Probiotics and synbiotics for preventing postoperative infectious complications in colorectal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The health benefits of probiotics and synbiotics in healthy adults are well established, but their role in preventing infectious complications after surgery for colorectal cancer remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the impact of probiotics/synbiotics on the incidence of infectious complications in patients who had surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of all randomized control trials (RCTs) was conducted using PubMed, Embase, World Health Organization (WHO) Global Index Medicus, WHO clinical trial registry, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Inclusion criteria included RCTs comparing the use of any strain or dose of a specified probiotic/synbiotic with placebo or a "standard care" control group. The incidence of postoperative infectious complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs involving 1566 patients (502 receiving probiotics, 273 receiving synbiotics, and 791 receiving placebo) were analyzed. Overall, probiotic or synbiotic administration significantly reduced the risk of developing postoperative infectious complications by 37% (relative risk (RR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.74, p < 0.001). Furthermore, when considering the six different types of postoperative infectious complications (septicemia, incision infection, central line infection, pneumonia infection, urinary infection, and incidence of diarrhea), probiotic or synbiotic administration was beneficial in reducing the incidence of each one of them. The quality of evidence was listed below: incidence of diarrhea (high), septicemia (moderate), incision infection (moderate), pneumonia infection (moderate), urinary infection (moderate), and central line infection (low). However, for the main outcome of infectious complications, we found evidence of possible publication bias, although estimates still showed a reduction following trim-and-fill analysis (RR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.84, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing postoperative infectious complications in patients who had surgery for colorectal cancer. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings due to publication bias and low quality of evidence.

[Predicting postoperative recurrence of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ renal clear cell carcinoma based on preoperative CT radiomics feature nomogram]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the preoperative radiomics features (RFs) and construct a nomogram for predicting postoperative recurrence of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC).

METHODS

The clinicopathological data and preoperative enhanced CT images collected from 256 patients with ccRCC were used as the training dataset (175 patients) and test dataset (81 patients). The enhanced CT images of the tumor were segmented using ITK-SNAP software, and the RFs were extracted using the PyRadiomics computing platform. In the training dataset, the RFs were screened based on Lasso-CV algorithm, and the Rad_score was calculated. The Clinic factors were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the clinical and pathological factors and CT characteristics. The Rad_score, Clinic、Rad_score + Clinic nomograms were constructed and verified using the test dataset. The performance, discrimination power and calibration of the nomograms were compared, and their clinical value was evaluated using decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Six RFs were retained to calculate the Rad_score. The Clinic factors included Rad_score, KPS score, platelet, calcification and TNM clinical stage. In terms of discrimination, the Rad_score + Clinic nomogram showed better performance (AUC=0.84 for training set; AUC=0.85 for test set) than the Rad_score nomogram (AUC=0.78 for training set, P=0.029; AUC=0.77 for Test set, P=0.025) and Clinic nomogram (AUC=0.77 for training set, P=0.014; AUC=0.77 for test set, P=0.011). In terms of calibration, the P value for goodness of fit test of the Rad_score+Clinic nomogram was 0.065 for the training set and 0.628 for the test set. Decision curve analysis showed a greater clinical value of the Rad_score+Clinic nomogram with Rad_score than the Clinic nomogram without Rad_score.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram based on preoperative CT RFs has a high value for predicting postoperative recurrence of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ ccRCC to facilitate individualized treatment of RCC.

Effect of anthracycline-based postoperative chemotherapy on blood glucose and lipid profiles in patients with invasive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that chemotherapy can cause abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in breast cancer patients; however, the effects of different chemotherapy regimens on the glucose and lipid profiles in this population remain unclear.

METHODS

The clinical data of 141 invasive breast cancer patients who were treated in our center from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected. All patients received surgical treatment and postoperative chemotherapy in our center. According to the postoperative chemotherapy regimens, these patients were divided into an observation group (n=100, treated with anthracycline-based regimens) and a control group (n=41, treated with non-anthracycline-based regimens). Blood glucose and lipid profiles were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the observation group had a significantly higher radiotherapy rate (74.00% vs. 43.90%, P=0.001) and a significantly higher proportion of patients receiving >6 cycles of chemotherapy (85.00% vs. 4.88%, P=0.000). There were no significant significances in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) before and after treatment (P>0.05) in both groups. TC and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were not significantly different between the observation group and control group before chemotherapy (P>0.05). After chemotherapy, fasting blood glucose significantly increased in the observation group (5.31±0.98 vs. 4.96±0.53, P=0.031), while HDL significantly decreased (1.08±0.28 vs. 1.19±0.31, P=0.042). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that anthracycline-based chemotherapy was a protective factor for increased fasting blood glucose after chemotherapy in invasive cancer breast patients [P=0.022, odds ratio (OR) =0.227, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.064-0.808], whereas receiving >6 cycles of chemotherapy was a risk factor for increased fasting blood glucose (P=0.014, OR =4.216, 95% CI: 1.337-13.296).

CONCLUSIONS

Anthracyclines have little effect on fasting blood glucose in breast cancer patients; however, the incidence of abnormal blood glucose metabolism is gradually increasing after prolonged anthracycline use. Compared with other chemotherapy drugs, anthracycline-based chemotherapy has no significant impact on blood lipid metabolism.

Syphilis-related rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: a case presentation

Background

Syphilis is a multisystemic infection that causes a wide variety of symptoms and thus has been dubbed one of the great medical mimickers. Due to recent global re-emergence of syphilis, it has become important to recognize its various presentations. Relative to the kidney, syphilitic infections generally present themselves with nephrotic range proteinuria, and are most often associated with pathological features of a membranous glomerulonephritis with subepithelial immune complex deposition. However, other rare renal presentations have been reported. One of these includes a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis picture. All described cases have been successfully resolved with the treatment of the underlying syphilis infection.

Case presentation

The patient was an elderly woman of Caribbean descent who presented with lower extremity weakness, anasarca and proteinuria, hematuria with progressive renal failure. On kidney biopsy, she was found to have a pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis pattern and a concomitant acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. She had a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test and a negative syphilis rapid plasma reagin test with clinical evidence of polyneuropathy suggestive chronic syphilis infection.

Conclusion and discussion

It is important in the context of pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis to explore all differential diagnoses. Given the positive syphilis serologies, clinical context and presence of tubulointerstitial nephritis, she was determined to have syphilitic glomerulonephritis that resolved with a course of both penicillin and steroids.

Incidence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in young breast cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction is common in postoperative breast cancer patients, which seriously affects the quality of life of the patients, especially young patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in young breast cancer survivors, so as to provide evidence for further intervention.

METHODS

A total of 201 young breast cancer patients who were hospitalized in our department from October 2017 to October 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The general information questionnaire and the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire were used to evaluate the patients.

RESULTS

Of these patients, 83.08% (167/201) of young breast cancer patients had sexual dysfunction. Total mastectomy (OR value single factor =7.843, OR value multiple factor =6.815), chemotherapy (OR value single factor =11.876, OR value multiple factor =38.711), and endocrine therapy (OR value single factor =19.688, OR value multiple factor =46.251) were independent risk factors of sexual dysfunction in young breast cancer survivors (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the incidence of sexual dysfunction in young breast cancer survivors is at a high level. Increasing the rate of breast conserving surgery and targeted intervention in patients with risk factors may help to reduce the incidence of sexual dysfunction and improve the quality of life in young breast cancer survivors.

Effect of postoperative chemotherapy on blood glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with invasive breast cancer

Background

Chemotherapy can lead to abnormal metabolism and affect the quality of life of patients after operation. Here we explore the effect of postoperative chemotherapy on blood glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with invasive breast cancer and thus provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of blood glucose and lipid disorders after surgery.

Methods

From January 2019 to December 2020, data from 141 patients with invasive breast cancer in our hospital were retrospectively collected. The levels of fasting blood glucose and blood lipid profiles [including total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] were compared before and after chemotherapy. Meanwhile, the metabolic risk factors for abnormal blood glucose and lipid profiles were analyzed.

Results

Fasting blood glucose levels significantly increased after treatment (5.21±0.89 vs. 4.87±0.71 mmol/L, P=0.000), as did those of triglyceride (1.81±1.02 vs. 1.26±0.67 mmol/L, P=0.000), while HDL significantly decreased (1.11±0.29 vs. 1.32±0.33 mmol/L, P=0.000). There were no significant differences in the levels of total cholesterol and LDL before and after treatment (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that anthracycline-based chemotherapy was a protective factor for elevated fasting blood glucose [P=0.035, 95% CI: 0.248 (0.068-0.908)], whereas receiving >6 cycles of chemotherapy was a risk factor for elevated fasting blood glucose (P=0.026, 95% CI: 4.036 (1.178-13.825)].

Conclusions

Postoperative chemotherapy can lead to the elevated triglyceride and fasting blood glucose and decreased HDL in patients with breast cancer. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is a protective factor for the increase of fasting blood glucose, and more than 6 cycles of chemotherapy is a risk factor for the increase of fasting blood glucose.

PIK3CA mutation confers resistance to chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting apoptosis and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a malignant subtype of breast cancer, the main treatments for which are chemotherapy and surgery. PIK3CA is an oncogene that encodes the p110α subunit of class IA PI3K to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Some reports have observed neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to have poor pathological complete response (pCR) rates in TNBC with PIK3CA mutation. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of how mutant PIK3CA alters chemotherapeutic susceptibility in TNBC.

Methods

TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) with PIK3CA gene mutations (E545K and H1047R regions) and overexpression were established by transfection. NOD/SCID mice were used for in vivo experiments. Epirubicin was used as the chemotherapeutic agent. Cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and Transwell assays were conducted for phenotype analysis. Western blot, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect gene and protein expression levels. A clinical analysis of 50 patients with TNBC was also performed.

Results

Cell viability and Transwell assays showed that PIK3CA mutation promoted TNBC cell growth and conferred an enhanced migratory phenotype. Cell cycle and apoptosis assays showed that PIK3CA mutation moderately improved the proliferation ability of TNBC cells and remarkably inhibited their apoptosis. After epirubicin therapy, the proportion of early apoptotic cells decreased among cells with PIK3CA mutation. Further, xenograft tumors grew faster in NOD/SCID mice injected with mutated cell lines than in control group, suggesting that PIK3CA mutation caused chemotherapy resistance. Importantly, western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that cells and mouse tumors in the PIK3CA mutation groups exhibited different expression levels of apoptosis-related markers (Xiap, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3) and proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (p110α, AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, p-p70S6K, and Pten). Moreover, prognostic analysis of 50 patients with TNBC indicated that PIK3CA mutation might be linked with relapse and death.

Conclusions

PIK3CA mutation confers resistance to chemotherapy in TNBC by inhibiting apoptosis and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Clinical features, prognosis, and influencing factors of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in 58 patients with breast cancer

Background

The past two decades have witnessed the increasing application of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for women with breast cancer in the western countries. Over 30% of young patients choose to underwent CPM up to 2015. However, the adoption rate of CPM has not shown a remarkably increasing in Asian countries. In China, only a few centers have introduced CPM, and no relevant literature has been published. In this study, we look forward to identify the clinical features and prognostic factors of women who underwent CPM in our hospital, to inform decision-making processes for both doctors and patients.

Methods

The clinical data of 58 eligible patients were retrospectively analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were based on independent samples t-test and chi square test. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were obtained by using life tables, and factors affecting the survivals were analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The mean age of these women was 40.14±11.17 years, with 30 patients (51.7%) being ≤40 years; 13 patients (22.4%) had a family history of breast cancer; and 49 (69.0%) had known risk factors for breast cancer. The median follow-up period was 66.77 months, the 5-year OS was 89% and the 5-year DFS was 74%. The average age of onset was 41.53 (±10.964) in the disease-free survival group and 34.18 (±10.4) years in the recurrence/metastasis group, and t-test revealed a significant difference in the average age between these two groups (P=0.049). Chi-square test showed that the disease progression rate significantly differed among the different age subgroups and among subjects with different body mass index (BMI) (all P≤0.05). Moreover, surgical procedure, family history of breast cancer, and some other factors showed no significant correlation with disease progression (all P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log rank test further confirmed the above findings.

Conclusions

The majority of patients who choose CPM are young and with known risk factors for breast cancer. Part of the young patients (≤40 years of age) are at a higher risk of disease progression.

Differential trajectories in LVEF predicts divergent clinical outcomes in HFrEF patients

Background

Recovery or improvement in LVEF is observed in many HFrEF patients following optimal medical management and device therapies, but whether this reflects true myocardial recovery remains controversial and the significance of LVEF decompensation in relation to clinical outcomes is unclear.

Purpose

To elucidate clinical characteristics and assess prognosis of HFrEF patients with differential trajectories in LVEF.

Methods

Heart failure (HF) patients were enrolled in a prospective Heart Function registry from outpatient cardiology clinics at an academic institution between Feb 2018 and Nov 2019. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 2D-echocardiography (echo) performed between Jan 2009 and Nov 2019. In total, 590 patients met the inclusion criteria with ≥2 repeated echo evaluations separated by ≥1 year. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics at enrollment were collected through review of medical records. Cardiovascular and HF specific admissions were captured using the corresponding ICD-10-CA codes. During a median follow-up of 5.9 years (IQR: 3.1 to 8.5 years) from the first echo date, clinical outcomes were assessed through composite mortality and hospitalizations endpoints.

Results

We identified 3 independent cohorts with 279 patients having permanently reduced LVEF (&lt;40%, HFrEF), 236 patients with recovered LVEF (&gt;40% on serial evaluations, HFrecEF) and 75 patients with subsequent decompensation in LVEF (&gt;40%, then &lt;40%, HFdecEF) following initial recovery. Use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs (94% vs. 99% vs. 91%) and beta blockers (88% vs. 87% vs. 87%) at baseline echo was similar amongst HFrEF, HFrecEF and HFdecEF cohorts respectively. HFrecEF cohort had higher usage of MRA (55% vs. 65% vs. 44%, p=0.002) and diuretics (74% vs. 80% vs. 65%, p=0.026). HFdecEF cohort was characterized by a predominance of males (80% vs. 69% vs. 80%, p=0.01), and more patients with ischemic etiology (41% vs. 28% vs. 60%, p&lt;0.001) compared with the HFrecEF cohort and resembled more closely to demographics of the HFrEF cohort. Median LVEF at baseline echo was similar across the cohorts. However, HFdecEF cohort had lower LV end-diastolic diameter (p&lt;0.001), LV end-systolic diameter (p&lt;0.001) and LV mass (p=0.01) compared with the HFrEF cohort sharing similarities with the HFrecEF cohort on baseline echo, suggesting lesser extent of adverse cardiac remodeling in both HFrecEF and HFdecEF cohorts initially. Over a median 5.9 years follow-up, HFdecEF and HFrEF patients had a significantly higher risk (compared to those with HFrecEF) of composite all-cause mortality with all-cause (80% vs. 75% vs. 57%, p=0.004), cardiovascular (48% vs. 50% vs. 29%, p=0.001) and HF hospitalizations (31% vs. 32% vs. 16%, p=0.004).

Conclusion

HFrEF patients who never recover their LVEF and patients with decompensation in LVEF following initial recovery represent a clinically higher risk group than patients who remained recovered during follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Evaluating Inoculation Methods to Infect Sugar Beet with Fusarium oxysporum f. betae and F. secorum

Minnesota and North Dakota combined contain 55% of the sugar beet production area in the United States, contributing to 49% of the nation's sugar beet production in 2018. Fusarium diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. betae and F. secorum on sugar beet can cause significant reduction in both root yield and sucrose concentration and purity. The objective of this research was to identify an alternative artificial inoculation method to induce Fusarium diseases on sugar beet leaves and roots caused by both Fusarium spp. in greenhouse conditions to better aid in research efforts. We tested four inoculation methods, including barley to seed, barley to root, drenching, and cutting. and compared them with the conventional root-dipping inoculation method. The inoculation method of placing Fusarium-colonized barley seed close to sugar beet seed (barley to seed) caused levels of symptom severities on both leaves and roots similar to the root-dipping method. Because the traditional root-dipping method involves a laborious transplant process, use of infected barley seed as inoculum may serve as an alternative method in the evaluation of host resistance and pathogen virulence among Fusarium diseases by Fusarium spp. on sugar beet at the seed or seedling stage.

Effectiveness of Rlm7 resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in UK winter oilseed rape cultivars

The Rlm7 gene in Brassica napus is an important source of resistance for control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. This study shows the first report of L. maculans isolates virulent against Rlm7 in the UK. Leptosphaeria maculans isolates virulent against Rlm7 represented 3% of the pathogen population when cultivars with the Rlm7 gene represented 5% of the UK oilseed rape area in 2012/13. However, the Rlm7 gene has been widely used since then, representing >15% of the UK oilseed rape area in 2015/16. Winter oilseed rape field experiments included cultivars with the Rlm7 gene, with the Rlm4 gene or without Rlm genes and took place at five sites in the UK over four cropping seasons. An increase in phoma leaf spotting severity on Rlm7 cultivars in successive seasons was observed. Major resistance genes played a role in preventing severe phoma leaf spotting at the beginning of the cropping season and, in addition, quantitative resistance (QR) in the cultivars examined made an important contribution to control of phoma stem canker development at the end of the cropping season. Deployment of the Rlm7 resistance gene against L. maculans in cultivars with QR in combination with sustainable disease management practices will prolong the use of this gene for effective control of phoma stem canker epidemics.

Negative emotions affect postoperative scores for evaluating functional knee recovery and quality of life after total knee replacement

This study aimed to determine whether psychological factors affect health-related quality of life (HRQL) and recovery of knee function in total knee replacement (TKR) patients. A total of 119 TKR patients (male: 38; female: 81) completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-revised (EPQR-S), Knee Society Score (KSS), and HRQL (SF-36). At 1 and 6 months after surgery, anxiety, depression, and KSS scores in TKR patients were significantly better compared with those preoperatively (P<0.05). SF-36 scores at the sixth month after surgery were significantly improved compared with preoperative scores (P<0.001). Preoperative Physical Component Summary Scale (PCS) and Mental Component Summary Scale (MCS) scores were negatively associated with extraversion (E score) (B=-0.986 and -0.967, respectively, both P<0.05). Postoperative PCS and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) scores were negatively associated with neuroticism (N score; B=-0.137 and -0.991, respectively, both P<0.05). Postoperative MCS, SAI, Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI), and BAI scores were also negatively associated with the N score (B=-0.367, -0.107, -0.281, and -0.851, respectively, all P<0.05). The KSS function score at the sixth month after surgery was negatively associated with TAI and N scores (B=-0.315 and -0.532, respectively, both P<0.05), but positively associated with the E score (B=0.215, P<0.05). The postoperative KSS joint score was positively associated with postoperative PCS (B=0.356, P<0.05). In conclusion, for TKR patients, the scores used for evaluating recovery of knee function and HRQL after 6 months are inversely associated with the presence of negative emotions.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Kazakh horses (Equus caballus) inferred from mtDNA sequences

The Kazakh horse is an important old horse breed in Xinjiang. They have contributed greatly to the breeding and improvement of other local horse breeds, yet their genetic diversity and population structure are not well understood. In the present study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of Kazakh horses and their relationship with other horse breeds using the mtDNA D-loop region, Cyt b gene, and a DNA fragment (nps 7974-9963, containing COX3, tRNA-Gly, ND3, and tRNA-Arg). A total of 130 Kazakh horses from 8 populations in China and Kazakhstan were analyzed. A total of 88 haplotypes (haplotype diversity: 0.9895) were identified, in which 3 haplotypes were shared by groups in the two countries. In a median-joining network, 6 haplogroups were found, in which most haplogroups included haplotypes from different populations. Neighbor-joining analysis revealed similar results in that haplotypes in different populations were admixed in most of the 6 clusters. In conclusion, a high level of genetic diversity was found in the Kazakh horses. However, no clear correspondence between haplogroups and geographic origin and no significant differentiation between populations in the two countries were observed. This might have resulted from the frequent contact between the two countries through the Silk Road in the past, or due to long-term outcrossing and hybridization with the introduced horses.

Comparative Pathogenicity and Virulence of Fusarium Species on Sugar Beet

In all, 98 isolates of three Fusarium spp. (18 Fusarium oxysporum, 30 F. graminearum, and 50 Fusarium sp. nov.) obtained from sugar beet in Minnesota were characterized for pathogenicity and virulence on sugar beet in the greenhouse by a bare-root inoculation method. Among the 98 isolates tested, 80% of isolates were pathogenic: 83% of the F. oxysporum isolates, 57% of the F. graminearum isolates, and 92% of the Fusarium sp. nov. isolates. Symptoms varied from slight to moderate wilting of the foliage, interveinal chlorosis and necrosis, and vascular discoloration of the taproot without any external root symptoms. Among the pathogenic isolates, 14% were highly virulent and 12% were moderately virulent. Most of the highly virulent isolates (91%) and moderately virulent isolates (89%) were Fusarium sp. nov. All pathogenic isolates of F. graminearum and most pathogenic isolates (87%) of F. oxysporum were less virulent. In general, more-virulent isolates induced first foliar symptoms earlier compared with less-virulent isolates. This study indicates that both F. oxysporum and Fusarium sp. nov. should be used in greenhouse and be present in field studies used for screening and developing sugar beet cultivars resistant to Fusarium yellows complex for Minnesota and North Dakota.

395 OVINE SPERMATOGONIA ISOLATION AND IN VITRO GROWTH ASSAY

Spermatogonia, as adult stem cells from the male reproductive system, are attracting strong interest from those studying male reproductive gamete preservation and developing new approaches in transgenic animals. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) is a marker of sheep spermatogonia, which has been validated by J. R. Rodriguez-Sosa et al. (2006).The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro culture system for spermatogonial growth. Twenty 2- to 3-month-old rams were randomly selected at a local slaughter house for testicular tissue collection. Two-step enzymatic digestion methods were used for spermatogonia isolation from seminiferous tubules. In brief, mechanically isolated seminiferous tubules from testicular tissue were incubated in 1:1 1 mg mL-1 collagenase and hyaluronidase with 5 μg mL-1 DNase I for 20 min at 37°C. Most of the surrounding interstitial cells will fall off from seminiferous tubules by slightly pipetting. Seminiferous tubules were from cell suspensions after natural sedimentation in PBS and then were digested in 0.25% trypsin + 0.04% EDTAfor 5 to 7 min at 37°C to disassociate tubules into single cells. Data were analyzed with ANOVA procedures. Means of 5 specimens were presented. Of the total isolated cells, 19.7 ± 5.3% were identified as PGP9.5+cells, and 23.8 ± 3.6% were identified as c-kit+ cells. C-kit, the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor for stem cell factor, has been identified, which is expressed and functional in differentiating A1-A4 spermatogonia but not in spermatogonial stem cells (OhtaH2000). For in vitro culture of spermatogonia, DMEM supplemented with 1X ITS (insulin, transferrin, selenium), 100 μM β-mercaptoethano, 6 mM L-Glutamine, and 1X nonessential amino acids were used as basic culture medium. We have found that in primary spermatogonia culture, cells cultured together with testis somatic cells (sertoli cells) in basic medium supplied with 2.5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) were much more efficient than culturing with a supplement of 10% FBS. In primary culture, growing round-shaped cell colonies were visible from Day 5 in basic culture medium. In subculture, colonies were enzymically digested into smaller pieces from Day 8 to 10 and then placed onto mouse embryonic fibroblasts feeder layer in 2.5% FBS basic medium with the addition of 100 ng mL-1 glial cell-derived neurotropic factor, 10 ng mL-1 leukemia inhibitory factor, and 10 ng mL-1 basic fibroblast growth factor. PGP9.5+ spermatogonia cell colonies maintained their normal round shape until 4 to 5 passages. However, in subsequent passages, the colonies became flattened and cells gradually lost their interconnection and the growth pattern present in the early passages. Also in subsequent passages, cells began expressing more C-kit than PGP9.5. In conclusion, PGP9.5+ spermatogonia were successfully isolated from 2- to 3-month-old ram testis, and PGP 9.5 cell colonies were maintained and proliferated in the in vitro culture system up to 2 months.

Fluctuations in number of Cercospora beticola conidia in relationship to environment and disease severity in sugar beet

Cercospora leaf spot, caused by Cercospora beticola, is the most damaging foliar disease of sugar beet in Minnesota (MN) and North Dakota (ND). Research was conducted to characterize the temporal progression of aerial concentration of C. beticola conidia in association with the environment and disease severity in sugar beet. In 2003 and 2004, volumetric spore traps were placed within inoculated sugar beet plots to determine daily dispersal of conidia at Breckenridge, MN, and St. Thomas, ND. Plots were rated weekly for disease severity. At both locations, conidia were first collected in early July 2003 and late June in 2004. Peaks of conidia per cubic meter of air were observed with maxima in late August 2003 and in early September 2004 at both locations. Peaks of airborne conidium concentration were significantly correlated with the average temperature of daily hours when relative humidity was greater than 87%. Weekly mean hourly conidia per cubic meter of air was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with disease severity during both years and across locations. This study showed that C. beticola conidial numbers may be used to estimate potential disease severity that, with further research, could be incorporated in a disease forecasting model to rationalize Cercospora leaf spot management.

Capture and use of solar radiation, water, and nitrogen by sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

Sugar beet is spring-sown for sugar production in most sugar beet-growing countries. It is grown as a vegetative crop and it accumulates yield (sugar) from very early in its growth cycle. As long as the sugar beet plants do not flower, the sugar accumulation period is indefinite and yield continues to increase. This paper reviews the success of the sugar beet crop in capturing and using solar radiation, water and mineral nitrogen resources. The prospects for improved resource capture and therefore increased sugar yield are also considered, particularly the potential to increase solar radiation interception in the future by sowing the crop in the autumn.

The first clinical results of "wide-focus and low-pressure" ESWL

A clinical study of the concept "wide-focus and low-pressure" extracorporal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was performed in a scientific cooperation between the Physical Institute of the University of Stuttgart and the Xixin Medical Instruments Co. Ltd. in Wuxian-Suzhou, China. In this cooperation, self-focusing electromagnetic shock-wave generator systems from the University of Stuttgart were integrated into Xixin lithotripters and installed in seven hospitals in China. A total of 297 detailed patient protocols revealed an average of 1532 shock pulses for successful treatment with no necessity for pain medication and auxiliary measures, and a stone-free rate of 86% after a follow-up of 3 months. These results are discussed in terms of the wide-focus low-pressure conditions and the mechanism of binary fragmentation by squeezing.

Pacing in right ventricular dysplasia after disconnection surgery

This report describes a 33-year-old patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular (RV) dysplasia who had a dual chamber pacemaker implanted at age 23 years for drug-induced bradycardia. Pacing was continued after right ventricular free-wall disconnection (RVFWD) at age 24 years. Her pacemaker was not replaced after battery depletion 7 years later. She presented the following year in severe right-sided heart failure. Her old pacemaker generator was replaced. This was followed by rapid resolution of her clinical failure and return to a full, active, physical lifestyle. This observation suggests the potential benefit of dual chamber pacing in patients with RV dysplasia after RVFWD.

Initial experience with a co-radial bipolar pacing lead

A new type of endocardial bipolar pacing lead has been designed to overcome the potential drawbacks of the conventional coaxial bipolar pacing lead. We prospectively evaluated the new co-radial bipolar pacing leads (Intermedics Thin-Line), which are thinner (5 Fr vs 6-8 Fr) than standard coaxial bipolar leads. X-ray visibility and lead handling were subjectively assessed (excellent, good, adequate, or poor) at implant; lead impedance, sensitivity threshold, and pacing threshold were measured at implant, then at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The results were as follows: 103 patients (51 M; age 63.8 +/- 17.4 years) received 71 atrial (A) and 89 ventricular (V) leads. X-ray visibility was excellent in 59/103; good in 23/103; adequate in 11/103; and poor in 10/103. Overall handling was excellent in 56/71 A and 69/89 V; good in 11/71 A and 18/89 V; adequate in 3/71 A and 1/89 V; poor in 1/71 A and 1/89 V. There were two perioperative complications. At implant: impedance in A and V were 370.1 +/- 74.7 and 501.5 +/- 124.4 omega, sensing thresholds in A and V were 3.0 +/- 1.5 and 9.9 +/- 5.0 mV, pacing thresholds at 0.45 ms in A and V were 0.59 +/- 0.21 and 0.41 +/- 0.15 volt, respectively. At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of follow-up: no pacing lead related complications were reported; pacing lead characteristics remained outstanding and stable. This new lead appears to have significant clinical advantages over the conventional coaxial bipolar pacing lead. Long-term follow-up is required to confirm its reliability and chronic performance characteristics.

Characteristics of restitution kinetics in repolarization of rabbit atrium

The study was designed to characterize restitution kinetics in atrial repolarization of rabbits and to examine effects of K+ or Ca2+ channel blockers on restitution. Action potentials were recorded from rabbit atrial tissue. Restitution curves of phase I amplitude and action potential duration at 50 and 90% repolarization (APD50, APD90) were defined at a basic cycle length of 0.5 s during control and with interventions. Restitution of phase I amplitude had a monoexponential function with a time constant of 2.8 +/- 0.2 s. The curves of APD50 frequently had a monoexponential function and time constants were 1.8 +/- 0.1 s. Restitution curves of APD90 were biphasic: a descending phase followed by an ascending phase. The blocker of Ito1 (a 4-aminopyridine-sensitive component of the transient outward current), 4-aminopyridine, flattened the restitution curves of phase I amplitude, and APD50 and APD90 curves became monophasic. Sotalol, a selective IKr (a rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current) blocker, did not alter curves of phase I amplitude and APD50 but shifted APD90 curves upward. Cadmium, a Ca2+ blocker shifted curves of phase I amplitude and APD50 downward and abolished the ascending phase of APD90 curves. We conclude that kinetics of Ito1 and ICa (calcium current) may account for characteristics of restitution of atrial repolarization in rabbit.

Use of field observations to characterise genotypic flowering responses to photoperiod and temperature: a soyabean exemplar

Thirty-nine accessions of soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and 1 of wild annual soyabean (Glycine soja L.) were sown at two sites in Taiwan in 1989 and 1990 and on six occasions during 1990 at one site in Queensland, Australia. On two of the occasions in Australia additional treatments extended natural daylengths by 0.5 h and 2 h. The number of days from sowing for the first flower to appear on 50% of the plants in each treatment was recorded (f), and from these values the rate of progress towards flowering (1/f) was related to temperature and photoperiod. In photoperiod-insensitive accessions it was confirmed that the rate is linearly related to temperature at least up to about 29°C. In photoperiod-sensitive genotypes this is also the case in shorter daylengths but when the critical photoperiod (P c) is exceeded flowering is delayed. This delay increases with photoperiod until a ceiling photoperiod (P ce) is reached. Between P c and P ce, 1/f is linearly related to both temperature (positive) and photoperiod (negative), but in photoperiods longer than P ce there is no further response to either factor. The resulting triple-intersecting-plane response surface can be defined by six genetically-determined coefficients, the values of which are environment-independent but predict time to flower in any environment, and thus quantify the genotype x environment interaction. By this means the field data were used to characterise the photothermal responses of all 40 accessions. The outcome of this characterisation in conjunction with an analysis of the world-wide range of photothermal environments in which soyabean crops are grown lead to the following conclusions: (1) photoperiod-insensitivity is essential in soyabean crops in temperate latitudes, but such genotypes flower too rapidly for satisfactory yields in the tropics; (2) photoperiod-sensitivity appears to be essential to delay flowering sufficiently to allow adequate biomass accumulation in the warm climates of the tropics; (3) contrary to a widely held view, some degree of photoperiod-sensitivity is also needed in the tropics if crop-duration homeostasis is required where there is variation in sowing dates (this is achieved through a photoperiod-controlled delay in flowering which counteracts the seasonal increase in temperature that is correlated with increase in day-length); and (4) a greater degree of photoperiod-sensitivity is necessary to provide maturity-date homeostasis for variable sowing dates - a valuable attribute in regions of uncertain rainfall. Since the triple-intersecting-plane response model used here also applies to other species, the use of field data to characterise the photothermal responses of other crops is discussed briefly.

pH-dependent actions of 4-aminopyridine on atrial repolarization: effects on the transient outward current

Effects of extracellular pH (pHo) were examined on the changes in atrial repolarization induced by 4-aminopyridine (4AP), which is a selective blocker of the transient outward potassium channel, I(to). Action potential parameters were measured, using the conventional microelectrode technique, in the absence and presence of 4AP (0.1-3.0 mM) at pHo 6.5, 7.25, and 8.0. Phase 1 amplitude served as an index of I(to). The onset and recovery kinetics of phase 1 amplitude were assessed at a basic cycle length of 0.5 s, and time constants (tau on and tau r) were computed. Both onset and recovery kinetics had monoexponential functions. Tonic blockade was influenced by external pH, and Kd for half block was 0.19, 0.44, and 2.43 mM for pHo 8.0, 7.25, and 6.5, respectively. Phasic block was defined and exhibited cycle length dependence. Phasic block was also modified by external pH with the greatest effect at pHo 8.0. 4AP (0.3 mM) accelerated tau on, 0.62 +/- 0.2, 0.55 +/- 0.1, and 2.0 +/- 0.8 beats for pHo 8.0, 7.25, and 6.5 compared with control 6.8 +/- 1.9, 6.3 +/- 1.9, and 5.1 +/- 1.4 beats. In contrast, 4AP slowed tau r by about 1 s from control value to 1.5 +/- 0.5 s at pHo 6.5, 4.8 +/- 1.5 s at pHo 7.25 (p < 0.05), and 5.7 +/- 2.0 s at pHo 8.0. We conclude that an increase in extracellular pH enhances block of Ito induced by 4AP, whereas low pHo attenuates the block.

Variation in the durations of the photoperiod-sensitive and photoperiod-insensitive phases of development to flowering among eight maturity isolines of soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

In soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] the period between sowing and flowering is comprised of three successive developmental phases--pre-inductive, inductive and post-inductive--in which the rate of development is affected, respectively, by temperature only, by photoperiod and temperature, and then again by temperature only. A reciprocal-transfer experiment (carried out at a mean temperature of 25 degrees C) in which cohorts of plants were transferred successively between short and long photoperiods and vice-versa showed that eight combinations of three pairs of maturity alleles (E(1)/e(1), E(2)/e(2), E(3)/e(3)) had their greatest effect on the duration of the inductive phase in long days. This phase was increased with the increasing photoperiod sensitivity induced by the different gene combinations, and ranged from about 27 to 54 d according to genotype. In a short day regime (11.5 h d(-1)), less than the critical photoperiod, the duration of the inductive phase was brief-requiring about 11 photoperiodic cycles in the less photoperiod-sensitive genotypes and only about seven cycles in the more sensitive ones. The maturity genes also affected the duration of the two photoperiod-insensitive phases; these durations were positively correlated with the photoperiod-sensitivity potential of the gene combinations. The largest effect was on the pre-inductive phase which varied from 3 to 11 d, while the post-inductive phase varied from about 13 to 18 d. As a consequence of these nonphotoperiodic effects of the maturity genes, even in the most inductive regimes (daylengths less than the critical photoperiod) the time taken to flower by the less photoperiod-sensitive combinations of maturity genes was somewhat less than in the more sensitive combinations-ranging from about 28 to 34 d. The genetic and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Characterization of photothermal flowering responses in maturity isolines of soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cv. Clark

All eight isolines of three maturity genes (E(1)/e(1), E(2)/e(2), and E(3)/e(3)) of soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cv. Clark were grown in widely different combinations of photoperiod and temperature. Under the more inductive conditions, i.e. in a warm mean temperature (30 degrees C) when daylengths were less than the critical value (i.e. less than about 13 h), the isolines flowered at similar times (23-24 d). The responses of all isolines to temperature were also similar, if not identical. Increase in daylength above the critical photoperiod progressively delayed flowering until the time taken to flower (f) reached a maximum at the ceiling photoperiod. The relations between the rate of progress towards flowering (1/f) and photoperiod (between the critical and ceiling values) were linear. The coefficient characterizing the slope of the response (photoperiod sensitivity) varied amongst the isolines. These responses could be grouped into three categories of increasing sensitivity: (1) least sensitive, e(1)e(2)e(3), e(1)E(2)e(3), e(1)e(2)E(3); (2) intermediate, E(1)e(2)e(3), e(1)E(2)E(3), and (3) most sensitive, E(1)E(2)e(3), E(1)e(2)E(3), E(1)E(2)E(3). Thus, in the Clark cultivar genetic background, E(1) induces greater photoperiod sensitivity but neither E(2) nor E(3) on their own have any effect. However, both E(2) and E(3) together induce photoperiod sensitivity comparable to that induced by E(1) alone. Furthermore, in addition to this epistasis, either E(2) or E(3) has considerable epistatic effect on E(1), further increasing photoperiod sensitivity. The effects of these genes and their epistasis were also reflected in the extent of the maximum delays to flowering which occur when the ceiling photoperiod is exceeded, and also possibly in earliness in circumstances when photoperiods were below the critical value.

Electrophysiologic properties of a narrow isthmus in rabbit atrial tissue: cycle length dependent effect of quinidine

The modulation of quinidine's effect by pacing cycle lengths was assessed over an isthmus of atrial myocardium, simulating the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Isolated rabbit atria were dissected so that two tissue blocks, A and B, were linked by an isthmus, 1 mm in width. Effective refractory period in the tissue blocks and over the isthmus was measured at cycle lengths of 1,000, 600, and 400 ms, and the minimum cycle length to sustain 1:1 conduction over the isthmus was measured before treatment, during quinidine superfusion (4 mg/L), and after washout. Longitudinal velocity over the isthmus was also measured. The increment in the effective refractory period in the tissue blocks by quinidine appeared to be similar, about 10% at three pacing cycle lengths (p > 0.05). However, the increment of the effective refractory period over the isthmus was modulated by pacing cycle lengths: greater increase at shorter cycle lengths (p < 0.001). Quinidine prolonged the minimum cycle length over the isthmus by 44 +/- 17%. Regression analysis showed that after quinidine there was a correlationship between conduction velocity and refractoriness over the isthmus (R = 0.85, p < 0.001). Intracellular implements showed stable action potentials, confirming the integrity of the preparation. We conclude that (i) quinidine preferentially prolongs refractoriness over the isthmus and (ii) quinidine's effect on refractoriness over the isthmus is cycle length dependent.

Regional differences in rabbit atrial repolarization: importance of transient outward current

Regional differences in rabbit atrial repolarization were investigated using a conventional microelectrode technique. A more rapid phase 1 repolarization (lower phase 1 amplitude) was seen in the left atrial (LA) roof area compared with the right atrial (RA) roof area: 54 +/- 10 vs. 82 +/- 6 mV at 1,000 ms (P < 0.001). In addition, action potential duration at 40 mV above the resting potential (APD40) was shorter in LA and was associated with a slower phase 3 repolarization rate. Furthermore, the recovery time constant of phase 1 amplitude at 500 ms was 0.9 +/- 0.2 s in LA and 3.5 +/- 1.5 s in RA (P < 0.001). Pacing cycle lengths (2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 800, and 500 ms) modulated phase 1 amplitude, APD40, and phase 3 rate in both regions. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP; 1 mM), a selective transient outward current (I(to)) blocker, abolished cycle length dependence of the above action potential parameters and diminished the differences in electrophysiological properties between the two regions. 4-AP also flattened the restitution curve of phase 1 amplitude in both regions. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the different kinetics of I(to) play an important role in regional differences of atrial repolarization.

Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia arising from the right ventricular outflow tract

Characteristics of left bundle branch block morphology, inferiorly directed frontal plane QRS axis and repetitive nonsustained salvos were used to define a discrete subgroup of patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT). The origin of this tachycardia was thought to be the right ventricular outflow tract. Twenty-six patients with this definition (group 1) were compared with 29 consecutive patients with all other forms of VT (group 2). When compared with patients in group 2, group 1 patients were younger (average age 37 vs 51 years, p less than 0.005), had less structural heart disease (2 of 26 vs 25 of 29 patients, p less than 0.005) and had a better prognosis (no deaths) after an average follow-up time of 28 months in comparison with 5 deaths after an average follow-up of 35 months (p less than 0.05). Induction of VT was possible using isoproterenol infusion in 14 of 20 group 1 patients, but no VT could be induced in 9 group 2 patients (p less than 0.05). Exercise stress testing induced VT in 11 of 21 group 1 patients and 2 of 9 group 2 patients (p greater than 0.05). Programmed electrical stimulation failed to induce VT in 9 group 1 patients, but did induce it in 15 of 20 group 2 patients (p less than 0.005). Successful therapy in group 1 patients was achieved by beta blockers alone (7 patients), beta blockers plus type 1A antiarrhythmic drugs (9 patients), procainamide alone (2 patients), sotalol (3 patients) and amiodarone (2 patients). Three patients were not treated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)