Weight regain, but not weight loss exacerbates hepatic fibrosis during multiple weight cycling events in male mice

PURPOSE

Weight cycling is a phenomenon characterized by fluctuating body weight that is commonly observed in individuals employing intentional weight loss methods. Despite its prevalence, the impact of weight cycling on health remains equivocal. The current investigation aimed to examine the effects of weight cycling on liver health.

METHODS

The weight cycling model was established by switching the feeding method of mice between ad libitum (AL) and restricted intake (DR or 60% of AL) of the breeding diet to cause weight gain and weight loss, respectively. The weight cycling model comprised two and a half cycles, with one group terminating the experience during the weight-gain period (S-AL) and the other during the weight-loss period (S-DR). Liver tissue was collected to investigate morphology alterations, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial homeostasis.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that the termination point of weight cycling affected body weight and hepatic steatosis. All parameters examined in the S-DR mice exhibited a comparable trend to those observed in the DR mice. Notably, S-AL mice showed a significant increase in lipid metabolism-related proteins in the liver compared to AL-fed mice, along with reduced lipid droplets. Moreover, hepatic apoptosis and fibrosis were exacerbated in the S-AL mice compared to AL mice, whereas mitochondrial fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy were decreased in the S-AL mice.

CONCLUSION

Weight cycling ending in weight gain exacerbated hepatic fibrosis, potentially by inducing apoptosis or disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis. Conversely, weight cycling ending in weight loss demonstrated beneficial effects on hepatic health.

Age and dietary restriction modulate mitochondrial quality in quadriceps femoris muscle of male mice

Dietary restriction (DR) is a potential intervention for ameliorating ageing-related damages. Mitochondrial quality control is the key mechanism for regulating cellular functions in skeletal muscle. This study aimed to explore the effect of age and DR on the homeostasis of mitochondrial quality control in skeletal muscle. To study the effect of age on mitochondrial homeostasis, young (3 months old) male C57BL/6J mice were fed ad libitum (AL) until 7 (Young), 14 (Middle), and 19 months (Aged) of age. For the DR intervention, 60% of AL intake was given to the mice at 3 months of age until they reached 19 months of age (16 months). The quadriceps femoris muscle was collected for further analysis. Significant changes in the skeletal muscle were noticed during the transition between middle age and the elderly stages. An accumulation of collagen was observed in the muscle after middle age. Compared with the Middle muscle, Aged muscle displayed a greater expression of VDAC, and lower expressions of mitochondrial dynamic proteins and OXPHOS proteins. The DR intervention attenuated collagen content and elongated the sarcomere length in the skeletal muscle during ageing. In addition, DR adjusted the abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology in the Aged muscle. DR downregulated VDAC expression, but upregulated OPA1 and DRP1 expressions. Taken together, greater pathological changes were noticed in the skeletal muscle during ageing, especially in the transition between middle age and the elderly, whereas early-onset DR attenuated the muscular ageing via normalising partial functions of mitochondria.

Determination of mitochondrial functions and damage in kidney in female LeeSung minipigs with a high-fat diet-induced obesity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nexus between mitochondrial function and kidney injury by using a dietary-induced obese minipig model. Female Lee-Sung minipigs feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 months exhibited obesity, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidemia. HFD elevated the levels of plasma biomarkers related to renal injury, including symmetric dimethylarginine, creatinine and urea nitrogen. An extensive structural change in tubules and glomeruli was observed in HFD-fed pigs. A great amount of triacylglycerol was accumulated in HFD kidney compared to control kidney, whereas a reduction of ATP level and antioxidant capacity were exhibited in HFD kidney. Moreover, HFD altered the expressions of mitochondrial-related protein in renal cortex. To conclude, long-term HFD feeding to Lee-Sung minipigs induced obesity and kidney injury accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial functions in the renal cortex, suggesting an interrelationship with renal disease progression.

The benefit of vegetarian diets for reducing blood pressure in Taiwan: a historically prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Past vegetarians research has often found that they have lower blood pressure (BP). Effects may include their lower BMI and higher intake levels of fruit and vegetables. Besides, the study pursues to extend this evidence in a diverse population containing vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores.

DESIGN

The study analyzed data on five hundred vigorous individuals aged 20 years or older from a standard medical screening program and provided validated questionnaire. Criteria were established for vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, partial vegetarian and omnivorous dietary patterns.

SETTING

Health screening programs were conducted at a standard medical screening program in Taiwan between 2006 and 2017. Dietary data were gathered by self-administered questionnaire.

SUBJECTS

Five hundred Taiwanese subjects representing the cohort.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analyses confirmed that the vegan vegetarians had lower systolic and diastolic BP (mmHg) than omnivorous Taiwanese (β =  - 6.8, p < 0.05 and β =  - 6.9, p < 0.001). Findings for lacto-ovo vegetarians (β =  - 9.1, p < 0.001 and β =  - 5.8, p < 0.001) were similar. The vegetarians were also less likely to be using antihypertensive medications. Defining hypertension as systolic BP > 139 mmHg or diastolic BP > 89 mmHg or routine of antihypertensive medications, the odds ratio of hypertension compared with omnivores was 0.37 (95% CI = 0.19-0.74), 0.57 (95% CI = 0.36-0.92) and 0.92 (95% CI = 0.50-1.70), respectively, for vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians and partial vegetarians. Results were reduced after adjustment for BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concludes from this relatively large study that vegetarians, especially vegans, with otherwise diverse characteristics but stable diets, do have lower systolic and diastolic BP and less hypertension than omnivores.

Standardized rate of hospitalization for violent injuries among different generations in counties and cities in Taiwan from 2000 to 2015

This study aimed to understand the distribution of the standardized rate of hospitalization for violent injuries in counties and cities in Taiwan. The ICD-9 diagnosis code N-codes 995.5 (abused child) and 995.8 (abused adult) or E-code E960-E969 (homicide and intentional injury by others) were defined as research cases. The study analyzed the standardized medical treatment rate of children and adolescents aged 0 to 17, adults aged 18 to 64, and older adults over 65 years old suffering from violence for the first time. During the 15-year period, the counties and cities with the highest rate of medical treatment for violent injuries among children (unit: per 105 people) were Pingtung County (33.1 males, 22.9 females), Lienchiang County (8.8 males, 9.8 females), and New Taipei City (8.2 males, 8.8 females). For adults, Pingtung County (73.2 males, 36.8 females), New Taipei City (26.0 males, 14.3 females), and Yunlin County (19.7 males, 7.7 females) registered the highest rates. For older adults, Pingtung County (33.6 persons), New Taipei City (12.5 persons), Yun Lin County (11.2 persons), and Taichung City (9.2 persons) registered the highest rates. The highest rates of older female adults receiving treatment were recorded in Pingtung County (15.1 persons), Yunlin County (9.0 persons), Taichung City (5.5 persons), and New Taipei City (5.1 persons). With the Poisson regression model, the relative risk ratio of seeking medical care owing to violence in Pingtung County (reference: Taipei City) was 25.1 times for children, 20.1 times for adults, and 11.7 times for older adults. The counties and cities with higher rates of violent medical treatment for adults and older adults during the 15-year period were Pingtung County, New Taipei City, and Yunlin County. For children and adolescents, Pingtung County, Lienchiang County, and New Taipei City recorded the highest rates. Pingtung County had the highest risk of sexual violence. These results may be related to the local industrial structure, demographic composition, and other characteristics explained in the text.

Early-onset caloric restriction alleviates ageing-associated steatohepatitis in male mice via restoring mitochondrial homeostasis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with ageing, and impaired mitochondrial homeostasis is the main cause for hepatic ageing. Caloric restriction (CR) is a promising therapeutic approach for fatty liver. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of early-onset CR in decelerating the progression of ageing-related steatohepatitis. The putative mechanism associated with mitochondria was further determined. C57BL/6 male mice at 8 weeks of age were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: Young-AL (AL, ad libitum), Aged-AL, or Aged-CR (60% intake of AL). Mice were sacrificed when they were 7 months old (Young) or 20 months old (Aged). Aged-AL mice displayed the greatest body weight, liver weight, and liver relative weight among treatments. Steatosis, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and fibrosis coexisted in the aged liver. Mega mitochondria with short, randomly organized crista were noticed in the aged liver. The CR ameliorated these unfavourable outcomes. The level of hepatic ATP decreased with ageing, but this was reversed by CR. Ageing caused a decrease in mitochondrial-related protein expressions of respiratory chain complexes (NDUFB8 and SDHB) and fission (DRP1), but an increase in proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM), and fusion (MFN2). CR reversed the expression of these proteins in the aged liver. Both Aged-CR and Young-AL revealed a comparable pattern of protein expression. To summarize, this study demonstrated the potential of early-onset CR in preventing ageing-associated steatohepatitis, and maintaining mitochondrial functions may contribute to CR's protection during hepatic ageing.

Long-term dietary restriction ameliorates ageing-related renal fibrosis in male mice by normalizing mitochondrial functions and autophagy

As the kidneys age, gradual changes in the structures and functions of mitochondria occur. Dietary restriction (DR) can play a protective role in ageing-associated renal decline, however the exact mechanisms involved are still unclear. This study aims to clarify the beneficial effects of long-term DR on renal ageing and to explore the potential mechanisms of mitochondrial homeostasis. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 male mice (n = 30) were randomly divided into three groups, Young-AL (AL, ad libitum), Aged-AL, and Aged-DR (60% intake of AL). Mice were sacrificed at age of 7 months (Young) or 22 months (Aged). Heavier body and kidney weights were associated with ageing, but DR reduced these increases in aged mice. Ageing caused extensive tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis in the kidney. Giant mitochondria with looser and irregular crista were observed in Aged-AL kidneys. DR retarded these morphological alterations in aged kidneys. In addition, DR reversed the increase of MDA caused by ageing. Renal ATP level was elevated by DR treatment. Mitochondrial-related proteins were analysed to elucidate this association. Ageing downregulated the renal levels of VDAC, FOXO1, SOD2, LC3I and II, and upregulated the renal levels of MFN2 and PINK1. In contrast, DR elevated the levels of VDAC, FOXO1, and LC3I and reduced the ratio of LC3II to LC3I in aged kidneys. To conclude, impaired mitochondria, increased oxidative stress, and severe fibrosis were noticed in the aged kidneys, and DR improved these changes by increasing functional mitochondria and promoting autophagic clearance.

Obese patients experience more severe OSA than non-obese patients

To investigate whether previous exposure to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of obesity in obese and nonobese patients. We identified 24,363 obese patients diagnosed between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, in the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) 2005 National Health Insurance Research Database; 97,452 sex-, age- and index date-matched nonobese patients were identified from the same database. This study is based on the ninth edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the previous exposure of obese patients to OSA. P < .05 was considered significant. The average age of 121,815 patients was 44.30 ± 15.64 years old; 42.77% were males, and 57.23% were females. Obese patients were more likely to be exposed to OSA than nonobese patients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.927, 95% CI = 1.878-4.194, P < .001), and the more recent the exposure period was, the more severely obese the patient, with a dose-response effect (OSA exposure < 1 year, AOR = 3.895; OSA exposure 1 year, <5 years, AOR = 2.933; OSA exposure 5 years, AOR = 2.486). The probability of OSA exposure in obese patients was 2.927 times that in nonobese patients, and the longer the exposure duration was, the more severe the obesity situation, with a dose-response effect (OSA exposure < 1 year, AOR = 2.251; OSA exposure 1 year, <5 years, AOR = 2.986; OSA exposure 5 years, AOR = 3.452). The risk of obesity in subjects with OSA was found to be significantly higher in this nested case-control study; in particular, a longer exposure to OSA was associated with a higher likelihood of obesity, with a dose-response effect.

Early-onset dietary restriction maintains mitochondrial health, autophagy and ER function in the left ventricle during aging

Dietary restriction (DR) exerts healthy benefits, including heart functions. However, the cardioprotective role of DR is till controversial among researchers due to the variation of DR conditions. The present study focuses on the protective effect of early-onset DR on cardiac injury using mitochondrial structure and expression of protein associated with mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function as measures.

METHODS

Two-month-old mice were fed with a breeding diet ad libitum (AL) or DR (60% of AL) for 3 (Young) or 20 (Aged) months.

RESULTS

Body weight increased with aging, whereas DR treatment kept body weight consistent. DR mice exhibited a higher relative heart weight than AL mice. DR mice displayed lower plasma glucose levels, compared with AL groups. Furthermore, Aged-AL, but not Aged-DR mice, had increased collagen content and morphological distortions in the left ventricle (LV). Aged-DR mice had a higher ATP and lower TBARS in the LV than Aged-AL mice. Mitochondrial morphology was detected by electron microscopy; Aged-AL mice had increased abnormal morphology of mitochondria. Treatment with DR reduced abnormal mitochondrial accumulation. Aging elevated the protein expressions of mitochondrial functions and ER-induced apoptosis. Aging downregulated autophagy-related proteins and chaperones in the heart. Dietary restriction reversed those protein expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated a beneficial effect of early onset DR on cardiac aging. The age-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and protein quality control dysregulation was significantly reversed by long-term DR, demonstrating a concordance with the beneficial effect in the heart.

De Novo Protocol for the Construction of Benzo[a]fluorenes via Nitrile/Alkene Activation

Unprecedented chemo- and regioselective synthesis of benzo[a]fluorenes and naphthamide-substituted benzo[a]fluorenes were constructed from the reaction of (E)-2-aroyl-3-(2-(arylalkynes/alkenes)aryl)acrylonitrile scaffolds under metal-free conditions via the activation of nitriles and alkenes, respectively. A tentative reaction mechanism was proposed for this homofunctionalization of nitriles. Control experiments showed that the reaction proceeds via selective nitrile or alkene protonation, depending upon the substrates. Additionally, we demonstrated an alternative expeditious route for the synthesis of disubstituted benzo[a]fluorenes in the presence of TfOH alone.

Single uroflow study as a tool in predicting the possibility of abnormal voiding symptoms after the administration of antimuscarinic agents in treating overactive bladder syndrome

PURPOSE OF STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of uroflowmetry in predicting the possibility of abnormal voiding symptoms following antimuscarinic treatment for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in Taiwanese women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on women with OAB. Forty-five women with abnormal voiding patterns shown by urodynamic study comprised the main group and 38 women with normal voiding patterns comprised the control group. All patients were prescribed two mg tolterodine once daily for one week. Follow-up on complaints of abnormal voiding symptoms was done one week later.

RESULTS

One woman in control group and 12 women in main group complained of abnormal voiding symptoms. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of abnormal voiding symptoms after antimuscarinic administration between main study group and control group (26.7 % vs 2.6 %, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIOn: Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive and simple tool to predict the occurrence of abnormal voiding symptoms after antimuscarinic use.

First Report of Euphorbia leaf curl virus and Papaya leaf curl Guangdong virus on Passion Fruit in Taiwan

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis × Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) 'Tainung No. 1' is the main variety cultivated in Taiwan, which is a hybrid and propagated only by grafting. In the spring of 2011, plants with systemic mottle and malformation on leaves were found in some orchards located in Puli and Nantou in central Taiwan. Interestingly, after 3 months of growth, most of these diseased plants became symptomless when the weather became warmer. Nevertheless, some striped concaves were observed on immature fruit surfaces of diseased plants. In March of 2011, two leaf samples exhibiting mosaic and three samples showing malformation were collected and tested by DAS-ELISA; none positively reacted with antibodies against the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), East Asian passiflora virus (EAPV), Passion fruit mottle virus (PaMV), or Passion fruit crinkle virus (PCV) that have previously occurred in Taiwan. Rolling-circle amplification (RCA) with hexamer primers were adopted to analyze potential begomoviruses that were prevalent on the other crops in Taiwan (3). The RCA amplified products were digested with BamHI and separated on 1.2% agarose by gel electrophoresis. A fragment, about 3 kb, was purified from each gel and cloned into the respective site of pBluescript SK(-) individually. Clones were screened by EcoRI digestion and two types of restriction fragment length patterns were found among them. One type of a clone containing 2,745 nucleotides (Accession No. KC161185) with 98.5% identity to Euphorbia leaf curl virus (EuLCV) (1) and the other type of a clone containing 2,732 nucleotides (KC161184) with 91.7% identity to Papaya leaf curl Guangdong virus (PaLCuGDV) (2) were revealed by nucleotide comparisons of their DNA-A in GenBank. Accordingly, we confirmed the existence of passiflora isolates of EuLCV and PaLCuGDV. PCR primers CPup/Edw/Pdw (5'TGTGAAGG(A/C/G/T)CC(A/G/T)TGTAA(A/G)GT3'/5'CGCAGTTT CTGGAGGATATTAAG3'/5'TCGCATGCCACTTCCTCAGT3') were designed to differentiate these viruses by amplifying a 235 bp DNA fragment for EuLCV and 345 bp for PaLCuGDV. In a brief survey, all 26 passion fruit leaf samples collected from seven orchards were double infected with EuLCV and PaLCuGDV; only six samples collected from a specific orchard were found to harbor the PaLCuGDV infection. Thirty-seven seedlings from passion fruit (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) seeds were indexed and all were free from both viruses. Five virus-free plantlets of P. edulis f. flavicarpa, one EuLCV and PalCuGDV double infected P. edulis × P. edulis f. flavicarpa, and 20 whiteflies were put into one net tent for 2 months, and then the five plantlets were tested by PCR. The two EuLCV and PalCuGDV specific fragments were amplified from all five plantlets. The two begomoviruses cause mild symptoms on passion fruit plant but the appearance of the fruit was affected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of begomoviruses infecting passion fruit in Taiwan and in Asia. References: (1) X. Ma et al. J. Phytopathol. 152:215. (2) X. Wang et al. Virus Genes 29:303. (3) C. Wu et al. J. Virol. Methods 147:355.

Combination of baclofen and antimuscarinics to reduce voiding difficulty in treating women with overactive bladders

PURPOSE OF STUDY

To evaluate the efficacy of baclofen in combination with antimuscarinics to treat women with an overactive bladder (OAB) with abnormal voiding patterns.

METHODS

An action research and chart review was conducted in 245 OAB women. Women were prescribed tolterodine or oxybutynin with or without baclofen after urodynamics. The complaint of voiding difficulty was followed up one week later.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the occurrence of voiding difficulty after antimuscarinic administration in OAB women with abnormal voiding patterns compared with normal patterns (18% vs 4.9%, respectively; p = 0.013). The clinical difference of voiding difficulty after treating with antimuscarinics between both voiding patterns disappeared after adding baclofen (abnormal voiding pattern vs normal pattern; 11.1% vs. 5.6%, respectively; p = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

Combined use of baclofen and antimuscarinic agents could reduce voiding difficulty in treating women with overactive bladders with abnormal voiding patterns.

First Report of Pepper mottle virus in Bell Pepper in Taiwan

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants exhibiting systemic mild mosaic, vein yellowing, and leaf malformation were collected from Puli City in 2006. Double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA was used to test these samples for Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) infection using polyclonal antibodies. In addition, Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, and Nicotiana benthamiana plants were mechanically inoculated with sap extracted from collected samples. Ten days postinoculation, chlorotic local lesions were observed on inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor plants, whereas, systemic mosaic and foliar distortion symptoms were developed on upper leaves of N. benthamiana plants. The DAS-ELISA test showed that field-collected pepper samples and inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor were infected with ChiVMV, while N. benthamiana with mosaic symptoms did not react with ChiVMV antibodies. To confirm ChiVMV, field-collected samples as well as mechanically inoculated plants were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using the potyvirus degenerate primers Hrp5/Pot1 (2). Amplified RT-PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of amplified fragments (1.4 kb) revealed that field-collected pepper samples were infected with ChiVMV and Pepper mottle virus (PepMoV). The DNA fragment amplified from C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor showed high (99.2%) sequence identities with the CP gene of ChiVMV (3) (GenBank Accession No. AM909717). However, amplicons obtained from N. benthamiana plants (GenBank Accession No. HQ329082) that showed mosaic symptoms showed 83.6% to 98.7% nucleotide identities with PepMoV (GenBank Accession Nos. AB126033, AF227728, AF440801, AF501591, EU586133, and M96425). Next, a pure isolate of PepMoV was established on N. benthamiana by mechanical inoculation of diluted plant sap obtained from a PepMoV-infected N. benthamiana plant. Bell pepper plants inoculated with the Taiwan isolate of PepMoV developed mosaic and leaf distortion symptoms. Antiserum against the PepMoV Taiwan isolate was subsequently prepared by immunizing rabbits with purified virus particles. Using the prepared antiserum and specific primers (1) to detect PepMoV, ChiVMV, and Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), three viruses could be readily detected and differentiated from diseased bell peppers in the field. In a survey done in 2007, 18 of 33 pepper samples from southern Taiwan were found with mixed infections of PepMoV and ChiVMV, seven samples were infected with PepMoV and PVMV, five samples were infected with PVMV, and another three samples were infected with ChiVMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of PepMoV in bell peppers in Taiwan. References: (1) Y. H. Cheng et al. Plant Dis. 93:107, 2009. (2) S. S. Pappu et al. Plant Dis. 82:1121, 1998. (3) W. S. Tsai et al. Plant Pathol. 58:408, 2008.

In vivoandin vitrocharacteristics for insulin-loaded PLA microparticles prepared by w/o/w solvent evaporation method with electrolytes in the continuous phase

Insulin-loaded poly(lactide) (PLA) microparticles were successfully prepared by 6% w/v PLA in the organic phase, 10% w/v PVP and varied types of 5%w/v electrolytes in the continuous phase, by using a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion/ solvent extraction technique. Addition of electrolytes such as NaCl, CaCl2 into the external phase significantly improved insulin entrapment efficiency compared to the case of no additives. NaCl was the most effective for obtaining high entrapment efficiency, with microparticle yield 81.2%, trapping efficiencies 49%, insulin-loading level 5.5% w/w and mean particle size 14.8 microm. The distribution (%) of insulin on the PLA microparticles surface, outer layer and core were 8, 37 and 43%, respectively. The cumulative release of insulin had an upper limit of approximately 24% of the insulin load at 24 days. A steady release rate was 0.5 microg insulin/mg microparticles/day of insulin release maintained for 24 days. Total protein-leaking amount was reduced after addition of electrolytes in the continuous aqueous phase. Rabbit glucose levels were evaluated after subcutaneous 20 mg insulin-loaded PLA microparticles or PLA blank microparticles. Study results show that the insulin-loaded PLA microparticles significantly reduced the glucose level than PLA blank microparticles. The insulin-loaded PLA microparticles, physicochemical characterization data and the animal result obtained in this study may be relevant in optimizing the PLA microparticle formulation incorporation and delivery insulin carriers.

The mechanism of surface-indented protein-loaded PLGA microparticle formation: the effects of salt (NaCl) on the solidification process

The purpose of this study was to evaluate ovalbumin (OVA) leakage pathways and to explore the mechanism of the surface-indented microparticle formation in the preparation of OVA-loaded microparticles. OVA-loaded poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles were prepared by a water-in oil-in water (w/o/w) solvent evaporation method associated with varied NaCl (NaCl) concentrations and adjusted with urea at 1240mOsm kg(-1) in the external aqueous phase. To evaluate dichloromethane (DCM)-related OVA leakage, three stirring rates, 600, 800, 1000rpm at 25 degrees C were carried out during the solvent evaporation stage. Both DCM and OVA levels in the external phase medium and total dispersion were sampled and measured. The time course of particle characteristics was evaluated by microscopy or SEM photography. The surface adsorptive capacities of the prepared microparticles were measured by using bovine serum albumin conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-BSA). The findings were that the DCM-related OVA leakage accounted for approximately 34%, of the total leakage. By combining NaCl in the external phase, a faster solidifying crust-like structure was formed as a barrier to remarkably reduce OVA loss and improve OVA content from 40.1 to 72.8 microg mg(-1). The yield and OVA content for formulations containing NaCl were much improved by the ionic effect, in addition to the osmotic effect. The total entrapment efficiency was also highly increased from 43 to 72%. The formations of the crust-like surface structure of the microparticle were affected by entrapped drugs, salt content in the external phase and aqueous volume in the inner phase. A scheme was proposed to interpret the formation mechanism of the surface-indented microparticles. In comparison to the surface-smooth microparticles, the surface adsorptive capacities of the surface-indented microparticles were highly improved from 26.6 to 87.0%, determined by the adsorption of FITC-BSA.

Pulmonary inflammation caused by chitosan microparticles

Chitosan is a cationic biopolymer derived from chitin with potential therapeutic applications such as controlled drug delivery to mucosal-epithelial surfaces in the body. Inhaled chitosan microparticles (CM), for example, are of potential interest in pulmonary pharmacotherapy. In this context, we examine some basic reactions of lung tissue to CM. Inhaled CM (2-10 mg/kg of particles) induce dose-dependent proinflammatory effects in rat lungs; these effects are documented in increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein (BALF-P) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (BALF-LDH) and increases in lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and leukocyte migration. Overall, the biochemical parameters (i.e., average of BALF-P, BALF-DH, and MPO) indicate that the inflammation response is 1.8-fold greater than controls without CM; the same inflammation parameters, however, are 1.9-fold lower with CM compared with the proinflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cytological examination of BALF shows a large infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to lung tissue: more than a sixfold increase in this population of inflammatory cells, after inhalation of CM relative to air inhalation controls. Thus, the results indicate that inhaled CM can have significant proinflammatory effects on lung tissues; these effects are mild relative to LPS but need to be considered in the context of therapeutic applications via pulmonary delivery if such concentrations of CM are used.

The influence of image magnification in first-trimester screening for Down syndrome by fetal nuchal translucency in Asians

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of image magnification in the measurements of crown-rump length (CRL) and nuchal translucency (NT) thickness for first-trimester Down syndrome screening in Asians.

METHODS

Ultrasound measurements of NT and CRL were performed in 561 consecutive Taiwanese unaffected fetuses and 11 cases of Down syndrome fetuses between 12 and 14 weeks of gestation. All sonographic images were measured by one qualified examiner to prospectively undergo first-trimester NT screening for Down syndrome. Fetal CRL and NT thickness were measured on three separated images including the original image, regular image, and the magnified image.

RESULTS

A significant mean difference (0.59 +/- 4.24 mm) of CRL was found between measurements on the original and regular image (p < 0.001). There was a significant mean difference of NT thickness measurements between the regular and magnified image (0.12 +/- 0.25 mm, p < 0.001). Seven out of the 11 cases (63.6%) of Down syndrome with NT thickness > or =2.5 mm was measured on three separated images. A significantly reduced incidence of NT thickness > or =2.5 mm on the magnified image was noted than those of the original and regular image measurements in unaffected cases (p < 0.001). Either using the assessing method by the 95th centile cutoff value of NT thickness or combined risk, our results could achieve observed detection rate of 63.6% measured on three separated images.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that the image magnification could reduce the false-positive rate by using a fixed cutoff value of NT thickness, but would have no influence on the results when using the assessing method either by the 95th centile cutoff value of NT thickness or the combined risk. In order to place the caliper more accurately, a magnified image should be recommended as a standard image in the measurements of the NT thickness.

The mechanism of PLA microparticle formation by water-in-oil-in-water solvent evaporation method

Microparticles containing ovalbumin as a model protein drug were prepared using poly(L-lactide; PLA) with a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. The dispersed phase was PLA dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM), and the continuous phase was water-containing polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP) as stabilizer with sodium chloride. Microparticle characteristics, loading efficiencies, protein distribution in microparticles, and in-vitro release properties were investigated. The OVA leaking into the continuous phase during the formation of microparticle by DCM evaporation was also evaluated. Results show that OVA was successfully entrapped in the microparticles with trapping efficiencies up to 72%, loading level 8.7% w/v, and particle size 14 microm. The semi-solid suspension changes to a solid particle happened during a 10-min period. Total protein-leaking amount was reduced after addition of NaCl in the continuous aqueous phase, which resulted from reducing the solidification time and protein-leaking rate. Using 5% w/v NaCl in the continuous phase resulted in higher loading content (87.2 +/- 1.0 microg/mg), and loading efficiency (72.2%), which resulted from more protein in the deeper layer (50.2 +/- 2.3 microg/mg) and higher microparticle yield (75.2%) than without NaCl (loading content: 74.0 +/- 1.0 microg/mg; loading efficiency 51.8%; deeper layer content: 18.3 +/- 3.5 microg/mg; yield: 63.6%). These results constitute a step forward in the improvement of existing technology in controlling protein encapsulation and delivery from microparticles prepared by the multiple emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Vibrio cholerae-loaded poly(DL lactide co-glycolide) microparticles

Vibrio cholerae (VC)-loaded microparticles were prepared using poly(DL lactide-co-glycolide) with a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion/solvent extraction technique. Particle characteristics including size distribution, VC-loading efficiencies, and in-vitro release pattern were investigated. The dispersed phase was PLG dissolved in dichloromethane, and the continuous phase was water containing PVP as a stabilizer with varied sodium chloride concentrations. VC was successfully entrapped in the microparticles with trapping efficiencies up to 97.8%, a loading level of 55.4 g/mg, and particle size of 3.8 microm. Using 10% w/v PVP with 5% w/v NaCl in the continuous phase resulted in a higher loading level (55.4 +/- 6.9 g/mg), loading efficiency (97.8%), core region content (25.7 +/- 1.9 g/mg) and lower surface content (6.2 +/- 0.9 g/mg) than without NaCl (loading content: 40.7 +/- 5.1 g/mg; loading efficiency 52.1%; core region content: 8.3 +/- 0.5 g/mg; surface content: 19.5 +/- 1.1 g/mg). A linear release profile from VC-loaded microparticles was found. A preliminary animal oral administration study indicated that the VC-loaded microparticles, as an oral delivery system, have shown effective immunogencity in rats for 2 months. The VC incorporation and physicochemical characterization data obtained in this study may be relevant in optimising the vaccine incorporation and delivery properties of these potential vaccine targeting carriers.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of an ocular delivery system of 5-fluorouracil microspheres

Solvent evaporation technique with O/O (oil/oil) emulsion was used to prepare 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) biodegradable microspheres with a polymer of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) combining lecithin as an emulsifier. In vitro drug release was conducted in phosphate buffer with pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C. For in vivo studies, 10 mg of 5-FU microspheres (containing 1 mg of 5-FU) were implanted in the conjunctival area of the rabbit eye. Rabbits were sacrificed at certain time intervals within 7 days after drug application. Samples of aqueous humor and sclera were prepared and analyzed by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The tested 5-FU microsphere contained 10% drug with a mean particle size of 4.4 +/- 0.6 microm. The microsphere had a burst release initially (64.9 +/- 1.5%), followed by a sustained release; the cumulative release at time points of 1, 10 and 21 days were 71.9 +/- 1.9%, 80.1 +/- 2.1% and 89.8 +/- 2.3%, respectively. For in vivo studies, aqueous humor levels showed a peak at the first sampling point (2 hr), then maintained low levels of 5-FU with a range 0.2-1 microg/mL. Scleral levels were 20-80 microg/mL during a 7-day study. Our results indicate that the prepared 5-FU microsphere provided a long-term release for more than 1 week. The preparation showed no irritation and low toxicity (< 100 microg/mL). For application to the eye, it might be potentially useful as a complement drug system in glaucoma filtration surgery.

Cytokine up-regulation in ischaemic/reperfused lungs perfused with University of Wisconsin solution and normal saline

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) lung injury using University of Wisconsin solution (UW) as perfusate has not been well studied. Isolated rat lungs were challenged with various periods of ischaemia and/or reperfusion. Haemodynamics, lung weight gain (LWG), capillary filtration coefficient (K(fc)), tissue pathology, the concentrations of cytokines in the perfusate, and mRNAs for the various cytokines in the lung tissues were measured. I/R induced a permeability type of pulmonary oedema, as reflected by increases in LWG and K(fc). LWG and K(fc) in the I(45)R(60)(UW) group (45 min of ischaemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion with UW) were only 2% and 5% respectively of those in the I(45)R(60)(NS) group (where NS is normal saline). LWG and K(fc) in the UW group had both increased by 180 min, to values similar to those in the I(45)R(60)(NS) group. However, these findings show that UW was remarkably effective at preventing LWG after 60 min of reperfusion, and was more than 3-fold more effective than NS in delaying LWG. For longer ischaemic times only, or the same period of ischaemia followed by longer reperfusion periods, greater lung injury occurred. I/R lung injury also induced increased concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 in the perfusate, and increased the mRNAs for these cytokines in lung tissue. A significant correlation was obtained between TNF-alpha concentration and LWG. TNF-alpha production in the I(45)R(60)(UW) group was only 7% of that in the I(45)R(60)(NS) group. However, TNF-alpha mRNA expression in the I(45)R(60)(UW) group was 80% of that in the I(45)R(60)(NS) group. This indicates that transcription/translation do not correlate well with cytokine production, and also suggests that one reason for the effectiveness of UW in delaying LWG may be because it delays TNF-alpha production. In summary, ischaemia or I/R caused a permeability-type pulmonary oedema that was associated with leucocyte infiltration and the up-regulation of various cytokines, regardless of the perfusion fluid. Except for pulmonary hypertension, less severe I/R lung injury and delayed cytokine production in lungs perfused with UW, the pattern of injury associated with I/R challenge was similar to that in lungs perfused with NS. We propose that more or long-acting protective agents are required as additives in order to modify UW to produce an optimal preservation solution.

Formulation factors for preparing ocular biodegradable delivery system of 5-fluorouracil microparticles

Microparticles containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were prepared using poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) with an oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent extraction technique. Particle characteristics including size distribution, 5-FU loading efficiencies, in vitro release and degradation were investigated. The dispersed phase was composed of PLG dissolved in dichloromethane, and the continuous phase was paraffin oil containing lecithin. 5-FU was successfully entrapped in the microparticles with trapping efficiencies up to 76%, loading level 10% w/v, and particle size 3 microm. Release profiles of 5-FU loaded microparticles were determined to follow a first-order-time relationship. An optimized preparation of 5-FU microparticles was achieved and was capable of controlling the release of 5-FU over 21 days with an in vitro delivery rate of 0.4 microg 5-FU/mg particles/day in the study. Preliminary animal studies indicated that the 5-FU loaded microparticles as an ocular delivery system showed no ocular toxicity and no significant inflammatory response in rabbits for 2 months. The 5-FU loaded microparticles approach, with PLG, might be a potential for the application of long-term delivery of hydrophilic drugs in the eye.

Psychometric assessment of the Chinese language version of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire in Taiwanese patients with bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a disease-specific quality-of-life instrument. It was designed to measure quality of life in obstructive pulmonary disease, and its reliability and validity have been demonstrated in different language versions. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of a Chinese language version of the SGRQ in Taiwanese asthma patients.

METHODS

A convenient sample of 124 asthma patients were recruited from the outpatient asthma clinic of a teaching hospital in the Taipei area. The inclusion criteria were outpatient, coherent, and a clinical diagnosis of asthma. Patients with additional medical conditions considered to impact the quality of life were excluded. Three component scores (symptoms, activity, and impacts) and a total score were calculated to assess the SGRQ's psychometric characteristics. Data including demographic characteristics, history of emergency visits and hospital admissions, asthma severity, and quality of life were collected by questionnaires. Cronbach's formula for the alpha-coefficient was used to estimate the internal consistency and reliability of the SGRQ. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used to estimate the concurrent validity of the SGRQ. The discriminating validity of the SGRQ was determined by the t-test for independent samples.

RESULTS

Results showed that the SGRQ was internally consistent, and had good content and face validity. The SGRQ total score was significantly correlated with both the Health Index and the RAND 36-item Health Survey (p < 0.05). The SGRQ discriminated patients with respect to asthma severity (p < 0.001), history of prior emergency visits (p < 0.05), and history of prior hospital admissions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the Chinese language version of the SGRQ has internal consistency and validity with strong evidence of content, concurrent, and discriminating validity in Taiwanese asthma patients. These findings suggest that it is a useful measure of quality of life in Taiwanese asthma patients.

Protective effect of lipophilic antioxidants on phorbol-induced acute lung injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the lipophilic antioxidant U-74389G can ameliorate the acute lung injury induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in our isolated lung model in rats, and to compare its activity with the intracellular enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) or catalase.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

Animal-care facility procedure room.

SUBJECTS

Forty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats each weighing 250-350 g.

INTERVENTIONS

Typical acute lung injury was induced successfully by PMA during 60 mins of observation. PMA (2 microg/kg) elicited a significant increase in microvascular permeability (measured by using the capillary filtration coefficient Kfc), lung weight gain, the lung weight/body weight ratio, pulmonary arterial pressure, and the protein concentration of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Pretreatment with 1 mg of U-74389G significantly attenuated the acute lung injury induced by PMA, all parameters having decreased significantly (p <.001). The protective effect of U-74389G was dose dependent, but SOD (6,000 U/kg) or catalase (50,000 U/kg) exhibited no protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

U-74389G significantly ameliorates acute lung injury induced by PMA in rats.

Comparison of effectiveness of intracellular and extracellular preservation solution on attenuation in ischemic-reperfusion lung injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Human lung allografts can only be preserved for 6 hours. Experimental interventions that reduce ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) lung injury can be used to improve the properties of the preservation solution. The best solution for lung preservation is still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of various solutions on I/R lung injury in Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

The following solutions were compared: a physiological salt solution; an intracellular preservation solution (the University of Wisconsin Solution, UW); an extracellular preservation solution (EP3); and the extracellular preservation solution with the addition of various protective agents--EP3 plus dexamethasone (Dex) (EP3-a), plus glutathione (GLU) and allopurinol (ALL) (EP3-b), and EP3 plus GLU, ALL, lactobionate (LACT), and raffinose (RAF) (EP3-c). I/R lung injury was induced by ischemia for either 45 or 60 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 60 minutes. Hemodynamic changes, lung weight gain (LWG), and capillary filtration coefficients were measured.

RESULTS

Both EP3 and UW preservation solutions had partial attenuation effects on I/R lung injury, but UW produced a better attenuation effect than EP3. Use of modified EP3 solutions containing either protective agents (GLU, ALL, or Dex) or impermeants (LACT and RAF) improved the ability of EP3 to reduce I/R lung injury. The LWG using the modified EP3-c solution was the lowest among all groups. UW induced pulmonary hypertension. After I/R challenge, pulmonary arterial pressure with EP3-c was lower than with UW. Based on a lower LWG and the changes in hemodynamics, EP3-c is a better lung preservation solution than UW and EP3.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the attenuation of I/R injury, we conclude that there is no significant difference between intracellular UW and extracellular (EP3-a, EP3-b) preservation solutions in this rat model, but the addition of protective agents and impermeants to the solution are important. The findings suggest that EP3-c might be a better lung preservation solution than UW.

Wound modulation after trabeculectomy by different formulations of antimetabolites in rabbits

A prospective, randomized study was performed to examine the effects of subconjunctival retention of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) microparticles or 5-FU microparticles combined with mitomycin-C (MMC) on the success of trabeculectomy procedure in 32 New Zealand white rabbits. Drug-loaded microparticles were prepared using a biodegradable polymer, 50:50 ploy (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50, PLG, MW 9000), by an oil-in-oil emulsification/solvent extraction technique. Each rabbit underwent trabeculectomy on both eyes, then one of the 5-FU and/or MMC preparations was placed at the site of the filtering surgery intraoperatively in the right eye, while the left eye was used as a control. The rabbits were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: group 1 rabbits received 5% 5-FU microparticles 10 mg; group 2 rabbits received 10% 5-FU microparticles 10 mg; group 3 rabbits received 10% 5-FU microparticles 5 mg and MMC 0.01 mg (5-FU/MMC); and group 4 rabbits received MMC 0.02 mg. Postoperatively, intraocularpressure (IOP), bleb survival, complications and IOP dynamics were compared during a follow-up period of 42 days. The results showed that IOPs were significantly lower in the eyes that received groups 3 and 4 treatments, while the eyes that received low concentrations of 5-FU microparticles resulted in no difference in IOPs as compared with those of controls. At 42 days, blebs were present in 100% of the eyes treated with 5-FU/MMC and MMC, but 0% of the eyes treated with 5-FU microparticles. The blebs in the eyes treated with MMC 0.02 mg were thinner, and significant complications (endophthalmitis, transient corneal opacification and neovascularization) occurred. In addition, the IOP dynamics study revealed that the eyes treated with 5-FU/MMC and MMC resulted in less IOP spikings after intravenous infusion of 0.9% NaCl solution. Our study suggested that the use of 5-FU microparticles in promoting the success of trabeculectomy in rabbits is dose-dependent, and its effect is less potent than a single intraoperative application of MMC.

Development of perceptual asymmetry for free viewing of chimeric stimuli

Free-viewing chimeric stimuli tasks have been used in a number of studies to assess perceptual asymmetries and draw inferences about hemispheric lateralization in children and adults. In order to determine whether perceptual asymmetries for nonverbal information are present in children, a free-viewing chimeric stimuli task was used in 63 normally developing 6- through 16-year-old children. Stimuli included affect (happy faces), gender, quantity, and shape. An overall left hemispace (LHS) advantage was present by 6 years of age. This LHS preference was more prominent by age 10 and then plateaued. No preference for shape was detected at any of the age ranges studied. These results suggest that perceptual asymmetries for visual stimuli develop during childhood and appear to reach a plateau by age 10. The observed specificity for certain types of nonverbal stimuli should be taken into account in future studies of perceptual asymmetry in both normal and neurologically impaired children.

Dexamethasone and pentastarch produce additive attenuation of ischaemia/reperfusion lung injury

The choice of an intravenous solution for the attenuation of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) lung injury is still a difficult one. Although 10% (w/v) pentastarch has been used in ICU settings, its use in I/R lung injury has not been well explored. We hypothesized that this synthetic colloid substance, which maintains colloid osmotic pressure and potentially 'seals' capillary leaks, in combination with an anti-inflammatory agent (i.e. dexamethasone), would ameliorate I/R lung injury. After 60 min of lung ischaemia in an isolated rat lung model, lungs were reperfused for 60 min in a closed circulating system with one of the following solutions: (1) NS (0.9% normal saline), (2) NS+Dex (dexamethasone), (3) NS+Penta (pentastarch), or (4) NS+Penta+Dex. Haemodynamic changes, lung weight gain (LWG), capillary filtration coefficient (K(fc)) and lung pathology were analysed. Results showed significantly lower values of K(fc) and LWG in pentastarch- or dexamethasone-perfused groups as compared with those in the NS group. Dexamethasone as an additive to NS+Penta further decreased K(fc) and LWG. Histopathological studies showed similar decreases in injury profiles. We conclude that reperfusion with dexamethasone and pentastarch can attenuate I/R lung injury, and that dexamethasone and pentastarch have additive effects. Our data thus suggest that the combination of a colloid substance with 'sealing effects' and an anti-inflammatory agent may provide a better reperfusion solution for patients with I/R lung injury or for lungs stored for transplant.

Aqueous humor nitric oxide levels differ in patients with different types of glaucoma

Nitric oxide (NO) has effects on the regulation of aqueous humor dynamics, but the exact mechanism is not yet established. To investigate the possible roles of NO in glaucoma, we determined NO levels in aqueous humor and plasma in glaucoma patients and a control group, cataract patients. The study is an open trial with purposed sampling. One hundred fifty-two patients, including 87 glaucoma patients and 65 cataract patients from two medical centers, were recruited. NO levels in the samples were measured by a chemiluminescence assay. We found that, although the mean aqueous humor NO level (mean +/- SEM) was higher in the glaucoma patients than in the cataract patients (39.7 +/- 1.5 microM vs. 35.5 +/- 1.3 microM, p < 0.05), NO levels varied significantly in different types of glaucoma. The juvenile glaucoma patients had the lowest mean NO level (8.4 +/- 0.9 microM), while the acute angle-closure glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma patients had the highest mean NO levels (64.8 +/- 7.6 microM, 67.3 +/- 8.2 microM). In comparison, the mean plasma NO level in the glaucoma patients was not statistically different from that in the cataract patients (14.1 +/- 1.2 microM vs. 13.9 +/- 1.1 microM, p = 0.91). Our data may provide information for applying NO-mimicking nitrovasodilators in the treatment of glaucoma.

Hormonal regulation of estrogen receptor alpha and beta gene expression in human granulosa-luteal cells in vitro

Estrogen is one of the major sex steroid hormones that is produced from the human ovary, and its actions are established to be a receptor-mediated process. Despite the demonstration of estrogen receptor (ER) expression, little is known regarding the regulation of ER in the human ovary. In the present study we investigated the expression and hormonal regulation of ERalpha and ERbeta in human granulosa-luteal cells (hGLCs). Using RT-PCR amplification, both ERalpha and ERbeta messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were detected from hGLCs. Northern blot analysis revealed that ERalpha is expressed at a relatively lower level than ERbeta. Basal expression studies indicated that ERalpha mRNA levels remain unchanged, whereas ERbeta mRNA levels increased with time in culture in vitro, suggesting that ERbeta is likely to play a dynamic role in mediating estrogen action in hGLCs. The regulation of ERalpha and ERbeta expression by hCG was examined. hCG treatment (10 IU/mL) significantly attenuated the ERalpha (45%; P < 0.01) and ERbeta (40%; P < 0.01) mRNA levels. The hCG-induced decrease in ERalpha and ERbeta expression was mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP (1 mmol/L) and forskolin (10 micromol/L) treatment. Additional studies using a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer, triethylammonium salt) and an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22536) further implicated the involvement of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in hCG action in these cells. The hCG-induced decrease in ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA levels was prevented in the presence of these inhibitors. Next, the effect of GnRH on ER expression was studied. Sixty-eight percent (P < 0.001) and 60% (P < 0.001) decreases in ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA levels, respectively, were observed after treatment with 0.1 micromol/L GnRH agonist (GnRHa). Pretreatment of the cells with a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (GF109203X) completely reversed the GnRHa-induced down-regulation of ERalpha and ERbeta expression, suggesting the involvement of PKC in GnRH signal transduction in hGLCs. In agreement with the semiquantitative RT-PCR results, Western blot analysis detected a decrease in ERalpha and ERbeta proteins levels in hGLCs after treatment with hCG (10 IU/mL), GnRH (0.1 micromol/L), 8-bromo-cAMP (1 mmol/L), forskolin (10 micromol/L), or phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (10 micromol/L). Functionally, we demonstrated an inhibition of progesterone production in hGLCs in vitro by 17beta-estradiol, and this inhibitory effect was eliminated by pretreatment of 10 IU/mL hCG or 0.1 micromol/L GnRHa for 24 h before 17beta-estradiol administration. In summary, we observed a differential expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA in hGLCs in vitro. The demonstration of hCG- and GnRHa-induced down-regulation of ERalpha and ERbeta gene expression suggests that hCG and GnRH may contribute to the control of granulosa-luteal cell function. Furthermore, our data suggest that the effects of hCG and GnRH on ERalpha and ERbeta expression in hGLCs are mediated in part by activation of PKA and PKC signaling pathways, respectively.

Anaerobic stability of aqueous physostigmine solution

The anaerobic stability of physostigmine was studied in this report. Physostigmine and two important degradants, eseroline and rubreserine, were identified by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system using a photodiode array detector and a UV detector at the retention times of 12.4, 9.2, and 7.9 min. Under anaerobic treatment, the minimum degradation rate constant was found at pH 3.4, evaluating from pH-rate profiles at 45 degrees C, 55 degrees C, and 70 degrees C with the pH range 2.4-6.8. The degradation of physostigmine was suggested as specific acid-base catalysis. Anaerobic activation energies of KH, K(OH), and Kobs were 9.4, 8.3, and 17.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The ratios of observed aerobic and anaerobic rate constants were 2-33 at 88 degrees C, which had a trend to increase ratios as pH increased in the range 2.4-5.2. The shelf life of physostigmine solution was estimated to be 4 years at room temperature under anaerobic conditions at pH 3.4.

Prediction of pregnancy rate of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in women aged 40 and over with basal uterine artery pulsatility index

PURPOSE

The purpose was to determine the effect of basal uterine perfusion on the pregnancy rates of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women aged 40 and above.

METHODS

A total of 47 patient aged 40 and over underwent IVF-ET. The conception cycles and the nonconception cycles were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 47 patients, 4 patients were pregnant (8.5%). The mean age, basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), basal estradiol (E2) level, antral follicle count (AFC), number of ampoules of gonadotropin used, E2 levels and endometrial thickness on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, and number of transferred embryos were not statistically significant between the conception and nonconception cycles. However, the basal uterine artery pulsatility index (UA PI) was significantly lower in the conception cycles (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis for basal FSH, AFC, and basal UA PI in predicting the pregnancy rate of IVF in patients aged > or = 40 were demonstrated. The best prediction rate was achieved by a pulsatility index cutoff of < 2.0 for a receptive uterus.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased uterine perfusion in the early follicular phase enhanced the pregnancy rate of IVF in women aged 40 and above. It is therefore essential that patients aged > or = 40 with poor basal uterine perfusion should be identified early in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle to apply appropriate intervention to improve the uterine circulation for the subsequent chance of pregnancy.

Use of anti-(tumour necrosis factor-alpha) antibody or 3-deaza-adenosine as additives to promote protection by University of Wisconsin solution in ischaemia/reperfusion injury

Experimental interventions that reduce ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) lung injury can be used to improve the properties of preservation solutions. We attempted to increase the attenuation of I/R injury by University of Wisconsin solution (UW) by adding an antibody against tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), to neutralize TNF-alpha, and/or by adding 3-deaza-adenosine (c3-Ado), to inhibit leucocyte adhesion and the biosynthesis of ICAM-1 (intercellular cell-adhesion molecule 1). We examined I/R injury using an isolated rat lung model. Six different solutions were perfused individually, followed by evaluation of I/R injury: (1) 0.9% NaCl (normal saline; NS), (2) NS+anti-TNF-alpha antibody, (3) UW alone, (4) UW+anti-TNF-alpha, (5) UW+c3-Ado and (6) UW+anti-TNF-alpha+c3-Ado. Haemodynamic changes, lung weight gain, capillary filtration coefficient, TNF-alpha levels and lung pathology were analysed in order to evaluate I/R injury. Compared with lungs perfused with NS, lungs treated with NS+anti-TNF-alpha showed less I/R injury. The addition of anti-TNF-alpha and/or c3-Ado to UW reduced I/R injury compared with unmodified UW. Among the six solutions tested, UW containing anti-TNF-alpha antibody reduced I/R injury to the greatest extent. We conclude that addition of anti-TNF-alpha antibody or c3-Ado protects against I/R lung injury when using UW. Further investigation of the improved properties of modified UWs would be beneficial with regard to lung transplantation research.

Spleen laceration, a rare complication of laparoscopy

A 31-year-old woman had secondary infertility of 4 years' duration. Hysterosalpingography revealed bilateral distal tubal occlusion with bilateral hydrosalpinx-like appearance. At laparoscopy, both oviducts were occluded with marked hydropic change. Salpingoplasty was performed to correct bilateral hydrosalpinges and reform the fimbriated tubal ends. The procedure was performed uneventfully by an experienced surgeon in 45 minutes. Nine hours after the operation an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed due to massive intraabdominal bleeding. The cause was a small tear, 3 cm long and 1 cm deep, with active bleeding in the inferior splenic tail. The laceration was repaired successfully with 1-0 chromic suture. The etiology of splenic laceration during laparoscopic surgery is uncertain. Many complications of laparoscopy are physiologic, and this one might have occurred while establishing pneumoperitoneum. Distortion and stretching of small vascular adhesions of the spleen with the abdominal wall also may have played a role. Gynecologists must be aware of the physiologic insult to patients during laparoscopy.

Acoustic inspection of bond strength of steel-reinforced mortar after exposure to elevated temperatures

In order to evaluate the bond strength between the reinforcement and concrete after fire damage, a combination of acoustic through-transmission and pull-out tests were used. Previous studies have shown a 25% decrease in the ultrasonic pulse velocity at 90% of the maximum load at room temperature. The specimens were kept in the oven at an elevated temperature for 1, 2, or 3 h. They were then removed and cooled to room temperature. Inspection was conducted using a high-power ultrasonic pulse velocity system while a pull-out load was applied. The correlation between preheated temperature, acoustic wave velocity, and the applied load was analyzed. Initial results show that bond strength and pulse velocity decreased substantially as the temperature or the heating time increased.

The application of water drinking test on the evaluation of trabeculectomy patency

The water drinking test (WDT) was once frequently used as a diagnostic tool for glaucoma, but not so often nowadays. In this study, we investigated the potential use of the WDT on the evaluation of trabeculectomy patency. Twenty age-matched volunteers and thirty-six glaucoma patients who were to receive trabeculectomy procedure were enrolled in this study. The WDT was given to the volunteers once and to all glaucoma patients before undergoing trabeculectomy and at certain intervals after the procedure. The WDT was performed in a standard manner. We defined four parameters after performing the WDT: Initial Pressure [IP, intraocular pressure (IOP) level before the WDT]; Slope of Ascending Trend (SOAT, the slope between baseline IOP and the highest IOP level); Peak Pressure (PP, the highest IOP level during the WDT); and End Pressure (EP, the IOP level after the WDT). It was found that the results of the WDT and trabeculectomy patency were strongly correlated. The four parameters in success and failure cases were significantly different at the last follow up: IP: (15.2 +/- 3.6 vs. 25.3 +/- 6.4, p<0.01); SOAT: (0.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.8 +/- 1.2, p<0.01); PP: (19.2 +/- 6.4 vs. 39.5 +/- 12.2, p<0.01); EP: (15.5 +/- 4.8 vs. 29.4 +/- 8.2, p<0.01). Thus, it was observed in this study that WDT was not only easy and safe to perform, but also valuable in evaluating the patency of trabeculectomy.

Acyclovir-containing liposomes for potential ocular delivery. Corneal penetration and absorption

The in vitro corneal penetration and in vivo corneal absorption of acyclovir from an acyclovir-containing liposome system were investigated. Results of in vitro corneal penetration demonstrated that positively charged liposomes resulted in a penetration rate lower than those of negatively charged liposomes and free acyclovir in solution. An in vivo study indicated that the extent of acyclovir absorption from positively charged liposomes was higher that those from negatively charged liposomes and free acyclovir. The acyclovir concentration in the cornea after administration of positively charged liposomes showed that an acyclovir deposition in the cornea was greater than those of negatively charged liposomes and free acyclovir. From morphological observation of the cornea surface treated with liposomes, it was suggested that positively charged liposomes formed a completely coated layer on the cornea surface. These liposomes would bind intimately on the cornea surface, leading to an increase of residence time. Therefore, positively charged liposomes resulted in an increase of acyclovir (ACV) absorption.

The influence of age at onset and gender on the HLA-DQA1, DQB1 association in Chinese children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Certain alleles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and -DQ genes have been strongly associated with susceptibility and resistance to insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). To further clarify the association of HLA DQ alleles with IDDM and the influence of age at onset and gender on the association with IDDM, we investigated the association of HLA-DQA1, -DQB1 in 54 childhood onset Chinese (21 male) IDDM patients and 65 normal controls by using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP). The mean age plus or minus SD at onset of IDDM patients was 8.37+/-3.54 year old. Our results revealed that the frequencies of DQA1 *0301, *0302, DQB1 *0201, and *0302 in IDDM patients were significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.025, < 0.005, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). The frequency of DQA1 *0301, *0302, DQB1 *0201, and *0302 were susceptible alleles to IDDM with relative risks of 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 and 4.3, respectively. The protective alleles to IDDM were DQA1 *0101, *0103, DQB1 *0301, *0503, and *0602. We divided IDDM patients into three groups according to age at onset (1-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years old). The frequency of DQA1 *0302 decreased as age increased, and the frequency of DQA1 *0501 increased as age increased. Our results also showed that male IDDM patients had higher frequencies of DQA *0501, DQB1 *0201 than female IDDM patients (p < 0.025 and < 0.025, respectively), while female IDDM patients had higher frequencies of DQB1 *0502 than male IDDM patients (p < 0.05). In our study significant susceptibility haplotypes to IDDM were DQA1 *0301-DQB1 *0302, DQA1 *0501-DQB1 *0201, DQA1 *0301-DQB1 *0201, and DQA *0302-DQB1 *0201.

Hypothermia and prostaglandin E(1) produce synergistic attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion lung injury

Current methods of preserving lung tissue for transplantation are inadequate. In this study, we tested whether the combination of hypothermia plus prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) treatment would have synergistic attenuation on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) lung injury. Isolated rat lung experiments with ischemia for 1 h then reperfusion for 1 h, were conducted using six different perfusates: (1) University of Wisconsin solution (UW) at 30 degrees C (n = 5), (2) UW at 22 degrees C (n = 5), (3) UW at 10 degrees C (n = 4), (4) UW+PGE(1) at 30 degrees C (n = 4), (5) UW+PGE(1) at 22 degrees C (n = 4), and (6) UW+PGE(1) at 10 degrees C (n = 4). Hemodynamic changes, lung weight gain, capillary filtration coefficients, and lung pathology were analyzed to evaluate the I/R injury. Compared with 30 degrees C UW, animals treated with 22 degrees C UW and 10 degrees C UW had less I/R lung injury, with the groups receiving 22 degrees C UW showing superior results to group receiving 10 degrees C UW. The addition of PGE(1) to UW solution produced more attenuation of I/R injury than did UW alone. Among the six groups, 10 degrees C UW+PGE(1) produced the most reduction of I/R injury. This study has shown that hypothermia can attenuate I/R injury with the optimal flushing temperature being near 22 degrees C. PGE(1) also has a protective effect on I/R. Furthermore, hypothermia and PGE(1) have synergistic attenuation of I/R lung injury. We propose that pulmonary artery flushed with cooling UW+PGE(1) might improve lung preservation and improve results in lung transplantation.

Effect of a sonographically diffusely enlarged uterus without distinct uterine masses on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

PURPOSE

Our objective was to study the effect of a sonographically diffusely enlarged uterus without distinct uterine masses on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

Nineteen primary infertility patients undergoing IVF-ET who had a sonographically diffusely enlarged uterus without distinct uterine masses were enrolled. An age-controlled group of 144 primary infertility patients undergoing IVF-ET with a normal uterus and no history of uterine surgery was included.

RESULTS

The age, day 3 follicle stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, ovarian response, endometrial thickness, number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, number of transferred embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, and total delivery rate were not statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Patients with a sonographically diffused enlarged uterus without distinct uterine masses had a higher spontaneous abortion rate (66.7%) than controls (P < 0.04; odds ratio = 7.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-48.56).

CONCLUSIONS

A high spontaneous abortion rate was found in patients with a sonographically diffusely enlarged uterus without distinct uterine masses undergoing IVF-ET. Enhanced luteal support was required.

Tumor vascular pattern and blood flow impedance in the differential diagnosis of leiomyoma and adenomyosis by color Doppler sonography

PURPOSE

Our objective was to evaluate the differences between leiomyoma and adenomyosis by color Doppler sonography with new criteria.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients with symptomatic uterine nodularities who were sonographically suspected to have leiomyoma or adenomyosis without other coexisting pathologic conditions was enrolled in the study. All patients underwent transvaginal color Doppler sonography (7.0-MHz vaginal probe) or transabdominal color Doppler sonography (5.0 MHz) during the early follicular phase. The morphology, tumor vascular pattern, and blood flow impedance of the uterine tumors were measured. All of the patients underwent surgery and the pathologic reports were used as references.

RESULTS

The mean age was not statistically significant in patients with adenomyosis versus leiomyoma (P > 0.05). The morphologic criteria for adenomyosis and leiomyoma by sonography detected 79% of adenomyosis and 84% of leiomyoma. Adenomyosis had 87% randomly scattered vessels or intratumoral signals and 88% of leiomyomas showed peripheral scattered vessels or outer feeding vessels. Eighty-two percent of adenomyosis had a pulsitility index (PI) of arteries within or around uterine tumors > 1.17 and 84% of leiomyomas had a PI < or = 1.17. The reliability test of tumor vascular pattern and blood flow impedance were better than that of using morphological criteria alone.

CONCLUSIONS

With the aid of color Doppler sonography, tumor vascular pattern and blood flow impedance of the arteries within or around uterine tumors could more accurately diagnose adenomyosis and leiomyoma in addition to the morphologic criteria on transvaginal sonography.

Comparison of immunogenicity of simultaneous and nonsimultaneous vaccination with MMR and JE vaccine among 15-month-old children

To evaluate the immunogenicity of measles- mumps- rubella (MMR) vaccination with Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine nonsimultaneously and simultaneously, 145 babies, aged 15 months were enrolled into two groups. Group A received MMR and JE vaccines nonsimultaneously at an interval of 6 weeks; group B received the vaccinations simultaneously. Antibody titers of MMR and JE were detected before and 8 weeks after vaccination. A total of 118 babies (61 in group A; 57 in group B) completed the study. In group A, mean increments of logarithmic geometric mean titers (GMTs) of MMR and JE were 4.51, 5.93, 4.07 and 1.99; seroresponse rates were 100% (61/61), 77.05% (47/61), 96.72% (59/61) and 59.02% (36/61) respectively. In group B, mean increments of logarithmic GMTs of MMR and JE were 4.35, 5.37, 4.44 and 1.93; seroresponse rates were 98.25% (56/57), 77.19% (44/57), 98.25% (56/57) and 57.89% (33/57) respectively. There were no significant differences between these two groups. These results suggest that simultaneous and nonsimultaneous vaccination with MMR and JE vaccines were similar in immunogenicity.

Effects of respiratory cycle on pulmonary venous flow and cardiac cycle on pulmonary venous diameter of dogs: a transesophageal echocardiography study

We investigated 12 anesthetized normal dogs using transesophageal echocardiography to understand the effects of respiration on the pulmonary venous flow. Additionally, we observed whether the diameter of the pulmonary vein changes with the heart beat. The pulsed Doppler wave form of pulmonary venous flow predominantly demonstrated two backward flows, with one peak occurring during ventricular systole and another during ventricular diastole. Sometimes a small forward flow occurred during left atrial contraction. In comparison with expiration, the peak velocity and velocity-time integral of the flow wave under inspiration occurred during both systole and diastole were significantly smaller. The diameter of the pulmonary vein decreased during left atrial contraction and increased during left ventricular systole and diastole.

Effect of different anticoagulant, underfilling of blood sample and storage stability on selected hemogram

We collected blood samples from 94 adult non-hematological outpatients and inpatients for complete blood count (CBC) without any flagging at Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital in order to investigate the effect of (1) different anticoagulants with Na2 EDTA vs K3 EDTA (2) the underfilling of blood collection volume (2 ml, 3. 5 ml vs standard 5 ml) (3) the difference in storage stability between 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours after venesection at room temperature on some selected hemogram parameters (WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelet, percentage of neutrophil and lymphocyte). The automated hematology analyzer we used was SYSMEX NE-8000, (TOA, Japan). All the EDTA collection vacutainer tubes were supplied by Becton-Dickinson (New Jersey, U. S. A.) with the same lot number. Paired t- test was used for statistics. We found that values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and lymphocyte percentage collected in Na2 EDTA tubes were significantly higher than those collected in K3 EDTA (P < 0.05 for hemoglobin and lymphocyte percentage, and P all < 0.01 for others), while values of MCHC collected in Na2 EDTA were significantly lower than those collected in K3 EDTA (P < 0.05). For underfilling of blood sample, values of hematocrit and MCV with 2 ml blood volume were significantly lower than those with 5 ml blood volume (both P < 0.01), while values of MCHC with 2 ml blood volume were significantly higher than those with 5 ml blood volume (P < 0.01). When the collection blood volume was increased to 3.5 ml, there were no significant difference between values for 3.5 ml and 5ml blood volume (P all > 0.05). In the storage stability study, there was a significant sequential increase of hematocrit and MCV between 1 hour, 8 hours and 12 hours (P < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively, for 8 hours, P all < 0.01 for 12 hours). There was also a significant sequential decrease of neutrophil percentage between 1 hour and 4, 8, 12 hours' storage at room temperature (P all < 0.01).

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the parotid gland--a case report

The lymphoepithelial cyst has been commonly termed branchial cleft cyst or branchial cyst. Although many theories, including the branchial apparatus theory, thymic duct theory, and inclusion theory, have been put forward, the etiology is still controversial. Parotid lymphoepithelial cysts are rare and could be divided into two groups, AIDS-related and non-AIDS related, by the relationship with HIV infection. A non-AIDS related lymphoepithelial cyst of left parotid gland in an 81-year-old man presenting as a parotid tumor is described. A left partial parotidectomy was carried out to remove the lesion. There was no recurrence after 2 years. Lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland are often misdiagnosed as other benign tumors in spite of detailed preoperative investigations. Thus a pathological proof is needed for precise diagnosis. In addition, we also need to take the possibility of HIV infection into consideration, although Taiwan is not an AIDS epidemic area.