Effects of fermented cottonseed meal inclusions on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism of geese during 28-70 d of age

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of solid-state fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) inclusion levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism in geese from 28 to 70 d of age. A total of 288 twenty-eight-d-old male geese were randomly divided into 4 treatments with FCSM levels of 0, 5, 15 and 25% including 0, 22.74, 67.33, 111.27 mg FG/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. Treatments of FCSM inclusions from 0 to 25% had no effect on growth rate and feed intake in geese during d 28 to 70. The F/G ratio was increased (P < 0.05) in geese fed the diet with 25% FCSM compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Treatment with 25% FCSM levels had no effect on the contents of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, but increased (P < 0.05) AST and ALT activities in serum of geese at d 70. Treatment with 25% FCSM increased the contents of FG, HDL-C, TC, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and PUFA and decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of NEFA, SFA, MUFA in liver compared with treatment of 0% FCSM inclusion. Additionally, treatment with 25% FCSM decreased (P < 0.05) the PPARα, AMPK, and LXR mRNA expression related to lipid deposition, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARγ and ACC mRNA expression related to lipolysis in liver compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Overall, treatment with 0 to 15% FCSM (<=67.33 mg FG/kg diet) had no adverse effects on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of geese. However, treatment fed 25% FCSM (111.27 mg FG/kg diet) decreased feed efficiency and promoted hepatic lipid deposition associated with the alteration of related gene expression in geese at 28 to 70 d of age.

[A multi-dimensional analysis of pollen broadcasting concerns in Chinese population: a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors. Methods: From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions. Results: Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects (χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients (χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications (χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment (R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not (OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions: Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

One-year outcome of selective caries removal versus pulpotomy treatment of deep caries: A pilot randomized controlled trial

AIM

This study aimed to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy in teeth with deep caries extending at least 75% into dentine.

METHODOLOGY

This two-armed, parallel-group, randomized, superiority trial included vital mature permanent teeth with deep primary or secondary caries diagnosed radiographically as being at least 75% into the thickness of dentine, without clinical signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or radiographic evidence of a periapical lesion. Carious teeth were blindly allocated to receive either SCR or Pulpotomy using computer-generated randomized patient codes concealed in opaque envelopes. All teeth were reviewed clinically and radiographically at 6 months and 1 year post-treatment. Using a significance level of p < .05, the log rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy and to identify potential prognostic factors, respectively.

RESULTS

In all, 58 teeth in the SCR group and 55 teeth in the pulpotomy group completed treatment, after excluding 6 teeth because they did not complete the allocated treatment and another due to severe periodontal disease. At one year, 57/58 (98.3%) teeth from the SCR group and 48/55 (87.3%) teeth from the Pulpotomy group were available for analysis. One tooth in the Pulpotomy group (2.1%) and eight teeth in the SCR group (14.0%) required the further intervention of root canal treatment (p < .05). There were no other significant prognostic factors for survival. Overall, 91.4% of teeth treated with either SCR or Pulpotomy survived without requiring further intervention over a period of one year. No other adverse events occurred over the review period.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, Pulpotomy fares better than SCR in preserving the remaining pulp and periapical health. As a treatment modality, Pulpotomy carries greater cost outlay to patient and takes a longer time to complete treatment than SCR. Long-term follow-up is needed to study the pulpal and restorative outcomes of Pulpotomy and SCR.

[Revision rate of periprosthetic joint infection post total hip or knee arthroplasty of 34 hospitals in China between 2015 and 2017: a multi-center survey]

Objective: To investigate the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) revision surgeries and clinical information of hip-/knee- PJI cases nationwide from 2015 to 2017 in China. Methods: An epidemiological investigation. A self-designed questionnaire and convenience sampling were used to survey 41 regional joint replacement centers nationwide from November 2018 to December 2019 in China. The PJI was diagnosed according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Association criteria. Data of PJI patients were obtained by searching the inpatient database of each hospital. Questionnaire entries were extracted from the clinical records by specialist. Then the differences in rate of PJI revision surgery between hip- and knee- PJI revision cases were calculated and compared. Results: Total of 36 hospitals (87.8%) nationwide reported data on 99 791 hip and knee arthroplasties performed from 2015 to 2017, with 946 revisions due to PJI (0.96%). The overall hip-PJI revision rate was 0.99% (481/48 574), and it was 0.97% (135/13 963), 0.97% (153/15 730) and 1.07% (193/17 881) in of 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. The overall knee-PJI revision rate was 0.91% (465/51 271), and it was 0.90% (131/14 650), 0.88% (155/17 693) and 0.94% (179/18 982) in 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. Heilongjiang (2.2%, 40/1 805), Fujian (2.2%, 45/2 017), Jiangsu (2.1%, 85/3 899), Gansu (2.1%, 29/1 377), Chongqing (1.8%, 64/3 523) reported relatively high revision rates. Conclusions: The overall PJI revision rate in 34 hospitals nationwide from 2015 to 2017 is 0.96%. The hip-PJI revision rate is slightly higher than that in the knee-PJI. There are differences in revision rates among hospitals in different regions.

[Molluscicidal effect of immersion with 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt against Oncomelania hupensis on the soil surface and inside the soil layer in winter]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPNES) against Oncomelania hupensis on the soil surface and inside the soil layer by immersion method in winter.

METHODS

O. hupensis snails were placed on the soil surface and 2, 5 cm and 10 cm under the soil layer outdoors in winter, and then immersed in 50% WPNES at concentrations of 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L for 1, 3 d and 7 d, while dechlorinated water served as controls. Snail mortality was observed following immersion with 50% WPNES on the soil surface and inside the soil layer.

RESULTS

Following immersion with 50% WPNES at concentrations of 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L outdoors in winter, the 3-day corrected snail mortality rates were 98.0% and 76.0% on the soil surface, and the 7-day corrected snail mortality rate was both 100.0%. Following immersion with 50% WPNES at concentrations of 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L outdoors in winter, the 7-day corrected snail mortality rates were 95.5% and 85.6% 2 cm below the soil layer, 66.0% and 6.4% 5 cm below the soil layer. However, the 7-day snail mortality rate swere comparable between the 50% WPNES treatment group (at 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L) and controls 10 cm below the soil layer (both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Immersion of 50% WPNES at a concentration of 2 mg/L for 7 days presents a high molluscicidal efficacy against O. hupensis on the soil surface and 5 cm within the soil layers in winter.

Change of zinc mobilization and gene expression of key zinc transport proteins between the yolk sac membrane and liver of duck embryonic developing

Zinc (Zn) deposition in egg yolk is essential for the rapid growth and complete development of the avian embryo. Thus, it is crucial to obtain maximal Zn mobilization at an appropriate time during development in favor of the survival of avian embryos. The aim of this study was to study the developmental change of Zn mobilization and gene expression related to key Zn transport proteins between the yolk sac membrane and embryonic liver from the incubation d 17 (E17) to d 32 (E32) during duck embryonic developing. The weights of duck embryo, embryo without yolk sac, and embryonic liver increased as well as the yolk sac weight decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) when incubation day increased. The Zn concentration in the yolk sac did not change from E17 to E29 and only declined significantly from E29 to E32 of duck embryos, while hepatic Zn level decreased linearly as with the increased incubation time (P < 0.01). When the incubation day increased, the decreased Zn amount in the yolk sac and the increased Zn amount in the embryonic liver were observed (P < 0.0001). The calculated transfer-out rate of Zn in the yolk sac and transfer-in rate of Zn in livers were both increased from E23-26 to E29-32 (P < 0.01). Among E17, E23 and E29, the solute carrier family 39 member (ZIP) of ZIP10, ZIP13, and ZIP14 genes mRNA expressions were increased in yolk sac membrane but were decreased in the embryonic liver, while metallothionein 1 mRNA expression was increased both in the yolk sac membrane and liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, yolk sac membrane and embryonic liver tissues displayed the similar developmental patterns of Zn mobilization and metallothionein 1 mRNA expression from E17 to E32 during duck embryonic developing. The appropriate time of the maximal rate of Zn mobilization were observed between E29 and E32 of duck embryo, associated with the significant changes of gene expression related to some key Zn transport proteins on E29 in yolk sac membrane and liver tissues.

Group Music Intervention Using Percussion Instruments to Reduce Anxiety Among Elderly Male Veterans with Alzheimer Disease

Background

This study aimed to assess the impact of a group music intervention on anxiety and depression of elderly male veterans with dementia.

Material/Methods

In total, 50 elderly men with Alzheimer disease were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group attended a 60-minute group music session that used percussion instruments with familiar music in the morning once a week for 12 weeks, whereas those in the control group received a rest and reading session at the same intervals and under the same conditions. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to assess anxiety and depression at baseline, week 6, and week 12. The Primary Measures of Music Audiation (PMMA) was used to assess musical aptitude at the baseline.

Results

A significant reduction in the anxiety level following the 12-week music sessions was observed in the intervention group (P<.001), but there was no significant change in the control group. However, the change in depressive symptoms between the 2 groups was nonsignificant. In the intervention group, when stratifying patients based on music aptitude determined through PMMA assessment, patients with high PMMA scores had significantly reduced anxiety symptoms over time compared with those with low scores.

Conclusions

For elderly male veterans with dementia, participating in a group music intervention reduced anxiety symptoms. In patients with high musical aptitude, the treatment effects on anxiety reduction were satisfactory. Measures of music aptitude may provide valuable information regarding patients’ response to music intervention.

[Disease burden of tuberculosis under different diagnostic scenarios in China: a dynamic modeling study]

Objective: Under different diagnostic scenarios, we tried to establish a tuberculosis dynamic model, to predict the incidence burden and to provide evidence for developing the prevention and control programs of tuberculosis. Methods: A systematic dynamic model was established to fit the annual incidence rates of tuberculosis data from the China CDC, between 2005 and 2018. Basic reproductive number (R(0)) was calculated. Impact of different diagnostic scenarios on tuberculosis burden was explored by numerical changes in diagnosis-related parameters. Results: Results from the Chi-square test indicated that the model accuracy appeared as: χ(2)=1.102 (P=1.000). Also, the computed result showed that R(0)=0.063<1, indicating that tuberculosis would gradually be disappearing in China. Approaches that including 'reducing the delayed diagnosis time'or 'improving the timely medical treatment'would end the fluctuations of the number of infectious and hospitalized patients and thus leading to continuous reduction in the number of these patients, in a long run. Conclusions: This model fitted well for the trend of tuberculosis incidence rates between 2005 and 2018. Reducing the delay time in diagnosis and improving the rate of timely medical treatment could effectively reduce the long-term burden of tuberculosis. Improvement of this model would be further explored.

Effects of dietary rapeseed meal inclusion levels on growth performance, organ weight, and serum biochemical parameters in Cherry Valley ducks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion levels of different types of rapeseed meal (RSM) on performance, organ weight, and serum biochemical parameters in Cherry Valley ducks in the starter period and grower-finisher period. In Exp. 1, a total of 750 seven-day-old male ducklings were divided into 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens of 25 birds per pen. The starter diets with the inclusion of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% of double-low RSM contained 0, 1.37, 2.15, 3.46, or 5.31 µmol glucosinolates (GLS)/g in the finished feed (from day 7 to 21). In Exp. 2, a total of 900 fifteen-day-old male ducklings were divided into 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens of 25 birds per pen. The grower-finisher diets with the inclusion of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25% of Indian RSM contained 0, 7.67, 15.34, 24.66, 31.21, or 38.44 µmol GLS/g in the finished feed (from day 15 to 42). For ducklings in the starter period (Exp. 1), body weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly as the dietary double-low RSM inclusion level increased at day 7 to 14, while growth rate was not influenced by dietary double-low RSM inclusion levels at day 15 to 21 and day 7 to 21. For ducks in the grower-finisher period (Exp. 2), growth performance decreased linearly as the dietary RSM inclusion level increased from 5 to 20%. In addition, dietary RSM inclusion levels induced liver enlargement in ducklings at day 21 (5 to 20% double-low RSM with 1.37 to 5.31 µmol/g GLS) and thyroid enlargement accompanied by increased serum AST and ALP activities in ducks at day 42 (5 to 15% Indian RSM with 7.67 to 23.66 µmol/g GLS). Therefore, our results indicated that the upper limit of using RSM sources in feed formulation should consider the anti-nutritional factor of GLS content at different stages of duck growth.

Protective effect of curcumin on ochratoxin A-induced liver oxidative injury in duck is mediated by modulating lipid metabolism and the intestinal microbiota

Curcumin has antioxidant functions, regulates the intestinal microbial composition, and alleviates mycotoxin toxicity. The present study aimed to explore whether curcumin could alleviate ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced liver injury via the intestinal microbiota. A total of 720 mixed-sex 1-day-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly assigned into 4 groups: CON (control group, without OTA), OTA (fed a diet with 2 mg/kg OTA), CUR (ducks fed a diet with 400 mg/kg curcumin), and OTA + CUR (2 mg/kg OTA plus 400 mg/kg curcumin). Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates and 30 ducklings per replicate. Treatment lasted for 21 D. Results were analyzed by a two-tailed Student t test between 2 groups. Our results demonstrated that OTA treatment had the highest serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level among 4 groups. Compared with OTA group, OTA + CUR decreased serum LDL level (P < 0.05). OTA decreased liver catalase (CAT) activity in ducks (P < 0.05), while addition of curcumin in OTA group increased liver CAT activity (P < 0.05). 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing suggested that curcumin increased the richness indices (ACE index) and diversity indices (Simpson index) compared with OTA group (P < 0.05) and recovered the OTA-induced alterations in composition of the intestinal microbiota. Curcumin supplementation relieved the decreased abundance of butyric acid producing bacteria, including blautia, butyricicoccus, and butyricimonas, induced by OTA (P < 0.05). OTA also significantly influenced the metabolism of the intestinal microbiota, such as tryptophan metabolism and glyceropholipid metabolism. Curcumin could alleviate the upregulation of oxidative stress pathways induced by OTA. OTA treatment also increased SREBP-1c expression (P < 0.05). The curcumin group had the lowest expression of FAS and PPARG mRNA (P < 0.05) and the highest expression of NRF2 and HMOX1 mRNA. These results indicated that curcumin could alleviate OTA-induced oxidative injury and lipid metabolism disruption by modulating the cecum microbiota.

Fermentation of flaxseed cake increases its nutritional value and utilization in ducklings

Flaxseed cake (FSC) is a potential alternative feed source in poultry. However, cyanogenetic glycosides limit its widespread use in feed. In this study, we optimized the parameters of fermentation by Aspergillus niger and Candida utilis and compared the growth performance, serum lipid parameters, and organ indexes of Cherry Valley duckling feed with unfermented FSC (UFSC) or fermented FSC (FFSC). A total of 420 one-day-old male Cherry Valley ducklings were randomly assigned into a 1 plus 2 × 3 factorial design including 2 different FSC resources (UFSC and FFSC) at 3 levels (50, 100, or 150 g/kg) for 3 wk. Each treatment group included 6 pens with 10 ducklings per pen. The hydrocyanic acid (HCN) level was reduced under the following conditions: 1:0.8 FSC:water (w:v), inoculum ratio of 1 mL:1 mL, 30°C, and 60 h. FFSC had higher crude protein (CP) and calcium (Ca) levels and lower HCN levels compared with UFSC (P < 0.05). There was no interactive effect between FSC sources and levels on growth performance. Final body weight (FBW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and average daily gain (ADG) in UFSC groups and ADFI in FFSC groups decreased linearly with increasing FSC levels (P < 0.01). There were no differences in FBW, ADG, or feed:gain ratio (F/G) among FFSC groups, and all 7 FSC groups had no differences in the F/G ratio (P > 0.05). Dietary FSC supplementation decreased triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (P < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.01), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.01). No interactive effect between FSC levels and sources was observed for serum TG, TC, HDL, or LDL. Ducklings fed FFSC had lower TG (P < 0.01), TC (P = 0.05), and LDL (P < 0.01) levels compared with ducklings fed UFSC. The 150 g/kg FFSC group had the lowest TG, TC, HDL, and LDL levels among all 7 groups. Flaxseed cake supplementation decreased the relative weight of the left breast, but FFSC increased the relative weight of the gizzard compared with UFSC. In conclusion, fermentation could increase the nutritional value and usage of FSC in ducklings.

Cyclin D1 regulates osteoarthritis chondrocyte apoptosis via WNT3/β-catenin signalling

Objective: Cyclin D1 was an important molecular involved in the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to identify the effect and potential mechanism of Cyclin D1 for the proliferation and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes. Methods: We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to identify the expression levels of Cyclin D1 and down-stream Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes in OA chondrocytes according to the grade of OA. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) or overexpression of Cyclin D1 were used to identify the role of Cyclin D1 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Next, we used XAV-939 to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and explore the relevant mechanism. Results: Cyclin D1 was significantly decreased with OA grade (p < .05). After siCyclin D1 transfection, the expression level of WNT3 and nuclear β-catenin were significantly increased, while Wnt10a and total β-catenin were not obviously changed. Co-cultured with XAV-939 and siCyclin D1 abolished the effects of siCyclin D1 on proliferation and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes (p < .05). Conclusions: Cyclin D1 regulated chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis through Wnt3/β-catenin instead of Wnt10a/β-catenin signalling pathway.

[Anatomical relationship between fascia propria of the rectum and visceral pelvic fascia in the view of continuity of fasciae]

Objective: To perform an anatomical observation on the extension of the mesocolon to the mesorectum and the continuity of the fasciae lining the abdomen and pelvis, in order to clarify the appropriate surgical plane of total mesorectal excision. Methods: This is an descriptive study. The operation videos of 61 cases (28 males, 33 females, median age of 61) were collected. All the patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from January 2018 to December 2018 in Yangpu Hospital, including low anterior resection for rectal cancer in 25 cases, left hemicolectomy for descending colon cancer in 15 cases, and subtotal resection of the colon for intractable constipation in 21 cases. Among these 21 constipation patients, 8 received additional modified Duhamel surgeries. Gross anatomy was performed on 24 adult cadavers provided by Department of Anatomy, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, including 23 formalin-fixed and 1 fresh cadaver (12 males, 12 females). Sixty-one patients and 24 cadavers had no previous abdominal or pelvic surgical history. The anatomy and extension of fasciae related to descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum, especially the morphology of Toldt fascia, and the continuities of mesocolon and mesorectum were observed carefully. The distribution characteristics of the fasciae and anatomical landmarks during laparoscopic surgery were recorded and described. Results: The anatomical study on 24 cadavers showed that visceral fascia was the densest connective tissue in the pelvic, posterolateral to the rectum, and stretched as a hammock to lift all pelvic organs. Among 61 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, 36 (59.0%) needed to free the left colon during operation, and Toldt fascia in the descending colon segment presented as potential, avascular and extensible loose connective tissue plane between the mesocolon and posterior Gerota fascia; 33 (54.1%) needed to free the rectum during operation, and Toldt fascia extended downward to pelvis as loose connective tissue between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral fascia; the fascia propria of the rectum exposed completely in 32 (32/33, 97.0%) cases, which ran downward and fused with visceral fascia at the level of the fourth sacral vertebra. The anatomy of 24 cadavers also showed that fascia propria of the rectum fused with visceral fascia at the level of Waldeyer fascia. The fusion line of these two fasciae was supposed to be the extension of Waldeyer fascia. There were two avascular planes behind the rectum: one between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral fascia, and the other between the visceral fascia and parietal fascia. In 8 constipation cases undergoing laparoscopic subtotal colon resection plus modified Duhamel operation, both mesocolon and mesorectum needed to be mobilized. It was obvious that the mesocolon of descending colon extended and became the mesocolon of sigmoid colon, and ran further into the pelvic and became the mesorectum. The colon fascia of descending colon served as the natural boundary of mesocolon extended downward as the fascia of sigmoid colon and the fascia propria of the rectum, respectively. Toldt fascia locating between mesocolon of descending colon and Gerota fascia extended to pelvis as the 'presacral space' between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral fascia. Gerota fascia in descending colon segment extended as urogenital fascia in sigmoid colon segment and visceral fascia in the pelvis, respectively. In the cadaver anatomy study, the visceral fascia served as a corridor carrying the hypogastric nerve, and ureter was observed in 23 (23/24, 95.8%) cases. The visceral fascia passed from posterior to anterior lateral of rectum, fusing with Denonvilliers fascia in a fan shape. The pelvic plexus located exactly external to the junction of visceral fascia and Denonvilliers fascia. Pelvic splanchnic nerves went through the parietal fascia toward to the inferolateral of the pelvic plexus. Conclusion: Fascia propria of the rectum and the visceral pelvic fascia are two independent layers of fascia, and the TME surgical plane is between the fascia propria of the rectum and visceral pelvic fascia instead of between the visceral and the parietal pelvic fascia.

P1569The Impact of Multidisciplinary Cardio-Oncology Program on the Cardiovascular Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients

Background

Chemo- and target therapies may induce myocardial dysfunction and lead to poor prognoses. Early detection of minor myocardial dysfunction is important for the prevention of subsequent cardiotoxicity. Cardio-oncology is a multidisciplinary field focusing on managing and preventing cardiovascular complications in cancer patients. However, whether Cardio-oncology program truly makes difference in cardiovascular outcomes remains unknown. Herein, we are sharing our experiences in our Medical Center.

Methods

Since 2014 till 2017, we recruited 154 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer preparing for Epirubicin therapy. Echocardiography, biomarkers, six minute walking distance and cardiovascular adverse events including new onset of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and mortality were recorded at baseline, three months, six months and one year. Any functional decline was reported to oncologists for the consideration of changing regimens. Otherwise, cardiologists would be consulted for cardiovascular educations and therapies. The echocardiographic and clinical records of 450 breast patients receiving Epirubicin therapy during 2010 to 2013 were also collected as comparison.

Results

Compared with the ratio of 20% patients receiving echocardiography prior to 2014, the ratio increased to 100% since Cardio-Oncology program started. Also, the drop of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 25% attenuated to 5%. Before Cardio-Oncology Program, there were 1.7% of new onset hypertension, 0.8% of MI, 0.8% of stroke and 16.8% of mortality. Conversely, after the program, there were only 0.6% of new onset hypertension while no other cardiovascular complications were reported. Furthermore, compared with previous reports of the effectiveness of Cardio-Oncology Program, our result also displayed a superior impact on the cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusions

Collectively, through a comprehensive monitoring and an early intervention of myocardial dysfunction post chemotherapies, Cardio-Oncology Program truly decreased the cardiovascular complications in breast cancer patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Chi-Mei Medical Center

Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic reduces heat stress-related behaviors and inflammatory response in broiler chickens

Probiotics reduce stress-related inflammation and abnormal behaviors in humans and rodents via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The objective of this study was to determine if probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, has similar functions in broiler chickens under heat stress (HS). Two hundred forty 1-d-old broiler chicks were assigned to 48 pens with 4 treatments: Thermoneutral (TN)-RD (regular diet), TN-PD (the regular diet mixed with 1 × 106 CFU/g feed probiotic), HS-RD and HS-PD. Probiotic (Sporulin) was fed from day 1; and HS at 32°C for 10 h daily was initiated at day 15. The data showed that final BW, average daily gain , and feed conversion efficiency were improved in PD groups as compared to RD groups regardless of the ambient temperature (P < 0.01). Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was affected by treatment and its value was in the order of HS-RD > HS-PD > TN-RD > TN-PD birds (P < 0.01). Compared to TN birds, HS birds spent more time in wing spreading, panting, squatting close to the ground, drinking, sleeping, dozing, and sitting but spent less time in eating, standing, and walking (P < 0.05 or 0.01). In addition, HS birds had greater levels of hepatic IL-6, IL-10, heat shock protein (HSP)70, and HSP70 mRNA expression (P < 0.01) and greater levels of cecal IgA and IgY (P < 0.01) compared to TN birds. Within TN groups, TN-PD birds had greater concentrations of hepatic IL-10 (P < 0.05) and cecal IgA (P < 0.01) than TN-RD birds. Within HS groups, HS-PD birds spent less time in wing spreading, panting, squatting close to the ground, drinking, sleeping, dozing, and sitting but spent more time in eating, foraging, standing, and walking than HS-RD birds (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The HS-PD birds also had lower concentrations of hepatic IL-6 and HSP70 (P < 0.01), whereas greater levels of IL-10 (P < 0.05) and lower concentrations of cecal IgA and IgY (P < 0.01). These results indicate that broilers fed the probiotic, B. subtilis, are able to cope with HS more effectively by ameliorating heat-induced behavioral and inflammatory reactions through regulation of microbiota-modulated immunity.

High calcium to phosphorus ratio impairs growth and bone mineralization in Pekin ducklings

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of high dietary calcium (Ca) level on growth performance, Ca and phosphorus (P) metabolism, and nutrient utilization in ducklings subjected to normal and low P levels in diets. A completely randomized design was used with a factorial arrangement of 2 total dietary P levels [normal-P (0.60%) and low-P (0.45%) groups] × 4 dietary Ca levels [low-Ca (0.55%), normal-Ca (0.75%), medium-Ca (0.95%) and high-Ca (1.15%) groups)]. Compared to normal-P group, low-P group had lower (P < 0.05) final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and reduced (P < 0.05) serum Ca and P levels, bone Ca, P, and ash content, and bone mineral density in ducklings during the starter period. Under the low-P group, birds from high-Ca group had lower (P < 0.05) final BW, ADG, ADFI, bone ash content, bone mineral density, and the utilization of energy, Ca, and P than those from low-Ca, normal-Ca, and medium-Ca groups. Our results indicate that high-Ca diet induced greater growth suppression and bone mineralization loss in ducklings fed a low-P diet. The aggravated negative effect of high dietary Ca level with a low P level might be related to the elevated serum alkaline phosphatase activity and the reduced utilization of energy, Ca, and P.

[The relationship between IL-4 and trace elements in patients with allergic rhinitis of hui and han populations in Ningxia]

Objective: To examine the relationship between trace elements and IL-4 in patients with allergic rhinitis(AR).Method:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 260 cases in AR group(130 hui cases, 130 han cases),and 260 cases in normal control group(130 hui cases, 130 han cases) were recruited in this study. The concentrations of IL-4 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the contents of Zn, Mn, Ni, Se and Fe were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES), and the correlation between the trace elements and IL-4 were also analyzed.Result:IL-4 levels in serum of both hui and han AR patients were higher than those in control group(P <0.05). Contents of serum Zn and Se in hui AR patients were lower than those in control group(P <0.05), Ni content was higher than that in control group(P <0.05);Zn level in serum of han AR cases was lower than that in control group,Ni content was higher than that in control group (P <0.05).The serum IL-4 level in AR group was positively correlated with Ni(P <0.01,r=0.671), and negatively correlated with Zn(P <0.01, r=-0.819).Conclusion:We demonstrated that there are significant correlations between IL-4 and Zn,Ni in the serum of patients with AR in Ningxia hui and han population. It indicates that trace elements are involved in the occurrence and development of AR, and may as a therauptic target of AR.

Fluoride-sulfophosphate glasses as hosts for broadband optical amplification through transition metal activators

Unusually stable multi-anion glasses of the fluoride-sulfophosphate type (FPS) are introduced as a new host material for optically active cation species. Despite a notoriously low polymerization grade, anion mixing in this glass system enables facile manufacture of bulk or fiber devices which combine several advantages of fluoride and phosphate glasses while using the stabilizing effect of sulfate additions. Using the example of chromium doping, we demonstrate broad red photoluminescence at 734 nm and inhomogeneous broadening of the R-line at 694 nm, originating from the ⁴T₂ → ⁴A₂ and ²E → ⁴A₂ transitions of Cr³⁺, respectively. The luminescence mechanism is further analyzed on the basis of the corresponding Tanabe-Sugano diagram. Tailored through chemical composition, internally nucleated precipitation of a nanocrystalline fluoride phase enables switching between high-field and low-field configurations of the Cr³⁺ ion, resulting in the specific emission properties and setting the path towards FPS-based optical devices.

Biological mechanism of post-herpetic neuralgia: Evidence from multiple patho-psychophysiological measures

BACKGROUND

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which develops after the resolution of a herpes zoster eruption, is an exceptionally drug-resistant neuropathic pain. The unsatisfactory management of PHN partly results from the difficulty in dissecting out its contributing factors due to the complexity of PHN mechanism.

METHODS

Here, to elaborate our understanding of the PHN mechanism and to establish a basis for effective therapeutic strategies, we comprehensively investigated the contributions of multiple factors to PHN severity.

RESULTS

Based on the comparison of somatosensory detection thresholds (C, Aδ and Aβ fibre thresholds) between affected and unaffected sides, 16 PHN patients with significant sensory deficits and 13 PHN patients without significant sensory deficits were identified and assigned to different groups. The different extents of lesions in the nociceptive system between patients with and without sensory deficits were confirmed using laser-evoked brain responses. Moreover, patients with sensory deficits had more severe pain and psychological disorders, e.g. anxiety and depression. Importantly, chronic pain severity was significantly influenced by various psychophysiological factors (sleep disturbances, psychological disorders and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction) for patients with sensory deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the contribution of multiple patho-psychophysiological factors to PHN severity, which could help establish a basis for the development of a rational, patient-centred therapeutic strategy.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study revealed the contribution of multiple patho-psychophysiological factors to PHN severity, which expanded our understanding of the underlying PHN mechanism, and helped develop a rational, patient-centred therapeutic strategy targeting towards the corresponding etiology and psychophysiological disorders for individual patient.

Does school health and home economics education influence adults' food knowledge?

Home economics and health teachers are to be found in many parts of the world. They teach students about food in relation to its nutritional, safety and environmental properties. The effects of such teaching might be expected to be reflected in the food knowledge of adults who have undertaken school education in these areas. This study examined the food knowledge associations of school home economics and health education among Australian adults. Two separate online surveys were conducted nationwide among 2022 (November 2011) and 2146 Australian adults (November-December 2012). True/false and multiple choice questions in both surveys were used to assess nutrition, food safety and environmental knowledge. Knowledge scores were constructed and compared against respondents' experience of school health or home economics education via multiple regression analyses. The results from both studies showed that home economics (and similar) education was associated with higher levels of food knowledge among several age groups. The associations of home economics education with food knowledge differed across several Australian states and recall of home economics themes differed across the age groups. These findings suggest that home economics education may bring about long-lasting learning of food knowledge. Further research is required, however, to confirm the findings and to test the causal influence of home economics education on adults' food knowledge.

Evaluation of SWI in children with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SWI is a powerful tool for imaging of the cerebral venous system. The SWI venous contrast is affected by blood flow, which may be altered in sickle cell disease. In this study, we characterized SWI venous contrast in patients with sickle cell disease and healthy control participants and examined the relationships among SWI venous contrast, and hematologic variables in the group with sickle cell disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of MR imaging and hematologic variables from 21 patients with sickle cell disease and age- and sex-matched healthy control participants was performed. A Frangi vesselness filter was used to quantify the attenuation of visible veins from the SWI. The normalized visible venous volume was calculated for quantitative analysis of venous vessel conspicuity.

RESULTS

The normalized visible venous volume was significantly lower in the group with sickle cell disease vs the control group (P < .001). Normalized visible venous volume was not associated with hemoglobin, percent hemoglobin F, percent hemoglobin S, absolute reticulocyte count, or white blood cell count. A hypointense arterial signal on SWI was observed in 18 of the 21 patients with sickle cell disease and none of the 21 healthy control participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the variable and significantly lower normalized visible venous volume in patients with sickle cell disease compared with healthy control participants. Decreased venous contrast in sickle cell disease may reflect abnormal cerebral blood flow, volume, velocity, or oxygenation. Quantitative analysis of SWI contrast may be useful for investigation of cerebrovascular pathology in patients with sickle cell disease, and as a tool to monitor therapies. However, future studies are needed to elucidate physiologic mechanisms of decreased venous conspicuity in sickle cell disease.

Healthy eating norms and food consumption

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Beliefs about what people think they ought to eat to be healthy ('healthy eating norms (HENs)') may be important influences on food consumption. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive roles of normative expectations and demographics, personal values, substance use behaviours and body weight on reported food consumption among middle-aged Australians.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A questionnaire was administered by mail to a random sample of people aged 40 years and above, drawn from the Electoral Rolls in Victoria, Australia. Part of the questionnaire contained questions about the respondents' beliefs about what should they eat to be healthy, what actually they ate, their personal values, smoking and alcohol use, as well as self-reported heights and weights and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Respondents' reported food consumption did not match their HENs. Demographics, smoking, body mass index (BMI) and personal values, and HENs were associated with reported consumption but the relationships differed among men and women. Generally, high energy-dense, nutrition-poor (EDNP) food consumption was negatively associated with age. Fruit and vegetable HEN and consumption was positively linked to universalist values but negatively related to smoking status among men. In contrast in women, fruit and vegetable HENs were positively related to income and education while EDNP HEN was negatively associated with age and income but positively linked to body weight and power values.

CONCLUSIONS

Reported food consumption was associated with HEN, personal values, demographics, smoking and BMI through different pathways among men and women. The implications for nutrition promotion are discussed.

Anomalous quantum efficiency for photoconduction and its power dependence in metal oxide semiconductor nanowires

The quantum efficiency and carrier lifetime that decide the photoconduction (PC) efficiencies in the metal oxide semiconductor nanowires (NWs) have been investigated. The experimental result surprisingly shows that the SnO2, TiO2, WO3, and ZnO NWs reveal extraordinary quantum efficiencies in common, which are over one to three orders of magnitude lower than the theoretical expectation. The surface depletion region (SDR)-controlled photoconductivity is proposed to explain the anomalous quantum efficiency and its power dependence. The inherent difference between the metal oxide nanostructures such as carrier lifetime, carrier concentration, and dielectric constant leading to the distinct PC performance and behavior are also discussed.

Dietary supplementation with N-carbamylglutamate increases the expression of intestinal amino acid transporters in weaned Huanjiang mini-pig piglets

Weaning is associated with reduced intestinal absorptive capacity in piglets. Our previous study indicated that dietary supplementation with N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) enhanced growth performance and improved intestinal function in weaned piglets. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with NCG may increase the growth performance of weaned piglets by regulating the expression of intestinal nutrient transporters, thus enhancing nutrient absorption. Twenty-four Huanjiang mini-pig piglets weaned at 21 d of age (3.17 ± 0.21 kg average BW) were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet and the basal diet with 0.1% NCG supplementation for a 14-d period with 6 pens per treatment and 1 male and 1 female per pen. On d 14, 1 piglet was randomly selected from each pen for blood and tissue sampling. Dietary NCG supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) growth rate and the efficiency of feed use in weaned Huanjiang mini-pig piglets. The NCG-supplemented diet increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression levels of Slc6a19, Slc7a9, and Slc1a1 and the protein abundance of ASCT2, B(0)AT1, b(0,+)AT, y(+)LAT1, and EAAC1 in the jejunum. Furthermore, the contents of low density lipoprotein, ammonia, urea nitrogen, and AA as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase in plasma were all altered (P < 0.05) by supplementation with NCG. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with NCG may improve intestinal absorptive function in weaned piglets by increasing the expression of AA transporters in the intestine.

Fluorophore-labeled carbohydrate analysis of immunoglobulin fusion proteins: Correlation of oligosaccharide content with in vivo clearance profile

CTLA4 is a membrane receptor on cytotoxic T cells whose interaction with the B7 counterreceptor on B cells is important in alloantigen responses. Soluble recombinant human and murine CTLA4 were produced using either Chinese hamster ovary or NS-0 cell lines. Expression vectors were constructed containing the gene coding for the extracellular domain of CTLA4 fused to either human lgG1 hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains or murine lgG2a hinge, CH2, and CH3 domain genes. These glycoproteins were produced in hollow-fiber or packed-bed-type bioreactors and purified from conditioned media by protein A affinity chromatography. Batches of purified CTLA4lg were analyzed for size, composition, and isoelectric point (pl) patterns by standard protein methods; oligosaccharide and monosaccharide profiles using several carbohydrate specific techniques; and in vivo clearance profiles using a murine model. Significant differences were observed between lots in their pl, clearance, and crbohydrate profiles. Higher overall pl values correlated with accelerated alpha-phase clearance and changes in oligosaccharide composition as determined by lectin binding analysis and electrophoresis of fluorophore-conjugated carbohydrates. Preparations exhibiting slower clearance profiles had oligosaccharides with higher quantities of N-acetylneuraminic acid and were predominantly of an N-linked biantennary complex-type. Conversely, batches with accelerated clearance profiles had less detectable N-acetylneuraminic acid. Oligosaccharides from murine CTLA4lg produced in NS-0 cells had terminal N-glycolylneuraminic acid but no detectable N-acetylneuraminic acid and had concomitant accelerated clearance. These data suggest that the presence and quantity of N-acetylneuraminic acid is an important component in predicting CTLA4lg plasma clearance rates and that production lots can be analyzed for oligosaccharide heterogeneity and sialic acid content by electrophoresis of fluorophore-conjugated carbohydrates. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on silane-modified ceramics and their properties: potential for oily wastewater treatment

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is proved being effective in eliminating oil from aqueous solutions, but the elimination is expensive because free HRP can not be reused. In present work, HRP was successfully immobilized on cordierite porous ceramics support with a novel method of N-beta-aminoethyl-gamma-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane modification and glutaraldehyde activation. Under the optimized immobilized conditions, the actual immobilized HRP was 1.16 mg/g support, the activity of the immobilized HRP could reach as high as 1379.4 U/g support. Experiment results showed that the properties of storage stability, acid-base stability and the tolerance to the pH fluctuation of the immobilized HRP were better than those of the free HRP. The operation stability of the immobilized HRP was also good. The immobilized HRP is suitable for the oily wastewater treatment because of its reusability proved in this work.

Mount agung eruption provides test of a global climatic perturbation

The Mount Agung volcanic eruption in 1963 provides the best-documented global radiative perturbation to the earth's atmosphere currently available. Data on stratospheric aerosols produced by this eruption have been used as input to a model for the atmospheric thermal structure. The computed magnitude, sign, and phase lag of the temperature changes in both the stratosphere and the troposphere are in good agreement with observations, providing evidence that the climatic response to a global radiative perturbation is significant, as well as support for the use of theoretical models to predict climatic effects.

Magnetically enhanced high-specificity virus detection using bio-activated magnetic nanoparticles with antibodies as labeling markers

This study describes magnetically driven suppression of cross-reactions among molecules. First, the magnetic nanoparticles are coated with bio-probes and dispersed in liquid. The bio-probes can then bind with homologous or heterologous bio-targets. When alternating-current (ac) magnetic fields are applied, magnetic nanoparticles rotate driven by ac magnetic fields. Thus, the bio-targets bound on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles experience a centrifugal force. The centrifugal force can be manipulated by adjusting the angular frequency of the rotating magnetic nanoparticles. The angular frequency is determined by the applied ac magnetic field frequency. Since the binding force for good binding is much higher than that of poor binding, frequency manipulation is needed for the centrifugal force to be higher than the poor-binding force but lower than the good-binding force. Therefore, poor binding which contributes to cross reactions between molecules can be suppressed efficiently by control of the ac magnetic field frequency.

Measurement and receptor modeling of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban Kaohsiung, Taiwan

The concentrations of 21 individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total suspended particles (TSPs) were measured using high-volume air samplers at Tzuo-Yin and Hsiung-Kong sites in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, for four seasons from 2005 to 2006. The gaseous and particulate phases of individual PAHs were identified using a gas chromatograph with a flame-ionization detector (GC/FID). Measurements show that the concentrations of total (gas+particulate) PAHs generally followed the seasonal variations of the concentrations of TSP (107.2-117.1 microg m(-3)), being the highest in winter (143.9-182.9 ng m(-3)) and lowest in summer (81.4-95.2 ng m(-3)) at both sites. Most PAH species were low-weight PAHs (approximately 80.8-82.0%), followed by high-weight PAHs (10.5-14.6%) and medium-weight PAHs (6.5-6.8%). The fractions of gaseous PAHs decreased with molecular weight or ring number. The particle phase (60.2(73.5%) dominated the high-weight PAHs. Results of receptor model show that industrial combustions (49.1-63.7%) contributed most to ambient PAHs, followed by restaurant emissions (18.4-39.7%) and mobile sources (11.3-22.8%) at the Tzuo-Yin site. At the Hsiung-Kong, mobile sources (49.5-63.3%) contributed most to ambient PAHs, followed by restaurant emissions (19.8-36.6%) and industrial combustions (13.7-27.1%). The differences in the results at the two sites are mainly attributed to the different industries at each site.

Ultra-highly sensitive and wash-free bio-detection of H5N1 virus by immunomagnetic reduction assays

A platform for assaying avian influenza H5N1 viruses that involves measuring the ac immunomagnetic reduction of a magnetic reagent mixed with a detected sample is developed. The magnetic reagent contained magnetic nanoparticles coated with antibodies. To achieve an ultra-high sensitivity assay, a system utilizing a high-transition-temperature superconducting quantum interference device was used to sense the immunomagnetic reduction of the reagents. The results confirmed the ultra-high sensitivity of the immunomagnetic reduction assay on H5N1.

Primary immune surveillance: some like it hot

The thermal element of fever has been found to be beneficial in models of infectious disease. The contributions of fever-range temperatures to the efficacy of the adaptive immune response have only begun to be delineated. There is accumulating evidence that fever-range thermal stress bolsters primary immune surveillance of lymph nodes and Peyer patches by augmenting lymphocyte extravasation across specialized vessels termed high endothelial venules. Molecular mechanisms have recently come to light by which the thermal component of fever alone may promote lymphocyte trafficking, and thereby the probability of mounting a defense against microbial infection. Acquired knowledge of the molecular changes associated with thermal stress may allow for the development of novel therapies for a variety of disease processes.

Patterned nucleation control in vacuum deposition of organic molecules

We report a generally applicable method to pattern organic molecules on mesoscopic scales. In our method, organic molecular beam deposition was conducted on substrate surfaces prepatterned with materials to which the organic molecules have larger binding energies in comparison to the substrate. Fully uniform nucleation control at these predefined locations can be achieved by an appropriate selection of the growth parameters including temperature and deposition rate. The physical mechanisms involved are studied by Monte Carlo simulations and stand in good agreement with the experimental findings.

Efficacy of tadalafil in Egyptian and Turkish men with erectile dysfunction

A randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled, 12-week study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 20-mg tadalafil taken 'as needed' in a population of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) from Egypt and Turkey. One hundred and thirty-two patients were randomised in this study. Tadalafil was superior to placebo on all three co-primary efficacy end points. The mean change from baseline for the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function was 9.3 +/- 0.8 for the tadalafil group and 2.3 +/- 1.6 for the placebo group. Tadalafil-treated patients reported a significantly greater improvement in the mean percentage of successful penetrations (tadalafil: 34.5 +/- 4.1; placebo: -4.6 +/- 8.1) and successful intercourse attempts (tadalafil: 52.2 +/- 3.8; placebo: 16.8 +/- 7.8) than placebo-treated patients as measured by the Sexual Encounter Profile. Tadalafil was generally well tolerated with 82% of adverse events being mild in severity. Tadalafil 20-mg taken 'as needed' significantly improved the erectile function in Egyptian and Turkish men with ED.

Metal ion reduction and resultant deposition on viologen-functionalized LDPE films and viologen-containing microporous membranes

Photo-induced reduction of gold and platinum metal salt solutions was carried out using viologen graft copolymerized on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films and viologen-containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF-PVBV) microporous membranes. The effects of the UV irradiation time and concentration of the metal salt solutions on the metal ion reduction process and the resultant metal deposition on the polymeric substrates were investigated. The metal-polymer composites were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The amount of metal uptake, the state of the metal, and the size of the metal particles were found to be strongly dependent on the UV irradiation time and the type and concentration of the metal salt solution. The microporous structure and the high viologen content of the PVDF-PVBV membrane constitute an effective matrix for metal ion reduction and preparation of metal nanoparticles.

Pleomorphic adenoma with extensive necrosis: report of two cases

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm for both the major and minor salivary glands. While PA is occasionally associated with cystic change or hemorrhage necrosis, spontaneous infarction appears to be very uncommon. We report two unusual cases of extensive necrosis of PA; one occurred in the palate with the necrotic tumor mass slipping into the oral cavity. This phenomenon, possibly associated with incision biopsy, has never been described previously. A second case, arising in the parotid with spontaneous tumor necrosis, poses some dilemma in differential diagnosis.

Reef-coral proteins as visual, non-destructive reporters for plant transformation

Recently, five novel fluorescent proteins have been isolated from non-bioluminescent species of reef-coral organisms and have been made available through ClonTech. They are AmCyan, AsRed, DsRed, ZsGreen and ZsYellow. These proteins are valuable as reporters for transformation because they do not require a substrate or external co-factor to emit fluorescence and can be tested in vivo without destruction of the tissue under study. We have evaluated them in a large range of plants, both monocots and dicots, and our results indicate that they are valuable reporting tools for transformation in a wide variety of crops. We report here their successful expression in wheat, maize, barley, rice, banana, onion, soybean, cotton, tobacco, potato and tomato. Transient expression could be observed as early as 24 h after DNA delivery in some cases, allowing for very clear visualization of individually transformed cells. Stable transgenic events were generated, using mannose, kanamycin or hygromycin selection. Transgenic plants were phenotypically normal, showing a wide range of fluorescence levels, and were fertile. Expression of AmCyan, ZsGreen and AsRed was visible in maize T1 seeds, allowing visual segregation to more than 99% accuracy. The excitation and emission wavelengths of some of these proteins are significantly different; the difference is enough for the simultaneous visualization of cells transformed with more than one of the fluorescent proteins. These proteins will become useful tools for transformation optimization and other studies. The wide variety of plants successfully tested demonstrates that these proteins will potentially find broad use in plant biology.

Development of a novel Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method to recover transgenic Brassica napus plants

We report here an in planta method to produce transgenic Brassica napus plants. The procedure included Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of plants at various development stages along with a vacuum infiltration step. The flowering stage appeared to be the most receptive stage for transformation and production of transgenic plants. In some cases, the flowering stage was induced either by cold treatment or by high density planting. Molecular and genetic analysis revealed that single and multiple copy events were generated and that the transgenes were transmitted to the T1 and T2 progeny in a Mendelian fashion.

Motorcycle emissions and fuel consumption in urban and rural driving conditions

This work reports sampling of motorcycle on-road driving cycles in actual urban and rural environments and the development of representative driving cycles using the principle of least total variance in individual regions. Based on the representative driving cycles in individual regions, emission factors for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)=NO+NO(2)) and carbon dioxide (CO(2)), as well as fuel consumption, were determined using a chassis dynamometer. The measurement results show that the representative driving cycles are almost identical in the three largest cities in Taiwan, but they differ significantly from the rural driving cycle. Irrespective of driving conditions, emission factors differ insignificantly between the urban and rural regions at a 95% confidence level. However, the fuel consumption in urban centers is approximately 30% higher than in the rural regions, with driving conditions in the former usually poor compared to the latter. Two-stroke motorcycles generally have considerably higher HC emissions and quite lower NO(x) emissions than those of four-stroke motorcycles. Comparisons with other studies suggest that factors such as road characteristics, traffic volume, vehicle type, driving conditions and driver behavior may affect motorcycle emission levels in real traffic situations.

Role of cytokines in photodynamic therapy-induced local and systemic inflammation

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumour results in the rapid induction of an inflammatory response that is considered important for the activation of antitumour immunity, but may be detrimental if excessive. The response is characterised by the infiltration of leucocytes, predominantly neutrophils, into the treated tumour. Several preclinical studies have suggested that suppression of long-term tumour growth following PDT using Photofrin((R)) is dependent upon the presence of neutrophils. The inflammatory pathways leading to the PDT-induced neutrophil migration into the treated tumour are unknown. In the following study, we examined, in mice, the ability of PDT using the second-generation photosensitiser 2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a (HPPH) to induce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as adhesion molecules, known to be involved in neutrophil migration. We also examined the role that these mediators play in PDT-induced neutrophil migration. Our studies show that HPPH-PDT induced neutrophil migration into the treated tumour, which was associated with a transient, local increase in the expression of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 and KC. A similar increase was detected in functional expression of adhesion molecules, that is, E-selectin and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and both local and systemic expression of interleukin (IL)-6 was detected. The kinetics of neutrophil immigration mirrored those observed for the enhanced production of chemokines, IL-6 and adhesion molecules. Subsequent studies showed that PDT-induced neutrophil recruitment is dependent upon the presence of MIP-2 and E-selectin, but not on IL-6 or KC. These results demonstrate a PDT-induced inflammatory response similar to, but less severe than obtained with Photofrin((R)) PDT. They also lay the mechanistic groundwork for further ongoing studies that attempt to optimise PDT through the modulation of the critical inflammatory mediators.

Cytokine and adhesion molecule expression in primary human endothelial cells stimulated with fever-range hyperthermia

Migration of blood-borne lymphocytes into lymphoid tissues and sites of inflammation is initiated by vascular adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Previous in vivo studies have shown that febrile temperatures dynamically stimulate adhesion in differentiated high endothelial venules (HEV), which are portals for lymphocyte extravasation. This report examines the direct effect of fever-range hyperthermia on the expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines by primary cultured endothelial cells. In both macrovascular (HUVEC) and microvascular (HMVEC) endothelial cells, fever-range hyperthermia (40 degrees C for 6-12 h) did not affect expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, E-selectin, VCAM-1, P-selectin, PECAM-1, PNAd, MAdCAM-1), cytokine release (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13), or chemokine secretion (IL-8, RANTES, MCP-1, MIP-1beta, MIG). This is in contrast to the stimulatory effects of TNF-alpha or 43 degrees C heat shock. However, a novel role for fever-range hyperthermia was identified in augmenting actin polymerization in cultured endothelial cells and enhancing the ability of endothelial-derived factors to transactivate the alpha4beta7 integrin lymphocyte homing receptor. These findings provide insight into the tightly regulated effects of fever-range hyperthermia that exclude induction of adhesion in non-activated endothelium of normal blood vessels. Through these mechanisms, it is proposed that febrile temperatures associated with infection or clinical hyperthermia avoid the unproductive exodus of lymphocytes to non-involved extralymphoid tissues while simultaneously promoting lymphocyte delivery to sites of immune activation.

Modeling effects of differential item functioning in polytomous items

Conventional two-group DIF analysis for dichotomous items is extended to factorial DIF analysis for polytomous items where multiple grouping factors with multiple groups in each are jointly analyzed. By adopting the formulation of general linear models, item parameters across all possible groups are treated as a dependent variable and the grouping factors as independent variables. These item parameters are then reparameterized as a set of grand item parameters and sets of DIF parameters representing main and interaction effects of the factors on the items. Results of simulation studies show that the parameters of the proposed modeling could be satisfactorily recovered. A real data set of 10 polytomous items and 1924 subjects was analyzed. Applications and implications of the proposed modeling are addressed.

Measurement issues in screening outstanding teachers

Measurement issues that arise in a two-stage teacher evaluation for an outstanding faculty award are addressed. A teacher evaluation inventory with ten Likert-type items was developed. Thirty college teachers were rated by 293 students on the new inventory. The facet Rasch technique was applied to analyze the test data, and the items fit the Rasch models fairly well. The separation reliability for the teachers is.98, indicating that the items together with these students can differentiate the teachers extremely well. A cut score was set to.80 logits so that only those teachers with efficacy estimates above that level are eligible to apply for the award. A short version containing only half of the items was also developed.

Primary resistance to antibiotics and its clinical impact on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori lansoprazole-based triple therapies

AIM

To evaluate Helicobacter pylori primary resistance and its clinical impact on the efficacy of two lansoprazole-based eradication triple therapies.

METHODS

H. pylori-positive patients (n=228) were randomized to receive one of the 1-week regimens: lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1 g (LAC), or lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and metronidazole 500 mg (LMC), each given twice daily. H. pylori status was assessed by 13C-urea breath test and culture at diagnosis and by 13C-urea breath test 6 weeks after therapy. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by E-test (n=98).

RESULTS

The eradication rates with per protocol/ intention-to-treat analyses were: LAC (n=95/114) 83%/69% and LMC (n=96/114) 85%/72%. Primary resistance was 11% for clarithromycin, 41% for metronidazole and 0% for amoxicillin. Eradication in metronidazole-susceptible/-resistant strains was 85%/82% in LAC and 83%/63% in LMC. Significantly lower cure rates were observed in clarithromycin-resistant patients treated with LAC (95% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) and LMC (86% vs. 0%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

One-week LAC and LMC are similarly effective therapies. Clarithromycin resistance significantly affected H. pylori eradication in both regimens.

[Experimental study of bovine bone morphogenetic protein combined with sintered bone in the treatment of bone defects]

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the capability of ectopic bone induction of the bovine bone morphogenetic protein (bBMP), and investigate the bBMP combined with sintered bone (SB) in the treatment of bone defects.

METHODS

bBMP was separated from the bovine cortical bone and implanted into the muscle pouches of the balb/c mouses. 4 mouses were killed at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week, and their tissues were fixed in 4% formalin for histologic examination. The bBMP was combined with sintered bovine cancellons bone (SB), and segmental defects were made at raddi in 16 New Zealand rabbits. One side of the rabbits was implanted with bBMP-SB, and another side implanted with SB. The animals were killed in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week after operation for X-ray and histologic examination.

RESULTS

One week after bBMP implantation, the chondrocyte was induced in muscle pouches, the woven bone was seen in 2 weeks, and the trabecular bone was formed in 4 weeks. In bone defects models, the X-ray and histologic examination showed that all parameters (chondrocyte induction, the mount of the trabecular bone, defects heal) were better in the animals treated with bBMP-SB than that with SB.

CONCLUSION

1. bBMP can induce ectopic bone formation. 2. bBMP-SB can improve the healing of the bone defects.

A two-year pilot trial of hydroxyurea in very young children with sickle-cell anemia

OBJECTIVE

Hydroxyurea improves hematologic values and decreases vaso-occlusive complications in adults and children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but has not been tested in infants before the onset of chronic organ dysfunction. We conducted a collaborative pilot trial of hydroxyurea in infants with SCA to assess its (1) feasibility of administration, (2) toxicity, (3) hematologic effects, and (4) effect on spleen function.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with hemoglobin (Hb) SS or Sbeta(0) thalassemia (n = 28, median age 15 months) received hydroxyurea for 2 years at 20 mg/kg/day. Hydroxyurea was temporarily discontinued for predefined toxicity.

RESULTS

Seven patients exited the study early: five for noncompliance or refusal to continue, one for mild stroke, and one for fatal splenic sequestration. The predominant toxicity was transient neutropenia, which was usually associated with a viral-like illness. After 2 years of treatment, mean Hb level = 8.8 g/dL and Hb F = 20.3%, both higher than predicted age-specific levels. Radionuclide splenic uptake was absent in 47% of patients at study completion, compared with predicted functional asplenia in 80% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroxyurea therapy for infants with SCA is feasible and well tolerated, has hematologic efficacy, and may delay functional asplenia. The potential for hydroxyurea to preserve organ function in SCA should be further evaluated.