001) The results of the Tukey honestly significant difference po

001). The results of the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc analyses revealed significant differences between groups 1 and 4 (P = 0.026), 2 and 4 (P = 0.007), find more and 3 and 4 (P = 0.013) for training frequency. There were also significant differences between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001), 1 and 4 (P < 0.001), and 2 and 4 (P = 0.021) for body height. In sledge length, significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001),

1 and 3 (P < 0.001), 1 and 4 (P = 0.016), and 2 and 4 (P = 0.028). There was no strong evidence to support disability group differences in game efficiency measures.\n\nConclusions: The results may confirm the lack of a need for additional classification in sledge hockey beyond minimum eligibility or may enhance Selleck BKM120 the argument that a classification system may be needed because the lower functioning disabilities are not being represented in the sport.”
“A

centrifugally cast 20Cr32Ni1Nb stainless steel manifold in service for 16 years at temperatures ranging from 1073 K to 1123 K (800 A degrees C to 850 A degrees C) has been characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nb(C,N), M23C6, and the silicide G-phases (Ni16Nb6Si7) were all identified in a conventional SEM, while the nitride Z-phase (CrNbN) was observed only in AES. M23C6, Z-phase and https://www.selleckchem.com/products/geneticin-g418-sulfate.html G-phase were characterized in XRD. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations using ThermoCalc Version

S, with the TCS Steel and Fe-alloys Database (TCFE6), and Thermotech Ni-based Superalloys Database (TTNI8) were validated by comparing experimental phase fraction results obtained from both EPMA and AES. A computational study looking at variations in the chemical composition of the alloy, and how they affect phase equilibria, was investigated. Increasing the nitrogen concentration is shown to decrease G-phase formation, where it is replaced by other intermetallic phases such as Z-phase and pi-phase that do not experience liquation during pre-weld annealing treatments. Suppressing G-phase formation was ultimately determined to be a function of minimizing silicon content, and understabilizing the Nb/(C + 6/7N) ratio.”
“The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of right ventricular (RV) noncompaction (RVNC), RV systolic dysfunction, and RV myocardial fibrosis in patients with isolated left ventricular (LV) noncompaction (LVNC). For this purpose, cine and contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MIRE) was used. A total of 56 consecutive patients with isolated LVNC were included in the study. The diagnosis of isolated LVNC was based on the presence of standard cardiac MRI and clinical criteria.

We used general linear models to demonstrate and compare associat

We used general linear models to demonstrate and compare associations

between invasive plant frequency and Euclidian distance from features, natural logarithm transformed distances (log-linear), and environmental variables which were presented as potential covariates. We expected a steep curvilinear (log or exponential) decline trending towards an asymptote along the axis representing high abundance near features with rapid decrease beyond approximately 50-100 m. Some of the associations we document exhibit this pattern, but we also found some invasive plant distributions that extended beyond our expectations, p38 MAPK activity suggesting a broader distribution than anticipated. Our results provide details that can inform local efforts for management and control of invasive species, and they provide evidence of the different associations between natural patterns and human land use exhibited by nonnative species in this rural setting, such as the indirect effects of humans beyond impact areas.”
“Short repeated cycles

of peripheral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can protect distant organs from subsequent prolonged I/R injury; a phenomenon known as remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC). A RIPC-mediated release of humoral factors might play a key role in this protection and vascular endothelial cells are potential targets for these secreted factors. In the present study, RIPC-plasma obtained from healthy male volunteers was tested for its ability to protect LY294002 human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) Nepicastat datasheet from hypoxia-induced cell damage. 10 healthy male volunteers were subjected to a RIPC-protocol consisting of 4 x 5 min inflation/deflation of a blood pressure cuff located at the upper arm. Plasma was collected before (T0; control), directly after (T1) and 1 h after (T2) the RIPC procedure. HUVEC were subjected to 24 h hypoxia damage and simultaneously

incubated with 5 % of the respective RIPC-plasma. Cell damage was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-measurements. Western blot experiments of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1alpha), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK-1/2) were performed. Furthermore, the concentrations of hVEGF were evaluated in the RIPC-plasma by sandwich ELISA. Hypoxia-induced cell damage was significantly reduced by plasma T1 (p = 0.02 vs T0). The protective effect of plasma T1 was accompanied by an augmentation of the intracellular HIF1alpha (p = 0.01 vs T0) and increased phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 (p = 0.03 vs T0). Phosphorylation of AKT and STAT5 remained unchanged. Analysis of the protective RIPC-plasma T1 showed significantly reduced levels of hVEGF (p = 0.01 vs T0). RIPC plasma protects endothelial cells from hypoxia-induced cell damage and humoral mediators as well as intracellular HIF1alpha may be involved.

A deep defect related to Fe impurities could be detected by admit

A deep defect related to Fe impurities could be detected by admittance spectroscopy measurements. The solar cell parameters could be well fitted by simulation with recombination at an acceptor like deep defect in the bulk of

the CIGS layer. The simulated density of deep VE 821 defect states correlates nicely with the Fe concentration in the CIGS layer. From this we conclude that Fe replaces an In (or Ga) site in the CIGS lattice and creates an Fe-In(2+) (or Fe-Ga(2+)) deep acceptor state in the bulk of CIGS layers, which is detrimental already at a low concentration in the sub ppm range. The simulations enabled us to estimate the maximum Fe concentration in CIGS layers which is tolerable without disturbing the performance of high-efficiency CIGS solar cells. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to better understand the high variability in response seen when treating human subjects 17-AAG cost with restorative therapies poststroke. Preclinical studies suggest that neural function, neural injury, and clinical status each influence treatment gains; therefore, the current study hypothesized that a multivariate approach incorporating these 3 measures would

have the greatest predictive value. MethodsPatients 3 to 6 months poststroke underwent a battery of assessments before receiving 3 weeks of standardized upper extremity robotic therapy. Candidate predictors included measures of brain injury (including to

gray and white matter), neural function (cortical function and cortical connectivity), and clinical status (demographics/medical history, cognitive/mood, and impairment). ResultsAmong all 29 patients, predictors of treatment gains identified measures of brain injury (smaller corticospinal tract [CST] injury), cortical function (greater ipsilesional motor cortex [M1] activation), and cortical connectivity (greater interhemispheric Prexasertib nmr M1-M1 connectivity). Multivariate modeling found that best prediction was achieved using both CST injury and M1-M1 connectivity (r(2)=0.44, p=0.002), a result confirmed using Lasso regression. A threshold was defined whereby no subject with bigger than 63% CST injury achieved clinically significant gains. Results differed according to stroke subtype; gains in patients with lacunar stroke were best predicted by a measure of intrahemispheric connectivity. InterpretationResponse to a restorative therapy after stroke is best predicted by a model that includes measures of both neural injury and function. Neuroimaging measures were the best predictors and may have an ascendant role in clinical decision making for poststroke rehabilitation, which remains largely reliant on behavioral assessments. Results differed across stroke subtypes, suggesting the utility of lesion-specific strategies.

Experimental CAD composite A was prepared by mixing 31 2 wt % of

Experimental CAD composite A was prepared by mixing 31.2 wt.% of dimethacrylate resin with 68.7 wt.% of filler particles of barium oxide silicate (BaSiO(2)).

Experimental CAD composite B was prepared by mixing 25.6 wt.% of dimethacrylate resin with 74.3 wt.% of filler particles of BaSiO(2). Six groups were fabricated (n = 6 in each); FDPs were statically loaded until final fracture. Results. Experimental CAD composites A and B revealed the highest load-bearing capacity of the FDPs, while Z 100 showed the lowest. Conclusion. selleckchem FDPs made of experimental CAD composite blocks showed higher load-bearing capacities than handmade commercial composites and commercial blocks.”
“Background: Aberrant MeCP2 expression in brain is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. In the brain of stressed mouse and autistic

human patients, reduced MeCP2 expression is correlated with Mecp2/MECP2 promoter hypermethylation. Altered expression of MeCP2 isoforms (MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2) is associated with neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of proper regulation of both isoforms. While known regulatory elements (REs) within GSK126 the MECP2/Mecp2 promoter and intron 1 are involved in MECP2/Mecp2 regulation, Mecp2 isoform-specific regulatory mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that DNA methylation at these REs may impact the expression of Mecp2 isoforms.\n\nMethods: We used a previously characterized in vitro differentiating neural stem cell (NSC)

system to investigate the interplay between Mecp2 isoform-specific Danusertib purchase expression and DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. We studied altered expression of Mecp2 isoforms, affected by global DNA demethylation and remethylation, induced by exposure and withdrawal of decitabine (5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine). Further, we performed correlation analysis between DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs and the expression of Mecp2 isoforms after decitabine exposure and withdrawal.\n\nResults: At different stages of NSC differentiation, Mecp2 isoforms showed reciprocal expression patterns associated with minor, but significant changes in DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. Decitabine treatment induced Mecp2e1/MeCP2E1 (but not Mecp2e2) expression at day (D) 2, associated with DNA demethylation at the Mecp2 REs. In contrast, decitabine withdrawal downregulated both Mecp2 isoforms to different extents at D8, without affecting DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. NSC cell fate commitment was minimally affected by decitabine under tested conditions. Expression of both isoforms negatively correlated with methylation at specific regions of the Mecp2 promoter, both at D2 and D8. The correlation between intron 1 methylation and Mecp2e1 (but not Mecp2e2) varied depending on the stage of NSC differentiation (D2: negative; D8: positive).

In our studies, we examined the role of eCBs in the rapid suppres

In our studies, we examined the role of eCBs in the rapid suppression of

anoxia-induced ACTH release and determined whether eCB action could be modulated by the levels of circulating GCs present at the time of stress. PND8 pups were subjected to 3-min anoxia with AM251, a CB1R blocker, injected 30 min prior to stress onset. The effects of either metyrapone (MET) (a steroidogenic 11beta-hydroxylase blocker) or methylprednisolone (PRED) (a synthetic GC) pretreatment on AM251 PD98059 solubility dmso effect and the stress response were evaluated. Treatment with AM251 before stress onset tended to increase overall ACTH and CORT secretion, and also delayed the return to baseline ACTH. The AM251 effect on ACTH in PND8 pups was lost in MET-treated pups, who exhibited high basal and stimulated ACTH release and no CORT response to stress. Methylprednisolone suppressed ACTH stress responses although AM251 still delayed restoration of ACTH levels to the baseline. This suggests that the eCB effect on ACTH secretion in neonates is most evident when there is a dynamic fluctuation of corticosterone levels. Interestingly, AM251 increased basal and stimulated corticosterone

secretion in all treatments including MET, suggestive of a direct action of CB1R blockade on adrenal steroidogenesis. (C) 2012 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Patients and methods: Patients (n = 240) were randomly assigned to receive either ED (epirubicin 75 mg/m(2) and docetaxel 75 mg/m(2)) or EC (epirubicin 90 mg/m(2) and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2)). The find more primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.\n\nResults: ORR for patients randomly assigned to receive EC and ED were 42% and 47%, respectively (P = 0.63). Median PFS [10.1 versus 10.3 months; hazard

ratio (HR) 0.98; log-rank P = 0.38] and OS (19.9 versus 30.0 months; HR 0.663; log-rank P = 0.21) were comparable in both arms. Anlotinib Although grade 3/4 leucopenia occurred more frequently with ED (81% versus 73%; P = 0.01), there were no significant differences in the incidence of febrile neutropenia and grade 3/4 infections. Grade 3/4 non-haematologic toxicity was infrequent in both arms. Congestive heart failure was observed in one patient in each arm.\n\nConclusion: In this randomised trial, no differences in the efficacy study end points were observed between the two treatment arms.”
“Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) describes the initial clinical deterioration sonic patients manifest upon initiation of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection. In this report we describe a case of IRIS manifesting as polyarticular gout, a previously unreported rheumatological manifestation of IRIS.

Prepubertal gonadotropins of TS patients with spontaneous menarch

Prepubertal gonadotropins of TS patients with spontaneous menarche are

reportedly normal or significantly lower than those of patients with induced menarche. The present study investigated an index of spontaneous and cyclical menstruation at 10-12 years old in TS. Subjects comprised 50 patients with TS, divided into three groups: Group A (n=7), with spontaneous Selleckchem Metabolism inhibitor menarche before 16 years old and regular menstruation for at least 1 year and 6 months; Group B (n=6), with irregular menstruation since menarche leading to secondary amenorrhea despite spontaneous menarche before 16 years old; and Group C (n=37), without spontaneous breast budding before 14 years old or without spontaneous menarche before 16 years old. Karyotype, LH and FSH selleck compound concentrations at 10 and 12 years old were analyzed retrospectively. Spontaneous and cyclical menstruation was more frequently observed in TS with mosaicism characterized by 45,X146,XX or 45,X/47,XXX than in TS with other karyotypes, as previously described. Spontaneous and cyclical menstruation in TS was observed when serum FSH level was <10 mIU/mL at 12 years old, suggesting this FSH level as an

index of spontaneous and cyclical menstruation in TS.”
“Spinal muscular atrophy is a common and of ten fatal autosomal recessive disorder for which carrier screening is available. The Association for Molecular Pathology has evaluated recent opinions regarding population carrier screening, reviewed the current literature, and developed a position statement that includes specific recommendations addressing both diagnostic and;practical issues that affect implementation. (J Mol Diagn 2011, 13: 3-6; DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2010.11.012)”
“The essential work of fracture (EWF) concept has become very popular to characterize the plane stress toughness of ductile selleck polymers and related systems. The widespread use of the EWF is due to the simple specimens’ preparation, easy testing and simple data reduction procedure. Though the EWF method is usually used for mode-I type loading, it has been successfully adopted for

mode-II and mode-III type deformations, too. Moreover, attempts have also been made to deduce plane strain toughness values from EWF tests. This paper critically reviews the application of the EWF to polymers, polymer blends and composites. The literature survey covers all major aspects of testing and related data reduction methods, and lists the EWF results achieved on different polymer systems. The latter are classified according to their synthesis/production and modifications. Special attention was paid to disclose the correlations between EWF and other fracture mechanics parameters, and to trace the EWF response to molecular and morphological parameters of the tested polymers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INS-1 cells were treated with different

concentrations of

INS-1 cells were treated with different

concentrations of testosterone and examined at different time points. In contrast to control, excess testosterone treatment for 48 h could promote glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and enhance pancreatic/duodenal homeobox-1 and glucose transporter-2 mRNA expression up to 2-fold. Alternatively, long-time and high-concentration testosterone treatment significantly impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin mRNA levels and promoted malondialdehyde content. Androgen receptor antagonist flutamide could partly Caspase activity assay attenuate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These results indicate that direct in vitro exposure of INS-1 cells to testosterone had both concentration- and time-dependent effects on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, gene expression, and oxidative stress. These findings showed to some extent that excess circulation of testosterone might impair beta-cell function, and further contribute to the etiology of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.”
“Significance: The formation and degradation of S-nitrosothiols (SNOs) are important mechanisms of post-translational protein modification and appear to be ubiquitous in biology. These processes play well-characterized roles in eukaryotic cells, including a variety of pathologies and in relation to chronic conditions. We know little of the roles

of these processes in pathogenic and other bacteria. Recent Advances: It is clear, mostly from growth and transcriptional studies, that bacteria sense and respond to exogenous SNOs. These responses are phenotypically and mechanistically BX-795 in vitro distinct from the responses of bacteria to nitric oxide (NO) and NO-releasing agents, as well as peroxynitrite. Small SNOs, such as S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), are accumulated by bacteria with the result

that intracellular S-nitrosoproteins (the ‘S-nitrosoproteome’) are detectable. Recently, conditions for endogenous SNO formation in enterobacteria have been described. Critical Issues: The propensity of intracellular proteins to form SNOs is presumably constrained by the same rules of JNK-IN-8 nmr selectivity that have been discovered in eukaryotic systems, but is also influenced by uniquely bacterial NO detoxification systems, exemplified by the flavohemoglobin Hmp in enterobacteria and NO reductase of meningococci. Furthermore, the bacterial expression of such proteins impacts upon the formation of SNOs in mammalian hosts. Future Directions: The impairment during bacterial infections of specific SNO events in the mammalian host is of considerable interest in the context of proteins involved in innate immunity and intracellular signalling. In bacteria, numerous mechanisms of S-nitrosothiol degradation have been reported (e.g., GSNO reductase); others are thought to operate, based on consideration of their mammalian counterparts.

Laparoscopy has screening, diagnostic and therapeutic roles, part

Laparoscopy has screening, diagnostic and therapeutic roles, particularly where diaphragm injury is suspected. It is extremely sensitive in determining need for laparotomy but detects hollow visceral injuries less reliably. It has potential as a therapeutic tool in centres with appropriate expertise. The development of specific guidelines or protocols may increase the value of laparoscopy in trauma but this would require more evidence of a higher quality.”
“Graphene has a unique atom-thick two-dimensional structure

and excellent properties, making it attractive for a variety of electrochemical applications, including electrosynthesis, electrochemical sensors or electrocatalysis, and energy conversion and storage. However, the electrochemistry of single-layer graphene has not yet been well understood, possibly due to the technical difficulties in handling individual graphene sheet. NU7441 order Here, we report the DZNeP supplier electrochemical behavior at single-layer graphene-based electrodes, comparing the basal plane of graphene to its edge. The graphene edge showed 4 orders of magnitude higher specific capacitance, much faster electron transfer rate and stronger electrocatalytic activity than those of graphene basal plane. A convergent diffusion effect was observed

at the sub-nanometer thick graphene edge-electrode to accelerate the electrochemical reactions. Coupling with the high conductivity of a high-quality graphene basal plane, graphene edge is an ideal electrode for electrocatalysis and for the storage of capacitive charges.”
“OBJECTIVES To establish a novel and simple method of preventing CT99021 mw post-retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias occur in 8%-22% of men within 1-2 years of RRP. Although manipulation during RRP might weaken the normal fascia structure at the internal inguinal ring with the vas deferens, the exact

mechanism of post-RRP inguinal hernia remains unknown.\n\nMETHODS Several surgeons performed RRP at our hospital on 271 patients between April 2004 and September 2009. Among these patients, post-RRP measures to prevent inguinal hernia were applied to 101 patients (group A) and not applied to 170 patients (group B). We released the bilateral spermatic cord from the peritoneum before suturing the wound, which should prevent the intestinal tract coated with the peritoneum from pushing through the internal inguinal tract. We compared the incidence of postoperative inguinal hernia between the 2 groups.\n\nRESULTS The patients were followed up for an average of 11.6 (range: 2-22 months) and 23.9 (range: 23-24 months) months in groups A and B, respectively. Inguinal hernia developed in no patients in group A and in 20 (11.8%) in group B. The hernia-free rate was significantly lower in group B than group A. All postoperative inguinal hernias were indirect.

Between 2000 and 2007, a total of 77 consecutive patients with lo

Between 2000 and 2007, a total of 77 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer underwent curative ISR. The curability outcomes for ISR, LAR, and APR were compared. We evaluated

the postoperative defecation functions, Wexner incontinence score (WIS), and defecation quality of life (QOL) for a between-groups comparison (ISR/LAR). The 5-year survival rate after ISR was 76.4 %, and the outcome was better than for APR (APR 51.2 %, LAR 80.7 %). Local recurrence after ISR occurred in 7.8 % of patients (APR PF-03084014 datasheet 12.1 %, LAR 11.7 %). The average daily frequency of defecation was 3.7 times for the ISR patients and 3.2 times for the LAR patients, indicating no significant difference between the groups. Moreover, there

were no significant differences between the groups for defecation functions. The WIS was 8.1 for ISR and 4.9 for LAR, and the defecation QOL for ISR and LAR was not significantly different (modified fecal incontinence QOL score: ISR 34.3, LAR 26.5). The long-term clinical and functional results suggest that ISR may be the optimal sphincter-preserving surgery for patients with lower rectal cancers who cannot be treated with a double-stapling technique.”
“Objectives To examine the performance of a new reference line for the assessment of pelvic organ descent by transperineal ultrasound. Methods We compared our newly proposed reference line, between two hyperechoic contours EPZ5676 inhibitor of the symphysis pubis (Line 3), with the horizontal reference line proposed by Dietz and Wilson (Line 1) and the central pubic line proposed by Schaer et al. (Line 2). Ultrasound volumes of 94 women obtained in routine clinical practice were analyzed. The perpendicular distance from the reference lines to the internal Apoptosis inhibitor sphincter

and the most dependent part of the bladder base was measured for volumes obtained at rest, on pelvic floor muscle contraction, on Valsalva maneuver and during coughing. Measurements were repeated 4 months later by the same examiner. Rates of assessment were calculated, and intrarater reliability was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Line 2 had to be excluded from reliability analysis because of an assessment rate of only 12%, whereas Lines 1 and 3 could be assessed in 100% of volumes. The intrarater repeatability of Lines 1 and 3 was shown to be very similar. Conclusion In this comparison of three potential reference lines for the assessment of pelvic organ descent by transperineal ultrasound, the central pubic line was shown to be inferior owing to poor visibility in our volumes. Inter-rater reliability analysis and validation studies are required to confirm our results. Copyright (C) 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.”
“BackgroundHemipelvectomy is a major operation with significant risks including infection, prosthesis failure and fracture.

Aviat Space Environ Med 2009; 80:1012-7 Introduction: There i

Aviat Space Environ Med 2009; 80:1012-7.\n\nIntroduction: There is little evidence to support the usefulness in monitoring respiration during casualty triage and transport as an early indicator of hemorrhage severity and trauma patient outcome. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that hyperventilation can be elicited by progressive reductions in central blood selleck inhibitor volume independent of metabolic stimuli. Methods: Progressive central hypovolemia was induced in 10 healthy subjects (5 men, 5 women) by applying lower body negative pressure (LBNP). The LBNP protocol consisted

of a 5-min controlled rest period (0% LBNP) followed by progressive 5-min chamber decompressions Until the onset of hemodynamic decompensation (LBNP(max)). During each LBNP stage, total minute ventilation volume ((V) over dot(E)), tidal volume (V(T)), respiratory rate, oxygen uptake ((V) over dot(2)), end-tidal CO(2) (E(T)CO(2)), arterial oxygen saturation (S(p)O(2)),

and venous Cyclosporin A cell line blood pH and lactate were measured. Results: Compared with baseline, (V) over dotO(2), S(p)O(2), PO(2), PCO(2), pH, and lactate were unaltered throughout LBNP. (V) over dot(E) Was unaltered through 80% of LBNP tolerance, but increased by 54% during LBNP(max) as a result primarily of elevated V(T), while E(T)CO(2) was reduced. Conclusions: increased (V) over dot(E) at LBNP(max) combined with reduced E(T)CO(2) in the absence of changes in blood and systemic metabolic stimuli support the hypothesis that severe reductions in central blood volume drive hyperventilation. The endogenous Screening Library supplier “respiratory

pump” may be a protective strategy to optimize cardiac filling in conditions of central hypovolemic hypotension, but its late appearance indicates that respiratory parameters may not be useful as a clinical metric for early prediction of patient outcome during hemorrhage.”
“Introduction. Pruritus is one of the common problems in patients on hemodialysis. There are several causes for pruritus, and different treatment modalities are applied to control it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of capsaicin on pruritus, compared with placebo, in patients on hemodialysis.\n\nMaterials and Methods. This randomized double-blinded crossover clinical trial was performed on 34 patients on hemodialysis with uremic pruritus. The patients were divided into 2 groups, one group received capsaicin 0.03% and the other, placebo, for 4 weeks. Treatment was stopped for 2 weeks as washout period and continued as a cross-over technique. Pruritus scores were analyzed and compared.\n\nResults. Thirty-four patients on long-term hemodialysis, 14 men and 20 women with a mean age of 57.0 +/- 18.6 years were studied. The mean of pruritus score before capsaicin treatment was 15.9 +/- 6.3, which was reduced to 6.4 +/- 3.9, 4.7 +/- 3.1, 3.2 +/- 2.9, and 2.5 +/- 2.5 on weeks 1 to 4, respectively (P < .001).