Acceptability of an Orange-Flavoured Zinc Sulphate Dispersible Tablet in the Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Under-five Children in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Acute diarrhoea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five, especially in subSaharan Africa. The WHO recommends using oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc therapy for its management, but the metallic taste of zinc often hinders adherence.

METHOD

This prospective open-label intervention study took place at three health facilities in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, involving children aged 3 to 59 months with acute diarrhoea. Sociodemographic and diarrhoea-related data were obtained. Palatability was assessed using a 5-point hedonic scale, and adherence was determined by the proportion of prescribed zinc sulfate tablets consumed. Caregivers received a 10-day supply of the study drug and ORS sachets for each child, along with participant diaries for tracking drug intake, palatability scores, and adverse events. Follow-up was conducted on Days 3 and 7, and diaries were collected between Days 10 and 14.

RESULTS

Out of the 294 participants, most caregivers were mothers (86.0%), had at least a secondary education (88.1%), and were employed (70.7%). The majority of children were male (54.2%), and under 18 months old (52.2%). The average palatability score was 2.65 (±0.78), with no significant differences based on age or gender. Mean adherence was 93.03%, with 89.3% achieving ≥80% adherence, and adherence did not significantly differ by age or gender. The only reported adverse event, vomiting, decreased from 18.8% on Day 1 to 0.5% on Day 10.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that the orange-flavored dispersible zinc sulfate tablet is well-accepted by children aged 3 to 59 months with acute diarrhoea in Lagos, Nigeria.

Effect of capsaicin on the feed intake and immunoglobin concentration of sows, and performance of piglets

Capsaicin is a recognized alkaloid that can be used as a flavoring and palatability agent. These effects can increase feed intake in lactating sows during farrowing, especially under thermal stress conditions, and provide antioxidant and immunostimulant activities. The objective of this work was to find out the effects of a capsaicin-based product on the feed intake of sows, immunomodulation, and repercussions on litter performance and the control of piglet diarrhea conditions. A total of 132 pregnant sows and lactating sows and their respective litters were divided into 66 sows each and submitted to one of two possible treatments: a capsaicin-free diet (control group) or capsaicin per meal/day. Capsaicin was mixed with gestation and lactation diets in the proportion of 98.6 g of feed and 1.4 g of capsaicin/kg feed, with the dose administered "on top" of 100 g per treatment day on the first feeding. The sows were treated between 90 days of gestation and 21 days of lactation. Backfat thickness, feed intake during farrowing, colostrum production, IgG colostrum concentration, sow reproductive performance, piglet performance, and diarrhea were evaluated. Compared to the sows in the control group, those that received capsaicin had higher feed intake (+ 0.69 kg/day during lactation, P = 0.008), higher levels of IgG in colostrum (185.75 versus 153.80 mg/mL, P = 0.04), an 11.2% higher litter weight gain, with individual piglet weight gains greater than 5.24% (P = 0.045), and an effective reduction in the frequency of piglet diarrhea on the 10th and 17th days of age (P = 0.013 and P = 0.001, respectively). Capsaicin is an additive with potential effects on the sow's performance, with positive influences on the health and growth of suckling piglets.

Outcome of neoadjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer in elderly patients: comparative, observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Use of neoadjuvant therapy for elderly patients with pancreatic cancer has been debatable. With FOLFIRINOX (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) showing tremendous effects in improving the overall survival of patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, there is no definitive consensus regarding the use of this regimen in the elderly.

METHODS

This study evaluated the eligibility of elderly patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer for neoadjuvant therapy. Patients registered in the database of pancreatic cancer at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, who underwent neoadjuvant treatment between January 2011 and March 2019, were separated into three age groups (less than 70, 70-74, 75 or more years) and respective treatment outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The study included 246 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent neoadjuvant treatment, of whom 154 and 71 received chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX and GnP respectively. Among these 225 patients, 155 were younger than 70 years, 36 were aged 70-74 years, and 34 were aged 75 years or older. Patients under 70 years old received FOLFIRINOX most frequently (124 of 155 versus 18 of 36 aged 70-74 years, and 12 of 34 aged 75 years or more; P < 0.001). Resectability was similar among the three groups (60.0, 58.3, and 55.9 per cent respectively; P = 0.919). Trends towards shorter survival were observed in the elderly (median overall survival time 23.6, 18.0, and 17.6 months for patients aged less than 70, 70-74, and 75 or more years respectively; P = 0.090). After adjusting for co-variables, age was not a significant predictive factor.

CONCLUSION

The safety and efficacy of multiagent chemotherapy in patients aged 75 years or over were similar to those in younger patients. Modern multiagent regimens could be a safe and viable treatment option for clinically fit patients aged at least 75 years.

Staging laparoscopy for pancreatic cancer using intraoperative ultrasonography and fluorescence imaging: the SLING trial

This prospective trial revealed the additional diagnostic value of staging laparoscopy with contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography and indocyanine green-fluorescence imaging, detecting radiologically occult liver metastases and other occult metastases effectively for patients with high-risk resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The 2-year survival rate of patients without occult metastasis was significantly better than that of patients with occult metastasis. These favourable results for patients without occult metastasis indicate that an enhanced screening strategy and modern multidisciplinary treatment may improve the outcome even of patients affected by high-risk advanced pancreatic cancer.

State-of-the-art staging worth the effort

Early and noninvasive diagnosis using serological antigen biomarkers in chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis

Background: Chronic invasive form of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is characterized by the invasion of fungal organisms into the sinonasal mucosa in the background of diabetes mellitus and corticosteroid treatment. Although the histopathology has traditionally been used to make a proven diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, the dependence on tissue samples and the slow turnaround time hamper the early confirmation of such infections. Methodology: This is a retrospective case series conducted over 6 years. All patients with a chronic course and immunosuppressive background of FRS diagnosed by radiologic imaging and treated with endoscopic sinus surgery were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected through medical records, including basic characteristics, symptoms and signs, imaging findings, laboratory investigations, pathology, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Fifteen patients with chronic course and immunosuppressive background of FRS diagnosed by radiologic imaging were identified. High values of 1,3-b-D-glucan (BDG) assay were recognized in 5 patients, whereas the other 10 patients with negative findings in the BDG assay showed sinus mycetomas. All the 5 patients showing significant elevations of serum BDG showed positive findings in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but only 2 patients were positive in the histopathology. The findings of the BDG assay were consistent with those of the PCR method, which was superior in sensitivity to the histopathology. Conclusion: We first applied BDG assay as a diagnostic tool for chronic invasive FRS. The BDG assay may be useful to distinguish chronic invasive FRS, including its early stage, from noninvasive mycetoma, contributing to timely treatment.

Regional pancreatoduodenectomy versus standard pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with portal vein invasion

Background

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with portal vein resection (PVR) is a standard operation for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with portal vein (PV) invasion, but positive margin rates remain high. It was hypothesized that regional pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD), in which soft tissue around the PV is resected en bloc, could enhance oncological clearance and survival.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent PD with PVR between January 2005 and December 2016 in a single high‐volume centre. In standard PD (SPD) with PVR, the PV was skeletonized and the surrounding soft tissue dissected. In RPD, the retropancreatic segment of the PV was resected en bloc with its surrounding soft tissue. The extent of lymphadenectomy was similar between the procedures.

Results

A total of 268 patients were included (177 SPD, 91 RPD). Tumours were more often resectable in patients undergoing SPD (60·5 per cent versus 38 per cent in those having RPD; P = 0·014), and consequently they received neoadjuvant therapy less often (7·9 versus 25 per cent respectively; P < 0·001). R0 resection was achieved in 73 patients (80 per cent) in the RPD group, compared with 117 (66·1 per cent) of those in the SPD group (P = 0·016), although perioperative outcomes were comparable between the groups. Median recurrence‐free (RFS) and overall (OS) survival were 17 and 32 months respectively in patients who had RPD, compared with 11 and 21 months in those who had SPD (RFS: P = 0·003; OS: P = 0·004).

Conclusion

RPD is as safe and feasible as SPD, and may increase the survival of patients with PDAC with PV invasion.

Vascular Resections for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Vascular Resections for PDAC

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It has become clear that vein resection and reconstruction for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the standard of care as supported by multiple guidelines. However, resection of large peri-pancreatic arteries remains debatable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review examines the current state of vascular resection with curative intent for PDAC in the last 5 years. Herein, we consider venous (superior mesenteric vein, portal vein), as well as arterial (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, hepatic artery) resection or both with or without reconstruction.

RESULTS

Improvement of multidrug chemotherapy has revolutionized care for PDAC that should shift traditional surgical thinking from an anatomical classification of resectability to a prognostic and biological classification.

CONCLUSION

The present review gives an overview on the results of pancreatectomy associated with vascular resection, with consideration of new perspectives offered by the availability of better systemic therapies.

Performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of broilers supplemented with organic or inorganic zinc

ABSTRACT A total of 640 one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks, half male and half female, were reared up to 49 days of age. A completely randomized 2 × 4 factorial design was used. Experimental treatments consisted of four levels of organic zinc supplementation and one control (inorganic zinc supplementation) and two levels of sex (female and male), with four replicates of 16 birds per experimental plot. Animal performance, carcass and cut yields, and meat quality were evaluated. Feed intake increased with zinc supplementation. Broilers that received the lowest level of organic zinc showed better feed conversion than those fed an equivalent level of inorganic zinc. Increased levels of organic zinc reduced the abdominal fat content in females but impaired the oxidative stability of meat. The results showed that male broilers have better performance, carcass yield, and meat quality than females and that organic zinc improves broiler feed conversion and reduces abdominal fat but increases lipid oxidation in meat.

Possible underestimation of blood loss during laparoscopic hepatectomy

Background

Previous studies have documented potential advantages of laparoscopic hepatectomy in decreasing blood loss compared with open surgery. This study aimed to compare intraoperative blood loss estimated using four different methods in open versus laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing liver resection between 2014 and 2017 were evaluated prospectively, differentiating between the laparoscopic and open approach. Groups were compared using univariable and multivariable analyses. Intraoperative blood loss was estimated using three formulas based on the postoperative decreases in haematocrit, haemoglobin or red blood cell volume, and using the conventional method of the sum of suction fluid amounts and gauze weight. In addition, blood loss per hepatic transection area was calculated to compare groups.

Results

Some 125 patients who underwent hepatectomy were selected, including 56 open hepatectomies and 69 laparoscopic liver resections. Intraoperative blood loss per hepatic transection area estimated by the conventional method was significantly less in the laparoscopic than the open group (3·6 (range 0·2-50·0) versus 6·6 (1·2-82·5) ml/cm² respectively; P < 0·001). In contrast, there were no significant differences between groups in blood loss estimated based on the decrease in haematocrit (12·9 (0-65·2) versus 8·1 (0-123·7) ml/cm²; P = 0·818), haemoglobin or red blood cell volume. Blood loss estimation using three formulas showed significant linear correlations with the blood loss estimated by the conventional method in the open group (r _s = 0·758 to 0·762), but not in the laparoscopic group (r _s = -0·019 to 0·031).

Conclusion

The conventional method of calculating blood loss in laparoscopic hepatectomy can underestimate losses.

Quantitative evaluation of regional cerebral blood flow changes during childhood using 123I-N-isopropyl-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively evaluate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional developmental changes during childhood using ¹²³I-N-isopropyl-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and autoradiography.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed quantitative values of rCBF in 75 children (29 girls) aged between 16 days and 178 months (median: 12 months), whose brain images, including magnetic resonance imaging and SPECT data, were normal under visual inspection at Saitama Children's Medical Center between 2005 and 2015. The subjects had normal psychomotor development, no focal neurological abnormalities, and neither respiratory nor cardiac disease at the time of examination. Regions of interest were placed automatically using a three-dimensional stereotactic template.

RESULTS

rCBF was lowest in neonates, who had greater rCBF in the lenticular nucleus, thalamus, and cerebellum than the cerebral cortices. rCBF increased rapidly during the first year of life, reaching approximately twice the adult levels at 8 years, and then fell to approximately adult levels in the late teenage years. Cerebral cortex rCBF sequentially increased in the posterior, central, parietal, temporal, and callosomarginal regions during infancy and childhood.

CONCLUSIONS

rCBF changed dramatically throughout childhood and ranged from lower than adult values to approximately two times higher than adult values. It had different trajectories in each region during brain development. Understanding this dynamic developmental change is necessary for SPECT image evaluation in children.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers fed with different levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product

Fermented products and components of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been widely used in animal nutrition to promote the development and quality of broilers. This study aims to evaluate different levels of inclusion (0, 250, 750, 1,500 g/t) of S. cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) in broiler feed to gauge its effect on carcass characteristics and cuts beyond the quality of breast meat. For analyses of carcass yield, cuts, and meat quality, 16 broilers per treatment were slaughtered. The meat quality analyses were performed 24 h after slaughter and evaluated color, pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss, and shear force. Lipid oxidation was determined in frozen breast samples stored at -20°C for 45 d. The results indicate that different levels of inclusion of SCFP provided no changes in carcass yield, color, water holding capacity, cooking loss, and shear force; however, inclusion of 1,500 g/t of SCFP increased leg yield and reduced pH. The inclusion of 750 g/t of SCFP decreased the lipid oxidation of breast meat (P < 0.05). This study concluded that inclusion of SCFP may improve leg yield and the lipid oxidation of breast meat.

Treatment of infantile spasms by pediatric neurologists in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To clarify changes in clinical practice for infantile spasms, including West syndrome, in Japan over the past two decades.

METHODS

We investigated common treatment strategies for infantile spasms among 157 pediatric neurologists from a designated training facility for pediatric neurology and/or a designated training facility for epilepsy in Japan. A questionnaire was used to investigate use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy including daily dose, treatment duration, and tapering off period, and preferred first to fifth-line treatment choices.

RESULTS

Among 119 responses (75.8%), 107 enabled analysis of ACTH therapy and 112 were used to determine preferred order of first to fifth-line treatments. Over 80% respondents reported an initial ACTH dose of ≤0.0125 mg/kg/day, with a treatment duration of 14 days and various tapering periods. Following an unfavorable response of seizures to ACTH, 80% respondents increased the dose and/or extended treatment duration. The same ACTH therapy regimen was performed for symptomatic and cryptogenic patients at 95 facilities (88.8%). Preferred orders of therapeutic agents were the same for both symptomatic and cryptogenic patients at 64 facilities (57.1%). Over half the respondents selected vitamin B6 or valproate as the first and second-line treatments instead of ACTH therapy, while ACTH therapy was the most frequently selected third-line treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Current ACTH therapy regimens have lower doses and shorter durations than previously reported. However, treatment strategies for infantile spasms have not changed much in two decades. ACTH therapy should be the first/second-line treatment rather than third-line or later, especially for cryptogenic infantile spasms.

Características produtivas, carcaça, cortes e resposta imune humoral de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleo e vitamina E

RESUMO A adição de óleos na dieta de frangos de corte proporciona muitas vantagens, visto que, dependendo do perfil de ácidos graxos, pode melhorar o desempenho e atuar como estimulante do sistema imune. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características produtivas, o rendimento de carcaça, os cortes e a resposta imune humoral de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleos e vitamina E. Foram utilizados 312 pintainhos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb com um dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com oito repetições compostas de 13 aves por parcela experimental. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em óleo de soja, óleo de canola e óleo de canola mais adição de vitamina E. As variáveis analisadas foram ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça, cortes comerciais e resposta imune humoral. Os resultados obtidos mostram que houve diferença significativa no desempenho somente na fase pré-inicial, quando as aves que receberam o tratamento com óleo de canola e vitamina E apresentaram piores ganhos de peso. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as outras variáveis analisadas. Conclui-se que a utilização de diferentes fontes lipídicas associadas ou não à vitamina E não afeta as características produtivas de carcaça, cortes e resposta imune humoral em frangos de corte em relação ao uso de óleo de soja.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is rarely effective as the initial treatment in West syndrome: A retrospective study of 70 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate factors influencing the efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) therapy for West syndrome.

METHODS

We investigated seizure outcomes in 70 patients who received IVIG treatment for West Syndrome during the first 3months after the onset of epileptic spasms. IVIG was administered for 3 consecutive days (initial IVIG treatment) at dosages ranging from 100 to 500mg/kg/day. If spasms disappeared within 2weeks of the initial treatment, maintenance IVIG treatment was commenced. We evaluated seizure outcomes at 2weeks (initial evaluation), at 2years (long-term evaluation), and the last visit (last follow-up evaluation) after the initial IVIG treatment. We analyzed dosages of IVIG, age at onset of spasms, treatment lag, and etiologies between responders and non-responders.

RESULTS

Among the patients, 7/70 (10.0%) had cessation of spasms and resolution of hypsarrhythmia at the initial evaluation. Another 6/70 patients (8.6%) were found to have cessation of spasms at the long-term evaluations. The treatment lag in responders was shorter than that in non-responders (P<0.01). There were no significant differences between responders and non-responders in IVIG dosages, age at onset of spasms, and etiologies. Two patients had relapse of partial seizures after cessation of spasms at the last follow-up evaluation. Adverse effects occurred in 2/70 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of IVIG was so low that it should not be considered as first-line treatment in West syndrome. IVIG therapy has a good safety profile and we would recommend it for West syndrome cases with drug resistance, severe complications associated with profound brain damage, severe brain atrophy, and in immunocompromised patients.

[Alteration of cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid before and after high-dose immunoglobulin therapy in patients with West syndrome]

Objective: To elucidate the pathophysiology of West syndrome and mechanism of immunoglobulin therapy for this syndrome, we investigated serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine levels before and after high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in patients with West syndrome. Methods: We measured serum and CSF cytokine levels of 11 patients with West syndrome who was referred to Saitama Children’s Medical Center from April 2010 to May 2014. All patients received IVIG, ranging from 200 to 500 mg/kg/day for 3 consecutive days (initial IVIG treatment), before adrenocorticotrophic hormone therapy. When spasms disappeared within 2 weeks after initial IVIG treatment, maintenance IVIG treatment was commenced. We measured cytokines level in patients before and after initial IVIG treatment. We compared the levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, Interferon γ, Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, IL-18, Tumor necrosis factor-α〔TNF-α〕) in serum and CSF, and between the seizure-free group and seizure-persisting group. Seizure free was defined as remission of spasms within 2 weeks after initial IVIG treatment and no relapse for at least 1 week after remission. Results: After IVIG therapy, 5 of 11 patients were in the seizure-free group (4 males, 1 cryptogenic) while 6 were in the seizure-persisting group (2 males, 1 cryptogenic). Levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, and TNF-α in serum were significantly higher than those in CSF before initiation of IVIG. Before IVIG treatment, the level of IL-8 in CSF was significantly higher than that in serum, while the serum IL-18 level in the seizure-free group was significantly lower than that in the seizure-persisting group. Alterations of serum IL-18 level and CSF IL-8 level were different between the seizure-free and seizure-persisting groups. Conclusions: Serum IL-18 and CSF IL-8 may be important factors for elucidating the pathophysiology of West syndrome and mechanism of IVIG therapy.

The relationship between dermal papillary structure and skin surface properties, color, and elasticity

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The skin contains an undulating structure called the dermal papillary structure between the border of the epidermis and dermis. The physiological importance of the dermal papillary structures has been discussed, however, the dermal papillary structures have never been evaluated for their contribution to skin appearance. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the dermal papillary structure and skin color and elasticity. In addition, the relationship was validated with skin model experiments.

METHODS

The dermal papillary structures in the skin of the female cheek were quantitatively measured by in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy images. In addition, the skin color and elasticity were measured at the same site. A skin model with dermal papilla-like structures was created by referring to the optical and shape properties of the skin using agar gel and a scattering sheet.

RESULTS

Correlations were found between the dermal papillary structures and skin color irregularity and skin elasticity. These relationships were verified by the experiments employing a skin model.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated that the dermal papillary structure is also an important factor for skin appearance such as color and elasticity.

Genetic dissection of medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus pathway function in mice

The habenular complex linking forebrain and midbrain structures is subdivided into the medial (mHb) and the lateral nuclei (lHb). The mHb is characterized by the expression of specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor isoforms and the release of acetylcholine to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), the sole output region of the mHb. The specific function of this circuit, however, is poorly understood. Here we generated transgenic mice in which mHb cells were selectively ablated postnatally. These lesions led to large reductions in acetylcholine levels within the IPN. The mutant mice exhibited abnormalities in a wide range of behavioral domains. They tended to be hyperactive during the early night period and were maladapted when repeatedly exposed to new environments. Mutant mice also showed a high rate of premature responses in the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), indicating impulsive and compulsive behavior. Additionally, mice also exhibited delay and effort aversion in a decision-making test, deficits in spatial memory, a subtle increase in anxiety levels, and attenuated sensorimotor gating. IntelliCage studies under social housing conditions confirmed hyperactivity, environmental maladaptation, and impulsive/compulsive behavior, delay discounting, deficits in long-term spatial memory, and reduced flexibility in complex learning paradigms. In 5-CSRTT and adaptation tasks, systemic administration of nicotine slowed down nose-poke reaction and enhanced adaptation in control but not mutant mice. These findings demonstrate that the mHb–IPN pathway plays a crucial role in inhibitory control and cognition-dependent executive functions.

A new single nucleotide polymorphism in the ryanodine gene of chicken skeletal muscle

Some genes affect meat quality in chickens. We looked for polymorphisms in the Gallus gallus α-RyR gene (homologous to RyR 1) that could be associated with PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat. Because RyR genes are over 100,000 bp long and code for proteins with about 5000 amino acids, primers were designed to amplify a fragment of hotspot region 2, a region with a high density of mutations in other species. Total blood DNA was extracted from 50 birds, 25 that had PSE meat and 25 normal chickens. The DNA samples were amplified by PCR, cloned, sequenced, and used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The amplified fragment of α-RyR was 604 nucleotides in length; 181 nucleotides were similar to two exons from a hypothetical turkey cDNA sequence for α-RyR. A non-synonymous nucleotide substitution (G/A) was identified in at least one of the three sequenced clones obtained from nine animals, six PSE (HAL+) birds and three normal (HAL-) birds; they were heterozygous for this mutation. This SNP causes a change from Val to Met in the α-RYR protein. Since the frequencies of this SNP were not significantly different in the PSE versus normal chickens, it appears that this mutation (in heterozygosity) does not alter the structure or function of the muscle protein, making it an inappropriate candidate as a genetic marker for PSE meat.

Características das fibras musculares do l. Dorsi e qualidade da carne de suínos de quatro linhagens

O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar as características miofibrilares de suínos de quatro linhagens distintas e correlacioná-las com a qualidade de carne. Foram utilizados 48 animais (24 machos castrados e 24 fêmeas) provenientes de 4 linhagens, representando os tratamentos experimentais: linhagem melhorada comercialmente, selecionada para crescimento e produção de carne magra; linhagem melhorada comercialmente, selecionada para fins de prolificidade; animais oriundos do cruzamento Landrace x Large White; e linhagem não melhorada geneticamente. Foram avaliados o comprimento do sarcômero, o tipo de fibra muscular, o número e o diâmetro das células musculares e as características de qualidade da carne (cor, marmoreio e perda de água por gotejamento). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 4 x 2 (4 padrões genéticos e 2 sexos), sendo cada animal uma repetição. Os animais selecionados para deposição de carne, os melhorados para prolificidade e os animais cruzados Landrace x Large White apresentaram maior número de células musculares (p

Enhancement of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced head-twitch response after olfactory bulbectomy

5-Hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor agonists evoke the head-twitch response in mice. The head-twitch response in olfactory bulbectomized mice elicited by the administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (40 microgram/mouse, i.c.v.) was increased about threefold as compared with controls on the 14th day after the operation. The injection of ketanserin (1 mg/kg, i.p.), a 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor antagonist, inhibited this enhancement of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced head-twitch response after olfactory bulbectomized. On the 14th day, the number of head-twitch response induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg, i.p.), a precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine, did not differ between olfactory bulbectomized and control mice. Monoamine oxidase-B activity in the forebrain of olfactory bulbectomized mice was higher than that in controls while monoamine oxidase-A activities were unchanged. The 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake into synaptosomes in the forebrain homogenates of olfactory bulbectomized mice was lower than that in controls. These findings indicate that olfactory bulbectomized causes the enhancement of head-twitch response by a supersensitivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptors in cerebral cortex derived from degeneration of neurons projecting from the olfactory bulb.

[Pubertal development in girls with homozygote sickle cell disease. Apropos of 72 cases]

We carried out a case-control study to investigate the sexual maturation of girls suffering from homozygous sickle cell disease: 72 cases aged 10 to 18 years were compared to 40 controls of the same age. We obtained the following results: In cases, there was a significant delay in signs of physical maturation; puffiness of the mammary glands at 14.4 years +/- 1 (as versus 12.4 years +/- 1.5 in controls); pubarche occurred at 14.2 years +/- 1. Menarche occurred on average at 15.2 years +/- 1.6 (as versus 13.4 years +/- 1.4 for controls) and the lack of the menarche between the ages of 14 and 18 years was observed in 71% of cases as versus 10% of controls. At age 16, only 1% and 3% of cases were respectively at the stage of S5 and P5 as versus 40% for the controls. Thus, 37% of girls suffering from homozygous sickle cell disease were not sexually mature, whereas all controls had reached sexual maturation by the age of 14. In cases, weight remained low, and waist line and the body shape poorly developed in comparison to controls'. The examination by scanner of the pelvis of 20 girls suffering from homozygous sickle cell girls that in 25% of the cases, the ovaries of non mature girls were relatively small.

Differential distribution of TRP Ca2+ channel isoforms in mouse brain

Mammalian homologues of the Drosophila TRP proteins, which are essential for light-activated, phosphatidyl-inositide (PI)-dependent Ca2+ conductance in Drosophila photoreceptors, were molecularly identified, to investigate receptor-activated Ca2+ influx in the mammalian nervous system. Two cloned mouse TRP homologues, TRP3 and TRP4, structurally related to the voltage-dependent Na+ channel, were expressed predominantly in the brain, where a sharp contrast in the distribution of the RNA transcripts for TRP isoforms was demonstrated by in situ hybridization analysis. TRP3 mRNA was concentrated in cerebellar Purkinje cells and sparsely localized in the cerebellar granule layer, pontine nuclei, and thalamus, whereas TRP4 mRNA was abundantly expressed in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, dentate gyrus granule cells, and cerebral cortical neurons, and in the septal nuclei and the mitral layer of olfactory bulb. The distinct spatial patterns of TRP isoforms implicate that neurons are highly heterogeneous in receptor-activated Ca2+ influx responsible for the second phase of PI-mediated rise in intracellular Ca2+.

Localization of mRNA for UDP-galactose: ceramide galactosyltransferase in the brain during mouse development

UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT) is considered to be a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of galactocerebroside (GalC), a frequently used marker for oligodendrocytes. CGT gene expression has been shown to be restricted to the oligodendrocyte lineage in young adult rat brain. We detected expression of the CGT gene in embryonic mouse brain and spinal cord from E17 onward using an in situ hybridization technique. Localization of CGT messages was restricted to two longitudinal columns of cells in the basal half of the ventricular zone around the fourth ventricule at the most caudal level of the medulla oblongata. After birth, they were distributed in caudal-to-rostral and ventral-to-dorsal gradients. This study shows that CGT mRNA is a good marker for localizing oligodendrocytes, and appears just before the GalC-positive stage.

Effects of 8-OH-DPAT on corticosterone after acute and chronic administration of antidepressants

1. Serotonin has a facilitary role in the role of corticosterone secretion. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a selective 5-HT1A agonist, dose dependently (0.25- 1.0 mg/kg i.p.) increased rat plasma corticosterone concentration. 2. 3 days parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) (150 mg/kg) administration did not effect the 8-OH-DPAT-induced corticosterone secretion. 3. Corticosterone responses to 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 mg/kg) were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with propranolol (5 mg/kg). Ketanserin (2 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg), prazosin (0.1 mg/kg), and ICS-205930 (30 mu/kg) failed to antagonize the corticosterone response to 8-OH-DPAT. 4. 8-OH-DPAT-induced corticosterone were investigated in male rats after treatment with mianserin (2, 10 mg/kg), imipramine (5 mg/kg), desipramine (5 mg/kg), doxepine (5 mg/kg) for 1 day or 3 weeks. Chronic mianserin (10 mg/kg) and doxepine (5 mg/kg) did significantly increase 8-OH-DPAT-induced corticosterone response. Acute antidepressant, chronic imipramine, desipramine and mianserin (2 mg/kg) treatment did not change it. 5. These findings demonstrate that chronic treatment of some antidepressants potentiates 8-OH-DPAT-induced increase in plasma corticosterone, by actions at 5-HT-1A receptors located postsynaptically on 5-HT neurones.