Nitrogen partitioning and isotopic fractionation in dairy cows consuming diets based on a range of contrasting forages

Nine multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows (initially 97 d in milk), were used in a 3×3 lattice square design experiment with 4-wk periods. All cows received 4 kg/d concentrates and dietary treatments were based on silages offered ad libitum: perennial ryegrass (PRG); timothy (TIM); tall fescue (TF); red clover (RC); red clover/corn silage mixture [40/60 on a dry matter (DM) basis; RCC]; red clover/whole-crop oat silage mixture (40/60 on a DM basis; RCO); or red clover/whole-crop oat silage mixture (25/75 on a DM basis; ORC). The remaining treatments were based on RCO with feed intake restricted to the level of PRG (RCOr) or with a low protein concentrate (50/50 mixture of barley and molassed sugar beet pulp; RCOlp). Experiment objectives were to evaluate diet effects on N partitioning and N isotopic fractionation. Yields of milk and milk protein were consistently high for diets RC, RCC, and RCO and low for the diets based on poorly ensiled grass silages. Restriction of intake (RCOr) and inclusion of a higher proportion of whole-crop oat silage (ORC) and the low-protein concentrate (RCOlp) led to some loss of production. Diet had little effect on milk fat, protein, and lactose concentrations: low concentrations of milk protein and lactose reflect the restricted energy intakes for all treatments. The highest diet digestibilities were measured for RC and PRG, whereas increasing inclusion of the whole-crop oat silage (0, 60, and 75% of forage DM) led to a marked decrease in diet digestibility (0.717, 0.624, and 0.574 g/g, respectively). Urinary excretion of purine derivatives, an indicator for rumen microbial protein synthesis, was significantly higher for RCC than for TIM and TF. Nitrogen intake ranged between 359 and 626 g/d (treatment means). Partitioning of N intake to feces and urine was closely related to N intake, although urinary N losses were less than predicted from N intake for the 60/40 mixtures of cereal silage and red clover silage. The 15N content of milk, urine, and feces were all influenced by diet 15N content. Isotopic fractionation meant that feces and milk were enriched and urine was depleted in 15N relative to the diet. Significant relationships were observed between the extent of enrichment of urine, feces, and milk, suggesting some commonality in fractionation pathways. The trend for the lowest 15N enrichment in milk protein occurring in diets with low N-use efficiency (milk N/feed N) was contrary to expectations, possibly because of endogenous contributions to milk protein or fractionation when dietary ammonia was incorporated into microbial protein.

Optimal dose of propofol for intubation after sevoflurane inhalation without neuromuscular blocking agent in children

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to determine the optimal dose of propofol for excellent intubating conditions in children without neuromuscular blockade at various alveolar concentrations of sevoflurane.

METHODS

Sixty-three children, aged 0.5-5 years, were randomized to three groups of end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (ETsevo) 3%, 3.5%, and 4%. Inhalation anesthesia was started with sevoflurane 7% in 100% oxygen. When the patients became unconscious, inspired concentration was adjusted to obtain the target ETsevo for each group. When ETsevo reached the target concentration, a predetermined dose of propofol was given and tracheal intubation was performed. The proper dose of propofol was determined using the 'up-and-down' method.

RESULTS

The median dose (95% confidence intervals) of propofol for excellent tracheal intubating conditions in 50% of children were 1.25 mg/kg (0.84-1.75) at ETsevo of 3%, 0.76 mg/kg (0.35-1.21) at 3.5%, and 0.47 mg/kg (0.26-1.09) at 4%. The frequency of adverse effects was not different between groups during induction and recovery.

CONCLUSION

Propofol 1.5-2 mg/kg provides excellent intubating conditions at 3-4% ETsevo in children without using any neuromuscular blocking agent.

Cross section and parity-violating spin asymmetries of W± boson production in polarized p + p collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV

Large parity-violating longitudinal single-spin asymmetries A(L)(e+) = -0.86(-0.14) (+0.30) and A(L)(e-) = 0.88(-0.71) (+0.12) are observed for inclusive high transverse momentum electrons and positrons in polarized p+p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s] = 500 GeV with the PHENIX detector at RHIC. These e± come mainly from the decay of W± and Z0 bosons, and their asymmetries directly demonstrate parity violation in the couplings of the W± to the light quarks. The observed electron and positron yields were used to estimate W± boson production cross sections for the e± channels of σ(pp → W+ X) × BR(W+ → e+ ν(e)) = 144.1 ± 21.2(stat)(-10.3) (+3.4) (syst) ± 21.6(norm)  pb, and σ(pp → W- X) × BR(W- → e- ν[over ¯](e)) = 31.7 ± 12.1(stat)(-8.2) (+10.1) (syst) ± 4.8(norm)  pb.

Viral agents associated with acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea

BACKGROUND

The present study was carried out to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of viral gastroenteritis and determine the phylogenetic composition of norovirus strains detected in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, 10,603 stool samples were collected from 2004 to 2008 and tested by RT-PCR or ELISA. In 4,170 (39.3%) samples at least one viral pathogen was present. Rotavirus (RoV) (1,864, 17.5%) was found to be the causative agent followed by norovirus (NoV) (1,845, 17.4%), human adenovirus (HAdV) (266, 2.5%), human astrovirus (HAstV) (194, 1.8%), and sapovirus (SV) (1, 0.009%). Five GI genotypes (GI-1, GI-3, GI-4, GI-8, and GI-9) and eight GII genotypes (GII-2, GII-3, GII-4, GII-6, GII-7, GII-12, GII-16, and GII-17) of NoV were identified in acute gastroenteritis patients in 2008.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic characteristics of norovirus and the epidemiologic patterns of a viral pathogen from acute gastroenteritis patients may give potentially effective data for epidemiological studies in Seoul, Korea.

Azimuthal anisotropy of π⁰ production in Au+Au collisions at sqrt((s)NN)=200 GeV: path-length dependence of jet quenching and the role of initial geometry

We have measured the azimuthal anisotropy of π⁰ production for 1<p(T)<18  GeV/c for Au+Au collisions at sqrt((s)NN)=200  GeV. The observed anisotropy shows a gradual decrease for 3≲p(T)≲7-10  GeV/c, but remains positive beyond 10  GeV/c. The magnitude of this anisotropy is underpredicted, up to at least ∼10  GeV/c, by current perturbative QCD (PQCD) energy-loss model calculations. An estimate of the increase in anisotropy expected from initial-geometry modification due to gluon saturation effects and fluctuations is insufficient to account for this discrepancy. Calculations that implement a path-length dependence steeper than what is implied by current PQCD energy-loss models show reasonable agreement with the data.

Elliptic and hexadecapole flow of charged hadrons in Au+Au collisions at sq.rt(s(NN))=200 GeV

Differential measurements of the elliptic (v(2)) and hexadecapole (v(4)) Fourier flow coefficients are reported for charged hadrons as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)) and collision centrality or number of participant nucleons (N(part)) for Au+Au collisions at sq.rt(s(NN))=200  GeV. The v(2,4) measurements at pseudorapidity |η|≤0.35, obtained with four separate reaction-plane detectors positioned in the range 1.0<|η|<3.9, show good agreement, indicating the absence of significant Δη-dependent nonflow correlations. Sizable values for v(4)(p(T)) are observed with a ratio v(4)(p(T),N(part))/v(2)(2)(p(T),N(part))≈0.8 for 50≲N(part)≲200, which is compatible with the combined effects of a finite viscosity and initial eccentricity fluctuations. For N(part)≳200 this ratio increases up to 1.7 in the most central collisions.

Satisfaction with mammography in the National Cancer Screening Programme participants of age 40s in Korea

The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction with the National Cancer Screening Programme of mammography in Korea and to examine the association between subscales of satisfaction and general satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey for women who had obtained a National Cancer Screening Programme mammographic screening at general hospitals between May and October 2008. The present study included 2005 women in their forties. We performed multivariate linear regression using dependent variable as general satisfaction and independent variables as subscales of satisfaction, such as pre-screening information transfer, staff interpersonal skills, physical surroundings and results reporting. Participants were stratified according to the result of their mammogram as negative or positive. Mean score of satisfaction was above 2.5 of 4 for all subscales. Women who received positive results were less satisfied with all of subscale factors. Staff interpersonal skills were the most important factor that contributed to general satisfaction. Future efforts such as staff training programme of communication/attitude skills, ensuring privacy and explanation of possible discomfort of the screening would be needed.

Non-specific cellular uptake of surface-functionalized quantum dots

We report a systematic empirical study of nanoparticle internalization into cells via non-specific pathways. The nanoparticles were comprised of commercial quantum dots (QDs) that were highly visible under a fluorescence confocal microscope. Surface-modified QDs with basic biologically significant moieties, e.g. carboxyl, amino, and streptavidin, were used, in combination with surface derivatization with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for a range of immortalized cell lines. Internalization rates were derived from image analysis and a detailed discussion about the effect of nanoparticle size, charge and surface groups is presented. We find that PEG derivatization dramatically suppresses the non-specific uptake while PEG-free carboxyl and amine functional groups promote QD internalization. These uptake variations displayed a remarkable consistency across different cell types. The reported results are important for experiments concerned with cellular uptake of surface-functionalized nanomaterials, both when non-specific internalization is undesirable and when it is intended for material to be internalized as efficiently as possible.

Transition in yield and azimuthal shape modification in dihadron correlations in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Hard-scattered parton probes produced in collisions of large nuclei indicate large partonic energy loss, possibly with collective produced-medium response to the lost energy. We present measurements of π^{0} trigger particles at transverse momenta p{T}{t}=4-12  GeV/c and associated charged hadrons (p{T}{a}=0.5-7  GeV/c) vs relative azimuthal angle Δϕ in Au+Au and p+p collisions at sqrt[s{NN}]=200  GeV. The Au+Au distribution at low p{T}{a}, whose shape has been interpreted as a medium effect, is modified for p{T}{t}<7  GeV/c. At higher p{T}{t}, the data are consistent with unmodified or very weakly modified shapes, even for the lowest measured p{T}{a}, which quantitatively challenges some medium response models. The associated yield of hadrons opposing the trigger particle in Au+Au relative to p+p (I{AA}) is suppressed at high p{T} (I{AA}≈0.35-0.5), but less than for inclusive suppression (R{AA}≈0.2).

Usual interstitial pneumonia in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease is a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis; however, little is known about factors that influence its prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not the usual interstitial pneumonia pattern found on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is of prognostic significance in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Patients with RA-ILD were identified retrospectively (n = 82). The relationship of a definite usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on HRCT to survival was determined and compared to that in a cohort of patients with radiologically diagnosed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 51). A definite usual interstitial pneumonia pattern was seen in 20 (24%) out of 82 patients with RA-ILD. These patients showed worse survival than those without this pattern (median survival 3.2 versus 6.6 yrs), and a similar survival to those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. On multivariate analysis, a definite usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on HRCT was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio of 2.3). Analysis of specific HRCT features demonstrated that traction bronchiectasis and honeycomb fibrosis were associated with worse survival (hazard ratio of 2.6 and 2.1, respectively). Female sex (hazard ratio of 0.30) and a higher baseline diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (hazard ratio of 0.96) were associated with better survival. A definite usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on HRCT has important prognostic implications in RA-ILD.

Predicting mortality from HIV-associated Pneumocystis pneumonia at illness presentation: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although the use of antiretroviral therapy has led to dramatic declines in AIDS-associated mortality, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) remains a leading cause of death in HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVES

To measure mortality, identify predictors of mortality at time of illness presentation and derive a PCP mortality prediction rule that stratifies patients by risk for mortality.

METHODS

An observational cohort study with case note review of all HIV-infected persons with a laboratory diagnosis of PCP at San Francisco General Hospital from 1997 to 2006.

RESULTS

451 patients were diagnosed with PCP on 524 occasions. In-hospital mortality was 10.3%. Multivariate analysis identified five significant predictors of mortality: age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) per 10-year increase, 1.69; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.65; p = 0.02); recent injection drug use (AOR 2.86; 95% CI 1.28 to 6.42; p = 0.01); total bilirubin >0.6 mg/dl (AOR 2.59; 95% CI 1.19 to 5.62; p = 0.02); serum albumin <3 g/dl (AOR 3.63; 95% CI 1.72-7.66; p = 0.001); and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient >or=50 mm Hg (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.41 to 6.47; p = 0.004). Using these five predictors, a six-point PCP mortality prediction rule was derived that stratifies patients according to increasing risk of mortality: score 0-1, 4%; score 2-3, 12%; score 4-5, 48%.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCP mortality prediction rule stratifies patients by mortality risk at the time of illness presentation and should be validated as a clinical tool.

Impact of hypertension on coronary artery spasm as assessed with intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test

Both hypertension and coronary artery spasm (CAS) are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Thus, a higher incidence of CAS is expected in hypertensive patients. We evaluated the impact of hypertension on CAS with intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) provocation test. A total of 986 patients (685 hypertensive patients vs 301 normotensive patients) who underwent coronary angiography with ACh provocation test were enrolled. ACh was injected into the left coronary artery in incremental doses of 20, 50 and 100 microg min(-1). Significant CAS was defined as a transient >70% luminal narrowing with concurrent chest pain and/or ST-segment changes. Although the incidences of significant ACh-induced CAS were similar between hypertensive and normotensive patients (35.8 vs 39.2%, P=0.303), multivariate logistic analysis showed that hypertension was negatively associated with ACh-induced CAS (odds ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.94, P=0.020). The angiographic characteristics of ACh-induced CAS were similar between these two groups. Subgroup analysis regarding the impact of the status of blood pressure control on CAS showed that hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure had a significantly higher incidence of CAS than those with uncontrolled blood pressure (45.2 vs 27.9%, P<0.001), and that uncontrolled blood pressure was negatively associated with ACh-induced CAS (odds ratio: 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.79, P=0.001). In conclusion, despite the expected endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and uncontrolled blood pressure are negatively associated with CAS, suggesting that the mechanisms and risk factors of CAS may be significantly different from those of coronary artery disease.

Assessment of dietary ratios of red clover and grass silages on milk production and milk quality in dairy cows

Twenty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square changeover design experiment to test the effects of changing from ryegrass (Lolium perenne) silage to red clover (Trifolium pratense) silage in graded proportions on feed intakes, milk production, milk organoleptic qualities, and whole-body nitrogen partitioning. Four dietary treatments, comprising ad libitum access to 1 of 4 forage mixtures plus a standard allowance of 4 kg/d dairy concentrates, were offered. The 4 forage mixtures were, on a dry matter (DM) basis: 1) 100% grass silage, 2) 66% grass silage: 34% red clover silage, 3) 34% grass silage: 66% red clover silage, and 4) 100% red clover silage. In each of 4 experimental periods, there were 21 d for adaptation to diets and 7 d for measurements. There was an increase in both DM intakes and milk yields as the proportion of red clover in the diet increased. However, the increase in milk yield was not as great as the increase in DM intake, so that the efficiency of milk production, in terms of yield (kg) of milk per kg of DM intake, decreased. The concentrations of protein, milk fat, and the shorter chain saturated fatty acids decreased, whereas C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and long-chain PUFA (C20+) increased as the proportion of red clover in the diet increased. There was little effect of dietary treatment on the organoleptic qualities of milk as assessed by taste panel analysis. There were no effects on the aroma of milk, on aftertaste, or overall liking of the milk. Milk was thicker and creamier in color when cows were fed grass silage compared with red clover silage. The flavor of milk was largely unaffected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, increasing the proportion of red clover in the diet of dairy cows increased feed intakes and milk yields, decreased the concentration of fat and protein in milk, increased PUFA for healthiness, and had little effect on milk organoleptic characteristics.

Structure-activity relationship of neuropeptide γ derived from mammalian and fish

This study of relationship between structure and biologic activity was performed using five neuropeptide gammas [NPgamma; mammalian-NPgamma (M-NPgamma), trout-NPgamma (T-NPgamma), goldfish-NPgamma (G-NPgamma), bowfin-NPgamma (B-NPgamma), and shark-NPgamma (S-NPgamma)]. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that all peptides took random structure in buffer solution. In neutral and acidic liposomes, M-NPgamma, T-NPgamma, B-NPgamma, and S-NPgamma still adopted random structure, while G-NPgamma had an alpha-helical structure. The biologic activity of NPgammas has been estimated by their effects on the intestinal motility and arterial relaxation. The intestinal motility was investigated with rat duodenum (RD), carp intestine (CI), and guinea-pig ileum (GPI). The arterial relaxing effect was tested with guinea-pig aorta (GPA) and rat mesenteric artery (RMA). In RD, the order of potency compared with the EC50 value was M-NPgamma >> S-NPgamma >> B-NPgamma >> G-NPgamma >> T-NPgamma. G-NPgamma was the most contractile agent in CI. S-NPgamma was the most contractile agent in GPI. Using an arterial relaxing test, the order of potency was G-NPgamma >> T-NPgamma >> B-NPgamma >> S-NPgamma >> M-NPgamma in GPA, and all NPgammas remarkably reduced relaxing activity in RMA. Despite their structural similarities to NPgammas, G-NPgamma has high affinity to tachykinin receptor-binding sites in GPA and CI, indicating an alpha-helical structure may have a critical role for receptor binding. However, an alpha-helical structure does not play a critical role in recognizing receptor-binding sites in RD and GPI.

Structure and electrochemical performance of Li[Ni(1 -x-y)Co(x)Mn(y)]O2 [0.025 < or = x < or = 0.4, 0.015 < or = y < or = 0.25] as cathodes compound for lithium ion batteries

Li[Ni(1-x-y)Co(x)Mn(y)]O2 (0.025 < or = x < or = 0.4, 0.015 < or = y < or = 0.25) electrode powders were prepared by a solid-state reaction. The phase purity and R-3m layered structure of the synthesized Li[Ni(1-x-y)Co(x)Mn(y)]O2 materials were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The particle size of the powder/compounds was decreased with increasing Co and Mn contents to a minimum average particle size of 0.2 approximately 0.3 microm for the LiNi0.35Co0.4Mn0.25O2 powder. A specific capacity of 187 mAh/g was obtained for the LiNi0.35Co0.4Mn0.25O2 electrode with good capacity retention when cycled in the potential region of 3.0-4.6 V with a current density of 20 mA/g at room temperature. Although the structural parameters of the LiNi0.35Co0.4Mn0.25O2 cathode material were similar to those of the LiNil/3CO1/3Mn1/3O2 powder, its specific capacity was higher due to the higher Co contents.

Microwave assisted synthesis of nanocrystalline Fe-phosphates electrode materials and their electrochemical properties

LiFePO4 nanocrystalline particles were synthesized using microwave assisted polyol process within a fast reaction time of 20 minutes without any further heating as a post step. The synthesized LiFePO4 nanocrystalline particles showed mono-dispersed rod and orthorhombic-like shapes with a size of 60 approximately 180 nm. The refined X-ray diffraction pattern of the sample was indexed well to the olivine crystal structure (space group: Pnma) without any impurity phases. The LiFePO4 nanocrystalline particles show a capacity of 161 mAh/g in a voltage range of 2.5-4.2 V with a current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 without any observable capacity fading in extended cycles of 100th. A cyclic voltammetry analysis exhibits distinctly sharp peaks corresponding to the typical LiFePO4/FePO4 redox couples and demonstrates a good reversibility of the sample.

Management and clinical outcome of acute basilar artery dissection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been inconsistencies on the prognosis and controversies as to the proper management of acute basilar artery dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate acute basilar artery dissection and its outcome after management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 21 patients (mean age, 53 years; range, 24-78 years) with acute basilar artery dissection were identified between January 2001 and October 2007. Clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 10), brain stem ischemia (n = 10), or stem compression sign (n = 1). Ruptured basilar artery dissections were treated by stent placement with coiling (n = 4), single stent placement (n = 3), or conservatively (n = 3). Of the patients treated with endovascular technique, 6 had favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS], 0-2) and the remaining patient, who was treated by single stent placement, died from rebleeding. All 3 conservatively managed patients experienced rebleeding, of whom 2 died and the other was moderately disabled. Unruptured basilar artery dissections were treated conservatively (n = 7) or by stent placement (n = 4). Of the patients with unruptured basilar artery dissection, 9 had favorable outcome and the remaining 2 patients, both of whom were conservatively managed, had poor outcome because of infarct progression. The group with the ruptured basilar artery dissection revealed a higher mortality rate than the group with the unruptured dissection (30% vs 0%). The group treated with endovascular means revealed more favorable outcome than the group that was treated with conservative measures (90.9% vs 50%).

CONCLUSION

The ruptured basilar artery dissections were at high risk for rebleeding, resulting in a grave outcome. Stent placement with or without coiling may be considered to prevent rebleeding in ruptured basilar dissections and judiciously considered in unruptured dissections with signs of progressive brain stem ischemia.

Single-transverse-spin asymmetries of identified charged hadrons in polarized pp collisions at sqrt[s]=62.4 GeV

The first measurements of xF-dependent single-spin asymmetries of identified charged hadrons, pi+/-, K+/-, and protons, from transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at 62.4 GeV at RHIC are presented. Large asymmetries are seen in the pion and kaon channels. The asymmetries in inclusive pi+ production, AN(pi+), increase with xF from 0 to approximately 0.25 and AN(pi-) decrease from 0 to approximately -0.4. Observed asymmetries for K- unexpectedly show positive values similar to those for K+, increasing with xF, whereas proton asymmetries are consistent with zero over the measured kinematic range. Comparisons of the data with predictions of QCD-based models are presented.

Electrophysiological safety of sibutramine HCl

Sibutramine is known to induce cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia, vasodilation, and hypertension. The present study was aimed to examine the effects of sibutramine on action potential of guinea pig papillary muscle, recombinant hERG currents (IhERG), and inward currents (INa and ICa) of rat ventricular myocytes. Sibutramine at 30 μg/mL induced a shortening of action potential duration (APD) of guinea pig papillary muscle; on average, APD30 and APD90 were shortened by 23% and 17% at a stimulation rate of 1 Hz, respectively. Sibutramine suppressed the following currents: IhERG (IC50:2.408 ± 0.5117 μg/mL), L-type Ca current (IC50:2.709 ± 0.4701 μg/mL), and Na current (IC50:7.718 ± 1.7368 μg/mL). Sibutramine blocked IhERG, ICa, and INa in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, sibutramine exerted a shortening effect on APD in guinea pig papillary muscle through its more powerful blocking effects on ICa and INa rather than IhERG.

Vitamin D-receptor polymorphisms and non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in Korean patients

This study investigated the potential role of vitamin D-receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to lung disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). TaqI and FokI polymorphisms were compared in 124 patients and 127 controls. The genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies did not differ between patients and controls. TaqI and FokI polymorphisms of the VDR gene do not appear to be responsible for host susceptibility to NTM lung disease, at least in this Korean population. An association cannot, however, be completely ruled out, as only two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the VDR gene were studied in this report.

Implication of lipocalin-2 and visfatin levels in patients with coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVES

Visfatin and lipocalin-2 are novel adipokines associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity-related metabolic disorders. We compared lipocalin-2 and visfatin concentrations between patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and control subjects and evaluated their association with cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We examined serum visfatin, lipocalin-2 levels, and cardiovascular risk factors in 91 subjects (49 patients with angiographically confirmed CHD versus 42 age- and gender-matched control participants).

RESULTS

Circulating lipocalin-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with CHD compared with the control subjects (82.6+/-38.7 ng/ml versus 43.8+/-27.8 ng/ml; P<0.001). However, visfatin levels were not significantly different between patients with CHD and control subjects. Serum lipocalin-2 levels were positively associated with weight (r=0.26; P=0.036), fasting insulin (r=0.36; P=0.003), and IR (r=0.33; P=0.007), whereas these levels showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r=-0.30; P=0.016) after adjustment for gender and body mass index. However, visfatin levels were not associated with any variables of the metabolic syndrome. The multiple regression analysis showed that lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with HDL cholesterol and IR (R2=0.199). Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, IR, and lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum lipocalin-2 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CHD and were independently associated with CHD. The present findings suggest that the measurement of serum lipocalin-2 levels may be useful for assessing CHD risk.

Distinct MRI atrophy patterns in autopsy-proven Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration

To better define the anatomic distinctions between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), we retrospectively applied voxel-based morphometry to the earliest magnetic resonance imaging scans of autopsy-proven AD (N = 11), FTLD (N = 18), and controls (N = 40). Compared with controls, AD patients showed gray matter reductions in posterior temporoparietal and occipital cortex; FTLD patients showed atrophy in medial prefrontal and medial temporal cortex, insula, hippocampus, and amygdala; and patients with both disorders showed atrophy in dorsolateral and orbital prefrontal cortex and lateral temporal cortex (P(FWE-corr) < .05). Compared with FTLD, AD patients had decreased gray matter in posterior parietal and occipital cortex, whereas FTLD patients had selective atrophy in anterior cingulate, frontal insula, subcallosal gyrus, and striatum (P < .001, uncorrected). These findings suggest that AD and FTLD are anatomically distinct, with degeneration of a posterior parietal network in AD and degeneration of a paralimbic fronto-insular-striatal network in FTLD.

Patterns of MRI atrophy in tau positive and ubiquitin positive frontotemporal lobar degeneration

We applied optimised voxel based morphometry (VBM) to brain MRIs from autopsy proven cases of tau positive frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-T, n = 6), ubiquitin and TDP-43 positive/tau negative FTLD (FTLD-U, n = 8) and cognitively normal controls (n = 61). The analysis revealed that FTLD-T and FTLD-U both show atrophy in the frontal cortex and striatum, but striatal atrophy is more severe in FTLD-T. Manual region of interest tracing of caudate and putamen volumes confirmed the VBM findings. These anatomical differences may help distinguish between FTLD spectrum pathological subtypes in vivo.