Romana Jerković

‘Fast’ and ‘slow’ muscle fibres in hindlimb muscles of adult rats regenerate from intrinsically different satellite cells

Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression was examined in regenerating fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow soleus (SOL) muscles of adult rats. Myotoxic bupivacaine was injected into SOL and EDL and the muscles were either denervated or neuromuscularly blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the sciatic nerve. Three to 10 or 30 days later, denervated SOL or EDL, or innervated but neuromuscularly blocked EDL received a slow 20 Hz stimulus pattern through electrodes implanted on the muscles or along the fibular nerve to EDL below the TTX block. In addition, denervated SOL and EDL received a fast 100 Hz stimulus pattern. Denervated EDL and SOL stimulated with the same slow stimulus pattern expressed different amounts of type 1 MyHC protein (8%versus 35% at 10 days, 13%versus 87% at 30 days). Stimulated denervated and stimulated innervated (TTX blocked) EDL expressed the same amounts of type 1, 2A, 2X and 2B MyHC proteins. Cross‐sections treated for in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry showed expression of type 1 MyHC in all SOL fibres but only in some scattered single or smaller groups of fibres in EDL. The results suggest that muscle fibres regenerate from intrinsically different satellite cells in EDL and SOL and within EDL. However, induction by different extrinsic factors arising in extracellular matrix or from muscle position and usage in the limb has not been excluded. No evidence for nerve‐derived trophic influences was obtained.

Fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle with regard to the level of its origin

The aim of our study was to explore the fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle at different levels of its origin, from the first lumbar to the fourth lumbar vertebra, and to compare the muscle fibre size and distribution of different fibre types between levels with respect to its complex postural and dynamic function. Muscle samples were collected from 15 young males (younger than 35 years). Serial transverse sections (5 μm) of the samples were cut by cryomicrotome. Type I, IIA and IIX muscle fibres were typed using myosin heavy chain identification. The serial sections were analysed using a light microscope with a magnitude of 100×. The differences between measurements were evaluated using a repeated‐measures anova and Scheffé test for post‐hoc analysis. Our study showed that the human psoas major muscle was composed of type I, IIA and IIX muscle fibres. It had a predominance of type IIA muscle fibres, whereas type I muscle fibres had the largest cross‐sectional area. Type IIX muscle fibres were present as a far smaller percentage and had the smallest cross‐sectional area. Moreover, the fibre type composition of the psoas major muscle was different between levels of its origin starting from the first lumbar to the fourth lumbar vertebra. We conclude that the fibre type composition of the psoas major muscle indicated its dynamic and postural functions, which supports the fact that it is the main flexor of the hip joint (dynamic function) and stabilizer of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac and hip joints (postural function). The cranial part of the psoas major muscle has a primarily postural role, whereas the caudal part of the muscle has a dynamic role.

Fibre type-specific and nerve-dependent regulation of myosin light chain 1 slow promoter in regenerating muscle

The regulation of a slow muscle gene, the myosinlight chain 1 slow/ventricular gene, has been studied by in vivotransfection into regenerating rat skeletal muscle. Constructscontaining portions of the myosin light chain 1 slow/ventricularpromoter linked to reporter genes were injected into fast andslow muscles 3 days after muscle injury by bupivacaine injection,and reporter gene activity was analysed after 10 days. We reportthat a sequence in the 5′ flanking region of the myosinlight chain 1 slow/ventricular gene is able to direct slowmuscle-specific regulation of reporter genes, and that theexpression of the transgene, like that of the correspondingendogenous gene, is dependent on intact nerve. This studyvalidates the use of regenerating muscle as a model for studyingmuscle gene regulation and is the first demonstration of a myosingene promoter regulated by nerve activity

Effect of salbutamol on innervated and denervated rat soleus muscle

The objective of the present investigation was to perform a 14-day time-course study of treatment with salbutamol, a beta2 adrenoceptor agonist, on rat soleus muscle in order to assess fiber type selectivity in the hypertrophic response and fiber type composition. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (N = 10), treated with salbutamol (N = 30), denervated (N = 30), and treated with salbutamol after denervation (N = 30). Salbutamol was injected intraperitoneally in the rats of the 2nd and 4th groups at a concentration of 0.3 mg/kg twice a day for 2 weeks. The muscles were denervated using the crush method with pean. The animals were sacrificed 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14 days after treatment. Frozen cross-sections of soleus muscle were stained for myosin ATPase, pH 9.4. Cross-sectional area and percent of muscle fibers were analyzed morphometrically by computerized image analysis. Treatment with salbutamol induced hypertrophy of all fiber types and a higher percentage of type II fibers (21%) in the healthy rat soleus muscle. Denervation caused marked atrophy of all fibers and conversion from type I to type II muscle fibers. Denervated muscles treated with salbutamol showed a significantly larger cross-sectional area of type I muscle fibers, 28.2% compared to the denervated untreated muscle. Moreover, the number of type I fibers was increased. These results indicate that administration of salbutamol is able to induce changes in cross-sectional area and fiber type distribution in the early phase of treatment. Since denervation-induced atrophy and conversion from type I to type II fibers were improved by salbutamol treatment we propose that salbutamol, like other beta2 adrenoceptor agonists, may have a therapeutic potential in improving the condition of skeletal muscle after denervation.

Reg3G gene expression in regenerating skeletal muscle and corresponding nerve

Introduction: The Reg genes play a major role in the regeneration of various tissues; however, no reports have been published regarding expression of the Reg3G gene in skeletal muscle. In this study we investigated the expression of the Reg3G gene in regeneration of rat skeletal muscle and injured nerves. Methods: We used 3 experimental models of muscle and nerve injury. RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis were performed for detection of Reg3G in regenerating muscle and nerve. Results: We found transcriptional activation of the Reg3G gene in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles and in their corresponding nerves after both muscle and nerve injury in different time periods, respectively. Conclusions: The results suggest that the Reg3G gene plays a major role in communication between injured axons and muscle and may play a significant role in skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve regeneration. Muscle Nerve 49: 61–68, 2014

Reg IV protein and mRNA expression in different rat organs.

The Reg IV gene has been documented in the human colon, small intestine, stomach and pancreas. Expression of the Reg IV in different cell types has been associated with regeneration, cell growth and cell survival, cell adhesion and resistance to apoptosis. Since the distribution of the Reg IV protein in normal rat tissues is unknown, the aim of this study was to reveal the expression of the Reg IV protein in structurally and functionally different rat organs. The expression of Reg IV gene was analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize Reg IV protein. Reg IV protein was expressed in pancreas, stomach, small intestine, colon, brain, spleen, kidney and urinary bladder in two-month-old male Wistar rats. In addition, the expression of Reg IV mRNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was confirmed. Our study provides detailed information about the expression and localization of Reg IV protein in different rat organs. These findings provide an evidence of Reg IV expression in different rat organs, which may help elucidate a potential role in growth and proliferation of different cells like other members of the Reg family genes which act as growth factors in the different organs.

The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Seafarers Type 2 Diabetic Patients

A experimental pre-test and post-test design, in an Iranian oil and gas company. 248 employees were randomly selected and randomly assigned to three interventions and a waiting list control group. The program encompassed face-to-face, e-mail, combined face-to-face and e-mail. The face-to-face program was full day training about strengthening relationship, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and stress management. 206 participants completed both the baseline assessment and the three months follow-up were included in the mixed design repeated measure ANOVA analysis. Result showed significant factor between groups was communication subscale in the SCAT instrument group effect (p =0.030). However, there was a significant result for interaction of some scales with socio-demographic factors, such as relationships with gender, role with years of experience, role with age group, and change with age group. Current study developed a workplace psychosocial risk management module. Study discovered a positive variation and efficiency for combined face-to-face and email group. This research recommends combining organizational intervention with individual intervention to manage all workplace psychosocial risks..A needle stick injury which is the accidental puncture of the skin by a needle during a medical intervention is the most common cause of sharp injury events in the healthcare environment. Certain groups of individuals are at greater risk than others because of the nature of their work. A cross sectional study was conducted at the medical department of Social Security Organization, Khalij Fars hospital a 120 beds general hospital located in Bandar abbas the south harbor of Iran. This survey was based on a self administered questionnaire which was filled anonymously. The questionnaire covered the age, gender, educational level, occupation group, the details of need lestick injuries within the last 12 months, under each professional group, circumstances resulting in the sharps incident, the kind of activity and procedure under which the needle stick injury occurred, and the HBV vaccination status. Overall, 71 (31.7%) of respondents had experienced needle stick injury within the last 12 months. Only 32 (45.1%) of them reported the injury. Operation room was the most prevalent site of needle stick injuries occurrence (16.9%). The most needle stick injuries occurred during surgery (26.8%). There was a significant difference in case prevalence of needle stick injury among various job categories (p<0.05). Surgeons appeared to have the highest prevalence (66.7%). Needle stick injuries among health care workers are common and often not reported. These findings underscore the need for ongoing attention to reduce such injuries and to improve reporting systems.T hospitality and tourism industry is a major contributor to the economy of Uttarakhand. The sector also employs a high proportion of young workers and migrant workers. There are five main departments of hospitality and tourism industry i.e. front office, housekeeping, food production, food service and tours and travel. Tourism is not just about the facilities and attractions provided for visitors. It is about people and especially about the relationship between the customer and the individual providing service. Everybody employed in tourism needs to have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide the standard of product and service that customers expect. Knowing about the tourism industry, its component parts and especially where you fit in is an important starting point to a successful career in tourism. Basically for all those who are away from their home, hospitality industry provides services. In order to achieve the objectives of the study descriptive cum experimental design was planned. The present study was carried out in Kamaun regions of Uttarakhand. Both purposive/convenient and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the study area and samples. A total of 200 workers were selected from kumaun regions of the Uttarakhand. There are various hospitality and tourism industry in uttarakhand but we selected almora, mukteshwar, binsar and lohaghat towns because of the need of the research. While comparing the physical fitness index among workers of different departments, it was found that maximum of the total front office workers i.e. 68 per cent were having good physical fitness index and minimum i.e. 2 per cent housekeepers were having low average physical fitness index.T study has never been conducted in Pakistan before. Related researches have been carried out in neighboring countries, and my aim is not only to find current prevalence of malnutrition in target areas, but also to determine how a mother’s education and professional working status affect the nourishment status of the child. This is a cross sectional study in which children under 5 years of age were assessed by weight for age and height for age. A comparison was made between children of different socioeconomic strata, a structured questionnaire was developed, and a door-to-door survey was conducted. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 17. Regarding weight for age, the cut off values included were according to the WHO growth chart published in J.E Park. The height for age was calculated according to the Z score guidelines for cutoff values by WHO. For variation in the socioeconomic status, the study was conducted in two target populations with stark difference in socioeconomic status. The prevalence of malnutrition in children under 5 years of age of Lahore was determined to be 22.7%. The malnourished children were higher in percentage in housewife group, i.e., 62.2%, compared to only 37.8% in working women group. This is a surprise as the normal perception in our culture leads to the belief that the order should be reverse. There was a difference of 9% between housewives and working women as far as preference for home-made weaning food for children was considered. However, working women are slightly more prone to opt for commercially prepared foods like Cerelac etc. This study provides a base line for further research on factors associated with malnutrition in children among population of Pakistan.Depression and anxiety are co-morbid condition in diabetes as disease-related psychological reactions on this chronic metabolic illness. This study was aimed to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety in seafarers type 2 diabetic patients. A random sample of 52 diabetic seafarers treated with diet and oral glucose lowering agents, and 56 healthy seafarers were screened for depression with The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and for anxiety with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1, STAI 2). Depression (BDI > 18.5) and anxiety (STAI < 28.5) was significantly higher in the group of diabetic seafarers than in control group (more than 30%). Significant correlation was noted between depression and duration of diabetes mellitus, degree of obesity and poor glycaemic control (HbA1C > 8%) and longer duration of shipping routes (over 6 months). The proportion of depression and anxiety was found higher in seafarers type 2 diabetic patients than in the healthy seafarers.

Assessing glycemia in type 1 diabetic patients using a microdialysis system for continuous glucose monitoring

BACKGROUND Continuous glucose monitoring systems can monitor moment-to-moment changes in blood glucose concentration, which cannot be detected by intermittent self-monitoring. Continuing monitoring systems may lead to improved glycemic control. We evaluated a microdialysis technique for improving glycemic control in type 1 diabetes patients treated by different means of basal insulin substitution. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-two type 1 diabetic patients on twice daily NPH and pre-meal aspart insulin were randomized in two groups: the continuation of NPH (n=26) (group 1) or once daily glargine (n=26) (group 2). 48-hour GlucoDay registrations were started at the beginning and after 4 months. RESULTS At baseline, time spent in the euglycemic range (glucose between 3.9 and 8.0 mmol/L) was 37.96±6.81% for the NPH group and 35.83±6.24% for the glargine group. At endpoint, time in the euglycemic range increased in both groups (51.02±7.22% and 57.29±10.27%, P<0.001 vs. before treatment for both groups). Time spent in the hypoglycemic range (glucose <3.9 mmol/L) was 9.98±2.57% for the first group and 10.24±3.55% for the second group at baseline. At endpoint, time in the hypoglycemic range decreased in both groups (8.00±2.13% and 6.59±2.04%, P<0.001 vs. before treatment for both groups). CONCLUSION The analysis of the GlucoDay data gave us information about glycemia other than HbA1c and self-monitoring of blood glucose, such us a peakless activity profile and the lower percentage of time spent in the hypoglycemic range in the glargine-treated group.