Deciphering molecular basis of pesticide-induced recurrent pregnancy loss: insights from transcriptomics analysis

Recent studies have revealed a notable connection between pesticide exposure and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), yet the precise molecular underpinning of this toxicity remains elusive. Through the alignment of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of healthy and RPL patients with the target genes of 9 pesticide components, we identified a set of 12 genes responsible for RPL etiology. Interestingly, biological process showed that besides RPL, those 12 genes also associated with preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease. Enrichment analysis showed the engagement of these genes associated with essential roles in the molecular transport of small molecules, as well as the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption, mineral absorption, ion homeostasis, and ion transport by P-type ATPases. Notably, the crosstalk targets between pesticide components played crucial roles in influencing RPL results, suggesting a role in attenuating pesticide agents that contribute to RPL. It is important to note that non-significant concentration of the pesticide components observed in both control and RPL samples should not prematurely undermine the potential for pesticides to induce RPL in humans. This study emphasizes the complexity of pesticide induced RPL and highlights avenues for further research and precautionary measures.

[Implant restoration and stomatognathic system rehabilitation]

Stomatognathic system rehabilitation (SSR) is an important component of dental implant therapy, involving multiple disciplines and factors. This article focuses on the importance of clinical issues, such as mandibular position, vertical distance, occlusion and temporomandibular joint in SSR, in order to provide reference for dentists in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Epidemiology-based wastewater monitoring for ecological risks of anti-tuberculosis drugs mixture effects

First-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs are commonly used to treat TB worldwide, leading to more contaminated wastewater being widely discharged into aquatic environments. However, studies of mixture interactions of anti-TB drugs and their residues in aquatic environments are scarce. This study aimed to determine the toxic interactions of anti-TB drugs-isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), and ethambutol (EMB)-in binary and ternary mixtures on Daphnia magna and used the epidemiology of TB history to construct epidemiology-based wastewater monitoring for assessing the environmental release of residues and related ecological risks. The acute immobilization of median effect concentrations (EC50) was 25.6 mg L^-1 for INH, 80.9 mg L^-1 for RMP, and 188.8 mg L^-1 for EMB, as toxic units (TUs) for assessing mixture toxicity. The ternary mixture exhibited the lowest TUs at 50 % effects with 1.12, followed by 1.28 for RMP + EMB, 1.54 for INH + RMP, and 1.93 for INH + EMB, indicating antagonistic interactions. Nevertheless, the combination index (CBI) was used to examine the mixture toxicity in response to immobilization, revealing that the ternary mixture of CBI ranged from 1.01 to 1.08, tending to have a nearly additive effect when suffering >50 % effect (at high concentration levels). The forecasted environmentally relevant concentrations of anti-TB drugs have been on downward trends with ng L^-1 level from 2020 to 2030 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Although ecotoxicological risks from the wastewater treatment plant and receiving water in the field were slightly greater than the prediction from epidemiology-based wastewater monitoring, there were no risk concerns. Here, we achieved the establishment of evidence that anti-TB drug mixtures' interaction and epidemiological-based monitoring support a systematic approach, resolving the absence of the mixture toxicity information for anti-TB mixture risk assessment in aquatic environments.

Efficient Spin-to-Charge Conversion via Altermagnetic Spin Splitting Effect in Antiferromagnet RuO_{2}

The relativistic spin Hall effect and inverse spin Hall effect enable the efficient generation and detection of spin current. Recently, a nonrelativistic altermagnetic spin splitting effect (ASSE) has been theoretically and experimentally reported to generate time-reversal-odd spin current with controllable spin polarization in antiferromagnet RuO_{2}. The inverse effect, electrical detection of spin current via ASSE, still remains elusive. Here we show the spin-to-charge conversion stemming from ASSE in RuO_{2} by the spin Seebeck effect measurements. Unconventionally, the spin Seebeck voltage can be detected even when the injected spin current is polarized along the directions of either the voltage channel or the thermal gradient, indicating the successful conversion of x- and z-spin polarizations into the charge current. The crystal axes-dependent conversion efficiency further demonstrates that the nontrivial spin-to-charge conversion in RuO_{2} is ascribed to ASSE, which is distinct from the magnetic or antiferromagnetic inverse spin Hall effects. Our finding not only advances the emerging research landscape of altermagnetism, but also provides a promising pathway for the spin detection.

Foraging Payoffs Change With Group Size in Kin and Non-kin Groups of an Argyrodinae Kleptoparasitic Spider, Argyrodes miniaceus

Evolutionary transitions from solitary to group-living are ubiquitous in animal systems. While the fitness consequences of group size changes are often investigated, the long-standing debate on whether kinship is a prerequisite of sociality is still ongoing. In the current study, we used kleptoparasitic spiders Argyrodes miniaceus (subfamily Argyrodinae, Theridiidae) as a model system to assess the role of group size on the foraging payoffs of kin and non-kin groups. We set up laboratory-manipulated kin and non-kin foraging groups and used feeding occurrence and duration as proxies for foraging benefits and feeding latency and the number of host attacks as estimates of foraging costs. Compared to solitary individuals, feeding durations of successfully fed individuals in groups was not significantly different from that of solitary foragers in both kin and non-kin groups. The occurrences of feeding decreased significantly in group sizes two and above, in non-kin groups, and in group sizes three and above, in kin groups. In kin groups, groups size two had significantly shorter feeding latencies compared to other group sizes, even though feeding duration did not change systematically with group size. Similarly, the number of attacks from the hosts were highest in non-kin groups with more than two individuals and in kin groups with more than three individuals. The juxtaposition of kin and non-kin group showed that A. miniaceus enjoyed the highest foraging payoffs when being solitary or in small groups (group size two). However, host attacks appeared to hamper feeding occurrences in kin groups, which was not observed in non-kin groups. Our results contrast sharply with the feeding benefits of kinship recorded in kin-based groups of sub-social species present in related subfamilies in the Theridiidae.

[Scan time and accuracy of full-arch scans with intraoral scanners: a comparative study on conditions of the intraoral head-simulator and the hand-held model]

Objective: To comparatively evaluate the scan time and the accuracy of maxillary full-arch scans using four intraoral scanners (IOS) on conditions of the intraoral head-simulator and the hand-held model, and to evaluate the influence of different scanning conditions on digital scan. Methods: A upper dental arch model with melamine-formaldehyde resin teeth and silica gel gingiva that could be fixed on a head simulator was scanned with an optical scanner (ATOS Core) in order to obtain the standard tessellation language dataset as reference. Intraoral scans were performed on the model fixed on the head simulator by three researchers with four IOS [A: TRIOS 3; B: CS 3600; C: CEREC Omnicam; D: iTero]. For each scanner and each researcher, six scans were performed, to obtain the datasets as the head simulator group. And another six scans with each of the four intraoral scanners were performed by each researcher on the hand-held model to obtain the STL datasets as the hand-held group. The scan time were recorded for each scan. In the Geomagic Wrap software, the digital models were trimmed with only the teeth information retained and supreimposed by best fit alignment function and compared to obtain the root mean square (RMS) values of the discrepancies by three-dimensional compare function. The test datasets of each group were compared with the reference dataset for trueness. The six test scanning datasets with the same scanner of the same researcher were cross compared for precision. Mann Whitney U test was used to statistically analyze the difference values of the scan time, trueness and precision of the same intraoral scanner between head simulator group and hand-held group. Results: Compared to the hand-held group, the scan time of A [142(82) s] and D [119(52) s], which two IOS both with handle, were longer in head simulator group [A: 98(28) s; D: 85(22) s] (P<0.01). However there were no significant differences between the two groups for scan time of IOS B and C (P>0.05). For full-arch scan accuracy (trueness and precision), there were no significant differences between the two groups of IOS A and B (P>0.05), while the trueness of C (P<0.05) and the precision of D (P<0.01) were better in head simulator group [C: 112(38) μm; D: 43(13) μm] compared to hand-held group [C: 135(47) μm; D: 53(18) μm]. However, there were no significant differences for the precision of C (P>0.05) and the trueness of D (P>0.05). Conclusions: The scan time and the accuracy of full-arch digital scans with different IOS may be effected by the scan conditions. For in vitro study of intraoral scanning, head-simulator can simulate the intraoral environment of the real patient to some extent. Meanwhile, the position of the dentist and the patient, and also the limited intraoral space during intraoral scanning are also simulated.

Gene Flow Increases Phylogenetic Structure and Inflates Cryptic Species Estimations: A Case Study on Widespread Philippine Puddle Frogs (Occidozyga laevis)

In cryptic amphibian complexes, there is a growing trend to equate high levels of genetic structure with hidden cryptic species diversity. Typically, phylogenetic structure and distance-based approaches are used to demonstrate the distinctness of clades and justify the recognition of new cryptic species. However, this approach does not account for gene flow, spatial, and environmental processes that can obfuscate phylogenetic inference and bias species delimitation. As a case study, we sequenced genome-wide exons and introns to evince the processes that underlie the diversification of Philippine Puddle Frogs-a group that is widespread, phenotypically conserved, and exhibits high levels of geographically-based genetic structure. We showed that widely adopted tree- and distance-based approaches inferred up to 20 species, compared to genomic analyses that inferred an optimal number of five distinct genetic groups. Using a suite of clustering, admixture, and phylogenetic network analyses, we demonstrate extensive admixture among the five groups and elucidate two specific ways in which gene flow can cause overestimations of species diversity: (1) admixed populations can be inferred as distinct lineages characterized by long branches in phylograms; and (2) admixed lineages can appear to be genetically divergent, even from their parental populations when simple measures of genetic distance are used. We demonstrate that the relationship between mitochondrial and genome-wide nuclear p-distances is decoupled in admixed clades, leading to erroneous estimates of genetic distances and, consequently, species diversity. Additionally, genetic distance was also biased by spatial and environmental processes. Overall, we showed that high levels of genetic diversity in Philippine Puddle Frogs predominantly comprise metapopulation lineages that arose through complex patterns of admixture, isolation-by-distance, and isolation-by-environment as opposed to species divergence. Our findings suggest that speciation may not be the major process underlying the high levels of hidden diversity observed in many taxonomic groups and that widely-adopted tree- and distance-based methods overestimate species diversity in the presence of gene flow.

Gut microbiota compositions and metabolic functions in type 2 diabetes differ with glycemic durability to metformin monotherapy

AIMS

The metabolic derangements in type 2 diabetes have been attributed to compositional changes in the gut microbiota. Metformin, the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, has been found to modulate the gut microbiota. However, no literature has reported the associations between the composition of the gut microbiota and glycemic durability to metformin monotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 375 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited, among which 14 and 11 patients were eligible as the metformin durable group and nondurable group, respectively. Fecal samples were collected to analyze the gut microbiota by Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and PICRUSt2 was adopted to infer microbial functional differences.

RESULTS

Although the two groups had similar biochemical profiles and microbial metabolites, the pattern of microbiota clustering was different. The intra-group diversity was significantly reduced in the durable group. For the microbial metabolic pathways, the biosynthesis of thiamine and lipopolysaccharide was dominant in the durable group.

CONCLUSIONS

There were different compositions of gut microbiota with unique microbial metabolic pathways between type 2 diabetes with and without glycemic durability to metformin monotherapy. Microbial salvage by increasing thiamine biosynthesis might be beneficial for the metformin durable group to maintain optimal glycemic control.

A survey on poorly known rainforest litter-dwelling spiders of Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) with the description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae, Tetrablemmidae, and Theridiosomatidae)

Representatives of some poorly known spider species collected in the rainforest litter of the Orchid Island (Taiwan) are illustrated and discussed here. A new species, Brignoliella tao sp. nov. (Fam. Tetrablemmidae), endemic to Orchid Island, is described based on both sexes. The previously unknown female of Theridiosoma triumphale Zhao Li, 2012 (Fam. Theridiosomatidae), is described for the first time. Zoma taiwanica (Zhang, Zhu Tso 2006) comb. nov., from the same family, is illustrated and its transfer from the genus Theridiosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1879 to Zoma Saaristo, 1996 is proposed on the basis of morphological characters. Habitus and genitalia of the endemic species Gongylidioides angustus Tu Li, 2006 (Fam. Linyphiidae) are also illustrated.

Phylogenomic Analysis of Ultraconserved Elements Resolves the Evolutionary and Biogeographic History of Segmented Trapdoor Spiders

The segmented trapdoor spiders (Liphistiidae) are the sole surviving family of the suborder Mesothelae, which forms the sister lineage to all other living spiders. Liphistiids have retained a number of plesiomorphic traits and their present-day distribution is limited to East and Southeast Asia. Studying this group has the potential to shed light on the deep evolutionary history of spiders, but the phylogeny and divergence times of the family have not been resolved with confidence. We performed phylogenomic and molecular dating analyses of 2,765 ultraconserved element loci from 185 liphistiid taxa. Our analyses show that the crown group of Liphistiidae appeared in the mid-Cretaceous at 102 Ma (95% credibility interval 92-113 Ma), but it was not until the Neogene that much of the diversification within the family occurred in mainland Southeast and East Asia. This diversification was coincident with tectonic events such as the extension of the East Asian continental margin, as well as geological upheavals in Indochina induced by the collision between India and Asia. Our study highlights the important role of major tectonic events in shaping the evolutionary history, present-day diversity, and geographical distribution of mesothele and liphistiid spiders.

[New developments and advances in surgery in dental implantology]

Oral implantology has experienced more than half a century of development, the theoretical foundation and clinical technology are becoming more mature. This article elaborates on the establishment of implant timing, implant-related bone augmentation technology, surgical alternatives to bone augmentation technology, implant-related soft tissue augmentation technology, and computer-guided surgery. Provide a reference for a comprehensive understanding of dental implant surgery technology and its new developments.

Implication of single year seasonal sampling to genetic diversity fluctuation that coordinates with oceanographic dynamics in torpedo scads near Taiwan

Many fisheries management and conservation plans are based on the genetic structure of organisms in pelagic ecosystems; however, these structures tend to vary over time, particularly in cyclic ocean currents. We performed genetic analyses on the populations of the pelagic fish, Megalaspis cordyla (Osteichthyes: Carangidae) in the area surrounding Taiwan during 2000–2001. Genotyping was performed on M. cordyla collected seasonally around Taiwan as well as specimens collected from Singapore (Malacca strait) and Indonesia (Banda Sea). Gonadosomatic indices (GSI) revealed that M. cordyla does not spawn near Taiwan. Data related to the mitochondrial control region revealed that the samples from Singapore and Indonesia represented two distinct genetic cohorts. Genotyping revealed that during the summer (June–August 2000), the Indonesian variant was dominant in eastern Taiwan (presumably following the Kuroshio Current) and in the Penghu region (following the Kuroshio Branch Current). During the same period, the Singapore genotype was dominant along the western coast of Taiwan (presumably following the South China Sea Current); however, the number dropped during the winter (December–February 2001) under the effects of the China Coast Current. Divergence time estimates indicate that the two genetic cohorts split during the last glacial maximum. Despite the fact that these results are based on sampling from a single year, they demonstrate the importance of seasonal sampling in unravelling the genetic diversity in pelagic ecosystems.

Tracking the evolution of the two successful CC59 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clones in Taiwan: the divergence time of the two clades is estimated to be the 1980s

Clonal complex 59 (CC59) is the dominant community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain in Taiwan and includes the Asian-Pacific clone with Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-negative/staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) IVg and the Taiwan clone characterised as PVL-positive/SCCmec V (5C2&5). Nevertheless, data on the evolutionary history of the two dominant CC59 MRSA clones in Taiwan are scarce. In this study, a total of 258 CC59 S. aureus strains from Taiwan were classified by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), which revealed two major clusters (MT1 and MT2) with distinct mobile genetic elements (MGEs). However, sequencing and PCR mapping of the β-lactamase-producing plasmid revealed no difference among all CC59 S. aureus strains. Bayesian evolutionary analysis of 18 of the CC59 S. aureus strains based on core genome alignment revealed two clades: (i) Clade A, which shared the samples with MT1, had the features of mainly harbouring gentamicin-resistant MES_6272-2 or MES₄₅₇₈, φSA3 translocation in νSaβ and SCCmec IVg; and (ii) Clade B, which shared the samples with MT2, had the features of mainly harbouring streptomycin-resistant MES_PM1, PVL phage and SCCmec V (5C2&5). Based on the time-calibrated phylogenetic tree, the estimated time of divergence of the two clades was in the 1980s. These results suggest that the CC59 S. aureus progenitor acquired a β-lactamase-producing plasmid and then developed the varied genetic backgrounds, which were associated with the acquisition and maintenance of distinct MGEs, leading to differences in antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and molecular virulence determinants.

Panel 7 - Pathogenesis of otitis media - a review of the literature between 2015 and 2019

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comprehensive review of the literature from July 2015 to June 2019 on the pathogenesis of otitis media. Bacteria, viruses and the role of the microbiome as well as the host response are discussed. Directions for future research are also suggested.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed database of the National Library of Medicine.

REVIEW METHODS

PubMed was searched for any papers pertaining to OM pathogenesis between July 2015 and June 2019. If in English, abstracts were assessed individually for their relevance and included in the report. Members of the panel drafted the report based on these searches and on new data presented at the 20th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media.

CONCLUSIONS

The main themes that arose in OM pathogenesis were around the need for symptomatic viral infections to develop disease. Different populations potentially having different mechanisms of pathogenesis. Novel bacterial otopathogens are emerging and need to be monitored. Animal models need to continue to be developed and used to understand disease pathogenesis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings in the pathogenesis panel have several implications for both research and clinical practice. The most urgent areas appear to be to continue monitoring the emergence of novel otopathogens, and the need to develop prevention and preventative therapies that do not rely on antibiotics and protect against the development of the initial OM episode.

Parachute geckos free fall into synonymy: Gekko phylogeny, and a new subgeneric classification, inferred from thousands of ultraconserved elements

Recent phylogenetic studies of gekkonid lizards have revealed unexpected, widespread paraphyly and polyphyly among genera, unclear generic boundaries, and a tendency towards the nesting of taxa exhibiting specialized, apomorphic morphologies within geographically widespread "generalist" clades. This is especially true in Australasia, where monophyly of Gekko proper has been questioned with respect to phenotypically ornate flap-legged geckos of the genus Luperosaurus, the Philippine false geckos of the genus Pseudogekko, and even the elaborately "derived" parachute geckos of the genus Ptychozoon. Here we employ sequence capture targeting 5060 ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to infer phylogenomic relationships among 42 representative ingroup gekkonine lizard taxa. We analyze multiple datasets of varying degrees of completeness (10, 50, 75, 95, and 100 percent complete with 4715, 4051, 3376, 2366, and 772 UCEs, respectively) using concatenated maximum likelihood and multispecies coalescent methods. Our sampling scheme addresses four persistent systematic questions in this group: (1) Are Luperosaurus and Ptychozoon monophyletic, and are any of these named species truly nested within Gekko? (2) Are prior phylogenetic estimates of Sulawesi's L. iskandari as the sister taxon to Melanesian G. vittatus supported by our genome-scale dataset? (3) Is the high-elevation L. gulat of Palawan Island correctly placed within Gekko? (4) And, finally, where do the enigmatic taxa P. rhacophorus and L. browni fall in a higher-level gekkonid phylogeny? We resolve these issues; confirm with strong support some previously inferred findings (placement of Ptychozoon taxa within Gekko; the sister taxon relationship between L. iskandari and G. vittatus); resolve the systematic position of unplaced taxa (L. gulat, and L. browni); and transfer L. iskandari, L. gulat, L. browni, and all members of the genus Ptychozoon to the genus Gekko. Our unexpected and novel systematic inference of the placement of Ptychozoon rhacophorus suggests that this species is not grouped with Ptychozoon or even Luperosaurus (as previously expected) but may, in fact, be most closely related to several Indochinese species of Gekko. With our resolved and strongly supported phylogeny, we present a new classification emphasizing the most inclusive, original generic name (Gekko) for these ~60 taxa, arranged into seven subgenera.

[Genetic characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with NUP98-NSD1 fusion gene]

Objective: To investigate the genetic characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients with NUP98-NSD1 fusion gene. Methods: A total of 80 pediatric AML patients were enrolled in this study, and bone marrow specimens were collected at initial diagnosis and relapse. NUP98-NSD1 was screened by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR. Other laboratory test results and clinical outcomes were further analyzed for the NUP98-NSD1 positive cases. Results: A total of eight patients (10.0%) were positive for NUP98-NSD1, which were all fusions of NUP98 exon12 and NSD1 exon 6. There were two M2, three M4, and three M5 cases according to the French-American-British classification. Seven patients had karyotype results at the time of initial diagnosis, and none of them had complicated karyotype abnormalities. Among these patients, two cases had normal karyotype, three cases had trisomy 8, one case had trisomy 6, and two cases had anomalies involving 9q13 or 9q21. Additional karyotypic abnormalities and clonal evolutions were observed during disease progression or relapse, five cases had 9q13 or 9q32 abnormalities. Five cases (62.5%) were positive with FLT3-ITD mutation. Patients were treated with DAE/NAE/HAE/IA chemotherapy. Three cases did not achieve remission after several courses of chemotherapy, and five cases achieved remission but relapsed in 1 to 19 months. Five cases underwent salvage allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Among whom, four died in 40 days to 4 months after transplantation, and one survived 8.5 months till the last follow-up. Conclusions: NUP98-NSD1 is a recurrent genetic abnormality with significant clinical prognostic significance, and this group of disease has unique clinical and genetic characteristics. NUP98-NSD1 should be screened by FISH or PCR for children with AML who are newly diagnosed or refractory and relapsed to identify the high-risk genetic marker.

A selection method of chickens with blue-eggshell and dwarf traits by molecular marker-assisted selection

The blue-eggshell and dwarf traits have an important economic value in poultry production. Using a genetic aggregation-based strategy, the molecular marker-assisted selection technology was jointly used to provide a rapid breeding method for pure strain chickens simultaneously with hens exhibiting the blue-eggshell and dwarf traits. Overall, 80 male dwarf chickens and 1,000 hybrid blue-eggshell hens (F0) were used for the hybridization experiment. Subsequently, the crossing of F1 or F2 chicks was performed in succession. The F1 and F2 chicks were respectively detected by the joint molecular markers of the solute carrier organic anion transporter family, namely, 1B3 (SLCO1B3) and the growth hormone receptor (GHR) genes, which relate to blue-eggshell and dwarf traits. Meanwhile, the selection of blue-eggshell and dwarf phenotypes was used to validate the data obtained by the molecular markers. The results showed that F1 chicks included the heterozygous and wild-type of SLCO1B3, as well as the homozygous (hens) and heterozygous (roosters) of GHR. However, F2 chicks included 3 different genotypes of both SLCO1B3 and GHR. Ultimately, 196 F1 roosters (concurrently with heterozygous genotype of SLCO1B3 and GHR) and 1,073 F1 hens (concurrently with heterozygous genotype of SLCO1B3 and homozygous genotype of GHR) were obtained from the initial 10,040 F1 chicks. Further, 27 F2 roosters and 345 F2 hens, which simultaneously carried the homozygous genotype of SLCO1B3 and GHR, were screened from the initial 6,000 F2 chicks. Data obtained on the blue-eggshell and dwarf phenotypes were consistent with the results by molecular markers. Similarly, the purity verification of the strain obtained through 2 crossing experiments (F0♂ × F2♀ and F2♂ × F2♀) revealed that all chickens had the blue-eggshell and dwarf traits, supporting that the obtained F2 strain was pure. In summary, for the first time, we successfully bred a pure strain chicken with blue-eggshell and dwarf traits by jointly using the molecular markers of the SLCO1B3 and GHR genes. Our study provides a new method for the rapid cultivation of new chicken strains.

Dual pathways in social evolution: Population genetic structure of group-living and solitary species of kleptoparasitic spiders (Argyrodinae: Theridiidae)

Group-living behavior is taxonomically widespread but rare in spiders. The conventional view is that the main pathways to group-living in spiders are either sub-social, where extended maternal care leads to prolonged sibling association; or communal living, where individuals aggregate to exploit a common resource. Female egg-sac guarding behavior occurs throughout kleptoparasitic spiders in the subfamily Argyrodinae (Theridiidae), while individuals in group-living species cohabit in the resource rich webs of their host spiders. These attributes fit both sub-social and communal routes to group-living, which offers new insights to study the early stages of social evolution. We investigated whether members of kleptoparasitic groups in natural populations comprise related individuals by comparing the population structure of two group-living species, Argyrodes miniaceus and A. cf. fissifrons, and two solitary species, A. fasciatus and Neospintharus trigonum. We found that: (1) genetic-spatial autocorrelation in group-living species was highest among spiders sharing the same host web and declined steeply with increasing distance, but no significant autocorrelation at any scale for solitary species; (2) there was high relatedness among group members in two cases of group-living species, which indicated relatedness was not an adhesive agent in most of the groups, but no high relatedness in solitary species; and (3) the host web boundary was not the sole predictor of genetic structures in group-living species. These results suggest that population genetic structure in the group-living species is caused by limited dispersal of group members that is favored by ecological conditions, including the nature and size of resources. In contrast, the absence of genetic structuring in populations of solitary species indicates a high level of dispersal with individual interactions unlikely to have fitness benefits.

[Clinical applications of transcrestal around detached sinus floor elevation technique using osteotomes and sequential drills with stops]

Sinus floor elevation was needed in 11 patients having 15 implant sites with the residual bone height (RBH) was less than 10 mm in the posterior maxillary region from Feb to May 2017. The RBH ranged from 3.10 to 8.34 mm [averaged (6.18±1.60) mm]. RBH<6 mm was observed in 40% implant sites (6 implant sites) and RBH≥6 mm was observed in 60% implant sites (9 implant sites). The thickness of the sinus floor membrane correspond to the implant site measured by cone beam CT (CBCT) ranged from 0.50 to 4.24 mm [averaged (1.21±0.92) mm]. Sequential drills with stops were used to perforate the cortical bone of the sinus floor firstly, then the transcrestal around detached sinus floor elevation technique (TADSFET) was carried with osteotomes. Anorganic bovine bone was used as the augmentation material.Fifteen implants were placed in 15 implant sites. CBCT pictures showed that there was a smooth and continuous tent-shaped apophysis on each lifted site and no air fluid level was observed in the sinus immediately after operation. The mean elevated height of the 15 implant sites was (7.83±1.57) mm (ranged from 5.94 to 11.01 mm). The mean follow-up time was 7.91 months (7-10 months). The survival rate was 100% during the follow up period.

[Clinicopathologic features of atypical type A thymoma]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of atypical type A thymoma. Methods: Clinicopathologic and follow-up data of three cases of atypical type A thymoma from 2004 to 2016 were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed. Results: All three patients were male with average age of 59 years. Clinically, the lesions presented as anterior mediastinal masses. Grossly, the tumor ranged in size from 4 to 6 cm in greatest dimension and partially enclosed within fibrous capsule. The cut surface was homogenously fleshy, tan to brown in color, with multinodular and lobulated configurations. Cystic changes and necrosis were seen. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of plump spindle or oval-shaped cells arranged in storiform, microcystic, glandular, rosettes-like and hemangiopericytoma-like histological patterns. The tumor cells showed mild cytological atypia and mitotic activity ranged from 4 to 5/10HPF. Necrosis was present in all tumors. All tumors showed diffuse CK(AE1/AE3), CK19, p63 and vimentin expression. TdT, CK20, CD20, CD5 and CD117 were negative. The proliferative index, as measured with Ki-67, was 15.2% to 26.4%. None of the cases had recurrence or metastases during the follow-up period (9 to 27 months). Conclusions: Atypical type A thymoma presents atypical features including tumor necrosis and increased mitotic activity. However, the implications of such atypical features to the biological behavior of the tumor remain to be determined.

Population genetic evidence for sex-specific dispersal in an inbred social spider

Dispersal in most group-living species ensures gene flow among groups, but in cooperative social spiders, juvenile dispersal is suppressed and colonies are highly inbred. It has been suggested that such inbred sociality is advantageous in the short term, but likely to lead to extinction or reduced speciation rates in the long run. In this situation, very low levels of dispersal and gene flow among colonies may have unusually important impacts on fitness and persistence of social spiders. We investigated sex-specific differences in dispersal and gene flow among colonies, as reflected in the genetic structure within colonies and populations of the African social spider Stegodyphus dumicola Pocock, 1898 (Eresidae). We used DNA fingerprinting and mtDNA sequence data along with spatial mapping of colonies to compare male and female patterns of relatedness within and among colonies at three study sites. Samples were collected during and shortly after the mating season to detect sex-specific dispersal. Distribution of mtDNA haplotypes was consistent with proliferation of social nests by budding and medium- to long-distance dispersal by ballooning females. Analysis of molecular variance and spatial autocorrelation analyses of AFLPs showed high levels of genetic similarity within colonies, and STRUCTURE analyses revealed that the number of source populations contributing to colonies ranged from one to three. We also showed significant evidence of male dispersal among colonies at one site. These results support the hypothesis that in social spiders, genetic cohesion among populations is maintained by long-distance dispersal of female colony founders. Genetic diversity within colonies is maintained by colony initiation by multiple dispersing females, and adult male dispersal over short distances. Male dispersal may be particularly important in maintaining gene flow among colonies in local populations.

[The elementary discussion on digital implant dentistry]

It is a digital age today. Exposed to all kinds of digital products in many fields. Certainly, implant dentistry is not exception. Digitalization could improve the outcomes and could decrease the complications of implant dentistry. This paper introduces the concepts, definitions, advantages, disadvantages, limitations and errors of digital implant dentistry.

Interleukin-17 Impairs Salivary Tight Junction Integrity in Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes secretory dysfunction of the salivary glands. It has been reported that proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) was elevated and tight junction (TJ) integrity disrupted in minor salivary glands from SS patients. However, whether the elevated IL-17 in SS affects TJ integrity and thereby alters the function of salivary gland is unknown. Here, by using nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice as SS model, we found that the stimulated salivary flow rate was significantly decreased in NOD mice. Lymphocyte infiltration was mainly observed in submandibular glands (SMGs), but not parotid glands (PGs), of NOD mice. IL-17 was significantly increased and mainly located in lymphocytic-infiltrating regions in SMGs but not detectable in PGs of NOD mice. Meanwhile, the epithelial barrier function was disrupted, as evidenced by an increased paracellular tracer clearance and an enlarged acinar TJ width in SMGs of NOD mice. Furthermore, claudin-1 and -3 were elevated especially at the basolateral membranes, whereas claudin-4, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were reduced in SMGs of NOD mice. Moreover, occludin and ZO-1 were dispersed into cytoplasm in SMGs of NOD mice. However, no change in the expression and distribution of TJ proteins was found in PGs. In vitro, IL-17 significantly decreased the levels and apical staining of claudin-4 and ZO-1 proteins in the cultured SMG tissues, as well as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 in PG tissues. Moreover, IL-17 activated the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 in SMG cells, whereas pretreatment with NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate suppressed the IL-17-induced downregulation of claudin-4 and ZO-1 in SMG tissues. Taken together, these findings indicate that IL-17 derived from infiltrating lymphocyte impairs the integrity of TJ barrier through NF-κB signaling pathway, and thus might contribute to salivary gland dysfunction in SS.

Evolution of host use, group-living and foraging behaviours in kleptoparasitic spiders: molecular phylogeny of the Argyrodinae (Araneae : Theridiidae)

Spiders in the subfamily Argyrodinae are known for their associations with other spiders. These associations include predation (araneophagy), web usurpation and kleptoparasitism. Although the majority of the 239 described species are solitary, ~20 species live in groups in the webs of their hosts. We constructed a molecular phylogeny of argyrodine genera and species in order to investigate (1) the evolution of araneophagy and kleptoparasitism, and (2) group-living and its association with particular types of host webs. We investigated the phylogeny of 41 primarily Asian and American species representing six recognised genera of Argyrodinae, using sequences of four genes: mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA (16S); and nuclear 28S rRNA (28S) and histone 3 (H3). We used Bayesian methods to reconstruct the ancestral states of three behavioural characters: foraging method, group-living and specialisation on large webs of large hosts. We tested for correlated evolution of group-living behaviour and specialisation on large webs using reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The molecular phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the Argyrodinae. Reconstruction of ancestral states shows the evolutionary pathway of web-invading behaviour in Argyrodinae is from araneophagy to kleptoparasitism, and then to group-living kleptoparasitism. We found the evolution of group-living behaviour is strongly correlated with specialisation on the use of large host webs, which provide a larger food resource than smaller webs.

Urine specific gravity as a predictor of early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke

We previously found that a blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio>15 is an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration after acute ischemic stroke, which suggests that dehydration may be a cause of early deterioration. The aim of this study was to determine whether urine specific gravity, which is another indicator of hydration status and one that is more easily obtained, is also an independent predictor of early deterioration or stroke-in-evolution (SIE). Demographic and clinical data were recorded at admission from patients with acute ischemic stroke who were prospectively enrolled from October 2007 to June 2010. We compared patients with and without stroke-in-evolution (based on an increase of 3 points or more points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale within 3 days). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. A total of 317 patients (43 SIE and 274 non-SIE) were enrolled; the first 196 patients comprised the cohort of our previous study. The only two independent predictors of early deterioration or SIE were BUN/Cr>15 and urine specific gravity>1.010. After adjusting for age and gender, patients with a urine specific gravity>1.010 were 2.78 times more likely to develop SIE (95% CI=1.11-6.96; P=0.030). Urine specific gravity may be useful as an early predictor of early deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients with urine specific gravity ≤ 1.010 therefore may have a reduced likelihood of early neurological deterioration.

Characteristics of membrane fouling in submerged membrane bioreactor under sub-critical flux operation

Recently, the membrane bioreactor (MBR) process has become one of the novel technologies to enhance the performance of biological treatment of wastewater. Membrane bioreactor process uses the membrane unit to replace a sediment tank, and this can greatly enhance treatment performance. However, membrane fouling in MBR restricts its widespread application because it leads to permeate flux decline, making more frequent membrane cleaning and replacement necessary, which then increases operating and maintenance costs. This study investigated the sludge characteristics in membrane fouling under sub-critical flux operation and also assessed the effect of shear stress on membrane fouling. Membrane fouling was slow under sub-critical flux operation. However, as filamentous microbes became dominant in the reactor, membrane fouling increased dramatically due to the increased viscosity and polysaccharides. A close link was found between membrane fouling and the amount of polysaccharides in soluble EPS. The predominant resistance was the cake resistance which could be minimized by increasing the shear stress. However, the resistance of colloids and solutes was not apparently reduced by increasing shear stress. Therefore, smaller particles such as macromolecules (e.g. polysaccharides) may play an important role in membrane fouling under sub-critical flux operation.

Zona pellucida thickness and clinical pregnancy outcome following in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE

To investigate possible correlations of ZPT or ZPTV with clinical outcome following in vitro fertilization.

METHODS

Two hundred forty-six embryos were selected for transfer on day 3 with clear image record from 81 IVF-ET cycles. The laser system measurement software was used to measure the ZTP value of each embryo and the ZPTV was computed. Statistical analysis was done using the ANOVA or Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Both ZPT and ZPTV declined with women's age. The mean ZPTV of embryos from patients between 30 and 34 years old was significantly higher than that from patients older than 35 (P<0.001). The ZPTV in pregnancy group was significantly higher than that in nonpregnancy group (P<0.005). The clinical pregnancy rate in the group with ZPTV more than 20% was significantly higher than that in the group with ZPTV less than 20% (P<0.05). The ZPTV of high grade embryos was significantly higher than that of low grade embryos (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ZPTV rather than ZPT is an effective parameter to evaluate the embryo quality. Increasing the ZPTV may enhance embryo implantation potential.

Two novel mutations of the glycine receptor gene in a Taiwanese hyperekplexia family

The authors report a Taiwanese family with autosomal recessive hyperekplexia. Two novel mutations, W96C (from the paternal allele) and R344X (from the maternal allele), which are located in exon 4 and exon 7 of the GLRA1 gene, were identified in this family. A series of electrophysiologic investigations were conducted in one of the probands, and the results suggest that the "startle center" is located subcortically.

A comparative study of osmoregulation in four fiddler crabs (Ocypodidae: Uca)

This study aims to give an integrative description of the correlation of physiological parameters of osmoregulation and the habitats of the four common Uca species in Taiwan. Uca arcuata inhabits areas close to fresh water in the upper beach. Uca formosensis is only found in the areas near the mean high water of spring tide where there is a clear dry-wet transition within a single semilunar cycle. Uca vocans is found in the lower intertidal zone. Uca lactea, the most widely distributed species, can easily be found on most muddy sand shores. The number of gills was observed and histological sectioning performed on each species. The range of salinity in which the fiddler crabs maintained their hemolymph osmolality without any significant change (i.e. osmoregulatory homeostasis) and the gill Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity were determined by transferring individuals to different salinity tanks. The results suggest that U. formosensis and U. lactea can sustain a wider range of salinity change through both modification in gill morphology and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. Uca arcuata can regulate in a hypo-osmotic condition and U. vocans tends to be a weak-osmoregulator.

Toxicity of different industrial effluents in Taiwan: a comparison of the sensitivity of Daphnia similis and Microtox

Industrial effluents are known to exhibit toxicity toward different aquatic organisms. In Taiwan management of these discharges still relies on chemical and physical and physical characteristics of water, although various standard method for assessing aquatic toxicity have been proposed by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. In this study we examined the toxicity and compared the sensitivity of different types of industrial effluents using two proposed toxicity tests: the Daphnia similis acute toxicity test and the Microtox acute assay (Vibrio fischeri). Results showed that electroplating effluents were the most toxic of all the effluents tested, followed by acrylonitrile manufacturing, pulp/paper, and tannery effluents. The EC50 of an electroplating effluent for D. similis and V. fischeri (15 min) was as low as, respectively, 2.9% and 3.9% of the whole effluent. The other effluents were not acutely toxic to either organism tested. However, the tests exhibited different sensitivity toward various discharges. Only the electroplating and acrylonitrile manufacturing effluents had effects on both organisms. These results indicate the importance of the incorporation of aquatic toxicity tests into the management scheme for treated wastewaters.

Gastroparesis: prevalence, clinical significance and treatment

The application of novel techniques to quantify gastric motor function and gastric emptying has yielded important insights into the prevalence, pathogenesis and clinical sequelae of gastroparesis. Both acute and chronic gastroparesis occur frequently; gastric emptying of solids is delayed in 30% to 50% of patients with diabetes mellitus, functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. While many patients with gastroparesis experience upper gastrointestinal symptoms that adversely affect quality of life, the concept that symptoms are inevitably the direct outcome of delay in gastric emptying is now recognized to be overly simplistic. In contrast, the potential impact of gastroparesis on oral drug absorption and blood glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus has probably been underestimated. While the use of prokinetic drugs (cisapride, domperidone, metoclopramide and erythromycin) forms the mainstay of therapy in symptomatic patients with gastroparesis, a number of novel pharmacological therapies are being evaluated, and preliminary studies using gastric pacing show promise.

Effects of huangqi jianzhong tang on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes

AIM

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZT) on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes.

METHODS

Sixteen male and eight female judo athletes in Hsin-Ming senior high school were randomly and stratified divided into control and experimental group, which received placebo and HQJZT respectively during the five-week training program. The measurement of the hematological and biochemical parameters was performed twice, just before and after the training. The data was analyzed with paired-t test and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The values of RBC, Hb, and Hct were obvious decreased after intervention, while the value of GOT, GPT, BUN, and CK was elevated.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated the hematological and biochemical changes were caused by the physical training but not the effects of HQJZT. The HQJZT had no adverse effects on the judo athletes in our study.

Factors attributing to the psychological recovery from the 1999 Taiwan earthquake among junior high school students: a focus group interview study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors contributing to the psychological recovery from the 1999 Taiwan earthquake from the perspective of adolescents in Chungliao. A total of 22 junior high school students who had significant decrease of Impact of Event Scale (IES) scores in the follow-up period of 9 months were recruited to participate in one of three focus groups. By applying the method of focus group interviewing, adolescents' attributions of factors relating to the improvements of psychological reactions were collected. All interviews were tape-recorded and the transcripts were approached by content analysis. Four major factors contributing to psychological recovery from the earthquake are clustered: (1) self-healing effect as time passed away; (2) assistance from people of the non-afflicted areas; (3) being engaged in interests in leisure time; and (4) other important events happening after the earthquake. Several factors contributed to the psychological recovery of adolescents from the experience of the earthquake. The results of this study can serve as the basis of further treatment strategies for the adolescent refugees from major disasters.

A model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with Ritcher's transformation in severe combined immunodeficiency mice

OBJECTIVE

The major aim of the study was to establish a murine model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with B-1 cells derived from a New Zealand white mouse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Malignant B-1 cells (named CLL-RT cells) derived from a New Zealand white mouse were injected into the peritoneal cavity of severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Upon follow-up of recipient mice, the lymphomas showed characteristics similar to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with Ritcher's transformation.

RESULTS

Blood samples from the recipient mice showed that CLL-RT cells increased rapidly in peripheral blood after 5 weeks. Serum interleukin-10 also increased significantly in recipient mice, as in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. These CLL-RT cells showed a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio. These cells could metastasize via circulation in the recipients and form diffuse lymphomas in various tissues. These aggressive and diffuse lymphomas were similar to Ritcher's transformation of human CLL. The cell surface antigens of the spleen and peritoneal resident cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The CLL-RT cells constantly expressed surface immunoglobulins M and G, and CD5, CD19, B220, and CD40 molecules. They did not express any CD11b, CD3, MAC-3, CD23, NK1.1, or H-2K(d) molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics of our animal model are very similar to human CLL. This animal system could be an ideal model for the human disease. We believe the animal model would be valuable in therapeutic studies and aid in the identification of the specific genetic alleles associated with the disease.

Effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on antropyloroduodenal motility and appetite in response to intraduodenal lipid infusion in humans

BACKGROUND

Studies in animals indicate that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gastrointestinal tract and that it modulates food intake. We evaluate the role of NO mechanisms in mediating the effects of small intestinal nutrients on antropyloroduodenal motility and appetite in humans.

METHODS

On 2 separate days, 8 healthy adult men received intravenous L-NAME 180 microg/kg/h or 0.9% saline (0-150 min); between 30 min and 120 min, an intraduodenal lipid infusion (2 kcal/min) was administered, and at 120 min subjects were offered a buffet meal (120-150 min). Antropyloroduodenal pressures were measured with a sleeve/sidehole manometric assembly. During the infusions, perceptions of hunger and fullness were assessed with visual analog questionnaires and amount and macronutrient content of food consumed at the buffet meal were quantified. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored at regular intervals.

RESULTS

Intraduodenal lipid infusion was associated with increases in fullness (P < 0.05) and in frequency of isolated pyloric pressure waves (P < 0.05) and basal pyloric pressure (P < 0.05); and decreases in hunger (P < 0.05) and in frequency of antral (P < 0.05) and duodenal (P < 0.05) pressure waves. L-NAME increased diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.08) and decreased heart rate (P < 0.05), but had no effect on antropyloroduodenal pressures or food intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous administration of the systemic NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, in a dose that affects cardiovascular function in healthy humans does not modify the antropyloroduodenal motor and appetite responses to intraduodenal lipid infusion.

Cutaneous B cell lymphoma in a Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

A mass was noticed on the right mandible of an aged male Mongolian gerbil. Because of rapid enlargement of the mass, the animal was euthanized and submitted for pathology. The mass was firm, pink in color, 15 mm in diameter, and tightly adherent to adjacent tissues. Staining with hematoxylin and eosin revealed that the mass was a lymphoid tumor. Neoplastic cells had a large, round, dense nuclei and little cytoplasm. The tumor contained numerous mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical stains showed that the neoplastic cells expressed CD19 and IgM but lacked CD3 and CD5. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for B220, IgG, and CD40. We concluded that the tumor was a primary cutaneous B cell lymphoma. In addition, the antibodies we used for the present diagnosis were anti-mouse reagents; therefore, they also were useful for subtyping gerbil lymphoid cells.

Identification of Atractylodes plants in Chinese herbs and formulations by random amplified polymorphic DNA

AIM

An efficient, precise, and sensitive method for identifying Atractylodes plants has been established and will contribute significantly to quality control and scientific analysis in Chinese traditional medicine.

METHODS

Twenty primers were applied for setting up the RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) markers of Atractylodes plants, Atractylodes lancea DC (A lancea DC), Atractylodes japonica Koidz (A japonica K), and Atractylodes ovata DC (A ovata DC). The primer OPF03, OPF05, and OPF14 could discriminate them successfully. The results were also able to apply on the Chinese formulations with Atractylodes purchased from local markets.

RESULTS

RAPD was used to investigate phylogenetic relationships among and within closely related species. RAPD analysis reflects heritable changes in the nucleotides sequence in both the coding and noncoding regions, because it is conducted directly from the DNA level. This work first conducted RAPD analysis of Atractylodes plants to establish their RAPD makers.

CONCLUSION

The RAPD markers could be applied extensively in the Chinese herbal formulations.

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection by stool antigen test in southern Taiwan

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been found to be associated with various gastrointestinal diseases. Confirmation of H. pylori infection includes invasive and non-invasive methods. There has been increasing interest in noninvasive tests recently. However, the geographical differences among H. pylori strains have been emphasized recently and the H. pylori strain in Taiwan showed a high cagA positive result and different vacA subtype when compared with those of Western countries. The aim of this study is to access and compare the reliability and the diagnostic accuracy of the stool H. pylori antigen tests by spectrophotometry and by the visual method, especially in Southern Taiwan. Thirty-two patients (18 men and 14 women; age range: 23-91 y/o, mean: 50.5 y/o) who underwent gastroendoscopy at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study. H. pylori infection status was confirmed by culture or two positive test results on CLO test, histology and 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT). The exclusion criteria included previous gastrointestinal tract surgery, use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitor or compounds containing bismuth within 1 month of the study. Among them, 14 patients were with duodenal ulcer (DU), 4 with gastric ulcer (GU), 12 with non-ulcer dyspepsia, and 2 with GU and DU. Those patients had their stool collected for ELISA tests of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA). The HpSA tests were positive in 16 of 18 patients diagnosed as H. pylori positive, and negative in 13 of 14 patients as H. pylori negative. The sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 92.9% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 94.1% and 86.7% respectively. The concordance of HpSA accessed by spectrophotometry and visual method is 100%, which makes this test even easier and cheaper. We concluded that stool HpSA test is a noninvasive, accurate, reliable, rapid and easy way to diagnose H. pylori infection in Southern Taiwan, either by spectrophotometry or by visual assessment.

The effect of fasting on the pulse spectrum

Nutrition is the major source of bioenergy. The present study investigated the physiological response to fasting by analyzing the effect of fasting on the pulse spectrum of the radial artery. Sixteen subjects were allowed to take only mineral water for 24 hours, and the pulse was measured at intervals during fasting and after eating resumed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Scheffe's test for pairwise comparisons. The results indicate the second harmonic of the radial pulse increased and the sixth harmonic decreased significantly after 24 hours of fasting. The proportions of the second harmonic then decreased significantly and those of the sixth harmonic increased significantly 12 hours after eating resumed. These findings suggest that a rhythm exists in physiological changes and the distribution of bioenergy, which ensures that the overall heart load will remain unchanged during the fasting and re-feeding periods, maintaining a stable overall balance in body function.

Evaluation of an office-based urine test for detecting Helicobacter pylori: a Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To ascertain the reliability of a newly developed office-based urine test, the RAPIRUN test, used for detection of H. pylori infection.

METHODOLOGY

Urine specimens from 142 consecutive patients undergoing gastroendoscopy (77 men, 65 women; mean 52.0 years) were tested with RAPIRUN at the same time. The total reaction time for the urine test is 20 min. None of the patients had received any H. pylori eradicating treatment. The H. pylori status was evaluated based on 5 different tests: culture, histology, biopsy urease test, 13C-urea breath test, and the RAPIRUN test. A commercial office-based kit using an immunochromatographic technique was used to examine urine samples for H. pylori antibody. H. pylori status was defined as positive when the culture was positive or if 2 of the other 3 tests (histology, biopsy urease test, and 13C-urea breath test were positive.

RESULTS

Of 93 patients with H. pylori infection, 88 were tested as positive by RAPIRUN (sensitivity 94.6%). Of 48 patients without infection, 43 were found to be negative by RAPIRUN (specificity 89.6%). One case with an invalid urine test was excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

This urine test is a rapid, inexpensive, reliable and easy-to-use tool for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in untreated patients. It can be used for mass screening of patients' H. pylori status, particularly in children, postgastrectomy patients, uncooperative patients, and patients undergoing bismuth or proton pump inhibitor treatment.

Enhanced prostaglandin E2 secretion in sputum from asthmatic patients after zafirlukast therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Leukotrienes are important inflammatory mediators of bronchial asthma that cause bronchoconstriction, mucous secretion, and increased vascular permeability. Current guidelines recommend anti-leukotriene agents as alternative treatments for asthma; however, data on their anti-inflammatory effect is lacking.

METHODS

The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of zafirlukast, a leukotriene antagonist, in patients with bronchial asthma. A total of 30 adult patients with mild persistent asthma received 6 weeks of zafirlukast treatment. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was determined before and after therapy to assess clinical efficacy. Both serum and sputum samples were collected before and after therapy and concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene E4 (LTE4) were measured.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in PEFR was found after zafirlukast therapy (p = 0.017). There was also a significant reduction in serum ECP concentration (13.6 +/- 2.4 micrograms/L vs 10.3 +/- 2.1 micrograms/L, p < 0.025) and a significant increase in sputum PGE2 concentration (112.7 +/- 14.0 pg/mL vs 176.8 +/- 32.1 pg/mL, p < 0.01). The percentage eosinophil count and the concentrations of ECP and LTE4 in the sputum were not significantly different after therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study found a significant reduction in serum ECP and a significant increase in sputum PGE2 concentrations in asthmatic patients after zafirlukast treatment, both of which were significantly associated with improvement in PEFR. The modulation of PGE2 and ECP production might occur through the anti-inflammatory effect of zafirlukast.

Effects of BCG on ovalbumin-induced bronchial hyperreactivity in a guinea pig asthma model

To test the effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway hyper-reactivity in guinea pigs, a total of 40 young guinea pigs was individually vaccinated subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of 2% OVA, 50 microg BCG, or a mixture of OVA and BCG (OVA+BCG). Airways were sensitized using nebulization with 1% OVA for 3 min once a week for two applications, followed by 2% OVA nebulized challenge for 3 min 1 week after the last application. Different concentrations of methacholine were used to detect airway hyperreactivities. At the third week, the guinea pigs were nebulized with either methacholine or OVA to test airway hyperreactivity. The OVA-vaccinated group presented with severe airway hyperresponsiveness after OVA and methacholine challenges; the BCG-vaccinated group showed mild airway hyperreactivity; and the OVA+BCG group showed the least amount of airway hyperreactivity. Lung histopathology in all groups, except the OVA+BCG-vaccinated group, showed severe thickening of the alveolar walls which became firmly fibrotic, and narrowing of the alveolar spaces was also noted. The guinea pigs in the OVA+BCG-vaccinated group had similar pulmonary morphology with that of naive guinea pigs, and had mild cell infiltration in the alveolar wall. The results of the skin biopsies at 6 h (2% OVA, 0.05 mL) and 36 h (20 microg PPD, 0.05 mL) after purified protein derivative (PPD) inoculation showed that infiltration of eosinophils and activation of CD4+ T-cells occurred in the OVA-vaccinated group. In the BCG-vaccinated groups, infiltration of CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells and macrophages occurred. OVA-specific IgG2 increased in the BCG-vaccinated groups after OVA-induced airway hyperreactivity occurred. The peripheral cell subpopulation showed that there was obviously increased activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in the OVA+BCG-vaccinated group. The phagocytic activity of macrophages also increased in both BCG- and OVA+BCG-vaccinated groups. The prevention of OVA-induced airway hyperreactivities using BCG vaccination in conjugation with OVA in these young guinea pigs indicated that it might be a good approach to avoid allergic reactions in humans.