Secondary Organic Aerosol Mass Yields from NO3 Oxidation of α-Pinene and Δ-Carene: Effect of RO2 Radical Fate.

Dark chamber experiments were conducted to study the SOA formed from the oxidation of α-pinene and Δ-carene under different peroxy radical (RO2) fate regimes: RO2 + NO3, RO2 + RO2, and RO2 + HO2. SOA mass yields from α-pinene oxidation were <1 to ∼25% and strongly dependent on available OA mass up to ∼100 µg m-3. The strong yield dependence of α-pinene oxidation is driven by absorptive partitioning to OA and not by available surface area for condensation. Yields from Δ-carene + NO3 were consistently higher, ranging from ∼10-50% with some dependence on OA for <25 µg m-3. Explicit kinetic modeling including vapor wall losses was conducted to enable comparisons across VOC precursors and RO2 fate regimes and to determine atmospherically relevant yields. Furthermore, SOA yields were similar for each monoterpene across the nominal RO2 + NO3, RO2 + RO2, or RO2 + HO2 regimes; thus, the volatility basis sets (VBS) constructed were independent of the chemical regime. Elemental O/C ratios of ∼0.4-0.6 and nitrate/organic mass ratios of ∼0.15 were observed in the particle phase for both monoterpenes in all regimes, using aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements. An empirical relationship for estimating particle density using AMS-derived elemental ratios, previously reported in the literature for non-nitrate containing OA, was successfully adapted to organic nitrate-rich SOA. Observations from an NO3- chemical ionization mass spectrometer (NO3-CIMS) suggest that Δ-carene more readily forms low-volatility gas-phase highly oxygenated molecules (HOMs) than α-pinene, which primarily forms volatile and semivolatile species, when reacted with NO3, regardless of RO2 regime. The similar Δ-carene SOA yields across regimes, high O/C ratios, and presence of HOMs, suggest that unimolecular and multistep processes such as alkoxy radical isomerization and decomposition may play a role in the formation of SOA from Δ-carene + NO3. The scarcity of peroxide functional groups (on average, 14% of C10 groups carried a peroxide functional group in one test experiment in the RO2 + RO2 regime) appears to rule out a major role for autoxidation and organic peroxide (ROOH, ROOR) formation. The consistently substantially lower SOA yields observed for α-pinene + NO3 suggest such pathways are less available for this precursor. The marked and robust regime-independent difference in SOA yield from two different precursor monoterpenes suggests that in order to accurately model SOA production in forested regions the chemical mechanism must feature some distinction among different monoterpenes.

Selective use of a modified pre-synchronization-Ovsynch and resynchronization reproductive strategy in dairy herds: A field application study.

We aimed to evaluate whether a modified pre-synchronization-Ovsynch (MPO) and resynchronization method, adjusted for the timing of biweekly reproductive consulting visits, could be implemented successfully under field conditions in dairy herds. Forty-five days after calving (calving: Day 0), 1,182 cows were assigned randomly to Ovsynch, MPO or control groups. (1) Cows were administered GnRH on Day 65, PGF2α on Day 72 and GnRH 56 hr later, followed by timed artificial insemination (TAI) 16 hr later (Ovsynch, n = 380). (2) Cows with a CL were administered PGF2α (n = 204) and cows without were administered GnRH (n = 199) on Day 45. Then, each cow was administered PGF2α on Day 55 (9 to 12 days later), GnRH on Day 58 and underwent Ovsynch 7 days later (selective MPO [sMPO] n = 403). (3) The remaining cows underwent AI when oestrus was detected (EDAI, n = 399). The probabilities of pregnancy per AI 30 and 45 days after the first AI were higher in the sMPO group (odds ratios 1.99 and 1.92, p < .0001) than in the EDAI group. In addition, the probability of pregnancy by 105 days postpartum tended to be higher (p < .1) in the sMPO group than in the EDAI and Ovsynch groups, which shortened the mean interval from calving to pregnancy in the sMPO group (3.4 and 4.2 days, respectively) than in the EDAI and Ovsynch groups. In the sMPO group, the interval between the first and second treatments during pre-synchronization did not affect the probability of pregnancy per AI after the first AI. The probability of pregnancy per AI after the second AI did not differ between the Ovsynch, sMPO and EDAI groups. In conclusion, the sMPO programme, adjusted for the timing of biweekly reproductive consulting visits, followed by resynchronization, could be successfully adopted in field conditions, and is associated with good reproductive performance in dairy herds.

Evaluation of Dose-Dependent Obesity and Diabetes-Related Complications of Water Chestnut (Fruit of Trapa japonica) Extracts in Type II Obese Diabetic Mice Induced by 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet.

Background and Objectives: The currently used pharmacological agents for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes have several limitations and adverse effects; thus, there is a need for alternative therapeutic drugs and health functional foods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of water chestnut (fruit of Trapa japonica) extracts (WC: 50-200 mg/kg) for type II diabetes using a 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed type II obese diabetic mice model for a period of 84 days, and the effects were compared to those of metformin (250 mg/kg). Results: Increases in body weight, serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and blood urea nitrogen, increases in antioxidant defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα1 and AMPKα2) in the liver tissue and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα2 mRNA, leptin, and C/EBPα) in the adipose tissue were observed in the HFD control group. The WC (50 mg/kg)-administered group showed no significant improvements in diabetic complications. However, HFD-induced obesity and diabetes-related complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, activity of antioxidant defense systems, and gene expressions were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited and/or normalized by oral administration of WC (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that WC at an appropriate dose could be used to develop an effective therapeutic drug or functional food for type II diabetes and various associated complications, including NAFLD.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Capparis ecuadorica extract in phthalic-anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice.

CONTEXT: The natural products derived from Capparis ecuadorica H.H. Iltis (Capparaceae) could have great potential for anti-inflammation since they inhibited the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. OBJECT: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanism of methanol extract of C. ecuadorica leaves (MCE) during atopic dermatitis (AD) responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alterations in the phenotypical markers for AD, luciferase signal, iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, and inflammasome activation were analysed in non-Tg (n = 5) and 15% phthalic anhydride (PA) treated IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) HR1 mice (n = 5 per group), subsequent to treatment with acetone-olive oil (AOO), vehicle (DMSO) and two dose MCE (20 and 40 mg/kg) three times a week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: MCE treatment reduced the intracellular ROS level (48.2%), NO concentration (7.1 mmol/L) and inflammatory cytokine expressions (39.1%) in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. A significant decrease was detected for ear thickness (16.9%), weight of lymph node (0.7 mg), IgE concentration (1.9 µg/mL), and epidermal thickness (31.8%) of the PA + MCE treated Tg mice. MCE treatment induced the decrease of luciferase signal derived from the IL-4 promoter and the recovery of the IL-4 downstream regulator cytokines. PA + MCE treated Tg mice showed decreasing infiltration of mast cells (42.5%), iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, MAPK signalling pathway and inflammasome activation in the ear tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first evidence that MCE may have great potential to suppress chemical-induced skin inflammation through the suppression of IL-4 cytokine and the iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, and activation of inflammasome.

Detailed Anatomy of Osteoperiosteal Ligamentous Structures in the Forehead.

This study aimed to present the anatomic characteristics of osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachments of the forehead and provide a better understanding of lateral eyebrow descent for safe and effective foreheadplasty. Anatomic dissections of the face were performed in 10 fresh Korean adult cadavers (20 hemifaces) using 2.5× magnification surgical loupes. Supraorbital, inferomedial orbital, and frontonasal osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachments were identified as fibrous tissues originating from a bone, and their tensile strengths were measured. The supraorbital osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachment had medial and lateral parts. It can be classified into 4 subtypes. It was located 11.0 ±â€Š6.6 mm lateral to the midline and 9.2 ±â€Š12.3 mm superior to the superior orbital margin. The inferomedial orbital osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachment was located 16.2 ±â€Š3.9 mm lateral to the midline and 2.2 ±â€Š2.7 mm inferior to the superior orbital margin, whereas the frontonasal osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachment was located 5.4 ±â€Š2.3 mm lateral to the midline and 1.4 ±â€Š8.5 mm superior to the superior orbital margin. Tensile strengths of all the osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachments in the forehead were above 10 N. These results indicate that osteoperiosteal ligamentous attachments develop in the rather medial region of the eyebrow and have a tensile strength adequate enough to maintain the medial eyebrow. Thus, the current study provides surgeons with detailed anatomic information that can be used as a valuable reference for forehead rejuvenation procedures.

Three Skin Zones in the Asian Upper Eyelid Pertaining to the Asian Blepharoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Natural looking double fold is an essential and aesthetically pleasing masterpiece in Asian blepharoplasty. This study aims to emphasize the 3 skin zone concept in the Asian upper blepharoplasty. METHODS: The authors examined the anterior lamella of each skin zone microscopically by performing 31 double-eyelid surgeries and 11 infrabrow lifts. Characteristics of dermal components, subcutaneous tissue, and outer fascia of OOM (OFOOM) at each skin zone were documented. The authors evaluated the vertical scales of each skin zone in young and aged Asian patients who visited the first author's clinic for the primary or secondary upper blepharoplasty with ×3.5 magnifying surgical loupe. RESULTS: The thickness of OOM had no difference among zones 1, 2, and 3. The skin and subdermal tissue had varying characteristics according to its skin zone. At zone 1, it seemed that only thin skin was on the OOM. The anterior lamella of zone 2 seemed to consist of skin, white fascia (OFOOM) including a venous network, and OOM in a gross field. At zone 3, thick skin, thick subcutaneous fatty layer, and OOM were magnified. The OFOOM of zone 3 was not significantly identified due to a sticky adherence with OOM. At the point of vertical scales of skin zone, good eyelids have lower zone 3 ratio and higher zones 1 and 2 ratio with qualified topographic condition. CONCLUSION: The authors classified the Asian upper eyelid as with 3 skin zones. Based on its anatomical investigation, the authors can afford anthropometric data and supplemental theory for the creation of aesthetic folds.

Bilayered Structure of the Superficial Facial Fascia.

Background: The superficial facial fascia comprises the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) and is regarded as a continuous monolayer. However, some evidence indicates that the superficial facial fascia consists of 2 layers in specific areas. Objectives: The authors evaluated the superficial facial fascia for bilayered regions. Methods: Twenty fresh cadavers (40 hemifaces) were dissected to observe the superficial facial fascia. Twelve cadavers were dissected to assess tensile strengths of the superficial and deep layers of the SMAS. Specimens were obtained from 2 cadavers for histologic analysis. Results: The SMAS and TPF were separable into superficial and deep layers, with intervening areolar tissue. The deep TPF was continuous with the deep SMAS inferiorly and the subgalea anteriorly. The superficial orbicularis oculi was invested by the superficial SMAS, whereas the deep orbicularis and the platysma were invested by the deep SMAS. Thus, 2 key structures addressed in facial rejuvenation are positioned in different surgical planes. Conclusions: Study results support the belief that the superficial facial fascia comprises 2 layers, with the superficial orbicularis oculi and platysma invested by different layers. These findings have implications for facial rejuvenation techniques that involve management of the SMAS and TPF.

Cryopreservation of putative pre-pubertal bovine spermatogonial stem cells by slow freezing.

Development of techniques for the preservation of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is a critical step in commercial application of SSC based technologies, including species preservation, amplification of agriculturally valuable germ lines, and human fertility preservations. The objective of this study was to develop an efficient cryopreservation protocol for preservation of bovine SSCs using a slow freezing technique. To maximize the efficiency of SSC cryopreservation, the effects of various methods (tissue vs. cell freezing) and cryoprotective agents (trehalose, sucrose, and polyethylene glycol [PEG]) were tested. Following thawing, cells were enriched for undifferentiated spermatogonia by differential plating and evaluated for recovery rate, proliferation capacity, and apoptosis. Additionally, putative stem cell activity was assessed using SSC xenotransplantation. The recovery rate, and proliferation capacity of undifferentiated spermatogonia were significantly greater for germ cells frozen using tissue freezing methods compared to cell freezing methods. Cryopreservation in the presence of 200 mM trehalose resulted in significantly greater recovery rate, proliferation capacity, and apoptosis of germ cells compared to control. Furthermore, cryopreservation using the tissue freezing method in the presence of 200 mM trehalose resulted in the production of colonies of donor-derived germ cells after xenotransplantation into recipient mouse testes, indicating putative stem cell function. Collectively, these data indicate that cryopreservation using tissue freezing methods in the presence of 200 mM trehalose is an efficient cryopreservation protocol for bovine SSCs.

Synchronization using PGF(2α) and estradiol with or without GnRH for timed artificial insemination in dairy cows.

This study examined the use of PGF(2α) and estradiol benzoate (EB) either with or without GnRH to synchronize estrus in dairy cows for timed artificial insemination (TAI) under field conditions. First, Holstein dairy cows with a corpus luteum (CL) received 500 µg cloprostenol and were then randomly allocated to three groups: no further treatment (control, n=236); treatment with 1 mg EB 56 h after cloprostenol (EB group, n=339); or treatment with 1 mg EB 56 h after cloprostenol followed by treatment with 100 µg gonadorelin 24 h later (EB + GnRH group, n=216). All cows received TAI 80 h after the cloprostenol injection. In a second experiment, Holstein dairy cows with a CL received 500 µg cloprostenol and were then randomly allocated to two groups: treatment with 2 mg EB 36 h later (EB group, n=284) or treatment with 2 mg EB 36 h after cloprostenol followed by 100 µg gonadorelin 24 h later (EB + GnRH group, n=229). All cows received TAI 24 h after the EB injection. Logistic analyses revealed that the odds ratio for the probability of pregnancy when 1 mg EB was administered 56 h following cloprostenol was 1.9 and 2.0 times (P<0.001) higher in the EB (39.5%) and EB + GnRH groups (40.7%), respectively, compared with the control group (25.8%). However, pregnancy rates in cows receiving 2 mg EB 24 h following cloprostenol showed no difference compared with cows treated with EB only (32.4%) or with EB + GnRH (35.8%). These results indicate that a synchronization protocol comprising PGF(2α) and EB could be used for TAI in dairy herds under field conditions.

Dermatofibroma located on the tarsal plate after upper blepharoplasty?

Dermatofibroma is a firm, skin-colored or reddish-brown sessile papule or nodule. It arises spontaneously without a known cause or after a minor trauma, such as an insect bite. A 39-year-old Asian woman complained of a palpable mass and tenderness in the right upper eyelid. On physical examination, a firm palpable subcutaneous mass was detected in the upper eyelid. Surgical exploration under local anesthesia showed a fibrotic and firmly attached mass to the tarsal plate. In histopathologic examination, the mass was characterized by a fibroblast proliferation in the dermis with an overlying hyperplastic epidermis with frequent basal hyperpigmentation. As far as we know, there have been no previous reports of dermatofibroma located on the tarsal plate. This article is a good example for intratarsal location of dermatofibroma.