Effect of RhoC silencing on multiple myeloma xenografts and angiogenesis in nude mice

In this study, we investigated the expression of RhoC in the multiple myeloma (MM) cell line RPMI- 8226, as well as the effects of silencing RhoC on the growth of tumor xenografts and tumor-induced angiogenesis in nude mice with MM. For this purpose, we transduced RPMI-8226 cells with lentiviral particles overexpressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting RhoC. Tumor xenografts were generated by subcutaneously injecting nude mice with RPMI-8226 cells overexpressing control shRNA [negative control (NC) group] or the RhoC shRNA [the experimental (S) group], respectively. RhoC protein and mRNA levels in the tumor xenografts were measured. Nude mice were also subcutaneously inoculated with Matrigel mixed with vascular endothelial growth factor, and CD31 and KI67 levels in the tumor xenografts were measured by immunohistochemistry. Similarly, we assessed tumor xenograft growth and angiogenesis in Matrigel implants in the mice of both groups. We found that RhoC levels, microvessel density, and CD31 labeling index were more reduced in the S group than in the NC group. However, there was no significant difference in the size of tumor xenografts between the 2 groups. The number of new vessels and the neovascular length in the Matrigel implants were significantly lower in the S group than in the NC group. Therefore, we concluded that RhoC expression in myeloma xenografts has important effects on the induction of angiogenesis.

[Clinical analysis of seven cases of H1N1 influenza-associated encephalopathy in children]

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of H1N1 influenza A-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children. Methods: The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG) examinations and treatments of seven children with H1N1 IAE hospitalized in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from December 2018 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Five of the seven children with H1N1 IAE were female. The age at admission was 4 years and 5 months (range 7 months-9 years). Neurological symptoms occurred simultaneously or early (0-3 days) after the flu-like symptom appeared. The main clinical manifestations of neurological symptoms were seizures (repeated seizures in five cases and status convulsion in two cases, including one case of unexpected fever and repeated seizures in a nine-year old girl) accompanied with altered consciousness (drowsiness in five cases and coma in two cases). Cranial MRI in three cases displayed multifocal lesions, mainly in the bilateral thalamus, brainstem and cerebellar hemisphere. MRI also showed reversible splenial lesion in the corpus callusumin in three cases. EEG tracings were characterized by diffuse slow wave activity in four cases, and status epilepticus was monitored in one case. All the 7 cases were treated with oral oseltamivir. Three cases were treated with pulsed methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin. One case was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin alone and all the patients received oral oseltamivir. All the patients survived, with three patients had minor neurological sequelae at discharge. Conclusions: The main clinical manifestations of H1N1 IAE are seizures and altered consciousness. Cranial MRI combined with EEG is helpful for early diagnosis. Intravenous immunoglobulin and (or) methylprednisolone should be considered for severe cases.

[Clinical analysis of methylmalonic acidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia with diffuse lung disease as an initial or main presentation]

Objective: To improve the awareness of methylmalonic acidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia with diffuse lung disease as an initial or main presentation. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, radiological features, laboratory tests, genetic variations, treatments and prognoses was conducted in six children presented with diffuse lung disease and finally diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia in Ward 2 of Department of Respiratory Diseases, Beijing Children's Hospital, from August 2017 to November 2018. Results: Six children were included in this study. Two children were male and four were female. The average age of onset was 28 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 34 months. The average interval from onset to diagnosis was 6 months. Four children who underwent genetic tests were found to have variants of gene MMACHC and diagnosed with CblC type. All children had respiratory symptoms and signs as initial or main presentation, which were tachypnea (5 cases), exercise intolerance (5 cases), cough (4 cases), cyanosis (4 cases), clubbing (4 cases), dyspnea (3 cases) and retractions (3 cases). Pulmonary arterial hypertension was found in all six children. Pericardial effusion (4 cases), kidney involvement (3 cases), nervous system involvement (3 cases), gastrointestinal system involvement (3 cases) and anemia (2 cases) also coexisted. The high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features included dilated pulmonary artery (6 cases), ground-glass opacities (4 cases), diffuse poorly defined ground-glass centrilobular nodules (3 cases), pleural effusion (3 cases), thickening of interlobular septum (2 cases), etc. All children had an elevated concentration of methylmalonic acid in urine and homocysteine in plasma. Genetic tests were performed in four patients, and MMACHC genetic mutations were found in all of them. Clinical manifestations, HRCT features and pulmonary arterial hypertension turned better in five children after treatment. One patient who was not regularly followed-up died. Conclusions: Pulmonary involvement including diffuse lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension could coexist with methylmalonic acidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia, which may have respiratory symptoms and signs as the initial or main presentation. Characteristic HRCT features were found in some patients. Plasma homocysteine test is a quick method for screening the disease in children with diffuse lung disease and (or) pulmonary arterial hypertension. Both diffuse lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension may turn better after treatment.

Effects of cottonseed meal on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and serum biochemical parameters of geese

Cottonseed meal (CSM), an oil industry by-product, is an attractive alternative protein source in poultry diets. To investigate the effects of CSM on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and serum biochemical parameters of geese, a total of 300 healthy, 28-day-old, male Jiangnan geese were randomly divided into 5 treatments, with 6 pens of 10 geese each. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets were formulated to produce diets in which 0% (control), 25% (CSM25), 50% (CSM50), 75% (CSM75), and 100% (CSM100) of protein from soybean meal was replaced by CSM (corresponding to 0, 6.73, 13.46, 20.18, and 26.91% CSM in the feed, respectively). At 28, 42, and 70 d, BW and feed intake for each pen were measured. Blood, small intestine, and chyme samples were collected at 70 d. The results showed that dietary 13.46% CSM or more decreased BW at 42 d and ADG from 28 to 42 d but increased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) from 28 to 42 d (P < 0.05). From 42 to 70 d, geese in the CSM groups had higher ADFI and ADG than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Geese in the CSM75 and CSM100 groups had a higher ADG from 28 to 70 d and BW at 70 d and a lower F/G from 42 to 70 d than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Dietary 6.73% CSM also improved ADFI from 28 to 70 d (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, geese in the CSM groups had decreased pepsin and lipase activities, and those in the CSM25, CSM50, and CSM75 groups had increased villus height in the jejunum at 70 d (P < 0.05). All groups had similar concentrations of total protein, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, and phosphorus in serum (P > 0.05). In conclusion, excessive use of CSM (>6.73%) decreased growth performance at an early age (28 to 42 d) in geese, whereas 6.73 to 26.91% CSM in feed improved growth performance from 28 to 70 d.

Interfascicular septum of the calcaneal tunnel and its relationship with the plantar nerves: A cadaveric study

The relationship between the plantar nerves and internal fascial structure of the calcaneal tunnel is clinically important to alleviate pain of the sole. The study aimed to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of the calcaneal tunnel and its internal fascial septal structure by using microcomputed tomography (mCT) with a phosphotungstic acid preparation, histologic examination, and ultrasound-guided simulation. Twenty-one fixed cadavers and three fresh-frozen cadavers (13 men and 11 women, mean age 82.1 years at death) were used in this study. The 3D images of the calcaneal tunnel harvested by mCT were analyzed in detail. Modified Masson trichrome staining and serial sectional dissection after ultrasound-guided injection were conducted to verify the 3D anatomy. Within the calcaneal tunnel, the interfascicular septum (IFS) commenced proximal to the malleolar-calcaneal line and distal to the bifurcation of the tibial nerve into the plantar nerves. The medial and lateral plantar nerves were separated by the IFS, which divided the calcaneal tunnel into two compartments. The plantar nerves were ramified into two or three branches within each compartment. The IFS terminated around the talocalcaneonavicular joint, and the plantar nerves traveled into the sole. Clinical manipulation of the plantar nerves should be performed in consideration of the fact that they are clearly separated by the IFS. Clin. Anat. 32:877-882, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Detailed Analysis of the Blood Supply to the Subscapularis Muscle

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the arterial supply to the subscapularis (SSC) muscle. This will provide critical information for various surgical procedures. Ten specimens of embalmed Korean cadavers were dissected and subjected to modified Sihler's method to reveal the branching pattern of the arteries surrounding the subscapularis, and its intramuscular blood supply. The SSC muscle was generally supplied by branches from the subclavian artery (suprascapular artery, supraSA; circumflex scapular artery, CxSA; and dorsal scapular artery, dSA) and the axillary artery (subscapular artery, subSA; lateral thoracic artery, LTA; posterior circumflex humeral artery, PCxHA; and a branch of the axillary artery, AAbr). The anterior aspect of the muscle was supplied by the subSA, LTA, CxSA, supraSA, and AAbr. The posterior aspect of the muscle was supplied by the supraSA, PCxHA, and subSA. The dSA was more scarcely distributed than the other arteries. In two cases, the dSA supplied the portion of the muscle near the medial border of the scapular. The anterior side of the muscle tendon was supplied by the CxSA, and its posterior side was supplied by the PCxHA. The subSA can be considered to be the main branch supplying the SSA based on its distribution area of arteries. It was mostly situated within the lower region of the SSC. After distributing to the anterior surface of the SSC, some branches of the subSA reached the posterior surface as perforating branches. Clin. Anat. 32:642-647, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[The relationship of preoperativelymphocyte-monocyte ratio and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of preoperative lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: Clinical data of 364 cases of EOC patients with initial treatment were collected in Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2005-2011 and analyzed retrospectively.The optimal cut-off points of preoperative LMR to predict the postoperative survival period of EOC patients were determined by the establishment of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The patients were divided into low LMR group and high LMR group according to the optimal cut-off points, and the relationship of LMR and the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of EOC patients were analyzed. Results: The best cut-off point of preoperative LMR to predict the postoperative survival period of EOC patients was 3.84. The preoperative LMR of EOC patients was significantly associated with the postoperative FIGO stage, ascites and CA125 level (all P<0.05). The median follow-up time was 37 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) time of low LMR group was 56 months, significantly shorter than 88 months of high LMR group (P<0.01). And the median overall survival (OS) time of low LMR group was 69 months, significantly shorter than 100 months of high LMR group (P<0.01). The univariate analysis showed that the postoperative FIGO stage, pathological grade, ascites, lymph node metastasis, CA125 level, adjuvant therapy, preoperative LMR were all significantly associated with PFS (all P<0.05). In addition, the age, postoperative FIGO stage, pathological grade, ascites, lymph node metastasis, CA125 level, adjuvant therapy, preoperative LMR were all significantly associated with OS (all P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that postoperative FIGO stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, low differentiation, positive lymph node metastasis, without postoperative adjuvant therapy and LMR≤3.84were independent risk factors of PFS and OS of EOC patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: The preoperative LMR is an independent influence factor of PFS and OS of EOC patients, and can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with EOC.

[Survey of prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women in urban areas of China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women in urban areas of China. Methods: The study was a national cross-sectional survey conducted from September 19th, 2016 to November 20th, 2016. According to the classification of the National Bureau of Statistics, all survey sites were set up in 6 regions of the country.Pregnant women were continuously selected using multistage stratified sampling. A total of 12 403 pregnant women were collected and examined for serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels. Results: The median serum ferritin level during pregnancy was 20.60 μg/L (11.78-36.98 μg/L) , the hemoglobin level was (118±12) g/L. With the progress of pregnancy, the levels of serum ferritin and hemoglobin decreased gradually. The median serum ferritin levels in the first, second trimester and third trimester were 54.30 μg/L (34.48-94.01 μg/L) , 28.60 μg/L (16.40-50.52 μg/L) , and 16.70 μg/L (10.20-27.00 μg/L) respectively (P<0.01) . The mean hemoglobin levels were (127±10) g/L, (119±11) g/L and (117±11) g/L respectively (P<0.01) . The prevalence of ID in urban pregnant women was 48.16% (5 973/12 403) , and IDA prevalence was 13.87% (1 720/12 403) . The prevalence of IDA in the first, second trimester and third trimester were 1.96% (20/1 019) , 8.40% (293/3 487) and 17.82% (1 407/7 897) ,respectively (P<0.01) . The prevalence of standardized ID and IDA were significantly different in various regions of China (P<0.01) . The standardized prevalence of ID were relatively higher in East China and Northeast China, 57.37% and 53.41% respectively, while it was the lowest in Southwest China, 30.51%. The standardized prevalence of IDA in South Central, Northwest, and East China were relatively high, 21.30%, 16.97% and 17.53% respectively, and the standardized prevalence of IDA in Southwest China was the lowest, 5.44%, the differents in various regions were significant (all P<0.01) . Conclusion: The current phenomenon of ID and IDA in pregnant women is still very common, and nutrition and health care during pregnancy should be strengthened.

Anatomical consideration of the occipital cutaneous nerves and artery for the safe treatment of occipital neuralgia

There is no standardized approach to the greater occipital nerve (GON) block technique for treating occipital neuralgia. The aim of the present study was to validate the previously-suggested guidelines for conventional injection techniques and to provide navigational guidelines for safe GON block. The GON, lesser occipital nerve (LON) and occipital artery (OA) were carefully dissected in the occipital region of embalmed cadavers. Using a 3 D digitizer, the GON, LON, and OA were observed on the two reference lines. The distances between the landmarks were recorded and statistically analyzed. On the superior nuchal line, the mean distances between the external occipital protuberance (EOP) and the most medial branch of the GON was 33.5 mm. The mean distance between the EOP and the most medial branch of the OA was 37.4 mm. On the EOP-mastoid process (MP) line, the GON was on the medial third and the LON the lateral third of the EOP-MP line. The safe injection points on the EOP-MP line are about 3 cm from the EOP, 1 cm inferior parallel to the EOP-MP line, and about 3 cm away from the MP. Clin. Anat. 31:1058-1064, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transcriptome analysis of hepatic gene expression and DNA methylation in methionine- and betaine-supplemented geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus)

Dietary methionine (Met) restriction produces a coordinated series of transcriptional responses in the liver that limits growth performance and amino acid metabolism. Methyl donor supplementation with betaine (Bet) may protect against this disturbance and affect the molecular basis of gene regulation. However, a lack of genetic information remains an obstacle to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between Met and Bet supplementation and its effects on genetic mechanisms. The goal of this study was to identify the effects of dietary supplementation of Met and Bet on growth performance, transcriptomic gene expression, and epigenetic mechanisms in geese on a Met-deficient diet. One hundred and fifty 21-day-old healthy male Yangzhou geese of similar body weight were randomly distributed into 3 groups with 5 replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate: Met-deficient diet (Control), Control+1.2 g/kg of Met (Met), and Control+0.6 g/kg of Bet (Bet). All geese had free access to the diet and water throughout rearing. Our results indicated that supplementation of 1.2 g/kg of Met in Met-deficient feed increased growth performance and plasma homocysteine (HCY) levels, indicating increased transsulfuration flux in the liver. Supplementation of 0.6 g/kg Bet had no apparent sparing effect on Met needs for growth performance in growing geese. The expression of many genes critical for Met metabolism is increased in Met supplementation group. In the Bet-supplemented group, genes involved in energy production and conversion were up-regulated. Dietary supplementation with Bet and Met also altered DNA methylation. We observed changes in the methylation of the LOC106032502 promoter and corresponding changes in mRNA expression. In conclusion, Met and Bet supplementation in geese affects the transcriptional regulatory network and alters the hepatic DNA methylation of LOC106032502.

Intramuscular innervation of the subscapularis muscle and its clinical implication for the BoNT injection: An anatomical study using the modified Sihler's staining

Shoulder pain is commonly associated with spasticity of the rotator cuff muscles including the subscapularis (SSC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the intramuscular innervation pattern of the SSC using the modified Sihler's staining technique to facilitate the targeting of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections to alleviate shoulder spasticity. Ten SSC specimens (mean age, 81.5 years) were used in this study. Modified Sihler's staining was used to clarify the muscle and to stain the intramuscular nerves. Their extramuscular and intramuscular innervation patterns were examined. The upper subscapular, lower subscapular, thoracodorsal, and axillary nerves (USN, LSN, TDN, and AXN) innervated the SSC in 100%, 80%, 20%, and 40% of specimens, respectively. There was an anastomosis between the USN and LSN in the central portion of the SSC in more than half of the cases. The USN innervated the overall portion of the muscle. In contrast, the additional branches from the TDN and AXN innervated the inferior SSC portion. The superficial branches of the USN were mostly distributed in the superior SSC portion while the deep branches were distributed in the inferior portion. As a major intramuscular nerve within the SSC, the USN should be targeted by a BoNT injection. Regarding the USN distribution, the aim should be to spread the BoNT injectate within the central SSC portion. For supplementary injection to the AXN, the lateral approach would be more appropriate than alternatives. A physician performing a BoNT injection should consider the intramuscular innervation of the SSC portion. Clin. Anat. 32:110-116, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anatomical analysis of the distribution patterns of occipital cutaneous nerves and the clinical implications for pain management

Purpose

Establishing the distribution patterns of occipital cutaneous nerves may help us understand their contribution to various occipital pain patterns and ensure that a proper local injection method for treatment is employed. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the detailed distribution patterns of the greater occipital nerve (GON), lesser occipital nerve (LON), and third occipital nerve (TON) using the modified Sihler's staining technique.

Methods

Ten human cadavers were manually dissected to determine the nerve distributions. Specimens from eight human cadavers were treated using the modified Sihler's staining.

Results

In all cases, distinct GON branches proceeded laterally and were intensively distributed in the superolateral area from their emerging point. Very thin twigs were observed at the middle-trisected area, which had a fan-like shape, in the middle-upper occipital region.

Conclusion

The LON and TON distribution areas were biased to the lateral side below the superior nuchal line, although these nerves exhibited multiple interconnections or overlapping areas with the GON. Furthermore, a nerve rarified zone in the shape of an inverted triangle was identified in the middle occipital area. Our findings improve our understanding of the occipital nerve anatomy and will aid in the management of occipital pain in clinical practice.

Comparing the injectate spread and nerve involvement between different injectate volumes for ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve block at the C2 level: a cadaveric evaluation

PURPOSE

The spread patterns between different injectate volumes have not yet been investigated in ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve (GON) block at the C2 level. This cadaveric study was undertaken to compare the spread pattern and nerve involvements of different volumes of dye using this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After randomization, ultrasound-guided GON blocks with 1 or 5 mL dye solution were performed at the C2 level on the right or left side of five fresh cadavers. The suboccipital regions were dissected, and nerve involvement was investigated.

RESULTS

Ten injections were successfully completed. In all cases of 5 mL dye, we observed the deeply stained posterior neck muscles, including the suboccipital triangle space. The suboccipital and third occipital nerves, in addition to GONs, were consistently stained when 5-mL dye was used in all injections (100%). Although all GONs were successfully stained in the 1-mL dye cases, three of five injections (60%) concomitantly stained the third occipital nerves.

CONCLUSION

The clinical efficacy of this technique using the 5-mL injectate seems unlikely to arise from the blockade of GON alone. Instead, its efficacy likely arises from the blockade of most nerves originating from the dorsal ramus of the upper cervical spinal nerve at the suboccipital area. Even using 1 mL of injectate may not guarantee blockade of the GON alone.

Effects of dietary fiber on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and nutrient utilization in geese

We investigated the effects of dietary fiber on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and nutrient utilization in geese. A total of 468 one-day-old healthy male Yangzhou goslings with similar body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates per group and 26 geese per replicate. The geese were then raised for 70 days on diets with a dietary fiber level of 2.5% (Group I), 6.1% (Group III), or 4.3% for d one to 28 and 6.1% for d 29 to 70 (Group II). The geese in Groups II and III had higher body weight, higher average daily gain, and lower ratio of feed to gain compared with those in Group I (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The geese in Groups II and III had greater body-size measurements (half-diving length, body length, keel length, and shank circumference), heavier viscera (heart, gizzard, proventriculus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum), greater slaughter yield (semi-eviscerated carcass yield, eviscerated carcass yield, and breast yield), lower serum levels of alanine transaminase, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen, and higher serum levels of glucose and high-density lipoprotein compared with those in Group I (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The geese in Groups II and III exhibited greater utilization of energy and crude protein compared with those in Group I (P < 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that the low-fiber diet had negative effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and nutrient utilization. As herbivorous poultry, geese depend on dietary fiber for normal performance. Dietary fiber is thus an essential nutrient for geese.

Effect of selenium supplementation on pigeon reproductive performance, selenium concentration and antioxidant status

The effects of dietary supplementation of sodium selenite (SS) on the reproductive performance and the concentration of selenium, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined, and expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and bone morphogenic protein 15 (BMP15) was evaluated. Paired pigeons (n = 864) were fed: T1 received no SS, while T2, T3, and T4 received 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of SS/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Treatments were performed in triplicate with 72 pairs in each replicate. The results showed that selenium supplementation significantly affected pigeon reproductive performance. Birds fed 1.0 mg of SS/kg displayed higher egg production (P > 0.05), higher birth rate, and lower dead sperm rate than the control group (P < 0.05). Selenium and biochemical analyses revealed a higher selenium concentration in the 1.5 mg of SS/kg group than in the control group (P < 0.05), while GSH-Px was higher in the 0.5 mg of SS/kg group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Neither the MDA nor the SOD content were affected significantly in liver, chest muscle, or leg muscle (P > 0.05); however, in plasma, MDA was lower in the control group (P < 0.05), while SOD was higher in the control group (P < 0.05). qRT-PCR results revealed up-regulation of GPx4 in hypothalamus, pituitary and testis tissues in supplemented groups (P < 0.05). However, expression in ovary differed; GPx4 mRNA levels were lower in the 1.5 mg of SS/kg and control groups than in the 1.0 or 0.5 mg of SS/kg groups (P < 0.05). Expression of BMP15 in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis tissues was unaffected (P > 0.05), while in ovary, BMP15 was down-regulated in the 1.5 mg of SS/kg group (P < 0.05). These results suggest pigeons supplemented with SS up-regulated GPx4, 1.0 mg of SS/kg exhibited superior reproductive performance, while 1.5 mg of SS/kg increased the selenium concentration, and 0.5 mg of SS/kg up-regulated GSH-Px activity.