim of the current study is the detection of this parasite in stool samples of small animals of Iran, by polymerase chain reaction. Microsporidia spp. was found in 31% (31/100) of dogs (E. cuniculi (18/100), Encephalitozoon bieneusi (8/100) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (5/100)), and 7.5% (3/40) of the specimens obtained from cats were infected with E. bieneusi. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed these results. In conclusion, Microsporidia infection seems to be fairly common in pet animals of Iran, especially in dogs. This finding could indicate the importance of pet animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidial human infections.

Identification of Helicobacter spp. in oral secretions vs. gastric mucosa of stray cats.

The definite mode of transmission of Helicobacter infection is largely unknown. This study was carried out primarily, to determine the existence of Helicobacter spp. in the oral secretions of stray cats as one of the possible routes of transmission and secondly, to evaluate the accordance between oral and gastric colonization of Helicobacter spp. in these cats. Forty-three adult stray cats were thus studied for the presence of Helicobacter species by quantitative rapid urease test (RUT), cytology and PCR. Helicobacter spp. were found in the oral secretions and gastric biopsies of 93% and 67.5% of the stray cats, respectively. There was not, however, any agreement observed between Helicobacter colonization at these two locations, at neither genus nor species level. These findings suggest that the oral cavity is routinely exposed to transient forms of bacteria and may temporarily harbor Helicobacter spp. Thus, oral cavity as a source of Helicobacter spp. may act as a reservoir for transmission and may not necessarily reflect the colonization status of the gastric mucosa.

Fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin in plasma and milk from dairy cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis.

The potential using of Acute Phase Proteins (APPs) in the assessment of mammary gland health was studied by examining the levels of Fibrinogen (Fb) and Ceruloplasmin (Cp) in plasma and milk from dairy cows with different grades of mastitis. Plasma samples were taken from jugular vein and milk samples were collected from quarters of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis, as well as healthy controls. California Mastitis Test (CMT) were performed on each udder quarter of cows for detection of CMT2+ and CMT3+ quarters. CMT (0) and culture negative cases were considered healthy cows. Clinical mastitis, was graded as mild (clots in milk) or moderate (clots in milk and visible signs of inflammation in the mammary gland/s). The concentrations of Fb in the plasma of the cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis were higher than in the plasma of the healthy cows (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in plasma concentration of Cp between healthy and subclinical groups (p>0.05), but differences between clinical and healthy groups were significant (p<0.05). The concentrations of Fb and Cp in the milk of the cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis were higher than in the milk of the healthy cows (p<0.01). The results indicated that measurement of Fb in plasma and milk and Cp only in milk might be suitable for early diagnosis of mastitis in dairy cows.

Comparison of zones 1 to 4 flexor tendon repairs using absorbable and unabsorbable four-strand core sutures.

Absorbable sutures behave favourably in vitro and in an animal model. We report the outcome of flexor tendon injuries in a series of 272 consecutive patients treated over 45 months with a mean follow-up of 4 (range 3-12) months. Five hundred and seventy-six tendons were repaired in 416 digits. The patients were not randomised and all repairs were performed using a Strickland four-strand core technique. In 191 (73%) patients an absorbable core suture was used (Group 1) and in 81 (27%) a non-absorbable material was used (Group 2). There were six ruptures (2%) in Group 1 and two (2%) in Group 2. Using the original Strickland criteria, there were 72% excellent/good and 28% fair/poor results in the absorbable core suture group, and 73% and 27%, respectively, in the non-absorbable core suture group. This study suggests that appropriate absorbable core sutures can be used safely for flexor tendon repair.

The factors considered by editors of plastic surgery journals in evaluating submitted manuscripts.

The publication of clinical- or laboratory-based research in peer-reviewed journals is seen as the final end point rewarding many months of detailed work. For both trainees and established consultants alike, having a submitted manuscript rejected is both frustrating and disheartening. All journals publish details regarding manuscript structure and preparation. However these "in-house" guidelines tell little about what editors are looking for in their journals, and indeed what can be done to ensure acceptance of any work that researchers submit. The authors surveyed the editors of 40 peer-reviewed plastic surgery and related subspeciality journals regarding factors that influence their decision to accept or reject a manuscript. The aim was to establish factors that influence editors' decisions regarding submitted papers, which then would enable aspects to be highlighted that authors could address to expedite publication and produce relevant guidelines to facilitate this process. The results demonstrate that editors value an original, rigorously designed manuscript with valid methodology and appropriate conclusions. Adherence to the philosophy and aims of the journal and the journal's target audience will further improve the likelihood of successful publication for the submitting authors.

Chondrocyte damage following osteochondral grafting using metal and plastic punches: comparative study in an animal model.

PURPOSE: Osteochondral impaction grafting to manage isolated chondral defects in femoral condyles usually uses a metal punch to impact the grafts into predrilled cavities. Damage to the chondrocytes during impaction is a concern, however, and new methods are being sought to minimise the damage. We studied if impaction with a plastic punch instead of a metal punch reduces the extent of chondrocyte damage in an animal model. METHODS: 32 osteochondral plugs were prepared from knees of 10 freshly slaughtered sheep knees; the contralateral condyles were then prepared to receive the osteochondral grafts. 20 plugs were impacted into predrilled holes: 10 using a metal punch and 10 using a plastic punch. The 12 remaining plugs were used as controls. The plugs were recovered, incubated for 24 hours in calf serum, and stained with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium to measure the content of viable cells. Digital photographs of the stained cartilage were then analysed on a 0-to-255 grey-scale. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in the extent of chondrocyte damage caused by impaction using metal and plastic punches. The content of viable cells in plugs impacted by metal and plastic punches, however, was significantly lower than that in the control plugs, as reflected by higher means of light intensity of 52.9 (p<0.001) and 32.4 (p=0.005), respectively. CONCLUSION: Impaction grafting clearly damages chondrocytes of the osteochondral plug. The use of a plastic punch does not reduce the extent of chondrocyte damage during the impaction grafting procedure.

Extreme warfarin sensitivity in siblings associated with multiple cytochrome P450 polymorphisms.

Warfarin use is complicated by an erratic dose response. Warfarin is metabolized by two distinct subfamilies of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) complex. We describe two siblings with extreme sensitivity to warfarin who share an unusual CYP genotype. These individuals illustrate both the importance of genetics in influencing the metabolism of warfarin as well as the potential utility of genetic testing as a guide to prescribing this medication.

Osteoporosis: A possible aetiological factor in the development of Scheuermann's disease.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that spinal osteoporosis is an aetiological factor in the development of Scheuermann's disease in adolescents. Clinical and radiological data was collected on 12 individuals with Scheuermann's disease (SD). Lumbar spine bone mineral density (L2-4) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Age and sex-matched adolescents were used as controls. The number of standard deviations from the mean of age and sex-matched controls were calculated. In regards to results, SD patients demonstrated high bone densities of between 1 and 1.5 standard deviations above the mean of age-matched controls. These results suggest that osteoporosis is not an aetiological factor in Scheuermann's disease and that bone density measurements may indeed be higher than aged-matched controls in the general population.

Fabrication of ridge waveguides: a new solgel route.

Passive ridge waveguides can be deposited on silicon by a solvent-assisted lithographic process incorporating simple mask technology and photosensitive solgel-derived glasses. Thick films (~4 mum) are dip coated in one step, and channel waveguides and power splitters are imprinted in them by UV light through appropriate masks. Unexposed regions of the glass are removed by soaking of the films in n-propanol. The remaining ridges are then treated at 200 degrees C and planarized with a solgel cladding layer. Circular mode profiles are observed from ridge guides covered with the cladding. The waveguides are characterized with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, surface profilometry, ellipsometry, and fiber end coupling. Overall, the procedure is simple and reproducible and leads to waveguides with low loss, of the order of 0.13 dB/cm.