Co-oscillation and synchronization between the posterior thalamus and the caudate nucleus during visual stimulation

Recent results suggest significant cross-correlation between the spike trains of the suprageniculate nucleus (SG) of the posterior thalamus and the caudate nucleus (CN) during visual stimulation. In the present study visually evoked local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded simultaneously in the CN and the SG in order to investigate the coupling between these structures at a population level. The effect of static and dynamic visual stimulation was analyzed in 55 SG-CN LFP pairs in the frequency range 5-57Hz. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlation of the relative powers of each investigated frequency band (5-8Hz, 8-12Hz, 12-35Hz and 35-57Hz) during both static and dynamic visual stimulation. The temporal evolution of cross-correlation showed that in the majority of the cases the SG was activated first, and in approximately one third of the cases, the CN was activated earlier. These observations suggest a bidirectional information flow. The most interesting finding of this study is that different frequency bands exhibited significant cross-correlation in a stimulation paradigm-dependent manner. That is, static stimulation usually increased the cross-correlation of the higher frequency components (12-57Hz) of the LFP, while dynamic stimulation induced changes in the lowest frequency band (5-8Hz). This suggests a parallel processing of dynamic and static visual information in the SG and the CN. To our knowledge we are the first to provide evidence on the co-oscillation and synchronization of the CN and the SG at a population level upon visual stimulation, which suggests a significant cooperation between these structures in visual information processing.

Descriptive epidemiology and risk factors for eliminations from Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance rides due to lameness and metabolic reasons (2008-2011)

REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY

There is limited information on international endurance rides and on risk factors for eliminations.

OBJECTIVES

To describe and compare the frequency of occurrence of elimination due to lameness and metabolic reasons from Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) endurance rides (≥100 km) during 2008-2011 in all countries and to assess risk factors for elimination due to lameness and metabolic reasons.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective unmatched case-control study.

METHODS

Data collected from the FEI website included the following: the country where the ride was held; the year; the result for each horse-rider combination; the number of entries in each class; whether the class was restricted to young riders; and the winning speed. Descriptive data were summarised, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for eliminations due to lameness and metabolic reasons.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2011, there were 30,741 horse starts at FEI endurance rides of 100-160 km distance in 47 countries. Of all started horses, 30% were eliminated for lameness. Eliminations for metabolic reasons were recorded for 8.7% of all started horses. There was a large range of winning speeds amongst countries (10.2-29.5 km/h). Multivariable analysis revealed that the risk of elimination due to lameness was significantly associated with the country where the ride was held, the year, the distance of the ride and the number of entries. Elimination for metabolic reasons was significantly associated with the country where the ride was held, the year and the number of entries.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences existed among elimination rates at FEI endurance rides in different countries (2008-2011). Lameness was the most common reason for elimination globally.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

These results provide objective global data on endurance riding that can replace anecdotal information, which has been the base of opinions, decisions and regulations. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.

Early and unexpectedly severe start of influenza epidemic in the Czech Republic during influenza season 2012-13

A sudden increase in severe influenza has been registered in the Czech Republic since the end of 2012, with 264 cases requiring intensive care, including 51 deaths. Most patients had at least one risk factor. Severe influenza in patients with obesity, smoking and/or haematological disorders including haematological cancers was more frequent than in the pre-pandemic period. The seasonal influenza vaccination status of the cases indicates indirect efficiency of the current vaccine in preventing severe influenza.

Early and unexpectedly severe start of influenza epidemic in the Czech Republic during influenza season 2012-13

A sudden increase in severe influenza has been registered in the Czech Republic since the end of 2012, with 264 cases requiring intensive care, including 51 deaths. Most patients had at least one risk factor. Severe influenza in patients with obesity, smoking and/or haematological disorders including haematological cancers was more frequent than in the pre-pandemic period. The seasonal influenza vaccination status of the cases indicates indirect efficiency of the current vaccine in preventing severe influenza.

The impact of C reactive protein on global cardiovascular risk on patients with coronary artery disease

Introduction. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of premature death worldwide. Hundreds of risk factors have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Recent extensive evidence supports inflammation as a key pathogenetic mechanism in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and in triggering clinical atherothrombotic CVD events. C-reactive protein (CRP) is one possible marker of vascular inflammation and plays a direct role in promoting vascular inflammation, vessel damage and clinical CVD events. Material and method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between CRP level and the global cardiovascular risk. We evaluated 100 patients with cardiovascular risk factors, using the systematic coronary risk evalution (SCORE) charts for high risk regions of Europe and we determined the CRP level, using the nephelometric method. Results. By their SCORE chart, 44% of the patients are in the moderate risk category, and almost 40% in the high risk category, the rest of them (16%) are in the low and very high risk category. A statistically significant p value (p<0.05) was observed between patients with CRP<10mg/L, who had a lower sistolic blood pressure than patients with CRP≥10mg/L, Conclusion. The CRP level over 10mg/L is correlated with an over 4% risk of developing a fatal CVD in 10 years. The acute phase reactant, CRP, a simple downstream marker of inflammation, has now emerged as a major cardiovascular risk factor.

Regression of rat Dunning R-3327-H prostate carcinoma by treatment with targeted cytotoxic analog of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone AN-207 containing 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin

The effects of AN-207, a new targeted cytotoxic analog of LH-RH, were evalued in rats bearing hormone-dependent Dunning R-3327-H prostate carcinomas. AN-207 consists of the agonist [D-Lys(6)]LH-RH linked to 2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin, an intensely potent derivative of doxorubicin. In the first experiment, 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin was administered at a concentration of 50 nmol/kg, as a single drug (AN-201) and as an unconjugated mixture with [D-Lys(6)]LH-RH or conjugated to the carrier [D-Lys(6)]LH-RH (AN-207). Following the second administration of radical AN-201 alone or mixed with the carrier, all rats died with signs of general toxicity, but all animals treated with the conjugate AN-207, survived. After 5 weeks of treatment with a total dose of 150 nmol/kg AN-207, the tumors regressed from an initial volume of 8.35 +/- 1.7 cm(3) to 4.47 +/- 0.8 cm(3), while tumors in the control group measured 17.84 +/- 2.2 cm(3). The therapy with AN-207 also significantly reduced tumor weight and tumor burden. In the second experiment, we compared the efficacy and toxicity of 3 injections of 25 nmol/kg AN-201 or 25 nmol/kg and 50 nmol/kg AN-207. The initial tumor volume in all groups was between 3.9 and 4.5 cm(3). After 5 weeks of therapy, the tumors of rats treated with 50 nmol/kg AN-207 regressed to 2.3 +/- 0.51 cm(3), whereas 25 nmol/kg AN-201 was still toxic in contrast to 25 nmol/kg AN-207, while the reduction in final tumor volume was similar (6.76 +/- 1.4 cm(3) and 6.74 +/- 1 cm(3), respectively), as compared to 15.6 +/- 2.2 cm(3) for untreated animals. High capacity LH-RH receptors were found in the membranes of untreated Dunning tumor specimens, but after treatment with AN-207, they could no longer be detected. This is the first demonstration that the new targeted cytotoxic LH-RH analog AN-207 is an effective antitumor agent. Our work indicates that the cytotoxic analog AN-207 is much less toxic than the antineoplastic radical (AN-201) incorporated, and significantly more active in inhibiting tumor growth. Further development of approaches based on targeted cytotoxic analog AN-207 may lead to major improvements in current palliative therapy of prostate cancer.

Hepatic and systemic effects of rosuvastatin on an experimental model of bile duct ligation in rats

In the early stages of cholestasis, a plethora of mechanisms are considered to contribute to the liver injury: oxidative stress, inflammation, cholangiocytes proliferation and fibrosis. Our study aims to investigate the effects of different doses of rosuvastatin (Ro) on experimental bile duct ligation-induced cholestasis. 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): Sham group (laparotomy); BDL group (subjected to bile duct ligation); BDL group treated with Ro (5 mg/bw daily); BDL group treated with Ro (10 mg/bw daily). After 6 days of treatment, in the day 7 after BDL, the animals were sacrificed and we explored hepato-cytolysis, the seric parameters for cholestasis and oxidative stress in plasma, liver, brain and kidneys. Proliferation was investigated by expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), while inflammation by liver histology, TNFR2 expression and NF-κB induction and activation. To assess fibrosis, we performed Tricrom-Masson staining, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) expression, and for myofibroblast activation, we analyzed α-SMA expression. The administration of Ro in early stages of cholestasis proved to have a beneficial effect by decreasing α-SMA. Ro didn't exert systemic oxidative stress effects, but increased hepatocytolysis, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and sustained increased levels of pro-fibrotic cytokine TGF-β1 as well as the number of proliferating cells in ducts and parenchyma. Ro inhibited the induction and the activation of NF-κB, which could be considered a beneficial effect. Further studies must be carried out in order to clearly investigate the balance between risks and benefits for Ro administration in early stages of cholestasis.

[Clinical importance and diagnosis of halitosis]

The origin of halitosis comes from the Latin word "halitus" meaning 'breath, exhaled air', and in the Hungarian terminology it means bad and smelly breath. The human body emits a number of volatile molecules, which have a peculiar odour. Their presence is influenced by several factors, such as genetic, nutritional and psychological factors. Since bad breath belongs to taboo subjects, halitosis can often lead to social isolation. To determine the incidence of halitosis, an exact diagnosis is needed which sometimes predestinates the possible treatment as well. Investigators estimate the incidence about 50% in the whole population. The male/female ratio is the same and the incidence is growing with age. The diagnosis can be genuine halitosis, pseudo halitosis and halitophobia. We can divide the genuine type into physiological and pathophysiological subtypes. The cause of the halitosis usually can be found in the oral cavity. The volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by some of the oral bacteria are responsible for its development. Only 10% of the causes are extraoral, mostly inflammation of airways or gastrointestinal disorders. The judgment of halitosis is based on three objective methods: the organoleptic, the sulphide monitoring and the gas cromatography methods. Since the origin of the halitosis is mainly the oral cavity, dentists should treat them. Beyond the dental treatments the enhancement of the oral hygiene, the continuous motivation and monitoring are also very important, such as the use of tongue cleansing and special anti-malodour rinses.

[Retrospective study of direct composite restorations according to the USPHS criteria]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate and describe the occurrence of different deficiencies of composite restorations in molar and premolar teeth. Further aim was to investigate possible correlations between occurring malformations and the localization or size of the restorations. 240 class II composite restorations (in 85 patients) were involved in the study. Control examinations were carried out five years after restorations, according to the United States Public Health Services' criteria. Namely, anatomic form, marginal integrity, marginal stain, color stability, surface smoothness, and the presence of secondary caries or fractures of the restorations. The associations between variables were calculated by bivariate analyses using either Pearson chi-square or Fisher tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. In 0.8% of the fillings, secondary caries and in 0.4% of the cases, fracture was found as a failure. The frequency of adjacent deficiencies were found as follows: color instability, 12.5%; marginal stain, 20.8%; anatomic deformity, 15.0%; failure of marginal integrity, 8.8%; and surface roughness, 2.5%. Color instability was significantly more frequent in premolar teeth, than in molars (P = 0.031). Color instability (P = 0.015), marginal stain (P < 0.001) and anatomic form malformation (P = 0.002) occurred more frequently in MOD restorations than in MO/OD fillings. Our results suggest that class II restorations are correct both functionally and esthetically in 98.8% of the cases, even after a 5-year-period.