From amino-acid to disease: the effects of oxidation on actin-myosin interactions in muscle

Actin-myosin interactions form the basis of the force-producing contraction cycle within the sarcomere, serving as the primary mechanism for muscle contraction. Post-translational modifications, such as oxidation, have a considerable impact on the mechanics of these interactions. Considering their widespread occurrence, the explicit contributions of these modifications to muscle function remain an active field of research. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the basic mechanics of the actin-myosin complex and elucidate the extent to which oxidation influences the contractile cycle and various mechanical characteristics of this complex at the single-molecule, myofibrillar and whole-muscle levels. We place particular focus on amino acids shown to be vulnerable to oxidation in actin, myosin, and some of their binding partners. Additionally, we highlight the differences between in vitro environments, where oxidation is controlled and limited to actin and myosin and myofibrillar or whole muscle environments, to foster a better understanding of oxidative modification in muscle. Thus, this review seeks to encompass a broad range of studies, aiming to lay out the multi layered effects of oxidation in in vitro and in vivo environments, with brief mention of clinical muscular disorders associated with oxidative stress.

Oxidation alters myosin-actin interaction and force generation in skeletal muscle filaments

The interaction between actin and myosin is the basis of contraction and force production in muscle fibers. Studies have shown that actin and myosin oxidation cause myofibrillar weakness in healthy and diseased muscles. The degree to which oxidation of each of these proteins contributes to an attenuated force in myofibrils is unclear. In this study, we show that exposure of actin and myosin to the chemical 5-amino-3-(4-morpholinyl)-1,2,3-oxadiazolium chloride (SIN-1), a NO and O2-• donor, affected actin-myosin interactions, as shown by a decreased myosin-propelled actin velocity in the in vitromotility assay. We also observed that oxidation of actin and myosin resulted in a decrease in force generated by myosin and actin filaments, as determined by a system of micro-fabricated cantilevers. While myosin is more sensitive to oxidative modifications than actin, as indicated by a steeper decrease in velocity and force by the filaments, modifications on actin are sufficient to affect force and velocity and also contribute to a decrease in contractile activity in muscles.

Millisecond Conformational Dynamics of Skeletal Myosin II Power Stroke Studied by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Myosin-based molecular motors are responsible for a variety of functions in the cells. Myosin II is ultimately responsible for muscle contraction and can be affected by multiple mutations, that may lead to myopathies. Therefore, it is essential to understand the nanomechanical properties of myosin II. Due to the lack of technical capabilities to visualize rapid changes in nonprocessive molecular motors, there are several mechanistic details in the force-generating steps produced by myosin II that are poorly understood. In this study, high-speed atomic force microscopy was used to visualize the actin-myosin complex at high temporal and spatial resolutions, providing further details about the myosin mechanism of force generation. A two-step motion of the double-headed heavy meromyosin (HMM) lever arm, coupled to an 8.4 nm working stroke was observed in the presence of ATP. HMM heads attached to an actin filament worked independently, exhibiting different lever arm configurations in given time during experiments. A lever arm rotation was associated with several non-stereospecific long-lived and stereospecific short-lived (∼1 ms) HMM conformations. The presence of free P_i increased the short-lived stereospecific binding events in which the power stroke occurred, followed by release of P_i after the power stroke.

Performance of BAC for DBPs precursors' removal for one year with micro-polluted lake water in East-China

Effectiveness of biological activated carbon (BAC) filter in removing disinfection byproducts (DBPs) precursors of micro-polluted lake water for one year was conducted. The formation potential (FP) of DBPs (trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs) and Nitrosamines (NAs)), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), molecular weight (MW) distribution and excitation emission matrix fluorescence (EEM) of dissolved organic material (DOM) in the influent and effluent of BAC were determined. The results indicated that the removal efficiency (RE) of DOC ranged from 42.9-28.3%. Neither virgin GAC nor long-term operated BAC could efficiently dispose of THMs and HAAs precursors (RE from 35.2-18.8%, from 42 to 8.4%, respectively), however, BAC still showed good ability in removal of NAs precursors after a year operation, of which RE just dropped from 81.7-69.6%. There was strong correlation between RE of NAs precursors and DOC with small MW (<0.5 kDa). The removal of HAAs precursors showed relatively close relation to aromatic protein-like components and soluble microbial pollutants (SMPs). Weak direct relationship was found between the water quality parameters and THMs precursors.

The load dependence and the force-velocity relation in intact myosin filaments from skeletal and smooth muscles

In the present study we evaluated the load dependence of force produced by isolated muscle myosin filaments interacting with fluorescently labeled actin filaments, using for the first time whole native myosin filaments. We used a newly developed approach that allowed the use of physiological levels of ATP. Single filaments composed of either skeletal or smooth muscle myosin and single filaments of actin were attached between pairs of nano-fabricated cantilevers of known stiffness. The filaments were brought into contact to produce force, which caused sliding of the actin filaments over the myosin filaments. We applied load to the system by either pushing or pulling the filaments during interactions and observed that increasing the load increased the force produced by myosin and decreasing the load decreased the force. We also performed additional experiments in which we clamped the filaments at predetermined levels of force, which caused the filaments to slide to adjust the different loads, allowing us to measure the velocity of length changes to construct a force-velocity relation. Force values were in the range observed previously with myosin filaments and molecules. The force-velocity curves for skeletal and smooth muscle myosins resembled the relations observed for muscle fibers. The technique can be used to investigate many issues of interest and debate in the field of muscle biophysics.

Cleavage of loops 1 and 2 in skeletal muscle heavy meromyosin (HMM) leads to a decreased function

BACKGROUND

The mechanical work and the actin-activated ATP kinetics in skeletal muscles are closely associated with two surface loops that are present in the myosin molecule: loop 1 and loop 2. They are located close to the ATP-loop (loop 1), and the actin binding domain (loop 2). In this study we investigated the roles of loops 1 and 2 in the regulation of the load-dependent velocity of actin sliding and ATPase activity.

METHODS

Heavy meromyosin (HMM) from rabbit skeletal muscle was subjected to limited tryptic proteolysis to obtain fragments containing different amounts of loops 1 and 2. The amino-acid sequences of these fragments were confirmed with quantitative mass-spectrometry. The velocity of actin motility propelled by the HMM fragments was measured using in-vitro motility assays, with varying loads induced by the addition of different concentrations of α-actinin.

RESULTS

The load-dependent velocity of the myosin-propelled actin motility, and the fraction of actin filaments motility, were decreased in close association with the depletion of loop 1 in the HMM. The ATPase activity was decreased in close association with depletion of loops 1 and 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Loop 1 is responsible for regulating the load-dependent velocity of actin motility.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Myosin-actin interaction is closely regulated by two flexible loops in the structure of myosin. The results of this study are important for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of contraction, and therefore the most basic functions of life, such as locomotion, heart beating, and breathing.

Long-term Brain Tissue Monitoring after Semi-brain Irradiation in Rats Using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Study In vivo

BACKGROUND

In head and neck neoplasm survivors treated with brain irradiation, metabolic alterations would occur in the radiation-induced injury area. The mechanism of these metabolic alterations has not been fully understood, while the alternations could be sensitively detected by proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this study, we investigated the metabolic characteristics of radiation-induced brain injury through a long-term follow-up after radiation treatment using MRS in vivo.

METHODS

A total of 12 adult Sprague-Dawley rats received a single dose of 30 Gy radiation treatment to semi-brain (field size: 1.0 cm × 2.0 cm; anterior limit: binocular posterior inner canthus connection; posterior limit: external acoustic meatus connection; internal limit: sagittal suture). Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and single-voxel 1H-MRS were performed at different time points (in month 0 before irradiation as well as in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th months after irradiation) to investigate the alternations in irradiation field. N-acetylaspartate/choline (NAA/Cho), NAA/creatinine (Cr), and Cho/Cr ratios were measured in the bilateral hippocampus and quantitatively analyzed with a repeated-measures mixed-effects model and multiple comparison test.

RESULTS

Significant changes in the ratios of NAA/Cho (F = 57.37, P<sub>g < 0.001), NAA/Cr (F = 54.49, P<sub>g < 0.001), and Cho/Cr (F = 9.78, P<sub>g = 0.005) between the hippocampus region of the irradiated semi-brain and the contralateral semi-brain were observed. There were significant differences in NAA/Cho (F = 9.17, P<sub>t < 0.001) and NAA/Cr (F = 13.04, P<sub>t < 0.001) ratios over time. The tendency of NAA/Cr to change with time showed no significant difference between the irradiated and contralateral sides. Nevertheless, there were significant differences in the Cho/Cr ratio between these two sides.

CONCLUSIONS

MRS can sensitively detect metabolic alternations. Significant changes of metabolites ratio in the first few months after radiation treatment reflect the metabolic disturbance in the acute and early-delayed stages of radiation-induced brain injuries.

Reduced passive force in skeletal muscles lacking protein arginylation

Arginylation is a posttranslational modification that plays a global role in mammals. Mice lacking the enzyme arginyltransferase in skeletal muscles exhibit reduced contractile forces that have been linked to a reduction in myosin cross-bridge formation. The role of arginylation in passive skeletal myofibril forces has never been investigated. In this study, we used single sarcomere and myofibril measurements and observed that lack of arginylation leads to a pronounced reduction in passive forces in skeletal muscles. Mass spectrometry indicated that skeletal muscle titin, the protein primarily linked to passive force generation, is arginylated on five sites located within the A band, an important area for protein-protein interactions. We propose a mechanism for passive force regulation by arginylation through modulation of protein-protein binding between the titin molecule and the thick filament. Key points are as follows: 1) active and passive forces were decreased in myofibrils and single sarcomeres isolated from muscles lacking arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase (ATE1). 2) Mass spectrometry revealed five sites for arginylation within titin molecules. All sites are located within the A-band portion of titin, an important region for protein-protein interactions. 3) Our data suggest that arginylation of titin is required for proper passive force development in skeletal muscles.

Modal analysis and efficient coupling of TE₀₁ mode in small-core THz Bragg fibers

We report a design of low-loss THz Bragg fibers with a core size on the order of wavelength that operates near the cutoff frequency of its TE01 mode. We also propose a broadband Y-type mode converter based on branched rectangular metallic waveguides to facilitate coupling between the TE01 mode of the Bragg fiber and the TEM mode in free space with 60% efficiency. Our fiber holds strong promise to facilitate beam-wave interaction in gyrotron for high-efficiency THz generation.

Factors Affecting the Incidence of Angel Wing in White Roman Geese: Stocking Density and Genetic Selection

The present study investigated stocking density and genetic lines, factors that may alter the severity and incidence of angel wing (AW), in White Roman geese. Geese (n = 384) from two genetically selected lines (normal- winged line, NL, and angel-winged line, AL, respectively) and one commercial line (CL) were raised in four pens. Following common commercial practice, low-stocking-density (LD), medium-stocking-density, and high-stocking-density treatments were respectively administered to 24, 32, and 40 geese per pen at 0 to 3 weeks (1.92 m²/pen) and 4 to 6 weeks (13.2 m²/pen) of age and to 24, 30, and 36 geese at 7 to 14 weeks (20.0 m²/pen) of age. The results revealed that stocking density mainly affected body weight gain in geese younger than 4 weeks, and that geese subjected to LD had a high body weight at 2 weeks of age. However, the effect of stocking density on the severity score of AW (SSAW) and incidence of AW (IAW) did not differ significantly among the treatments. Differences were observed among the genetic stocks; that is, SSAW and IAW were significantly higher in AL than in NL and CL. Genetic selection generally aggravates AW, complicating its elimination. To effectively reduce IAW, stocking density, a suspected causal factor, should be lower than that presently applied commercially.

Selection for Duration of Fertility and Mule Duck White Plumage Colour in a Synthetic Strain of Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

A synthetic strain of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) was developed by introducing genes for long duration of fertility to be used as mother of mule ducklings and a seven-generation selection experiment was conducted to increase the number of fertile eggs after a single artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen. Reciprocal crossbreeding between Brown Tsaiya LRI-2 (with long duration of fertility) and Pekin L-201 (with white plumage mule ducklings) ducks produced the G0. Then G1 were intercrossed to produce G2 and so on for the following generations. Each female duck was inseminated 3 times, at 26, 29, and 32 weeks of age. The eggs were collected for 14 days from day 2 after AI. Individual data regarding the number of incubated eggs (Ie), the number of fertile eggs at candling at day 7 of incubation (F), the total number of dead embryos (M), the maximum duration of fertility (Dm) and the number of hatched mule ducklings (H) with plumage colour were recorded. The selection criterion was the breeding values of the best linear unbiased prediction animal model for F. The results show high percentage of exhibited heterosis in G2 for traits to improve (19.1% for F and 12.9% for H); F with a value of 5.92 (vs 3.74 in the Pekin L-201) was improved in the G2. Heritabilities were found to be low for Ie (h (2) = 0.07±0.03) and M (h (2) = 0.07±0.01), moderately low for Dm (h (2) = 0.13±0.02), of medium values for H (h (2) = 0.20±0.03) and F (h (2) = 0.23±0.03). High and favourable genetic correlations existed between F and Dm (rg = 0.93), between F and H (rg = 0.97) and between Dm and H (rg = 0.90). The selection experiment showed a positive trend for phenotypic values of F (6.38 fertile eggs in G10 of synthetic strain vs 5.59 eggs in G4, and 3.74 eggs in Pekin L-201), with correlated response for increasing H (5.73 ducklings in G10 vs 4.86 in G4, and 3.09 ducklings in Pekin L-201) and maximum duration of the fertile period without increasing the embryo mortality rate. The average predicted genetic response for F was 40% of genetic standard deviation per generation of selection. The mule ducklings' feather colour also was improved. It was concluded that this study provided results for a better understanding of the genetics of the duration of fertility traits in the common female duck bred for mule and that the selection of a synthetic strain was effective method of improvement.

Elastic proteins in the flight muscle of Manduca sexta

The flight muscles (DLM1) of the Hawkmoth, Manduca sexta are synchronous, requiring a neural spike for each contraction. Stress/strain curves of skinned DLM1 showed hysteresis indicating the presence of titin-like elastic proteins. Projectin and kettin are titin-like proteins previously identified in Lethocerus and Drosophila flight muscles. Analysis of Manduca muscles with 1% SDS-agarose gels and western blots showed two bands near 1 MDa that cross-reacted with antibodies to Drosophila projectin. Antibodies to Drosophila kettin cross-reacted to bands at ∼500 and ∼700 kDa, but also to bands at ∼1.6 and ∼2.1 MDa, that had not been previously observed in insect flight muscles. Mass spectrometry identified the 2.1 MDa protein as a product of the Sallimus (sls) gene. Analysis of the gene sequence showed that all 4 putative Sallimus and kettin isoforms could be explained as products of alternative splicing of the single sls gene. Both projectin and sallimus isoforms were expressed to higher levels in ventrally located DLM1 subunits, primarily responsible for active work production, as compared to dorsally located subunits, which may act as damped springs. The different expression levels of the 2 projectin isoforms and 4 sallimus/kettin isoforms may be adaptations to the specific requirements of individual muscle subunits.

Arginylation of myosin heavy chain regulates skeletal muscle strength

Protein arginylation is a posttranslational modification with an emerging global role in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton. To test the role of arginylation in the skeletal muscle, we generated a mouse model with Ate1 deletion driven by the skeletal muscle-specific creatine kinase (Ckmm) promoter. Ckmm-Ate1 mice were viable and outwardly normal; however, their skeletal muscle strength was significantly reduced in comparison to controls. Mass spectrometry of isolated skeletal myofibrils showed a limited set of proteins, including myosin heavy chain, arginylated on specific sites. Atomic force microscopy measurements of contractile strength in individual myofibrils and isolated myosin filaments from these mice showed a significant reduction of contractile forces, which, in the case of myosin filaments, could be fully rescued by rearginylation with purified Ate1. Our results demonstrate that arginylation regulates force production in muscle and exerts a direct effect on muscle strength through arginylation of myosin.

Genomewide Study of Salivary MicroRNAs for Detection of Oral Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in human saliva have recently demonstrated to be potential biomarkers for diagnosis purposes. However, lack of well-characterized/matched clinical groups and lack of suitable endogenous control (EC) for salivary extracellular miRNA detection and normalization are among the restrictions of applying salivary-based miRNA biomarker discovery. In the present study, we examined the differential expression pattern of miRNAs among 4 groups of subjects-including patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), patients with OSCC in remission (OSCC-R), patients with oral lichen planus, and healthy controls (HCs)-using a genomewide high-throughput miRNA microarray. First, we systematically screened 10 pooling samples and 34 individual samples of different groups to find a proper EC miRNA. We then investigated the genomewide expression patterns of differentially expressed miRNAs in saliva of different groups using NanoString nCounter miRNA expression assay and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, followed by construction of receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. We identified miRNA-191 as a suitable EC miRNA with minimal intergroup and intragroup variability, and we used it for normalization. Of more than 700 miRNAs tested, 13 were identified as being significantly deregulated in saliva of OSCC patients compared to HCs: 11 miRNAs were underexpressed (miRNA-136, miRNA-147, miRNA-1250, miRNA-148a, miRNA-632, miRNA-646, miRNA668, miRNA-877, miRNA-503, miRNA-220a, miRNA-323-5p), and 2 miRNAs were overexpressed (miRNA-24, miRNA-27b). MiRNA-136 was underexpressed in both OSCC vs. HCs and OSCC vs. OSCC-R. MiRNA-27b levels were significantly higher in OSCC patients compared to those found in HCs, patients with OSCC-R, and patients with oral lichen planus and served as a characteristic biomarker of OSCC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that miRNA-27b could be a valuable biomarker for distinguishing OSCC patients from the other groups. Our novel findings established a reliable EC miRNA for salivary-based diagnostic and indicate that the salivary miRNA profiles are discriminatory in OSCC patients.

Sparing sentinel node biopsy through axillary lymph node fine needle aspiration in primary breast cancers

Background

Axillary lymph node status is an important staging and prognostic factor in breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of axilla fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in primary breast cancer without a palpable node and even without image characteristics of a metastatic node.

Methods

From June 2008 to January 2012, 77 patients met the inclusion criteria of having received a FNAC procedure during the diagnostic protocol of primary breast cancer with the characteristic of impalpable axilla nodes, and of having received axillary surgery after that, according to the guidelines. The patients’ characteristics, clinical-pathological features, pre-operative axillary lymph node FNAC findings, surgical lymph node report, and definite pathologic staging were reviewed.

Results

The FNAC procedures had a reported sensitivity of 58.82%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 72.55%, and accuracy of 80.28%. There were no false positives on FNAC; therefore, the positive likelihood ratio approached infinity. The negative likelihood ratio was 41.18%. Axillary lymph node FNAC is feasible in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to evaluate metastatic lymph nodes even in those without clinical or ultrasonic evidence of lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions

FNAC can be a routine evaluation for most primary breast cancer patients with benefits in expediting treatment. For those patients with positive findings of the axilla, sentinel node biopsy can be avoided.

Aerosolised 5-azacytidine suppresses tumour growth and reprogrammes the epigenome in an orthotopic lung cancer model

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic silencing by promoter methylation and chromatin remodelling affects hundreds of genes and is a causal event for lung cancer. Treatment of patients with low doses of the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat has yielded clinical responses. The subcutaneous dosing route for consecutive days and reduced bioavailability of 5-azacytidine because of inactivation by cytidine deaminase may limit the expansion of epigenetic therapy into Phase III trials. To mitigate these barriers, an aerosol of 5-azacytidine was generated and characterised.

METHODS

The effect of aerosol vs systemic delivery of 5-azacytidine on tumour burden and molecular response of engrafted lung tumours in the nude rat was compared.

RESULTS

Pharmacokinetics revealed major improvement in the half-life of 5-azacytidine in lung tissue with aerosol delivery. Aerosolised 5-azacytidine significantly reduced lung tumour burden and induced global demethylation of the epigenome at one-third of the comparable effective systemic dose. High commonality for demethylation of genes was seen in tumours sampled throughout lung lobes and across treated animals receiving the aerosolised drug.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings show that aerosolised 5-azacytidine targets the lung, effectively reprogrammes the epigenome of tumours, and is a promising approach to combine with other drugs for treating lung cancer.

Biodegradable rapamycin-eluting nano-fiber membrane-covered metal stent placement to reduce fibroblast proliferation in experimental stricture in a canine model

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The aim of the current study was to assess whether placement of the biodegradable rapamycin-eluting nano-fiber membrane-covered metal stent is followed by less fibroblast proliferation and tissue hyperplasia compared with bare stents in experimental stricture in a dog model.

METHODS

A total of 80 dog models of stricture were randomly divided into a control group (n = 20, no stent insertion), a bare stent group (BSG, n = 20, 1-week retention), and two drug-eluting stent sub-groups (DESG-1w, n = 20, 1-week retention; DESG-4w, n = 20, 4-week retention). Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, 5-minute barium height (5-mBH), and cardia diameter were assessed before, immediately after the procedure, and regularly thereafter for 6 months. Five dogs in each group were euthanized for histological examination at each follow-up assessment.

RESULTS

Stent insertion was well tolerated, with similar migration rates (0 % in BSG vs. 7.5 % in DESGs; P = 0.5441). At 6 months, LES pressure and 5-mBH improved in DESG-1w (26.70 ± 5.02 mmHg and 6.50 ± 2.98 cm) and DESG-4w (20.16 ± 5.50 mmHg and 1.54 ± 0.98 cm) compared with BSG (39.94 ± 5.22 mmHg and 11.1 ± 5.46 cm) (P < 0.05), with DESG-4w being more stable than DESG-1w (P < 0.05). The cardia maintained greater patency in the DESGs (7.10 ± 3.09 mm in DESG-1w; 9.16 ± 3.77 mm in DESG-4w) than in the BSG (1.86 ± 2.45 mm; P < 0.05). Reduced peak inflammatory reactions and scarring occurred in DESGs compared with the BSG (P < 0.05), with a better outcome in DESG-4w than in DESG-1w (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental stricture model, rapamycin-eluting stents were more effective than bare stents for the reduction of fibroblast proliferation and tissue hyperplasia after stent placement. Furthermore, 4-week retention of the drug-eluting stent led to a better outcome than 1-week retention.

Depressed calcium-handling proteins due to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the diabetic heart are attenuated by argirein

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is a unique disease frequently complicated to diabetes mellitus, manifesting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and depressed calcium-handling proteins. We hypothesized that the abnormal FKBP12.6, SERCA2a, and CASQ2 are consequent to ER stress and apoptosis that are likely due to an entity of inflammation. These abnormalities may be attributed to reactive oxygen species genesis from activated NADPH oxidase which could respond to argirein (AR) through its anti-inflammatory activity. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Except the normal group, rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg, i.p.) once. During weeks 5 to 8 following STZ injection, rats were treated (in milligrams per kilogram per day, i.g.) with aminoguanidine (AMG, 100; an inducible nitric oxide synthase and AGEs inhibitor) or three doses of AR (50, 100, and 200). FKBP12.6, SERCA2a, and CASQ2 and ER stress chaperones Bip and PERK and apoptotic molecules were monitored in vivo and in vitro. Impaired cardiac performance and downregulated FKBP12.6, SERCA2a, and CASQ2 were significant in DC in vivo, and abnormal calcium-handling proteins were also found in high-glucose-incubated myocytes in vitro. ER stress manifested by upregulated Bip and PERK was predominant in association with DNA ladder and upregulated Bax and downregulated BCL-2 in vivo and in vitro. AR is effective to attenuate these abnormalities compared to AMG. Diabetic myocardium has inflammatory entity expressed as ER stress contributing to downregulated calcium-handling proteins. AR has potential in managing DC through attenuating depressed calcium-handling proteins, activated ER stress, and apoptosis in the myocardium.

Labyrinthine Sequestrum

Labyrinthine sequestrum, a rare form of labyrinthitis, is highly distinct from the more commonly encountered labyrinthitis ossificans based on its unique clinical, radiologic, and histologic characteristics. The study included 4 such patients who had undergone clinical and laboratory investigations, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments followed by surgical procedures and pathological evaluation. Their major symptoms were otorrhea, otalgia, tinnitus, and profound hearing loss. Imaging studies showed an osteolytic soft mass with calcified debris in the inner ear, and the bony labyrinth was eroded partly or completely by granulation mass, with loss of bony morphology. Further pathological examination was coincident with inflammatory granulation tissue with some calcification or osseous tissue. The disease process is attributed to chronic osteomyelitis due to the presence of osteonecrosis. Prompt CT and MRI examinations and optimal therapeutic management facilitate definitive diagnosis and protect against fatal complications.

Evaluation of MR spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted MRI in detecting bone marrow changes in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

AIM

To prospectively investigate the role of MR spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in assessing vertebral marrow changes in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight postmenopausal women (mean age 63.7+/-3.5 years; range 55-81 years), who underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the spine, were divided into three bone density groups (24 with normal, 25 with osteopaenic, and 29 with osteoporotic) based on T score. Both MRS and DWI of the L3 vertebral body were performed to calculate the marrow fat content and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The results were compared between three groups and correlated with BMD.

RESULTS

Vertebral marrow fat content was significantly increased in the osteoporotic group (59.97+/-5.78%), when compared with that of the osteopaenic group (53.04+/-7.66%, p=0.001) and the normal bone density group (48.79+/-7.1%, p<0.001). ADC values in the osteoporotic, osteopaenic, and normal bone density groups were 0.39+/-0.02x10(-3)mm(2)/s, 0.41+/-0.02x10(-3)mm(2)/s, and 0.47+/-0.03x10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation between T scores and ADC existed (r=0.835, p<0.001). The vertebral marrow fat content was negatively correlated to the bone density (r=-0.639, p<0.001) and to marrow ADC (r=-0.554, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The postmenopausal women with osteoporosis exhibited a corresponding increase in vertebral marrow fat content as the bone density decreased. Marrow fat content and ADC were related to the bone density. MRS and DWI are helpful in evaluating the bone marrow changes in postmenopausal women.

Upregulated NADPH oxidase contributes to diabetic testicular complication and is relieved by strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate

Diabetes is frequently associated with declining sexual function resulting from oxidative damage. NADPH oxidase is a major resource of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testes and is likely related to an activated endothelin-1 (ET-1) system. An activation of NADPH oxidase-ET-1 pathway was hypothesized in diabetic testopathy. We verified the hypothesis and tested if strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP-Sr) could relieve these changes in diabetic testis as compared to testosterone propionate (TP) and sildenafil. Diabetes was produced in male Sprague-Dawley rats 8 weeks after a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ), and interventions with testosterone propionate (TP), sildenafil and FDP-Sr were conducted in the last 4 weeks. Blood glucose, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) , luteinizing hormone (LH) and expressions of NADPH oxidase subunits and the ET system were measured. Decreased insulin, FSH, LH and testosterone in serum were found associating with testicular oxidative stress in STZ-injected rats. Additionally, over-expressions of NADPH oxidase p22, p47, p67 subunits and the ET pathway were significant in the diabetic testis relative to normal and were completely abolished by FDP-Sr. Both TP and sildenafil were not beneficial to diabetic testopathy except serum androgen raised by TP. Activated NADPH oxidase and ET system are significant contributing to testis injury and are responded to FDP-Sr only, against both TP and sildenafil, by restoring the testis function and the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis. It is due to its extra-energy supply and an antioxidant activity of FDP-Sr.

Neonatal lipopolysaccharide exposure delays puberty and alters hypothalamic Kiss1 and Kiss1r mRNA expression in the female rat

Immunological challenge experienced in early life can have long-term programming effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that permanently influence the stress response. Similarly, neonatal exposure to immunological stress enhances stress-induced suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis in adulthood, but may also affect earlier development, including the timing of puberty. To investigate the timing of the critical window for this programming of the HPG axis, neonatal female rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 microg/kg i.p.) or saline on postnatal days 3 + 5, 7 + 9, or 14 + 16 and monitored for vaginal opening and first vaginal oestrus as markers of puberty. We also investigated the effects of neonatal programming on the development of the expression patterns of kisspeptin (Kiss1) and its receptor (Kiss1r) in hypothalamic sites known to contain kisspeptin-expressing neuronal populations critical to reproductive function: the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and the arcuate nucleus in neonatally-stressed animals. We determined that the critical period for a significant delay in puberty as a result of neonatal LPS exposure is before 7 days of age in the female rat, and demonstrated that Kiss1, but not Kiss1r mRNA, expression in the mPOA is down-regulated in pre-pubertal females. These data suggest that the mPOA population of kisspeptin neurones play a pivotal role in controlling the onset of puberty, and that their function can be affected by neonatal stress.

Selection responses in duration of fertility and its consequences on hatchability in the intergeneric crossbreeding of ducks

1. From 1992 to 2003, selected (S) and control lines (C) of the laying Brown Tsaiya duck (Anas platyrhynchos) were simultaneously maintained under the same standardised conditions of feeding and management. 2. The selection objective was to increase the number of fertile eggs after a single artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen. From generations G1 to G11, 2452 and 2022 female ducks, in S and C lines, respectively, were measured and recorded. In the S line, the percentage selected varied between 20.2 and 34.3% in females and between 7.2 and 20.8% in males. 3. Selection for number of fertile eggs had a correlated effect of increasing the parameter tau of the logistic curves which fitted the daily variations (d 2 to 15) in fertility or hatchability on the basis of eggs set. The differences S-C for the estimates of the times of half maximal fertility and hatchability increased by 0.41 and 0.37 d per generation between G1 and G11, respectively. 4. The highest increases of fertility per day rates after a single AI were observed between d 5 and 11. Moreover, in the selected line, fertility rate was higher than, or equal to, 90% in d 2 from G8. The same tendencies were observed for the changes in the evolution of hatchability on the basis of eggs set. 5. Selection increased fertility and hatchability according to the egg set rates, especially for d 2 to 8 after AI. Hatchability of fertile eggs was not impaired, confirming that selection for one AI per week was possible in this strain of laying ducks.

Evaluation of Nebulizer Performance under Various Humidity Conditions

Jet nebulizers are a drug delivery tool commonly used for treating respiratory diseases. When a nebulizer generates aerosols, the rate at which droplets evaporate depends on humidity conditions around the nebulizer outlet. Because the relative humidity (RH) of the air affects the evaporation rate, the aerosol distribution and drug delivery dose is also affected by RH. Four nebulizers were chosen for comparison in this study: PARI LC Plus (PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc., Midlothian, VA), SideStream (Medic-Aid Ltd., UK), VixOne (Westmed, Inc., Tucson, AZ), and Micromist (Hudson Respiratory Care Inc., Temecula, CA). Two different formulations were used: albuterol (liquid solution) and budesonide (suspension). Particle distribution (mass median aerodynamic diameter [MMAD] and geometric standard deviation [GSD]), nebulizer efficiency (total efficiency and respirable fraction [RF] efficiency for particles less than 4.7 microm), and dead volume (the amount of solution remaining after nebulization) were compared at the RH of 5%, 50%, and 80%. Our results showed that the MMAD increased (p value varied from <0.001 to 0.016) with the increase in RH, except for with the VixOne unit with albuterol (p = 0.24). The MMAD from the budesonide always appeared higher than from the albuterol. The RF (and thus, the inhalation dose) was lower with a higher RH. Except for the PARI LC Plus with budesonide, the RF decreased approximately 15-27% when the RH rose from 5% to 50%. For the PARI LC Plus nebulizer, the lower dead volume (0.22 mL) with higher residual drugs (62.3% of total drug) was obtained at an RH of 5% comparing the RH of 50% and 80% because of the unit's unique design.

Intraosseous oral leiomyoma: systematic review and report of one case

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to report one case of intraosseous oral leiomyoma and to systematically review the English literature.

METHODS

The clinical and radiographic findings of a patient who presented with intraosseous oral leiomyoma were recorded. In addition, 11 references from the English literature that reported 12 patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (age range 8 months to 71 years; mean 36 years, median 25 years) were reported to present with intraosseous oral leiomyoma. After excluding one patient whose sex was not reported, there were five female patients (42%) and seven males (58%). The majority of patients presented with either no symptoms or with an asymptomatic swelling. Eleven of 13 lesions occurred in the mandible; the most common site was the posterior of the jaw. Radiographically, intraosseous oral leiomyoma was found to present as either a unilocular or multilocular radiolucency with either well defined or ill defined borders and frequent cortical involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraosseous oral leiomyoma was found to occur in the mandibular posterior region of relatively young patients, with cortical involvement and a slight male gender preference. Surgical excision was the treatment of choice and no recurrence has been encountered.

Dosimetry of metal tritide particles as evaluated by the ICRP 66 model and a biokinetic model from laboratory rats

Internal radiation from inhalation of metal tritide aerosols may present a significant radiation protection problem for nuclear facility workers. Dose was evaluated for three metal tritides: hafnium, titanium, and zirconium. The study included in vitro and in vivo exposures. The inhalation doses for the three materials were calculated by using the ICRP 66 lung model. The doses also were evaluated by a biokinetic model, which was developed according to the results of animal studies. Results showed that the hafnium tritide particles were the most dense but they had a lower dissolution rate and a higher retention rate. Among these three tritides, hafnium was classified as a Type S material according to the ICRP 66 publication, whereas titanium and zirconium ranked between Type M and F materials. The dissolution rate of hafnium tritide appeared to agree well with the in vitro and in vivo studies. The dissolution rates of the other two materials in the in vitro studies were a little higher than those of the in vivo studies. The doses calculated by the ICRP 66 model for all materials were approximately two orders smaller than the doses obtained by the animal studies. This bias was caused by the different intake methods of the ICRP 66 model (inhalation) and in the animal study (instillation). The doses were on the same order while correcting for deposition fractions. The effective doses for hafnium, titanium, and zirconium tritides were 5.43 x 10(-10), 9.05 x 10(-11), and 6.5 x 10(-10) Sv Bq(-1), respectively, according to the animal studies.

Effect of inhaled residual oil fly ash on the electrocardiogram of dogs

Epidemiology studies have found associations between increases in air pollutants and increases in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. The 1995 finding by Godleski et al. at Harvard that inhalation exposures of dogs to high concentrations of residual oil fly ash (ROFA) caused changes in the ST segment and T waves in the electrocardiogram (ECG) suggested a potential mechanism, and also suggested that inhaled metals might contribute to the effect. We conducted the present study to establish a baseline correspondence to the Godleski et al. findings in preparation for studies of the cardiac effects of specific particle-borne metals. The ROFA used in this study consisted of 45% carbon and 15.5% transition metals by mass. In vitro assays using cultured A549 cells and rat alveolar macrophages demonstrated that the ROFA was biologically active but was not highly cytotoxic. Four 10.5-yr-old beagles were exposed by oral inhalation to 3 mg/m3 of aerosolized ROFA for 3 h/day on 3 consecutive days. During the exposures, ECGs were continuously recorded from leads I, II, III, and V4. ECG data were also collected during three control exposures to clean air, during one of which changes were induced using drugs as a positive control. The ROFA exposures caused no consistent changes in the amplitude of the ST segment, the form or amplitude of the T wave, or arrhythmias. The data suggested a slight slowing of heart rate during exposure. Whether the difference between the present and previous findings resulted from differences in the composition of the two batches of ROFA or differences in methodology could not be determined by the study. This study did not address the cardiac effects of ROFA in subjects having preexisting cardiac susceptibility factors, nor was it a rigorous evaluation of effects on the frequency distribution of heart rate. Our results indicate that healthy dogs can inhale high concentrations of ROFA without changes in cardiac electrophysiology, which are detectable by clinical evaluations.

Particle characteristics and lung deposition patterns in a human airway replica of a dry powder formulation of polylactic acid produced using supercritical fluid technology

Polylactic acid (PLA) powders have been used as vector particles to carry pharmaceutical material. Drugs incorporated in the PLA powder can be retained in the lung for a longer period and may be more effective than free-form drugs. A new formulation of L-PLA dry powder, which was easy to disperse in the air, was produced by using a supercritical technology. The L-PLA powder was characterized in terms of physical particle size and aerodynamic size as generated with a Turbuhaler dry powder inhaler (DPI). Electron microscopy analysis of the particles indicated that they were individual particles in bulk form and became aggregate particles after generation by the Turbuhaler. Aerodynamic particle size analysis using both an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) aerosol spectrometer and Andersen impactor showed that the aerodynamic size decreased as the flow rate in the Turbuhaler increased from 28.3 to 90 L min(-1). Deposition patterns in the human respiratory tract were estimated using a realistic physical replica of human airways. Deposition of the L-PLA was high (80.8%) in the oral airway at 28.3 L min(-1) and an average of 73.4% at flow rates of 60 and 90 L min(-1). In the lung region, the deposition totaled 7.2% at 28.3 L min(-1), 18.3% at 60 L min(-1), and 17.6% at 90 L min(-1). These deposition patterns were consistent with aerodynamic size measurement, which showed 76 to 86% deposition in the USP/EP (US Pharmacopoeia/European Pharmacopoeia) induction port. As the flow rate increased, fewer aggregates were formed resulting in the smaller aerodynamic particles. As a result, more particles penetrated the oral airways and were available for deposition in the lung. Our results showed that L-PLA particles as manufactured by the supercritical technology could be used in a DPI that does not require the use of carrier particles to facilitate aerosol delivery.

Dose assessment for inhaling hafnium particles based on laboratory rats study

Internal radiation from inhalation of hafnium tritide aerosols may be a significant radiation protection problem encountered by nuclear facility workers. Based on experimental results of the rat intratracheally instilled with hafnium tritide particles and on a self-absorption factor of beta particles determined by a numerical method, a biokinetic model was developed for inhaled particles of hafnium tritide. Results show that lung burdens of the tritide are well represented by a two-component exponential equation; biological half-lives derived for the retention of 3H in lung were 4.9 d and 1,257 d for the short- and long-term clearance, respectively. The tritium clearance rate via urine or feces was described by bi-phase exponential components. At the end of the experiment (180 d after instillation), only approximately 30% of the initial lung burden of 3H had been eliminated, of which approximately 98% was excreted via feces and 2% in urine, but none through exhaled air. Results also showed that a large percentage (70%) of the hafnium tritide initially present in lung still remained in the organ 6 mo after the exposure. The calculation of the radiation dose indicates that the cumulative dose to the lung directly from the tritide particles was approximately 10(6) times the lung dose from the dissolved tritium in the lung region. The committed effective dose to the lung was estimated to be 5.41 x 10(-10) Sv Bq(-1), which is over 99% of that to the whole body. The dose to the liver was 6.00 x 10(-15) Sv Bq(-1). This information will be useful in developing new guidelines for radiation protection purposes.

Effects of buyang huanwu decoction on peripheral nerve regeneration using silicone rubber chambers

This study investigated the effect of buyang huanwu decoction on the regeneration of a 10-mm gap of rat sciatic nerve created between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which were sutured into silicone rubber tubes. Empty silicone rubber tubes with no further treatment were used as controls. Six weeks after implantation, 89% of the animals orally administered the buyang huanwu decoction exhibited regeneration across the nerve gaps, whereas only 70% had regenerated in the control group. Both qualitative and quantitative histology of the regenerated nerves revealed a more mature ultrastructural organization with significantly higher numbers of myelinated axons, larger endoneurial areas, higher axon densities and a larger percentage of axon area per total nerve area in the buyang huanwu group than in the controls. These results showed that the buyang huanwu decoction had a growth-promoting effect on the regenerated nerves.

Respiratory deposition patterns of salbutamol pMDI with CFC and HFA-134a formulations in a human airway replica

This paper describes a technique that uses a well-defined human airway replica and gamma counting as a standard method for evaluating and comparing the performance of medical inhalers and spacers. High-fidelity replicas reproduced as needed from master casts made from human cadavers include the oropharyngeal cavity, larynx, trachea, and five to nine generations of bronchi. Deposition in the small airways and alveoli region of the cast is simulated by material that passes through the upstream airways and is collected on foam filters. Deposition patterns in the respiratory tract replica were obtained by using radiolabel in the medical inhaler and by gamma scintigraphy. This technique was used to determine respiratory deposition patterns of salbutamol in a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC, in-house formulation) and HFA-134 formulations (Proventil hydrofluoroalkane [HFA]). At an inspiration flow of 30 L/min, patterns in the salbutamol/CFC formula showed a high deposition in the oropharyngeal airway (78%) and a 16% deposition in the lung, similar to in vivo measurements reported in the literature. However, the salbutamol/HFA formula showed lower oral deposition (56%) but higher lung deposition (24%). The difference in the oral deposition patterns may be attributed to lower initial spray velocity, initial droplet evaporation rate, and possibly initial droplet sizes of Proventil HFA. The small orifice diameter (0.25 mm) of the Proventil HFA actuator produced a softer plume with a smaller impact force, resulting in lower oropharyngeal deposition. Cascade impactor measurements showed similar aerodynamic particle size distribution of the CFC and HFA formulations. We also showed that using spacers in the Proventil HFA resulted in a lower oropharyngeal deposition and higher lung deposition, indicating beneficial effects. Comparison of oropharyngeal deposition and those predicted by artificial throats used in the impactor measurements showed that, in general, the artificial throat predicted a lower deposition.

Characterization of nasal spray pumps and deposition pattern in a replica of the human nasal airway

Deposition patterns are described of a nasal spray formulation for a novel rhinovirus protease inhibitor. These patterns, which were generated from different nasal spray pumps, were characterized using a multisectional nasal airway model. A human nasal replica was made from an in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of an adult male human. The nasal replica consisted of 77 acrylic plastic sections, 1.5-mm thick. Our data showed that the aerosols were deposited mainly in the anterior and turbinate regions with little passing beyond the nasopharyngeal region. Detailed deposition information from the turbinate region indicated that deposition was high toward the anterior portion where most deposition was concentrated on the inferior meatus. Spray droplets were also deposited in spots of the middle and posterior portions of the turbinate region, and this nonuniform deposition pattern may be correlated with the flow pattern. The spray angle and droplet size of the nasal spray were found to be important in influencing the deposition pattern in the nasal airway. The droplet size was determined by a laser-diffraction technique and the spray angle by high-speed photography. Larger droplets and a wider spray angle increased deposition in the anterior region of the nasal airway, which prevented more material from depositing in the turbinate region.

Automated construction of high-density comparative maps between rat, human, and mouse

Animal models have been used primarily as surrogates for humans, having similar disease-based phenotypes. Genomic organization also tends to be conserved between species, leading to the generation of comparative genome maps. The emergence of radiation hybrid (RH) maps, coupled with the large numbers of available Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs), has revolutionized the way comparative maps can be built. We used publicly available rat, mouse, and human data to identify genes and ESTs with interspecies sequence identity (homology), identified their UniGene relationships, and incorporated their RH map positions to build integrated comparative maps with >2100 homologous UniGenes mapped in more than one species (approximately 6% of all mammalian genes). The generation of these maps is iterative and labor intensive; therefore, we developed a series of computer tools (not described here) based on our algorithm that identifies anchors between species and produces printable and on-line clickable comparative maps that link to a wide variety of useful tools and databases. The maps were constructed using sequence-based comparisons, thus creating "hooks" for further sequence-based annotation of human, mouse, and rat sequences. Currently, this map enables investigators to link the physiology of the rat with the genetics of the mouse and the clinical significance of the human.

Projection-invariant pattern recognition with logarithmic harmonic function and wavelet transform

A logarithmic harmonic filter can detect objects at different projection angles. The Mexican-hat wavelet function can extract edges of equal width for objects, regardless of their sizes. Hence incorporating wavelet filtering in the logarithmic harmonic filter can improve its performance. The theory is presented together with computer simulation. Finally, an experiment using a joint transform correlator is presented to verify the capability of the proposed filter.

Early colonic carcinoma with extensive lymph node metastases: case report and review of literature

An 81-year-old woman had an early carcinoma invading focally into the upper submucosa of the middle-transverse colon, which was accompanied by extensive lymph node metastases and resulted in a poor prognosis. Although her tumor was small and flat, a rim of pale yellow-speckled mucosa adjacent to the tumor enabled its earlier detection. To further study the exceptional lymph node metastases we studied the expression of intestinal trefoil factor and sialyl Tn antigen immunohistochemically on the resected specimen. Their simultaneous expression in lymph node metastasis further supports the aggressive nature of this tumor.

Investigation of the extent of gastric metaplasia in the duodenal bulb by using methylene blue staining

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The existence of gastric metaplasia (GM) of the duodenal mucosa has been considered to be highly related to the recurrence of duodenal ulcers (DU). The aims of this study are to evaluate the usefulness of methylene blue staining in the detection of GM, and to clarify the relationship between GM and the deformity of the duodenal bulb.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with healed DU and four patients with symptoms of dyspepsia without evidence of ulcers were enrolled into this endoscopic study. During each endoscopy, methylene blue was sprayed evenly on the duodenal bulb, and biopsies were taken from blue-stained and unstained areas. The existence and extent of GM were assessed histologically and grossly. The correlation between duodenal bulb deformity and the extent of GM was also studied.

RESULTS

The mean score of methylene blue non-staining (MBNS) was 0, 1.30 +/- 0.15, and 3.00 +/- 0.00 in group A (non-ulcer patients), group B (patients with healed DU and with normal-shaped bulb) and C (patients with healed DU and with deformed duodenal bulb), respectively; showing significant differences among the groups (P < 0.05 in each). Both the existence and the grading of GM were higher in unstained specimens than in blue-stained specimens (100 vs 16.6%, P < 0.0001 and 3.62 +/- 0.09 vs 0.19 +/- 0.06, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Methylene blue non-staining can be applied to investigate the existence and extent of GM in the duodenal bulb accurately. The incidence of GM in the duodenal bulb was higher in patients with healed ulcers than in non-ulcer patients. Patients with deformed duodenal bulbs have a higher extent of GM than those without deformed duodenal bulbs.

Childhood oral pemphigoid: a case report and review of the literature

Oral pemphigoid, defined as cicatricial pemphigoid limited to the oral cavity, is a clinical subset of cicatricial pemphigoid. Like cicatricial pemphigoid, it occurs mostly in middle-aged women and it is uncommon in children under 20 years of age. There are 11 cases of childhood cicatricial pemphigoid published previously in the English language literature, and four of them are oral pemphigoid patients. We present a case of the youngest oral pemphigoid patient reported yet. Because of the rareness of cicatricial pemphigoid in children, delayed diagnosis and treatment have been shown in many cases reported earlier. Clinical awareness and early recognition are, therefore, emphasized.

Genetic parameters of reproductive traits in Brown Tsaiya ducks artificially inseminated with semen from Muscovy drakes

A selection experiment on maximum duration of fertility of Brown Tsaiya ducks after artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen has been conducted since 1992. The Brown Tsaiya ducks were divided into two lines: a control line (T) with no selection and a selected line (S). The traits measured were the number of eggs set that were laid from Days 2 to 15 after one AI (NES), the number of fertile eggs at candling (NEF), the total number of dead embryos (NED), the maximum duration of fertility (MD), and the number of hatched mule ducklings (NEH). The selected trait was NEF. Six generations with a total of 2,127 females were measured. The variance components were estimated for each line in a multiple-trait animal model, using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology, which yields estimates free of bias caused by selection and inbreeding. Estimates of the heritability and genetic correlation from the two lines were very similar. Heritabilities in the S and T lines, respectively, were 0.14 and 0.10 for NES, 0.30 and 0.26 for NEF, 0.06 and 0.09 for NED, 0.28 and 0.21 for MD, and 0.18 and 0.19 for NEH. High and favorable genetic correlations existed between NEF and MD (0.96 and 0.92), between NEF and NEH (0.86 and 0.91), and between MD and NEH (0.90 and 0.82). The results suggested that selection for NEF could improve the maximum duration of fertility, but it could be useful to check the estimates of genetic parameters in a meat-type female duck.

Adjuvant sclerotherapy after ligation for the treatment of esophageal varices: a prospective, randomized long-term study

BACKGROUND

To assess the efficacy of adjuvant sclerotherapy after banding for the treatment of esophageal varices, a randomized trial was carried out of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) alone with sequential sclerotherapy versus sequential ligation-sclerotherapy (SLS) after banding with respect to variceal eradication, associated complications, and recurrence of varices.

METHODS

One hundred patients qualified for this study. Fourteen patients were not included for the following reasons: 6 chose not to participate, 4 had fundal varices, and 4 had some form of cancer. Of the remaining 86 patients in the study, 42 underwent EVL alone and the other 44 SLS. Variceal ligation was begun in the region of the gastroesophageal junction, with subsequent ligatures applied cephalad 3 to 5 cm; ligation was repeated every 2 weeks until variceal obliteration. For SLS, ligation was also begun in the region of the gastroesophageal junction and repeated until varices were reduced to F1 size. Subsequently, these patients underwent sclerotherapy with between 6 and 8 mL of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (free hand technique).

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between EVL alone and SLS with regard to variceal eradication, development of associated complications, and recurrent bleeding during a follow-up of 2 years. The probability of variceal recurrence requiring further treatment after 1 year was 14% for the SLS group and 26% for EVL group patients. Another year later, the probability of variceal recurrence was 24% and 45%, respectively, for the SLS and EVL groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Because a significantly lower rate of variceal recurrence was found for SLS patients, sequential sclerotherapy followed by ligation to eradicate those varices too small to easily band may be a better procedure.

Relationship of duodenal ulcer recurrence to gastric metaplasia of the duodenal mucosa and duodenal bulb deformity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study investigated changes in the severity of gastric metaplasia (GM) of the duodenal mucosa before and after ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori eradication. It also investigated whether deformity of the duodenal bulb affects the severity of GM and the likelihood of ulcer recurrence.

METHODS

Eleven patients were consecutively enrolled in this study. They all had duodenal ulcer(s) and H. pylori infection, for which they had received anti-H. pylori triple therapy during the active ulcer stage, and had all undergone serial endoscopic examinations during both the active ulcer and scarring ulcer stages, and at 1 year after ulcer healing. Duodenal biopsies were obtained at each endoscopy to identify the severity of GM. Duodenal ulcers were divided into three types by bulbar shape and GM was classified into four grades of severity.

RESULTS

All 11 patients had increased GM severity just after ulcer healing. The 1-year follow-up study revealed that the GM was unchanged in six of eight patients with grade 3 GM severity at the scarring stage, while in the other two it regressed to grade 1 or 2; these two patients suffered ulcer recurrence. A markedly deformed bulb (type III) was found in three patients, of whom two had ulcer recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Two characteristic conditions were found in patients with duodenal ulcer recurrence after H. pylori eradication: a markedly deformed bulb with grade 3 GM at the scarring stage, and a change in GM from high to low grade at or around the previous ulcer site after ulcer healing.

Diterpenoids from the leaves of Juniperus chinensis var. kaizuka

Two diterpenoids based on novel carbon skeletons, namely, 8,19-dioxo-8,14-seco-chinan-14,11-olide (1) and 8-oxo-8,14-seco-abiet-12-en-14,19-dial (2), have been isolated, together with two new abietane diterpenoids, 13 beta,14 beta-epoxyabiet-7-en-19,6 beta-olide (3) and 7 beta-hydroxyabieta-8,11,13-trien-19-al (4), from the leaves of Juniperus chinensis. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR, and, in the case of 1, X-ray crystallographic analysis.